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Avril Mamo Interview with CBB
CBB Handle: 69challenger
Age: 40
Height: 5’
Occupation: Mom and Personal trainer
Hometown: Whitby, ON
Have you always been an active person - did you play sports in your youth?
I’ve always been an active person. Over the years, I’ve danced, played soccer, volleyball, hockey and trained in martial arts.
What made you get into figure competitions?
I got into weight training in my early 20’s reading magazines like Muscle and Fitness. It was really the first time I saw women BBers. I LOVED the muscle .…bodybuilding was my focus but I just couldn’t seem to pack on that kind of muscle. 6 years ago, hubby found a Bodybuilding forum on the net (MN)…it was on that forum that I learned about the sport of “figure” and decided that I would make it my goal to do a competition. I fell in love with the sport and haven’t looked back.
Have you competed in other categories as well?
Just figure…short and master’s divisions.
You have competed in different organizations, how was your experience with them?
I’ve competed with OPA, WBFF and Fitness Star. All organizations are very different, but all in all, I’ve enjoyed each one of them.
Many feel the figure category is hard to judge. What do you think the judges are looking for when scoring the figure girls?
You can say that again! It seems like there is always controversy with the judging in figure. It really depends on what organization one competes in. Some like hard and lean, others reward a softer look. The most important thing to keep in mind is that it is a subjective sport. Decisions will always vary depending on the judges and their understanding on what the criteria is . Interesting topic as, this spring, I got my Regional Judge’s papers for the OPA…. I’m looking forward to sitting on the OTHER side of that judging table this fall!
How has the sport impacted your life?
This sport has taught me to always bring my best. It had taught me to set realistic goals and to have the patience to achieve them. It’s not all about winning (though that is always nice), it’s about bettering myself….
I compete with the goal of just looking better than I did in my last competition…so far, so good…even made the National stage this year!
Who do you look up to in the industry and who has helped you along the way?
I have a lot of respect for trainers/competitors like Dan Kennedy and Nina Luchka…both have helped me tremendously over the last few years. As far as photographers go, I’ve had a blast shooting with Doug Schneider, Arthur Arsenik and Chris V.Linton.
Favourite foods for dieting? For cheating?
Diet foods-chicken, liquid egg whites, PB, hot sauce
Cheat foods-popcorn, nachos
Are there any sports supplements that you cannot live without?
Kaizen whey protein
Are you sponsored by a company? If so, who?
No
Having been an active member on various bodybuilding and fitness forums for many years, what do you find positive about interacting with other members on them and what do you find negative?
I love the boards!! I enjoy interacting with other competitors and fitness minded people. Boards like CBB provide so much information/advice and have helped me attain the physique I have today. Getting to know some of the people here personally has also been a big plus!
On the negative side, there is a lot of BAD information out there as well, you’ve got to be careful where you get your advice.
What is a typical day for you when prepping for a show?
- Meal 1
- Get kids up, fed and off to school
- Make their dinner
- Train
- Meal 2
- Pick kids up for lunch
- Meal 3
- Train clients in the afternoon
- Meal 4
- Homework with kids after school
- Meal 5
- Train Clients again
- Meal 6
- Light cardio
- Meal 7
- Bed
What do you find the most difficult about this sport?
Having the patience to make changes to my physique…lol!
Do you have any tips or advice to give to ladies who are thinking of trying out the sport?
Do it because you love it because it is NOT easy and very few people make a living with it…for most, it is a hobby….an expensive one at that.
When will we next see you on stage?
2011..not sure which show yet.
Can you provide us a workout routine for a week?
- Mon-legs
- Tues-back
- Wed-Shoulders
- Thurs-Bi/Tri
- Friday-Chest (light), leg plyos
I train heavy…rep range is between 6-10.
I eat clean all week. Eating every 2-3 hours…protein, carbs, some fruit. When I’m competing, I have a cheat meal every Sunday. When I’m offseason, diet is the same, just slightly more carbs and a few cheat meals depending on my weight (usually only 8-10lbs heavier than comp weight).
For current contest history, please check out the Avril Mamo Profile
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