Follow Ashley as she makes her WBFF Debut

From Foodie to Fitness....

I started on this competition journey because I was tired of always telling myself I can’t do something because of this and that. I was tired of all the excuses I came up with. Always doubting myself, thinking negatively, having fears about whatever popped up in my crazy head. What introduced me to do one was my sister's competition. Tiffany competed last year at the WBFF Fitness Atlantic show. When I watched her go through this grueling process and saw the final result, I was so inspired. I couldn’t believe how she and all these girls on stage went through this and actually survived! That night my sister ended up winning first place in her division and received her pro card. I was so proud of her because I witnessed all she had to endure and how much she worked at it. I was truly moved by her hard work and how it all paid off in the end!

But even after I saw my sister compete I still wasn’t really sold. I knew what to expect because I saw her go through it. I saw all the foods she couldn’t have at the end of it and how much time she had to put in at the gym.  I thought I could never do this because I love food way too much. Anyone that knows me knows my love for food! But then something changed and I wanted something more. I was tired of the excuses I gave myself. I wanted to challenge myself in every way possible and I knew competing would do that. My sister was the first one to tell me I could do this. I was shocked at how confident in me she was. I talked with her about it and told her my worries mainly about the food I know I wouldn't be able to have. But then she said, it's not like you won't ever have the foods you love ever again. And I realized she was right. It would only be for a period of time where I couldn't have what I wanted. Right then I knew I wanted to compete not only to see myself physically change but also to see my mentality change. I needed to do this to prove to myself that I could. To be able to shut up all the negative things I kept telling myself. From there, I went to an Elite Heat Comp prep workshop and learned everything I needed to know. I told Tiffany’s coach, Malenna I was ready to compete and the rest is history.

Doing this competition was never about me winning against someone else. It has always been about winning against myself.  When I get on stage, I don’t care about what the other competitors, judges, family, friends, coaches think of me. The only thing that matters that day is what I think of myself. That day is for me to realize how much hard work I put into this, waking up at 5:00 AM to do fasted cardio knowing I am not a morning person, lifting after work, spending hours in the kitchen making meals for the week, eating the same bland meals every day, not being able to eat foods that I enjoy, all the social events I couldn’t attend, staying in the gym for 3-4 hours to get all my workouts in. It was about all the challenges I dealt with on a day to day basis that tested my discipline and dedication with how badly I wanted to do this. I wanted more than anything to be better than the person I was before.

This journey has not only made me a better person but it also gave me confidence about myself that I needed. Comp prep was everything I expected and more. It did exactly what I wanted it to do. It has challenged me in every way possible from the food to the workouts. I look at what I have accomplished and what I have learned about myself through this process and it truly amazes me. I learned that if I want something bad enough I will do anything to get it. I’ve learned that I am stronger than I ever gave myself credit for. I am disciplined, have the drive and focus to accomplish whatever I want in life. It has made me a more confident person and believer in myself. I couldn’t be prouder of the person I am becoming!

The one thing that will always stay with me is what I have been telling myself from the beginning of this journey is I am my only competition when I am on stage and even more so when I am off. Nothing can stop me from what I want to accomplish but me! So, in my eyes, I am already a winner no matter the outcome because I did everything I said I couldn’t do and more. That to me is priceless and worth more than first place. I am so happy and grateful I decided to do this and can’t wait to make my debut on stage!! 

Follow Layona's Health and Transformation Journey!

I am a 47 year old registered nurse from Brooklyn.

Four year ago, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, a smoker,  and developed Type II diabetes in which I had to give myself insulin injections twice a day.  After 6 months of this, I decided I needed to take control of my health.  

I found a nutrition class in my neighborhood and started working out at home, but it wasn't enough. I needed to surround myself with people who had already accomplished the weight loss. I began getting active on social media and was inspired by women who have walked in my shoes and gotten fit. Social media is also where I found Malenna Saunders, WBFF Pro Sheri Newton and the Elite Heat ladies.

Spending time with women that were already so beautiful and fit was intimidating at first, but due to the constant encouragement, and checkins from my teammates, I felt like I belonged.  My transformation is a work in progress but to date, I'm a non smoker, no longer taking insulin shots, lost 35lbs with a start of 300lbs, and is still working on getting off the high blood pressure medication.  By working out regularly and keeping a healthy diet, I hope to reach my ultimate goal of competing as a fit model competitor.

With Sheri's help, I feel I will reach my goal. I hope to inspire others to take control of your health. I feel this especially for people in the medical profession, doctors, nurses, etc who should lead by example.  My brother has also been inspired to proceed with his own transformation with Sheri's help.

I would like to thank my family, friends and my Elite Heat sisters for all their encouragement and support!

WBFF Fit Model and Bikini Competitor Jasmine

Normally, the write ups are submitted from the athlete's perspective. Since this athlete posted from a previous show, we are doing something different and presenting from the coach's angle.

"Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it, or learn from it.' -- The Lion King

COACH's CORNER

When I was choosing pictures for this write up, the above picture was EVERYTHING, but let me start from the beginning. 

Jas joined the team 2 years ago, almost exactly. At 22, she was the youngest on our team and if her energy and spunky attitude didn't tell you that, the fact that she hails at a towering 5 feet tall didn't help.  Working with her initially was a different challenge. Most of the ladies were older, already working professionals, some married so priorities SLIGHTLY different than a young, fresh out of college sorority girl. We had to put things like parties, alcohol and junk food on the back burner. Jas has always had an amazing support system so with the help of her mother (food preparer), father (motivator) and sister (voice of reason) she pulled things together and in the fall of the same year, competed in her first show, WBFF Rhode Island. Placing top 5 in her first, show, she did really well coming out of the blocks.

Second show quickly approached the following summer, WBFF NY 2015. She graced the stage with 6 other ladies from the team and took a stab at the Fit Model category.  She didn't have a placement in this show, and I knew she was disappointed, but she was determined to hit the stage again. She had her sister's wedding to prepare for later that year, and financially, as well as mentally wanted to be in the right mindset so decided to wait until at least spring of 2016. At the end of 2015, we revisited the conversation and moved forward with a fresh mindset but also an accountability change. How the stage isn't owned by your competition, but by you. How you need to bring your BEST no matter who shows up because THAT is the only thing within your control. How WINNING is about your mentality, and perception. Not the judgement of 5-7 strangers sitting at a long table in front of you.

 

FAST forward to the first picture. The GIRL I met 2 years ago has grown to the WOMAN pictured above. Focused, dedicated, hard working, determined, relentless,..unbroken. It's one thing to try something. You don't always win, and you don't always get what you want. The winners get up, and try again and again, knowing that the outcome isn't as important as getting better. 

Jasmine has continued to bring a better package each time to the stage...July 30th is no exception. Check out her updates on IG @jleeabreu and visit www.wbffshows.com for ticket info if you are in the area!!