Before I was born, both of my parents were bodybuilders and have always tried to help me find a love for fitness, but I was very stubborn. It wasn’t until my freshman year of college, during one of the lowest points in my life, where my mom told me to try to find parts of the gym that I enjoy. I went to the smallest gym possible and wouldn’t go if anyone else was in the gym due to insecurity of doing things wrong or people seeing me (as I had a very bad self image). I made it a New Years resolution to keep going and the more I went, the more confidence I had and the more love I found for lifting. I taught myself through endless research and I don’t think that me a year ago would even recognize me today or think that I would have an Instagram account promoting fitness/self love !
STREIGNTH ATHLETE JESS LUKAWSKI
Fitness Influencer | Holmdel, New Jersey
Meet JESS Lukawski
"Hey guys! My name’s Jess Lukawski and I am a college student from New Jersey! I began lifting about a year ago and fell in love with it. Personally, my goals are to help people find a genuine love for their bodies as well as ways to properly fuel/train them. My main goal, however, is to break the stigma that “strength is manly” and “lifting makes you bulky”. Growing up, I never started lifting because I didn’t think that women were “supposed to”, and so many people are still in this mindset; this is why I promote self love and the FACT that strength is beautiful! I also love to connect with everyone possible to be able to create an amazing support system for everybody & root everyone on when they crush their goals :). I also am very transparent on my social media accounts to promote viewing imperfections as perfections and to prevent insecurities to the best of my ability. I am on my school’s powerlifting team & keep a happy balance between powerlifting and bodybuilding. When I’m not lifting, I am studying to become a Special Education teacher in North Carolina and I love exploring nature :)."
Q&A with JESS LUKAWSKI
WHAT GOT YOU INTO THE FITNESS LIFESTYLE
Who are your Heroes and why
My heroes are my family. They provide me constant support through anything and everything while also pushing me to my full potential. My hero outside of my family is Stefi Cohen, as she truly helped show me that strength is something to be proud of and to this day motivates me to become the best version of myself.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY
“When you’ve reached the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on.”
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE OF ALL TIME
Bench Press :)
WHAT DOES "REIGN FROM WITHIN" MEAN TO YOU
To me, “reign from within” means to be your own motivation. YOU are in charge of your life and YOU are the one who must push yourself beyond your limits. Every single person has a place on this earth and it is up to you to share your passions, strengths, and positivity with the world. :)
WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST MOTIVATION (WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING)
Honestly, past me keeps me going. I look at how negative my environment, lifestyle, and headspace towards myself was and I push to be a person that past me would be proud of or look up to.
HOW HAS STREIGNTH CHANGED YOUR LIFE
This company is so transparent. When I first started lifting, my social media was FLOODED with fake fitness companies who used only well known models and photoshop to promote their products. This brand uses REAL, AUTHENTIC lifters who all share the same idea of promoting healthy lifestyles and mentalities. Being surrounded by such a positive group motivates me daily and allows me to comfortably be myself.
watch JESS' athlete video here:
FOLLOW JESS ON HER SOCIALS:
Even though she just started lifting a year ago, Jess has always been interested and passionate about fitness. Once she faced the fear of being judged by others and started lifting heavy, Jess got addicted to the progress- and she's been growing both physically and mentally ever since.
Jess wants to break the status quo that women aren't supposed to be muscular and strong. She wants to show STRONG IS BEAUTIFUL and inspire the female fitness industry while promoting self-love.
Jess completely embodies the Streignth Mentality and wants to make a difference in as many lives as possible. We are ecstatic to now have her help lead The Lion Order.
Are you ready to join our movement of positivity?
