Meriza DeGuzman-Ciccone: The Definition of Sexy Strong

You have competitors, you have superstars, and then...there's Meriza DeGuzman-Ciccone. You would be hard-pressed to find a woman as unreal (in a good way) as Meriza. In fact, the word "unreal" actually doesn't even begin to describe the IFBB athlete and trainer. She has a slogan that sums up who Mrs. DeGuzman-Ciccone is and what she represents: Sexy Strong.

Photo credit: Meriza's official website

According to Meriza (and her husband, fellow IFBB competitor Pete Ciccone) Sexy Strong is "a mindset, an attitude...a way of life. Inspiring others by living with purpose-drive, discipline, conviction. Being Strong is Beautifully Sexy." We at FitGems Nation have to agree with the Ciccones on that, Every time they hits the gym, they seem to have a superhero mentality, something that you need to have in the fitness industry these days. Don't believe us? Check out these two Instagram clips of Meriza moving some heavy weight like it's nothing:

A video posted by Meriza Deguzman-Ciccone (@ifbbpro_meriza) on Sep 29, 2015 at 10:44am PDT

A video posted by Meriza Deguzman-Ciccone (@ifbbpro_meriza) on Sep 21, 2015 at 9:48am PDT

The first clip is Meriza doing a shoulder workout of 145lbs for 15 reps...and she was on her 5th set of this. She's lifting more than what she weights with near ease. The second clip is her doing 450lbs for 15reps for a high stance leg press as part of leg day. While 450lbs is downright impressive...this was actually her going light due to posing clinics. Yes...450 POUNDS IS APPARENTLY A LIGHT DAY COMPARED TO HER!!! We have stated a few times that should the IFBB ever consider a strongwoman division (which is a different topic that will be discussed later), Meriza would be a great person to build the division around. Pound-for-pound, there might not be another woman in the fitness world stronger than Meriza right now. She might not step on stage anymore, but that has not stopped her from practicing what she preaches and living the fitness life, as well as mold the next generation of competitors under the Sexy-Strong brand.

One of the strongest women in the IFBB, bar-none!

For more on Meriza, like her on Instagram. For more on Sexy-Strong, follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Also, don't forget to check out their website at http://www.sexy-strong.com/!

Sharing a TenSpot with...Meriza DeGuzman (Interviewed by dallas3)

Dallas3 interviewed one of the top IFBB Figure Athletes in the sport today, Meriza DeGuzman. She is sponsored by MAN Sports, who won the Supplement Company of the Year award at the 2nd Annual FitGems Awards. Meriza just recently competed in the California Pro, where she placed in the top ten.

DALLAS3: What made you want to make a career out of fitness?
MERIZA DEGUZMAN: I love the lifestyle of fitness – being able to share healthy living and teach the things I’ve learned through my own quest to be healthier is a blessing. I’ve learned alot on my own journey to be a better, healthier me-the benefits are so many- I’m even more thankful that I have been able to make a career out of sharing my passion with others.

DALLAS3: Best advice you’ve received in the industry?
MERIZA: As a competitor, don’t take your placings personally, and don’t worry about the supposed politics; Be yourself! I try to be a good role model to others because I as new athlete, I was influenced in a positive way by a few “big names” who were super nice to me, (namely Tanji and Adela , who are so sweet!)

DALLAS3: Advice for women wanting to make a career in the industry?
MERIZA: Learn as much as you can, keep your skills sharp, and always be nice to everybody – pay things forward because we’re blessed to be involved in this career…appreciate that fact!

DALLAS3: What would you like to do in the industry that you haven’t done yet?
MERIZA: I would like to compete at the Arnold before I retire; I would like to continue to inspire others to live a healthy lifestyle by leading by example.

DALLAS3: Best way you’ve found in getting sponsorship, booth work, in print ads, photo shoots, etc?
MERIZA: Stay in shape all year, so you’re always marketable. Be friendly and nice to everyone (not fake, sincere); and stay humble…

DALLAS3: Go out and seek potential sponsors or build yourself up first then go ask?
MERIZA: Build yourself up first, make a name for yourself so you have something to offer. Then, actively seek out sponsorship. Stay in shape, and always work to add to your portfolio and resume.

DALLAS3: Which do you like better, modeling or competing?
MERIZA: Hmmm…Competing…it’s the thrill of being on stage!

DALLAS3:  Anyone you model your career after?
MERIZA: No, I’m just me… I love what I do and I’m appreciative – I work very hard to super-service my clients as a trainer, coach and physique specialist, and I keep my skills sharp.

DALLAS3: Best way you’ve saved on costs?
MERIZA: Competing is expensive; share rooms with other competitors, learn to apply your own make up and hair when necessary, refurbish your suits…choose contests wisely, to make the most marketing and career “bang” for your buck…

DALLAS3:  Finish the sentence. In 5 years…..
MERIZA: I want to become established as a role model for women…I have alot of experience locally helping women of all experience levels get into their best shape ever; I love what I do and have a real passion for contributing to the quality of living of my clients. I love them all!! I hope in 5 years to be able to influence women on a much larger scale, because the fitness lifestyle has been so positive for me, I firmly believe I can help show more women how to lead healthier, more powerful and more fulfilled, happier lives!

Here's a bit about MAN Sports from Meriza: "They have several “high-performance” products for athletes, including a unique performance product created for hard-training females – FIGURE FUEL! learn more about Figure Fuel and how to achieve your own Fit and Lean body at www.MANSports.com"

For more on Meriza, visit her website at http://www.merizafigure.com.

FitGems Olympia Interview: Meriza DeGuzman

One of the smallest yet most complete figure competitors out there today, Meriza DeGuzman will be entering her second Olympia contest after competing in her first one in 2007. With her recent top five placings this year, not to mention Jenn Gates (current Figure Olympia champion) and Zivile Raudoniene (current Figure International champion) are not in the show, there will be a new Figure Olympia champion crowned, as well as a different look in the top six. Meriza took time from her extremely busy schedule to do this interview for FitGems, and I thank her for that.

All pictures belong to their respective sites and/or companies.




FitGems: State your name and profession (fitness/figure/female bodybuilding/bikini/other).
Meriza DeGuzman: Meriza B Deguzman IFBB Figure Pro
FitGems: How many years have you competed?
Meriza: 2 years amateur NPC figure and 2 years Pro IFBB figure
FitGems: I’ve heard from a particular favorite site of mine and yours (Siouxcountry) that for your size, you can lift some crazy weight around. May you share with us how strong you really are?
Meriza: Although I have not trained this way lately, last year I squatted pretty heavy to build more shape to my legs. I have front-squatted 225lbs for 10 reps and I have been known to lunge the parking lot here at World gym with a 100lb bar on my back! Lol! One-arm dumbbell rows with 80lbs 15 reps used to be easy for me…
FitGems: What are the advantages/disadvantages of competing at your height?
Meriza: Honestly, I have always thought being a shorter competitor in the PRO ranks sucks! Lol! I stand out like the sore thumb besides Erin Stern! Standing alone, I believe I have pretty good flowing lines, shape and symmetry, but standing right beside a taller competitor that has longer lines, can make me look more muscular…which has always been my downfall since I love having a bit more muscle on me! Advantage? Shorter competitors are cuter on stage! Lol! Just like female shoes in a department store, they always have size 6 on display not size 10! Lol!
FitGems: What (if anything) would you change about your profession?
Meriza: If you are referring to my figure profession, I would love to see a little bit more muscle and conditioning on stage…I believe that women can be strong- looking and still look sexy and feminine, if they are careful with their development…regarding my other profession, I am a professional fitness trainer/coach and I LOVE what I do with a passion! I LOVE to see all my clients evolve into healthier, sexier, more confident women! And that is such a great feeling!



FitGems: With the addition of the bikini division, what do you see will happen with the evolution of figure, which is to many still an unsolved puzzle in terms of consistency within the NPC and IFBB?
Meriza: Hopefully the introduction of bikini will allow figure athletes to get back to training again…I know both myself and I know a bunch of other figure athletes that have downsized their training time because of being too muscular.
FitGems: Who do you look up to the most for your inspiration, whether competing or in life in general?
Meriza: Inspirational people in my life: 1: Peter Ciccone ( National Level NPC BB) my fiance’ he always inspires me to work harder in life…2: my daughter Alexis ( 13 years now) for inspiring me to be a better mom and to live my life by example; 3: all my clients that inspire me to be a better role model for them!
FitGems: For those that just don’t see figure in the same league in respect and dedication as fitness and women’s bodybuilding, what would you say to them to try and change their mind…or at the very least, let them see it from your prospective?
Meriza: I know that the other girls may think we “just stand there” when we are being judged, or say that we “don’t really do anything.” The truth is, Figure may be even tougher than the other two sports in the sense that in Figure, we don’t have a posing routine to present, or mandatory poses to show to the judges. With Fitness, the routine is a huge part of your overall score. In bodybuilding, the women can tweak their poses to best suit their structure and development. But, in Figure, you have NOTHING to present except your body. You present your physique and the way that you have shaped and tightened it after months or years of hard work - using the same tools as these other athletes – months and months of cardio, careful weight training and meticulous nutrition. We have very limited variation to our posing and presentation – which I believe makes Figure just as challenging, or even possibly harder in some ways, than Bodybuilding or Fitness.
FitGems: If there was any celebrity that would be a perfect fit in female physique competition, if giving time to be able to condition themselves? Along those lines, what division could you see her competing in?
Meriza:Jessica Simpson! Definitely bikini! Fergie has a great body. She could do Figure, I think, in about 2 years tops!
FitGems: The Figure Olympia is looking to be a very competitive one, with Jenny Lynn coming back in form, and Jennifer Gates and Zivile Raudoniene out of the show. What do you expect coming out of this year’s event for you personally?
Meriza: For any one of us stepping on that O stage, everyone wants to be #1! Lol! But realistically, I am praying for TOP 10! I did not place at the 2007 Olympia (it was only my 2nd Pro show)…I was just happy to be there. But this time my goal is to make at least TOP 10!

(Meriza @ 2007 Olympia)

FitGems: What are you doing differently now to prepare for the show than what you’ve did in your first Olympia show in 2007?
Meriza: For 2008, I put on size and muscle that did not do well for me! Lol! So for 2009, I had to really finesse my training to refine my body…and thankfully, it seems like the judges like it better! Lol! So for 2009 Olympia, I am planning to be on my A game and to have longer lines but still curvy. I plan on still have great conditioning! I can’t be on stage looking “chunky”! loll!
FitGems: What’s your goal for this year’s event?
Meriza: see # 10 answer! (go two questions up from this question, and that's your answer)
FitGems: If you could improve the Olympia in any aspect, what would you do and why?
Meriza: Better venue/host hotel! Orleans too smoky for me! Microwave and refrigerator in the rooms…
FitGems: What are your future plans in this industry, short-term and long-term?
Meriza: I am currently working with my sponsor MAN Sports…we’ve got some really exciting projects coming out in 2010 - I will make sure to keep you in the loop! I plan on growing my FIGURE posing and presentation clinics…we scheduled 6 full clinics this year, and so far, they have been e a huge success! We plan on running at least as many next year. I will continue competing as long as my body will allow! Lol!
FitGems: Do you have any final words for your fans before you compete in the 2009 Figure Olympia?
Meriza: Thanks for all the support, thanks for all the positive energy and love! And mostly, thank you for believing in me! xoxoxoxoxoxo



For more on Meriza, visit her website at

http://www.merizafigure.com.