Articles Physique & Bodybuilding Exclusive Interview with IFBB Womens Physique Pro Teresita Morales, Esq.
Date of 
Birth- 5/12/72
Hometown - Queens Village New York
Career – Attorney/Professional Athlete
Competition History:
IFBB
2014
Phoenix Europa Supershow - 1st Place (Olympia 2015 Qualification)
Pittsburgh Masters Pro - 1st Place
Tampa Pro - 4th Place
Toronto Pro - 3rd Place
New York Pro – 9th Place
2013
Tampa Pro – 3rd Place
New York Pro 5th Place
2012
Tampa Pro – 7th Place
New York Pro – 2nd Place
NPC
Team Universe – Open Figure Class B – 1st Place (Pro Card obtained)
Long Island Championship – Open Figure Class A – 1st Place
Master’s Figure – 1st Place
Atlantic States – Open Figure Class A – 2nd Place
Master’s Figure – 1st Place
Next Competition - Mr. and Mrs. Olympia 2015 !!!!! (Contemplating one or two shows earlier in 2015).
RX: In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
TM: Motivation and confidence are critical to achieving any goal in life, whether it is a personal or professional goal. In fact, a combination of the two makes any goal possible. In order to achieve success, in any capacity, self confidence, determination and drive are critical. But these traits need to come from within. They are not learned, borrowed or obtained from knowing the right person. Sure, sometimes doors open by being at the right place at the right time and opportunities are given to some people who are fortunate to know someone and have that connection. For me… it was different.
Having spent 4 years of my life in the foster care system after the death of my mother, I had no choice but to learn how to fend for myself. My foster care family was wonderful, however, I knew that I would age out of the system eventually and would be left to face the world alone. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. It was the first day of school, 1988. Half day. I was 15 years old. I skipped my basketball practice that afternoon so that I can go see my mother who was in the hospital at the time. She was diagnosed with colon cancer and it was untreated for too long. There was nothing doctors could do but make sure she was comfortable. I remember walking into her room and seeing an empty bed. I waited there for what seemed like forever. I finally went to the nurse’s station to ask where she was and that is when I was told that she had passed away minutes before my arrival. THOSE WORDS CHANGED MY LIFE.
Here is where my motivation and confidence came into play. I was a straight A student and a athlete so I had a great support system behind me. But it was me, my strength, my perseverance, values that were instilled upon me by my mother, that made it possible for me to move forward with my life. I graduated from high school second in my class, attended Rutgers University where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Science, and continued post graduate education by attending Saint John’s University, School of Law where I obtained my Juris Doctor in 2000. I worked for the Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights Division, Clerk for one Judge and then eventually opened my own practice in Queens, New York where I still am today.
This was not handed to me. This was not luck. This was me, taking control of my life, after having to cope with the most tragic experience one can ever imagine. My heart was broken and I questioned my Faith but I knew that my mother would not have it any other way. My drive to succeed and make my mother proud overpowered my sorrow and pain. I could have bowed my head. I could have felt sorry for myself but I converted those emotions into energy, determination and confidence. I made it a point to set my goals and do anything I needed to do to achieve them
It was always there. It was within me. All I needed was to find it and I did.
RX: In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
TM: If referring to competing in a sport, even on amateur level, there are those individuals who are blessed with a natural athletic ability. Then there are those who are fortunate to begin their athletic careers at a young age and simply master things at a later time because of their experience. However, for those who chose an athletic career, specifically bodybuilding and fitness, during a later course in their lives, hard work and determination can certainly compensate for that lack of natural ability. I have seen many athletes transform their bodies when it almost seemed impossible. Utilizing the right training techniques, nutrition and supplementation can help anyone to succeed. All you need is the right mindset,which bring us to our next question.
RX: What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
TM: It’s simple. Believe in yourself and maintain a positive mindset. Try to control your surroundings and never let anything negative into your world. I know that’s easier said than done. It took some time for me to master my mindset. But once you do, great things will start to happen.
RX: What do you find the most challenging about competing?
TM: That’s an easy one. Try and sit for 8 hours listening to testimony and cross examining witnesses while at the same time making sure you get your meals and supplements in on time!! Maintaining my career as an attorney, while prepping for my shows is the most challenging aspect of competing. As a sole practitioner, my career is not 9-5. I put in 12-16 hour days during the week and catch up with office work and client interviews on the weekends. I only shut my phone off when it’s time to sleep. Here is a typical day in the life of Teresita Morales:
2:45 Wake up, take supps
3:00 am – first meal
4:30 am – gym for training and cardio session
6:30 am – back home to walk my dog, Bam Bam, and get ready for work
8:00 am – In office prepping files for my day in court
9:00 am – 4:30 pm – In court with cases, trials and clients interviews
5:30 pm– 6:30 pm – second session of cardio
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – get things ready for the next day. Spend some time with Bam and it’s time for bed.
My meals are eaten every 2-3 hours and believe it or not, I get them in on time. Sometimes I have to structure my case schedule to allow for my meals but so far, I have been able to do that. Plus, I take a lot of bathroom breaks. LOL!
RX: What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
TM:
1. Believe in Yourself
2. Don’t be afraid to fail. If you do, pick yourself back up and try again.
3. Maintain a positive mindset
4. Always set goals for yourself. Short term and long. Never get comfortable where you are and always strive for more.
5. Maintain a balance with your professional and personal life. This is critical. I know sacrifices have to be made but having a balance will keep you sound, focused and happy.
RX: What is your favorite inspiration quote?
TM: “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’ (Audrey Hepburn).
RX: In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
TM: Prep Team
Oscar Ardon – Coach
Kenny Wallach – Posing Coach
Colette Nelson – Music and routine Choreography
Family, friends and colleagues for all their support and encouragement throughout the years!!!
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