I have a lot of roles in my life that I couldn’t be more proud of. First and foremost, I am a mother to my amazing 9-year-old son. He is my world. He has the best energy, full of compassion, and my mini-me. I feel extremely proud to possess the knowledge, skills, and compassion to be able to make a difference during this pandemic. As Respiratory Therapists, we have one of the riskiest and important jobs in the world right now. I know now more than ever that I chose the best career path for me. I realize that my calling is to serve others. I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to serve others on different levels. I am a lead RT at Scripps Mercy in San Diego.
I naturally have a lot of energy and I have always been athletic. I played in the varsity tennis league in high school. I love backpacking, hiking, and snowboarding. I have always been one to try new adventures. I am always looking for ways to challenge myself. So I am always looking for the next challenge. This has always been my mindset whether professionally, physically, or spiritually. I would say my physical fitness goals become more challenging every year. When I started running 3 miles, I decided to keep adding more until I completed my first half marathon. Then I signed up for a full
marathon. Trail marathons, etc. I loved participating in cycle class so much that I began instructing it myself. So 3 years ago, when I relocated from N.Ca to San Diego, I met a great group of trainers and they introduced me to bodybuilding and competing. I started with an organization called AAU and Fitness Universe. These competitive platforms propelled my journey and love for bodybuilding. Bodybuilding is great because there is always room for improvement. Even when you place first place. There will still always be something to improve. This is why I love it because I believe in continuous growth. I realize that a truly impassioned career or hobby comes from meaningful work. I love the endorphins, the transformation, the overall results are great. But, the true glory comes from how you feel within, how you impact and inspire others.
Age:
37
City:
San Diego, Ca.
Occupation details:
Lead Respiratory therapist at Scripps Mercy San Diego.
Relationship status:
Married.
Fitness Goals:
My focus this year is to set SMART goals. You may have heard this before, but I always encourage my clients to set Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. Most importantly: never give up on a goal you set out to achieve. You can always adjust the time frame. The only limit really is ourselves. If 2020 taught me anything, it is that nothing is guaranteed. Shows can be canceled, gyms may close. You’ve got to dig deep and keep pushing despite the circumstances. This is what I know for sure. I want to compete at least once more. I would love to become a pro one day, but that isn’t everything to me. Bodybuilding is a very subjective sport and I love the competition. But most importantly, I want to continue to strive to become a better version of myself each and every year. This is where the WIN is.
I AM A HUGE FAN OF DISCOMFORT BECAUSE I BELIEVE COMFORT IS THE ENEMY OF PROGRESS.
Training Plan?
My current training plan involves carb cycling, weight lifting, and fasted cardio. I focus on whole foods and implementing specific macros to meet my goals. I also practice intuitive eating and intermittent fasting. It just depends on my goals for that season. I practice a stress-free approach that focuses on nourishing your body with whole foods rather than putting your body through starvation mode which tends to only lead to short-term results. I want my clients to be able to sustain their weight loss naturally and be able to live a truly healthy lifestyle not just benefit from short-term results. This is my passion! I want to empower women and build them up so they are capable of continuing a healthy lifestyle even without me.
Thoughts on HIIT, Powerlifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, others?
I have dabbled in all of the above and I have benefited from each of these. Again, it just depends on what goals you are trying to achieve. It depends on what season you are in. I don’t believe there is one cookie-cutter approach, no one size fits all. IF you reap the most benefits from powerlifting, then go for it. If TRX and yoga are your things then go for it. Whatever you do commit to it. Go all out. But don’t be afraid to try new things. I was always intimidated by bodybuilding. 4 years ago, you wouldn’t find me lifting. I was a runner, HIIT, spin cycle girl. I would rather run 10 miles than lift a barbell. Sometimes, you have to do what scares you. Again, Comfort is the enemy of progress. I had to get uncomfortable but now I love it. I love bodybuilding and I have had the most significant results from it.
Nutritional & Supplements:
- For maintenance and recovery, I take glutamine, BCAAs.
- Health optimization: Alpha-lipoic acid, 5-HTP, Apple cider vinegar, Aloe vera juice.
- Pre-workout: L-carnitine, Creatine.
- Blood sugar control: Berberine, Chromium picolinate.
- vitamin c + vitamin d3, Multivitamins, Omega 3.
Special skills?
I play the piano. I am actually currently teaching my son. I love cooking different recipes. I prepare my own meal prep. Meal prep never gets boring in my kitchen. I love experimenting with new recipes. I recently bought a pair of roller skates and a long-board. So you’ll catch me rolling with my homies. I like making people laugh or just laughing at myself. I can be goofy and silly. I love playing tennis and snowboarding. I love the beach! My next goal is to conquer surfing. I tried it once but it was so challenging for me. I am determined to get uncomfortable again and conquer the waves!
What do your parents mean to you? What did they teach you?
My parents are everything to me! I am incredibly blessed with the best parents. I see myself in both my parents. Both my parents are outgoing and have a great sense of humor. They are also very loving and genuine. They are both retired now. Looking back, I see so much of myself in them. First, my father is a retired welding engineer. However, he continues to pursue his passion even though he is retired. He is passing on his skills and knowledge to the next generations. He loves teaching and he is so talented in his profession. He is full of energy himself. Always hiking or dancing salsa. My mother is a retired special ed instructor. She was in the field of serving others as well. My mother is a very passionate and funny woman. We are very much alike, we can make each other laugh until we cry. She volunteers now at homeless shelters, attends bible studies, and is always helpful with my son. My son has the best nana and papa. So in a nutshell, they taught me that age doesn’t matter when you are pursuing your dreams. You continuously grow into who you want to become. They have both done that with their lives.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
Honestly, I am so impressed with Status Magazine. I seriously feel so honored to a part of Status. I love the diversity showcased and how it embraces all backgrounds. Status Magazine is cutting edge, fresh and relatable.
What would it mean to you to become the next Status Fitness Cover Model?
To be on the cover of Status would be such an honor. When I first began bodybuilding, I, unfortunately, received a lot of criticism from some “friends”. Almost mocked and told that I would never make it. That I was in over my head. It was extremely hurtful. SO as you can imagine it would be an honor to be the next Status Fitness Cover Model. I think it would definitely break a mold and at the end of the day give people hope and motivation to stay committed to their goals. This will show the world that you can do it all. You can be a mother, have a career and still make time for yourself and your passion. The glory comes from how it will impact others. My goal is to make a positive impact on this world. Becoming a Status Cover Model would allow me to impact more people than I could ever have imagined. It would be an honor, a milestone, a dream come true!
If you meet Status Editor-In-Chief, Rodney Jang, what question would you ask him?
What is the most important thing I should know about you?
6 things people would not know about you?
- When I was 15 years old I had a brain tumor.
- I own firearms and I know to use them.
- My first fitness passion was running. I have run multiple marathons and placed 2nd on my last trail marathon.
- I can read music and play two different instruments.
- I love traveling! I’ve been all over the Caribbean, Mexico, and parts of Central America. I’d love to visit Europe next. COVID GO AWAY!
- I have a chihuahua named “Snowball”.
Who inspires you?
Like-minded individuals who build lift each other up instead of tearing others down.
Who do you wish to inspire?
First, and foremost, I want my son to see that when you are passionate about something it involves a level of discomfort. Not everything comes easy but you have to keep pushing and develop a strong mindset to overcome any hurdle. I want him to see me struggle, so I can show him how to persevere and get back up. I never want him to think that anything comes easy. Everything comes with some hustle and grit.
Secondly, I want to inspire women. I want women to know they have the ability to transform into who they want to be. It’s not about the physical transformation but about the mental transformation. Focusing on adjusting the mindset. This is where transformation first takes place, the body soon follows.
Transformation story:
I would have to see my biggest transformation happened in 2019. I really focused on my prep and I took 3rd place overall internationally with Fitness Universe. Bodybuilding has definitely yielded the best results for me. Running helped me stay lean. But, bodybuilding shaped and toned me like no other. I am physically stronger because of it and I am so grateful. Since I have always been athletic, my weight has always fluctuated. I would say that the greatest transformation of all has been my mindset. I truly believe that I can and will achieve whatever goal I set for myself.
Life goals:
My life goals are simple. I want to make everything around me beautiful. I want every encounter, interaction with people to leave happier than before.
6 lessons you have learned?
- Your attitude is everything.
- You must do what scares you.
- Don’t compare yourself to anyone.
- Accept compliments with a thank you and smile.
- Never let anyone shame you or dull your sparkle.
- Know that everyone is fighting a secret battle of their own. Respond to rudeness with kindness when you can.
Music and artist you listen to while training?
I love to run to Odessa or lift to 90s rap. Edm and reggaeton for high-intensity cardio.
Favorite books and authors:
Currently reading “Becoming bulletproof by Evy Poumpouras.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
15 Invaluable laws of Growth or any of John C.Maxwell’s books are my favorite.
C.s. Lewis and John C. Maxwell.
Nicholas Sparks for romance.
- Loyalty.
- Honesty.
- Ability to forgive.
- Gracious heart.
- Kindness.
Favorite Quotes:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart” – Colossians 3:23.
Photo by: Cory C Marek Piecyk