Kara Jennings Interview

While still relatively new to competing, Kara Jennings has already made a good impression. In 2012 she won the overall at the NPC Southern Indiana and then went on to look even better at Jr. Nationals, Kara will no doubt continue to improve and definitely has the right attitude to go as far as she wants.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: I have always been pretty active and interested in health and fitness. About two and a half years into my marriage I went through a rough spot and depression, I got down to ninety-seven pounds, which is unhealthy for my frame. I was basically skin and bones. After going through that I found health and happiness through lifting weights and started incorporating more protein into my diet and not being so afraid of fats. That was one of my big things with my depression. I wasn't anorexic or bulimic, but it was definitely some type of eating disorder.

Q: What lead you to compete?
A: Once I started in the gym and putting on some muscle, I put on about tend pounds of muscle very quickly. The people I lifted with said "You should compete, you should try bikini" because of the amount of muscle I put on in such a short time. I tossed it around and I competed the first time in June 2011.

Q: Did you have to explain to people that bikini was actually fitness and not some T&A thing?
A: Yes! I definitely had to explain that it isn't a Hooters contest or some beach bikini contest. It is an NPC organized event. You don't go up there and shake your butt, you go up there and pose and it is all very professional.

Q: In March you won the overall at the Southern Indiana, when you won that, what went through your head?
A: It is a hard feeling to explain. I was definitely over-whelmed and very proud of my accomplishments and sticking through those last weeks of training. Very happy with myself.

Q: Did you feel going in that it was a realistic possibility?
A: Yes I did. I usually go in pretty confident in my competitions so far. That is part of it, bringing your best package and being prepared, win or lose.

Q: After that, you did Jr. Nationals, after winning the overall at a show, do you have to remember to not get complacent and keep improving?
A: Yes, I knew the competition at Jr. Nationals would be very tough and that I might not even make it in the middle. I knew that coming from a small state a d small local shows, I would be up against a good running of girls. I just went in with my best package. It's always gonna be trial and error. I knew it would be totally different. I wasn't disappointed with Jr. Nationals, it wasn't more or less than I expected.

Q: Was being on stage any different for you at a National show?
A: The number of girls is a lot larger, and it makes you more nervous. You aren't up there is long and everything is more rushed for a National show.

Q: Do you know when you want to compete next?
A: I am going to start training January 1st for the Arnold's the first weekend of March. Then definitely Jr. Nationals again in June.

Q: Where do you want at be better at for the Arnold's?
A: I definitely want to develop my shoulders a little more and build my glute-ham tie-in.

Q: Are you happy with bikini or would you ever consider figure?
A: I have many people at the gym that suggest I love to figure. My reasons for not wanting to are, for one, my husband thinks it is a little too much muscle and too lean and fro my point of view, the diet is too strenuous. Personally I think bikini is figure, you're just not flexing. That I what it has become.

Q: Is the goal a pro card, or is it more a case of if it happens it happens?
A: When I got into this it was all for fun. I still enjoy it the process, the training, the diet and prep. I guess my ultimate goal would be to get a pro card, but it's not the top thin on my list. I am just enjoying the ride.

Q: Does fitness modeling interest you?
A: To an extent. My husband is very protective. I have done a few photo shoots, but as far as anything risque, there is a line I know not to cross haha.

Q: At the gym, do you get any of the stares or attention?
A: I do. Some people ask for help and embrace my physique. I typically stay with some of the older women. I get some glares, but it is what it is.

Q: If you could spend a day training with someone you have never trained with, who would it be?
A: Jamie Eason. She's not hardcore but I have met her a few times at the Arnold's and she is very down to earth. It would be great to be with her in the gym one on one. She is one of the people I look up to.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: I would like to thank Top Secret Nutrition, I am sponsored by them. All my friends and family and fitness followers who believe in me and inspire me to keep going.