If any of you have had the opportunity to watch Sylvia Tremblay in action, you will understand why she recently earned her IFBB Pro Card and placed 6th at the IFBB World Championships last October in Italy—all at the young age of 42. Sylvia’s statuesque physique, stunning looks and exhilarating fitness routines has made her one of the most sought after fitness athletes of the decade.

Sylvia began her journey a little over 12 years ago and throughout her fitness career, has won more competitions than anyone could have imagined. Born in Quebec, this French-Canadian athlete has made her mark in North America both as a competitor and as an exquisite costume and swimsuit designer. Some of the biggest names in the industry grace the stage wearing Tremblay designs. Her swimsuit & costumes are unrivaled in the industry and many have tried to mimic her work. She takes great pride in every swimsuit or costume she creates ensuring every suit is made to perfection.

We wish Sylvia the best of luck at the Arnold Classic March 5th -7th in Columbus, Ohio and we look forward to hearing about her success. Good Luck Sylvia!

Read more about Sylvia Tremblay in this month’s Athlete Tribute.

SYLVIA TREMBLAY

Birth date: 08/08/66
Zodiac Sign: Leo

Height: 5’3
Weight: 126 (off season)

Current Residence: Laprairie, Quebec Canada
Occupation: Competition suit designer & IFBB Pro Competitor
Single or Married: Engaged
Children: No
Pet: I wish I had a cat
Nickname: Beautiful

“I have no will power when it comes to”: Ice cream and nachos

MY FAVORITE
Color: Blue
Cuisine: Italian
Vacation Spot: Anywhere under the sun
Type of Music: Dance

My Dream Vacation: Hawaii

I stay motivated through: Music
My one fitness tip is: Stay focused and don’t let anyone tell you, “You can’t do it!”

Hobbies: Creating swimsuit designs. I know it’s my work but for me it’s not work, it’s so much fun!

Accomplishments – FITNESS TITLES:

Some of my Competitions

IFBB World Championships 2009, Italy 6th place
CBBF Canadian Natural 2009, Montreal 1st place
Arnold Classic amateur 2009, Columbus 1st place
CBBF Canadian National 2008, Vancouver 2nd place
Arnold Classic Amateur 2008, Columbus 2nd place
Fitness Universe Pageant 2006, Miami 4th place
FAME World PRO 2006, Toronto 2nd place
Fitness America Pageant 2005, Hollywood CA 4th place
Fitness Universe Pageant 2005, Miami FL 5th place
Ms. Fitness World 2006, Las Vegas 8th place
Ms. Fitness Canada East 2005, Ottawa 1st place
FAME World PRO 2005, Toronto 2nd place
Fitness America Pageant 2004, Anaheim, CA 4th place
Ms. Fitness Canada 2004, Ottawa 1st place
Fitness World Pageant 2002, California 1st place
ESPN series 2002, California 1st place
TSN series 2002, Toronto 1st place
Fitness Canada Pageant 2002, Toronto 1st place
Fitness America Pageant 2002, California 1st place
Fitness Universe Pageant 2002, Miami 4th place
Fitness Model search 2002, Toronto 1st place
ESPN series 2001, Las Vegas 1st place
Fitness WNSO National 2001, Toronto 1st place
Fitness model search 2001, Toronto 1st place
TSN series 2001, Toronto 1st place
Fitness Canada pageant 2001, Toronto 1st place
Fitness Canada pageant 1999, Toronto 1st place
CBBF Canadian National 1998, Toronto 2nd place
Provincial championship 1997, Quebec 2nd place
Regional championship 1997, Montreal 2nd place

COMPETITION QUESTIONS

Q: How long have you been competing?

12 years

Q: Why did you start competing and what do you like most about competing?

I started competing for fun and never thought I would be competing this long. I decided to enter my first show only 6 weeks prior, so I didn’t had a lot of time to prepare. My thought process was I was going to do that one show and that was it. Well, I fell in love with competing in fitness and here I am now–12 years later.

I love everything about fitness, the life style as well as being on stage performing my routines.

Q: In March, you competed in the Arnold Amateur Fitness competition and won. What did it feel like to win this title?

It was an amazing feeling because I didn’t expect to win at all. Four weeks before the show I hurt my left calve and couldn’t walk. I really thought I wasn’t going to be able to compete at all, but my calve got better one week before the show and so I entered.

I went into the show knowing I hadn’t had a chance to practice my routine (for at least 3 weeks) and I didn’t feel I was at my best. My chance of winning seemed slim.

In the end, I won! I was so happy to have won the show and it proves to me that anything is possible. I’m so happy because I feel that I’m now part of the NPC world.

Q: In 2009, what other competitions are you preparing for, if any?

After I came back from the Arnold I also won a show in Quebec, The Natural Canadian National. That show was the Qualifier for the IFBB World championship so, I will be representing Canada at the Worlds next October.

I’m also preparing to for the CBBF Canadian National in Vancouver next August 15th. That show will I hope give me my IFBB pro card.

Q: Who is your coach and choreographer or do you do it all yourself?

My nutrition coach is the man of my life, Jean-Francois Gaudreau, he is fantastic and helps me with everything. My trainer is Christian Maurice. Christian knows a lot about what it takes to perform in fitness he is the one that has trained me for a longest time.

As for my routine, I have choreographed my own routine for years and have help from others when I think I need it. For instance, I will consult with professionals who have specific knowledge in the particular theme of my routine. For example, for my flamenco routine, I went to see a professional flamenco dancer. I wanted to learn the posture and attitude of the dance.

Q: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about competing?

- Try to find a coach in your area that knows the sport
- Pick a regional show to start with
- It would be good idea to attend a fitness camp so you can learn everything about competing. There are many fitness pros and coaches as well as seminars and camps, so you have a lot of resources.

BEING A SWIMSUIT DESIGNER

Q: What inspired you to start designing swimsuits and fitness routine costumes?

I started sewing when I was ten years old. My mom was making all of my clothes and one day I decided to try it myself. In 1991 I went to school in swimsuit design and started creating my own suits as well as many of my friends.

Then once I started competing, I made my own costumes and swimsuits. Girls would come up to me and ask if I would make their suits but at that time I didn’t have time for it. I was busy competing. Then in 2003, I started my competition suit business. I never imagined it would evolve into what it is today. I’m now very proud to have my designs worn by the most beautiful and talented ladies in the industry.

Q: What makes your suits so unique? ( I know but I will let you elaborate- cut, design, color, etc.)

Each suit is custom made to fit to perfection. One of the most important things for me is to create unique designs using the best fabric and genuine Swarovski rhinestones. I want the girls to look stunning on stage. I know how hard and dedicated they train and diet, putting all their efforts into looking their best on stage. My clients deserve to walk on stage proudly, with the confidence of a winner.

Q: What’s been your favorite routine costume that you designed and why?

For those who remember it was my “Raining men routine” costume, with all the fringes and the umbrellas. SOUVENIR!

GOAL SETTING QUESTIONS

Q: What’s been your proudest moment?

I have many but I would say my recent win at the Arnold. At 42 years old I think I’m the proof that there is no age to perform in fitness. Also because I think it is a major achievement in my career.

Q: What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to accomplish?

To learn English… I’m a French Canadian and grew up in Quebec where no one speaks English. I was traveling to the U.S. for many of my shows and I couldn’t communicate with anyone.

Q: When setting goals, how important is it to you to gain the support of your friends and family?

I think it’s very important to have people that support me. I must admit though, the hardest thing is that most people don’t really understand our lifestyle and all the sacrifices we go through to get ready for a show. I have always been a person that can find the motivation within me—even I don’t always have the support from my friends and family. I have always been able to find the drive to do it. I’m now fortunate to have great people surrounding me, from my friends and family to the man of my life, Jean-Francois Gaudreau.

Q: What do you think is most important when setting goals?

Set small goals and reach them one at the time
Stay focused!
Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do it.

Q: What are some of your future goals or things you’d like to accomplish in life? It doesn’t have to be fitness related.

Get married and have a baby.

Q: What and who motivates you? How do you stay motivated?

It’s not hard for me to stay motivated because I love to train and I love to be on stage performing my routine. I love to dance and competing in fitness gives me the chance to dance all year long as I practice my routine year round. The competition day is my treat!

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING QUESTIONS

Q: What’s your favorite body part to work out?

Legs

Q: Do you take any classes like spin, body pump or yoga?

No, just because I don’t have time for it.

Q: How many days a week do you work out and please provide your schedule?

I lift weights 4 days a week and do gymnastics once a week. I practice my routine as many times as I can and I also recently started hip-hop classes.

Monday: Legs workout
Tuesday: Back, Pecs, shoulder
Wednesday: Routine
Thursday: Gymnastic and hip-hop class
Friday: Arms training
Saturday: Legs training
Sunday: off

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout treat/meal, if any?

1 scoop of Allmax IsoFlex protein in 8 ounces of pineapple juice with ice in the blender.

Cheat meal….. nachos and ice cream.