My fitness journey took a dramatic turn when my good friend Dena Weiner entered my life, igniting a spark of inspiration within me to strive for my best self. It all began when she asked me to spray tan her athletes competing in a Fitness America bodybuilding show in Las Vegas. Little did I know, that seemingly simple task would lead me down a path of transformation.
As I watched the competitors on stage, I couldn't help but feel drawn to the thrill and challenge of it all. Jokingly, I told Dena that I might try a show for fun someday. To my surprise, she took me seriously and invited me to her house for training just a week later. Under her guidance, I dove headfirst into a regimen of exercises and meal plans designed to prepare me for competition.
Three weeks later, I found myself on stage at Fitness Universe in Orange County, California, competing in the bikini category. To my amazement, I clinched third place in my class—a moment that left me on cloud nine and hungry for more. In the following years, I ventured into competitions hosted by UNBA, WFA, and Lauren Powers, pushing myself to new heights in pursuit of my fitness goals.
In late 2012, tragedy struck when my father fell seriously ill at the age of 72, ultimately succumbing to COPD in January of 2013. His passing plunged me into a deep slump, but Dena was there to pull me back from the brink. With her encouragement, I threw myself into competing, entering a staggering eight shows in 2013 alone.
Through my journey in fitness, I've come to realize that it's more than just a hobby—it's a lifestyle. I'm passionate about educating others on the importance of embracing health and strength, especially in the face of adversity. Age, I've learned, is merely a number; if individuals in their later years can thrive, then so can I.
Today, at the age of 49, I continue to prioritize my fitness, maintaining a rigorous workout regimen and clean eating habits that keep me feeling youthful and vibrant. But my journey doesn't end there. In 2011, I ventured into the world of competition tanning, creating a specialized solution called Power Comp tailored for bodybuilding shows.
Since then, my team and I have become sought-after tanning providers for numerous fitness federations, including Muscle Mania, UNBA, WNBF, and WFA. Tanning for up to ten shows a year, we take pride in delivering flawless stage tans that leave athletes feeling confident and radiant.
What's perhaps most surprising about myself is my ability to thrive under pressure. Balancing competition tanning with my own competition endeavors, I've discovered a resilience within myself that fuels my drive for success.
Looking ahead, my future goals are twofold: to continue competing in the Figure category while expanding my reach as a competition tanner, all while spreading the message that living a healthy lifestyle knows no excuses.
