Bikini Competitor Jeneffer Rubinstein Talks To M&S

What is your athletic background, and how did you get involved with fitness and bikini?

I played every sport that was offered until high school - soccer, volleyball, track and field, basketball, weight training, cheerleading.  I stuck with cheer for 2 years in high school, then switched to poms, and continued going to the gym daily.

We are a very active family and like to hike, bike ride, snowboard, water sports - you name it!  I got involved in this sport after watching a friend compete, and immediately got motivated!  I absolutely love the results and the diet.  It keeps me healthy and in shape!

There is so much misconception about this sport.  I wish people would realize the benefits it offers.  It forces you to look at labels, to eat clean, to eat 6 meals a day, to exercise on a regular basis, and keeps you young and fit!

What keeps you motivated?

What keeps me motivated is my OCD, and the results.  That’s what keeps me dedicated!

What are your future goals, dreams and plans?

My future goal is to get a pro card and to be able to help other mothers my age or older and let them know it is possible to get the body they dream of!

How often do you perform cardio?

I do cardio daily.  About 3-4 days a week I do light cardio 30-45 minutes (i.e. walking on incline on the treadmill), the other 3-4 days I do more intense cardio.  I usually do cardio in the mornings, but I like to switch it up in the afternoon or evening when I can.

Do you supplement your weight training and cardio with any other physical activities?

I love to switch out my cardio all the time so i don’t get bored.  I love to run, bike ride, and do stair climbing - when weather permits of course!  Year round I love to box at least once a week, and twice a week I do Krav Maga for an hour.  Boxing and Krav Maga are a great combination, not only for a tough cardio hour, but it also provides a lot of self defense techniques!

What are some of the most common mistakes made when someone is trying to build muscle and/or get ripped?

I find that people either overeat the wrong types of foods, or they under eat the right types of foods.

What are some of the biggest training mistakes you’ve made?

The biggest mistake I've done is over-working out.  I never thought it would be possible until my body shut down for over a week.  I stayed in bed and all I wanted to do is sleep.  Training is like an addiction to me, but I also should’ve listened to my body.

Do you have any gym, muscle building or fitness pet peeves?

I think when people use their cell phones while working out, or going to the gym to socialize.  These are crazy to me!  When I work out, that's ME time, and it should be everyone else's "ME time."  When I work with my trainer for a competition, I usually don't do a whole lot of small talk unless its about competing or working out - I'm in a zone and don't like anything to distract me.

Off season, I still train hard, but I'm a little more relaxed just never as relaxed as to use my cell phone or having a social hour while training!

What are your best tips for getting ripped and shredded abs?

For me, doing cardio two times a day and following my menu to a "T" got me pretty ripped.  I had to slow down closer to competition because I was getting myself too lean!

How do you prepare meals? Do you cook daily or cook for the week?

I like to prepare all my cooked protein for the week and in individual meal containers.  I cook my veggies for half the week and put in the first half week protein meals and freeze the second half of cooked protein.

Mid week ill take out the cooked frozen protein and make veggies and put in each individual containers.  My favorite meal combination is ground chicken or turkey with sweet potato.

What are some of your favorite supplements and why?

CLA.  Ever since I started taking it, I feel like it makes a big difference in shredding fat instead of muscle.  BCAAs and glutamine are great for muscle recovery.

What are some of your favorite motivational quotes?

"Say I wont.  Tell me I can't do it.  Tell me the risk is too high.  Tell me the challenge is too much.  Tell me that I CAN'T and I WILL.  The greatest pleasure in life is doing what you say I can't."

If someone wants to connect with you, where can you be found?

I can be found on Facebook, my personal website, and LinkedIn.

Do you have any tips for someone who is looking to compete in your sport?

If you don't go after what you want, you'll never get it.  And if you don't step forward, you will always be in the same place.  Don't let anyone bring you down, you should use that as your motivation to prove them wrong.

Surround yourself with people that support your dedication.  You will be more likely to stay committed.  Your goal is a win-win for you and should only be in competition with yourself, so never look back.  You're not going that way.

What attracts you to the natural side of sports and competition?

Mostly that you can get ripped and lean without the use of unnatural substances.

Favorite activities and hobbies you enjoy when away from the gym?

I love to be active!  I always get myself into a lot of different hobbies!  Water sports, being outside, photography, vacationing...most of all spending time with the family!

Which college or professional sports teams do you root for?

Living in Chicago, I'm a Bears fan and Cubs fan!