One-on-One with IFBB Pro Jeni Briscoe

Jeni Briscoe is a Canadian IFBB Pro who won the hearts of fans by capturing her IFBB Pro card in 2007 in the Figure Class. She’s competed in countless contests across North America and is making her way back to the stage this June at the Toronto Pro SuperShow. Jeni is also promoting the Northern Classic contest later this month, a show she’s been running for 17 years now! We caught up with Jeni to find out more about her career in fitness and of course the legendary Northern Classic Bodybuilding & Fitness show in Fort St. John, B.C. 

Q. How long have you been competing for?

A. I started competing in 2000.

Q. When did you earn your IFBB Pro Card?

A. I earned my pro card in 2007.

Q. As a pro, you competed in figure and then in women’s physique. How did you change your training to change your body shape to fit with women’s physique?

A. As a pro figure competitor, I was a bit stuck; “too big” is what I kept being told. So when physique started, I was excited to be able to do a category where I could train heavy like I loved and compete again—not always trying to downsize. I was able to train heavy and for size, and of course, try to keep the feminine, shapely look. But I was missing figure, and it’s where I belong. Being a taller competitor, the statuesque, V-taper look with a little less muscle looks best on me, and I’m happy to be wearing the heels again this year. When we decided to go back, I really revamped things this year and focused on new training techniques. Click HERE to see phtotos of Jeni.

Q. Which coaches have you worked with over your career as a pro? Tell us the best tip you learned from each.

A. I’ve trained some of the best. Sandra Wickham helped me earn my IFBB Pro Card. Then I trained with Kim Oddo, George Farah, and Shelby Starnes—all great trainers and I’ve learned a lot from them over the years. At one time, I had taken a 2.5-year break and really had to work to get back at it. I worked with George Farah. who worked with me week by week and got nearly 50 pounds off me and that’s when I switched to physique, which really got me excited about competing again. This year, IFBB Pro Jamie Postill did my off-season prep, and I’m now working with Darren Mehling of Freak Fitness and couldn’t be happier. [Editor’s Note: Darren Mehling is a columnist for MUSCLE INSIDER.]

Q. When are you competing next?

A. Toronto Pro SuperShow will be my first pro show of the year.

Q. What led you to start promoting shows?

A. I was born and raised in Fort St. John and have lived here my entire life. I decided to give promoting a try after my first year of competing as I had done three shows and all required me to travel really far to step onstage. So I thought that bringing a show to Fort St. John would allow for more people to compete up north without having to travel as far as I had to. The north always gets left out, and I figured it was time to open up that door for us.

Q. How has your experience in competing as an IFBB Pro influenced how you promote your shows?

A. I think with each year competing myself I learn more and more about what it takes to make our show even more of a success. I learn or see little tips and I implement them as we go along.

Q. For more than 16 years you were promoting contests under the BCABBA and promoted the 2017 CBBF Nationals. But this year you made the switch over to promote under the CPA instead. What were the major reasons for your decision?

A. Making the switch to the CPA was quite easy once I knew exactly what it entailed. Now that there are no borders and people can compete anywhere in Canada, it opens a huge door for our show up here. We are only 2.5 hours from Grand Prairie and seven hours from Edmonton. So it has created a whole new market for the show. With Alberta only ever having a few shows a year, it gives the competitors more chances to compete. The way the tier system is set up now, it’s way better for the athletes, especially those who want to earn an IFBB Pro Card, which is why I was doing what I was doing to begin with: to give people the same opportunity I have had with this sport.

Q. This show is now going into its 17th year. Have you been the promoter this entire time?

A. Yes, I have been the only promoter of the Northern Classic. Our first show in 2001 we only had 17 competitors and a sold-out theater! Now we average 120 to 150 people each year. It just keeps growing and growing. I decided to move the show up a month so athletes had another chance at a Pro Card. With the CPA Pro Qualifier in Toronto qualifier only two weeks after, it’s perfect timing for athletes. This year, all athletes who part take in the North Classic will qualify for the three pro qualifiers in Canada. So with the CP Pro Qualifier in Vancouver just six weeks after my show, it gives the athletes a chance to fine-tune their physiques and be a part of that show as well.

Q. If athletes want to buy photo and video packages or tanning, which companies will be taking care this?

Our website has all the links for tanning and pictures. Absolute Touch will be our official hair, makeup, and tanning company. David Aboody will be doing stage photos and mini shoots at The Gym, and CSR Media will be taking care of the videos, video critiques, and backstage photos as well. Info is at http://www.thegymnorthernclassic.com.

Q. What do the competitors have to look forward to?

A. The show is held at the North Peace Cultural Centre, which has great lighting to truly showcase their physiques. Our overall winners will be published in MUSCLE INSIDER and win gym bags full of products, a minimum of $200 in travel vouchers, and swords, and two will receive free entry into the Vancouver Pro/Am & Expo and all. Our gym is also open to all competitors the days leading up to the show for free. We are at 10208-100 Street and can be reached at (250) 785-7939. To read more on Jeni Briscoe, click HERE.