Croatia is the new hot spot for bodybuilding in America. The country has been producing champions like no other, with its athletes dominating the ranks of the US and international competitions.
The npc masters usa championships 2024 is an upcoming bodybuilding competition that will be held in the United States. The Croatian dominating Masters Bikini category is one of the categories that will be featured at this event.
Meri Abbado (photo courtesy of a private album)
In the United States, there is a sizable Croatian population with numerous noteworthy accomplishments. Meri Abbado, a Croatian living in Los Angeles, is one of them.
Meri, a bodybuilder who was born in Split on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and has lived in Los Angeles for over 30 years, has had tremendous success in the sport.
This year, the personal trainer and IFBB Bikini Pro Masters athlete participated in five major bodybuilding contests throughout the United States, winning ten gold medals and cementing her position as the greatest IFBB Masters Bikini athlete on the planet.
(Photo courtesy of a private album)
Meri was interviewed to learn more about her achievements.
How did you wind up in Los Angeles, given that you’re from Split?
I grew raised in Split and stayed there till I moved to Zagreb to further my education. It was here that I met my spouse. We lived in Paris and Luxembourg after getting married, where our firstborn son was born, before moving to Los Angeles eight months later. My ex-husband was a US citizen who wished for us to raise our children in the United States.
How did you start into bodybuilding in the first place?
I started doing out 2-3 times a week a few months following my hysterectomy in 2011. I was 43 years old at the time, and I had never been sporty before. I wanted to speed up my recuperation after surgery and felt compelled to become stronger and in better condition. I like working out, so I created a fitness Facebook page to share video workouts with my friends, who were always asking me about my workouts and nutrition. After a few years, the Facebook group became extremely popular, with many ladies asking for fitness tips. That led me to enroll in a four-month personal training course, which totally transformed my life. I began to take on clients and continued to train out, but it was more for fun than serious bodybuilding.
(Photo courtesy of a private album)
When did you first start competing in sports?
One day, while looking for something on the internet, I came upon a video of a bikini bodybuilding competition and thought it would be interesting to participate in. Preparing for a competition also provided me with the drive I needed to remain on track with my personal exercises. I had no prior experience in bodybuilding contests and did not have access to a coach. I researched all I could about it online, including nutrition, training, and everything else I’d need to compete. I joined a local competition three months later, which turned out to be one of the big NPC/IFBB bodybuilding events. I was fascinated after that and wanted to do more.
(Photo courtesy of a private album)
In July 2016, I began participating in the NPC (amateur) league, and one year later, in July 2017, after just a few performances, I got my Pro Card at the Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh…which was an incredible accomplishment in and of itself. I’ve been participating in the IFBB (professional) league since then. This year’s competitive season in 2024 has been the most successful ever. I participated in five major IFBB Masters Bikini shows, winning ten gold medals in various divisions (35+, 40+, 45+, and 50+). All of my victories and successes this season have pushed me to the top of the Masters Bikini global rankings at current moment.
(Photo courtesy of a private album)
How frequently do you go to the gym?
I go to the gym six days a week.
What kind of food do you eat? What does a typical day entail?
Bodybuilding is an intense activity, as is preparing for a competition. When you achieve professional status, your training and diet (meal preparation) consume the bulk of your day. Bodybuilders must pay close attention to their diet, particularly during competition season.
I eat six times a day, therefore my first meal must be no later than 7 a.m., or I will not be able to complete all of my meals by 10 p.m. Protein, carbs, and healthy fats are all included in each meal. I eat about 2,500 calories each day.
Bodybuilders live a highly disciplined lifestyle in which everything is meticulously planned and monitored, from training to food to rest periods and sleep.
The bodybuilding regimen takes precedence above everything else.
(Photo courtesy of a private album)
(Photo courtesy of a private album)
The most significant cost is not being able to have a “regular” social life, such as going out or eating at restaurants. It may be particularly difficult over the Christmas season, especially if you are competing. During competition season, which may run anywhere from 6 to 8 months, I am also unable to travel or take vacations.
(Photo courtesy of a private album)
Do you have any recommendations for those who wish to get into it?
Bodybuilding isn’t for the faint of heart. It is an intense sport that takes place all year. You can’t just stop or pause and then start up where you left off whenever you want. You must be self-disciplined and work on yourself on a daily basis.
(Photo courtesy of a private album)
At the same time, it is a wonderful sport that will test and push you to your limits. It’s a sport that will not only strengthen your physique but also your character.
(Photo courtesy of a private album)
Bodybuilding, particularly competitive bodybuilding, is not for everyone. I would advise anybody interested in going into it to first gather knowledge and locate the appropriate coach who can assist them with training and diet.
(Photo courtesy of a private album)
Do you go to Croatia frequently?
I used to visit Croatia every year, but after my parents’ deaths, I haven’t been as often. I had planned to visit this year, but due to COVID limitations, I am unable to do so at this time.
What is your favorite Croatian location?
Split is, without a doubt, my favorite location to visit. Some of my closest friends reside there, and I look forward to seeing them and spending time with them every time I visit.
Split
What do you miss about Croatia in LA?
The slower, more relaxed pace of life, informal coffee dates with friends, or a stroll around town are the things I miss the most. People in Croatia, in my opinion, are nicer and more open than those in Los Angeles.
I’m extremely pleased of the accomplishments I’ve made in this sport in such a short amount of time, particularly given my age. Still, raising two wonderful kids is the proudest accomplishment of my life. Eric, my eldest son, is 29 years old and works as an Art Director for one of LA’s advertising/graphic design firms. Brian, my youngest son, is a 27-year-old West Point graduate and a US Army officer. Meri adds, “I am extremely proud of both of them, their accomplishments, and the nice and hardworking individuals they have become.”
(Photo courtesy of a private album)
The muscle contest usa 2024 is a bodybuilding competition that will be held in the United States. It is expected to attract many of the best bodybuilders from around the world.
