Name: Jonna Edwinson
Height: 5'2
Weight: off season is around 118-120, competition weight is 108-112
Birthplace: Healdsburg California
Current Residence: Sacramento, California
Sports: Figure Competitor
Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have.
I am a full time fitness instructor/ group exercise coordinator at a large gym in Sacramento. I lead a very active lifestyle, not only at work but at home, too. I teach a variety of group fitness classes including: Cycle, Boot Camp, Pilates, Kickboxing, and more. I have a background in dance and I'm certified through ACE, NSCA, Schwinn, Zumba, and AFFA. I love outdoor mountain biking, roller blading with my golden retriever, and playing the piano. I am a huge advocate for animals. I volunteer at a number of local sanctuaries, and shelters in my area 3-4 days a week, and I host fundraiser boot camps for animals/shelters in need. I have a huge passion for training mentally handicapped adults for special Olympics competitions. I worked as a fitness director at a weight loss center for high functioning mentally disabled adults, and it was a highlight in my teaching career. I continue to support them and their efforts to live healthy, active lives.
Why did you become vegan?
It's simple. I love and respect animals. I support a cruel free and compassionate lifestyle.
When and why did you become interested in fitness?
I've always been very active all my life. I danced from a young age, and so I was fortunate to have many opportunities come my way after high school to teach dance classes in after school programs, summer camps, and so forth. I loved teaching so much and my students would tell me that they would get such a great work out from my classes. I applied for a position at a gym and the rest is history! My passion for dance evolved into other forms of fitness which lead me into the fitness industry.
How would you describe your nutrition program?
I do my best to count my calories and chart what I'm putting into my body everyday. I focus on a alkaline, plant based diet. I eat about 6-7 small meals a day. Breakfast is probably my largest meal. I love all Vega products, especially my post work out shake. I try and keep it simple, and add variety to keep things interesting. By Sunday I have just about all my meals cooked for the entire week to help me stay on track. The work week gets pretty busy and I often don't have time to cook. I love my routine and it helps me stay prepared and on top of all my meals.
How would you describe your training program?
My training program really varies depending on the season. I focus on a traditional body builder lifting program. I lift Heavy legs about 2x a week, and I hit 1-2 muscle groups for upper body everyday. When I'm in competition mode it's about 6 days on 1 day off. I try and add some variety, not too much cardio but I do love HIIT (high intensity interva training) once a week, and I try and balance my work outs with Pilates on the reformer and some good old Yoga.
What are some common misconceptions about veganism?
Oh the list just goes on.... well for one, people think that vegans are weak, skinny, unhealthy, and smell like patchouli. I for one think I represent a very healthy and strong physique.. and I'm vegan. People are so concerned that we don't get adequate amounts of protein. That's just not true. I am able to gain 5-8lbs of muscle during my bulking phase of dieting and have no problem finding natural, healthy sources of non-animal protein.
What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with veganism or training?
Educate yourself on proper nutrition when it comes to vegan diet. Take your time, do your research (there's tons of resources out there) and contact a professional who has a background in vegan bodybuilding. PETA has a great vegan starter Kit for people who are interested in turning vegan.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6737978
Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?
Strengthen your morale, rethink what your relationship with animals really is, and help save the planet! Surround yourself with positive successful people, and remember that life is progress. It doesn't get easier, you just get better! Eat Better, Feel Better!
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