Elite Heat Spotlight: Fiamma

I have been struggling with my weight and body image for a few years now, going through countless exercise and diet fads, and getting little to no results.  In January of this year, my best friend Ashley joined the Elite Heat, and over the next few months I witnessed as she underwent a complete body transformation.  But it wasn't only her body that changed.  It was her entire demeanor.  She slowly became more and more self confident, and the change was very inspiring to me.  I have never considered myself to be self confident, especially not where my body is involved, and seeing my best friend make such big strides in her own body image left me wanting the same.  When she decided to recommend me for the team, I was excited and terrified: having never been particularly athletic or strong, I feared being left in the team's collective dust.  Regardless, I felt that I owed it to myself to at least try.  Feeling so defeated by all of my previous attempts, I pretty much viewed joining the team as a last ditch effort to look in the mirror and feel good about myself.  Since joining the team, I have started to feel stronger and healthier.  My favorite part of the experience, and what I wasn't expecting, is the support and encouragement the ladies on the team give each other.  It feels great to know that we are all in this together and cheering each other on.  I feel like this last ditch effort might actually be the one that sticks.

Elite Heat Spotlight: Ernie

After I graduated from law school, I found myself feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and my self-esteem was shot to hell.  I was also newly engaged and attempting to plan a huge wedding in another country that I had only traveled to once before! So, I convinced my friend Dorothy, who was also getting married that year, to try this boot camp I saw on Groupon. I have not looked back since...

I have taken many of the classes offered by Phoenyx Fitness, and worked with many of the instructors, and the truth is, everyone has their own way to help you get in shape and build your confidence.  I think I have always gravitated towards Malenna's classes because she was my original instructor and helped build my self-esteem through prioritizing myself and my health at a time when I felt negative about everything.  So, when I heard that she had some members of our kettlebell class doing a secret program, I just jumped into their conversations and allowed Dorothy to harass her until she would let us join.

At first, I was just joining to spend more time with Malenna, my friends Dorothy and Aleida, and the other friends I made in kettlebell class.  But after travelling to see Malenna at fitness competition and seeing how lean and svelte everyone that had already started the program looked, my excitement grew and I really challenged myself to put in the time and effort to be successful.

Through Elite Heat, I have learned a lot about nutrition, and overall health and have been able to inspire my parents and co-workers to make positive lifestyle changes I think that's what I like the most. The hardest part? Making it to the gym, of course. But when you have a strong support team that focuses on motivation and not judgement or shame, you feel inspired to go to the gym and give it your all for yourself and them.

Winner, winner chicken dinner (breast meat only, no skin, trimmed of fat, grilled and served with a a1/4 C of quinoa, cooked!!NOT dry!)  ;-)

Elite Heat Spotlight: Dorothy

Like any newly engaged bride, I was desperate to shed some pounds and rock a svelte, sexy body in my wedding gown. I found a lifebooker deal for Phoenyx Fitness, and it was love at first throw up with Malenna. After the first initial brutal workout with her, I lost some weight and felt stronger and fitter than ever. But weddings end and once you've got that guy and took pictures in that dress, it was time for the gut to come out to make room for all the things delicious: burger, cheese fries, mac & cheese, cheesy cheese, dessert, followed by more cheese...you get the picture. It was not uncommon for me to work out for an hour and a half, and then walk to the Shake Shack across the street and justify it with "Oh I must have burned 500 calories, which means I can totally have the 3000 calorie double shack burger with a side of cheese fries...I worked hard for it!" Needless to say, I remained heavier than ever with this great workout regiment of mine.

 No more boot camp, more excuses not to go to the gym, and just kettlebell class barely keeping me from looking like a member of the Klump Family. And then I started to notice certain members of the kettlebell class literally shrinking before my eyes. They did all the exercises like pros, were thin but strong and just looked good. I started to hear whispers of this secret society called the Elite Heat and boy did it sound well elite! I had to find out their secret.

 I learned that most of the girls were chosen by Malenna and were training for fitness competitions. And the biggest change other than their workouts???  Their diets. I knew in order to get and maintain the body I wanted, I would need to make changes and stop justifying eating bad food by working out. It's not easy to say no to cheese or desserts, but once I started learning about how much sugar was in a banana, I had to start imaging that the foods I knew were bad for me were also disgusting, and it forced me to be creative with recreating my favorite foods with healthier options. I love the support of the other women working towards the same goals and it's great to see the camaraderie and encouragement amongst the group. I see some changes in my body already and I am looking forward to making this lifetime change to a slimmer sexier me as a member of the Elite Heat.

The Heat's First Photoshoot

When we began this journey, the motivation, aside from getting into competition shape, was to prep for a photo shoot midsummer.  We would have never imagined how much fun the event would be or how great the pictures would turn out. Here is a mini video of the event.  Photography was done by the fabulous SFX Photography and the make up was done by up and coming artist Dorothy Rodriguez. We are on our way to our October and November goals for comp!

Elite Heat Spotlight : Courtney

I remember being a kid and running track competitions every weekend.  My dad would speed walk (practically run) my sister and I about 1.5 miles to the location.  We would run a few races, then speed walk home.  I suppose I attribute his inability to walk like a normal human being to really sparking my passion for fitness.  So, in the many moons since my track days, I began trying new, interesting things...always up for a challenge and a change of pace. For me, fitness has always been about strength and health.  An insane body is a welcomed perk, but has never been my focus.  I joined the Heat after practically harassing Malenna about it for a couple of weeks. It was intimidating and I was drawn into the challenge. I expected to be pushed, and possibly more than that.  I was attracted to the commitment you are forced to make to YOURSELF. This phenomenal group of super women have been able to beautifully balance the blend of individual and team efforts.  It's been just a few weeks and I feel supported and motivated like never before!!  Life is all about pushing through, growing and evolving.  When my body is happy, I am strong in mind and spirit...and I am absolutely convinced I can take on the world!!! Maybe even Mars!

Elite Heat Spotlight: Aleida

I have been working out for quite some time now.  Since becoming a member of Phoenyx Fitness, and now the Elite Heat team, I find that I am becoming more serious about working out and being fit and healthy.  I really enjoy finding new and creative ways to make healthy and delicious meals.  What made me decide to join the Elite Heat Team?  After attending one of Malenna's shows, I did think about the possibility of doing a show, but decided against it because I am pretty shy and I didn't think my body could look like most of the competitors on the stage.  When I saw the first round of Elite Heat members and their transformations, it gave me some confidence that I can be competition ready.  I never thought that I would be considering doing fitness competitions, but if I spend so much time working on my body, why shouldn't I enter a competition?  At this moment, I am just going to stay focused and become the best me I can be and enjoy this journey we are embarking on.

Elite Heat Spotlight : Shelley

When Malenna asked me to join this team, I didn't know entirely what would be involved, but I knew that I wanted to be a part of it.  I was excited to be a part of a team, something I have missed since graduating college.  I was also excited to be surrounded by a group of girls that are dedicated to fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.  I have always enjoyed working out and have tried my best to eat well, but the team has helped me to take my fitness to another level.  Additionally, Malenna has provided us all with nutritional guidance to help us nourish our bodies in the proper way to see results of our hard work. It is very inspiring to be a part of a group of women who are all so dedicated to fitness and nutrition.  

Shelley also serves as the team liason and coordinator for all events and research associated with the team!