Preview of the latest photo shoot of Ms.Bikini Universe Pro Karely Herrera. Last year, Karely walked on stage and surprised everyone by winning both Model Latina and Ms. Bikini Latina titles! A few days later the proffesional fashion model traveled from Mexico to Las Vegas with Team Mexico to make her Ms.Bikini Universe Pro debut. She says "I do not compete with anyone, since feeling the need to contend, speaks of a lack of self-esteem. I am no better or worse than anyone else, I'm just me. A human with strengths and weaknesses, a road traveled and a much better to go ..." Karely is preparing for the ’15 Fitness Universe Weekend show this June in Miami/ Fort Lauderdale.

’14 Ms. Bikini America Competitor Erika Strimer takes her stand and knows when enough is enough. She says, “Throughout your lifetime some people will discredit you, disrespect you and treat you poorly for no apparent reason at all. You don’t have control over what others think about you, but you do have control over how you decide to internalize their opinions. Leave them to their own judgments. Let people love you for who you are and not for who they want you to be.
– Photo by: JWAtherton

’14 Ms. Bikini and Model America finalist Samatha Symes is nervous of her goals for this year. She says, “Can I actually do this? I’m going through a roller coaster of hesitation. Going through the time effort if I fail. You know what this means? It means I have learn to take chances and step up.”

At a seasoned 43 years of age, Washington state native Yvette Briant has competed in NPC shows for the past 6 years. But the Carlsbad, California resident is training now for her first Fitness Universe show this spring. Usually a Top 5 Finalist, Yvette has plenty of competitive experience and says, “You’re never too old to start pursuing your dreams.” Currently, she is back in school to earn her degree in psychology and just started a home business as an independent skincare consultant. Yvette’s ageless beauty will be on stage at Ms. Bikini Los Angeles in Commerce in April.

’14 Ms. Bikini Australia Classic Champion Kathryn Magnus made every excuse for 20 years to not finish her goals. She says, “When I was really truthful with myself, it was my lack of will power over alcohol / food, multiple injuries, lack of confidence and lack of money that stopped me. So I wrote down my goal having no idea how on earth I could possibly accomplish it. Some days I wanted to give up, petrified of getting on that stage. But it’s amazing that every day you practice or focus on just being the best you can be. I was honestly so proud of myself just to get on stage and not shake!”

– Photo by: GW Burns

Ms. Bikini and Figure Universe Pro Ann Hubbard says “Rome wasn’t built in a day and at 48, I am still under construction.” She is working hard to bring her best Bikini body to the Fitness Universe Tour stage this year. Ann was once told by a trainer she was too big and had too much muscle to compete in the Ms. Bikini division. She knew almost anything is possible at any age with the right mindset, nutrition, and training. Ann says, “It’s not about being perfect; it is about motivating and inspiring myself and others to live happier healthier lives!”

Ms. Bikini Universe Pro and Model America Sports competitor Pau Bonilla was filled with many emotions at the ’14 Fitness America Weekend show. She debuted in the first generation of Ms. Bikini Pros. Currently only 16 women from around the world hold a Pro title. Pau says, “Even though I did not place top 5, I do not consider this a failure. It is my personal win. I have trained hard to develop a beautiful body and stage presence. Even though I am not the top 5 of this 16, I am one of the 16 best in the world!”

Ms. Bikini Universe Pro Jamie Lynn Hughes is holding nothing back for her return to the ’14 Fitness America Show in November. She had 11 Top 5 placing’s with 4 of those being runner-ups. Jamie says, “Although I compete because I love every second of it, my repeated placing’s as runner-up to world titles has only fueled my desire to chase an overall title.” Beyond competing she wants to be featured on popular fitness magazines.

Congratulations to Kathryn Magnus for winning 1st place in the ’14 Ms. Bikini Australia division. Throughout her life she has overcome injuries and genetic issues in order to be the healthiest she can be. Kathryn’s surgeons told her she needed surgery for her scoliosis and 3 herniated discs, but she opted for long-term rehab & weight training. She says, “Due to my genetic issues, I’ve had to adjust my diet. Due to my injuries, there are many exercises I can’t do. However, I focus on what I can do! I want to help people be their best through awesome nutrition & inspire those with injuries that you can still be fit with the right training.”

Ms. Bikini and Figure Universe Pro Ann Hubbard and Fitness Universe Physique competitor Roger Williams say wine is not the only thing that can get better with age. Ann and Roger are at 48 and 52 years old respectively. She says, “It is never too late to start a healthy lifestyle of physical fitness and good nutrition. Due to modern medicine and technology, people are living longer than ever before. However, they are living with disease and poor health in their later years. The key is to live longer and be healthy enough to enjoy it!

With the ’14 Fitness America Show just 6 weeks away, Joyce Emily had to get serious and honest about her goal to return to the show. Since her last competition, she had gained 14 pounds. With the help of her training coach, Joyce became aware that for months now she had been in denial about her eating behaviors and she not being honest with herself. Her life had changed radically after starting her own business and putting too much on her plate. Joyce says, “Trying to spin and balance too many plates has made me miserable and 14 pounds heavier. Does it scare the crap out of me, the way I look now knowing in 10 weeks I need to be in a bikini? Hell yes! I had the most incredible experience last year competing in the ’13 Fitness America Las Vegas Weekend. Spending 4 days in Vegas with over 500 competitors all in one resort is the ultimate girl’s trip for me. I took 5th place in Bikini Classic and quite frankly I don’t want to regret missing all the fun preparing and going with my girlfriends!”

Ms. Bikini Universe Pro Jacquii Alexander always loved being active. Growing up, she was always doing something physical. Jacquii studied ballet for 12 years and participated in many school sports. She was in swimming, track, basketball, water polo, and snowboarding. Now Jacquii is preparing for the ’14 Fitness America show. She says, “. I love the Fitness America event in Las Vegas – it’s a massive event and there is always a big team of Australians there to compete. Winning the Ms. Bikini America title there as part of that Aussie team was a dream come true.”

’13 Australia Bikini competitor Natasha Seeto puts great emphasis on symmetry. She says “You have to work with what you got. I’ve always had a butt and hips with a tiny waist but haven’t always had a set of shoulders to balance that butt out. Instead of wishing I had someone else’s body, I begun sculpting the body I wanted.This year has been all about building a nice frame through my delts and back to create symmetry. Take caution, beautiful broad shoulders will taper your waist! Now my waist looks even tinier!”

Nicole Cohn-Matthews is getting prepared for the ’14 Fitness America Show on November 21. Last year Nicole prepped for her first show at the ’13 Arizona show. Nicole was nervous and placed 5th out of 5 in the Bikini. She did not let that loss stop her. She used that loss fuel her motivation instead! Nicole went on the ’13 Fitness America show and placed 11th out of 35. Finally Nicole took on ’14 Fitness Universe show and placed 4th! She says, “Each time I learn something new. Every journey to the stage offers a new experience. I am pumped up for my next show and can’t wait! My prep has begun and I’m focused like never before. A big shout out to my team and support system! I’m ready! 100% committed! Let’s do this!”.

’14 Ms. Bikini New England 2nd place winner Elizabeth Sousa is feeling proud of herself. Despite the challenges of the high heat and humidity and vacation mindset she managed to get her 5 days of weight training in this week. Elizabeth has become a regular at her gym and is often approached with complimentary messages and requests for training advice. Even though she is on vacation and would rather sleep through her alarm, she still gets up. Elizabeth says, “By 10:00 a.m. I’m home making pancakes for the family just rolling out of bed. I feel accomplished and excited to enjoy the rest of the day. No one has time for the gym, or building a new business, or learning a new skill. We have to make the time! It’s about organizing our thoughts, using some creativity and making some sacrifices to achieve success.”

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.”

After eating at different restaurants, having cocktails, celebrating, plane rides, being delayed in airports for 2 days,’10 Ms. Bikini & Figure America Champion Lori Harder is ready to relax. If she had it her way she would sit on the couch, eat chocolate, pizza, pop chips and watch television reruns all day. Despite that, Lori came home to a coaching call that she had booked knowing she would need it. She wants to feel energized, happy and she wants more for herself and the people that rely on her. This means Lori will have to do the tough stuff to get the really good stuff. Lori says, “You have to prepare for times like this and have a cut-off date. Make sure you have appointments and goals and anything else that gets you back!”

Last year, ’13 Ms. Bikini Texas winner Alina Adams made a determination to compete for the first time in the Texas show. She was happy with her overall win but the road to get there was difficult and depressing. After the show, Alina said she was exhausted and started eating horribly and skipping the gym for three months. She knew she could not allow her lifestyle to continue on as is and made another determination to compete. Alina stepped out of her comfort zone and joined Aaron Zambrano’s and Lauren Stogner’s training program. Alina could not be happier when she started training. She says, “Not only did they show me that I can enjoy prepping for a competition and there isn’t just one way to get ready for a show, they have become life coaches and wonderful friends as well. I have new friends that are like a family to me and an awesome support system that I’ve never had before.”

Jana Kovacovic is preparing for the ’14 Fitness America Weekend show this November. It is an emotional event for her, because she lost 22 lbs. for the ’11 Ms. Bikini America show. Jana says, “In 2011 it was just a fun experience to finish my weight loss goal. I did not expect I would enjoy challenging myself with fitness competitions in the following years.” In 2012 she got first place in the Ms. Bikini Classic division at the Fitness Universe Europe show.