Joanne Stanger interview

Q.1 Why did you start training and did you have any goals of competing to begin with?

I started training as a hobby and also to support a good friend. I have always been aware of the sport but never thought I would actually compete. Not because I didn’t want to but because the athletes always looked amazing and at the time I didn’t understand how they looked the way they did. My first goals I set myself when I started training were to tone up and to improve my fitness.

Q.2 What is your current training schedule like? How does it differ between pre-contest and off season? Do you do much cardio work?

At the moment this is my current training programme (off season)
Monday: Quads & Delts
Tuesday: Back – 1 hr cardio
Wednesday: Chest – 1 hr cardio
Thursday: Hamstrings, Glutes and Calves
Friday: Shoulders – 1 hr cardio
Saturday: Biceps & Triceps – 1 hr cardio
Sunday: Rest
I love cardio work, so I try to keep it in off season. At the moment I am enjoying pyramids and super setting. When I am pre-contest my cardio increases week by week and done on a daily basis and I continue to train each body part on a daily basis.

Q.3 How long have you been competing?

I have been competing since 2008 although I have taken 2010 as a year out to improve.

Q.4 What are your main competitive achievements?

My main competitive achievements have been placing 6th in the NABBA toned figure and 5th at the NPA toned figure in 2008. In 2009 I placed 2nd at NABBA North East and 5th at NABBA Britain. I Won the Welsh BNBF Trained Figure and placed 4th at the BNBF British Finals. I have had 2010 off so watch out for 2011!!

Q.6 Who are your main sources of inspiration in your training and whose physiques do you most admire?

My main sources of inspiration are those who I see on stage competing. The person who has helped me to no ends has been Miss Rachael Grice I would not have done as well without her help and amazing knowledge and also for the kicks up the rear when needed!!

Q.7 What are your current competitive goals?

I am going to compete in 2011. I am going to do as many competitions as possible while I am in condition. If I do just as well as I did in 2009 I will be happy but my overall goal/dream would be to win the NABBA British Final and if I’m not being too greedy the BNBF British Finals too!!

Q.8 Why do you feel you have been able to make continuous gains over the years?

I feel that I have been able to make gains over the years as my diet and training is a lot more structured than in the previous years, The intensity of my training has increased as I have been able to set myself goals for 2011.

Q.9 What supplements do you use?

At the moment I only supplement my diet with Extreme Nutrition Whey protein powder.

Q.10 How much do you feel supplements and sports nutrition help your training?

I think good nutrition is the key to good success and improvement. The supplements I use help me to get my optimum intake of protein I need they are also very convenient to take plus they are very, very tasty!!

Q.11 What is it that motivates you through a hard session?

The thought of putting a bikini on and being on stage!! Not only that the thought of seeing the changes that I have made to my body this year when I start dieting spurs me on! I can’t wait!!

I’d like to say thanks to a few people,

I would like to thank Rachael Grice for giving up her time for me, for being there for me and being patience through the hard times and the good times, I just hope she will be in the audience this year at the BNBF shows to hopefully see me win! I honestly could not have done this without her! Her dedication and success motivates me. I would like to thank Extreme Nutrition for supporting me and making the expense of dieting a little/lot less so. Also I guess I should thank my family in advance for what’s to come in 2011!!