My name is Kailash Persaud and I am of West Indian descent. Born in Alberta, Canada and raised, for the major part of my life, in Trinidad in the Caribbean.

I’m currently a student at Brock University studying Biochemistry after having graduated from the University of Waterloo/ Conestoga College in General Arts and Science.

Sports, health and fitness are my passions – especially with regard to Figure and Bodybuilding. About 4 years ago, after I permanently moved back to Canada to persue my studies, my weight ballooned up to 190lbs. As a result of my own hard work and dedication I am now down to 130lbs. I recently entered and won my class and the overall title in the 2010 IDFA Figure Open Division where I was awarded my PRO Card.

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My other interests include, writing short inspirational prose and poetry, basketball, cooking, weight lifting, hiking and martial arts. I have a strong background in Tai Kune Do (style originated in Trinidad at the Silver Dragon Dojo). I started at 10 years old and was awarded my black belt status at age 15.

Although I am mostly interested in doing fitness related work, I am open to entertaining other projects as well.

I am on facebook constantly, so feel free to drop me a line on there (Kailash P.V.).

1) Please introduce yourself? Who is Ljubov Dreskova?
I am a figure competitor, a model, a housewife and I am an art major in sculpture. How’s that for a start? Oh, and I do custom airbrush work and design clothes. I enjoy bike riding, yoga, running and of course training.

2) Please tell us a bit about where you grew up, your friends, family?
I grew up in UFA, a fairly large city in central Russia, where I started training, competing and eventually working as a personal trainer. Later, after meeting my husband, I moved to Moscow where we currently reside.

3) How did you find yourself working out and competing in figure?
Well, my initial drive to start working out actually came from my interest in art and to be more specific the work of Boris Vallejo. I’d probably have to mention that I was 14 or so when I began training and began competing within 2 years of getting into the gym. Over the years I have competed in various organizations and have actually done quite well. In a search for tougher competition, clear rules and a generally more professional approach I came to compete in IFBB Figure – so far, so good.

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4) What are your feelings towards the current judging criteria in IFBB?
The current standards seem to be going in the right direction with less emphasis on muscularity and extreme conditioning in favor of a more natural female physique. This, I feel, is good for the sport in general, both the athletes and to gain audience appeal.

5) For the next shows what do you think you need to work on physique wise andor in conditioning?
Work as hard as I can to bring my best, that’s all.

6) What is your typical training routine in the gym? Any changes before a show?
Well, for starters, I enjoy training, so I work out everyday even in the offseason hitting every bodypart twice a week. Cardio is around 30 minutes per day going up two hours done in two session closer to contest time. The actual training split doesn’t change much precontest but is also split into two sessions per day with more emphasis on detail work and abs. I also have 4-5 yoga workouts throughout the week.

7) Can you give me your competition history?
Bodyfitness IFBB +168 sm. 2010 second place at the Russian National Championship. 2010 fourth place at the World Championship (MEXICO).

8) What does your diet look like?
Precontest is mostly eggs and chicken breasts with oatmeal in the am for carbs. In the offseason I tend to add more fruit and an occasional day of eating sushi or something fun. My diet generally doesn’t change much from pre-contest too offseason as I like to stay close to contest condition year round.

9) Please tell us an interesting experience you had at a show recently, be it a fun thing or not so fun?
Being that one of my last shows were the Women’s IFBB Amateur World Championships in Mexico there were a great deal experiences related to that. The over 24 hour transit time including a 12 hour strike related wait in Madrid while waiting for a connecting flight to Mexico City would be one of the not-so-fun aspects. But spending almost two weeks in Cancun with my husband right after the show more than made up for that.

10) What do you think of the bikini division?
It’s a great addition to the show, I like it!

I became less active throughout high school which in turn made me feel unhappy with my physical features. I believed I was fat. I had started showing signs of an eating disorder. I had been skipping meals and analyzing my body in a mirror up to ten times per day. I was fortunate enough to have great family and friends to show me how unhealthy I was becoming.

I decided to make a positive change in my life. I made a decision to become as healthy as I could and increase my self-esteem. I joined a local gym and became instantly hooked.

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In 2001 I enrolled in Fitness and Health Promotion at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. I decided that I was going to educate myself on being healthy and physically fit.

I never wanted to go back to having an eating disorder. This course educated me on how to be a healthy person emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually.

As a Personal Trainer

n 2002 I became a personal trainer at a local gym. I enjoyed meeting new people on a daily basis and teaching others about fitness. I wanted other people to optimize their lifestyle and live the best quality of life possible. This was such a rewarding job but I knew I wanted more.

In 2003 I enrolled in the paramedic program at Fanshawe College. I graduated the program in 2005 and was hired on as a paramedic by Thames EMS London. Instantly, I realized how important it was to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Shift work and lifting patients on a daily basis was a strain to my body. Even though I was a personal trainer and attended the gym on a regular basis, I decided to hire my own personal trainer. I wanted someone who would hold me accountable for being at the gym and to motivate and push me as hard as I could be pushed. I hired Brad fowler from the Athletic Club, London who is now ironically my fiancée. I started training at the gym on a regular basis and became addicted. My self-esteem was raised and I felt good about myself.

On Competing

I have thought about competing in a fitness competition for years but have always thought of it as the impossible dream. I decided to “bite the bullet” and have a consultation with IFBB Pro Stephanie Worsfold. I was curious if she thought I had what it took to compete. After a few discussions, I decided to train for an upcoming figure competition for the Ontario Physique Association (OPA). With Stephanies coaching and Brads Training I entered my first competiton on November 24th, 2007 at Centennial Hall London. To my amazement I won. I won my division (figure tall), and I won overall figure. This was the HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE!

I competed in my second competition on May 24, 2008. It was the South Central Championships held in Mississauga. I had once again won first place in my class. I was so excited to move onto the provincial championships in my hometown. June 21, 2008 I competed in the provincials. The guest poser was 8x Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman. I was just happy to be on the same stage as him. I ended up with 2nd place in figure tall.

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I have always been athletic, a tomboy you could say, I grew like a weed and towered over almost my whole fifth grade class awkward, tall and skinny I got teased quite a bit. By age nine I was racing motorcycles in the California desert and kicking the boy’s butts, I might add. As I grew into my height and started to fill my frame, I got into modeling. I had been lifting (light) weights and doing aerobic exercise, but I was told again and again that I needed to be very careful as not to become muscular. You know that one right? “I just want to get some definition, you know tone up, I don’t want to be a muscle girl!” Well, that stuck with me, so I got real good at Yoga, Ballet, Pilates, Spinning, and circuit training with light weights. My diet was a combination of strict vegetarianism and then the crazy modeling starvation diet so needless to say my protein requirements were not even close to being met.

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When I met my future husband who is a bodybuilder we began to work out together and I repeated my mantra “ Tone, Cardio, blah, blah, blah…or I might not get hired for the next job!” He was very understanding and worked me into his bodybuilding program. I was training for a Marathon at that point so we shaped my workouts around the intensity of all the running I was doing. When my work became a scheduling conflict with the Marathon. I was disappointed and relieved at the same time, sad that I would have to concede the challenge of the Marathon but excited to be able to give weightlifting a real go. We worked a lot on strict form, isometrics and instead of circuit training; he had me in his body parts split sequence. What I discovered is that I am a competitor; I wanted to prove that I could do it too and that’s when it happened.

One day without my knowledge or consent I realized that the monster had bitten me! The monster that lives in my head, the one that says “You can do more, go heavier, hold it longer and bust that last rep to failure!” I loved the high, we trained six days a week like animals sometime twice and during cardio season three times a day. I felt something that I had never felt before, this process of loving the pain, my body tingling in anticipation of the soreness that those last two reps would give me two days later. I was hooked like a fat kid loves cake! My body really began to change, I felt like a coiled spring, tight and ready! So you can guess where this is going…I decided to compete. I entered in the Miss Galaxy contest, which if you are not familiar with it is a Figure round proceeded by a full military obstacle course that was a trip! I unfortunately suffered a shoulder injury for which I curse the Galaxy often. I did well, in my first outing I placed 14th out of 128 women.

I wasn’t hooked on that kind of competition though. I didn’t have any Gymnastic experience so Fitness was out and so I looked to Figure as an alternative. I focused my training on doing a figure show. I went in hook, line and sinker and about halfway through my training my husband and my other trainer Francesca said that I needed to reel it back because I was getting too muscular to compete. Then he said, “You could do the Women’s Bodybuilding Show at Muscle Beach in Venice.” Well, my friend, that was it…I went to the dark side, I threw out all my brainwashing about women and muscles and dug deep, deeper than I have ever dug in my life. I won the Middleweight Class and the Overall in my first ever contest. I couldn’t believe it! And here comes Bob Chicherillo to give me my trophy! We also met Valentina Chepiga at the show and afterwards she told me that she had called me as the winner before the show even started! I was so excited because her FTV video was one of the videos I bought for inspiration.

We had said that we would try this show and see where to go from there, needless to say I was eager to do another show. It just so happens that I had met Steve Wennnerstrom and he suggested that I do the 04 NPC “CAL” show. So I really needed to try and bring my legs up to par with my upper body. I had heard my husband and others talking about how you aren’t really a bodybuilder until you puke on Leg day. I thought ewww, gross but kinda cool at the same time! So as my Husband/Evil Bastard Mean Trainer Guy was killing me at Gold’s Gym Hollywood with a 750 lb. Leg press I managed to one up the puking ritual. I pissed myself right there in the sled, I’m serious, there was a little puddle of pee on the mat under the seat! That evil guy was laughing so hard he was on the floor as I am running to go get towels before anyone notices. After paying the crazy price for a new pair of shorts at the pro shop we kept right on going. Oh, and I have puked on leg day also so I am part of the club. I got some extra help from Paulina Talus at Venice Gold’s with my posing (SHE ROCKS!) and some training advice from Charles Glass. I totally submerged myself in the Venice vibe and surrounded by the cream of the crop I really felt like a bodybuilder.

I entered the L.A. show and had some serious competition. I missed my carbs, came in a bit depleted and due to some schedule mix up I barely made it to the stage in time for my routine, no pump up or anything. But I pulled it off and in my second contest ever I won the middleweight and novice classes as well as qualifying for the nationals! So, I am now training for the NPC show in Pittsburgh in May and then the 05 Nationals in Atlanta. I want to go for my pro card but I am going to take it one day at time and work my hardest to bring my weaknesses to my strengths.
I must give big respect to the women who have paved the way for women like me coming from the “Beauty” perspective to be able to embrace my muscular beauty and not worry what the “establishment” will say.

My name is Heather Payne or HP. I grew up a tom boy, most of my friends are men for that reason. I act like one of the guys, trucker mouth included. I am the epitomy of beauty and muscle. I am a VERY confident gym rat with a handful of good genetics and an extensive knowledge of how to manipulate the human body into what I want. I started training in 2001 to lose a little weight after quitting smoking, little did I know what was hiding underneath the layers. I started competing as a natural body builder in November of 2004, competing in 17 shows split between bodybuilding and figure. I’ve competed for USBF, NGA, NPC and now the WBFF. I AM a procrastinator, currently finishing my certification to become a personal trainer and going to beauty school in September. Just moved back from Indiana and ready to start my life over again to accomplish everything I set out to. I lost my baby girl, Ellie Mae, to cancer on January 18, 2009. She was my 4 year old Saint Bernard and my world, I miss her dearly. My family is very close. My parents have been married for 34 years. My only brother has been married to the sweetest woman for 4 years. They have a beautiful 3 year old daughter, who looks just like me, and just had a baby boy the day after their daughters birthday. I am fighter from birth and WILL give my all until there is nothing left in EVERY aspect of life. I’m always up for making new friends and creating oppurtunites. I’m as real as they get! If you are fake, lie or just a hater? Keep moving and don’t come back!

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Chazz Anderson began competing in 2008 and has been able to improve each time. That is a big statement considering how incredible she looks each show. More incredible with being a full time mother, wife, and working. As you can read simply by this interview, Chazz loves what she does and has a real passion for it. Chazz had a great 2010 and I expect a huge 2011 for this beautiful Figure competitor.

Q: First, Chazz, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I was born in Missouri. I have also lived in West Virginia, Alaska, Texas and finally stopped moving when I came to Oklahoma! I am married with a 10 year old daughter. I also have a dog and a turtle! I love to be busy and am passionate about competing in the NPC and look forward to my next show at NPC Nationals in Atlanta!

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Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: Yes! I grew up always wanting to do sports. I started in basketball. Then, cheerleading and softball became a part of my life. I was also very competitive. Always entering contests just to see what I could accomplish. I was voted most athletic of my senior class in 1993! And, if you ask me to arm wrestle you, I will!

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: I wanted to stay in shape after getting out of high school. I was so active, I learned after high school that not being as active and eating whatever I wanted wasn’t working! So I joined a gym. I usually stuck to cardio however as the machines intimidated me!

Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: Not necessarily! It took me awhile to see results mostly because of my eating habits. However, once I became active in pageants, I learned an important word: CARBOHYDRATE. I knew that eating pasta before bed was a no no. I was still in my 20’s though, so you live and learn!

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I have a book I bought about 13 years ago with Rachel McLish on the cover called “Pumping Up”. I thought she was gorgeous! It covered athletes like McLish, Cory Everson and Gladys Portuguese among others. I wanted to be them SOO bad! But I was intimidated by the gym. I didn’t know how to work out. So, finally about three years ago, I was encouraged to do a show. I had a trainer and she taught me how to train better.

Q: Was competing something your family and friends supported at the time?
A: They weren’t surprised I wanted to do it given my history of athletics and competing. But they didn’t understand it at all! They couldn’t understand why I had to eat at a certain time, eat the same food, and drink tons of water. In fact, I still think they don’t get it because I am still offered desserts at family gatherings! They do however support me and realize I am in the best shape of my life and eating healthy and working out often is the reason why!

Q: Was competing what you expected? Did anything surprise you about it?
A: It wasn’t what I expected at all! I thought the posing was going to be so easy. No way! It is very difficult and you really need to condition yourself well for a show. The diet did surprise me. No dressings, ketchup and things like that were hard to give up!

Q: Can you share your contest history
A:
2010-
*NPC Junior Nationals/Chicago 14th Place Class B
*NPC USA’s Las Vegas-12th Place Class B
*NPC Nationals Atlanta-
*NPC Omaha Showdown-2nd Masters, 2nd Figure Short
2009
*NPC Red River Championships/Oklahoma- Class A and Overall Figure Winner
*Darrell Terrell’s Total Package/3rd Figure Short

2008
*NPC Oklahoma Championships-Did not place/NPC Red River Championships-5th Place
2007
*NPC Oklahoma Championships-6th

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: Well…this one is a fun one! Everyone tells me it’s my caboose! But I like to think I am well rounded and like my back as well.

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train?
A: I like training my shoulders. I love to see them grow during the workout!

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like, and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I eat high protein and low carb during off season. I will indulge here and there but I am gluten intolerant so that actually helps me keep my diet in check! I alter it quite a bit for contest prep. I stick to the staple foods most of us who compete eat. I love my oatmeal and actually eat it everyday during offseason! Though I am known to add item to my oatmeal like cranberries, raisins, pumpkin..I could go on…

Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: Positive because they are not sure what it is all about. I have to explain it a lot but I don’t mind! Here lately I get a lot of ‘hey, are you a trainer?’ or ‘are you a bodybuilder?’ which is nice! Some folks are interested in doing it themselves, that is until I tell them how disciplined you must be with working out and diet and it is mentally challenging!

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: I don’t think I get sick of any comments! Folks just don’t know much about it so they don’t know any better than to comment or ask!

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: That we don’t train as hard as the men! Whatever! You bet we do! LOL!

Q: What is the best and worst part of competing?
A: Diet and diet! I like to eat clean because of the way I feel when I do, but after eating the same items for about 8 months this year, oy! I want some pizza man!

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: Erin Stern. I love her look and her lines. Gorgeous!

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Anything with sugar in it! Honestly though, I love white birthday cake with buttercream icing from the grocery store with vanilla ice cream.

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: I would tell her the time it takes to do it. I am up at 4:15ish a.m. every day to do my first round of working out. I then go to work for about 9-10 hours and then am back in the gym again that evening at 5:30. Total gym time each day for me is about three hours. I work full time and am a wife and mother so you have to be able to juggle a lot of things at once.

Q: Is fitness modeling something that interests you?
A: Yes! I would love to do this! I do photography on the side as a hobby and am on that side of the camera a lot, but am told I am photogenic and model well and would love to do this for sure! I had an amazing photo shoot with Danny Fittro with Fit Treasures which was one of my best shoots ever!

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: Photography, spending time with family, down time on the couch watching television! I love to travel too! Oh and my husband just bought a RZR by Polaris so I guess we will be going to the sand dunes in the panhandle of Oklahoma soon! Who knows..maybe I will take up racing the darn thing!

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Chazz Anderson.
A: 4:15 a.m.-Gym for hour of cardio. Drop the kiddo off at school by 8. Manage the fraud department at a large corporate bank for about 9-10 hours a day. 5:30 p.m.back in the gym for lifting and more cardio. When I get home, I typically clean the kitchen, do laundry, cook my food, talk to family about their day and help daughter with homework if she hasn’t done it already! On weekends I may have a photo shoot booked in addition to training so I am on the go constantly! And at some point during the hectic day, I check my Facebook!

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: In 2006 I was crowned Mrs. Oklahoma and competed at Mrs. America! I competed six times before I was crowned Mrs. Oklahoma. While there, they had a barrel race (yes, with real horses!) and I won! I used to ride in rodeos in my youth as well so it came natural to me. Competing at Mrs. America is something I have in common with fitness Pro Melissa Hall.

Q: Describe Chazz Anderson in five words.
A: Fun, Caring, Dedicated, Passionate and Eager.

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: NPC Nationals in Atlanta Oct. 16. In 2011 I plan on competing in two or three NPC national level shows. (NOTE: Chazz has since competed at Nationals and looked absolutely incredible)

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: My coach! Chris Waid is his name. He is the reason I am where I am today in competing. He taught me a lot about diet and training and is as passionate about me winning as I am. Thank you to him and the “Go Figure” team that supports me! I am glad to be a “Go Figure” gal!

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Chazz Anderson the athlete and competitor?
A: Yes! I would love the opportunity to be sponsored by someone. I am dedicated, professional and feel I have a lot to offer! I can be reached on Facebook/Chazz Anderson National Level Competitor or email chazzbug@yahoo.com.

Q: Chazz , again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Never ever ever give up!

My name is Laura Harris and I live in Charlotte, NC.. originally from NY.

What’s your athletic background?

I was always selected last in gym class to play any team sport. I was about as unathletic as a person could possibly be in life. I tried out for cheerleading in high school and did not come close to making the squad. I then signed up to be a cheerleader for intramural sports where anyone who was willing to pay to dues could join, there were no tryouts and I was never good at it but still had fun cheerleading with my other friends who were not cheerleading material. I got started trying to become fit when I was 23.

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I had a cubicle job after college and one day I got a look at my ass in the 3 way mirror in the department store. I was shocked at the condition I saw,.. saddle bags, cellulite, and hanging flab. I quickly went out and purchased a few home workout videos and did them every other day for 16 years. I did not particularly enjoy doing these videos but they did a great job helping my body from turning to lard so I made a huge effort to keep up on a consistent basis and I was successful.

What do you feel is your biggest fitness-related accomplishment?

I am very proud of keeping myself in great shape due to never cancelling workouts and making the difficult proper food choices. It is not easy and it flat out sucks sometimes but it is very worth the sacrifice to me. I have a better body now than when I was 18 years old. Throughout the years I had a ‘no excuses’ policy for myself and have never even answered the phone during a workout and I have not missed more than a week at at time away from exercising since 1992.

Is being fit your full time job? If not, what else do you do?

No, it is not my full time job. I am a realtor. Working out is the only way to stay in great shape so I suck it up and do it but there are so many other things I would rather be doing. I love reading, photography, writing stories, painting and just sitting around being lazy with my dogs and husband.

What are your immediate and long-term goals?

My fitness goal is to keep improving my body with age, as well as grow old gracefully. I am in the best shape of my life right now and I hope to continue improving. I hope my honesty about this very difficult and challenging process of working out and eating right will help motivate other people who aren’t in shape, to realize they can also become better with age if desired, even while not being thrilled about the process like me. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean you can’t do it and be successful.

It’s worth it to do all the hard work and make the sacrifice of eating right. I want to live long and be active as long as I can in my old age.

Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?

I wake up at 7am everyday, sometimes earlier. Because I am in Real Estate, my days are constantly different depending on my client’s needs. I always have a pouch of tuna in my purse in case I get caught without time to grab a meal. I eat out constantly and don’t find it a problem to order grilled chicken in any restaurant, even McDonalds has a plain grilled chicken, (worst case scenario). I go to the gym 3 days a week for weight training and I do my cardio at home. I prefer to get my workouts done early in the day so they are out of the way, but depending on the day, I will workout at 10pm if I have to so that I don’t miss a session.

What is the best advice you have for someone who is trying to get in shape?

I think my being honest about how it takes hard work and sacrifice is the most helpful thing I can do. So many people are seeking a magic pill or exercise( I don’t blame them) or an easy way to do it. It’s not easy to stay fit and never will be but it is SO worth the effort.

Being realistic is the best way to go. I know I will always think pizza is more delicious than tuna and sitting on the couch is more enjoyable than working out, but I face the facts and do what it takes to maintain my fitness goals.

Where and when were you born? I was born in Williston, ND on Oct 27, 1978

What is your profession? Right now, I am working as an Electrical Technician!! 

Were you involved in sports or fitness prior to bodybuilding and how did you get started with weight training? I have always been active in sports, started very, very young with softball, actually T-Ball to begin! I also played Volleyball all through school, and also played basketball for about 5 years when I was young as well. I love water sports too, I water ski (I can slollum on a good day!) along with kneeboarding, and also recently learned to wake board. I love to be active with all sorts of sports, but those are the main ones. I started weight lifting right out of high school, I was 18, summer before I started college. Just wanted to see some results in shaping up my body, and it grew into an obsession with the gym! I grew passionate about lifting, and have wanted to compete since I was in my early twenties, but just recently got enough courage to do it for the first time in June of 2007….no looking back now!

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Was it a goal for you to compete in bodybuilding competitions right from the beginning or was it something that grew in your mind as time went on and you saw the progress in your body? See above answer, guess I jumped the gun a little on this one! LOL

Can you give me your competition history? June 2007 Arizona – Figure Tall Class, 6th place out of 12 girls I believe….was told I was just too muscular and had gotten too lean for figure; tried to come in softer for my 2nd show – Figure Tall Class, Dec 2007 Excalibur, again middle of the pack coming in at 12th out of about 22 girls?? Transitioned to BB!! First BB show June 2008 Arizona – per score cards, tied dead even for 1st place!! Heavy weight Class…ended up with 2nd place by one point!! Dec 2008 – Heavy Weights Excalibur 1st place finish

Which contest has been your biggest success; which has had the most meaning to you? I think my first contest was my biggest success, and has also had the most meaning….just finally getting on stage, and feeling and looking as good as I ever had in my entire life, huge accomplishment for me. I never thought I could do it, never thought I could look like that, and I did it, huge stepping stone for me.

Please tell me something about your training routine (ie: how many days per week / training split /cardio, etc.) I train, pre-contest, 6-7 days per week, the closer the show gets, the more days I try to get the to the gym…I take a day off here and there, but it’s definately go time! I usually do a body part per day….as for legs, I split up Quads on one day, and Hamstrings/Glutes on a seperate day…cardio depends on where I am at, usually dont go overboard. My weight routine is intense enough that I get a major cardio workout in just with the weights, so I try to do about 20 minutes to 30 minutes after I train of moderate cardio, and usually I will do 20-25 min of morning cardio as well.

What is your favorite exercise in the gym and which one you don’t like so much? My favorite exercise is rack deadlifts, and I also love to lift shoulders, and bench squats…I don’t have a least favorite exercise, they all play an important role!

Which body part is your best in your opinion? I think my shoulders are one of my strongest points, I probably get the most comments about them from others. 

If you don’t mind would you give me some stats (best lifts and some body measurements)? I dont really take body measurements, other than waist and biceps on the regular… my biceps measure about 15 inches and my waist is about 28 inches…My best lift so far on bench squats the other day was 365 pounds for 20 reps on my last (4th) set, and I have done rack deadlifts at 315 for 15 reps on my 3rd set, that was precontest though, about 4 weeks out from my show.

What do you enjoy about training for competition….what do you enjoy about the ‘off season’? I enjoy seeing the changes I go through getting ready for a show, and my energy levels are really good, I think because of the clean eating! I enjoy getting ready for shows a lot. I also enjoy being an inspiration for others when they see me getting ready for the show, having the changes I go through motivate them to work harder too. Off season, I enjoy being able to kick back a bit and relax, and also enjoy working on making gains for the next diet season, to see what I have improved on once the body fat starts dropping.

Please describe a typical day in the life of Amanda Folstad. Pre-contest?? lol Well, up at 5am, morning cardio for 25 min. Get ready for work, put in a full day of work, while eating every 2 hours! lol Heading to the gym with my fiance for about an hour and a half after work, home, prepare food for the next day, spend time with my fiance and our boys (our boxers Oscar and Dempsey!) clean up the house a bit, shower, bed, start all over! Off season, close to the same, minus the morning cardio! LOL

Please tell me about what you do when you don’t work out (hobbies, what do you do to relax?, etc.) I love to bake, and decorate my house. I also love spending time with my fiance, family, and my boys ) the boxers!) 

What do you enjoy most about the bodybuilding/fitness lifestyle? I just enjoy the way it makes me feel, and being an inspiration/motivation for others to take good care of themselves, to get in shape and eat cleaner…that has to be the best part, to have others approach me and ask me questions to help them get on there way to reaching their personal goals, I love to help others get motivated in fitness.

Tell me something interesting about yourself, something people may be surprised to hear.Hmmm, that is a tough one, because I dont think Im really that interesting!! lol Im very normal!! Im just a small town girl at heart, originally from Sidney Montana, pop 5000 at best! I guess, I am very compassionate, and caring towards others…have small town qualities in me! I love animals, especially dogs, and get so emotional about animals, that I cant even watch the commercials on TV advertising for helping with animal abuse because they make me cry every time!

What are your competition goals or personal future goals? My competition goals, to continue competing because I enjoy doing it, for ME, no matter what the outcome…and to compete for as long as I am passionate about it. I would love to of course earn my pro card, but even if I dont, as long as Im enjoying it, that is what I want out of this! Personal future goals – to just be happy

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, 19th, July, 1976
I started training with weights seriously about 10 years ago, before that, I used to run, and eat very little, and thus discovered over time that cardio is totally counterproductive. I eat nearly 2000 calories a day, train 30 – 40 minutes, 5 times per week, and have a year round body fat of 9-10%. I have a degree in accounts, but left PWC before I became a Chartered Accountant, to follow my heart, I now own a personal training studio in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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Training Routine
Monday:
Chest & Calves

Tuesday:
Back

Wednesday:
Triceps & Biceps

Thursday:
Legs

Friday:
Shoulders
I don’t do Abs
I don’t do Cardio

Measurements:
Height: 162cm
Weight: 53-54kg
Age: 32

Strength Stats:
80kg Bench Press for 6reps
40kg EZ-Bar Curls for 7 reps
Leg Press: 400kg for 12 reps

Typical Diet:
Meal 1: 150g of Rye toast
1 Whole Eggs
8 Egg Whites

Meal 2: 64g Synergy Whey Protein
12g Pronutro

Meal 3: 125g Chicken Breast
100g Steamed Basmati Rice
150g Steamed Zucchini

Meal 4: Synergy Whey Protein
12g Pronutro

Meal 5: 125g Chicken Breast
100g Steamed Basmati Rice
150g Steamed Zucchini

Meal 6: Synergy Whey Protein
12g Pronutro

4-5 Black Coffees with sweetener/day

Sometimes I have a 4th shake if I’m really hungry, but I’ll probably cut that out for now.

Total Calories: 2151
Total Proteins:285
Total Carbs:185
Total Fat:30

On weekends I cheat mostly on Cote d’Or dark chocolate, and Nougat.

Daniela D’Emilia is from Rome, Italy.  She is an IFBB pro, professional trainer and fitness model.

1, 2006 IFBB Regional Championship
1st place 2006 IFBB Grand Prix OWF
Italian Championship 1st place 2006 IFBB
IFBB European Championship 6th 2007 (Cacak-Serbia)
2nd Place IFBB World Cup 2007 (D’Aro-Playa – Spain)
1 Ludus Maximus 2007 IFBB ° Classified
1st Place 2007 IFBB World Selection
9th IFBB World Championship 2008 (St. Susanna-Spain)
1st Place 2009 IFBB Night of Champions
2nd Place IFBB World Championship 2009 (Cernobbio-Como)
3rd Place Amateur IFBB Arnold Classic 2010 (Columbus Ohio)
13th IFBB World Championship 2010

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Kristelle is one of the most talked about models within the fitness industry at present!! This highly….highly motivating 26 year old hails from these here British Isles. She is a paradox! Humble and grounded yet striking and exotic. Pint-sized in stature yet powerful in physique. Quirky and playful yet fiercely focused and determined.

She owes her remarkable physique to her continuously dedicated training sessions, and owes her Amazonian Indo-Caribbean features to her Trinidadian roots. Kristelle easily lifts a few kilos and easily turns a few heads!

In debut she created ripples. The Londoner first competed in 2007 heading up North and clinching the ‘Trained Figure’ title at the National Physique Association (NPA) Yorkshire Finals. A year later she was crowned NPA British Champion.

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Now she threatens to create waves in the fitness world! Her future
aspirations? To gain further recognition and notoriety as a fitness model
and to one day open a successful gym. Her blinkered focus and sheer bloody-mindedness leaves no doubt in my mind that Ms Sammons will achieve her targets and live out her aspirations.

With a name, physique, attitude and presence you are unlikely to forget
she is destined for big things! Watch this space and hold tight…cos here
comes Kristelle Sammons!

Lenda Murray is a champion female bodybuilder from the United States. She is an eight-time winner of the Ms. Olympia title, the highest achievement in professional female bodybuilding.

• Early life and education

• Murray was born in 1962 in Detroit, Michigan. At Henry Ford High School, Murray was both a record-holding sprinter and varsity cheerleader. She went on to attend Western Michigan University, earning a degree in political science. While at Western Michigan, she continued to cheerlead, and became the second African American to be chosen as the university’s homecoming queen in 1982 (Todd, 1999).

• After a brief tenure cheerleading for the Michigan Panthers in the now-defunct United States Football League, Murray took to the bodybuilding stage in 1985. She rose quickly through the ranks, soon winning contests at the state and regional levels.

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• Bodybuilding career

  • In 1989, she earned her professional status at the IFBB North American Championships. Murray soon became a regular presence in bodybuilding magazines and a favorite subject of photographer Bill Dobbins who focused extensively on her in his books The Women and Modern Amazons.

  • On November 24, 1990, Murray succeeded six-time champion Cory Everson to become Ms. Olympia, a title Murray would hold for most of the following decade. She appeared in such mass-market publications as Sports Illustrated, Ebony, Mademoiselle, and Vanity Fair, as well as in Annie Leibovitz’s photo essay Women. Murray’s physique became the standard against which professional female bodybuilders are now judged – an hourglass figure, with broad shoulders tapering into a V-shaped torso mirrored by a proportionally-developed lower body.

  • Murray lost the Ms. Olympia title to Kim Chizevsky in 1996, and went into retirement after finishing second to Chizevsky again in 1997. However, after four years of retirement she returned to the Ms. Olympia stage, and won two more Ms. Olympia titles in 2002 and 2003. She finished second in the heavyweight class to Iris Kyle in 2004, and again retired from competition.

  • Murray has done color commentary for bodybuilding events on ESPN.

    
    
    

ABOUT CHRISTINE LYDON, MD

Since receiving her medical degree from Yale in 1994, Christine Lydon, MD has made it her life’s work to educate people about sound nutrition, effective training techniques, and healthy approaches to permanent weight loss. A fitness personality and physique model with a long list of television and print credits, Dr. Lydon has served as a nutrition consultant to large corporations, as well as a personal fitness consultant to a diverse clientele ranging from housewives and firefighters to celebrities like supermodel Carre Otis, Quentin Tarantino, and the late Richard Pryor. Dr. Lydon currently devotes herself to writing and speaking about weight management, disease prevention, and nonpharmaceutical alternatives for increased longevity. People place their confidence in Dr. Lydon’s commentaries because, as her photos clearly illustrate, she practices what she preaches.

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In my own words…

I earned my MD from Yale in 1994, but unlike most of my peers, I chose not to practice medicine in the traditional sense. While most MDs treat disease for a living, I spread the gospel of good health. Between my medical education, research background, consulting experience, and involvement with the fitness industry, I’ve managed to assemble an eclectic foundation that sets me apart from other self-proclaimed health gurus. 
For example, I am certainly one of very few physique models who can truthfully say that my opinions on diet, training, and supplementation are rooted in a solid understanding of biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology. By the same token, after spending nearly a decade doing investigative research in the areas of neurobiology, biomechanics, and sports medicine, I know how to interpret data. Whether I’m perusing the latest breakthrough study in the New England Journal of Medicine or scanning the health factoids in Cosmo, I can read between the lines to draw my own conclusions.

Likewise, working closely with private clients boasting a spectrum of occupations and personal fitness goals, from academy award winners and professional athletes to fire fighters and new moms, has taught me the delicate art of motivating without overwhelming, an approach that carries over to my writing. As an author, columnist, and freelance writer, I find it extremely fulfilling to know that I can reach more people in a single day than the average physician might treat in a lifetime.

A lot of people ask me what on earth led me to follow such an unorthodox career path. After all, I went to medical school to become an orthopaedic surgeon. Back then, my head was filled with romantic preconceptions about what it meant to be a doctor. According to my ingenuous notions, modern medicine was a dynamic, almost magical domain of endless possibilities, and doctors were heroic miracle workers. I truly believed that the human body, with the proper inducements, possessed infinite healing potential.

Medical school cured my fantasy.

I quickly learned that most people who suffered from serious medical conditions would never be “as good as new,” that treatable almost never meant curable, and that drug side effects could be just as devastating as the illnesses they were intended to alleviate. Moreover, I was appalled by the alarming degree to which the pharmaceutical industry shaped my medical education. By pouring billions of dollars every year into drug research, pharmaceutical companies subsidize the education of every physician who graduates from an American medical school. The upshot of this arrangement is a medical system that places inordinate emphasis on disease treatment without the slightest attention to disease prevention. And as a result, most doctors are shockingly ignorant about the most fundamental aspects of healthy living.

The hypocrisy of healthcare hit me hardest when I was a surgical resident. During my albeit brief tenure as an orthopaedic intern, I spent over one hundred hours per week within the dreary confines of County Hospital. In my profound state of sleep deprivation, things like regular exercise and healthy eating quickly fell by the wayside. Unfortunately, the only reliably palatable items dispensed by the hospital cafeteria were baked goods. Dessert became the main source of pleasure in my life. 
As someone who has always reveled in the joys of the outdoors and physical activity, as someone who needs regular exercise, healthy foods, and adequate sleep to feel sane, I have never been more miserable. As the months passed, I found it increasingly impossible to reconcile the fact that my chosen profession, that of a “healer,” required me to adhere to a schedule that was destroying my own health and well being. And for what? I found myself wondering. After all, many of my patients would return to a life that had been permanently altered by their illness or injury; things would never be the same for them. My entire existence began to feel like an ironic exercise in futility.

After devoting a decade of my existence and six figures in student loans to becoming a physician, all I had to show for it was endless frustration, overwhelming exhaustion, a rapidly expanding rear end, a bleeding ulcer, and utter disenchantment toward my chosen profession. I took a step back and tried to remember what had drawn me to medicine in the first place. I realized that more than the promise of a fat paycheck, more than the prestige, more than my parents’ approval, more than anything else, I had once dreamed of being a doctor because I felt a sincere desire to make a difference in people’s lives. So, I did the only thing that seemed to make any sense at the time and I quit my residency. It was the toughest, and BEST decision I ever made. Since that fateful day in October of 1994 when I bade farewell to County General, I’ve made it my life’s work to educate people about healthy eating, efficient exercising, disease prevention, and non-pharmaceutical alternatives for increasing longevity. Many of my fundamental beliefs about good health fly in the face of the western medical establishment, contradicting the conventional wisdom embraced by physicians who have been lulled into complacence by the monumental influence of the pharmaceutical industry. An unfortunate number of American doctors are openly hostile to any therapeutic practice which does not involve a prescription pad or an operating room. The very notion of disease prevention has been systematically wiped from their collective consciousness. Even the most progressive health care providers are shockingly ignorant when it comes to the basics of healthy living. It’s not their fault– they’ve been brainwashed into thinking that they are health experts, when in actuality they are disease experts. 
Obviously, I cannot single-handedly revolutionize health care. Shifting the emphasis from disease treatment to disease prevention would involve a large-scale overhaul of the entire medical establishment– something that is not likely to happen any time soon. Unfortunately, that does not change the fact that, in the real world, the only completely reliable way to “cure” disease is to stop it from happening in the first place. But don’t expect to unearth a wealth of knowledge about disease prevention at your doctor’s office.

Although medical school taught me the basics of physiology, anatomy, and biochemistry, virtually everything I now know about good nutrition and effective exercising I learned after receiving my degree. Had I completed my residency training and gone on to practice medicine like most of my peers, it’s doubtful that I would know the first thing about healthy living. If I was like most practicing physicians, I would eat a diet rich in processed foods, chemical preservatives, saturated fat, and artificial ingredients. I would consume too much coffee and alcohol and not enough fiber. I would suffer from emotional stress, lack of exercise, and lack of sleep. My body would be gearing up for a myriad of pathological processes including cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In other words, I would be the typical unhealthy American.

Tallying all the perils of modern living can be overwhelming. Who will save you? Who will be there to tell you what to eat? How much to exercise? Which supplements to take? Even if your GP happens to be one of the enlightened few with a grasp of what healthy living entails, your doctor can’t force you to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The only person who can make your healthy life choices is YOU!

I will compete in the Body Fitness / Figure, both nationally and internationally. Among my qualifications are:

– Arnold Classic Amateur Figure, 2010
– 1st Excalibur – U.S., Overalls, 2009
– 1st Excalibur – USA Figure Class C, 2009
– 2nd GP Sweden +163 cm, 2009
– 2nd Oslo GP-163cm, 2009
– 9: a Lucia Body Fitness +163 cm, 2006
– 10: a SM Body Fitness +163 cm, 2006
– 1st Better Bodies Model Search, 2005
– 3rd Lucia Body Fitness-164cm, 2005

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I also work as a fitness model for different missions (photo, film, events). Among my clients include:

MAGAZINE / TV
– Body Magazine – Sweden
– Fitness Magazine – Sweden
– Exercise and Health – Sweden
– Blossom Magazine – Sweden
– All News – Sweden
– Afonbladets Health Appendix – Sweden
– Shape Up – Norway
– TV4 Gladiators

Occupation: IFBB pro figure competitor, personal trainer at ChristinaVargas.net, owner of VargasBikinis.com, fitness model, VIP bottle server at Pure Nightclub

Workout schedule: Monday: shoulders and abs; Tuesday: legs; Wednesday: cardio and abs; Thursday: back; Friday: off or cardio; Saturday: arms and abs; Sunday: off or cardio

Sample bodypart workout (back and legs): Wide-grip pullups, 4 x 12; close-grip pulldowns, 3 x 15, 12, 10; one-arm rows, 3 x 15, 12, 10; back extensions, 2 x 50; plié squats, 4 x 20, supersetted with seated leg curls, 4 x 20

Favorite foods: Taco Bell, Starbucks, and I love candy, baking and cooking all sorts of foods.

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Factoids: I’m an IFBB pro figure competitor and an ISSA-certified trainer, as well as certified in CPR. I don’t have any children but do have two Yorkshire terriers. My baby girl’s name is Popcorn, and my baby boy’s name is Bear or Boo Boo—men prefer the name Bear while women tend to prefer Boo Boo.

Plans: I hope to make it to the 2010 Figure Olympia. My first pro show this year will probably be the Europa in Orlando, and I’ll definitely be competing at the California Pro. I plan on having a Vargas Bikini launch party this year in Las Vegas during March or April, and information will be posted on both of my Web sites. I also plan to get back into the recording studio sometime this year, as I’m a singer too.

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Although she may be a relative newcomer to the competitive arena, Oliya Melnichuk is no stranger to challenge. Her story is one of triumph over adversity, realizing her dreams despite what some would consider to be overwhelming odds.  Entering the USA as an immigrant with little grasp of the English language, Oliya had nothing but her strength of will and sheer determination to carry her through those tough early years in a strange country.  Currently making a major impact in the bikini class I thought it was time to shine the spotlight on this rising star and hear a little more about her inspirational success story…

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So Oliya, although you live in Florida now, you were born in the Ukraine. What are your memories of growing up there?

“They are all happy memories!  Even though my parents got divorced when I turned 3 years old, they stayed really close friends so my sister and I never really experienced the typical effects of a divorce.  Most of my memories consist of spending time outside, doing any type of outdoor activities.  We were very active and never stayed in… plus back in the day, especially in that part of the world, video games and TV weren’t as popular as they are here, in fact, I don’t think that all of our neighbors even had TV’s!.  I’m so happy that we weren’t raised sitting in front of a TV with a Play Station in our hands… what a closed in and unhealthy way to grow up.”

Leaving your sister and father behind to move to the USA must have been tough; do you hope to bring them over here one day? 

“Yes it is very tough and I miss them terribly.  My family have always been very close so being apart from them for so long is heartbreaking.  I recently saw a picture of my Dad and it took me a couple of minutes to recognize him. I can’t describe the feeling of confusion in my head, because there aren’t enough words that would be able to express the pain and sorrow. I haven’t seen my sister or my Dad since I was 10 years old…I am now 27.  Bringing them here is NOT an option,  my mom has gone back to visit, although I never have.  It’s insanely expensive so for right now that is not possible but give me 2, 3 years, when I’m rich and famous…then I will go!”

Did you experience any language difficulties when you came over here and if so how is your English now? 

“My God! I didn’t speak a word of English when we moved here.  School was HELL the first year, I pretty much just smiled and nodded to EVERYTHING! It got better with time; I was watching more and more TV, which is what saved me. These days I like to believe my English is excellent – for an immigrant anyway!”

You say you ‘discovered’ New York at 16….how did that discovery come about and what attracted you most about the city? 

“ I was asked to go to a rave party somewhere in the city and that is how my discovery came about!  I grew up in a small town in the Ukraine, so you can only imagine my amazement seeing all those lights and skyscrapers.  I think it’s every teenager’s dream, to live free in a big city filled with opportunities and to become whatever it is you’ve always dreamt of being.”

They say if you can make it in New York you can make it anywhere. What were those early days over here like for you? 

“To make a long story short I am glad I ended up moving away at such an early age and experiencing all the hardships of living alone in a big city.  Good experiences give you hope, and bad experiences teach you a lesson, make you wiser (unless you’re a slow learner).  I’ve had my share of disappointments with former friends, ex boyfriends, and just people around me who have done wrong by me, but I would never change a thing about growing up in NYC.  I think if you are street smart and have common sense you can make it anywhere.  The city can’t make you nor can it break you, unless you are easily influenced and do not stand your ground. I have built a very strong character, so attempting to break me would be amusing to watch.”

Turning to your physical pursuits, you have said that you were always thin and found it difficult gaining weight. Was that what inspired you to get into the gym initially?

“Absolutely! I was 110 pounds until I turned 23.  I was always made fun of for being a ‘string bean’, especially in school, kids were VICIOUS!  Being from a different country didn’t help the situation at all.  I struggled through my teen years and early 20’s trying to gain a lousy pound or two if I was lucky!  Once I started my consistent training in the gym, eating the right way and seeing the results, I was sold!”

So how did you evolve from gym member to personal trainer and eventually competitor?

“I seem to be very good with bossing people around (lol!), so with that being said, having so much passion for the fitness industry, an opportunity to become a personal trainer seemed like a great and wise idea.  I always had stage fright so going up there in front of hundreds of people was definitely a fear of mine.  It took a while, for those around me to convince me to do a show.  I was originally training for figure, but one of my friends recommended bikini instead, since it was much easier for me to lean out than to gain muscle.  I finally registered for a show (Lakeland Classic 2009) and ended up winning the overall!”

You have now done four shows….what have you learned along the way?

“I have learned to listen to my body when it comes to both nutrition and training.  I no longer over train, I give my muscles time to heal and grow.  I know how certain foods effect my body, what makes me bloated, what leans me out.  Every show is another stepping stone towards my goal.  Everyone wants to win, we all compete for the 1st place.  Learning something new about yourself and being able to better yourself for the next show is an accomplishment in itself.  I’m inspired by those who may lose and yet keep moving forward… those who refuse to give up and those who BELIEVE in themselves.  I am one of those people and feel blessed to be able to say that.”

You claim to not be a big fan of constructive criticism…how do you overcome that when you are in a sport now where there is always going to be some degree of criticism?

“This sport is what taught me to be able to take constructive criticism and use it to my advantage.  What you see in the mirror is very rarely what others see by looking at you.  The judges are there to guide you in the right direction, and give you pointers on the areas you need to work on.  Embrace the criticism, take it in and use it to your advantage! Being a stubborn Leo, I’ve always struggled with having to ask for advice, but with time and accumulation of wisdom I now finally realize what my boyfriend, Walter Santoni, has been preaching to me all along : ‘You won’t get an answer, if you don’t ask a question’ is so very true!”

I guess with your metabolism you don’t have to pay TOO much attention to diet….right or wrong?

“ WRONG!  I actually have to pay more attention to it than most, since missing a meal makes me drop a pound to two pounds right away.  I have to be very consistent with my meals and always have to have either a shake or some sort of food with me in case I’m stuck in the middle of nowhere with no grocery stores around. It’s a pain in the butt!  It’s like a job you don’t get paid for, but nothing beats the beautiful feeling of accomplishment when you’re in the first call out!”

What sort of training schedule do you follow and due to your metabolism do you restrict cardio at all?

“After getting all the possible feedback I could get from the judges from my last show, I have been concentrating A LOT on my ham/glute area during my training, leaving my upper body alone for a while.  I am trying to bring out my legs more and build some muscle in that area, as well as tighten my backside.  I have done more lunges in the past month than I have in my entire life!  As far as Cardio goes, I never used to do cardio before, until now.  I am eating enough where I don’t have to worry about becoming a walking stick again, so I have been spending a whole lot of time on the Stairmaster!”

What is the hardest thing for you about competing? 

“You have to make sure you eat the right foods at the right time, train the areas that need work the most.  You are constantly in a battle with yourself, because you have to push your body nonstop.  You can only master this sport if your mind overcomes the urges of the body.  Even if you do not place, as long as you improve from your  last show, you are a winner. At the end of the day, the only person you are competing against is yourself and THAT is the hardest part of competing.”

What are your long term goals in and out of the sport?

“ I’ve come a long way since my first show. At this point I am working towards my Pro Card.  With that, comes the opportunity to start my own team, and hopefully at some point my own competition Bikini line. But I am climbing the ladder of success one step at a time!
“As far as my career goes, I am currently in school to become a Veterinary Tech.  I’ve  been obsessed with animals since I was a little kid.  I’ve been a member of ASPCA for years now, and have been volunteering for Humane Society as well.  Some people spend their free time shopping at the mall, I spend it cleaning doggy poo, lol.  I wouldn’t change a thing, it’s the most rewarding feeling to be able to take care of pets whose unconditional love should be an example to all of human kind.”

When can we see you on stage again?

“The Nationals on October 15 and 16! I have busted my ass training according to the advice given by the judges, so I feel very confident and excited about this upcoming show.  I have put my all into it, dieting and training, so whatever happens I have no regrets because I’ve done my best this time around!”

How can people contact you?

“ I will be opening up my own website soon, as well as a Facebook fan page ( I don’t consider myself important enough to have one yet). But for now the easiest way is to email me : Oliya.m@gmail.com or tweet me @OliyaMelnichuk!”

The last two years of my life have taken me on the most amazing journey full of opportunities I could have never imagined.  I never anticipated my passion and dedication to fitness would turn into a career or gain me so much notoriety.  You know the fit and tone Paige you see in my social media posts, but now I want you to get to know the real me.  I want you to understand how I started my fitness journey, how I got to where I am today and why I want to use my success to help others achieve their fitness goals.

I’m 26 years old, a small town girl born and raised in Minnesota. After living several different places I am now living in the great southern state of Oklahoma. I always get asked how I got to where I am today. There was no strategically planned path I took to a career in fitness. It all started rather unexpectedly. In 2011 I was not the toned and fit woman I am today, as some of you know from my social media posts. I was very thin with hardly any muscle tone. It was then that I was approached by a trainer at the gym about proper health and nutrition. After speaking with the trainer I decided to step out of my comfort zone and enter my first bikini competition.

Being unhealthy comes in all forms, whether it is being too thin or overweight. I desired to be a strong fit woman. Although I had grown up playing soccer and being active I had never made my health or fitness a priority. I had never lifted weights! I had never been stronger than the guy next to me at the gym. I didn’t consider myself an athlete. But over the next 4 months I would train harder than I ever had and push my body to limits I never knew I could. Finally competition day came; little did I know my life would never be the same. I placed 2nd at Ronnie Coleman Classic, the biggest NPC statewide competition in the United States. The show resulted in exposure I never could have anticipated.

After the competition I felt accomplished and like I had truly changed myself. I had found a passion for fitness I never knew I had. From then on I was laser focused, continuing to educate myself on health and nutrition, as well as setting new fitness goals. I knew I wanted a career in the fitness industry. Unlike other industries, there was no manual or guide on how to do this, so all I could do was go off of what I knew. I knew that if you want something you have to do whatever it takes to make it happen. I attended every fitness show and expo I could and passed out flyers about myself to anyone in the industry who would take one. After much persistence I finally started to receive sponsorship from companies in the fitness industry.

As I was trying to build a name for myself in fitness, I also saw the power and reach that social media had. I knew that it was a way I could reach others and could be a powerful tool to inspire other people by simply sharing who I am and my own fitness journey.I have truly been touched and humbled by people’s reaction to my social media and the career I have in the fitness industry.

I am overwhelmed by people’s positive responses to my pictures and posts. In a matter of one year, I went from having a few hundred followers to over half a million on Instagram. I still can’t believe it! My experiences over the last few years have allowed me to find out what really matters to me. I love competing, modeling and working with companies like Shredz. However what I have I found most fulfilling is helping other people achieve their fitness goals. There is nothing more rewarding than sharing your own story and being told it helped empower someone else to achieve his or her goals.

I have found a purpose: To help others see having a fit lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to completely give up things you love, change your entire life or achieve one certain look. I want to motivate others to be healthy, fit and confident by being an example of someone who makes her health a priority while still living a fun balanced life

It is too easy to get lost in this IFBB Pro. Nicole Ball has a jaw dropping physique and a face that makes your heart stop. What you may not know about her is she owned her own restaurant before putting it up for sell, moving and working for an oilfield company.

Home Town: Viking, Alberta
Birthday: August 16, 1976
Height: 5 ‘4″
Weight: 130lbs (contest); 145lbs (off-season)
Current residence: Alberta, Canada

Nicole Ball Photo Gallery

2009 Atlantic City Pro – IFBB, Physique, 3rd
2009 Olympia – IFBB, Physique, 12th
2009 Tampa Bay Pro – IFBB, 4th
2008 Europa Supershow – IFBB, Light Weight, 2nd
2008 Olympia – IFBB, Physique, 11th
2008 Tampa Bay Pro – IFBB, Winner
2007 Atlantic City Pro – IFBB, Light Weight, 1st
2007 Olympia – IFBB, Physique, 8th
2006 Canadian National Bodybuilding Championships – CBBF, Middle Weight, 1st & Overall (Pro Card)
2004 Canadian National Bodybuilding Championships – CBBF, Middle Weight, 1st
2003 Canadian National Bodybuilding Championships – CBBF, Middle Weight, 1st

Hello, do you like what you see?

I am Diana Tyuleneva, one of the world’s sexiest and most dynamic fitness stars. Thank you for visiting my site.

Here’s a little about me: I am Romanian, Polish, Russian Ukrainian combo and I was born in the Ukraine. In high school I was always involved with sports especially track & field events, like long distance jumping and sprinting.

I love to work out and sculpt my body the way I like it. I set myself personal goals that I have to reach, which keeps me highly motivated. I have achieved many things in my life through single-minded determination and a will to succeed. I never let anything stand in my way.

I think I am a dedicated athlete and I am proud of the work I’ve done so far. I can guarantee you will see much more of me in the future, no matter what I come up with.

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ABOUT CHRISTINE LYDON, MD

Since receiving her medical degree from Yale in 1994, Christine Lydon, MD has made it her life’s work to educate people about sound nutrition, effective training techniques, and healthy approaches to permanent weight loss. A fitness personality and physique model with a long list of television and print credits, Dr. Lydon has served as a nutrition consultant to large corporations, as well as a personal fitness consultant to a diverse clientele ranging from housewives and firefighters to celebrities like supermodel Carre Otis, Quentin Tarantino, and the late Richard Pryor. Dr. Lydon currently devotes herself to writing and speaking about weight management, disease prevention, and nonpharmaceutical alternatives for increased longevity. People place their confidence in Dr. Lydon’s commentaries because, as her photos clearly illustrate, she practices what she preaches.

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In my own words…

I earned my MD from Yale in 1994, but unlike most of my peers, I chose not to practice medicine in the traditional sense. While most MDs treat disease for a living, I spread the gospel of good health. Between my medical education, research background, consulting experience, and involvement with the fitness industry, I’ve managed to assemble an eclectic foundation that sets me apart from other self-proclaimed health gurus. 
For example, I am certainly one of very few physique models who can truthfully say that my opinions on diet, training, and supplementation are rooted in a solid understanding of biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology. By the same token, after spending nearly a decade doing investigative research in the areas of neurobiology, biomechanics, and sports medicine, I know how to interpret data. Whether I’m perusing the latest breakthrough study in the New England Journal of Medicine or scanning the health factoids in Cosmo, I can read between the lines to draw my own conclusions.

Likewise, working closely with private clients boasting a spectrum of occupations and personal fitness goals, from academy award winners and professional athletes to fire fighters and new moms, has taught me the delicate art of motivating without overwhelming, an approach that carries over to my writing. As an author, columnist, and freelance writer, I find it extremely fulfilling to know that I can reach more people in a single day than the average physician might treat in a lifetime.

A lot of people ask me what on earth led me to follow such an unorthodox career path. After all, I went to medical school to become an orthopaedic surgeon. Back then, my head was filled with romantic preconceptions about what it meant to be a doctor. According to my ingenuous notions, modern medicine was a dynamic, almost magical domain of endless possibilities, and doctors were heroic miracle workers. I truly believed that the human body, with the proper inducements, possessed infinite healing potential.

Medical school cured my fantasy.

I quickly learned that most people who suffered from serious medical conditions would never be “as good as new,” that treatable almost never meant curable, and that drug side effects could be just as devastating as the illnesses they were intended to alleviate. Moreover, I was appalled by the alarming degree to which the pharmaceutical industry shaped my medical education. By pouring billions of dollars every year into drug research, pharmaceutical companies subsidize the education of every physician who graduates from an American medical school. The upshot of this arrangement is a medical system that places inordinate emphasis on disease treatment without the slightest attention to disease prevention. And as a result, most doctors are shockingly ignorant about the most fundamental aspects of healthy living.

The hypocrisy of healthcare hit me hardest when I was a surgical resident. During my albeit brief tenure as an orthopaedic intern, I spent over one hundred hours per week within the dreary confines of County Hospital. In my profound state of sleep deprivation, things like regular exercise and healthy eating quickly fell by the wayside. Unfortunately, the only reliably palatable items dispensed by the hospital cafeteria were baked goods. Dessert became the main source of pleasure in my life. 
As someone who has always reveled in the joys of the outdoors and physical activity, as someone who needs regular exercise, healthy foods, and adequate sleep to feel sane, I have never been more miserable. As the months passed, I found it increasingly impossible to reconcile the fact that my chosen profession, that of a “healer,” required me to adhere to a schedule that was destroying my own health and well being. And for what? I found myself wondering. After all, many of my patients would return to a life that had been permanently altered by their illness or injury; things would never be the same for them. My entire existence began to feel like an ironic exercise in futility.

After devoting a decade of my existence and six figures in student loans to becoming a physician, all I had to show for it was endless frustration, overwhelming exhaustion, a rapidly expanding rear end, a bleeding ulcer, and utter disenchantment toward my chosen profession. I took a step back and tried to remember what had drawn me to medicine in the first place. I realized that more than the promise of a fat paycheck, more than the prestige, more than my parents’ approval, more than anything else, I had once dreamed of being a doctor because I felt a sincere desire to make a difference in people’s lives. So, I did the only thing that seemed to make any sense at the time and I quit my residency. It was the toughest, and BEST decision I ever made. Since that fateful day in October of 1994 when I bade farewell to County General, I’ve made it my life’s work to educate people about healthy eating, efficient exercising, disease prevention, and non-pharmaceutical alternatives for increasing longevity. Many of my fundamental beliefs about good health fly in the face of the western medical establishment, contradicting the conventional wisdom embraced by physicians who have been lulled into complacence by the monumental influence of the pharmaceutical industry. An unfortunate number of American doctors are openly hostile to any therapeutic practice which does not involve a prescription pad or an operating room. The very notion of disease prevention has been systematically wiped from their collective consciousness. Even the most progressive health care providers are shockingly ignorant when it comes to the basics of healthy living. It’s not their fault– they’ve been brainwashed into thinking that they are health experts, when in actuality they are disease experts. 
Obviously, I cannot single-handedly revolutionize health care. Shifting the emphasis from disease treatment to disease prevention would involve a large-scale overhaul of the entire medical establishment– something that is not likely to happen any time soon. Unfortunately, that does not change the fact that, in the real world, the only completely reliable way to “cure” disease is to stop it from happening in the first place. But don’t expect to unearth a wealth of knowledge about disease prevention at your doctor’s office.

Although medical school taught me the basics of physiology, anatomy, and biochemistry, virtually everything I now know about good nutrition and effective exercising I learned after receiving my degree. Had I completed my residency training and gone on to practice medicine like most of my peers, it’s doubtful that I would know the first thing about healthy living. If I was like most practicing physicians, I would eat a diet rich in processed foods, chemical preservatives, saturated fat, and artificial ingredients. I would consume too much coffee and alcohol and not enough fiber. I would suffer from emotional stress, lack of exercise, and lack of sleep. My body would be gearing up for a myriad of pathological processes including cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and chronic fatigue syndrome. In other words, I would be the typical unhealthy American.

Tallying all the perils of modern living can be overwhelming. Who will save you? Who will be there to tell you what to eat? How much to exercise? Which supplements to take? Even if your GP happens to be one of the enlightened few with a grasp of what healthy living entails, your doctor can’t force you to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The only person who can make your healthy life choices is YOU!