1) Who is Jami Mendoza? (where are you from, what do you do, a bit about yourself (hobbies, etc)
Originally from Louisiana. USA Swimmer turned Competitive Weightlifter and CrossFitter! I am the Head Programmer and Head Coach for CrossFit and Weightlifting for my gym in Austin, Texas. I have a passion for not only improving peoples physical health but also their mental health by life coaching outside the gym. When I am not coaching or training I like to write, explore the outdoors, and travel! I have my own blog solely to inspire others to live with purpose through life lessons and experiences I have gone through personally. As for my education, I have my Bachelors in Exercise Sports Science Pre-Physical Therapy, CrossFit Level One, and USAW Level One - Sports Performance Coach.
2) How many years have you been training?
I have been an athlete nearly all my life, but for CrossFit/Weightlifting going on 8 years.
3) Whats been the most challenging/hardest part of your journey so far? and how have you overcome them (set backs, rejections, injuries, basically anything difficult that you have had to overcome)
Overcoming paralysis of my left arm after a weightlifting accident I had in college in 2014. I was hospitalized for 2 weeks. 5 surgeries. And left with my arm full of metal and paralyzed. Was told I would be lucky to weightlift again or use my arm/hand. Went through intensive rehab for 6 months and was fully recovered and breaking my own records 8 months later, competing for my University. I told myself I didn't care how much doubt my doctors had about my condition, I was going to dig deeper than I knew humanly possible to keep doing what I loved.. and reminding myself that it's NEVER over, and that there is a WAY, kept me pushing everyday for a recovery. Doctors gave me minimum of a year to be able to use my arm if at all... and I made it out in 6 months!
4) What does your typical workout/diet routine look like?
I coach all the morning classes so I get my training in from about 7:30am-10:30am. I do a full weightlifting and full crossfit program. Consisting of a few weightlifting pieces, all the squats, and then multiple metcons. Some days I might break it into 2 sessions depending on the volume for that day. But I try to get it all in within 3ish hours. For nutrition, I am a macro girl! I work with Kelsey Kiel. She keeps me on track aming sure I am looking good, feeling good, and fueled for all my workouts!
5) What new knowledge have you learned over this past year regarding training, lifestyle and nutrition?
It's never not a process! No matter how old you get, how many years you've trained, or what diet you follow... everything is always a process. Patience is virtue. Nothing is given or deemed overnight. You must work your ass off to ensure you're gonna progress. But most importantly, know you are HUMAN. We make mistakes and have frustrations, but staying strong and fighting off anything that tries to hold you back just adds beauty to your process and your story.
6) Whats your favourite cheat/Treat meal?
PIZZZZZZZZZA and a FAT BURGER! Did someone say chocolate?! I am a sucker for the sweets!
7) Whats one supplement that you could not live without?
Is Coffee or Peanut Butter a supplement? (I'm actually serious)
8) If you had to start your Journey from scratch with your health & physique what would you do differently and why?
I would find what makes me feel the happiest and never forget it. We often get lost in comparing ourselves to others and forget about our own happiness in the sport. Remembering that this is YOUR journey and not theirs. I am an overly competitive person so it's easy for me to constantly want to be stronger and faster at everything I do.. but the process doesn't give a shit who you are. Like I said before, everything is EARNED.
9) Who do you look upto in the fitness industry and why?
Krissy Mae Cagney... Because she is the most raw and real fitness icon out there. She doesn't hide her flaws nor does she pretend to be the insta model everyone thinks you have to be when you have a butt load of "followers".. she inspires people to just be themselves and does it shamelessly. She also understand the mental piece that comes with fitness as she's turned her life around from a darker time. Something we can all relate to as humans. I friggin love her!
10) If you had to give one bit of advice to people starting out what would that be?
REMEMBER YOUR WHY. Why you started your journey. Always reflect on the value this is adding to your life and ride it into the ground. Never let yourself down by never forgetting why you are here and how this impacts your goals. You chose this next step for a damn good reason, so PROVE YOURSELF.
11) What new goals do you have on the horizon?
New goals? This year is all about connecting with people on a greater level. Sharing my own story, recovery, and life experiences. I have been asked to speak earlier this year to a group of high school girls about health and wellness. I loved it! So much. It encourages me to want to take my blog to the streets and lead some "Life" seminars. Connecting people to their purpose and giving them the extra mental health push to crush their goals.
12) Where can people find you? (website, social media accounts)
You can find me on the gram (@jamilynnee), or on my website (www.jamilynne.com), or at my gym! :)
