BYU student by day, bodybuilder by night

Marissa Cameron is a Brigham Young University student by day, but in her free time, she competes in bodybuilding competitions.

Marissa Cameron was a cheerleader in high school. After finishing school and coming to BYU, she was done with cheerleading, but still enjoyed exercise.

She connected with the coach she has today and has been preparing for and competing in competitions ever since.

Marissa Cameron was surprised by how intense the schedule can be.

"It is crazy how much eating is the majority of what you do," Marissa Cameron said. "It's buying the food, it's getting your meals all figured out, that is the majority of my time."

This has come with some struggles, because Marissa Cameron has a gluten allergy.

Her sister, Arianne Cameron, said that it hasn't always been easy for Marissa Cameron.

"It was really hard for her to ever really put on muscle or digest food in the best way, so it's been crazy to see her not only overcome that but go farther and do bodybuilding," Arianne Cameron said.

Marissa Cameron has also had to overcome insensitive comments from people who don't support her.

"I think there is a balance in everything you do. Some people might see that bodybuilding is very extreme, very vain, but it's all about your mindset and how you go about it," Marissa Cameron said.

On top of bodybuilding, Marissa Cameron makes time for friends, family, church, school and a part-time job.

"She just never quits, no matter what. It doesn't matter if she is tired that day or if she isn't feeling the best; she is always consistent," Arianne Cameron said.

Bodybuilding requires significant mental and physical discipline, and Marissa Cameron balances the sport while attending BYU.