David Ford Fitness Model Search Winner - Annette Tolar

First Annette, congratulations on winning the first Ford Fitness Model Search, sponsored in part by Sportlab!! You faced some good competition but you have something special… something that really connected with the judges as a whole. Your confident personality really shines through in your photos. You have a look that transcends the stereotypical fitness model look.   Dave, I just wanted to “Thank you” for this opportunity. I was very excited when I heard I won this model search. (click thumbnails for larger images)

I know you have competed in numerous shows and events Annette and have always placed extremely well. Maybe tell us a little bit about your history in model competitions.  I believe you have done the National Indy Model Search, as well as the Edmonton Grand Prix… any more?

When I was in my teens I did a few smaller modeling contests. My first contest for Fitness Modeling was FAME Toronto in 2004. I didn’t place but it was a life changing experience. I was so proud to be on the same stage as some of the industry’s TOP models, Alicia Denson & Katie Uter just to name a couple. I felt like I found what I was missing. Shortly after that show I found myself looking for more…..  I entered & made the 2004 Miss Molson Indy National Final, where the top 20 finalists from all across Canada competed for the title of Miss Molson Indy Canada. It was my first big contest and I won Miss Photogenic - I was thrilled! That was the last year the contest was held in Vancouver because the Race has moved to Edmonton. Last summer I competed in Miss Grand Prix of Edmonton and won the Sports category and placed fourth overall. Competing is a great way to meet people and to learn about the industry. 

I'm glad that you have kept with competing. Are you planning to enter any events his year?

I am planning on competing in FAME Winnipeg in June. I will be competing in Fitness and Fitness Model categories. I would love to compete in a bunch of different fitness contests but due to my schedule it will just have to wait. 

When you submitted your bio and images for the contest, I read that you are originally from the Czech Republic… that was some time ago… now residing in a small Ontario town you are making quite the commotion with your modeling and acting/speaking abilities.

You're right Dave. I was born in the Czech Republic, but I have been in Canada for 15 years now. Even though I was young when I moved it is still a huge part of my life.

Switching gears... you teach a fair bit of gymnastics, if I remember correctly, you and Sportlab Model Search winner Vanda Hadarean took your level 3 certification together? What is it about gymnastics you enjoy so much? Is it the teaching?

Vanda and I did take our Level 3 together. I think she is the most amazing & talented person. She is so dedicated & disciplined.  I am very happy that I had the chance to meet her. I love gymnastics for so many reasons, but especially because it is such a  beautiful and challenging sport. Gymnasts are the strongest athletes, pound per pound. I absolutely adore  the kids I coach.  They have taught me so much, especially about patience and also not to take myself & life too seriously.

It's definitely inspirational and a learning experience working with children. As for adults, you are also working towards your personal training certificate?   I am and I should be certified in April (I hope;)).  I can’t wait to start training my first client. I love to teach, and after coaching for so many years, I think this will come naturally to me. I see how much more confident the kids get from achieving skills in the gym and I would love to do that for adults too. Hopefully one day I will be able to have a few Fitness& Figure competitors and compete like a team. Keep an eye out for my fitness boot camps in the future!

Sounds great! We'll definitely keep an eye out! What other sports have you or are you involved in?

I recently took up yoga and I love it.  I am so busy sometimes that I forget to relax, so this is a great new learning experience for me. When I was younger I did pretty much everything from Tae kwon Do, synchronized swimming, dance, soccer…..well pretty much everything. I have sooo much energy, I need to keep active.:-)

I work with many of the countries top bodybuilders, fitness and figure competitors and know how strict they need to be come show time. How strict are you with your diet and training?

I love to eat healthy year round . I am a little OBSSSED with vegetables, especially asparagus, brussel sprouts, and edamame beans; all the good stuff. I find I tend to eat “clean” all the time. When I am not training for a specific event I am a lot more relaxed. I coach during the week I tend to take it pretty easy.  When I am preparing for something I am more strict.

Your good eating habits definitely help play a role in your clear complexion. Brussel sprouts... I'm impressed! I like them too but there are a good many people... kids and adults who detest even the sight of them.

I have to say Annette that from the moment we first met you have been the utmost professional in every capacity. It is clear you are driven and through our chats I have sensed something about you that few others have. I know you are going to do well in your various pursuits. What goals have you set for yourself?

Well Dave it would take a book for me to write about everything I have set out to do. But for you I will give you the low down….Modeling: I definitely would like to work with Robert Kennedy at Oxygen magazine, get more into the fitness modeling for sure. I am pretty open to new things as they come up. Acting and hosting:  I have so many goals. I would love to make film my main focus, definitely do more film acting. I love hosting right now because it lets me be creative and I get to be myself! One day I definitely would like to start my own charity, especially to help children & families that are new to this country. Being an immigrant to this country and having a fantastic support system makes a world of difference in making someone’s dreams a reality.   I would really love to help other people’s dreams come true.

Well said! I know you will succeed. Let's finish off with some lighter subjects... maybe some favourites of yours.

What is your favourite body part to train and what would be a sample workout for it?

My favourite bodypart to train would have to be shoulders. My circuit for shoulders is:

• Dumbbell press 3 sets of 10-15 reps (15-30 pounds)

• Front raises 3 sets of 15 reps

• Side laterals 3 sets-15reps(light weight)

• to finish 3 sets of pushups (as many as I can do)

• I also do 2 sets of bent over laterals just to keep my traps conditioned.

When I am in the gym coaching I do chin-ups with the kids as well. Gymnastics is a sport that requires a lot of upper body strength so even when I am spotting the kids I am using my arms and shoulders constantly.

Favourite actor: Johnny Depp

Favourite actress: Rachel McAdams

Favorite type of music: I listen to a little bit of everything but I love Hip Hop & Techno

Favourite song currently on the radio: Hung Up ~ Madonna   Favourite cheat meal while dieting: steak sandwich   Favourite beverage: skim milk latte w/ a sugar-free shot of vanilla   Favourite colour: red   Dream car: dream….. 2007 Bentley Continental GTC Convertible

Any people you would like to thank who have supported you, helped you, believed in you?

Of course there are MANY people.  I know people say this all the time BUT I feel like I have the most amazing friends and family. I love you and thank you for always being there for me….always!

Thank you for entering the model search Annette… again a big congrats on the win. I look forward to working with you in the near future!

Thanks Dave for this opportunity.

For those interested in learning and seeing more of you, what is your website address?

www.annettetolar.com

All the best with each of your upcoming opportunities, shows and endeavours!

** A special thank you to Zdenka Micka who supplied us with recent images of Annette. Zdenka works in the Toronto area and can be contacted through her website at www.zdenkamicka.net.