Spotlight On NPC Bikini Competitor: Elizabeth Jochums

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Published on Sunday, 05 August 2012 16:59

Written by Elizabeth Jochums

Spotlight On NPC Bikini Competitor: Elizabeth Jochums

Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: April 23, 1983
Hometown: Canton, Illinois
Career: Project Management

Competition history:
Windy City Classic – Chicago September 24th, 2011 – 2nd place
NPC Wings of Strength Chicago Pro Am – July 7th 2012 – 1st Place Bikini Tall, 2nd place overall

Next competition:

Aug 31/Sept 1 - 2012 IFBB NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS


How has your life changed since you adopted this lifestyle and started competing? Wow, I’m not even sure where to begin.  I have become physically and mentally stronger, not only in the gym but in my every day life as well. I know I can do anything that I put my mind to. I love having complete control over my body and knowing I can change my body by staying committed, focused and positive.  I’ve always been positive and happy, but since starting this journey I have found I am happier overall and have more confidence.   Eating clean has really impacted my overall attitude towards food. I see food as a good thing and no longer feel food is the enemy.  I long for the “good” feeling of knowing I’m fueling my body with healthy food which will make it stronger and provide me the energy for a great workout. I remember the days of feeling sluggish and icky and it was all from the “junk” I was putting in my body.    My body is “My Temple” and I will do whatever it takes to keep it “Holy”!!!!! I’m more motivated than ever to meet my goals and every workout and every meal contributes to my goal.  I’ve learned to love my body and instead of focusing on the flaws, I focus on how I can kick butt the next time I am in the gym to improve the beautiful and strong physique God has blessed me with.  I know I can’t wish for it, I have to work hard for it.  Failing motivates me and those who doubt me only make me hungrier for 1st place! Finally, I’ve learned to compare myself to who I was yesterday and how I can strive to become a better me! Love yourself :)  Relax, breathe, smile and sit back and enjoy the ride!

What have you found to be the best way to balance family, friends, career, this lifestyle, etc…
Getting a game plan together and planning ahead are the two things I have learned that really help provide balance.  Sunday is my prep day! I make all my meals for the week and get them sorted out into containers so it’s easier to grab and go!  I boil all my eggs, cook my chicken, steam my veggies, etc!  If I have a family get together, it’s so much easier to grab my meals, throw them in a cooler and go!  I admit, I’m a hermit during the week due to work and getting to bed early, so I save my “cheat meal” for Saturday. So when it comes to hanging out with the girls or going out to eat with the boyfriend, I can still enjoy a meal when we all go out.  My career doesn’t get in the way of my Prep, I just work around it. I work out at 4:30am before work and again at 6:00pm after work. Planning ahead and always having a game plan is key; if you want it bad enough you will find ways to achieve balance in your life.  If I know I will have extra activities on certain days, I make sure to plan accordingly, so I get my gym time! Whether that’s waking up an hour earlier or not watching my soap (Yes, I’m addicted to the Bold and the Beautiful) I know what needs to be done to balance out the important things in life.  Really, it comes down to how motivated you are and how much you want to hear your name called for first place…. Now that’s enough to get me going!

If you could change places with one competitor for the day who would it be and why? I have so many role models and so many bikini competitors who motivate me. But honestly, I don’t think I would change places with anyone. God created me for a reason and I want to work everyday to improve the person he created, to make a better me! I’m very happy with the person I’ve become and I strive to better myself each day.  Nicole Wilkins, Justine Munro, Nathalia Melo, Nicole Nagrani, Michelle Hanson, Juliana Daniell, Abbie Burrows, Jamie Eason and Cristina Vujnich all inspire me and motivate me to become a better competitor. I follow these girls everyday and constantly look to them for workout tips, inspiration, motivation and the extra boost to keep me going.  All these girls are beautiful and unique in their own way and each one of them keeps me motivated to continue my journey!

Name two of the most inspirational people in your life and tell why they inspire you.
There are many people in my life who have inspired me in different ways, so to name two is difficult.  My brother Josh would be the first person who inspires me.  We are 17 months apart so we have been close our entire life. Not only is he a great brother who has always protected me, but he is a wonderful father and husband who works hard to provide for his family.  Josh is very dedicated and passionate with all aspects of life, which inspires me to portray those same qualities.

I have always wanted to run a marathon, but never got the courage to actually do it. This past October Josh ran the Chicago Marathon.  Watching him run was so inspiring, because I know how much hard work he put into his training and seeing him get out there and accomplish what he set out to do was amazing. 
The other person would be my boyfriend, Jeff. Not only is he an amazing man and hard worker, but he sets goals and pushes himself to exceed his goals. He is so successful, because he strives to better himself and will go the extra mile to surpass his goals.  Without all the hard work and dedication he has put in, he would not be where he is today.  Jeff is constantly helping me and making me believe in myself because he knows I have the desire and determination deep inside to be a winner. Jeff is my biggest support system and my biggest fan. He even buys the VIP tickets at my competitions, so then I can find him quickly in the crowd and in that moment I’m at ease! He told me from the first time he met me I should become involved in the fitness industry. Ever since then he has stood by my side and pushed me to be my best.  From spending countless hours in the gym, to my crazy Sunday cooking, to all the endless back rubs and all the questions of “How do I look this week”, to taking my progress pictures and even standing in the Coldstone line for my weekly cheat meal, he stands by my side, supports me, pushes me, challenges me and above all else believes in me more than anyone and at the end of the day loves me for me. Don’t get me wrong, he doesn’t have it too bad; he gets to stare at beautiful women all the time because I’m constantly asking his opinion on pictures, routines, bikini’s etc.   He inspires me to be a better person and to work extra hard to get where I want to be.


Tell one recipe or supplement you can’t live without.
I can’t live without my chocolate peanut butter protein.  I eat it plain and by that I mean I don’t add water! Everyone I tell this to thinks I’m nuts, but it honestly forms a gooey consistency and it reminds me of a brownie!!!! Hey, it works for me :)

Tell about a typical training day for you.  What exercises, how many sets/reps…etc…
My day starts before the sunrise at 4:30am with morning cardio. This is like my morning Joe!  It’s not always fun hearing the alarm go off, but I love the energy I achieve by getting my heart rate going first thing in the morning.  After work I go back and either do circuit training followed by cardio or plyo-metrics followed by cardio.  My circuits focus a lot on hamstrings and glutes; oh yes the areas us women all love! I incorporate upper body into my circuits as well, but the main focus is on the booty! I am not afraid to lift heavy; if I’m not struggling by the 10-12 rep, then I need to increase the weight.  I normally do 4 sets and aim for 10-12 reps. I do a lot of lunges, dead lifts, hamstring curls, hip lifts and SQUATS!!!!! Booty to the floor baby!  After I do my circuit or plyo’s then I hit the cardio again. I’m a big fan of the stairs and arc trainer, those two seem to work the best for me.

In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
A special shout out to the best man in the world (besides my dad) my boyfriend Jeff. It takes a special person to live this journey with me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your patience, support and love. I love you :)

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