- Name: Igor Vican
- Birthdate: 19 November 1983
- Height: 6’1 (185.42 cm.)
- Weight: 155 lbs. (70.30 kg.)
- Website: www.vican-model.com (Currently under construction.)
Igor is from Slovakia but has been working as a model in Asia for the past five years. He finally made it to our shores last June and, because of “the nice people, food and nature”, Igor now wants to make the Philippines his base. In Manila, he’s worked for Hang Ten, Memo Fragrance, and Century Real Estate, among many others, and has done shoots for magazines like Garage and Cosmopolitan.
He is “definitely straight” and is, currently, in a relationship.
Q: Have you always been fit? What sports were you into when you were growing up?
A: I did, I do, I will do sport all the time, if possible. From when I was a young kid, I tried all sports, from individual to team sports. Sport for me is passion, lifestyle. I played ice hockey and street hockey professionally, but had to stop because of an injury. Which was probably for the best so that I could focus on my studies. I studied sport and physical education, and graduated with a master’s degree.
Q: Is there any particular sport that you watch or follow?
A: I watch all, but my favorites are ice hockey, martial arts and gymnastics.
Q: Now that you’re a full-time model, how do you keep in shape?
A: I try to go to the gym everyday. Usually, I go to the gym in the morning to do heavy weight training. If there is time, I do some other sports activities like tennis. At night, I do swimming or cardio training or just chill. Usually, my training is – max – one and a half hours, with ten minutes of stretching or yoga. I don’t need to use a personal trainer because I’m one myself, specializing in coordination skills. I used to work with sportsmen and other active people who needed correction or help with their bad habits.
Q: Okay, so what kind of food does it take to maintain this kind of body? Is there any special diet you’re on?
A: No, there is no special diet. I like to eat so much and I really eat everything. If I watch my food, I will be more slim and “cut”. But food is my drug, which I cannot give up.
I try to have my heaviest meal at breakfast. Whatever I want to eat, I eat. After breakfast is gym time. After gym, I have a protein shake with some fruit. An hour later, I have lunch, which is beef or chicken, with potatoes or pasta, and some vegetables. I drink a lot of water. Then I’ll have fruits or biscuits or turon . Dinner is usually chicken with rice. Then I have another late dinner. Salad or just chicken with vegetables or some fish.
Turon is a Philippine sweet banana roll. (Internet file photo.)
But I don’t like to call it a “diet”. It’s just the way you treat your body. It needs to be balanced. If you eat a lot, you have to compensate by doing more workout or more sports.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: I love food but the best is pizza or Slovakian meals from my mom’s kitchen. Everything that my mom cooks, I can eat over and over. The only thing she doesn’t cook is pizza so, for this, I have to order. My favorite pizza is “quattro formaggi” (four cheese).
Q: Do you cook? And do you ever cook for yourself?
A: I cook but I’m too lazy to cook for myself only. I prefer to cook for more people.
Q: How do you manage at events? Do you drink or smoke?
A: I don’t go to an event to eat, I just taste the food. I do drink. Water. But if you’re asking about alcohol, it depends on the occasion, but I like to have beer or vodka cranberry or just iced tea. No, I don’t smoke.
Q: So what are the next few months going to be like for Igor Vican?
A: I will stay in Manila, then go back to Europe to spend Christmas with my family. While I am here, I want to do as many jobs as possible. I like to be busy so let’s see what will be. I need to think positive and work hard on myself.
Q: Thanks for the chat, Igor! As a final question, what advice would you give to someone just starting out a fitness program?
A: Just do it and be strong. CITIUS-ALTIUS-FORTIUS *.
*This is the Olympic motto. It means “faster, higher, stronger”.