| Intro | Algerian bodybuilder |
| Is | Bodybuilder |
| From | Algeria |
| Type | Sports |
| Gender | male |
| Birth | 1 July 1962, El Houamed |
| Age: | 58 years |
Nordine Zouareg (born July 1, 1962) is an Algerian born fitness personality, coach and author who has won Mr. France, Mr. Europe, Mr. World and Mr. Universe in 1986. He currently resides in Arizona with his two children.
Background
Early life
Nordine Zouareg was born in Algeria to Bedouin parents in the back of a French army truck. He was a sickly infant with a birth weigh of two pounds and constantly fell ill. In order to seek advanced medical care for their newborn, Zouareg’s parents took him to France where he was diagnosed with rickets. Zouareg’s parents settled in France where he spent a major of part of his childhood in the suburbs of Paris with the 13 siblings that followed him. Poor health eclipsed a major part of Zouareg’s childhood, resulting in a weak constitution which made him an easy target for school bullies.
Introduction to bodybuilding
During his teens, he focused on becoming a gymnast. In his struggle to become a successful gymnast, Zouareg broke his wrists and moved into the world of professional body building. He claims that as his physical presence improved his resolve to become a body builder strengthened. In 1985 Zouareg won his first title of Mr. France.
Awards and recognition
Zouareg was overall winner of the World Amateur Bodybuilding Association (WABBA) in 1986. Zouareg added the titles of Mr. France, Mr. Europe and Mr. Universe twice, once in 1986 and once in 1988 in Guadalupe. In 1987 Zouareg turned pro and joined the International Federation of BodyBuilders (IFBB). Shortly afterward, he took second place at the Italian Grand Prix in Rimini and 15th at the Night of Champions in New York, both in 1991.
The “Mind Over Body” philosophy
In an effort to promote what he calls a “mind over body” philosophy, Zouareg moved to the United States to reach a wider audience.
Present
In 2007, Zouareg’s Mind Over Body was released by Springboard Publishing. The book details Zouareg’s life experience, the personal struggles and challenges he has overcome to succeed in life, and a detailed explanation of the positive influence of “mind over body”. Zouareg worked as fitness manager at the Miraval, Life in Balance Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona from 1999 to 2004, where he created their fitness program, and now works independently as Miraval’s professional fitness coach and has his own business as a motivational speaker toward fitness and health.
Book
- Zouareg, Nordine (2012). Weight Loss Secrets of the Stars. Avtar Wellness Publishing. ISBN 978-1-61979-308-8.
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Zouareg, Nordine (2007). Mind Over Body: The Key to Lasting Weight Loss Is All in Your Head. Springboard Press. ISBN 978-0-446-58077-9.
- Review (third from bottom) of Mind Over Body in Publisher’s Weekly 4/16/2007, Vol. 254 Issue 16, p47-48.
Additional sources
- Arizona Star, by Bob Oro, January 8, 2009, “Nordine Zouareg’s international experience with health and bodybuilding drew me in — Zouareg is a former Mr. Universe — but his understanding of lifestyle changes blew me away.”
- Armchair Interviews, by Cerri Ellis, review of Mind Over Body: “…oddly enough I enjoyed the stretching exercises, even found them relaxing. The more strenuous exercises…well, I’m still working on those”
- [1] Arizona Star, by Bob Oro (Juauary 8, 2009), “Get healthy, one small step at a time “, accessed 01-13-2009
- reviews.armchairinterviews.com Armchair Interviews, by Cerri Ellis, review of Mind Over Body, accessed 01-13-2009 Archived November 21, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.