Ms. Bikini Paris Leslie Pantigny says she started fitness training after moving to French Polynesia a few years ago. The 5’3″, 118 lbs., 31 year old fragrance ambassador explains, “My passion for fitness and competitions started with some guidance from my coach in Tahiti. I was working and living in paradise and the change of life made a difference in my whole mindset. For me fitness changes your appearance but also the whole thought process. I think clear and live the fitness lifestyle! I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Leslie is training now for Ms. Bikini Universe in Miami / Ft. Lauderdale in June.

Always an all around athlete from team sports to extreme sports, Trisha Platerito is taking her athleticism and beauty to Ms. Bikini Universe in June. The 5’3″, 120 lbs., 36 year old Floridian says she currently practices bodybuilding, yoga and sprint triathlons. But, Trisha says she also coaches kids soccer teams in weekends. “I love sports and even though soccer wasn’t a team sport when I participated in during school, I enjoy showing the kids how to work as a team,” she explains. Happily married to a wonderful, supporting husband, Trisha has 5 year old twins who keep her busy. She says, “When I give support and love to others, it comes back around. Leading a healthy lifestyle and teaching our kids by example is very rewarding especially watching them make healthy choices on their own.” Trisha will be on stage in Miami / Ft. Lauderdale on June 19-20.

2014 Ms. Bikini Universe Master Champion and Figure Pro Ann Hubbard Says “Ladies, NEVER give up the fight as your body goes through hormonal changes as you age. If you are patient and consistent you will WIN.” As she fought 15 years of infertility and 12 documented miscarriages, her body was stretched back and forth like an exercise band. “All I wanted was to have children.” Says Hubbard. She couldn’t understand why, but believed that GOD had to have a reason. After her 3rd miscarriage she knew she needed to do something about the excess weight and to feel better both physically and mentally. This is when she started her journey in Fitness 19 years ago at the age of 29. After numerous treatments finally she gave birth to her MIRACLE baby Hunter Jośe Hubbard. “After each miscarriage she accepted her out of shape body as the starting point and worked from there to RECLAIM her health, wellness and body. “It is amazing how our bodies can transform through training and natural clean foods and specific nutrition to achieve a certain look. Bodybuilding, figure, or bikini I have done all three. There doesn’t have to be fad diets or any drugs just hard consistent and disciplined actions that can be duplicated over and over at every age. Your body will respond but it takes time. “2012 it was my first Pro Figure competition at Fitness America in Las Vegas at the age of 47. No age, no height or weight classes in the Pro Division. 4th Place overall and I was over a decade older than these other beautiful ladies in the winners circle. It proved to me once again that AGE, pregnancy, or hormonal changes does not have to be a reason to let yourself go. Just believe in the process and never give up on yourself and it will work throughout your lifetime.” Says Hubbard

Ms. Bikini Universe Pro Jamie Lynn Hughes says imitation is the highest form of flattery. She says, “When I started in fitness competitions, I no doubt looked to my idols in the industry to take my cues. But I’ve noticed that as one is transitioning from “newbie” to “example,” there can be a sort of annoyance bubble up when you see your marketing, ideas, programming, branding, etc being duplicated by others. This is what you want to happen! No matter what, the talent and skill to create is worth far more than any one creation could ever be. But only so long as you keep doing it!”
– Photo by: Jason Halbert Visual Arts LLC

Ms. Bikini Universe Pro Maria Andersen offers advice to those who made a New Year’s Resolution. She says, “If you are serious about yours, do not give up. It takes persistence and constant focus to make changes. You might not be able to change immediately (lose weight, stop smoking, be more active, etc) and you might not see results right away. But keep trying. Remind yourself what your goals are. Your everyday decisions will determine how successful you will be!”

Ms. Bikini Universe Pro Sharon Pascual-Diaz says life is similar to a camera. She says, “Focus on what is important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things do not work out, take another shot! A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big and laugh a lot.”