Today we’d like to introduce you to Bri Marshall.
Hi Bri, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before bodybuilding, I was a Division 1 collegiate soccer player. I played soccer from age 3 up to my first year of college. Leading up to reporting for summer preseason at The Citadel, I had endured a significant concussion and was still recovering 4 months post-incident. The doctors released me right before preseason started, and it ended up being too soon as migraines and dizziness made a quick return. I was medically discharged from the Citadel Military College of South Carolina and transferred back home to Columbia, where I finished my bachelor’s at USC. My soccer career, which I had been working for my entire childhood, basically came to an end, and ultimately, I got depressed and gained a bunch of extra weight. Before it got too out of hand, I knew I had to do something. I was tired of not liking how I looked in the mirror. I contacted a bodybuilding coach I knew locally to go into prep for a show, which ended up just being my weight loss journey for my first show. I say this because I didn’t have much muscle, nor was I conditioned enough. You live and learn! I enjoyed the process so much that I kept things rolling and haven’t looked back.
My first show was in 2018, and 3 shows later, I turned pro at the 2020 JR USA National Championships in Charleston, SC. Turning pro at 21 years old while being a full-time college student (taking extra credit hours), plus working 3 different jobs, is something I take pride in. It’s not a typical story you hear every day. In 2021, I competed in my first pro show in Savannah, GA, against Olympians and multiple seasoned pros. I landed in the middle of the pack of 31 beautiful ladies. At that point, I wanted to take a year to grow and put on muscle tissue to compete in 2023. Unfortunately, multiple circumstances prevented me from competing in 2023, so I plan to compete at the end of this year, 2024.
With consistent acts of discipline and staying in routine 95% of the year for the past few years, I am where I am today. With the trials and tribulations I have faced these past few years, I am as mentally strong and determined. Believing in yourself is the best thing you can do for yourself. With it, you may get to where you want to go/end up.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has been a challenging road. I have had a few changes in coaches throughout my bodybuilding career while also enduring minor injuries, gut health issues, and personal life obstacles. But I never eat them, and they get me down. I have learned over the years to look at situations that are going against you as obstacles. Obstacles can always be tackled. You have to have the tenacity to keep trekking forward. Through the challenges I have conquered, I have learned to live by the saying, “It’s not happening to you; it’s happening for you.” Everything happens for a reason!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work full-time as an online health and fitness coach. I have been coaching for the past 4 years. I primarily work with bodybuilding athletes and general population lifestyle clients (weight loss, muscle gain, sports-specific, senior, & youth sports training). For each client, there is a different goal or a different route that has to be taken. Each route and individual are different, so neither should a plan. I program nutrition/meal plans and training programs for all my clients. I am incredibly passionate about helping people change their lives for the better! There is no better feeling than having clients and athletes be proud of themselves for their work and progress while also feeling good about their skin and internal health.
My clients and I have closer relationships than most coaches and athletes due to the amount of communication I uphold with them. Not only are responses timely (because that is a big pet peeve of mine), but I also try to be there for more than meal plans and training programming. External life factors, such as hormonal issues, gut health, and life stressors, can hinder progress. So, I always allow my clients to approach me with any problems. Everything that goes on within our day-to-day lives can affect progress and achieving the goal. I do my best to help clients find solutions to these issues to overcome the obstacles and achieve their goals. I have also worked for HD Physiques (www.HDPhysiques.com) as a fitness model throughout the year! I also get contracted by other companies and photographers to do photoshoots for gym fashion, celebrating the female physique, etc., and filming my training.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
I would only be a coach or business owner with the mentoring of former coaches and the support of clients, my family, and close friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.brimarshallfit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brimarshall__ifbbpro?igsh=bHhzcWQ3aHAxNzl0&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@brimarshallifbbpro?si=zinA-d2l38Bdr2JV
Image Credits
HD Physiques
