Jessica Ziegler

How Did You Get Started?

I had played some sports in highschool but once I got to college I fell into a bit of a slump. I was drinking often and rarely working out. I started feeling depressed about how I had let myself get so out of shape but didn't have the motivation to do anything about it.

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Jessica Ziegler.

One of my co-workers told me about her trainer (Terry Stokes, www.hardbodyfigure.com) who specializes in training figure competitors. Competing seemed like a far fetched idea considering my current lifestyle but I didn't have much to lose so I decided to give it a whirl. Terry whipped me right into shape! High intensity workouts and a clean diet really transformed my body.

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Jessica Ziegler.

When I started training I figured I would just compete for the experience. But as the show got closer my mentality changed completely and I wanted nothing less than 1st place. After 12 weeks of hardcore training and dieting, I actually won 1st place! Winning and knowing that all my hard work paid off in the end is an indescribable feeling. Now I'm addicted and what started as an "experience" has become a lifestyle. With the help of my trainer, Terry, I'm excited to see how far I can push myself. Sky is the limit!

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Jessica Ziegler.

Check Out Jessica's BodySpace Here: jesika1985

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

Terry designed workouts that incorporated plyometric exercises, circuits, supersets and olympic lifting to reduce the amount of cardio needed to get down to my goal of 9% bodyfat! The workouts were intense but shorter than traditional pre-contest workouts which was convenient considering my work schedule. An example of a workout is:

• 30 Second Circuit:
  Pullups
  Jump squats
  Shoulder presses
  Crunches
  Switch after 30 seconds for a total of 4 times.
• Cleans with 45 lb bar - 10, Repeat for 15
• Clean + press with 45 lb bar - 10, Repeat for 15
• Clean, squat + press with 45 lb bar - 10, Repeat for 10
• Superset:
  Bicep curls + triceps pulldowns
  No rest for a cycle of 4 times

Click Here For A Printable Log Of Jessica's Workout.

Working out this way aloud me to exhaust every muscle group so that doing cardio right after was much more affective and less was needed.

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Jessica Ziegler.

What Nutrition Plan Has Worked Best For You?

My diet depended on what my current bodyfat was and how far away the show was. Eating small portions more often is always a key component. A sample diet looks like this:

• Meal 1 - oatmeal + egg whites

• Meal 2 - protein shake, apple + veg

• Meal 3 - chicken, vegetables + sweet potato

• Meal 4 - protein shake, apple + cottage cheese

• Meal 5 - chicken, vegetable + sweet potato

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Jessica Ziegler.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

A multivitamin so I don't get sick! And I used Lipo6 in the final weeks for energy.

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Jessica Ziegler.

Why Do You Love Fitness?

Being in shape gives me confidence. Eating healthy and working out really helps with stress and anxiety. People are their own worst enemy and they set limits and boundaries for themselves. When you push yourself to the next level and accomplish things you didn't know you were capable of, the feeling is unexplainable! Also, I think learning about nutrition + training is fascinating.

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Jessica Ziegler.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

Make a career of it! I'm training for two NGA shows and one NPC shows in the spring which I'm super excited about! I would love to earn my pro card and land some magazine photoshoots! One day I want to compete at nationals!

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Jessica Ziegler.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Fitness Competitors?

Don't get discouraged! Hard work pays off in the end and you don't get results overnight. This is something I struggle with too. I want results NOW,NOW,NOW. And I get frustrated if things don't go the way I want, but it takes time and patience to see results.

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Jessica Ziegler.

Who Are Your Favorite Fitness Competitors/Bodybuilders?

Valerie Waugaman is beautiful, and she's a gladiator! Monica Brant- Peckham, Amanda Savell. Jamie Eason isn't a figure competitor but she is gorgeous! As far as bodybuilders go... Jay Cutler is massive. Phil Heath is looking good. I'm going to the Arnold for the first time this year so maybe I'll have some more to add later...

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Jessica Ziegler.

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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