Where and when were you born? I was born on April 13, 1974 in a small town in Illinois called Sterling. I lived there until I was 12, when my family moved to Texas for work. What is your profession? I’m currently not working. For the majority of my adult life, I have been a full-time mom to four children (3 boys ages 13, 9, and 7 and a girl age 11). Over the past few years, I have ventured out into the working world. I have done some personal training, was a correctional officer in a male facility, and an assistant manager in a restaurant. I decided to take some time off due to the fact that my kids were home alone too much. My job had me working too much when they were home and it just wasn’t fair to them and it just wasn’t necessary! I am very fortunate that my husband is capable of taking care of our needs. I am very proud of him and his hard work…thank you baby! =) Were you involved in sports or fitness prior to bodybuilding and how did you get started with weight training? I was a tomboy growing up…and still am! I played basketball and volleyball in 7th – 12th grades. Basketball was my thing though! I played starting point guard all through high school. And yes…I can STILL swoosh those 3 point shots! After having my four kids (and all by c-section), I was over weight and out of shape! In 2001, I decided I was finally going to get back in control. I started a low fat diet and cardio 5 times a week. I started adding some light weight resistance for toning. I loved the feeling of working with the weights! I started buying Muscle and Fitness magazines. I would read and look in awe at the muscles pictured. After losing 65 pounds, I decided that I wanted to build. I got so many negative reactions from people (including my husband) when I mentioned my new found interest. In fact, my husband’s initial reaction was..”I’m not going to be with a woman who has more muscle than me.” And my response was, “Well, you better get your ass in the gym, then!” Today he is my biggest supporter! And he has started training with me in the gym…which I really enjoy. Was it a goal for you to compete in bodybuilding competitions right from the beginning or was it something that grew in your mind as time went on and you saw the progress in your body? To tell the truth…I have been approached by so many people (including professional competitors) that have told me I should compete. I have considered it, but my heart really isn’t in it. I absolutely love to lift, get stronger, and grow bigger! I don’t have much of an interest in restricting that process by preparing for competition. I sincerely think it would take the fun out of it all. I honestly don’t think I will ever compete. Please tell me something about your training routine (ie: how many days per week / training split /cardio, etc.) I work weights 5 days a week….off on Wednesdays and Sundays. I have just started adding cardio back into the routine and have been doing about 3 -4 sessions a week. What is your favorite exercise in the gym and which one you don’t like so much? My favorite exercise would probably be incline dumbbell press and my least favorite would be lat pull-downs. They are very awkward for me on my shoulders. Which body part is your best in your opinion? I guess for looks, I would have to say my arms. Although, I do get a lot of attention for my shoulders and chest as well. So, it’s hard to choose. If you don’t mind would you give me some stats (best lifts and some body measurements)? Incline dumbbell press – 85’s for 4 reps Military press – 225 for 4 reps Hack squat – 455 for 10 reps Leg press – 650 for 10 reps Arms - 16 inches Legs - 25 inches Chest - 41 inches Calves - 15 1/2 inches Please describe a typical day in the life of Judi Jo Walker. My day starts at 7am getting the kids up for school and making their lunches. I get them off to school by 8am. I spend my “free time” (while they are in school) answering email, doing cardio, running errands, cleaning house, or relaxing. Once the kids come home from school it is craziness! After homework, dinner, and clean-up, it’s gym time! After the gym, I’m usually online or laying in bed watching my Friends episodes. I’m pretty much a night owl. So my bed time is rather late! Please tell me about what you do when you don’t work out (hobbies, what do you do to relax?, etc.) I’m very easy going. I love to hang out with the family and do fun stuff. If my kids are interested in doing something, it has my interest! My favorite thing to do to relax is watch sit-coms! And my absolute favorite is Friends. I have started buying the seasons on DVD and I love being able to watch them anytime (which is usually late at night). I love to laugh! =) What do you enjoy most about the bodybuilding/fitness lifestyle? I love the control and discipline it takes to live a healthy lifestyle. I love the fact that the body reflects this to others. My hard work and sacrifice can be seen and respected by others. Tell me something interesting about yourself, something people may be surprised to hear. Most people are surprised to hear that I have had 4 children and have been married 14 years! I think working as a correctional officer was very interesting! It was definitely an experience. What are your personal future goals? I really don’t have any specific stats that I’m looking to achieve. I do know that I do want to add size and strength. I figure I will just keep growing til I have had enough! I’m currently looking into starting a website. Latest News: Judi Jo is getting ready for her first show the NPC Texas State 2007, October 27th Please note: Judi Jo does not do sessions or wrestling of any kind. Please don't ask!! |