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Brianne Cruz Wins Pro Bikini Debut!

Photography by Ben Yosef

Brianne Cruz recently achieved a remarkable milestone in her career, securing her first two IPL Pro titles at the October 2023 Sunshine Classic in Destin, Florida—one in Pro Bikini and the other in Pro Bikini Model. Her journey leading up to this triumph reflects not only her dedication to fitness but also her resilience in balancing the demands of motherhood.
     In this exclusive interview with Natural Bikini Magazine, Brianne gives insight into her preparation for the competition, the challenges she faced, and her unwavering dedication to both her family and her fitness goals. From conquering mental hurdles to adjusting her training schedule around her energetic twin boys, Brianne shares the ups and downs of her journey. She also reveals insider tips for fellow moms in the fitness industry and outlines her ambitious plans for the future within the IPL and beyond.

"I accomplished what I had set out to do, so of course I felt on top of the world!"

NATURAL BIKINI MAGAZINE: Congratulations on your incredible success at the IPL Sunshine Classic! How does it feel to have won your first two IPL Pro career titles?
BRIANNE CRUZ: Thank you so much! Winning my Pro Debut was my plan/goal and I am very happy with the outcome. I accomplished what I had set out to do, so of course I felt on top of the world!
NBM: Tell us about your journey leading up to the competition. What was your preparation like, both mentally and physically?
BC: What I love about each and every prep is that the journey is never the same, and I have found that you learn something new about yourself each time. Mentally, I felt like I actually needed to “get out of my own head” at the beginning of that prep.
     I struggled to get into the swing of my diet plan, but I “trusted the process” and realized that it just took me a little longer to drop body fat. And physically, I honestly felt a bit tired and worn down from having a pretty short off-season.

"If I don’t get an early morning workout in, then I get it in late at night, after my kids go to bed. The best time to train is, 'whenever you can.'"

NBM: Balancing motherhood with such a demanding fitness regimen must be challenging. How do you manage to stay focused and disciplined?
BC: Having toddler twin boys is definitely a full-time job that can be draining. If I don’t get an early morning workout in, then I get it in late at night, after my kids go to bed. The best time to train is “whenever you can”. Luckily, I have a nice home gym setup.
NBM: Winning in the Bikini Mommas category as well is a huge achievement! How did you adapt your training and diet to fit your lifestyle as a mother of twin boys?
BC: After becoming a mom, my schedule now revolves around my kids. For my diet, I typically eat my own meals that I have prepped beforehand, and cook my kids different food that they like. And as for training, I like to get my cardio in with my kids if possible!

"I love knowing that I have pushed my body to its absolute limit. I will do whatever it takes to win."

NBM: Were there any particular challenges you faced during the competition weekend, and how did you overcome them?
BC: A challenge that I think I faced over the competition weekend in Destin, was feeling a bit “watery”. Simply from being in a new (foreign) climate/environment. Florida is a lot more humid than Alaska! There wasn’t much that I could do about it, but I just try to not stress about variables that are out of my control. I also had lost my voice from being really tired and on very low calories. But I actually thrive in the “suck!” I love knowing that I have pushed my body to its absolute limit. I will do whatever it takes to win.
NBM: What does it mean to you personally to have reached this level of success in your competitive career?
BC: To have come this far in my competing career just feels right. I have been at this for a very long time. I feel like my success comes with the consistency and dedication that I have had since I started lifting weights at the age of 14 and competed in my first competition at 16.

"I am excited to bring a strong, refreshed, fuller/denser overall physique that will be 'on point'..."

NBM: What advice would you give to other mothers who are aspiring to compete professionally in the fitness industry?
BC: The advice that I would give other fellow moms is that our kids always come first. However anything that is a priority to you, you will make the time for. Period. There are no excuses.
NBM: Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations within the IPL and the broader fitness community?

"I could be going through a hard time in life and the sport of bodybuilding is always that trusted 'constant' in my life. Competing is everything to me! It just makes me happiest."

BC: My goal within the IPL is to try to compete in as many different competitions/states as possible that the IPL offers! I am also really looking forward to competing in my home state in just 10 short weeks! I am excited to bring a strong, refreshed, fuller/denser overall physique that will be “on point” to the best of my ability of course. 
     And in general, I really just want to compete for as long as I am willing and able. I would be lost without this sport. It gives me a purpose, a constant goal/sense of accomplishment. I could be going through a hard time in life and the sport of bodybuilding is always that trusted “constant” in my life. Competing is everything to me! It just makes me happiest. NATURAL BIKINI

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