Connecticut native Valerie Conrod used to weigh 220 lbs.! Today, the 29 year old dental hygienist is a fit and trim 125 lbs. and will take the stage at Fitness New England in April. Valerie says, "I used to be very unhappy with life. I was able to change my life both mentally and physically and now want to serve as motivation to others." As herfirst show ever, she will compete in the Ms. Bikini Division, something she never fathomed a few years ago. "No matter how far you are away from your dreams, you can acheieve anything you set your mind to," Valerie says with personal experience and conviction.

World renown photographer GW Burns will be shooting fitness, model and muscle talent at Fitness New England at Foxwoods Resort Casino on April 28. His work is unique, classic, innovative and makes models come to life in print. GW's been published in many notable magazines like GQ, Maxim, FHM, People, Oxygen,American Curves, Planet Muscle, Fit and Firm, Natural Bodz, Inside Fitness, Status, Super Street Bike, Real Fighter, Physique, Ultra Fit, World Physique, Fitness, SRQ and numerous others. GW will be selecting talent before, during and after the show for magazine, advertisements and calendar shoots.

'09 Ms. Bikini Universe Annette Perry will be a guest host at Fitness New England in April. The Massachusetts insurance manager recently married and says she's looking forward to getting back on stage this season. "I miss it so much, but I needed to prepare for my wedding," Annette said. She is a Fitness Universe and Fitness America Top 5 Finalist and hopes her comeback will cinch one of these world class titles.

‎'10 Figure America & Ms. Bikini America Lori Harder's preparation for media goes beyond just training. She says, "Here are a few staples that are helping get me ready for my Oxygen photo shoot next weekend! BGHL Turkey Sausge, Kevita, Isagenix shakes, greens, ionix, eggs, kale, broccoli, coconut oil and lemon juice for dressing etc. Heading out to get some tilapia, green beans, grapefruit and berries too:). Plenty of energy and feeling great!" Good luck, Lori!

With 100 women from all over the United States, Canada and Europe, Camp Savage kicked off its 16th year of Competition Prep Camps at the Savage Studios in Massachusetts. History making FA Champion Lori Harder was on hand to share her stories of success and her wisdom on competing and breaking into the world of fitness modeling! Also, several world champions such as FA Champ Leigha Harvey, Masters Figure Universe Champion Laura Carter, Masters Ms. Bikini Universe Champ Pam Hynes and Ms. Bikini Universe Masters Champion Jodi Harrison as well as FA rising stars Leeann McCormack, Jackie Briggs, Jessica Halbert and Melissa Toler.

One of the most special aspects of camp was that each camper has "one on one" time with Cathy. "With all these women, some may think there is not enough of a personal flair to it" says, Cathy. "But this camp is totally personalble and hands on!" With 15 coaches, each girl receives the highest of personal attention including a one on one assessment with Mama Savage".

Friday night started with the annual party atmosphere to kick off the new competition season. The campers learned about posing styles, judging criteria, and budgets! Saturday morning started with intense training, posing, assessments, nutrition discussions and photo shoots with FA Photographer Jason Halbert, who also talked about what to look for and what to avoid during a shoot. Other topics included marketing, modeling and choosing a show as well as every aspect of stage preparation!

Cathy Savage has been preparing athletes for stage and this year's camp kept the tradition going, filled with laughter, sweat, tears and moments of greatness for newcomers and veterans alike!

Fitness New Mexico held it's 4th Annual Prep Camp last week at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Albuquerque. This year's camp was the largest to date with over 90 ladies all of whom are preparing for FNM in May. Special guest celebrities and instructors included former Ms. Bikini America, ms. Bikini Universe and Fitness Universe Champion Katie Uter, Figure America Champion Jessica Rinaldi and Ms. Bikini America Champion Cara Ovis.

Campers learned everything about competing from stage presence and figure posing to fitness routine skills, hair, makeup, diet/nutrition, tanning and how to compete on a budget. Swimsuit and themed sportswear designers were also on hand to assist campers in determining the best cut and style for each. The campers also attended a group dinner on Saturday followed by more posing instruction on Sunday.

Massachusetts dance instructor Erin Mahoney will perform her own talents soon at Fitness New England at Foxwoods. And, she has an amazing array athletic skills with a lifetime of experience to back it up. Erin explains, "I have performed with Dance Prism, a touring ballet company, competed in pro ballroom competitions and cheered at the NFL Pro Bowl in Aloha Stadium."

Her ambitions include, "Opening my own dance & fitness center and, someday, I would like to win the Fitness America Championships." At Fitness New England, Erin says, "It would be a great win because I choreographed my own routine. And, of course, I really enjoy the glory."

First impressions of Jessica Halbert might make some think she's a nerdy corporate attorney. But a quick change of clothes and check-in at her fitness center and you'd see another woman. Jessica won the '10 Fitness Capital Championships in Washington D.C. and always a favorite at FA and FU shows.

She has a long history of dance performance and actress. "I started dancing while still in diapers and dance competitively throughout high school," Jessica explained. "I love embracing my femininity on the Fitness Universe stage because I went to an all girls high school and was always forced to play the boys roles!"

Jessica will be performing at Fitness New England on April 28 at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Fitness competitor Ricky Sylvester was a hit at the '11 Fitness America Championships but wants to win at Fitness New England in April. The 5'8", 186 lbs. former high school football star says, "I have been working on some wild moves and choreography. I will knock 'em over at the show!" Ricky's forte is hip hop and crew dancing, so you can expect to see an incredible performance.