Jackson duo gets a lift from their sport

For most of the year, Jeff Renner is relatively laid-back about his bodybuilding habits.

When it comes to competitions, however, it's a completely different story.

The routine has proved successful for Renner, a 40-year-old Jackson resident who has claimed more than 20 bodybuilding titles since he began competing in 1988.

His most recent triumph came April 1 at the 16th annual National Physique Committee Mid-Illinois Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Championship in Ottawa, Ill. Renner defeated nine competitors in the men's masters 40-to-49 age class and topped the field of 12 in the men's lightweight competition.

Eileen Sievers of Jackson also had a successful meet, claiming second place in both the women's masters 35-and-over class and the lighweight women's division in only her third competition.

Sievers, 42, began lifting weights when she was 16 but has been competing for less than a year.

"I enjoy it," said Sievers, who works out at both Main Street Fitness in Jackson and FitnessPlus in Cape Girardeau. "If you're gonna lift, you might as well compete."

This year's Mid-Illinois contest, which included more than 150 participants from around the Midwest and attracted more than 1,200 fans, was not a drug-free show, which made Renner's accomplishments even more impressive. He earned his drug-free professional card in 2004.

"You have to be hard, cut, ripped," said Renner, who works out at Main Street Fitness about six days a week in prepartion for shows. "I just kind of inherited it in my genes. I'm pretty lucky in the way I'm built."

The 5-foot-6 Renner lost more than 30 pounds during his three- to fourth-month dieting period prior to the Mid-Illinois competition, cutting him down to 153 1/2 pounds. Renner, who almost always competes in the 154 1/4-pound lightweight class, said he generally weighs around 185 during the offseason.

"It takes a lot of hard work," he said of the diet. "It's one of the toughest things. Over the years, it's gotten easier, and it's not as bad when you get in the mode after a week or two."

In the offseason, though, Renner likes to take it easy.

"When I'm not dieting, I like to have fun, eat barbecue, spoil myself," he said. "Bodybuilding is just a hobby; it's just fun."

Renner has been lifting weights and dieting for competitions since he was 22, making sure he competes at least once a year.

"I plan on doing it as long as my body holds up and I can continue to do it," he said. "It's one way to keep me in shape. I really enjoy it."