I caught up with International cover model and IFBB Pro Vida Guerra just days out from her bikini pro debut. She’ll be taking the stage for the first time as an IFBB Pro Bikini competitor this weekend at Jon Lindsay’s IFBB Los Angeles Grand Prix. Vida is no stranger to the limelight over the past 10 plus years but the bikini stage proved to be a different type of challenge for her. She (self-admittedly) wasn’t quite comfortable in her transitioning physique the first few times she stepped on stage. She used a frustrating placing as motivation to achiever her bikini body.
Vida has been known for her Cuban caboose more often than not over the years. She was was crowned “”FHM’s Model of the Year” in 2004 and has been on the cover of PLAYBOY, FHM, Maxim and countless others. Vida has put her big booty days behind her and has her sights set on making her mark in the world of fitness. She’s appeared in Muscular Development, FLEX and Muscle & Fitness magazines since taking up bikini competitions. She was kind enough to reveal a bit more about herself and a answer a few tough questions along the way. Enjoy.
Name:Â
Vida Guerra
Born in:
Havana Cuba
Currently reside in:
Los Angles, CA
How old were you when you moved to the States?
When we left Cuba I was 5 yrs old when we finally step ground on American soil I was 6yrs.
Did you face any challenges growing up being from another country or no big deal?
Yes. it was very challenging for me had to learn the language and it was a whole different world then where I grow up luckily for me I was young so adapting to it didn’t take long.
Vida on the cover of Urban Ink magazine
What languages are you fluent in?
I speak English and Spanish and really want to learn how to speak Italian and French.
How did you get started in modeling?
I got started modeling professionally in 2002 before that I was always playing with the camera at a young age.
How many covers have you been on to date?
Wow, I don’t really know lol
Ha too many to count. Nice.
Any shoots you regret ?
No, I don’t really regret anything in life everything always happens for reason and everything is perfect as is. 🙂
What’s the best piece of advice you give young women just starting out in modeling?
Make sure you do your research and don’t be so quick to believe anything you hear.
You’ve appeared in a few music videos as well. What was the funnest music video you appeared in?
It would have to be Kanye West “The New Workout Plan.”
You once posed nude for PETA. Are you still a supporter of PETA?
Yes, I support PETA I love animals and PETA provides a voice for them.
Are you a vegetarian?
I was until last year when I started working out & I wasn’t getting the right amount of protein in my body. It was causing me to get a little sick so I started eating organic meats and felt much better.
You’re well known for your backside. Does that bother you or embrace it and go with it?
It doesn’t bother me I love it but there is more to me then that. The people that know me can speak on that.
Biggest misconception people have about you?
Probably everything that the media and internet has created.
Do you still have a body guard?
No, but when I have events the venue does get one or two for me.
I read on TMZ your bodyguard helped put a beat down on some dudes and you were sued. True?
No, it’s not true lol… That guy was an old manager’s friend and after an event that I had I went home and I guess that guy stayed there and got into a fight. I forgot his name.
What’s the most ridiculous rumor you’ve read about yourself?
Omg, almost everything that’s on the internet it just keeps getting funnier and funnier. They have tried to attached me to many Celebs and that’s just not the case.
Soooo dating a celeb – cool or no thanks?
No thanks :)-
How many fan sites do you think are currently online devoted to you?
I have no idea. lol
What was your first bikini competition?
My first NPC bikini competition was June 25, 2011. I took first place and overall. My first competition ever was in April of 2000 in New Jersey I competed in figure class when it first started.
What made you enter the NPC ranks?
I entered because this was something I started in 2000 and never follow thru on it because I didn’t want to do figure but once I found out about bikini it was game on. This was a good way for me get back in shape and not hide behind a airbrushed pic. 🙂
HA! Ya, not models are ever airbrushed. lol
What changed in your diet/nutrition to bring your backside down?
Last year, I really wasn’t on a diet and never did cardio. Just figuring out my body trial and error.
What was the most challenging thing preparing for your first bikini competition?
For my first show was the easiest I had no idea what I was doing just had fun with it and after that was when it became an obsession.
You appeared a little nervous on stage your first couple of times. A woman who has been seen by millions in magazines gets nervous on a NPC stage? What’s the deal with that?
I know. I wasn’t comfortable with my body yet I was in between bodies and knew I still had much work to do.
What advice would you give bikini competitors when it comes to rock’n the stage?
I would say to have fun with it be in the moment and out of your mind 🙂
Haha. Truer words have never been spoken. 
You continued to improve your physique and stage presence, what stopped you from calling it quits after the first two shows?
I will never be a quitter. That’s how I’m design. It just motivates me more I love it.
You turned pro at the 2012 JR Nationals with your best look to date. What do you attribute that to?
I believe it was all timing everything was align for me. And I was pissed from my last placing at JR USA, so I gave it all I had and it never felt so right until that moment. Thank you Jesus!!
You were doing cartwheels at the winner’s shoot. (No really she was literally doing cartwheels) Do you have a gymnastics background?
No, but I was in dance ballet and karate growing up I also played softball and football.
So we’ll see you in the Fitness division some time?
Who knows what the future hold I always like to challenge myself and keep growing as a person.
Entering your first pro show this weekend, what’s the goal?
The goal is to win #1 so I can go to Olympia. I’m going to have fun with it and bring my A game. I know there are a lot of veterans and I’m just a rookie on the pro stage but I love challenges.
And after that what is on the Vida game plan for the Fitness Industry?
A whole new world has open for me and the sky is the limit.
Where can people find official info on/from you?
My website: www.vidasworld.com
Twitter: @vidaguerra
Facebook.com/Vidaguerra
The best for now is twitter. My website is in the process of getting done
Anyone you’d like to give a shout out to?
Yes, I would love to thank my bombshell team Shannon and Rob. Also my sponsors; Nike, P28bread and Nuts-n-more. Jesus!!! My family, friends and boyfriend Billy they have supported so much in my journey and I could have not done it alone. Also my beautiful and loyal fans that I have had for a decade now they continue to inspire me to be better and thank you for your time and this interview. I really appreciate it and look forward to shooting with you in Vegas.
Why thank you. The pleasure was mine and look forward to the photo shoot in Vegas too.
Check back to find out how Vida did in her pro debut and stay tuned for and exclusive HARDBODY photo shoot with Vida in La la la Lassss Vegas! Check out Vida’s NPC Bikini contest photos here.
Lead banner image via Musculardevelopment.com by Per Bernal.
