Jeannie PaparoneTwo weeks out from the NY Pro show, IFBB professional bodybuilder Jeannie Paparone shares with us her progress in the world of bodybulding, which is an inspirational journey from anorexia to mental and physical health. Read her training and diet philosophies, and how she balances being a mother and top female bodybuilder.Author: Jonathan.L - owner Fitness Portal April 2008 | ||
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* Jeannie, how are you?
Jeannie Paparone: I'm doing great! * Being a professional female bodybuilder means you possess rare qualities not readily found among other people. What is it about you, personally, that made you so successful? Jeannie Paparone: I am a very strong, positive and a confident women, that lives every day to the fullest! Everything I do I do with 100% or it is not worth it. I learned from my mother and how to stay motivated and live!. I guess my drive comes from her and watching her support 3 children on her own. * You started lifting weights when you wanted to get your life back together after suffering from Aneroxia Nervosa as a teenager. What was it like to struggle with this disease, and how would you describe the big change you've gone through? Jeannie Paparone: I was an all state gymnast back in Chicago where I am from. So Anorexia was a way to keep my weight down especially being a gymnast. It was hard I would live on wheatable crackers and Diet Coke!! I always had the genetic structure to become a bodybuilder, but didn't know how. |
Jeannie Paparone, IFBB professional bodybuilder. Date of birth: July 19, 1968. Weight: off season - 148, on season: 137, Height: 5'4. |
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Weight training actually saved my life and finding out that you have to EAT to LIVE! Once I learned
how to reprogram my brain to eat properly everything fell in to place.
But today the disease will always haunt me. I still look in the mirror constantly, especially getting ready for show, but I have learned how to control it. * Is it possible to describe in words the elation you felt back then in 2002 when you won 1st place at the Nationals? Jeannie Paparone: Oh My God!! It was a dream come true. All the hard work have finally paid off, and kept thinking to myself it was all worth it!! * What is your training routine and your diet? How do they differ from off-season to on-season? Jeannie Paparone: My training routine is about the same except when I get ready for a show. I work out 5-6 days a week, and do one bodypart a week. I do more sets and more reps when I get ready for a show. My diet in the off-season is basically really clean, (boiled chicken, brown rice, vegetables, etc.), I will use some condiments like mustard or ranch dressing, and I allow myself one cheat meal a week. My son loves pizza on Friday nights so I will have a slice or 2 with him. If I want to cheat I will, but get right back on the diet again. I diet for 12 weeks strict getting ready for my shows. No cheat meals, no wine, and no condiments. It's kind of boring but I love it that it makes me feel good. * What improvements have you seen in your physique since your first competition? Jeannie Paparone: My physique now has more muscle maturity and look fuller and bigger, I have been doing this for 15 years now. * What do you like and dislike about competing? Jeannie Paparone: My likes about competing is getting on stage and presenting my physique to everyone. I love to be on stage. My dislikes is CARDIO, but besides that is I wish their was more exposure for womens bodybuilding and more prize money. * What motivates you in accomplishing difficult tasks? Jeannie Paparone: My mind is a very strong and powerful! You can do anything if you just put your mind to it. I don't believe in negativity. * Please tell me your thoughts about today's judging in Women's Bodybuilding. Jeannie Paparone: My thoughts are they should judge accordingly to who has the best package on stage. * What do you think are the challenges and the rewards of being a personal trainer? Jeannie Paparone: The challenges of being a personal trainer is getting a client to listen to what I am telling them about their nutrition, and not being so insecure about themselves. The rewards is to see them put on muscle and watching then flex for me. A smile says it all. When they see results and start losing inches and they feel good about themselves, makes me feel good. * How do you balance bodybuilding and other activities? Jeannie Paparone: Organization is the key. I am a very scheduled person. Once you balance all of that you are good to go! * What's it like living in Vegas? Jeannie Paparone: I love Vegas. I have been here 13 years now. I love the sunny days and warm weather all year long, and also love the palm trees. * What things make you jump for joy and make your heart beat with excitement? Jeannie Paparone: The things that make me jump for joy is when I see my son accomplish something and see a smile on his face. Also, when I get to eat my cheat meal, and dessert. * How has motherhood enriched your life and affected your bodybuilding career? Jeannie Paparone: Motherhood has made me realize that having a child is the most important thing to my life. My life revolves around him, and makes me be positive for him to see him grow up. Concerning my bodybuilding career it really hasn't affected it to much. * Would you encourage your son to be a bodybuilder? Jeannie Paparone: I would not encourage him, but if that is the road he wishes to take I will support him. I rather him be in sports, cuz that is where the money is at! LOL. * For the coming NY Pro show, what are your expectations? Jeannie Paparone: My expectations for the NY show, is to come in with my head up high, and best package that I come in as. It is all up to the judges. That is all I could do or say. Jonathan, thanks so much! Jeannie Paparone video. | ||