New York Pro - Five Questions with Allison Jones-Williams

Allison Jones-Williams

Bodybuilding Weekly was honored to interview rising New England IFBB figure star Allison Jones-Williams, the night before she departed to compete at the New York Pro Figure Championships in New York on September 5th and 6th.

September 4, 2008

Special for Bodybuilding Weekly

Allison's Bodybuilding Weekly Profile

New York Pro Figure Main Coverage Page

I knew that for this season I would have to focus harder than ever... that I would be scrutinized purely for being "unknown" on that stage. I am a perfectionist... I don't want to do anything less than 100%.  I never want to walk on that stage or show up for an appearance anything less than the best I can be. I just listen to Kim and follow exactly what he has planned out for me! viola!  Between Pittsburgh and Jacksonville, we knew I would have to come in a little more conditioned, scale down my legs and bring up my shoulders a bit. I had time to make sure that happened!  I am very pleased with both placings and have had the most wonderful time competing this year thus far!

Is there anything that you are doing differently to prepare for New York?

Yes, if you know Kim, there is always room for improvement.  We focused on the same body parts as for the Jacksonville show and tried to hold me there.  My crazy legs started to grow but we beat em' back down again with some intense cardio conditioning.  I also worked very hard on my posing. I feel that it was a very weak point for me in Jacksonville.  I came in overly tight and just couldn't perform, I most definitely understand mark downs for that and totally agree.  I think the judges will be pleased with what I have done.  I plan on coming in slightly more conditioned in New York City.  My old stomping ground!  I did my first competitive three years on that stage!

What are your goals for New York, and for the rest of the competition year?

I HAVE LASER BEAM FOCUS on grabbing that invite to the OLYMPIA!  It would be extra special for a few reasons. 1) I used to live in NYC and love to compete on that stage. 2) A ton of my friends will be there and 3) I WANT THIS and I AM READY.  I still plan on competing next weekend as well in Atlantic City.  Either way I will be in Las Vegas at the end of the month and will be attending many other NPC national compeitions with my Stress Free Stage Prep Services (www.polished.vpweb.com).

What are some of the secrets behind your amazing legs, and the great back development that you have brought to the stage this year?

I work very hard on my legs, I don't have to lift heavy on them anymore but they are definitely the last thing to come in for me.  I think I would be lying if I didn't say genetics had some role in it.  However, the development started early on when I would landscape with my father in his business lifting rocks and hauling heavy bricks and plants. I can remember driving a tractor around the age of 5.  My back development was a product of training the safest way I could following a spinal fracture and subsequent body cast in '94 while I was in high school. I hated physical therapy so I joined the gym (you can read the whole story on the new website my husband just built for me).  I knew what lifting the "wrong" way could do so I lifted very strictly and it just popped ... since then I can manipulate my back fairly easily. It's hard to lift lightly on my back because I enjoy it most.

We have heard that you have some fairly unique dietary restrictions, and that you might even be a vegetarian.  That is amazing.  How is it possible for others who might be interested in that approach to find out more, and how much harder is it to make physique gains (if at all)?

I am glad this question has been asked.  While I am not a vegetarian (I eat some chicken, mostly fish and eggs) I lead a very Botanical/organic/vegan lifestyle.  I have my own VEGAN CERTIFIED skin care and nutrition business called Arbonne International. (www.allisonwilliams.myarbonne.com)   The more training I went through, the more books I read, the more NEWS I WATCHED, the more difficulty I had leading a "consumption based" lifestlye.  I hold a B.S. in Environmental Science from Merrimack College and went to Villanova University as a Teaching Assistant for an Environmental Graduate program.  Therefore, I have always been concious of my presence on this planet.  I Reduce, Reuse & Recycle (smile) ... I use tote bags, I buy organic, don't eat chemicals NOPE not even splenda or crystal lite!  It even prompted me to write a cook book! which can be found on my website www.livingdreamfitness.com.

All but a few of my supplements are Arbonne Vegan supplements.  I use an herbal energy formula called Going, going, gone, stevia sweetened fizzing energy tabs NRGGO3 which are great for airplane travel.  My Omega's are Flaxseed and My daily vitamins are called HYBRIDS because they contain Multiminerals, Multivitamins, calcium, digestive enzymes and Antioxidants. When my immune system is compromised I take our "get well soon" triple shield echinacea to make sure I hit that stage with tons of energy.... I could go on. The other top quality supplements I use are www.BODYBYO.COM supplements that my coach designed.

My major reason for switching after last year's season was to show the young men and women out there that using Herbals, botanicals and pure ingredients gets you the same results, if not better, than most over the counter products.  Personally, my body can not handle over the counter energy formulas ... I know people who have no side effects.  That wasn't the case for me.  It took a few months for my body to "catch on" but it did, and when it did I was unstoppable.  I have consistent energy with no crashes or spikes, I feel great 99% of the time and this allows me to truly ENJOY my career as a figure athlete. I love building in the off season, prepping and spreading my knowledge to anyone who will listen.

I want to be involved with the IFBB for many years to come. I absolutely feel as though it is a place I was always meant to be.  Jim Manion has done an amazing job over the past few years refining and building an organization that showcases physique athletes at their best.  I am excited to see what lies ahead.

Thank you Allison, and good luck in New York!!