Zara Pineda-Boorder was a relative unknown a month ago but now she’s making waves in the bikini division. Zara took home top honors at the 2010 IFBB North American Championships in the bikini division. She’s wasting no time getting into the mix of the IFBB Pro League. Zara will make her debut this weekend at the IFBB Detroit Pro. Get to know a bit more about Zara and what it’s like competing in Canada vs the United States.

Name:
Zara Pineda-Boorder

Born in:
Manila, Philippines

Currently live in:
Toronto, Canada

Occupation:
Contest Posing Coach, Fitness Trainer, Real Estate Entrepreneur

How many bikini shows have you competed in before the North Americans?
I did 2 National Canadian Shows – CBBF Natural Physique Championships (2010, April) placed 2nd & CBBF Canada Nationals (2010, Aug) placed 4th.

What’s the biggest difference between the two when it comes to diet and training?
When I trained for figure, my goal at the time was to bring up my upper body. I trained to make my back, arms shoulders bigger and to improve the shape of my legs. I worked on that for a few years until I felt satisfied with my overall physique change. When I switched to Bikini, I had to streamline my physique this time and make everything tight. I was used to doing 2 cardios, 7 days a week, along with 5 days a week strength training. So for Bikini, I eased back a little on the cardio (so I don’t lose my curves) and I focused more on full body circuits 4 days a week and cardio 2x a day but not for as long.

With diet, I basically kept it the same. I eat 90% organic, and have been eating this way for the past 5 years. It’s important that I get the most antibiotic free, preservative free, and non-gmo or hormone grown foods. I eat lots of wild caught fish, and grass fed, free range chicken and beef and eggs. I have fruits and veggies and I love, love love hemp oil. That’s basically my diet… plus some almonds and buckwheat rice cakes for snacks.

Why the switch from figure to bikini?
Although I loved competing in figure, I felt good about switching to Bikini when it was introduced and I did every Bikini competition within the CBBF/OPA stream, to qualify for Nationals. I think it suits my personality better and I placed 1sts and 2nds at regional and provincial shows leading up to the National shows.

Was it hard to come back to competing after taking a break?
I had a nice relaxing time when I took a break from competing and I’m grateful to have had that time with my husband to travel with him and his work adventures. During that time I also penned a 400 page novel, co-owned a gym in Makati, Philippines, got married, studied Russian, in Moscow and relaxed on my diet and ate as I pleased.
Coming back to the stage was thrilling. It was a two year break and my body responded well and craved the intensity of 7 day a week training again. I was happy to be back. And when Bikini came, I was even happier.

What’s the biggest difference between competing in Canada and the United States?
In Canada, Pro Cards aren’t awarded as often as in the United States. Exposure for IFBB stream competitions aren’t as mention in Canadian Media Magazines, as are the lesser known Federations that are present in Canada. Media mags seem to be tied to these claimed “Natural” shows more than the IFBB Pro-status granting Federation. I think appealing to the masses with these federation’s amateur shows, only waters down the competition and subsequently, the athlete’s true competitive spirit for the sport itself, is lost to the glam that most of their competitors, only compete for. I might get flack for that, but I only see it that way so I’m not gonna overlook that and speak against it.

There are only a couple of opportunities to turn pro in Canada. Do you get any push-back or negativity when you compete for a pro card in the States?
No, I didn’t get any negativity when I requested my letter for the North Americans. I was actually qualified to do this show after competing at the National Natural’s in April. I was told that the States would “love me” and I guess winning the overall and my pro card in Cleveland, proved that theory right. I just always thought that Canada was still a bit too reserved for my personality on stage… so while, I did and placed well and mainly in the top 3 at my previous shows, I was just a little bit “more” on stage for them to know what to do with me. hahaa…but I felt right at home on the American stage

Do you think the media in Canada gives women a fair shake when it comes to publicity?
There are way too many Canadian Female athletes that are so under-rated; from bodybuilding, fitness, figure and bikini. I think the proof is in the pudding, when most of the females featured in the Canadian mags compete for fame and not for the sport. Some females want only this and that saddens me. I don’t care for being in a magazine because of anything else than being a winning, consistent athlete in the sport. But that’s just me.

Do you find it difficult to get the same amount of exposure as the American competitors?
I already knew that Americans get more exposure in entertainment/fitness industry than Canadians. I’ve learned that over the years so I know now how to handle it.

Why the IFBB over other organization?
When I used to read the fitness magazines, I admired girls like Jenny Worth, Monica Brant, Julie Wallis and Dale Tomita.

You were “unknown” to most in the United States, yet took home top honors at the 2010 North American Championships. Do you feel you’d get the same exposure had you not competed in that show?
I know that I wouldn’t have had any exposure had I not come to Cleveland for the NA’s. My goal was to get my IFBB Pro status and I just did what I had to because, no one was going to hand me my win or my exposure in Canada. I really felt I stuck to what I really knew I could achieve, and didn’t stop until I did.

You’re wasting no time getting into the big leagues, what made you decide to jump into the Detroit show?
I’m doing as many shows as I can til the end of the competitive season 2010. I’ll take a break during the holidays and hibernate. But I feel like I just can’t stop now. I’ve come too far to get here so this is where I can grow as a competitor and compete with the best of them. It’s what I’ve always wanted to attain so I’m going for it!

When you’re not eating and training what might someone find you doing?
I love nothing more than traveling, and spending time with my close family and friends. I also invest in real estate with my husband and enjoy that as well.

How important has it been to have a supportive husband?
We support each other and it has always been that way in our relationship. We’ve been together 10+ years, and married for 5, so he’s been with me since the beginning of my competitive career and through the highs and lows with me. When I’m able to travel with him and his work (film business) I do and support him and when he can be
there for my competitive schedule, he’s always there. There are times when our schedules don’t sync up, but we’re there more than not. This is soo important in any relationship and without the total support, it’s difficult to succeed in the relationship and in the competitions.

What advice do you have for other Canadian women when it come to competing?
Do what’s in your heart no matter how much work you need to put into it and how much you need to sacrifice year after year, because when you finally reach your goal, it feels soo sweet!! Trust me!

Anyone you’d like to thank?
Everyone who has always supported what I do day in and day out.

How can people find you or find out more about you?
New website coming out soon, soon. FaceBook (search my name) is my place of dwelling until my new site comes out, but feel free to browse my outdated website in the meantime. lol

Thanks Zara and all the best this weekend!

Photo via FLEXonline.com