Jaime Perry
WPM's Next-In-Line Pro - June 2011
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
Jaime Perry, whom lives in Roseville, CA. with her husband and two children, made up her mind that she wanted to be a fitness model and compete in a Figure competition; just out of the blue. During the past six months, Jaime has completely transformed her body, as well as her life! With determination and hard work, Jaime walks on stage for the first time for her first competition and took the Overall title. She’s got a good start so far!
"...Living a healthy lifestyle, in my opinion, begins with what you put IN to your body, not how you look. Whether it is food, beverages, or substances, you need to make healthy choices on the inside, in order to feel good and look good on the outside. You can work out for hours on end, but if your diet is not healthy and balanced, you will not see the results you are looking for, or feel as amazing as you possibly can! "
WP: What was it that made you know without a doubt that you wanted to go into taking care of yourself?
Over the past two years, I have been active; participating in local running and biking events, as well as competing in triathlons, yet my body never seemed to change or improve. I thought I was destined to have the post-mommy body and be left with the excess fat and weight.
When this past triathlon season came to an end in October, I decided I wanted to lose body fat to get faster and stronger for the next triathlon season. Along with being motivated by the competition of triathlons, I just knew there was a “better me” waiting to be unveiled! I knew I had some excess weight and body fat I could shed, but I had no idea the transformation would be as amazing as it has been! Ironically, the triathlons were my motivation to get in to the best shape of my life, but I probably won’t do a triathlon this season, because I have fallen in love with Figure Competitions in the process. I am hooked and love the sport of bodybuilding!
WP: How long have you been lifting?
I started lifting when I was in high school, and continued into college. I played basketball in college, so the weight lifting courses were required for all college athletes. After college, I got married and had children. I took a long “hiatus” during the years I was pregnant and while my kids were young. At this point in time, you couldn’t pay me to work out! I made up every excuse in the book NOT to go to the gym or be active. All I wanted was to be with my kids, and I felt guilty if I wasn’t with them. It took me a very long time to get active again and take time for myself. I think many moms will be able to relate to this time period, when we’re so completely and totally focused on our kids. We lose sight of ourselves and our hopes and dreams get set aside. It wasn’t until just recently, November 2010, that I took up lifting again, and in a more serious, focused direction. I had a purpose, and I had a goal to get to the competition stage!
WP: Do you have any advice for people that wish to live a healthy lifestyle?
Living a healthy lifestyle, in my opinion, begins with what you put IN to your body, not how you look. Whether it is food, beverages, or substances, you need to make healthy choices on the inside, in order to feel good and look good on the outside. You can work out for hours on end, but if your diet is not healthy and balanced, you will not see the results you are looking for, or feel as amazing as you possibly can! Begin by making small changes in your diet, and slowly continue to make adjustments towards being as healthy as possible. When you start to make those small adjustments to your diet, small changes will begin to happen, such as having more energy, your skin appearing healthier, fat pockets diminishing, etc.
WP: What have you had to overcome in your life?
One of the most recent and most challenging things I have had to overcome is my fear of swimming in open water. I actually didn’t realize how debilitating the fear was until I was faced with the challenge directly. I have always enjoyed water sports and recreational swimming, but when I signed up for my first triathlon in Santa Cruz in September 2009, I realized just how afraid I really was.
While my friend signed up for the triathlon, I did the safe thing and opted for the duathlon (run, bike, run), knowing full well I would never swim in the ocean! I was not about to put myself in with a sea of sharks to be eaten alive! When I watched my friend begin the swim that day, I was terrified! It was that day that I experienced the anxiety for the first time. The physical reaction that I experienced was like nothing I had ever experienced before. I was shaking from head to toe, my stomach was churning and I was nauseas. Needless to say, my friend made it out of the water alive and well, unscathed by any shark bites. Even though she emerged safe and sound, no one would be convincing me to swim in open water.
I guess I’m a glutton for punishment because just 4 weeks later, I signed up for the Golden State Triathlon in Sacramento. You got to love the power of persuasion and positive peer pressure from a group of friends. After all, it was only a 200 meter swim, right?! In all honesty, this seemed doable to me. The swim was to take place in the freezing Sacramento River in October. Note to self: when training for a cold water swim, do not train in a warm indoor pool. My girlfriends and I rented wetsuits and thought we had prepared pretty well. I had actually kept a lot of the anxiety at bay, and felt really confident going in to the swim. When the gun went off, I ran into the water at full speed (mistake #1). I ran for a few feet and the ground was swept out from under me and I was submerged under water. I came to the surface and could not catch my breath! I was hyperventilating and was convinced I was going to drown.
Meanwhile, there were other swimmers surrounding me, kicking and hitting me. They were splashing as they went by and I was swallowing water by the cup full. I forgot everything I had practiced and I began dog-paddling until I could scream for a kayak to come assist me. This was the mother of all panic attacks! That kayak could not get to me fast enough. When he got to me I started to cry like a baby. I was so relieved to still be alive and to have him come to my aid. I hung on to the kayak for only 45 seconds or so, but it seemed like an eternity and I never wanted to let go. I asked him if he could just pull me to shore and he explained that that was illegal. Eventually, I let go and made my way to shore. The feeling of being back on land was a feeling like no other. I couldn’t wait to get the wetsuit off and jump on my bike. Ultimately, I completed my first triathlon in October 2009. It wasn’t a pretty performance, but I did it! Although I was proud that I completed it, I wasn’t satisfied and I was extremely embarrassed of what had happened in the water. After that triathlon I firmly announced to the group that I would never swim again! Never!
Fast forward 6 months to April 2010, when my husband encouraged me to come with him to a practice triathlon with his tri group. I borrowed my friend’s wetsuit and off we went. I experienced the anxiety, in all its glory, as we drove to the lake. I tried to put on a brave face, as to not let anyone know how petrified I really was. Keep in mind, I almost drowned (so I thought) 6 months prior in the Sacramento River! I was freaking out inside and keeping the tears held back. My husband offered to swim with me that day, but I didn’t want to hold him back. I encouraged him to do his best and told him I would be okay. There were two safety kayaks along for the swim and low and behold, one of them, Brian, became my best friend that day (figuratively speaking). I was honest with him and told him what had happened in October and confided in him that I was very scared. Brian could see the paralyzed look on my face. He gently coached me into the water and advised me to let my wetsuit fill up with water for buoyancy.
As the water reached chest level I began to panic and feel as though I was going to drown again! I wanted so badly to get out of the water and call it a day, but Brian, and other swimmers, encouraged me to stick with it. During the 400 meter swim that day, Brian never left my side in the kayak. There were even moments during the swim that I actually did cry because I was so scared. He continued to reassure me and encourage me that I was doing great and to keep going! With his help, I completed my second open water swim. My husband was waiting on the shore to congratulate me and give me a hug! It was an emotional day and I am so proud that I kept going! Since that day, I have completed 6 triathlons, one of which was the Santa Cruz triathlon in 2010 in the ocean!
WP: What was the biggest challenge of overcoming the adversity?
The biggest challenge was realizing that I was very capable and strong, and that I was not going to drown. Once I continued to practice, I realized that it is near impossible to drown while wearing a wetsuit. The wetsuit quickly became my security blanket and I relied on it with my life! Once I slipped that thing on, many of my worries disappeared. That being said, I have also completed one triathlon without my wetsuit! This is just another example of just how much I have overcome. My first experience with open water swimming was such a horrific one, that it just took me so long to get over that experience and be convinced that I could do this! The feeling of tackling this debilitating fear has been monumental and life-changing! It has given me more power and has made me feel as though I can accomplish anything!
WP: What gets you up in the morning?
My job and my paycheck! I’m just kidding, but I do get up every morning to go to work (I work full-time as a Middle School Counselor) so that I can help provide for my family and try to give my kids and my husband the life that they deserve. I am motivated to get out of bed because I know that my contribution is making my kids’ lives more enjoyable and they have a mom that is happy because she loves her job! I hope to be a positive role-model for my daughter especially, showing her that you can have it all! I want her (and other women) to know she can live a fulfilling life working full-time, as well as being an adoring mom and loving wife while staying fit!
WP: How do you approach a challenge?
Typically, I approach a challenge by cautiously jumping in with two feet. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, and it probably is. It simply means that I am extremely eager and I know what I want, but the process may take time and I may not have all of the information I need to do it well. I am someone who gets a thought or a vision in my head and won’t let it go until I have seen it through and completed the challenge. I will know what I want to do, but I take the time to research and get as much information as possible in order to fulfill the challenge successfully. I am not a risk-taker at heart, so although I might make my mind up to do something, it could take some time to accomplish the end result. For example, overcoming my fear of open water swimming didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it happened over the course of 9 months or more. My first attempt at an open water swim was awful, but by my fifth attempt, I was strong and confident. That being said, I won’t stop trying until I feel satisfied with the end result. I know myself, and even though I said I would never swim in open water again, I knew I would because I wouldn’t have been satisfied if I had stopped at that dreaded experience.
WP: How do you create balance in your life?
Creating balance in my life has become much more doable as time has gone on and I have learned about short cuts or tips to simplify some things. The biggest challenge in creating balance is having young kids who rely on my husband and me for everything. There are days when things are not balanced and I get a little overwhelmed, but fortunately those days don’t last too long. When things do become unbalanced, I know what adjustments I need to make to feel balanced again, and typically, this involves planning ahead. If I haven’t planned ahead on something, it will come back to bite me and I get stressed out. I know that I need to make lunches at night in order for the morning routine to run smooth and get out of the house on time. I also know that I need to have planned out what I and the kids are going to wear to work and school the next day. This saves on time in the morning in a big way! I honestly would not have my sanity or the wonderful life I have without my husband, who is the best teammate ever! He will often be the one to grille up 12 chicken breasts on a Sunday so that we have protein for lunches and dinner for the week. We are constantly in touch throughout the days via phone or text so as to coordinate ours and the kids’ schedules and stay on track. Plan ahead!
WP: Could you tell me a story of how you have gotten where you are today?
The reason I am where I am today is due in large part to my personality and preparation. My personality is one that is upbeat, energetic, always thinking, never satisfied and eager! I have been called an “overachiever” many a time. Combine these personality traits with the right preparation, and I am where I am today. I have a successful career, a stand-up man for a husband, amazing kids and I am now a Figure competitor! Becoming a Figure competitor has been one of the biggest risks I have ever taken in my life! Since the day I told my husband I wanted to compete and become a fitness model, I completely changed my whole outlook on life.
In the past 6 months, I have taken more risks than I have in my lifetime! I have always done what was safe and secure and felt comfortable. Now, I am putting myself out there in ways I could have never imagined. I am asking people for opportunities and sometimes being told “no,” which is okay! I am self-assured enough to know that being told “no” is often fuel for the fire. This makes me think of my favorite quote, “If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.” There are hundreds of thousands of people who would like to be able to compete or be a fitness model, but it is not an easy industry to break in to. I will continue to compete and become a fitness model because I am not afraid to take risks or keep trying when I’m told “no.” Perseverance, persistence and patience.
WP: You have to eat right to stay in shape. What do you eat in a normal day?
Meal #1: Scrambled Eggs 3/1 (whites to whole) and oatmeal with Stevia
Meal #2: 1 serv. of almonds with a grapefruit and 3 egg whites
Meal #3: Green salad with chicken and brown rice or leftovers from dinner
Meal #4: 1 serv. of almonds and 1 serv. of Greek Yogurt with Stevia and blueberries
Meal #5: A protein shake with sliced bell peppers
Meal #6: BBQ chicken (marinated in olive oil and basalmic vinegar) with grilled veggies
WP: Do you allow yourself a cheat day?
I never allow myself an entire day of cheat meals, but I do enjoy a cheat treat or snack every now and then. I don’t do cheat meals that often because I have found that it is tougher to cheat because after I consume the unhealthy option, my body rejects it and I pay for it later. For me, it’s just not worth it! I do enjoy a taste of a dessert once in a while, such as a cookie or a piece of chocolate, but since I began eating clean in November 2010, I have found that I don’t want to have cheat meals as much. Even when I think I am having a cheat meal, it really isn’t. I have created all new habits that are here to stay!
WP: What supplements do you take?
Since I am new to the sport of bodybuilding, I have a lot to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of supplements. The only things I currently take are Omega-3 Fish Oil, a multi-vitamin and Glutamine for muscle recovery. Prior to prepping for the show, I did utilize protein powder as well. I am excited to learn more about supplements from my friends at West Coast Nutrition in Roseville, who have so graciously agreed to sponsor me! I know there are a lot of amazing natural supplements that can help me reach my goals, so I am eager to learn more about them.
WP: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
In 5 years, I would love to have my Pro Card and be competing on even larger stages! I would love to be published in a magazine and have a contract with a company in the fitness industry and be a recognized fitness model. Most of all, in 5 years, I hope I am still continuing to inspire others to be healthy and fit and live the life they dream of. I hope that I am able to work part time at my job by this time so that I am available to my children more with their activities and needs. I will still be happily married to my husband and continuing to love and support each other.
WP: What one piece of advice you can share with me on how to gain the most muscle the fastest?
Constantly challenge your muscles! Whether it is through changing the amount of weight you lift, changing the number of sets, or changing up the exercises, it is important to continue to challenge your muscles and not let them get bored. If you continue to do the same thing over and over, day in and day out, you will burn calories, but you will not see the muscle growth.
WP: Tell me about your family. You seem to have a very close family.
I am married to the most amazing man, Jason. We have two incredible kids, Dean who is 6 years old and Blaire who is 3 years old, who keep me on my toes and always guessing! Fitness is definitely a family affair, with both kids loving to run and be active. Whenever possible, the kids attend our events, such as local runs or triathlons, and now Bodybuilding competitions. Jason and I are a great team and support one another with our competitive endeavors and training. I could not have accomplished what I have without my husband and teammate.
WP: Who had the most impact on you growing up?
Without a doubt, my mom! What an inspiration she is to me! My parents divorced when I was 12 and my dad was pretty much absent from my life for the majority of the time. As you can imagine, she was a one-woman show who kept it all together for the sake of her kids. Even though she did it on her own, she wasn’t afraid to ask for help and look for resources to keep her and her kids stay balanced. I really admire her for her determination and dedication to my brother and me during those tough years. I am lucky enough to have inherited her determination and dedication and I apply it to all aspects of my life. I do everything with 100% effort and want to see the best product presented in whatever I do. My mom was, and still is, the epitome of a strong woman and she instilled these qualities in me. I am forever grateful for the person she molded me to be.
WP: You look great! How do you keep the physique you have? What is the hardest thing for you to face when it comes to keeping your physique?
Thank you so much! The number one way I keep my physique in top shape is through clean eating. The second way I keep my physique in top shape is continuing to work with my trainer, Valerie Cota, and to give her 110% whether I’m working out with her or on my own at my gym. The way I see it, I have to put more effort into my diet and stay focused on a daily basis than I do when lifting. If I’m not nourishing my body properly, the hard work with the weights is going to be negated. It won’t matter how hard I train if I’m fueling my body with bad things. The two go hand in hand, but a proper diet has to be at the forefront.
There isn’t anything that I find hard to face when it comes to keeping my physique, other than I need to keep my glutes and hamstrings in mind at all times. This is an area that will be a focus for me for the rest of my life. I have completely transformed my posterior, but I don’t want to slip back to the way it was before. That is the area of my body that I need to concentrate on the most since I have a tendency to carry heavier there. For once in my life, I am completely happy with every body part on me. I don’t have anything to complain about and I couldn’t be more proud of how I look. I am most proud of this because I am passing on my confidence to my daughter so that she will accept and love herself, as well. This is the most important thing to me!
WP: You’ve already won an overall title. Tell me about it?
My first competition was just two weeks ago and I earned first place, and the overall title for the Figure Division. Not too bad for a newbie! I will be competing in Reno on June fourth as well, and I am excited for another fun filled experience with amazing people! I am extremely proud to call myself a figure competitor, and proud of the people I am surrounded by. For me personally, the competition experience is one that I cannot get enough of! I am competitive in everything I do, whether it be to compete against myself or someone else, there is always a way to do better than the last time!! I have enjoyed the journey so much and have loved every minute of it. It is a sport like no other, in that it requires undeniable focus and mental strength, as well as physical strength. I have learned that there are all walks of life competing on these stages and everyone has their own individual reason for competing. We all have a story as to what brought us into the world of bodybuilding, and each story is unique to each competitor. Although we each have our unique reasons for competing, we all want the same thing and that is to do well and win! I can only hope that I continue to have success with competing and be validated for the hard work and effort I have put in each day.
WP: What has competing taught you so far?
Competing has taught me patience! It is so different than anything I have ever done before in terms of the process and the end result. I have never been this driven or focused on something like I am with competing. I have only competed one time, and I am already biting at the bit to do it again! This is not a sport that can be done half-heartedly or on a whim. It takes planning, focus and determination and cannot be done overnight. I have had to work my tail off every day and continue to be excited about the competition even though it may have been months away at the time. It was so hard to be patient; I just wanted it to get here! Now that I have experienced it one time, I have no problem with being patient and waiting for the day to come. Patience is a virtue!
WP: What do you feel is your weakness and your strength?
My weakness is channeling my positive energy and not getting my hopes up. My strength is my positive energy.
WP: What is your workout regimen on and off stage?
I can say without a doubt, my workout regimen will not vary much from in-season to off-season. I will continue to work out 5 to 6 days a week, lifting weights at least 4 of the days. I like to do HIIT workouts 2 days a week, consisting of treadmill intervals or stair mill intervals and maybe some jump rope workouts. I typically do two body parts together on one day, except on days I do legs, and then it is legs by themselves.
WP: Anything you would like to see change in the fitness world?
I definitely have a lot to learn about the bodybuilding world and fitness industry. I have had such an amazing experience thus far, I can’t imagine changing anything at this point. I’m sure there are pitfalls, like there are in anything, but I am hopeful that the bodybuilding world will be nothing but a positive force in my life. In anything I do, it is the attitude that I bring that makes or breaks the experience. I hope to be wise and knowledgeable and continue to see things positively and have a great attitude!
WP: Any shout outs?
Although I mentioned my husband several times already, I must acknowledge him one more time for the amazing support and unconditional love he has provided me in our 13 years together. Most importantly though, he has been my number one fan the past 6 months, standing by my side, encouraging me the whole way! It takes a unique person to be able to compete, but in my opinion, it takes a unique person to support someone who is competing. He has gone above and beyond when supporting me!
I have found a true friend in my trainer Valerie Cota with VIP Factor Personal Training. She has pushed me to new levels I never thought were attainable. The first day we met she said I could do this (compete). She said we had a lot of work to do, but she believed I could do it! She was right, and I am living proof it can be done. Together, we are an amazing team and we are going to accomplish big things!
My family and friends near and far, have been on this journey with me, supporting me the entire way. I often feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be surrounded by people who care so much about me doing well and who encourage me to take care of myself and do something for me! I can’t thank them enough!
WP: What is the funniest story that has happened to you while working out?
Oh, this story goes back about 14 years or so, back to the time my husband and I first met. He worked at the local gym where we went to college. I knew him because I was on the women’s basketball team, and he was on the men’s team. I hadn’t actually met him yet, but I heard through the grapevine that he liked me. When I would go to the gym to work out, I noticed him and we would catch each other’s eye, but not say anything. There was a mutual attraction, but neither of us would break the ice. One day, I decided to do a water aerobics class at the gym, just to do something different. I knew Jason wasn’t working that day, so I could go do the class and not look ridiculous. As I was working up a sweat in my not-so hot one piece suit, surrounded by elderly women, I see Jason walk by the pool! I tried my best to hide behind the women in their sun hats, but low and behold, he spotted me working hard with my water weights. He looked at me and chuckled as I died from embarrassment inside. Up until that day, I had always tried to look cute at the gym and appear as though I knew what I was doing, but on that day, my vulnerable side definitely came out! When you’re trying to impress someone at the gym, the water aerobics class is not the way to go!
WP: What is the proudest moment of your life?
Most women would probably answer this question with something about the day they got married or the day they gave birth to their child(ren). Those events definitely crossed my mind, but in the true sense of the word “proud,” it has to be something about me. The proudest moment in my life so far would have to be winning 1st place in the Tall Class and the Overall honors in the Figure Division at the Chico Bikini, Figure and Bodybuilding Contest this past month. This was my first competition that I entered, and to come away a winner, not once, but twice, was the most amazing experience! I know how hard I worked to reach that stage and to be validated for my hard work and effort, was priceless! Had I not placed at that show, I would have been just as proud of myself for the taking the journey and taking on a challenge and accomplishing a goal. The win was just the icing on the cake, and I couldn’t have been happier!
WP: What are your interests outside of staying fit?
My passions and interests consist of staying fit, bonding and creating memories with my kids and husband, and spending time with my extended family and my friends whenever possible. Because fitness and family are my priorities, there isn’t a lot of spare time for other hobbies or interests at the moment. I am someone who works really hard to maintain and keep relationships with people that come into my life. The relationships I have with my family and friends are something that I am extremely proud of. I have a large extended family and a large circle of close friends and I am so grateful to have so many wonderful people in my life!
WP: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I am very content with whom I am, inside and out, but if I had to pick one thing to change about myself it would be that I wish I could tan! Growing up, I would watch bodybuilding competitions and think to myself, “There’s no way I could ever do that! I am way too white!” Little did I know that the competitors’ tans were painted or sprayed on! I am forever grateful to whoever invented the spray tan! I really am content with who I am, so to wish I was tan is really an aesthetic concern and not that important in the big scheme of things.
WP: Tell me about your future projects. Have any in sight?
I am looking forward to competing in Reno on June 4th! This will be my first NPC competition. I have hopes of placing and being able to attend a National level show in the near future! I am constantly looking for opportunities to do fitness modeling and have high hopes to one day be published and/or featured in a publication. I am super excited to attend the FMI Conference in the fall in Redondo Beach and learn as much as possible from the amazing Clark Bartram, Gary Warren and their staff. I hope to take the knowledge gained from the conference and put it in to action to see amazing results! I am extremely excited about the possibilities my future holds!
WP: Is there anything else you would like to add? Now is the time!
If you are interested in competing or even entertaining the idea, go for it! You will have no regrets! The only regret you will have is if you don’t go for it! I would like to wish all of the current competitors and future competitors good luck in their future shows and endeavors.
WP: You have been a pleasure to interview! Thank you for your time and good luck in your future bodybuilding endeavors!
Thank you, World Physique, for this amazing opportunity! It has been such an honor and privilege!
