Allison Ethier

It's time to get schooled by this 5'4 110 pound high school math teacher and fitness competitor, who has gained the moniker of "Alley Cat". Allison can put up some impressive numbers, Allison has recently finished with a first place showing in the Fitness Pro Division at the 2007 Fitness and Model Expo (FAME).

After Allison's victory at FAME, Allison also placed in the top five at the Canadian Bodybuilding Federation (CBBF) Nationals three weeks later.

 What was your most memorable moment while competing?

It always changes, but probably competing this year. I always compete like it will be my last show, so that if it is….I won’t have any regrets. I take some time and look around me before I hit the stage, and truly absorb the moment. Life is so short and things can happen in an instant to take it all away from us. I just want to make sure that I make the most of every show that I enter.

 What word of advice would you give to any inspiring competitor?

Tough to nail it down just to one thing…but I will have to go with a good support system – you need at least one person who will be in your corner for the duration of your training/dieting prior to the show.  But clearly the more support, the better.

 Why Compete?

I had always been athletic.  After competing in gymnastics in junior high, and then cheerleading for my high school and university careers, it was a logical move that allowed me to stay competitive and maintain my physique. Upon graduating from University for the first time, and transferring schools to pursue my teaching degree I found it hard to ‘hit the gym’ like a normal person, just to fit into my clothes every week. I needed a goal and missed being in the spotlight. So I found a show in my area and competed. I was instantly hooked.

 Finding the right info was hard, as the internet was still relatively new, and no one in my area had info to offer. I used Oxygen magazine and Muscle and Fitness as guides on the diet.

Describe the first time ever you stepped on stage.

Well I wasn't really nervous as there was only myself and one other girl in the show. I was just excited to be there, and was ready to show my stuff. When there is no expectation of a certain placing things are much easier, it is when I started to do well that I got nervous. But now  I don’t feel that way. I simply compete for myself and let the scores fall where they may. 

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.

Myth, myth, myth. Hit the weights hard.  Take a look at your diet. Cardio should supplement the training, not be the primary focus.

What does your training routine look like?

This has changed so many time that it depends on when you ask. Right now  I am doing a 4 day split, back, chest/arms, shoulders, and legs – focus on muscle building with reps around 12. 

What do you advocate HIT or Low Intensity Cardio?

I am a fan of HIIT but no so much of Low Intensity cardio. I do a lot of interval training, but not the textbook HIT.  I am a reformed ‘cardio junkie’ who used to kill myself with cardio before a show. Now  that I have my diet in check, and do very little cardio leading up to a show.  I do 20-30 mins, 4-5 days per week. I mainly use it to cross train for the routine to make sure my anaerobic is up to get through the routine without being winded

What type of diet do you follow?

I eat lower complex carbs near the end of the day, but I do not cut them out. I don’t believe in completely eliminating certain food groups, like milk or fruit, for the duration of a competition diet. I do believe that eating all natural non processed foods; will allow you to meet your goals, without feeling deprived or having cravings. My diet off season just has a few more treats than normal.  I don’t crave or even desire high sugary foods as I feel terrible after eating them.

 What does it take to develop an aesthetically pleasing physique such as yours?

Thank you for the compliment ;)  It is not rocket science…you need to eat less processed, high fat, nutritionally void, or high sugary foods, and move more. Get physically active.  You have to make it apart of your day, and make this time non-negotiable.  Also one thing that people forget is that the food will be there tomorrow, so you do not have to eat it all today.

 What would you say is your favorite bodypart to train?

Before it was shoulders, but now I am really enjoyed training back. When I get lean, I really like being able to see all the back muscles. 

 The one thing you hate and love about competiting?

Tanning.  Apart of the overall presentation, but the amount that you have to put on, and well, the smell not only of the product, but not being able to shower for a  couple of days. You really do look good at the end, but you feel so gross.

After a contest the first thing you want to eat is?

The first thing I want is bread.

What does the future have in store for the Alley Cat?

 I am trying to get into the Arnold Amateur for fitness this year. Also the Emerald Cup and the CBBF Fitness Nationals trying for my pro card. I am ready to go and play with the ‘big dogs’. I do need a sponsor, and would also love to get the cover of Oxygen Magazine. I have every issue…ok, except the illusive first issue.

Allison is now accepting sponsorship/endorsment opportunities, For Modelling, personal trainer information, or general information concerning Allison please email contactallison@yahoo.ca