We recently connected with Yaritza Medina and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Yaritza thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

If I must choose between all my projects, I would say the most meaningful was participating in the second season of the Exatlon Estados Unidos sports reality show. Exatlon is known as the fiercest competition on the planet, and it was here that I was able to overcome many of my fears, using my focus and drive as a weapon and to bring out the best version of myself. In Exatlon I was nicknamed “La Dura” because they saw the evolution in my athletic performance and my never quit mentality.

I was forced to step out of my comfort zone since we were not allowed to have communication with the outside world (no cellphones or electronic devices), were not provided basic personal items (deodorant, hairbrush, shampoo, etc.), had limited clothing and no daily comforts (refrigerator, chairs, washing machine, microwave, hot water, etc.). Since early on in the competition I battled with a hamstring injury and a stomach illness which forced me to push myself physically and mentally like never before. Unfortunately, after two months of grueling competition, my hamstring injury became worse, and the medical doctors decided that I could not continue competing in order to prevent a more serious injury and therefore I had to leave the show against my will as I wanted to continue and push through the pain and adversity. From this experience I strengthened my positive mindset, discipline, training, and healthy eating. It taught me that with effort, focus and discipline there is no impossible goal.

After the show I received many messages of support and admiration from people around the world and it inspired me to create my fitness brand called ‘Dale Mija’. This phrase is my inner voice and since I was a child, I’ve used it to motivate and remind myself that I can do anything. It fills me with great joy to be able to help people meet their fitness goals and guide them to create a healthy lifestyle through my advice and training programs. Always remember that you can, you are capable, and you will achieve it. Just listen to your inner voice…

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m and actress, fitness trainer, TV host and Professional dancer. Since I was little, I’ve been physically active practicing sports and dancing. I started dancing professionally at the age of 13 years old and have performed in countless concerts, tv shows and music videos with great artists such as JLo, Bad Bunny, Pitbull, Rihanna, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, Daddy Yankee, Nicky Jam, Maluma and Marc Anthony among others.

One of my great passions was always to work on television; my perseverance, discipline and focus have been key to achieving that dream. I’ve been fortunate to have been involved in television shows as a dancer in “Mira Quien Baila”, as an actress in the Netflix series “Mariposa de Barrio”, as one of the hosts of Univision’s sports program “República Deportiva” and as an athlete on the sports reality show “Exatlon Estados Unidos”, to name a few projects.

After my participation in Exatlon Estados Unidos, I decided to create a fitness program which I called “Dale Mija”. With this movement I want you to get to know my lifestyle which has been fundamental during my career to be fit and healthy. I have implemented my knowledge based on my athletic and personal experience. The phrase “Dale Mija”, which can be translated as Go Girl or Do it Girl, is my inner voice and from a very young age I’ve used it to motivate myself and remind myself that I can. Dale Mija has accompanied me in every competition held, behind the cameras, onstage, and above all in every training session.

I’m excited to have launched my first fitness E-book titled Dura Abs Challenge which is a 28 day abs workout challenge designed for all fitness levels. The E-book can be purchased at www.dalemija.com.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I have always been a person who pushes forward against adversity. There have been many moments in my career where I’ve faced difficulties which have required me to be resilient, but having competed for close to two months with a torn hamstring in Exatlon was the hardest physical and mental challenged I’ve ever faced and the fact that I kept pushing through the pain and never quit, allowed me to discover my true inner strength.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I want to help others become the very best versions of themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dalemija.com
• Instagram: @yaritzamdina
• Facebook: Yaritza Medina
• Youtube: Yaritza Medina
• Other: TikTok: @yaritzamdina

Image Credits
Sean Pozin and Kike Flores.

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