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At first glance Farah looks like a buffed 30something, but through further investigation we find out that she's 45 and a Mum to 11 and 13 year old children! furthermore she's a doctor and has specialised in obstetrics and sports medicine. |
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Occupation : Medical Practitioner. Currently practicing Family Medicine but have specialised in Obstetrics and Sports Medicine
Family: Typical nuclear family with one husband and two children aged 13 and 11 years.
Have you always been into fitness?
I have never really been very athletic even though I did play sport at school, Tennis being my favourite pass-time. I took up running while at University mainly to get some exercise given the hours I use to spend at a desk. I had never done any form of weight training until out of necessity I had to go to a Gym 8 years ago to rehabilitate a leg injury after a car accident. I found that I actually enjoyed working out in the Gym and it really was my only option as I was restricted in doing any activity that impacted on my legs.
My first bodybuilding show was in Nov. 2005 for which I started to prepare in any serious way in August 2005.
How long have you been training?
I have been bodybuilding training for just under 2 years now. I was encouraged to enter a competition by someone in the know who saw me working out at the Gym. He thought I would do well in the figure category and so that is what I did. I entered my first competition in the Novice Figure Short category.
How many show have you done?
I have to date done 4 shows.
2005 NZFBB 1st novice figure short
2006 NZFBB 1st open figure short
2007 NZFBB 1st senior figure 045
How do you fit in your training with your work schedule?
Fitting in work commitments and training takes some organising and a lot of energy. I have to remain focused but with a degree of flexibility both with work and with my training schedule. Not always an easy task especially when you add in the needs of children into the equation.
| What's the highlight of your career so far? Be it a short career I think my first win back in 2005 was a highlight. It was a completely new experience for me. The whole event was exciting and to win topped it off. Are you competing again later in the year? I hope to do at least two more competitions this year, close together seems wise. What do your family think of your bodybuilding? My family has been very supportive especially my children who absolutely love coming to the competitions. I think they are going to become professional cheerers!! My parents may not have chosen this particular sport for their daughter but they seem to have the thickest photo album !! |
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What's your typical pre contest diet and training?
Pre-contest diet: I am a real shocker with food. Eating is often an after thought and I have to put in a lot of effort to eat enough at the right times.
My staple diet pre-contest ( 8 weeks before competition )is oats, egg whites, chicken, tuna, whey protein shakes, protein bars, limited fruit and free vegetables. This is not too dissimilar to the rest of the time with the exception of a few treats like ice-cream and pizza thrown in.
| Pre-contest training: I start with 2 cardio sessions per week 8-10 weeks out from competition. Usually steps or interval training on a stationary bike for 30-40 minutes. Closer to competition I increase this to 3 sessions per week if needed.Weight training; 4-5 days a week, split into legs, back and shoulders, chest and arms. It works out to training each body part every 4-5 days. I have no set programme for sets and reps. It depends very much on how my body is responding on the day. |
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My aim for every workout is to push the boundaries and often I do better than I feel I can at the start. Posing and routine practice: As often as I need to to get it right.
Supplements: Not a huge fan of Supplements other than creatine pre and post workout with the occasional BCAA tab post workout. During the diet phase I do take multivits and calcium along with a fat burner.
What's the most challenging part of contest preparation?
The hardest part of pre-contest for me is the last two weeks when I start getting tired of the limited choice in the diet and my energy starts to wane. Knowing that this phase will be over soon does help to get through it. When you commit to compete you find you can take your training to a higher level. You discover that you have more reserve than you thought you did.
What do you enjoy about pre contest and competing?
I enjoy the challenge this brings and there is a real sense of accomplishment when you see yourself progress. As for the competition day itself well it has a theatrical quality to it which makes for so much fun and of course you can see the outcome of months of hard work and hopefully reap the rewards.
How important is comraderie in your preparation?
Much of my success I attribute to the influence of my trainer Phil Kuklinski. He has shared his knowledge and experience with me selflessly and has not put me wrong yet. I was honored to be asked to be part of his team to compete in Wellington in April and I did want to do well as a tribute to him. There is no substitute for the sense of belonging.
Have you had role model that inspires you?
There is no specific female bodybuilder/figure who has inspired me as such. I have admired and continue to do so the many women I see at competitions and on the Net who have achieved the desired look. I appreciate what it has taken to get there.
Have you got ultimate goal in bodybuilding?
I havent formalised an ultimate goal for myself in bodybuilding. I take opportunities as they come along. Besides Im enjoying the journey far too much to think there will be a destination.
You look great, and not a day over 40 (or even 35!) have you got any beauty secrets to look young?!
The secret to my youthful look as you put it Lisa comes down to genetics. You have to pick your parents correctly. If there is any secret then I think it maybe to live a life of moderation. Avoid as best you can excesses and extremes in all things and most importantly learn to deal with stress effectively and constructively. If all else fails then a cosmetic makeover is the ticket.
| What advice would you give senior figures who might think they're too old to compete in bodybuilding? I have never use age or for that matter gender or ethnicity to influence any decision I have made about what I can and cannot do. I started competing in this sport at the age of 43 years. It was the right thing for me to do. For those who want to compete age should be no barrier. As long you have the fundamental physique and the desire and passion to put in the effort it is possible. Give some thought though as to reason(s) why you want to compete as once decided it is not only a journey for you to take but also for those near and dear to you. Be prepared to accept all eventualities, be they successes or failures. I have just turned 45 this month. |
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