Competition Prep Workshop

We are hosting a competition prep workshop, Saturday April 21st. Check out our flyer and email us to register or for more details.

Follow Jasmine as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini Debut

All in the family

Every since I was a little girl, I was athletic and an entertainer.   Almost every sport you can think of I've done it. Swimming, tae kwon do, basketball, softball, cheer leading, gymnastics, dance.. you name it. I never purposely tried to stay in shape and I also never watched what I ate.  It's just how my body developed over the years.

When I was in high school and in college, I used to be very self conscious of my build. I was skinny with a very large upper body. My arms were always so muscular and my back always very broad. On the bottom, I was the total opposite. Chicken legs with zero curves. I used to joke around and say I was built like a 12 year old boy. Being so aware of my  disproportionate attributes I used to limit myself when it came to my clothing. Tube tops were always out of the question, along with quarter sleeve shirts that made my biceps bulge out of my shirt. My friends didn't help either, constantly reminding me how "brolic" I looked on a daily basis. I used to just say I was born like this because there was really no explanation as to why my upper body had developed in this way.






Throughout this experience, the hardest obstacle I had to face was changing my lifestyle. At heart I am a very big party girl. By the end of high school and all throughout college I had always enjoyed going to parties, drinking heavily and going out with my friends to clubs, restaurants, etc. This was something I thought no one was gonna take away from me. "I can't drink? That's not happening," were my exact thoughts the moment I considered competing. Today, I can assure you, that was the easiest part.

I was first introduced to the world of fitness by my sister. Having gained a lot of weight after the birth of my niece, my sister set forth on a whole new healthy lifestyle. A lifestyle that I used to make fun of every chance I got. She tried everything from diets, trainers, and workout plans. Nothing worked to its full potential. That is until she became a part of the Elite Heat. One day, right before my last semester of college I woke up and looked in the mirror, most likely after a night of partying. I looked at my side profile and was disgusted to see my belly going out further than my butt. Granted, I am very tiny so no, I didn't look I weighed 500 pounds but I most definitely didn't look good. I texted my sister right away and told her I needed to get back into shape. So intrigued by this lifestyle she was not hesitant to help. For about 3 months, November to January, I was eating very well, cut down on my partying and was working out on a daily basis. I was so happy with my results. Not a pound was lost but I became a leaner, stronger me.

After the holidays, I went back to school for my last semester at the end of January. Unfortunately due to my busy schedule I wasn't able to keep up with my healthy lifestyle anymore. It really is like a second job. But at least with this you get to look hot in the process. ;) My progress had not completely become undone but I was not where I wanted to be.

Through this time my sisters best friend and WBFF Diva Bikini Pro Laura Gutierrez was preparing for her first show. Prior to going  pro at her second competition, I became so infatuated with her transformation.  I just knew I had to get involved with this somehow. I had been informed about an informational session fitness coach Malenna Saunders was having for girls in Long Island and I made it a point to be there. I needed to see who was the woman responsible for these incredible changes behind Laura and my sister. Needless to say, the moment I met Malenna and the women on the team, I was sold.

Deciding to compete, my family supported me a great deal, but there were two people in particular.  My father, who competed in his earlier days and was ecstatic for me to continue his legacy.  Most importantly though, my sister. Without her November 8th, 2014 would just be another day. Her motivation and support is what has gotten me through what I can easily call, one of the hardest journeys of my life. Basically my second coach, she kept me in check every step of the way and never let me slip up. And when I did, she was always right there to kick me in the butt to pick me back up again. She's truly inspired me to be a better, healthier and stronger woman and for that I am eternally grateful. I just hope that one day I'm standing next to her on that competition stage. But shhh, don't tell her I said that.




3 months ago if you asked me why I wanted to compete my response would be along the lines of, "I don't know, I think I'd be good at it, plus, I want to look hot."Today, I've learned that this experience is so much more than just that. For me, it's about doing something no one thought I could. Being able to leave old habits that have always been a part of me, and most importantly finishing a journey knowing that I could have easily given up at any moment. Today, not only am I hotter than before, but I am stronger, leaner, healthier and better. From here the only place to go is up. The Elite Heat is taking over ;)

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 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!!

Laura - WBFF Diva Bikini Competitor

   







After stepping on stage for the first time this past spring, I knew that I wanted to do it again! It's an incredible feeling being on that stage. Months of sweat, pain and tears all building up to that moment where no matter what happened or how you placed, you felt victorious. Victorious,  because you knew only a select few had the courage and discipline to do what you had just accomplished.  
     
Placing top  5 in my first show was a total shock for me. Initially, I wasn't even expecting to place. I simply wanted to do something I'd never had the backbone to do before.  I had a new outlook on life. I was determined because I knew that after this metamorphosis, anything was possible. From then on I saw opportunity in every obstacle.
     
After an overwhelming response from those I inspired with my transformation, I understood that my journey was about so much more than just losing weight. No one is perfect and it is for this reason that I will always be a work in progress. My journey now is to keep inspiring and giving hope to those who like me had no direction and felt lost in their struggle to succeed.
        

Although my show preparation is similar to my last, I was presented with new mental and physical feats. Right after the show, I literally could not stop eating! Don't get me wrong I was still training and making healthier choices. Yet, I was so happy to not have to log my meals and finally be able to have some forbidden carbs! I was happy that I finally got a chance to get away with my love and just relax. I stayed active while I was away but came back tired and sluggish.  
          
Mentally, I was not ready. I was not ready to give up my quest bars and my rice and beans. I was not ready to put my body through endless hours of cardio and lifting. However, I also wasn't ready to undo all I've worked for and give up on my goals. Six pounds and a few stomachaches later I got over it and I began to put in the work. 
     
 I began to reflect on my life and how unhappy I was before this new lifestyle. I thought of how incredibly supportive my boyfriend, friends, and family were and still are. I thought of all the people that look up to me. Then I thought, a year ago I would've never even dreamed that I'd be where I am today.  
        
Life is about finding that balance. Life is what YOU make of it, not what it makes of you. I understood that it didn't matter how far I had to go. What mattered was how far I had come. Right there and then I knew this is who I was and wanted to be. What I've learned and who I've become is my prize. 
     
The hardships that we encounter may break or make you. Yet, whatever happens we must get up, learn from it, and move forward. Not wanting to regress is what motivates me everyday. To be better than I was before and the best ME I can be  +today; that is my goal.  Hardwork pays off and I'm so ready to hit that WBFF stage one more time!! I can't wait to see you there!

Cary - WBFF Diva Bikini Competitor

Leading by example....

WBFF New England 2013

Why am I competing again? And why this show ?

To be honest, it was a struggle to commit to it at the beginning.  I kept questioning whether I was ready or not. I questioned more the MENTAL aspect than the physical. Then, I wondered, once my mind caught up, will my body be stage ready on time? Blood , sweat, tears , discipline and hard work all go into competing. I wasn't so worried about giving up my guilty pleasures such as peanut butter , chocolate , wine and social gatherings with friends and family (well perhaps a little), It was more about failure.





Failure of starting something and not finishing it all the way through. I then decided that the not knowing is what probably would be worse.  As a teacher I lecture my students all the time about having to work hard to achieve their goals and to not think of how long it would take them because the time will go by anyway. So, here I go. I hope I can be a good role model and set an example to others to crush their goals either way regardless of their starting point or how long it will take them. We just have to be willing to put in the work.

I also can't imagine a better place to walk on stage than in Times Square NYC. I'm a Brooklyn born and raised girl and I'm proud to represent my home town.

Follow Amy as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini Debut

The Man behind the Motivation...

Growing up as the youngest with two older brothers, following in their footsteps seemed only natural.  So,  with my brothers followed sports and more sports. From as far back as I can remember, I was always active. My mom always joked that I could roller-skate, yes roller-skate, before I could even walk. I would play my father’s Motown record in the basement and skate around for hours. I played sports my entire life, from track, to cross country, recreational basketball and many years of soccer.

It was not until 10 years ago when I decided to purchase my first gym membership to get "fit." I was introduced to a trainer, Mark Haley, who was assigned to complete my fitness assessment.  My jaw dropped as soon as I was introduced to this very handsome man and the humiliation immediately set in as he began timing how many push-ups and sit-ups I could do in 1 minute. " Is this guy serious??", I thought, as I began sweating profusely in my Umbro shorts and soccer tee-shirt. Clearly, I was not in as good of shape as I thought I was, due to my results. Trust me when I say,  after that assessment my fitness apparel and gym appearance stepped up more than just a notch!! Now I had a new challenge to get in shape...NOPE! To date this guy Mark! Needless to say,  I was blessed to marry Mark in November of 2012. He has been so influential in my life of fitness and has been my biggest fan. It was not until our honeymoon when I said to him I would one day like to compete in a fitness show. 

God works in amazing ways because the January following my wedding, I stumbled across the Fitness Atlantic Facebook page where the Elite Heat team's competition preparation poster was advertised. I took myself completely out of my comfort zone and joined the team at an introductory meeting. The team was very warm and I was extremely impressed by the transformations the teammates had made as they prepared for their shows. It was very hard for me to commit to a show due to fear and what my family would think of this. From the second I mentioned it my husband and parents they were 100% supportive. They were a little unsure as to what exactly I was about to embark on, but so was I. It was not until my knees started buckling on stage at my first show as I posed in a cupcake costume that I officially was proud of myself. The mental challenge of prepping for a show cannot be explained in words.



Excitement and anxiety of the unknown is what has taken over me at this point as I prepare for my first WBFF show. Me stepping on stage is 100% a personal choice and for me not about placing, but about the challenge and feelings that are tied to setting a goal and achieving it!

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