Follow Tiffany as she makes her Diva Fitness Debut!!!

This time it was for me....

As a coach, you interview different people for programs and pick up on whether you feel a person is coachable, able to attain the goals they have for themselves, and most importantly, if they will follow through. I remember meeting Tiffany and after her interview thinking most people with her history either do really well, or really poorly.  As a coach, we also take a guess at what we think that outcome to be, because we have to decide whether we want to move forward with a program with the athlete...If it's worth the time. I figured she would make it through, I just didn't imagine the strength and growth I would witness in her in such a short amount of time. Now we stand...her first fitness show tomorrow and a progress picture to die for.  Help us in congratulating Ms Tiffany Vazquez on her Diva Fitness and Bikini debut.

When asked what was her why....

I have always been into fitness off and on my entire life, but this time around it was different for me. At the time I was in a real toxic place in my life, where I was suffering from stress, anxiety and depression. I knew I needed to change my whole entire surroundings and remove negativity from my circle. I wanted to get back to me and being comfortable in my own skin. I used to bounce around the idea of competing to others but, I was quickly shot down. Till one day I went to a competition show to see my closest friend compete. I saw how hard she worked and how beautiful she looked and honestly that gave me the drive to tell myself if she can do it so can I. 

But This training and prep has been more than that to me. It has been a healing process and recovery for me. Each day that passes I get stronger not only physically but mentally as well. It taught me self worth, discipline and never give up on yourself. You are stronger than you think. 

The plus of this entire prep was the amazing new people I met. I’ve never meet such strong, beautiful and ambitious ladies. They helped my temendously and I would not be here or doing this without their help. I feel so happy and humbled to be doing my 1st show at Atlantic Fitness and doing it with my true friends and supporters. One thing I been tell myself all the time is : 

I am my own competition, I’m competing with myself. 

Be better than you were yesterday. 

Follow Kim as she makes her Diva Fitness Debut!!

A Journey Come Full Circle

Kim's journey with Phoenyx began as a private, online client looking to get into better shape for carnival in Trinidad.  The first time I met Kim in person was the WBFF Fitness Atlantic show in 2016.  A mutual friend and client was competing in the show that year.  She may have mentioned then that she was possibly interested in taking on the stage at some point in the future. I have many people that say that to me, but those words do not always translate to participating in a program and actually going through prep.  

She reached out again though, expressing an interest and we got the ball rolling last year.  It's not easy going from an online program to COMPETITION PREP.  These two things are not even in the same realm of preparation, but Kim was diligent with her program and determined to do it right. One year later, we are just hours away from the same show and stage that Kim witnessed 2 years ago for the first time.  This time, this stage is hers. We are so excited to showcase Kimberly Ashley in her diva bikini debut!!

My Why....I’m 41 years old and have always been into fitness. In college I was on the crew team for 4 years and was captain my senior year. When I returned home from college, I continued to exercise regularly but it wasn’t the same.  I missed the competitiveness. My exercise habits started to not be consistent and because of that my weight was up and down. When I first decided to participate in a bikini competition, it was more of a “bucket list” type of fulfillment.  But as I was going through the process of comp prep, it became much more. I’ve had to confront my weakness (which were hard for me to accept). Consistency has always been a challenge. But in order to be successful in this journey, consistency HAD to happen.  I also saw that I was stronger than I thought I was. There have been days where I felt sorry for myself and that  I’ve wanted to cry and just give up. But I’m so happy that I decided to push through. I’m a nurse practitioner and I work with patients that have advanced heart failure. I want to set an example for my patients.  I want them to know that I understand that maintaining a healthy diet and regularly exercising is hard.  But I’m right there with them.

To Prep or not to Prep.

 The Second Time Around...

If you recently got to read my last post on this blog, you have an idea of how much fitness means to me and how much I enjoy challenging myself. Well, the decision for going forward with this prep was no different.

I was very blessed to have gotten second place in my last show, it being my first competition, I know most people would feel beyond happy. It was a little different for me. I was content, but not satisfied. At first I was on the fence about doing this again. I was enjoying my time off for a few weeks, however, the thought of trying harder to do better than last time continued circling in my head and although I had a lot going on in my personal life, I knew I could never forgive myself and I would regret it if I didn’t go for it.

My close friend Tiffany also decided to compete in this show and I felt a sense of weight on my shoulders to be as supportive as I can. I previously told her I would prep with her and I didn’t want to go back on my word. I prepped alone during my last competition and I know how difficult it can be. Doing this prep with Kim and Tiff has made it so much easier in the sense of the fellowship, having the same topic to speak about, group chats to complain, coordinate group workouts, and motivate and support each other.

I thought that because I JUST came out of a prep, I knew what was was ahead so it would be more of a breeze; I was wrong. I had a new set of hurdles to face and instead of being afraid, I decided to take courage and allow myself to grow through these new challenges.

I was facing new challenges in my personal life, at my job and physically with my body fat being more resilient and also being treated for a back injury during this process, but this only became the reason that fueled me to push through and use my faith to move these mountains and continue inspiring anyone to not use the excuse of letting difficult situations be the reason to not go after what you want.

It is scary to think, “what if I get worse than second place” but at the end of this, I can say I am truly satisfied because through this process I have already beat that girl that won second place. I’m mentally and emotionally stronger than I was last time and if my whole process serves as just an ounce of motivation for anyone facing a similar issue, then all this hard work is absolutely valid.

Ashley Johnson makes her Pro Debut in Atlantic City!

                                           


In July of 2016, I sat before my computer writing about a new athlete aspiring to grace the fitness stage for their debut. This athlete, a sibling of a previous competitor from our team, had expectations to fill as her sister had acquired her pro card just one year prior.  In July of 2016, this same athlete competed in a WBFF show in NYC placing second in both Diva Fit Model and Diva Bikini. She also managed to win her pro card in Diva Bikini. Before the night was even over, and before she even realized her placings, she exclaimed, " I want to do this again!"

When I have athletes choose to compete more than once, I always ask them what is their motivation to compete again.  Especially after you win.  It is a rigorous process, you have no personal calendar and it can take up a majority of your life. People who do it, do not usually have a crew of people to do it with, and you can feel super lonley. Why do it?

You would think it would be easier the next time around, but on so many levels, it's actually much more difficult. It may not happen the same the second as it did the first. You may be a little less patient for the result. You may have different reactions to food.  Your metabolism may have changed. And on the pro level, you are also competing against a different platform of athletes. Athletes who have been in the game longer, built up muscle longer, and taken possibly years to perfect their physique. It's definitely not easier and we're so proud to present Ashley Johnson to the stage a second time, as a bikini pro. Just as she had when she took the stage the first time, it wasn't about the placing but the accomplishment and bringing a package that was better this time than the first time.

With just one day left, we look forward to seeing the outcome of Ashley's second show but , again, debut on the PRO stage in Atlantic City, December 2nd. Help us in congratulating Ashley as she takes on the best of the best this weekend

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!!

FRIDAY Featured Athlete - Clare

Nonstop Champion....

It’s one thing to set a goal - it’s quite another to know how to connect your actions to that goal.  I had always enjoyed working out and aspired to being fit, but if I am being honest, I also wanted to look the part, to look like I worked as hard as I did.  I enjoyed running and taking classes, and in 2010, I began training with a triathlon team to attempt to conquer my fear and dislike of swimming.  To some degree, I succeeded - I’ve managed to complete several triathlons, but near constant panic attacks in the water always meant I was last out of the water and I could never make it up on the bike or run.  I am a competitive person, and constantly coming last was tough to take.    The other thing that was frustrating - not looking like I wanted to look.  I felt a bit shallow admitting it to myself, but I wanted to look fit, cut, not skinny-fat as I seemed to, no matter how hard I trained.

In February of 2012, I tore one of my hamstring tendons playing ice hockey and spent the following months trying anything and everything to avoid surgery - to no avail.  Having surgery meant I would have to give up running and biking for months while I went through rehab, and I honestly wasn’t sure I could handle it.  But by spring of 2013, it was clear I didn’t have a choice, and I was going to have to put endurance training aside temporarily and find a new aspect of fitness on which to focus.  As I was getting ready for hip surgery, I happened to read an article in the Wall Street Journal by Elite Heat team member Alyssa Cendrowski, who wrote about training with Malenna for her first fitness competition.  I had never thought of trying this, and thought I’d never have the nerve, and was much too old, to take the stage in a bikini.  I had never owned a regular bikini, much less a tiny, sparkly one.  The only bathing suits I ever wore were of the one piece Speedo variety.  But I wanted to look the part.  I contacted Malenna and began setting new goals - if I couldn’t run, bike or do much lower body exercise, I could learn to do pull ups.   I was really worried about gaining weight, not having all that cardio to fall back on, but the fact was, the cardio wasn’t getting it done anyway.  Working with Malenna, I learned you can’t out-train a bad diet.  Starting with the Advocare 24 day cleanse, I became much more aware of what I was eating and what it was - and wasn’t - doing for me.  Gradually, I let myself believe that I could prep for a show, and in May 2014 I competed at Fitness America.  It was easily one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, and while I didn’t place very high, I ended up a better and fitter athlete as a result.  In fact, the day after the show, I raced a duathlon - a run/bike/run event, a triathlon with no swimming.   No swim meant no panic attacks and no anxiety - and thanks to focused strength training, I am much more injury proof than I used to be.  Many runners and endurance athletes skimp on weights and it’s a mistake.  But it took training with Elite Heat to take it to heart. I’ve been focusing on endurance sports this year, and have qualified for the age-group Duathlon World Championships in Australia this year and Spain next year.  My running has improved greatly as well, and I am hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon.  As I turn 50 in two months, I’m in better shape than a decade ago, and looking forward to what’s next.  I’m not the best, the fastest, the most talented - not by a long shot.   But I keep showing up at the start line.

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!!!

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.

In two days, Giselle will make her WBFF DIVA Bikini debut!

The Ties that Bind....

Two years ago from today,  Giselle  decided to make a change in her  life.  A change that began with a conscious decision to want a different lifestyle than what she had traditionally known.   A change that required her  not only to eat less but differently and build a physique that again, traditionally and culturally were not necessarily acceptable.  ' I remember the minute I started to lose the weight, my family was concerned ... they thought I looked too skinny...but in reality, I was the healthiest I have ever been in life." 

This  journey started for Giselle when she joined the the  Elite Heat and was introduced to her soon to be coach, Malenna Saunders.  ' The main reason I joined this group was because it was not just based on competitions, but lifestyle changes and other goals, recognizing that you have to be able to maintain a proper balance both on and off the stage.' 

The transition not only provided Giselle a healthier physique, but allowed her to be an inspiration to her friends and family.  Seeing her transform provided the confidence and courage to others close to her to reach out and try and do the same.  

" Honestly, my journey has not been easy.  It's had its' ups and downs,  but seeing my body change throughout the year made everything worth it. Being able to do things I had never imagined ...and doing it, ..it is the most amazing feeling ever.   And ,  I have been able to inspire my friends and some family members to change their habits and become healthier,  which was one of my goals when I first started."  

With a couple of shows under her belt, and wins to match, this lady will now grace the stage in Providence, RI for the first time, as a WBFF Diva Bikini Model athlete.

'Now that I'm a few days away from my first WBFF show, I'm super excited to take on this new challenge in my life.'  Look out for her, as she rocks the stage in less than 2 days!...The best of the best! 

Watch Jadi as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini debut

Although Jadi is new to the WBFF stage, she is definitely not new to the stage.  This beauty stands at a mere 5 feet but a force to be reckoned  with. Don't take our word for it. This personal interview says it all.

"I can't even begin to tell y'all how thrilled I am to be debuting on the WBFF stage. I have always been kinda "fit," but in recent years, I just haven't quite been able to get back to my "no flab just fab" days. So here’s the deal, I’m an actor, and the reality is that appearance DOES matter. If I am doing all that I can in terms of training and skill, then I need to be doing all I can to physically look the part too.  I found the ELITE HEAT through my good friend WBFF Pro Esther Lopez and I was on track to reach my goal. So what’s my goal? LLP: Leading. Lady. Physique. 

I want to be lean, sculpted and solid as a rock… without losing my curves of course.

  

Prior to this, I could not tell you what the inside of a gym looked like and was rather intimidated by lifting so finding inspiration and motivation to hit the weights 4-5 days a week was quite a challenge and a complete shock to my system.  And don't even get me started on food prepping! Phewww, I almost freaked out the night I had to turn on the oven; nonetheless, this journey has and continues to push me past what I believed my limitations were and is exactly what I strive for.  I strive to live in a world of YES, a world where the "best" is defined by whatever our minds conceive, believe, earn and achieve.

After all, the best of the best DOES compete with the WBFF; so tell me, what will you say yes to?"

Elite Heat Spotlight : Cary

I can truly say that I had never considered myself as an athlete. I was never part of any sports teams in school or out of school. However I did have a love for working out. At 16 years old I signed up for the gym and would go straight after school. I was a cardio bunny and you could not get me off a treadmill. I did endless amount of reps with light weights and that was about it. Then after college I had a new career and my endless cardio sessions had gone to the wayside as well as my eating habits.

I remember clearly one day I was unhappy with my reflection in the mirror and the numbers reflected on the scale. I was living an unhealthy lifestyle. That is when I had a turning point and decided to lace up my sneakers and take back my passion for running but this time outdoors. With the encouragement of my husband, I signed up for a few races. I remember the great adrenaline rush, the butterflies in my stomach, and the people at the races. The races were all fun and exhilarating. Not too long after my first half marathon I had injured my knee. I was unable to do what I had loved to do so much and I had to find new ways to work out. I started a Pilates routine, as well as weight lifting (this time heavier). All of a sudden I had started to see my body transform and the weight melt off without any cardio, but also better eating habits.

I am trying to learn so much more about health, nutrition and my own body. My informal education had started by following Casey Ho from Pop Pilates (she is a great inspiration to me) and reading Oxygen magazine as well as other health and fitness related articles.

I want to be a positive role model for my family, loved ones and the community. This new fitness venture will encourage me to become stronger physically and mentally through disciplined dieting and training. I am truly happy that I have met a group of wonderful ladies that are supportive and encouraging as we each achieve our own fitness goals and enjoy the journey.

Elite Heat Spotlight : Marina

Hi! My name is Marina Rymar and I'm on my journey to become a fitness competitor. I have never been into sports (I played piano through the school years instead) but I climbed all the fences and trees in the neighborhood and enjoyed beating all the boys in bike rides and soccer games...

After moving to the USA from Russia I found myself a little bit chubbier than I would like to see myself in the mirror. My weight loss process started with serious research about foods and diets. I succeeded. More than that - nutrition became my passion and profession. I'm on my senior year of a clinical nutrition program at a university and I love it.

To be slim was not enough for me so I went for more - gym, weights, clean eating, supplements opened up a new page of my life. Kickboxing is also a big part of my life especially since i was asked to teach classes at the place i was working out myself. It is just amazing to feel the strength of your body and be able to push through the pain and see all those changes in your own body! So one day I decided to see what competitions are about and went to a workshop and ended up finding amazing ladies with the same passions. They do not know yet how much i have learned from them ;)

I decided to do the things I love now instead of waiting for that perfect time and place which will never happen. And I noticed that other stuff we all "don't like but have to do" got better and I look at it from a different perspective. 

I'm on my journey to become a competitor. And I want to thank Elite Heat Team Ladies for giving that missing piece of the whole puzzle. Now I'm doing what I love and it's an amazing feeling. I will shine for you on that stage on April 13!