Fitness Texas Champion Daisy Mastroianni says she had amazing time at the show. But the 35 year old Houston native explains keeping her kids involved with her in the gym is most rewarding. “My kids have been involved from the beginning and come and watch me train as I do for them when they train in Tae Kwon Do,” Daisy explains. “For me it’s about keeping the family fit and showing them you go after your dreams no matter what.” Daisy was is a trained ballet dancer also performed professionally for the NBA Houston Rockets and MLS Houston Dynamos. This season, Daisy is preparing for her FU Pro debut. “The opportunity to perform on a Fitness Universe stage has been a dream come true. I am very excited and working hard.”

Fitness America competitor Aubrey Worek is never bored with all the recent fitness trends. She says, “I see an endless supply of fitness trends from which to choose! We can never get bored. Have fun trying at the different classes and workouts that are out there. Give each style at least 3 tries before moving on to the next.”

- Photo by: CLiK studios

Ms Bikini Lone Star Competitor Abi Christine is a personal trainer, mother, and a TSN athlete. She says, “What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. Fitness is a constant state of progress for me. Sometimes I feel as if I am doing great! I get all my workouts in, I feel strong, I feel on track, etc. Other times I feel like life totally gets in the way! I eat bad food, drink wine, miss a workout, etc.”

’14 Ms. Bikini America Open Short competitor Erika Strimer presenting her sportswear on stage at the show in Las Vegas. This 5’2 brilliant business owner started her own outdoor fitness boot camp 3 years ago. Since then, she has gathered over 200 members. She says, “I want to leave a legacy. In my town where a small boot camp truly changed my life, my free standing fitness space will allow me to leave my mark where my journey began. My goal is to hire a team that shares in my belief that all people should have a place where they can show up and believe.” – Photo by: Gordon Smith

The enchanting Aubrey Worek placed Top 3 at the ’14 Fitness America Weekend show. This certified Personal Trainer and nutrition specialist owns her own business. Aubrey says, “I had tons of laughs, special moments, & saw incredible performances. Congratulations to all of the athletes! My fitness routine scored a perfect 20 from all seven judges this year! I was floored! I felt really good about my performance. I’m already conjuring up my next routine!” – Photo by: Gordon Smith

’14 Ms. Bikini All Forces Champion Karye Mclendon competed in her fourth competition this year at the ’14 Fitness America Weekend show. This beautiful business owner placed third place in a division filled with 34 other dazzling ladies. Karye says, “I am still in awe of the experience and my third place finish. But beyond all that I got to spend time with my amazing fitness family, meet new fitness friends, laughs with my always supportive hubby, bonding with my coach, great food and even better memories. Thank you for all the congratulatory posts, calls and texts. Now it’s time to enjoy the holidays and set new goals for 2015!”

Second grade bilingual teacher Jessica Vasquez gives her all for both her teaching and fitness career. She faces many challenges in trying to balance out her two lives. Jessica says, “I have to get all my work done before I go hit the gym. Sometimes my workouts are pushed into late at night. My toughest challenge is preparing meals. It is a very rewarding feeling to see how my body transforms with just eating healthy and working out consistently.” – Photo by: Mike Wilkes, MGW Photography

’14 Physique America winner Lauren Austin is a former 5th grade teacher who found a passion for fitness. She always sets short term goals to complete. Some people pressure Lauren to eat more than she should. She says, “Being a fitness competitor has taught me loads on how to stick to my goals and not get side tracked. No matter what happens I will not be tempted at the social functions I attend! Stick to your goals! When your friends, family, and coworkers start to see you change, then you will be the motivation for them to change their lifestyle!” – Photo by: Gordon Smith

Romanian beauties Vanda Maria Hadarean(left) and Anca Bucur(right) rocking a photo shoot at the ’14 Fitness America Weekend show. Vanda teaches the fun of fitness to youths by coaching the kids in the Fitness division at the show. Anca is 28 years young and won 2nd place in Fitness America Pro. She says, “I was in the best shape I was ever in due to an intense training program and diet. Thank you to my friends and family for their words of encouragement. I have plans to come back even stronger for 2015!”

Ana-Marija Zujovica has a great amount of love for dance and fitness. This 24 year old Serbian beauty placed 1st in ’14 Fitness Rimini, 1st in ’14 Fitness Helsinki, and placed at least top 3 in many others! In 2013, as a rookie, Ana won 1st place in her first performance outside her homeland. This year in Barcelona she repeated that success, but that European gold medal was not enough to satisfy her. She says, “Last year in Vegas, I managed to place into the top 5. This year in Miami, I was 3rd placed. I believe that this year is mine. I will achieve my goal and be the best in the world!”

’14 Ms. Bikini America competitor Andrea Baker is in the process of launching a virtual fitness business that focuses on physical and mental health. She was not always this active in the fitness scene though. In the beginning, Andrea just wanted a smaller waist, to look good in a bikini and a tighter rear. She soon found out she needed both physical and mental strength for her fitness journey. Andrea says, “I can push myself to get through that last 10 minutes of cardio. I can pump myself up enough to increase my barbell weight. I can exhale harder to knock out those last few reps. What I have struggled to do is shake off the judgments and negativity of others. It has taken all of the mental strength I have to keep going when I’m faced with these challenges, but I have done it and I’m doing it. With my chin held high, I say to you, now that is something to be proud of.” Catch Andrea Baker at the Fitness America Show on November 21-22.

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.”

Four years ago, Genieve Sanchez challenged herself to compete in Fitness New Mexico Championships to expand her athletic horizons.  She became the fitness transformation story she had always been inspired by in Oxygen Magazines.  Genieve says, “That show was a catalyst for future shoes and athletic adventures, self-discovery and incredible friendships.  To the competitors I applaud you all on reaching this goal.”  Over the years Genieve has become more involved in the Fitness Industry.  She competes in shows, involves herself creatively through graphic design promotions and judging shows.

Model New England Top 5 Finalist Elizabeth Rebelo Sousa is as competitive as she is beautiful. The 5’8″, 140 lbs., 37 year old mother says, “I am always looking for ways to learn and challenge myself to become a better version of myself mentally, physically and emotionally.” As a teenager, Elizabeth graduated high school at 16 and had her bachelors degree by the time she was 19. She’s trained 5 days/week for the past 7 years while being an active and engaged mom and wife. Elizabeth is a registered nurse, a health and fitness coach and business entrepreneur and one outstanding fitness model.

Fitness Dixie belle Kayla Deuley has parlayed her athleticism into some impressive Ms. Bikini showcasing. In just two years, the 5’5″, 25 year old has won her class at both the Ms. Bikini Universe and America shows. And, now Kayla is getting into shape with full intention of returning to Miami next month winning the overall.

As a child athlete, Kayla was no stranger to the fitness world. She explains, “I was involved in gymnastics, dance and cheerleading at a young age. I was attracted to the competitive nature and health aspect associated with such activities. Working out has always been a part of my life beginning with daily conditioning workouts as a gymnast. I took my love for fitness and became a gymnastics coach, personal trainer and bikini competitor.

But, Kayla’s drive transcends her thirst to win the Ms. Bikini Universe. transce What are your future goals in and out of the sport?

She says, “I want to open a healthy “fit” restaurant which has always been a dream of mine. When most people hear the words “eating healthy,” they think of bland, boring, flavorless foods. The fact is that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring at all. I want to show my community that eating healthy can be fun, exciting and delicious. From healthy omelets, protein smoothies and muffins to decadent entrées, organic wines and deserts, my future restaurant will create a new meaning to clean eating.”

So, the question is, where will Kayla go in Miami for her victory party if she should win?

The former track & field and basketball athlete Kandis Arzu-Thompson, is originally from Queens, New York. Kandis is 30 years old, 5’4″, 127lbs and has lived in the metropolitan DC area since her time after college.

“I was raised in Virginia as both my parents were in the Navy. I am a single mom of a beautiful and intelligent five year old girl. I work as a certified personal trainer and nutritional consultant, and I pride myself on helping my clients break down weight loss barriers and regaining their zest for life.

I made my fitness debut last year at Foxwoods Fitness New England and have competed in both bikini and figure as well. I have taken a long time to develop my physique and conditioning and am looking forward to competing in fitness for the second time at Fitness New England this coming May with a revamped routine – sure to be a crowd pleaser!

With my experience as a track and field and basketball athlete, plyometrics and high-intensity interval training are always a part of my workout regimen. I can squat 330lbs and perform a box jump onto a 3 foot platform. I pride myself on pushing my limits and inspiring my daughter to be active and healthy as well. I believe anything is possible with the right mindset, and the only person who’s going to stop me from achieving my dreams is me.”

Nydia Salinas is a 33 year old working, full-time single mother of three kids from San Antonio, TX. She is also a care provider to her mother battling cancer and her brother who lives with Autism.

“I work in a law firm as a paralegal and provide fitness and nutrition training to my boot campers. I am a trained certified Nutritionist and Personal Fitness Trainer. I competed in 2013 in my first Fitness America competition and this year I will be competing in both the bikini and figure divisions This year I want to return and take 1st place and win my pro card status. Winning this would be a huge breakthrough for me and my family. My Love is fitness and weight training.”

Nydia has a passion for helping the homeless and orphans. She too was a bit of an orphan at an early age. Nydia was raised by her grandparents after the death of her father. “I can relate to feeling like an outcast and discarded and this is why my passion is with those that face these emotions daily. The name of my charity for the homeless and orphans is called ‘Love Beyond Measure’.

This year we hope to impact the orphans with much needed love and support through our outreach initiatives. My future plans are to compete in Paris with the Fitness Universe Tour this October and would love to be able to deliver a trophy to an orphanage in Africa. This would display dedication, faith and hope to the children. Just because you are an orphan doesn’t mean that you can’t be successful and u can’t fulfill God’s purpose in your life.”

“She leaves the audience stunned as she Soars in the air across the stage like a real super hero.” Fitness America Pro Champion, Stacie Venagro is a 29 year old personal trainer from Cranston, Rhode Island. She first decided to learn about personal training at the age of 18 because she wanted to change her fate. Not only does obesity run in her family but she saw herself slowly realizing that outcome.
Stacie made this change because she was afraid to let her health deteriorate at such a young age. She improved her overall health and then started assisting others with her methods. She started with family members and they saw amazing results! She continues to better herself physically as well as her family and current clients. Due to her addiction of watching bodies transform so she became an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer.
“While I still continue to challenge myself in competing in fitness, it shows my family, friends and clients that anything is possible.
My most accomplished moment was when my name was called for the 2nd time in a row for World Miss Fitness America! Winning back to back titles is a huge accomplishment! Knowing that I was able to make history in FAP didn’t hit me right away, it was when I got home to my supporters, family and friends! They are what keep me going on a daily basis to show them that it is possible!
This picture is my favorite as it captures this exact moment as stated above.
My best comp prep advice is to trust the process and enjoy the journet! Nothing happens overnight but you can do it!”

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.

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.”