McCook mom in training for fitness, figure contest

Jennifer Bruhn of McCook, Nebraska, prepares to participate in "The Max Classic," a 100 percent drug-free, stimulant- and steroid-free bikini, fitness and bodybuilding competition in Norfolk in late June. Jennifer works for MSN Healthcare as a medication aide and attends Mid-Plains Community College as a full-time nursing student graduating this year. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- A young McCook mother who describes herself as "goal-oriented" and who likes competition is running, biking and roller-blading in preparation for her first-ever "figure and fitness competition," in Norfolk in June.

Jennifer Bruhn is excited about participating in the "Ms. Natural Nebraska" competition, seeing the contest and the preparation for it as a natural fit with her nursing career and her own focus on health, fitness and good nutrition for herself and her five-year-old son, Jordan.

"It's a fitness and figure competition that is 100 percent drug-free, stimulant-free and steroid-free, tested by polygraph and urinalysis," Jennifer explains. "It's all about being healthy and about good nutrition."

Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette

Jennifer likes the thrill of competition, and also competes in singing and karaoke contests. "It's fun," she said. "I'm very goal-oriented, so this figure contest is a new goal."

In Norfolk's "Max Classic" on June 30, Jennifer will compete in a beginning level "bikini" competition. "It's a good place to start," she said. The competition levels escalate to also include figure/physique and bodybuilding.

Jennifer learned about the Norfolk competition through her hair stylist, Jen Warwick, at Sun Tanners/Hamilton's Hair Creations in McCook, who has also competed in the figure and fitness competition. "She thought I'd enjoy it because I'm slender, and active," Jennifer said.