April 27 '08 - Next weekend, Fitness Mexico will host over 100 finesss, bikini and model ladies from throughout the country. The Fitness Mexico Tour now features seven shows and interest had exploded!
April 27 '08 - New Universe Weekend sponsors include Dymatize, Champion Nutrition, Edge Performance, Valeo and more to be announced soon.
April 22 '08 - After giving birth to two children and writing about the women's fitness scene for the past five years, Oxygen magazine writer Diane McCabe Smith will be returning to the competition stage. Look forward to seeing her at the Universe Weekend.
April 21 '08 - Fitness Universe Top 5 Finalist Liana Saadi recently tore her achillies practicing her routine for this years competition. The former Russian gymnast says to expect her to compete at Fitness Canada and America in November.
April 5 '08 - Models for the Fitness Fashion Show at Universe Weekend will be selected by a panel of Miami Beach talent agents and fashion photographers. The judges will pick both men and women sports fitness models who register for Model Universe on Friday morning, June 20.
Mar 29 '08 - Former Ms. Bikini Universe Danielle McGlynn will be making a guest appearance at the upcoming Ms. Bikini Mexico International. Joining her will be Ms. Bikini Universe Runner-Up Monica Cariveau at the Mexico City television, magazine and newspaper publicity sessions.
Sometimes when following the Fitness Universe Tour, you see ladies who are talented and awe inspiring from the beginning. And, then there are competitors who have the spirit and special drive to transform themselves in ways they never expected. Amber Emeredes seems to improve not only her athletic performance skills but her appearance and stage disposition with every subsequent show. And, 2007 was a memorable one for her in many ways. "Last year was incredible year for me - placing 6th at Fitness Universe, Top 10 at Ms. Bikini Universe, 3rd at Fitness America and 4th in Ms. Bikini America!, Amber exclaimed.More...
Fit Moms
When ladies enter the world of fitness, bikini and figure competitions, some are single, others married or divorced. Most are fascinated with staying in shape and remaining competitive following experience in high school and college athletics like cheerleading, dancing, gymnastic, acrobatics and other performance sports and activities. And, others use training for fitness competitions to get into shape and change their lives. But, when its time to start a family and have children, staying fit and in shape takes on a whole new dimension. Ms. Bikini competitor Kelley Workman has five children and explains, "I am 37 years young and work out 6 days a week. I train my boys as well as other children in our community." And fitness More...
Family Lifestyle
Lifestyle is the foundation to becoming a fitness champion and Amelia Powers breathes, tastes and thrives on a healthy lifestyle. The reigning Ms. Bikini America has been living with a fitness mindset for over a decade. "I always follow my normal routine. Nutrition wise I eat plenty of raw fish and seafood, which is and always has been my normal diet," says Amelia. At 35 years of age, won the overall title at the show beating out ladies nearly half her age. And, Amelia credits a whole body/mind combination for her youthful appearance. She explains, "My motivation comes from deep in my heart, because I have a lot of passion for fitness. I am a strong believer that fitness helps join More...
Camp Exploded
In just its second year, Katie Uter's Camp Explosion was a blast for the Bayou fitness girls. With nearly 50 fitness campers attending, the former Fitness Universe Pageant Champion demonstrated with personal experience and knowledge what it takes to become a world class Fitness, Ms. Bikini and Figure competitor. The 29 year old, all natural star began competing ten years ago and is featured regularly in fitness magazines such as Oxygen. Katie recently announced her engagement and is contemplating on return to More...
From Bayou to Hollywood and Back
Since winning her first and only model competition, the lovely Michelle Berthelot has been pursuing her acting and modeling career in Hollywood. But recently, the 24 year old former Model Universe Champion returned to her native Louisiana to win the Miss Louisiana USA beauty pageant. "Michelle lost all her pictures, her crowns, her trophies, her dresses - everything, including her home and her grandfather,” mother Karen Berthelot said. “This pageant was a kind of ‘rebirth' and was quite fulfilling.” She will now move on to compete at the Miss Universe in Las Vegas in April. More...
Newest Fitness Star
Former Ms. Bikini Atlantic Jodie Cohen recently introduced Baby Olivia Cohen, her new 3 month old fitness star! Fellow fitness competitor Janelle Nicolo had the cute outfit made for Olivia before her birth. Say's Jodie, "I've been waiting for the day that it fit her so I could take pics for FU.com." Already Olivia is joining Mom in the gym as she gets into shape and prepares for her next competition. "It may take longer to get back into fighting shape, but my goal is the Universe. I am starting on my routine next week," Jodie declared. Olivia is Jodie's second child but first girl. She has been competing for over 5 years including the Atlantic, America, New York and Universe shows.
10th Anniversary Universe
It is common knowledge in the fitness industry that in 1989 the Fitness America Pageant was created as a made-for-television production for ESPN International and soon grew into a regional series of shows. And with this growth in popularity among competitors and television viewers, the network wanted another major fitness show. So, in 1999, the Fitness Universe Pageant was introduced to the women's fitness community and welcome competitors from around the world. Since then, many of the most talented and beautiful More...
Expanded Mexico Tour
Now in its 6th Season, the Fitness Mexico Tour expands this year with six exciting shows held throughout the country! Because of popular demand, Ms. Bikini, Figure and Model Mexico shows have grown with big shows in Mexico, Latino and Prestige and now welcome new regional events in Aguacalientes, Chihuahua, Cancun and Juarez. This is especially good news for beginning competitors who want some first time experience but still desire national publicity. The Fitness Mexico Tour was the career More...
Gunning for Number Three
You'd think after winning the Fitness Universe Pageant twice that it was time to let someone else take home the world class crown. But, Pittsburgh's home town star Sheri Vuvick is training with one objective in mind. "Winning the Fitness Universe title for the 3rd time would be such an honor.. Its the first big show of the year and always attracts top fitness athletes from around the world," said Sheri. This mother of two handsome boys trains with her husband, Bill, who's a mixed martial arts fighter which inevitable carries over onto Sheri's regimen, too. She explains, "Bill is my secret weapon.. With him by my side I feel as if I can conquer the world. We make a great team because More...
Alicia Marie
Ms. Bikini Universe
Sponsor: BSN Nutrition
Superbody Store
10th Anniversary Classic
One of the biggest annual shows is celebrating its10th Anniversary. Each season the Atlantic Regional Championships launches the Fitness Universe Tour with a spectacular show which has introduced many fitness stars like Alicia Marie, Dawn Butterfield, Lindsey Messina and others to the sport of competitive fitness. From there, it was on to the Fitness America, Universe and other world class shows. This year, over 150 of New England's hottest ladies will be competing at the Atlantic in North Haven., CT, and More...
Killer Kumite Show
Now in its 5th season, the Kumite Classic will host one of the largest sports, fitness & martial arts shows in the country! Each consecutive year, the fitness, bikini and modeling portion of the show has grown in size and become one of the more popular events for the 10,000+ audience attending the Memorial Day weekend festival. Last year, Dawn Butterfield competed and won the Fitness Division as a warm-up for her incredible victory at the Fitness Universe Pageant the following month. And,
because the Atlantic and Kumite shows are More...
China Doll
FAP and FUP Champion Dawn Butterfield make a special guest appearance at Fitness China last September. But it was so much more for the 10 year fitness veteran with visits to the Beijing Acrobatic Show, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and much more. It was the trip of lifetime and something which most people can only dream about. But, it is best described by Dawn herself and thankfully she kept a comprehensive diary about her journey to the far east. Read about her experience and personal reflections. More...
Red Hot Camp
It may have been freezing cold in Boston last weekend, but it was red hot at Camp Savage ! Over 100 people attended including fitness campers from around the country as well as Fitness, Ms. Bikini and Model Universe stars like Wendi West, Dawn Butterfield, Sylvia Tremblay, Janelle Nicolo, Lindsay Messina, Megan Hoffman, Jazzy Corbett, Chianne Medina and many other fitness celebrities. The two-day camp gave newcomers More...
Competing Against Herself
As the 2000 and 2003 Fitness Japan Champion, Junko Hashimoto knows the feeling of winning on the competitive scene. But, since then she's failed to place in the Top 5 at the Fitness America or Fitness Universe. At the '07 FAP, Junko finished in 31st Place among a field of seasoned and new fitness women. But, the 39 year old aerobic and Pilates instructor says she competes against herself to better her performance in each consecutive show. Junko explains, "I get such a thrill being on stage and knowing that I am competing among the best fitness athletes in the world. But, most of all, preparing for these shows keeps me motivated to stay in shape and More...
Enjoyed Competing Too Much
You'd think she was crazy because with no competitive fitness experience former cheerleader Amanda Saussy entered the Fitness America Pageant and went home loving it. "I enjoyed competing too much! The atmosphere was great. Everyone welcomed me like I had been competing for years," said Amanda. "As soon as I walked on stage, I was hooked." The Mississippi native was an active gymnast through elementary school, but when the family moved to another town, the new school did not offer gymnastics. So, Amanda became an acrobatic cheerleader throughout high school. Coming from an athletic family, she has always been encouraged by More...
Enchanting, Exotic & Fresh
Each season, a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and new fitness, bikini and model ladies participate to satisfy their ongoing urge and thirst for athletic competition beyond high school and college. Last year, Aruna Paramasivam competed for the first time in Pittsburgh at the Kumite Classic. She had so much fun that she competed again at the Universe in Miami the following month and was thrusted into various photo shoots and media events. "I realize I am honored to be one of the few Indian-American women to stand up on the Fitness America stage today," says Aruna. "If you want to make a change, you have to be the change." Aruna was recently elected as President of the Network of Indian Professionals, an organization with 3,000 US members. This lady is enchanting, exotic and fresh! More..
Fit for Climbing Kilimanjaro!
Canadian fitness star and Fitness Universe Pageant Top 5 Finalist Liana Saadi is known to be one for adventure. Last year, she left her comfortable digs in Toronto and spent a month touring Southeast Asia including Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia including the ancient, mysterious and lost city of Angkor Wat. Them, within days of competing at the recent Fitness America Pageant in Hollywood, Liana packed her bags but instead of returning to her home in Canada, she and friend Sasha traveling to Africa with sole intention to climb Mt.Kilimanjaro.More...
She's Back for Some Fun
Following her big win at the '06 Ms. Bikini America, Danielle McGlynn is back on the scene. She was recently in Hollywood to support her sister who was a finalist in the Ms. Bikini America Classic. But, she's now planning to compete again at the Universe Weekend in Miami. Say's Danielle, "Me and my sister are to be competing against one another in both Ms. Bikini and Fitness. It will be fun!" Also, Danielle will be making a guest appearance at Fitness Mexico in May in Mexico City. "I am so honored to have been invited," she said.
At 5'4", 120 lbs., Danielle has been a fitness media favorite and now with her new, fresh look, will certainly be busy at the Universe.
Monica's Sexy Threads
Fitness diva Monica Criveau has launched her own fitness sports apparel line. The Ms. Bikini America tall class winner is very athletic with extensive competitive experience and recreational past time in martial arts, boxing, gymnastics, volleyball, weight training, fitness, skating, dance and stunts. The former Minneapolis small town girl moved to Miami last year to pursue More...
Bosom Buddies
According to many competitors, one of the greatest attributes about Fitness Universe Tour shows is the chance to spend time together with fitness friends and creating new friendships. At the recent Fitness America in Hollywood, among the nearly 400 competitors, many pals teamed up for a fun weekend including Lianna Saadi (Canada), Sheri Vivick (Pennsylvania) and More...
Circus Acrobatics Flies High at FAP
As Scandinavia's hottest fitness star, Else Lautala stormed onto the Fitness America Pageant stage and narrowly beat '06 FUP Champion Sheri Vuvick for the elusive and illustrious title. The 28 year old sports model was hot off her Ms. Bikini Universe win in Miami just five months earlier and trained to win in Hollywood. "I love traveling and meeting new people around the world," said Else. "So, coming to California is such an exciting opportunity for me." Else works as a circus performer in her native Finland and incorporates many of her acrobatic skills in her competitive fitness performances. Her Hollywood performance impressed the judges and audience including award presenter and celebrity Victoria Pratt (photo). Sheri lost the Fitness Round by just 2.7 but won More..
Classic Bikinis
For the first time at Ms. Bikini America, the Open Class (Short, Medium and Tall) and Classic winners all competed for the overall title and to the astonishment of everyone watching the show, age conquered youth! A striking and exotic looking Amelia Powers captivated the judges and their scores knocking off some veteran bikini stars including Janelle Nicolo (Short), Siena Perezcano (Medium) and Monica Cariveau (Tall). Janelle (26 years, '07 MBU 2nd), Siena (26 years, '05 MBU) and Monica (29 years, '07 MBU 2nd) know the smell of victory oh so well, but they never thought that someone nearly 10 years their senior would take the title. The 35 year old Amelia was shocked with her win and exclaimed backstage, "How wonderful is this?!" But she is not new to experiencing the thrill of victory having been a 9-time Ms. Fitness Peru and More...
Go Figure!
Two of the hottest figure competitors on the Fitness Universe Tour are Ava Cowan (left) and Ingrid Roldan (right) who took First and Second Places, respectively, in their height classes at Figure America. Ingrid won her height classes at Figure Universe just 5 months earlier in Miami while Ava settled as runner-up. In Hollywood, both ladies were effusive with sex appeal More...
