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About Ken Jackson

Name: Kenneth Blake Jackson
Date of birth: 07/12
Place of birth: Detroit, MI
Nationality & Marital status: African American, Married
Academic background: graduate from the U of M
Years training: 2 years for bodybuilding
Present occupation(s): gym owner/personal trainer
Personal motto/saying: Stay focused.
Hobbies:Hanging out with friends and family, buying tennis shoes, training, training my clients, traveling, living life to the fullest
Goals in life:To be Happy
Heros: my parents

Personal

What got you into bodybuilding?
I was a football player at the University of Michigan who did not go on to professional football. I loved training and competing at the highest level and needed something to fill that void. I had always admired the sport of bodybuilding because of the discipline and intensity it took. I can remember buying bodybuilding magazines as a kid and being in awe of how the guys looked. So bodybuilding made perfect sense for me.

What are the most important things you've learned since you started?
I have learned that I can push myself to the limits and achieve whatever goal that I set for myself. I have learned that it is not about how much you can lift in bodybuilding. Rather, it is more about being disciplined, consistant, and mentally prepared both during your off season and contest prep time. I have learned that you are what you eat. I have never paid much attention to diet. I was lucky in my younger years and blessed with good genetics. I was one of those lucky athletes that could eat or drink what ever and look and perform at the highest level. I learned through bodybuilding that my previous ways are no longer effective. I realize today that diet plays a tremendous role in not only an athlete's world but also in everyday life.

What's comes easy, and what doesn't for you?
I think the bodybuilding lifestyle in general is difficult. However, I have all the tools it takes to be a competitive bodybuilder and I am learning day-by-day to pay attention to those tools and utilize them to the best of my ability. It takes great mental focus to get through all the trials and tribulations training for a show and I am gaining more focus as my career moves forward. I think the hardest thing for me was to realize that 99% of people, and sometimes including the ones closest to you, will not always understand the sport. They will not understand what we have to go through in order to prepare in the off-season and for a show. I am trying to learn from these responses. I am trying to remember I chose this sport and what comes with it. I am trying not to be a jerk just because I am on a strict diet, training a couple of hours per day, doing cardio at 4 am, or because I haven't had carbohydrates in 2 weeks and am a bit grumpy. That is a work in progress!

What's the best thing you've ever done for your bodybuilding career?
I was training on my own and realized I needed help. I contacted Darien Bond, IFBB Pro, who lives near me in the Detroit Metro area. I went into that meeting a bit more cocky than I should have and he rightfully put me in my place. We have had a great working relationship since! He has been a big influence in my life, both inside the gym and out. He's like a big brother.

What's the biggest mistake you've made?
I wish that I would have began my bodybuilding career at an earlier age. While I am physically able to compete now and people compete into their 40's and beyond, I wish I could have a few extra years behind me to make those "learning curves."