Johanna Mountfort

Johanna Mountfort placed 2nd in the Novice Figure Short class at the NZFBB Akl Champs in June and now she's all revved up to hit the stage again at the NZFBB Nationals in Wellington.  Looking lean, Johanna (30) looks like she's ready to just put on a coat of tan and step on stage today! Thanks to her background in ballet and naturally athletic genes Johanna's transition to bodybuilding seems effortless but according to Johanna there was still plenty of hardwork especially when organising her family duties as well.

What is even more surprising about Johanna's awesome figure is that she competed in the Akl Champs only just 9 months after her 2nd child was born! Johanna also has a three year old daughter. So lets find out more about this energetic PT (at Just Workout Forrest Hill) and how she copes with her active lifestyle admist preparing for the Nationals.

 
* was the June comp your first? and why did you want to compete in that? 
NZFBB Auckland Champs in June 2008 was my first comp. I had actually hoped to compete for the first time in 2007, but when discovering I was pregnant for the 2nd time, I reluctantly put my aspirations on hold. In 2008, someone who I respect (and was experienced in Bodybuilding) encouraged me to compete and promised to help me for my first one, so I agreed.

* did you really compete in that comp a year after your 2nd child was born?!  did the weight come off easy for you? Yes, when I did the Auckland Champs, my baby girl was 9 months old. I am genetically blessed fortunately, so didn't have too much of a problem with loosing my baby weight, but then I also exercised right through both my pregnancies and following both pregnancies when the babies were 1 week old, I launched myself into the pilates while they slept and brisk walking with the buggy to get out of the house.

I couldn't wait to get back into the gym and finally started weight training again within about 2 months of them being born. By the time they were 4 months old I was back into my size 6 clothes. Phew! I did find that with breastfeeding and my super fast metabolism, the weight just fell off me.

 
* how have you coped dealing with the demands of your children - and partner  - while in precontest mode?
Life is very full and busy! I run my own Personal Training business with my husband Kerry and I work 3 days a week doing that while the girls go to day care. The other days they are at home with me and it's go go go! They are very energetic little things and go 100% all the time, just like us. Kerry is the most wonderful and supportive husband I could ever ask for. He is fantastic with our girls and works very hard (on every level) to keep us all happy!!! I could not compete without his support and love. I admit that He is looking forward to me having a wee break from the competing after the NZFBB Nationals though!

At times I wonder if I am doing too much. When I'm at work I'm giving 100% to my clients and it's back to back sessions all day. If I do get a break or a cancellation I train HARD, and if I have time I practice my posing and routine, throw down some food and protein and then back into work mode training other people! Once the kids are in bed, I get my GymStick out train some more, going for the burn. Then it's get dinner on, fold washing, get the bags packed for the next day, write my clients programs etc and eventually fall into bed until at all repeats again!...... You Feeling tired yet? I'm exhausted just talking about it!

above: Johanna with her client Bonnie who's competing at the CNI's

I guess I cope by trying to maintain some balance. That's why I only work 3 days, so I have time to do what I love but also be a great mum. Like I said before, my husband is the one I owe all the credit to. He holds the fort a lot while I catch up on sleep or go off to a posing session or a bikini fitting. But I also just remain positive as much as possible and don't get too serious or obsessed about competing, or too overwhelmed by the busy-ness of my life!
 
* you look very graceful on stage, do you have a background in dance?
I do have a background in dance. I danced professionally in a ballet company in England as my first career, so have trained my body all my life. The stage is 2nd nature to me, and Bodybuilding Posing routines are a breeze in comparison to a 3 act ballet! I thoroughly enjoy my posing routines, and they satisfy the performer in me.
 
* were you happy with how you went at your first comp?
I feel pretty good about the way I looked at the Auckland Champs. It was my first comp and I had no idea what to expect. My posing wasn't as good as it could've been. I'm am really looking forward to the Nationals and I have been working harder than ever and have had some wonderful help from some very experienced people. That's all I'll say! Watch this space. (Wink)
 

* are you nervous about competing at the Nationals? I believe nerves are good sometimes but most of the time they can hinder your performance. That's the dancer in me! So I focus on feeling anticipation and excitement rather than nerves. I am very focussed, calm and confident when it comes to the stage. So to answer your question; no I'm not really that nervous.....at this time anyway!

* what would be your ultimate goal in figure competition?
My ultimate goal. Well of course I'd love to be a figure champion and hold a national title! Wouldn't we all?! It's hard to say at this stage. I would like to compete internationally, but with having a young family it's not quite the right time. I hope to one day.
 
* what advice would you give to other mums - ladies - who want to compete?
Advice? .... I think you have to be realistic and you also have to be a bit of a perfectionist to compete in bodybuilding. Your body is your instrument, you have to love it and treat it with utmost respect. This should be applied in life anyway, not just in bodybuilding. It's important to maintain your life balance and most importantly keep a sense of humour about it all, Especially on competition day! because a wise woman once said to me: "You're the one who has to take your body home!"