I’m Rachel Fabrizio, Project Manager at Dot performance (digital solutions for businesses) in the day and WBFF Pro Diva Fitness Model as my side hustle, born in London and currently living in the Isle of Man. I’ve always had a background interest in fitness, more running, cardio and pole fitness, then in 2012 my now-husband Gianni introduced me to weights training and I was hooked with the benefits, not only physically transforming my shape but also building my confidence in getting physically and mentally stronger. Aged 28, I was a late starter to many, and for the last almost 10 years, I’ve thrown myself into the fitness model competing world, more specifically with The WBFF. In 2013, I focused my attention on fitness shoots (coached by my husband) and was amazed at what could be achieved with the right programming in diet and training. It helped my mindset on so many levels, learning dedication and commitment, which I had never experienced before. Mind over body, learning however much your head and body feel like stopping, the mind has the power to keep pushing on. This has helped me in many other areas of my life not just in terms of competing.
Having supported my husband at the WBFF shows in the US and London, I always thought it was well out of my reach and never thought I would be able to step on stage myself due to nerves, and if I’m honest it totally terrified me. However, I soon realized that I couldn’t stop thinking about it and accepted that this was a challenge I needed to face, for me.
In 2014, I started my challenge and competed as an Amateur Diva Fitness Model at the WBFF’s European ProAm in London (coached by TeamJCM). At 30 years old, I stepped on stage for the first time and placed top 10 in my first show, which was a huge show at the time. It was supposed to be a one-off challenge. I am now 37 years old, have competed 5 times, became a WBFF Pro in my fourth show in 2018. Since becoming Pro, I joined Alicia Gowans (3 x WBFF World Champion) and her coaching team Ally’s Angels and at the Pro level, I have performed at the WBFF LA Pro show where I placed top 5 and finally their virtual show in November just last year, where I won as WBFF Pro Diva Fitness Model. Originally, I had planned to compete at the European ProAm which later became The Worlds and then Covid hit us all so Virtual it was.
There really is no other feeling like stepping on the WBFF stage after working so hard with the training and diet. The whole experience and friends you meet along the way are incredible. Plus all the support from friends and family at home. Fitness has made me stronger as a person both mentally and physically, what started as an initial challenge has become such a huge part of my life.
Age:
37
City, State/Province:
The Isle of Man.
Country:
The United Kingdom.
Trainer philosophy:
Find something that is enjoyable and keep it simple, the goal is always to find a way that is not only attainable but also maintainable.
Training Plan:
I invest in my own coach, Alicia Gowans (3x WBFF World Champ), and with her team of Ally’s Angels. My programs for training and nutrition are always tailored to me and rotate depending on which phase I am in, in terms of competition and development areas.
Supplement Plan:
Simple and essential – Omega 3, Multivit with Magnesium and Zinc, and high-grade probiotics.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavors and sweeteners? And Why?
Ideally, all-natural and the focus is to avoid sweeteners as much as possible due to the irritability they can cause for gut health.
Is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue in your opinion and why?
I believe it’s more of a health issue as ultimately we all want to be healthy and we need to be healthy first and foremost. However, they do go hand in hand, as when we start to look at our fitness or add a fitness routine into our lives, we will also improve our health. Of course, they work alongside each other, however, we can be healthy and unfit, whereas it’s more unlikely we will be fit and unhealthy.
If you have 100 tokens in total and you could apply them to the following categories, how many would you apply to each?
- Fitness level: 30
- Health level: 70
What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
It’s well-founded and continues to be top class and style in terms of models, photography, and editorial.
If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor in Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
Wow, there would be lots, however, if just the one it would be “What was your vision when you started and how has that vision changed, if at all, to today”.
Status Fitness Magazine runs model searches across North America including the largest one at the Arnold Classic for the Status cover. As part of the Status family, you will receive a special participation invite. How excited are you about this opportunity?
Oh my goodness, it really would be a dream to have this opportunity, and even just thinking about it has me feeling goosebumps all over. This would be the ultimate challenge and focus for me in my fitness career.
Do you have a sponsor? List them and what they mean to you?
Although I’m not sponsored as such I am part of the ATP Science Tribe which I count as invaluable. In essence, they deliver world-class information, education, and products so that everyone can live life on their terms. Their products are world-class and use natural ingredients and extracts with each one backed by scientific evidence and clinical testing. What I love most about them is their ethos and belief in three foundation principles – Research, Educate, and Create.
Being part of their community, I have learned so much with their monthly Tribe Chats where we have the opportunity to ask all questions about health, where anything and everything you can imagine is covered, and I have been able to use this information to help myself, and my friends and family.
Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you?
My coaches are instrumental in my life. They help me in so many more ways than just training and nutrition. Specifically, Alicia continues with her own self-development that she then shares with all of us in the team and she has become a dear friend of mine both in and out of the world of fitness. She truly cares for us all and that really sets apart a coach, in my opinion, the level of care.
Future fitness goals and plans?
The WBFF World Championship is still on my list, to attend, compete and present the best physique I have yet created.
Life goal?
To continue to progress in my career, help encourages others to reach their goals, and create a little family of our own.
5 things people don’t know about you?
- I had work experience at Lacoste design studio when I was younger.
- I lived as an Au-Pair in Barcelona when I was 18.
- I only passed my driving test aged 32 on my 5th try.
- I competed in the GDF Suez Raid, the World’s largest corporate sporting event in the Pyrenees.
- I was a lead presenter for a short documentary for GDF Suez tv around special places in London.
5 lessons you have learned?
- Persistence pays off.
- Consistency is key.
- We will not always be motivated yet we can always be committed.
- Life is transient which means that bad times too shall pass.
- Never judge as everyone has a story you may know nothing about.
5 most important attributes you see in a person?
Authentic, Brave, Supportive, Humble, Reliable.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why?
Someone that needs it most, someone who feels they are unworthy to someone else, to inspire them to realize just how amazing they are and that they really can achieve what they want if they really want it.
Who inspires you? And why?
My husband Gianni, has helped and continues to help so many people improve their lifestyle and health. He cares for everyone and gives everyone the same amount of time and effort. He literally gives his soul, so much so he puts everyone else before himself. I am very lucky to have found him and have him in my world. I am one of the ones that he has helped and my life could look very different if I hadn’t. I am constantly inspired by him.
Your transformation story?
My lifestyle transformation has pretty much swung around a total of 180. My younger self was a timid, nervous and shy girl. I had a few shake-ups growing up which were really difficult however now I realize they have helped shape me as I am and through living through those times it has enabled me to relate to people that face challenges in their life. My early twenties were as us Brits say ‘my raving years’. I spent every weekend partying at some epic clubs and saw some incredible DJs and music acts. It was a blast no doubt but rather than nourishing my body I was filling it with toxins and hardly eating. Then thankfully in my late 20’s, upon meeting Gianni, I decided to take hold of my health and well-being and started to treat my body right, through exercise getting physically stronger, and replacing the toxins with nourishment through better food choices. I now treat my body with love rather than an escape from reality.
Favorite quotes?
“Without struggle, there is no progress”.
“Music raised me. Fitness saved me”
Photos By: Pete Williamson Photography | Dennis Cruz | Kai York | Toby Harrison