What I love most about fitness is that you don't compete with anyone else but yourself. You can always be better than you were yesterday. It teaches you patience and consistency and once you start seeing results, you get addicted. You want to get stronger, lift heavier, run faster, jump higher...or whatever your goal might be. Fitness is a way of life. You don’t always feel motivated, but once you push yourself and finish the work out you didn’t feel like doing, you feel accomplished and proud of yourself.

I have been active my whole life, but as I think back, I always did individual sports like dancing or snowboarding. I left my home country of the Czech Republic about 6 years ago, and didn’t really know which way my career would go. I feel like I tried everything. Then I found a book I purchased years ago when I was playing with the ideaof becoming a fitness trainer. I finally studied the book, passed the test and became certified. I quit my job and became a trainer for a local gym. When I look back, I see the huge growth I had been through as a trainer. I love my job. I love being independent and being my own boss. I love leading by example, educating my clients on a healthier lifestyle and helping them reach their goals. I used to work for David Barton Gym on the upper east side. After they shut their doors down, I started to work independently. I have a beautiful relationship with all of my clients and I love to hear their positive feedback and be part of the reason they feel healthier and stronger.

I decided to compete a couple years ago but felt it was not the right time, until January of this year. I knew the time was right and it’s either now or never. I jumped on and through some ups and downs I have loved the journey over all. It’s not easy but it is not impossible. I wanted to move higher as a trainer, get more experience, learn new stuff and also see, where I can take my body. So many times I felt like I am working against nature, gravity and common sense (lol) but it was worth it and I have learned so much on a physical and mental level. I decided to do my first show in Los Angeles as I felt like I can stay more motivated and I have been looking for any reason to go to LA to hug the palm trees! :) My big day is Saturday, April 7th!

Wish me luck! :)

Follow Sabrina to the WBFF Diva Bikini Stage

Picture Perfect...

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

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

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

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

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

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

With Love, Dignity and Pride

In just two days, I will be stepping on the WBFF stage for the second time in 8 months.  Throughout this entire prep all I an think is, what in the world was I thinking doing this again?!?! But here I am.  There is just something about the sport that makes you want to see just how far you can go.  To see just how much your body can take and how much better you can make yourself inside and out.  The idea of being able to do something the average person couldn't even fathom, and successfully too, excites me.  Unless you have been on this side, no one will ever understand the discipline it takes.  The physical pain and shock you put your body through on a daily basis, and more importantly, the mental games it can sometimes play with your mind is ...well mind blowing.  The moment I step off stage, I know all that hard work has paid off.  I again, accomplished something the average person couldn't. I went up there a better version of myself and no matter the outcome, I couldn't be more proud.  Now, I can finally be reminded as to why I'm doing this again.

Eight months ago, I competed in WBFF Rhode Island as a bikini competitor.  I took 5th place in a class of around 20-30 incredibly fit females and was in utter disbelief.  I expected to jut go up there, look good, and have a great time.  I came off that stage with so much more.  That moment was hands down, one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  This year, I am competing in the fit model division at WBFF NYC where the women are a bit leaner and a bit more muscular.  Even with all the incredible competition I'll be facing, I am excited.  This is exactly where I want to be in terms of how I would like my body to progress.  Always being very petite, I am sure that I will be going on stage a little smaller than the rest of the women, and still, that doesn't bother me one bit.  Knowing that I'll be going up there better, stronger, and leaner than last time is all I need

My support, just like before is amazing, especially from my family.  My mother's been a life saver this entire prep. With working crazy hours and trying to find time to train, even if it has to be at midnight, she preps all my meals for me and makes sure I'm all ready for every single day.  Without her, there is no doubt I would have crashed and burned as soon as I started. My father asks me to see my progress almost as much as my coach does, and trust me, sugar coating anything is not an option for him.  My sister, who was literally my backbone the first time I competed has taken a small step back which I appreciate so much.  It's given me a sense of responsibility and leadership.  I used to drag her everywhere with me from my workouts to picking which suit I should buy.  She's showed me that I am able to do this on my own, but being one call away when I need her.  My younger brother doesn't have much to say about it, but the moment I mentioned the tickets for the show, he didn't hesitate one bit to ask how much and when can he buy one.  Lastly, my boyfriend has been a major part in my success, more than he will ever know.  He is a competitor in NPC and understands what I go through more than anyone.  He keeps me in check with my food, my workouts, and motivates me every single day.  Words wouldn't be able to explain how thankful I am to have him by my side.  My family has forever been a backbone and will always continue to be.  Everyday I thank God that he's blessed me with such an amazing boyfriend and amazing parents and siblings.  I am one of the lucky ones.

I never want to use the word easy because nothing at all about this was easy, so I'll use the word smooth.  The second time around went a bit smoother for me. This time, I knew a little bit more about what to expect and what I was getting myself into.  I was prepared.  My discipline was better than last time and my attitude is also.  That's what it's all about.  Being better than the last time.  In a few days, I am going to step on stage for the second time, MUCH better than the last time.  And still with all the blood, sweat and tears put into this.  All the sore body parts, the sleepless nights, social seclusion, the countless dollars and endless work, I can almost guarantee, this next time you see me on that stage, will not be the last time.

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

A Different Race to the Finish

Fitness, working out and body maintenance has always been at the foreground of my life.  Whether it was running half marathons, bikram yoga or spinning classes, I've always been physically active.  But over the years, I had reached a plateau in my owrkout regiments and began to lose interest in exercising.  It became more of a chore instead of something fun to do.

Two years ago, I began gathering information on the world of bodybuilding and competing.  I had been following a few professional athletes on social meda for some time now, and decided that I was up for the challenge.  Following their tranformation and how they morphed into having these beatiful physiques made me want to compete even more.  I figured, " I can do this. Lift some weights, eat some chicken and I'm good right?" WRONG!

This process has been a true test of my will, determination, and tenacity.  But how much fun I've had throughout this entire process negates all tof the days I wanted to give up.  I've also found comraderie and friendship amongst my fitness/compeititon teammates of the Elite Heat.

The changes I've gone through physically and mentally over the past 7 months have been paramount. Hitting the competition stage in less than 2 weeks is just the icing on the cake.  I'm going to bring my best to the stage and KILL IT! Don't believe me?....Just watch.

Kyedi in her First NPC Figure Competition this Weekend. Follow her story.....

How sweet it is...

My fitness journey begin nine years ago, during my pregnancy with my son Andrew.  I only gained thirty pounds. When he was about six months or so, I began to eat my way up to 295lbs. I learned this at my doctor’s appointment in the fall of 2005. I was fortunate not to have the health issues that normally accompany obesity but something had to be done. My weakness is sweets. I would eat sweets before I ate actual food. I did not want to change the way I ate, I was content. I did want to change how I look to be able to wear nice clothes and shop in the misses section where the cute little outfits would be. I tried diet pills, teas, shakes whatever but I didn’t stick with it and nothing seem to work so I gave up.

I used to be an assistant manager for a major retail company in Astoria, NY. The flaw to the store
was the stock room was downstairs. During the Christmas holiday we promote a sales associate to be a stock manager to oversee that shipment is received and processed. The person we promoted could not handle it. Even though I was 295lbs, I could still move around at a good pace, so myself and another manager split the responsibility. Up and the down the stairs I would go to ensure the merchandise was where it needed to be. I was doing this four times a week for about three hours. As the weeks went by I had become use to it and had more energy. I didn’t consider it exercise, just doing my job.


Now the food change happened at a manager’s holiday meeting in Soho. Our district manager would
buy healthy and not so healthy snacks for the meeting. We had some vegans in the group and they wanted to accommodate everyone. Well we ran out of the “good” stuff so I started snacking on the healthier snack which was trail mix. I liked it so much I looked for it when I went food shopping. I found it and began substituting it as snack. I didn’t eat much because I became full faster.

The increase in exercise happened when one of our sales associates said she was 60lbs heavier. I didn’t believe her, but she showed me pictures. I asked her how she lost it and she said she bought a stability ball and utilized the DVD that came with it and did the exercise every day. She also changed the way she ate. After work, I went to Modell’s picked up the set by Gaim and set out every afternoon after work to do it regardless of how I felt. I would pick up my son Andrew from school then exercise. I had to get him a ball to because he was like five years old at the time and would try to take mine. I started to read health magazines as well. As my energy progressed so did my DVD collection to challenge myself. My bedroom became my gym. The other manager I worked with was very health conscious, so she would give me pointers as well

That started in November, by March I went from 295lbs-245lbs. I went to put on my pants and they
fell to the floor. My next day off went shopping and I was on the borderline of plus size and misses. I
went from almost pushing a size 22 to a 14 in a matter of months, just exercising and changing my diet. I dropped another 10lbs and maintained between 235-245lbs for two years.  During this journey I met key people who motivated me to get where I’m at today. In 2009, my mom and I walked into the Budokan dojo to look into setting up Andrew for classes. Sensei Nardu Debrah asked if I was interested in trying out the Muay Thai class. Even though I said yes, I was nervous. I made it through and never looked back. I was addicted to class and I dropped to about 220lbs.

In 2011 I met a trainer named Justus through a mutual friend on Facebook.   He introduced me to weight training and still working with him to this day. It’s funny he showed me a picture of a female friend who did body building competitions and it didn’t appeal to me. I lived with the ignorance that women shouldn’t have so much muscle. As we know that perception has definitely changed. In 2012, a friend took me to a cardio class called Body by Denise. I fell in love with the class. The location was hard for me to get to, but when she changed location I made it my business to get in there. I would go to Lucille Roberts in the morning and her class at night. I was going between 215-220lbs. I said I want to be under 200, so I went for it and accomplished it. I was down dam near 100lbs overall.

When I started school I just went to BBD only. My friend Derrick he did weights only. I had an interest so he showed me how to do the exercise in the gym and it help give me a little more definition and we continued like that for about a year. He got me to the point that I could go in the gym and do it on my own. I continued with martial Arts, training with Justus every now and then and yoga. My body changed but not much I hit a serious plateau. I was between 185lbs-190lbs.

One year ago I was on break at work. I was walking and started thinking that I want to transform my
body. I want to see how far I could go. I walked back into work and met a client who just finished a
massage who turned out to be WBFF Pro Esther Lopez. We began having a conversation about how
massage and stretching is important to her telling me about her competing that weekend in Las Vegas.

I never heard of bikini competitions before. She gave me her coach’s name and her info. I emailed
her coach and I was on google looking up the information on competitions. It was so extensive but my interest kept me reading. I said I want to do that. I can do this. I didn’t know how or where to start but I was going to do it. I told my mom, she said ok.

Esther’s coach Malenna Saunders answered my email a few weeks later. We did an over the phone
interview then I emailed her my before pictures. She emailed back if you can do that you can do this.
She had some women from her team competing a few weeks from when we spoke on the phone and
she invited me to see a show. Best move ever, I loved every minute of it. It made me want to do it even more. Eager to learn more about the sport. The name of her team is Elite Heat. My group was Heat six.

We started and finished out a program together to see if this was the right fit for us. The major change that happened with my body was due to the major change that happened with my diet. Going from a size 10 to a size 6 in a matter of weeks is motivation enough to keep my eyes on the prize. I am grateful to have family friends (old & new) who are very supportive in my life. I get the occasionally your too skinny or don’t lose any more weight before we lose you, but that has not and will not stop me from attaining my goals. During this experience not only has my body changed, but the mentally has as well. Many people say I inspire them, but they don’t realize they inspire me with their words and actions. The Universe has brought some amazing people into my life to help me become the person I am supposed to be

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