FUSION BODYBUILDING

Bodybuilding’s Strongest Supplements

Being A Bodybulder

Lauren Jacobsen

Contests

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The reason I started bodybuilding is...

I started training when I was in high school with the intent to put on muscle for competitive swimming and track. When I started to see results and progress, I ditched the pool and my running shoes, and started training full time in the gym. During university, I met a lot of lifters and started to become more and more interested in training and especially nutrition, since I was completing my degree in biochemistry. In my last year of school, I focused my thesis on the biochemistry of creatine in the body and entered my first local contest held at the hardest-core gym in town, Victory Fitness in Peterborough. After I finished my degree, I landed a job with a supplement company in its R&D department. I went to my first Olympia, and I was hooked! I met Monica Brant, Jenny Lynn and Davana Medina, and I knew I wanted to do what they did.

The person I most wanted to be when I started was...

Monica Brant. I’ve always found her inspirational. I can remember reading articles on her in Oxygen magazine and watching her on Kiana Tom’s Flex Appeal on ESPN.

The people I owe the most to are...

This past year has been my most successful and the most challenging. It couldn’t have been possible without a few people. My trainer, Eric Dilauro, keeps me focused and moving forward despite anything else going on in my life. Miss Cherry Villanos is the sister I never had. She’s been by my side through every show, traveling with me, carrying my stuff, tanning me, gluing my suit on and just putting up with my diet mood – my goodness, she’s an amazing friend. And of course my inspiration and good friend Jay Cutler showed me what true motivation and focus is! Despite the fact that competing is a single-person sport, it truly takes a team of people to be successful.

The supplements I can’t live without are...

Multivitamins, AGENT•M BCAAs, GLUTAMEND glutamine, PURPLE•K creatine, whey protein isolate, calcium, glucosamine, blended flax oil, vitamins C and B, and a fat burner.

The best thing about training is...

Training keeps me focused and motivated. It gives me structure and keeps me moving forward toward my goals.

Two things I could change about bodybuilding are...

Politics and lack of clarity when it comes to judging. Of course, when things are left to the human element, it’s all up to chance, which comes with the territory, and it’s something you have to accept if you want to compete.

My ultimate goals are...

That’s an easy one: a pro card. It has always been my dream ever since I started competing. Also, to step on the Arnold stage, which I will do in just a few months.

One thing every gym rat should know is...

Competing takes dedication, determination and, above all else, a strong mind. Without that, you won’t be successful, despite how much you train!

Years I’ve been training...

It’s been officially 17 years since I first picked up a weight.

The last new bodybuilding thing I learned is...

You can never stop learning or applying new knowledge to your routine or your diet, whether it’s training, supplements or nutrition. There’s always new research coming out and new things to try.

The one question I’d ask a pro is...

I have a few pro friends. The one thing I always ask them is where they find their motivation to keep going, especially on those hard days, when you’re just sick of the diet or getting through a grueling cardio session.

What I enjoy most about competing is...

I love being onstage; it’s by far the best part. The prep can be fun too, especially the training, I love to see the results and the progression I go through. I also love the challenge, mentally and physically. It makes you stronger!

The things I hate most about stepping up onstage are...

The tanning process and dropping water.

The first thing I’ll do after getting my pro card is...

Plan my next show.

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