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It may sound like a catch phrase, but if you're Fouad Abiad, “sacrifice without regret” is the mantra that has shaped and defined a bodybuilding career … and subsequently, a life. Here’s Fouad’s story – from weekend warrior to Olympia contender.

Where It All Began

For just a brief moment, the thunderous chants that filled every square inch of the auditorium at the 2001 Windsor Cup grew silent. It was almost as if they knew that something legendary was about to happen – that they would be among an exclusive handful to bear witness to history. And as the name of the first runner-up was announced, the audience erupted – Fouad Abiad won his first ever bodybuilding show. Instantly, Fouad turned to shake his competitor’s hand, a subconscious decision that would symbolize the mark of a true champion – inside and out. And from the outside, there didn’t seem to be a fan in attendance that would contest the judges’ decision … at least not by the sounds coming from the electric crowd.

Even at the age of 21, Fouad “Hoss” Abiad epitomized bodybuilding perfection: he already had a complete, full chest that spanned his torso and split with definition with each pose. Oversized delts and cobra-like lats all the more emphasized by a waspy, sub 30-inch waist. And, Fouad’s legs were equally impressive – he had a full sweep to his quads, thick hamstrings and definition and detail so deep they could hold a quarter. And this muscle-packed frame was just the beginning …

Redemption – Nearly a Decade in the Making

How do you follow an overall victory in your sophomore bodybuilding show? With back-to-back victories the following year. Ironically, it was this second consecutive win, and a perfect record, that would catapult Fouad’s hobby into a career. Unfortunately, this is where the tide would turn.

Fouad lost his third show, yet still qualified for a national-level appearance. But his string of bad luck was just beginning. Fouad lost the next three shows he entered, twice winning his class but narrowly missing out on a coveted pro card.

Teaming Up with the Best in the Business

In 2005, Fouad, once at the top of the national amateur ranks, was seriously evaluating his career. We have the good fortune of knowing how the story ends, but for a cash-strapped bodybuilder on the verge of hanging up his posing trunks while just inches from grabbing his brass ring, a fairytale ending seemed impossible. In his next attempt he earned entry into the sport’s other elite club with an IFBB pro card. One month before his 28th birthday, a teen by pro bodybuilder standards, Fouad conquered a tough national lineup and became the IFBB’s newest pro!

“To spark your body’s fullest potential, there are three things you should do,” says Fouad. “One, find a smart nutritionist and trainer. Two, stay consistent. Three, remember that nothing is more important than what you put in your body.”

Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with Bodybuilding’s Elite

Within just a few years after his first amateur bodybuilding show, Fouad accomplished what some men spend a decade trying to achieve – IFBB pro status. Like the champion he is, Fouad wasted no time storming the pro ranks and out-muscling some of the biggest names in bodybuilding history! Fouad would go on to outdo even himself and shock the industry with an incredible third place finish at the 2007 Atlantic City Pro. This placing not only earned him a spot to compete on the prestigious Olympia stage, it would also solidify his reputation as one of Canada’s greatest bodybuilders.

It could have been his bag of personal training tricks, the solid veteran advice of seasoned pros or a combination of the two that helped Fouad build that award-winning X-frame, but one thing is for sure, Fouad has finally built the booming livelihood most only dream about.

A Champion Is Born

Most would be fully content competing at the biggest show on earth, but for Windsor, Ontario native Fouad Abiad, there is still a long road ahead. Even with his inspiring success, he still faces the constant challenge of battling it out on stage and bettering himself against other top-tier pros. For any athlete, there will always be a long, hard road to perfection, but Fouad’s unmatched drive and determination will surely help develop him into one of the sport's all-time greats. When asked what the future holds, a confident Fouad responds by saying, “If people liked what they saw in ’08, they're gonna love what they’ll see in 2009. Nothing will stand in my way of achieving success.” From this statement, it’s quite obvious … Fouad Abiad is here to stay.

Fouad’s Upper-Body Mass Attack and Exclusive Training Tips

Back

  • Tip: "Do not grip the bar too wide because you'll lose some range of motion. Proper muscle contraction is needed to develop complete back thickness."
  • Deadlifts 5 sets x 10 reps
  • Wide-Grip Pulldowns 5 sets x 10 reps
  • T-Bar Rows 5 sets x 10 reps
  • Dumbell Rows 5 sets x 10 reps

Chest

  • Tip: "Be sure to sit up straight and keep your shoulders back throughout entire movement. This will help develop the middle of your chest and deliver maximum results."
  • Flat Bench 5 sets x 8 reps
  • Incline Bench 5 sets x 8 reps
  • Pec Deck 4 sets x 12 reps
  • Cable Crossover 4 sets x 10 reps

Arms

  • Tip: "Try using a false grip instead of a standard grip. Placing your thumbs behind the bar will create more stress on the muscle and stimulate growth."
  • Standing Barbell Curl 4 sets x 10 reps
  • Preacher Curl 4 sets x 12 reps
  • Dumbell Hammer Curl 4 sets x 8 reps
  • V-Bar Pressdown 4 sets x 12 reps
  • Close-Grip Bench 4 sets x 10 reps
  • Dips4 sets x Failure

Print Fouad's Upper-Body Training Tips >>