Gen Strobo is hitting the IFBB Figure stage for the first time this weekend at the Europa Show of Champions in Orlando. I caught up with the Florida Figure momma on the heels of the show. Check out what she’s been up to and what’s behind the Monkey Butt.
Currently live in: Pensacola, FL
Born in: Ft. Myers, FL
Nickname: HMmm… My family calls me Genni; Team Bombshell, Gen; A few names I wont mention call me: Hoo-dee-lee-hoo and Monkey Butt.
Haha well THAT certainly sounds interesting. I’m sure there’s some entertaining story behind those.
Your first time back on stage this year. How do you feel compared to previous shows? I feel much more prepared for this show than I did for Kentucky and Ft. Lauderdale. For those shows I’d just come off of the Olympia and hadn’t really had enough time in between them.
When was your last show? Last show was Kentucky Muscle in November, 2010
You’re one of the taller competitors and had the challenge of adding muscle/size. How have you been able to do that? That challenge is with me on an everyday basis. We have spent the past couple of years trying to figure out what will work best for my body type such as making tons of changes to my diet and definitely the way I train.
What type of foods do you eat to help you put on some muscle? I have spent a lot of time over the past year eating lots of red meat, salmon and white potatoes. Keeping my diet higher in fats and in carbs seems to be helping me out.
Did you have change your training up since turning pro? Over the past year we have changed my training to where I train much differently than I’ve ever done. Most weeks I stay in the low 8-10 rep range and try to challenge myself on the weight. I don’t do much supersetting anymore.
You have how many children? 2 daughters soon to be 13 and 16.
How do you balance mommy duties and competing? It is definitely a challenge to be a mom in the first place, but then finding time in between Cross country meets, after school programs and the tons of homework they have to train is even harder. Time management and late nights are all part of balancing my life. I try to dedicate a day to them no matter what I have going on and they pick what we do. They are both some of my biggest fans, and I can tell you they look forward to my cheat meal. They love to watch mom pig out!
What advice do you have for other mommas out there who are thinking about competing but not sure? I can tell you that it won’t be easy. However, nothing worth doing right is. But by doing for yourself and taking care of you first, it allows you to better take care of your family. Plus, it does give the children of today a better awareness to being active and maintaining a healthy eating lifestyle.
You have an interesting business. Tell peeps about that and how you go into that. I own G-Force Fitness and Nutrition. We specialize in pre-packaged healthy meals and meal plans and also some great tasting Meal Replacement Bars!!!!
Where can people get these healthy meals you speak of? Well it’s only local. GForcenutrition2Go.com.
Who came up with the food on your menu? I came up with all the recipes. Nutrition is my passion and I have my nutrition specialist certification. Currently I am the owner and chef and I love it. Lots of work but I enjoy every minute of it.
So will you be bringing the press pit samples to try out in Orlando? Ha no samples there.. I wish, maybe in a few months we’ll start to ship the bars and meals.
I guess we’ll be stuck starving. Thanks. Just kidding.
How important is it to have supportive people around you when competing and in life in general? If you surround yourself with positive people you become a more positive person all together. In this sport it is a MUST to have people around you that support you 100%. Push you through those workouts, encourage you to stay on your diet, etc. Knowing you have someone in your corner, makes stepping into the “ring” that much easier.
If someone is struggling with negative people/influences in their life, what advice would you share in making a change? Change is never easy for anyone. But if there is someone around you that is bringing you down with regards to the sport or hindering your personal growth then you need to step back and rethink their place in your world. Those who truly want the best for you will support you in all you do.
How has your prep been different for this show or has it been different? Much different. First, everyone knows I have a metabolism faster than a speeding bullet. I have had to learn even more that I have to listen to my body and feed it when needed. When I feel hungry even if it’s not time for my next meal, I EAT. I used to think that I wasn’t working as hard as some girls I know because they were being restricted with food and having to do large amounts of cardio. But we all have our problems and our way of getting ourself to the stage. Mine just involves me making sure I eat every calorie I need and keeping my cardio to a minimum. Doing this and lifting like a bodybuilder is helping me get my physique to a much fuller place that I’ve needed to be.
Any supplements that are on your “must have” list? I love the new ON Amino Energy (grape flavor baby). It gives me that kick I need to get my day going and since I go to the gym immediately after dropping my kids off at school it gives me that kick in the “monkey butt” I need to lift heavy and push myself.
What the key to getting rid of monkey butt? Hmmm… well I’m not sure if there’s a sure fire cure for this awful disease. But some painful scrubbing and a little baby oil seems to dull the effects. (I’m never gonna live this down am I?)
No. I guess we should mention that “Monkey Butt” arrived at the NPC Jr. USAs and can best be described as what is left behind from bikini bite/suit glue after a show. It’s not one of the more glamorous sides of competing.
What’s a talent people may not know you possess? Well, I think I’ve said before that I was a nationally ranked fencer for many years in my teens. But, challenge me to a burping contest and I’m sure to beat ya!
WHAT? Fencing. I had no idea, cool! I’ll take your word for it on the belching. ha. Aight, rapid fire – first thing that comes to mind. BOOM. Say it.
Gallon Jug – Don’t leave home without it
Fanny Pack – Sexy, not!
Headbands – Olivia Newton John
Lady Gaga – Meat dress
Smelly dudes – Ewwww
Hairy backs – Get a Man-groomer
Number of gym shoes own – 5
Number of times I visit the gym a day – 1 to workout and then numerous times to all the gyms in town for my business.
Thanks Gen and all the best this weekend! Gennifer Strobo is also a Team Bombshell Instructor and you can find out more at bombshellfitness.com.
