Fitness America Weekend

Over 300 amazing fitness women competed at the Fitness America Weekend at the beautiful Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Among the Fitness, Ms. Bikini, Figure, Model and Musclemania Divisions, the talent was the best seen in years with a bevy of new talent from around the world. Over 35 media representatives attended shooting competition highlights, athlete profiles and features throughout the week with coverage in Oxygen, Natural Muscle, USA Today, BBC, ESPN Int'l and many others. Complete photo galleries will be posted soon at www.fitnessuniverse.com.

Figuring Her Way

With athletic grace and beauty, New Mexico native Jessica Rinaldi won the Figure America Championships last weekend in Las Vegas. The 5'8", 135 lbs., 29 year old club operations manager has been into competitive athletics for 15 years and training seriously for the past 5 years. Jessica is also the reigning Figure New Mexico Champion, is a loving single mom and planning to marry next September.

Designer Fitness

Congratulations go out to Leigha Hervey, the new FITNESS AMERICA CHAMPION. The 25 year old sportswear designer captured the audience with a stunning dance routine and graced the stage with incredible beauty and personality. At 5'3", 113 lbs., Leigha lost 40 lbs. since February preparing for first competitive season.

She swept both the Ms. Bikini America and Figure America last year stunning her fans and audience. So, now Lori Harder is bumping up her game and will take the Fitness America Championships stage this weekend in Las Vegas. She say's, "This will be ultimate challenge for me. I have been training for the fitness division for a lot longer than last year. It has always been my goal." Since her big wins, Lori has appear in numerous magazines including on the cover and spread throughout Oyxgen and is currently sponsored by Isagenix.

She hasn't been on stage for years, but '99 Fitness America Champion Rousha Kouril is maybe a comeback next week in Las Vegas. The veteran gymnast, dancer and acrobat always brings an exciting routine to the contest stage and invariably a Top 5 Finalist and will be a threat for the overall title.

Former Fitness Universe & Ms. Bikini Universe Katie Uter says's she's coming out of retirement and will be competing next weekend in Las Vegas. "I took off some time, got married and have a new baby girl. So, I started training again to get back into shape and just keep thinking, 'Do I really want to compete again'. The answer was obvious! I am so excited to be back on stage." The 35 year old fitness star will also be shooting for Oxygen magazine while at Fitness America Weekend.

Pure After Party

Parties during the Fitness America Weekend include PURE at Ceasars Palace! The Official After Party on Saturday night, November 19 begins at midnight. FREE tickets will be available at the show on Saturday night for all FAW competitors and family, friends and fans are also invited. Have fun, dance, drink, eat and meet the best natural athletes in the world!