Jenni Douglas

Jenni Douglas' first bodybuilding contest was as a Masters competitor at the age of 37, almost 20 years on Jenni's still pumping iron and proving that age is no barrier to maintaining and hopefully growing muscle mass as we get older. This year she's giving competition one last shot at the NABBA Wellington Champs later this year. Jenni is an unsung figure in NZ bodybuilding. She has been fortunate to be quite a journeywoman competing all over the world, with her finest achievement being the 1st NZ Woman to win the IFBB Masters World Champs back in 1989 in Sao Paulo Brazil.  She's also represented NZ in Turkey, Australia and Germany. Jenni started bodybuilding because she was physically unfit and depressed after a marriage separation. However today, Jenni's all muscles and smiles and loves the stage. If you've seen her pose, you'll know what we mean. After all, she's had plenty of experience being up there during her 20 years.  In this profile we find out more about Jenni and wise words she has for those contemplating a career as a 'bodybuilder'!

Jenni Douglas NZ's First Masters World Champ 1989

Occupation: Teacher

Family: Son; Cain, daughter-in-law Debbie and a gorgeous wee granddaughter, Elise

When and why did you start taking up competing in bodybuilding competitions? Physically unfit and depressed after a marriage separation. Wanted to improve fitness to cope with all the other things that were happening

What class(s) have you competed in? Masters, Open

Your contest achievements? All Physique
* (NZFBB) Masters Women 1st 1988, 89, 92, 94, 2003, 2007
* IFBB World Champion - Masters, Sao Paulo Brazil 1st 1989
* Competed in Masters Worlds Turkey, 1992
* NABBA North Harbour Masters Women 1st with selection to WABBA Worlds in Cuxhaven 2000
* PIBBA Over All Physique Champion 03
* NPFC Australasian Open Physique Champion, Sydney 2004
* NABBA Auckland Champs 04, Masters Women 1st and Physique Overall with selection to compete in Crete (decided I needed to be in school and was very tired at that point) 

Do you have a highlight of your sporting career so far? Obviously the World Championship in Brazil but also the NABBA Akl Champs Overall in 2004. What's your contest weight and how much do you let yourself ‘go' when not in contest mode? I am usually on stage at about 61kg. My off comp weight slowly climbs to about 72kg.

Jenni edging out Big Helen in 04

What was your typical training regime 6 weeks out from the Nationals?
Prior to this year, I have generally trained Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday with Chest and triceps, back and biceps, legs and then shoulders as my splits but this year I have put my body into the hands of Steven Shields and I am never quite sure what I will be challenged with.

But his super slow protocol is definitely different and challenging. He says he can add 10 kg without steroid use and I have taken up the challenge. We have gained 2 kg to date. If his methods work on an old body, think of the gains a younger trainee could achieve!

What's your typical diet 6 weeks from show?
High protein with carbs with each meal in some form. My diet doesn't really change, I tend to introduce some serious cardio (stepper and hill walking).

Pics of Jenni after NZFBB Nats 03, aged 53!

What's your contest goals this year?
+10kgs! Qualify in Wellington and win in the NABBA Nationals. I will decide the class later in the year.

Has been any aspect of your physique you've been working on to better yourself this year?
Better abs, better legs, thicker back

What have you learned about yourself while in pre contest mode?
Do it or die attempting to do it. Students get warned on the days I am really tired.

Advice to other women who want to take up bodybuilding or wise words to those who want to make bodybuilding their ‘thing'.
It was probably one of the best decisions that I made, to enter the competitive aspect of weight training - it makes me feel good, I like the "critical appreciation" of fellow trainers and I like the dance/fitness aspect. If you want a sport to make you feel great, get into bodybuilding. I started as a Master (37) and can still stand up with the best of the field. It is a great buzz!

But beware, you become very, very selfish with your time and food.

Jenni @ NABBA Akl 04

Has there been anyone who's been big influence on your bodybuilding career and keeps you going?

Paul Burling made the first big improvements to my diet and training, Richard Jeffcoat kept me interested with great training programmes, Tafa Iusitini kept me training after I thought to retire for the 2nd time and now Steven Shields is again challenging me. But I owe thanks to Cain, my Mum and all my friends who accept that I have a "weird diet", a need to train and support me 100%.

What is your ultimate goal in bodybuilding?
One last chance.... I really have achieved everything I could desire.

 

Jenni, NZFBB Nats 07.
Muscleimaging.com pic