#TeamTrifocus Brand Ambassador, Jaco van Wyk, is a sight for sore eyes. At the tender age of 20, he measures in at 1.74 cm and weighs 79 kg. Studying a BCom in BCom Entrepreneurship and Business Management at North West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom, we caught up with him after class about what makes him tick.
Tell us more about your background in the fitness industry and your journey so far
After playing hockey for NWU in my first year, as well as participating in a few modelling events mostly for charity, I decided it was time for something more challenging. This resulted in me embarking on a fitness journey at the beginning of my second year in 2016 when I started a formal training programme together with a personalised eating plan.
Over the last three years I have won, and placed well with, various nodelling and fitness titles:
- Winner Mr Rand Show, 2016
- Winner Mr Social Media North West University, 2015
- 2nd Prince Mr Campus North West University, 2015
- 2nd Prince Mr Beach Body, 2014
- Winner Mr Beach Body; Rossi Classic
- 2016 Winner WFF Male Sports Model
- WFF Pretoria Classic,
- 2016 2nd Place IFBB Junior Men’s Physique
- Boksburg Classic, 2016
- 3rd Place IFBB Men’s Physique
- Boksburg Classic, 2016
- 3rd Place Mr Physique Rand Show
- 2016 4th Place WFF Provincials
- Male Sports Model, 2016
Tell us more about why you love competing as well as the fitness lifestyle
Apart from loving the way that that the fitness lifestyle makes me look and feel, I like to motivate people by setting an example. Being on stage, competing, is a vehicle to do just that.
How has #TeamTrifocus advanced your career and passion?
Never underestimate the power of knowledge. Trifocus Fitness Academy assists me by helping me to increase my knowledge about the body, workouts and nutrition.
Which #TeamTrifocus courses did you do or are you doing?
I am currently enrolled for the Personal Training Certification and the Personal Training Diploma.
What is your favourite exercise and why?
This definitely has to be the bicep curl because with this exercise I can feel the contraction of the muscle.
What is your favourite body part to train?
My legs have always been my weakest body part. As soon as you make your weakest (least favourite) muscle your most favourite muscle, this is when you start seeing the results.
What is your preferred type of exercise or training?
I prefer weight-training, but it is very important to keep a healthy balance between cardio and weight-training.
How do you stay in shape?
Yes, I spend a lot of time in the gym but it would all be a waste if I did not eat right. Your results are 90% driven by your diet.
Do you have any advice for anyone looking to get healthy, aspiring fitness models or someone thinking of competing?
The little things in life – which will make you successful – are easy to do. This being said, these are also very easy not to do. Making the choice daily to do them continuously, over time, results in greatness. Never wait for the right moment as it will never come. Just start as soon as possible. Get a personalised diet and training programme and don’t quit.
What is the most valuable knowledge you have learned from your Trifocus Fitness Academy courses?
#TeamTrifocus keeps me informed about how to follow a healthy, fit and balanced lifestyle.What I specifically like about the Trifocus suite of courses is that you can either study them as a career option, or alternatively learn more to enrich yourself to live a healthy, fit and balanced life. My advice to people who are new to the fitness journey is to study the content of the courses and start with a shorter course in an area of interest. Experience the difference it makes in your life and then move on to the more advanced courses.
What keeps you motivated?
How I look and feel.
What is your favourite motivational quote?
”You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” (Zig Zagler)