Jana Kovacovic Made Fitness A Priority And Built Her Dream Body

Finding time for improvement, Jana Kovacovic’s busy lifestyle was getting in the way of her health. This is how she made fitness a priority and build her dream physique

Road to results

The day I began my journey back to a healthy lifestyle, I looked for fitness role models and inspirational people on the web. I printed their photos and stuck them on my wall. I hung my favorite pants where I could see them every day to motivate myself to fit into them again.

Planned success

I made time to go to the gym five or six times per week, prepared my meals for the whole day and brought food with me when I traveled. When everything was already planned, there was no excuse for me to eat poorly or skip the gym. After the first few months, I’d already lost some weight.

New inspiration

I visited a fitness competition camp and some of my friends were there preparing for a competition. They asked me if I would compete with them at the end of the year. My first thought was: never! But I wanted an adventure and a new experience.

Preparation succeeds

My first fitness competition was Ms Bikini in November 2011. I was in the best shape I had ever been. I was more than happy and set a new fitness goal for myself every year. It’s fun to live a healthy lifestyle and to inspire other people.

Supplements I took

I took the following nutritional support: magnesium capsules, zinc, whey protein, calcium, fish oil, pre-workout, BCAAs and a powdered greens supplements.

My training strategy

I work out six days per week. During the offseason, I mostly lift weights without cardio. About six months before a competition, I start to include some cardio sessions. I do functional workouts or the spin bike, stairs, treadmill, or outdoor sprints.

Timing it right

I train between noon and late afternoon, since that’s the time when I feel I have the most power. As I get closer to competition day, I do two or three workouts per day. The number of workouts per day depends on what kind of shape I’m in.

Carbs aren’t an enemy

The number on your scale doesn’t tell you everything. Measure progress by testing your body fat, looking in the mirror, and paying attention to how you feel. Take progress photos every one or two months.

My advice to others

Be patient. Nothing happens overnight. If you struggle with training or nutrition, remember why you started. It’s better to suffer from discipline than suffer from regret. Stop comparing yourself with others! Everybody is different. Everybody has different genetics. Fitness is a challenge against yourself.

Find transformation stories and more in every issue of TRAIN for HER.