By Lindenberg Junior / English edition: Jennifer Parker
When I saw Janaina for the first time at the 2010 Miss Brazil-USA contest, I realized almost immediately the possibility of having her featured on Soul Brasil ‘Soul in Shape” section. She had the “fitness model” stereotype with light muscles, a very flat abdomen, beautiful long hair, and a great smile.
Born in Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, she told me that her interest in fitness and sports began when she was still a little girl. Her parents worked in the fitness industry for over thirty years and were kind of pioneers in the sector of her native “BH”, so she was always inspired by them. When still a teenager, she practiced many sports such as Olympic gymnastics, capoeira, swimming handball, volleyball and even indoor soccer.
She says, “I feel the necessity to do some physical activity in the same way of brushing my teeth…every day! You clean your body from the toxins, can improve self esteem, sleep better, and even improve your mood! In short, you can improve your health in general a lot.” Janaina graduated as a physical therapist in Brazil, completing many courses to get certified as a personal trainer, and also worked on many occasions as a fitness model for national Brazilian brands. She has been living in L.A since December 2009 with her husband Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor, and is now teaching Pilates as well as personal training. “Now, to keep my body in shape I first use the tactic of a balanced diet, and second, doing cardio plus lifting weights”.
When asked about her “short and long” future, she said “For now, my main focus is to improve my English and continue to do courses in my area as a Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor. I am also planning to be a mother of two children soon.” In the next ten years, she would like to have her own gym just for private classes and her own Brazilian fitness apparel business.
When asked “What is happiness for you Janaina?”, she promptly came back with a answer saying “Aaahhh…means so many things…but I can mention…to be with my family and my husband, to be healthy and feel energized to do all the things I love to do, walking on the beach, seeing the sunset, laughing with friends, working and seeing business growing, kissing my love. Every day I thank God to wake up and be able to enjoy life for one more day!”
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