Elite Heat Spotlight: Dorothy

Like any newly engaged bride, I was desperate to shed some pounds and rock a svelte, sexy body in my wedding gown. I found a lifebooker deal for Phoenyx Fitness, and it was love at first throw up with Malenna. After the first initial brutal workout with her, I lost some weight and felt stronger and fitter than ever. But weddings end and once you've got that guy and took pictures in that dress, it was time for the gut to come out to make room for all the things delicious: burger, cheese fries, mac & cheese, cheesy cheese, dessert, followed by more cheese...you get the picture. It was not uncommon for me to work out for an hour and a half, and then walk to the Shake Shack across the street and justify it with "Oh I must have burned 500 calories, which means I can totally have the 3000 calorie double shack burger with a side of cheese fries...I worked hard for it!" Needless to say, I remained heavier than ever with this great workout regiment of mine.

 No more boot camp, more excuses not to go to the gym, and just kettlebell class barely keeping me from looking like a member of the Klump Family. And then I started to notice certain members of the kettlebell class literally shrinking before my eyes. They did all the exercises like pros, were thin but strong and just looked good. I started to hear whispers of this secret society called the Elite Heat and boy did it sound well elite! I had to find out their secret.

 I learned that most of the girls were chosen by Malenna and were training for fitness competitions. And the biggest change other than their workouts???  Their diets. I knew in order to get and maintain the body I wanted, I would need to make changes and stop justifying eating bad food by working out. It's not easy to say no to cheese or desserts, but once I started learning about how much sugar was in a banana, I had to start imaging that the foods I knew were bad for me were also disgusting, and it forced me to be creative with recreating my favorite foods with healthier options. I love the support of the other women working towards the same goals and it's great to see the camaraderie and encouragement amongst the group. I see some changes in my body already and I am looking forward to making this lifetime change to a slimmer sexier me as a member of the Elite Heat.

The Heat's First Photoshoot

When we began this journey, the motivation, aside from getting into competition shape, was to prep for a photo shoot midsummer.  We would have never imagined how much fun the event would be or how great the pictures would turn out. Here is a mini video of the event.  Photography was done by the fabulous SFX Photography and the make up was done by up and coming artist Dorothy Rodriguez. We are on our way to our October and November goals for comp!

Elite Heat Spotlight : Courtney

I remember being a kid and running track competitions every weekend.  My dad would speed walk (practically run) my sister and I about 1.5 miles to the location.  We would run a few races, then speed walk home.  I suppose I attribute his inability to walk like a normal human being to really sparking my passion for fitness.  So, in the many moons since my track days, I began trying new, interesting things...always up for a challenge and a change of pace. For me, fitness has always been about strength and health.  An insane body is a welcomed perk, but has never been my focus.  I joined the Heat after practically harassing Malenna about it for a couple of weeks. It was intimidating and I was drawn into the challenge. I expected to be pushed, and possibly more than that.  I was attracted to the commitment you are forced to make to YOURSELF. This phenomenal group of super women have been able to beautifully balance the blend of individual and team efforts.  It's been just a few weeks and I feel supported and motivated like never before!!  Life is all about pushing through, growing and evolving.  When my body is happy, I am strong in mind and spirit...and I am absolutely convinced I can take on the world!!! Maybe even Mars!

Elite Heat Spotlight: Aleida

I have been working out for quite some time now.  Since becoming a member of Phoenyx Fitness, and now the Elite Heat team, I find that I am becoming more serious about working out and being fit and healthy.  I really enjoy finding new and creative ways to make healthy and delicious meals.  What made me decide to join the Elite Heat Team?  After attending one of Malenna's shows, I did think about the possibility of doing a show, but decided against it because I am pretty shy and I didn't think my body could look like most of the competitors on the stage.  When I saw the first round of Elite Heat members and their transformations, it gave me some confidence that I can be competition ready.  I never thought that I would be considering doing fitness competitions, but if I spend so much time working on my body, why shouldn't I enter a competition?  At this moment, I am just going to stay focused and become the best me I can be and enjoy this journey we are embarking on.