Follow Tiffany as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini DEBUT!!!

My journey to the stage is a funny one. I look back and think, "How did I get here?".  It seems it was always in the cards for me....

I'm 5'11" with an athletic build.  The athletic build is really accredited to my "Johnson shoulders"  Everyone in my family has them. Like we never needed shoulder pads!  I was a competitive cheerleader in high school.  We were required to run a mile, lift and fly girls in the air and get though a three minute routine with a smile.  Don't get me wrong.  I considered myself an athlete as a cheerleader because all of those things were hard, challenging, and took team work to accomplish.  But I kept getting pegged for this 'athlete' who played some kind of ball, swam or ran some kind of race. The truth was, that I hated gym class and really hated when they would make us go to the weight room.  My idea of fit was on some kind of cardio machine or in cheer practice. A girl had no business being in the weight room.  It didn't help either when I entered college that I was the manager on the girls' basketball team.  People still think I played on the team. Clearly they didn't attend any games.

A few years later, I was living in Brooklyn and joined a gym.  Fitness had always been in my life.  As a kid, my mother was a jazzercise queen.  So, it was natural to join a gym and get back on the elliptical, take some dance classes and lose some weight.  I had gained a few pounds during my transition from the quiet suburbs of NJ to the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, and the abundance of fast food places open after 9PM!!!  That's where I discovered pole fitness. After months and months of practice, I was able to lift myself up in the air and do 'tricks' while I was up there.  I was addicted. It had become my adult cheerleading.  I had completely forgotten about losing weight and just focused on sticking the next 'trick'.  Before I knew it, my athletic build was showing up even more and I could do pushups and pull ups with ease.  I was getting stopped on the train with people asking me how I got my arms so toned  The faces when I told the what I was doing was hilarious.

I was amazed how stron I was getting , how much I loved my new body with muscle tone and wanted to get stronger, but just didn't know how.  I heard it over and over again to get in the weight room.  But that place was just not a place I saw many women. I didn't like the idea of being in that area with a bunch of dudes who would probably be looking at  like why is she here.  In reality, I would be looking at myself asking 'why are you here?  You have no clue what you are doing'

I continued to take bootcamp classes where the free weights were bright colors and I had an instructor tell me what to do.  I loved it all so much that it grew into me teaching not only conditioning classes, but also pole classes.

I was teaching 4-6 times a week and really loving every moment of it. As an instructor you don't realize how much you influence people's lives.  I had many students come to me and tell me how grateful they were for the words I said in class or pushing them to their limit, only for them to exceed what they thought they could do.  This in turn made me think about my limits.  How could I push Tiffany above and beyond what she thought she could do

Luckily, I ran into a friend/coworker at the pole studio and I noticed her dramatic weight loss and muscle gain. I asked her immediately ' What are you doing? What is your secret?' You look amazing.

She told me she was competing. I naturally thought she meant pole. Instructors at the studio are always competing. She told me about a bikini competition.  We had a pretty lengthy discussion about the process and what she was doing and when it was, I was so intrigued.  I went on to teach class and she said if I was interested to let her know.  Weeks had gone by and I thought maybe this was the challenge I was looking for? Maybe I can set this goal to one day hit the stage, and work really hard and 'leave it all on the floor' as we would say in cheerleading.

My first bootcamp with Malenna had transpired shortly after.  And after the first class, I knew she would be a great coach.  I started with her transformation programs to get me into the groove adn told her I was interested in competing in the future, but not right now. I had just gotten engaged and now it was about being fit for the wedding, but after the wedding I was super serious about this bikini competition thing.



A week after my wedding, I emailed Malenna and told her 2015 was the year I was going to do this. Set a goal, work hard, and 'leave it on the floor'. I knew a few things about this journey from the start.
1. Getting my husband on board was going to be a challenge .  2. I would have to tackle that weight room I had been ignoring since high school. 3. It would be both challenging mentally and physcially 4. with God all things are possible.

This Journey
I can say that after 6 weeks of nagging my husband to compete, he finally said 'yes'  After a few more weeks, he finally asked the details of what it all entails, showing his undivided attention and full support of my competition.  I am happy to say I now help out guys in the weight room. HA!  I feel very comfortable asking to use a machine or jump in on sets.  I am well respected in any gym I set foot in, and even get called a 'beast' with some of the crazy things my coach has me doing.  The weight training has actually empowered me not only as a woman, but as a human.  I will never set limits on my capabilities. I also know life hands us these huge challenges and honestly if I can give up cheese and bread, life's challenges are a piece of cake...had to give that up too!

I initially set this goal to challenge myself, which I did. What I didn't expect were the extra things that came along with this journey 1. A greater understanding of self worth and self love. 2. The woman's body is incredible and to love it during every stage and change (6 pack rolls, 6 pack abs, pre/post baby body) 3. if you give it your all, you will always win 4. the new friendships of 3 amazing ladies who have shared this journey with me 5. I am and will always be an athlete. 6. My love and admiration for my coach. She is one incredible woman. 7. An even stronger belief that with God all things are possible.

I set a goal...I worked hard...and on April 11th, I'll leave it on the floor....

Photo Credit SXF Photography

Follow Kiya as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini DEBUT!!!

Throughout my adolescence, I was always active in extra-curricular activities such as sports, theatre, and dance, to name a few. As I became an adult, I wanted to 'be healthy' so I joined a gym near my job and started taking classes, as I didn't want to be that person attempting to use the free weights.  I made sure I got a weight class or two in during the week and not just cardio dance classes.  My weight would fluctuate between 5-10 pounds at any given time and getting to my 'dream weight' always seemed so far away.

I found out about The Elite Heat through my boyfriend's cousin, Daphne. She had recently competed in Fitness Atlantic (2014) and her body looked amazing.  I thought to myself "Wow, she looks great. I need to get my body like that."  A few months passed an she posted about having an informational workshop in July for people interested in competing.  At the time, I thought there would be a slight possibility I may go on stage, but I wanted to see what the Elite Heat was all about.

I subsequently attended the formal workshop with the other potential competitors and current Elite Heat members.  I got a more in depth perspective on the world of bodybuilding.  I still wasn't 100% sure about competing, but it increased my interest even more.  The next weekend was the WBFF NYC show in Manhattan, so I talked my friend into going with me and we attended the preliminary morning show.  There were 5 women from the Elite Heat competing in the show, and I needed to see for myself what competing was all about.  Once I saw the show, I was sold on what my next step would be..competing in my first fitness show! I didn't know much about the show, but I knew the federation was for me.  The glitz, glam and pageantry of the WBFF had me sold!

During and after the show, I saw the comraderie of the Elite Heat team and thought that was something I wanted to be a part of. I officially started my preparatin and training in August and it was definitely a shock to my system because of all the foods I couldn't eat and getting used to my new workout regiment.  However, I stuck with it, and completed a 24 day cleanse and I lost 7lbs.  I was losing weight, however, I cannot continue to eal all the foods I like forever. I slowly re-introduced those foods in to my system in hopes of a happy medium.








Speed up to three months and Thanksgiving, and I partook in my last 'unhealthy' meal knowing that the following week, I would officially begin my competition diet and workout plan for my competition in April.  Being 18 weeks out seemed so far away, and I was down a total of 12 lbs since I had started. Looking at pictures of some of my Elite Heat members, I was still in disbelief about how I would become show ready with a toned body in only 5 months.  My family thought I was crazy for doing a competition .  I started to to see my body change, and wanted to continue my journey.  Now I stand 30 lbs lighter, and I feel the best about myself in a very long time.  With 4 days left until my first competition, I cannot wait to make my debut at FITNESS ATLANTIC on April 11th!!!

Go April Inferno!!

Follow Gehan as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini DEBUT!!!

My journey started some time ago, when my doctor recommended that I lose weight. Being 5'1" and weighing in at 160lbs, the recommendation was sensible. However, what prompted the weight loss was the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, which is an autoimmune disease in which bleeding ulcers form in the large intestines.  Symptoms include bleeding, bloating, and pain triggered by certain foods and stressors.

I met Malenna when I first joined the gym, and my journey of attaining a new healthier life began.  I went from 160lbs to 142lbs. I was excited of my initial weight loss, but hit a plateau.  I then saw posters for women interested in competing. Competition never crossed my mind...let me repeat that. NEVER CROSSED MY MIND!!!  I told Malenna my body wasn't made for competing. lol.   However, Malenna asked if I wanted to attend the workshop.  I agreed more so to support her than any interest in competing.

Hearing some of the stories the competitors shared about their transformations inspired me to sign up for the program, initially just for weight loss.  I then went from 142lbs to 124lbs, when my program ended in Nov 2014.  Mid November, Malenna asked if I signed up for the program again, I should think about competing.  Malenna is very honest. I knew that if she were suggesting competing, then this could be a real possibility for me.

Photo Credit SFX Photography

I sit here writing this, 4 days away from my first show, WBFF Fitness Atlantic.  As I reflect on my journey and all the hard work that has culminated to this moment, I am excited, scared...and craving chocolate.  But I can transform my body and mind with the obstacle of my autoimmune disease. I can really do what I want with the will and discipline.

Follow Alice as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini DEBUT!

Looking back at my fitness journey, it is amazing how I have evolved and grown! Not only physically, but mentally and spiritually.  I put on some mass, and sculpted my body with muscle.  At the same time, I have challenged myself mentally, in the discipline of pushing myself to train, to not make excuses, to push beyond the fatigue, and the pain.  And, more importantly, I have found peave and joy in a sport and to live this wonderful lifestyle with the love and support of my team, the Elite Heat- I am truly grateful.

Growing up, I was not very fitness-minded.  I was naturally thin and never had problems with weight gain. Therefore, I never paid much attention to proper nutrition or food. Then in my late teens and twenties, I modeled professionally with FORD and Wilhelmina in NYC, so I would rely on doing cardio to make sure I maintained my slender figure.  Doing cardio was the only exercise I knew and did not feel intimidated by it.  It was self explanatory, and I equated me sweating to having an 'effective' workout.

Fast forward to fall of last year, I came to the realization that despite my efforts at working out at Soul Cycle, 3-4 times a week, and using Beachbody home workout dvds (CLX and 21 Day Fix)I was at an unfortunate plateau.  I was watching my food portions, making my own meals, ate 'clean', no alcohol, and exercised 6 days a week.  With all my time, effort, and money, I thought I should be seeing more results.  However, I was not seeing physical changes for over 3 months.  I was at a dead end and unsure of how to break through.

That was when I realized that I needed professional help.  While general exercise dvd's were convenient, I wanted a professional who could look at my body, my health history, and tell me what I can do to reach my fitness goals. I realized that generalized plans were no longer effective for me.

So, as any Generation Y would do, I turned to my trusty Google for my research. I came across a Wall Street Journal article by a reporter who embarked on a fitness competitor journey with the help of personal trainer, Malenna Saunders. I was intrigued! So, I reached out to Malenna and we had a conference call.  I was impressed with how Malenna paid attention to what I was saying, and really listened to my goals. She had a genuine interest in helping me. I clicked with her authenticity so I knew I had to train with her.

On Sept 11, 2014, I began my fitness journey as Malenna's private client.  Our goal was to be focused on strength training and stop the cardio for the time being. Malenna took me to the gym and showed me hot to workout with proper form. My first time with her at the gym, I was very intimidated, as most women were.  I felt awkward and shy there.  The gym to me was always a place where muscular men worked out and I never felt I fit in.  Thanks to Malenna, I overcame my fear and now I am a proud gym rat and the gym is a happy place!



After 30 days, I was BLOWN AWAY by the major changes in my physique, even though I weighted exactly the same on the scale! I used to be afraid of lifting. I thought I would turn into the Hulk if I lifted weights, or that weights made women bulky..I was SO WRONG!  Then, 2 months later, I told Malenna I wanted to compete! I never thought I would be competing at 31 and with a full time job as an attorney.  But the more I got involved in strength training, the more RESPECT I had for this amazing sport and the dedication it took to reach a competitive stage. I wanted a goal for myself and I wanted to crush it!

I also learned to appreciate small progress, gained patience and the importance of working EVERY BODY PART.  Our bodies are a total pacakge and we need to train every part to be balanced. I loved looking at this progress photo of my side profile where my back looks curved but I was standing the exact same way. Just shows how working all the parts of your body can sculpt your shape.






I am 5 days away from stepping on the WBFF stage with Fitness Atlantic and I am a mix of emotions; excited, nervous, happy and confident!  I am happy knowing that I have given my 100% in this journey.  I am confident in knowing my coach Malenna, Sheri, Daphne and my Elite Heat sisters are the best in the industry and have given me the tools to present my BEST self!  I could not have done it without my Elite Heat family, and my April Inferno teammates.  I LOVE YOU GIRLS!  To be surrounded by a family of genuine, like minded and positive athletes is truly a blessing!

Now, I am ready to represent The ELITE HEAT, and BRING IT!!!