How did your fitness journey begin?
I was always active in high school but never paid attention to my weight and didn't step on a scale until age 17. I started working at LA Fitness in December 2011 and had very little experience working out. I was instantly immersed in healthy people and started reading fitness magazines.
A few months into my job I decided to become a fitness model and asked a few ladies in the gym how to get started. One woman was a bikini pro and told me that if I wanted to be recognized I needed great pictures. She also told me to get in great shape and start competing at local shows, so I signed up a week later with no clue what NPC meant.
I started my exercise journey by running, which was the only form of exercise I knew how to do. I jumped onto the treadmill every day and ran a mile. Eventually, my knowledge grew from asking trainers for tips and researching on my own.
What workout regimen delivered the best results?
I'm the kind of person who has to stay on a routine or I'll go off track. I do 30-45 minutes of morning HIIT cardio and lift weights in the afternoon. My training style is slow with good control and full range of motion. I like to add plyometrics between exercises like walking push-ups or burpees.
How did your passion for fitness emerge?
I drive myself to be better because I know I can achieve anything I set my mind to. It's a powerful feeling knowing that I have 100 percent control of my body and mind. I strive to feel better about myself and have more self-confidence. The harder I push, the more I motivate others to get started. A bucket of ice cream doesn't give me that feeling.
What or who motivated you to be a fitness guru?
I always find new motivation. There's so much diversity in this industry that it's hard not to turn your head and become inspired. Initially, I was motivated by wanting to be healthier. Then competing kept me motivated. "Pumping Iron" motivated me to get into bodybuilding.
Where did you go for inspiration?
I lost inspiration when I didn't go to the gym. I try to surround myself with competitors and turn to my coaches for help and words of encouragement. I couldn't have made it through five competitions in the past year without their support.
What are your future fitness plans?
I tested the waters as an NPC bikini competitor but found a love for fitness and figure. I plan to put on quality muscle, have fun doing it, and jump into a few mud runs and 5Ks. When I'm done competing, I would love to get into sprint triathlons.
What is the most important fitness tip?
You can't give up. It will take 1,000 failures before you reach one successful moment.
Who is your favorite competitor?
I love Andreia Brazier's physique. I see many women who lose their femininity when their body fat drops too low but she still looks gorgeous.
How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?
Every time I have a question about fitness, nutrition, or supplements, Bodybuilding.com always has a good answer for me.
Jasmine's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "Blood" by In This Moment
- "Narcissistic Cannibal" by Korn
- "Wake Me Up" by Avicii
- "Show Me What You Got" by Powerman 5000
- "Hate Me" by Five Finger Death Punch
Competition History
- 2013 MPC Orange County Classic
- 2013 NPC Natural Western Classic
- 2013 NPC Terminator
- 2012 NPC Western Regional
- 2012 NPC Natural Western Classic