IFBB Figure Pro Jenn Gates is making a comeback and she’s been kind enough to share her journey on Hardbody.com. Jenn has experienced many ups and downs in her life but she’s riding high now and isn’t looking back. She was preparing for the 2009 Figure Olympia when she found out she was pregnant with her third child. Not getting to defend the title she won in 2008, it left her hungry to settle unfinished business. Jenn will return to the stage at the 2011 Arnold Figure International where she’ll face a new crew of talented competitors. Momma’s on a mission so watch out.
Jenn Gates is Back?!?
It’s been a few years… Hopefully the name rings a bell with a few…
Yes, I am!!! I couldn’t be anymore excited either!!! Everyone has been asking me “Why Jenn, I thought you were over competing???” Yes I had a lot change in my life. I had a tragedy and then I was blessed with good change in my life. I went from having 2 kids to having a new stepson and a baby on the way. And the baby on the way happened 6 weeks out from the ’09 Olympia I was prepping to keep my title as Ms Figure Olympia but the news of the baby put that on hold. I had my third child April 5, 2010… Jaxon Michael and he is the new love of my life!! My pregnancy was great. I only gained about 28 pounds and lost the baby weight about 3 months later.
So fast forward to December 2010 and my life is great. Hectic never dull, but great!! I started seeing all the posts and blogs about the Arnold and I got BIT by the BUG again (if you have ever competed you know what I mean). I am currently working as a Personal Trainer and my business is going very well. I thought competing again would be a great chance for me to be a positive role model to my clients!! Plus the competitive soul in me always likes a good challenge!! Although honestly, raising 4 kids is very challenging….daily!! Actually, just keeping them fed and dressed is a full-time job. Yes I need to prove to myself, one more time, that I can set a goal and exceed that goal. This also is for all the women, mothers, and wives out there who think they can’t do it. So basically, I am on a mission and first and foremost for myself!!
As many of you reading this know, I did receive an Arnold Invite and of I’ve started my prep. My prep is going awesome!!! My body responded and I keep pounding away!! It has been an easier prep for me as far as I’m in a much better place in my life and luckily my body still wants to participate. I have a great support system, great family and friends!! There are things that make it much more challenging and that’s the kids and our schedules. It may be time for me to cardio, but my daughter has cheer practice, my son has a wrestling meet, and I have a hungry baby….yeah all on the same night! So some nights I’m ready to pull my hair out, but I do the best that I can.
I am training like I have for the last several years…. fast paced workouts, light weights, plyo’s, bootcamps and lots of running and sprints!! Big shout out to Indy Adventure Bootcamp… I Love IT!! My friend and fellow IFBB Figure Pro Jessica Wright runs them here in Indy!! I attend a class her husband Jason teaches and it kicks my butt and I love it!!! So my training is going very well and I am very proud of myself. My body is back and my baby Jax is only 9 months old!!! I am very excited to be on stage again and hope I can motivate and inspire many women!!! I’m also excited to see all of my friends in the business!!
I can’t wait to see you all in March..
XOXO
Jenn
As you can read Jenn is fired up and full of energy. Props to her for juggling all the responsibilities of being a mother of four and preparing for one of the biggest competitions in the world of Figure. Welcome back Jenn.
