Jen Widerstrom - Fitness Model, Timeline and Facts

Fuelled by a childhood passion for physical activity, Jen Widerstrom participated in gymnastics, diving, and other athletic activities as a student. She attended the University of Kansas where she eventually became a Division I hammer thrower. Upon graduation, she decided to pursue a full-time career in the field of fitness and started working towards achieving her dream of becoming a personal trainer and fitness model.

A chance encounter with a casting agent for ‘American Gladiators’ changed the course of her life and she was offered the role of the gladiator Phoenix in the show’s second season in 2008. Participating in the show was a very enriching experience for the amateur athlete, and she got the chance to play crazy games and compete with the other contestants. Her television experience also brought her considerable exposure and mainstream popularity. After leaving the show, she once again focused on her career as a fitness trainer and adopted an even more stringent regime by adding Pilates and CrossFit to her workout.

Her growing popularity as a fitness trainer led her to a very exciting opportunity: a chance to appear on the NBC’s reality show ‘The Biggest Loser’ as a trainer! Grabbing the opportunity with both hands, Jen started appearing on the show, replacing Jillian Michaels. She worked alongside big names like Bob Harper and Jessie Pavelka on the show which helped her become even more popular. Unlike the strict approach followed by her predecessor on the show, Jen Widerstrom adopts a gentler way to deal with the participants. She feels that the participants will be consistent in their training routine if, and only if, they enjoy the process of exercising. This approach of hers has made her extremely popular with both the participants and the audience.

Jennifer Widerstrom was born on August 24, 1982 in Illinois, USA. Her mother, Lynn, is a former Naperville North dean and gymnastic coach, while her dad, Norm, was an assistant principal and dean at St. Charles East High School; he now works as a personal trainer. Growing up with parents who were pretty much into fitness, it comes as no surprise that Jen too became interested in physical activities at a young age. As a school student, she competed on the diving, gymnastics and track teams. Both her parents encouraged her dedication to fitness and motivated her to choose a career in this field. Along with fitness, Widerstrom is also dedicated to charity. She has been on Goodwill Military Tours to raise troops' morale and has volunteered at orphanages and schools, helping kids find self-confidence through sports and gymnastics. This charismatic lady is surely an inspiration to many, and guess who her biggest inspiration is? None other than the great Arnold Schwarzenegger himself!