IFBB PRO Marissa Rivero I am a native Floridian of Cuban decent. Throughout my life I was always active but I never understood what it meant to live a healthy life. In high school I was a member of the school dance team, which helped me stay in decent shape but I also lived on a consistent diet of fast food and sugary drinks. So you could say I definitely wasn’t the healthiest person around.
My father had always set a good example for me. He was a self-described “gym rat” when he met my mother and remained in great shape as my brother and I were growing up. But even with his dedication and passion for fitness I never saw the importance of being a “gym” girl.
About 12 years ago I began seriously working out and it was then I realized what regular exercises can do to a body. Not only did exercise change the way my body looked but it changed the way I felt. I found that exercise made me happy. Often life throws us obstacles that are out of our control. One thing that be in your control is exercise. Therefore I always suggest when you lose your job, go to the gym…. You break up with your significant other, go to the gym…. When your car breaks down hitch a ride and GO TO THE GYM!!! I cannot express how many times in my life I have turned to the gym when stressed sad or angry. It is my solemn belief that regular exercise can change your life. It has mine!
As a mom who gained 50lbs during pregnancy, I understand the Challenges of navigating postpartum life while trying to reclaim my fitness identity. The journey was not easy, but through determinaton and hard work, I was able to lose the weight and step back on stage to compete just 18 months after giving birth. My experiences have taught me the importance of resilience and self love, and I can relate to the struggles that many new moms face when striving to get back in shape. I aim to inspire women by sharing my story, showing them it is possible to overcome obstacles and rediscover themselves on this incredible journey of Motherhood.