Gail Auerback

WPM's Bodybuilder of the Month - January 2012





Nominated by: Kaitlin Beizing


Gail Auerbach always thought of herself as the odd ball, the weird-o, the kid who was different, and the one no one understood or wanted to be friends with. At the age of 6, Gail was diagnosed with ADD, ED, BD and LD. She had attention, behavior, learning and emotional difficulties. Talk about being hit hard. Everything she did was a struggle and hard for her.

This was the beginning of her trying to fit in and to find her "place" in this world. All she craved was to be understood for who she is and what she believes in.

To this day, Gail says that bodybuilding has given her the courage and the stepping stone to where she is now. With bodybuilding, she finally found her home.

She is not just a bodybuilder. She is also a Special Education teacher which helps those with the same struggles she has while she was growing up. She teaches those that she feels her life history can really make an impact to.

"...In Jr. High, I hung out with a rough crowd. I got involved in the group that enjoyed gangs, weapons, knives and traveling in a posse. I got into many fights and got myself involved with the police, in trouble and hurt a lot."

WP: It's great having you here Gail. I know you have been through a lot to get where you are today. I was told that you always felt like you were the odd ball, the kid who was different, and the one no one understood or wanted to be friends with. Can you tell me what you were diagnosed with when you were six years old?

Unlike today where children are diagnosed with disabilities they were not when I was 6, so I was really thought of as the outcast. I could not sit still, focus, and deal with my emotions or auditorally process new information without the visual or body kinesthetic modality present. I worked with a lot of special teachers and psychologists along the way!

WP: How did you learn to deal with having attention, behavior, learning and emotional difficulties growing up?

I learned coping skills! I learned how to break big tasks into smaller ones and how I can best learn and what tools I needed to do so. I still have a hard time with anxiety and have to remember at times how to best cope with this. I also learned how to deal with my feelings and how to use my words and not my body to deal with my problems. Even as an adult I use what I learned along the way growing up but certain situations present themselves and I do not always make the best choices on how to best deal with them.

WP: You struggled to find the place you belonged. What was your first attempt of trying to find that?

In Jr. High, I hung out with a rough crowd. I got involved in the group that enjoyed gangs, weapons, knives and traveling in a posse. I got into many fights and got myself involved with the police, in trouble and hurt a lot.

WP: During College you entered and won the Greek Physique competition. What caused you not to remain bodybuilding?

I loved Greek Physique and learned a lot about myself, working out and nutrition. When I graduated I decided to put my focus on my career. The first few years teaching are grueling and I wanted to make sure I could be successful and make money doing it. I was also studying to get my master's degree in administration and wanted to graduate without loans.

WP: How did you take their comments about gaining muscle fast and what did you finally do about it?

I always knew I put on muscle fast, so I hired a personal trainer once I graduated from college to keep me going to the gym on a regular basis. He taught me how important correct form and feeling the contraction was while performing each exercise. He would not let me lift heavy if I lost my form or didn't squeeze. This is where my mind muscle connection started.

WP: How long have you been competing in bodybuilding now?

I did my first show at the end of 2007 and entered the national level scene in 2009. I have only done one show a year due to my intense work schedule and my financial situation.

WP: You are even a Special Education teacher now. I know that is rewarding for you. How do you try to keep your students from going through what you did?

I teach my students that we are all different and it is our differences that make us special and unique. We enjoy learning about each other and some days I need their hugs as much as they need mine. We also remind each other how to cope with everyday situations and make good choices.

WP: Do you have any advice to people that wish to build more mass?

Start with the basic movements and focus on correct form and contraction. Do not be in a rush to add more weight. Make sure you are on a good diet and getting enough macros.

WP: What do you eat in a normal day?

In the off-season I follow a clean diet during the week with cheats on the weekends. I try to get in at least 6 oz. of protein per meal with green veggies or rice or potatoes.

When prepping for a show, I am a keto girl. I have found my body responds the best to it and I ADORE the way I feel on it. My favorite cheat meal is a petite filet, mashed potatoes and asparagus at Outback Steakhouse! Oh! And I love Pop Tarts and trail mix!

WP: What supplements do you take?

I LOVE the Species products and take the Artholyze, Omegalyze, Mineralyze and use the fat burners when dieting. I also use Juice Plus and Aminos in the off-season.

WP: Where do you want to be in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to be an assistant principal and working part time for RX Muscle having more responsibilities than just RX Girl. I would also like to mentor first time competitors and host my own radio show.

WP: You are Editor-in-Chief of "Rx Girl" for RxMuscle.com. How did you land that gig and how do you like it?

I am extremely passionate about my job at RX Girl. I am blessed to be able to get to know so many wonderful female athletes and promote them on so many levels. When I got my minor in undergrad in PR, I really thought I would never use it, being a teacher, but I did not want to graduate and leave college, so I decided to get it. It is funny 11 years later to actually be using it! I kept nagging my diet guru, Dave Palumbo, about wanting to "give back" and do more for the industry, but being a full time career driven teacher, I just did not know how. He let me help behind the scenes at RX Muscle a bit and as the site started to grow he offered me the position. I was SO excited, that I did not sleep for a week! Now it is a dream to work with and for him and share the same vision and goals for the site. I encourage any women who may be reading this to contact me for promotional opportunities.

WP: Are you married, dating, or do you have kids?

I am dating, not married and have no children. (Except for the 25 I teach every day!)

WP: Example of your workout?

I often try new training methods for periods of time to stay motivated and driven. I would not say I have a particular one I love more than another. I more focus on contracting the muscle and feeling each rep and movement I do, no matter what training method I use.

WP: Any shout outs?

I want to thank all my friends, (especially my incredible trainer, Michael Liberatore), my family and fans that support me, reach out to me and follow my competitive career. I also want to thank my RX Muscle and Species family for their encouragement, advice and endless love. I could not continue to pursue my dreams in this sport without you! Not to mention...a GIGANTIC thank you to my boss, friend and diet guru Dave Palumbo, who has been my leading inspiration in life and enlightened me in numerous ways.

WP: What is your greatest achievement in bodybuilding?

Winning 1st place and overall at the NPC Jr. USA's and being mentored and dieted by Dave Palumbo for all these years.

WP: What is the proudest moment of your life?

Having both my parents alive to watch me walk across the stage to obtain my Master's Degree was the proudest moment in my life. Also, being asked by Dave Palumbo to be the Chief Editor of the RX Girl section of RX Muscle.

WP: What are your interests outside of bodybuilding?

I love reading about current methods and trends in education. I also like reading articles about training, nutrition and others who have overcome obstacles to obtain their goals.

WP: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I am so hard on myself and such a perfectionist. I would want to allow myself the ability to make mistakes and disappoint people every once in a while. I am too nice of a person and want to help and support everyone always.

WP: Is there anything else you would like to add? Now is the time!

I just want to thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed and get my story out to others to read. I hope I not only impact the youth of today but help adults who have disabilities and struggle everyday to see that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.

WP: You have been a pleasure to interview! Thank you for your time and good luck in your future bodybuilding endeavors!