Actress & Model: Belgica Rodriguez Interview

How did you get started?

I got started with fitness when I was 9 years old! I am not sure who decided to put me on a track team but I remember loving it because I have always been very competitive. I loved sprinting. My dad was my coach. Ever since then, I have loved being active, playing sports and going on long hikes.

Where does your motivation come from?

Honestly, I am motivated by health. I want to have kids in my mid to late thirties so I want to be healthy enough to still kick their ass into their teens. Can I swear? Oops

I am also highly motivated by “looking the part”. A lot of casting agents are seeking women size 2-6. I used to be a size 12 for most of my adult life and I was not getting very much work as an actress.

What workout routine has worked best for you?

The best thing I ever did was hire a trainer. I don’t think that everyone needs to get a trainer, but I have found that having a trainer helps you find what you really like and what works for you. My trainer @sweat.love.and.macros is always there to help me find some new food that is tastes good and is good for me as well as tells me exactly what to do at the gym and is there emotionally when I need her. She brings so much peace and balance to my life.

I do one upper body day per week that involves 5 different body weight or dumbbell weight that I have gradually increased to 20 lbs! I have really pushed myself!

I do one lower body workout that also involves lots of squats, dead lifts and other HEAVY weights. I use very heavy weights on leg day. Between 45 and 260 lbs depending on the muscle focus. Again, I work hard to add weight every week or so.

I also do a full body day! This day involves a combination of the above but with some workouts that target different muscle groups at the same time.

I also take two fun cardio classes at my gym. I prefer the Body Combat classes at 24 Hour Fitness but she asks that I just get real sweaty and burn about 500-700 per cardio session.

I am trying to make rolling a part of my recovery but I am still learning how to not make it awkward. Rolling is an art!

What are your inspirations?

Death. I am not religious so the thought of death inspires me to do what I love and enjoy this life. I am constantly working on being more confident and learning to do things that I know will make me happy even if I am scared of failing. Knowing that in a few decades I won’t be breathing inspires me to enjoy these breaths. People are also another inspiration. People can be so loving despite going through a lot. Learning about their stories and their love inspires me.

What is your diet like?

My trainer has me counting my calories as well as my fat, protein, and carbs. I usually stick to 80% high nutrient foods and 20% “fun” foods. I do enjoy ALL the food I eat so it is all “fun” to me but I always make room for treats like Hot Cheetos (double X always), Takis, ice cream an alcoholic beverage.

Sample Daily Diet: (list a generic day of what you eat)

Breakfast:

• 140g Frozen Strawberries
• 1 serving of Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1 Strawberry Light and Fit yogurt
• Blend… SO GOOD!

OR

• Kodiak Cakes (waffles)
• I add 2 egg whites to one serving and 1/2 cup of water. As a topping I mix plain yogurt with some kind of high protein sweetener like PB2 or agave honey.

Lunch
Vegan patty burger with multigrain bun, the usual lettuce, tomato and low fat high protein cheese. On the side I will have pop chips, quest chips or the zig zag butternut squash from Trader Joe’s

Dinner

• 5-8 Oz. of Chicken or some kind of low fat protein.
• Carbs in the form or veggies and or fruit.
• Cheese or oil for Fat
• I like to stay away from high

Snacks

• Protein BARS! I love the “Pure Protein” bars at Costco
• Ice Cream! (Review Coming Soon!)
• Home Made Gummies! (Tutorial Coming Soon!)
• Non Fat Greek Yogurt with strawberries!
• Cucumber, chips and lime (Tutorial Coming Soon!)

Do you prefer to use HIIT or just normal cardio?

Cardio classes, ALWAYS! I do also enjoying long distance running but as I mentioned before, I am very competitive so I like being in a cardio class at the gym front and center, hopefully next to someone that goes hard so that I can try and top them. If I do cardio on my own, I am more likely to stop before my workout is complete.

What is your supplementation like?

I honestly have not found any that I LOVE. I did make some gummy bears with BCAA on my YouTube channel that I really enjoy and helps with my candy cravings.

Favorite Fitness Models?

My trainer @sweat.love.and.macros AKA Ashley Cates is really the only fitness person I follow religiously. I really like her page because she shares so much great information. From getting through a bad time and avoiding over eating to simply sharing great, healthy finds.

Favorite Quote?

I know many people have said this but Gary really puts it into perspective.

“You are going to die.”- Gary Vaynerchuk

Website:

belgicarodriguez.com
youtube.com/belgicapaola
Instagram: @belgica.rodriguez.professional

Louis Ha

Bring The Shreds was founded by Louis Ha.

Louis is an online fitness coach and entrepreneur based in the Bay Area.