Interview with Cover Model and Pro Figure Ann Pratt
1) Please introduce yourself? What makes you special? Who is Ann Pratt?
I do not feel that I am any more special than anybody else. What I do know is that I always have worked hard to get what I wanted in life.
2) Please tell us a bit about your family, friends and surroundings?
Family, I come from a family of seven children I’m the third youngest. I’m the only of out of us that competes. Most of my friends I met in the gyms or are associated with the NPC or IFBB. As I recall this is where we met you.
3) How did you start competing in figure?
Years ago, my boyfriend now husband, Craig Pratt introduced me to the NPC. Craig was competing since 1990 and told me I think you have the genetics to do very well but did not know at what. During this timeframe the NPC had women’s bodybuilding and fitness so I tried my luck at bodybuilding where I placed 3rd at the San Diego BB show then years later, figure division was added; we both agreed this was my calling and the rest is history.
4) What is your personal policy (not what the judges want) about conditioning and muscularity when coming into a show? Soft or hard?
We also strive to bring the best package possible. You truly have to get the judges feedback and make the adjustments.
5) What is your idea of what judges want in a Figure competitor? Do you think judges are clear enough with competitors about how they want you on stage? It seems in Europe they are very clear unlike in the USA and now in Canada things are confusing.
I only competed in the US at the NPC and now IFBB level so I have to follow the IFBB standard.
6) For the next shows what do you think you need to work on physique-wise/conditioning-wise? If anything!
I am conditioned enough so it’s about having fun and enjoying the moment while on stage. I was relaxed when I turned pro and that’s my plan now.
7) What is your typical training routine in the gym (per day, include sets and reps!) How much cardio do you do before a show?
I follow a training & cardio routine designed by my trainer’s Rob & Shannon Dey, Bombshell Fitness.
8) What is your pre-contest diet? (per day, 1 week before the show).
It is always changing in stages the closer to the show food’s are added and or taken away
9) How do you go about dropping your water before the day of the show? How much water do you drink the day of the show? Please be specific.
Water intake all depends on what adjustments I need to make the past two days. I personally think dropping water is a mistake. We have to remember figure is not bodybuilding. If I need to tighten up I increase water intake.
10) What motivates you to train/diet and compete? Are there any competitors you looked up to?
Almost daily I have unknown people approach me asking me “how to do I get arms like yours or how I can look like you.” I am inspired by this and I am glad to give back to the general public to help spread the word of wellness. This also gives me the ability to tell them about the figure division.
11) Please tell us an interesting experience you had at a show recently, be it a fun thing or something rather not so fun?
My experienced at the Dallas Europa Betty and Ed put on a first class show and make sure the athletes have fun. I thought bringing all the athletes on the stage at once prior to the night show was a class act!
12) What is your personal opinion about the figure, fitness, bodybuilding industry we are in? Anything you would like to see changed?
At this point in my career all I can do is be the best that I can be. I love the Sport of figure and I love being an IFBB Pro Figure Competitor. Look at how many years it took me to turn professional I cannot tell you how many times people doubted me and I kept striving and dreaming and that day came! Sometimes in life you truly have to believe in yourself and follow your heart.
13) What has been your hardest challenge to overcome either in your personal life or competing career?
I have been in Figure since day one at the Local, State, National & now the Pro level. Throughout the years adjustments had to me made in order to bring the complete look. Often times I hear people say this or that about the sport and judging but it comes down to being fully prepared to compete, hair, makeup, suit selection, posing and presentation. My husband always told me not always does the faster car win the race. You have to have the complete package on that given day.
14) Did you make any changes to your contest prep for your last show? Water intake, carbing up, etc...
The old saying is I always looked better the day after the show that’s because you eat a good meal the night after the show. So making crazy changes at the very end could make or break you depending how you look. In the past, we may have doubted and listened to others which they are clueless about your body. Now I just listen to my coaches and let them make the adjustments.
15) What do you think of bikini division?
Honestly I think it is great to grow the sport and support it. Craig and I are truly dedicated to the sport and the NPC & IFBB. I know people will say their just saying that because she’s a pro but we truly love the sport and helping others experience what we experienced the past 20 years.
16) What are your favorite foods to eat right after you compete on a Saturday night?
Normally I have a salad and some kind of dessert that’s about it. One thing you will notice about me is I am in pretty good shape year around.
17) Please tell us about how you were raised and did you have any interesting experiences while growing up?
I was raised in the Philippines to the age of 7 then relocated to Guam where I live until I moved to the California shortly after High School to attend college. Regarding my upbringing; I was raised to have morals and ethics and work hard in life for what you want. Nothing in life is free and you have to live with the choices you make in life. I would not change one thing and my journey in the NPC to the IFBB will always be cherished as one of the top 5 things I have done in life.
18) Do you have an athletic background? Gymnastics, soccer, volleyball or what?
No, that’s why it was a blessing for me the NPC - IFBB created the Figure Division
19) What is a typical day in the life of Ann Pratt? From waking up to until going to bed?
I get up daily at 3am with my husband and we are off to the gym at
4:00 am hitting cardio and weights. Since I follow a totally different training program Craig does his own thing and I do my program designed by Shannon & Rob. I may hit cardio again in the afternoon or at night.
I do local demos for Nutrex Research to promote and educate people about Nutrex product lines. Nutrex Research believed in me prior to turning PRO and I have been with them for 6 years.
20) What is your current occupation? Please tell us more about it, what do you specifically do in your job?
Prior to turning Pro I always held a full time corporate job Senior Financial Analyst working 40-50 hour work weeks. Currently I have my own training business Ann Pratt Fitness. I train seniors (elderly), local competitors and people that just want to learn how to eat and train the right way.
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