Olivia McGuire
Figure Athlete
This 5'4 construction project manager and mother is coming off a first place finishing at the recent Brantford and Western Ontario Championships which took place November 25th 2006.
Olivia credits her husband, daugther Elena, her two bosses, and newly IFBB Figure Pro Nina Luchka for being her driving force behind her accomplishments in this sport.
Notable Competitions
2006 WNBF 5th place
2006 Brantford and Western Ontario Championships 1st place
The Stats
Competitive Season: 112 lbs
Off Season: 118 lbs
Height: 5'4
34-26-34
Why Compete?
In May 2005 I decided to go to a local Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness show, it was there that I noticed some amazing physiques of women my own age. This was very inspirational for me. I spent a few minutes speaking to the promoter of the show and asked him if he could recommend a trainer.
He recommended one of the country’s best, Nina Luchka. Shortly after that I arranged a consultation with her. She provided me with a training and nutrition program custom made for me. After a few months I started to notice some great improvements. A show promoter had recommended that I enter a figure competition in the Fall of the same year.
Even if I didn’t compete, it would be a great motivator, the thought of going on stage to be judged in 5” stilettos and a bikini will keep you on track, that it did. Nina helped me with my suit, make-up, tanning, hair, posing, etc. There is so much preparation that goes into this. The only family member that knew I was competing was my daughter, I was afraid that I might decide not to go on stage and exit the backstage. With the encouragement of my daughter, my trainer and the show promoter,
I did go on stage. I came in 7th place in masters out of 10. I felt good about this and decided to enter another competition in Toronto one week later and came in 1st place in my division. Then I became hooked.
What was your most memorable moment while competing?
November 25, 2006 while at the Brantford & Western Ontario Championships and winning 1st in open medium division and 2nd place in masters. I did not have anyone in the audience, so I thought, until I heard my husband cheering for me. He showed up just before my 1st placing was announced. I was so proud and happy that he was there to witness this amazing moment.
What word of advice would you give to any inspiring competitor?
Do your homework, go to shows, speak to promoters and other competitors and hire a trainer and make sure that know what kind diet you need to go on.
Describe the first time ever you stepped on stage.
I was extremely nervous, I thought I would fall off my high heels, I was shaking like a leaf in a wind storm and I forgot to smile.
What does your training routine look like?
I work out 6 days a week
Day 1 – Legs 6 exercises 3 sets X 12 reps
Day 2 - Shoulders 4 sets X 10 6 exercises
Day 3 - Back 4 sets X 12 6 exercises
Day 4 – Arms 4 sets X 15 6 exercises
Day 5 - Chest – 4 sets X 15 6 exercises
Abs – 5 times a week
Calves – 2 times a week
Cardio – 45 minutes a day after weight training (variety, tread, cycle, elliptical)
What do you advocate HIT or Low Intensity Cardio?
HIT – I find I burn more calories and I see results faster this way
What would you like to say to those women out there who avoid weight training like the plague in fear they may get too bulky.
Women will not get bulky unless they take enhancements. For a fit, strong & shapely physique women must lift weights.
What type of diet do you follow?
All clean – one cheat meal off season. 6 small meals a day, timed (every 2 ½ - 3 hours) meals are to include protein, carbs, my breakdown is approximately 40% protein, 40% good carbs, 20% essential fats 7 liters of water per day.
What does it take to develop an aesthetically pleasing physique such as yours?
Diet, diet, diet….. weight training, cardio, proper rest
What would you say is your favorite bodypart to train?
I love training my upper body, lower body is stubborn, takes forever
After a contest the first thing you want to eat is?
I drink water, then eat chocolate
The one thing you hate and love about competiting?
I hate the food restrictions associated with competiting. The things i love about competiting is the natural exhilaration, the personal challenge to be in the best shape that I can be in, the adrenaline rush.
What does the future have in store for Olivia McGuire?
Ontario Naturals, Ontario Provincial Championships – a dream of mine would be to get my IFBB pro card. I would like to get my Personal Trainer Certification; there is a niche out there that I would like to purse. There are many women (35 +) who have put themselves on the backburner due to children, careers, etc. and have neglected their bodies & health. I know a number of soccer, hockey moms and colleagues who have asked me to train them, I’m a walking example of a mom past 40 years old who has made the changes. I feel and look better now than I did in my 20’s. Many of these women don’t want the big, bulky guy from the local gym to cookie cut train them, they’d rather have a women their age and who has the same day to day challenges to cope with.
If you weren’t in the fitness/bb industry what would you be doing?
I would take guitar lessons and be more involved in my daughter’s soccer and hockey leagues.
What is you favorite cheat food/meal?
Pizza & red wine
What are your favorite Movies?
Godfather (all), Madonna, U2, Eminem
What was one of the goofiest things you have ever done?
Locked myself out of a hotel room in London, England (while naked, I had to go down the elevator to reception to get a key)
If you won the lottery, you would…
buy a very hot sports car, travel, daughter’s education, donate to a worthy cause
What do you enjoy doing for leisure?
Three words. Boating, skiing and hot tub
What is one of the wildest things you have ever done?
Worked in the Middle East as a Flight Attendant for 6 years
What are some of your pet peeves?
when the guy a the gym in my condo turns the lights on full blast, others at home don’t pitch in with the housework, when the people at work don’t fill the kettle after taking the last drop, when people sweat all over the equipment at the gym and don’t clean it off
Your idea of the perfect getaway...
Four words. Ocean front beach house