Spotlight On IFBB Bikini Pro: Marcela Cabral
Category you compete in: IFBB Bikini
Date of birth: 05/03/1988
Hometown: San Antonio TX
Career: Marketing Project Manager/ CrossFit Level 1 coach/ Personal Trainer
Competiti
on history:
• 1st competition: Tx Showdown San Antonio TX (1st place)
• 2nd competition: TX State Championships (3rd Place)
• 3rd competition: NPC National Championships (1st place, earned pro card)
Next competition:
• IFBB Shredderbuilt Pro Bikini: April 12th, 2014
• IFBB New Orleans: June 6th, 2014
• IFBB Dallas Pro: August 16th, 2014
• Bikini Olympia (if qualified): September 19th
• IFBB Tijuana Pro: November 14th, 2013
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal? Motivation and confidence are absolutely key to obtain success in any and all goals you set to achieve. Motivation keeps you moving while confidence is the assurance you need to believe the goal will be attained despite the circumstances. In the fitness industry many women compare themselves to others, doing so only diminishes your confidence, which in turn affects your level of motivation, because you allow your thoughts to detour you from the task at hand. I always focus on what I can improve about myself, of course we all have our days, however 99% of the time I remain confident and motivated because my goals are limitless and in order to reach them, I understand these traits are a must. “You are your only competition, it’s YOU against Yourself”
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top? I believe genetics can be a blessing for many but they will still have to put in some hard work to be able to get to the top, as for people that don’t carry great genes, with hard work, discipline and consistency anything can be achieved. Discipline to make the necessary sacrifices to stay on the plan and consistency because you must understand these accomplishments are not achieved overnight.
What are some motivational strategies that have o
r currently work for you? I think self-motivation has been a great part in my life. I was born and raised in Mexico, at age 12 I started working because I wanted to be able to pay for the my local gym and be able to stay active. When I turned 14 I decided to move to San Antonio TX to be with my mom. High school was challenging due to the fact that I didn’t speak the language, but that didn’t stop me to graduate with a 3.8 GPA and be in the soccer team. After High school I was able to work full time and pay for my college education and finish in 4 years with a 3.6 GPA. When I finished my undergrad I was lucky to already have a job in my field, marketing. My goal last year was to start competing and to earn my IFBB pro card, I worked hard day in and day out to step on stage each time knowing I gave it my all. In November 2013 I competed in my third show ever and that is where I achieved my goal to earn my pro card.
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve? Confidence has helped me to have a great job; I had to be confident on that day I got interviewed for the job. Confidence has given me the opportunity to have an amazing boyfriend; if I wasn’t confident of myself and what I want in life I don’t think he would have asked me out on our first date almost two years ago. Confidence gave me the ability to earn my pro card, if I didn’t shown confidence on stage I don’t think I could call myself an IFBB pro right now.
What do you find the most challenging about competing? Currently I work 50 hours/wk as a project manager at Sodexo. Besides working at Sodexo I am in charge of the Fitness Department at my apartment complex where I coach Crossfit group classes, implement cooking demos, and provide personal training sessions. The most challenging thing about competing is being able to find balance and manage my time so I am able to get everything done for work and clients, spend time with my boyfriend, family & friends on top of making time for myself to train and get enough sleep.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
1. Stay positive and believe in yourself.
2. Stay Focus of what your goals are and always have a plan to accomplish them
3. With discipline, determination and consistency anything is achievable.
4. Don’t stop setting new goals for yourself
5. Time Management. Saying there is no time to do something simply means you don’t want it bad enough.
What 
is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it? IsoFactor 1 (Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate) Chocolate (Pureline Nutrition)
I like this isolate not just because of its high quality but also because it tastes amazing.
Favorite Inspirational Quote: “Only You Can Stop You” I think this quote can apply on all aspects of your life, when it comes down to making any type of choice or decision YOU got the last say.
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to? To Chris Freeman, my amazing boyfriend who has been great support through this journey. He is a National qualified NPC Physique competitor and both of us having the same lifestyle has been a great plus :)
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