Dissident Spotlight: Janea Munoz

What made you first get into fitness?

I have been a three-sport athlete since I was little. In high school I played volleyball, basketball, softball, ran cross country and was a sprinter and jumper in track. To participate in these sports, I was required to take a weight training class. This was something that became a routine for my workouts, and after graduating from high school, it stuck with me. I always got asked why I didn’t compete in fitness competitions. I knew they were expensive and they were all out of state. One day a coworker came up to me while I was working out and said, “Janea, there is a fitness competition happening in Boise in about 12 weeks, let’s do it!” Without hesitation I said, “Hell yeah!” I competed in my first fitness competition in the fall of 2013. Fast forward almost four years later, and I am nationally-qualified in the NPC and I competed in my first Junior National show.

What motivates you to show up every day?

I have been blessed with such an amazing support group. My coworkers, my very small group of friends, my coach, my teammates, my family, my boyfriend and my daughter have all impacted my ability to tackle my life head on without fear. I am the first person to admit that I am human and I do have times where I am fearful, unsure, confused, and doubtful and I want to quit. Many tears have been shed and if it wasn’t for the support system that I have, who knows where I’d be. They are my motivation; they believe in me so much that it makes me believe in myself so much more. I know I am not alone and I will always have the support of my loved ones.

What are your health and fitness goals for the future?

I would love to achieve pro status in the IFBB. It has always been a goal of mine to be on a professional stage with women who have given me inspiration over the years. I also want to have a life full of vitality for my immediate family, which is three of us at the moment, but I know will be growing in the future. Being able to keep up with my kids is a huge thing for me and I will accomplish that.

What is your favorite exercise?

I have always had a fascination with shoulders possibly because it is my weakest point on my body. Shoulder day has become a new love for me. I want to make my weakest point my strongest point. Anything from lateral raises, face pulls, shoulder presses to rear delt flies. I want pretty shoulder caps and I will work just that much harder to get to where I want to be.

What made you choose Dissident Gym Wear and how do you relate to the DISSIDENT brand's message?

When I was first approached about a year and a half ago, I was hesitant. Receiving constant messages about coming and repping this brand or that brand, I really thought it was another one of “those.” One thing that was different with the initial conversation, was that Dissident had a purpose, a cause to accept those who are diverse, to be inclusive of everyone no matter what fitness level or what goal was trying to be obtained by an individual. My favorite taking from that purpose was giving back to people through a cause-driven foundation. All of those positive things had me sold!

I am one who goes to the beat of her own drum. I love knowing that I stand out in the sense that I don’t do what everyone else is doing. I am focused on my goals and aspirations, not just in fitness, but in my life. It brings a feeling of humility knowing that I am the only one who can decide my limit and how to strive to be better than that limit. I’m a doer, a go-getter, I’m resilient - and most of all I trust myself. I have an amazing family with my Dissident team and we all are there for one another - not by force, but because we believe in one another. That is priceless and irreplaceable.     

What is your favorite Dissident piece?

I love every piece of Dissident gear, but I would say my overall favorites are the Tune Out hoodies. I have them in every color and cut - even the white tune-out in the men’s cut, because they are just so awesome.

What is your proudest fitness achievement?

My proudest moment would have to be when I stepped on stage in my first fitness competition. I remember standing in line with my fellow bikini competitors and thinking, “Oh my gosh… I can’t do this… What was I thinking… There are so many people… I’m going to fall… Am I supposed to turn there or there?” As soon as the MC said my number my feet started moving and this feeling of empowerment came over me. I threw on this sassy and classy vibe. I hit every pose, every hair flip and every turn and then walked off stage and immediately wanted to do it again and again and again. I will never forget that moment of accomplishment.

What is your advice to anyone seeking to improve their health and fitness lifestyle?

Try your hardest to NOT want to look like this person or that person. I remind those who I’ve spoken with that every single body is different. What may be healthy for me, may not be healthy for them, or for this person or that person. Remember that everything is a process and it will take time. Don’t rely on what the scale may tell you, it is just a number. Go off of how you feel, how your clothes fit - and a huge one is progress pictures so you can compare. We look at ourselves every day and break ourselves apart until we see side-by-sides of ourselves. It will make you take a step back and say. “Wow… That’s me?”

What is your favorite quote?

I am such a kid at heart and this has stuck with me since the first day I read it in elementary school, to the day I heard it at my high school graduation ceremony.

“Today you are you! That is truer than true, there is no one alive who is youer than you… You’re off to great places. Today is your Day! Your mountain is waiting, so… Get on your way!”

Dr. Seuss - Oh, The Places You’ll Go!