HARDBODY News & Updates

She did some damage in the pro ranks of the IFBB of figure but has been absent from the stage as of late. I caught up with Ms. Jennifer Searles while I was in New York this past weekend. Jennifer looks great and is keeping herself plenty busy despite being away from the figure stage. Find out if she will return to the figure stage again and what she’s focused on now…

Jennifer outside the NY PRO show.

HB: You’re still in the big apple right… What are you doing with yourself?
I am still here in NYC and am in school getting a second degree in Nutrition and Food Science so I can obtain my Registered Dietician License. I then plan on continuing forward to get a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition. I have so much school ahead of me it’s mind-numbing. I’m also privately training clients and several fitness/figure competitors for upcoming shows this season and working as a trainer at Equinox Fitness on Wall St.

HB: Are you going to pull a Jordan and say you’re retired but return later?
Honestly, I don’t see it happening. I accomplished some really cool things as a pro-winning a title, competing and placing in the top 10 in 2 Olympias. I’m happy with that and am so ready to continue on through the next chapters of my life. I still am involved in the sport with coaching and all though.

HB: What did you enjoy the most about competing and how did you get into it to start with?
The meal after the show… Lol! No seriously the meal after the show. And the sense of satisfaction that it gave me to work so hard toward a goal and reach it. No one can ever that away from you… All of the hard work. I got into competing as a result of people always telling me I should try it. I had always heard that I had good genetics and would do well. I never listened until I moved to New York and was going on audition after audition for acting and seeing that I needed to step up my game physically. I began working out religiously to improve my image and fell in love with the gym. I then thought, hmmm…. I miss the competition I used to get with my figure skating. Maybe I’ll try one show. That was it!

HB: What advice would you give the women reading this in regards to competing and making it fun?
Don’t put pressure on yourself to win a trophy. Just make small goals along the way in your prep and be satisfied and proud when you reach each goal. Ultimately, this should be done for yourself and nothing else. Get into a race with yourself and the process is so much deeper and more rewarding. Which makes it a ton more fun! Trophies and placings are bonus

HB: We’ve all seen your photos. What everyone wants to know is how did you make that booty talk and how do u maintain it?
LOL! lunges/squats/genetics… First off, thanks for the kudos and for noticing Mister Isaac lol! I figure skated for 10 yrs, so a lot of my musculature comes from that, in addition, I’ve always had a full set o’ glutes, sooooo… The base was there. To maintain I always made sure to include movements that targeted those areas such as reverse lunges, step-ups, high footed leg presses. And diet. Diet is so important if you want the fruits of your labors to be seen. If I have too much fat covering the muscle, I have a big blob of a butt. Not so cute! Now that I’m not competing anymore, the focus has shifted from building to shaping. I make sure I train all compound movements in a high (20-25) rep range and I eat very clean throughout the week and have small treats on the weekends. I’ve learned that cheating big is too hard on me and that a little can go a long way with satisfaction.

Bootilicious photo by JM Manion with Ms. Searles.