Rick Valente

A prominent figure in the bodybuilding industry in the 1980s and 1990s, Rick Valente starred as cohost of the ESPN exercise show Body Shaping. Broadcasted internationally, the program featured Rick Valente assisting in demonstrating and explaining techniques for weight training, cardiovascular exercise, and nutrition. The show introduced him to worldwide travels and meeting with a variety of types of celebrities including artists, musicians, actors, and athletes.

Rick Valente developed a passion for fitness when he was growing up in Connecticut. Involved in a broad range of sports, he endeavored to shape his body into a bodybuilder’s physique. When he was 19, he participated in his first amateur competition, which he won. In the early 1980s, Rick Valente competed on the eastern circuit of fitness contests; in 1983, he moved to Los Angeles, California. Shortly after relocating, Rick Valente won first place for Mr. Los Angeles and second prize for Mr. California. In 1987, he injured himself, tearing a pectoral muscle while lifting 500 pounds. Though no longer a professional bodybuilder, Rick Valente continued to work within the fitness industry running his own personal training business before auditioning and landing the cohosting position for Body Shaping.

Rick Valente has appeared in numerous publications including Best Fitness, Better Bodies, Iron Man, MuscleMag, Muscle Training, Pit Bull Clothing Co., Powerhouse Gym, and more. He also appeared on Van Halen’s album cover for 5150. Following his work on the Body Shaping program, Rick Valente participated in a number of television spots as a guest actor on Days of Our Lives and commercials for Budweiser, Apple Inc., Holiday Health Spa, ESPN, Nike, PepsiCo, Inc., and Taco Bell Corp.

Rick Valente developed a passion for fitness when he was growing up in Connecticut. Involved in a broad range of sports, he endeavored to shape his body into a bodybuilder’s physique. When he was 19, he participated in his first amateur competition, which he won. In the early 1980s, Rick Valente competed on the eastern circuit of fitness contests; in 1983, he moved to Los Angeles, California. Shortly after relocating, Rick Valente won first place for Mr. Los Angeles and second prize for Mr. California. In 1987, he injured himself, tearing a pectoral muscle while lifting 500 pounds.