Where and when were you born? I was born and reared in Beaufort, SC on November 21st, 1976. Where do you live now? I reside in Columbia, SC What is your profession? I own a 1 on 1 personal training studio. What kind of activities/sports did you do before you started lifting weights? I played all sports in high school; basketball, powderpuff football, cheerleading, softball, and ran. How and when did you get involved into lifting weights? I started lifting weights my first year of college in 1995 because I feared gaining the "freshman 15" Was it a goal for you to compete in bodybuilding competitions right from the beginning or was it something that grew in your mind as time went on and you saw the progress in your body? After training for a few months I started to see my body develop and I wanted to pursue a goal and get ready for my first show. What was your first competition and how did you place? My first competition was The East Coast Natural in Greensboro, NC and I got 2nd in the lightweights and best poser. And which contest has been the biggest success for you yet? I think that my biggest accomplishment is not in what I placed or the show I did, but the fact that I said I was going to remain feminine and bring more people to the sport and that is what I did. Could you please add a history of all contests that you have entered so far? East Coast Classic 1996 2 nd lightweights SC State Bodybuilding and Fitness, 1997 2nd lightweights SC State Bodybuilding and Fitness, 1999 1st lightweights SC State Bodybuilding and Fitness, 2000 1st and overall JR. Nationals, 2000 1st lightweights USA, 2001 2nd lightweights USA, 2002 2nd lightweights Nationals, 2002 5th lightweights Nationals, 2003 6th lightweights Please describe a typical day in the life of Shannon Rabon. Contest Time: 5:00 am wake and do cardio, 6:00 work until 11:00. Nap and then off to train. I start back with work at 3:00 and then go until 6-7:30pm, eat and do cardio again. How often do you train in a week? Contest everyday, off season 5 days a week. What are the main differences when you train for a competition and in off-season? I lifted heavier in the off season to keep mass when I was competing. If you don't mind would you give me some stats (best lifts and some body Measurements)? Off season right now, I weigh 132-135lbs, chest is 36, waist is 28, and hips are 35-37. Which bodypart is your best in your opinion? My arms What is your favorite exercise in the gym and which one you don't like so much? I love to squat and least like to bench press. Judging in Women's Bodybuilding has always been criticized in one or the other way. But please tell me your honest thoughts about today's judging in Women's Bodybuilding. I am glad that you asked this question: I have decided since the 2003 Nationals that I was not going to compete in female bodybuilding anymore. The criteria the last couple of years has been changing into a more feminine look and recent shows the judges chose differently. I think that they are going for a bigger and leaner look, which I do not want to have. Please tell me about what else you are doing when you don't work out (profession, hobbies, etc.) I have really been enjoying eating normal foods and hanging out with friends and family more. I have been doing some traveling and it is always funnier when you are not pressured to eat and work out all the time:) What are your future plans for 2004/2005? Since 2003 Nationals, I have decreased my training a lot and decided to lose some muscle. I have intentions now of training in 2005 for a figure or physique show. Please note: I do not do sessions or wrestling of any kind. Please don't ask!! |