Athlete Name:

Julianna Griger

Pro Division:

Figure

Where did you earn your Pro status?

2023 NFF Dallas Showdown

Where did you make your Pro debut?

2023 NFF Super Show

Tell us a little about yourself….

I am a physical therapist and modeling a healthy and disciplined lifestyle for my patients is really important to me. I love pushing myself physically and mentally which is why I fell in love with weight lifting.

How did you get started with bodybuilding?

I began weight lifting as a 14 year old kid because I didn’t want to feel small and weak anymore. I did powerlifting through college and the Olympic lifts were my favorites because of the power and precision they required. I tore my ACL in 2016 during an event and went through surgery and the long rehab process. (Luckily I was a physical therapist) My knee didn’t tolerate powerlifting after that, so I transitioned to the sport of bodybuilding. At first I thought of it as a more wimpy sport, but boy was I wrong. The mental challenges are unparalleled in any other sport. Competing in bodybuilding has helped me to develop strength of character and discipline I never had before.

Where does your motivation come from?

I am motivated daily by my patients. I treat people who have lost the ability to walk, take care of themselves, sometimes even lost a limb. It gives me a unique perspective on my own health and a great respect for what the human body can recover from and achieve.

What are some of your greatest achievements?

I had a 215 lb bench press in my off season last winter!

What is your current training philosophy?

The key to being a great athlete is consistency. Nothing good happens quickly or without great effort.

What are 3 tips you would give to someone trying to reach their goal physique?

Be consistent. Trust your training plan. Don’t waste too much time comparing yourself to other people; focus on being better than the old you.

What is your diet like? And does it differ on-season v. off-season?

I eat a lot of chicken and fish. My diet is always healthy and balanced but when I’m in off season I eat out on weekends and don’t track macros as carefully. I am always trying to get a balanced diet from food and use as few supplements as possible.

When trying to cut down what type of cardio do you do and why?

I love running stairs. It’s fast and effective.

What’s your Favorite Quote?

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

Photo Credit: @absalutefotog