Think you have a packed schedule or have to get up early in order to make it to the gym? Nope. Trust us, you’re wrong. You’ve got nothing on Jessica McCaskill, investment banker by day, boxing champion by night. She holds WBA and WBC World Super-Lightweight titles, and is a proud Chicago girl boss. She will defend her titles against her old foe Erica Farias at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena on Saturday October 12, and you can still get tickets to cheer her on {TIX}! But while she prepares, she took a quick break to inspire us, awe us, and definitely motivate us to get our butts into the gym STAT.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
It’s all going to work out. Just keep being you.
How did you find your way into the ring?
I’ve always been in the gym and have always played sports. As I got older I tried a kickboxing class. I transitioned to boxing and was hooked.
The constant competitiveness draws me in. You are either competing with someone directly across from you in the ring, or competing with your teammates in a training session or just yourself. I don’t think any other sport has the risk like combat sports have. If you don’t train right or execute things correctly, you get knocked out.
How do you balance that world with your full-time job?
The tight schedule is probably the most helpful. I move from one thing to the next on a daily basis. I keep my priorities in view and everything else has to wait.
What is your typical daily schedule?
Some people complain about Mondays but I don’t think they would trade me for mine lol!
- Up by 3:50 AM
- Out of the house by 4:25 AM
- Strength and conditioning training at 4:45 AM
- At my desk to start work by 6 AM
- Lunch around 1 PM to run or do the steam room
- Off of work at 3 PM and head to Body Shot Boxing Club to open it up
- Between 3:30 and 8 PM, I am training and helping with the kids class and adult classes or training other clients
- I make it home hopefully around 8:30 PM
- In bed my 9:30 PM
How can we all stay motivated to fit fitness into our daily schedule?
Start with small goals. Add one thing to your day whether it’s a workout or a meal change. Do your best to set yourself up for success.
Go to bed early or wake up earlier to help with your time. Prepare for the next day before bed to help things run smoother to avoid discouragement.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
There are a few. I was happy to win the WBC title. But taking that back to my old neighborhood and my old grade schools was unbelievable! To share that with kids that are in the same place I once was and to be able to encourage them was an experience I would trade for anything.
I have also paid off my college loans which kind of blows my mind! That was part of the goals I had set, but to actually do it is an amazing feeling.
You have a big fight coming up! Tell us how you prepare?
Mentally, I constantly prioritize my day. I talk to God all the time to keep myself focused. I can see the changes in my body and skill from the last fight. Those are kind of like mental confirmations. I’m on the right path and I’ve done the work. Now it’s just time to fight.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Consistency is key.” – Rick Ramos
The post Women We Love: Jessica McCaskill, WBA and WBC World Super-Lightweight Boxer appeared first on Lux & Concord - A Chicago Lifestyle Blog - A women's lifestyle blog offering inspiration for your closet, career, and more..