Update: Jackie lost 68 pounds. She’s kept the weight off for more than a year, despite ups and downs. She recently competed in her first Bikini Figure Competition and shared with us how she prepared for the show.
In the winter, I bulked up to get more mass and muscles. I had a rough winter from Nov 2016 to Feb 2017. I was sick every two weeks, but kept up with my exercise routine on the days that I could.
I’ve been wanting to compete, but felt I never could. I saw my friend who signed up and I thought, ‘Do it. What is the worse that can happen?’ I began a 13 week prep. When I had to get rid of my first coach, my friend Evelyn took me under her wings and got me ready.
During prep, I was going to school full time for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, raising two active boys, finding out the place we were renting was giving us 60 days to move so they can sell. My husband got sick and then I did. A week later, I got strep. My knee and back kept giving out in cardio sessions and the stress kept me on my toes. However, I did not want these issues to be reasons why I quit. I lost 32 pounds of my bulk and leaned out for the show in 12 weeks!! I did cardio, HIIT, and weight training 5-6 days a week as contest prep. Now, I will continue my normal 5-6 days a week routine and decrease in my cardio.
My husband (who also jumped on board to lose weight and compete) and my friend Shantoya Gray came to support me at our first show: The Ferrigno Legacy. Although I did not take home hardware from the competition, I faced my horrible stage fright by stepping on stage and I loved it! It was such an accomplishment that we are going to do another show next year. I plan on doing a clean bulk after I get into physical therapy for my knee and back. I want to bring a stronger package next year. Bottom line, I’m setting a goal and going for it! I was a little intimidated by the other women until I realized how much I overcame to get to that stage. – @j3fit4lyfe
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