Poised, Polished and Empowered: Focus on Female Competitive Fitness

The month of March is Women's History Month and National Nutrition Month. To recognize them both in one episode, Host Rob Couture speaks with two women who are the epitome of poise, polish, and empowerment.

Rachelle Cannon and Julia Waring are both veterans and professional bodybuilders. During the interview, Rob inquires about their respective military academies, their military service, and how they maintain their physical prowess for competitions and beyond.

Rachelle Cannon, U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, Prevention & Wellness Program Manager and IFBB Pro Physique Competitor + Julia Waring, U.S. Army Veteran, Civil Engineer Supervisor, USACE Baltimore District, and IFBB Figure Pro

• Rachelle had her sights on West Point and ended up in the Coast Guard and Julia had her sights on the Coast Guard and ended up at West Point. [2:29]

• After graduating from the academy, Rachelle landed as a Deck Watch Officer, and Julia was deployed to Iraq. [5:48]

• Julia explains what it was like to lead a platoon of 30 males during her time in Iraq. [9:52]

• Rachelle and Julia share the positive experiences and the challenges of being African-American women in military academies. [12:25]

• How Julia and Rachelle got into the bodybuilding community. [20:58]

• The goal of female bodybuilders is to show muscle development by being lean but it takes a toll on their hormone development. [31:10]

• Rachelle shares mental, spiritual, and physical wellness tips based on her prevention and wellness certified coach status. [37:04]

• How Rachelle and Julia maintain their heart health through cardio workouts. [42:42]

• Julia and Rachelle share their last thoughts for women veterans. [49:12]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

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@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

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Rachelle Cannon (@rachellecannonfitness) • Instagram photos and videos

Julia Waring (@jujub_waring) • Instagram photos and videos