FigureRX Class B Spotlight Interview - Jennifer Jackson
FigureRX Online Magazine Volume 3
February 19, 2008
To see the full Arnold Amateur Figure Class B event preview, please go
here.
We obviously think that our spotlight athlete for Class B,
Jennifer Jackson, is a rapidly rising star ... not only that, we think she has a prototype physique for modern figure. We know that's a pretty strong statement from a company that covers the entire sport, but Jennifer not only has made an impact every time she hits the stage but she also works with one of the best, her friend and IFBB pro
Julie Lohre.
Jennifer is a new car sales manager from Michigan who will be starting the year off strong not only in Columbus but at Junior USA's and Junior Nationals. In the off-season her focus has been on making subtle improvements to her glutes and hamstrings. We'll be keeping an eye on her web site to see when it is up and running (
http://www.jennjackson.com/) and you should too.
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Please tell us a little bit about your background, such as where you grew up, other athletics, when you began weight training, and how you became interested in competing.
I grew up in Michigan. I've always been very active. During the school year I played basketball and during the summer I traveled all over showing horses. I seriously started weight training after I got out of college (college can do a number on you if you're not careful
) I was way out of shape and once I got started lifting I haven't been able to stop. I just love it! Once I started training a lot I thought competing was something I might like to do but bodybuilding just wasn't for me and at that time there really wasn't a figure class. So basically one day I got up enough courage to contact (my total fitness icon
)
IFBB Fitness Pro Julie Lohre. Julie and I started working together and the next thing you know .... here we are!
What is your academic and professional background? What is your current occupation and how long have you been doing it?
I have a Bachelors degree in Automotive Marketing and Management. I am a Sales Manager at a Ford Dealership and I've been in the business for 16 years. It's very challenging and rewarding.
Jennifer's Fast Facts:
Name – Jennifer Jackson
Height – 5'2-½â€
Weight – 125 lbs contest/ 135 lbs off season
Birthday – October 17, 1975
Home town – East Tawas, Michigan
Hair / Eyes – Blonde / Green
Favorite music – Hip Hop and Rap
Favorite diet food – Protein Pancakes
Favorite cheat food – Cookies
Athletic background – Basketball, Golf, Riding ATV's, Snowmobiling - always doing something athletic
What is your training philosophy (heavy or light, cardio, lifting)? Any particular body parts that you consider to be strengths, or weaknesses?
As far as a philosophy goes ... I honestly go by what Julie sets up for me. Sometimes it's heavy, sometimes it's more cardio, it all depends on what the pictures look like after a show and what we need to fine tune for what's coming up. I really hate to say I have a part that is a strength because you can always find room for improvement but I probably train arms the least and I constantly work on glutes and back. I think the whole glute thing goes for just about any woman on the planet but especially figure girls.
How did you decide to compete at the Arnold? And is there anything in particular that you are focused on for this show?
Just the fact they accepted me at the Arnold was very exciting. We figured this would be a great show to start the year off and of course some good on stage time before the National shows start. As with any show it's just coming in at my personal best. I want to make sure that the goals I set for the off season were met and hopefully it all comes together and shows up on stage.
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We think you have a stunning physique, but particularly great legs. What are your secrets for training quads, hamstrings and adductors (if you care to share)?
I'm sorry that's top secret! Just kidding. Thank you for the nice compliment. I have such a love hate relationship with my legs. I love training legs, it's my favorite workout day. What I can tell you is I do lots and lots of sprinting and stairmaster. Seriously at the end of last year I thought some mornings of just setting it on fire. Just kidding
I love my stairmaster.
Is there any story behind your right arm tattoo?
It's kind of funny because when I decided I was going to compete for the first time I was at a point in my life where I said to myself .... You need to do all the things you've ever wanted to do. I didn't want to look back in ten years going I wish I would have … So I got the tattoo shortly before the Northern Kentucky show. For me it's about being tough and knowing I can do anything I set my mind to.
Where do you find the best training and diet advice? Where do you work out and who do you work out with?
Julie Lohre does all of my training programs and nutrition. She is so focused on the details it's insane. I follow the plan 100% and it works. She is incredible. She really pays attention to everything. I work out at a local gym in my town. I work out by myself. No one will train with me.
Just kidding, actually I prefer to work out alone because I can really get focused on what I'm doing and keep right on track with rest periods, etc.
Thanks Jennifer!!
Photographer credits:
Rick Lohre
