Where and when were you born? I was born in Montreal (Quebec) on August 10th, 1978 and my first language is French. What is your profession? I am a personal trainer. Were you involved in sports or fitness prior to bodybuilding and how did you get started with weight training? I know it might sound funny but I started training at the age of 15 because of my brother; he had told me that muscular legs were very attractive for men. We had an old York bench and a couple of bars and dumbbells so he introduced me to squats and leg extension. Then, because I love to learn new things, I read a lot about training and was overwhelmed by the sport. Was it a goal for you to compete in bodybuilding competitions right from the beginning or was it something that grew in your mind as time went on and you saw the progress in your body? I did my first competition in 1999 as a light weight, 5 years after I started training. I was a singer at that age, and had decided to combine my love for the scene to my dedication to training. It was a great success but the “after-contest” was so bad that I had (at that time) decided I would never compete again. And then, 10 years and thirty pounds later, I was back on stage. But this time… I’m HERE TO STAY! Can you give me your competition history? 1999 – Pro Gym Cup 1st edition: light weight winner, overall winner, best routine award. May 2009 – Championnat Quebec de l’Ouest : heavy weight winner, overall winner. July 2009 – Quebec Provincial Championship : heavy weight winner, overall winner (qualifier for the Canadian Nationals 2010). 2nd place HeavyWeight division at the 2010 CBBF Nationals Which contest has been your biggest success; which has had the most meaning to you? My come back was terrific because I was the contestant everybody fears. The one you’ve never heard of, who trains in a small gym but comes out with a physique you just can’t beat. My confidence was incredibly high after that and I was sure to also win the Provincial Championship. Unfortunately, my pericardium (heart) was struck by a strong virus 3 weeks out of the Provincial, and I spent 3 days in the hospital. I had to stop training for a whole week, and my conditioning was really bad because of all the serum they had injected me. But I did my homework, and against all odds, I went on the stage and won the Provincials. I was shaking a lot and had a really hard time posin, but I did it. This victory means a lot to me. Please tell me something about your training routine (ie: how many days per week / training split /cardio, etc.) Usually, I train 6 days a week and at some point during the year, I even train two times in the same day. I don’t do cardio during the off-season. I try to change the exercises for each body part every time I train and cycle strength training with volume training throughout the year. What is your favorite exercise in the gym and which one you don’t like so much? I love to do squats and deadlifts. In fact, I love everything about training, except for cardio (LOL). But since I was born with great calves, I must admit that I don’t train them as hard as I should. Which body part is your best in your opinion? My legs. I get striations alike Kai Greene in my outer quads so it’s really impressive. I also love the shape of my arms, especially my triceps. If you don’t mind would you give me some stats (best lifts and some body measurements)? I don’t have them. Sorry What do you enjoy about training for competition....what do you enjoy about the 'off season'? I don’t mind being on a diet, so the preparation for a competition isn’t really hard for me. I like to practice my routine and my posing, but I love it when it comes to choosing the song for my routine. Music is really important to me. I prefer to be on a diet than being off-season… When I gain weight and start retaining more water, I always have to remind myself that it’s necessary… Please describe a typical day in the life of Fabiola Boulanger. I have a 5 year old son, so I usually wake up before him to prepare for the day (lunch boxes, school bag, gym bag…). I drive him to school and then go to the gym, either to train with a client or for myself. I answer my e-mails, do some paperwork, and than I go back to school to pick my son up before dinner. I like life to be simple… Please tell me about what you do when you don’t work out (hobbies, what do you do to relax?, etc.) I spend a lot of time with my son and my two dogs. On my own, when the weather is fine, I love to take a ride on my YZF R6. What do you enjoy most about the bodybuilding/fitness lifestyle? I’m proud of the way I look, and will stick to my regiment forever because I couldn’t stand to look different. It gives me confidence and a great self esteem. I have a healthy lifestyle and it gives me the independence that most women could just dream to have. Tell me something interesting about yourself, something people may be surprised to hear. I live with a disease called overactive bladder (www.overactivebladder.ca). Believe me: it turns your life into Hell. I could tell you many sad stories that happened to me, and you would understand how embarrassing it can be. For many years, I’ve tried different medications that didn’t work but finally found one last year. I’m not cured forever. It’s under control but I’ll live with that for all my life. In the future, I hope to be useful to this cause, and help raising funds for the research. What are your competition goals or personal future goals? I hope to turn PRO in 2010 and then be able to come to the US to compete. I want to do the Olympia one day, and hope to inspire people to adopt and stick to a healthy and active lifestyle. I wish to show the world that female bodybuilders can be feminine and beautiful. And last but not least, I hope to be the best mom for my son. Please note: Fabiola does not do sessions or wrestling of any kind. Please don't ask!! |