Follow Sabrina to the WBFF Diva Bikini Stage

Picture Perfect...

I am both a perfectionist and extremely competitive.  Sometimes, this makes competing really difficult.  In a sport where there is no such thing as perfection and where winning is completely subjective it is really difficult for someone who strives for both to accept that neither is in your control.
My first show was this past July with the WBFF.  Every day for seven months leading up to the competition, I did everything perfectly.  I never skipped a workout, always ate exactly to hit my macros, drank at least 6 liters of water, and went to every posing session.   I told myself if I did everything perfectly and gave prep everything I had physically, mentally, and emotionally, I had to place top five. I had to walk away with something.

Show day came, and it was the most wonderful, exciting and exhilarating thing I had ever been a part of. Standing backstage, I was so proud of myself for what I had accomplished.  I knew that I had given this everything I had and left it all out on the stage. I worked my ass off and my entire life I had come to know that hard work = results.  The more work you put in, the more results you achieve.  I had worked so hard. I had to walk away with something.

They called out the names for top 5 and mine was not one of them. I remember walking off the stage feeling completely defeated, like the last seven months of killing myself to do this show had just come and gone and I was left with nothing to show for it.  My mom and my little sister had flown all the way from California to be there to support me. I wanted them to see me win. I had put this show before everything and everyone, and I wanted that to mean ...something.

What I didn't realize until a few weeks had passed, was that even though I didn't have a medal or trophy to show for my hard work, I had everything else to show for it.  In seven months, I had transformed into someone so strong, confident and sure of herself that I hardly recognized myself anymore. I had heard so many times from my amazing coaches and teammates that you should never do a show just to win, and while I didn't realize that's what I was doing, that's exactly what I was doing. No one's opinion of you should define you or cause you to question your worth, especially a panel of judges who define 'winners' by the size of their glutes or the caps of their shoulders.  A 'winner' does not necessarily always win - a winner is someone who goes out there and tries.  And then goes out there and tries even harder next time. Winners compete to better themselves, not be better than others.

So, I decided to get back on the horse and compete again, but this time with the mentality that win or lose, the outcome really doesn't matter. I'm already better than I was before, so as far as I'm concerned, I've already won.  There is a difference between posting ' It's YOU v YOU' and 'BE your best self' under your instagram pictures, and knowing that when you stop comparing yourself to other people and start only competing with yourself, there is no limit to how amazing you can be.

WBFF Diva Bikini Competitor Suehade

If I had to do it over....

The question I get asked the most is " Why are you doing this?".  My answer is always the same.  I do it for the gains, both physically and mentally.  I've always enjoyed working out.  I love the science behind it. The strength aspect of bodybuilding, seeing progress (even if it is slow, little progress) and working towards a goal.  I am the queen of anxiety, and lifting became my stress reliever and somewhat therapeutic for me.  The time I spend at the gym is my 'me time'.

I decided to compete after my sister convinced/begged me to. I took the opportunity to help me get to where I wanted to be physically but what I got out of it was so much more. You will be surprised how much you learn about yourself when the pressure is on.  You'll tell yourself a million reasons to quit but hold on to that one reason not to. It has helped me build character and discipline.  It has made me a little more fearless and carefree.

It took me a whole year before saying yes to competing because I feared failure, rejection and criticism.  I feared everything and often did not try new things. Now, I look back at things and say, 'Why didn't I go for it?'  'Why was I so scared?'  ' Who cares what people think?'  If it makes me happy, why not???  In this particular case, my complaining about food and soreness may make it seem like I am not happy, but I really am enjoying myself. :D

I am going on my third show, and every prep is a different experience.  I don' t remember much about what I did on stage, but I do remember the journey. I remember Clare, Josie, and I dancing backstage waiting on the ok to eat carbs. I remember Jasmine and I standing side by side throughout the competition cheering each other on.  For this show, my goal is to bring a better version of me. Not matter the outcome, I know I busted my ass and I know how far Ive come. In reality, it's me vs me.

This show has also been special to me because now I will be sharing the stage with 8 beautiful women from my team. We started the journey together and I've witnessed their growth, hard work and dedication.  I can't wait to see us strut our stuff. In the words of Marj, 'we cute'.

I thank everyone who has put up with me during prep.  My amazing coach and teammates whom inspire me everyday.  I thank you.  To my support crew, Azzie, Arianda and Mayra, I appreciate you guys and wouldn't be able to do this without you there.  But a huge special, on my knees, kiss the floor thank you goes to my Mom.  She has been recovering from her second spinal surgery but has gone above and beyond for me, prepping my meals, hunting down my dress and coming along with me whenever I needed a hand.  Best Mom EVER!

I'm not saving the world here, but it's nice to know you're surrounded by awesome people who will support you in whatever mess you decide to get into.  Some people may not full understand the why, but that's ok. They don't have to.  This lifestyle is not an easy one. It doesn't make me special nor does it make me better than anyone, but it's the one I chose.  It's the one that has made me healthier both physically and mentally.  On that note, I am so read to do this.

I still get nervous, but that's part of the fun....

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 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!!!