FitnessVolt.com Talks With Stunning Bikini Class Competitor Jess McCarthy

Statistics

Name: Jess McCarthy
Age: 20
Height: 1.66m
Weight: 53kg
Style: Competitor

How did you get started with Fitness/Bodybuilding?

All through my life I have been active playing netball, basketball, and volleyball at high school and competing in school events like triathlons, cross country, and multi-sport. I enjoyed participating in these sports, but never felt I was good enough to make it far in any of them.

A few years ago, in my final year of high school, I started work experience at a local gym and was introduced to bodybuilding. I was hooked immediately. I’ve always been the competitive type, and after watching some of the trainers compete at regional and national bodybuilding championships, I instantly set that as my new goal.

I’m currently studying sports and leisure, which has helped immensely with dieting and training. Everything I learn I can relate to myself and my competition training.
I’ve been training at the gym for the past two years, but started specifically training for my first competition in February. After four months of strict dieting and training, I competed in my first competition in June at a NABBA show in the shape class category. This was an amazing experience which gave me a huge confidence boost. From here I went on to compete in the NZIFBB bikini class at the end of September and am now training for one of the first NZIFBB shows at the start of next year with my goal being to make the NZIFBB Nationals at the end of 2013.

Where does your motivation come from?

I am a very competitive person and I am always looking to be the best I can be. What motivates me most is knowing the hard work I put in will help me look and feel amazing. When I see the achievable results, it motivates me to work hard towards achieving my goals. It’s really encouraging when others tell you how good you look and notice the hard work you have been putting in. I know I have a long way to go, but with my competitive nature and desire to give everything I do 100% I am motivated to push through any barriers that come my way to achieve these results.

How does it feel when you’re on stage competing?

It such an amazing feeling stepping out on stage although I’m always a little nervous I love being able to show my hard work off and be proud of what I have achieved.

What’s your typical workout look like?

My weekly workouts usually consist of 4 days weights training and 3 days cardio. I have outlined an example of my weights training programme below.

Day1: Back and Biceps

Wide Grip Lat Pulldowns 1×12, 1×10, 1×8
Rack Pulls 3×10-12
DB Row 3x 8-12
Cable Row 4×20
Incline DB Curls 3x-12
What is your typical diet like?

Meal 1: Proats (Protein and Oats with Low fat Milk)
Meal 2: Protein Bar and Cashews
Meal 3: Chicken Brest, 1 Pitta and ½ plate of Salad or Vegetables
Meal 4: Corn Thins and Tuna
Meal 5: Lean Beef, Rice and Vegetables
Meal 6 (Post workout): 20g Cashews and 1 Protein Shake

What was your competition diet like?

My competition diet has similar foods to my typical diet but I consume less calories

What mistakes did you make when first starting out?

I think the biggest mistake I made when starting out was putting too much pressure on myself which comes with my competitive nature. This meant that I never praised myself for how far I had come but put myself down. I have learnt now I should be proud of what I have achieved and I need to remember every now to reflect on the achievements I have made.

What is your proudest achievement so far?

My proudest achievements so far would be getting myself into competing shape and competing twice this year and being chosen at Teen Amateur Bodybuilder of the week on Bodybuilding.com

What are your short term and long term goals?

Short Term Goal: To qualify and compete in the NZIFBB Nationals at the end of 2013
Long Term Goal: It would be a dream to compete internationally one day

How long do you spend in the gym during a typical workout?

Usually 1hour to an 1 and ½

Do you have any favourite quotes?

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” and
“You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life”

Fun Quick Questions For Our Readers

Favourite color? Purple
Favourite food? Chocolate! (It’s my weakness haha)
Favourite TV Show? I don’t usually watch TV so I don’t have one at the moment
Favourite movie? SuperBad
Favourite Band/Artist? Hmm that’s a toughy I just love anything new
Do you have any pets? A cat named Smokey =)

Final Words?

“The number one reason why people give up so fast is because they tend to look at how far they still have to go instead of how far they have gotten” Always remember to be proud of what you have achieved =)