“Fitness defined me as a person – it is what I do and I love every minute of it! ” – NPC Figure Competitor & Fitbody Featured athlete, Melissa Jackson
Personal Information:
I am 45 years old and have been happily married to my husband and very best friend going on 12 years. I work full time as a Human Resources Coordinator. Fitness has been a part of my life for many years. My brother was my biggest inspiration in my earlier years, as he introduced me to weight training because he trained and competed as a body builder. I have always loved weight training, even when it wasn’t the “cool” thing to do as a female. I even got my name on plaque for bench pressing 135lbs! Cardio didn’t become a love until later in my life. I ran my first ran a mini marathon in 2008 and have done many 5k and 10k races over the years. It wasn’t until I turned 41 and decided to compete in my first figure competition to try take my training to “another level”. To my amazement, after doing the first show, I was hooked and highly motivated to continue doing more shows. I have been going strong ever since.
What are your greatest fitness accomplishments so far?
My first figure competition was the Northern KY show and I placed 4th in the Masters Class. This stoked my internal drive to push and train harder going forward. My biggest accomplishment is that I have competed in 10 shows over the past 4 years and have have placed at every one.
2009 – 4th Masters Northern KY, 4th Masters NPC Cincinnati, 5th Masters KY Muscle
2010 – 2nd Masters Northern KY, 2nd Masters and Open C Class Kentucky Muscle
2011 – 4th Masters Northern KY, 2nd Masters and Open C Class NPC Indianapolis
2012 – 3rd Masters Northern KY, 3rd Masters and 2nd Open C Class Indiana State, 3rd Masters 45+ KY Muscle
I was also featured in Beverly’s No Nonsense issue of “Getting started in Master’s Figure”, volume 15, #4.
Transformation info – How much have you changed in what period of time. What things have most helped you make that transformation?
Since I began training for figure competitions in 2009, my body has completely changed. I have worked out for many years, but never had the results I have today and truly believe it’s because of the clean eating diet. It has now become a way of life for me.
What do you enjoy most about fitness?
Fitness defines me as a person. This is what I do and love every minute of it. I enjoy the “high” I get when I’ve had a awesome workout. It gives me more energy to get through my day. And, it keeps me feeling and looking younger.
What are your fitness goals?
My goal is to take one show at a time for now and focus 100% on just that show. If I walk on stage feeling I have given it my all, I am a winner. However, my ultimate goal before hanging up the shoes would be to place 1st.
What motivates you to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
The changes I have seen in my body over the last few years have been incredible. I am very self motivated and feel strongly about not going backwards and always trying to improve and push myself to go forward. As I get older, I find this has become a great motivator. I want to look at myself each year and know that I’m in better shape and condition than I was 20 years ago.
What is the best part about working with Julie?
Julie has to be one of the most sincere people I have ever met. She honestly cares about her clients and their goals. I completely respect her as a person and a trainer. I can’t imagine not having her expertise guidance over the years.
What is the worst part about working with Julie?
This absolutely is NO worst part!
Favorite ‘diet’ food:
Hands down, oatmeal with chocolate UMP with peanut butter or PB2. I think I could eat this at every meal if it were allowed!
Any other comments or anything else you would like to share?
No matter what your personal goals are, whether its to get in shape, back in shape, lose weight or to compete, Julie is the one you need in your life. She has the tools and knowledge to help you reach your goals. I respect her completely and she is the best decision I ever made over 4 years ago!
