Jennifer Chapman
WPM's Rising Star of the Month - September 2011
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
Nominated by: Dennis Heck
Jennifer Chapman. When that name rolls off of my tongue, so many different aspects about her come to mind; from an outstanding photographer, to a published model, to a determined NPC competitor, to someone that people turn to for support and understanding; all the way to how inspiring she is to so many, the hard work and dedication she has put into her physique, and how many people look up to her and respects her. Jennifer Chapman; I don't know too many people in this industry that haven't heard of her, or know her. She has so many talents that one has to look at her and just be in awe over her. She just keeps getting better as the days turn!
"...Fitness is only interesting to me if it is fun. This does not mean that it is not hard work. I actually love to work hard and feel like I get more out of it when I am sweating through my clothes and my entire make up is on the towel. I love that I can see the changes in my body and I feel energized to complete other tasks in my life. I love to get a new workout outfit to stay interested as well. If I like what I am wearing, it makes me more focused."
WP: Congratulations on winning our "Rising Star of the Month". How does it feel to be considered for such a title?
I feel excited and honored to be recognized as a rising star. I was nominated by my father and it is so great to have family and friends that support my dedication to a healthy lifestyle. I feel that a lot of my hard work is starting to pay off.
WP: Can you tell our readers a little about what who you are, what you are made of, and where you came from?
I grew up with very little in Minot, North Dakota and when I was a senior in high school, my mother moved us to the panhandle of Florida. My mother taught me that family was the most important thing and material items did not define our character. This was the best thing that could have happened to me at that age. It was really hard to go to class everyday but I graduated and got a partial athletic scholarship for Track and Field to Troy State University. I worked hard to obtain a full scholarship and was the captain of the women's team my senior year we became conference champions. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree and moved to Texas.
WP: How long have you been in the fitness industry?
I have always considered myself an athlete since grade school. I always earned the Presidential fitness awards (anyone else remembers those?) and ran varsity track every year. I was a sprinter and jumper at TSU and have earned numerous fitness awards at my work. I stepped on the stage for the first time in 2010. My first show was the West Texas Classic in Lubbock, TX. I placed 5th and couldn't have been happier. I became drawn to the sport and can't stand not being able to compete in a show.
WP: What made you decide to get into the fitness industry?
In 2009, I was asked to attend a Dallas Europa show. I started to research all of the local shows and felt that I needed something to get me back into fitness. I started to do Crossfit and lost 20 pounds that I intentionally gained trying to conceive a child. When that didn't happen, I did not want to hold on to the weight anymore and started to focus on myself. My New Year's resolution was to compete and I fulfilled that in March. I was far from "stage ready", but I made an impression with the judges and they gave me my critique; which gave me more inspiration to continue.
WP: You have been published in a lot of national magazines, including supplement ads. You should also appear in World Physique Swimsuit issue that Troy Breaux shot coming this fall. In addition, you've done videos. Tell me more about your modeling and what photographers you have worked with.
Right now, I model as a hobby and some of my shoots are paid, and some are not. I mainly shoot fitness and swimsuit but have done glamour, advertising, fashion and demos. I don't do any implied or nude.
I worked with Troy Beaux, Gregory James, Rich Baker, and Jeff Ragazzo. I have worked with several local photographers, as well as those that travel to the competitions. I have also done "In the Trenches" videos with Robbie Durand.
WP: What are you goals?
My goal is to continue to model as long as I can and hope to get a contract. The great thing about fitness modeling is that you do not have to be a teenager to get work. Anyone can be fit at any age and the fitness magazines really stress that. I would definitely do some workout videos for instructional purposes.
WP: How does your trainer differ when you are modeling and when you are not?
My training is really the same. I stay 5-7 pounds around my stage weight and most of my shoots tend to be when I'm competiting. Since I'm a bikini competitor, I have a little more softness to my body, but still look athletic.
WP: What future projects do you have planned?
I have a shoot set up with another magazine and can't wait to see the photos come out on my current projects.
WP: Do you also compete now? If so, what titles have you won. What competitions have you entered and what place did you take?
I have not yet won a show yet but competed at a national level starting in 2010 to present. I did six shows in 2010 and my highest placing was 2nd at Jr. USA in Houston. This year I have done four and I placed 4th in USA in Las Vegas.
WP: How does your routine and life changes when you go from pre-contest to off-season?
Off-season, I do a little less cardio, eat about the same, save money and build up my vacation time at work. Last year, I had a little too much holiday food, so this year, I will still enjoy time with family, but make better food choices so I don't have to work so hard when its time to turn up the heat.
WP: What do you like and dislike about competing?
I love being able to bring my body to the best shape it has ever been in and then showing all that hard work off. One of my dislikes is not being able to wear deodorant at the shows. The competition tan that we wear does not mix well with deodorants, perfumes, soap; your skin will actually turn green.
WP: What would you change about the judges in the competitions?
The judges do a great job with how it's set up. I just wish there was a set standard and the girl that gets closest to that chosen standard wins. I think "every show is different" could change and the competitors would be less confused and disappointed. I like the figure the bronzed trophy girl has.
WP: What federation do you compete in?
I am a member of the National Physique Committee (NPC).
WP: Are you aiming for a pro-card?
I am working hard for my IFBB Professional card. I strive to learn from my mistakes, train hard and consistent then, bring those elements to the stage.
WP: From your past contests, what have you learned you need to correct or work on for the physique you are aiming for?
I have finally got my abdominal area within range and feel that it is the best that it has ever looked, but remains an area that I have to really focus on. This is all about the diet and some abdominal training.
WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique? How are you attempting to correct them?
I feel that my strengths have always been in my legs and I have actually had to be careful not to lean them out too much. I strive to maintain an equal balance of working out too much and too little. I think my weakness is my middle back and abdominal area.
WP: What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts?
I absolutely love to workout and my family and friends have always been there to hold me accountable. I have to have the self-discipline to get to the gym, but I also can't stress myself out over it. I don't flip out just because I'm a minute late for my food or can only put x amount of time on the cardio. I take the time I can do it and push as hard as I possible can. Stress will make your body react in negative ways and regardless of how long you're busting your butt it may not make a difference. Have FUN and stay FOCUSED. Do what you are supposed to do, but don't freak out, people around me will get annoyed if I let every little thing bother me. I remind myself that I chose to compete and my success is based on how hard I follow my trainers' diet and workout plan.
WP: What problems did you have to overcome in order to stay on track with your fitness program?
Problems that sometimes come up are time management. I am not a very good morning person, but have learned to get over it when it is necessary. I love my friends that call and wake me up, y'all are the best! Even though I feel more fit in the mornings, I love evening pre-judging. I feel more relaxed and on point with my personality.
WP: What keeps fitness interesting to you?
Fitness is only interesting to me if it is fun. This does not mean that it is not hard work. I actually love to work hard and feel like I get more out of it when I am sweating through my clothes and my entire make up is on the towel. I love that I can see the changes in my body and I feel energized to complete other tasks in my life. I love to get a new workout outfit to stay interested as well. If I like what I am wearing, it makes me more focused.
WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It it just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.
I am a very modest person and simple girl. Although I would love to have the finer things in life, I am just as satisfied making sure the bills are paid and I can get all my food on my diet plan. I guess this is something people with no money learn to say, ha. I do not think having x amount of dollars would change my personality now at this stage of my life but would be nice not to live paycheck to paycheck.
WP: How have you, mentally and physically, changed over the years?
I feel like I have become more "girly." I use to play in the dirt and wear oversized gym clothes all the time. I still wear the gym clothes but they are "hot", and now I feel comfortable in my own skin.
I believe, mentally, I don't feel like anything is "owed" to me and everything I have I have earned. I am stronger and do not let others bring me down.
WP: Any shout outs?
Shout out to you, Tammy, for making me feel comfortable when I had questions about the issue. Shout out to all my Bombshell sisters and competitors that I have met throughout this journey.
WP: Who had the most impact on you in your life thus far?
I really have a lot of support from all of my family and most of my friends and co-workers. They, each, have their own place in my heart and I would help them out any way that I could.
WP: What were you like in high school?
I was a quiet athlete. During my off-season, I would enjoy time with my friends at bonfires and house parties; which is why moving was such a great thing for me. I never knew what a real relationship was until I met my husband. I didn't go to prom and never had a long-term boyfriend. My single mom worked a lot and I had way too much time to find trouble; luckily for me, I stayed just far enough away. I never did drugs, but I did drink alcohol. I learned some hard lessons and now, to this day, I rarely drink and of course, no drugs.
WP: If I were to open your fridge and kitchen cabinets, what would I find in them?
On my shelf, not to be confused with my husband's shelf, you will find fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, weighed out cooked meats, and boiled eggs. In the cabinets, is a bunch of Tupperware, freezer bags, paper plates, whole wheat pastas and breads.
WP: If I were to walk into your house and have a look around, what type of fitness equipment would I find?
I do not keep anything in the house, but a yoga ball and mat. Everything I use is at the gyms that I go to. I hate to go to someone's house and there is clothes lying on the treadmill. Those things need maintenance and everything I seem to own eventually breaks down.
WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?
I enjoy spending time at the movie theater. I usually go when I am able to cheat because it is so hard to resist the smell of popcorn. I consider photo shoots a hobby especially if they are done without pay. I try to find stuff that I haven't done before. I just finished an underwater shoot and it was so much fun.
WP: Where are you going from here? What are your future goals for your career, this industry, and your physique?
I will continue to update my portfolio and maintain a great physique. I think you are only as old as you make yourself out to be. I feel like I have a lot to teach and learn in the fitness industry and will continue to network. I always have an open mind about where life is taking me and if this is my path then I will work hard to make it the best one possible.
WP: How do you make time for yourself? How do you relax and hide from the stress of the world?
I am grateful that my gym has a spa and a resort style pool.
WP: I understand that you are sponsored by Lockout Supplements and Silverback Drew Apparel. Tell me about those companies.
I have had continual support from Lockout Supplements. They are an online and store front wholesale nutrition store. It is owned and operated by an off-duty Firefighter. If you give them the discount code (fitness05) they will take an extra 5% off the already cheapest prices in the industry.
Silverback Krew Apparel has also been very supportive and a great friend of the family. Its amazing how sharing one person can really be.
WP: You mentioned your husband. Can you tell us a little more about him?
I am happily married to Isaac Chapman. He is a Men's Physique Competitor. Together we eat healthy, workout and occasionally have photo shoots together. Life is about fun and being active. He is my rock and number one fan!
WP: How do you feel you have improved you and your life?
I have had so many new and exciting experiences which has molded me into a strong and independent person. I have always been a hard worker, but have learned patience and forgiveness.
WP: The interview is coming to a close now. Is there anything that you would like to add prior the end of the interview?
I just wanted to thank WPM again for the opportunity to share my experiences with everyone. I look forward to meeting new people and old friends at the fitness expos.
WP: We are delighted to have you featured as our Rising Star of the Month. Thank you for taking the time out to hold this interview with us. We wish you the best of luck in the future.
