As the owner of Chickfitj Studio in Ohio, Linda Mitchell say's her mission is, "To help women love themselves when they look in the mirror. Their new found self-love will transfer into giving support and love to one another. And, self improvement equals empowerment."

At 5'5", 125 lbs., and 55 years young Linda is the epitome of such female empowerment. And as a veteran of Fitness Universe™, she brings with her a depth of training and discipline seen only in seasoned in most. Linda is a graduate of The Institute Of Integrative Nutrition. In addition to being a Top 5 Finalist at Ms. Bikini Universe™ and Ms. Bikini America Classic, she says she loves the feeling of riding horses and surfing waves.

Personally, Linda is as active at home as he is athletically. "I'm married to a hot sexy redhead that keeps me on my toes, she says. "I have 3 extremely creative children - Tiffany is a New York fashion photographer, Michael is a gifted musician and Jake is an up and coming cinematographer/film director who was just accepted to USC Film School in Los Angeles."
Once again, Linda is preparing to bring her seasoned competitive talents to the Fitness Universe Weekend in Miami / Ft. Lauderdale in 3 months. She will be on stage with the world's best natural fitness women in the Ms. Bikini, Model, Figure and Figure Divisions.

Fitness Universe Pro Tiffani Bachus tells us to jump and reach for the stars to make 2015 an amazing year. She says, “May the New Year give you the opportunity to live life to the fullest, learn from your past experiences and give you the knowledge and strength for future endeavors! Remember to aim high, dream big, go for it and stay true to yourself. Lots of love, happiness and strength in 2015.”

Fitness Universe Pro Stephanie Brewster is getting ready for a whole new year. She says, “2015 is just around the corner! Stop hoping and wishing that things happen for you. Get up and be proactive. You have every opportunity to make next year everything you want it to be.

Fitness Universe Pro Sharon PD took nearly a year off, but is determined to get back into competition shape. She just started training on July 19 and it is only 1 more week until the ’14 Texas Championships! Sharon says, “I’m going to do it! Can’t wait to show my transformation to prove that you can do it again! Even when life hits you hard, it is how you get back up!”

Fitness Universe Pro Angela Gargano knows we all struggle sometimes. She struggles with confidence especially when she hits a speed bump in life. Angela does not look at these speed bumps as “failures” but as an opportunity to keep pushing forward for what she wants. She says, “For the next month, my goal is to transform not only physically in preparing for my show but also mentally. I will no longer dwell on the negatives in my life and will gain more confidence in myself as I take a chance in doing what I love and truly being happy.”

Figure Universe and Fitness Universe Pro Bethany Nelson asks, “What has your strong moment been this year so far?” She has been training her body to travel in order to get around without a car. Starting in February, Bethany has been walking and using the bus often. Starting in May, she has been biking every day for at least 4-8 miles. Bethany says, “Whether it is finishing school, participating in a tough mudder, paying off a debt, or competing in a fitness competition you should be super proud of yourself. You’ve done something! It’s nearly impossible to go through life just wandering about. Recognize your strides and you’ll be more motivated to tackle more! My body has grown weary but I’m fighting to get through this year and soon things will turn around. I have hope and people supporting me! Finish strong!”

Rebecca Heck is proud to have placed 2nd place at the ’13 Ms. Bikini Universe Master division. She will keep working hard and creating more goals. Rebecca believes every goal met is a stepping stone to the next goal being set. She says, “Stop telling yourself you can’t or don’t have time to do one healthy something just for you. We all have time for whatever we make time for. Start making time and healthy choices just for you! You will be better for it and so will everyone else in your life. Believe & Achieve!”

Patti Kimball placed 3rd at the ’14 Ms. Bikini Universe Show in Florida. She was thrilled to have made beautiful friendships with people that have similar interests in fitness and supported her. Patti adds, “Keep it real and keep it simple! Do you realize how your mind can make or break your goals? Make it up and go! My mind is clear on my goal and everything I put into it is showing! Personal bests for me across the board is driving my motivation through the roof!! Be the driver of your destination.”

’14 Ms. Bikini Universe Masters Champion Ann Hubbard had an amazing half day of sunrise, Starbucks, surf and sand in Florida when competing at the ’14 Fitness Universe Weekend. Keeping the weight off has always been a challenge for her. However, when the pounds start to creep up on Ann, she gets her head in the game. She stops focusing on food and starts focusing on moving. Ann says, “I am not a size 0 or even a 2 model like many fitness models. I am just me! At just over 5’3’’, I normally weigh between 115 lbs./125 lbs. on/off season.” When Ann was a Drill Instructor she told her Marine Corps recruits, “It is mind over matter, if you don’t mind, it won’t matter!” Fitness is and has been her lifestyle for over 25 years and at 48 she feels great!

Some words of wisdom from Ms. Bikini Universe competitor Erika Laura Strimer. “Life takes courage! It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hide them, more strength to relate to people than to dominate them. It takes courage to refrain from gossip when others delight in it and stand up for the absent person who is being abused. It takes courage to live honestly within your means, and not dishonestly on the means of others. It takes courage to be a REAL man or a TRUE woman.”

At 43 years young, Amy Gaskins could still be considered a newbie by competition standards. In fact, the Jacksonville, Florida native says, “I competed for the first time last June at Fitness Universe in Miami. I had the time of my life. Competing has always been a goal of mine. But, Amy admits, she was a girl who wouldn’t put on a bikini in public. And, she had a terrible dose of stage fright. “I told myself it was time to start chasing my dreams and ever since there’s been no turning back.” From Miami, Amy went to Fitness America Weekend in Las Vegas and says she found her passion. “I’ve since gotten my personal training certification in hopes to help others reach their goals.” Amy is currently training for a return performance at the Fitness Universe Weekend in June in Ft. Lauderdale.

“3rd times a charm!”

Full time Chemical engineer, fit mommy and figure athlete Camie Guerrero is prepping for her 4th year of competitions. After coming in a close 2nd at her last two figure shows, she has her eye on the prize for Fitness Universe.

The 32 year old, single mom is hoping that the 3rd time will be the charm and she can finally win big in Florida. This off season the New Mexico native had been focusing on building size with lots of “old school” power lifting, HIIT and following a paleo diet.

Two time Fitness Universe Champion Anca Bucar announced this week that she’s coming back for Round 3! The Romanian fitness star says, “I’ve started the year with a lot of things to do which is great and I feel like time is flying so fast! I’ve already started my preparation for June. Dedication for my goal includes hard training, clean food, searching for new fitness routine and costumes. I can’t wait! I’m so excited about this!” Anca is a former Romanian gymnastics champion and renown dancer and acrobatic performer which makes her skills so much more honed than many other fitness competitors.

Figure Universe™ Natural Pro Danielle Rogers says she was disappointed with her ’13 Figure America Pro 8th Place finish but like a true champion is forging toward the season. She says, “I’m starting my prep journey for 2014. I’ve gone back to the drawing board! I didn’t do as well as I hoped and decided that I needed to start back at square one with my nutrition and training regimen. I’m pleased with all that I learned about myself and my body and and will use that knowledge to improve my package this year. I’m looking forward to my journey and can’t wait to see where it takes me.” Danielle is one of an amazing group of natural fitness athletes from New Mexico what always take the shows to another level.

Making her Figure Universe™ Pro debut, Michell Stewart didn’t quite make it to the stage, or the show, on time. The 5’6″, 125 lbs., 42 year old community corrections case manager underestimated the flow of the show and missed her class taking the stage. Michelle explains that this year will be different. “I will not be late and miss my show, again. I will camp at the show venue the whole night if necessary, lol!” Michelle has been competing for 4 years and was awarded “Over 40 Transformation of the Week” by Bodybuilding.com. She is the mother two beautiful children, Seth 12 and Alana 6. We look forward to seeing Michelle at the show, on time and ready to take the stage.

Figure Universe™ Pro Bethany Nelson has been a energetic figure on the competition scene since her first show a couple of year ago. The Minnesota choreographer and school dance coach has her own dance troupe which she says, “represents strong fitness women.” Bethany is 5′, 114 lbs., 31 years of age and decided to become a Fitness and Figure Universe competitor because of her love for hip-hop dance and performing. “I love creating my own choreography with a signature flirty, strong and powerful style,” she explains. “After discovering I had a severe gluten allergy, I quickly adapted to a new healthy lifestyle of eating clean and feeling fit for the first time in my life. In just the 15 months I lost more than 20 pounds and my body fat in half!” Professionally, Bethany is a production manager for a commercial lifestyle photographer.

Ms. Bikini Universe™ & America Tall Class Sally Leung is one of the most elegant and beautiful ladies on stage each season. The 5’8″, 20 lbs., 29 year old marketing executive has been competing for over 5 years, so he knows her body and how to prepare for shows and maintain a healthy condition all season. Sally says, “I genetically have a small frame and bone structure. But I still eat 5 – 6 meals a day, exercise 4 – 6 times a week, and feel stronger than ever before. I used to be skinny fat and I will not let myself go back again!” Sally teaches Zumba, is a bootcamp instructor and a nutrition and wellness specialist.

As an Emergency Medicine Physician, you could say that Christine Huang is the most unlikely fitness competitor. For the past 4 years, she has competed in Fitness New York, New England, Universe and America shows in both the Fitness and Musclemania® Divisions. At 5’3″, 116 lbs., 44 years old, Christine is a New York native and Taiwanese American with a 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She is a book author and petite runway fashion/swim wear/lingerie model. When asked why someone with such academic and professional achievements enjoyed competing in fitness shows, Christine answered simply, “I just thrive on living all of my passions no matter how unique.”

In just two season, Ada Abanobi became a Fitness Universe™ Pro. The 5’6″, 142, 34 year old trauma nurse is a former Houston Texans cheerleader and is the eldest of 7 children. Ada competed at Fitness America Weekend last November.  She trains in Houston with Musclemania® Pro Dewayne Malone’s and his team of fitness, bikini and model women plus natural bodybulders and physique competitors.