How did you get started in fitness?
Because of my past athletic background and my dedication to weight training, my workout partner and dear friend encouraged me to compete. He would bring me fitness magazines every week and told me to start practicing posing like the models on the pages and he started teaching me how to do bodybuilding poses and took progress pictures. His belief that I could hang with the ladies on the stage and in the pages of those magazines paved the way to where I am today!
How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by setting realistic short-term and long-term goals, by visualizing -seeing myself where I want to be, by engaging with other fitness minded people, by using quotes/ articles/ pics etc to give me visual and mental encouragement, and above all practicing this as an actual lifestyle and not just surviving from one photo shoot or competition to the next.
Are you competing this year?
As of now I am not competing this year. I am focusing on my brand and business.
What does your diet consist of?
My diet includes lean proteins, slow digesting carbs, healthy fats and the occasional cheat meal!
What’s your favorite music to workout to?
I put on my Pandora and get to work! I enjoy more hardcore music for my weight training and then more pop or techo upbeat style for when I am doing cardio.
What body part are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my guns. Lets be honest, having some bicep is just awesome!
What’s the best part about being a Optimum Nutrition athlete?
There are SO many wonderful things about being an ON athlete!! Our team is a family that loves and supports each other, our manager is the Jedi Master of all managers, and through this amazing company and brand I have been blessed to travel the world and inspire others along their fitness journey! With out the support of Optimum Nutrition and the opportunities they have given me to grow as an athlete, model, and individual I don’t know where the path of life would have taken me. I love ON!!!
What is the biggest fitness myth you encounter in the fitness industry every day?
That there is still an “easy” way, a “quick fix”, a “magic pill” or a “secret”. Really? I WISH there was such a thing, but there just isn’t. We have to earn it everyday. Yes it is tough and it takes dedication, commitment, and desire to want to change and stay the course– but it has its rewards along the way as well! And the rewards FAR outweigh the time and effort it takes!!
What’s your favorite cheat meal?
Easy…Pizza!
How do you deal with cravings?
I keep nothing around me that will cause me to fail. If I see it then I will want to give in. But if I don’t allow myself that thought or opportunity then I am much more likely to stay straight. I also come up with healthy substitutions and alternatives.
What are your 3 favorite exercises?
Dead-lifts, push-ups, squats
Which female fitness model’s physique do you admire the most?
I admire Jamie Eason, not only for her tight physique, but also for her friendly and sweet personality, her genuine smile and for her amazing work ethic and business sense.
What supplements would you use/recommend if any?
The supplements I use and would also recommend are: ON OptiWomen or OptiPerformance Pack, ON Essential Amino Energy, ON PRE, ON Hydrowhey Protein, ON BCAA’s, CGT-10, Glutamine, CLA
Top 10 tips for people who want to get in shape?
1. Write down your long term goals.
2. Write down short term-goals that will enable you to reach your long term goals.
3. Get a plan! If you don’t know how to create a workout plan or diet, then let me know, I can help guide you!!
4. Have or get a support system. Share your goals with people you trust and let them know you need their support and encouragement.
5. Give yourself TIME. It won’t all happen in a day or a week or a month. Remind yourself of that daily.
6. Journal your progress. Ok, so maybe the word “journal” is a little out dated. lol Get on Instagram or FB and post pics, write about your workouts, start a blog on your new found love for health, wellness, and fitness. This is a good way for you to see your own progress and get encouragement from others who start following you journey.
7. Forget about the haters. People- even friends, will start getting nervous when they see you succeeding because it brings their shortcomings into the light and they must look at themselves. They will try to put you down so they feel better about themselves. Its a natural thing we all do, so just be aware of it and shake it off. Don’t let other’s insecurities bring you down and smother your light.
8. DO NOT. I repeat… DO NOT live or die by the scale. That number is only there as a guide. It shouldn’t make you freak out everyday if it goes up by a couple pounds here and there. If it starts becoming obsessive then chunk that little devil in the trash or take a sledge hammer and give it what it deserves. You should not be a slave to that damn thing.
9. Stay the course and learn new habits and traits along the way. Its not just about restricting yourself or forcing yourself to be someone different. Its about you getting control of your bad habits and emotions. Its about you learning discipline, dedication and determination. Its about you summoning up your own inner true strength to become the person you know you can be.
10. Have FUN with it! Do workouts you enjoy! Allow yourself to be happy and live life along the way! Don’t cut yourself off from your friends and family because you have to “be healthy”. Again, it should be your lifestyle! Get creative!
What’s next for you?
I will be offering webinars, web training/coaching and filming for exercise videos though my website: www.JenRankinFitness.com. I will also be doing some more international traveling and I have a few exciting photo shoot projects coming up soon. I couldn’t be more excited!!!! #GymmingJen is coming at ya!! ;)
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 135 lbs.
Born In: Texas
Resides In: Dallas, TX
Approx Measurements: 34D-26-36
Website: www.JenRankinFitness.com
Twitter: @Jen_Rankin
Facebook: @JenRankinFitness
Instagram: @JenRankinFitness
