Blog - AJHBNZ's Crew Corner

In the world of fitness and bodybuilding, dedication and commitment are the cornerstones of success. Meet AJ Hackett Bungy NZ crew member Jemma, a determined young woman who embarked on a transformative journey earlier this year. Rounding it all up in a remarkable achievement in July: Competing in her first bodybuilding competition. 

Hailing from Hamilton, New Zealand, Jemma came to Queenstown a few years back to study Adventure tourism, which led to her role as a jump master at AJ Hackett Bungy NZ. Always keeping fit, and attending the gym, she decided to set herself a goal.  

Setting the stage 

Jemma’s journey began in January, fueled by a deep-seated desire to challenge herself, and push herself outside of her comfort zone. “I wanted to set myself a goal and have a good routine at the end of it all,” Jemma says.  

Armed with determination, guided by a structured training routine and coaches, she embarked on a strict schedule aimed not only at a physical aspect but a mental challenge.  

Although this was Jemma’s first body building competition, she competed in two categories: fitness and sports model. Which is then broken down into ‘first timer’ and ‘novice’ categories. She explains ‘first timer’ is for a for anyone who has never competed before, and novice is anyone who has never won before.  

“You also have to wear different outfits for each category –Sports model is more gym wear and Fitness is the whole bedazzled bikini and clear heels”.

How did you hear about it?  

Having always been into fitness, and the gym, Jemma found inspiration from those around her. “My partner and a few friends have competed before, and I always thought it was quite cool, but it was never the right time but this year I was like ‘you know what I think I’ll do it’” she recalls.

Stage presence & training  

Growing up sporty, she had a good base fitness coming into training. She’s always enjoyed the gym but felt she didn’t really have a routine. 

To help her get comp ready, Jemma teamed up with coaches to help achieve her goal. “It was a very intensive, strict diet. I trained 5 times a week just for my training purposes, so that’s everything in the gym and then 45min cardio session five times a week.” 

Jemma’s training days were filled with weight training as well as training for stage presence. If you have ever witnessed a bodybuilding competition, you’ll know there’s an element to your outfit and how you present yourself on stage.  

On the other side of competing, Jemma has a posing coach, “Getting up on stage and posing in front of a panel of judges, is the biggest thing outside of my comfort zone, that’s not normal for me at all but having Jade coach me through was incredible and really helpful.” 

  Support party 

The demanding routine of body building is time consuming, leaving you with little time for other things, and can sometimes make you feel isolated. “I had online coaching with Amber Brine, she is amazing, she has pretty much got to where I am today. She is always available to take a call and regularly checks in on me”. Jemma’s friends and family flew from North to South Island to cheer her on for the big day.  

The big day 

Having to refuse offers of chocolate and lollies in the staffoom, as July approached, Jemma’s hard work and sacrifices were put to the ultimate test.  

Going up against athletes from around New Zealand, Jemma showed off not just her skills but her dedication and determination. Each pose and movement reflected her 22-week journey – every morning and late evening workout led to this big moment. No matter how it turned out, she had already won by pushing herself and going beyond her limits. 

Jemma absolutely smashed it, walking away with four medals and two trophies. Achieving 1st place for first time, novice and overall champion in the fitness category. In the Sports model category, she achieved 1st place for first timer, 2nd place in Novice and again, overall champion! Her coach Amber remarked that there’s potential for national, and international competing off the back of Jemma’s incredible performance and results.  

Highlights 

“Actually knowing my body can do something like this… I’m pretty proud of how far I’ve come, and I can actually do it. It’s so strict and isolating but it’s an incredible achievement and I’m just really proud of myself.”  

Any advice for anyone thinking of competing?  

“Just go for it. What’s holding you back? For me I needed a goal, and this has put me in the right direction. Why not try something new, you only live once. You may as well push yourself outside of your comfort zone – that’s where we grow.”  

Here at AJ Hackett Bungy NZ, we’re so incredibly proud of you Jemma, your hard work and unwavering dedication is an inspiration to us all. We can’t wait to see what your next chapter brings you!  

Jemma’s journey from January to July is proof to the transformative power of commitment and hard work in achieving one’s dreams. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone striving to push their limits and achieve greatness in their chosen goal.