Every year the sport of NPC Figure produces a few surprises. Someone just seems to come out of nowhere and becomes a serious National threat to earn a coveted IFBB Pro Card. These athletes slip into their first show which just happens to be a Regional National Qualifier with no fanfare or lofty credentials and walks away in the evening show with an Overall title. They head to their first National show and end up on the Trophy podium of their Class.
Meet Jen Ruoss, the 2010 first big Figure surprise. Early this past winter, I had the opportunity to photograph Jen and I have to say that even in January, this athlete was in shape and ready to conquer the 2010 NPC season. You could not only see the potential in her physique but you also saw a sense of intensity in her eyes that you just know is going to make something happen.
Here is a brief introduction to this very beautiful, committed & seductive looking Figure athlete.
Hometown: Blain, Pennsylvania
Current Residence: Southeast Florida
Age: 36
Sports Background: Gymnastics and Cheerleadng in high school
Who trains you? Shannon at Team Bombshell
What got you interested in competing in NPC Figure?
I picked up my first issue of Muscle and Fitness when I was in high school. I loved Corey Everson. I taught myself by reading everyhing I could find reguarding weight training. Years later a trainer I worked with suggested I compete in figure. He trained me for my first local show. I got 1st! (There were only 2 girls in my class.) Ha..Ha.. I was probably 95 lbs soaking wet...How far I've come.
What do yo like best about competing?
I love being focused, having a goal and accomplishing it!
In your first National NPC show, the 2010 Jr. Nationals, you placed second just 2 points away from the top spot. Were you expecting such a good first National showing? As a result of that second place finish, how has it affected your mental outlook on your next show?
I did not expect that high of a placing in my first National show. When they called my number for a split second I thought "Did they just say my number, am I hearing things, wait....what is my number!" There are so many beautiful girls competing at these shows it was totally unexpected that I finished 2nd. I was hoping for top 15. Going into my next show, I feel more confident and that I "fit in " on the National stage.
Who in the sport of Figure serves as your inspiration?
Ava Cowen. She has become a friend of mine and she is such a genuine nice person. She has been in this business for a few years now and she has worked hard to get where she is today. She has never given up. She is now a new IFBB pro and a sponsored athlete for Gaspari.
What in your Figure career are you most proud of?
My 2nd placing at my first National show at the 2010 JR Nationals.
When your preparing for a show and you have a mental meltdown, who is the first person you talk to for sanity restoration?
That rarely happens. I usually stay relatively sane. But it would be my fiance Paul and if that doesn't do the trick, Shannon Dey my coach.
What is your ultimate goal in the sport?
To get my pro card, be competitive in the pro circuit, stand on the Olypmpia stage and be sponsored by an awesome supplement company!
How would you classify your personality type?
I am a very happy, easy going and laid back person.
How is your support base? Could you honestly have accomplished what you have without that support base? How important do you feel this aspect of competing is?
My support base is my fiance. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have made it this far. He helps with my food prep, goes to every show and doesn't bring any "bad food" in the house. My whole family is still in Pennsylvania. It is so very important to have friends/family supporting you and your goals. It is a tough sport sometimes with the dieting and several workouts a day. If you don't have a support system behind you it is easy to get off track and let your goals slip by.
What is up next for you?
My next show will be Team Universe. After that we will see what happens....
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