Interview with Ms Physique International Autumn Swansen

Big Dave - Autumn, first off, I would like to congratulate you on your 2016 Arnold Classic victory. How did it feel standing on that stage being crowned the 2016 Arnold Classic Women’s Physique Champion?

Autumn - Thank you! It felt and continues to feel like a dream. As a competitor, to even stand on an Arnold Classic stage speaks volumes. We all are very deserving and work outstandingly hard to get to this level. To come out on top is the ultimate experience and epitome of my bodybuilding career to date. I am elated and ecstatic!

After placing fifth at the 2015 Olympia, what made you choose to do the biggest Arnold Classic to date?

Autumn - Considering I took a three-year absence from the stage to complete my doctorate in physical therapy, I told myself I would compete more frequently after that. I have always loved the Arnold and had great experiences competing as an amateur there. I strive to continually compete against the best so that I may better myself and truly know where I stand in the IFBB league in the WPD. There is a ton of current and rising talent in the division for sure!

How did you get into fitness and bodybuilding, and when?

Autumn - The “how” involved so many different turns in my life and influential people that it’s way too extensive. I began gymnastics at the age of three and grew up watching the fitness women on TV, mimicking their moves in my living room floor. As I grew older, I came across people that had competed and could give me an honest account of my potential and show me the ropes. I began competing in 2008 after driving a few hours to attend my first bodybuilding show alone not knowing anyone competing or even what I was going to see to get an idea if this was even for me. The rest is history.

You’ve been competing for 10-plus years. What has kept you going for this long? What is your motivation?

Autumn - My faith in God first and foremost reminds me I am worthy, I have a purpose, and I can do all things placed before me. I am simply carrying out the desires of my heart that I firmly believe He has placed in me. On this physical earth, I find my motivation from the people he has and continues to bless me with, including my husband, Brent Swansen. Brent is a type 1 diabetic, and he is a top-level National super heavyweight bodybuilder. If he doesn’t have an excuse, then what can be mine?! He sees my potential more than anyone and pushes me more than anyone. A close second is Mandus Buckle who is hands-down the most motivating individual on the planet! While I have had a ton of great support, he, Cynthia James, and Kenny Wallach have all been huge in helping me realize my true capabilities. These well-sought-after professionals have been in the game a long time, and their endless guidance is invaluable. I am continually inspired by everyone I meet in the industry; it’s filled with such great ambassadors propelling the sport and keeping bodybuilding alive.

You’re building a fan base very quickly. Can you give us a history on who “Autumn Swansen” is? Did you play sports when you were younger? What other categories have you competed in?

Autumn - Despite all the stage glamour, on a daily basis, I am a simplistic, no bull, country girl from Kentucky living in Illinois. I consider myself patient and fun-loving in a highly fulfilling job as a physical therapist serving others. Part time and mainly online, I enjoy helping others achieve their fitness goals as a personal trainer/nutritionist/prep coach. I first competed in figure to get a feel for the sport as I knew the arduous training and diet wouldn’t come easy and the less facets, the better for starters. I had a gymnastics, dance, and cheerleading background of 15-plus years, so fitness was what I knew I wanted to do even from the start. I ended up winning both my class and the overall at my first show, so I figured I’d make a go of it. I then went straight into fitness where I climbed the ranks and earned my pro card in 2010. I knew I wouldn’t do well in my first pro show because I had insufficient time to get a pro level routine together, but I wanted to get a pro show under my belt before my anticipated three-year layoff from the stage for physical therapy school. It was during this time that the women’s physique division arose, and while I was off the stage, I was most definitely not out of the gym. I made great gains and was able to utilize my therapy knowledge to further my bodybuilding and vice versa.

While preparing for my comeback to the stage, I began to question if I should do this new division or stick with fitness. I knew my look was more suitable for physique, but I had already invested so much in my gymnastics, strength, and balance skills training and routine choreography and music, as had my amazing suit designer, Cynthia James, in my costume. I went ahead and followed through with the plan, but it was confirmed at the Chicago Wings of Strength that it was time to make the move. I had so many people asking me beforehand if I had switched to physique, and so many tell me I could have won physique that same show. The judges agreed physique was for me, and I couldn’t make the switch quickly enough. I was super-eager to do a stress-free unjudged fun routine as I had so much dread practicing the two-minute routine in a dieted state. In addition, I was constantly hurt and fearful of getting hurt. Plus, it goes without saying how much more time the division consumed, and this would free up a lot of time to focus on my physique itself. When I won my first physique show, qualifying me straight to the Olympia, I knew I had made the right decision.

Headed to the Olympia, I felt like I had already won just getting to Vegas. To place top five my rookie year was beyond my wildest dreams. Then to go on straight after that and win the Arnold Classic has been incredibly overwhelming. I knew I had the potential to someday make it to the top, and I knew I had made some great progress since the O going into the Arnold, but to actually come out on top, especially this quickly, has been super surreal.

When do you typically start contest prep, and what changes from on-season to off-season in terms of training, cardio, diet, and supplements?

Autumn - I start based on how much time I need. and somehow I always overestimate the time I need, but I’d rather be ready early to eliminate stress. My first show back after my three-year hiatus, I prepped for an insane 24 weeks, but typically about 12 to 16 weeks out is when I start, and I ease my way into it with small changes. I don’t just jump right in and turn a 180, although that would be nice. I struggle to get 100 percent fully committed, but when I reach it, watch out, because I have laser focus and nothing will stand in my way. My favorite comment through all of this recent success comes from the much admired Peter McGough, referring to me as a “Rottweiler in a butcher shop.”

Off season, I struggle with the diet at first especially when coming directly off a show and rarely do cardio. However, this time I will have much more accountability and targets in my “off-season,” as I will be guest posing. This will also keep me more regimented with my posing and help maintain the significant progress I have made thanks to Kenny Wallach. My training is always heavy and challenging with great intensity and emphasized compound movements readily changing. I have made huge improvements filling in the “gaps” in my physique under the keen eye of Mandus Buckle with Underground Athletes. Both on- and off-season, I like to eat healthy after I have had my fill of post-show celebration. I have my clean off-season preferences that are more high in fat as well as on-season lower fat choices and have a general transition in food sources mainly when it comes to my protein and carbohydrate sources. Over the years, I have learned what I respond best to and what I digest well and am continuing to learn more and more about my body and its tendencies. Shawn Snider with ACI Medicine has been critical in this area, assessing my deficiencies and keeping me healthy.

You mentioned that you’re a physical therapist. How did this affect your Arnold Classic prep?

Autumn - I am constantly treating myself and others. These bodies are by far not invincible, and I keep that in perspective at all times. I feel my professional background certainly gives me an advantage in this sport. They go hand in hand, really. I am also a personal trainer and nutritionist, mainly only online now, but I have been doing that for years. I have undergone endless relative certifications and trainings atop of my exercise science kinesiology BA degree and doctorate degree in physical therapy. I am so fortunate to have colleagues and coworkers that I can also rely on, especially my routine massage therapist, Tosha Cobb, who helps keep me moving and stress free.

Who are your best friends and colleagues within the training and fitness industry? Do you work out with any of your competitors?

Autumn - I typically always train alone and alongside fellow competitors in the area who are very supportive. When I am lucky enough, I get to train with my husband directly. It’s a rare and special treat when it just so happens we are training the same muscle groups. We are making an effort to train together more frequently, though, and making more and more use out of our own private gym filled with the Ultimate Warrior’s old equipment. You can’t get any more inspirational than that!

What are your interests outside of bodybuilding? What do you do when you’re not working out?

Autumn - I love sunbathing at the beach when we vacation and enjoy being at home with my loving husband and my dog, Petey (a standard poodle) out on the lake by day and the couch by night. In all honesty, though, my day is never complete without gym time, and I cherish the time that us three go to train at our “Warrior Gym.” The gym is my outlet, and I really consider that time leisure. It’s fun for me to set out with intentions and work till I get desired results to continually sculpt myself into a progressively better competitive athlete and person with a strong work ethic and ability to face challenges and overcome obstacles, as this is the key to success in life.

What’s next for you? What’s in your one-, three-, and five-year plans?

Autumn - Next for me is guest posing at John Hanen’s show in May at the Suncoast Classic in Tampa, Florida, then in Kentucky in August for Gene Goode’s Kentucky State, as well as an anticipated Q&A in my hometown gym Club Fit, owned by Landon Helm, closely followed by the Olympia! Sure to be included are photo shoots with the super-talented photographer Joe Bayer with Hdphysiques.tv, where my clip store can be found. I also plan to guest pose next year for Jeff Johnson at his Mid Illinois shows. I hope to again be involved with posing clinics such as his Posing with the Pros and those of Jack and Ann Titone, as well as anything and everything I’m asked to do in the industry that my schedule allows. I am truly honoured to be asked to give back to this sport in whatever way that I can.

What legacy do you want to leave on the industry?

Autumn - Right now is a pivotal turning point in the WPD. I think the doors are wide open and it’s anybody’s game. I think the recent “downsizing” changes have been conducive to my genetic build and structure. In a way, the playing field is kind of primed for me, and I think I have the capability to be the turning point back to the ‘80s/‘90s female bodybuilder look, which is what I believe physique was intended to be. I’ve always adored this look of elegance, aesthetics, and poise with bold yet subtle feminine lines. I foresee the game changing immensely and am just blessed to currently be a part of history in the making alongside an incredibly inspiring group of confident, strong, capable women ready to take on the world!

Social Media Platforms:
Instagram - @autumnifbb
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Autumn-Swansen-IFBB-Pro
And check out her Website here!

To see more photos of Autumn, and the 2016 Women's Physique International competition, check out our gallery!