Christina Gonzalez Marries Dance with Bodybuilding
by Carolyn Lee May 20, 2019
She’s a choreographer, trained dancer, teacher and fitness enthusiast. She has been carving out her own niche in the entertainment industry with a unique marrying of choreography and bodybuilding. She has done choreography for several dancehall artistes including Kymani Marley, Sean Paul and D’Angel.
Christina Gonzalez has been growing in her craft, setting her own bar for excellence.
She competed on the local bodybuilding circuit, where she’s won the crown of Miss Power Play Bikini in the 2018 competition. Christina also won the Miss Jamaica Bikini Fitness title at the Jamaica Bodybuilding and Fitness Association’s National Championships and Expo.
In this interview, she shares a bit about her journey and offers advice to other fitness enthusiasts.
What is your job title?
I’m a dance choreographer. I’m also currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy at the University of the West Indies, Mona.
What made you decide to merge bodybuilding with dance?
I am a fitness enthusiast. I enjoy taking on challenges that help to further my knowledge of the biomechanics and physiology of human movement. It’s a great learning experience for me and I also get a great body out of it. Win-win.
Why is nutrition or maintaining a healthy lifestyle crucial to you?
Good nutrition improves my quality of life. I am a stronger dancer because of the nutritional choices that I make. It increases what I can do physically. I enjoy better mental health. I also make better decisions when I’m healthy.
Share a bit on a dietary/nutrition plan to follow when someone is just starting to train.
You should try not miss meals. It is recommended that you have a meal break every two to three hours. This is if you are competing and preparing during the competitive season. Avoid baked and fried goods. Drink lots of water. Choose lean meat such as chicken breast, tuna or steak. Include vegetables and ground produce such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, etc. I would also suggest a good protein shake and/or supplement.
What’s a typical work day/week like for you?
It varies. Depending on the day, I’ll teach a couple dance classes, then, go to UWI for classes. I also try to visit the gym two or three times per week.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering following in your career path?
I recommend that you work out at least three times per week in order to gain any benefit. For bodybuilding, during the competitive season, you should try to visit the gym four to five days weekly. While there, spend on average of up to two hours per session.
Outside of dancing and fitness, what else do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy organising and producing children and adult dance shows.
Share one thing about yourself that would surprise your fans/others.
When I was much younger, I wanted to become a soldier.
Where do you envision yourself, professionally, in the next five years?
In the next five years, I’d like to participate in and coordinate socially influential events.
Christina teaches Afro folk and contemporary dance to primary school level students. She also hosts burlesque, dancehall and soca workshops for adults. If you are interested in trying a fresh alternative to your workout regime, connect with Christina on Instagram.