Kristina Henn

How Did You Get Started?

I saw my first fitness competition in a bar in my last semester of college - it was a FAP show on ESPN. I have never been an athlete, but I have always been flexible and interested in gymnastics. I looked at the screen and thought "I can do that!"

Of course, everyone laughed at me because my only "sport" all through school was marching band (which I did in high school and college). Upon graduation, I was looking for something new to do and was starting to go to the gym to lose the Freshman 15.

When I started lifting weights, I made friends with a female bodybuilder at the gym. I discovered that my body gained muscle relatively easily and that I enjoyed the challenge of trying to improve my record. I started taking gymnastics classes and trained to build muscle. Even though I attended several local fitness shows, I always made excuses not to compete myself until my friend and gymnastics coach did her first show, almost 4 years later. I realized that I could make excuses forever or just suck it up and do a show. That was in April of 2002, and I set my sights on the NPC Central States in September 2002.

The plan was to do one show, and decide from there if I ever wanted to subject myself to the diet and training to compete again. I placed a close second, and have had "the bug" ever since!

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

I do cardio ~3 days a week normally and everyday in the last few weeks before competition. I prefer to do cardio first thing in the morning, if I can get myself out of bed!

I lift weights heavy, each muscle group once a week for 3 sets of 3-4 exercises per major muscle group. I do gymnastics ~4 days a week and everyday in the last few weeks before competition.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

Beverly International supplements have been great. I take Ms. Power Pak, Mass Aminos, and Ultra 40 (liver pills). And I love their chocolate Muscle Provider (protein powder)!

Why Do You Love Fitness?

I enjoy all aspects of training for fitness competitions. It's great to watch myself grow in strength as I lift weights. I've always wanted to take gymnastics, and now I have an excuse. And evn though the diet isn't fun, it's extremely rewarding to watch the benefits to my physique. It's hard to believe that I'm finally one of those fitness competitors that I've admired from the other side of the stage for so many years!

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

I will compete at the Team Universe in NYC this August, in hopes of earning an NPC Pro Card in either Fitness or Figure (I will compete in both). Beyond that, my goal is to keep trying for a Pro Card and keep having fun with the sport. We'll see where that leads me!

What One Tip Would You Give Other Fitness Competitors?

Go for it!!! I never thought I would have the discipline to get a Fitness/Figure physique, nor did I think I had the guts to get up on stage. But here I am! Figure out what your strengths are (jazz, hip-hop, gymnastics, flexibility, endurance...) and use them.

Who Are Your Favorite Fitness Competitors/Bodybuilders?

I really respect Kim Dolan as an accomplished competitor and performer, but also as someone who has struggled like I have to pick up the sport in her 20's. My favorite fitness performer is Jen Hendershott. She's got energy and spunk that makes it tiring just to watch her routines!

More Profiles:

:: Current Fitness Competitor Of The Week.
:: Other Previous Fitness Competitors Of The Week.
:: Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week.
:: Over 40 Bodybuilder Of The Week.
:: Teen Bodybuilder Of The Week.

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