We’re back!
I can’t believe we’re already underway with our second annual The Next Fitness Star search. As applications start to roll in from across the country (FYI: you can submit your audition before March 4th at thenextfitnessstar.com), I’m excited to see the new pool of talent this year’s competition brings.
Serving as the mentor last year, I worked side by side with the Top 5 finalists—helping them develop their brand and improve their social media presence, as well as giving them feedback on workout programming and identify their core fitness philosophy. We were practically inseparable during their trip to New York City (check out this adorable video of their pre-shoot makeovers), and shared countless weekly emails and phone calls over the next few months of the competition. I watched these women work tirelessly to prove to America why they are the best in the business.
And while Stacie Clark was crowned our first-ever Women’s Health The Next Fitness Star winner—not to mention received the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to star in her own DVD (buy it here, and watch your body TRANSFORM)—she’s not the only winner. I asked our first-ever finalists to share some of their insights with me—what they loved, what they learned, and how the experience has changed their lives forever. Here’s what they had to say:
Kit Rich, 30:
"I never discussed this with anyone, but when I found out I was a Top 5, I was terrified. I am not great at competition. I'm the high-fiver kind of girl, the one who helps push other women forward—never competes with them. Maybe on some subconscious level there were feelings of inadequacy; but I worked through it and by the time they announced the winner on the Today Show, I understood the bigger picture and was so grateful to come out the other side.
The most important thing I learned throughout this competition was that we are all at the front of our own line. Comparisons are natural, competition exists, but at the end of the day, you are at the head of your own line. I am so happy Stacie won, this was hers.
And though I didn't technically win, I evolved. Who knows what's in store for me now? Since the competition, I’ve signed endorsement deals, and have been hired by big companies to train on their behalf. And I know there’s only more to come.
If you’re thinking about applying for this year’s competition, take the time to understand what makes you different and what makes you unique. Be honest and vulnerable—I think it’s the greatest gift you can share."
Jam Murphy, 26:
"Being a part of the Women’s Health Next Fitness Star Top 5 restored my belief that with confidence, anything is possible. The process also helped me connect to the real, everyday needs of my clients, and I'm now a better trainer for that.
Next Fitness Star has had such a huge impact on my life since the competition ended. For starters, Nadine Shubailat of ABC News tracked me down after reading our feature in the July/August 2013 issue of Women’s Health—now I'm training people at ABC studios, and have appeared on GMA as a health expert.
To anyone out there even remotely thinking about auditioning, just ask yourself, “Why not?” I did not think that I would get picked as a finalist, but I submitted anyways. And I’ll be forever grateful that I did. I didn’t "win," but I gained so much in the process and wouldn't change a thing."
MC Barao, 33:
"For anyone thinking about applying, here’s my perspective: Saying yes to opportunities that align with your dreams is the best way to live in the moment. This competition creates energy where you want to go do more in this industry you love. Thank you, Next Fitness Star, for helping people stay inspired and in love with fitness.
For those of you who may feel this is a reach, I’m here to tell you: Apply anyways! If you have fun sharing what you love about being healthy and fit, you’re on the right path. The team at Women’s Health is phenomenal at finding talent and potential. Have fun throughout the whole process and you'll win, no matter what the outcome."
Tarrah Speer Lee, 31:
"One of the most important things I learned was that people wanted to hear my story. They didn't care about the perfect body or perfect diet, they wanted to know about me as a person—my journey and my heart. I have struggled with body-image issues for most of my life from being overweight. Even after reaching my ultimate fitness goal of being in Women's Health magazine, I still struggled with my body image. But throughout the competition I met so many incredible people—the other contestants, the Women's Health staff, and so many fans in Denver where I live. I felt so supported, loved, and motivated by everyone around me.
Next Fitness Star has impacted me in so many ways, from meeting people that have changed their own lives after being motivated by my story to growing my business through all the local and national exposure. It's also helped me grow and change as a person. I have spent a lot of years being too hard on myself—being too strict and too restrictive. Stacie and I became very close throughout the competition and I will never forget her telling me “You have to live girl—we work too hard!” That alone has helped me find a more healthy balance.
If you’re thinking about signing up this year, ask yourself these questions: Why do you love fitness? What is it about your message that inspires others? How can you motivate people? Do you have a deep passion for helping people and why? If you have answers to all these questions, then go for it!"
Stacie Clark, 40, First-Ever Women's Health Next Fitness Star:
"I will never forget the moment when I realized I was representing moms. I was the oldest finalist and only mom, and that was so special to me. But the most important thing I learned from the experience was that I had nothing to lose but not going all in and not holding back.
There have been so many “pinch me” moments throughout and following the competition. I feel incredibly blessed by this amazing, “bigger than me” opportunity. Women’s Health Next Fitness Star has provided me a national platform to have a voice that can help influence others—moms, friends, young women, and families—to get out there and move, and more importantly, to make it a lifestyle.
For anyone thinking about auditioning for this year’s competition, stop thinking and just do it! This is the real deal. Show up and prove to Women’s Health why should be crowned the Next Fitness Star. Stand out by showing exactly how you are different and unique—but most importantly, smart and effective."
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