I heard about Figure competitor, Lauren Jacobsen, from her trainer Eric DiLauro at last weekend's IFBB FLEX Pro. When I investigated further, what I discovered was that she's way more than just a pretty face and great physique. She's educated to the max and she's held some pretty impressive jobs in the "real world". On top of all that, she's very good friends with the number one bodybuilder in the world, 4x Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler. Wanna know more? In the following paragraphs, Lauren answers all my inquiring questions without hesitation.
I've been reading up on you, and I see you're from Canada... It's friggin cold there, now. How does that affect your workouts?
Yes, it certainly is. . . it was actually -25C a few days ago. I won't lie; this has probably been the hardest contest prep I had to go through. It affected my training in a number of ways, from dealing with snow storms and traffic delays while trying to get to the gym or get home to eat . . .to wearing a million layers just to keep my body temperature up! But, by far, the worst part has been getting up to do morning cardio when it's frigid and dark! Despite all that, I managed to make improvements in my physique and get my body in peak condition for this show.
Do you like it up there? Do you want to move to the states?
Well, I grew up here and have lived here all my life, it is home, but my plan has always been to live somewhere warm! The states are definitely one option, and one that has far more opportunity within the realm of Fitness and competing versus Canada.
When did you decide you wanted to compete? Why figure?
While I was working as a product developer within the R&D department of one of the largest supplement companies out there-- MuscleTech-- I was fortunate enough to attend many bodybuilding shows, including the very first Figure Olympia. After seeing Davana Medina and Monica Brant battle it out onstage, I knew I wanted to compete! I competed in my first show shortly after that inspirational moment, with help and support of my work colleagues. In fact, my first show was actually the first Figure competition in Canada! Placing in the top 5 left me hungry for more and I knew if I kept at it I could only make improvements and 
place higher.
Who's your trainer and how did you meet him?
My trainer is Eric Dilauro who I met 2 years ago through my good friend Mr O Jay Cutler at the 2009 Arnold Weekend. We hit it off, talked about training; however, I didn't end up training with Eric until the following year. At the 2010 Arnold, I approached him again about training with him for the CBBF Nationals and the IFBB North Americans; he was on-board to help me out. We started my training in April of 2010 and I did very well, 2nd at Nationals and 1st at North Americans, making drastic improvements to my physique and my conditioning!
Do you see him in person, or is the whole thing done by pictures and over the internet?
We do both, I go out to see Eric in LA at least once or twice during a show prep. I love Cali, and I love training at Gold's with Huge! We go over changes in my training, review posing and of course squeeze in a good meal after a marathon, 3-hour session. Have to say the food options in Cali are amazing and I love going to California Chicken! Now that's an experience you just can't get in Canada! I leave feeling motivated and ready to kick some butt when I get back home. Between my visits, Eric keeps on me 24/7 through text, email, skype and of course pictures, and if that doesn't satisfy him, he checks up on me through my friends...lol!
Did you meet Jay through Eric?
Reverse actually, I have known Jay for almost 10 years; I first met him when he was with ISS, and then we reconnected when he joined MuscleTech. Jay recommended that I work with Eric, as he knew Eric could get my physique to the next level!
Would you say Jay is an attractive man?
Haha...did Jay or Eric tell you to ask that question??
Are you Single?
Technically - I guess you could say I am a single gal, but I do have a special someone in my life.
Do you like bodybuilders?
I appreciate the dedication that it takes to build a physique into that size and condition...but personally I tend to go for the more athletic build, like rugby players! Something about a guy who is not afraid to put it all out on the field with no equipment...now that's sexy!
I see you have a degree in Biochemistry... You must be a smart chick! How did you decide to get into that?
I went into biochemistry because I love how the chemistry of the body works and how what we put into our 
bodies affects our physical output. In my last year of my degree I focused on the affects of creatine on athletic performance. After finishing, I knew I wanted to go into developing sports supplements and apply the knowledge I learned in my degree in other ways, including editorial writing and nutritional consultation. Currently, I am a columnist with two Canadian fitness publications - Inside Fitness and Muscle Insider. I also work as consultant to supplement companies providing guidance on product development.
I know getting a pro card in Canada is different than in the US... what's the difference?
Well it's not that different; there are just not as many chances. In Canada there are only two National level shows where Pro-Cards are given. Outside of that, the only other show you can compete in where a pro-card is given is the IFBB North American. What it really means is that it can take years of competing to finally get the coveted card!
If you get a Pro Card at the Arnold, does that entitle you to do the Arnold Figure Pro next year?
There are actually no IFBB Pro-cards given at the Arnold Amateur. It was always my goal to do this show, since it's of such high calibre and gives us Canadian athletes lots of exposure in the US. Also my sponsor, a Canadian supplement company called FUSION, is launching their brand in the US. I will be helping them out at their Trade Show booth. Be sure to stop by for a picture!!
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