Image courtesy of Dave Laus
Aside from being an award winning hair stylist and makeup artist, Ottawa’s own Melanie Albert is an accomplished and driven competitive fitness model.
Albert’s first fitness competition was at the Interactive Nutrition SAF Fall Spectacular in October 2010. Albert placed 3rd place, and was given the opportunity to have a photo shoot with legendary fitness photographer Paul Buceta. This competition encouraged Albert to pursue her fitness passion.
Since then, Albert has been taking the fitness world by storm. She’s participated in multiple competitions around the world, from the International Drug Free Athletics competition in Burlington, Ontario, to the World Body and Fitness Federation fitness show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Albert loves what she does, and it shows.
Albert’s two first place wins at UFE Chaos Montreal brought her to win the UFE North American Championships in 2011.
Throughout 2013, Albert placed 1st in two fitness shows (Toronto Fitness Star Bikini and the OPA Provincial Bikini Short), has been the first runner up at the SAF Elite Championship, and placed in the top 3 at the CBFF Nationals. Albert is preparing for her next show that will take place on October 17th.
“As a competitor, if I’ve learned one thing it’s that it is important to stay true to your dreams and be positive,” Albert says.
Albert’s daily workout routine is dedicated to cardio, weight lifting and clean eating. Protein is an important component in a healthy diet, promoting fat building and muscle growth. Albert recommends protein sources such as tilapia, chicken and salmon.
Weight lifting is essential in Albert’s fitness goals. Albert’s routines include isolating two muscle groups per workout, three times per week. Albert’s main focus has been building her core and legs with lunges and squats. Albert credits this strategy to her winning a runner-up position with the SAF at the Elite Pro Championship in 2012.
Cardio plays a huge factor in Albert’s workout regime. Albert uses a stair climber, treadmill or an elliptical for, at minimum, 45 minutes each day.
While Albert admits that she can sometimes dread her daily workout routine, she says that she has never regretted a workout. She believes that a good night’s sleep is the best preparation for that early morning workout.
“Exercise your mind, body and soul,” Albert says. “Every move you make toward your goals is an improvement.”
