AMAYA ADA-VIBAR

Fitness Brand Ambassador for thevividvida

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TVV: Finally - the feature we've been waiting for! Hi! Tell us a little bit about yourself:

My name is Amaya Ada-Vibar. I am 19 years old and am a second year student at Santa Clara University. I am majoring in Biology and minoring Public Health. I enjoy working out, hanging out with my friends, and unintentionally obtaining sports injuries.

TVV: So you'll be talking to us about physical health and just staying active in general. What's your experience with this?

Since I was a little girl, I’ve always been active. My mom put me in ballet throughout elementary and middle school then I picked up volleyball starting in sixth grade. Throughout middle school and high school, my world revolved around volleyball; I fell in love with the sport immediately. However, during my sophomore year I ended up tearing my meniscus at the very beginning of the season. I had to get surgery, undergo physical therapy, and then what most teenage girls at that age didn’t imagine doing… weight lifting. I was very against the idea because I didn’t want to get “buff,” but was told that if I wanted to continue playing volleyball, I would have to strengthen the muscles around my knee. I reluctantly obliged thinking this would be a temporary thing but fast forward four years, and I’m always hitting the gym with (the best trainer in the world) Steve-O during my Christmas and summer breaks. From then on, I became very interested in my personal health by staying active all throughout high school and into my college years.

TVV: That's so cool! I know getting over that initial fear to work out is a big thing that stops people. How do you deal with that?

Absolutely do not be!! It is important that you take care of yourself first! It should not matter what other people are thinking because you’re doing you. Self care is a huge thing that should not be overlooked and no one can stop you from doing that. If it helps, 9 times out of 10, everyone is focused on themselves trying to get swole. They’re normally looking at themselves in the mirror posing and flexing.

TVV: So let's get back to your story. From dance, to volleyball and then now to working out regularly and being a collegiate athlete - that's a crazy journey! Did you plan on being an athlete in college, or even a collegiate rower?

I was not planning on it at all! I was recruited to be a coxswain (small person in the boat that tells people what to do), but the physicality of all the athletes amazed me, and I was very excited to be apart of it. I asked if I could be an actual rower, and they let the small 5’3” island gal do it!

TVV: And how was that change then, from doing volleyball and moving to rowing?

You can’t find another two sports more opposite than each other than volleyball and rowing. Since I had no experience rowing (or even paddling) in high school, I didn’t know what to expect. Volleyball was definitely a mental game for me and forced me to have short term memory. I always challenged myself to look towards the next play no matter what happened in the last. With rowing, I’m challenged to push my body to the brink every single day, practice, and race. If you’re not about to upchuck after, you didn’t work hard enough. Personally, the physical and mental strength greatly differs between the two sports, but I’m definitely glad I got to experience them both.

TVV: And how do you like it now? Being in rowing?

Rowing is a really tough sport. I look back to my volleyball days and wish I was doing diving drills rather than being in that boat. As hard as it is though, it is one of the most satisfying sports I will have ever participated in. You are basically going as hard as you can for 7 minutes, pushing your legs and arms until they have no function, and testing your stamina until you can’t breathe anymore. It sounds terrifying, and you may wonder why anyone would put themselves through that situation, but it’s the feeling after that gets me looking towards the next race. Knowing that I’ve left all my being on the water (quite literally) keeps me going.

TVV: I'm sure that like any physical activity this has helped you mentally too. Does being on a college team help you adjust to being far away from home for college?

My team has honestly become my family. It really is hard to be so far away from home, my family, and friends, but with the girls that I have, I’d say I’m doing alright. That’s an understatement because I love my team!!!!

TVV: You've had different sports related injuries that have changed up your plans, but through them all you've found new ways to stay active. What advice do you give to other student athletes who are going through the same thing?

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY. Don’t just go through the motions, but actually take the time to stretch with your team or on your own, roll out ALL your muscles, ice if your body aches, and as soon as you may feel that something is wrong, get it checked right away, but hopefully it doesn’t have to come to that. If by chance it does, listen to your doctors, therapists, and trainers. They are professionals and experts in what they do! You need to trust them in order to get back to what you love to do most. Even if it means changing your plans, take that chance. You never know, it might lead you to the next amazing journey in your life.

TVV: Who inspires you to work hard in the gym and ... on the water?

I am mostly inspired by my family. My dad was the first person to take me to the gym, my mom works her butt off so that on my visits back home we can work out together, and both my sisters are involved in sports. I love that I have such an active family, and to some extent, I want to be inspiration to them too!

TVV: QUICK - If you got to be sponsored by any athletic wear company for a week (and got to wear whatever you wanted from their brand), who would you pick?

LULULEMON, of course!

TVV: How do you think you've grown in your journey to being your healthiest self and what do you plan to do in the future to maintain this?

I’ve definitely become more self-aware. Not in a “micromanaging watching what I eat” way, but in a way where I’m always looking for an outlet to better myself physically and mentally. Although I did not plan for some of the experiences I’ve encountered, each has made me a bit more mentally strong, and I’ve come back physically stronger every time.

TVV: So to anybody reading who is looking to start off the holiday season or new year in being active, what advice would you give to them?

I would definitely head to your nearest gym and see if there is anyone who can help train you. However, if you don’t have the intention of paying for your fitness (aside from the crazy gym membership fees), I would suggest turning to Instagram and YouTube. I enjoy looking at the workouts made up by Natacha Oceane (@natacha.oceane) and Whitney Simmons (@whitneyysimmons). Additionally, they always have great workout tips, food hacks, and great style while working out. If you’re looking for some crazy over the top, HIIT-like workouts and can do backflips, I would also suggest you check out Demi Bagby’s page (@demibagby). She’s a BEAST!

TVV: When you're feeling discouraged or tired or really just need any motivation to get up, what do you do?

I go to Philippians 4:13 - This verse helps me get through anything, especially if I’m ever struggling.

TVV: Any last words you'd like to share everybody?

In all things, do what truly makes you happy. It is easy to get complacent and then realize you’ve lost a love or passion. First, try to rekindle the feelings that made you love what you were doing in the first place. If that doesn’t work, it’s okay to start something new! Physical health is an essential factor to self care, so be sure to do what you love!

Bounce back! The come up and come back is always the best! Never let anything keep you from being you! This can be applied to sports and fitness and can also be an every day life mantra!