IFBB Bikini Pro Jennifer Andrews found out she made the coveted list to compete at the Arnold while watching Yogi Bear in the theater. This former NFL cheerleader thinks TV is a waste of time but enjoys knitting. There’s a lot more to this bikini competitor than a pretty face and a hard body. Check it out.
Name: Jennifer Andrews
Born in: Lexington, KY
Currently Reside: Lexington, KY
Contest History:
Coastal USA – 1st in my class
North Americans- 1st in my class
Eastern USA- First in my class
Nationals- Overall winner
Ft. Lauderdale Cup pro– 4th
Current Occupation:
Liquor and wine sales representative and owner of Fine Fanny Fitness Personal Training
Being a liquor and wine rep, do you ever cheat and sip a the vino?
Absolutely! Red wine is good for us right? 🙂 I always consume in moderation.
What’s your favorite wine?
I always enjoy a great Cabernet. My favorite right now is one called UPPERCUT.
How did you get into competing in the NPC and now the IFBB?
I wanted to take my fitness challenges to a new level and what better way than to put myself in a bikini and go on stage? I researched and found that the NPC is the best organization and I am honored to be a part of the IFBB.
How long did you cheer for the Cincinnati Bengals?
I cheered for the Bengals for one year. That one year was one of the most challenging yet joyful years of my life. I say every year I am going back to the NFL.
What made your year with the Bengals challenging?
I would wake up workout, work my 9-5 job, leave for practice at 5 pm to commute 1 hour and 20 min to Cincinnati and return home at 11:30 pm. I commute with 3 other teammates and if it was not for them I am not sure I could have made it. A goal weight is given to each cheerleader at the beginning of the season and twice per week we would have to weighed in. If you were over by 3 lbs you may not cheer the next game. 32 girls are on the team and only 28 make the field for a game. Your spot was never guaranteed and that was stressful as well. You would think this would cause tension between teammates but it actually made us closer. The girls I cheered with are some of the most amazing ladies that I will be friends with forever. I never had to give up my spot because I fought like heck to keep my weight and remember all my performances. We had practice twice per week instead of one month of conditioning. We practiced every Tue, Wed, Thur. Requirements for all practice were full hair, full make up, booty shorts, panty hose, sports bra, and a good attitude. The pay was horrible but the memories were priceless!!
Jennifer back on the field where she spent a year as a Bengals Cheerleader.
Do you feel being a cheerleader has helped you on stage as a bikini competitor?
Absolutely! Being a cheerleader taught me the sass and class that I like to take to the stage. I had to learn how to live a healthy life style and how to maintain a certain physique. Being a performer in front of 70,000 people has helped me feel comfortable in front of a crowd.
You’re part of Team Bombshell – how did you come to join the team and what’s your favorite part of being a bombshell?
I found team bombshell at a competition. If you look carefully it isn’t hard to tell which girls are trained by the best! My favorite part of being a Bombshell is having an amazing support system that makes sure I am working hard and feeling good. Nothing is ever over looked and I know if I listen to my coaches I will always bring the best ME on stage.
You took home top honors at the NPC Nationals – how did it feel when your name was announced as the overall winner?
It took a moment to register that not only did I just get my pro card but I also was the overall champion. I only dreamed of doing this so I guess I could say it was a dream come true. I felt honored and blessed to have been chosen for the overall to represent so many amazing athletes. Hard work does pays off!
In your pro debut you, you ran into some stiff competition and were out of the top three for the first time. What was your pro debut experience like and how was it different from the amateur ranks?
My pro debut was great and the Ft. Lauderdale Cup was one of my favorite shows of the year. Of course we all want to place in the top 3 and get an Olympia invite but I was honored to take home 4th. I was not my best at my pro debut but I learned a lot that I can use in future competitions. Competing as a pro is different and more challenging because once you reach the pro level there is no room for mistakes.
What’s your favorite part of competing?
Besides the few seconds on stage where I get to be sassy I really enjoy the people in the industry. I have met so many supportive people that I will be friends with forever.
One talent people may not know you posses?
I like to knit and I love to give my projects to cancer patients, new babies, and my 13 nieces and nephews. I am a wine advocate and as a liquor and wine sales representative it is a part of my job that I enjoy the most. I also have a gold belt in shu-lin karate and one day want to get my black belt.
Have you ever had to use your skillz in karate to fend off anyone?
Yes, I was in a dark alley this on time and fended off three men at once!! Just kidding! No I have yet to put my moves to good use.
Good to know. lol
Favorite TV Show?
I don’t watch TV. I cannot sit still long enough to give the TV even 30 minutes. I feel like if I am not moving I am missing out.
Ok, so wait. You can’t sit still to watch tv but you can sit and knit… How does THAT work?
I know I feel like watching TV is such a waste of time and if I am knitting I am still accomplishing something. OK so maybe I fall to sleep every night to Family Guy. My husband loves the fact that I never want the remote! Heck I do not even know how to Tivo or whatever it is. LOL
Best Tip for getting in all your meals you could give a competitor?
Start Early!! Early bird gets the worm 🙂 Watch the clock and eat when the clock says it is time not when you say it is time.
Last thing you ate?
3 Oz of chicken, 4 oz of sweet potato, and 1 tsp of omega 3 oil. No veggies this meal.
Biggest Pet Peeve?
LAZINESS… I cannot stand it when people tell me they want to lose weight but they do not want to work for it!! There is not a quick and easy way to get fit!
Where were you when you found out you were invited to the Arnold?
It was December 23rd and I was actually in the movie theater watching Yogi Bear with my best friend and her little boy. I could not have asked for a better Christmas present.
Goal for the Arnold / Bikini International?
My goal is to follow my plan 110% so I can take my best to the stage. Hopefully my best will be good enough to take home a WIN!!! I feel like a winner already for being chosen for such an amazing show. Off the stage my goal is to have fun and meet lots of people that I can network with.
Good luck in Columbus and thanks for taking the time to share more about yourself with our readers.
Jennifer is managed by Fitness Management Group (FMG). If you’re interested in booking Jennifer for photo shoots or appearances you can do so FMG. Get to know Jennifer more by becoming a fan on her Facebook Page.
Profile photo: JM Manion.
