It’s no secret that MuscleWeek Senior Editor Shane Ray gets around. The wives, girlfriends and ex-wives of many a Chicago bodybuilder can certainly attest to that. But what many readers may not know is that for many years, Shane was deathly afraid of flying. In fact, it wasn’t until his former girlfriend dragged him by his eyebrows to watch her compete at the 2009 USA that he finally overcame his aerophobia.

Lately, on MuscleWeek’s dime, he’s been traveling this great nation of ours meeting up with some of the largest and most interesting personalities in bodybuilding. So during a hiatus from crashing bachelorette parties with Joey Swoll and Craig Golias in Vegas, Shane sat down with an IFBB Pro who has been MIA for the past two years. Despite being a top 5 Olympian for several consecutive years, some might say that Gustavo Badell never really gained the respect that usually accompanies such a lofty position. So, drink in hand, Shane sat down in the Venetian Lobby to interview one of the top bodybuilders on the planet — Gustavo Badell.

Gustavo

MUSCLEWEEK: It’s an honor to have you sit down with MuscleWeek. No introduction needed. Tell us what’s new in your life. I understand you’re in Las Vegas now.

GUSTAVO BADELL: I’m in Las Vegas most of the time. I don’t know for how long, because I’m selling my house and trying to relocate to Florida. What’s new in my life is that I now have my own gym with a partner in Spain. I’m very excited to come back onstage and I’m concentrating all my energies in my prep.

MW: Las Vegas has a seriously vibrant and happening bodybuilding culture there. I don’t think it’s so much Venice Beach anymore. Is Las Vegas where you need to be training and focusing on bodybuilding? Does it not get distracting sometimes?

GB: I think Las Vegas has the most perfect fitness environment in the world. I enjoy very much preparing for contest here. I don’t get distracted in Las Vegas, actually I get more focus.

MW: The Mecca of bodybuilding gyms is Gold’s on Flamingo. LVAC being a close second. Which gym do you prefer and why? Is “Flamingo” your home?

GB: I love Gold’s Gym in Flamingo. The environment there is just fantastic! Not only for me but for anyone with a passion for the sport. I also train at the one in Eastern sometimes, which is closer to my house, or in occasion LVAC in Eastern, but there is none compared to “Flamingo”.

MW: You’ve been around the pro bodybuilding for a while. Some argue you most definitely peaking in the mid 2000’s with the 2004 & 2005 Mr. Olympia being your pinnacle. Do you feel you can duplicate that look and level of muscularity and conditioning again or are you going for something new for Gustavo Badell?

GB: After two years off stage I’m preparing for a new Gustavo Badell. I’m training hard, never cheat my diet, very strict with the plan. I have a lot of discipline and determination and with that I believe anything is possible, even to duplicate my best condition. We’ll see, but one thing is for sure, I’m hungry again and will come back strong to get my place back.

Gustavo Locker

MW: Your last show was in 2009 which was The Atlantic City Pro where you placed First and then you took a surprising 13th at the Olympia. Was taking almost 2 full years off strategic and part of the master plan or were you forced to take a step back for other reasons?

GB: After the 2009 Olympia, I was very upset and disappointed because all my hard work wasn’t getting me to where I expected, so I decided to take some time off and go adventure with some business opportunities presented. It wasn’t really planned but I can tell you today that it was a good move. My body was exhausted, so was my mind so I definitely needed some time off. My body is refreshed now and responding better.

MW: Back when you were placing high at the big shows and were considered a serious threat in ANY show you would enter who was your nutritionist? Who is your nutritionist now or have you always did your own prep?

GB: I’ve been working with many nutritionist experts in the field since 2004. Pretty much every other prep has been with a different nutritionist with different philosophies and they have all been good. I have great respect for all of them who have been in my corner at some point of my career. Now, as far as training, I have always done my own thing. I have my own philosophy of training . Every athlete at this level is responsible for training and that definitely shows when you step on stage and have to pose over and over.

For this year’s Arnold, I’m prepping with my friend Chris Aceto. We are working hard, each doing its job, but also trying to enjoy the process.
MW: What prompted you to get back on stage? A burning desire to release the competitor in you or is it for the fans? Family?
GB: It was a little bit of everything. Fans had a lot to do with it, as it also did my desire to get back where I feel myself, onstage. It has also been a great motivation the challenge of been off resting for two years and get back on that strict discipline needed to compete. Not many people are able to do that so that motivates me. I want to proof to myself and everybody else that when your mind is set and determined and you give it a 100% everything is possible (as corny as it may sound).
MW: Gustavo, you’re a married man. You’ve been married to Jessica for some time now. In my experiences and travels it has taught me that serious bodybuilding and marriage mix like oil and water. How do you make it work with your wife how is it she has been supportive all of these years?
GB: It’s not easy, especially with kids, but we see it as a team work. Jessica has always liked the fitness lifestyle, by the way we met each other in a gym, so that helps a lot. Honestly, we have been married for quite some time now and I can’t remember we have had a problem or argument because of anything related to bodybuilding. We argue like any other couple do but it’s usually for other reasons. Actually I believe the sport kind of brings us closer.
Gustavo BW
MW: If you never were a professional bodybuilder what would you be doing?
GB: I think I probably would be an economist which was what I was studying in college or maybe a boxer or UFC fighter since I was also boxing when I started in bodybuilding.
MW: The IFBB has changed over the last two years. There is a new Mr. Olympia in Phil Heath and now incorporated are new Divisions such as Bikini & Physique. What are your thoughts on the theory that the IFBB is straying away from what built them in BODYBUILDING promoting the softer more lax divisions?
GB: Well, the prize money in the Olympia and Arnold for pro male bodybuilding is still the highest in the sport. Based on that I think things haven’t changed that much, at least not yet. I believe the IFBB is trying to grow and attract more fans and this new divisions bring in more variety and therefore more public and more money. But, male bodybuilding is the center, and it should always be because it’s the hardest discipline and what has inspired the others
MW: It seems less opportunity is present for professional bodybuilders to make a living in the industry. Outside the Top 5 guys placing in the money slots, the pickings are slim. Is it the general economic times or is the industry just simply evolving?

GB: Right now I’m starting again so I haven’t really paid much attention. The economy has affected other sports and pretty much everything, so it could be in part responsible. Maybe it is combination of factor.
MW: So you harbor no resentment for the Men’s Physique Guys? It appears they are landing more magazine covers and grabbing more contracts with supplement companies.
GB: No resentment, good for them! We all need to eat! I believe this is a test period for IFBB, magazines and supplement companies in an attempt to survive in this difficult times. We’ll see what happens. But, I need to say, with all due respect, that you might be able to see 1,000 great physique guys but you won’t be able to see that many top, great bodybuilders because it is just a harder discipline, it takes more hard work. Bodybuilding is about being as big as you can be with almost no fat in your body maintaining a balance in your muscle groups which is very difficult to achieve and takes more time and sacrifices. It should also have greater rewards.
MW: Speaking of supplements, let’s be honest. No brand names. No name dropping. What do you use that is Over The Counter? I saw a diet prescribed by Hany to a professional bodybuilder who I will not name who pointed out to me that NO supplements are prescribed. Just food. Are you big on using supplements, Gustavo?

GB: I do believe in supplements. Some are better, some are worse, but they help provide for the high demand of our body. I respect other competitors and other philosophies and although nothing replaces food, in my opinion supplements help.

MW: Over the last couple years we’ve seen some deaths in the competitive bodybuilding world. What kind of precautions do you take to ensure you won’t be on that list anytime soon? Everyone knows serious competitive bodybuilding has it’s risks -vs- rewards.
GB: People die everyday for many reasons regards of their lifestyle. I try to be more old school, training harder, having a healthy diet and don’t go crazy or take shortcuts. I do what I can to protect my body like going to my doctor every 12-18 months to see how everything is working. I hope God doesn’t call me yet.
Gustavo BW2
MW: Consider this scenario: Your son tells you he wants to follow in your foot steps and be a serious Top Tier Professional Bodybuilder. What do you say to him?
GB: Well, I would try my best to persuade him to choose otherwise. This has been a passion for me that I decided to do for a living. I definitely will try for my kids to explore other career options.
MW: Moving on. How do you relax in Las Vegas when not in competition mode? Do you even bother with The Strip or do you pretty much keep it low key?

GB: I don’t usually visit the strip. I’m a family man and my free time in Las Vegas is to visit more parks or take a trip to LA to take them to Disney, Universal and all those nice parks.
MW: Who is your “industry wife”? I know you’re a family man and I respect that but which girl in the industry makes your blood flow? For me it’s still Monica Brant.

GB: I think they all look great, but can’t really tell you I have one.
MW: What are 3 things you never leave the house without?

GB: My cell phone, house keys and gym bag.

MW: What is your favorite thing about bodybuilding? Is it the structure of the prep? The change in yourself before your eyes?

GB: Everything. How amazing is the body how it changes when you do the right thing. But, most of all I think is the challenge it is and knowing that I’m one of the few that can do this. Not many can handle it.

MW: What can we expect from you at the 2012 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio?

GB: A Gustavo that will give a 100% like he always has. I will enjoy the show and try to make it as entertaining for the fans as I can.

MW: Do you have anything you would like to plug or promote? How can someone get in touch with you for sponsorship or any opportunities for representation?

GB: People or companies interested in contacting me for guest posing, seminars or sponsorship can do so by email at gjbadell@aol.com or can also look me up on Facebook.

Bonus Round of Rapid-Fire Questions:

Favorite Movie? The Godfather

Favorite Gym? Gold’s Flamingo

Favorite Actor? Al Pacino

Favorite Exercise? Deadlift

Favorite Cheat Food? Pasta

Favorite Clean Food? Fish

Drink of Choice? Vodka Cranberry

Favorite Travel Destination? Italy

Squats or Leg Presses: Squats

Barbells or Dumbbells: Dumbbells

MUSCLEWEEK: Thanks for joining us, Gustavo. We wish you the best of luck in 2012!

GUSTAVO BADELL: Thanks Shane. I appreciate it.

Assisted by Muscle & Fitness Editorial Powerlifting Advisor Jason Pegg

(Transcribed by Vendetta Transcription Services)

MuscleWeek: What’s up Ronnie?

Ronnie Coleman: Hey, what’s going on?

MW: How are you doing today?

RC: I’m doing pretty good.

MW: Well first, we want to congratulate you on your wedding.

RC: Oh thanks, I appreciate it.

MW: Well it’s official. Ronnie is officially off the market. Right?

RC: Oh yeah. I’m getting too old to be on the market so…

MW: We can tell those fitness girls to stop calling you, right?

RC: Oh yeah, I ain’t got time for that now.

MW: Your player days are behind you?

RC: Yeah, I’m all done. Too old to be playing now.

MW: By now, most of us have seen the photos of you and your beautiful wife on the cruise ship Carnival Glory. How was the cruise?

RC: The cruise was off the hook. I had the time of my life like I always do. I go on cruises every year.

MW: We’re big cruise fanatics as well. Now, in the bodybuilding, everyone recognizes you but how about on the cruise ship. Were you hounded by fans or did people leave you alone?

RC: Not too bad. It’s kinda hard to go anywhere. Being 8-time Mr. O and not get hounded at least by some people.

MW: Are most people hounding you because they know you’re Ronnie Coleman or do they think you’re a pro wrestler?

RC: Most people know who I am. Then I get the people who don’t know who I am and just want to take a picture with a guy with muscles. I get more people that know me than anything.

MW: I imagine after a few trips to the buffet line, the abs start to blur. Anyone try to capitalize on that with a posedown challenge by the pool?

RC: Oh no. Never! I didn’t even go to the pool to be honest with you. No matter how much I eat, I’m always going to be in some kind of shape.

MW: Seriously, people are very weird. People must come up to and ask you how much you bench or if you want to arm wrestle. What’s the strangest question you’ve ever gotten?

RC: Do I work out.

MW: And what’s your response — that it’s just pushups?

RC: I tell I work out sometimes every now and then. But for the most part, I just eat a lot.

MW: I know they have a nice gym on that ship. Did you actually go and work out there?

RC: No. When I’m on a cruise, I’m on vacation. I take 3 months off every year, so my vacation falls within that time period.

MW: I imagine with the dumbbells only going up to 50 lbs, it might be the first time you actually mean it when you say ‘Light weight baby’.

RC: Laughs. Exactly.

MW: Ronnie, there’s a misconception out there about you that you’ve retired from bodybuilding, but you actually have an announcement about your comeback show. Tell us when we’re gonna see you onstage again.

RC: When I said I retired, I meant that I retired from the Olympia. I never said I was retiring from bodybuilding. But I still want to compete in other shows like the Arnold and some of the shows in Europe that I haven’t done in the past. I want to do some other shows out there besides the Olympia — some of the smaller shows too.

MW: When can we expect to see you back on stage?

RC: Next year’s Arnold Classic.

MW: Okay, so you’re about 56 weeks out.

RC: Yeah yeah. (Laughs) I’m gonna start dieting in a couple weeks. By the time the Arnold comes around, I’m gonna be in pretty good shape.

MW: Ronnie, obviously you prefer to be the reigning Mr. O. Is there an upside to being able to just relax and not have so many demands on your time?

RC: Not really. With me, the more I have to do, the better off I am. I’m not really one to sit around and relax and take it easy. I always like having something to do. Even though I’m not competing, I’m going to be making a lot of appearances, doing guest posings and seminars. Making appearances for BSN. And of course being in Weider in the magazines. I’m still gonna be pretty busy. I’m not going to be sitting down and going fishing, swimming and jet skiing and all that kinda stuff.

MW: Can you give us an idea of what a day in the life of Ronnie Coleman is like now?

RC: Well right now, I’m not doing anything. I got up this morning around 2 o’clock.

MW: AM or PM?

RC: PM. I didn’t go to bed until around 5 o’clock or 5:30. I stay up late every night because I have so much email. I normally spend about 2-3 hours every night just on my email. I don’t get started until around 1:30 – 2pm. Plus, I have to eat. I’m still eating 5-6 times each day.

MW: So you’re usually going down when the sun’s coming up?

RC: Exactly. When I was on the cruise ship, I wasn’t going to bed until 6 or 7 in the morning. I was up so late doing all that kind of stuff.

MW: And doesn’t the rocking of the ship make you take a nap?

RC: Laughs. Nah, I don’t take naps. But I do like the rocking of the ship.

MW: You wake up around 2 in the afternoon. What do you do? Do you still go to the gym every day?

RC: No, I’m not training now. I’m coming up on my third month. I think I’ll start up around February 1st. I haven’t trained since my last guest posing — maybe in December. MW: No lifting at all?

RC: No. I haven’t done anything.

 MW: Ronnie, you played college football. What position did you play?

RC: Middle Linebacker.

 MW: You played under the winningest coach in the history of NCAA Football — the late      Eddie Robinson. What did you learn from him?

RC: Well, I didn’t really deal so much with Coach Rob because he coached the offense and I played  defense. So I dealt mostly with the defense coordinator.

 MW: Did you have any aspirations to play in the NFL?

RC: I sure did. I was being talked about by some of the NFL Scouts at the beginning of the season but come close to the end of the season I didn’t hear from them anymore. So I just kinda gave up on it after I didn’t hear from them no more. After that, I just got a job.

MW: You’re obviously a goal-oriented man. What are your goals beyond bodybuilding?

RC: Uhh, I never really thought about that.

MW: Is there another area of passion that you could see yourself throwing yourself into?

RC: No, nothing besides bodybuilding. It will probably be something in the field. I’ll probably either be coming out with my own supplement line or endorsing somebody’s, coming out with my own equipment line or endorsing somebody’s. There will be something working out.

MW: And we can count on seeing you at the Arnold and Olympia expo for the next 20 – 30 years?

RC: Oh yeah, at least.

MW: Some of your peers have hung around bodybuilding for what some people might say is too long. Chris Cormier has said that he’ll milk bodybuilding until his arms fall off. What makes it so hard to give it up?

RC: It’s a hobby. At least for me it is. I’ve trained since i was 12 or 13 years old. It’s a hobby I just have so much fun with it. I get so much enjoyment from it. To have your job as your hobby — life don’t get better than that.

MW: Tell me about your phrase ‘Nuttin but a peanut.’ Where did that expression come from?

RC: Just something I said in the gym one day. And kept on saying it.

MW: It really caught on. Do you ever get a chance to say it in real life — like in response to ‘Ronnie, what are you eating?’

RC: No, no. Never like that. Doing something else I might say it.

MW: Whether people admit it or not, bodybuilding is all about genetics. Who had the better rear lat spread in the Coleman family, mom or dad?

RC: My mom. Mom had better everything!

MW: So you really got your genetics from your mom?

RC: Oh yeah. For sure.

MW: Tell us about your business. Any new projects? DVD coming out?

RC: Yeah, the new DVD should be ready by the Arnold.

MW: Will you be selling copies of your video?

RC: Yeah. I’ll have them at my booths.

MW: There’s been a longstanding feud on the message boards about who is the best bodybuilder of all time. You or Dorian? What’s your official response?

RC: Oh Jeez! To be honest with you, I’ve never really considered myself as being the best. I always try to let the people decide that. I just try to do the best I can do at whatever it is that I’m doing.

MW: If Dorian had come back and competed at the 1998 Olympia, would you have smoked him?

RC: Aw, naw. I think he would have kept winning as long as he was competing. I don’t think he would have lost.

MW: Ronnie, if you’re on a desert island all by yourself with nothing but a squat rack and some weights. Would you still train? Even if there was no one else there and you were going to be there for the rest of your life? Would you still squat?

RC: All day! So long as I had some water, I’d train all day!

MW: What’s going on with the tricep? Is it torn?

RC: Ummm…what happened was in 2005, I fell and hit my elbow on the floor and it hasn’t been the same since. As far as having an injury in the gym benching or doing overhead triceps extensions, nothing ever happened there. In terms of My strength is still there. I guess maybe I lost some of the feelings in there that caused the triceps muscle to go down a little bit, but that’s all I can really remember happening.

MW: Did you ever sit down and look at the pictures of you from 2001-02 and compare them to those from 2006-2007 and take an analytical look at the differences.

RC: No, I don’t even like watching myself on video.

MW: What else do you have going on — are you a part owner of Metroflex or do you just train there?

RC: I just work out there. I have a gym in my house. That’s the only gym that I own.

MW: So no desire to follow in the footsteps of Lee Haney and open up a chain of Ronnie Coleman’s Kingdom (fitness centers)?

RC: (Laughs)Nah, none whatsoever.

MW: Ronnie, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. God Bless you.

RC: You too.

The preceding interview was transcribed from MuscleWeek’s Big Nation Radio program that aired on January 22, 2008. To listen to the original radio broadcast as it happened, click on this link: BIG NATION RADIO – RONNIE COLEMAN INTERVIEW.

The first thing we need to get out of the way is a short lesson on ‘Bodybuilding Journalism’. In Bodybuilding magazines, there is no such thing as journalism. If you read a story detailing a bodybuilder’s legal troubles, it’s because someone has an axe to grind. If you read an article glossing over a bodybuilder’s legal troubles, it’s because the publisher has been ordered not to disclose the details of those troubles or because the publisher has that bodybuilder under contract. If you can’t find an article about a bodybuilder’s legal troubles, it means that those troubles are true and the publisher/website has been threatened with press pass extinction if they mention the story.

Whew! Glad we got that out of the way.

So when you read an article from MD Publisher Steve Blechman glossing over Victor’s troubles, you can be 100% sure that it’s SPIN. And when you read an article from RX writer Aaron Singerman detailing Victor’s legal troubles, you can be equally sure that it’s RX owner David Palumbo grinding an axe against his former boss Blechman and Victor’s sponsor Muscular Development. Unlike most in the Bodybuilding industry, Aaron actually conducts some due diligence by making phone calls and learning a few facts before publishing an article. However, in Victor’s case, Aaron was led astray by either an ignorant or deceptive source.

Here is the real deal regarding Victor’s situation:

Victor was detained at the airport upon returning from Europe following his Arnold Europe victory because he was detained by DHS (Department of Homeland Security); however, don’t mistakenly assume that this has anything to do with terrorism — DHS absorbed both the US Customs and US Immigration Departments. Victor was questioned by DHS officers and then ordered to be detained at an ICE facility (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) known as Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny, New Jersey.

About Hudson County Correctional

Hudson County Correctional’s ICE Facility currently houses about 350 immigration detainees. Unfortunately, it is easy to become depressed inside Hudson County Correctional. Detainees held there live in rooms that hold 65 detainees, separated from the normal jail population. The available outdoor recreation space is a caged unit attached to a dormitory door. Communal televisions turn off at 9 pm. And by all reports, the food available to detainees and inmates alike is nutritionally sufficient, but absolutely awful.

By all accounts it is a degrading and demoralizing atmosphere.

First, let’s make an assumption based on all of the facts before us. Victor Martinez is NOT a citizen of the United States of America. One could previously have assumed that Victor was a U.S. citizen based on his participation (and victory) at the NPC US Men’s Nationals back in 2000; however, that assumption would be wrong. No United States citizen may be legally detained at an ICE facility. Therefore, Victor is not a U.S. Citizen.

We can assume that Victor, in fact, was a Permanent Resident (Green Card holder). A Permanent Resident (PR) is permitted to leave the United States and travel freely as any United States citizen would be. The only difference is that a PR may only remain outside of the United States for up to two years (consecutively) as opposed to no limitation on the length of stay for a US citizen.

From what we know, it appears that prior to 2011, Victor Martinez had not left the United States since before his convictions. This makes perfect sense. A PR who has a criminal conviction for a drug-related offense will encounter scrutiny upon seeking renewal for his green card and an investigation may lead to deportation proceedings at that time. Furthermore, Victor should have been aware that regardless of his green card status, upon re-entry to the United States he would come under scrutiny for his criminal convictions.

Which brings us to a major question: How was Victor Martinez able to freely return to the United States without incident after travelling abroad this year for both FIBO and the Sheru Classic in India?

The answer, my friends, will be posted on Friday in The Real Victor Martinez Story: Part II. And yes, it’s a real SHOCKER!

On his way back from Las Vegas, MW Senior Editor Shane Ray had a layover in Charlotte, North Carolina, and took the opportunity to catch up with 2-time Miss Olympia Jenny Hendershott to learn Jenny’s thoughts about the current state of womens’ fitness, her opinions on figure and bikini, and to fill in everyone on exactly what the world’s greatest fitness athlete has been up to lately.

MUSCLEWEEK: Why hello Miss Hendershott, it’s great to have you with Muscleweek. What’s new with you? What’s keeping you busy these days? Off of the top of my head, the last thing I remember was that you were running a bunch of Phat Camps. Are those still going?
HENDERSHOTT: LIFE IS REALLY AWESOME. I AM HEALTHY, HAPPY, AND WORKING MY TAIL OFF. I AM STILL DOING PHAT CAMPS ALL OVER THE WORLD. I AM OFF TO AUSTRALIA FOR THE 5TH YEAR THIS YEAR AND BACK TO CANADA SEVERAL TIMES THIS YEAR, AND JUST CELEBRATED 10 YEARS IN PHAT CAMP BUSINESS. I ALSO HAVE AN AMAZING ONLINE BUSINESS OF TRAINING CLIENTS AROUND THE WORLD ONLINE AND GETTING COMPETITORS READY FOR SHOWS. I HAVE MY OWN TRAINING STUDIO I DO CHOREOGRAPHY AND TRAIN CLIENTS OUT OF. I HAVE AN AMAZING STAFF OF PEOPLE WORKING WITH ME TO IMPACT THE WORLD. I CANNOT COMPLAIN! I AM BUSY, BUT BUSY IS GOOD AND TO ME IT’S THE WAY I LIKE MY LIFE — FULFILLED!

MW: How did you fall into the whole physique competition/fitness world? Was it a natural transition from sports? You have a dance and gymnastics background, correct?

JH: YES, I WAS A BALLET BABY SINCE AGE 2, THEN DANCED MY WHOLE LIFE TILL HIGH SCHOOL WHERE I DISCOVERED CHEERLEADING. THEN I WENT ON TO CHEER IN COLLEGE, THEN WAS INTRODUCED INTO FITNESS BY A FRIEND, AND I FELL IN LOVE! TWO MINUTES ON STAGE BY MYSELF, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! THAT WAS THE BOMB! IT’S WHAT I MISS MOST!

MW: Are you officially retired from stage competition? I remember seeing you at the 2009 ASC. I tried reaching out for one of your chocolates.

JH: (Laughs) LET’S SEE EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT THAT AND MANY OTHER OF MY ROUTINES STILL TODAY. I AM DONE COMPETING. I TOLD MYSELF THAT AFTER I WON THE ARNOLD AND THE OLYMPIA ONE MORE TIME I WAS DONE. I WAS GONNA RETIRE ON TOP AND LEAVE THE STAGE WITH MY PRIDE AND LOVE FOR THE SPORT. THATS WHAT I DID. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS DECISION. I NEVER WANTED TO BE PLAYED OUT OR HAVE PEOPLE ROLL THEIR EYES WHEN THEY HEARD MY NAME BEING CALLED 1ST PLACE. I AM PROUD OF WHAT I DID WHEN I DID IT, AND NOW ITS ALL BUSINESS AND HELPING OTHERS ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS.

MW: You came in at a very transitional era of the IFBB where Figure was kind of making it’s professional debut, most girls did Fitness including Figure and the Female Bodybuilders were just starting to really push the envelop. Are you happy to have had the chance to shine during that time? Sadly, it seems Fitness is an afterthought now.

JH: UNFORTUNATELY IS SO TRUE. I HAVE ALWAYS SAID TIMING IS EVERYTHING. FITNESS IS THE HARDEST OF ALL THE WOMEN’S DIVISIONS AND I DON’T THING ANYONE CAN ARGUE THAT. AND YOUR RIGHT IT WAS VERY TRANSITIONAL WHEN I CAME ON BOARD IN THE PRO’S IN 1999. SO MUCH HAS CHANGED AND I FEEL LIKE A DECADE LATER WE ARE SEEING IT AGAIN WITH BIKINI AND PHYSIQUE. IT IS WHAT IT IS!

MW: Many people, including the MuscleWeek contigent, contend that Fitness is the only division that requires athleticism. Whereas we view the other division as simply pageants no different than a Little Miss Perfect or Toddlers & Tiaras show except for adults. Can a girl who simply walks on stage in a bikini and do nothing more than a few quarter turns have the right to call themselves ATHLETES?

JH: HMMMM…GOOD QUESTION. YOU KNOW THESE GIRLS IN ALL THE DIVISIONS STILL HAVE TO DO THE WORK. IN DOING THAT WORK ITS ALL ATHLETIC. THEY TRAIN VERY SIMILAR TO HOW I TRAINED FOR YEARS. I ALSO CALLED IT PAGEANT WITH MUSCLES! BUT IN SAYING ALL THIS , HERE IS WHAT I WILL SAY, BECAUSE I TRAIN ALOT OF WOMEN WHO WANT TO COMPETE OR HAVE COMPETED, FIGURE, BIKINI, BODYBUILDING, AND PHYSIQUE ALL THESE DIVISIONS GIVE WOMEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO STAY ACTIVE, HEALTHY, AND BECOME ROLE MODELS FOR THEIR CHILDREN. LETS LOOK AT THE AVERAGE AMERICAN OVER WEIGHT MOM, REALLY? I MEAN ANY DIVISION IS GOOD IN MY OPINION. YOU WANT TO BE CONSIDERED AN ATHLETE THEN POWER TO YOU,,, ITS ALLOWING WOMEN TO DREAM AND ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING TO MAKE THEM FEEL BETTER ABOUT THEMSELVES. I DIG IT AND SUPPORT IT!

MW: You came in and dominated an era that featured Kelly Ryan, Kim Klein, Adela and other ATHLETES such as yourself. Was that the pinnacle era of Fitness? Can it ever capture that excitement again and grab that commercial success?

JH: I AGREE WITH YOU AGAIN! I THINK I WAS ONE OF THE BEST AND SO WERE THESE GIRLS. I THINK FITNESS IS DIFFERENT NOW AND I DONT’ KNOW WHAT IT IS! I LOVE THE FITNESS GIRLS AND I DON’T KNOW IF ITS EXPERIENCE OR MATURITY OR WHAT BUT THIS IS DEFINITELY A DIFFERENT TIME IN FITNESS THEN IT WAS BACK THEN. MAYBE BIKINI AND FIGURE OUR TAKING FITNESS GREATS FROM THE INDUSTRY? NOT SURE! CAN WE CAPTURE IT AGAIN? I THINK SO BUT I AM NOT REALLY SURE HOW! I NEED TO THINK ABOUT THIS.

MW: It seems that Figure girls today hold a certain amount of resentment for the Bikini girls the way Male Bodybuilders hold a little resentment for Men’s Physique competitors. Did you ever hold any resentment for the NPC/IFBB to steer the direction of the professional stage to non-athletic divisions?

JH: I AM SURE I DID AT ONE POINT OR ANOTHER BUT I BELIEVE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN BECAUSE OF THIS. ONE MINUTE FITNESS GIRLS GRACED THE COVERS OF MAGAZINES AND THEN FIGURE GIRLS CAME ALONG, NOW BIKINI GIRLS ARE TAKING COVERS AND LAYOUTS FROM FIGURE AND FITNESS GIRLS. SOON IT WILL BE SOMETHING ELSE. I DON’T THINK ITS THE COMPETITORS FAULTS I THINK ITS THE MEDIA! THE MEDIA PUTS OUT WHAT THEY FEEL SELLS AND THEY CAN EASILY MAKE SOMEONE A STAR OR A DIVISION A STAR BASED ON WHAT THEY AND WHO THEY PROMOTE. THAT’S JUST MY OPINION.

MW: What do you feel needs to be done to resurrect the dominance that Fitness had at one time. I know it still exists but face it. From 2003-2009 I KNEW who was competing at the big shows and would actually pay attention to the winners. Now? I can’t name one girl besides Adela, who did an interview with Muscleweek before.

JH: YEAH, I HEAR THIS A LOT. I THINK WHAT MAKES US (ADELA AND I) DIFFERENT THEN MOST FITNESS GIRLS IS THAT WE ARE ALSO PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF BEING PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES . WE PAID OUR DUES FOR MANY MANY YEARS, WE LEARNED TO MAKE A BUSINESS OUT OF WHAT WE DID BETWEEN SHOWS AND NOT JUST BANKING ON SHOWS. SO MANY ATHLETES LIVE TO COMPETE AND LOSE SO MUCH OF WHO THEY ARE ALONG THE WAY. MANY COMPETITORS SEEM TO BE TRYING TO PLEASE SOMEONE INSTEAD OF STICKING TO WHO THEY ARE AS A PERSON. THEY LOSE THEMSELVES, I SEE THIS OVER AND OVER AGAIN. AND YOU CANT’ DO THAT, YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER YOUR COMPETING IN A BUSINESS, YOUR NAME IS A BUSINESS, AND AFTER THE SHOW YOU GO HOME TO BEING THE WIFE, MOTHER, SISTER, FRIEND, CO WORKER, AND DAUGHTER YOU WERE BEFORE THE SHOW.

MW: In your dominance did you have a nutritionist in your corner? It seems like EVERY single girl who dons a bikini and a layer of Pro Tan needs a “guru” these days. How necessary is a diet coach. How necessary was it for you? Were you a Fitness Factory girl?

JH: I DIDNT KNOW SQUAT TILL I MET MIKE DAVIES IN 1995. WE WORKED TOGETHER AT A CHEER COMPANY AND HE SUGGESTED FITNESS. HE USED ME AS A GINNY PIG AS HE DIDN’T KNOW MUCH EITHER AT THE TIME. WE TOGETHER MADE EACH OTHER WHO WE ARE. I WAS AND WILL ALWAYS CONSIDER MYSELF A PART OF THE FITNESS FACTORY. MIKE IS A VERY INTELLIGENT PERSON AND TRAINER AND FRIEND. WE ALWAYS HAD A LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP AND THATS WHY WE WERE SO GOOD TOGETHER. WE WERE ABLE TO WIN SOME BIG TITLES TOGETHER AND I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR WHAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM HIM. I ENCOURAGE DIET COACHES BECAUSE IF YOUR TRAINING AS HARD AS YOU SAY YOU ARE ITS HARD TO THINK STRAIGHT, AND YOU NEVER WANT TO HAVE TO STRESS OVER WHAT YOU ARE EATING OR DOING, JUST FOLLOW THE PAPER!

MW: It seems these days the girls who compete in the most dominant two divisions being Figure & Bikini feel a strong obligation to join a “Team” for the political card. Can you comment how political things really can be? Is it hype and hysteria or is there something to be said without saying for a girl to join a Team such as… Bombshells, for example.

JH: I WOULD SAY ITS WAY MORE LIKE THAT NOW THEN IT USE TO BE WHEN I CAME INTO THE INDUSTRY. I HAVE A TEAM BUT I DON’T MAKE PROMISES AND I KNOW SOME TEAMS DO. I HATE THAT BECAUSE THEN ITS NOT COMPETING ANYMORE ITS GIFT GIVING. I NEVER WANT A GIFT LIKE THAT. I WANT TO EARN IT! I WANT MY GIRLS TO EARN IT. ITS JUST SO WRONG IN SO MANY WAYS CHEAT YOUR WAY TO THE TOP. YOU KNOW I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I WAS MYSELF THROUGH MY WHOLE CAREER, AND I DIDN’T SLEEP WITH ANYONE OR DATE ANYONE TO GET A PRO CARD. BUT AGAIN I DIDNT’ HAVE TO. I GUESS I JUST DON’T GET ALL THAT. WHERE IS THE SELF RESPECT?

MW: We’ve spoken to several girls in the gym in Chicago who are beginning local competitors already feeling that they need to dabble with alchemy and pharmacy – even for Bikini. Can high levels of competition be done without the need to go that route?

JH: OMG YES, THIS IS SO CRAZY TOO! AGAIN THIS HAS CHANGED LOTS OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS. I MEAN COME ON PEOPLE, WHERE IS YOUR HARD WORK BACK BONE?? NO ONE CAN EVER SAY I DIDN’T WORK MY ASS OFF FOR MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS. I AM NOT SAYING I DID EVERYTHING PERFECT BUT I FEEL LIKE SO MANY ATHLETES TODAY DO LESS CARDIO, AND MORE DRUGS! WHAT IN THE WORLD? I DID 2-3 HOURS OF CARDIO ALONE FOR DAYS AND DAYS LEADING UP TO SHOWS ON 900 CALORIES, I SUFFERED SO BAD I ATE DOG FOOD ONCE I WAS SO DAMN HUNGRY. PEOPLE COME ON, WORK FOR WHAT YOU WANT OR ITS NOT REAL.

MW: The industry has never been very kind to any of the professional girls as far as monetary contracts and options go. Did things change for the better or are their even less opportunity now? I see far too many people working for FREE or for the false idea of “Exposure”. Does that hurt everyone else?

JH: YES IT HAS CHANGED. I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD SOME GREAT SPONSORSHIPS OVER MY YEARS, PROLAB, ISATORI, SCIVATION, ETC…. ITS NOT THAT GREAT RIGHT NOW FOR THESE GIRLS AND THAT’S A BUMMER. WORKING FOR FREE IS NOT BAD, IT’S YOUR TIME AND TIME CAN BE FREE AND LEAD TO BIGGER OPPORTUNITIES AND FOR NETWORKING IT’S GOOD SO I DONT’ SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT. I WORKED FOR FREE MANY TIMES AND I MADE GREAT CONNECTIONS AND FRIENDSHIPS ALONG THE WAY.

MW: I agree winning a Pro Card is a pretty notable achievement. On your way to a Pro Card did you see the industry differently? Maybe you thought it would rain money and contracts for you? What is the reality of a Pro Card for the people who may not land in the money slots of the stage like you did?

JH: I DIDN’T WANT TO BE PRO TO MAKE MONEY — I WANTED TO BE PRO BECAUSE IT WAS AN ACCOMPLISHMENT AND I WANTED TO DANCE ON THE BIG STAGES. I SEE MANY WOMEN THINKING THEY WILL GET RICH WITH A PRO CARD AND THE TRUTH IS IT’S PRECISELY THE OPPOSITE. YOU GET TO BE A PRO THEN YOU HAVE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN GETTING NOTICED AND INVITED AND QUALIFIED. IT’S REALLY HARD, AND AGAIN THAT PRO CARD LOOKS GOOD ON A RESUME BUT IT REALLY DEPENDS WHAT COMPANY YOU’RE TRYING TO GET HIRED FROM. THE REAL WORLD HAS NO CLUE WHAT AN IFBB PROFESSIONAL CARD MEANS!

MW: How has your life changed since taking a step back from the deep trenches of the bodybuilding industry?

JH: I REALIZE THERE IS A LIFE OUT HERE THAT I TRULY LOVE. I WORK OUT WHEN I WANT, OR IF I DON’T WANT TO, THEN I DON’T. I SEE ALL THE PEOPLE WHO NEED MY HELP. I HAVE A VERY BLESSED LIFE, AND AN AMAZING FAMILY, HUSBAND, AND GROUP OF FRIENDS. I HAVE FANS AND CLIENTS THAT I TALK TO EVERY DAY THAT I CAN’T IMAGINE MY LIFE WITHOUT. FOR ME, LIFE IS GREAT AND I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS.

MW: Who is your ‘IT’ Guy in the bodybuilding world? Whose glutes would you love to squeeze?

JH: JAY CUTLER IS DELICIOUS. I THINK HE KNOWS I FEEL THIS WAY, AND MY HUBBY KNOWS TOO! (Laughs) TO BE HONEST, I DON’T REALLY FIND BODYBUILDERS ATTRACTIVE. I APPRECIATE THEM TREMENDOUSLY, BUT I LIKE MY GUYS A LITTLE SOFTER!

MW: If you were going to be stuck on a desert island for a year which 3 items would you bring with you?

JH: ONE, MY BOOK ‘THE 7 SECRETS‘ — I HAVE READ IT NINETY TIMES! THIS WOULD BE TO KEEP MY MENTAL STATE IN THE RIGHT PLACE. TWO, A COLLAGE OF PICTURES OF MY HUBBY AND FAMILY TO REMIND ME OF WHO I AM WHEN TIMES GET TOUGH. AND THREE, A TWENTY POUND CHOCOLATE BAR , CAUSE I KNOW I CAN LIVE JUST ON CHOCOLATE!

MW: If you had to pick ONE supplement to use forever which would it be?
JH: SCIVATION XTEND. I AM IN LOVE!

MW: What clean meal can you eat every day for the rest of your life?

JH: BACON AND EGGS. I LOVE BREAKFAST FOOD!
MW: What is the best piece of advice you can give upcoming girls who want to get into the whole bodybuilding scene?
JH: KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO. PLEASE DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR. DON’T DO EVERYTHING YOU’RE ASKED, AND DON’T GIVE UP YOUR LIFE TO COMPETE — MAKE COMPETING A PART OF YOUR LIFE — NOT YOUR ENTIRE LIFE.MW: Where does Jen Hendershott see herself in 5 years?
JH: OH MY GOSH, AT THE PACE I AM AT, I WILL BE RETIRED FROM WORKING AND STILL IMPACTING THE WORLD ONE LIFE AT A TIME.MW: Is there anything you like to plug, promote or talk about? How does one get in contact with you for any opportunities?

GETPHITSTUDIO.COM IS MY HOME OFFICE AND STUDIO WHERE YOU CAN TRAIN ONE ON ONE WITH MY ANYTIME, I DO CHOREOGRAPHY HERE AND RUN PHITNESS RETREATS, AND CONSULTS FOR COMPETING AND NUTRITION.

GETPHATPROMOTIONS.COM IS MY HOME SITE FOR MY NPC EVENT THAT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE DOING EVERY YEAR. I WAS BORN TO BE COORDINATE LARGE EVENTS.

SPEED ROUND BONUS QUESTIONS:

MW: Favorite movie?

CHRISTMAS VACATION AND WEDDING CRASHERS

MW: Favorite song – has to be one?
‘GOOD LIFE’ BY ONE REPUBLIC

MW: Book you are currently reading?
7 SECRETS

MW: Favorite cheat food?

CHOCOLATE
MW: Favorite exercise?
SPRINTS
MW: Describe the perfect Date?
HOME IN MY PJ’S WITH BRIAN AND A PIZZA AND A MOVIE
MW: Favorite Drink-Drink?
VODKA RED BULL
MUSCLEWEEK: Jenny, thank you so much for your time. Everyone at Muscleweek wishes you the best!

HENDERSHOTT: I appreciate you thinking of me. If you ever need anything else, do not hesitate to ask!


For those interested in contacting Jenny Hendershott, she can be reached directly through her website at Jenny.com