MR. ROCHESTER CHUCK VALENTE

BY CHRISTINE PIACENTINO I MAIN PHOTOS BY MAKENNA RIVASFAR PHOTOGRPAHY

Tell us a little about Chuck Valente, and give us your background.

Personal Fitness training and bodybuilding are my passions. I started working in a gym when I was 14, which led me to start my first training business at 18. I have over 30 years of experience as an individual champion bodybuilder at a national level and decorated coach; I have won over 20 titles and been featured in publications such as Men’s Physique, National Bodybuilding Magazine, and Exercise For Men, & more. I pride myself on providing my clients with incredible knowledge in both the nutrition and training world. I have developed a master craft skillset regarding women’s health and nutrition, providing a personalized and supportive approach and the accountability and education needed.

You recently won, Mr. Rochester. What was that experience like?

It was surreal to win the prestigious Mr. Rochester title. I picked up bodybuilding again after 25 years. I was thrilled to have made this comeback and picked up where I left off 25 years ago. I was so excited to beat out younger guys for the title. This win qualified me for the prestigious International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) World Competition in Las Vegas. I will be competing for the World title in August. I haven’t left competition training mode. I am working hard to win. younger guys with less experience that were also competing. Discipline is the most challenging part. You need to focus on your diet and training schedule.

Visit us at our permanent location, 80 Rockwood Place, Rochester, New York. I’d been training people for years and wanted a career in doing what I love. I found training people rewarding and loved helping people meet their goals. It’s rewarding when a client comes in and hasn’t had much success anywhere else, and after they complete the custom program designed for them, they meet their fitness goals. You can see their self-esteem increase. They stand taller and are happier people.

What would you consider your specialty?

How did you create Chuck Valente fitness?

I created Chuck Valente fitness in 1995. (https://valentefitness.com/)

My specialty is helping women on the fitness journey. I investigate every aspect and try and find what the unique problem is for them. Most of the time, it’s helping them believe that they can do it. Proper weight training and nutrition will create a physique faster than other training styles for women. I don’t care if it’s the orange theory (it’s just a theory anyway) cross fit, HITT or any other new nonsense being peddled out there. People don’t get hurt if they are weight training properly and their body does not adapt. These different styles force your body to adjust, causing injury. You need to ask yourself; How many actual physiques do you see at these places? How many and injured and wearing braces? They are all killing themselves and not getting the results they truly desire and want.

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” --- Henry Ford

If your clients were to use one word to describe you, what would it be and why?

I hope it’s caring! It’s my job to dig deep, bring out the best in my clients and help them address their fitness fears. It gives them hope to be able to fulfill their fitness goals! Everyone is different, so I encourage them with what makes them tick! I enjoy helping them overcome their roadblocks so that they can become successful.

Who is one person who inspires you and why?

When I was bullied, and sucker punched, I decided to go to the gym and get strong so it wouldn’t happen again. I’ve always been selfmotivated and don’t have any one person specifically. But, if I have to pick one, I would say the 18-yearold that bullied me when I was 14. I can thank him for punching me in the face; it allowed me to find my true passion.

What do you do in your spare time? What do you do not burn out?

My newest hobby is playing the drums; I plan on being in a band when I retire. Hopefully, I’m good enough not to get laughed off the stage. My other hobbies when I’m not working are hunting and fishing. I love being outdoors, and I find hunting and fishing relaxing. I also enjoy watching YouTube to get a laugh or two.

What is your favorite quote?

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” --- Henry Ford

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