Hard Body Profile: Cover Model Jelena Abbou


Jelena Abbou is one of the top fitness models in the world and she’ll look to become one of the best in IFBB Figure this weekend. Jelena will be competing at the Europa Show of Champions in Hartford, Conneticut and judging by how she looks days out from the show, don’t bet against her leaving with a top three spot. She’s been to the Olympia stage before and we’ll see in a couple days if she can re-qualify.

 

 

Originally from Serbia but now calls New Jersey home, Jelena Abbou has stunning good looks and and an hour glass figure. At times her genetics have prevented her from doing well in the competitive figure division however she’s switched up her training and nutrition and balanced her physique from top to bottom. I caught up with the East Coast hard body on the heels of the Europa Super show.

Name: Jelena Aboou

Nickname as a kid: Jeca

Currently live in: Hackensack, NJ

Where did you grow up? Small little town in Serbia called Gornji Milanovac

When did you move to the United States? 1997

What made you decide to move to the United States? I wasn’t really planing to move for good but after visiting I decided to stay…so I never went back.

Do you ever go back to visit? My whole family is still there so yes I go to visit but not that often.

Did you play any sports growing up or how did you get started competing? Never played anything competitive just little bit of everything. I always liked watching fitness on ESPN when I was younger but since I had no gymnastic background and can’t dance to save my life I was so excited when figure first came out, so I decided to try. So ever since I got hooked!

What’s your family think of your competitions? They like it, not many girls in Sebia and especially not in my town that compete.

How did you get into modeling? I sent my pictures to Oxygen magazine for “future of fitness” and more then a year after I sent it they called me to test shoot for cover, and I made that cover.

Consider that your “Big break”? Yes it was my first cover.

What modeling jobs have you been doing lately? Aetrex shoes advertisement,catalogs and Landice treadmills

You tried your heels at bikini but now you’re back in Figure. Why the switch back to Figure? I just think my body shape is better for Figure, I get too lean and look too muscular for Bikini.

You’ve refined your physique and really look your best coming into this weekend’s show. What did you do differently with your diet? Switching from Bikini I had to start eating a little more protein and closer to the show less carbs.

What type of training do you do? I do moderate weights, my reps for upper are anywhere from 8-15 and lower 12-15.

How did you get those killer abs? Guess just born with it 🙂 Haha no for real I’ve done weights for abs in my earlier years or training and just blessed with small waist.

What you mean you didn’t do a thousand crunches a day? Yeah no, never!

What projects have you been working on away from the stage? I’m working on my active wear clothing line, it’s called Pretty Phit. I’m very excited about it, something I always wanted to do. It’s high quality made of supplex, and HardBody ladies know all about quality and fit of supplex. Here is the web site www.prettyphit.com.

Rapid fire – first thing that comes to mind. OMG 2 days before the show!!

Favorite Cartoon: Tweedy bird

Favorite tv show: True Blood, Weeds

Favorite song right now: Eminem, Not Afraid

Last meal you ate consisted of: Just had my breakfast, egg whites and oats

First thing you are going to eat once the show is over: PIZZA and ice cream

Dog or Cat: Dog

Worst job you’ve ever had: Never had a job I really didn’t like.

Guys with beards are: Smelly LOL

Women with hairy backs are: Men

Goal for the Europa Super show: Top 3

Do you work with a trainer? I was now I’m on my own.

Thanks Jelena and all the best this weekend! See some of Jelena’s competition photos on Bodybuilding.com.






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