Follow Jennifer as she makes her WBFF Diva Fitness Model Debut!!!

The world is my stage..... 

My fitness journey has been just that - a journey.  A journey filled with self doubt and fear.  I've been struggling to lose weight my entire adult life.  I'm a confident girl, but I've never been able to look in the mirror and feel confident about my body.  I would look at the other girls and friends and think , " I wish I had that small waist or tight stomach", but in truth wouldn't stick to a diet long enough to have it. I am an aspiring actress and at the end of the day, the last thought I want to have when I don't book a role is ' Is it because of the way I look?'  My weight has fluctuated over the years but never to a point where I felt like it was my best.  This is where I had it wrong.  I needed to worry less about my weight and more about my lifestyle.  I had to ask myself what does it take to have the body I want.  Well, for starters it takes a lifestyle, not a quick fix diet that will put me back in the same position once it was over.  In the past, I've had personal trainer, worked out 5-6 days a week but I learned all that was useless unless I decided to change the way I eat.

2013 I decided to give it another go.  I was looking for a personal trainer in which I could feel comfortable with and who would motivate me to push myself.   I met Malenna Jan 2013, and shortly learned that she was just what I needed and more.  Although, she had been consistent in doing her part, I was not.  I still wasn't giving it 100 percent.  IT'S HARD. VERY HARD. Food makes me happy.  I needed something sweet everyday to fulfill my cravings.  I started slowly winging myself off tings such as pastas, breads, and alcohol.  After about 6 months of training with her, she started telling me more about her team and about competing.  I wasn't really listening because I didn't think someone like me had the will power to get onstage to compete in a fitness competition.  I didn't think I could be determined enough to say not to my cocktails, bagels, cakes, cookies, and so forth.  Actually, I didn't want to. But how could I get the body I wanted if I wasn't willing to make sacrifices? Well I couldn't.  I would ask her questions and even started searching online for what it took to compete but I stayed quiet for so long about it because i as afraid of saying it out loud. Me compete?  Yeah right.

About 3 months ago, I still wasn't making the progress I wanted to make so I told Malenna that I thought I wanted to compete.  Without hesitation, she said, " Okay. I know you can do it"  She has had so much confidence in me from the beginning and it's because of her confidence and faith in me, that I am doing this. I knew at the end of the day, if I set a goal to compete in a fitness competition, that I would do my absolute hardest because I didn't want to be the 'big girl' onstage next to all the other sexy athletes.

Here I am eleven weeks later and I have to honestly admit that it's been probably the hardest experience of my life.  I struggled the entire time and my biggest one was saying no to sweets.  Sugar is really addictive.  Yes, I failed at time. No I didn't devour cakes and cookies like I used to. The most important thing is I really gave it all I got.  This has definitely been a learning experience.  Do I have the body I always imagined?  No, I don't but I do have the best body I have ever had in my life. I am still earning and struggling.  This isn't the end for me.  In fact, I wanted to compete to make a new beginning for myself.  I wanted to learn self control and discipline so that I could input that in other ares of my life as well.  If I want the body of my dreams. I have to control what I put into it - bottom line.  I've lost more than 20 pounds, and will continue to get better from here.  After this show is over, I will take time to reflect on my mistakes and work hard to get better.  This isnt' over and I'm looking forward to living a git and healthy lifestyle.

Follow Clare as she makes her Fitness America Bikini debut!

Fearless...

"In all my 48 years, I have never owned a bikini. Ever until now"

Something happened to me when I hit my 40's - I woke up one day and was tired of settling for what was staring back at me in the mirror.  Like most women, I struggle daily with body image and tend to see only my flaws.   Given that, the decision to train for a fitness competition is some what difficult for me to explain, even to myself. I've always enjoyed sports in some form as a child. I began running for fitness in college, and have continued with that throughout the years, finishing a couple of marathons and a number of shorter races. But always, in the back of my mind, I wanted a certain look. Why didn't I look like I worked as hard as I felt like I was?

Pushing myself through endless cardio classes didn't seem to be getting me where I wanted to be, but I realized now the issue was in my head. I was afraid to acknowledge that I wanted to look cut, to look athletic.  It seemed shallow to me - if I was healthy, why should I be unhappy with how I looked? Especially when I had a job I loved as well, as a network producer. It seemed unseemly to be complaining about something like my abs.

As an adult, I moved on to sports where looks didn't matter. I learned to play ice hokey at 40 and play on 3 teams.  Having been afraid of team sports, fearing I would be picked last, be the weakest, etc, it's been a joy to experience what being on a team means.  I also took up triathalons four years ago despite a paralyzing fear of swimming.  For the most part, I have been able to work past my fears. All of them except the fear of how I look, and being openly judged about it.  But last year, a number of things happened that changed my outlook.

• surgery on a torn hamstring that would sideline me from most cardio activity for months
• turning 48 which meant 50 was just around the corner

A friend of mine, Kelly Kalley, did her first bikini fitness competition with WBFF in Montreal.  A fashion designer with a great sense of style, Kelly seemed fearless. I remember saying to her that I couldn't imagine putting myself out there to be judged in that way.  But her journey intrigued me more and more as it went on, and I resolved to get past my surgery and refocus my training.  If she could stay so impressively fit without a lot of  cardio, I wanted to see if I could do it as well.  But the training is only half the battle. As they say, you cannot train a bad diet, and I needed real help. That's when an article in the Wall Street Journal, by a woman who reminded me of, well me, caught my eye. Alyssa Abkowitz-Cendrowski wrote a great story about her coach Malenna Saunders, and a team named the Elite Heat describing her journey to the competititve stage. It was clear from Alyssa's story that diet was the missing link in my regime, but I needed a road map, and I didn't want to do it alone. 

When I met with Malenna and the team members I realized I didn't have to. With Malenna's help, and starting with the Advocare 24 Day Challenge, I have been able to revamp how I eat, and while it hasn't been easy. it truly was the missing link in the chain. 

The final fear to face will be standing on that stage. But I know I can face it with the help of my great coach and wonderfully supportive teammates.  Losing those fears and hangups is the best weight loss I can ever imagine.

Follow Daphne as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini Debut

His Death Ignited My Vision...

I never really struggled with weight until after getting married and giving birth to my beautiful baby.  I guess with the balancing act of having a career in the financial world,coupled with being a wife and mom, it finally took its' toll on me.  Not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. After several years of what seemed like an out of control, undisciplined lifestyle, I knew I needed to do something and get my life in order.  I chose to start with my weight. I couldn't believe how much weight I gained and I started to hide who I knew I was behind it.  A person who was once confident, believing she could achieve whatever her heart desired was feeling insecure, ashamed, embarrassed and ugly.  I started going to the gym and I was losing weight, but I as what you called ' skinny fat'.  You know, when you look great in clothes, but once the clothes came off, everything else falls out along with it.  

I could not figure it out.  I was no stranger to the gym.  When I was 21, I went to the gym all the time and in three weeks, I was in shape again.  I was going to the gym for about a year and still left with a gut and skinny legs.  I decided to hire a trainer. His name was Alex.  I told him my story, and he said to me, ' You are not 21. You are 36. And there are factors in your life that you didn't have when you were young that can affect you physically. Some of those factors are stress related.' 

In my research regarding fitness, I came across an advertisement that asked  - Do YOU want to look like a fitness competitor/model - And immediately thought HELL YEAH!   This brought me to another personal trainer named Jennifer.  Her program alongside Alex's guidance at the gym triggered the necessary changes in my body.  Nutrition was a huge part of the program, and believe it or not, getting plenty of rest.  Jennifer then planted the competition seed. ' You are training so hard, so why not compete?'  I was so excited that she actually thought that I could compete and at the moment I believed I could too,...and then I got into my head.  I didn't think I was pretty enough.  I didn't believe my body would ever look like the girls on stage and that BIKINI! It's way too small. There's no way I'm wearing that.  I prepped for roughly four months for a show in April of 2013, and then I chickened out.  The thought of getting on that stage freaked me out! ' I am going to FAIL! I am going to look stupid.  It's not gonna happen'

That summer, I lost Alex to a massive heart attack.  I knew him for about a year and a half so he was not only my trainer. He was my big brother, and a good friend.  Competing came back into my head. One thing he always told me was that I needed to remain consistent.  Stop putting in the work, and then just give up.  Then, a couple of months later, I lost my job. These events kicked the 'thought' of competing into 'action'.  It was time to face my fears.  I had to do this, for me. For other women like me who feel like they are too old, or don't have time, or can't juggle that lifestyle and a family.  For the mothers who are tired of their ever changing bodies and want to FEEL SEXY again!  I reached out to Malenna, and she responded right away. I went to a workshop and was blown away by the warmness of The Elite Heat, the fitness team.  Right then and there, my journey began.  It's been an amazing journey. The physical aspect was pretty easy. I was able to stick to the diet and fitness program.  The emotional and mental part was my challenge.  Everyday, I worked through so many of my insecurities, and built up my confidence.  And now, I could and would probably walk the streets of NYC with a bikini and heels in a heartbeat! 

All that being said, that was not even the best part of this journey.  The best part to me was meeting so many amazing women and the support they have provided me throughout. I cannot wait to hit the stage!!!

In loving memory of Alex Hillian

1970 - 2013

What a journey

This past weekend the ladies participated in our final show for the season. The WBFF New England Fitness and Fashion Weekend, hosted in Providence, Rhode Island.  It was a whirl wind of excitement, anxiety, and emotions.  The 16+ weeks of prep from posing, makeup, hair, tanning, workouts, bikinis, theme wear, gowns, heels, all finally had to come together for prelims and finals for a few brief moments on the stage. The ladies put in SO much work and determination to feverishly flaunt their bodies in a few microseconds of time to be compared to 30-50 other well polished athletes.  It was an amazing day.

We took 6 ladies to this show. We had 4 place top 10, three of which placed top 5. To place top 10 at this event in and of itself is an amazing accomplishment. You walk a stage for 60-90 seconds to give judges time to decide whether you are fit to be the next 'WBFF Pro' against 50 other athletes that are working equally as hard to prove the same. Sitting in the audience for over 3 hours just for the pre judging reminded me of how grueling this process can be both on the athletes as well as the judges.

As much as I love these shows, I am thankful for the finish. The team competed in 7 shows this year and we are already prepping for 2014.  With the ups and downs of these events, I learn something new about our team, the industry, coaching, even myself and am grateful for these opportunities of growth. What I am most grateful for is the growth I see in each of these ladies as they continue to become stronger both physically and mentally. Every day better people, teammates, and friends.

Congratulations ladies...And thank you for making this an amazing season.

Follow Sarah Koste as she makes her FIGURE debut with WBFF

Saving the best for last.....

Sarah is not new to the stage, fitness or competition. Having been an athlete all of her life, being a personal trainer herself and competed in 3 shows to date, one of which placing first in figure, she is what most would consider a seasoned athlete. Sarah shares here her story.....

I have a passion for training my clients and getting them to where they need to be, but realized I wanted more for myself about 14 months ago. I took my training to another level and last year September 4th 2012 I decided I was going to compete in a fitness show and fulfill my goals of stepping on stage as a figure competitor.

As a fitness competitor, there are many challenges that come into your life while preparing for a show. Competing can sometimes feel like it takes over your life-because it does! You have to be mentally tough and I have learned a lot about myself and how I deal with life in general. I have changed for the better, physically and mentally.

A few months into my training, I was having a tough time with some changes that were going on with my body. I had lost a lot of body fat and my chest had disappeared. I was very self conscious about this and I despised chest workouts. I was training with a male trainer that I feel didn't 'get me'. I met a few girls on my team soon after I left this trainer and I haven't looked back since. Within a few weeks, I was on the team, had different goals set out for myself and was ready to work! 

I want to thank everyone I have in my life that supports my fitness goals and my journey. My family, my friends, my coach, and my teammates. My nickname during my last week before each show is 'crazy'. Competing is hard to understand unless you put yourself through the process. I love everything about competing and I am excited for my next show. 

I can look back in this last year and be very proud of myself. Consistency is key. Discipline is key. Goals were set and I got to work. I am part of an amazing team and support system- we are The Elite Heat and we will be burning up your stage!


Eat, sleep, train. Never skip a workout. Become your dream!

Elite Heat Spotlight : Krys

After finally breaking free from a lengthy struggle in an emotionally destructive relationship, I made a pact with myself to stop looking back at all the had-beens, could-have-beens, shouldn't-have-beens, etc., and instead put a new focus on creating a completely new me.

I had always loved working out, and as an ailment to a drop in self-consciousness, both physically and emotionally, I decided to try out some group-fitness classes at Phoenyx using a Groupon deal during the summer. I figured I could use the motivation of working out with a group again, and I could get back on the track to health!

During their September Open House, I was lucky enough to win a 5-week Phoenyx Fitness class package, Kettlebells, which just so happened to be how I met Malenna.

She was lean, she was mean, she was ripped - just as I had always wished I could be! And then I heard her say the word - competition! I took that as my cue to, from that point forward, use every class as an opportunity to bombard her with a myriad of questions about her competitions. That’s when she told me about the Elite Heat.

Competing on stage has always been what I call one of my “little girl dreams”, however, it never occurred to me that there were actually people doing it right here, in my city, in my fitness class! I didn’t have to think twice before jumping on board with an enthusiastic “YES!”, and it’s been all upwards progress since then.

I thought I knew so much about working out and clean eating, but after seeing how these girls REALLY get it, I’ve been motivated to learn more and more. I’ve been working out in new ways and learning new things every day. And just having that support around you 24/7, who wouldn’t be motivated!

Now it’s time to break out of that old shell of mine, and create something new. It’s time to give haters a reason to hate, lovers a reason to love, and has-beens a reason to regret ever letting me slip away.

Because when you’re surrounded by a bunch of girls who are all striving to look their best, and when you’re being constantly pestered every week for a progress photo that you don’t necessarily want to take, or for a weight update that you don’t necessarily want to give, you don’t just WANT to work your hardest... you HAVE to!!

Elite Heat Spotlight: Sarah

For as long ad I can remember, I have always been athletic. I started playing soccer at the age of four, then ran track throughout high school and eventually ran cross country in college.

After graduating from college, I decided to go back to school and become a personal trainer. I have been a trainer for almost five years, but just decided to train for my first fitness competition this past year. I started training an dieting hard about about five months ago, and I knew I needed some outside motivation when I met a few of the girls on the Elite Heat. I decided to join, and am looking forward to preparing for my first fitness competition with this team.

Everyone on the team has different goals in mind, but it feels great to be a part such a strong group of fit girls! I am looking forward to accomplishing our fitness goals in 2013!

"A transformed body is a combination of blood, sweat, and tears. These expelled liquids reveal a victory in the crucible to work ethic, dedication, and sacrifice." -Greg Plitt

Recap of WBFF New England Fitness Weekend

As an NYC based team, the effects of Sandy hit us hard. The Elite Heat was due to compete, Saturday, November 3^rd in Providence, our first thought was – will The Elite Heat get to compete? Esther and Lauren would be the two competitors to represent the team in Rhode Island. After coming off a high from the previous show, these two were more than ready. Getting to the gym or heating up tilapia was definitely a project within itself but they were able to stay on track despite the devastation that hit NYC. 

With bags packed it was finally time to hit the road. 

Check in began Friday, November 2^nd  at 4 PM, following this was the athletes meeting. All checked in, we had #80 and #128 to cheer for. In this show Esther competed in Bikini and Lauren competed in both Fit Model and Bikini. The girls got dolled up for the meeting at 7 PM. At this meeting, Allison Dillett, Executive Vice President of WBFF greeted competitors with open arms. She gave a brief rundown of how the show would go and what to expect. She also explained what WBFF is looking for in their athletes – someone who is marketable but also the entire package. After the meeting, the team went to dinner, where Lauren got to carb up with some steak but Esther was on her strict tilapia diet. 

After dinner it was time for some R&R for the girls. They prepped their bags for the next day and hopped into bed  -- covering the bed of course with their own sheets so their tans wouldn’t ruin the hotel sheets. Ah, the life of a competitor. Alarms were set for 4:45 AM and dreams began about becoming a WBFF pro. 

Show day! Saturday November 3^rd, the make-up artist was due at the hotel at 6 AM. The girls overslept, which was okay because it was a sign that their bodies may have needed it. They found a local make-up artist who was willing and able to travel. Sara Faella, celebrity and national make-up artist based in Providence, RI brought the glam. Post make up, it was hair time for Lauren --- which she did herself, and regretted later. 

With makeup done, it was time to head over to the venue. Esther and Lauren got settled backstage and found a spot to post up for the entire day. There was a moment of panic when Lauren took her curls out of the pins – to the point where she wasn’t going to go on stage. This is why were are a team – The Elite Heat --- Esther was to the rescue and quickly did up Lauren’s hair in literally five minutes before she was due on stage for her first category fit model. #80 entered that stage and was up there for quite some time. At this show they did comparisons with the girls and asked them to trade places with other competitors on the stage. Lauren was brought up front for comparisons at least 3 times. They kept them on stage for easily 25 minutes. 

With a quick break, it was then time for bikini. This is the category Esther was really training for and focused on. The girls hit the stage and the comparisons began again. Esther was brought up three times as well, again switching places on stage with other ladies and she rocked it!! 

Then it was break time. Esther ran to the mall to finalize her gown for the second part of the bikini round and Lauren went to the hotel to rest. It’s truly a long day, going without water or much food. It’s also very tiring. One may think it’s easy to just walk out on that stage and strut your stuff, but when you’re in the background you’re always on. You’ve got to be on point with your posing, smiling and making sure your abs look their absolute best! 

It was then time for the second part of the show. The WBFF team coordinated for all the competitors to come out and wave to the audience and line up. After lining up and posing for a few minutes they announced that they want to see what the competitors have to offer. Esther and Lauren both B-lined for the front of the stage and killed the pose off. Nothing was going to stop them from getting noticed. 

Lauren was due back on stage first for Fit Model theme wear, where she once again rocked her Queen of Hearts costume. After strutting around with her flamingo, it was time to get changed back into her Fit Model bathing suit for one more round. At this time, they would be handing out the awards for Fit Model. They brought all the ladies back out and then called out the top ten. From there they would award the top 5. Fifth, fourth, third, Lauren’s name still wasn’t called … Finally, #80 takes second place. They then called first place competitor who received her pro card. But within 30 seconds, they quickly announced that another competitor was also going to receive their pro card …. And that was #80!!!!! Lauren placed second and went pro with WBFF. 

Stepping off the stage, Lauren and Esther celebrated, quickly --- because they both had to go get in their gowns for the bikini awards. Lauren wore a purple bedazzled gown and Esther wore an elegant black dress with a statement piece necklace. Once in line, they were quickly brought out to the stage. They called the top ten which both Esther and Lauren made! They then began to call the top five. Again, fifth, fourth, third … Esther’s name still wasn’t called, second … then finally for first place #128 Esther Lopez! Esther took first and received her pro card in bikini.

It was truly an amazing weekend filled with success and accomplishments. It was never intended to happen this quickly for each of these two competitors to go pro. With this under their belt, they are now just 23 weeks out from their first pro show with WBFF. 

Recap of Fitness America/Muscle Mania October 27th Astoria, NY Show

After months of preparation, The Elite Heat was finally ready to hit the stage at Fitness America Muscle Mania New York Champion show on Saturday October 27th based locally in Astoria, Queens. The competitor line up consisted of Esther, Dawn, Nicky and Lauren. The categories the girls competed in were:

Esther: Bikini
Dawn: Bikini & Model
Nicky: Figure
Lauren: Figure

The day started very early with hair and make up. Luckily both Dawn and Lauren live in Astoria, so the prep began at both apartments. Check in was at 10 AM. With hair complete they made their way over to the venue. Check in was a relatively easy process, the girls received their numbers that they would wear proudly all day on stage. Pre lims began at 3 PM. After getting settled back stage, putting the final touches on their make up, the show was quickly under way. The first round was theme wear for the bikini category. The girls were creative with their costumes. Dawn was a jewel thief, Esther was Chiquita Banana and Lauren was the Queen of Hearts. The way the numbering worked out was quite perfect for picture taking. Dawn lead the pack on stage, Esther and Lauren followed suite. 

After theme wear was model, which Dawn rocked her beautiful blush dress accented nicely with stones and her shoes ... forget it! She looked absolutely stunning and carried herself with poise and grace. After theme wear was the figure category for both Nicky and Lauren. Both of these ladies had been training and dedicating their all to this moment. Both classes weren't too big but there was still competition. After they both rocked the stage and nailed their posing ... pre lims quickly came to an end. The girls were due to report back at 5:30 for the 6 PM finals.

When returning the stage, Dawn, Esther and Lauren started in their bikini's. While this was the finals and most judging was done in pre-lims, The Elite Heat is always to be on point! When on that stage, give everything you've got because every little thing is always being taken into consideration.  The evening continued on and after the bikini round was another round of figure but then finally time to give out the awards. 

The awards for figure were up first, Nicky was up for classic. In this show she placed 5th. Nicky has worked extremely hard to achieve her goals and found the courage to step on stage. Like we always say, if this was easy everyone would do it. Next up was figure open, Lauren's category. It's always nerve racking as they call each place because you just never know. As the numbers dwindled down, they finally called Lauren's name and she took first place. After this Lauren was quickly back on stage for the overall in classic and open. Here she won the overall but also received her pro card. Lauren was completely unaware that this was even a pro qualifying show and this was done with a purpose --- we didn't want to freak her out! 

Then it was the bikini girls time, Esther, Dawn and Lauren were brought back on the stage. Dawn placed 4th, Lauren placed 2nd and Esther took first place for bikini short. Since there was a tall and short category for bikini Esther was brought back out for the overall, which she also won! It was an amazing success for the team ... but the fun didn't stop there because we had a show the following weekend!

Mock Show Oct 2012 Highlights

The Elite Heat had a mock fitness show this past weekend where the ladies strut their stuff for a room full of family, friends, bootcampers,kettlebellers, and judges. It was a huge success! We put together a video with highlights from the weekend! Enjoy!

Elite Heat Spotlight: Megan

In recent years, I've battled with a few extra pounds.  My love for burgers and beer, and the idea that I had the world's fastest metabolism and could eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, sadly led to a point in my life where I was truly unhappy with how I felt and looked. I joined Phoenyx Fitness in November 2011  with the simple goal of  losing the extra weight I had 'magically' put on over two years. I was frustrated those first few classes when I couldn't keep up with the cardio or do a single push up. I signed up for the kettlebell classes and that's when I was hooked. It was fun to see myself get stronger and have more stamina throughout class.  It was also great to see how the girls in the kettlebell class who were also a part of the Elite Heat were transforming before my eyes. 

What makes the Elite Heat team stand out from the countless classes/programs I have tried since I moved to NYC is the sense of camaraderie and dedication.  These ladies are fierce and determined.  I have learned so much in terms of terms of healthy eating , the benefits of kale, and how to have fun and still get a kick ass workout in. I am looking forward to continuing on this journey and seeing what my body can handle!

Elite Heat Spotlight: Giselle

The reason I undertook this challenge was to learn how to moderate my eating habits and , not only be fit, but obtain nice ab definition, which has always been my dream.  I have always enjoyed working out but I used to do it as an excuse to eat anything I pleased, especially COOKIES!  So, by being a part of the Elite, that will help me not only reach my goals for being fit, I will be able to learn ow to live a healthier lifestyle and share my progress with my teammates who are fighting for the same purpose.  Nevertheless, my experience in this group so far has been terrific.  I love the dynamic of the group and how we all push each other to reach our maximum potential.  This group has been very inspiring and I hope that at the end of my journey, I can inspire others.

Elite Heat Spotlight: Fiamma

I have been struggling with my weight and body image for a few years now, going through countless exercise and diet fads, and getting little to no results.  In January of this year, my best friend Ashley joined the Elite Heat, and over the next few months I witnessed as she underwent a complete body transformation.  But it wasn't only her body that changed.  It was her entire demeanor.  She slowly became more and more self confident, and the change was very inspiring to me.  I have never considered myself to be self confident, especially not where my body is involved, and seeing my best friend make such big strides in her own body image left me wanting the same.  When she decided to recommend me for the team, I was excited and terrified: having never been particularly athletic or strong, I feared being left in the team's collective dust.  Regardless, I felt that I owed it to myself to at least try.  Feeling so defeated by all of my previous attempts, I pretty much viewed joining the team as a last ditch effort to look in the mirror and feel good about myself.  Since joining the team, I have started to feel stronger and healthier.  My favorite part of the experience, and what I wasn't expecting, is the support and encouragement the ladies on the team give each other.  It feels great to know that we are all in this together and cheering each other on.  I feel like this last ditch effort might actually be the one that sticks.