SouthCoast mom and educator Justine Medina is showing off her strength, competing for the title of Ms. Health & Fitness.
“I was scrolling through social media and saw the contest,” she said. “I thought, why not give this a shot?”
Competing on a National Stage
Over 33,000 women entered the national contest and Medina has made it to the quarterfinals.
“Being named Ms. Health and Fitness would truly be a dream come true,” she said. “My goal has always been to inspire both children and adults to live happier and healthier lives.”
If she wins, she’ll have the opportunity to do so. The winner will be featured on the cover of HERS magazine and receive $20,000. “I plan to use it to open my dream women’s fitness studio for women of all ages, shapes, and sizes,” Medina said.
Justine Medina’s Fitness Journey
Her fitness journey began nearly a decade ago, but took off during the pandemic. “At the time, I was a principal in New Bedford and many of my staff were expressing how sedentary they had become,” Medina said.
“People were gaining weight, feeling depressed, and struggling with the sudden lifestyle changes,” she said. “I knew there was a large weight loss challenge happening, so I decided to recruit 33 staff members, family, and friends to participate.”
Justine Medina
Justine MedinaREAD MORE: Tiverton Woman Competes Among World’s Fittest at CrossFit Semifinals
Now, Medina is at the gym at least five times a week. “I move my body every single day, even if it’s just a workout at home. Fitness has truly become a daily habit and an essential part of my routine,” she said.
READ MORE: New Bedford Is Getting the Region’s First Crunch Fitness 3.0
What keeps her going strong every day? Her kids.
Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles
“I want to show them that taking care of your body is important and that living a healthy lifestyle can improve your quality of life,” Medina said.
Justine Medina
Justine Medina
“Working out has also become an incredible coping mechanism for me,” she said. “As a busy vice principal, bartender, and personal trainer, life can be stressful and exercise helps me manage that stress while staying mentally and physically strong.”
READ MORE: Acushnet’s NRDC Room Brings Nordic Wellness to the SouthCoast
How You Can Help
To make it to the next round of the competition and beyond, she needs our help. You can go to the Ms. Health & Fitness website and vote for Justine Medina to make it to the semi-finals. Voting ends on Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. PDT.
“If I can inspire even one person to start their fitness journey, that means everything to me,” Medina said.
Step Inside New Bedford’s Newest and Most Advanced Gym
Crunch Fitness is taking over New Bedford’s south end as the first 3.0 version in the SouthCoast region.
Gallery Credit: Gazelle
All You Need for a Perfect At-Home Gym
The best equipment to have in your very own home gym
Gallery Credit: Ross Cooper
Relive 1980s Elementary School Gym Class
If you are a Generation X or Millenial like me, you likely have some strong memories of gym class. Either you loved it or hated it. I made some fun memories and built character and muscle, but I’m really glad I never have to go back and face some of these things again! And I know my teachers did their best to make gym enjoyable and teach us life skills. They succeeded – this is all in good fun. And, hopefully, future generations will get to thoroughly enjoy some of these as much as I did!
Gallery Credit: ASHLEY SOLLARS
