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Published on Wednesday, 19 September 2012 18:26
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Written by Gail Auerbach
Spotlight On IFBB Female Bodybuilder: Ann Gannon
Category you compete in: This year I competed at the Master’s Nationals in Pittsburgh in the 55 and Over and 45 and Over Classes. I am a lightweight bodybuilder - stage weight 109.
Date of birth: 4/25/1954. That makes me 58. I could be a card carrying AARP Member!
Hometown: Spokane Washington – on the other side of the mountains from Seattle.
Career: COO for the Center for Reproductive Health and co-owner of Skin Solutions an aesthetics studio. We do laser rejuvenation, laser hair reduction, botox, fillers, massage, facials and spray tans. I use them all! My secret weapon this year was Sciton, Skintyte. It helped tighten my abs.
Competition history:
2012 Teen Collegiate Masters Nationals 55+ 1st Place, Pro Card Award
2011 USA’s Open Lightweight 4th Place
2011 Teen Collegiate Masters Nationals 55+ 1st Place, 45+ 3rd Place
2010 Teen Collegiate Masters Nationals 55+ 2nd Place, 45+ 5th Place
2010 Empire Classic Lightweight 1st Place, Masters 50+ 1st Place, Overall Winner
2011 Emerald Cup Masters 50+ 2nd Place
2009 Northwest Night of Champions 2nd Place Light
weight
2009 Washington Ironman Masters 50+ 2nd Place
2009 Empire Classic Open Lightweight 2nd Place
2009 Emerald Cup Masters 50+ 7th Place
2008 Empire Classic Open Lightweight 2nd Place
2009 Emerald Cup Masters 50+ 3rd Place
2007 Evergreen State Open Lightweight 2nd Place, Masters 50+ 2nd Place
2007 Empire Classic Open Lightweight 1st Place
2007 Emerald Cup Masters 50+ 3rd Place
2006 Empire Classic Open Lightweight 2nd Place, Best Poser Award
2006 Emerald Cup Masters 50+ 5th Place
2005 Evergreen State Masters 50+ 2nd Place
2005 Empire Classic Masters 1st Place
Next competition: My trainer, Gerri Davis is prepping me for the Europa in Connecticut in 2013.
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
Goal setting precedes motivation. Once the goals are set and the idea is locked in then the motivation to attain the goal drives each of us.
Motivation is the most important attribute for a bodybuilder. Motivation feeds into determination, follow-through and moves us to a level of confidence that we need on stage.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
I think that the hard work can augment the natural ability. In bodybuilding there are symmetry issues and genetics that play into natural ability but all the natural ability in the world will not spell success unless the hard work is part of the equation.
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
Bodybuilding and the rigors associated with it – the hours in the gym, the dieting and time commitment have become a need for me. I need to go to the gym to feel normal. When you need something it becomes more important than if you merely want it. I have set my mind to enjoy the work. It is a mind set.
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve?
Confidence is a state of mind. I know when I must “loo
k” confident even if I don’t “feel” confident. When I applied for my first management position, I knew that I must act the part and I could learn the details later. I knew I could work hard and achieve anything I wanted. I just had to look for the open doors. With a smile, hard work and confidence – I moved up to that first management job.
What do you find the most challenging about competing?
The diet is the most challenging on a day to day basis for me. I love to eat!! For show prep the most challenging part of competing is the posing. All the hard work in the gym is wasted if you can’t pose. Each person is different and must find the best way to present each pose to the judges. Nerves can impact what is not absolutely automatic. Posing must be automatic or it will not come through on show day.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
1. Find things that you like to eat and stick with the diet no matter what.
2. Be devoted to the training. Don’t miss workouts and stick to your goal. Pick a body part you want to improve for the year and do it.
3. Be positive. You have chosen this goal. Be happy about it and project that happiness to others.
4. Listen to your trainers and the people around you. Stay focused on what you want and make sure you keep positive people around you. You need people to support you to achieve your goal.
5. Pose and take pictures to log feedback for yourself to track your progress. Enjoy yourself – find joy in the work!
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?.jpeg)
My everyday drink is Muscle Milk by CytoSport. The taste is good, the carbs are low.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“Bodybuilding is like a time capsule”. It keeps me young and young at heart!
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
First I would like to thank my husband of 38 years, Bern Gannon. He is my biggest fan, cook and love. Second is my trainer, Gerri Davis, G-Force Coach. She is positive and supportive and always there for me. I would also like to thank my lifting partners, Grant Smith owner of Impact Fitness, and Keven Cantrell. My brothers and lifting partners, Mark Lucas and Tracy Lucas. They all keep me on track every day.
