After years of struggling with my weight fluctuating from normal to obese, I finally decided to invest in myself and seek professional help. I had researched many online programs and trainers but when I came across Lindsay Messina’s website I knew this was the right one for me. Her overwhelming accomplishments in the fitness industry spoke volumes of her expertise and her respectable image inspired me like no other woman in the industry.
I joined Lindsay’s “Get Messina Fit” program in February 2014 with aspirations to finally compete in my very first bikini competition. I had dreamed of competing for over 10 years! Everything from being a full-time student, working full-time, unhealthy relationships, injury, laziness, and lack of confidence, motivation and commitment continuously kept me from reaching my goals. The GMF program taught me the necessary skills I needed to make better decisions about my health and got me back on track mentally with the help of our private GMF Facebook group. All of the women in the group supported and motivated one another daily with their progress. We shared our struggles and celebrated each other’s triumphs. Within 5 months, I made tremendous changes in my body composition losing 2 pant sizes and gaining an unthinkable amount of strength!
Toward the end of my GMF program, I committed to competing in my very first bikini competition (Fitness America Championships in Las Vegas). In June 2014 I attended Lindsay’s Fitness Diva Competition Prep Workshop and my life has never been the same since! The lessons I learned, bonds that were created, and confidence I gained that weekend will forever be remembered as a major turning point in my life. At the workshop, Lindsay, Gretchen, and The Fitness Divas made me realize that I do deserve to have it all and that together we will make it happen! From that point on, my goals became real, attainable, and all the more meaningful.
I joined The Fitness Divas team in July 2014 when I began my competition prep for Fitness America. Throughout my competition prep journey, Lindsay and The Divas provided continuous support, reassurance, and guidance that enabled me to stay focused and positive when I was in doubt. These were things that I never had before and honestly I feel that they are single handedly responsible for my transformation. I was tired of giving up on myself and with The Divas encouragement, giving up was not an option. Our private Diva Facebook page motivated me beyond belief. All of our coaches, WBFF pros, and amateur competitors were always promoting each other. I am so thankful to be a part of such a successful, empowering group of women! They are all such remarkable role models.
In November 2014, my teammates and I proudly represented The Fitness Divas on the Fitness America stage in Las Vegas and it was truly an amazing experience! I competed in the best physical condition I have ever been in and was overwhelmed with emotion afterward. During competition prep, I lost an additional pant size (from size 8 to size 2) and for the first time in all my fitness endeavors over the years I saw my abs! I made so many special memories with my coach and teammates that weekend. Our team continues to grow in strength and sisterhood and our coaches continue to strive to give us all the opportunity to reach our goals, be successful, lead by example and make a difference in the lives of others! Words cannot begin to describe how grateful I am to be a part of The Fitness Divas. I would not be the woman I am today if Lindsay Messina and these lovely ladies had not come into my life!
With Class & Sass,
Nicole Kristi Riojas
