We interviewed Jenny West, star of hit TV show ‘Survival of the Fittest,’ international fitness expert and seasoned bodybuilding competitor to find out all about her time on the show, aswel as her love of fitness and daily struggles.
With years of training, experience and practical knowledge, she’s passionate about helping others fall in love with being active, fit and healthy, and her motivation and enthusiasm is showcased to her fanbase across her increasingly popular social channels.
Jenny West has been sponsored by major sports nutrition brands and you may have spotted her on ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’, BT Sport and the ITV2 series Survival of the Fittest. Jenny also made her debut in 2019 on MTV’s The Challenge – War of the Worlds 2 – which is being shown in both the US and the UK primetime on MTV. Known for her competitive attitude and athletic focus, Jenny may be one of the biggest threats to emerge victorious on her first season.
So tell us, how did you love of fitness start?
Jenny West: I have always been into anything physical and at school wanted to be on all the school teams. Basketball, netball, volleyball …you name it, I wanted to be on it! I would walk to the park and practice back flicks because we didn’t have grass in our garden and I didn’t have gymnastics lessons. The library eventually gave me the gymnastics book I kept renewing that I was learning all my tricks from.
When I was 25 I joined a local gym only because my friend wanted moral support and I liked the idea of a gym though I had never been. I fell in love with it and quickly began to work out that weight training gave me the most control over how I look and I LOVED how strong it made me feel!
What made you sign up for survival of the fittest?
Jenny West: The first initial reaction was it would be a great tale to tell my grandchildren. How crazy being able to watch your Nan compete in challenges on a TV show. I also loved the idea of just competing and winning, I am super competitive and anything that involves being physical and allows me to have an unreal experience too was a no brainer.
What was the most challenging par of SOTF?
I would say that being cut off from everyone who knows and loves you was pretty tough. U relished not having my mobile phone and contact with anything from the ‘outside world’ but sometimes you’d miss that special connection you have with those who love and know you.
What are your daily struggles and how do you overcome them?
I would say that social media could certainly create a daily struggle if I let it! It can be so negative! I originally started my Instagram account to find motivation and then 2 years later or so, once starting The West Twins with my twin sister Lucy, my following started going up. Like -minded fitness people mainly followed me back then but these days I also have people who have seen me on TV follow me. But with TV comes the people who just go onto your page to give you abuse. I just block them and move on. I know who I am and surround myself with people day in and day out who love and support me so their comments really are just a fart in the wind!
How did the West Twins start?
My twin sister and I went on a twinny holiday to Greece for one week in September 2016 and at the airport bought a cheap notebook to jot down ideas for a joint instagram account that would be based around fitness. We ended up spending the whole holiday sunbathing, training and eating, only chatting about our ideas! Things really got moving that December when we started getting content on our instagram. We were lucky enough to get spotted by a well known protein and clothing brand that wanted to sponsor us. The following May we went to out first Body Power expo with them as athletes not spectators and it all just took off from there!
Do you find having a workout partner more motivating?
Yes and no! It depends on the person. If they aren’t serious about their training then I find the session slow and feel less inclined to up my weight or do an extra set as there is no motivation to! This is the exactly opposite with some of the people I train with as they’re so into it they push me an I walk away feeling amazing. So my advice would be to pick your gym partner wisely. So you don’t end up sneaking back to the gym once they’ve left like I have to get your REAL session in haha!
What is the secret to your amazing glutes?
Oh thank you I am very flattered by that ☺ I would say that patience is important, it can takes years to grow your glutes to the size you want. Second up I would say ensuring that you’re lifting heavy enough (with good technique of course) so the muscle can actually have chance to grow. I also train my glutes every 3-4 days max. They recover super quickly so I train them as soon as they’ve recovered. Don’t leave too long between your workouts. I also incorporate a lot of single leg exercises into my Glute training like walking BB lunges, Bulgarian split squats and static lunges, try this with the weight on your shoulder using a bar. Much better for gluteal activation than DBs in your hands.
Who is your most inspirational woman?
There are a lot of ladies I follow that motivate me! Like my friend Hayley Madigan, my Twin sister Lucy and the some big name girls in the bodybuilding world like Lauren Simpson. I also follow Jet and Lightening from the 90’s TV show ‘Gladiators’ and those ladies are looking unreal! And lastly my clients motivate me. One of them in particular competes and is so driven I have to take a step back and be like woah! She is going to go places. THAT inspires me.
If you could only do one exercise forever what would it be?
An Olympic BB deadlift clean and press. It is full body exercise and works the cardiovascular too! Plus its fun to do!
What is your greatest achievement?
It’s a hard one as there are so many things I am so grateful for that have happened in my life. If I had to pick I would say the experience of working on TV shows like SOTF and The Challenge. That’s just so crazy and such an unreal experience and I am forever grateful.
Check out Jenny West on the MTV’s The Challenge War of the worlds 2, now available on MTV primetime.
Instagram @jenniferwestofficial
Mountains, trails, paddleboards – if it’s outdoors, I’m probably obsessed with it! As an Outdoor Adventure and Travel Editor, I’m always seeking my next escapade. Through my blog, I share adventure stories, mountain-tested advice, healthy food inspiration, and training tips.
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