An Orillia “super mom” could land on the cover of the Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine as part of her quest to inspire her children as well as mothers around the world.
Jessi Miller is currently third in her group in a contest to be “Ms. Health and Fitness” for 2022. The Park Street Collegiate Institute graduate started lifting weights regularly three-and-a-half years ago with the goal of “bettering” herself.
After losing 60 pounds and becoming highly motivated to become healthier and more fit, Miller was approached by The Weight Room owner Kim Salmon about competing in local bodybuilding competitions.
During Miller’s first two competitions, she finished dead last both times.
“I was grateful to even train for the shows,” she said. “Whatever the outcome is, I’m just thankful for the opportunities because they could be my next stepping stones.”
Miller, 36, was selected by Muscle & Fitness as a candidate for the contest after a successful application process.
“When I saw that they were looking for the next Ms. Health and Fitness, I thought I’d give it a go,” she said. “I’ve had such a big transformation, have continued to grow, and I like to motivate people.”
Miller says she is thankful for every person who takes time to vote for her.
“It’s incredible,” she said. “It has given me the motivation to know that there are people cheering me on.”
The encouragement is humbling for Miller, who says it fuels her to keep going. If she is chosen as the winner of the contest, it would mean a lot to her.
“I have two boys, 13 and eight, who have been my biggest cheerleaders,” she said while fighting back tears. “I want them to be proud of their mom, to know that I did this to be better for them.”
Miller says being on the cover of Muscle & Fitness would prove to moms can do it, too.
“Moms can be strong,” she said. “Moms can be confident, and they can be role models for other moms that feel lost.”
On top of being a bodybuilder, a mom and a developmental service worker, Miller is a small-business owner. She runs My Best Friends Cupcakes.
“I’m lucky to have a good support system,” she said. “My husband picks up the slack on days when I just can’t. Every single person in my household is hands-on with everything just to make it easier for me to achieve my goals and be the best mom I can be.”
Going forward, Miller’s goal is to keep competing in bodybuilding.
“Until my body says, ‘Enough,’ I’m going to keep going,” she said. “I want to inspire others to take their first step to get healthy and to keep going.”
Miller says training at The Weight Room has changed her life. She encourages everyone to do whatever it takes to feel good in their own skin.
First-round voting for Ms. Health and Fitness ends May. 12. To vote for Miller, click here.
