What Monica Means to the Fitness Industry...In Their Own Words (As Well as Ours)

Here are some of what you wrote to FitGems about Monica Brant, who went out on top winning the 2013 WBFF Pro Figure title in Las Vegas:

Photo from WBFF Facebook fan page

(Comments have been edited for clarity)

Trish Barchuk: Monica is one of my favorite athletes. (She) has inspired me to stay in the sport. (I) have attended two of her FEM camps and had a great time at both.

Christina Carcamo: I was one of Jan Tana's top tan artists. I was backstage fixing her suit and glazing her before stage at her last Arnold. She is truly a classy and admirable woman and athlete.

Viko Newman (Fitcrazy): She's one of my Favs!!!

Credit to original owner

RH of Norway: I just want to say that I have been a huge fan of Monica Brant for 18 years. When I saw a picture of her for the first time, back in 1995, I just couldn't believe what I saw. She was the most beautiful, gorgeous and sexy woman I had ever seen. Her muscular body, and perfect female curves, really took the breath out of me. I thought to myself that this woman will become a huge star within fitness...and my prediction came true. As every Monica-fan know, she has become a living legend.

As the time went by, I followed her career closely, and watched many interviews of her. From the interviews I noticed that she wasn't only a woman to admire physically...she also had the most incredible and glowing personality, so charming, nice and down-to-earth. Her beautiful smile and eyes were sooo captivating. 

Monica has made a huge impact in my life, and has inspired me so much when it comes to how I have lived my life. Her healthy and fit lifestyle have inspired people all over the world. She's the kind of woman most girls want to be like, and most men see as their dream woman.

13 years ago I thought to myself that she deserved to have a website, where fans could show their appreciation and support to her, so I made a Tribute Site to Monica on the internet:

http://monicabrant.homestead.com/home.html

To all fans of Monica: Feel free to visit my Tribute Site, and leave a message for Monica to read, in my guestbook!

Since I saw a photo of her for the first time, I have never seen any woman being even close to having such a perfect body, looks and personality as she has. In my eyes Monica Brant is a true Goddess, and I worship her more than words can describe.

If you read this Monica: You still look as beautiful, stunning and breathtaking, as you always have! You will always be my number one!

Rod McConnell (Vice President of MidWestern Fitness): We have gotten to know Monica over the last year, and although it has been a short period of time, I can honestly say she should give lessons on how to be a professional.  She not only is one of the best fitness competitors to ever get on the stage, she is an even better person.

I have been in the industry for some years now, and have followed bodybuilding my entire adult life.  I can honestly say, not one person, or athlete I have ever dealt with has the standing in my book as Monica does.  She's motivational, inspiring, friendly, knowledgeable, fun and extremely professional.  I can't imagine knowing her for the short time I have, how much more impressed I will be after years of her friendship.  I'm taking a little leap calling her a friend, because of our short time knowing each other, but it's such a honor to be classed as a friend, I can't help myself.  Congrats Monica on all success, well deserved!! 

I can go on and on and on about how much Monica means to the industry, but I think it's obvious to so many people that she is more than just a competitor, more than just a champion. She represents what the fitness industry should be all about. She will be greatly missed on stage by so many, but her fitness journey is far from over as she will be transitioning into track and field full-time. This isn't "Good-Bye", just simply "Thank You" and "Good luck in your new adventures!"

Thanks for everything, Monica!!!! :)
Credit to original owner

To keep up with everything Monica, like her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/monicabrantfanpage and follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Monica_Brant. And, of course, check out her website at http://www.monicabrant.com/!

Celebrate "Monica Brant Week" Next Week on FitGems Nation!

This time of the year is always big, as we are closer and closer to the Olympia, the biggest show of the year for this sport. This year, in addition to what is looking to be one of the most competitive Olympias in years, a legend steps on stage for the final time on a show that's widely gaining a lot of popularity. On August 23-24, the WBFF (World Beauty Fitness & Fashion) Finals will take place in Las Vegas, and Monica Brant, who many look at as arguably the top physique competitor of all time, will step on stage for the final time in her illustrious career.

Monica Brant in 2010 WBFF Worlds. 

In honor of her swan song and her career, FitGems Nation is proud to announce that we will be dedicating all of next week to Monica Brant, beginning on Monday and ending on Saturday. Photos, videos, and testimonials from fellow competitors and fans will be posted throughout the entire FitGems network (our main website, Facebook, Twitter, possibly Youtube and even the revamped MySpace). If you have any photos or videos of Monica that you would like to share with us, or if you have any words that you like to share about your experience with competing with Monica or want to talk about how she has influenced you as a person, please email us at admin@fitgemsnation.net, placing Monica Brant Week in the subject line. Also, for those using Facebook and Twitter, we will be using the hashtag #MonicaBrantWeek , and we encourage you to use this all week long next week if you can.

Hope you join us in celebrating the career of one of the best competitors to ever step on stage!

Diva Physique: First Wrestling Website Dedicated to Wrestling's Fittest Women

The FitGems Network continues to evolve with each passing year, it seems. A few months ago, I had this crazy idea in my head about a website dedicated to the best female physiques in professional wrestling history. For those that know me, you know how big of a wrestling fan I am, so it only seemed right that I open a site like that. In fact, there's not a site like it in the wrestling fansite world today, which makes it all the more unique. The name of the site is Diva Physique.

Part of our upcoming banner!

As a wrestler, you have to be in pretty good shape to deliver moves and take moves. But there are times where you can't help but notices how toned and fit a decent amount of them are. That's where Diva Physique comes in.

The site has been opened for a few months and already there have been photos of past and present female wrestlers from WWE, WCW, ECW, and TNA such as Miss Tessmacher, Torrie Wilson, Trish Stratus, Ivory, Jamie Keyes, Eve Torres, Madison Rayne, and more, with plenty of more ladies to be postedas the site progresses. So yeah, this site is FAR from being done, and the best part is, that in time it will continue to evolve with new wrestlers and former wrestlers possible getting in better shape than when they were wrestling. In time, we hope to have some past and present WWE Divas, TNA Knockouts, independent wrestlers, and wrestlers from past organizations such as WCW and ECW to provide fitness tips and stories, and maybe even some fitness secrets that that would like to share with the wrestling fanbase and fitness fanbase alike.

Check Diva Physique out at http://www.divaphysique.com. Diva Physique is also on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/divaphysique), Twitter (https://twitter.com/DivaPhysique) and Instagram (http://instagram.com/divaphysique). If you have any suggestions, comments, concerns, or if you would like to join the Diva Physique staff (we are currently accepting members, BTW), you can email us at divaphysique@hotmail.com.

If you're a wrestling fan, this is a site you must check out!

Fox Sports One and the Bodybuilding/Fitness World...Could It Happen?

For those that are sports fanatics, a new multi-sports channel called Fox Sports One will be launched on August 17 of this year. This is a big thing as it will give sports-news juggernaut ESPN a run for their money. Currently, the main sports that will be part of Fox Sports One are college basketball and football, MLB (in 2014), NASCAR, NFL (ancillary programs), soccer and UFC.

Photo credit: Fox Sports MSN website

On that note, FitGems was thinking...can Fox Sports One eventually be a future home for our sport? ESPN used to be the home of bodybuilding events. A lot of you can recall the days that the Fitness America Pageant was broadcast on ESPN2 and for some, it launched their careers in a big way. I owe them a reason  for me even FINDING OUT about the sport of bodybuilding. But sadly, that's no longer the case on ESPN and I highly doubt they will ever show events like that again...not at long as spelling bees and hot dog eating contests are telecast on there. That, and more OPINIONATED material rather than actual sports news and sporting events.

Fox Sports One has the opportunity to truly become an alternative to ESPN by broadcasting some of the events of the bodybuilding world such as the Arnold, Olympia, and Nationals. The market seems to be out there. I mean, people watch "crap" (and I'm using it the nicest way I humanly can) such as Honey Boo Boo and the Kardashians on a weekly basis, so why not? There are crazier things on TV...things that get big ratings, BTW. And if it can't be a cable network, maybe make it an online channel for apps or something. It seems like with the emergence of divisions that are less about size and more about a more attainable look (bikini division, I'm looking right at you) now would be a great time to truly take this sport to a mainstream level in terms of exposure.

What do you think? Should Fox Sports One look into having bodybuilding (and by that, I mean all the divisions) on their upcoming channel, or even with the more "mainstream-look" divisions, the sport is too "cult-like" for mainstream television? Comment below or leave a comment at our Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/fitgemsnation.

WWE Divas Division Adding Some Muscle...Literally!

There were plans that Paul Levesque aka Triple H was going to rebuild the Divas division via development, and it looks like based off today's news, the rumors appear to be true. Announced by various wrestling sites, IFBB bikini competitors Lexi Kaufman and Christina Vargas have signed WWE development deals.

Get ready, WWE Universe! They are coming to take over the Divas division!
Credit: Christina Vargas's Facebook

While most wrestling fans are just now finding out about this, we at FitGems Nation (as well as our good friends over at Fit Model TV)have known about this for months. In fact, fans of Lexi and Christina have known about this for months if they have followed them on their Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. To say we are proud of these ladies would be an understatement. The WWE Divas division is in need of some serious muscle right now, and WWE has LITERALLY added that with these two ladies on the scene. 

The hardcore wrestling fans (aka marks and the IWC, which stands for internet wrestling community) are gonna be hard to please because they didn't come from the indies, but if they knew what we know, they have nothing to worry about. Both ladies have put in hard work for years to attain their physiques, and they will put in the effort to entertain you as WWE Divas. We hope they will make it far and take WWE by storm. We're rooting for you both!

Check out the links below for more on WWE's newest developmental divas:

Lexi Kaufman

Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lexi-Kaufman/171733126219865

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lexi_Kaufman

Instagram: http://instagram.com/lexi_kaufman

Christina Vargas:

Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/CVargas26

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VARGAS26

Instagram: http://instagram.com/christinavargas

FitGems FitMom 2013 (UPDATED)

Mother's Day is fast approaching (in fact, I almost let the date slip from me this year! Long year in school. Don't ask. LOL). With that being said, after a year off, we are proud to bring back the FitGems FitMom contest. We will be giving the winning mother $200 and any item they want from the FitGems Online Store (http://www.cafepress.com/fitgemsnation). It's our way of saying "Thank You" for being an inspiration to moms everywhere.

All fit mothers are eligible to compete, no matter if they compete or have retired, and no matter what federation they are a part of. To enter the contest, all you need to do is send us a photo of yourself and a small wording on why you feel you are an inspiration to not just mothers, but for every woman who wants to live a healthier life. It doesn't have to be a long essay. Length is at your discretion. Send it via email at admin@fitgemsnation.net, and put FitGems FitMom 2013 in the subject line.

UPDATE: Because of time, we have made some changes. Although Mother's Day is over, we will keep this contest going all month long! You will have up until May 31st at Noon to enter the contest. Around 1pm on May 31st, a link will be posted via our Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/fitgemsnation) and on our Twitter account (http://twitter.com/FitGemsNation) that you can vote for your favorites up until midnight on Monday, June 3rd at noon, which is when the winner will be announced.

Good luck to everyone who enters!

Interview with Tiffany Morgan

Tiffany Morgan, aka the Figuretron, is currently getting ready to compete in the Team Universe later on this summer. Tiffany talks to us about her background, whether she prefers weight training or cardio, and what fitness events she would like to see broadcast on TV. 

All photos came from Tiffany herself and belong to their respective companies.

FitGems Nation: First off, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Tiffany Morgan: My name is Tiffany Morgan my nickname in the league is Figuretron.

FitGems: How did you get involved in the fitness industry in the first place?
Tiffany: I started training to better my health and I had a friend that use to compete back in 2010 so i contacted her trainer  Reese Brown and he helped me prepare for the 2010 Southern Isles Competition in Savannah. I've been hooked ever since.

FitGems: What do you enjoy most about competing?
Tiffany: I love a challenge and competing definitely challenges me to improve and transform my physique. I'm a performer and love being on stage and I love being an athlete so competing as a figure athlete gives me the bet of both worlds.

FitGems: Which do you feel is your greatest strength when training: cardio or weight-training?
Tiffany: I HATE cardio Lol the less i have to do the better!I adore weight training I never get tired of it. I'd rather be at a weight bench than on a treadmill. I'm 12 weeks out from team Universe and thanks to my trainer Noel Fuller, I haven't done any cardio since September.

FitGems: What division do you compete in and what’s the best thing about competing in that division?
Tiffany: I'm a Figure competitor. My favorite part is flexing in six inch heels :)

(Editor's Note: Wait...what?! I thought flexing in a figure competition wasn't allowed. Am I thinking too much into it. Uhh..yeah, moving on. Sorry!)

FitGems: If it was up to you, what would be one thing you would want to add or take away from your division?
Tiffany: I wouldn't change a thing.If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

FitGems: With the rise of social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc,), how important do you feel it is for competitors to participate in it?
Tiffany: It's vital as a public figure. Everything is viral and social media driven and it's the fastest way to communicate with fans and followers.

FitGems: Who (living or dead) do you look up to for inspiration, whether they are part of the fitness industry or not?
Tiffany: My dad because he continues to push and inspire me everyday. He was a basketball coach and served in the US Army for 20 years and he knows what it takes to be a true champion.

FitGems: If you were not competing or part of the fitness industry, what would you be doing now?
Tiffany: I cross train as a pole dancer and I would probably compete  there if i wasn't a figure competitor. It's harder than it looks and great for your upper body and core strength! Or I'd be a stand up comedian, I love making people laugh until they cry.

FitGems: What (if anything) would you change about the fitness industry?
Tiffany: I wish bodybuilding was televised on ESPN. The Olympia or the Arnold Classic would be awesome to watch on tv.

(Editor's Note: Not a lie was told.)

FitGems: After competition, what do you plan to do to give back to the industry?
Tiffany: I hope to become a promoter in the future. I want to give competitors the opportunity to showcase themselves onstage for years to come.

FitGems: Any closing words for your fans and supporters?
Tiffany: Thank you for constantly encouraging me and laughing at my corny jokes and posts!

FitGems: Again, thank you so much for doing this interview with us! For those that want to keep up on your future competitions and other plans, how can fans contact you? (Facebook fan page, Twitter, email, website, blog, other social media outlet, etc.) Also, if there's anything you want to plug in, you are more than welcome to do so.
Tiffany: I'm competing this year at the 2013 NPC team Universe Championship. I'm on Facebook as Tiffany Nicole www.facebook.com/figuretron.

Interview with Amy Savinon

Amy Savinon is a fitness competitor who has a history in gymnastics and is a graphics designer, and even own her own company. Amy talks to us about her background, her plans, and why being natural to her is more important than having an "ideal" look, whether it wins her a competition or not. 

All photos were provided by Amy herself and belong to the respective companies.

FitGems Nation: First off, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Amy Savinon: My name is Amy, I’m 28 currently residing in Gilbert, Arizona working as a full time Graphic Designer as well as owning my own Custom Design Invitations Company, PaperTales Custom.

FitGems: How did you get involved in the fitness industry in the first place?
Amy: It wasn’t until recently that I became involved in the competition aspect of fitness. My boyfriend was about to get deployed to Afghanistan (Marines) and wanted something to keep me busy while he was gone. Little did I know that trying to “keep busy” is an understatement when training for a fitness competition.

FitGems: What do you enjoy most about competing?
Amy: I’ve always been able to express myself through competition. I had a wonderful 11 year gymnastics career, reaching level 10 and competing at a National Level I was eager to find something to feed my love for competition.

FitGems: Which do you feel is your greatest strength when training: cardio or weight-training?
Amy: In this industry you absolutely need a combination of weight training, cardio and a good diet plan. I would say by far my strength is in my weight training. For my size I think people are surprised sometimes at what I’m able to push or lift. I like the look on people’s faces when I can just hop up on a bar and do a set of pull-ups with no help!

FitGems: What division do you compete in and what’s the best thing about competing in that division?
Amy: I compete in the Fitness division and the best thing about being able to compete in Fitness is surprising myself of what skills my body can still do even after gymnastics.

FitGems: If it was up to you, what would be one thing you would want to add or take away from your division?
Amy: The one thing I would want to add to my division is the mandatory moves. I’ve heard mixed reviews from different shows about not requiring any mandatory moves. Even though dedication is needed for each division, requiring the competitors to showcase skills in their routine is what separates fitness from the other divisions.

FitGems: With the rise of social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc,), how important do you feel it is for competitors to participate in it?
Amy: I am personally heavily involved in social media, for my own personal use as well as on a fitness level. Social media has played a big role on how people interact with each other. The fitness community is huge in every aspect of social media, and when starting out as a competitor you’re essentially branding yourself as a business. Community strength is a very powerful branding source.

FitGems: Who (living or dead) do you look up to for inspiration, whether they are part of the fitness industry or not?
Amy: I’ve looked up to Oksana Grishina for all my fitness inspiration. She is extremely dedicated to her goals and always strives to be better than the next. She comes from a military and gymnastics as well, which is showcased throughout her routine. I hope that I can project the same beauty, grace and strength on stage as she shows in each and every one of her fitness routines.

FitGems: If you were not competing or part of the fitness industry, what would you be doing now?
Amy: If I was not competing or part of the fitness industry in any way, I would have to fulfill my hunger for competition in some other format. I absolutely loved coaching, so I would want to go back to being a gymnastics coach. The life long lessons such as self-confidence, coordination, hard work ethic, flexibility and discipline are all qualities you learn as a competitive gymnast and I would love to help more little girls achieve that same determination as I have.

FitGems: What (if anything) would you change about the fitness industry?
Amy: The one thing I would want to change about the fitness industry is the amount of pressure a competitor has to strive for “perfection.” I love the idea of living a healthy lifestyle year round, not only looking “ideal” for a few weeks at a time.
I pride myself on being an all natural, yet still being able to win an NPC show. I don’t take diuretics before a show or any kind of crazy fat burners or do any of the “quick tricks” to get rid of water weight and fat that isn’t natural.
No matter how great of shape I may be in at any given time, I'm proud to say that is all natural. I may not be as cut up as some of my competitors, and I'm ok with that. If I lose I lose, if I win I win.

(Editor's Note: A trophy can only take you so far, so props to Amy for these words.)

FitGems: After competition, what do you plan to do to give back to the industry?
Amy: With my petite frame I hope to prove that muscle and fitness is an inspiration for many women trying to transform their bodies. My passion is to help others achieve balance through living a fit and healthy lifestyle while embracing every part of their life. Perusing a career as spokeswomen and columnist in the fitness industry, the best is yet to come.

FitGems: Any closing words for your fans and supporters?
Amy: 2012 has proved to be a very busy and successful year for me, and has made some huge stepping stones in my career. I traveled to Pittsburgh to compete in the the IFBB North American Championships in 2012 as well as landing endorsement deals from several industry related programs such as G-Loves and FireDaughter Clothing. I hope to continue the path to success throughout the years to come.

FitGems: Again, thank you so much for doing this interview with us! For those that want to keep up on your future competitions and other plans, how can fans contact you? (Facebook fan page, Twitter, email, website, blog, other social media outlet, etc.) Also, if there's anything you want to plug in, you are more than welcome to do so.
Amy: I track my fitness goals and motivation on Twitter! https://twitter.com/BendyMaghee.

Thank You for Five Years of FitGems!!!

Five years ago today....FitGems was nothing but a blog. I used this blog to share my thoughts about the fitness industry for anyone that would listen. It caught on a bit with other fans and people began to see that I was for real. The fact that anyone would take their time to read my material made me feel good inside.

Now five year, 600,000 blog views, many interviews, a main website, a Facebook fan page of over 2,000 fans, a Twitter site of over 4,000 followers, and an online store later, FitGems has gone beyond even my expectations as a big name in female muscle support/recognition. We're not the biggest nor the best, but we've stayed loyal to all of you from the start back in 2008, and we don't plan to stop now. We will continue to grow, evolve, and improve and learn to better support you all, onstage and off, and also when the competition is over and/or when you want to being that quest. I do this for YOU, the competitors. Without you, FitGems would be nothing, and that's the truth.

Again, I can't thank you all enough for your support and hope you continue to support FitGems for as long as we are here. And if you allow us and if it's in our God's will...we aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Thank you, God bless you, I love and respect you all. :)

C-Ray
Founder of FitGems Nation
Five Years...and Still Shining!

4th Annual FitGems Awards: Routines of the Year

Congrats to Karina Nacimento at the 2012 Desert Muscle Classic (women's physique), Alina Popa at the 2012 Arnold (women's bodybuilding), and Ryall Graber-Vasani at the 2012 Olympia (fitness) on winning Routines of the Year!

Women's bodybuilding, women's physique, and fitness are not just judged on physiques, but judges on how they move with their physiques, depending on the division they are competing in. For women's bodybuilding and women's physique, their physiques are more focused on while in fitness, it's more about the athleticism and difficulty of the routine (and flashy costumes). Karina displayed her physique and some sassiness (okay, quite a bit of sassiness) with her routine at the 2012 Desert Muscle Classic, which won her the title and will forever be known as the first IFBB Women's Physique champion ever. Alina displays one of the best physiques in women's bodybuilding, and was evident at the 2012 Arnold, nailing her a high placing at that show. Ryall Graber-Vasani shocked a lot of people and gave a underrated but awesome performance at the 2012 Olympia (and carried over to 2013 at the Arnold).

Here are the routines you voted as the best of 2012

(DISCLAIMER: Unfortunately, we could not find her Olympia clip, so here's a clip of her routine at the Ft. Lauderdale Cup, which was the show that qualified her for the Olympia in the first place)




Runner-ups: Juliana Malacarne @ New York Pro (women's physique), Sarah Hayes @ 2012 Olympia (women's bodybuilding), and Oksana Grishina @ 2012 Olympia (fitness).

Others nominated in fitness include Jodi Boam @ Fitness International, Myriam Capes @ Valenti Gold Cup, and Tina Durkin @ Olympia.

Others nominated in women's bodybulidng include Anne Freitas @ Olympia, Debi Lezawski @ Arnold, and Lisa Giesbrecht @ Toronto Pro.

Others nominates in women's physique include Sabrina Taylor @ Grand Prix Los Angeles, Monica Escalante @ Wings of Strength, and Jillian Reville @ Desert Muscle Classic.