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.

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.”

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 Chanel Collette defines success as the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors. She says, “Even the definition of success implies the “attempt.” Success is found even if it’s only in an attempt. We learn from attempting, taking risks and maybe making mistakes. Everything in your life worth having will be found outside your comfort zone. So here’s to 2015 — making attempts and trying!”

Ms. Bikini Universe and Figure Universe Pro Marybeth Paul is thrilled to represent the Masters Division. She won Masters Bikini in Vegas 2012, Miami 2013, and again in Vegas 2014. She also won Masters Figure Vegas 2012 and placed 4th in Figure Pro in Vegas 2014. “No matter how old you are, you can reach your goals with discipline-dedicated workouts, clean eating, and practice, practice, practice.” Marybeth is a personal trainer, HS track coach and model/actor in Massachusetts.

Figure Universe™ Natural Pro Camie Guerrero talks about winning the figure short division at the 2014 Fitness America Weekend. “It was such a surreal moment. I was overwhelmed. Just being on stage is an accomplishment and winning is beyond words. I’m so thankful for this organization, the athletes and my amazing man who always supports me.”

Ms. Bikini Latina Paulina Bonilla is probably one of the most deceiving looking lawyers you’ll ever meet. The 24 year old Mexico City resident and Ms. Bikini Universe Pro says, “Although I did not place at Fitness America in November, I am determined to come back next November to win. It has been tough to keep my day job as a lawyer and get into and stay in stage shape but it is my passion. As I said, I will not rest until be the number one!”

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!”

Congratulations to Ms. Bikini Universe Pro Jamie Lynn Hughes for her partnership/sponsorship with Fit City Foods. She says, “They’ve got some serious stuff planned for the year ahead. The 2015 Fitness America is in eleven months and by adding Fit City Foods in with my already stellar prep resources, this should be my best shot yet to finally break that 2nd place cap.”

’14 Physique America Champion Lauren Austin is currently training for 2015 Lone Star show in Galveston, Texas on May 16. She is going to work with her trainer and Musclemania Pro Dewayne Malone in Houston to prepare. Lauren says, “Make being healthy your lifestyle not your resolution! Make it a habit, not a chore!”

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 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.”

Ms. Bikini Universe Pro Renee Brady has a message for people who set their goals big for the New Year. She says, “You are all 1 week deep into becoming a better, stronger, more achieving individual. Don’t let your goals scare you and hold your head high knowing you are living that dream you feel so passionate about. Moments of weakness are inevitable. We all experience them but don’t be scared to invest the time and effort into your dream. Even if you can’t see the finish line or the purpose at times, you will surprise yourself! Greatness wasn’t achieved by living in a comfort zone. It was painful, hard and miserable at times. Become that psycho freak you need to be. Block out the negativity, put your head down and work! 2015 can be the best or the worst year of your life. The choice is yours!” 

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.”

Model Canada Champion Sally Leung addresses a common concern about weight lifting for women. She says, “You can’t look like a man by lifting weights unless you want to. I lift 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes every workout and I lift heavy weights! With cardio, your muscles are staying basically the same size and shape. The key is lifting, because you will change the shape and size of your underlying muscles. You will not look similar to a bodybuilder. What you will do is raise your resting metabolic rate, harden your muscles and shape your physique.

Ms. Bikini Universe Pro Jacquii Alexander is the captain for Team Australia which won the Fitness America Team Championships 2 years in a row. When not competing, she is a senior executive with American Express. She says, “I have always loved being active. Growing up I was always doing something physical. I studied ballet for 12 years and represented my high school and college in eight “First” teams; everything from swimming, track, and baseball to water polo and snowboarding. My dad sailed yachts so I spent lots of weekends and holidays body surfing & swimming and even my first job, a paper route, involved exercise!”

Fitness Universe Pro Staice Venagro has some motivational advice to share. She says, “Don’t think you can reach your goals? Well guess what, you can! Start off with small goals. Once you reach it, set another small goal to help you reach the big goals! If you are consistent and work hard day in and day out, you will reach your goals!”

Fitness and Figure Universe Pro Bethany Nelson has been reflecting on her year and obstacles she was able to overcome. She says, “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle! I hope this can only encourage you to fight on and stay the course. Even if the light of hope is barely shining, it is there and will get brighter!”
- Photo by: LHGFX Fitness Model Photography

Fitness Universe Pro Ada Abanobi is a nurse of over 10 years on an orthopedic/trauma unit. She became a personal trainer because she wanted to help people healthy lives. Ada’s love for the center stage stemmed from her former role as a NFL cheerleader. She didn’t stop with just the Fitness division. Ada went on to compete in the Figure and Physique divisions and won 1st place in the ’14 Physique Universe show. She says, “I am my only competition. I work to beat myself so that I am always better and stronger than my last show.”