Female Bodybuilding Interview of the Month
Female Bodybuilding Interview of the Month
February 2010
FBBFan.com Q&A interview with IFBB Pro Figure Competitor Ann Titone.
Editor's Note:
Special thanks to Ann for taking the time to speak with FBBFan.com. All photos courtesy of Ann Titone.
FBBFan.com: Hello Ann, It was great to meet you at the 2009 Olympia Weekend! Congratulations on earning your IFBB Pro Card! Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to share a bit about yourself with FBBFan.com readers!
FBBFan.com: Would you please tell us a little bit about yourself? How old are you? Where are you from? Current Residence? Relationship Status? Family Life?
Ann: My birthday is July 25, I am 21 and holding. Currently I reside in the suburbs of St Louis, MO with my husband, Jack Titone. My parents, Lester and Denise Cain, recently celebrated their 35th anniversary by renewing their wedding vows. I have two younger brothers, Travis, 30 and Justin, 28.
FBBFan.com: What is your current profession?
Ann: I am a personal trainer. Jack and I own a personal training/nutrition company here in St Louis. We mainly work with National Competitors, but train many local individuals as well.
FBBFan.com: How did you get involved in the sport of Women’s Bodybuilding and competing in Figure?
Ann: As a teenager, I had magazine pictures of Cory Everson hanging on my walls and in my locker, so I have always been a fan.
I played sports in high school and was sort of a “gym rat” after high school. It wasn’t until December 23, 2006 before I decided to really get serious about getting in shape and being healthy. Shortly after I began training and eating right I decided to compete, by a gester made from Jack and my dear friend, IFBB Pro Fitness Competitor, Angie Schemch. My first competition was in June 2007.
I played sports in high school and was sort of a “gym rat” after high school. It wasn’t until December 23, 2006 before I decided to really get serious about getting in shape and being healthy. Shortly after I began training and eating right I decided to compete, by a gester made from Jack and my dear friend, IFBB Pro Fitness Competitor, Angie Schemch. My first competition was in June 2007.
FBBFan.com: What do you enjoy about being a figure competitor?
Ann: First and foremost, I love the feeling of knowing I have accomplished something that is only a dream to some. I love that I can step on stage and am proud of what I am presenting. Not to mention, knowing I am a role model for so many others is a great feeling as well!
FBBFan.com: How do your friends, family and the general public react to your physique?
Ann: I think as most people deal with, in the beginning; it was difficult for them to comprehend the dedication that is involved in being in shape. It didn’t take very long for my loved ones to understand my passion for the sport and support me 110%.
FBBFan.com: What is your long-term goal in the sport of bodybuilding?
Ann: I am sure the answer to that is very common for any and all competitors. Ultimately, my goal is to stand on the Olympia Stage with the top women of the world.
FBBFan.com: You recently earned your IFBB Pro Card at the 2009 NPC Team Universe, can you tell us what kind of emotions you were feeling after hearing the announcement?
Ann: Other than the huge lump in my throat, there was a mixture of overwhelming feelings. I was humbled, exuberated, relieved and excited all at once.
FBBFan.com: Now with an IFBB Pro Card in hand, what does being an “IFBB Pro Figure Competitor” mean to you?
Ann: Put simply, “hard works and dedication pay off”. “Follow your dreams, they are always within reach”.
FBBFan.com: After competing at a show, is there any food and/or snack you crave and can’t wait to have?
Ann: It has become traditional for competitors to visit the Cheesecake Factory after a show. When I come home, I have a very important tradition that I follow... Pasta Bowl, Pizza, Taco, Cheeseburger and Pepsi. Gotta have one of everything!!
FBBFan.com: Would you please share your competition history with us?
Ann: I have competed in 13 NPC events. In 2007, I did 3 state shows, 2008 I started at the Arnold Classic and did every NPC National Show available; in 2009 I competed and placed as follows:
- NPC JR USA - 1st
- NPC Jr. Nationals - 6th
- NPC USA - 2nd
- NPC Team Universe - 2nd (Earned Pro Card)
- Border States Pro - 9th
- Kentucky Muscle Pro - 7th
FBBFan.com: When are you planning to compete next?
Ann: I am currently preparing for the Phoenix pro on Febuary 20 in Phoenix, Arizona.
FBBFan.com: What is your current height, weight during off-season and contest?
Ann: Currently I am 5’3 ¾ tall and weigh 125... I am a firm believer in making gains in the off season and utilizing the rest time, I stay with 5-8 lbs of my competition weight. The 8 lbs is generally around the holidays. LOL. My weakness at holiday dinners is green bean casserole.
FBBFan.com: What do you consider your best feature?
Ann: When I train, I give no less than 100% to each body part; however, I think my back is probably my most favored body part.
FBBFan.com: Would you please tell us a little about your workout schedule? Contest and during the Off-Season? Does it vary much?
Ann: Well, it does vary slightly, in off season; I train each body part twice a week. I alternate between heavy weight, low reps and moderate weight, high reps to build and shape respectively.
During the season, my training remains the same, until about 3 weeks before a show when I quit working upper body all together but continue to train legs twice a week.
During the season, my training remains the same, until about 3 weeks before a show when I quit working upper body all together but continue to train legs twice a week.
FBBFan.com: Do you have a favorite exercise?
Ann: I think everyone has a favorite; mine would definitely be military behind the neck barbell press.
FBBFan.com: Are you preparing any differently for the 2010 Phoenix Pro as opposed to previous competitions you’ve entered?
Ann: I like to be consistent in my physique. However, there are usually subtle changes that need to be adjusted and made better; there is always room for improvement.
FBBFan.com: Would you take us through your last week of prep prior to the 2010 Phoenix Pro?
Ann: There really isn’t a “set” regimen yet, it all depends on how my body has reacted to diet changes and workout changes prior to then. Typically, my carbs and fats will fluctuate while my upper body workouts are minimal and lower body is still twice for the week.
FBBFan.com: Do you have a coach or anyone who is helping you prepare for the 2010 Phoenix Pro?
Ann: My coach for training, nutrition, posing and everything in between is prepared for me by my husband, Jack.
FBBFan.com: You and your husband Jack promote the NPC Midwest Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Classic, can you tell us about your show? What is the date of the 2010 event? Where is the event location?
Ann: The NPC Midwest Classic is Jack and I’s baby. It is important for us to give back to the sport; therefore, it’s even more important for us to provide a spectacular event to the community and competitors. Our two guest posers will be IFBB Olympian Pros Toney “X-Man” Freeman and Nicole Duncan. We are also having a special appearance from St Louis’s own, IFBB Pro Dena Westerfield.
The show will be held at a historical location called The Robert Orpheum Theater in Saint Louis, MO on April 25, 2010. Immediately following the show we are holding an after party in honor of all the competitors at a nearby, upscale, club. We will be escorting the competitors and their family to and from the club by limousine. It is sure to be an event to go down in NPC history as one of the best.
The show will be held at a historical location called The Robert Orpheum Theater in Saint Louis, MO on April 25, 2010. Immediately following the show we are holding an after party in honor of all the competitors at a nearby, upscale, club. We will be escorting the competitors and their family to and from the club by limousine. It is sure to be an event to go down in NPC history as one of the best.
FBBFan.com: If an athlete is interested in competing at your show, what are the requirements? Where can they find more information?
Ann: The only requirement is that the competitor has not won an overall in any NPC event. They can get all the answers they need by going to the NPC Midwest Classic website www.npcmidwest.comm.
At the site they may also print their registration to mail in.
At the site they may also print their registration to mail in.
FBBFan.com: What is a day-in-the-life of Ann Titone like?
Ann: Good question... First thing I do in the morning is thank God for another day of life, next it’s off to my home gym, Worlds, for cardio. I usually have 6-7 clients a day between the three locations that Jack and I work out of. Between clients I catch my own workout.
When I get home in the evening, I like to spend a little time with my animals and give them love. I have 3 cats and 3 dogs. After dinner, I make sure my food is prepared for the next day. Finally, I unwind for a little, watching TV with Jack.
When I get home in the evening, I like to spend a little time with my animals and give them love. I have 3 cats and 3 dogs. After dinner, I make sure my food is prepared for the next day. Finally, I unwind for a little, watching TV with Jack.
FBBFan.com: What are your hobbies and interests outside of the bodybuilding world?
Ann: I am a fanatic when it comes to cooking. I like to cook new recipes and use
Jack as my guinea pig. He usually doesn’t complain. I stress, usually. I cherish every moment that I can spending with my loved ones just visiting and talking. Every moment is just as important as the last, if not more.
FBBFan.com: What’s currently on your iPod?
Ann: I am actually quite embarrassed to admit what I listen to. But... I have a little of everything... artists include, Korn, Metallica, Disturbed, Kittie, Devil Driver, Kanye West, Beyonce’, Lil Kim, and even various country artist as well.
FBBFan.com: What are your “Top 5” favorite movies? Favorite actor and/or actress?
Ann: Number one movie is City of Angels, then following that, in no specific order, Wedding Crashers, Hangover, Angel Eyes and It’s a Wonderful Life. I like to keep it interesting. I love Nicholas Cage and believe it or not, I think Jennifer Lopez is a great actress!
FBBFan.com: Who are your role models? And/or who do you look up to in your life?
Ann: I would say my role models when I started competing are IFBB Pro Figure Gina Aliotti and IFBB Pro Fitness Angie Schemch.
FBBFan.com: What advice do you have for women who would like to get involved in the sport of bodybuilding and compete in figure?
Ann: I would first say, follow your dreams, wherever they may take you. Reach for the stars, they are always within reach!! Finally, if you can believe it, you can achieve it.
FBBFan.com: Who are your favorite bodybuilders?
Ann: Cory Everson has always been my favorite female bodybuilder. She really had a big impact on me as a kid.
FBBFan.com: How can people contact you? Do you have a website?
Ann: My website is up and running, but still not 100% done. I can be contacted through anntitone.com or at anntitone@aol.com.
FBBFan.com: Thank you Ann, for taking the time to speak with us and share a little bit about yourself with FBBFan.com readers, is there anything else that you would like FBBFan.com readers to know?
Ann: I want to take a few minutes to let everyone I am living proof that you can accomplish anything through hard work, focus and dedication. I am, in fact, a walking miracle. I was told after a life threatening car accident that I would lead a very difficult and limited life as an adult, but with the grace of God, support from loved ones and a burning desire to succeed I am not only alive and healthy today but competing as an IFBB Pro!!
