Follow Natasha as she makes her WBFF DIVA BIKINI debut!!

The Bucket List....

In March 2016, I attended carnival in Trinidad. That was the first time I didn’t want to take a full length picture of myself because I was not pleased with how my body looked.  Now 2016 was also the year in which I was turning 40. I had set out in my mind that I was going to compose a list of 40 things to accomplish in 2016 to celebrate this milestone birthday.  One of those things was getting fit and being healthy. A dear friend took me to one of Malenna’s interest meetings and instantly I knew I wanted to get fit and healthy with her assistance.  One thing she did say was ‘I’m going to get you to compete.” My response was “Whatever.  I’m just here to get fit & healthy.”  Over the next few years it was a struggle and I found my weight & my drive to continue my journey waxed & waned.


Last April, I attended the Fitness Atlantic show and I sat in that audience looking at all those contestants on stage.   I turned to my friend & said ‘I’m competing next year.’  I ran up to Malenna and told her the news.  She put me on her calendar and the rest is history!!!!  This has been no easy journey but getting closer to the finish line, I can say it has been worth it!  The things that I will carry through beyond this journey are the importance of self-care and discipline.  I have put in the work, blood, lots of sweat and oh yes some tears so Fitness Atlantic here I come!!!

Follow Layona's Health and Transformation Journey!

I am a 47 year old registered nurse from Brooklyn.

Four year ago, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, a smoker,  and developed Type II diabetes in which I had to give myself insulin injections twice a day.  After 6 months of this, I decided I needed to take control of my health.  

I found a nutrition class in my neighborhood and started working out at home, but it wasn't enough. I needed to surround myself with people who had already accomplished the weight loss. I began getting active on social media and was inspired by women who have walked in my shoes and gotten fit. Social media is also where I found Malenna Saunders, WBFF Pro Sheri Newton and the Elite Heat ladies.

Spending time with women that were already so beautiful and fit was intimidating at first, but due to the constant encouragement, and checkins from my teammates, I felt like I belonged.  My transformation is a work in progress but to date, I'm a non smoker, no longer taking insulin shots, lost 35lbs with a start of 300lbs, and is still working on getting off the high blood pressure medication.  By working out regularly and keeping a healthy diet, I hope to reach my ultimate goal of competing as a fit model competitor.

With Sheri's help, I feel I will reach my goal. I hope to inspire others to take control of your health. I feel this especially for people in the medical profession, doctors, nurses, etc who should lead by example.  My brother has also been inspired to proceed with his own transformation with Sheri's help.

I would like to thank my family, friends and my Elite Heat sisters for all their encouragement and support!

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.

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 Mary as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini Debut!!

A 'Classic' ...

Mary's first show

In the last year since my debut on the fitness competition stage, I have continued to dedicate my time to improving my physique.  The experience a year ago was so exciting, that doing it again was absolutely a must for me.

Mary and her daughter Ayana

Competition preparation does come with its' challenges and at times, I've questioned why I am doing it.  The doubts usually come right around the time I wish I could have pizza and a glass of wine.  It's those momentary lapses that make me more committed to my goal, overcoming those hills and valleys are what count.  It's not just that moment on stage that does it for me, although it's pretty awesome.  It's the fact that I have worked so hard on my physique and presentation to be able to grace the stage with so many others that have done the same.  The sacrifices that come with being a part of the fitness competition world like dietary changes, limited social life, hours in the gym, muscle soreness, and those
occasional mood changes, are the things that give me that proud feeling. The whole process doesn't sound pretty, but you get to showcase all that hard work in front of an audience of strangers, family, friends, and of course, the judges.  I count my blessings every day. The average woman my age (40+) is not putting her body through such rigors.





The reality is that more women my age are just getting into fitness to help alleviate or reverse some lifestyle related issue.  I made a decision a long time ago not to be a part of that statistic. Instead, I would rather be am inspiration or motivation to others.  "If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem" So, as I prepare for my second show, I welcome all the challenges and I am grateful for all the support from my family, Coach Malenna and my team, the Elite Heat.

Come July 26th, I am gonna bring it!!

Follow Joesie as she makes her Fitness America Bikini debut!

When SKINNY Isn't Enough....

As much as I thought of myself as somewhat in shape, I'd never really been fit. In hindsight, I now know what I really was. I was “skinny fat.” I was the girl who never paid attention to her diet, worked out once in a blue moon and still always looked thin. The first gym that I ever joined was three years ago. It was one of those self-proclaimed gyms for women. This basically meant there were a ton of classes, archaic machines and cardio machines of which there were never enough to go around. This is where I thought I belonged. Coed gyms intimidated me and since this gym was designed for women I believed this was all I needed to stay in shape.

I started going to the gym twice a week doing 30 minutes of cardio on my own, or attending a class for 45 minutes. I was content, I thought I was looking and feeling good.  As I look back I think deep down I knew I could do better.


Last year I had an epiphany. I had just come back from a 10 day trip to Nicaragua where I was eating gallo pinto by the bucket. When I got back I started back up with my same workout routine and realized my body was not bouncing back to the “skinny fat” that I was so used to. I looked in the mirror and realized I was just plain old chubby. At this point I knew I had to make some changes. I did some research and finally joined a “real” gym. I started to incorporate weight training into my routine, but after a short time I reverted back to my comfort zone and slipped back into my old cardio-only workout habits. I realized then that I needed help. I needed an accountability partner and after a little research I found Malenna Saunders and the Elite Heat. Through Malenna, I began to truly learn about my body and how to effectively incorporate weight training and nutrition into my everyday life, for this I am forever thankful.

It’s hard for me to qualify the confidence and physical and mental benefits I’ve received on my journey from “skinny fat” to “skinny fit.” I began this year with the desire to try new things outside of my comfort zone and to constantly set new goals for myself. So far, I’ve exceeded all of my expectations and now have a new outlook on what I can accomplish. I've met an amazing group of women on this journey and cannot thank them enough for their constant support and camaraderie. I look forward to helping them reach their goals and to growing with them as we continue to challenge ourselves to be the best that we can be.

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.

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! 

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: Mary

The opportunity to join the Elite Heat could not have come at a more perfect time.  You see, as a fitness professional, I spend my time helping others achieve their fitness goals, but yet, my own fitness was starting to take a back seat.  I was really fitting exercise in where I could, not making it a priority, like I had in the past.  Since joining the team, I have renewed my fitness goals with the ultimate goal of getting on the competition stage.  I wil always be a work in progress because there is always room to improve, but so far I have seen visible improvements to my physique, and I am experimenting more in the kitchen.  I couldn't be happier to be a part of the Elite Heat, to have met the ladies that make up this team and grateful to our coach Malenna for putting this group together.  I am looking forward to all the possibilities that this journey may bring.