Friday, February 26, 1999
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 7
Victim's hard work yields fitness magazine award
By Ezra Sykes Kansan staff writer
Two years ago, 20-year-old Brandi Whitman couldn't even tie her own shoes.
On March 19, 1997, Whitman, rolled her truck going 70 m.p.h. on a dirt road. The accident left her with a broken back and serious limitations.
"I couldn't really walk," she said. "My parents had to carry me to the bathroom, and I had to sleep on a recliner. My parents had to tie my shoes."
After doctors told her that she wouldn't be able to play sports again — something she had enjoyed doing in high school — Whitman began physical therapy.
For Whitman, the therapy wasn't optional if she wanted a normal amount of mobility.
"I had to work out just to be able to move," she said.
And boy, has she moved — right onto the pages of a prominent fitness magazine.
Whitman, Pratt junior, is featured in the April issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine as one of 13 winners in the "Biggest Muscles on Campus" contest.
The contest, which is in its second year, received more than 600 entries from across the nation after it was announced last December in the magazine.
Whitman was encouraged by her personal trainer to enter the contest. She hired a local photographer to take pictures of her in a bikini to send to the magazine.
Whitman said that it was her first time to model with such few clothes on.
"It was embarrassing, and I was nervous," she said, explaining how the skimpy outfit didn't fit her personality. "But to show off your muscles you have to show off your body."
Whitman also was required to write a long paragraph that explained her workout routine, diet and general outlook on life.
On New Year's Eve, she received word that she was a winner in the contest and began to inform her friends and family.
Her mother and father had different reactions to the news.
"My dad questioned exactly what type of magazine it was," she said. "But my mom was happy and told the whole town."
Whitman's mother, Janie, said she carried a copy of the magazine everywhere she went in case someone she knew had not seen it.
Whitman went to Wichita where a photographer from the magazine took several pictures of her, two of which are featured in the magazine.
Janie Whitman said that each of the four locations that carried Muscle & Fitness in Pratt had sold out of the issue featuring her daughter as of two days ago.
"I didn't buy all of them," she said. "But I sure
Brandi Whitman recently won a national contest in Muscle & Fitness magazine. Whitman is featured in the April issue.
Photo by Kate Levenson/KANSAN
did buv a lot."
Now that the contest is finished, Whitman hasn't shown many signs of slowing down in her quest for fitness.
Although she can move about freely now, Whitman must continue working out to maintain her mobility.
Six days a week, Whitman hits the gym to run for about 20 to 30 minutes and lift weights for another 45 minutes.
"I love it," she said. "You can do anything with your body. You can shape it however you want it to be."
But Whitman isn't looking to transform herself into a massive, milled-up body builder.
"I'm only doing it to be in shape for myself," she said. "I'm not doing it to see how big I can get."
— Edited by Duane Wagler
accommodating, friendly staff • services for all fitness levels • convenient class schedule • call now!
KICK OFFYOUR CAREER AT HARRAH'S JOB FAIR.
AT THE WESTRIDGE MALL
(UPRER LEVEL, DILARDS WING
BETWEEN WORLD OF SCIENCE
AND CHAMPS SPORTS)
ON FEBRUARY 27, 10AM-BPM.
When you work with Harrah's Prairie Band Casino, you get more than a job. You become part of a company that puts people first. We offer our employees one of the best benefit packages in the country because we know good employees help make us a success.
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Long Term/Short Term Disease, Volunteers
- Permit Disability, Life insurance
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Company Matching 401k Plan
- Credit Union
- Matching Grants Plan
- Matching Grants Plan
- Room Discounts
- Employee Scholarships Program
- Employee Store
- Paid Time Off
- Accelerated Career Enhancement
- Extensive training
- Tuition Reimbursement
Call for more information (785) 966-7633.
Owned by Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation.
PRAIRIE BAND CASINO
Your biggest nights happen here.*
©1999 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.
HOLLYWOOD
Escape to LA'99 Ellworth Hall
What: A benefit for the Douglas County AIDS Project (DCAP) BOND
When: Friday, February 26 8p.m.-12 midnight
Where: Ellsworth Hall up on the Hill
Who: Everyone on Campus. Yes even YOU!!
Why: Free FOOD!! PRIZES!!!
$3 at the door. Must have KUID to win prizes Trip for two to Los Angeles!
Movies Swing Dancing