As a professional dancer and veteran Fitness Universe competitor, Desiree Nathanson is a seasoned performer on stage. But even more keen is her strength training in preparation for competiton. Desiree says, "Even though the Universe is 4 months away, it's never too early to start building strength and endurance for my routine! Since my strength is as a dancer and the only "tumbling" that I can remotely attempt is a cartwheel (maybe a somersault too), I am working on beefing up my strength moves repertoire for this year's FU. I already incorporate a lot of upper body strengthening exercises into my training program so I thought a more advanced yoga class would help me with conquering the strength moves I have not been able to master in the past. I am already feeling an increase in upper body strength, now I just have to overcome my fear of standing on my hands!" Desiree will be vying for one of the three Fitness Universe competitors for Pro status. And, with her strength training and athletic performance skills, she will be a favorite.
As the Fitness America Pageant Champion, Leslie Biachi Morrow set the bar for future winners. In 1989, she was a 19 year old aerobic instructor. Today, Leslie is married with two children and runs a chain of smoothie stores with her husband. She will be in Las Vegas next season when Fitness America celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
As a professional dancer for 10 years, Mike Peele has appeared in such films as Stomp The Yard, Step Up 3D, Jack ASS 2 and more. He's also performed on MTV, NBC’s Saturday Night Live, BET Hip-Hop Awards, Travel Channel and has danced along side pop icons Madonna, Nicki Minaj, Livvi Frac, Rihanna, Beyonce & Destiny’s Child and many more. But over the past few years, Mike has added serious, heavy duty bodybuilding training and has completely changed his physique. At 5'10", he's approaching 220 lbs. in good condition and say's he's ready for show time. "I've always wanted to do this and I think I am ready this time," Mike explains. Mix his incredible dance talents with a new, crazy body and he will be rock the stage in the Fitness Universe Championships in Miami Beach. www.universeweekend.com
New Yorker Caridad Sola has experienced an incredible academic and professional career with a Bachelor of Architecture & Fine Art, Master of Science in Construction Management, Master of Science in Real Estate Development and Master of Fine Arts. Born and raised in Miami, the 32 year old, 5'4" , 125 lbs., the professional architect is now training for her first model show. Caridad says, "I'm a novice at fitness competing & body building, but have been going to the gym religiously for the past decade." She will take the stage at Model New England at Foxwoods Resort Casino on April 27.
As a first time competitor, Audra Krzyzek will bring her brand of fashionista to Ms. Bikini New England at Foxwoods. The 29 year old, 5'7", 134 lbs., Dept. of Homeland Security Officer is a licensed hair stylist and cosmetologist and that's where her passions lie. Audra says, "I want to open my own beauty salon let my talents flow." Audra will take the take at Foxwoods Resort Casino on April 27 will 200 other amazing fitness divas.
Texas diva Jessica Vasquez may have been new to fitness shows, but the 30 year old model won both the '12 Ms. Bikini Texas and Ms. Bikini America! The 5'7", 130 lbs., second grade school teacher is a graduate of Texas A&M and trains with Team Elite Physiques. As a relative novice to serious fitness, Jessica says she has learned about her body, nutrition and the important of a daily regimen in the past year. She is currently preparing for Ms. Bikini Universe in Miami Beach in June.
'12 Fitness Universe Champion Christine Sclafani hasn't lost a show, yet. The 5', 106 lbs., 32 year old fitness fanatic also won Fitness New England. So, how did this newbie decide to take the stage for the first time? "My husband talked me into competing, Christine explains. "It was the New England show at Foxwoods and I won! It was the first time I have ever won 1st place . . . in anything! I was beyond excited." Professionally, Christine is a orthopedic physician assistant and has a MS in Physician Assistant Services and BS in Biology/Psychology. She will be returning to Miami in June where she'll make her Fitness Universe Pro debut.
