As a mother of two, Melissa Ioja is an active lady. But the 36 year old, Huntington Beach, California resident is even more active in the gym. She’s an athlete, on-line workout and Athlean-XX Training System trainer, has done Krav Maga martial arts for a couple of years and former host on Bodyrock.TV. Now Melissa is moving on to her next challenge by competing at Fitness Los Angeles show in April. “I am so excited to get on stage for the first time,” Melissa says. “Its almost like a culmination of putting all of my experiences and hard work and showing the world. It will be some special for me.”

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 Physique America Champion Lauren Austin’s 2 year transformation. Her before picture shows what bad nutrition, an eating disorder and just hoping that her body will change resulted in. She says, “After 2 years of training with Dewayne Malone, he has transformed me into a completely new person! I am excited to see what comes of this next competition season with Musclemania!”

’14 Ms. Bikini America Competitor Erika Strimer has never let setbacks excuse her from trying again. This blonde beauty says, “It often takes many attempts to be a success. Move forward with your shoulders back, your head high and a smile. With an enthusiastic spirit, perseverance, and integrity of character it’s time to put your intelligence, talents and passion into action.”

Figure America Competitor Jana Kovacovic worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years. At one point, she gained 20 pounds because she was too busy with work. Jana says, “Some of my coworkers began to ask me if I was pregnant. That shocked me, but it was a turnaround point. I started organizing myself, I made time to go to the gym 5-6 times per week, prepared my meals for the whole day and brought food with me when I traveled. When everything was already planned, there was no excuse for me to eat poorly or skip the gym. After the first few months, I’d already lost some weight.”

- Photo by: LHGFX Fitness Model Photography

Fitness America competitor Jessica Halbert shares some advice on what to do after a show is over. She says, “Set bigger and better goals! I have some really exciting things ahead and I’m set to compete again late next spring. The work starts now; it’s building season! A little secret of the competition world is that you are either building or dieting down. There’s no doing both at the same time. I’ll be putting those extra calories that crept in over the holidays to work! I can’t wait to see what results I can bring. How about you? Are you waiting to set goals for the New Year or are you getting busy with the barbells now!? – Photo by: Noel Daganta

Ms. Bikini and Model America competitor Candi Alterego believes we are who we choose to be. She says, “Nobody is going to come and save you. You’ve got to save yourself. Nobody is going to give you everything you want; you have to go out and fight for it. Nobody knows what you want except you and nobody will feel sorry for you if you don’t get it. So don’t give up on your dreams! – www.fitnessuniverse. – Photo by: Digital Icon Photography – Make-up by: Veronica Fensel Makeup Artistry

Isabelle Atkinson dreamed about competing at her first Fitness America Weekend show since the day she started training in September. She had already claimed 2nd place at the ’14 Fitness New England show. Isabelle says, “It was such an honor to place 2nd in the Ms. Bikini Open Medium amongst beautiful women from all over the world. I truly love competing in FAP. It gives me the opportunity to meet men and women from all different walks of life where we all have one thing in common – our passion for fitness. I’m excited to start working on my fitness career this upcoming year and my second season as a Ms. Bikini competitor!” – Photo by: Gordon Smith

’14 Ms. Bikini Antelope Valley competitor Crystal Karnbach in her empowering Rosa the Riveter attire. Crystal has done personal training for 5 years and is teaching boot camp classes for adults and kids. She is also a nursing student studying sports medicine. Crystal says, “I am committed to getting people motivated and inspiring them to live a fit lifestyle. I want to set an example for my son and achieve my own goals.”

Former Ms. Bikini America Mari Kasvi – Valosaari is coming back to Fitness Universe next month with a new husband, married name and baby girl. “I have taken off a few years and worked on my family with the same rush as I do for my fitness training,” Mari explains. Always stunningly beautiful, the Finnish model and actress says, “I have been training seriously for the past 5 months and think the time is right to get back on stage.” Mari will compete at Ms. Bikini Universe next month in Miami / Ft. Lauderdale. She has appeared in over many Scandinavian magazine covers, fashion advertising campaigns and television commercials.

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.