No one covets a stressful childhood. So we can’t help but be inspired by J’zotta Rolle’s rise from her early life struggles. The 32-year-old Health and Fitness Expert didn’t let her unpredictable upbringing stop her from pursuing some jaw-dropping goals. Keep reading to get inspired by the lifestyle influencer.   

Tell us how your winning photo came about?  

I felt really cute in my outfit after coaching a good sweaty, fun HIIT class on Zoom. 

Please share your fitness journey with us.

I was adopted as a newborn by my aunt and uncle. Living in the projects (ghetto) in poverty wasn’t easy. But what was even harder is that at the age of 9, I learned that who I thought was my extended family was actually my immediate family.  On my 9th birthday, I was left at my birth mother’s house with a promise that they will pick me up in two days, but that day never came. One of my brothers, losing the “baby spot,” made it very clear that I am not welcome there, but he warmed up to me as time passed. 
Adding to the story: as a dark-skinned, quiet, skinny black girl, I got picked on a lot in school as well. My brothers taught me boxing and always tried to protect me, but no one can protect your feelings when people tell you things. I wasn’t so popular or happy, to say the least. I found myself running when I was sad. I remember racing my brothers down the street and being allowed to play football with the boys because I was fast enough not to get tackled. Once my parents discovered I had a natural gift for running, they enrolled me in a summer track & field program. As I stepped on a sports journey, I started to open up, got confident, and felt superhuman. 
My accomplishments are:

• I was a four-year letter winner in Edgewater High school for Cross Country, Basketball, and Track. 
• Won the 6A girls basketball state championship with a free throw average of 99%
• Finished third at the Florida 4A state meet in the 300 hurdles category. 
• Won the Golden South Classic in the 400 hurdles category and qualified for the 2007 Junior Olympic Games.
• Continued my journey as a successful Division I student-athlete at Jacksonville University. 
• 4 times NCAA regional qualifier, three times individual conference champion, ten times all-conference honoree, and 14 times conference scorer. 

Sports and fitness became my everything. I wanted to share this feeling with everyone. So I decided to use all my resources and focus on health on a bigger scale. I moved to Miami and pursued the dream to be a “Fitness Guru.”
I became a full-time trainer (CPT, GFI, ANS) and have changed many people’s lives (women, men, children, ages 7-65 yrs), including special population and high profile clients. The most rewarding is being a part of people’s success in overcoming obstacles, seeing them happier, living better, and creating lasting trustful relationships.
Besides getting people through their struggles, making people healthier, sexier, and happier, I wanted to be an inspiration for all. 
My message is truly for everyone: “No matter your skin color, your size, your gender, sexuality, choice of sport, or what others think. As long as you do your best and feel good, it’s enough. Just be confident, because you are beautiful and great. If you ever feel alone or down, think about how much you’ve been through already and you’re still standing. Come darkest hours or the brightest time, remember you can do it, and I’m here as well to help you to bring the best version out of you.”
As a reminder of this message to myself, I decided to compete again, this time in fitness. In 2016, I was in a learning phase, but the second time in 2018, with my husband’s expertise, I reached new levels:

• Top10 first call in 2016 NPC Florida GP – Open Bikini category
• 2nd place accolade at 2018 NGA Ultimate Fitness Championships – Open Bikini

After all, with hundreds of satisfied clients and over a decade of solid experience in strength and athletic training, body transformation, boxing, group fitness, and advanced nutrition, I’ve evolved into a rapidly growing, powerhouse influencer in the ever-changing fitness industry and I am unstoppable.

We believe fitness + friendship = FUN! What is your favorite group fitness workout?

I love all types of group fitness, mainly because of the social support aspect of it. It’s wonderful to see people motivated and helping each other. Even the little competitions between gym buddies bring a smile to my face. If I need to choose one, it probably would be boxing. I love to teach boxing, it’s a whole different beast. You get to learn a new skill (it’s relatively new to most people) and release stress while getting in shape. 

While working out is essential, so is eating the right foods. What is your go-to pre-workout meal? 

It might sound cliche, but oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder is my all-time go-to. So versatile. You can make it in many ways, and it’s delicious. It gives me the fuel my body needs for my hardcore workouts. If I don’t have time or my workout is boxing or some type of cardio for the day, then I opt for a shake (1 scoop protein, 1/4-1/2 scoop mass, and one scoop super-greens mix)

How do you refuel after a workout?

 I like to lift heavy and mostly do it early in the morning, so for me, the most common post-workout meal would be 3-4 eggs with either cheesy grits or avocado toast. But I don’t steer away from a good bowl of stir-fried noodles with eggs either.

What is one item that is always in your gym bag?

I always have a snack in my bag to help curve cravings. 
What are your top 3 fitness Instagram accounts to follow? @Prettygirlsweat
@setbody.beauty
@H3ybestie

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I love to watch animal planet and the discovery channel. 

What are your top three goals you hope to accomplish in life?

I do my best to be a true inspiration for as many people as possible and add actual value to humanity.

1. I want to leave a legacy of making the world better through health and fitness. 
2. To explore the planet as much as I can and experience life to the fullest. I love to travel and participate in breathtaking activities like swimming with sharks.
3. Most importantly, be a great leader for young black women (POC) and encourage them to be unapologeticly themselves. 

What does PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT mean to you? 

Community, support, leadership, and sisterhood. 

Since PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT, what is your favorite deodorant? 

Secret 

Favorite Quote:

“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson

How can readers stay in touch with you on social media? 

All social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Clubhouse, Youtube) @fitgirlbomb, @itsthewinners on TikTok. Join my classes/fitness challenges at setbodybeauty.com. Become a part of a motivating community when you create a profile at SET body & Beauty.