Skip to main content

Most Influential Women in Fitness in 2026 | Jennifer Natasha

Page 1


CHELSEA SCARFE

The Mindset Shift Behind Sustainable Fitness

NATASHA KROSS

Helping Women Thrive Through Midlife

ZEHR

Inside the Mind of an IFBB Fitness Pro

JESSICA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ART DIRECTOR

NAOMI LAM

MANAGING EDITOR

MATT REIS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ADAM WARING

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

JOHN RIGGS

CONTENT CURATOR

CATHY G.

PROJECT MANAGER

JOSH WILDER

MARKETING MANAGER

MIKE JACKSON

SENIOR BDM KATHERINE PRICE

BDM RICHARD DANN

CONTACT US

Foranyadvertisingrelatedinformation,please contactinfo@exeleonmagazine.com. Submissionsaswellascontributionstothe magazinearewelcome.

Takeamomentandletusknowaboutour magazine;whetheritbeaboutthedesignora possiblemistake,wewouldappreciate anyfeedbackfromyourend.Youcanreachout todaryl@exeleonmagazine.com.

FOLLOW US

JENNIFER NATASHA

RECLAIMING STRENGTH, REDEFINING LIMITS

KAT ZEC What Consistency Really Looks Like

40 JESSICA ZEHR Inside the Mind of an IFBB Fitness Pro

CHELSEA SCARFE

26 The Mindset Shift Behind Sustainable Fitness

34 Helping Women Thrive Through Midlife

NATASHA KOSS

ENN IFERNATASHA

IFERNATASHA

are journeys that inspire, and then there are journeys that quietly shift how we understand strength itself. Jennifer Natasha's story is not about perfection or ideal circumstances. It is about resilience, rebuilding, and the courage to begin again when everything feels uncertain.

At 47, as she prepares to step onto the stage for her first Fit Model competition just days after turning 48, Jennifer stands as a powerful reminder that transformation has no timeline. Her journey is not defined by a single breakthrough moment, but by years of persistence, setbacks, and the decision to keep moving forward, no matter how slow the progress.

WHERE MOVEMENT FIRST BEGAN

Jennifer's connection with fitness did not start in a gym. It began in her living room as a child, watching her mother follow Jane Fonda aerobics tapes. Surrounded by music, laughter, and a sense of community, movement felt natural and joyful.

“My journey with fitness began in the most unassuming of ways,” she reflects. “My living room.”

Those early experiences shaped her relationship with her body. Movement was not about pressure or performance. It was about expression, energy, and enjoyment. That foundation stayed with her as she grew older.

In high school, she found her place in sports. Basketball, cross country, and sprinting became outlets where she learned discipline, endurance, and the satisfaction of pushing her limits. These years reinforced a belief that the body is capable of more than we often expect.

As she transitioned into university and pursued a career as a physiotherapist, fitness took a quieter role. Running and cycling kept her active, but her focus shifted toward building a career and family. Still, movement remained a constant presence, waiting in the background.

WHEN LIFE SHIFTED OVERNIGHT

Everything changed in her early 30s.

After the birth of her second child in 2011, Jennifer began experiencing persistent pain and stiffness. What initially seemed manageable soon escalated into something far more serious. After a year of struggle, she was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic arthritis.

The impact was immediate and overwhelming.

“One day, I was an active physiotherapist and mom, moving freely,” she shares. “The next, I struggled to lift my kids or walk around the block. There were times I had to crawl up the stairs.”

The physical challenges were only part of the battle. The medications required to manage her conditions brought unexpected consequences. Weight gain, fatigue, and even skin cancer became part of her reality. Alongside this came emotional strain, a quiet questioning of identity, purpose, and what the future might hold.

For someone who had always valued movement and independence, this shift was deeply disorienting. It was not just about losing strength. It was about losing a sense of control over her own body.

STARTING AGAIN, SLOWLY

Jennifer's comeback did not begin with intensity. It began with patience.

In 2018, at her heaviest, she started her weight loss journey. There were no extreme methods or dramatic changes. Instead, she focused on small, consistent actions. Over time, those actions led to steady progress. By 2022, she had reduced her weight and returned to running several times a week.

But just as she began to feel stronger, another setback appeared. A C7 bulging disc left her unable to tolerate standing for nearly three months. Once again, she was forced to pause. This time, however, the experience sparked something deeper.

“That period was incredibly challenging,” she says. “But it also made me realize I never wanted to feel that weak again.”

That realization became her turning point. Not driven by appearance, but by a desire to rebuild strength, regain mobility, and take back control of her body.

BUILDING STRENGTH WITH INTENTION

Jennifer approached her recovery with a mindset rooted in consistency and care. She started small, with Zumba workouts in her living room and short bodyweight exercises. Gradually, she introduced weight training, beginning with two sessions a week and progressing to three or four.

Each step was deliberate. Each effort was sustainable.

SSENTIF NI NEMOW SSENTIF

Her nutrition evolved alongside her training. Rather than following restrictive diets, she focused on nourishing her body. Whole foods, adequate protein, and balanced meals became the foundation of her approach. It was not about short-term results. It was about building habits she could maintain for life.

Over time, these choices compounded. She regained mobility, rebuilt strength, and lost weight. But more importantly, she regained confidence and resilience.

Her journey highlights a powerful truth: transformation does not happen through drastic changes. It happens through consistent, intentional effort over time.

FINDING BALANCE ALONG THE WAY

While Jennifer's commitment to training grew stronger, she never lost sight of the importance of balance.

Evenings spent reading with a cup of tea became moments of restoration. These quiet routines reminded her that wellness is not just physical. It is emotional and mental as well.

She also rediscovered joy through soccer, reconnecting with the playful side of movement she had experienced as a child. This balance between discipline and enjoyment allowed her to stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.

Fitness, for her, is not about extremes. It is about creating a lifestyle that supports both growth and well-being.

THE POWER OF MINDSET

One of the most defining aspects of Jennifer's journey is her mindset.

“I learned that transformation is as much about mindset as it is about movement,” she explains.

Instead of chasing perfection, she focused on progress. Instead of criticizing setbacks, she practiced self-compassion. This shift allowed her to rebuild confidence in a way that went beyond physical changes.

Consistency became her foundation. Small actions repeated daily created lasting results. Over time, those actions reshaped not just her body, but her belief in what she was capable of achieving.

Her journey is a reminder that real change begins internally. When mindset shifts, everything else follows.

A MILESTONE THAT MEANS MORE

Today, Jennifer stands on the edge of a new chapter.

At 47, she is preparing for her first Fit Model competition, scheduled for May 17, 2026. This moment represents more than a personal goal. It is the culmination of years of perseverance, resilience, and self-discovery.

Competing at this stage of life challenges traditional ideas about age and ability. It proves that growth does not have an expiration date. Strength can be rebuilt. Confidence can be rediscovered.

For Jennifer, stepping onto that stage is not about comparison. It is about honoring the journey that brought her there.

INSPIRING BEYOND HERSELF

As Jennifer began sharing her story, something unexpected happened. Other women, especially

mothers and those navigating similar challenges, began reaching out.

They saw themselves in her journey. They found hope in her progress.

“That is profoundly meaningful,” she says.

Her story has become more than personal. It has become a message of empowerment. A reminder that it is possible to rebuild, even when circumstances are far from ideal.

She has shown that fitness is not about judgment or perfection. It is about strength, resilience, and selfrespect.

A MESSAGE FOR WOMEN EVERYWHERE

Jennifer's advice is simple, but deeply impactful.

Start where you are.

Do not wait for the perfect moment. It rarely comes. Progress does not require perfection. It requires action.

Focus on building strength and resilience rather than chasing appearance. Celebrate what your body can do. Listen to your needs, and allow yourself to rest when necessary.

Most importantly, recognize that age is not a limitation. It is an advantage. It brings experience, discipline, and a deeper understanding of what truly matters.

Jennifer Natasha's journey is not linear. It includes setbacks, challenges, and moments of doubt. But those experiences did not define her limits. They shaped her resilience.

Today, fitness is no longer just a routine. It is a reflection of her strength, her perseverance, and her commitment to growth.

Her story reminds us that transformation is always possible. Not because circumstances are perfect, but because we choose to keep going.

And if there is one message she hopes others take from her journey, it is this:

It is never too late to reclaim your strength, your confidence, and your sense of self.

Because true transformation is not about becoming someone new. It's about becoming stronger than you ever believed you could be.

FEATURE IN EXELEON WOMEN MAGAZINE

WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF STORYTELLING TO IGNITE CHANGE, AND OUR PAGES ARE FILLED WITH AUTHENTIC NARRATIVES THAT UPLIFT AND MOTIVATE.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL THE WORLD? REACH OUT TO US BY CLICKING THIS LINK AND POTENTIALLY FEATURING IN EXELEON WOMEN MAGAZINE.

FEATURE ME

What Consistency Really Looks Like

Long before stepping into the bodybuilding stage or becoming an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, Kat Zec was simply someone trying to become a better version of herself. Fitness did not come into her life as a grand plan or a life-altering moment, rather it grew quietly over time, beginning with small steps, personal goals, and a mindset that slowly shifted with every challenge she pushed through.

What started as a passion for training slowly became a lifestyle that reshaped her mindset and the way she approached challenges in life. Over the years, fitness gave her more than physical results. It taught her resilience, helped her rebuild confidence after pregnancy, and pushed her to pursue goals she once never imagined for herself.

Today, balancing motherhood, work, bodybuilding, and coaching, Kat continues to embrace growth in every form. As an ISSA Certified Personal

Trainer, she is now focused on helping others experience the same sense of strength, confidence, and purpose that fitness brought into her own life.

What sparked your fitness journey? Was there a particular moment, challenge, or inspiration that led you to fall in love with training and eventually become an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer?

There was no single moment in particular. Over time, I developed a deep passion for fitness. Fitness is

KAT ZEC

something that completely changed my mindset and transformed who I was into who I am today.

I became addicted to striving for more, setting goals for myself, and truly enjoying the process along the way.

Looking back, what has been the most significant physical and mental transformation you've experienced throughout your fitness journey? How has it changed the way you see yourself and your capabilities?

Throughout my two pregnancies, my body changed quite a bit, and it took time for me to get back to where I was before pregnancy.

For me, every time I was able to lose a significant amount of weight, the physical transformation felt empowering, but the mental toughness I developed meant even more. The ability to push myself, set goals, and achieve things I never thought were possible completely changed the way I see myself and my capabilities.

STRIVE TO BE 1% BETTER EVERY DAY THAN YOU WERE YESTERDAY.

What has been the toughest obstacle you've faced in your fitness journey, whether it was consistency, mindset, recovery, or balancing life as a coach and athlete? How did you overcome it?

Balancing work, motherhood, coaching, and finding time to stay consistent has definitely been the biggest challenge so far.

Overcoming it comes down to prioritizing, staying disciplined, and reminding myself why I started in the first place.

Can you share one defining moment or achievement in your fitness career that you're most proud of? What made it so special for you?

I would say competing in a bodybuilding show has been one of the proudest moments of my fitness journey. On top of that, placing first was incredibly rewarding, empowering, and motivating all at the same time.

It showed me what is possible through consistency, hard work, and belief in yourself.

What is your core fitness philosophy? What message would you like to give to women who are just starting or struggling with their own fitness journey?

It does not matter where you are in life, just start.

Small changes add up over time and eventually make a big impact. Strive to be 1% better every day than you were yesterday.

Where do you see your fitness journey heading next? What are your biggest goals for the future as an athlete, coach, and inspiration for others?

Right now, I'm really excited about my new journey as a coach and personal trainer. I want to focus on helping and empowering people to better themselves and grow in confidence.

From there, I'm excited to see where the journey leads. The possibilities are endless.

01

CERTIFIED ISSA TRAINER

PLACE BODYBUILDING SHOW

02 KIDS & A COACHING LIFE

The Mindset Shift Behind Sustainable Fitness

For many people, fitness begins with a physical goal. It may start with wanting to feel healthier, look different, gain confidence, or simply create positive change. But somewhere along the way, for those who stay committed long enough, the transformation becomes about far more than appearances.

Fitness

That deeper understanding sits at the core of Chelsea Scarfe's philosophy as a Strength & Self Fitness Coach.

Through her coaching, content, and growing online presence, Chelsea has built a platform centered not only on physical training, but also on helping women strengthen their mindset, rebuild confidence, and create sustainable habits that fit into real life. Her message is refreshingly grounded in balance and longevity rather than extremes.

For Chelsea, fitness is not about punishment or perfection. It is about learning how to trust yourself again.

Redefining Strength Beyond Appearance

Chelsea's approach to fitness today looks very different from where her journey first began.

Like many women entering the fitness world, she initially focused heavily on aesthetics and the pressure to achieve physical results quickly. Over time, however, experience shifted her perspective completely.

“When I first started my fitness journey, I was much more focused on aesthetics and extreme approaches,” Chelsea explains. “Over time, my philosophy completely evolved into sustainability, longevity, and balance.”

That evolution became the foundation of her coaching style.

Instead of promoting restrictive routines or short term fixes, Chelsea now emphasizes consistency, realistic habits, and building a healthy relationship with fitness that can actually be maintained long term.

“I no longer believe in quick fixes or all-or-

nothing methods,” she says. “I believe the healthiest lifestyle is one you genuinely enjoy and can maintain long term.”

That mindset shift also changed the way she viewed transformation itself. Physical results still matter, but they are no longer the only measure of success.

More confidence

Better boundaries

Stronger self-respect

Greater resilience

For Chelsea, the real work happens internally.

“True transformation has never been just about physical appearance,” she says. “Strength starts externally, but the real growth happens internally through discipline, self-respect, emotional resilience, and the way we speak to ourselves daily.”

Fitness as Self Leadership

One of the reasons Chelsea's message resonates so strongly with women is because she approaches fitness from a place of empowerment rather than pressure.

She believes movement should improve quality of life, not consume it.

“I believe fitness should add value to your life and not consume it,” she explains. “The gym becomes powerful when it's no longer punishment, but instead a form of self-care and self-leadership.”

That distinction matters deeply, especially in an industry where many women still feel trapped between unrealistic expectations and constant comparison.

Chelsea focuses on helping clients create routines rooted in trust and consistency instead of guilt. Over time, she says, those habits begin affecting every part of life beyond fitness itself.

“When women learn to build trust within themselves through consistent habits, that confidence naturally carries into every area of life.”

Her coaching philosophy is built around sustainable progress rather than chasing perfection. The goal is not temporary motivation. It is creating structure, confidence, and self awareness that lasts.

Motherhood Changed Everything

Becoming a mother added another layer of depth to Chelsea's work and perspective.

With both a daughter and a son, she experienced firsthand how difficult it can be for women to prioritize themselves while balancing the demands of motherhood, family, and everyday responsibilities.

“Motherhood changed my perspective on fitness entirely,” Chelsea says. “Having both my daughter and son taught me that health has to fit into real life, especially for busy women balancing multiple responsibilities.”

That experience helped shape the compassionate and realistic approach she now brings into coaching.

Rather than expecting perfection, Chelsea teaches women how to create structure that works within the realities of their lives. Efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility became far more important than rigid routines.

“As a mom, I understand how easy it is for women to put themselves last,” she explains. “That's why I coach with a realistic and compassionate approach focused on efficiency, structure, and sustainability rather than perfection.”

Motherhood also strengthened her belief that self care is not selfish.

“I want women to understand that taking care of themselves isn't selfish. It's necessary.”

More importantly, she recognizes the example parents set through their own habits and self perception.

“Our children are constantly watching us,” Chelsea says. “I want mine to grow up seeing strength, confidence, balance, and self-respect modeled in a healthy way.”

Breaking the Fear Around Strength Training

As a coach specializing in strength and self development, Chelsea spends a significant amount of time helping women overcome fear and misconceptions around heavy lifting.

One of the biggest myths she continues to encounter is the fear of becoming “too bulky.”

“The biggest misconception is the fear of becoming too bulky,” she says. “In reality, strength training is one of the most empowering things a woman can do for both her physical and mental health.”

For many women, the intimidation surrounding weight training often comes from lack of education or confidence rather than capability. Chelsea approaches that fear patiently by focusing on foundational understanding and proper technique first.

“I help women overcome that intimidation by focusing on education and confidence-building first,” she explains. “Once they understand proper form and begin seeing what their bodies are capable of, their mindset shifts completely.”

Watching that transformation unfold remains one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

“Watching women discover their strength, both inside and outside the gym, is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching.”

Healing the Relationship With Food

Chelsea also approaches nutrition from a perspective that prioritizes balance rather than obsession.

She understands that many women arrive carrying years of guilt, restrictive eating habits, emotional eating patterns, or confusion surrounding food.

“Nutrition is about far more than numbers,” Chelsea explains. “While education around fueling

your body properly is important, mindset plays an equally important role.”

Instead of encouraging extremes, she teaches women how to nourish their bodies while still enjoying life. Sustainability always remains the focus.

“My goal is to simplify nutrition in a way that feels sustainable and empowering rather than overwhelming.”

That balance helps clients move away from all-ornothing thinking and toward healthier long term habits.

“I teach women how to nourish their bodies, enjoy food, and create balance without feeling trapped in extremes,” she says. “Healthy habits should

support your lifestyle, not take away from it.”

Building Confidence That Lasts

Although Chelsea helps women achieve physical results, she believes the most important breakthroughs happen emotionally and mentally.

The transformations she values most are the moments when women begin trusting themselves again.

“The most meaningful transformations happen when women begin trusting themselves again, setting boundaries, showing up consistently, and realizing they're capable of far more than they believed.”

That internal growth often becomes the foundation for changes far beyond the gym.

More confidence. Better boundaries. Stronger self respect. Greater resilience.

For Chelsea, coaching is ultimately about helping women reconnect with themselves in a healthier, more sustainable way.

“My goal as a coach is not just to help women change their bodies,” she says, “but to help them build a lifestyle they truly enjoy, one rooted in strength, balance, confidence, and sustainability that lasts far beyond a temporary result.”

Through her work, Chelsea Scarfe continues to redefine what strength really looks like. Not perfection. Not extremes. But consistency, self awareness, and the courage to grow from the inside out.

Helping Women Thrive Through Midlife

Natasha Koss

IN CONVERSATION WITH NATASHA KOSS

Midlife is often portrayed as a period of decline for women, but Natasha Koss believes it can become one of the most empowering chapters of life. Through her message of strength, nervous system healing, and sustainable wellness, she encourages women to stop shrinking themselves and instead build bodies and lives rooted in resilience, longevity, and self-worth.

In this conversation, Natasha opens up about the realities of hormonal change, the deep connection between emotional healing and physical health, and why modern women must prioritize strength over outdated ideals of thinness.

How should women approach fitness and wellness during midlife, especially while navigating hormonal changes and menopause?

In midlife, a woman is dealing with the “big change,” meaning her hormones are declining rapidly and fluctuating significantly. She is also losing muscle mass and dealing with any number of perimenopause and menopause symptoms such as mood swings, sleep interruptions, and weight gain, just to name a few.

As far as lifestyle goes, this is a time to work smarter, not harder. A good training program that

prioritizes strength training, combined with healthy eating and plenty of rest in between, becomes crucial.

You speak often about healing the mind, body, and soul together. Why is the mind-body connection so important in overall wellness?

To ensure healing of the mind, body, and soul, I speak a lot about the mind-body connection.

Meaning, if you do not fix what is setting off your nervous system, whether it is anything from childhood trauma and divorce to losing a parent, whatever it might be, if you don't first heal what is troubling you on the inside, that trauma response can keep you sick no matter how many dumbbells you lift in a day.

What does your strategy for building a strong and healthy physique in midlife look like?

The strategy for a strong physique in midlife has three important components:

1. A functional training program that integrates strength training, moderate cardio, and stretching.

2. Healthy eating: carbs for energy, protein to build muscle, and healthy fats for hormone regulation. This is not the time in life to fad diet or

remove entire food groups. Protecting our muscles, bones, and hormones should be our priority in midlife.

3. Nervous system regulation: By midlife, hormone imbalances can cause a heightened sense of anxiety and possibly even depression. So now, more than ever, learning to calm the nervous system through fitness, meditation, mindfulness, breath work, and similar practices becomes part of the strategy because I truly believe, and have lived the truth, that it's a healthy mind that builds a healthy body.

Your message “She Outgrew the Chaos” resonates deeply with many women. What inspired that philosophy?

“She Outgrew the Chaos” is so very powerful to a woman who has walked through many difficult and challenging obstacles only to find herself again.

When my daughter was diagnosed with cancer, it felt like going to war, and the battle was to save her life. Once she went into remission, I was diagnosed with PTSD.

At that point, I had a choice: medicate or find an alternative solution to heal my internal struggles. I started running outdoors, and every day after my run, I felt so much better.

That was the beginning of my healing journey. Movement became the single most important thing I could do for myself to help manage my PTSD.

The fitness industry has long promoted unrealistic body standards for women. How do you believe that conversation is changing today?

Women my age were raised on the belief that skinny is best, never pick up heavy weights, and cardio is the only way.

That created an entire generation of women who felt they had to shrink themselves to fit in.

The modern woman is strong, not skinny.

And why choose strong? Because we must think about the long game. The ability to have endurance, strength, and power well into our senior years.

We want to be able to grow old while still maintaining the ability to do all the things that keep our lives fun, exciting, and, most importantly, doable.

What advice would you give to busy mothers who struggle to prioritize their own health and wellness?

Busy moms don't have much time, that is a fact.

Prioritizing yourself can feel nearly impossible when you are managing a busy household, a career, and children. But here is the hard truth: if you are running your life on empty, then what are you pouring from?

Finding time, even if it's a 10-minute walk, a 45minute group fitness class, or a 20-minute YouTube workout, becomes a question of what you prioritize within a 24-hour day.

When you decide that you must fill your own cup at some point during the day, you will find the way.

Create a very powerful and strong “why” for yourself, then watch how the “how” becomes easy.

Inside the Mind of an IFBB Fitness Pro

From winning her very first bodybuilding competition to earning her place as an IFBB Fitness Pro, Jessica Zehr has built her journey around discipline, resilience, and continuous evolution. Combining strength, athleticism, gymnastics, and stage performance, she represents a modern generation of athletes redefining what fitness truly meansbeyondaestheticsalone.

In this exclusive conversation, Jessica reflects on the early moments that sparked her passion for bodybuilding, the mindset required to compete at the highest level, and how balancing recovery, performance, and mental strength has shaped her evolution as an athlete leading into the 2026 Arnold Sports Festival.

What initially sparked your interest in fitness and bodybuilding, and how did that lead you to compete as an IFBB Fitness Pro?

I had always wanted to try competing in a bodybuilding show, so I finally decided to step outside my comfort zone and go for it. I ended up winning my very first show, and from that moment, I was completely hooked.

I've always been a natural-born athlete and loved pushing myself physically, so bodybuilding and fitness competition became something I connected with immediately. Over time, I became fascinated with the level of discipline, performance, and artistry the sport requires.

The Fitness division especially stood out to me because it combines physique, strength, gymnastics, and stage performance all in one. That passion eventually led me to earning my IFBB Fitness Pro status.

Can you walk us through your very first competition experience and what you learned from it?

My first competition experience was exciting, emotional, and unforgettable. Walking into that environment for the first time was a mix of nerves and adrenaline, but once I stepped on stage, I knew I loved it.

Winning my first show made me want to do it all over again and confirmed that this was something I truly wanted to pursue. Being a natural-born athlete helped me adapt quickly to the competitive side of the sport, but I also learned that bodybuilding is about much more than just training hard.

I learned the importance of posing, discipline, consistency, recovery, and mental strength. That first experience taught me that growth in this sport happens both physically and mentally.

How has your training and nutrition approach evolved from when you started until now, especially leading into the 2026 Arnold Sports Festival?

When I first started, I thought more was always better: more cardio, more training, more restriction.

Over the years, I've learned that smarter training and recovery create better results. My approach now is much more strategic and performancefocused. Leading into the 2026 Arnold Sports Festival, my training balances muscle detail with athletic performance for the fitness routine.

Nutrition is highly structured, but it's also individualized based on performance, recovery, and stage conditioning. I pay much closer attention now to sleep, stress management, mobility work, and recovery tools because those things make a massive difference at the elite level.

What has been your biggest challenge or setback in your fitness journey, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges has been

balancing the physical demands of the sport while staying mentally resilient during difficult phases of prep or setbacks.

There are moments where progress feels slow, injuries happen, or self-doubt creeps in. What helped me overcome those moments was focusing on discipline over emotion. I stopped relying on motivation and started trusting my daily habits.

I also learned to celebrate small wins because success in bodybuilding and fitness is built one step at a time.

What does a typical training week look like for you right now in terms of workouts, cardio, and recovery?

Right now, my weeks are very structured.

I train with a combination of heavy strength work, hypertrophy-focused sessions, and gymnasticsspecific conditioning for my routine. My split usually includes lower body, back, shoulders, chest, and performance-based work throughout the week.

I also practice handstands, presses, flexibility, and routine endurance regularly. Cardio varies depending on prep, but it's programmed carefully around recovery and performance output.

Recovery is also a huge priority for me now. Mobility work, stretching, sleep, hydration, and recovery sessions are all part of the process.

How do you balance your life outside the gym with the demands of being an Olympian-level athlete?

Balance is definitely one of the hardest parts of competing at this level.

Being an Olympian-level athlete requires structure and sacrifice, but I've learned that creating routines and managing my time intentionally makes everything more sustainable.

I prioritize what matters most each day and try to stay fully present in whatever I'm doing, whether that's training, work, family time, or recovery.

Having a strong support system also makes a huge difference because this sport truly takes a team.

What advice would you give to women who want to start their own fitness journey or step on stage for the first time?

Start before you feel ready.

Confidence is built through action, not waiting for the “perfect” moment. Focus on building healthy habits first and understand that progress takes time. Don't compare your beginning to someone else's years of experience.

If competing is your goal, enjoy the process of becoming stronger mentally and physically because that transformation matters more than any trophy.

Most importantly, believe that you are capable of more than you think.

How important are gymnastics and performance in the Fitness division?

Gymnastics and performance are what make the Fitness division so unique.

It's not only about physique, it's about athleticism, creativity, strength, flexibility, and stage presence. The routine allows you to express personality while showcasing years of skill development and conditioning.

For me, mastering elements like handstand presses, strength holds, and endurance work has become one of the most rewarding parts of the sport because it constantly pushes me to evolve as an athlete.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Most Influential Women in Fitness in 2026 | Jennifer Natasha by Exeleon Magazine - Issuu