MICHELLE FERDINAND-JACQUES; How Natural Pros Qualify for the Olympia, Start Late, Competing through Loss
Description
In today’s episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Michelle Ferdinand-Jacques, a 43-year-old working mom of four, nurse practitioner, and founder of MLJ Aesthetics. Michelle began competing in June 2023 and quickly made her mark in the sport. She earned her Pro card at her second national show, the 2024 Ben Weider Naturals, and made her Pro debut at the DC Pro/Am, where she placed second in the Natural division.
Michelle shares how she balances motherhood, running a business, and bodybuilding, all while proudly competing as a natural and Masters athlete. We talk about her mindset during prep, her commitment to posing practice, and how she’s stayed mentally strong through personal loss and life’s many challenges. Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start, and that with discipline and belief in yourself, anything is possible.
TOPICS COVERED
-Being a natural and Masters athlete
-Trusting your coach and the process
-The importance of posing practice
-Navigating show day stress
-Balancing family, work, and prep
-Overcoming loss and staying mentally strong
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TIME STAMPS
1:00 introduction
4:20 competing at her Pro debut
8:02 proud to be a natural athlete
10:15 entering the sport as an older athlete
15:01 mission for the season
22:33 navigating a stressful show day
24:41 working on improvements
28:08 life before bodybuilding
32:20 family and bodybuilding
37:57 overcoming challenges in prep
45:40 a day in the life
48:57 advice for competitors
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