Muscle Sorority

From Muscle Sorority herself, M.J. Carlesi:

“I am a USBF Natural Bodybuilding Figure Pro. I won my Pro card on 4/26/08 at the New Jersey Natural Classic.

I joined a gym in 2005 to escape from some everyday personal problems. It made me feel good and took my mind off all of the other crap that I just wanted to get away from.

Later that year I met a man at the gym who would not only end up becoming one of my best friends, but he changed my life forever. Marty took me under his wing and pushed me beyond all my limits-or what I thought were limits. He taught me that the only limits I had, were the ones I made for myself.

Within a few months my body had transformed into something I never believed it was capable of. When I finally realized what hard work and determination could do for me, I pushed harder, trained harder and never lost focus.

I started studying the human anatomy, researched bodybuilding, training techniques, diets, supplements and constantly picked the brains of those who competed in bodybuilding events.

September 2006 I decided I was going to compete in a Natural Bodybuilding Figure competition, “JUST ONCE”.

(for those of you who are not familiar with what “Figure” is, it is sort of a beauty pageant with muscles. we train as bodybuilders, we diet as bodybuilders, but unlike bodybuilders, we must wear 5″ heels and are judged on hair, makeup, poise and stage presence in addition to physique)

My “JUST ONCE” would end up being May 12th, 2007-where I placed 3rd in both the Novice and Open divisions. However, regardless of where I would place, the minute I walked out on that stage I just knew that was where I belonged and THIS is what I wanted to do with my life.

I would finish up my 2007 rookie season with impressive results:

New Jersey Natural, August 2007: 3rd Novice, 1st Open

NEPA Natural, October 2007: 3rd Open

Syracuse VII: 5th Open

April 2008, Jersey Shore Natural Classic: 1st Open, OVERALL”