Interview with Kendra Warren
Ms. World Physique - August 2010
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
Kendra Warren is a recent college graduate from The University of Tennessee where she received her degree in Sport Management-Business. She is a former Division I Collegiate Rower and her favorite hobbies are weight training, shopping, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
"...I competed in my first competition on June 12, 2010 in Chattanooga, TN and was officially HOOKED! Being surrounded by others who have put in the same hard work and dedication and understand what it's like to carry around Tupperware full of chicken while your friends are eating cheeseburgers is one of the main things I love about competing."
WP: I am so proud of you for winning the Ms. August World Physique title! You really deserve it!
KW: Thank you! I am honored!
WP: You have came a very long way in this industry since I have known you. What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?
KW: I think the biggest stepping stone has been all the support and encouragement I’ve received from my friends and family.
WP: That does make a difference! What has it been like to maintain your physique?
KW: In order to maintain my physique I had to make a lifestyle change. I had to incorporate a sustainable nutrition and training plan with the help of my trainer that would allow me to enjoy life and reach my personal fitness goals.
WP: Where do you reside now? Aren’t moving?
KW: Ha, that’s a good question. Yes, I’m currently in the process of moving from Tennessee to Florida to attend Graduate school. So, depending on when you read this, I might be somewhere in Georgia.
WP: So, you have competed before? Can you tell me more about it?
KW: Yes, to date; I’ve competed in 3 NPC Bikini Competitions.
I initially never had any intention of competing this year. It was always some far fetched goal I had, to have the body of a competitor. After a lot of support and encouragement from friends to compete I decided I was in good shape at that point and I would give ONE competition a try. Petrified at the thought of being on stage in a teeny tiny swimsuit and 5 inch heels I decided to try the Bikini division, since I wanted to compete soon and wasn’t quite ready for the Figure division.
I had heard stories of people competing and then becoming hooked but I never thought it would happen to me. Well, I was wrong I competed in my first competition on June 12, 2010 in Chattanooga, TN and was officially HOOKED! Being surrounded by others who have put in the same hard work and dedication and understand what it’s like to carry around Tupperware full of chicken while your friends are eating cheeseburgers is one of the main things I love about competing. Aside from the fact that I enjoy being on stage and hamming it up!
WP: I adore hearing stories like yours. Are you planning to compete again in the future?
KW: I’m definitely planning on competing again in the future. I narrowly missed earning my IFBB Pro card at Team Universe Nationals by placing 3rd in my class and my only goal was to not trip on stage. So, that fueled my fire to compete again.
WP: You will reach your goal. I have faith in you. What other sports or activities did or do you enjoy?
KW: Growing up, I’ve always been an active child and it’s hard to remember a time when I wasn’t playing a sport. I’ve played softball all my life and practically year round. During my middle school years I picked up basketball and played throughout high school. Like I mentioned before once I got to college and had previously decided I was going to be a “normal” student and not play sports that idea quickly faded as I became a College athlete in a sport I had knew nothing about previously.
WP: What has competitions taught you thus far?
KW: Competitions have taught me thus far that it’s not about the trophy or the judges. Physique competitions is a very subjective sport, you can look your absolute best but if the judges decide they like another competitors look better then you have no control. It’s not about some bronzed statue that’s supposed to reward your hard work and dedication. Competing is about striving to achieve YOUR personal best and letting all the other factors roll off your back.
WP: What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?
KW: Well, when I initially started training and dieting again, I didn’t have a competition as my goal. I just wanted to be healthy and in shape again. So, I guess the hardest thing to overcome was looking in the mirror and thinking how much I had let myself go physically.
WP: That is amazing coming from you. I know you were on the heavy side growing up and look at you now! What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?
KW: I actually have a great trainer and nutritionist so, I think I’m really lucky in terms of diet versus other competitors I know. I don’t omit major food groups or have unhealthy meal plans.
WP: What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?
KW: The key factors would have to be the goals I have for myself in the future. I want to be a successful fitness industry talent and in order to do so, I have to train hard and network even harder.
WP: How has your training changed over the years?
KW: In high school I thought I was in shape and fit and then I got to college and realized how much denial I was in. The intense workouts and competitive environment of college athletics took my training to another level. After college I still desired to workout regularly but now I wasn’t training for a specific sport. I still utilize a lot of the same weight training principles, but my body has definitely transformed to the next level with the addition of a focused nutrition plan.
WP: What titles and accomplishments have you thus far? Tell us about them.
KW: In the competition circuit thus far I have won:
1st show: June 12, 2010 Battle at the River-Chattanooga, TN 2nd place in the Tall Bikini Class.
2nd show: June 19, 2010 Gold’s Gym Southeastern Classic-Gadsden, AL 1st place Tall Bikini and Overall.
3rd show: July 10, 2010 Team Universe Nationals-Hackensack, NJ 3rd place Bikini Class F.
WP: Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?
KW: Ten years from now, I see myself as a Brand Manager for a major athletic brand and/or organization. I see myself as a prominent face in the fitness industry, representing a healthy, fit lifestyle. I also envision myself with a family, although the idea of mini-me’s running around slightly scares me.
WP: Are you doing any modeling? If so, please tell me about it.
KW: I’m not currently doing any modeling but I would love to work with some great companies.
WP: What supplements do you currently take?
KW: The only “supplements” I take are fish oil and a multi-vitamin.
WP: What are your pet peeves?
KW: My biggest pet peeve is when someone is late and has no respect for others time. My gym pet peeves are “talkers”. Whether it be people who say, “Oh, I’m gonna get to the gym tomorrow,” or people who stand by the gym equipment for 5 minutes chatting it up, and my ultimate gym pet peeve is when someone interrupts my “flow”. I think it should be a universal gym rule not to ask someone a question when they’re in the middle of a rep.
WP: Those are some of mine, too! What do you consider to be important in life, and why?
KW: I think the relationships you build with people are the most important things in life. Money, cars, clothes, and fame will only be worthwhile if you have friends and family to share it with.
WP: That’s so true. Talking about family, tell us about your family. In addition, are you married, single, or dating?
KW: My parents are married and have lived in Tennessee for 15 years. I have an older brother who lives and works in Tennessee as well. The rest of my family either lives in the Chicago or Los Angeles area.
I’m currently single and enjoying life. I’m not opposed to dating, but I’m very independent and like to be able to pick up and go whenever.
WP: How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?
KW: I think over the past few years I’ve definitely come out of my shell a lot more. By nature I’m a very reserved and shy person, but as I’ve been on my own more and gained more independence I’ve become more open. I try to not to judge others and give them a chance to prove me right! In life I believe that everything happens for a reason and although it may be difficult to deal with or understand at the time you’re always right where you’re supposed to be.
WP: What are your stats such as height, weight, biceps, and waist?
KW: My stats are never one certain number, not even my height. Ha-ha. I joke about that because at some shows I’m 5’8”, and some, I’m 5’7.5”. As far as weight is concerned, I would say my contest weight is generally 136-140 and my maintenance weight is 140-145. My biceps vary according to how lean I am, but generally they’re 11.5-12 inches and my waist is anywhere from 26-28 inches.
WP: Any shout outs?
KW: I would like to thank my family for their love and support.
I would like to thank my friends who have encouraged and supported my goals.
I would like to thank my Tweeps and online family for their constant encouraging words.
WP: Give me an example of your workout.
KW: My workouts are usually changing up every so often, but I generally follow a plan that incorporates weight training 4 times a week with some cardio days and cardio only days twice a week and I take one OFF day from training completely.
WP: Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?
KW: My diet also changes as well but some of the staples are:
Lean Protein: egg whites, chicken breast, tuna, steak, and Whey Protein.
Healthy Fats: almonds, cheddar, and natural peanut butter.
Good Carbs: brown rice, sweet potatoes, vegetables, oatmeal, and fruit.
“FUN Carbs”: A wide range of post-workout creations.
WP: I like how you labeled the “fun carbs”. Could you tell me about your future projects?
KW: At this time all I can say is stay tuned for more exciting things to come!
WP: Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?
KW: I just want to reiterate the fact that this has been a lifestyle change and not a goal with an expiration date. You also have to be patient and consistent in your healthy living endeavors.
WP: It has been a pleasure interviewing you and we are delighted you are representing our magazine! I wish you all the best of luck!
