Josephine D Aug. 2008 Bodyspace Member of the Month

Female

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Jane of many trades, master at none, and always an apprentice. mainly fitness, modeling, writing, VIP hostessing & now acting

Sep, 1987

I am so blessed to have come from a physically active family. I can thank my mother's influence; She was a filipino gym kitty (36-22-36 on a 5'3" frame) and my dad for my athleticism; he was a US Marine and influenced me into running for fun and sports for the competitive spirit! I was active in everything; gymnastics til I was 11, track, archery, tennis, volleyball, softball and finally weightlifting when I started highschool. My PE class was mostly guys and alot football players with the head football coach as the teacher. So I learned all the traditional strenth training moves from age 14......... After highschool, I joined the US Navy and came out of basic training with a a bangkn' 6-pack & physique worthy of an NPC Figure stage spotlight! That's how my fascination for bodybuilding started........ Unfortunately , there was a brief period of time after the military whete life was a foggy mess. I abandoned my fit lifestyle to appease the demands of narrow-minded, mediocre, anti- vanity subculture of small town America; Those who saw exercise as an activity for the vain & narcissistic or anythng attractive as threatening, those who dislike any physical exertion or giving up unhealthy food as not-an- option. In an atmosphere of haters, I caved in and gave up that which I cherished most; my health & happiness. And I eventually payed the price !

Who doesn't love to see a sexy, strong, fit body, whether it be in z bikini at the beach, on TV, in magazines or in the mirror. But what's even better are the health benefits that come from an active lifestyle that includes proper nutrition & strength training and the camaderie between those who practice and/or preach the gospel of good health................................ Oh did I mention working out builds strong bones & muscles, increases your libido and sense of wellbeing? ................................................................ Oh, and I can't forget....the others who inspire me to stay inshape. Without my fellow gym rats and gym bunnies to motivate me, I don't know what I'd do with myself. And now there's BODYSPACE ! ! !

I have a few health issues that have a huge impact on how I regard my health. I suffer from migraine headaches, dizzy spells, sleep disorders, seizure disorders, hypoglycemia, anemia, and low blood pressure. If I didn't take care of myself, those issues would be exasperated, and I probably wouldn't be able to get out of bed. For years, I let doctors dictate my health and all they would do is hand me a prescription of pills and ask me to return in 8 weeks............................................... I admit it; I was a dumb girl in my 20s. From 1998 to 2004, I fell into a moderate depression, found myself addicted to cocaine, lost my business to 9/11 then my grandpa 3 months later, endured my first domestic altercation that left me with a broken ankle and nose (and heart) and eventually I attempted suicide after mixing alcohol with those prescription medications. Summer of 2006, It took a long look in the mirror and encountered my feminine epiphany... I finally came to the realization that I owed it to myself to make my own happiness.............. .................... I stay motivated because I owe it to myself, my family, my friends, my god to respect my life and my health. They say you can't make everyone happy, but you could just make yourself happy... ain't nuttin wrong a lil' bit of selfishness :-)...............

My 6 pack after military basic training -2008 Ms. Bikini America Top 5 -2007 Ms. Bikini America Top 10 -2007 Sports Model California -2007 Ms. Bikini America California (tall class) winner -2006 Clark Bartram's Golden State Fitness Model Championships -Top 10 at 2006 Ms. Bikini America -Top 10 at 2006 Model America -2006 Ms. Bikini Desert Classics winner -2006 Model California Numerous Miss Hawaiian Tropics and local bikini contests I may be what you call, a professional bikini contestant ! !

Josephine "TRAINER JO" - Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM- HFI) - Fitness Writer - Bikini Competitor I'm up for Bodyspace Spokesmodel Search I could really use your support ! Thank you http://www.bodybuilding.com/2010-bodyspace-spokesmodel-search-women.htm