MIDWEST MUSCLE FEST COMPETITOR SPOTLIGHT: JONA VANBLARICOM

by Ryan Irwin on 15 Sep, 2023 - 0 comments

2023 Midwest Muscle Fest Figure Novice, Figure 50+ and Figure Iowa Champion Jona VanBlaricom

Midwest Muscle Fest competitor spotlight: Jona VanBlaricom

Jona VanBlaricom shares her story below on her journey to the Midwest Muscle Fest stage.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO COMPETE?

What made me want to compete as you know, was a bucket list item. My whole life I’ve always been small. I’m only 4’11” and growing up, I never liked being small. I used to have posters of my idols on my walls like Cory Everson, Rachel McLish, Bev Francis, Lee Haney, and many more. It was a passion of mine growing up and then I let it go for a long time. I got out of a relationship and decided I’m going to focus on me and that’s what I did. I found a coach, Chris Goodman and she helped me get started. She designed my workouts along the way and then I picked up Jessie Ott as well. Jessie helped me with my posing and food prep. They both were there for me when I needed somebody to talk to because this is a very lonely sport. There were times where I wanted to give up. They pushed me to keep going and reminded me what my goal is. This was the first time in my entire life that I did something for me and me only. It gave me the confidence that I had lost over the years and to see myself as a different person, more positive and not afraid along with so many aspects mentally and physically. I love it and it’s become a lifestyle not just something that I wanted to try and say I did.

For information on next NANBF Midwest Muscle Fest competition and how you can maybe find yourself in the Midwest Muscle Fest Competitor Spotlight, check out the next upcoming competition here