Yessenia Canales: HYROX Athlete, Fitness Influencer, and Animal Pak Ambassador in Mexico

Yessenia Canales is much more than just an influencer; she is a master of many trades. Born and raised in Mexico City, one of the world's largest and most competitive cities worldwide, she has become highly skilled at shaping adversity into success. 

  Although she entered the modeling world at only 17 through fitness competitions and brand collaborations, she had a passion for fitness and disagreed with the imagery fashion agencies projected of young women: anorexic, sickly and weak. She continues to build her physique with a different standard: strength, sensuality and Femininity. 

Early on while training at Body Trainer Gym Mexico City, she began modeling at tradeshows and other fitness minded companies such as clothing apparel and supplement companies. Currently, she works as an athlete and influencer for Animal Pak and continues to build her presence within the fitness and lifestyle space, combining her athletic career with modeling opportunities aligned with performance and wellness.

   Where does Yessenia compete? Yessenia first competed in Mexican bodybuilding at age 18 and continued for several consecutive years in the Bikini Wellness category. After a break during the pandemic, she returned to competition in 2025 in Mexico under the NPC (American league), participating in three events as a natural Bikini Wellness athlete.

This discipline has been fundamental in shaping her mindset, discipline, and overall development as an athlete.

   But that's not the only sport Yessenia competes in. Yessenia has become a master in the fastest growing sports trend worldwide: Hirox. At the end of her last bodybuilding season, she decided to evolve as a hybrid athlete and transition into HYROX. On March 13, 2026, she competed in her first HYROX event in Mexico, achieving a podium finish—3rd place in the Women’s Doubles Open division. "It was an incredible experience that challenged me both physically and mentally. HYROX made me feel like a complete athlete, pushing my limits beyond aesthetics and into true performance. It reinforced my belief that limits are mostly mental," states Yessenia. 

   Yessenia has also developed a digital platform called ARMYOFONE, designed to support individuals at all fitness levels. Additionally, she trains and collaborates at a functional training center in Mexico City called "Ruthless Fitness House," where she continues to grow both as an athlete and as part of a performance-driven community. She has been creating several multimedia channels and a ton of content. And of course, Animal Pak has been heavily involved: "I have been working with Animal Pak Latino for almost two years, and it has been a key partnership in my athletic journey. The brand has consistently supported my goals and trusted my vision as I continue to grow professionally.

With their support, I have achieved important milestones, including first-place finishes in bodybuilding, winning an Overall title in NPC competitions, and earning a podium position in HYROX. Their backing has been fundamental in my development as a professional athlete and representative of the brand." 

Favorite supplements from Animal Pak; "These products play a key role in my performance, recovery, and overall health."

My favorite supplements from Animal Pak include:

Animal Whey Protein

Creatine Chews

Animal Pak Multivitamins

Fury Pre-workout

   So what's next for Yessenia? " I am focused on taking my performance in HYROX to the next level. Upcoming competitions include HYROX Puebla, Acapulco, and Mexico City.

Looking ahead, I would also love to compete internationally—events like HYROX Rio de Janeiro are part of my goals for the end of the year. With continued discipline and consistency, I am committed to elevating both my performance and the brands I represent. Yessenia will also be hosting a large Activation at Ruthless Gym this May 23 in Mexico City, modeling for Spanish Fitness Media at the "Fit Weekend"  May 2 & 3, and of course, presenting at The "Cage in Mexico City" during Welleness Weekend October 1-4 also in Mexico City. 

WHERE CAN PEOPLE SEE YOU NEXT (ON TV OR IN PERSON):

You can see Yessenia on reality TV through Paramount Plus and MTV in “La Venganza de los Ex VIP 5.” Yes, Yessenia frequently particpates in open aire Realty TV programs in Spanish. 

SOCIAL:

Instagram: @yescanales

TikTok: @yescanaless