Mercedes Perez

WPM's Rising Star of the Month - August 2011





Interviewed by: Mike Hall
Nominated by: Dennis Heck
Photos by: OAMG & LHGFX


Mercedes Perez is a national level competitor, personal trainer, fitness entrepreneur, published writer, ON/ABB Athlete, animal advocate and bikini coach. She has a look about her that stands out in a crowd and will make you look twice. Not only is she hot and beautiful, but she has a great head on her shoulders. It’s amazing that all of those achievements are packed into such a small package!

Mercedes came from the Dominican Republic, but has lived in the USA for most of her life. She has a passion for fitness and an unstoppable zest for life. She also has a desire and a drive to make it to the top in this industry and we feel she is truly on her way there!

"...Hopefully, from here, I go straight to the top without too many stumbles. Ha-ha! I want to continue to improve my physique and I hope to build an international fitness brand. I'm an ambitious woman and failure is not an option."

WP: Congratulations on winning our “Rising Star of the Month”. How does it feel to be considered for such a title?

Little old me? A rising star? LOL I’m extremely honored! This is very exciting for me.

WP: How long have you been in the fitness industry?

I’ve been in this industry all of my life it seems. Ha-ha! I have been very interested in everything having to do with fitness since I was a little girl. I decided to make into a career 10 years ago when I became a personal trainer.

WP: How long have you been a personal trainer?

I have been personal training for 10 years.

WP: What do you feel sets you apart from all other personal trainers out there?

I think a big part of getting clients to make healthy fitness and nutritional choices is to work on their psychology. I think I’m good at helping clients figure out why sometimes they make unhealthy lifestyle choices. Once that is figured out, I can work on helping them change those behaviors. What sets me apart is that I know how to work on the mind, as well as the body.

WP: Mind over matter. The mind is the great place to begin. What is your educational background? What are your certifications?

I have a degree in Broadcast Journalism and I’m an ACE certified Personal Trainer.

WP: How much time per day do you typically spend with a client?

I spend 1 hour a day, 3 times a week with my clients. I also require them to work out on their own 2 additional days.

WP: What made you decide to get into the fitness industry?

For me, it all began with wanting to make some physical changes and wanting to look like the fitness girls that I saw in magazines. My self-confidence and self-esteem grew as my appearance improved. So, I decided this was something I could help others do and that’s why I decided to start personal training.

WP: You always have to motivate your clients. What helps you get up each morning and what motivates you?

I’m an early riser. I’m always anxious to get up each morning and see what new and exciting things that day is going to bring. I look forward to getting my workout done early then training my clients. My life is good, I have no complaints.

WP: You have also done a lot of modeling? How long have you been doing so?

I’ve been modeling for a few years now. I really enjoy it and have been fortunate to have worked with amazing photographers and have been featured in several magazines.

WP: We should be seeing you in our 2011 swimsuit edition and we are excited about that. What are you goals?

I am excited as well. My goal is to continue rising to the top ranks of the fitness industry and to grace the covers of all the major health and fitness magazines.

WP: You keep going the way you are and I wouldn’t be surprised to see you reach your goals. How does your training differ when you are modeling and when you are not?

It doesn’t differ at all. I stay in photo shoot shape year around. I never know when I might get a modeling offer. I’m a professional, so I always stay lean and fit.

WP: You also compete. What federation do you compete in?

Yes, I’m a NPC national level bikini competitor. I also coach figure and bikini competitors to excel in the competitive fitness industry.

WP: How does your routine and life change when you go from pre-contest to off-season?

My life during contest prep is very focused. My energy is spent on everything having to deal with the upcoming show. From making sure my training and diet are right on target, to picking out the perfect suit, I live and breathe contest prep; to the point of obsession and believe me, I’m not a fun person to be around. Most of my friends steer clear. Ha-ha! In my off season, I’m a much more pleasant of a person. It seems I have more friends around that time. I relax a little on my training and diet, but try to stay pretty close to contest weight.

WP: Are you aiming for a pro card?

Yes, my goal is definitely to get my pro card. I’m hoping to achieve that goal this year. I’ve been working hard and I feel like my time is near. My fingers are crossed!

WP: Good luck! From your past contests, what have you learned you need to correct or work on for the physique you are aiming for?

Fitness competitions are tough and I definitely have to have a thick skin to take all the criticism that comes with it. Judging is so subjective and it’s hard to figure out what the judges are looking for. So, I try to look the best I can and do the best can. I would really like to improve my stage presence, because honestly, posing in front of an audience in a skimpy bikini is not something that comes naturally for me. Not one bit! Ha-ha!

WP: I bet that does take a bit of getting used to. What are your strengths and weaknesses in your physique? How are you attempting to correct them?

Well, I’m proud to say that in the past year I have made tremendous improvements to my physique, and I feel great about that. I want to continue to improve, so I would really like to add some size to my stubborn little chicken calves and I also want add some tightness and roundness to my glutes. A round booty is very important in the bikini division. I mean VERY important! Ha-ha!

WP: Chicken calves? Ha-ha! You look fine to me. What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts?

I’m very disciplined when it comes to sticking to my workouts, but I struggle sometimes is with the diet. I consider myself a foodie, and I love to try new restaurants and all kinds of different foods. Luckily, I’m a pretty good cook; if I do say so myself. Ha-ha! So, I’ve learned to give healthy food a gourmet touch. I have amassed a lot of recipes that I hope to eventually put in a book.

WP: Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.

Hmmm…if it’s just between us...and you promise not to tell...well, a while back...hmm, I think maybe I’ll just keep you guessing.

WP: Don’t do that to me! That is so cruel! Ha-ha!

Ha-ha!

WP: I’ll call you then. Ha-ha! How have you, mentally and physically, changed over the years?

Physically, I have worked hard to improve on my weaknesses and showcase my strengths. Mentally, I have become more driven, stronger and more focused. Hopefully those around me agree that I have become a better person.

WP: Who had the most impact on you in your life thus far?

My mother had the most impact on me so far. She has been through a lot and I admire her strength and determination. She is an amazing woman.

WP: What were you like in high school?

I was TROUBLE! Ha-ha I was a wild child and that’s all I’m going to say about that. Ha-ha!

WP: If I were to open your fridge and kitchen cabinets, what would I find in them?

You would find a ton of supplements, a ton of water, a ton of green veggies and more turkey than you would think a little girl like me could eat.

WP: If I were to walk into your house and have a look around, what type of fitness equipment would I find?

You would find absolutely zero equipment in my home. I’m a total gym rat. I do all my training at the gym. They gym gives me a surge of energy I cannot get when I workout at home.

WP: What are your hobbies outside of fitness?

I’m a staunch animal advocate. I spend a lot of my time helping animals in need. It’s my passion, right up there with fitness.

WP: Where are you going from here? What are your future goals for your career, this industry, and your physique?

Hopefully, from here, I go straight to the top without too many stumbles. Ha-ha! I want to continue to improve my physique and I hope to build an international fitness brand. I’m an ambitious woman and failure is not an option.

WP: How do you make time for yourself? How do you relax and hide from the stress of the world?

I love spending time with my 2 fuzzy, four-legged little girls. My dogs bring me joy and a sense of peace. I love to get away with them and take them hiking in the woods.

WP: I hear you are a sponsored athlete. Tell me more!

I’m a proud sponsored athlete with Optimum/ABB. I love being a part of this amazing company and a part of our elite team of athletes. I’m proud to represent the company and I appreciate all constant attention and support I receive.

WP: The interview is coming to a close now. Is there anything that you would like to add prior the end of the interview?

I want to thank my fans that have always been so supportive. As much as they find motivation from me, I find motivation from them.

WP: We are delighted to have you featured as our “Rising Star of the Month”. It’s a title well deserved. Thank you for taking the time out to hold this interview with us. We wish you the best of luck in the future and see you in our swimsuit issue.

Thank you very much for this amazing opportunity!