Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Blondin.
Jill, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always been active. I loved being in the gym and read every woman’s fitness magazine as if it was the Bible. I secretly wanted to look just like one of the women in those magazines – who doesn’t?! I went through a phase where I had decided to head back to school nights to finish my Bachelor’s Degree, while working a full time job, so there were simply not enough hours in the day for me to be able to maintain my grades (I graduated CumLaude), hold down my career AND workout, so the gym was put on hiatus. As graduation approached and my class load lessened I got myself back into the gym and was determined to get myself back to an ever better version of myself. I found myself drawn to the competitive aspect of CrossFit and at the time it was the new, up and coming Fitness craze. I had also decided to start running, something I totally hated. I mean, hated so much I almost failed Gym class because I refused to run! Between 2010 and 2014, I ran 7 marathons, including the 2013 Boston Marathon. Countless half-marathons and 5k’s. After the Marathon bombing, I had decided I was done running marathons. A friend had approached me about competing in bodybuilding and I looked at her like she was insane and said “never in my life.” It’s a woman’s worst nightmare. Up on stage, wearing the most expensive, and smallest “bikini” ever and having people actually judge your body. Ah, heck no! Well, never say never prevails here. I finally decided why the heck not.
I’ll do it once and can say I did it. I am always up for a challenge. Well, I won. I won my class and earned my “Pro Status” with the WBFF. I would go on to compete with them as a Pro the following year (2014) and place in the top 10 at the World Championships. My coach at the time, Mick Souza, had already been suggesting that I switch federations and divisions, thinking I would be a better fit, Physique-wise with the NPC. In October 2014 I competed for the first time in NPC Woman’s Physique and took home 2nd place. After being totally bitten by the competition bug, I decided to work with another coach. I signed up with Shelby Starnes and told him what my goals were; turn Pro with the IFBB, earn a Pro win and compete at the Olympia. Easy peasy, right?! Shelby kept me off stage for 15 months. In order for me to be competitive, I need to put in the work and build some muscle. From the end of 2014 through 2015, I bust my butt in the gym, eating and working. I stepped on stage under Shelby’s guidance for the first time in April 2016 where I would be the Overall winner in my division, earning me the qualification to compete for my Pro Card. In July 2016, after 2 other attempts (a 3rd, then 2nd place) I won my Pro Card! Goal 1, CHECK!
Through the rest of 2016 I went back to busting it in the gym to make some changes to my physique. My first IFBB Pro season started in April 2017. At my 3rd Pro show, Puerto Rico Championships, I took home the win! Goal 2, CHECK! My win earned me the coveted qualification for the prestigious Olympia. September 2017, we would complete Goal 3, competing at the Olympia and one of the best! I am just getting started with my 2018 season, and hope to earn myself another win and Olympia qualification. It still seems a bit surreal to think about all I have accomplished in these few years. People compete for years, hoping to earn their pro card and some pros compete, never earning a win or making it to the Olympia. I am truly blessed.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Bodybuilding can be all consuming. To be successful, it comes with sacrifices. There is no deviation from the diet, workouts etc. so combined with a full time career, and life in general there certainly can be some bumps in the road. I have an amazing support system and honestly probably wouldn’t have gotten to where I am so quickly without them.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Prime Fitness – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Prime Fitness is Central MA’s premier bodybuilding gym. The most original equipment in the state.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’d love to compete for as long as I am truly competitive. I hope to get back to the Olympia and earn a better placing.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2 Norwood Court, Oxford MA
Image Credit:
HD Physiques
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