The title of this article is the very best way I can sum up Mercedes Perez…when it comes to the way she approaches her life she sees absolutely no limits to what she can achieve. Her attitude towards life is charged with an intense energy and it appears that when she sets her mind on something that ‘something’ is gonna happen and she won’t quit till it does.
With a roster of successful clients and a very firm hold on the fitness modeling market, Mercedes managed to capture that elusive sponsorship deal (with Optimum/ABB) after her very first competition. Now with her eyes set firmly on the prize of gaining a Pro Card in the bikini division I for
one do not doubt that the next year will see that becoming a reality.
So just who is this woman with the Midas touch?
Let’s take a closer look at the life and times of Mercedes Perez…
You are originally from the Dominican Republic, when did you move to the USA and what prompted
the move?
“I have been living in the USA since I was 15 years old; I came to this country like a lot of other people
do, in hope of finding a better life and more opportunities. The Dominican Republic is a very poor
country, and living there is about surviving, not thriving. Living in this country has opened doors for me
and I’m very grateful for that.”
Would you say you were always athletically inclined?
“No, I wasn’t interested in sports in high school in the least. I became interested in weight lifting in my
early twenties and loved every single thing about the industry. I loved the changes I saw in my body, it
gave me self confidence, and that was the start of my fitness obsession.”
You have been a Fitness Expert and Personal Trainer for 10 years, what made you decide to finally get
involved in competition?
“I have been talking about competing for many, many, many years. I trained myself several times
through the years for competitions and I would end up backing out. I suffered from severe stage
fright for a long time. I also never felt like I fitted into any particular category. I didn’t want to do the
bodybuilding class; I don’t have a gymnastic or dance background so the fitness class wasn’t going to
work. So I put that off for several years until the figure and bikini divisions popped up and then my
desire to compete was renewed.”
Why did you choose the bikini class over the figure class?
“I gave it a lot of consideration, and decided on the bikini class, because at this point, I prefer a softer
look. It keeps me working as a fitness model but I’m also able to do more mainstream modeling work.
However, from time to time, the thought crosses my mind that maybe I should do figure, so that’s not
completely out of the question at some point in the future.”
How has the whole competitive experience been for you so far?
“My competitive experience has been fantastic! I love the fitness industry; it’s full of energetic, positive
people. I have been very fortunate to have met wonderful people. I’m also very happy with my
competition placings and hoping to improve on that this upcoming year and get my pro card.”
I believe you also have a sponsorship deal, how did that come about and what does it involve?
“Yes I’m very proud to be an Optimum/ABB Sponsored Athlete. I was very fortunate to have picked up
my sponsorship at my very 1st bikini show. I’ve always used the products so to be part of the company
is very exciting for me. I just renewed my sponsorship contract and I’m going on my 2nd year with the
company. As part of my sponsorship, I attend major fitness and bodybuilding shows around the country
and represent the company to let the public know about the best supplements on the market.”
Moving on to your training, I believe you are not a fan of ‘music while you work- out’...
“I have recently become addicted to my iPod while I workout. I find that it really helps with my intensity,
especially when I’m dragging a little. I crank up a little Metallica and crush some serious legs!”
Since you work with a lot of clients and help fellow competitors too, let’s focus on a couple of target
areas and outline your workout recommendations….
First of all, a sample workout for glute tightening:
“Glute training is my favorite and I love super-setting so here is a glute punishing workout that will make
you have to drag yourself out of the gym.
3 sets of one-legged squats on the Smith machine (wide stance) 12-15 reps
3 sets of leg press-(wide legs) 12-15 reps
3 sets of cable kickbacks 15-20 reps
3 sets of courtesy lunges super-set with jumping squats
3 sets of kettle bell dead-lifts super-set with plie squats
Finish it off with barbell walking lunges to COMPLETE failure
And what do you recommend for abs?
“Abs are made in the kitchen! I love that line because it is very true. Your diet must be clean if you
want those abs to pop. You can do ab exercises all day long but if you have a layer of fat on your mid
section your abs will never show. As far as training goes I prefer to do abs 3 times a week using high
repetitions.”
As a fitness model as well as a competitor you must have to stay in shape pretty much year round, is
that a challenge and what kind of diet do you favor?
“It can be challenging at times, but a I’m a very disciplined person when it comes to eating healthy. I
keep a clean diet of 6 small, healthy meals a day, but I also allow myself one cheat day a week. This
keeps my sanity and gives me something to look forward to each week.”
What plans do you have for the year ahead…and beyond?
“I’m very excited for my plans for the upcoming year. I plan on re-launching my website within the next
couple of months with updated online personal training, pictures and videos. I will also be pursuing (and
getting) my pro card. I also plan on putting out a calendar and hopefully finishing a fitness book. My
goal is to make Mercedes Perez into an international fitness brand and to subsequently take over the
world! “
Well who can criticize a goal like that? With that excellent bit of promotion in mind what advice
would you like to offer fellow athletes when it comes to the business of marketing themselves in this
industry?
“Persistence!!! Keep knocking on doors and never take “no” for an answer. Do photo shoots with
photographers that are respected and that will get you published. Submissions are important, send
pictures to any and all magazines in the industry and if you don’t hear back send them some pictures
every time you do a new shoot. Send out e-mails and make phone calls often. Make sure you portray
yourself in a positive light at all times and ignore the haters!”
Finally how can readers contact you?
“They can visit my website at www.BlitzAppeal.com
Or they can e-mail me [email protected]”
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