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Jhi & Skylar – Everything you could ask for in this fun set of pics and clips featuring a couple of knockout girls just having fun at the California beach. That’s what it’s all about.

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Tiffany Whitmore – Fans of sharp, defined bicep peaks can’t overlook what this pretty Florida figure competitor and model brings to the show. It’s on display.

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Katie Petersen – Finished forth in her class at the USAs and sixth at Nationals last year. Katie continues to impress in highly competitive shows and could be poised for a breakout season.

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Brienne Eubanks – Every year the Emerald Cup turns a surprise or three in the new face department. Tall, athletic Brienne adds to the tradition.

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Caroline Williams – Great images from a shoot with this unheralded brunette beauty. Split biceps glowing in the Las Vegas sunset make a winning combination.

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Kashma Maharaj – Young Caribbean bodybuilder from an athletic family and has been capturing a lot of new fans since making her debut. Dramatic size and potential.

Christy Resendes

January is like Black Friday for health clubs, a time when memberships soar and gyms fill up with assorted neophytes eager to launch half-baked New Year’s fitness resolutions. Most come and go, a lucky few get hooked, and dedicated lifters can only chuckle until this annual parade inevitably fizzles out by Valentine’s Day.

Longtime bodybuilder Christy Resendes, who shared a few thoughts with me recently, is one of the lucky ones whose passion never fizzled once it started. She credits her mom as an important role model. “What inspired me to compete was seeing my mother compete in her first bodybuilding show,” Christy said on competing as a teenager in 1993. “When I got on stage the first time I felt excited, nervous, and accomplished. Win or lose I am always happy that I did what I set my mind to doing.”

Today, the 34-year-old is a mom herself as well as an accomplished personal trainer and popular fitness model. Of course, she’s been to many contests since that initial one and I asked about some she remembers best.

Christy's Stats: Age: 34, Height: 5'5", Weight: 155, Hometown: New Bedford, Massachusetts.

“I have so many great memories and met many great people in my contest history and grateful to have all those experiences,” she said. “One of my fondest memories and favorite venues is the Arnold Classic. Competing in the Arnold Classic and placing 5th, that whole experience was amazing. I felt like I accomplished my goal and being on the expo stage was awesome!!”

By now, Christy says she’s learned enough about the industry, both on stage and off, to fill a book. “I was a regional judge for the NPC and that also helped me to understand things from a judging standpoint,” she said. “Learning about the different organizations and their inner structures, watching them change with the trends, I have learned that sticking to your diet, great color on stage, and great stage presentation are key for doing well in competition.”

A more hot button topic, with women’s bodybuilding numbers in decline, I asked Christy to give her take on the future of the sport. “The feeling that I get is that female bodybuilding isn’t going to survive in the NPC,” she said. “The reasons that I have heard range from it not being profitable, to it’s the organization trying to taper drug usage by females athletes.”

Meanwhile, although not competing in the show this year, Christy will indeed be in attendance when the Arnold kicks off soon. If history is any indication, she’ll probably end up in an arm wrestling match or two before finishing her trek through Columbus.

Quotables: "My most satisfying accomplishments are being able to help and educate individuals to not only reach their goals but how to maintain them. I would like to thank my family, friends, and fans. Also, my clothing sponsor Rosalinda Fashion and you and Kriv Studios for giving me such a great opportunity to be a part of your site."

“I love arm wrestling,” she said. “I am actually considering competing in more events. My first arm wrestling competition in 2010 was one of my most memorable because it was the first time I ever lost to a girl. I entered into this competition not knowing any strategies, never having used an arm wrestling table, and not knowing any rules. That day I learned a very important lesson, being good at arm wrestling has a lot to do with technique.”

Besides arm wrestling, Christy has also competed in various strong woman events. “I have a competitive nature and enjoy a challenge,” she says. But it’s her bodybuilding look that has gotten her the most attention from people of all ages.

Christy recalled a story detailing the reaction from one of her youngest fans. “One of my favorite comments came from a little girl maybe around 8 years old. The little girl, her parents, and I were in an elevator, when she asked me how I got my body to look so different. I told her from weightlifting, and I said that I was a bodybuilder. Then the elevator came to her stop and as she was leaving she looked at her parents and told them she wanted to be a bodybuilder. That stuck with me and makes me smile every time I think about it.”

Comeback Kid: Former fitness, figure competitor Jill Brooks returns strong in physique division.

Jill Brooks is a new face on the studio this week but is well known to longtime fans. She was a nationally ranked fitness competitor and also spent time as a figure girl during her on-again, off-again time in the sport which began in 1999. Last year, the 36-year-old mom from Dallas, Texas returned with a flourish as a physique competitor and secured a top ten finish in the medium class at the NPC Nationals.

Judging by pictures like this one from her shoot in Florida, it looks like the 5-foot-5, 135-pound former cheerleader hasn’t missed a beat training behind the scenes. Keep an eye on Jilly in 2012 if the competition bug bites again. Meanwhile, there’s more to come as she teamed up with the phenomenal Cassie Rowe in a bonus Sisters in Arms segment coming soon.

Physique competitor Christina Toon looking sharp in her debut.

Christina Toon is a natural for the fitness industry—bright, approachable, dedicated, inspiring and informative comprise just a handful of her qualities—there isn’t a moment in getting to know her where you don’t believe she absolutely loves fitness. It’s at the center of her being, flowing from every pore and bursting like a geyser when conversation comes up.

Case in point, when you contact a girl who works for a law firm in the middle of the week for an interview and she answers a bunch of questions with the wit and charm of a polished storyteller by the very next day, you know she means it when she tells you she loves talking about fitness! She’s a reporter’s dream.

Interviewing Christina for this piece, even her words are full of energy, leaping from the page in a flood of bold letters and exclamation points. Almost every thought and insight is cheerfully punctuated by her passion and commitment to this lifestyle and sport. It was uncanny learning she also enjoys playing piano, because her enthusiasm is as irresistible as great music.

The 29-year-old grew up in Des Moines, Iowa where she played tennis and rode horseback competitively in her early years. Inspired by her parents, she learned to appreciate an athletic look and was already working with a personal trainer as a young teen. She moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2005, and a few years later discovered figure.

Last year, Christina crossed over to physique. The powerful 5-foot-5, 145-pound brunette is excited to watch the new division grow and hopes to keep improving and reach pro status. Meanwhile, the young starlet is having a blast with a recent barrage of photoshoots, channeling her inner fitness cover girl with a creative combination of sexy poses that showcase her playful spirit in front of the camera.

Like I said, she’s a natural.

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Dean: Were you always active and fit growing up? What kind of activities or sports were you involved in when you were younger?

Christina: “Actually…yes!! I was doing Barbie fitness videos and trying to keep up with my mom’s Jane Fonda since I was in the single digits!! Oh yes and MTV’s The Grind! My parents encouraged us to always play a sport and a musical instrument while growing up. I did ballet, competitive horseback riding and competitive tennis. As for the musical instrument? Piano. I was also always into fine arts.”

Toon Time: Striking a pose during a shoot at NPC Nationals this past fall.

Dean: When did you first begin working out with weights and thinking about fitness as a lifestyle?

Christina: “My mother hired my first personal trainer when I was 14 playing tennis in the Missouri Valley. I had always admired a muscular build, but we were also going for strength and conditioning! Fitness was a part of my household growing up. We had a small gym so my mother could wake up at 5am every morning and get her lift & run in before the kids would get up for breakfast. She is 62 and STILL has a similar routine.”

Dean: How did the changes feel when you started developing more strength and muscle?

Christina: “It definitely helped my self esteem soar! There is nothing like feeling physically fit for good mental health! My energy surely increased as well and it immediately became a habit.”

Dean: What motivated you to try competing in figure and when did you start? Did you have a role model in the industry that inspired you?

Christina: “I first discovered the competition industry by individuals approaching me in the gym after I started focusing on nutrition more and the changes became apparent. I was asked if I was a competitor and if not, that I should most definitely try. I picked up an Oxygen Magazine shortly thereafter in an airport and was definitely motivated by the likes of Jamie Eason, Francisca Dennis and Jennifer Nicole Lee. I cherish Ava Cowan…what a physique! I competed in two figure shows in 2010 and changed to Women’s Physique after watching my body reach its fullest potential. I hold quite a bit of muscle and Physique seemed perfect!”

Dean: Could you share some of your favorite contest experiences or best placings?

Christina: “I loved both national shows I competed in, namely Vegas USAs and South Beach Nationals this year. Vegas was amazing because I finally developed a confident stage presence! I would not have changed that for the world. An old figure pro who did my makeup and hair told me before going on stage: ‘You are not here for YOU…you are here for the audience…to motivate women. You are here for those women. Once you realize that, the fear is gone.’ Let me say it worked, and I have passed that very message along to fellow competitors. I treat the competition stage like the theater stage by developing a persona.

“Also, I love love LOVE doing photoshoots at these shows!! Since my very first show in June 2010, I have had in excess of 20 photoshoots, and I honestly can thank the contest world and the amazing photographers for the exposure.”

Dean: What changes to your physique have made you most proud so far and what areas are you trying to improve?

The former ballet dancer and tennis player shows off her athletic legs.

Christina: “I can finally say I am proud of my legs!! Woo-hoo!! They have come so, so far. My coach and I had to put mass on my upper body to produce symmetry with my lower half; at the same time, we had to make sure I didn’t get them too shredded or too big! We found a happy medium with a mix of heavy and light weights and virtually no rest between sets! I am always trying to improve my legs, specifically the glute/hami tie-in. I hold a lot of mass in my quads too, and have finally developed defined lines.”

Dean: What kind of reaction have you gotten from family and friends on your healthy look and habits? Have you inspired anyone you know to begin working out?

Christina: “My family and friends are SO supportive! Of course, not everyone understands why we do what we do (um, because it feels good!), so I have had a few of those conversations as well. But all in all, I have been encouraged and told I have inspired people to live healthier. Mission accomplished!

“A friend from high school back in Iowa contacted me from the Army on FB and asked for some tips. He described what he had access to on the base, weightlifting and food-wise, and we developed a program together. I could not have been more ecstatic to hear he had lost 15 pounds and could see the abs he was dying to see!! That made me feel amazing.”

Dean: Could you share a memory when you surprised someone with your physique or strength? What sort of comments did you get?

Christina: “One of my favorite memories is from a leg workout with my coach where we invited a good friend of mine (and major, major crush). My coach and I both knew the type of leg workout we were in for, but not quite certain if this man knew. In any event, he dropped out at the second run through of the giant set, and watched me complete the training. He couldn’t stop boasting about my conditioning and how I conquered the workout. He was proud, not embarrassed. Loved that. He proceeded to brag and post about it on facebook and even came back for more the next day.”

The covergirl-worthy star relaxing for a shot.

Dean: What next for you? Any upcoming shows you plan to compete in or another athletic workshop lined up?

Christina: “I have no specific competition plans at this time, though am mindful of the upcoming Physique competitions. I am pursuing becoming a spokesperson for fitness. Right now, I am part of Champion Nutrition USA’s contest for their 2012 spokesperson to travel to shows and promote their amazing products.

“My older brother and I are going to try out for ‘Amazing Race,’ and I continue to work for herbiceps.com and femflex.com. I have a big photoshoot coming up with herbiceps in Vegas soon. I also continue to train with my coach and maintain and improve the physique we have worked so hard for.”

Dean: Do you have any thoughts on the new physique division?

Christina: “Yes!! Amazing! And a must! We needed another category for more muscle than figure and less than bodybuilding…tough to judge, however!! It has been an interesting year watching the Pro stage develop. I loved competing in Physique. It is definitely for me. I enjoy the routines and personality it brings. Also, I just love that style of muscle!”

Dean: What would you say are your biggest goals with working out and being involved in the fitness industry?

On Competing in Physique: "It is definitely for me...I just love that style of muscle!"

Christina: “To become a Pro in Women’s Physique, and ultimately to have reality shows, websites, workshops, etc. To potentially be one of the most well known names & faces in fitness. Go Big!! I will continue to enjoy this as a lifestyle, there is nothing temporary here.”

Dean: Besides working out, what are some of the other ways you stay active? Do you have any favorite hobbies?

Christina: “I love to sit and talk with friends, go dancing, listen to music, play piano and tennis! Definitely going rollerskating soon! Childhood hobby that never loses the thrill. Also love to read and write (both legally and creatively).”

Dean: Is there anything else we can help you promote (website, sponsors, personal training business, etc) or any special shout-outs you’d like to give?

Christina: “Well, none of this would be possible without my career at Crowe and Dunlevy law firm. We are a large defense firm specializing in a wide variety of litigation. I also give great gratitude to my coach for life, Vince Hess and Team ConVINCED!! Coaching is not just about the food and training, it’s about the support! And I get that from Vince 24 hours a day. Further, I have never trained so hard in my life. Our conditioning is to die for. Also, I would love voting support for Champion Nutrition USA’s 2012 spokesperson contest!!

“What a nice opportunity to discuss fitness! Thank you so much!”

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Note: To vote for Christina, log on to facebook and follow this link to her fan page. Find the picture of her wearing a pink sports bra and curling dumbells (it’s currently on her wall). Click on the picture and “like” it to cast your vote.

Janet Gerber

Beginning her competitive journey as a lightweight bodybuilder, Janet Gerber earned an overall title when she took the top spot at the 2010 NPC Florida State Championships. This year, the 36-year-old downsized for a stint in the new physique division. The results were mixed—three shows produced only one top ten finish—but, more importantly, so were Janet’s feelings about the move itself. She missed training like a bodybuilder.

So, as she reveals in this new interview, it’s back to bodybuilding for Janet in 2012. Back to growing and sweating and sculpting her body into championship form. Back to lifting heavy like the Oklahoma native did when she started training overseas in the mid-90s, working out at a modest little gym in Northern Italy full of free weights and big-ego guys that reminded her of the movie “Rocky.” I just know you’re thinking of that song.

Seriously though, at a time when the landscape is tilting away from women’s bodybuilding to the other divisions, it’s refreshing to see a competitor go with her heart and return to where her true passion lies. I have a feeling many diehard female bodybuilding fans will have another hero in Janet. Let’s hear more…

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Dean: Were you always active and fit growing up? What sports were you involved in during high school or college?

Janet: “I was active growing up as a young kid but I never played any organized sports.”

Dean: When did you first begin working out with weights and thinking about fitness as a lifestyle?

Janet: “I lived in Northern Italy for a few years, back in 1995. I started training at the small gym there. The gym was humble, nothing like a Gold’s gym with an abundance of machines and equipment. This gym had mostly free weights. It was a basic, Rocky-style gym, so it forced me to train like a bodybuilder. Seeing quick results motivated me to keep pushing myself harder.”

Janet's stats -- Age: 36; Height: 5'3"; Weight: 125 (contest), 145 (off season); Birthplace: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Grew Up In: Tulsa, Oklahoma; Current Residence: Central Florida

Dean: How did the changes feel when you started developing more strength and muscle? Did you get a lot of positive feedback?

Janet: “I trained 5 days on and 2 days off, and my strength developed quickly. I kept up with the guys since there weren’t any females that trained there, so that helped me push harder and motivated me to throw the weight around. I definitely got noticed in the gym and outside of the gym.”

Dean: What motivated you to try competing and when did you start? Did friends at the gym take notice of your great potential?

Janet: “I remember being asked by someone to participate in a show in Italy, but I had no clue what ‘competing’ meant. It wasn’t until I moved back to the states when I attended my first show, 2007 Florida State Bodybuilding Championships, that I knew I wanted to compete. I didn’t know the difference between figure or bodybuilding. After seeing the show, I knew bodybuilding was what I wanted to do. In fact, a trainer from my gym competed in that show. I hired him to prep me for my first show. I had to start out with an off season to put on muscle, and then diet down for the show. After a year of prepping for my show, and the drastic changes that occurred, I had many asking me for advice and training tips.”

Dean: This year you switched from bodybuilding to the new physique division, which really seems to fit your look. What are your thoughts on the change? Do you think the judges may have overlooked you?

Janet: “I feel honored to have competed in Women’s Physique and proud to be one of the pioneers in the new division. With that said, my heart is in bodybuilding and I plan on going back to my roots and compete again in bodybuilding. I toned down for WP and with the start of my off season, my plan is to put on more size and bring a bigger, harder, conditioned look for the stage. My thoughts on WP is that because it is so new, the division is still being developed. I think it will take some time for the WP ‘look’ to be established.”

Dean: What changes to your physique have made you most proud so far and what areas are you focusing on improving to really separate you from the crowd next year?

Janet: “I feel my training over the years has helped me develop great structure and symmetry. There’s always room for improvement, and my plan is to grow and put on size. Bodybuilding is an art and you have to train to develop yourself into a masterpiece on stage. By putting on more size, coming in conditioned, and with my structure, I think that will be hard to beat on stage.”

Grow Time: After giving physique a try in 2011, Janet returns to bodybuilding in 2012.

Dean: What’s next for you? Have you circled any dates on your 2012 contest calendar yet?

Janet: “I have officially started my off season training. It was postponed due to feet surgery. Yes, BOTH feet had surgery and are almost fully recovered now. My plans are to see how much I can grow and that will determine which show I plan on competing in. Most likely it will be towards the end of 2012. I will re-qualify in bodybuilding for a National show in 2013.”

Dean: What would you say are your biggest goals with working out and being involved in the fitness industry?

Janet: “Working out has had a huge impact on my life. It has allowed me to really get to know my body, how it reacts to certain diets, to listen to it and live a healthier lifestyle. My main goal is to just continue to improve. I have a vision for how I’d like my physique to look and so that is something I will continue to strive to achieve and refine over the years. I enjoy being a part of the industry as well. I have worked as an expediter the past two years for the IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships as well as the other local NPC shows. During that time I have had the pleasure of meeting some fantastic people that have influenced me to be a better person. In turn, I hope I will be able to influence others.”

Dean: Do you have any favorite pros or role models in the sport who particularly inspire you?

Janet: “I admire Tina Chandler. Not only is she an absolute amazing athlete, she has a heart of gold and is always positive. I believe when you interact and surround yourself with such people, you grow stronger inside and out. It’s contagious, your attitude flows towards others whether we realize it or not.”

“Bodybuilding is an art and you have to train to develop yourself into a masterpiece on stage.” -- Janet

Dean: What are some of the other ways you stay active? Do you also work as a personal trainer or have any favorite athletic hobbies?

Janet: “I love walking on the trail. I have a trail near my house that goes on for miles on end. I put on my ipod and get lost in the beauty of the out doors. I also love the beach here in Florida which is good for throwing the football around or taking a stroll and soaking in the rays.”

Dean: Is there anything we can help you promote (trainers, sponsors, website, etc.) or any special shout-outs you’d like to give?

Janet: “I just launched my website: www.janetrosa.com. I’ll be updating the site with photo galleries, video clips, training sessions, and MORE! Stay tuned because 2012 will feature exclusives! Also, Please check out and ‘LIKE’ Janet Rosa’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MsJanetRosa.

“I want to thank all my family and friends that have been so loving and supportive. I also would like to thank Lou and Dean at KRIV STUDIO’S. It was a pleasure and honor to work with you.”