Emerald Cup 2016 - Samy Monteiro

Competing for just her first time, Samy walked away with third-place in a competitive Bikini H class. Not a bad way to make your debut.

Let's start with your stats.

I'm 5-9; competition weight 145-148 lbs @ 5% body fat; off-season weight 158-160 lbs; and I'm 24.

This Emerald Cup was your first show. What did you experience stepping on stage for your first time?

Being on stage was the most incredible experience ever! I looked the best I ever have in my whole life and I loved showing off all my hard work! I was instantly addicted! I was definitely really nervous and super excited at the same time! But I walked out there with confidence and let my personality shine through!

What's the best tip you could give someone competing for the first time?

Get on the right team; follow your meal plan; do your cardio; always have a winning attitude; and most of all, trust the plan and BELIEVE in yourself.

How long have you been training?

I started light weight training when I was 20 and intensive on and off training when I turned 23. I joined Construction Zone in Issaquah, WA in October of 2015 so that I could get trained by a professional. I ended up working with Pete Grubbs.

Samy Monteiro

How did you get your start lifting weights and training?

My fiancé has always trained so he got me started weightlifting. Back in October I decided to start training with Pete to get in great shape for my wedding on June 30, 2016. Since I was already dieting and training, my trainer Pete suggested that I should compete at Emerald Cup and despite how intimidating that sounded, I decided to say yes. I have always loved challenging myself so I thought, why not! But I had no idea what I had just gotten myself into! Haha.

Were you athletic growing up?

Yes, I've always had an athletic build and played sports such as volleyball and dance team growing up. But bodybuilding is the first sport I've actually fallen in love with and felt like I actually fit in.

What are your goals as a competitor?

With me placing for Nationals, I have definitely been considering a future with many more competitions in it. My goal is to only keep getting better and better with every competition. I want to take my body to the next level, make less mistakes each time, and become mentally and emotionally stronger.

What inspired you to start competing?

It actually took me a couple months to agree to compete, and during that time I watched other people's experiences and was fascinated by the results that I someday could possibly achieve as well. I'm a very competitive person in general, so I naturally craved the challenge that I had just come across. I thought that if I could accomplish this, then I would be able to accomplish anything I set my mind to.

What is your profession?

I am a lash-extension stylist and an airbrush tanning technician.

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

I speak three languages: Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish and English. And...well I'm a total rocker chick! People look at me and think I'm super girly (because I wear pink and I'm obsessed with Michael Kors) so they would never guess that my favorite band in the entire world is Deftones! Ha!

Where can we see more of you?

Facebook 

Instagram

For more information on the Emerald Cup visit www.craigproductions.com

Samy Monteiro

Samy Monteiro

Emerald Cup 2016 - Crystal Steffler

When IFBB Women's Historian and expert on all things female muscle Steve Wennerstrom comments that you have "Lots of potential for the future," you know you're doing something right.

Such is the case for 23-year-old Crystal Steffler, bikini competitor and fitness model. 

Crystal walked away with Bikini C honors at the 2016 Emerald Cup. Displaying an outstanding physique and an even stronger stage presence, the registered nurse by trade appears ready to make her mark on the muscle world.

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

5-3, 122 pounds and 135 pounds.

How did you get started lifting weights and training?

I met a girl who was in amazing shape and she told me that she was working with a trainer to compete in a fitness competition. I then became interested in achieving that level of fitness which led me to lifting weights.

What inspired you to start competing?

I met my trainer Jeremiah Glasenapp and he encouraged me to compete.

How long have you been training?

I have been training since the fall of 2013.

How old were you when you did your first show?

Twenty-one.

Were you athletic growing up?

Yes, I have always enjoyed exercise. I was a cheerleader all throughout grade school. I ran the 800-meter relay in track and field and was on the cross-country team in high school. I've ran four half-marathons as well.

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

I want to work on gaining more ab definition and continue to grow my glutes.

What are your goals as a competitor?

My dream is to get my IFBB pro card and compete as a professional bikini athlete.

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

My triceps are very full and defined naturally, which I love.

Do you enjoy performing onstage?

I absolutely love getting on stage. It's an adrenalin rush like nothing else that I have experienced!

I'm sure you get noticed in public because of your physique. What is the strangest question someone has asked you or the strangest incident you've experienced?

I was asked if I do crossfit from a random person at Walmart the other day. It's not that strange of a question, but he was wanting to know how I got in such good shape, which was a nice compliment.

Tell us what a typical day is like for you.

I workout twice a day, I grocery shop, hangout with family, and try to relax on my days off. I only make it to the gym once a day during my work week. I work three, 12-hour night shifts in a row. On those days if I’m not at work or at the gym, I’m sleeping.

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

One of my favorite things about training is cardio. I was a distance runner so I love the endurance and the anxiety relief that I get from it. Most competitors dread cardio. I think this gives me an advantage in my contest prep.

Where can we see more of you?

Instagram

Facebook

See Crystal's video clip on YouTube and second clip on YouTube2.

Trainer: Jeremiah Glasenapp

Crystal Steffler - Bikini C Champ

Crystal Steffler

The Emerald Cup continues its tradition of excellence year after year. Visit the Craig Productions website for Emerald Cup results and information on upcoming events.

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Natasha Edwards - February Fury part 2

You mentioned that you dealt with body image issues when you were younger. Now that you've built your physique through hard work and training, you've stated that you want to show it off. Please elaborate. 

I was always teased about my body growing up, not just by fellow peers but by family as well. Looking back now, I would not be in the shape I am or where I am today without those negative experiences. I couldn't be more proud of how far I've come and nothing will keep me from showing off my hard work!

What was it like the first time you stepped into the ring on fight night?

​It was such an amazing experience! This was my first time ever stepping into a ring and I'm sure it won't be my last. I was a little nervous seeing as I have never done anything like this before, but mostly I was super excited!

Was there any difference between doing the interview and posing demo in the ring with Olesha versus working the ring between rounds?

​The only difference for me between the interview with Olesha and going in between rounds was there were more people in the ring. A few times I had to be a little cautious around the fighters as they were getting hyped up and were in the zone!

Natasha Edwards

What was the highlight of the night for you?

​The entire evening was a highlight for me! From the interview with the fabulous Olesha, watching the amazing fights and meeting some great people! But if I was only able to choose one moment, it would be when I held the championship belt each round for the last fight of the evening. It was a pretty epic feeling!

Prior to February Fury, had you ever been to a live MMA event?

This was my first time ever being to a live MMA and boxing event. I had such a blast and hope to do this more often!

If you were offered a big contract to be either a pro wrestler or MMA fighter, which would you choose and why?

​If you would have asked me before I had my implants, MMA no doubt! But now I have an expensive investment to protect. For me, WWE diva would be the way to go! Those ladies are badass and beautiful!

You worked the fights with four other ring girls. Each of you had some type of athletic background. Let's say all five of you step into the ring for a round-robin fight. Who walks out as the champ and why?

​Is this a serious question? Of course it would be me! That's based on muscle size and confidence alone. With that being said, all the other girls were very lovely and I had an amazing time with them. But if there were to be a fight, no one would make it past the first punch let alone the first round!  

YouTube clip of Natasha in the ring with the championship belt.

Click for part one of our feature with Natasha Edwards at February Fury.

Natasha Edwards