Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a professional fitness model and health coach, living in Dallas, Texas. I am happily married to my husband and we have 2 gorgeous bullys. We live and breathe fitness. I am a Latina born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I have 2 siblings – 1 sister and 1 brother, and both my parents are from El Salvador. Family is everything to me!
How long have you been a fitness model?
5 years! Recently, the last 3 years have been booming for me.
What would you say motivated you to get started with fitness?
I have always been active and involved in sports since I was a young child. I played gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, track, softball etc. I embarked on the journey of strength training and bodybuilding 10 years ago, which has completely changed my life! Bodybuilding is a very different way to sculpt your body and stay actively fit.
Tell us about your background in bodybuilding. What titles have you won, and what has been your greatest moment in the sport?
I started competing in 2015, and received pro status on my second show. I competed in back to back shows for the first couple years. I obtained my first title in 2017 – WBFF USA International Fitness Model, then went on to win 2017 WBFF World Champion Fitness Model. Three years later, I am still the reigning champion.
One of the greatest moments was achieving my first world title in London, and bringing it back home to the US where the title had not been held in years. I got addicted after my first competition! I was the American that brought it back home, which made me so proud. My team, (Team Dynasty) was bred from all the competitions, and people who wanted to become part of that culture.
What are some of the obstacles, if any, that you had to deal with when you got started in fitness modeling?
Working long hours in a corporate facility was difficult when I started, but I always found a way to make it work.
Tell us about your Bully Brutus.
Brutus (or Brute) is a 4 year old American Bully. Brutus is the most loving dog I have ever owned, and also the most protective! He is full of love, always by my side and he never stops carrying his blanket around!
Does Brutus get to travel with you to any of your fitness competitions?
Brutus and Kaiya (my other bully) are bigger pups, so they are put in a doggy hotel while I travel. So they get playtime and their own room/bed while I’m away. They wish they could come with me!
What type of diet do you keep Brutus on?
I keep Brutus on a grain-free diet called Taste of the Wild – Salmon and Venison formula. It’s the best, and it keeps his coat healthy and shiny!
Do you keep Brutus on a fitness regimen as well?
Yes absolutely! He plays with his flirt stick every day with my husband and then he runs with me. So Brutus gets 2 workouts a day. He keeps me on my toes!
What are some of your favorite things to do with Brutus, when you’re home?
He’s such a sweet boy, that always gets me in the heart. Aside from cuddling, I love having him join me on late work nights. Brutus tends to split time between myself and my husband. If we’re not together, he doesn’t quite know what to do, so he’ll spend some time with me and then go to my husband.
Switching back to fitness, what are some of the qualities that you believe have helped you reach your goals?
Resilience! You have to be so resilient in this type of environment. There are days you aren’t going to be motivated but you have to find the resilience to fight. People have no idea how hard it is to adapt to different surroundings, when you’re trying to achieve a different lifestyle goal. It’s a process and a journey.
You want to continue progressing. Mental strength is so important. Are you willing to fight everyday for YOU? No matter what the situation, always a way to learn and come out stronger!
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love my breakfast. Oatmeal is a favorite. Oats have so many options. You can never go wrong with oats! Protein pancakes, cream of wheat, there are many different variations.
What is your favorite cheat meal?
Pizza, no brainer! Specifically BJ’s pizza!
What advice do you have for young females looking to become fitness models?
Never stop fighting. Stay consistent no matter what, and try new things so you can find what works best for you. Don’t stay within the same type of technique. Change up your formula and you will achieve different results! Just stick to it!
How has this global pandemic affected the fitness community?
Gyms all around the world have been closed. Everyone in the fitness community was affected physically and emotionally by this due to the environment, and of course, equipment access.
Are you still able to train, even with all of the gyms closed?
Absolutely! You’ve got a body, you’ve got a gym! You have so many different things at the house you can utilize. For example, using water gallon jugs and filling them up is great. A full gallon jug is about 8 ½ pounds and people don’t realize, that’s pretty much a dumbbell. It even has a handle! Backpacks add extra weight and resistance or duffle bags as well for deadlifting. There are so many different ways to make it work for you. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Who do you look up to in the fitness or bodybuilding world?
That’s a tough one. There are so many good role models out there. In the fitness world, I would have to say my husband. He has been my biggest inspiration and motivation since day one. The level of athleticism he has is insane. So much strength, agility and skill. He still continues to amaze me to this day! He’s always believed in me, and been a wonderful support system. However, as a little kid, my mother was always my role model.
Tell us about some of your goals for this year?
You know, I had big goals for my team and my company, but for now that’s postponed. Not canceled – postponed. One of my goals is to defend my title at this year’s World Championships. Another goal is to continue growing my company and expand our headquarters. Everything is held off, but we will adapt and come back stronger. We are ahead of the curve and ready for the World Championships!
What other hobbies or interests do you partake in besides fitness?
Music and fashion mostly. Who doesn’t love music? I grew up playing instruments, (piano) and have always had a deep passion for music. I love getting lost in lyrics and rhythms. If I wouldn’t have pursued a fitness career, I would have certainly been in either the music or fashion industry.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
I have so many favorites, but I love this one especially: “It is not the strongest person, or the smartest, or the fastest who wins, but the one who never gives up”. That to me has always resounded. You win or you learn. That has always kept me going.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
I love Bully Girl Magazine, and I especially love the concept! Who doesn’t want to see these sweet puppies? Females are obviously very marketable, so having beautiful girls posing with these beautiful dogs is wonderful. Bully Girl offers incredible content and amazing bullies. It’s all about the bully breed, and this magazine covers it all!
