Fitness Amateur Of The Week: Mirosalva's Pursuing A Pro Card!

Vital Stats

Name: Mirosalva Olguin
Email: olguin.m@gmail.com
Location: Lakewood, CA
Age: 37
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 135 lbs contest;
145 lbs offseason
Years Competing: 1

How did your fitness
journey begin?

Being the youngest of 12 children, I always looked up to my older siblings. In my teens, I enjoyed watching my brothers and sisters do their at-home workouts. It was then that I became interested in fitness. I remember having to purchase my first DVD workout because I was too young to join a gym. My favorite DVDs were Denise Austin Step Workouts and Tamilee Webb Buns of Steel.

Throughout my teens, and even into my early 20s, I dealt with low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and insecurity. It might not have appeared that way to many people, because I hid it well. My workouts helped me go through these challenges. It's amazing what a workout can do for you, mentally and physically. It was like taking a shot of confidence, a shot of ego boost, and a great mood enhancer. The feeling wasn't sustained for long, but it helped me get through my days.

My insecurities kept me from stepping outside of my comfort zone and enjoying life to the fullest. I had many dreams. And that is all they were, dreams, because I did not have the confidence, motivation, and courage to go after them. I just stayed in my "comfort zone." Even though many people saw the potential in me to do well in the fitness industry, I didn't believe it. I was working hard on the outside, and looked great, but it was the inside that needed help in order for me to be truly happy with myself.

My interest in reading has always leaned toward fitness magazines or anything dealing with health and nutrition. I have always admired the physiques of athletes, fitness competitors, and fitness models. I would flip through pages of "Oxygen," "Muscle & Fitness Hers," "Fitness RX," and "Muscular Development," and read about their meal and training programs. I would think to myself, "I could never be that fit! I could never stick to such a strict meal and training program!" Negative thoughts and self-talk can be powerful. "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right."

Competing was something I always dreamed of, and I thought it was an unrealistic goal. Did I have it in me to attain a stage-ready physique? Did I have the courage to step on a stage and be judged on my appearance? There was no way I would put myself through that.

It wasn't until my 30s that I began my transformation from within. I immersed myself in spiritual, self-help, personal-growth, and positive-thinking material. Anything I picked up to read or listen to brought value to my life. I was learning to love myself, flaws and all. My perspective toward life had shifted into a positive. I became my own best friend. I gained confidence, self-worth, and assertiveness, but most importantly I gained the courage to go after my dreams. At the top of my list was entering a bikini competition.

The most frequently asked question when I finally decided to compete was, "Why?" I had shared my dream with my father while he was battling lung and bone cancer. His response was, "I know you can do it." That's all it took to light that fire within me to go after it. Knowing my "why" kept me going. I got in the best shape of my life and entered my first bikini competition. I am glad to say that I placed first in my division and qualified to compete nationally. Even if I had not placed, I would still consider myself a champ. This was a huge accomplishment for me. I stepped outside my comfort zone and conquered my dream.

My love for fitness is not just about physical appearance. Fitness is my confidence booster, my "me" time, my recharge, my therapy, and my mood enhancer. Workouts can't take away problems or any life's curveballs I might be facing, but they sure do help relieve stress, clear my mind, and get me in a better mood. That's good enough for me.

How did your passion for fitness emerge?

My passion for fitness emerged for many reasons. My workouts are my "me" time, my therapy to clear my mind of all the chaos. They relieve my stress, boost my confidence, and enhance my mood. Feeling comfortable in my own skin helps me step out of my comfort zone. As we all know, stepping outside our comfort zone is where the magic happens. I saw and felt the magic. I saw my body transform into a physique I never thought I could achieve, and felt an immense amount of confidence when I reached this goal. My drive to be better is a never-ending journey. I am always learning, always growing. I did it!

It was not until I competed that I realized my passion is in the fitness industry. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with people who want to improve their health, physique, or mindset. It's rewarding when people tell me that, because of me, they want to live a healthy lifestyle, or that I inspired and motivated them to work out and push their limits. I never thought I would have such a positive impact on people's lives. That is a blessing.

What or who motivates you to live a healthy lifestyle?

What motivates me to live a healthy lifestyle is how it makes me feel. When I feel good physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, I do great in all aspects of my life. But what is most important and close to my heart, is that I have inspired and motivated others to live a healthy lifestyle or begin their own fitness journey. Knowing many people turn to me to motivate them helps me stay on track. That is huge motivation for me to keep going strong.

Where did you go for inspiration?

I have several resources I turn to for inspiration. My main source comes from YouTube. My top three are Joel Osteen, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey. None are fitness-related, but I am all about having the right mindset. Listening to a few videos over and over again always gets the job done. Another source I turn to are my competition photos. They're a great reminder of what I have achieved in the past, and to always keep raising the bar. I also find inspiration in transformation stories. Many of my teammates, Team Edge, have amazing transformation stories. Reading what challenges and obstacles they've overcome gives me that extra push to keep moving forward.

What are your future fitness plans?

I want to return to the stage this summer. Competing has led me down a path that made me realize my passion. I want to make a significant impact in people's lives, while focusing on childhood obesity. My future plans include continuing education in nutrition and becoming certified through NASM as a fitness instructor.

What is the most important fitness tip?

The most important advice I can give anyone who is beginning their fitness journey is to not compare your journey and progress to anyone else's. Everyone has different goals, different deadlines, and different paths. Your journey is unique and your own. The only competition you have is with yourself. Many people quit because they are not seeing quick progress, and never understand that slow progress is still progress. So wherever you are in your journey, just keep going. Never give up. Never quit.

Who is your favorite fitness competitor?

There are a few fitness competitors and fitness role models I admire. I don't have a favorite among them, but they all represent class, integrity, honesty, and are genuinely kindhearted. They have inspired and motivated many people to live a healthy lifestyle, and have created a reputable brand for themselves in the fitness industry.

At the beginning of my journey I reached out to a few women who are successful in the fitness industry. These women were kind enough to reach out to me and give me advice, guidance, and/or support: Lori Harder, Natalie Jill, Ana Tigre, and Ingrid Romero. Ingrid Romero and her husband, Jose Discuillo (Team Edge) coached and guided me through my prep for my first competition.

How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

Bodybuilding.com has been a major source of guidance for me throughout my fitness journey. The site provides an unlimited amount of information that I have been able to implement into my healthy lifestyle. The site provides me with tips on nutrition, workouts, and most important, motivation. I am extremely happy with their supplements and promptness in delivery of the product. I enjoy reading their articles and interviews. Thank you, Bodybuilding.com!

Mirosalva's Favorite Gym Tracks

Kaskade
"Dynasty"

Pink
"Try"

Drake
"Started From The Bottom"

Wiz Khalifa
"Work Hard Play Hard"

Competition History

• 2013 NPC Titans Grand Prix, Bikini Masters 35 Class B—1st Place

Thanks

To my family and friends who supported me throughout my bikini competition journey. Thanks to my awesome coaches, Ingrid Romero and Joe Discuillo, (Team Edge) for their guidance and support. To Jon Lindsay, Tamer El Guindy, and Shirley Moran for their hard work behind the scenes in order to bring us such amazing shows. I am honored to be part of the Muscle Contest Family. Thank you Nga Azarian Photography for capturing such beautiful photos and providing me with lasting memories.

I have a tremendous amount of support from many people. I can't name them all. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for encouraging me to keep going, and to never give up.