How did your fitness journey begin?
Before my senior year of high school, I gained 20 pounds on top of my 150-pound frame. I attempted to sign up for the U.S. Army and was told that I had to lose 10 pounds before they'd allow me into the Delayed Entry Program. At the end of my senior year, I lost 10 pounds and was accepted into the U.S. Army.
When I arrived at basic training, I remember thinking I would use the opportunity to lose weight and run without eating much, but it didn't go over well. Drill sergeants sat next to me in the DFAC and wouldn't let me leave until I ate. After dieting and training in basic training, I came back slimmer but not enough to meet Army standards.
I promised to meet my height and weight requirements before I left basic and AIT and pushed myself hard. I graduated AIT at 150 pounds and was very happy. My first duty station was in Camp Hovey, Korea, and although I was a physical fitness beast, I started descending down a path of poor nutrition, weight gain, and got taped by the military again.
When I made the decision to end my unhealthy lifestyle again, I found out that I was pregnant with my first son. After my son's birth on August 16, 2007, I knew I had to really push to get back down to my healthy weight of 150 pounds.
I served four more years in the army stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, kept my weight consistent, worked out, and maxed my PT test. In 2009, I realized that I didn't have a goal in the gym, so I sought out a personal trainer. After a few workouts, I didn't learn much, saw minimal changes, and left the personal trainer. In October 2010, I got married to the love of my life and we had our son on August 3, 2011.
I couldn't wait until my son was born so I could get back into the gym and hit it hard. I was on Bodybuilding.com a lot throughout my pregnancy to expand my knowledge. I found Jamie Eason's LiveFit Trainer and knew it could provide the structure I needed. On Jamie's trainer, I got my pre-pregnancy physique back in 8 weeks. At the end of the program, I had the best body of my life and the most knowledge about fitness and nutrition ever.
I possessed the ability to change my body with a proper nutrition, cardio, and weight training. I decided to become a certified personal trainer and pass my knowledge onto others who struggle with weight problems. After talking to others and seeing my mom compete in bikini shows, I decided to compete and push my body to its limits.
I started with my coach, Terrance Williams, and did an assessment. He said I could be ready to compete in 8 weeks at the Texas Shredder in Austin, Texas. With his expertise and my family's support, I made it through the first contest prep and won my height class. There's no turning back. IFBB figure pro is my future.
How did your passion for fitness emerge?
I have a strong desire to learn as much as possible in this field. I don't think anyone can know it all, but I want to be close. I always had a passion to be fit, but the more I learned the more the passion grew.
What/Who motivates you to live a healthy lifestyle?
My children, husband, coach, and all the people who watched over my journey are the reasons why I stop and avoid unhealthy food. I feel obligated to be successful at the lifestyle I chose and to set the right example for others.
Where did you go for inspiration?
I look at social networks. I also gain inspiration from my gym, husband, and mom. I love seeing other people live the same lifestyle as me. My husband inspires me because he's supportive but hard on me. My mom is almost 50 years old and looks better than me.
What are your future fitness plans?
This is my first year competing. It would be a dream come true to get my pro card and ultimately be Ms. Figure Olympia.
What is the most important fitness tip?
If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you. Consistency is key. I preach consistency to myself daily. Being a competitor is hard but it's worth it and will pay off in the end.
Who is your favorite fitness competitor?
Erin Stern is my favorite because she's the reigning Ms. Figure Olympia. She's the person I put my pictures next to and strive to be. Ultimately, my goal is to compete, win the title and inspire women to compete and take their physique to the next level.
How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?
Bodybuilding.com was the only site I knew of when I was a fitness novice. If it wasn't for the articles, workout programs, and supplement reviews, I wouldn't be where I am today. Jamie Eason's LiveFit was my lifeline when I decided to change my body.
Kendra's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "Holy Grail" by Jay-Z (Feat. Justin Timberlake)
- "Hold On, We're Going Home" by Drake (Feat. Majid Jordan)
- "Give It 2 U" by Robin Thicke
- "Love More" by Chris Brown (Feat. Nicki Minaj)
- "Type Of Way" by Rich Homie Quan
Competition History
- Texas Shredder 2013
- Ronnie Coleman Classic 2013
- Dallas Europa 2013