Andrea Shaw
3X Ms. Olympia Needs an 11-Win Dynasty!
Interview by Ron Harris
Simply because the Mr. Olympia contest featured a number of males who dominated the occasion for a collection of years, the Ms. Olympia has additionally had a couple of girls that saved an iron grip on the title and created dynasties. Within the Nineteen Eighties and into the early Nineteen Nineties, Cory Everson earned six Ms. Olympia titles. Her successor Lenda Murray would garner eight, and the winningest Ms. Olympia to this point has been Iris Kyle with a staggering 10 Ms. Olympia wins. The competition was discontinued in 2014 over considerations the ladies have been changing into excessively muscular. When it was resurrected by Jake Wooden and slotted to return in 2020, all of us puzzled who would emerge as the brand new champion, and would she have the ability to maintain on to the title for a number of years? That girl turned out to be Michigan’s Andrea Shaw, and thus far she has gained the Ms. Olympia all three years since its return. Now she is making ready for what she hopes shall be her fourth win in November in Orlando. I not too long ago caught up with Andrea to debate her recreation plan to determine her personal dynasty wherein her final aim is to beat the all-time document and win the Ms. Olympia 11 occasions.
Trying again at your contest historical past, you began off in Determine, turned professional in Girls’s Physique, did just one contest in that division, and positioned second on the 2019 Chicago Professional in your first look in Girls’s Bodybuilding per week later, then obtained seventh on the Wings of Energy. The Ms. Olympia wouldn’t return till the next yr, however do you suppose you have been able to win? Might you possibly have another Olympia title if the present had been held that yr?
No, I positively wasn’t prepared but. Bodybuilding was nonetheless new to me. I obtained thrown into it, so to talk. I went from Girls’s Physique to bodybuilding in a single week, so I needed to shift gears actually fast. Sure, I did get second place, however I used to be nonetheless studying easy methods to be a feminine bodybuilder. I knew I wanted time, however I didn’t need to move up the chance to leap into bodybuilding whereas I used to be already in form and several other high champions from that division together with Lenda Murray had inspired me to do it. The Rising Phoenix was the equal of the Ms. Olympia at the moment, and I knew that having positioned second on the Chicago Professional put me in a great spot to throw my hat within the ring and see how I may do.
You bought beat by six girls at that 2019 Rising Phoenix, however not considered one of them has overwhelmed you since then, right?
Appropriate.
The present document of Ms. Olympia titles is held by Iris Kyle at 10, and Lenda Murray has eight wins. You by no means obtained the possibility to compete towards both one. Who do you would like you had, and at your greatest, do you suppose you’ll beat both or each of them at their greatest?
That might be a name for the judges to make, as a result of all three of us have such completely different appears. Lenda was extra streamlined, whereas Iris introduced intense, loopy conditioning. I really feel like I’ve a bit extra mass than both of them. I can assure you I might make high three!
When you may have competed in any period of girls’s bodybuilding aside from the present one, is there a gaggle of girls you’ll have cherished to have competed with?
Sure, I cherished that period within the final couple of years earlier than they did away with the Ms. Olympia, 2012 to 2014. Iris and Alina Popa have been wonderful again then. I competed towards Yaxeni Oriquen in 2020, but it surely wasn’t the identical Yaxeni from years previous. I’ve watched movies from these years many occasions. The ladies had a variety of enjoyable up there and you could possibly sense the camaraderie. I additionally would have favored to have competed with them on the Ms. Worldwide, which was the opposite large present in girls’s bodybuilding for a few years. Iris and Yaxeni each gained that present many occasions. (Word: Iris Kyle gained the Ms. Worldwide seven occasions, whereas Yaxeni Oriquen earned 5 titles.)
You’re the first Ms. Olympia champion because the present returned in 2020 after being gone for 5 years. Because the ambassador of the title, does it trouble you that the occasion wasn’t held for half a decade?
A bit of bit, solely as a result of I felt a variety of stress going into my first Ms. Olympia in 2020. At that time, lots of people have been questioning who would take the lead when it comes to the usual for ladies’s bodybuilding in any case these years away? I obtained so labored up about that towards the tip I used to be doing extreme quantities of cardio to verify my conditioning was the most effective it may probably be. The day earlier than I flew out to Phoenix for that yr’s Rising Phoenix, I used to be up till 2:00 a.m. doing cardio. I used to be so exhausted that I virtually obtained right into a automotive accident driving to my coach’s home. I in all probability ought to have chilled out, however I felt a lot stress as a result of the Olympia was again and there was no defending champion. The title was broad open, and the most effective girl would win. I actually needed to be that girl! You may recall that Iris Kyle was there in 2020 and was imagined to compete however obtained very sick on the final minute and needed to go to the hospital. I actually needed her to compete as a result of clearly she’s a legend, however well being has to return first.
You’ve gained two titles in Orlando and one in Las Vegas. If the Olympia was going to be in a kind of cities for the remainder of your profession, which one would you decide?
I get requested that rather a lot, and I’m torn on this one! I actually like Orlando. I’m not a gambler, so there’s not a lot I can do in Vegas apart from competing. Tim Gardner is an efficient good friend of mine, and he runs the Olympia Expo. I do know we are able to get much more our bodies into the expo within the Las Vegas location. I additionally cherished that stage on the Planet Hollywood on the Zappos Theater. It was a real theater stage that I felt match the massive scope of the Olympia completely.
The Rising Phoenix present is 5 weeks out from the Ms. Olympia this yr. Is it normally nearer to the Olympia or farther aside?
The primary yr I gained it, it was solely 11 or 12 days away, however since then it’s been 5 or 6 weeks earlier than the Olympia. No stress! I used to be on a excessive from profitable, however I used to be nonetheless nervous as a result of it was my first Ms. Olympia and the primary one which had been held in six years. I like having it 5 weeks earlier than. I get a bit break. For 3 days after the present I’ll nonetheless prepare, however I’ll eat extra liberally earlier than I bounce again on the weight loss program. However I by no means cease the coaching or the cardio. I will even take a mini trip to reset, which has labored out nicely these final three years. I went to Tampa final yr, and upstate Michigan the yr earlier than. I like that. It lets me decompress, refocus, and get my head again into it. It additionally lets me refine a couple of issues earlier than I get on the Olympia stage.
Do you peak 100% for the Rising Phoenix, or save one thing for the O?
The aim is all the time to peak for each. 5 weeks is an ideal period of time to have the ability to do a very good depletion and cargo once more.
In that side it’s higher that the Rising Phoenix isn’t per week or two earlier than, as a result of a variety of opponents discover it onerous to peak once more so quickly since there may be normally a rebound after peaking.
Precisely. It’s golden!
Are you aware what kind of automotive the Rising Phoenix present is giving the winner this yr?
I don’t. But when I may make a request, I might love a Mustang. I’m a Chevy woman, however I’m curious to see the bells and whistles on the Mustang.
Which automobiles have you ever gained to this point?
Final yr I gained a Chevy Silverado Excessive Nation, which I didn’t suppose I would really like. Now I really like that truck and I’m not eliminating it, I gained a C8 Corvette in 2021, and a Camaro ZL1 in 2020. I offered the Camaro. I want an even bigger home with a three- or four-car storage!
Proper now, the 2 most dominant Olympia champs are Cydney Gillon in Determine with six wins and Chris Bumstead with 4 Traditional Physique Olympia titles. You advised me in our final interview that your final aim is 11 Ms. Olympia titles for the all-time document. I think about it might be intimidating fascinated about having to beat each different high feminine bodybuilder on the earth eight extra occasions. Do you strive to think about it when it comes to taking it one yr and one win at a time?
I’ve to remain in a very good psychological area with it. I additionally want to stay injury-free. These are the 2 keys to longevity on this sport. So long as I nonetheless have that fireplace and keenness to go after it, I do know I can do it. Contest preps take rather a lot. They’re very time-consuming with the quantity of hours you spend coaching, doing cardio, making ready your meals, practising your posing, and all whereas touring. For the final two years, I’ve traveled most weekends up till 4 weeks out from the Olympia. That’s not very best, however I’ve been capable of navigate my approach by it. This yr I’m going to dial it again and never journey so near the present. However yeah, I actually do need 11 Ms. Olympia titles. I imply, why not? Proper now, I’m taking it one yr at a time, and let’s pray that I get there.
You talked about staying injury-free. Guys are sometimes tearing pecs, biceps, and quads. What do you attribute your standing as being injury-free to? You’ve by no means had a significant damage, but you might have three Olympia titles, right?
Appropriate. I guarantee that at a sure level within the prep, round eight weeks out, I’ll solely elevate reasonably heavy. No extra heavy weights. Reps are the place it’s at. I’d do 30 reps per set for higher physique. For decrease physique, it might be 50, 60, 70 reps. It appears like rather a lot, but it surely actually helps dial me in. Completed correctly and utilizing supersets at occasions as nicely, it additionally provides in a bit extra of the cardio aspect to your coaching. I attempt to hold a very good tempo and be out of the gymnasium in 45 minutes. I’m not in there for hours simply hammering away. It’s a matter of constructing certain you’re environment friendly together with your time, and that your restoration matches your depth in the case of coaching. I get physique work performed fairly often, and it’s not simply therapeutic massage. The individual that I take advantage of goes into Graston Approach, cupping, myofascial launch, and numerous different methods to help restoration. That’s a key part for me as a result of I want that fascia to be free. I’ll do that thrice per week for 3 to 4 hours at a time. At occasions I go to sleep in the course of the session, however by no means after they’re utilizing these Graston instruments to get in there. These aren’t enjoyable massages. There’s a objective to them. Typically it’s simply on one physique half, like legs as an example. With three leg days per week, that’s a should. I attempt to get these performed on the times I prepare legs. Not too long ago I additionally employed an organization that can do passive stretching for me thrice per week for half-hour every. Consideration to restoration is simply as essential, or possibly much more essential than what you do within the gymnasium.
I need to take a minute and provides some recognition to Mutant, your sponsor. When I attempt to keep in mind the final time I noticed a feminine bodybuilder with a strong complement contract and showing of their advertisements, I need to say it was nicely over 20 years in the past. They proudly and prominently function you. Do you suppose that took some guts on their half, as a result of they might have simply as simply used a Bikini or Wellness professional, however they selected to have the most effective feminine bodybuilder on the planet representing their model.
At one level, I assumed the times of feminine bodybuilders getting good complement contracts with high manufacturers have been lengthy gone. I used to be hopeful, however I additionally knew that being essentially the most muscular of the ladies’s divisions, it wasn’t doubtless. However with Mutant, I really feel like they went with somebody who stood out and who would symbolize the corporate nicely. After assembly the proprietor, Jim, who’s a tremendous man, it solidified my choice that I didn’t simply need to work for them, I needed to work with them in the long run. Mutant is extra like a household than an organization. I may name any of them up proper now if I wanted something. They took a threat with me, however that they had been watching me for some time. They needed to see how I dealt with myself in individual and on social media. They acknowledged a excessive degree of integrity in me, and I noticed that in Mutant as nicely. Shawn Ray additionally performed a task in bringing me on board.
Are you able to give me your high three favourite Mutant merchandise?
Their EAAs and magnesium are go-to restoration dietary supplements for me. GEAAR is cool as a result of it’s additionally obtained arginine which boosts the absorption of the important aminos. Meal consistency can also be tremendous essential for bodybuilding so I’m an enormous fan of FLEX FOOD, which is a whole meal prepared every time I want it.
I’m curious, you haven’t been overwhelmed since 2019 and it’s onerous to seek out flaws in your physique. What elements of your physique are you continue to attempting to enhance on, and what modifications if any have you ever made to your coaching to make these occur?
My legs are nonetheless the world that I really feel want essentially the most enchancment. I additionally deal with abs, as I feel any good competitor would agree your midsection can by no means be too good. The tighter you can also make your waistline, the higher your general physique will look. However I do put a variety of work into my legs; the quads, glutes, hamstrings. Usually I might solely do three leg days per week whereas I used to be in prep. This final low season, which I want to name “enchancment season,” I did that each one yr spherical. I toggle backwards and forwards between completely different variations of leg presses and lunges. I don’t squat a lot anymore. My coach, IFBB Professional John Simmons, feels I’ve sufficient mass in my decrease physique and don’t want any extra. We do every kind of leg presses: vertical, 35-degree, and horizontal. For lunges we do curtsy lunges, strolling lunges, single leg, elevated, and aspect lunges. We differ it as a lot as doable to maintain my physique guessing.
I’m assuming you do these leg exercises each different day?
Yeah, that’s sometimes what I do. I prepare six days per week despite the fact that I want seven. I did that for thus lengthy that it feels bizarre to take a time without work, however my coach tries to get me to try this. I begin my time without work very early with my exercises. I’m up between 3:30 and 4:30 and on the gymnasium by 5 or 5:30 a.m. I do all my errands and different work later. I additionally love the truth that the gymnasium is empty and quiet at the moment with no distractions. I by no means have to attend for somebody to take a selfie or movie their set on any tools I need to use. I get in, do the work, and get out.
That’s all I’ve for you as we speak, Andrea. You’re on observe to win one other Rising Phoenix and one other Ms. Olympia. With all due respect to your fellow opponents, I don’t see you being overwhelmed any time quickly.
Thanks a lot, Ron.
@mutantnation code ANDREAS20
Web page: www.msolympiaandreashaw.com
‘Mutant is extra like a household than an organization. I may name any of them up proper now if I wanted something. They acknowledged a excessive degree of integrity in me, and I noticed that in Mutant as nicely. Shawn Ray additionally performed a task in bringing me on board.’ -3X Ms. Olympia Andrea Shaw
Contest Historical past
2018 NPC Nationals – Physique C Class, Second Place
2019 Toronto Professional – 11th Place, Physique
2019 Chicago Professional – Second, Bodybuilding
2019 Rising Phoenix – Seventh, Bodybuilding
2020 Omaha Professional – Bodybuilding Winner
2020 Rising Phoenix – Bodybuilding Winner
2020 Ms. Olympia – Winner
2021 Rising Phoenix – Bodybuilding Winner
2021 Ms. Olympia – Winner
2022 Rising Phoenix – Bodybuilding Winner
2022 Ms. Olympia – Winner
Ron Harris obtained his begin within the bodybuilding trade in the course of the eight years he labored in Los Angeles as Affiliate Producer for ESPN’s “American Muscle Journal” present within the Nineteen Nineties. Since 1992 he has revealed practically 5,000 articles in bodybuilding and health magazines, making him essentially the most prolific bodybuilding author ever. Ron has been coaching because the age of 14 and competing as a bodybuilder since 1989. He lives along with his spouse and two youngsters within the Boston space. Fb Instagram
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