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What inspired you to start your fitness journey, and how did it impact your life as a single mother?I%u2019ve always been active in sports during my youth, and as I got older, I realized how important it was to have an outlet to manage stress. Fitness became that outlet for me. It helped me stay grounded and maintain a stable mindset, which was essential in being a parent.Can you share more about your background in hairstyling and how it has shaped your approach to fitness?As any hairstylist knows, we%u2019re on our feet all day long. To manage the physical demands of long hours of standing, I had to prioritize my health and well-being. It became clear that if I didn%u2019t take care of my body, I%u2019d face the consequences later%u2014whether it was aches, pains, or burnout.How did your relationship with your professional bodybuilder client influence your fitness goals?She was my biggest supporter. Watching her discipline and dedication during her competition years was incredibly inspiring. She was knowledgeable about every aspect of the sport and emphasized the importance of consistency, not just in the gym but with nutrition too. Without her guidance and encouragement, I probably wouldn%u2019t have had the courage to pursue my own fitness journey as an NPC competitor.What was your reaction when you first learned it would take 18 months to achieve a significant fitness transformation?Honestly, I couldn%u2019t believe it! When she asked how long I thought it would take, I said, %u201cI don%u2019t know, like 5 or 10 years?%u201d She laughed and said, %u201cNope, give me 18 months and I%u2019ll get you on stage.%u201d And sure enough, I saw the changes, and that%u2019s when I first stepped onto the NPC stage as a bikini competitor.What are the most challenging aspects of balancing your fitness journey with being a single parent?Time. If you don%u2019t organize your time, it just won%u2019t work. I had to learn how to balance my %u201cme time%u201d with being a mom. I quickly realized that planning my week was essential for making it all fit together.How did transitioning from NPC bikini competitions to wellness competitions change your fitness approach?I%u2019m naturally lower-body dominant, so in bikini competitions, I had to do a lot of cardio to reduce the size of my legs. When I transitioned to figure competitions, a judge mentioned that I would be a perfect fit for the wellness category that was being introduced the following year. It was a relief to finally find a category that aligned with my natural physique.How do you use your fitness and nutrition knowledge to support your health and healing process?As a certified nutrition coach, my knowledge has been crucial in my healing. I%u2019ve had to adjust my diet to focus on immune-boosting foods since the chronic Epstein-Barr virus has weakened my immune system. Nutrition is playing a key role in helping me rebuild my health.Carmelita GonzalezInterviewExclusive44 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 58