Andrea Watson looks to make it four in a row.
Andrea Watson is one of the NPC’s rising stars and on the fast-track to the IFBB pro ranks. She’s entered three shows and won not only her class but also the overall title in each of them. Andrea is heading to the NPC JR USA next weekend looking to make it four in a row and leave a pro. I caught up with Andrea days out from her the show and she shared a bit more about herself.
Currently Reside: Pensacola, FL
Occupation: Regulatory Analyst for Gulf Power Company (Subsidiary of Southern Company)
What made you decide to compete in Figure? I was always active growing up from cheering, running track, and lifting weights and thought about doing some fitness/figure modeling. I would always buy Oxygen Magazine, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Fitness Rx (just to name a few) just to look at all the amazing physique’s and competition photos. Last September I overheard someone talking about competing and I decided to buckle down and start training.
Andrea all smiles and getting ready to grub.
Had you been to a competition before your first show? Yes, I attended the Panhandle Showdown in 2007 and 2008.
What’s your family think of it? My husband Brian is the one who always said that he thought I should compete and he’s been nothing but supportive (I think he enjoys it more than me!). He and my sister are my number one fans. At first my mom was against it until my family and my went to my first show and then realized that I was not a body builder but a “figure” competitor. Now they’re totally supportive.
What’s been the biggest learning experience for you thus far? I have learned that with hard work, dedication, and belief in yourself that anything is possible. I’ve learned who my true friends are – the ones who support me 110% and are happy that I am happy and successful. Also, I have learned that you must balance faith, family, work and training and put them all in perspective….in that order.
What supplements and food help get you through the dieting? Tight Curves protein shakes are what I look forward to the whole day. I drink one right before I go to bed. They are so delicious I feel like I am cheating! Also, as strict as our pre-contest diets can be, I savor every moment of the two prunes and quarter of an apple I get with my breakfast!!! I know it sounds crazy. Also, I am allowed one cheat meal a week and it’s usually some kind of carb like pizza, lasagna, or cheeseburger… if I was allowed I would eat all three at one sitting…and a piece of chocolate or two…or three…
Any advice for others who are thinking about competing? You MUST join IFBB Pro Shannon Dey’s Team Bombshell! They give you all the tools you need: diet, cardio, exercise plans, suit selection guidance, hair and make-up, and posing advice. Also, they offer camps for figure/fitness/bikini competitors where they go over everything with you and kick your butt with boot camp and training sessions in-between! The team is the best thing that has happened to me as a figure competitor. I have made life long friends with the ladies on Team Bombshell. They are part of my family now.
Do you still have frozen eggplant parmesan in your freezer? Lol! Yes, I ordered the eggplant parmesan for my cheat meal after the Pittsburgh Championships and I couldn’t finish it all so I took it back to Pensacola with me! So, yes it’s waiting for me in the freezer for my next cheat meal.
How did you get the trophy that was bigger than you home? Funny thing – Well I knew it was too big to get it on the plane (and I was scared they would charge me for another seat) so my sister Jaynie (who was on a later flight and who had time) had to use a wrench and disassemble it and put it in her carry-on! Hopefully she will bring it to Jr. USA’s in South Carolina so I can be re-united with it.
All the best in your next show and we’ll see you in Charleston. Thanks!
Andrea backstage after her second A Class win.
