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

Let me begin at the top. I stumbled into my current career unintentionally. Being a personal trainer was never in my "what do you want to be when you grow up?" List. I started pursuing fitness because I was overly stressed. When I realized I needed to make a change I was 24 years old. At such a young age I was completely out of shape, couldn't fit into my clothes and it all happened suddenly. It's like I was in my body but felt like it wasn't my body. I was so unhappy with my bachelors in business, stressed at my job as an administrator and with so many changes happening in my life during that year I began suffering from anxiety. The weight room became my therapy. My dedication began producing the physical results that I wanted and before I knew it I was guiding my friends into getting fit, got my certification and fast forward, I am about to make my debut as a Fitness Diva with the WBFF.
When I decided that I wanted to be a trainer, It didn't cross my mind to compete I just had the heart to help people learn to be healthy and fit and to do it because they loved their bodies, not because they hated them.My cousin Suehade, who is a PRO for the same federation was who inspired me and believed in me enough for me to muster the courage and take on this challenge.

The reason why I decided to compete is because after working out and after my experience in the gym for 3 years now, I wanted a new challenge. Sometimes personal trainers have this idea that they can figure it all out on their own and contrary to that I wanted to learn something new and to be guided professionally with accountability. I wanted to undergo this process for beyond physical reasons. Only people who have suffered from anxiety understand the intensity of the feeling and know that it takes a LOT of mental strength to be able to control and overcome an anxiety attack. I got into fitness not only to build my body but also to build my mind and so that's why I felt it was the right time for me to undergo the process of preparing for a competition. I understood that if I wanted to grow as a person I needed to continuously learn and to continuously be challenged and I am so satisfied with this prep because that is exactly what it has done for me!

I have been able to discover a strength in me both mentally and physically that I never thought I had within. No other process would have been able to teach me what I have learned about myself like this one.
This has been the most rigorous, yet most rewarding period of time in my life. I have not stepped on stage yet but I am content because no matter what happens I know I am stronger,  and I am better than when I first began. I have learned to channel a new level of focus towards a goal regardless of my circumstance and all the havoc going on in my surrounding. My faith, passion and consistency has reached new levels and although these things are intangible, they are the greatest possessions!

Brandy Jean's journey to her WBFF Diva Bikini Debut

Finding home away from Home 

When Brandy moved to New York from Washington, D.C.  in 2011, it was a very hard transition.

“I grew up in Washington, D.C. and it has always been “home” for me. I was surrounded by long-time friends and family. Unsurprisingly, that manifested itself in my outlook and physical condition. I worked out regularly (and even competed at the collegiate level in my sport of choice, Cross Country). In short, I was happy, healthy and comfortable.”

When she moved to New York, however, things changed. She disliked New York from the outset and immediately fell out of her comfort zone. It took a long time for her to make new friends and she grew increasingly depressed. She stopped exercising and gained a lot of weight. That slowly began to change one day in 2012, when one of her friends invited her to attend a Phoenyx Fitness “Boot Camp” class. It sounded interesting and she purchased a "Groupon" for several classes. The class was very challenging and made her realize how out of shape she was. Unfortunately, at that time, she was not quite ready to dedicate herself and she stopped attending classes. After the Groupon expired, she started a new job, which was highly stressful and involved long hours, and she fell back into a personal slump. she lost even more confidence, stopped working out entirely and had a terrible diet.  She never forgot, however, how great the Phoenyx “boot camp” class made her feel. The “seed” of change had been planted (even if it would take some time to grow).

By late 2012, she was the heaviest and most of out of shape she had ever been in her life.

“My clothes no longer fit me and I “maxed” out at 145 pounds. So-called friends, family and colleagues continuously made rude comments and reminded me about my appearance. On top of this, I found out from my doctor that I had high cholesterol. In early 2013, I had reached my breaking point. In short, I was finally just fed up with myself! I decided to make maintaining a healthier lifestyle a priority, to become the BEST me that I could be and step out of my shell. I remembered at this point how much I had enjoyed the Phoenyx classes I had attended and ended up signing up for several kettlebell classes in January of 2013. I looked forward to attending each class. But, naturally, I was anxious to find out just how far I could push myself.”

One day after a kettlebell class, she noticed that a few girls from the class had put on clear high heels and overheard them talking about bikini suits. When she asked them what they were talking about, one of the  girls told her that she was a member of a fitness team named “Elite Heat” and told her about a fitness competition they were training for. At once, she knew that that was what she wanted to do. 

" In fact, it felt like a sign. Years ago, when I was in college, I met some women who trained for fitness competitions. The women were very inspiring to me and made me realize that I wanted to compete someday. I knew that the discipline involved in becoming stronger, maintaining a healthier life style and building the self-confidence needed to compete would be amazing! Competing in fitness competitions has been on my “bucket list” since that time (i.e., 2003)."

After hearing about the Elite Heat team, she expressed her interest in joining the team to the instructor of her kettlebell class (and, coincidentally, the Elite Heat coach and leader), Malenna Saunders. She accepted her with open arms and she joined the Elite Heat team in the middle of February. 

" Since that time, Malenna and my  Elite Heat teammates have been amazing! I have attended several competitions supporting my teammates. In July, I decided that I was ready to accept the challenge - - to compete in a fitness competition this year (and cross that off my “bucket list")!  In the last few months, I dedicated my life to achieving my goal. I changed my diet, began working out extensively, and generally cut unhealthy or negative things out of my life. By October 2013, I had lost 30 pounds and changed my outlook completely. Last week, I competed in my first fitness competition and placed! Although I am excited that I placed, I am more proud that I accomplished my goal of making it on stage in the first place. "

Needless to say, surrounding herself with the positive and inspirational people at Elite Heat (who are now her “Fit Family”) has been integral in helping her reach her goal. In addition, her boyfriend, family and close friends that have been very supportive has helped her through the challenging process. ' I am very thankful for their support. ' 

" My “Fit Journey” has been a life-changing process for me. It has given me self-confidence and allowed me to realize one of my life-long goals. It has also allowed me to grow to accept (and even like) New York and to realize that life is entirely what you make of your situation(s). Although there were times when it was difficult, and I don't expect everyone to understand my journey, that is okay with me. It is and has been "MY" journey. I have come a long way and I am proud of myself for all I have accomplished this year. Hopefully, what I’ve done may inspire others to take “fit journeys” of their own. I am already looking forward to a stronger year for 2014!"

Cary Barrett makes her WBFF debut

Love Conquers All

A year ago from this date, Cary was recovering from knee surgery.   During this time, she had promised herself that 2013 was going to be her best and healthiest year ever.   Perhaps it was the surgery or turning 30 years old that contributed to this major lifestyle change, but all she knew was that she was determined to recover as soon as possible, so she could lace  her sneakers back up,  rekindle her passion for running and sign up for a few local races.  ‘I just loved the energy at the races and the adrenaline rush.’

As disappointing as it was for her delay hitting the track, she became fascinated with strength training.

“It was as if my knee injury was a blessing in disguise, because I was able to develop a passion for lifting.  It had become my new outlet.  I remember walking into the gym with cane in hand, ready to work out.  I saw my body transforming.  Then I shared a secret with my husband, Dennis Barrett that I wanted to compete in a show. I recall that Christmas morning, he handed me my gift and when I had opened it, he had surprised me by signing me up for WBFF workshops.  I was overwhelmed with tears of happiness because it was the most amazing feeling to know I had his full support in perusing my dreams.  I could have not been anymore grateful for his kindness and support.”

By attending the WBFF workshops hosted by The Elite Heat, she met her amazing coach Malenna Saunders and the wonderful ladies of the team.  Every Saturday morning for the next 6 weeks she travelled into the city to practice posing, learn about nutrition and learned all the facts that go into competing.  Those 6 weeks turned nearly into a year now with the team.   Dennis drove her to the ferry and picked her up every weekend.   He also helped Cary food prep and even trained with her.  It was soon became their little secret that she was not ready to share with family or friends because not everyone was as supportive or understanding as Dennis in the beginning of her journey.

Later, Dennis shared that he too wanted to compete in his first show. 

“ I was so happy and excited for him that as soon as he told me I signed him up to compete in the male fitness model category as his birthday present.   He told me that I had inspired him, and I am so happy that I could do that because he makes me want to be a better person. “

Unfortunately a few days ago Dennis’ brother passed away unexpectedly.  This has been a devastating tragedy to the whole family.  Deciding to still compete was very questionable.

“I was not going to do the show without Dennis by my side and of course I would understand why he wouldn’t be able to compete.  However we decided that we would still compete together.  This competition is giving us a positive outlet to deal with this tragedy. “

For those that have competed before, they understand how time demanding it is from training, to food prep, to posing and dieting. Now they are past that point and digging really deep to get through each workout and avoid temptations that come along the way.

“These past few days have been physically, mentally and emotionally draining. However I know we have each other’s support to get through the next few days.  I look forward to our WBFF debut and being able to share the stage with my husband. He said that I was the one the inspired him the truth is that he inspires me with all his hard work and perseverance and better yet a good heart. “

Little do they know, they have both been an inspiration to us all.  The ladies of The Elite Heat send out their heartfelt condolences to both Dennis and Cary during this time. We love you both and understand the courage it takes just to step on that stage. Just know that we are behind you both especially during this time, as you take the stage with your love, in honor of a love lost.