Landry Lynne Interview

The old saying is "You can't judge a book by it's cover". Want proof that that saying is correct? Look no further than Landry Lynne. You may say she "is too cute to fight" or "she should be modeling not grappling". But Landry has done a few grappling tournaments and plans to eventually fight in MMA. But she is being smart about it. She isn't rushing into the cage. She knows she has more to learn and will do it when the time is right. And I have every reason to believe she will be a success. So anyone who says she is too cute to fight, I dare you to get on the mat with her.

Q: Before you started training Jiu-Jitsu, would you say you were athletic or play any sports?
A: Yeah, my whole life I played sports and everything. I played soccer for fourteen years, and swam, and tennis, basketball and baseball. A little bit of everything. So I've always been active and have tried to stay active and everything.

Q: What initially got you interested in Jiu-Jitsu?
A: A couple of my friends were fighters and training and everything. Me and my friend decided to try it out just for something different. Just cause I work8am to 5pm now and I didn't have anything that kept my interest. I don't like going to a gym and just running on a treadmill. So I tried it out and kept doing it.

Q: Was it particularly hard at first or did you pick it up pretty quick?
A: I am used to being athletic and doing pretty well at everything like soccer and that stuff. It was tough for me but that made me want to stay in it and challenge myself. It was a big challenge for me and obviously still is.

Q: If you could single out one part of it that you could say is the best part of doing it, is there that one thing?
A: I think the best part would be, its like mediation and therapy for me. It gets my brain off of everything else and daily life. You have a bad day or good day and you go to the gym and it wipes everything clean. It sets my mind at ease eve though it is a challenge. Its good for my brain I guess.

Q: How long did you train before your first tournament?
A: Probably about, a little under a year I think it was.

Q: What made you decide to start doing grappling tournaments?
A: I kind of wanted to take it to the next level I guess. Instead of just doing it for fun, I wanted more of a challenge for myself and see where I stood. It's a pretty quick learning lesson when you are in there with people who take it 100 percent serious. I wasn't there my first one or the second one, but its a learning lesson and its great to challenge and see where you stand and how you progress. I have progressed from each match. I am not where I want to be but its good to see that and feel whats going on.

Q: You are obviously attractive. Do you think people see that and maybe not take you serious?
A: Oh absolutely. Just the fact that I'm a girl I think. Even my friends still kind of make fun of me cause they don't understand what Jiu-Jitsu or training or anything is. So they are like "Yeah, you can't do anything", but that puts fuel in the fire and makes me want to do even better.

Q: Do you plan to eventually compete in MMA?
A: Yeah i would absolutely love to. I know it takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but its in my plans. I don't know when, but I would like to.

Q: Do you train in anything else right now besides Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Well I just switched gyms and was on a six months leave from everything and just got back into training. But I do train kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, the whole nine yards. So I am active in it all.

Q: Do you have any kind of time frame for when you would like to fight?
A: I wish I could put a time frame on it but I don't want to eat my words. Whenever I am ready my coaches, I would trust their judgment. But sooner rather than later, but I want to be prepared.

Q: When people first find out you train for combat sports, are they surprised?
A: Yeah, I guess maybe by my looks or something, I don't know. They dont even think I am athletic to begin with. So they are shocked, surprised and don't believe me. Its kind of fun to play around with.

Q: Sometimes I interview females and they say their parents where worried about them getting hit in the face at first. Is that a problem you experience?
A: Yeah. I am their youngest to begin with so I am the baby of the family. But they know I am a little rough around the edges I guess. They are ok with it now. They have been around the sport for awhile and understand its not just two people hitting each other in the face. They are still nervous I guess. I guess any parents would be. They came to terms with it.

Q: Are you an MMA fan in general, watch it on tv?
A: Yeah, every chance I get. I was always into boxing, then my friends got me into MMA a few years ago. So every chance I get to go to fights and support people I know and learn from people.

Q: Are there any specific fighters you are a fan of?
A: Of course I love watching the girls. Jessica Eye is a huge name and I look up to her.

Q: Do you have any short term goals, fighting, improving, anything?
A: Short term goals..... I would like to get my butt in a couple more competitions and then kickboxing.

Q: Say five years from now, where do you see yourself?
A: I would like to have a couple fights by then, but nothing specific. Just see where it goes.

Q: Before we finish, anyone you want to thank or mention?
A: I just started at Next Level Martial Arts and thank them for welcoming me and making me part of the family.

Spotlight Interview: IFBB Pro Shelly Albetta

I have long considered Shelly Albetta and her sister Betsy among the most underrated Figure competitors in the sport. At Team Universe this year Shelly finally got her Pro card and the recognition she deserves. As you will read, Shelly wasn't in this to just get a Pro card, but having said that, it is great to see she was finally given proper recognition. I was very happy Shelly agreed to do a spotlight interview because she is one of the truly good people I have gotten to know in the Fitness industry and this allows me to give her the opportunity to show more people the Shelly Albetta that I have gotten to know.

Q: Can you start out by talking about how you got started with weight training?
A: Sure. In college, my boyfriend at the time was a personal trainer. I always did cardio, but he got me started in wanting to know a little more about weights. He taught me the basics and was my mentor to learning the basics of weight training, each muscle group, basic exercises etc. I was 20 years old. So that gave me the basics and from there it just escalated. I started doing research and talking to people and from there I learned exactly how to hit certain areas, drop sets, super sets, things like that. It's been almost 9 years of training.

Q: What made you decide to compete?
A: In the gym I used to train at I saw a woman in ridiculous shape and I looked at her and said I wanted to look like her. So I approached her, it's Deb Judy, one of my best friends now. She told me about competing and Figure competitions and that started my interest. A week later my sisters now husband, he competes in bodybuilding, I went to his show and that's when I saw Figure competing for the first time and said it was something I wanted to do. So I asked Deb and she hooked me up with Mike Davies and the rest is history.

Q: The prep process is not easy, but is it easier having a sister doing a lot of the same shows and going through it with you?
A: Yeah I think having her to do the process with is a huge benefit for me. Not only cause I have a training partner, but mentally when you have moments where you wanna give up, having someone who is a partner and your biggest supporter. So it makes it more easy and fun at the same time.

Q: You won your Pro card at Team Universe. Whats the first thing that went through your mind?
A: Honestly I was really shocked. The way I compete, I am not on of those competitors who does it just for my Pro card. Being that 2011 is my sixth year competing and Team Universe was my seventeenth show, never was my goal to turn pro. Some people only compete to be a Pro and that's never been my reason. I've done it more for challenging myself, pushing myself, making my physique better each year and inspiring people. So when it happened, certain people say "you knew it was gonna come eventually", but I never made that my focus for any show. I had just come off of Jr. Nationals where I finished eighth, and I knew I could be better than that. I had a goal of top five, after Jr.. Nats, my presentation could have improved, so I was hoping for top five, but never did I expect that. So I was in shock and for a month after that. Excited but surprised.

Q: Was there anything that was the difference about you at Team Universe as opposed to past shows?
A: I think, initially my goal when Is tarted I was a skinny girl without muscle. So going into 2011 I knew I had the size, so it was just maintaining that size for the stage. So I easily get to lean and when i reach that point there is no coming back. Like when my legs get to small I can never fill them out in the same season. This year I only dieted eight weeks for my first show. I did less cardio, I approached it more with more attention to my diet. Did as much as I could to retain my size and stay as full as possible. Other years I lean out and am in shape early and try and maintain it. Always ready three or four weeks early. This year I leaned out more slow and steady and kept my fullness.

Q: Does being a Pro carry any more responsibilities?
A: I know plenty of girls that to them, once they get their Pro card get a sense of entitlement or put themselves above other people. That's not me, it doesn't make me any better than anyone. Its something I am proud of, but I try and carry myself with respect and dignity and help other people. If anything, it helps with my prep service, Peak Performance Preps, we train competitors. It gives me more validity to them and is more appealing. In terms of how I carry myself, no, but makes me more appealing to competitors cause to them it looks more like I know what I am doing. I already did know what I am doing, but it helps in that regard.

Q: I often say your sister Betsy is among the sports most underrated competitors. Do you think she is sometimes a victim of judges not wanting to place you two close together?
A: Yeah I definitely think that's it. I think when we compete together, we are automatically compared to each other before we are compared to other people. I think they automatically look at who looks better between the two of us and place that person and undermine the other one. She was nothing but happy for me that I turned pro, but if she competes again it will be good for her. She can stand alone and shine without being compared to me cause I have always been a little bigger than her and a little more shape. We are each others biggest fans and we want each other to do well. When we don't place near each other its mind boggling cause we are virtually the same, just a couple pound difference. I would love her to get a Pro card, and now the pressure is off us competing together and she can shine and I can support her?

Q: Is there any improvements you need to make for the Pro stage?
A: Yeah, I always want to improve. Every year my goal is to put on more muscle. I am always told I have the shape and look but am not big enough. This year I think my size is where I want it, but I want to bring up my legs, especially my hamstrings and glutes, and even my quads. I would like to work on my back. I always nail my shoulders because you can never have to good shoulders. My shoulders, legs and back are my main focus, which I guess is my whole physique haha.

Q: Does this give you a chance to share the stage with anyone you have wanted to be on stage with?
A: Yeah, I look forward to sharing a stage with Felicia Romero. I've always liked her attitude and how she stays humble. I always liked Felicia's physique and she has become a good friend. Also Jelena Abbou as well. Another Jersey girl I admire as a pro. She is another one I look forward to.

Q: When you are in the gym, with your looks and physique, do you get much unwanted attention?
A: You know what, that's gonna happen. Luckily in the gym I train at, I have been there a long time, like any gym, you learn the people there, and everyone knows who my sister and I are. There are a lot of competitors there and its kind of like home turf. Initially there was that attention, but after years and years of competing, people respect what we do, and I have friends there, so its not like that there. Anywhere else I go, you get people making comments or staring, but I am good at blocking that out. But my gym is my second home and I feel comfortable there.

Q: One of the reasons I am a fan is because you are always friendly and approachable. Is that important for you?
A: Thank you for saying that Jason. The funny thing is I have heard I am arrogant and stuck up. But that's not the case at all. What it is is, I am confident, and everyone gets a fair shot with me, I am friendly off the bat. If someone betrays that, they see the other side of me, I don't have room for that in my life. If you are respectful to me, I am respectful to you. If you betray that, you are written off and that's that. I am a forgiving person, but I learned the hard way that I have to tighten up on how much I let people in because I used to let everyone in and in the end I get burned. I am happy with who is in my life right now. I am always willing to make a new friend. That's my personality and I will never change that.

Q: You do a lot with your sister, but do you ever get sick of being the "twins who compete" and just wanna be known for yourself?
A: Yeah, I think I am used to it cause its been my whole life. But I do think we are having our own identities now. I am a Pro now and she is national level, and she is supportive of that. But it is nice to now have my own identity. Now I will because I am doing shows without her. But, in terms of being referenced as "The twins" I don't mind that, it gives us exposure, so on that level it doesn't bother me.

Q: You always look confident in photo shoots, do you enjoy them, or does it just go along with what you do?
A: I love doing photo shoots. The funny thing is, I do them when prepping when I am most tired. Next year I wanna do as many as I can, but prep time I am tired but they are grueling like a workout. When its over I am always glad I did it, but the days leading up I dread getting ready for them. I wanna look the best I can and over stress it. Sometimes I postpone them cause I am a couple weeks out and kind of hibernate. But I really like them and plan to do more next year.

Q: Have you given any thought of when you want to compete next?
A: Everyone always asks me that, when I wanna debut. They said "You gonna do the Europa in Connecticut". I knew no matter what Happened at Team Universe that was the end of my season. I told myself no decisions till after the new year. So just relaxing and enjoying down time. Come 2012 I will pick my schedule. Ideally the New York Pro is home, so I would like to start there, but it depends on what part of the season I wanna compete at. I cant say anything for certain. Come January I will figure it out.

Q: Before we finish, anyone you want to thank or mention?
A: Yeah, I would like to thank sister for being there for me, my family, my boyfriend Nick Freglette who is also part of Peak Performance Prep Service. Mike Davies who I have been with for six years. Anyone who has supported me and helped me push. And people like you who help us, spotlight us, and let people know more about us.

IFPA Pro Joy Anyanwu Interview

Q: First, Joy, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: Its my pleasure Jason, thank you for asking for the interview, I am honored.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I am first generation Nigerian and I am the eldest of 5 kids. One brother which is a Pro MMA fighter and the 3 sisters in entertainment industry.

Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: Yes always athletic since the fifth grade. I threw javelin,discus,shotput and did the long jump in High school. In middle school and college I was a cheerleader.

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: First time I started training was in 2004 when I was deployed to Germany. All my friends would go so I figured I would tag along, plus I was starting to get fat by the lifestyle of eating out every night in a beautiful European country. I didn't wanna be by myself so I followed suit.

Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: I was in the gym but just messing around. Didn't really have a purpose. I kinda did whatever anyone else did. Started to see results once I had the diet piece in check...took about 2 weeks after cleaning up my diet I saw some changes.

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I met a women at the gym in Germany and she was the coordinator of may gyms that took me under her wing in 2004

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: My mother and father tolerates it but there all about education primarily and my brother and sisters are my number one fans. The friends that don't support..well..lets just say they are no longer "my friends"

Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: Yes it is everything I expected..HARD WORK!..I went to a couple shows and did alot of research...The biggest thing was switching from bodybuilding to figure. Which wasn't really that big of a deal since I had a long break before my next show...Busy getting my education like my parents wanted..

Q: Can you share your contest history.
A:
*2004 Ms. Physique (NABBA) 4th Place
*2005 HWT Bodybuilding (INBF) 4th Place
*2011 Figure Novice (OCB) 1st Place
*2011 Figure Open Short (OCB) 1st place and Overall
*2011 Earned IFPA Pro Card 8/27/2011
*2011 Figure Pro Open (IFPA) 12th Place

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: My Arms...Shoulders..

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train?
A: Nope..nothing is my favorite...I like all my training equally.

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I train 4-5 times a week off season. On season 6 days a week with increase amount of cardio as the months go. In addition diet super clean during pre-contest.


Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: Mostly Positive, people either admire or are jealous. Sometimes people say things like..."I like you physique but I wouldn't want to be that muscular"...Guess what I didn't ask you...lol...Anyways everyone at work is super supportive.

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: I always hear "how can I get my arms like yours"...and I respond "you would have to have the same mother and father as mine first"....But honestly I am not sick of hearing that..lol

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: I think people think that everyone is on steroids or something illegally. There are many Natural Athletes and Natural Organization. I compete in an Organization that uses a lie-detector test and urine test for overall winner in the amateur level pro-qualifiers..and for the top 5 in the pro level.

Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: Best is the Stairmaster. Worst is the Stairmaster. Love and Hate

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: I admire everyone that competes!

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Yes all my mothers cooking.

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: First go see your doctor to make sure there is no limitation in your training...Then, hire a trainer that cares about your well-being and health and that knows about nutrition.

Q: Do you think its becoming more common for women to use the weights as opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: Yes it is becoming more common. I think women are still scared that the will "bulk up"..lol..But it makes me happy to see other women in the weight room..besides myself..

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: Family person, so on my down time I visit my family frequently. I go to New York visit my sisters. I enjoy traveling to Atlantic Cesars Palace watching my brother fight on Bellator. 5k's,hiking,biking,snowboarding... anything outdoors

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Joy Anyanwu.
A: I don't have a typical day really everyday its changing. But briefly go to work 12 hours followed by training then sleep.

Q: Describe Joy Anyanwu in five words.
A: Loyal, Kind, Ambitious, Charismatic and Stubborn

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: That have been in the Army Reserves for 10 years and I that I work as a Cardiac Intensive Care RN. I think people lok at my physique and think "oh she is trainer". But I have a busy schedule like everyone else. But make the time to train.

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I plan in competing again the Summer of 2012. But my other goal is to run 10 5k for charity by March 2012 before my next contest prep. I have done a run for Lupus 2 weeks ago I have another one Nov 12th and on Thanksgiving...I hate running but I am tackling something I am not the best at running but its for a great cause and helps with my conditioning off-season..so I am getting 2 for the price of one. I also will be getting an interviewed by Rob Feltcher of ANGT.TV very soon.

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: Yes my fan page https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/IFPA-Figure-Pro-Joy-Anyanwu/153591918060258
African theatre website http://www.africantheaterusa.com/joyanyanwu.htm
my recent interview in Sept 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rps1SXMXATU
I have also been asked to be apart of a great website www.inspirationalbodies.com by Leanne K Avery..
Any updates about what I am doing my Fan page is the best resource. I also video progress blogs during pre-contest.My goal is to inspire others...I lost 31.4 pounds went from a size 8 to a zero while working 12 hour shifts and received my Figure Pro Card on my first attempt and I competed in my first pro show 6 weeks later unfortunately while I was prepping my father had a stroke and it damage his left pons...I almost quit..I saw the strongest man I know using a walker..but he inspired me to continue my journey because he continues to fight everyday to regain his life back..That should inspire anyone

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Joy Anyanwu the athlete and competitor?
A: Yes I am always looking for good sponsors. What any sponsor is getting out of me is a hard worker. Any company would be happy to have me because I would represent them in a manner which would inspire and promote them in the best light. To reach me my contact email anyanwutrue@yahoo.com

Q: Joy, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: I wanna thank God without him I would even be here. My parents and Family, Friends. Special thanks to my coach Layne Norton for his guidance, Slyvia Guise who looked at me and knew I needed to hit the stage. Thanks to Dwayne Turner my very first Personal Trainer and my dear friend. I want to thank Clarence Mcgill...who always encouraged me and knew "I had something special". My best friend Dawn Mccloed-Wiliams. BBW for letting me hang with them because I was alone at my first pro show. I also wanna thank Leanne Avery for letting be apart of her website. Tracy Hess for interviewing me on Zone 2b Toned and letting me pick her brain throughout the years. Philly Fit Mag for letting me appear on their cover in Nov 05. Rob Fletcher of ANGT.TV for our upcoming radio interview. and to you Jason Adams for asking me to be a part of your awesome tribute to women in fitness, your Awesome!

Spotlight Interview: "Super J" Jill Lundy

Whether you call her Jill, or Super J, you have to respect her. Jilly Lundy is one of those few people I have long wanted an interview with and was ecstatic when she contacted me to do one. Jill always bring a spot on physique to the stage and always has fun doing it. I think it is that having fun part that makes her the kind of person you just automatically root for. Photo shoots, on stage, or even in every day life, she always seems to be enjoying herself. Jill is someone I feel young people or people new to the sport should look up to and try and learn from. Jill will be competing at the upcoming Arnold's and I am excited to see the package she brings and have little down her physique, her personality, and that amazing smile, will shine on stage.

Q: Can you start out talking about how you got started with weight training?
A: Actually I started when I was in college. It was primarily a hobby. Something that I saw a lot of kids doing, primarily the guys. I was more of a tomboy in some respects, now that I'm older I just think I liked men haha. So, I wanted to be around, and found it was interesting, I felt like it was a challenge and so I enjoyed it and started to do it that way.

Q: Was it something that came natural to you?
A: Well, you know, put it this way, I thought I knew how to lift, until I became a bodybuilder and started really to know how to lift. But what I did was pretty natural. It wasn't anything that seemed terribly difficult. But I did enjoy the challenge of the intensity of the workout.

Q: How long did you train before you started to compete, and why did you decide to?
A: When I was 35 I was working as a personal trainer in a gym in Maryland. I wanted to do something competitive, I have always been competitive, so I decided at that time, and I didn't know what competitive Bodybuilding, Figure, Fitness, what the difference was, and I had a co-worker who was training to compete in Figure. I said "ok, I am gonna do Figure" and I had this trainer named Warren James, some people may remember him from Nationals in 2000, he told me "You aren't a Figure competitor, you are a Bodybuilder", and I didn't understand. He introduced me to Donnie, who was Kevin Levrone's trainer, he was old school pimp daddy kinda guy. So bodybuilding chose me, I didn't choose it. When it came down to as far as how long I trained, I started in February 2003 and did my first show in November 2003. And I have competed ever since.

Q: Bodybuilding isn't your "typical" female sport. Is the lifestyle and look something people close to you had trouble getting used to?
A: My children no, my kids are closest to me, then my immediate family. I was living by myself with my kids, a single parent, so I didn't have a lot of opposition in my house. It was actually when is tarted to venture outside my home. Like I said, I didn't have a lot of info on women's bodybuilding, except Lenda Murray, I thought she was a queen, Cory Everson, I thought they were beautiful and had no problem wanting to aspire to be like them. I found alter that a lot of times men were intimidated, and women often times didn't understand thought it was extreme. Because I was such a fluffy feminine person, they were amazed at the transformation I made to become a female bodybuilder. But overall, I have gotten a lot of support. I didn't get a lot of flack and bad stuff. I just found out about the dark side of bodybuilding a year ago.

Q: Anyone who see your stage pictures or sees you on stage or in person can see you are always smiling. Is that something you make a point to do, to make you stand out?
A: Haha, no its pretty natural. In fact sometimes I wonder if I am a little retarded, and I don't mean that in a disrespectful way, but I was told when I was young by an older man, "Baby girl, you just keep smiling and you will go far". I never realized I smiled as much as I did, and continuing to smile has taken me far. Its engaging and makes it easier for me to encounter and talk to people because I am not so intimidating when they see I am not what they thought.

Q: You will be doing the Arnold's. Looking at past shows, are there any improvements you need to make for this one?
A: Absolutely! I just had an injury, I did Masters Nationals last year, and people don't know I competed at that show with a torn hamstring. Got injured in May, nine weeks out. I had a complete tear. Imagine my devastation when I had planned to actually go and just sweep the show, that's my mentality and drive, nothing was gonna keep me from being there. I couldn't train legs for nine weeks and all I could do was upper body, light cardio and diet crazy. I was able to come down and get lean, however everything looked wonderful from the front, but I wasn't hard from the bottom. If you look at pictures, from the top up and bottom down it looks like two different people. So Jill was on the bottom and Super J was on top haha. So I was quite fluffy, and if you compare it to the year before at the Arnold's, you can see something happened. I didn't talk about what happened, but had the heart to not quit and wouldn't let it stop me. Eventually I had to have surgery to repair it. They had to re-attach it cause it was lifted off the bone.

Q: Have you started prep?
A: Yes I have. I am dieting and training. Doing my two a day cardio, train 4 times a week, and dieting. So hopefully I can not only beat the upper body I had at Masters, but also the lower body I had at Arnold's the year before. If I can put them together I am a bad mamma jamma.

Q: When the Arnold's is over, what will it take for you to be happy? Does it Have to be winning?
A: Its interesting that you ask that because, if the world was to give a response of who won last time on that stage, the answer may not be the person awarded the win. I think I was the peoples champion that year. Even as I left the stage, the people working the show began to apologize to me when I was called 2nd. I was like "what in the world...... I just got 2nd at the Arnold Classic, an International show, which means all that stood between me and the win, was the International World Champ, who I believe I beat her" haha. But that's here nor there, at that time, I was just trying to celebrate, I came in better than ever and felt great. A win would be wonderful, but if I can come in better than 2009 I will be extremely pleased.

Q: When you train, is there a part you like most to train?
A: I enjoy training legs. They are my most difficult part. I enjoy and dread it at the same time. I always say its the part I love to hate.. Once I started to train with Dennis James, it took on a whole new dimension. Then Menace is crazy.

Q: When you are in the gym, you are a beautiful woman, the muscle, do you get a lot of unwanted attention?
A: Jill will answer that one haha. In the presentation I am in when not 100 percent in shape, I don't get a lot of attention at all, which is interesting. Now, when Super J shows up, everyone knows it. So the only unwanted attention is when people feel they are entitled to touch me "oh my God, look at those muscles" and put their hands on me. That's a problem.

Q: You are a trainer, and do motivational speaking, so you obviously like helping others. What is it about that that you enjoy?
A: Its purely the gratification I experience when I help people have a major breakthrough on something that could have taken their life, or helping them accomplish something and honoring me to be able to go on the journey with them and guide them to some extent.

Q: I know with my trainer, and my weight loss, I always say I want to be on stage and make her proud, she says she is proud already cause of the work I did. Is that kind of how you are?
A: Yeah it is. I have a young girl I am training. She is 12 years old. Her mother came to me and said "I want you to train my daughter". Her daughter is 235 pounds. She told me "she has low self esteem and this is a challenge for her". I asked her "Does your daughter want a trainer", and she said "I don't know, it doesn't matter, we a re desperate". As I began to engage this girl, she was very quite, but I am finally starting to breakthrough. I asked her "I know your parents want you to train with me, but do you want to train with me?". She said "I don't know" so whats happening is I am breaking down walls. It takes trust to get through a barrier, someone that age, been harassed and feels less than. So I am honored to be able to do this and see her do the things I ask her to do, knowing its a challenge. I see her do some workouts and am like "Whoo, that one would have kicked my butt" haha. So I get excited about that,w e have a year together, they hired me for a year, and we will do what we do. Ask me in a year, it will be a success story.

Q: OK, explain Super J. Whats the difference between Jill and Super J?
A: OK, you want the truth?

Q: I do.
A: The real truth is I did not come up with Super J. In fact, for a long time I would not acknowledge the existence of Super J. I had a client who was training, a former military person, after my first or second show. I trained him, he was 6'7" and 300 pounds but out of shape. Not lean mass. I had him doing something, I don't remember what,and some girls came over to talk to me and said "we're sorry we don't mean to interrupt" and the client said "Please interrupt cause Super J is kicking my ass" haha, so that's were it started. Then in 2006 my friends James ans Cheryl came up with the concept of using the Super J name and he put together this music that starts with the Superman theme and she made a cape, and they went through all this choreography. I said they were crazy. This was the 2006 Body Rock. I said I would be bold and use the music and cape and Super J was born and been here ever since. She has actually involved into a stage persona. I am more shy then she is.

Q: Before we finish anyone you want to thank or mention?
A: There are so many people I owe gratitude to. My parents, my mom is no longer here, she died of a massive heart attack. She inspired me to become what I am. My family, Mike Davies of Fitness Factory, and the Menace, Dennis James, they both have taken me under their wings and helped to develop and create what people get to see. My children. They endure, they are 12 and 18, and were young when I started. My daughter was just a baby. Its been a blessing to have them, they cheer me on, my daughter did 3am cardio with me. I couldn't get it together and she said "come on mommy, you can do it, Super J can do it", and I got it together real quick. I have had that from them, my son sued to run bleachers with me, my daughter would ride with me. They have been my core support.

Ashley Howard Interview

Q: First, Ashley, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I was born in California but grew up just south of Fort Worth, Tx. I have a younger brother who is in school in Washington state. My parents live about 20 minutes from me, so I get to see them often.

Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: I have always been involved in some type of sport while growing up, whether it be softball, basketball, or flag football. I was on varsity basketball all four years of high school at a private Christian school and my senior year, our team won state. Now I am a volunteer coach for the girls varsity basketball team at that same high school!

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: Even though I was athletic, I loved to eat carbs and chocolate! I honestly had no idea that different foods had different purposes and was vegetarian most of my life. At 21 yrs old, I became a full-time firefighter/paramedic. I am the first and only female firefighter at this city, and in an effort not to cause too much disruption (more than I already had as a woman coming into a "mans world"), I started eating meat, and began learning about how macronutrients worked.
There is a national female firefighter calendar that sends a large portion of their proceeds to burn foundations. I have always been slightly overweight, but hold most of my weight well. When I learned about this calendar, I knew it was something that I had to do! However, there is an application process in order to be selected. I knew that at 5'10" and 186 lbs, I stood a slim chance of being accepted to be a calendar model. I started studying nutrition and began training with another firefighter, who is a personal trainer on his off-shift days. I quickly became obsessed with nutrition and completely changed my diet. I was selected to be in the calendar about 4 months later!


Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: I have always known that inside of me was a very tall, lean, athletic girl. I just have had a hard time bringing her out! When I changed my diet and began a meal plan to diet down for the calendar photo shoot, I followed a figure contest prep diet. I was able to lose 37lbs before the photo shoot, which took place in Ft. Lauderdale about 3 months later!

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: When I saw that dieting for a contest was simply about choices made and dedication, I knew that it was something I had to try out. I had a very muscular physique under my bodyfat, and am able to hold muscle well. However, for that first contest, I did not have a dietitian, a trainer, or a posing coach. Granted, it was my first competition, but looking back, is kind of embarrassing! I dieted a lot of my muscle off, and was just skinny on stage. I enjoyed the feeling of being lean however, so I continued off-season with a higher carb diet and began to build muscle back on.

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: My parents were very supportive, as well as most of my friends. My extended family and some coworkers have had a hard time accepting the change I think. It is definitely a culture shock to a family of vegetarians that aren't big into working out, to have one of their own completely change lifestyles. Now that I have been training for a couple of years though, it has given them time to accept it.

Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: The lower intensity cardio is probably what surprised me the most. So many people think that you have to run a marathon 7 days a week in order to lose weight. In fact, its just the opposite. Yes, lots of time is spent on the treadmill or Stairmaster, but at an intensity level that isn't society's norm.

Q: Can you share your contest history.
A: So far, I have only done the one figure competition, which was a MuscleMania show in Fort Worth, October 2010. I placed 3rd. I am hoping to wait another year or so, gain some muscle size and lean my mid-section out more before stepping on stage again. When I get back up there, I want there to be zero doubt in my mind that I will take home first place!

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: My legs and arms are phenomenal! I have had great legs since I was a kid, and have always had huge definition in them. My arms came in when I started training hard.

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train?
A: I love to train shoulders!! I have had to build my shoulders up quite a bit this year due to sports injuries and to increase size for figure class, but I love every minute of it.

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I lift 4 days a week, and do cardio for 30 minutes 5-7 days a week, depending on my work schedule.
My lifting split is usually:
Back/Bicep
Chest/Tricep
Shoulders/Abs
Legs
Off season dieting for me is almost as dedicated and strict as pre-contest. I concentrate my complex carbs around my first meal and my pre-workout meal. I don't eat much bread or pastas, and try to keep these carb sources unprocessed, such as sweet potato and brown rice. My simple carbs are saved for during my workout and immediately post-workout meals. I keep these carb sources limited to fruit, maltodextrin powder, or the sugars in a protein bar.
The rest of my meals consist of high protein, fat, and fibrous carbs such as green beans or zucchini. I always keep my protein at 1-1.5g/lb through the off season, and increase to 1.5-2g/lb pre-contest. Fats usually take up 20% of my total daily calories, and the rest are the carbs.
During pre-contest, I clean up my diet here and there and become more strict as the weeks go on. No matter if it is off-season or pre-contest, I strive to drink at least a gallon of water each and every day! I was truly impressed with the benefits that drinking water brought, from clearing up my skin, to having more energy, to creating a leaner physique!

Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: Everyone seems to be very positive! They are usually highly impressed that I have the dedication and commitment to keep my diet clean and workout. Most people are more shocked that Im actually a firefighter.

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: People will ask what I had to change in my diet and/or workouts to get to this point. When I tell them, they immediately give me an excuse as to why they cant eat right or cant find the time to workout. My response is that I have lost a total of 60lbs from my heaviest point to now, that I work full time for the fire department, part time for a pediatric hospital emergency room, coach varsity basketball 4 days a week plus games, and am in nursing school. Yet, I still find time to eat healthy and go to the gym, even if it means waking up at 3am, which is frequent for me.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: That it really does take a long time to build muscle, maintain it, and to lose fat. Its not an overnight process (even though I, of all people, wish that it was!)
That lifting heavy is not only sexy, but that you aren't going to "bulk up" as a girl from lifting heavier than you think you can. Push yourself!! This is the reason I like to have a trainer. I am not a whiney person in the gym anymore when it gets hard, but if I workout by myself, I am not as likely to push myself further than I should.
Women who lift don't have to look manly. If you take care of yourself, keep your chest up and your shoulders back, and continue to hold onto your femininity, you will end up being the most beautiful woman in the room!

Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: Best is the endorphin rush you get during a workout!
Worst is when you are exhausted, but you keep pushing yourself until you're done.

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: Nicole Wilkins

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Donuts have been my favorite the last few months! It used to be pizza and cookie dough though.

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: That you HAVE to eat! So many girls first words about losing weight are, "I've just got to quit eating so much" Most women don't understand the concept of eating 6, 7, or 8 meals a day to increasing their fat loss.

Q: Do you think its becoming more common for women to use the weights as opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: I would like to think so, but I'm not convinced yet. Far too many times, I am the only female at the weight rack with the guys.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I love coaching my basketball girls! I also love being outside and doing things such as wakeboarding, snowboarding, four-wheeling, etc. I'm a very spontaneous person and love to have fun!

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Ashley Howard.
A: Hahaha!! Yeah right. I honestly do not have a "typical day" As a firefighter, we work 24 hours on-shift and then are off-shift for 48 hours. During shift, we are doing a lot of busy work and running errands until we catch a call, which might mean we sleep all night, or it might mean we are fighting a house fire for 6 hours starting at midnight.
Off shift, my days are either spent working at the ER, coaching, working out, going to Church, or spending time with my friends and family. I make sure that I don't get too caught up in staying busy and make sure I have time to relax.

Q: Describe Ashley Howard in five words.
A: Happy, Silly, Determined, Tall, Committed

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I am very independent. I can change my own oil, do all my own handyman work around the house, and had my first home built when I was 21. I owe that kind of knowledge and maturation to my dad and the guys at the fire department.

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I am shooting for Europa in Dallas 2012!

Q: Ashley, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Thank you so much for letting me have the chance to get my opinions out there and hopefully motivate someone else to take a positive step for their health and fitness!

Ashley Greenway Interview

Q: First, Ashley I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself?
A: I'm am from Gastonia, NC I am 27years old. I am married to Allen Greenway also known as "The Hedgehog" and have two awesome little boys. My free time I'm either thrift store shopping or painting other then training. :)

Q: Were you especially athletic growing up? Play any sports?
A: I would say so. Pretty funny I was a Varsity cheerleader for North Gaston High school and Mars Hill College for a total of 5 years. Although most people find cheerleading not to be a sport we competed in national and state competitions every year bringing home 1st place victories. Something I would say I am super proud of. Just because I fight doesn't mean I cant be a cheerleader at heart. HAHA!!

Q: What initially got you started training for MMA?
A: My Husband and I opened our first gym 6 years ago and I started training Muay Thai then and have been doing it ever since. I did it as a hobby and I fell in love with the sport. I started taking Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes and got hooked after the first night. I've always thought about the idea of fighting and spur of the moment took my first fight Oct 1st 2011 on a month notice ... although I am new to the fighting game I am more ready than ever. I have tons of experience and always look forward to learning and getting even better.

Q: Was the training something you picked up fairly easy?
A: I would have to say yes. I learn fairly easy. And I never give up.

Q: How long did you train before your first fight?
A: Muay Thai for 6 years and Jiu Jitsu for around 9 months

Q: Was fighting something your family and friends supported?
A: Def!!!! My husband is my #1 supporter and coach. He has taught me everything I know. My family and friends are awesome and are rooting for me all the way and I love every bit of support that they give me Thank you all.

Q: Where do you train at now?
A: BodyQuest Gym & MMA in Gastonia, NC. Which is also mine and my husband Allen's gym and partner Robbie Sexton.

Q: Can you give your overall record so far?
A: 1-0-0 :):)

Q: Is there one fight or anything you would say you are most proud of?
A: Well I only have one right now so that one haha... I was very proud of myself, never let nerves get to me I went in there ready for that win.

Q: What would you say is your biggest strength and the one thing you most want to improve
A: I cant give anyway my strengths haha... but most want to improve on would be my wrestling

Q: Name the one fight you have seen that you will always remember?
A: Anderson Silva vs Forrest Griffin... if u seen it you know what I am talking about.. get em Silva


Q: Are there any fighters you are a fan of or love to watch?
A: Def Anderson Silva, Allen Greenway, , Johnny Buck, Justine Kish, Sara Mcmann

Q: In your opinion, who are the top female fighters in the sport pound for pound?
A: Sara McMann #1 she is a beast!!! Amber Ignatowski, Gina Carano,

Q: Do you ever see a major U.S. women's only company beeing viable?
A: I really do just because we are women doesn't mean we shouldn't be respected in this sport there are some really tuff girls out there ton that are way better then most guys I see. I say we ladies keep doing what were doing and in time it will be us that shine!!!

Q: What is the biggest misconception about female fighters?
A: Not really sure why everyone thinks just because your a girl means you have to look and act like a dude hahaa...

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to train for the sport, whats the biggest piece of advice you would give her?
A: Have heart and don't let no one discourage you. Believe in yourself!! That is key

Q: Outside of training and fighting, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I enjoy painting, thrift store shopping, and laying around be completely lazy.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Ashley Greenway.
A: Either working or laying around the house decorating all day then go to our gym and train. Pretty simple and I love it :)

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I love to sleep in the bathtub.

Q: Describe Ashley Greenway in five words?
A: Creative, ridiculous, lazy, honest, respectful.

Q: So whats next for you? Any idea when you will be fighting again?
A: Thinking about Nov 19th in Boone, NC waiting to here from that... but Def Dec 3rd in Hickory, NC for Elite CCF its a Muay Thai fight.

Q: Anything you want to take this time to plug or promote?
A: Well of course BodyQuest MMA in Gastonia, NC

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so, how can they reach you and what are they getting in Ashley Greenway the fighter and person?
A: Yes. Contact me on facebook or by email... bodyquestgymmma@yahoo.com If your looking for someone that will represent your name well and get your name out there I'm your girl not only would you be supporting me but our gym as well.

Q: Ashley, I want to thank you for doing this. Any last words before you go?
A: Would like to say thanks for this opportunity it was alot of fun and I cant wait to grow in this sport so excited I started fighting after being apart of it for so long. I would like to thank the sponsors I already have to Freedom Fighter, Diamond Thieves Tattoo, and Dead Deer Society thanks for the support cant wait to keep representing your names!!

Rebecca Bausch Interview

Q: First, Rebecca, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: You're welcome. Thank you so much for letting me do this.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I'm 20 years old and currently a student at Utah State University Uintah Basin. I was raised for the most part in Cedar City, Utah, then I moved with my family to Vernal, Utah when I was a sophomore in high school. I'm married and have two awesome dogs: A Pit Bull and a Pomeranian.

Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: I ran track a little in high school but was always too shy to try out for any teams.


Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: My high school does a local high school bodybuilding competition for male and female students, and someone was making fun of me and told me I should do it. I decided I would show them and actually do it. My husband was also into lifting so I did it to impress him when we were dating in high school.

Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: Training took a while for me to really pick it up. I didn't want to look dumb doing lifts wrong, so I made sure I did them perfectly. It took me about a month of hard training to really see results.

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I did the local high school bodybuilding contest three years in a row and was runner up my senior year. I decided at graduation I would compete in the near future no matter what.

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: My husband wasn't too thrilled with the idea of me being in a tiny suit on stage, but other then that I had 100% support from him and everyone else.

Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: I was surprised how intimidated I was. Seeing all those beautiful women made me very motivated for my next show.

Q: Can you share your contest history.
A: Just one show. (For now)
*NPC Nutrimart Classic October 8, 2011

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: My back for sure!

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train or favorite exercise?
A: My back and shoulders. Any exercise to work them.

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I try to workout 3-4 days a week for off season with cardio whenever possible. I'm not too strict with my diet on off season, but I try to make as many healthy choices as possible. In preparing for a contest I eat very strict about 3 months out. I cut out dairy and fruits a month out. I change to working out 6 days a week hitting every body part twice a week, or as much as possible since I'm incredibly busy, and cardio every day.

Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: Positive. The see I don't look like a man, and that I'm proud of what I have done.

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: "You are already so skinny!" I hate hearing that. The world has such a misconception of what is healthy. I also get women asking me if I can train them.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: The biggest misconception is that women get bulky if you lift weights. Not true at all! I wish people understood how much time it takes up and that it really is a "lifestyle."

Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: The best part hands down is the results. Worst part is dieting. I love food too much.

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: Jamie Eason of course! Dana Linn Bailey, and Aubrie Faxson. Dana would be my favorite to meet though. She's so hardcore.

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Chocolate. Anything chocolate.

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: Be ready to fully commit. It's not just something you can half do. And be ready to shell out the money. This is not a cheap hobby.

Q: Do you think its becoming more common for women to use the weights as opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: Generally yes, but sometimes I see girls training light on machines and I want to go tell them to stop being such a girl.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I love dirt biking. It's a new hobby. My husband finally was able to teach me and I'm hooked! I also love spending time with my family.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Rebecca Bausch.
A: Wake up at 6:00, lift or run at home, get ready for work and be there at 8:30, get off work around 6 depending on the day, come home and do homework, try to make dinner (haha), and spend time with my husband and dogs. Be to bed by 10. Repeat.

Q: Describe Rebecca Bausch in five words.
A: Opinionated, Caring, Real, Stubborn,and Happy

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: How much of a tomboy I am. And how stubborn I am. When I care about someone or something I stand behind them or it no matter what.

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I plan to compete in multiple shows next year starting in the spring. I'm also hoping to get certified to be a personal trainer and train out of my home.

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: My awesome trainer Amara at Team CrazyFit. She put together my diet and workout. She also helped me with posing and is great.

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Rebecca Bausch the athlete and competitor?
A: I would love sponsers. They can always e-mail me at bausch91@gmail.com or find me on Facebook.
They would be getting a determined, happy blonde with lots of heart.

Q: Rebecca, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Thanks again for letting me do this. I hope to be able to continue and go far in the fitness industry.