Publishers Note
2
Florida Fitness Photography
John Hawley, Publisher
Photographer/Videographer
John Hawley (904)333-3527
11604 Surfwood Ave, Jax. Fl 32246
Associate Editor Nellie Hawley
Shoot with Jennifer was conducted in Miami Beach over the weekend of the 2014 NPC Nationals Bodybuilding competition wherein she participated in the bikini division. She was accompanied by her boyfriend Chris Williams who also competes in NPC Bodybuilding competitions.
In This Issue:
Jennifer Mignano
Please share something of your background and how it relates to your current interest in fitness and modeling
I always struggled with my self confidence growing up. I was very self conscious about my body, even while I was in gymnastics. I remember seeing myself in the mirrors at the gym in my leotard, hating that my butt was bigger than everyone else's, and my legs were thicker, or so it seemed to me. I was the shortest, and even though I never really got teased about my height, I beat myself up about it.
In my twenties, I started going to the gym, and it wasn't long before I was feeling better about myself, both physically and emotionally. The gym gave me a sense of release from my insecurities. I grew more confident of myself, not only in appearance, but in my abilities.
Share with us a bit about your contest history and most memorable show experience.
I decided in early 2013 that I wanted to compete. I worked with a personal trainer for a few months, but I wasn't changing my eating habits. At the time, I just tried to eat "healthy."
In July of 2013 I met Chris Williams, who helped me with the nutrition aspect of competition prep. Within two months I was ready for my first show at the St Pete Muscle Classic, where I placed first and overall in open and over 30. It was at that point that I realized all my hard work was paying off.
What motivates and or inspires you to workout, diet and compete in fitness? Which part do you have the most difficulty with?
I don't ever want to be that insecure girl again. I like being in control of how I feel and look. I am more competitive with myself than with other people. Being a mom of two girls, I want to set an example of being healthy and active.
The most difficult part of staying in a routine is my work schedule. I am an RN at the hospital, and sometimes I have to be at work by 6 am, and I could be there past 8 or 9pm. My daughters are my priority, so I make sure that I spend time with them even if that means not going to the gym to do so (cont. pg 6.).
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