Spotlight On IFBB Fitness Pro: Jennifer Bishop

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Published on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 14:09

Written by Jennifer Bishop

Spotlight On IFBB Fitness Pro: Jennifer Bishop
 

Category you compete in: Fitness Tall Class C
Date of birth: 09/21/74
Hometown: Mississippi
Career: Home Health Marketing Rep
 
Competition history:
Fitness Jr. Nationals 1st Place 2012: Obtained IFBB Professional Status
Fitness Jr. USA Fitness Tall Class 5th 2012
Fitness West Palm Beach (Anna Level) Over Winner 2011
Fitness Jr. Nationals Class C 4TH 2011
Fitness Team U Class C 9th 2011
Fitness Jr. Nationals Class B 9th 2010
Fitness Team U Class B 6th 2010
Fitness West Palm Beach (Anna Level) Overall Winner 2010
Figure Diamond Classic C Class 2nd 2010
Figure Diamond Classic Over 30 1st Place 2010
Fitness Sunshine Classic Overall Fitness 2007
Figure Sunshine Classic C Class 2nd 2007
Fitness Sunshine Classic Overall Fitness 2006
Figure Sunshine Classic C Class 2nd 2006
 
 
Next competition: Fort Lauderdale Pro Show Oct 20th
 
How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing?
When I first started it was very hard because I wasn’t sure if I had the body type or the skills for fitness. Growing up in a small Mississippian town, learning a round-off in the front yard meant you were cool!!! I knew fitness was what I wanted to do just wasn’t sure how to get there. I remember thinking I can’t flip, how I was going to pull this off. It was truly a blessing when I met IFBB Fitness Pro, Maria Bellando and her encouraging words. I gave a 100% to my fitness journey. I entered nationals in 2010, 2011 and 2012 but didn’t learn how to really make it a lifestyle until 2011(when I was sick of the whole rebound weight gain).. Once I realize where my problem areas were, (with the judge’s feedback, my coach's help and other wonderful fitness ladies' support) this became my lifestyle and not just a show. I would say I love the sport and have grown in many ways as a person. It has definitely changed my life for the good.
 
 
What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc…
It was hard being a single mom, fulltime job and the other duties life brings you every day.  When you add cutting calories, (basicly starving) cardio twice a day, 6 days a week and having my weight go up and down like a yo yo (in a nut shell kill myself) it wasn’t fun. I find now it’s very easy, thanks to my coach IFBB Fitness Pro, Sandi Stuart, she taught me how to jungle the sport, perform my duties and have fun doing what I love.
 
 
If you could change places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why?
I wouldn’t change with anyone!  I know that sounds crazy but think about it. I was dead-last at the Jr. Nationals 2010. I had the chance to meet the best ladies in the world.  They told me to keep going girl. So guess what?  I did!  Thanks to Lishia Dean, IFBB Fitness Pro, Stacy Wright, IFBB Fitness Pro, Paula Williams-Gulman and IFBB Fitness Pro, Michelle Blank.  In 2011 I was with some of the wonderful ladies from the year before, plus meeting some amazing fitness ladies, Nancy Swanson , Stephaine Yu, and Danielle Delikat. I guess with that being said, I needed to come back. In the year 2012 I had the pleasure to grace the stage with some of the girls again and making yet more friends, Kim Stroup , New IFBB Pro, Ashley Saber and New IFBB Fitness Pro, Amanda Hatfield.  Guess what! I wasn’t last this time. After three years, we did it. I turned Pro!!!!  I had the most amazing journey of a life-time plus making these great friends.  Why would I ever want to trade places with anyone :)
 
Name two of the most inspirational people in your life and tell why they inspire you.
My first true inspirational person in my life is my  daughter, Peyton Henry.  When I’m having a bad day at work, life in general (it can throw all of us curve balls) and even when I break down not thinking I’m good even to compete. Peyton has always believed in me and tells me how wonderful I am.  When I see the smile on her face I know life can’t get any better.
My coach, Sandi Stuart ,she saw a bad underdog (lol)..  Let me tell ya, my body need lots of maintiance. I felt like Ms "Potato Head" and all the parts were broken.  She turned me from rags to riches.  I know we still have lots of work ahead but when I see myself, I am still in shock, that’s me!!!!!
 
Tell one recipe or supplement you can’t live without.
Dymatize Elite Recoup (My age body hurts)

 
Tell about a typical training day for you.  What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc…
I usually do 4 sets and 10 to 12 reps due to trying to add a little more muscle.
Monday – Back
Tuesday - Routine
Wednesday - Shoulder and Arms
Thursday – Legs
Friday – Back and Abs / P.m. Routine
Saturday - Legs
 
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
IFBB Fitness Pro and Dr. Sandi Stuart my coach
IFBB Fitness Pro Maria Bellando for my routines
Nancy Swanson (fitness) working out with me and long routine practices.
Lishia Dean (fitness) who has taught me to be myself and you don’t have to flip to do fitness. I stayed in this sport because of you girl:) I watched you time and time again, rock that stage being true to you and making everyone smile (THAT’S A TRUE WINNER)!!!!!!
Jill Derman (Physique) Thanks for the great words of motivation, they were better than any music on my IPOD!!!!!!!
Cynthia James (CJ) for the best fitness outfit and suit.

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