Nissan Nohea - Hard Curves

Packing 128 pounds of muscle on her near 5-3 frame and measuring 34-25-38, fitness model and IFBB Pro Nissan Nohea sports more curves than an S. For the record, we're not messing with a small s here - that's capital S.

Mix in biceps, shapely quads and striking facial features and it's easy to see why she's in demand as a fitness model. 

What are your stats?

I'm 5'-2.5" tall, 113-lbs competition weight, 128-lbs off-season and age 26. 

What is your profession?

Hair stylist and model.

Were you athletic growing up?

Always! When I was seven, my mom put me in Tae Kwon Do where I earned my black belt.

What other sports have you done or are you currently doing?

Apart from Tae Kwon Do, I wrestled, danced, was a cheerleader up to college, ran track and played softball in high school. Basically if there was a sport, odds are I did it. Currently I am looking into getting back into martial arts and I weight train and hike.

How long have you been training?

I have been training since I was a kid. My dad had a weight area in the basement and my brother and I would mimic him. Once I was older, training was necessary in sports.

How did you get started lifting weights and training?

I learned how to weight train in 9th grade when I decided I wanted to play football. I know (lol). I had to train with the team and I loved it and felt powerful. However, I never went on to play that season as the upper-classmen scared me off.

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What inspired you to start competing?

I was recovering from a pretty bad car accident where I had back surgery and didn't know how I was going to build my strength to support my back. After two years of disability, I was tiny and I wasn't happy with where I was. I decided I was going to set a date for a show, train my ass off, and prove that I wouldn't suffer from my injuries and that I could be better than before.

When and where did you turn pro?

In March 2013. After winning the overall bikini title at my first show, I decided to go to the 2013 Jr Nationals three months later where I amazingly earned my IFBB Pro Card.

What are your goals related to competing?

Before it was to prove I would fully recover. Now, my goals and love for weightlifting have evolved. As I am crossing over into figure, I would love nothing more than to eventually make the crossover to women's physique.

What do you think is your best body part?

My best body part would have to be my legs. Everyone knows me for these stallions.

If you could change one thing about your physique, what would it be?

If I changed my physique, it wouldn't be me.

If you ruled the IFBB, what would you change? 

If I spoke my mind on this, it would be too controversial... ;)

Do you enjoy performing on stage?

It's what I know! I am so comfortable up there - always have been.

When people see your muscles, what is the biggest misconception they have about you?

Ha! That I never eat anything gluttonous or yummy. Oh, and that I only like guys who lift. I absolutely love food and a man who lifts is a plus, but his brain is more important to me.

In public, do you prefer showing off your muscles or covering up?

I'm in between. To me, it's normal to have muscles so I don't really think about it, but I love to wear short shorts and dresses as I hate covering my legs. It's uncomfortable.

Anything else we should know about you?

As much as I love competing and lifting, I am not a huge fan of the community. I am passionate about nutrition and being active, but it's not the topic of conversation among friends and me.

Where can we see more of you?

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

NissanNohea on Periscope

Also see Nissan on YouTube and Her Flex Appeal.

Emerald Cup 2015 - Holland Matheson, Figure

Figure competitor Holland captured second-place honors in the "D" class at the 2015 Emerald Cup. On stage, she brings a great package to the game, from her smile, to her cover-model good looks, to the confidence she exudes when hitting her poses. Definitely another Emerald Cup competitor you'll want to follow.

How old are you?

I'm 24-years-old.

What is your height, your competition weight and off-season weight?

I'm a little over 5'4", my competition weight is around 130 pounds and my off-season weight is around 135 pounds.

Were you athletic growing up?

I was very athletic growing up. I was a competitive elite gymnast for 17 years. The last four were spent with the NCAA.

How did you get started lifting weights and training?

Lifting weights was crucial for my performance in my gymnastics career. I've had a solid weight training foundation ever since I was eight-years-old!

How old were you when you did your first show?

I was 23.

What inspired you to start competing?

I was doing a lot of endurance races and events and never felt satisfied. Once my coworker showed me her stage photos from past competitions, I knew I was ready to take my athletic career to the next level.

What are your goals as a competitor?

To win my pro card and become one of the top athletes at the IFBB level.

Do you enjoy performing onstage?

It's my favorite part of this sport! I have such a euphoric feeling when I'm on stage.


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How does your physique/lifestyle affect how people interact with you?

This lifestyle has blessed me with the opportunity to meet so many wonderfully talented people. The world of bodybuilding is one of support and camaraderie. I'm grateful to be influenced and motivated by such strong people every day!

If you could change one thing about your physique, what would it be?

I would like for my shoulders to improve and mature as I grow into this sport.

What do you think is the strongest part of your physique?

My quads have really developed over the years and I love to train them too!

What is your profession?

I'm a certified personal trainer and nutritionist.

What's one thing about you that people would be surprised to find out?

I love any and all peanut butter-chocolate desserts!

Where can we see more of you?

Follow me on Instagram.

See Wendy Lindquist interview with Holland on YouTube. 

5 Reasons Every Fitness Models Needs An Alias

The dilemma: Use your real name when modeling or create an alias?

Let's start with the premise that whatever your direction, exercise consistency. Remember: You're creating a product or brand, said product being you the model. If fans and industry people can't find that product on the store shelves, your marketing department gets failing grades.

If you do one shoot with your real name, the next with an alias and the following shoot with yet another alias, you're confusing the matter. Make your choice and be consistent.

Why do you need to use an alias name?

1. Designer Name

Like Superman villain Mister Mxyzptlk, what happens if you have a name that is difficult to spell and difficult to pronounce; or at the other end of the scale, a too common name lost in a sea of similar names?

Sometimes it's just easier to design a name that works, that's unique and that stands out.

2. Privacy

As a fitness model, your product is your physique. In this business, a sexy hardbody sells. Showing off that hardbody might entail minimal clothing.

You may be fine with that image, but there will always be people far less accepting of this than you are. An alias in the model world gives you an extra layer of privacy in the real world.  

3. The Future

When you're 21, the future might seem, well, somewhere off in the future. It's not of immediate concern.

The person you are today might be quite different from the person you'll become five years from now. Right now, it's great to be in the spotlight, but what happens if you need anonymity in the future?

One of the major reasons why the web is a superior marketing tool versus print is that once you publish something on the web, it keeps working to bring you exposure long after a print piece meets its end in the recycle bin. Excellent when you want the exposure, but should you ever decide to change directions, your published web material awaits discovery by anyone curious enough to Google your name. Again, a model alias provides you with that extra security should you decide to take a different direction with your life.

4. The Past

Everyone has past transgressions, whether small or large.  

Maybe you don't want people to know about your past. Or perhaps you don't want people to know about someone you associated with in your past. Again, a model alias can provide a layer of security between you and something in the past better left forgotten.

5. Job And Career

Not every work environment is welcoming to a lean, muscular, bikini-clad model and competitor. If a Google search connects model you with work you and puts your livelihood at risk, perhaps it's time to consider a name change.  

Making The Change

If you're unsure, start by using your first name only as your model alias. Better to err on the side of caution than start with your real name and then attempt to undo what's been done. Keep in mind that once your name is out there, it's there for the world to see.  

If you compete, you can create a model alias and compete under that name. From a marketing standpoint, this is the ideal strategy as it's going to give you maximum exposure and name recognition for your brand. Again, this speaks to consistency.

If you're going to create a model alias, you need to put some thought into your name. Look at it from the perspective of naming a new product. You want something easy to remember and easy to pronounce. Although Buff Hottie might work for a nickname, it's likely not a good choice for a model name. Avoid cutesy sounding names.

Once you've selected potential candidates, the next step is research. Google your name and make certain someone else hasn't already made it uber popular. As important, make sure the corresponding URL is available so that you can purchase the domain name to go with your model alias.

There you have it - a new name and product waiting for you to take it to market.

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Fitness Model +Fawnia Mondey 

Isadora Melo Joins ANS Performance Team

Competing in the 2015 BC Championships, bikini competitor Isadora Melo walked away with first-place honors in the Bikini C division. Next stop - 2015 Canadian Nationals.

Following on the heels of her bikini win, a win off stage as ANS Performance announced +Isadora Melo as the newest member of their team.

We had the opportunity to shoot with Isadora day of show. One of the shots even made it into her new ANS Performance ad.

See Isadora on Facebook.

Visit the ANS Performance website.