FigureRX Class E Spotlight Interview - Gabriela Cioban
FigureRX Online Magazine Volume 3
February 15, 2008
To see the full Arnold Amateur Figure Class E event preview, please go
here.
The more we see and hear about the figure scene in Australia the more we like it. At
FigureRX we've already put on our to-do list for 2009 to offer Arnold sponsorship for an Australian IFBB pro to compete in the Figure International, *just* in case travel costs are a factor to the selection committee.
Rosa-Maria Romero and
Arina Manta are a superstar tandem combining beauty, physique and business acumen - we absolutely love them!!
But given the consistent talent level and excellence, we can't have too many competitors from down under and there is a third rising star who we think is ready to join their ranks ... and she is our spotlight athlete for Figure Class E.
Gabriela Cioban is 25 years old and she hails from Melbourne in Victoria on the southern coast, and she has a string of titles already including the 2007 Miss NABBA International Figure Tall Class, IFBB Victorian State, Australian Nationals, and the Australasian Championships. Gabi's biggest strengths include her abs and her biceps, but she truly will be bringing a total package to this stage.
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Gabriela's Fast Facts:
Name – Gabriela Cioban
Height – 5'6"
Weight – 126 lbs contest/ 138 lbs off season
Birthday – November 13, 1982
Home town – Melbourne, Australia
Hair / Eyes – Blonde/Brown
Favorite music – Dance music
Favorite diet food – sorry no favorite diet food
Favorite cheat food – oooohh Mud cake
Current occupation – real-estate/ shop assistant
Athletic background – Track and Field
What is your academic and professional background? What is your current occupation and how long have you been doing it?
I just finished a real estate course and hope to start working in the field soon. I also do some personal training in my spare time.
You had a string of victories in Australia last year, including the IFBB Victoria State, Australian Nationals, and the Australasian Championships. When will you compete again in Australia and how did you decide to do the Arnold?
My next competition in Australia is going to be the IFBB/ NPFC Elite Bodybuilding Fitness & Figure Competion in Perth on April 12th, 2008. I was chosen by the federation to go and represent Australia at the Arnold and of course I could not let this amazing opportunity pass me by. I can hardly wait!!!
How are opportunities in this sport in Australia, relative to the United States? How have IFBB stars like Arina and Rosa-Maria helped? (we hear you have something in common with Arina).
In Australia the sport is not as big and does not attract as many competitors as in the U.S., but there are plenty of competitions going on all year round so there are plenty of opportunities for girls to get on that stage, it's just a matter of wanting to do it. Arina and I are from Romania so we have a little bit in common. They both have been a great inspiration for me as they are both pros , it just shows that even though the sport is not that big here you can still make it to the pro stage if you really want it.
What is your training philosophy (heavy or light, cardio, lifting)? Any particular body parts that you consider to be strengths, or weaknesses?
I believe variety is the key; I usually do heavier weights for upper body, and high reps and light weight for legs, mainly because my legs are short and stumpy so I try not to add more size to them. My shoulders and my back lack a bit of shape, and my favorite body part is my abs, I like my six pack.
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We see that you have competed in powerlifting. Is that something that you plan to continue, and how has it helped with your development?
I did a dead lift competition just for fun (something to do off-season). Dead lifts have helped me heaps with adding some muscle over the years, I used to do dead lifts every day for almost 2 years, but now I don't do them as much because being a figure competitor you don't need to have great mass. I don't think I will be doing anymore powerlifting competitions in the future, it's too much work and I really want to focus on the Figure competitions.
Where do you find the best training and diet advice? Where do you work out and who do you work out with? Is there anyone in particular who you would like to thank, such as a sponsor, significant other, etc?
I do my own diets and I also get a lot of help from my partner Chris. Overall I mainly experiment with different diets and see what works for me. Reading a lot of the fitness magazines helps as well. I workout at Fitness First on my own or with Chris. I would like to thank my partner Chris for being very understanding and patient, and my sister Larisa who is always there for me at every show! Also Pro-Max nutrition and Balance, thank you all for your support as well.
Thanks Gabriela!!
