Jen Wiseman

by Gene X Hwang

January 4, 2004 - 2003 was a tough year for Jen Wiseman, a 24-year-old bodybuilder from Peachtree City, GA, a suburb just south of Atlanta. However, through all the tribulations and trying times, it only served to further her resolve and made her a stronger woman physically, but more importantly mentally.

"After being overweight for the majority of my life, my brother having been a bodybuilder inspired me to make a change. I lost the weight in bodyfat, and started adding on the muscle. The more muscle I gained, the more I loved it. I am the happiest when I am in the gym. I love leaving each day knowing I'm improving my physique each time. I recently did the NPC GA in 2003 as a heavyweight and placed third."

Her brother she talks about passed away in February 2003 and was her best friend as well as her only sibling. That crushing loss was hard to take and pushed Wiseman to her own limits, but she persevered.

"I am inspired every day in the gym in memory of my brother who was also a bodybuilder. I know he's looking down on me yelling to pump out those extra reps. He never let me slack," she adds.

Photos of Jen and her brother adorn her room and trophies and other memorabilia from her and his bodybuilding careers provide constant reminder and inspiration.

Although it was her brother who first introduced her to the gym and training, the first muscular female that she saw and came to admire was Chyna.

"I loved everything about how big and strong she looked in the ring, even next to the guys. I even named my black lab Chyna," she says with a smile.

"People ask me pretty often why I don't get into (professional) wrestling. Truth is, I would jump at the chance but I just don't really know how to get into it.

For now though, Wiseman is content to continue her bodybuilding and wants to compete again.

"I'd like to be completely shredded and take home that first place trophy. Although people may laugh, and guys may shy away from the look, it doesn't phase me. I am happy with who I am and what I'm doing," she says.

"I'd much rather look how I do now than how I did four years ago!"

At 5'10" she currently weighs in at 165 pounds. And all that size is not just aesthetic but functional as well. Her 15-inch arms look a lot larger because of her tricep density and her legs are her favorite body part to train.

"At my strongest, I was able to put up 245 on the bench for six reps easily. I used to love putting the guys to shame," she adds with a smirk.

"I'm not quite so strong now, but the leaner/less strong thing is my preference."

The photos accompanying this article were taken in full offseason, which Wiseman pulls off with grace. While some bodybuilders prefer to pack on the weight, she keeps it in balance, and her curvy, muscular look is hard not to notice.

"I like it when guys appreciate the time and energy I put into my physique. I know it is different, and muscularity in a female is not always a turn on for men, so I love the ones who do like it.

"It makes me feel good to know there are some men who appreciate a different look. I'm still looking for my Mr. Right who can keep up," Wiseman adds and no doubt she'll be able to find him. With such a great package of good looks, a powerful and impressive physique and strong head on her shoulders, she should have a positive future in and outside the sport.

"I'm not sure what the future holds in the industry or sport for me, .but maybe it will take me great places, it has so far!"

2004 should be a good one for Wiseman, so keep an eye out for her!

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