Follow Nicole on her WBFF DIVA FIT MODEL Journey at Fitness Atlantic!

Second Time Around....

I've always loved fitness and staying active.  Sports teams, fitness classes, at home workouts - I've done it all.  I'm an eternal student and love the opportunity to learn a new skill, master it and continually improve.

About 5 years ago friend of mine started prepping for a fitness competition and encourage me to try.  I initially refused, as I didn't think it was for me.  She looked incredible!  After the show, she kept telling me the prep changed her life and made her adopt a happier, healthier lifestyle. Seeing her planted a seed and made me consider it, but I wasn't quite ready.  It wasn't until my daughter went off to college and I was an empty-nester did I really start thinking about it.  At the time, I was going through a lot of changes - a new job, an end of a relationship and health issues that turned into a 30 pound weight gain.  I wasn't happy with how I looked or felt, and didn't want to go into my 40s feeling miserable,overweight and overwhelmed.  I had taken a class with Malenna several years prior and stayed on her email list, so I signed up for her 16 week weight loss program in January 2018, which turned into prep for my first show (July 2018).  I loved the results of the 16 week program, and I wanted to push even harder, and see what I was capable of.  I had no idea what to expect, but I was ready to work and my last excuse was away at college :).

Prep was no joke.  Lots of hard work, commitment and HUGE changes.  The funny thing is, I liked it.  The discipline and regiment provided order and stability, which anchored and balanced me.  It was nice fitting back into my clothes and walking on the beach in a bikini and not scramble to put on a shirt or cover up.  It also had an unexpected side effect of making me more assertive and focused.  I was saying no, standing up for myself and removing toxic people and things from my space without apology or second guessing.  I had a limited window of time and I didn't want to waste it on things or people that did not serve me or make my life better.  When I stepped onstage in July, I felt and looked like a warrior.  

So why a second show?  I had to step back and really think about it.  Did I really want to put myself through that a second time in less than year?  At first I thought it was just post show blues, but it was more than that.  I've heard retired athletes talk about walking away from the game and "leaving it all out there".  As hard as I worked for the July show, I didn't believe I left it all on stage.  I still had more in me; it was a nagging feeling that I couldn't shake.  I just knew I didn't want to live with regret or what-ifs.  I'd rather say 'I'm glad I did' instead of 'I wish I did'.

I'm now a few days away from Fitness Atlantic and I can't wait.  This prep was much different than the first one; but then again, so I am I.  I feel stronger, more confident and READY.  I can't wait to leave it all on stage April 13th.

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

Follow Tanisha as she makes her WBFF Transformation Debut!

When the party stops....

I started this journey because I knew that I was overweight and needed to start working out and eating right to lose weight. I decided to put the party girl on hold for a bit and started on a consistent workout program doing boot camps along with changing my eating habits and started to see progress and wanted to keep it up. I never knew about fitness competitions. Once I found out about them, it was something that I did not have any interest in doing.  One day, I asked myself what did I need to to push me to get into shape and live a healthy lifestyle and the solution that I came up with was to prepare for a fitness competition.

I have learned a lot on this journey. At one point, I wasn't comfortable using all of the equipment in the gym but this journey forced me to do what I needed to do in the gym which has now made me super comfortable using all the equipment.  I've learned what works for me nutrition wise, what doesn't and how hard I can push myself in the gym.  How and when to listen to my body and when my mind is telling me yes but my BODY is telling me no. The journey has mentally strengthened me.  I have leaned self control on a different level.  This journey has also been a bit hard health wise since I have type 1 diabetes.  Finding that balance with working out so often, having a limited diet and maintaining stable blood sugar levels has run into some challenges.  I've encountered more than enough hypoglycemic episodes trying to maintain the balance. Through the challenges though, I am still here fighting through to the end.  I am happy that this journey is nearing its' end. I look forward to walking the stage this weekend.

Follow Shelley as she makes her WBFF Diva Fit Model Debut!!!

Circle of Life...

Spring 2010 and my junior year at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI.  My team of four just received our direct work experience project from our professor.  We would be doing a consultant project for Kevin Topka and his gym, Body Language Spoken.  When my group and I were researching Kevin, we were shocked that he was a professional bodybuilder, and put on these "body building competitions".  We pulled up to his gym a few days later and saw all these huge muscle men trophies in the windows.  I remember joking that he would probably break my hand when he shook it.  I mean come on, this guy is huge!  We worked with Kevin for a few months, built relationships,presented our work to him, and then the trimester was over.  When I returned to Providence, after my summer abroad trip, I noticed I gained a lot of weight.  Nervously, I reached out to Kevin to see if we could meet.  Right away, he put me on a 21 day cleanse and taught me the ins and outs of clean eating and living a healthy lifestyle.  On that day, I weighed in at 166lbs and 32.59% body fat.  I couldn't believe it. I was considered obese.  It was time to change my life around.

November 2010, after training with Kevin all summer he asked if I could help work behind the scenes at his annual Body Language Natural Physique Association New England Championship Show. I absolutely said yes.  I honestly thought all these girls were going to look like 'men' but I was wrong. Watching those girls on stage in their sparkling bikinis, tanned skin, toned ( but not super bulging) muscles.  I was stunned.  I wanted to do that.  I mean, they did it. Why couldn't I?  Long story short, there was no way I could fit comp prep into my routine. I was a full time senior in college working two part time jobs, and president of my sorority.  I used to study on the elliptical just to get a workout in.  However, the thought of competing never left my head.

Fast forward four years later, I'm working  in NYC with a full time job at Alternative Investments.  I managed to make it to the gym to lift 3-4 times a week and meal prep, even though I was utterly exhausted from work.  I was still trying to follow the healthy lifestyle habits I had learned just a few years prior.  I followed so many fitness competitors on social media still with the thought in the back of my mind that I wanted to be on stage one day too.  Before I knew it, business picked up and the hours got longer.  The only way to get the work done was to skip the gym.  Soon enough, I was working 10-12 hour days on a regular basis, eating out every day, binge drinking, and being a couch potato on the weekends because I was too tired to do anything else.  The stress was REAL.  I was utterly miserable, depressed and felt disgusted every time I looked in the mirror.  I promised myself that when 2015 started I would do what it took to become a better me.

In the beginning of 2015, I switched jobs, still in the same field, but with half the stress as before.  I finally had free time again.  I slowly got myself back into a gym routine, but something was missing. I knew I needed help to get me where I wanted to be fitness wise, and possibly get on stage.  One Saturday morning, I was at SWERVE, a spin class in Manhattan with a colleague, and ran into an old college friend, Lauren Lelli, who happened to be a WBFF pro.  She told me about her competition experience, her team, (The Elite Heat) and her amazing coach, Malenna Saunders.  I contacted Malenna right away, because this seemed to be the part of my life I was missing. Within a few weeks I was on the Heat 9 crew with my fellow fit sisters training throughout the summer.

Competition prep was rough, both physically and mentally.  Physically, I was excited to be in the weight room.  I enjoy pushing myself, and watching the amount of weight I could lift increase each week.  The heavier I lifted, the more gains I would have.  Who doesn't love the gains?  At the same time, it is tiring pushing your body that much. Mentally, I didn't realize who would actually be there to support me. When I completely switched up my lifestyle and was restricted on doing the same things as others, I began to see people's true colors.  Some friendships were lost, but others were gained in this incredible journey.  I felt that a majority of my prep was a mind game as well as a self-reflection.  It took a lot of will power to say no to food and alcohol.  Also, I had to constantly remind myself that I am doing this for me, and no one else.

Time is almost here until I make my first appearance on the WBFF New England stage and I could not be more excited.  After five years of having this dream goal in the back of my head, it is finally about to become a reality.  I am beyond grateful and appreciative of everyone who has been there for me throughout this journey.  Words cannot express how much your support means. Thank you! Cheers to meal prep Sundays, Costco trips, team sprints, lifting sessions, fasted cardio, ab circuits, pull ups, day dreaming about pumpkin spice everything, photo shoots, posing practices...Countless memories to last a lifetime.

No matter your situation, always remember to KEEP GRINDING!  Someone you don't even know is rooting for you, while someone you know isn't.

WBFF Diva Bikini Competitor Kiya!!

Better than Before

The date of the WBFF NYC show is a benchmark for me in many ways.  Not only is it my second show with WBFF but July 11th, 2014 marked the last day at a company I loved and believed I would build a long career.  At that time, I was devastated that a decision had been made for me about my career and its' future.  I thought what would be next after taking a risk and trying something new.  I accepted my fate, even though I thought I didn't have a plan on my next steps.



I refocused my energy on myself and set out on a mission of self discovery, happiness, and balance.  I figured I couldn't fail if I took a risk on myself at the end of this journey. I leaped off the edge and found myself stronger, more confident and able to tackle any obstacle in front of me.  A year of self discovery, hard work, and perseverance has gotten me where I am today. It's not easy being judged on anything you do.  I know from my experiences, that if you put the work into yourself, no one can ever take that away from you.  I am here and in less than 2 days, I will hopefully take home a win not only for me but for my team, the Elite Heat.  With each challenge over the last year, I've grown exponentially, more than I could have ever imagined.  It's time to celebrate!! Nothing will stop me now.

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 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 Yamilett as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini Debut !!!

The Author of MY Story

" If you want something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done." Let's hit it off with this delightful quote! BUT first let me apologize for any improper grammar due to no carbs and water depletion.  Hope I didn't scare any of you just yet. I promise, it will only get better from here.

I was born and raised in the Bronx, and I have two amazing, supportive sisters.  I was never interested in sports, let alone fitness. My theory was always " I don't run unless I am being chased, and if I am being chased by a dog, I won't even attempt it."  LAUGH if you must, but this is the God honest truth!  I was always very diffident.  My mother, as much as I love her, always told me " In this world, you will only have your family. Your friends are your family. That's it" As I grew older, I realized she was wrong.  As bad as this may sound, don't always listen to your mother.  This caused me to have very few friends. I portrayed a cold, inapproachable, self centered person.  I obviously was controlled by my mother's beliefs and it was time to put a stop to it.   I was not happy with the person I portrayed to the world.  With all these emotions running through me, I finally came to a decision...I got a dog.  I figured why not get a dog.?!!??!  Yeah.....that didn't work.  I worked 40 hours a week and attended a university full time. My poor puppy experienced depression.  For her sake, after a wonderful year, I shipped her to my aunt in Florida.  My puppy is healthy as can be now, sipping on a pina colada somewhere. :)

Months later, I started feeling depressed again.  I needed some excitement in my life.  I was tired of living a routine life, and I needed to step out of my comfort zone.  I ad the privilege of attending my friend Laura's WBFF competition show, and in that particular moment, I fell in love!  It was the perfect change I had been seeking.

My main focus was never to compete.  The competition was the ultimate push to complete my fitness journey.  My first encounter with my coach Malenna was seamless.  ( I swear I am not just saying this cause I know she will eventually read it. She is truly amazing! See for yourself! ) :)  Of course, I was nervous, and frightened. I never imagined I would stick through it.  BUT GUESS WHAT!?!? I am currently 6 days from my first WBFF competition and couldn't be more ecstatic. This wasn't a walk in the park.  I approached this journey with blindfolded. I didn't know what 'macros' were. I hadn't ever been in GNC, and the only gym I ever attended was my school gym.  (because it was mandatory)  OH, and Lucielle Roberts, because it was strictly for females.  I still don't know how to perform a perfect squat, but give it time, I am almost there!  Hope I didn't bore you just yet. IF you got this far, please read a little further.  It's time to get to the nitty gritty as to why I believe this team is so friggin awesome!

Our first team retreat was in Jan of this year, and was eventful.  I was a little skeptical about attending.  These girls didn't know me from a hole in the wall. How can they like me?!  But I was wrong!  All the ladies shared a similar purpose. A purpose to grow, better themselves, motivate others and to encourage one another.  It was such a pleasant retreat, it actually made it much easier to stick around and witness everyone's success.  To this day, these girls are a part of my family. Not blood, but certainly by choice. To have the privilege to be a part of a team with such beautiful, talented, motivated females really just inspires me to become everything I've ever wanted to be. Having so many people believe in you, even at the lowest point when you stop believing in yourself, is enough to keep you going.

I've come to realize I am my own worst enemy.  However, I knew if I allowed fear to over take me, my journey would be ruined.  I believe fear is born of a story we tell ourselves. From this point forward, I choose to tell myself a different story.  Insisting on being fearless is a form of mind control.  I refuse to let myself become afraid.  In 6 days, I will step on stage alongside my girls and we will relinquish any negativity we may have encountered.  We will continue encouraging one another because we are the Elite Heat and that is what we believe!

Follow Suehade as she makes her Fitness America Bikini debut!

No longer a wall flower...

Growing up I was always that girl, the girl that can eat whatever she wanted and slide right into her double zero jeans (which were extremely hard to find).  I was always skinny and I could out eat any body. Eventually my poor eating habits caught up with me. During my early twenties, I managed to put on 35 pounds! I was never fat, but I became what is known today as “skinny fat”.  People began to make comments about my weight gain and it opened up a whole mess of insecurities. It wasn’t until someone congratulated me on my pregnancy (I wasn’t pregnant) that sent me running to the gym.

I worked out for two years and I couldn’t understand why I didn’t have any muscle definition, no abs, no “toned” arms or legs. I was training with a trainer who placed me on a 850 calorie diet and a workout program that consisted of me running for miles. I became a skeleton. I got frustrated and became sloppy with my meals again and stopped going to the gym. I slowly started gaining the weight back, I panicked and decided to go back to the same trainer. I had my gym bag packed and ready to go back to my old trainer but my friend convinced me to try a small and upcoming gym in Brooklyn. I heard about the gym before but I tend to stick to what I know.  Nonetheless, my friend convinced me to go with her.

I met my new trainer and attended a few sessions. Within the first week I was hooked. I signed up right away.  I’ve learned and am still learning so much from my trainer. After a few months, I started seeing results.  I approached one of my coaches and told him I wanted more muscles. We discussed my goals and my program was reassessed. My calories went up and I began lifting heavy weights for the first time. I was benching, squatting, dead lifting, and overhead pressing. I was in love! I loved and still love every minute of weighting training.  My body was changing and I was becoming stronger. I was doing things that I never thought I could. Every goal I set they helped me not only meet it, but exceed it. I found my love of weights here and I also found myself. I became more confident and more comfortable in my skin.

My best friend quickly picked up on my obsession with working out and showed me a picture of a friend who began competing and was a member of the Elite heat. I was blown away by her transformation and admired her for competing. One night I decided to show the picture to my sister. She too was blown away. She then looked at me and said “You should compete too.”  A thousand excuses came to mind and all my insecurities instantly overcame me. My sister knocked every one of them down.  She kept saying “message her and ask her.” You see, my sister and I are complete opposites. She’s the social butterfly and I’m the quiet wallflower. She sees, she wants, she gets. I see, I dream, and do nothing about it. I thought about it a lot. I wanted to do it but I couldn’t find it within me to go for it.

My friend had asked me to join her for a boot camp class she got off of groupon. She told me our friend would be attending and I would have someone to talk about my love of fitness with. Our friend couldn’t make it but after our third session, Malenna ended the class and asked us to write down our names and email. A few days later, she emailed me and asked me if I would be interested in competing. I played it cool and said “sounds interesting”. She stated she will be accepting new members in a few months. I just thought it wasn’t for me. A whole year went by and I couldn’t shake the idea off.  Then I received another email about a workshop for those interested in competing. I decided to go. I missed so many opportunities to do amazing things due to my own fears and insecurities. I wanted to finally do something for me. I wanted to actually go for it. I knew competing would help me overcome my shyness. I turned once again to my sister. She calmed my nerves (yes, I was nervous to attend the workshop!) and told me to go for it. I was embarrassed to even say it out loud, in fear of judgment or being laughed at.  I went to the workshop and signed up, never admitting to Malenna that I wanted to compete.

Before I knew it, I was prepping for my first show. I was given a workout plan and my food intake was being monitored. I was learning even more about my body and about myself. For me the journey is not about winning it’s about doing something out side of my comfort zone.  It’s about finally going after something and not allowing fear to hold me back. It’s a personal journey. I decided to keep this experience to myself, to block all the negative comments that may come about.  I needed to do this for myself, no distractions. I let my trainer know (which took me three weeks because I was super nervous) and he was on board and has been supporting me ever since. My mom, sister and my best friend have also been a great support system and I am so thankful for them. I’ve met so many beautiful girls on this team helping me and cheering me on this new journey.

Throughout this experience I’ve challenged myself mentally as well as physically.  I am so glad to be surrounded by amazing women and an amazing coach.  I am extremely thankful and can not express in words the gratitude I have for my coach and team.  I can’t wait for May 17!

Follow Laura as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini debut!

Not Just Another Pretty Face

  


Being the first born of an extended immigrant family was never easy. I had to take on many responsibilities at an early age.  I also had to be a good role model for my siblings.  These life challenges, though, made me the independent individual I am today.

Shortly, after graduating high school, I moved out on my own. My parents could not afford to pay my college tuition, so I had to work three part time jobs, in addition to attending Long Island University full time.   My schedule would consist of my morning job, classes,  my night shift, and finally I would bar tend on the weekends.  This is the time in my life I put on the most weight.    ' All nighters ' to study and then running to class and work left me with little or no time to prepare my own meals.  After graduation, I found one full time position as a clinical lab technologist, and was able to ditch all my other part time gigs.  With the extra time, I attempted to workout and eat healthier.  A few fad diets and trainers later, I was still overweight and could not understand why.  It was then that I started doing research on macros , clean eating and weight lifting.

One day, I ran across a familiar face on instagram. She had just one her pro card with WBFF and her transformation inspired me.  I attended a competition workshop held by Phoenyx Fitness and that was when I met the Elite Heat.  I then decided I wanted to do something for myself and compete.  I had already tried everything and felt this was my last chance.

I distanced myself from family, friends and food as I knew it.  I set sail on my journey towards better health with the WBFF show as my goal. I cannot lie! It was not easy.  I was still working and going to school, this time for my masters. I knew how badly I wanted this, so I cut the excuses and made the time.  I was fortunate enough to have an amazing man by my side.  He would push me to my limits and helped me every step of the way. He is my rock and my number one supporter!







My goal was never to win, but simply to fit in on stage.  To me, my progress was the prize, and that prize is one only I could win.  Since then, I have lost nearly 30 pounds, and have overcome my tachycardia.  With every week, I saw a change and I loved it.




I slowly regained my confidence and control of my body.  My relationships are stronger with those who understood and supported my journey.  Today, I am the happiest and healthiest I have ever been. As they say, eat clean and train dirty. STRONG is the new SKINNY!

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