Stunning Fitness

Interview with top figure competitor (and biochemist!) Lauren Jacobsen:

1. What is your background? How did you become interested in fitness?

I started weight training to gain weight for athletic reasons. In high school, I was involved in track & field, swim team and was the defensive captain for the flag football team. A good friend introduced me to a personal trainer who put me on a basic weight training and nutrition program to gain muscle and improve my strength and performance. At first, I was very reluctant but when I started to see the development of a curvaceous and muscular body, I realized I really liked the results I was getting not too mention the improvements to my athletic ability. In fact, by the time I got to university I was so addicted to building my body, that I dropped the other sports, so I could have more time to train and develop my physique. After university, I landed a job at a major bodybuilding supplement company and was fortunate enough to attend the first ever figure Olympia, after seeing the beautifully developed physiques, I knew I wanted to try competing for myself. Soon after I entered my first show and ever since then I have been hooked. I have competed in 7 shows and most recently was given the opportunity to represent Team Canada at the IFBB Women’s World Championships in Santa Susanna, Spain this past September.

2. Can you please describe a “typical” day for you?

In my on-season, I usually start every day at 7 am with a cardio session. I then spend my day at work, where I am fortunate enough to work for a reputable supplement company, developing marketing strategies for new products. After work I head back to the gym to perform my weight training session, followed up by my second cardio session! The remaining part of the day is usually spent prepping meals for the next day.

3. How do you motivate yourself to get and stay so fit?

I stay motivated by focusing on what the end result and outcome of my hard work will be when I have reached my goal and am standing on that stage. Competing in a very small bikini can be motivation enough sometimes! In addition, my other half also competes and understands exactly what I am going through when I am getting ready for a show. He stands by me and supports me in every way imaginable, he has been my biggest supporter and fan.

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Interview with fitness model, fitness competitor, and spokesmodel Fern Lasseter:

1. What is your background? How did you become interested in fitness?

I have always been very active. I ran track, cross country and was a cheerleader in High School. In college I started really getting into working out with weights and then became interested in competing. I love the challenge of getting in contest shape and then getting on stage.

2. Can you please describe a “typical” day for you?

Since I am not competing at this time I normally wake up around 7, have breakfast and then head to the office. I either work out during lunch because my company has a gym in the basement or, if I don’t work out at lunch, I head to Gold’s in the afternoon after work — about 5:30. I usually train 1 body part each day and then do a small amount of cardio. I eat about 5 times a day…. small meals, keeping good carbs and protein in my body throughout the day.

3. How do you motivate yourself to get and stay so fit?

It has just become a way of life b/c I have been doing it so long. I do get off track from time to time but I find the motivation from training others and seeing their excitement.

4. What forms of exercise do you find to be the most effective?

For me it is weight training. I do not do as much cardio anymore b/c hitting the weights hard seems to keep me leaner than lots of cardio.

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Interview with personal trainer, sports nutritionist, and fitness model Priscilla Tuft:

1. What is your background? How did you become interested in fitness?

I was raised in the Napa Valley and moved to Southern California at 18 to attend college. I graduated in 2004 with a B.S. in Business Marketing. Pursuing my dream to become a fitness competitor, I then obtained my certification as a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Nutrition. I continued on the same path and obtained in that same year my license as a sports nutritionist. This all streamed from being an overweight child. Educating myself is how I really learned all aspects of fitness and how they mesh together.

2. Can you please describe a “typical” day for you?

No day is ever typical! That is why I love my life! XCLUSIV FITNESS is where I spend most of my day. I opened it two years ago. We are run 100% by fitness models… and one boy to hold the fort down. We train and provide nutrition plans for many weight loss clients, bodybuilders and fitness competitors, all over the world. It is a fun environment and never gets old. Other days I am away on a shoot, but each day is unique and exciting.

3. How do you motivate yourself to get and stay so fit?

I have learned that making fitness a part of my life and daily routine is the only way to stay consistent. I begin each morning with a run on the beach and tread water to keep my quads tight. If I have a busy day… I just get up earlier. Part of my job IS to stay fit so I can inspire others.

4. What forms of exercise do you find to be the most effective?

I run or sprint 5 to 6 days a week and I lift heavy 3 days a week. I also train MMA and dance with any given opportunity.

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Interview with personal trainer, fitness competitor, and mom Heather Bear:

1. What is your background? How did you become interested in fitness?

I am a registered veterinary technician, nail technician, Jenny Hendershott’s personal assistant, mom, wife and I just got certified as an ISSA Personal Trainer. I contacted Jenny Hendershott to lose weight for my 2003 wedding. She put me on a program and I looked “awesome” walking down the isle. I then wanted to set my goals higher and start competing in figure. I did one show and was addicted.

2. Can you please describe a “typical” day for you?

I never have the same day twice. I work on Tuesdays and Thursdays at my veterinary technician job and nail salon. Occasionally I will have to go to the salon other days. I try to do cardio first thing, eat, get Izabella breakfast, check e-mail, eat, do housework, get husband ready for work, eat, train, put Izabella down for nap, try to get caught up on whatever needs to be done or do cardio. I try to train women in between or when Izabella is napping. I train them at my house. I have some days when I’m doing cardio at 11:00pm and then go to bed. I live a crazy life and believe that if you want something hard enough, you will find time to achieve your goals.

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