Make Some Noise for Karrie Midwood!

Name: Karrie Midwood
Age: 30
Ht: 5’4”
Contest Weight: 112
Regular Weight: 130
Hometown: Federal Way

"It has always been a dream of mine to compete in figure. I remember the very first time I saw a figure competitor working out at 24 Hour Fitness. She was toned and muscular with great abs. I thought it was so cool how weight lifting and cardio can completely transform your body. From that day forward, I learned that you can be proactive in the shape of your body and that there are other options then liposuction and cosmetic surgery. I got a job working at 24 Hour Fitness when I was 19 years old and started learning the ropes of the weight lifting world. I have been hooked ever since.

In March of 2011 I decided that I was going to live my dream. I joined Construction Zone for my nutrition and Save Fitness for posing. Construction Zone, Pete Grubbs, did a great job with my nutrition. He helped bring me in 2nd place for my first competition, WA State Open, and 1st place for my second competition, NW Championships. I could have not done this well also without joining Save Fitness, Tanji Johnson. She really helped me refine my posing and gave me the diva confidence to get on stage and present my body in the best possible manner.

As all competitors are aware of, you have to have a great support team behind you as you embark on this journey. You hit many ups and downs along the way and it is important to have a team of supporters to catch you as you fall and push you back up. God has been my rock and foundation along this journey. He has given me the ability to push past my inner being and has given me the discipline to push beyond what I think my limits are.

My mom, Karen Bartels, was my number one fan club. She really helped me keep my eye on taking home the trophy for first place. My friends were really supportive and encouraged me to keep going when I said I wanted to give up. My boyfriend at the time, Doney Dawson, was really supportive during my second competition. He would send me pictures with a trophy on the mantel to keep me motivated. When I was struggling with my meal plan he helped me come up with new ways to cook to make the food taste better. This really helped me to be successful with my meal plan and not cheat. I am extremely appreciative of all my friends and family and really want to thank them. I could have not have done it without them in my corner.

As for me and the future of competing, I plan on doing the Emerald Cup in April. This is their 30th year anniversary and I think it would be fun to partake in their celebration. I am currently 14 weeks out from competition. This is the peak of the buckle down and grind time which means I am back on my meal plan and more focused than ever. My meal plan consists of white meats such as chicken, ground turkey, and fish and good quality low glycemic carbohydrates such as oatmeal, yams and red potatoes and all the vegetables I can think of. I am excited to see what I can accomplish in the 2012 season and look forward to being a tough competitor."

Karrie Midwood

---

Editor's Notes

Ok... I've been waiting for this feature for a while, but I knew Karrie would come through, so like with some of you, I kept the pressure up. Check out this truly amazing champion and tell me it wasn't worth it?! And what's up with Federal Way? Is this like the new, big secret in the physique world? Do you people do anything but diet and train out there? lol

But it's really cool to see that this wonderful physique didn't come without a lot of sacrifice, an amazing team, and a great support system. Thanks Karrie - I am truly grateful that I was able to include you on FigureBikini.com!

---

Editor's Updates

I'm super stoked to let everyone know that we have an easier way for you to check FigureBikini.com on facebook -- just go to http://facebook.com/FigureBikini and there you are. You can also press the "Like" button on this very page (provided you're logged into fb). As of the last time I checked, our page is upto 462 likes!!!

Also, Hunnika Rodriguez will be on the cover of our Official Twitter Page and Abby Clark will be on the cover of our Facebook page until this time in February!! I hope you can "like us" on Facebook & "follow us" on Twitter. Thank you to all for your continued friendship, participation, and support!!!

Christian Duque

---

Alaska's Own, Diane Singh!!!

Name: Diane Singh
Age: 35
Ht: 5'2"
Contest Weight: 110
Regular Weight: 120
Hometown: Anchorage AK

I started lifting in Jan of 2009. I was dealing with a lot of changes in my life and a lot of uncertainty so I turned to the gym as a way to reduce stress and stay focused. I was inspired by some other mothers who were competitors in bodybuilding. So I decided to try it out and looked for a trainer. My first show was a local competition in Anchorage Alaska in October of 2009. I enjoyed the stage and the excitement of competing. Since then I have competed in 10 shows both local, national, and international levels. My best accomplishment and proudest moment competing was when I took 3rd place at the Arnold Amateur International March 2011.

My diet is basically similar to a lot of competitors. Breakfast I have egg whites and oatmeal, lunch and dinner is chicken breast, broccoli, and brown rice. For snack I will have EAS Body For Life low carb shakes.

I would like to thank my husband and 4 year old son for supporting me and enjoying my journey as much as I have. I would also like to thank my trainer Valentina Chepiga Ms Olympia 2000. She also designed many of my suits.

Right now I am taking a year off to focus on other goals. I got a new job as the State Fitness Coordinator for the Alaska National Guard and started my own business as a fitness life coach (www.believeourbody.co). I am excited for the new year and what's to come. Competing is definitely not over. I will be back!

---

Editor's Notes

I can't begin to say how good it makes me feel to read about anyone that goes goes into they gym - with a heavy heart - and comes out a new person. There's so much more that can be achieved through our way of life, than stronger bodies and/or even leading healthier lifestyles. There's a great deal of self-esteem, confidence, and self-discipline that's earned with each rep, with each boring "healthy" meal, with each delicious (or sometimes lumpy and lukewarm) protein shake, etc. I myself joined the gym as a result of a bad break-up in 2005 -- and I can't thank that backstabbing crow more! lol Thanks to the gym, I kicked a 12yr smoking habit and I began to care about how I looked and more so about how I felt -- as a person.

Diane Singh was inspired by the other mothers, she was going through some rough times, but look at her now! She's done over 10 shows, trained and outfitted by a Fmr. Ms. Olympia, and deadset on making her return to the stage. Good for her! I am very happy to feature her, here on FigureBikini.com. If you're on Facebook, it would be good on you to drop her a line, a poke, or even a friend request if you feel so inclined. Thanks again!

---

Hunnika Rodriguez was ON FIRE in 2011, taking Class & Overall wins in Bikini at the NPC Iron Mountain Championships and the NPC Northwestern Championships, but she's only just got started. With only a week into the new year, this rising [SUPER] star has already been tapped to appear in Oxygen Magazine for the March edition's "Future Fitness" section! Nonetheless, your support would be very much appreciated by logging onto Hunnika' newly launched page on Facebook (Click Here).

Networking is very important for those working in the industry, but it's also a fantastic way for us fans to let these hard working athletes know, that we really believe in them! Make sure to check out all the cool pages featured here on FigureBikini.com. Also keep in mind, that unlike the old Facebook groups, Facebook pages do not fill up your inbox or clutter your screen. Facebook has done a great job of allowing you to network (if you choose) without that feature becoming overly intrusive into your other activities on their site.

And of course...if you like FigureBikini.com, you can totally press that "like" button on the top of this page as well (I mean, while you're at it...lol).

You Are What You Wear! (in a way)

Physique sports are expensive hobbies -- especially if you want to compete. In addition to gym memberships, clothing costs, and travel expenses, if you plan on getting on stage, you'll need posing trunks (if your a guy) or suits (if you're a woman). But before you go clicking onto the next blog, don't be too quick to dismiss the suit requirement.

If you were to Google-search suits for physique, figure, bikini, or bodybuilding, you'll find dozens, hundreds, if not thousands of sites throughout the world. And usually - or at least a good portion of the time - your perfect fit isn't out there. This is a love story, your perfect fit may not even be in existence. In many cases, you may have to find a suit-maker, exchange ideas and thoughts on specs, and then you may or may not have a suit that will truly show off that physique you've molded in the gym and developed through sound nutrition and supplementation. Why invest so much money into your training, supplements, the time off work, the airline tickets, the car rental, only to cut corners on your suit.

For the women, just like for the men, there's a job you do in the gym, there's a job you do in the kitchen, and there's a job you do in preparation for taking the stage (e.g. your suit, your tan, your posing routine, etc).

To make things easier, I've gone to the Champions for some insights. I hope you find their replies helpful. No one was paid or promised anything for these testimonials. This site is as DIY (do it yourself), underground, and REALLY (fan-based) as they come. These great athletes are grateful to their suit-designers and participated here - out of a sincere loyalty to these companies and out of a continued loyalty to you - THE FANS!

---

"My first competition suit I found on the website http://www.divaexchange.com, and I recommend every girl interested on competing check out the site before ordering a more expensive suit! I got a great TeenyB bikini suit there for only $100. It was the same style suit that Ali Rosen won Overall at NPC Nationals 2010 in!! DivaExchange.com also has Figure and Fitness suits and new suits are added almost daily! You can also sell your suits there.

For the more experienced and National or Pro level competitors there is no better choice than CJ's Elite Suits. CJ, or Cynthia James, custom makes every suit down to each stone. No one will have a suit like yours! Her suits can cost from a couple hundred to almost a thousand dollars depending on stone work and customization, but no matter the price you will LOVE your suit and it will be worth every penny! CJ is an amazing woman and cares so much about giving competitors the absolute best. She even let me borrow one of her suits at Nationals because mine wasn't going to work and I ended up getting second in my class! I couldn't have done it without CJ's gorgeous suit."

Ruthie Harrison

---

"My last 2 suits were designed by Caron Hospedales. She's been absolutely wonderful! Her suits are gorgeous & I have received nothing but positive feedback from the judges on both of them.

If you have an idea of what you want your suit to look like, Caron can make it happen. Typically a customized suit will range in price, depending on the amount of stones/detail that you want. She is located in New York and can be contacted on Facebook or at caronsuits@yahoo.com.

Ashley Lemmons

---

"I have had suits designed by Sylvia Tremblay, which fit like a glove and she was a blast to work with. Her attention to detail, beautiful stoning, and custom fit were amazing. Her prices vary, I was fortunate to buy a used suit that had never been worn. I received my suit on site, 10 weeks out from my show. http://tremblaydesigns.com.

I most recently used Cynthia James, and my exeperience was great. I received my suit 10 days out and the stoning, design, and color were wonderful. I did most of my order over the phone and they were extremely helpful and the fit was almost spot on. A great experience overall. Her prices vary depending on the stone work, which allows the athlete to fit a suit into their budget."

Jamey Peters

---

"I've had my suits made by Laura Richards with Suit Yourself out of Denver. She custom designs the suits herself.. She is very personable, flexible, and if your are not happy with something she strives to make sure you get the design and fit exactly how you want it! Shes very reasonable in her pricing..her suits vary from 100-800. She is quick in her turn around time, typically she can get a suit done within 3-4 weeks out of contest so there is plenty of time for any last minute alterations.

Shes on facebook under "Suit Yourself" or her number is 970-217-2428!

Marilena EchoHawk

---

"I get my suits designed my Christine Marsh, her website is christinemarshdesigns.com or you can find her on Facebook.

Being a new competitor Christine has helped made my experience so much easier and less stressful. Her communication is key, making her suites come out flawless. Her suits are nothing but amazing!

Hunnika Rodriguez

Also I started a new page -- Click Here!!!

---

"I've had all of my suits designed by Lidia Conti. She has custom designed and stoned each suit, with a fantastic fit and beautiful stone work. She was great to work with and asked my input as far as stoning, fabic, cut etc.. Each suit varied in price, which is one of the great things about Lidia, she has a suit/price that can fit anyone's budget. Typically I've receive my suit with in 3-4wks out which gives a little extra time to make any necessary alterations."

Nicole Gray

---

"My suits are custom made by Cynthia James (CJ) cynthia-james.com. She is an awesome person and her suits are the best I have seen. They are not cheap - about $600, but I've worn mine in my last 3 shows. I love it so much and have definitely gotten my money's worth."

Shelly Cannon

---

"My suits are custom made by Saleyla (www.saleyla.com).

She is local in Las Vegas and she custom designs and fits the suits specifically to your body. Her prices are very reasonable and the suits are always made within a week, I would definitely recommend her!"

Carolina Granados

"Happy New Year! Tamee Marie is the best for suits! Seems like everyone has used her, so she's not hard to find (she has a page somewhere on Facebook); customer service is great and her suits come in all price ranges (to rent or to buy); would definitely recommend :)

Karly Woodle

---

---

Get Your Like Buttons Ready

I know that many of you are super-active on Facebook, with hundreds (if not thousands) of friends and involved with several clubs, but I really would like to point you to NPC Figure Star, Jamey Peter's brand new athlete page! Jamey showcases the ideal Figure physique, with excellent lines, shredded abs, beautiful flowing symmetry, and natural beauty. I have never seen her in person, but look how impressed I am with just her photos! Check out her page here.

---

Payne Never Looked This Good

Name: Emily Payne
Age: 26
Ht: 5’1
Contest Weight: 108-109
Regular Weight: 112
Hometown: Manheim, PA

"I have been active and athletic my entire life but first started to immerse myself further into training in 2009. I would just do the same old thing during my training sessions until finally I decided to get some help from a more knowledgeable source. I began nutrition with Allison Moyer who is now my amazing trainer in May of 2011. After a big change in my life that same month I went into a funk. I was training but not seeing the results I wanted. I had always wanted to compete in bikini but it never was the right time.

Finally in august of 2011 I contacted Allison after she had started to put the competitive “bug” in my ear and I began contest prep for my first competition the next week. My very first show the 2011 Natural PA Championships was a short 6 weeks later. Walking onto that stage I was incredibly nervous and shaking in my boots but it obviously didn’t affect my appearance because I walked away from my first show with 1st place in class A and Overall in the bikini division. I was also qualified for nationals. Another “bug” was placed in my ear and 5 weeks later I was at the 2011 Nationals in South Beach, Miami with my trainer at the largest show in history. My main reason for going was to gain experience and see what a national show was all about. Needless to say I didn’t place but that wasn’t my intention. I went for the very reason that I was qualified and what did I have to lose!

My thank you’s go out to the amazing support system I have from my wonderful mother and sister as well as my trainer Allison Moyer who has helped change my life in more ways than one! My plans for 2012 are still undecided due to an out of the blue emergency surgery I endured during the month of December for a hole in my stomach. To date I am still on a weight restriction until I meet with my surgeon but this otherwise horrible experience hasn’t dampened my spirit and I’m looking forward to an amazing competitive season!

---

Editor's Notes

First and foremost, I'd like to thank Emily for keeping her promise to the page and helping make this feature possible. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, as I'm sure all of you did as well. It's really nice to see that despite real-life hurdles, this great champion was able to perservere and succeed in the sport she loves so much. It's also very refreshing to come across a champion that gives back and is grateful to those that helped along the way. Great work Emily, I know 2012 will be a year that will bring many more accomplishments and good news!

---

Breaking News!!!

Top level NPC star, Hunnika Rodriguez, just wrapped up a photo shoot with April Greer and has been informed that she will appear in the March edition of Oxygen Magazine - "Future Fitness" section. Make sure to hit the newstands and look for this great champion! Congrats to you! This is how you start the year off!!!

---

National Teen Champion Miriam Looney will also be featured in the Oxygen Magazine - "Future Fitness" section. I'm currently working on interview questions for the young champion, who I'm sure will do a great deal of damage in 2012!

---

***As always, if you enjoyed reading this post and you have a Facebook account, please "like" this page. By doing this, you'll help spread the word about FigureBikini.com

---

Breaking the Fast - Champions' Style

Many people often say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this holds true given the fact that most people (on average) sleep between 6-9hrs per night. The body needs time to recover, and while some bodybuilders may subscribe to the notion of waking up to ingest protein in the middle of the night, I would strongly advocate that people let the whole body rest.

Resting for the body, also means starvation for the muscle, but the body can't run nonstop. Keep in mind, that the second most complex system of the body, is the Gastrointestinal System, and if you're constantly eating, never giving your body a break, what result is that going to have on your overall health? What would happen if you trained every single day with weights? I'm sure it sounds counerintuitive to tell people to starve themselves while they sleep, but you can't have restful sleep if you're waking up to several alarm-clock buzzers throughout the night. Remember, the deeper the sleep, the more restful it is, the more recovery will take place.

Ok, so we've decided you'll sleep. Great! But what to eat when you wake up? I've gone to the champions, from bikini to bodybuilding, to share with you, how they start off their day.

---

My first meal of the day is at 6:30 am right after my workout and cardio. session.

I usually eat 6 egg whites scrambled up with 1/2 cup of bell peppers and mushrooms; 1/2 cup of old fashion oat meal; along with Vitamin E, Potassium, magnesium and a multi-vitamin. It's just what I need to stay fueled up for whatever the day may bring.

Hunnika Rodriguez

---

"My meal is about 45 min after I wake up. My training isn't until 4pm so I eat 4 meals before I even go to the gym then the last 2 after I get home.

First meal is 1/2 c oats, 1Tpb and a shake. Love to eat procakes offseason as well. Have to start the day with some sort of protein for sure. Eggs are a staple with me as well."

Danae Zaitz

---

"First meal is within half hour of waking up. I am eating egg whites with spinach, oatmeal with cinnamon or sometimes pumpkin pie spice and bananas. Fills me up and fuels me for my workout later in the day. I take my first set if vitamins after I'm done."

Jamey Peters

---

"Yay breakfast talk! Mine is usually 1 tbsp of psyllium husk, then coffee and 5 egg whites with anywhere from 1/4-1/2 cup of oatmeal, cinnamon, stevia, & sugar free syrup."

Karly Woodle

---

"First meal is about 45 min-1 hour after I wake up and will generally be one of 2 things depending on my day..either 1) 2 whole eggs + 3 egg whites and 2 slices lean turkey bacon..I'll sprinkle calorie-free cheese flavored popcorn seasoning on my eggs, yum! OR 2) 1 cup egg whites with 1 piece of fruit or 1/2 cup Oats w/ cinnamon.

When I begin show prep I'll do cardio prior to eating with some BCAAs but right now I do my cardio after my workout."

Darielle Gaines

---

"I always start my day with protein pancakes!
I make them with egg whites, oats, stevia, cinnamon, crushed pecans and topped with sugar free maple syrup :)
While, I often eat these at other meals as well..it's a delicious start to the day and makes a great pre workout meal too."

Nicole Gray

---

"My first meal of the day is usually a protein pancake, I mix about 1/3 cup of oatmeal with 4 egg whites and 1 whole egg. I add flax meal and cinnamon, and sometimes I spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on top!"

Carolina Granados

---

"My first meal is at 6 am after my morning cardio. It's usually 4 egg whites with one teaspoon chia seeds and a teaspoon psyllium and 1/2 cup oats with cinnamon . ;) best meal of the day!!"

Marilena EchoHawk

---

***If you enjoy reading FigureBikini.com, please help spread the word. Press the LIKE button above. Thanks!

---

Hunnika Rodriguez - Bikini Sensation

Name: Hunnika Rodriguez
Age: 27
Height: 5'1'
Contest weight:105
Regular weight: 115
Hometown: Mount Vernon, Washington State

In early 2011 my BHAG (big hairy audacious goal) was to compete in one bikini competition, right away I knew I needed lots of help so I hired a trainer, nutritionist and joined a team. I originally planned on my first competition to be the in July 2011 but went through some self sabotaging . Soon after I celebrated my "Golden Birthday," and realized that I was the only one holding myself back from achieving my goals, it wasn't easy and was a diffident roller coaster ride of mental barriers and emotions. Plus having never been to see a live competition till the first one I was in made my first experience that much more frightening. But I did it! And ended up doing a total of three back to back placing 1st and overall in all three. Competing this past season has given me so much in return the one thing that I have learned is that you have to believe in yourself and stick to it and it'll happen.

My diet consists of six small meals a day every 2-3 hours. I eat high protein, low cabs with low glycemic index and I drink at least one gallon of water daily.

None of my goals would of became a reality without all the support of from my trainer Juliana Uluave-Gould, nutritionist Pete and Apple Grubs with Construction Zone, Christine Marsh suit designer , Tanji Johnson's Save Fitness , friends and most importantly my parents.

As for 2012 I have bigger personal goals for myself and can't wait to see what the new season will bring I'm aiming for my Pro Card, dreaming BIG.

---

Editor's Note

There seems to be a lot of great champions emerging from the pairing of Construction Zone and Tanji Johnson's Save Fitness, especially given the fact that both the Figure & Bikini overall champions at the 2011 NPC Northwestern Championships give them serious credit. Speaking Hunnika, I'm very pleased to finally be able to have her here. These ladies are incredibly busy, they work full-time jobs, train hard, diet even harder, and everything always gets down. We should all be inspired by them.

Hunnika brings excellent balance to the stage, with a suit that seems perfectly contoured for her physique. We are seeing less and less of the women that (initially) gave bikini a bum rap. Women like Hunnika have the muscle, they have the shape, and they are clearly showcasing physiques that were clearly developed in the gym. I am very proud to have this great champion on our page! I hope we see much more of her in the future, not to mention, read of many more great victories in 2012!