Check Out First-Time Figure Competitor and Mom, Jackie Turpening

So, what got you involved in doing Figure Competitions?

I was having a hard time staying consistent working out at home so I joined a body camp.  My trainer asked if I had ever considered competing. I hadn’t but I have a background in gymnastics and loved the way I felt when I competed, and I thought what better motivation!

Interesting.  How long have you been in fitness?

I have been active my entire life, fallen off the wagon so-to-speak, had a couple kids, etc.  But I enjoy how I feel when I’m living a healthy lifestyle.

That’s awesome.  What is your competition weight and off-season weight?

Competition weight was 113, off season I was 128.

That’s about the perfect off-season weight!  What motivates you to keep in shape?

I want to feel good and have the energy to keep up with my kids and be able to be active, healthy and have fun.

I hear you on that.  So, how do you stick to your goals?

I do weekly progress pictures.  They were amazing to keep me going!!!!!!!

Okay, so what is your nutrition like off-season?

Well, I try to eat healthy most of the time.  However, I do have the occasional treat.

Yeah, and what is your contest preparation dieting protocol?

I mostly eat lean protein and veggies.  I also include oatmeal and sweet potatoes for most of my carbs.  I like to have a good balance.

I see.  So, what is a basic cheat meal for you?

My favorite cheat meal was an apple with peanut butter! It sounds totally crazy, but apples are amazingly sweet and taste like a great treat when you can’t have them all the time! 🙂

I hear ya on that!  Are there any sacrifices? If so, how do you overcome them?

Sacrifices would be no treats, or going out, having to plan for every meal of the day and taking them with you at all times. Overcoming them wasn’t real hard, some times were harder than others.  But, you just have to keep your eye on the prize and realize this is actually an incredibly short amount of time out of your life, and you will look and feel amazing when you reach your goal!

What do you find to be the hardest part about getting into contest shape and how do you overcome it?

The meal planning.  It was a real chore in the beginning.  But, it became automatic after awhile, it was just part of my routine. I figured out ways to make it easier, like cooking batches of chicken, fish, cutting up and measuring my veggies so they were ready to go, etc.

I agree totally.  What is your training split like?

I train Upper body and lower body each twice a week.  That seemed to work the best for me.

What forms of cardio do you do, and what do you think works the best for fat loss?

I do the elliptical and running mostly, and some bike. I found that my body really responded well to these 3.  I lucked out, it’s what I started with and kept with because it worked for me.

Finding what works early is best.  Do you track your personal best lifts and if so, what are they?

I didn’t track them, but I might next time!

Do you have any future competition plans?

This was my first competition.  I’m planning on doing a fitness competition next year! 🙂

Wow, that’s challenging.  Do you use supplements? If so, what are your favorite supplements?

I really like CLA for fat loss, and caffeine towards the end.

I take caffeine tabs because I don’t drink coffee.  So, does your family support your fitness endeavors?

Absolutely.  It would be hard to do without their support!

I hear ya.  So, what hobbies do you have outside of fitness?

My hobbies are playing with my kids and teaching people different ways that they can be healthier and happier.

Excellent.  What advice would you give someone who wanted to get in such outstanding shape as you are in?

Consistency is the key.  You will feel amazing and never want to go back!

Yep.  How has competing in figure changed your life?

I have learned so much about myself through this experience….my strengths and weaknesses and how to balance the two. I found out how strong I actually am both mentally and physically, this prep was amazingly challenging but I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. There is nothing like the feeling of working that hard and accomplishing what you set out to do.

Did You Know…

Did you know that Jackie is just like you and YOU can make the SAME type of Body Transformation! You can have all the same Diet, Training, and Prepping Secrets to transform your body, get on stage, and Win your Competition!

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If you are not ready, then grab my FREE Contest Prep Crash Course so you can start making the same amazing body transformation.

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Karen Sessions NSCA-CPT