INTERVIEW: IFBB WPD PRO JESSICA PERALES

 

This time we are heading to Texas to meet up with a IFBB Pro Womens Physique athlete. Before she turned to the WP category she was a figure competitor, but felt like she was the bigger figure version of the girls while competing. This made her later on decide to instead switch to WP, were she also is aiming to make her debut later this year.

So let us welcome Jessica Perales to Rising Muscle for an interview!

Country: US
State: Texas
City: Manvel
Age: 37
Occupation: Sales project manager
Height: 5’3″ / 160 cm

RM: Jessica, how did you get inspired with weight training in addition, what made you later on decide to compete?

JP: I am always like to work out and I had a few trainers at a commercial gym and I made the decision and switch trainers to a private training facility where everyone completed. I had no desire to compete but I did want to be in shape.  My trainer told me that I had a great physique and I should think about competing.. so six months later I was on stage competing in figure where I placed fourth my very first show. That was the first and only show I ever competed in this natural federation. Next year I competed in my very first NPC show in Texas where I won the overall in figure division. I competed in a couple other shows in figure but I was always the “bigger figure girl”. I went on to compete at teen universe where I placed 10th and all my critiques were that I was more physique. The following year I Took off from competing and focused on growing my upper body to match my legs; still a work in progress. However, I did my debut at team universe where I won my pro card in women’s physique. Now after taking some time off to you grow a little more I will be doing my debut as a pro this year.  Fingers crossed!

RM: What is the best thing about competing?

JP: The best thing about competing for me is pushing my body to the extreme.  Training has always came easy for me but the diet is the hardest part for me. I would say the reward and feeling at the end of my journey. At that point you realize how strong you are mentally, physically and spiritually.

RM: What does a day in Jessica’s life look like, from the time you get up, and later go to bed:

JP: My days start around 5 AM for fasted cardio. I have my meal one and then train with my personal trainer Monday through Friday. I’m at my office by 8:30 AM and work until 5:00 PM. I commute daily and spend a lot of time in Houston traffic.  Depending whether or not the kids have practice or after school programs I will either be at the school or home. if I get to come straight home I take a power nap and cook dinner. If I am prepping as I am now I usually go back to the gym for my second round of cardio. Then it’s race back home shower, sleep and repeat.  If I’m lucky I will catch a few minutes of CSI or law and order. Maybe even a little TiVo of the voice. (That’s a good night)

My weekends are a lot more flexible. I get to sleep a lot more.  I still get my training in on Saturday where I work on my week points or touch up on things I didn’t get to do such as abs calves, etc. I teach posing classes on the Saturdays when  I’m in town. If I’m lucky enough to be home on the weekend I will also get my grandson and spend some time with him.

Sundays are my rest day and I do just that.  I make it to the Sunday late service where I give the “big guy” thanks for getting me through my week. Just like the body needs rest the spirit needs to be fed.

RM: For how long have you had a complete lay off from training since you started, and what were the reasons behind it? 

JP: The longest I have ever taken a break of training was post elective surgery where I took off five weeks.  I have to admit those were the longest five weeks of my life. Prior to that it was maybe a week or two after a show. Although I hear that taking off more time is better for the body I find it very hard to do myself.

RM: What does your weekly training schedule look like?

JP: Monday, Wednesday and Friday are training with my trainer Juan. Monday is legs, wed is shoulders and upper chest, Friday is arms.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I train with my trainer Greg. Tue is back and Thursday is glutes & hamstrings.

Saturday I just touch up work.   Sundays are my rest days.  Sleep in and late Sunday church service. I am a true believer that the body needs rest the spirit needs to be fed.

RM: How would you define a great women’s physique competitor?

JP: I think the one thing that defines a good competitor is consistency.  It seems simple enough however is one of the hardest things to do. I think as long as a person is consistent in training, nutrition and supplementation everything else will fall into place. People always say it’s a marathon not a sprint – the same is true in competing.

RM: Ok Jessica, it is to do wrap up this interview, if there is anything you want to add, please feel free to do so:

JP: The only thing I would like to add is whatever you choose to do don’t get so caught up in the small things. The small things become what’s most important in life. Competing is amazing but it’s only a small part of my life. I have three children and a brand-new grandson that mean more to me than anything in the world. I have a full-time career that requires traveling and amazing man in my life. Most importantly a relationship with God and that gets me through my days. These things are what is most important in life to me.

Rising Muscle thanks you Jessica for taking the time and participate in this interview, Best of luck in the future and your transition into women’s physique!

 

Contact info:

FB:  Jessica Perales IFBB Pro

Twitter & Instagram: jpeezysupergirl

Photo credits:

First three pictures: Jeff Kutscher

Last: Dan Ray