Abigail Nalbandian
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Where do you typically workout? A certain gym?
Any outdoor training? While in Florida I worked out at LA Fitness and the small gyms at work and my apartment complex. Now that we live in New Orleans I work out at YouFit and the small gym at the office (which I use primarily for cardio). They do not have a lot of machines which means many times I have to get creative, which has allowed me to hit the muscles differently. I go out biking with my dog almost every morning for 2-3 miles, but this is for him to exercise not me so much.
Share with us a bit about your contest history and most memorable show experience.
I have done two NPC shows so far, Optimum Classic in Shreveport, LA. and Fort Lauderdale Cup in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Fort Lauderdale Cup was the most fun because I shared the stage with many friends and team bombshell sisters and coaches; I was also more confident throughout the entire event (on and off stage). However, I must say the experience of my first show had the most impact on me and my decision to continue competing in this sport.
Toward the end of prep for my first show I was exhausted. I remember one day after cardio I was in the shower and said (out loud) “I’m going to do this show because I already committed to it, but that’s it.” I was approximately 10 days out. The day of the show my mind changed radically. I spent most of the morning prior to pre-judging backstage with IFBB Women’s Physique Pros who shared their stories and every one of them was so inspiring! Then it was my time to go on stage. Everything happened so fast! But during the 15 seconds I was on stage doing my routine I had a blast!
When I wasn’t called out I almost cried, but then I looked at myself in the mirror and realized I had never ever looked this good, and suddenly I was not sad for not placing, but rather proud of my accomplishments. I even noticed that I had started wearing short shorts! And that’s when I realized what this sport is all about; not winning a trophy, but self-improvement both physically and emotionally.
Is there something that motivates and or inspires you to workout, diet and compete in fitness that non-competitors might connect with? Which part do you have the most difficulty with? Initially, I was motivated by the many weight loss stories and body transformations seen on social media. I was not comfortable with the way I looked and decided I would start my journey to transform my body the way others did. With time, as I saw the improvements I was making to my physique.
Cover Shot Fitness Magazine