VIGOROUS Magazine - IPL Bikini, Evening Gown Pro & 2X Fitness Angels Pro Champ, Brittney Truman - Natural Bodybuilding Competitions

IPL Bikini, Evening Gown Pro & 2X Fitness Angels Pro Champ, Brittney Truman

“When you are confident and comfortable in your own skin, it shows through in every part of your life.”

Age: 28
Height: 5’1″

Name three music artists you’ve been listening to lately: George Strait, Shania Twain, AC/DC.

Favorite Books/Magazines: The Operator by Robert O’Neill.

Favorite Movies: Mary Poppins, 8 Seconds, Pitch Perfect.

What are some of your professional accomplishments? (modeling or otherwise): I am a past Miss Rodeo Arizona and made top 5 at Miss Rodeo America, winning the People’s Choice Award. I now compete Professionally as a Barrel Racer.

Any cool modeling experiences to share? I do most of my modeling in the western industry and we get to showcase a lot of vintage Nudie, Turk, and Manuel outfits. I had the opportunity to model many of these suits during fashion week in California and Manuel was actually in the audience when I was wearing one of his original skirt suits he made in the 40s. Modeling numerous Nudie Cohn pieces is actually what inspired my first Fitness Angels suit, which was based off his iconic Elvis suit.

Where’s the coolest place you’ve traveled to for work? Did you get to party at all? I am part of the Wrangler National Patriot tour, and we travel to remote bases all over the world to visit our troops. I have been to many places that are not usual “vacation” destinations. But once in a lifetime experiences. I have been to combat zones in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Africa, Kuwait, you name it. We’ve been everywhere! Such a blessing.

Best things about Bikini Modeling? Worst things? Obviously the best part is looking and feeling your best! When you are confident and comfortable in your own skin, it shows through in every part of your life. Not just when you’re on stage or in front of a camera. Also, the friendships that are made along the way are forever! They all respect your dedication and support you.

The absolute worst part, and I think almost any Bikini Competitor would agree, is the shaming others put on you. Comments that come from the people who are closest to you that completely disregard all the hard work you have put into your fitness and your body can really play a damaging mental game. “Do you even eat?” “You’re obsessed with your looks.” “You need to eat a pizza.” “Seriously, one night out isn’t going to kill you.”

I hope that someone who reads this takes this to heart: our body is our sport and our profession. Every decision we make, every single day, is based around pushing ourselves to be the best version of ourselves we can be. If that is not your goal, that’s OKAY! Just as my goal is not to be an engineer. But respect the work that is put in to achieve what is your friend/family member’s passion. Don’t shame them or try to guilt them into veering off their path.

Any advice for those looking to get into modeling? Find a niche that you are passionate about and look at what all those current models are doing. There is no reason to reinvent the wheel. They are successful for a reason. Figure out that reason and then personalize it. When modeling and building your portfolio in any industry (not just fitness) think outside the box, but don’t shatter the box.

What is the motto or mantra you try to live your life by? “God hath made me to laugh, so all that I hear will laugh with me.” Gen 21:6

What keeps you busy? Oh man… there’s just so much! Clearly, fitness and the gym are a very large portion of my life. But outside of the gym I also have horses and compete in rodeos, so their fitness is just as important as mine! And they need to be exercised daily. I also love to be on stage as much as possible, and not just in a bikini! I have preformed in tons of musical theatre shows. Some of my favorite roles being Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun, Marry Poppins, and Minnie Fay in Hello Dolly.

What is your view on tattoos? I have one small tattoo on my lower abdomen/hip area. I think if you can rock a bunch of tattoos, get on with your bad self! Tattoos are a way to express your creativity on your body. If people make those decisions knowing they will be there forever, instead of just getting something random then I think they are fine. I do also think that they can distract from your physique in this particular industry. So, just being aware of that when you choose placement and design is important.

What three clothing items can’t you live without? Starched Wrangler jeans, my LuLu sports bras and leggings. Give me all the leggings!

What is your dream job? Full-time Barrel Racer, on the road competing.

What do you do to stay in shape, or are you just a genetic freak? Genetics are not on my side. It takes a lot of work for me to stay in shape. I alternate sprints, stairs and long periods of jogging for my cardio. I lift at the gym 6 days a week and also teach fitness classes in the mornings, lead a free community group fitcamp one night a week and attend random classes that peak my interest. My favorite thing to do is dance! So, I definitely do A LOT of that…about 20 hours a week.

I am going to take these next few months to build on the package I brought to the 2018 stage and just come in that much stronger.

Are you interested in or ever tried any extreme sports? (bungee, skydiving, rock climbing, BMX, moto, snowboarding). I’ve tried all the snow sports. I just honestly hate being cold. I’m a desert rat through and through. So, I do not enjoy them for the most part. I have a trip planned to Hawaii to go skydiving with the Colonel who goes on the National Patriot Tour with us. Col. John Bates, USMC (Ret)- 3 time Purple Heart recipient. And I wouldn’t consider it an “extreme sport”, but I am scuba certified and thoroughly enjoy any dive that is in warm water. Because, well…it’s not cold.

Favorite Food: TACOS!!!!
Dream Car: Just a newer version of what I already have: GMC 3500.
Are you a fast or slow driver? 5 mph over the speed limit. Cruise control is life.
Favorite part of your body? My quads.
Favorite part of a man’s body? Shoulders, but I’m a sucker for good teeth. It’s the first thing I notice.
Bars, clubs, both or none? None. I don’t drink at all, so being around a bunch of drunk party animals is not really my scene.
Favorite city/country to party in? Vegas during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Not because it’s the cliché party in Las Vegas, but because literally EVERYONE in the western industry is there at the same time. So you get to see all your friends in the same place at the same time. Being in the rodeo world, most of your friends do not live in your same hometown. We’re all scattered.

Are you excited about the release of this issue of VIGOROUS with you in it? Absolutely! Who wouldn’t be excited about it?!

First thing that comes to mind when you hear…

…”Donald Trump”: USA.

…”Winter”: COLD. No me gusta.

…”Spring”: Baseball!

…”Sex”: Uhhhh, no comment. [laughs]

…”Marijuana”: Never have I ever.

…”Social Media”: Social media is such an amazing tool that we have to use as a platform to create literally ANYTHING we want!

What’s next for you? I will definitely be competing in another IPL show in the spring of 2019. I just do not know exactly which one yet. I am going to take these next few months to build on the package I brought to the 2018 stage and just come in that much stronger.

FOLLOW BRITTNEY @btrulyfit