Jelani Kelly

WPM's Transformation of the Month - September 2011





Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'


Jelani Kelly started his transformation at 17% body fat. He has always been involved in sports since he was little. But, he needed a little “boost” to obtain the physique he desired. He is now between 5 to 6% body fat.

Jelani was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK. Once he graduated High School, he moved to Los Angeles and was a collegiate athlete. In all this, he always had a hearty appetite. “I like to say I have an inner fat kid that loves sweets and cake”, says Jelani.

He is currently a PE teacher and he wanted to make sure that he lived a life that would be a great example and motivator for his students. He still loves his sweets and fried foods, but his dedication to being fit and healthy is stronger than his desire to eat unhealthy.

"...I love the challenge that workouts gives me. I love the motto that our bodies are a work in progress and you have to try and get better on a daily basis. I feel that making sure to mix up my workouts with different exercises and modifying grips and angles that I use to hit the muscles."

WP: Congratulations on winning our "Transformation of the Month". How does it feel to be considered for such a title?

It is a tremendous honor to be selected for this. I feel great about being recognized for the changes I have made to my eating and the results have been great.

WP: How many pounds of muscle did you gain?

For me, I was pretty muscular, but I needed to lose the fat I also had gained. When I started, I was 195 pounds with 162 pounds of lean mass. At the end of my plan, I was 180 pounds with 170 pounds of lean mass.

WP: Did you decide to go with a personal trainer, self-knowledge, or a gym?

I did contact Obi Obadike and few other coaches and fitness competitors to see who could help me best to reach the goals I had for myself. I was pretty motivated so, I just wanted a little direction on how to convert my body to the next level. Obi was the man that I picked and I think it was a great decision for me. I did an online plan because I did not need anyone to push me when I was in the gym working out.

WP: Did you have a support group helping you or did you do this alone?

My wife has been amazing with all this. It was her successful career in bikini division competitions that really sparked me to want to “keep up with her”. She has done an outstanding job helping me find wonderful ways to season foods that don’t crash your meal plans.

WP: What made you decide you were ready to transform?

I am very competitive and when I saw my wife’s body transforming for her competitions, it made me want to transform mine as well.

WP: What was the biggest challenge you faced while going through your transformation?

The biggest challenge for me was cutting out the late night snacking. I am a bit of a night owl and when I stay up late, I had a tendency to snack on things. The biggest thing I realized is how important it is to stop eating earlier in the evening so the body doesn’t store the food and convert it into fat.

WP: Did you take any type of supplements during this time? If so, which ones did you take?

I take the Whey Protein, CLA, BCAA’s, a multi-vitamin, and Glucosamine.

WP: What program did you follow and explain how it worked for you?

Obi had me on a superset workout that was a 5 day split that really kept the heart rate up and melted the fat away. I just made a point to push myself with challenging weight amounts.

WP: What type of effects has your transformation caused?

I have a lot more energy and I love the feeling that the workouts give me. It is a great way to train and I look forward to continue improving my physique.

WP: Do you believe that people can spot reduce?

I think it has been stated many times by fitness experts that you CANNOT spot reduce. You just burn fat around your entire body.

WP: Did it ever come a time that you came to a standstill in your progress?

The only standstill I would have is if I had a few too many cheat meals in the week. If you eat clean and train hard you will progress. But, be honest with yourself about how clean you are eating. Often times the “little snacks” keep getting eaten so they give a big obstacle to burning fat for your body.

WP: What did you do differently to overcome this?

This is easy! JUST SAY NO to the junk food and late night eating.

WP: How long did it take for your complete transformation?

It took me about 3 months. And believe me, in those 3 months, I had a few bad days of eating, but when you fall off the horse, you get up dust yourself off and get back up on the horse. Had I been totally strict, I would have probably made it happen in 2 months.

WP: What would you like to say to motivate others to transform their lives?

Eating clean is easier and more enjoyable than you think. You can still season foods and enjoy plenty of meals that do not include salts, and extras our body does not need. You will love the way you look in the mirror and you will feel tremendous when you are done working out.

WP: What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique? How are you attempting to correct them?

I would love to add some inches to my arms and get more striations in my quads. I am hitting my arms twice a week and I have heard that they are improving but there aren’t to the ideal size that I am aiming for. One of my strengths is my chest. I do have pretty good pec development.

WP: What keeps fitness interesting to you?

I love the challenge that workouts gives me. I love the motto that our bodies are a work in progress and you have to try and get better on a daily basis. I feel that making sure to mix up my workouts with different exercises and modifying grips and angles that I use to hit the muscles.

WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.

I have a really big crush on NPC competitor and personal trainer, Jada Kelly. Oh my goodness, that woman is one of God’s beautiful creations. If I ever had the chance to meet her, I would make sure she didn’t forget me.

Ha-ha! That’s the sweetest thing I’ve heard a husband say about his wife! Any shout outs?

I would like to especially shout out to my dad and mom for being amazing parents that showed me the importance of being physically fit at a very young age and for making all the sacrifices necessary to get me to all my sports practices and events growing up and teaching me how to be a good man. I love you both and I am blessed to have you in my life.

Shout out to Jesus.

WP: Amen!

He is my homeboy! ha-ha.

I am very blessed to have been given a healthy body and I think it is a privilege to workout and push my body to its limits. I don't want to take it for granted that there are people in the world who would love to exercise, but cannot due to physical disabilities. I have learned to not take your body for granted.

I would also like to give a special thanks to Kristal Richardson and Top Secret Nutrition for adding me to as a sponsored athlete. They have some amazing products that I was using during my transformation and continue to use. They taste great and make my body feel great.

Also, a big shout out to my wife for her love and support. Shout out to Obi Obadike for being the man who motivated and showed me the way.

WP: What were you like in high school?

I was a popular jock in High School. It was a great time in life for me. I loved every moment.

WP: I can see you as such! If I were to open your fridge and kitchen cabinets, what would I find in them?

You will find eggs, grilled chicken, tilapia, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, orange juice, water, asparagus, quinoa, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and Crystal Light. I think that is about it.

WP: If I were to walk into your house and have a look around, what type of fitness equipment would I find?

My place is not very big so there is not much fitness equipment in home. I have a pull-up bar, stability ball, power blocks, and a yoga mat. That is about all.

WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?

I love reading personal development books and watching and playing sports. I also like playing board and card games. That takes up much of my free time.

WP: How do you make time for yourself? How do you relax and hide from the stress of the world?

Hitting the gym is a great stress relief for me. If I am having a tough day, going to the gym and getting a good pump makes me feel much better.

WP: How long have you and Jada been married?/

I have been happily married for 3.5 years. Marriage is awesome when you pick the right one to be with.

WP: The interview is coming to a close now. Is there anything that you would like to add prior the end of the interview?

Again, I want to give a sincere thanks to you, Tammy, for the opportunity. To my lovely wife, Jada, for all the love and support. And to Obi Obadike, for working with me on my goals.

WP: We are delighted to have you featured as our “Transformation of the Month”. Keep aiming high! Thank you for taking the time out to hold this interview with us. We wish you the best of luck in the future.