Morgan Jarred, Women’s Physique Competitor, Morgan, Steals The Show… Doesn’t EVEN Take Names!
As a Women’s Physique Competitor, what competitions have you recently competed in and how did you place?
I’ve competed in several shows, placing from 1st to 5th. My dream show was to do the Lou Ferrigno as he was my childhood superhero. I placed first and overall and was awarded a photo shoot with Mr. Ferrigno.
What was your competition experience like?
To be honest, each prep has been a learning experience for myself and how I can change my body.
Have you always been athletic? Did you play sports growing up?
Growing up I was heavy, getting into sports helped me become more athletic, food was never a concern for me at the time but as I grew older and joined the military, staying fit within military standards became more of a priority, especially making weight.
What got you involved in competitions?
I was a marathon runner/ triathlete for many years, body building was always a dream/ bucket list for me. After a deployment, coming home and seeing a friend of mine who had competed made me more motivated, she looked amazing and I wanted to know how to look like that now. She referred me to her trainer and from there I was hooked.
Are you comfortable with competing or did you have to build up the courage?
If you could talk to my first trainer, she would have you rolling on the floor. I was so nervous. I never showed my body from my knees down, I always wore baggy T-Shirts to train and ok I’m a tomboy, I wear combat boots and if you can only imagine how I walked in 4 inch clear heels for a figure routine.
How long have you been into fitness, working out and being a Women’s Physique Competitor?
I started training for my first figure show in 2010, so 8 yrs now but I also run and I love doing the tough mudder and spartan races as well.
What is your competition weight and off-season weight, and how tall are you?
My stage weight has been between 135-145, I feel I look better at 145. In my off season I have made terrible mistakes with reverse dieting but If I stay within 10lbs of my stage weight I feel I am the happiest with myself.
How long did it take you to prep for your competition?
I have done 12- 20 wk preps and I feel 20 weeks works best for me. Gives me more time to build and tweak things versus crash dieting and tons of cardio.
What motivates you to keep in shape?
At my age of 47 , for me its about staying healthy as our society is becoming more unhealthy, its about how I see myself as I have self-image/esteem issues and I hope that I can inspire someone to stay/ become healthier or push themselves to run their first run or do their first competition.
How do you stick to your goals?
I make a plan, pay for a race or show and make that my priority. I don’t cancel on myself, I plan my day in advance and if I have to wake up an hour earlier I will.
What is your nutrition like off-season?
Off season, I try and eat the majority of the time clean but I won’t punish myself if have pizza or a cheeseburger. Its important that my life is normal at times as my husband is an amazing supporter but likes to go out and eat and doesn’t always want to hear me order a chicken breast plain, broccoli steamed and a salad with no dressing. So I would say 70/30 is my diet plan.
What is your competition diet like?
Each diet coach has been different in some way but for the most clean foods like egg whites, turkey, chicken, ground beef, green veggies, sweet potatoes and brown rice. Oh and peanut butter
What is a basic cheat meal for you?
I love pizza so I treat myself to that or Don’t judge 2 fresh McDonalds cheese burgers.
Are there any sacrifices? If so, how do you overcome them?
I cant really say there are sacrifices, just things but on hold. I mean food will be there after my show. I have been on a prep, went on a cruise for 7 days, trained the whole time on the ship, came back a won my show
What do you find to be the hardest part about getting into contest shape and how do you overcome it?
The key is not to get out of shape right, well I’m still learning that. I think that’s what separates the amateurs from the pros. Someday Ill get it right but for me its about changing my body to what I think is what I want to look like. Every show you do there is always something you have to change and when you do that then there’s something else you have to change. There is a standard that the judges have to follow but they can only follow those standards based on what is standing in front of them.
What is your training split like off-season? Is it the same pre-contest?
I try to keep it as close as I can to my contest prep season. Off season I’ll train more with friends and enjoy conversations and being goofy but when prep starts I prefer to train by myself.
What is your training life when you are prepping for a contest?
As a women’s physique competitor, I’m at the gym every morning at 0400, I train before work, adjust my training schedule according to work schedule.
What do you do for cardio?
I love running so I will keep it in my training as long as possible. I do own a spin bike and treadmill.
Do you have any future competition plans?
Yes, I have a few shows I would love to do because I have heard the promoter runs a good show.
Does your family support your fitness endeavors?
My husband has been an amazing support system. He has been to so many marathons, driving around taking pics, he stood in a crowd for 13 hrs., waiting for me to finish my first Ironman, and he has sat through numerous pre-judging and finals shows. I think after all this, he has earned a pass to stay at home and enjoy the day to himself.
What hobbies do you have outside of fitness?
Hmmm, tough one, I guess watching movies and hanging out. Oh wait, midafternoon naps.
What advice would you give someone who wanted to get in such outstanding shape as you are in?
What are you waiting for? You owe it to yourself to try it at least once.
How has being a Women’s Physique Competitor changed your life?
It has helped me to become more comfortable with myself, not completely but more confident.
Do you have any long-term goals in the fitness industry?
Well I think everyone wants that PRO card and yes I do but I’m not going to put my life on hold and spending thousands of dollars , traveling all over to win my PRO card as a women’s physique competitor. I want to win my pro card where my family and friends can share the experience with me. If it wasn’t for them and their support I wouldn’t be where I’m at right ?
If you could give one piece of advice to a first time competitor, what would it be?
Enjoy it, you will meet some amazing people along your journey
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Karen Sessions NSCA-CPT
