| Focus March 1, 2004
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Jenny HenderShott's PHAT
Camp has been inspiring competitors nationwide.
(photo January 2004 by David Ford) |
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What Role Do You Play on the Team?
Special guest editorial by David Ford,
AlbertaBodyBuilding.com publisher and ABBA official photographer
"Dave, come on, we’re doing
back!"
I had just entered the Calgary World Gym and hadn’t
even had time to change my shoes or brush the snow off my coat. Already I could feel an
air of excitement. I quickly gathered my camera gear and headed to the noisiest part of
the gym.
Let’s back up a step and give this some thought. Being
fit and gearing up for a new year should never be an individual project -- it’s
simply too difficult for most people. To be successful it has to be a team effort.
Enter IFBB Pro, Jenny Hendershott. What better way to kick
off 2004 and be set on the right track than to participate in Jenny’s PHAT Camp? That
was the case for the 35 Western Canadian athletes, ranging in age from 21 to 51, who
braved one of the coldest weekends Calgary has seen in recent memory. Blistering winds, a
minus 49° Celsius wind chill and driving snow couldn’t dampen the spirit that was
burning in southern Alberta that weekend. As was the case in 2003, Jenny’s camp
couldn’t come at a better time to propel some of Alberta’s top fitness and
figure competitors through the prairie winter blahs and into their provincial and national
dieting and training regimen.
"Let’s go! A set of ten, come on, push
yourself!"
Although fitness could arguably be called an individual
sport, greatest success is a result of team effort. Detailed planning for contest
preparation is vital and in most cases not the sole responsibility of one person. Whenever
a group of athletes converges under one roof for the purpose of learning, training, and
having fun, it doesn’t seem to matter what their backgrounds are. They are there to
share the experience, get to know one another, and perhaps most importantly offer their
support to one another in every way possible. Although Jenny's camps always appeal to the
fitness, figure, and bodybuilding competitors, they are effective in bridging the gap
between competitors and non-competitors alike. Besides the obvious physical benefits, a
sense of camaraderie surfaces which over the past two years has benefited the physique
scene in Alberta tremendously. With the addition of figure competitions, 2003 saw a total
of 98 fitness and figure athletes take to the stage over four events in the province.
"Next!" I found myself smack dab in the center of
group number one: 16 girls pushing themselves to their limit. "Good job!"
"Way to go!" "Come on move that thang!" The room was full of
encouragement. "Wow!" I thought, "this definitely will be kick-starting the
year for these girls!"
As the 2004 competitive season rolls around, Alberta is
bursting with energy. Although the national fitness team will have a slightly different
look, there definitely won’t be a shortage of quality or team spirit. Look for 2003
competitors Danielle Alsaad (Vandervlugt), Allison Black, Serena Cooper, and Wendy Piper
to lead Team Alberta with a vengeance. Waiting in the wings for their chance to qualify
for the national team are athletes Leanne Babcock, Danielle Rivait (who is likely one of
the best young gymnasts to grace an Alberta stage), Janine Walinski, and Jamie Senuk among
others. On the figure side of things, Alberta had an extremely strong showing in Edmonton
which might be difficult to top, but you can be sure the girls are on fire and are looking
for the opportunity to take Canada’s second figure IFBB Pro Card. These athletes
include 2003 CBBF Canadian Figure Championships winners Debbie Leung, who won the Short
class, and Jill St. Laurent, who won both the Medium class, and the Overall title at the
CBBF National World Qualifier. Pilates and Yoga instructor Tanya Mein-Sheehan is
considering crossing to fitness, but is always a threat and is looking to better her
second place of 2003. Sportlab model Lorena Funk is coming off an Alberta overall victory
and a third-place finish at nationals in 2003, and Faremon Model-Search finalist Darla
Brown has put on an additional six pounds of muscle to up her chances at taking the Medium
class. Tanya Villebrun and Crystal Clarkson could also play an important role in how the
top placements are distributed on the national scene.
Jenny looked over at me and said, "What do you think,
Dave?" I smiled, lost for words. Jenny continued, "I think 2004 is going to be a
very good year in Alberta, these girls are doing great!" I had absolutely no choice
but agree. Seeing the team participation had me convinced that these girls were going to
surprise themselves and accomplish feats they never thought possible before signing up for
this camp. The power of a role model and a willing attitude to jump in and give everything
their all made the difference -- gone were the self doubts. Many of the girls confided
that they hadn’t known where to turn. In addition to being at rope’s end in the
gym, many had been going through tough times this winter, and this experience was more
then they could have hoped for. Making friends with a team of like-minded and
goal-oriented people was exactly what the proverbial doctor ordered.
Phat Camp Calgary 2004 (photo by David Ford)
Frequently I’ve had the opportunity to speak with, or
e-mail athletes from across Canada. It’s amazing to witness the growth of fitness and
figure throughout the entire country. I remember one of the earliest fitness shows held in
Alberta -- way back in the early ‘90s -- where there were maybe ten girls, and
perhaps a forward roll, a back extension, a few flexibility moves, a set of two-arm
push-ups, and, as one girl from BC dared, a skipping rope used as a prop. Take a look at
where we are at now. Who would have thought when the sport first started that fitness and
figure would be a standalone show -- even selling out?
The sport has been elevated by competitors like each one of
you. Athletes like Kary Odiatu have taken it to areas never really considered the
cornerstone of fitness and figure, and have helped create "powerhouse" regions
that can compete with anyone anywhere. It’s all in the attitude, the drive, and the
team work.
Simply put, the state of the sport is a reflection of those
supporting it. It benefits tremendously and experiences its greatest success when a united
team pushes forward in a positive, constructive manner. The larger and more united our
regional associations, the more opportunities that will come our way. It’s a win-win
situation. People who are content to do nothing, but expect something in return, are the
disease of any association. Like the proverb says, "What you sow today is what you
reap tomorrow." As clichéd as that sounds, no truer words could be spoken. If you
want to prosper in mind, body, and spirit, then learn to sow generously and positively
into the lives of others.
What is the state of the sport in your province? Maybe more
importantly, what is its state in your specific area, or in your specific gym? Are there
areas where you could see it improved? If so, what are you doing about it? We are the
example of fitness and figure in action. Are we high on ourselves? Do we help out the
newcomers and encourage them to become their best, or are we apprehensive because
"I’m too good," or "Someone else can do it," or maybe afraid that
one day they might be standing next to us on stage and happen to have better genetics or
be a little prettier. What role are you playing to improve the sport? Are you able to help
without ulterior motives? How does this affect the regional picture, or the national
picture? Will you be leaving the sport in a better way than when you found it? All of
these are tough questions when answered honestly.
As I receive comments and feedback from the girls who
participated in this most recent PHAT Camp, I couldn’t help but be touched by the
fact that Jenny, an athlete who was much like each of you a few years back, could use the
sport of fitness to touch so many people on such a personal level. Jenny leaves a camp and
heads to the next often wondering whether she could have done more. The answer is simply,
no. She did more in that one weekend than she could ever begin to fathom. She successfully
led a camp and was instrumental in unifying 35 girls, varying in age, in background and in
end goals. Each of these girls left knowing they are not alone in their struggles -- they
have a team of fellow "campers" who are behind them whenever they need someone.
Our regional, provincial, and national shows will be upon
us before we know it. Remember, it’s a united effort that will bring success. Share
the experience of the sport with those around you backstage. Find someone looking nervous
and give them a smile. Regardless of the outcome you’ll feel a whole lot better
knowing you left a positive mark on someone else -- and their fitness experience.
All the best to each athlete competing in their respective
shows and to each who will be participating in possibly one of the most exciting national
shows to date.
...David Ford |
