Meet Bodybuilding.com Master Coach:
Yaya Vargas

Bringing her innate sense of helpfulness to coaching, Yaya encourages the freedom and power to move in a way that suits your daily mood but grounded intention.

Yaya Vargas, Master Coach’s nonlinear journey into fitness, started with a humanitarian career. Traveling to disaster-stricken areas to offer aid, Yaya enjoyed helping others and the physical requirements of the gig. Returning home and settling into a marketing career, she knew something was missing. At a turning point, Yaya stumbled across a gym in Manhattan and knew her fate was decided—the visceral impact fitness had hooked her.

We had a chance to discuss Yaya's journey to fitness and Bodybuilding.com. Here’s what she said.

Who are you, and what do you do?

I am Yaya Vargas, a fitness and wellness coach inspired to help others achieve their health and fitness goals.

When and where did your fitness journey begin? 

My fitness journey began in New York City. I was on the hunt for a new gym and stumbled upon one in midtown Manhattan.

What got you hooked on fitness as a career?

I discovered a gym that introduced me to strength training for the first time. Learning to lift weights was an eye-opener; it transformed my approach to fitness. Before that, I primarily did cardio without a structured plan and didn’t see any significant changes, aesthetically or physically. Strength training changed everything for me. But training was out of my budget, so I took a job at the gym and the seed was planted to be a coach.

What’s your movement of choice? 

My focus is on strength and athletic training. My favorite exercises include the trap bar deadlift and the Z press.

What’s the difference between working out and training?

Working out is often where we all start—moving our bodies without a specific plan. Training, on the other hand, involves a more intentional approach with a clear goal in mind.

When you train consistently, you start to see actual results.

What does being strong mean to you?

Being strong means walking into any room and feeling my best physically and mentally. It’s about having confidence in myself and the capability to care for my needs while pursuing my life goals.

How does training benefit you physically, mentally, and emotionally?

Training keeps me balanced. Physically, I can handle daily tasks like commuting, grocery shopping, and walking my dog without challenges. Mentally and emotionally, it helps regulate my mood. Even when I don’t feel like working out, I push myself to move in some way, and I always leave feeling better than when I started—improving my overall well-being.

Tell us about your routine: from training regimen to nutrition, fueling, and recovery.

As a full-time coach, I train three times a week for 1-1.5 hours each session, focusing on full-body workouts. My nutrition is entirely predictable; I mostly eat the same foods and have developed an innate awareness of my intake versus training output. I enjoy cooking and often prepare meals for my family.

My recovery routine includes mobility exercises, foam rolling, and stretching, especially whenever I can't fit in a complete workout. I also like to take classes to connect with clients on my off days.

What’s your supplement routine? 

I use protein shakes, like Bodybuilding.com’s Signature 100% Whey Protein in Vanilla Cream—I stick to classic flavors but am planning to try the Signature 100% Whey Protein in Oatmeal Cookie. I also take collagen supplements to support joint health, and creatine to maintain muscle mass and strength. I keep it simple and effective.

How did Bodybuilding.com help you in your early days of training?

Bodybuilding.com was invaluable when I was trying to figure out the nutritional aspects of my training. I was doing physical work but not focusing enough on my diet, hindering my results. Bodybuilding.com resources helped me understand what I needed to do to improve.

What piece of advice would you give someone just starting their fitness journey?

Know your "why." Understanding what motivates you to start this journey will help keep you focused and committed. 

What is one thing you would tell your future self? 

You’re going to do great things!