redditDoYouEven.com Interview: Larissa Reis
We have to ask, Do you even?
Hell yes!! 
What did you dream of being as a kid?
Where I am today and what I have achieved so far is totally a dream come true to me. I had to put so much effort and dedication whilst fighting daily and hard for it. It wasn’t easy for me but nothing is given to you for free. When it’s difficult it only adds more value to it. I continue to battle for my dream life every day, and to be the best I can be.
Since I was very young I had an interest in sports and this lifestyle, and this interest grew into my passion ever since. But I also had/have a dream to be an actress and to take part in a movie. Who knows what the future holds, right?!
We have noticed you have leaned down a lot lately! How and why did you do it?
It’s true, I wanted to keep competing in the Figure division so I decided to make a change and try to reduce my size a little.
The reason was just to try something new on stage, and to challenge myself, but at the same time, to also bring the best physique possible, like always! And honestly, I feel at my best (in the true meaning of the word, and on how I look).
I reduced my weight-training to 3 times a week and upped my cardio, including adding a new activity called Hot Yoga. This is an aerobic exercise which helps with water retention (optimal for pre-contest).
What five words best describe you?
Without any doubt, hard-worker, dreamer, believer, passionate and positive.
How did you start training? What motivated you to get into this lifestyle?
I always liked, and have been related to, a fit lifestyle including several sports, as I mentioned before. This included Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in which I am a brown belt.
So, basically I have been training since I can remember (either in the gym or doing a specific sport).
I can say, it’s a true passion that still burns in me today, and more each day!
Have you ever had any setbacks with training? Injuries? Life Obstacles?
As far as injuries go I have been very lucky (thank god). Only small little scares till now…
This lifestyle which involves a high level of training, puts a lot of strain on our bodies. So we must be extra careful.
In terms of life obstacles, I moved from Brazil to the U.S.A., which was extremely difficult for me as I had to leave my loving family, friends, fans and the culture I love, so very far away.
I arrived with almost no money and not knowing the language so you can imagine, how hard it was. But I made it and that’s what matters!
My advice to others, is to keep focused on your goals, and when you think you don’t have anymore to give, you need to dig deep inside an find that extra and valuable magic strength that we all have! We can do everything in the world, we just need to fight and to be consistent.
Also a little trick i learnt was to always have a big smile, and turn everything into a positive.
How do you get motivated? What drives you?
What drives me and keeps me motivated is all the people who support/believe me and my work daily, I can’t thank them enough for that. People are my pure inspiration and strength. I inspire and get inspired.
That along with my attitude of never giving up and the desire of challenging/surpassing myself!
Do you do Goal setting? Or is there something you do to keep yourself accountable to your goals?
Yes and I am a believer in setting small goals. I think it’s important to give yourself small rewards from time to time.
This will make our journey much easier and truly enjoyable in the long run!
What does your diet consist of? How do you stay on track?
I eat clean year round. I like it that way and I found it to work the best for me.
I do 5-6 small meals always containing several sources of protein, veggies, healthy fats and in some I also add low glycemic carbohydrates.
The trick to stay on track is really to just use our imagination, making tasty food.
I eat that way either pre-contest or off-season.
Dont let dieting be boring, are you will be much happier in your daily life, even if you’re preparing for a competition. Try new ideas, new seasonings, new recipes, etc. Below is an example of what I eat, please keep in mind that I’m always making adjustments and changes.
Meal 1:
Egg Whites
Spinach
1 1/2 Cups Oatmeal
1/4 Grapefruit or Kiwi
OR
2 Scoops Muscle Infusion
1 1/2 Cups Oatmeal
1/4 Grapefruit or Kiwi
Meal 2:
4-6 oz Turkey Breast
Spinach
Meal 3:
4-6 oz Bison
Asparagus
1/2 Sweet Potato
Pre-Workout:
1 Serving Lipo 6 UC or Hemo-Rage UC or Hemo-Rage Turbo Shots
1 Serving BCAA Drive
Intra-Workout:
1 Serving Defy
Post-Workout:
2 Scoops Muscle Infusion
1/2 Cup Dry Roasted Almonds
OR
Off-Season:
2 Scoops Muscle Infusion
1 Scoop Volu-Gro or 1 serving Creatine Drive
Meal 4:
4-6 oz Chicken Breast
Broccoli
Meal 5:
4-6 oz Tilapia
Green Beans
What is your current or favourite training split?
This workout routine/split is based on what works the best for me after several years of knowledge, study and practice so please keep that in mind as it may not be ideal for another person. We need to understand our own bodies in order to maximize results.
Day 1: Legs/Calves/Glutes and 1 hour and half of cardio later;
Day 2: Hot Yoga – 90min and 45 min of cardio later;
Day 3: Shoulders/Chest/Triceps and 1 hour and half of cardio;
Day 4: Hot Yoga – 90min and 45 min of cardio;
Day 5: Back/Lower Back/Biceps and 1 hour and half of cardio later;
Day 6: Hot Yoga – 90min and 45 min of cardio later;
Day 7: OFF
What music do you listen to when working out? What gets you pumped?
I love house music and I can’t train without it!!!
I will provide you guys with one of my favorite playlists.
1. Skrillex – Bangarang
2. Deadmau5 – Ghosts N Stuff
3. Kaskade – 4AM
4. The Chemical Brothers – Chemical Beats
5. Benny Benassi – Hi Friend
6. The Crystal Method – Busy Child
7. Crystal Castles – Vietnam
8. Flo Rida – Good Feeling
9. U2 – Beautiful Day
10. Dirty Vegas – Days Go By
What three exercises could you not do without?
I like so many, and for me they are practically all essential with their own unique role. But I will say Squats, Glute kickback and Tricep pushdown!
What are your strongest body parts? What part of you do you take most pride in?
I am proud of my whole body, we all should be! If we don’t like ourselves who will?!
I’m always focused on having a balanced body, my legs are probably my strongest body part, as my transport was a bicycle for many many years.
My upbringing and genetics, which I give thanks to my parents, have contributed to my strong legs!
Where does your strength come from when everything turns to mush? How do you not give up?
My strength comes from my lovely family, friends, fans and sponsors.
They believe wholeheartedly in me, in my hard work and dedication. Like I said before, they inspire me to be stronger and better every day. We just need to be positive and turn everything that it isn’t into it.
Simple as that, that’s where the magic is. Once again, my desire to challenge and surpass myself have always played a very important role.
Our mind is very strong and powerful, dare to believe and all of that will come.
What are your weakest body parts and why and how do you work on them?
Like I said previously, I work very hard to have a balanced body in all aspects, that’s the key.
When you have something unbalanced the right thing to do is to give a little more attention to those areas.
That or either trying new techniques to develop them better, so it can be equal with the rest.
How did you make it in fitness modeling? Do you have any advice for other aspiring fitness models?
Modeling turned into a big passion of mine, from my very first shoot. It was instant, the way it makes me feel is amazing and unique…
My tips for everybody is to free yourself, to imagine that you are in a different world, your world… Where you can be and do whatever you want.
Loving what we do allows us to show our passion and emotion.
Where do you see yourself in five years? What is next for you?
I always live in the present and I am very grateful for all that I have conquered and achieved so far. I just want it to continue that way, so I am fighting hard for it. I want to keep my dream journey, to keep inspiring and to be inspired, to keep spreading my message of world peace everywhere, to keep representing the best in the industry, along with being the best I can be.
I love adventures and challenges, so you can expect a lot of new projects and things from me in the future. I never stop, that’s me! 
What is something that not many people know about you that you wish they did?
I couldn’t say…
I never hide anything nor any feeling, and I always talk about all that I believe in. So, there’s nothing to hide!
To finish, Do you have a quote or any closing words for fans and readers of DO YOU EVEN?
I will leave the readers with two great quotes, which I believe are highly inspirational.
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination”;
” Be the change you want to see in the world”;
I also want to take this opportunity to say thank you for the support, it means a lot to me. I am blessed for being able to be in touch with my fans and to contribute with such great communities.
So thank you from my heart DoYouEven, all my fans and also to my family, friends and sponsors Nutrex Research, Suits by Amy and Pro Tan!
I’d also like my fans to take the time to visit my website www.larissareis.net, as i have a lot of cool stuff including my store section where you can find my Hardcoreis clothing line with very exclusive and stylish designs. Also signed posters of me and we ship worldwide!
Larissa Reis: Current Stats
Year of birth: 1979
Height: 5 ft 6 in
Competition weight: 135 lbs (approximately)
Off-season weight: 143 lbs (approximately)
Follow me along:
Twitter @LarissaR_IFBB
Facebook @LarissaReisInc
Instagram @LarissaReis007
#NEVERGIVEUP #BESTRONG #BEHARDCOREIS
Xoxo, Larissa Reis
