When I met Jodi Henderson at the 2010 West Palm Beach Camp Savage, I was naturally blown away by her beauty. But by the end of the weekend, I forgot all about her exterior and fell in love with Jodi’s true essence. She is an amazing woman who is all about living a healthy lifestyle and taking her incredible yoga expertise to a whole new level. Jodi placed in the top ten in her first show and only a few points prevented a win in her division. Remember her name, she is going to be an important part of the fitness and yoga scene. I asked Jodi a few questions so that you all can get to know her better!

What made you decide to compete in Fitness Universe? I decided to compete in fitness universe after my soon to be sister-in-law competed in Vegas last year.  I went to support her and was so inspired by what I saw!  She is a Savage girl and she told me all about the organization and how much she loved it. I began training with the intention of competing, but hadn’t fully committed.  I looked on the Savage website for the nearest upcoming camp, and to my pleasant surprise realized one was in my hometown just a few wks before the show.  Camp was a really exciting experience and I committed there and then.

Tell us about your fitness background and yoga. I was a gymnast in high school but didn’t really stay too active through college.  I struggled immensely during this time with an eating disorder.  Bulimic, anorexic, fasting, laxatives, whatever worked.  I went through an outpatient treatment program which ultimately just educated me on how to be ‘better’ at this disorder.  During all this time, I really wanted to get better.  I wanted to be healthy and nourish my body.  I discovered Bikram yoga and my whole world shifted.  It was the hardest thing I had ever done;  physically of course, but mentally as well.  I had to look at myself in the mirror for 90 minutes and actually ‘feel’ my body.  Those were the two LAST things I wanted to do.  After only a few months of practicing, I enrolled in the 9 week teacher training course in Los Angeles.  The experience changed my life.  I struggled with the eating disorder all the way through and for some time after.  I believe that through teaching other people to believe in themselves and to empower themselves, I healed myself.  It’s been 3 years since I have stuggled with any symptoms and I feel better than I EVER imagined possible.  Yoga is amazing at bringing the mind back to the present moment.  It helps with clarity, focus, sleep, digestion, metabolism and so much more.  And regarding our sport, it creates long and elastic muscles that are pliable and flexible.

What do you do in your spare time? I spend every second possible with the man of my dreams. We have so much in common so we are always together, at the gym, yoga, beach, or just on our couch.  We watch very little TV, but are obsessed with So You Think You can Dance.  In fact, we started talking ballroom together J He has 3 amazing children which I prefer to say I show up for as a role model, rather than a step-mom.  They are with us every other weekend, and they fill our house with warmth and laughter.

What is your theme song? Nikka Costa: Everybody Got that Something (love!)

What are your plans for the rest of 2010? To continue training and competing, but to start to market myself as much as possible.  I love to write and have plans to start a few different columns in local yoga journals.

How have those in your around you and in your family supported you? Well, if you were at the Miami show, you know exactly how!!  In fact, another contestant in my division was like, “Can you tell your boyfriend to shutup, because he’s ruining for the rest of us” lol! I have the most amazing support network imaginable.  I couldn’t possibly say enough to honor these people.

What advice can you give to anyone who wants to get into shape? Believe that you can do it.  You absolutely can.  Regardless of  the hurdles your life may present to you, you can change your body and your life for the better.  Some of the journey may seem like a physical sacrifice, but the payoff you will feel mentally is no comparison.  Imagine walking around every day in a body you love, and feeling amazing all the time.  Imagine looking in the mirror and trying on clothes and loving what you see.  It’s possible, for you, now!  Believe it.  Love yourself enough to make it worth it.  That’s what I would say!