Cherish Each Moment – Jessica Mone’s Hardbody Road to The Arnold


You may be wondering… Jessica Mone, who dat? Jessica Mone is none other than 2014 Bikini International competitor, Jess Paxson. Jessica is back to share her journey to the Arnold stage and what she’s been up to over the last year, marriage being one of the many things. The blonde beauty finished fifth at last year’s Bikini International and is looking to not only match that placing and surpass it  this year. She reminds us all that there’s more to life than counting calories and getting too wrapped up in a show prep.

Jessica Paxson Mone Arnold Hardbody


A New Year New… A New Name?? 😉

Hello everyone! I’m excited that Hardbodynews.com has invited me back for another Road to the Arnold guest blog! I figured I would fill you in on what has been going on in my life since the last time I stepped on stage.

It wasn’t the plan but the 2013 Bikini International was my one and only show in 2013. I was so excited to place 5th at the show and celebrate my 30th birthday, a few days after the show, in the best shape mentally, physically and emotionally of my life. That was my goal going into prep last year.

I was planning on doing at least one more show, but as the title of this blog states… I had a wedding to plan ☺. I married my husband, Blair Mone, on August 10, 2013 and enjoyed every second of planning and enjoying that time in our lives. We enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon and soaked up that special time! I never stopped training hard and sticking to a healthy clean eating lifestyle (but of course I indulged as well ;)).

I spent a lot of time focusing on my leg and glute training as that is something that I wanted to work on with my physique. I hadn’t had a full year off competing since I turned Pro in 2005 and made my pro debut in 2006. Not only was it good for me mentally but I feel like my physique will show the time off was a good thing as well.

As I go into my 11th year competing I’m finally figuring out this whole balance thing ☺. We as competitors tend to become all consumed with each bite of food we put in our mouths, each step we take on the treadmill, what show is next… measuring our lives in “how many weeks out am I?”… when we get a second to step away from it all and really take in the special moments in our lives without the distraction of contest prep, the truly important things in life tend to become even more appreciated.

A lot of my blogs focus on things outside of meal prep and training. Don’t get me wrong, I am focused and still love to train and compete. I just feel passionate about sharing the lessons I’ve learned that have made me realize just how important balance is in life.

I let this industry consume me for quite some time and let me tell you, it only led to disappointment bitterness, resentment and unhappiness.

Recently, my best friend lost a young friend of hers suddenly and tragically. It has really made me think even more about my own life and what I am doing to give back and make an impact living out my passion and purpose in life. Don’t let a competition or anything else consume you so much that you don’t enjoy the little things in life…because when the 12 week prep is up, that friend that you blew off because you had another 30 minute cardio session to do and asparagus to eat, just may not be there when you are done. Take time to reevaluate your priorities in life, I promise you won’t regret it.

Sorry to get all heavy on this first blog! Ha! I promise all the blogs won’t have such a serious tone; this has just been something that has been weighing on me that I wanted to share. Please write to me in the comments or tweet me at @JessFit with some suggestions on topics you would like for me to write about in future blogs.

We are just about six weeks away from the 2014 Arnold Classic and I am itching to get back up on that stage once again! This year I plan on competing in a few more shows than I normally do, so I am excited to see what the 2014 competitive season brings!

Thanks for reading! God bless!

Jessica Mone

Cherish Every Moment






Disclaimer: Reader discretion advised, please consult your physician before beginning any exercise or diet program.