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.

Follow the Emerald Cup on Facebook.

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

2016 NPC Emerald Cup

Mark your calendars. The 2016 edition of the Emerald Cup plays out on the weekend of April 29 and 30 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, WA. 

As always, the show features a full roster of classes supplemented by a powerlifting competition, guest performers and a fitness expo. This is one show you don't want to miss.

Get your tickets by calling 1-800-838-3006 or visit Craigproductions.com for more information.

Brought to you by Craig Productions.

Olympia 2015 Expo Coverage

We ran into physique star Lauranda Nall just as we were exiting the 2015 Olympia Expo. Lauranda is the epitome of a muscle model: She brings a very marketable look to the table while at the same time carrying some impressive muscle. Great way to cap off a busy day of shooting at the Expo.

Lauranda Nall

On hand for an outstanding pole fitness demo, Fawnia Mondey and friends. 

Fawnia Mondey

We found Brooke Walker working a booth. Brooke stepped out to give us a quick biceps blast. Pretty impressive!

Brooke Walker

On the Expo floor, one of the best in women's physique, Autumn Swansen. 

Autumn Swansen

Canadian star Azaria Glaim took time out from her sponsor booth to give us a few biceps shots.

Azaria Glaim

Although she didn't have big guns, it was hard not to notice 6-foot fitness model Corrie J at her booth. 

Corrie J

Please visit and "like" our Facebook page, Athletic Women Magazine, for more coverage of the 2015 Olympia Expo as well as other events and related content.

Natasha Edwards - February Fury part 1

It's 6:30 PM. Twenty-one-year-old Natasha Edwards is an explosion of excitement and nervous energy waiting to happen. It's easy to see why her coach Lara Toma describes her as a "fireball."

Arriving in jeans that hug her frame so tightly it looks as if they were painted on and a top that shows off her muscular bikini competitor physique, Natasha Edwards seems tailor made for this gig. Tonight, sporting a tiny bikini that accentuates the muscles and curves of her 38-26-38 physique, she'll make her debut as a ring girl.

There's a list of names at the front door that includes Natasha Edwards. These are the ring girls working the February Fury event. But the ticket takers ignore her name. Instead, they're waiting for "the special girl with the muscles that will be performing in a bikini tonight." That puts a smile on Natasha's face.

Natasha goes to work within minutes of her arrival. Video interviews, promo photos and preparing for her solo performance in the ring; after that, meeting the ring crew, media and her fellow ring girls.

On paper, 90 minutes looks like a comfortable stretch of time; in real time at the venue, each minute races by, chasing the preceding one until the clock exhausts its allotment of 90 ticks.

It's 8 PM. Showtime. MC Olesha Karringten steps into the ring, microphone in hand. "Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please."

But it's not a fight that starts the proceedings; it's Natasha Edwards.

Stepping into the ring wrapped in a black bikini that strains to keep her taut, curvy body encased in the fabric, Edwards exudes a mix of confidence, power and sex appeal.  

How many in the crowd are hoping for a timely wardrobe malfunction?

Strutting around the ring, the bikini competitor hits a few biceps flexes that elicit shouts of approval from the fight crowd. MC Olesha continues with her introduction. When she booms out Natasha's stats, the 38-26-38 measurements gain an approving round of applause from the crowd. As Natasha describes it, her sweeping curves and hard muscles form the perfect combination of "murves," hashtag parlance for muscles and curves.

After an interview at center ring, Olesha asks Natasha to demonstrate what she does on stage at a bikini contest. Natasha obliges, hitting her mandatory bikini poses and throwing in a few extra twists and turns to show off her chiseled physique. The fight crowd approves.

February Fury stretches out until 11:30 PM. Throughout, Natasha lives up to her "fireball" reputation. Each time she steps into the ring, she feeds off the energy of the audience and shows no signs of slowing down. 

At the end of the evening with the ring coming down around her, she's still going strong, posing for promotional photos with a clamor of media rushing to get as much with her as they can. Edwards is ready for more, but it's the ones behind the cameras that run out of energy first. February Fury finally comes to a close for "the special girl with the muscles that will be performing in a bikini tonight."

Watch Natasha Edwards in the ring

YouTube

Click part two of our Natasha Edwards February Fury coverage.

Follow Natasha Edwards

Facebook

Instagram

Vancouver Pro/Am & Expo 2015 - Jodi Boam, IFBB Fitness Pro

What are your stats?

I'm 28, 5-2 tall, 108-110 lbs onstage and 118-123 lbs offseason.


How did you get started lifting weights and training? 

I was a national-level gymnast up until I was 17 when I was forced to retire. From there I decided to start weightlifting just to stay in shape. I quickly realized I need to remain competitive somehow and be able to work toward a goal and perform as it's truly what I'm passionate about. That's when I was introduced to fitness through great friends and coaches. From that moment I've never looked back. It's my true calling. 


Were you athletic growing up?

Very. Since I was very young, I was in gymnastics, swimming, dance, etc. I quickly became a high-level competitive gymnast and trained up to 30 hours a week for nearly 10 years. Best thing I ever did and I still miss those training days. 


How old were you when you did your first show? 

Just turned 19 when I first hit the stage in an OPA Fitness event. 


What inspired you to start competing?

Just the need to be competitive and my passion to have a goal to work towards. Being very active and an athlete, this sport was the perfect fit for testing my discipline, dedication, work ethic and will power. I love the challenge both mentally and physically. 


What are your goals as a competitor?

Currently, my goal is to qualify for the Olympia in 2016 for women's physique. This would be a huge accomplishment for me considering I'm coming from the fitness background and working my way up. End goal - top Olympian. 

Where can we see more of you? 

Facebook

Website

See Jodi's slideshow on YouTube.

Make sure you check out the Vancouver Pro/Am & Expo show on July 9 & 10, 2016.

Meet Ring Girl Natasha Edwards

Twenty-one year old Natasha Edwards definitely turns heads when she walks into a room. When you fill out a bikini with measurements of 38-25-38 and you mix in some hard muscle, it makes for a package that gets noticed.

As Natasha says, "I have days where I prefer to cover up, but that's not often! I've worked extremely hard to be in the shape I am today. If you've got it, flaunt it!"

Underneath the sleek exterior is a young woman driven and motivated to reach her goals, both as a fitness model and bikini competitor. Best summed up in the words of her coach, Lara Toma (custombuilttraining.ca): "She's a fireball!"

Occupation At the moment I'm getting my personal training license and will be a health and wellness coach. I would love to make a difference and help people change their lives for the better.

Fighter nickname if you stepped into the ring The Beautiful Danger.

Favorite female fighter "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.

I want to be a ring girl because As a young girl, I always looked up to ring girls. The energy they give off, their ability to pump up the crowd, and of course because they were gorgeous! I never imagined that one day I would be able to do the same. When the opportunity was presented to me, I truly felt blessed and I couldn't say no!

Stats Age 21, 5-6, 135 lbs, 38-25-38.

You would be surprised to know that I'm a diehard Harry Potter fan. Always have been; always will be. I was at opening day for every movie and always on the waiting list to receive the movies as soon as they came out! Every few months I still do a marathon of all the movies.

Get your Natasha Edwards fix Instagram  Facebook

Natasha will be one of the featured ring girls at the upcoming February Fury event taking place Friday February 26, 2016, Fraserview Hall, Vancouver, BC. Phone 604.435.7777 for your ticket.