Joleen Axworthy

This 5'4 and 115 pound personal trainer and fitness consultant recently stepped on stage at the WNSO Nationals, where she competed in the Fitness Model Advance category where she knocked out all challengers as Joleen finished 1st and earned her Pro Card.

 The month of June belonged to Joleen as she also placed in the top 5 at the SAF Model Search. Just one month prior to her 1st place finishing and earning her Pro Card, Joleen placed 2nd at the Maggie Diubaldo Classic in the Fitness Model Category. This is certainly only the beginning for Joleen Axworthy.

 What was your most memorable moment while competing?

 When I won my Pro Card.  My family was there and that meant a lot – they may not understand or totally agree with all the prep and work, but they are the support team that stood behind me through it all.  I loved being able to share such a big win with them all.

 Why Compete?

As a competitive athlete growing up – I enjoy the intense feeling of weight training.   I loved what it did to the shape of my physique and how strong I feel.  I am always striving to succeed at new levels and competing was the next natural step.  One competition and I was hooked.

 Describe the first time ever you stepped on stage.

 I first competed in 2004 – I had just started to weight train and decided to try a competition.  I had no idea what to do, how to eat, how to prepare.  Once there and I realized the size of the show I got pretty nervous, but once on stage I was great.

  What word of advice would you give to any inspiring competitor?

Know that by just committing to and taking part in a competition you are fitter than the majority of the population.  It is tough.  Mentally as well as physically, instead of focusing on the tough parts, try to learn as much as you can through the process, about yourself and your body.  And HAVE FUN.

What do you advocate HIT or Low Intensity Cardio?

For clients I advocate what they like to do.  If they like it, they will do it which is the goal initially.  For myself I always do a little bit of everything --- variety keeps me motivated and helps limits injuries from overuse.  It also prevents me from hitting the ever dreaded plateau.  So, I like both.

  What does your training routine look like?

Weight training 6 days a week as follows:

Mons – Chest, Shoulders, Tris 3-5 sets of each exercise for 12-15 reps

Tues – Legs and abs for legs I train in the 15-30 rep range and for 3-5 sets Abs are generally kept to 4 sets for 12-20 reps depending on the exercise

Wed – Back and Bis 3-5 sets of each for 12-15 reps

Thurs – Shoulders, Tris and abs

Fri – back and bis

Sat – legs (plyo) and abs I always try to have low weight and high reps for legs and love incorporating jump squats, pop jumps etc into my leg day once a week

Sun – rest day – I may practice my posing

 What would you say is your favorite bodypart to train?

I like training my back.  I love pulling movements and I love the way back looks in a sexy low back dress.

What does it take to develop an aesthetically pleasing physique such as yours?

Work!  In every way.  I PLAN and ORGANIZE my life to fit in my cardio and weight training sessions. I ensure that I am in bed at a decent hour to allow my body the rest it needs to repair itself.  I plan and precook all my clean meals ahead of time to ensure I do not eat junk that doesn’t support my goals. So, in general PLAN – we are all busy and if you allow your life to take over you’ll never get the body you desire. 

What would you like to say to those women out there who avoid weight training like the plague in fear they may get too bulky.

 Most women do not have the hormones or eat the required calories to gain substantial muscle mass.  We are just not programmed that way.  The women who are bodybuilders usually supplement with extra protein amongst other muscle building aides. 

They spend an enormous amount of time weight training, eating and resting.  In general, they can take that notion out of their head and instead know that resistance training adds sexy lean muscle to their bodies creating shape and strength. 

 What type of diet do you follow?

I generally follow a high protein and moderate carb and fat diet, though I believe in moderation in the off season.  I also incorporate some sort of carb cycling during contest prep.

 After a contest the first thing you want to eat is?

Usually a great big salad full of grilled vegetables, shrimp, chicken and onions.  It is covered with all the great things I love.  Then before long, I reach for the Natural Peanut Butter or Nutella. 

The one thing you hate and love about competiting?

That it can have a great impact on your social life.  I am always having to tote around my food with me or go home to eat at a certain time.  Other times – especially if I’m close to a contest, I just stay home and decline invites.

If you weren’t in the fitness/bb industry what would you be doing?

Hmm, well I have a business/marketing/human resources education so likely something in those fields.

What is you favorite cheat food/meal?

 Peanut Butter and Nutella spread on a whole wheat English Muffin with sliced banana and grilled (like a stuffed French toast)

 What is your favorite type of music?

Joleen: Hip Hop, R&B, and of course Old School

What was one of the goofiest things you have ever done?

Honestly, WAY too many to mentioned  The most RECENT thing I did was get my finger caught in the my sliding patio door – it took a while to work it out. 

 What is one of the wildest things you have ever done?

 My mother could be reading this!  Well let’s suffice it to say that some things are being taken to the grave.  Though I will share that when I am enjoying a night on the town I have been known to pull a Paris Hilton and jump on a table.

Some of your pet peeves.
People having all the excuses in the book why they can’t be fit – their genetics, age, lack of time… Poor manners; people who judge and people who expect all the finer things in life without working for it.

If you won the lottery, you would…

Pay off my mortgage first.  Invest/save half for the future and use the rest to open my own fitness center.

Your idea of the perfect getaway

A beach on an island with a cold drinks and my man at a private resort where we had the finest food and wine. 

What do you enjoying doing for leisure?

Reading. I enjoy a good novel. I also love crossword puzzles and cooking.

What does the future have in store for Joleen Axworthy?

 I am gearing up to compete this fall in the WBFF Model Search as well as the Fitness America Pageant. Besides those two I am looking for smaller shows to do around the same time.  I have plans to travel to Vegas to work with some phenomenal photographers as well as to continue modeling in the Toronto area.  I have signed with a local talent agency and have been busy going on auditions.   

To contact Joleen via email joleenfitness@hotmail.com