One of the fitness industry’s top models shares a bit about her new Weider contract, what she’s doing for the holidays, working with WWE’s John Cena and more. A big thanks to the Weider crew for granting us permission to interview Jessica. Keeping with the holiday spirit of giving, the FLEX family recently published a never-before-seen gallery of her from the 2007 Swimsuit shoot. Check it out at: FLEXonline.com
Ten Questions with Jessica Paxson-Putnam
1) What are you doing for the Holidays?
I am just going to be relaxing and spending time with Peter and our three boxers: Puncher, Piston, and Pixie. We spent Christmas with Peter’s side of the family in Dalton, Georgia.
2) Any New Year’s Resolutions?
I have never really been one to make New Year’s resolutions…I guess a good one would be to continue to try to live out God’s will for my life in passion and purpose!
Also, to make wise financial decisions :)!
3) Have you been naughty or nice?
Come on Isaac…You know I am a good girl (except when I am with Peter 😉.
4) Congrats on the Weider contract. How’s it feel to be one of the only women with a magazine contract?
I cannot tell you how humbled and honored I feel to be one of the only women to have a Weider contract! I plan on representing the company to the best of my ability. I will never take this for granted!
Peter and I are blessed to be the first married couple ever to sign with Weider and that too is such an honor!
Jessica strikes a pose for the 2007 FLEX swimsuit issue.
5) Does this mean I have to get permission to take a picture with you now?
Peter says you must always ask for permission to take a picture with me:)
6) Will we be seeing you at the Arnold Expo?
Yes you will! I will be representing my sponsor Optimum Nutrition (ON) and American Bodybuilding (ABB). Please check out www.rippedacademy.com.
7) How is it working next to John Cena (all the ladies want to know)?
It’s nothing compared to sleeping next to Peter Putnam ;)…Just kidding. John is a really nice guy. I have to say he is great with his fans.
8) When will you be on stage again and what’s the goal for the 2008 season?
I am still undecided about which show I want to do next year. I am leaning toward the Pittsburgh Pro, but I still don’t know for sure.
My goals for next year are a little different. I am not going to put so much pressure on myself or put alot of emphasis on worrying about placings. Of course I want to compete and do well, but I have realized that sometimes you don’t have to win a show to come out a winner.
I just want to continue to represent ABB/ON and now Weider, continue to work with The Rush Fitness Complex (www.therush247.com) here in Knoxville, and really focus on promoting Peter and I in the industry.
My ultimate goal would be to reach a mainstream audience somehow.
9) Any little ones in the near future?
Of course:)! Peter and I want to enjoy our lives right now, be a little selfish first, and set up a solid foundation. There is plenty of time for family down the road.
I would say we will wait no more than five years.
10) This one is Ron’s question… Do your religious beliefs dictate what types of photos you’ll pose for and do you feel confined when it comes to modeling?
Leave it to Ron to ask the controversial questions:).
I would like to start by saying this:
Regardless, of what type of photographs some one may take, people are always going to have opinions. For example, Some may think that some of my pictures are too revealing and I may think that of someone else.
I just know that I would never take any pictures that I don’t feel comfortable taking and yes, my relationship with God is a huge factor in what I will and won’t do regarding photoshoots.
I never feel confined or limited during a shoot. I am a firm believer that you don’t have to pose overly provocative or in little to no clothing to be sexy!
I also like to think about how these pictures will affect me down the line. I would never want to take any pictures that would put shame or reproach upon myself, my husband, family members, or down the road, my children.
With all that said, please check out www.flexonline.com to view a gallery of pictures of me from the FLEX swimsuit issue :).
You can also check me out at www.JessFit.com and www.myspace.com/JessFit.
Thanks Jess. Happy Holidays to you and Peter. I wish you both nothing but the best in 2008 and beyond.
