TOP TRANSFORMATION WINNER

JENNIFER STADING

THROUGH HEARTACHE & OBESITY

Embarking on a profound journey of self-discovery, Jennifer Stading’s story is one of resilience and triumph in the face of life’s most formidable challenges. This is a tale of strength, gratitude for a steadfast support system, and an unwavering commitment to show her children that setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones to triumph.

The following is the journey Jennifer shared at the November 2023 IPL APEX VII contest in Phoenix, Arizona. This story lead to Jennifer being presented with the Top Transformation Award in the Inspiration & Transformation division. She also placed 2nd in Bikini Mommas (3 to 5) and 5th in Bikini Novice.

"I no longer recognized myself and decided I had enough."

After having my daughter in 2015, I found myself eating and drinking my way through a few years. I no longer recognized myself and decided I had enough.

I stepped back into the gym and slowly made lifestyle changes. I was down approximately 60 pounds in 2021 when I unexpectedly lost my husband to controllable health issues leaving me with two kids to raise on my own. It was time to level up and take things seriously.

I hired a macro coach and enrolled on a weight training app. I reached a point where I needed more help and started training in person. I decided then that I wanted to push myself to see how far I could go.

It’s been a year and a rough one at that. A couple of months into the new training program I lost my mom. Something I wasn’t prepared for. It’s been a long road full of events I could have used as excuses. But instead used it as fuel to keep going.

"I never would have imagined six years ago that I would be down 100lbs and standing on this stage."

I’m still not where I want to be, but I’m a lot closer today than I was yesterday. I never would have imagined six years ago that I would be down 100lbs and standing on this stage.

I’m thankful for my tribe and all the encouragement and motivation they have given me along the way. I wouldn’t be here today without each and every one of them.

To my kids who aren’t in attendance, I hope I have shown you that you can do anything and to never allow a setback to be an excuse not to achieve your goals. INSPIRE

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More From INSPIRE Winter 2023/2024 Issue

INSPIRE Magazine: Jennifer Stading – Through Heartache & Obesity

“I never would have imagined six years ago that I would be down 100lbs and standing on this stage.”

INSPIRE Magazine – Ed Harden Collects More Wins!

“I was pretty shocked really! I hadn’t given much thought to any of it during the process because it had been such a long journey. I spoke about it with other friends who have competed, and they told me I didn’t have anything to worry about and I’d be fine and encouraged me to get on stage. I stopped putting so much stress on where I place at and decided to enjoy the process.”