Ask anybody in the gym why they’re there. Most of the answers you get will share a common theme: to have a fantastic body for the summer season. You can practically see the dreams of water skiing, swimming, and hiking dancing in their eyes. But if you ask Jessika Jenson what her reason is for working out, you won’t see the usual list of summer activities occupying her mind. Well, you might, but the number one reason for dedicating her time to fitness has nothing to do with summer. That reason is snowboarding.
A native of Rigby, Jenson has been snowboarding since age 10, and joined her first national snowboarding team at age 16. She’s left her mark in the form of powder trails on mountains across Canada, Spain, the Czech Republic, Argentina, and in snowy paradises all over the United States.
With her fair share of awards and sponsors in her hands, an Olympic medal could be in her future, but the road to that medal demands lots of practice and top-notch physical fitness. We asked Jenson what it takes to rise up in the athletic world, and how to ensure that her body is in the right condition to continue her rise to the top.
IF: Your star is rising in the world of snowboarding. What are some things you’ve accomplished this winter that you’re really proud of?
JJ: My biggest accomplishment for this season was signing with the first-ever U.S. Slopestyle Snowboarding Team. It has been such an awesome opportunity for me to train and travel with the U.S. Team. I couldn't have asked for a better team to be with... It has been such an opportunity to work with the Olympic Coach, Bill Enos, this season.
I competed in the World Championships in Stoneham, Canada. I ended up in 9th place, but know I could have done better and need more experience competing at this level. I competed with all the top women riders from around the world from 17 nations. This gave me a glimpse of who I would be competing with in the 2014 Olympics if I were to make the Olympic team. This event was a confidence booster for me to know that I can compete with the best!
IF: With winter now behind us, what do you have to plan on to make sure you stay in that peak condition once next winter rolls around? What changes about your fitness routines in the off-season?
JJ: I never like to spend too much time off of my snowboard, but I feel it’s important to get summer activities in. This way, it gives your body and mind a break. I would get burned out if I snowboarded all year long. I enjoy my summer activities! I enjoy dirtbiking, mountain biking, tramping and wakeboarding in my off season. I also make a trip out to Mt. Hood, Oregon, every summer during June and July for on-snow training. During the off season, I train my hardest in the gym to get stronger than the season before. [As a member of the US Snowboarding Team] we have access to the Center of Excellence located in Park City, Utah. This facility includes strength-training areas, a gymnasium, skateboard ramps, trampolines, a nutrition center and rehabilitation facilities. I also try to do airbag training in New Hampshire to get new tricks down.
IF: Injuries happen to every athlete. How do you make the most of recovery time, even with minor injuries? How do you make sure that you can make a comeback after getting hurt?
JJ: Injuries always make me look back and want to spend more time in the gym getting strong. I take my injuries seriously; I never like to be off the snow and like to recover as quickly as possible. Going through injuries is tough but it also makes you stronger. You learn how to make yourself stronger so that you don’t get injured.
IF: Looking back, what would you say have been your biggest physical and mental challenges in getting to where you are now?
JJ: My biggest mental challenge is not being confident in myself. I am getting better about it but I always find myself second-guessing myself. I learn that I need to tune everybody out when I compete or when I am around other riders. I need to keep focused on me and not what other riders are doing. My biggest physical challenge is staying injury-free. I still have injuries, but I learned that it makes me stronger and it makes me want to make myself stronger so that it doesn’t happen again. I also try to eat healthier and I have learned a lot about injuries and try to help out other riders when they are going through the same experiences.
IF: What would you say to other athletes (of winter sports, or of any season) who want to break into the competitive world?
JJ: To keep having fun in your sport! To be good at something you have to enjoy doing what you do. You also need to work hard. Hard work will pay off. The more time you put in, the more you'll get out of it. Don't be afraid to dream too big, it all begins with a dream!
You also need to take care of your body mentally and physically. You need to be positive, be in your best shape, and eat healthy.