Female Bodybuilding Interview of the Month
Female Bodybuilding Interview of the Month
February 2010
FBBFan.com Q&A interview with IFBB Pro Women's Bodybuilding Competitor, Personal Trainer and Fitness Enthusiast, Sandra Blackie.
Editor's Note:
Special thanks to Sandra for taking the time to speak with FBBFan.com. All photos courtesy of Sandra Blackie.
FBBFan.com: Hello Sandra, Thanks for “catching-up” with us, the bodybuilding community, fans and FBBFan.com readers for an interview!
Sandra: I am thrilled that you have asked me!
FBBFan.com: Would you please tell us a little bit about yourself? How old are you? Where are you from? Current residence? Relationship status? Family life?
Sandra: I am currently 53 years young. I am married and living in San Diego, California.
I am originally from Montreal, Canada. After winning the Canadian National Bodybuilding title in 1986, I moved to California to pursue my professional bodybuilding career. From 1987 to 1996, I am proud to say, I competed as an I.F.B.B. Pro. My highest placing was 4th at the 1992 Jan Tana. I, also, had the opportunity to grace the Ms. Olympia stage in 1990, ‘91 and ’92.
FBBFan.com: What is your current profession? We understand you are still involved in health and fitness?
Sandra: I own a small business in Pacific Beach, San Diego. It is called, “Freedom of Fitness”. I offer personal training, complete & personalized nutrition programs, wellness seminars in corporate America, and even put together gyms for clients and Home Owners Associations.
FBBFan.com: As a personal trainer, what kind of services do you offer your clientele?
Sandra: My personal training varies a great deal, based on the client’s needs and budget. I train between 1-3 people, per hour, and offer small group fitness, boot camp style. In addition, I have written all of my own educational materials; a DVD, a Health & Wellness Manual, the “Lean for Life” Cookbook and a Nutrition & Exercise Journal. I am a certified Sports Nutritionist so I offer personalized dietary programs and on-going support. I have taken numerous classes in Personal Growth and bring much of these life lessons into my teachings.
FBBFan.com: Can you tell us about your new DVD, Freedom of Fitness? Where can people purchase it?
Sandra: The full title is, “Feel the Freedom of Fitness: 10 Steps to Living Lean & Serene”. You can buy it on my website at www.freedomoffitness.com or at Amazon.com. It is a great “How To” for anyone interested in living a leaner, happier and healthier life. A great gift!
Sandra Blackie's "Feel the Freedom of Fitness" DVD preview.
FBBFan.com: Do you still spend much time around the Sport of Women’s Bodybuilding? Do you have any clients who compete?
Sandra: I sponsor 2 bodybuilding shows a year, locally. Currently, I have 4 competitors that I am getting ready for shows in 2010. Most of my clients are non-competitive, however, I still enjoy going to a few shows a year and watching my clients shine!
FBBFan.com: How did you get involved in the Sport of Women’s Bodybuilding?
Sandra: Back in 1981 in Montreal, Canada, I was teaching swimming and aqua exercise at a YWCA. I met Paula Dosne, the Canadian Bodybuilding Champion of that year. She was teaching a “Bodybuilding for Women” class at the Y. I was curious. The moment I saw pictures of these ultra-fit women on the walls, I was “hooked”. She trained me for my first show and I won! The rest is history!
FBBFan.com: You stood on the Ms. Olympia stage three times, what did this mean to you?
Sandra: Being a Ms. Olympia contender was a huge accomplishment for me. I moved from Canada to be on that stage. I saw very little of my family during the early years in California. I had very little money and no Green Card. I trained for years with 2 herniated discs, in a great deal of pain. The bottom line is, I was very passionate and was determined to overcome any obstacle to reach my goal! I loved and will always love the sport of bodybuilding. It has made me a very strong woman in ways that are not even gym-related.
FBBFan.com: What has been your greatest personal moment in this sport?
Sandra: When I placed in the top 5 at the Jan Tana Muscle Classic in 1991, I felt like I had won the Olympics! My placing triggered a lot of guest posing opportunities and magazine exposure in 1991 and 1992.
FBBFan.com: Would you please share your competition history with us?
Sandra:
- 2004: Border States Figure Competition - 2nd place Master’s Over 45, 4th place Open Class
- 2003: Pro Ironman Invatational Figure/Model Search - 5th place Tall Class
- 2002: Border States Muscle Classic - 1st place Master’s Figure
- 1995: Jan Tana Muscle Classic - Participant
- 1994: Canada Pro Cup - 7th place
- 1992: Jan Tana Muscle Classic - Ms. Olympia qualifier, 4th place
- 1990: 1991: 1992: Ms. Olympia Contender
- 1986: Amateur World Bodybuilding Championships, Singapore, 4th place
- 1986: Canadian National Championships - 1st place
- 1986: Pro-Am Midwestern USA Championships - 1st place
- 1984: Montreal Bodybuilding Championships - 1st place
- 1983: Great Lakes Muscle Classic , Toronto, 1st place
FBBFan.com: Do you miss being on-stage at all?
Sandra: I miss it less, as time passes, however, the time I miss being on stage the most is at a competition, especially if I have clients in the show. I get flooded with wonderful memories, every time!
FBBFan.com: What is your current height, weight, and how does it compare now to when you were competing?
Sandra: My current height: 5’5”, 132 pounds, lean and muscular.
I train 3 times a week for 1.5 hours, run a mile, once a week, in a Boot Camp class and do one class of either Yoga or Pilates, each week.
The last time I competed as a bodybuilder, I was 151 pounds, shredded. I used to train 5-6 times a week, 1.5 – 3 hours a day, depending on the time of year. I also did cardio up to 6 times a week for an hour and a half. Towards the end of my competitive bodybuilding years, I learned to eat more productively and didn’t do much cardio for my shows. I did compete as a Figure competitor from 2002-2006 and was nationally qualified. Now I enjoy watching others.
I train 3 times a week for 1.5 hours, run a mile, once a week, in a Boot Camp class and do one class of either Yoga or Pilates, each week.
The last time I competed as a bodybuilder, I was 151 pounds, shredded. I used to train 5-6 times a week, 1.5 – 3 hours a day, depending on the time of year. I also did cardio up to 6 times a week for an hour and a half. Towards the end of my competitive bodybuilding years, I learned to eat more productively and didn’t do much cardio for my shows. I did compete as a Figure competitor from 2002-2006 and was nationally qualified. Now I enjoy watching others.
FBBFan.com: What do you consider your best feature?
Sandra: In terms of muscle, my back, hands down. Otherwise, I would say that I get lots of wonderful comments on my ice-blue eyes!
FBBFan.com: Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule? How do you train now?
Sandra: I train with weights, 3 times a week. I have had the same training partner since 1996. We train for about 1.5 hrs. each time we train. Every 4 weeks, we completely change our program. Currently, we are on a 3-Day Split Routine: 1) Shoulders, Arms, Calves, 2) Quads, Hamstrings, Core, 3) Chest, Back, Calves, Core. We do about 4 sets of each exercise, 10-12 reps currently. Core reps and sets vary in a higher rep range. Large body parts: 12 total working sets, smaller muscle groups: 8 working sets.
FBBFan.com: Do you have a favorite exercise?
Sandra: I will always have a hard core streak in me. As much as I love to hate them, I am going to go with “squats” as my favorite exercise.
FBBFan.com: What is a day-in-the-life of Sandra Blackie like?
Sandra: I am a pretty simple person. I enjoy strong coffee, when I get up in the morning. My breakfast is light, usually a shake with protein powders, fruit, vanilla soy milk and ice water.
My work schedule varies a great deal, as I have many irons in the fire and projects on the table. My work day can start anywhere between 8 am and 10 am. I am not much of a morning person. I do teach a Boot Camp class at 6:30am, once a week, though.
My day consists of training clients, working on corporate wellness presentations, planting seeds for business growth, and guiding my clients on their nutrition programs.
I eat small and frequently, throughout the day. I enjoy healthy foods, however, since my retirement, I have added more “treats” than I used to. I enjoy my evening meal with my husband, at home.
At the end of the day, I enjoy watching TV on my huge screen. I am hooked on the History Channel, movies, Weeds and Dexter.
Weekends are reserved for short trips, church, going to the movies, and rest.
My work schedule varies a great deal, as I have many irons in the fire and projects on the table. My work day can start anywhere between 8 am and 10 am. I am not much of a morning person. I do teach a Boot Camp class at 6:30am, once a week, though.
My day consists of training clients, working on corporate wellness presentations, planting seeds for business growth, and guiding my clients on their nutrition programs.
I eat small and frequently, throughout the day. I enjoy healthy foods, however, since my retirement, I have added more “treats” than I used to. I enjoy my evening meal with my husband, at home.
At the end of the day, I enjoy watching TV on my huge screen. I am hooked on the History Channel, movies, Weeds and Dexter.
Weekends are reserved for short trips, church, going to the movies, and rest.
FBBFan.com: What are your hobbies and interests outside of the bodybuilding world?
Sandra: I absolutely love “wine tasting”, going to the movies, restaurant dining, art & museums and Yoga.
FBBFan.com: What’s currently on your iPod?
Sandra: I don’t own one.
FBBFan.com: What are your “Top 5” favorite movies? Favorite Actor and/or actress?
Sandra: 2012 was the most recent movie I saw and I thought it was terrific! Strange Days, The Wizard of Oz, Pirates of the Carribean are others I have enjoyed. My Favorite actors are Al Pacino, Robert Deniro, Meryl Streep, John Travolta & Johnny Depp.
FBBFan.com: Who are your role models? And/or who do you look up to in your life?
Sandra: Many of my friends and clients are my role models. The character traits that I admire in people are: honesty, integrity, and dependability. I look up to people who persevere against all odds, never complain and truly “walk the walk and talk the talk”. I am usually rooting for the underdog!
FBBFan.com: What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in the sport of bodybuilding?
Sandra: Make the bodybuilding lifestyle a health & fitness goal before considering competition. Create a lean, muscular physique though hard work and a healthy diet. Avoid the “quick fixes” like a crash-diet or doing hours of cardio. Follow a balanced program that includes the 3 main components: resistance training, diet and aerobic exercise. Ask an expert to guide you.
FBBFan.com: Who are your favorite bodybuilders?
Sandra: Female: Lenda Murray – what beauty, class and grace! Male: Arnold, of course!
FBBFan.com: If someone is interested in your services, how can they contact you? Do you have a website?
Sandra: My website is www.freedomoffitness.com. I am also on Plaxo, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
FBBFan.com: Thank you Sandra, for taking the time to speak with us and share a little bit about yourself with FBBFan.com readers, is there anything else that you would like FBBFan.com readers to know?
Sandra: Thank you all for supporting me as a competitor and remembering me years into my retirement!
