Jody Wald
by Gene X Hwang - September 2003
Most
of the time when you ask a national level bodybuilder how long they have
been training and what their background has been, you are told a tale
of perseverance, years of hard training and more. But for Jody Wald, when
asked how long she has been training for the recent 2003 Canadian Nationals,
Wald replied with a surprising "one year!"
Based
on her physique and muscular development alone, it's hard to believe that
someone training for such a short time can rise to such a prominent level
in a tough sport like bodybuilding, but that is the case for the genetically
gifted Wald. At 31 years of age, she looks like she's in her early to
mid-20s but that's just one more surprise that the Alberta native has.
Because
of her short and meteoric rise up the bodybuilding ladder, we've let Jody
tell us in her own words how that journey has progressed...
"I
was training a small amount with an aerobics instructor from the military
back when I was 20-years-old and absolutely loved it, but circumstances
didn't permit such a rigorous schedule on both our parts. Since he was
busy teaching aerobics and I was working shift work, sometimes it didn't
always work out to meet for training. It soon faded off and I was wasn't
training at all, but always watching what I ate and trying to stay somewhat
in shape. I cycled with a girlfriend several times a week but that as
well, soon faded, and I was working all the time, still watching what
I ate but with no time or mental commitment to a gym.
"Ten full years passed and now I'm really out of shape and looking
it too - at least I thought so. My best friend has asked me to be a part
in her wedding just this last February 2002, and I thought 'hm, need to
loose some fat to look half decent in the dress,' being probably 20 lbs.
overweight.
"I
started going to a ladies gym and doing cardio and some weights, lost
some weight, and started looking better, but not reaching what I knew
I could, and that's being a bodybuilder which I had as a goal since
I was young!
"Finally
the opportunity had arrived, I quit my membership at the ladies gym, and
slid over to a real gym - Winston's Health & Fitness Centre - where
I could be trained by four-time Mr. Canada, Winston Green. I was physically
and mentally ready to face the challenges of the rigorous schedule.
"It was also the perfect opportunity from home, being married with
no kids and a totally supportive husband whom makes it possible for me
to train whenever needed.
"I started training with Winston in June of 2002. A girl had called
the gym wanting to know about posing for competition. Winston had asked
her what competition she was entering and it was The Muscle Beach Classic
2002 which covers Northern Alberta. Winston then asked me if I wanted
to enter. I said sure 'I'll give it a try,' but he said 'No! You don't
try, it's either yes or no," and I of course said yes."
Four
months later (from not training hard for about 10 years), November 2,
2002, Wald won first and took the Overall in Northern Alberta.
"Then it was onto Provincials and back into training the Monday after
the show, because I was determined to win the Alberta's in June, 2003.
I gained 10 lbs. of muscle mass within the four months after Muscle Beach
and I was nervous I wasn't going to make the weight class. I ended up
weighing in at 114 lbs, after a brief weigh-in of 115.5 (a pound and a-half
over) I had to run hard on the treadmill and sweat the rest off within
a half-hour, I made it by the skin of my teeth! Whew!
"On to the Canadians, it was only 2 1/2 months away!! I was in the
gym Monday morning! I took about a week off from my diet then back to
it! I was very strict with my diet since June/July 2002 and my body wanted
a break. The last month before Canadians I was fighting with different
scheduling with supplements and mealtimes, and although I didn't end up
making my weight class and 2.5 lbs over and dehydrated for 2 days, and
taking 6th place is not too bad for training for only a year.
"I
plan to continue to train hard and eat well for the up and coming Canadians
in August of 2004. Winston has asked me to be a personal trainer for his
gym, so I am in the process of writing my final exam for my CFT.
"My goals are to eventually get my Pro Card and move into the international
circuit, this would be an an amazing dream of mine, maybe even Ms. Olympia
one day!
"Being a bodybuilder I find has inspired me as well as other people.
The joy and positive attitude that comes from being in shape and feeling
at your best rubs off on others, and as they say, 'moods are contagious'
is so true.
"If
I can help someone reach their goals as a bodybuilder, or to get in shape
and lose a little bit of fat, I'm there for you! It only makes you feel
better and in the end look better as well!
"I've been told that I have great genetics for what I'm doing and
my development has been fantastic. Although I have a great trainer as
well, he knows what muscles to target to get the upper edge! Thanks Winston!
"I had the opportunity to go to the Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas 2002
and I was able to meet a lot of the competitors: Lenda Murray, Lee Priest,
Gunter Schlierkamp, Darrem Charles, Milos Sarcev, Laura Creavalle (Canadian)
as well as, Monica Brant. All of them had great attitudes and were more
than happy to answer any of my questions, what great role models!"
If
Jody has it her way, she'll continue to provide inspiration for others and who
knows, we may yet see her on the Olympia stage if her current progess is an
indicator.