Vital Stats
Name: Jodi Jordan
Email: jodilynnjordan@g...
Location: Alabama
Age: 40
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 125 lbs off, 115 lbs contest
Years Bodybuilding: 5
How did your fitness
journey begin?
I am the proud wife of a retired Air Force senior master sergeant. During the early years of our marriage, I stayed home with our children. My focus was on them, not on my fitness. When I returned to work, I took a high-visibility job that required long hours and frequent travel. My limited fitness went down the tubes in the face of airport food and stress. In 2009, the Air Force moved us to Phoenix, Arizona, where it jump-started an incredibly positive change in my life even if I didn't know it at the time. A good friend of mine talked me into attending the high-intensity, functional fitness cross-training classes on base. At first, I was very skeptical and didn't take it very seriously, but before I knew it I was in love. I loved how I felt and the transformation that took place.
After training for about six months, my friends encouraged me to enter a bodybuilding competition on base. I didn't know a thing about nutrition or training for that kind of event, but I did it anyway. To my surprise, I came in second. This was only the beginning of my foray into bodybuilding.
As luck would have it, there was an Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders show in Phoenix the following weekend. On a whim, I entered. I got my butt kicked, although I still managed to come in seventh. Amazed and inspired by the incredible showings of the other competitors, I wanted to learn more and compete again.
My first step in the direction of serious competition was obvious: I'd buy a suit. I found a suit on eBay being sold by a competitor also in Phoenix. She and I arranged to meet at her gym so I could try the suit on before buying it. I ended up loving the suit and the owner of the gym, too! Mr. Tim Sparkes, the owner of Die Hard Gym and Fitness, agreed to take me on as a client. As they say, the rest is history.
He's been a dear friend and coach. He still does all my nutrition, even though I moved to Alabama two and a half years ago.
How did your passion for fitness emerge?
Bodybuilding is an incredible test of willpower and motivation. It is a sport of control in which you control your results: You get exactly what you put in to it. It's a great feeling to know you've done your very best, no matter what place you come in during competition. You have to be relentless in your training, your nutrition, your recovery and rest. All the factors have to be in balance, and you have to give it 100 percent effort to be successful.
What or who motivated you?
My husband of 18 years is my greatest motivation. He supports me and encourages me, even during the darkest days of dieting. Also, my trainer Tim Sparkes of Die Hard Gym and Fitness in Phoenix pushed me harder than I ever thought possible. He always believed in me.
Where did you go for inspiration?
Having a contest to train for is the best way to stay inspired. Any time I feel like skipping the gym I remind myself that I'll be on stage, basically in my underwear, in front of hundreds of people. Am I willing to present less than my best? The answer is "no."
What are your future fitness plans?
I hope to continue to compete, but I'm considering a transition to fitness competition. Despite having no gymnastics or dance background, it's something I've been interested in for a long time. I may be the worst fitness competitor ever, but I want to at least give it one shot.
What is the most important fitness tip?
This quote from Muhammad Ali always motivated me: "The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights."
Who is your favorite bodybuilder/fitness athlete?
Erin Stern is my favorite bodybuilder. She is an incredible athlete and real a class act. Plus her longevity in the sport is inspiring.
How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?
I have used resources from Bodybuilding.com in every stage of competition prep - from learning better form for lifting to reading how other competitors prepare to tips on choosing the right suit and even tanning.
Jodi's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "Here Comes the Boom" by P.O.D.
- "Get Low" by Ying Yang Twins
- "Heart of a Champion" by Nelly
- "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins
- "Killing in the Name Of" by Rage Against the Machine
Competition History
- 2010 Luke Air Force Base Bodybuilding and Figure Competition 2nd place
- 2010 Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders Arizona Natural 6th place
- 2010 Fitness America 7th place
- 2011 Luke Air Force Base Bodybuilding and Figure Competition 3rd place
- 2011 National Physique Committee Western Regionals 3rd place
- 2011 Heart of Dixie 2nd place
- 2012 Panhandle Showdown N/A
- 2013 Clash at the Capstone 1st place