Michelle Hurst on becoming RP’s first IFBB Bikini Pro show champion

At the first IFBB Bikini Pro show held in the Philippines, one woman stood victorious. Competitors came from all over the world to compete at Musclecontest Philippines at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, but only one took home the greatest prize of them all.
Her name is Michelle Hurst, a professional bikini athlete and certified coach based in San Jose, California. She was born and raised in Manila. She has sculpted her body to near perfection through years of hard work, sacrifice and discipline.

Philippine STAR: How does it feel to win the first IFBB Pro Bikini Show at MuscleContest Philippines?

Michelle Hurst: I always go into a show with the mindset that win or lose, there‘s always something I will learn from it.  And when it‘s meant to happen it will.  With that said, I‘ve learned that falling short show after show lead me to this. It led me to be the first IFBB Bikini Pro Champ in the Philippines.  So surreal!

I dreamt of winning an IFBB Pro Show in Open Bikini since I turned pro at the end of 2013 and for it to finally come true in my home country is unforgettable.  All the sacrifices, the early mornings, the late nights, the body aches, the mental stress and hunger pains were so worth it. 

I am truly blessed to accomplish my goal in front of my family in the Philippines. Seeing them in the crowd and hearing them cheer me on is winning in itself. No trophy, medal or sword can ever replace that. This moment was so special.

What is the hardest part about preparing for a bikini competition?

There were times I questioned myself if I should continue my quest to step on the Mr. Olympia stage. It‘s the mental aspect of it. Doubt creeps in and if you‘re not strong enough, it could consume you and cause you to give up on your dreams. I‘ve battled this but I am also a strong-willed person and believe that I can do anything I set my mind to. I keep on pushing and keep on grinding. I will get there. I don‘t know when but I know I will.

What is your favorite part about preparing for a bikini competition?

My favorite part is the challenge. When there‘s challenge, there‘s growth.

What was your diet like? Tell us about the meals and supplements you take.

My diet isn‘t very exciting. I eat clean, nutrient-dense food to fuel my body. Balance is also key so I allow myself re-feeds when needed. My body and mind need re-feeds.

As for supplements,  I‘ve been taking Global Formulas supplements since 2015 and have definitely seen improvements in my physique. I take the following Global Formulas supplements: bioSupport, bioEndure, bioRepair, bioSleep, bioPUMP‘d, bioProZero, bioTest, bioCarb, bioLean and bioHeat.

What was your training program like? Can you give us an overview of your weightlifting and cardio regimen?

I love training and I weight train six times a week. Cardio varies depending on my physique and what stage of prep I‘m in. I used to run more but have been only doing incline walks. Cardio is usually six times per week and can vary from 40 minutes fasted cardio only, to 40 minutes fasted cardio and 40 mins post-weights cardio.

I train lower body thrice per week. One day is focused on glutes isolations; glutes and hamstrings (compound movements); and band work and plyometrics. I train upper body thrice a week. I split the days to train chest and shoulders, back and shoulders, and back and arms.

What message or advice would you give to aspiring bikini athletes?

I‘d ask them „why“ they want to get into competing. Competing is not easy. You will be challenged physically but more so mentally.

I‘d urge them to attend a show to see what show day is like. Talk to competitors and do their research before hiring a coach. There are so many great coaches out there but they need to make sure their personalities are a good fit for a successful partnership.

What is next for Michelle Hurst?

I‘m ending my 2018 season on the Musclecontest Iron Games stage in Culver City, CA and will be sipping margaritas in Cabo San Lucas with my husband the following week. I will enjoy the holidays and will be back on the grind for my 2019 season. I will be on stage sooner than later. The quest to step on the Mr. Olympia stage continues.

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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.