- Birthplace: Brazil
- Current Location: Las Vegas, USA
- Height: 5’6”
- Weight: *135 pre-contest, *143 off-season *approximately
- Age: 34
- Favorite Lift: Probably glute kickbacks with ankle weights.
- Favorite Style of Cardio: Running to enjoy the outdoors and the freedom of it.
- Websites: www.larissareis.net and www.protein-house.com
* You can follow Larissa along daily on:
- Facebook @ LarissaReisInc
- Twitter @ LarissaR_IFBB
- Instagram @ LarissaReis007
For those unfamiliar with you, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got involved in fitness and fitness modeling?
I was born in the capital city of Brazil, Brasília. At the moment I reside in Las Vegas, USA. I’m living my dream as a professional IFBB figure competitor, a sponsored athlete of Nutrex Research, Suits by Amy and Pro Tan. I am a nutrition consultant, personal trainer and certified PROPTA IFBB instructor, fitness model and most recently an owner of a healthy restaurant.
Honestly ever since I can remember; I have been living a fit lifestyle. From a very young age I was either practicing a specific sport such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or working out at the local gym. I have a brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu. Modeling has also always been a passion that I really love; I always take all the opportunities I can, since I like it so much. It’s an indescribable and amazing feeling.
One day I was doing fitness modeling work for a supplement store, and they had a big poster of Monica Brant on the wall; I was speechless with her physique and the beauty of it.
Back then and to this day she has been a huge inspiration and motivation to me. That got me more interested in the world of female figure competition.
I did my first show in 2005 and I took 1st place; from that moment I knew that this was my dream to follow and simply the ‘one thing’ that I would love to do most in life. At that time the opportunities in Brazil were almost nonexistent in this sport, so with my love for challenge, adventure and the desire to be the best version of myself at all times; I decided to go to the USA and to compete with the best athletes in the world. This was how it all began.
On your website you mention that you live your life 100% hardcore. What does that mean to you?
Totally, this is my way of living. I couldn’t describe it any better. My parents taught me great values, the core values of hard work, loyalty and inner strength. I am more than thankful for that, it made me the person that I’m today. Everything that I do, no matter what it is; I always give 100% effort and 100% of me. To me it means to be strong even if we have to stand alone, never give up and to fight hard for our dreams without backing down. That’s my motto!
Tell us about the road leading to your IFBB pro card. What were the sacrifices you made, what did it mean to you and what opportunities did it create?
My first show ever was the South American Championship 2005, and I took 1st place. After that I did 2 competitions in 2006, the Brazilian Championship – 1st place and the World Championship, Barcelona, Spain – 3rd place.
My pro card victory was near, in the following year 2007, I returned to the World Championship and I earn my pro status, taking 2nd place.
It takes a lot of pure dedication and consistency. The diet and training always need to be perfectly on point it gets tough, and the sacrifices are big. But the rewarding feeling is much bigger! To see that I actually inspire other people in so many ways and make a difference in their daily lives is just priceless.
Being an IFBB pro athlete has afforded me a lot of great opportunities. I have been able to travel around the world and come to love and learn about so many different cultures that exist. This makes it even greater for me because my mission is to spread the word of world peace and love to everyone and everywhere.
Do you have any pre and post workout rituals that you would like to share with us?
I always take my Hemo-Rage UC, TurboShots or Lipo 6, Unlimited UC depending if it’s off-season or not; as my pre-workout along with BCAA Drive. It gives me the extra edge, energy, strength and endurance while preserving my lean muscle tissue. I use Defy as my intra-workout to enhance and prolong even more of those effects.
Finally, post-workout I usually do 2 Scoops of Muscle Infusion along with ½ cup of dry roasted almonds. If it’s my off-season I do 2 Scoops of Muscle Infusion along with Volu-Gro, it contains carbohydrates and creatine, or with 1 Serving of Creatine Drive. Sometimes I also add Açai, for its strong antioxidant properties; it makes my post shake more nutritious, healthy and delicious, and it helps with my recovery. Recovery is the key for this lifestyle.
Tell us about your restaurant The Protein House?
From the very start it was an important and special project of mine; it was in the works for quite some time, but it’s now a dream come true. The Protein House is now open and fully functional, ready to succeed, to spread health, amazing tasty food and positive vibes throughout Las Vegas!
The Protein House is a new approach to the current healthy restaurants that till today were simply lacking in the most important matters. We have tasty, quality ingredients, balanced nutritional values, and a variety of possibilities to choose from without eating always the same flavorless and boring foods. The Protein House serves personalized meals from Breakfast to Dinner!
It is a very unique and cozy space with a one of a kind staff! We truly believe it’s a game changer and it will bring new standards to this industry. You can check out our exciting menu with a wide variety of healthy foods at: www.protein-house.com
Come visit if you are in the area, we are waiting for you guys!
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of the realm of fitness?
As this is my lifestyle most of my hobbies are sports related. I love photography, traveling and modeling, which are not a hobby, but other true passions of mine. Aside from that I do what all normal people do when they have some free time, shopping, friends, and the movies.
What are your tattoos and what do they mean to you?
All of them have a special meaning. First, I did the name of an ex-boyfriend on my arm, but unfortunately the relationship didn’t work, so I wanted to do something that would represent that moment. I choose a spear to ‘kill’ it. Soon enough, I wanted 2 more tribal pieces on my arm. One was done in Hawaii and the other from a Native American from Brazil. I like the tribal design so much, because it says a lot about the person and their spirit. I still want to do some more in the future on the same arm from other places around the world.
As many may know, I have a strong love for all the people around the world. On my right arm I have “Strength & Loyalty VII” and it was done in Brazil. My coach there started it and I am number “VII” of many people with the same tattoo, but a different numeration. It’s a tribute to the people that like and live this lifestyle. We need to pass a test and be able to earn it. How awesome is that?
On each wrist, I have the name of my parents “João / Maria”, as a tribute to them. I have Hawaiian flowers on the lateral side of my chest. Lastly my first tattoo was of a red rose on my leg; I have had it since I was 17 years old.
Who your current sponsors and how you got connected with them?
I am a sponsored athlete of Nutrex Research, Suits by Amy and Pro Tan.
I can say that after long time of hard, continuous work and dedication to this lifestyle along with my never give up attitude; my efforts were noticed and very much appreciated by those 3 great and amazing companies. I am very proud and honored to represent them today. I couldn’t be happier; I consider them a part of my family now.
Your website has a store; can you tell us a little bit about it and what you offer?
My store offers a very exclusive selection of items, and we are always striving for more. We have clothing, including special hats designed by Red Monkey Hats, some are already sold out due to the huge demand, but more are in production. You can purchase downloads of photo shoots in high-definition and autographed high-quality posters. Several new items will be available soon, so stay tuned. And we ship WORLDWIDE!
What are your 5 favorite songs to train to?
Hard question! I’m always updating my playlist, but here are some favorite ones.
1- Skrillex – Bangarang
2- Benny Benassi – Hi Friend
3- Dirty Vegas – Days Go By
4- Deadmau5 – Ghosts N Stuff
5- The Chemical Brothers – Chemical Beats
You came from Brazil with only $500.00 and were barely able to speak English. Tell us what it took for you to succeed despite these limitations.
It was and still is very difficult for me. Aside from what was already mentioned the culture was completely different and I left all my lovely family and friends in Brazil, so I was alone. I miss them every day, but I always had great support and strength from them and it helped me a lot in the process. Without a doubt, a will to succeed, dedication, determination and support were and are the most important aspects.
