Abbie Burrows went into her first National NPC show as an unknown. She proved that if you show up rocking a hardbody you can do well and don’t need to be “known” to place. Abbie not only placed, she left an IFBB Pro. I caught up with Colorado’s newest pro for an interview.
Born/Raised in: Cheyenne, WY
Currently Reside In: Denver, CO
Occupation: Administrative Director for a Marketing Company (My Biology degree has come in very handy, just kidding!)
Did you play any sports growing up? Competitive Fast Pitch Softball (Pitcher) for the Rebels/2 time State Champions and University of Wyoming Club team, 2 time National Tournament. Skied for 15 years, Snowboard for 10 years. Cross Country Ski, Mountain Bike.
How did you get into the competing in the NPC and now the IFBB? Last Fall was my first show (Colorado Natural), I ended up placing 2nd. So, I decided to actually train and diet and see how well I could do. I trained 8 weeks for the Colorado State that following summer and took Overall.
What advice do you have for other women who are thinking about competing but not sure? If you are a single mother like I am and work 40 hours a week, you need to be well organized and have great time management…You will also need to realize that achieving something like this will put stress on your relationships with friends and loved ones. Your true friends will stick by you through it all the way without doubt. That being said, last piece of advice is to surround yourself with people that believe in you and want you to do well.
You teamed up with IFBB Pro Taylor Waldrop for your prep – how did that come about? We played football together on Denver Dream (Lingerie Football League). She is the one who put me into contact with Jeff Taylor to compete in the Colorado Natural. She gave me the confidence and motivation to continue to train and compete. She wrote out a diet and worked out with me a few times for the Colorado State. For Nationals, we worked together 2-3 times a week. Without her push and belief in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today!
How important was it for you to have a trainer? For the local shows it wasn’t absolutely necessary, but on the National level, it was important for us to work together 2-3 times a week. You can really see the differences in my body from the Colorado State show to Nationals. We already have a game plan for changes we are going to make for my Pro Debut! Not only is she my trainer, she is one of my best friends, so it was nice to be able to lean on her for emotional support as well.
How many National NPC shows had you done? 3, but I only trained for 2.
HAHA.
You were kind of an “unknown” going into this show. Did anyone try to discourage you or say you wouldn’t be able to turn pro so quickly? I had a few doubters, some of which were closest to me, which was upsetting, but it gave me even more push and motivation to work as hard as I could and give it my all.
What’s your favorite booty building exercise? The most amazing butt equipment is at Armbrust Pro Gym here in CO, specifically one legged leg press…push with your heel!
Favorite contest prep-meal of the day? Oatmeal!!
What’s one tip you could share with women to help make food taste better? Mrs. Dash!!! I absolutely hate the taste fish…so not only do I have EVERY flavor, I would go through about 1 container every 2 days. They also have Mrs. Dash marinades!
Are you part of jug nation? :)No, I am a part of the 33.8 oz bottle of Smart Water club…perfect size for 2 crystal lite packs! I drink 4 a day.
What’s your goal as a pro? My goal is to definitely have fun but show up to win… I’m pretty competitive so not placing well in anything would be upsetting. I always give 100% in anything I do. My goal in any Pro show will always be top 3.
When might we see you make your pro debut? I was hoping to use some of my momentum from Nationals and compete before 2011, but sometime in early 2011. I would also like to find a sponsor before my Pro Debut as well!
Thanks Abbie and good luck!
This weekend Abbie will find out if she makes the cover of the Mile High Sports magazine. It’s between her and one other woman for the coveted Snow Angel cover. Check back this weekend for an update.
