An interview with Diane Vives, CSCS,*D
Diane Vives is the Director of Vives Training Systems in Austin, TX, a company where professionals improve the human performance of athletes and fitness clients through a multidisciplinary, scientifically based training approach. Her company also consults and educates professionals and facilities on current training methodology and progressive programming.
Interview
Q. What are some of the biggest obstacles you have faced as a woman in the health & fitness industry, any advice on overcoming them?
A. The biggest obstacle is being perceived that as a female I will automatically be softer, meeker, and less aggressive as a professional than some of my male professional counterparts. This has affected people's first impression of my company when they found out it was being run by a woman. How I over come this is by just being myself, showing my passion for what I do to as many people as I can get myself in front of in any given opportunity. I simply "show up" so to speak. I approach my training very aggressively and with enthusiasm. And to me this sometimes means that I am willing to just be sensible, smart and practical with training according to sound, progressive training methodology. In trying to prove myself in the past I feel I have tried too hard to "out do" myself to prove my worth in comparison to my male counter parts. I feel what receives the most respect from many people today is not pulling out the biggest, most jaw-dropping exercises trick on some new piece of equipment that uncovers some supposed fitness mystery. It is showing them an intelligent, methodical training plan that they can have total confidence and trust in.
It's not about females making more noise to be heard, it's showing we know what sounds create music so more people will listen. (cheesy, I know)
Q. How do you keep health and fitness a passion in your everyday life?
A. I stay tuned in to sports and events all around me. I love having fun and participating in anything from tennis, to soccer, to an off-road Tri, to just hitting the local hike/bike trails. And while doing this I pay attention to those around me. There is a great energy when people get together to play a game or participate in an event. My passion then becomes helping others "get it" by helping them reach a point where they can participate in what ever their passion is and experience that same great energy. It truly is life altering for them and me.
Q. What factors do you believe need to be addressed to female athletes to meet their maximum potential?
A. Specifically with young females the need for creating intervention programs for building stronger athletes is a must. As more females play in organized, competitive sports, it is essential to recognize the need for teaching mechanics of successful deceleration training, dynamic stability, proper force production and therefore enhancing power and performance with less risk of injury. It is important to initiate programs that will create longevity of sports participation and many of the life successes that come with the sports experience for females.
Adult females still need a better understanding of the benefits of strength training. They need to not just be aware but be made a believer in the truths of strength training. You will not automatically bulk up like the hulk, you will not look like a female body builder on the brink of a sex change, you will be stronger, you maintain a tone physique, you will be able to be more active with more energy, you will resist injuries better, and you will enjoy a healthier life longer.
Q. What made you choose this profession, was it a childhood dream, inspiration from a mentor, please elaborate.
A. I come from a large family and in fact I am the youngest of seven children that grew up in a small town in Oklahoma. I looked up to my brothers and sisters who all seemed to be so good at something. Whether it was sports or grades or popular clubs in town, they all seemed to rise to the top. And I wanted was to be good at something too. For me, it was sports that came most natural. And I just never wanted to lose that feeling of being good at something. So I decided that I wanted to be a part of something that always involved athletes and fitness, so that I would not lose that feeling of being good at something. I have had many great teachers, mentors and colleagues along the way, who have inspired me to keep pushing my own limits. That is why when I made my first big decision about where I was going to do my internship coming out of college that I chose to do one with Juan Carlos Santana. I spent seven years working closely with him where I experienced his passion, growing knowledge, ability to build relationships and his unwavering integrity. I am stronger as a person and as a professional because of my experience of being challenged daily by him and his successes. Today, as I take the leap faith and work on developing my own business I do my best to maintain that level of energy and continue trying to discover "What am I really good at?" and I hope the "trying" never stops.