Akia Jenkins

City: Gaithersburg
State/Province: Maryland
Country: United States

Occupation: Rehabilitation Specialist, Head Cheerleading Coach, Bikini competitor/model

Favorite Sports Supplements: ON platinum whey cookies & cream, Karbolyn plain, Jacked 3d bubble gum, & Shredz Fat burner

Being on the cover of Status: Being on the cover of Status not only would open doors for me in the future but would definitely motivate me to strive for my dream. Status seems like an amazing family/team to be a part of and shows their passion for the sport.  I believe that Status matches my cheerful and bubbly personality and will help me learn the sport so much more.  In
addition I think it will help me meet great friends in years to come <3

Bio: Akia was always interested in fitness at a young age. She was born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland where she participated in Cheerleading, Basketball, and Track & Field starting at the age of four until graduating from college. She graduated from Wesley College in Dover, Delaware with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science and plans to go back to school
to obtain her Masters degree in Nutrition.  Currently working at a physical therapy facility as a Rehabilitation specialist, Akia uses her knowledge to teach others about the importance of nutrition and exercise in order for patients to return to their activities of daily living. In addition, Akia is in her fourth year as head cheerleading coach for her college cheerleading team and spends a lot of time pushing them physically and mentally to be strong, positive, and healthy young men and ladies. Three years ago her best friend introduced her to competing. She would eat clean and train hard but never stepped on stage. This past year she found the courage to compete for the first time in November 2011. Once stepping on stage, Akia regained that competitive attitude
that she had growing up. Being a bikini competitor not only opened doors for her, but it motivated her to be a stronger person and a positive role model not only for the females in the world but for the vertically challenged women out there as well. Fitness will always be a part of Akia's everyday life and she intends to reach every goal she sets for herself.

Favorite Quote(s):
"The ability to succed starts with making the decision to do so.  Once you make the decision, just by deciding, half the battle is already won" - Kai Greene
"A man in my position can't afford to be made to look ridiculous." - The Godfather
''don't worry about what the scale says, it's all about how you look in the mirror''

Nutrition / Supplements: ON platinum whey cookies & cream, Karbolyn plain, Jacked 3d bubble gum, & Shredz Fat burner

Training:
Monday -arms 
Tuesday -legs 
Wednesday -chest & Back 
Thursday - 1hour of cardio
Friday - shoulders 
Saturday - 1hour cardio

What separates Status from any other fitness magazine:It involves the entire fitness world. It's a more interesting magazine that just doesn't talk about the usual training, eating and supplements, but other interesting fitness related topics around the
world. it keeps readers interested and updated with the latest and newest and seems like it's not involved with the politics of the sport <3

Photography: Les Byerley