Stunning Fitness

Interview with fitness model and figure competitor Jennifer Hawkins:

1. What is your background? How did you become interested in fitness?

I joined a gym when I was 17 years old and fell in love with working out. I obtained my aerobics instructor certification in Canada and then went on to get my personal trainer certification in Maui. I loved the Island life, but being Canadian I knew it would be difficult to work in the United States, so I looked for other opportunities and found a job as an instructor and fitness promotions coordinator at a gym in Bermuda. I’ve been in Bermuda ever since! I don’t work as a personal trainer anymore, but I train 5 days a week at a gym right around the corner from my workplace.

2. Can you please describe a “typical” day for you?

Up at 6am, eat, train, eat again, go to work (eat and eat and eat), and then my evenings are free to curl up at home, or go to the movies, or out with friends.

3. How do you motivate yourself to get and stay so fit?

Nothing changed my body more than weight training did. When you see your structure change through weight training and nutrition, it motivates you to never stop.

4. What forms of exercise do you find to be the most effective?

I train my entire body with weights, but I also add in workouts at the track or the hill to keep my legs toned.

5. What is your normal eating plan like? Do you have any type of “special” diet for getting leaner?

My off-season diet is fairly clean, with indulges of course, but during competition season, I clean my diet up. I try as much as possible to eat organic food, and always unprocessed. My diet consists mainly of lean protein, good whole unprocessed carbs, vegetables, fruits and good fats.

6. Do you use any supplements? If so, which do you recommend?

If so, which do you recommend? Right now, during the off-season, I’m taking whey protein, creatine and BCAA’s.

7. Are there any other products you recommend for getting fit and/or looking great?

There are so many supplements on the market and you could truly go broke trying them all. I pretty much stick with the tried and true.

8. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Check out my website at www.jldfitness.com. I have a degree in Nutrition and offer nutrition consulting services.