Krystia Petrossie - Physique Competitor

Let's start with stats. 

I'm 30, 5-1, my stage weight is 125 lbs and my off-season weight is between 135-140 lbs.

Do you like showing off your muscles in public or do you prefer covering up?

I like showing off my muscles cause I work so hard for it. However, sometimes it can be a bit mental when I get a lot of stares when walking through public places, but I take it as a compliment for all my hard work and dedication. 

How did you get started lifting weights and training? 

I started lifting weights as a pastime and just missed the feeling of being competitive and reaching a goal. That's when I decided to hire a coach and compete in my first figure competition. After competing in figure, I realized my heart was into physique. The routines really caught my eye. 

Krystia Petrossie

What inspired you to start competing?

I actually had a few friends who competed for years and they inspired me to compete. I loved the look of lean muscle. Nutrition is really where I needed to focus to change my body composition. 

Do you like to lift heavy and what are some of your best lifts?

I love lifting heavy weights especially in a gym where I can lift heavier than most people in the gym (especially some of the guys haha). It makes me feel so empowered as a woman. Some of my best lifts are bench press, leg press and squats. 

How old were you when you did your first show? 

I was 26, so I'm fairly new to the sport. 

What's your athletic background?

At age 10 I was a highland dancer world champion. Then I gave up dancing to play basketball and soccer in high school at a division 1 level. I became athlete of the year two years consecutively and ranked top three in Nova Scotia for shot put in track and field. 

I continued my athletic career in university soccer for three years, then decided to move to Alberta after receiving my degree in kinesiology. That's when I started my personal training and nutrition company with my partner Laura Borchuk. Now we're coaching clients in competitions as well. We just recently had a client turn pro this weekend at the WBFF Worlds Toronto show. 

What are your goals as a competitor?

To look better each time I step on stage. Ultimately I want people in and out of the industry to look up to me as a great role model. I want to ensure anyone, whether it be weight loss or competing, that they can achieve anything they put their mind to as long as they're living a healthy lifestyle. 

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

My legs. After 10 years of highland dancing and soccer training, I would say my legs are definitely my strongest attribute. 

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

I wouldn't change a thing. I love how I look and feel. I think it's important as a competitor that you're training to achieve the look you want, not trying to achieve the look someone else wants. Stay true to yourself. 

With the growth of physique, do you think women's bodybuilding will survive and does it have a future? 

I truly believe female bodybuilding will start to decrease more and more as women's physique continues to grow. 

Krystia Petrossie

Favorite female competitor and why?

Juliana Malacarne. She has an amazing overall physique - very symmetrical and feminine. From the time she hits the stage, she is just amazing to watch. 

What's your favorite cheat meal? 

Five guys and fries :) and then a small cotton candy ice cream for dessert. 

What is your profession?

I am the owner of Kustom Lifestyle and Fitness, a personal training and lifestyle coaching company. We provide exercise and nutritional programs to our clients within Canada. 

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

I have a big heart and old soul for everyone around me. I always put everyone else before myself. I love helping people. 

What three words best describe you?

Passionate, competitive and energetic. 

If you could be on just one magazine cover, what's your choice and why?

Women's health and fitness because I feel like I could be an incredible role model to the fitness industry. Not only do I display the bodybuilding look of lean muscle, but I also help people on a regular basis achieve their fitness goals.

Where can we see more of you?

Facebook

Personal Instagram

Company Instagram

www.kustomlifestylefitness.com

See Krystia's YouTube video.

Please visit our NEW look blog here!

Young Gunz - Shannon Thompson

This is our first feature in a series we're calling Young Gunz that will put up and coming competitors in the spotlight. To kick things off, 19-year-old figure competitor Shannon Thompson.

"Hi. My name is Shannon Thompson and you should follow me because I want to inspire other young women to overcome their weaknesses and follow their dreams and passions."

Let's start with your stats.

I'm 19, 5-8, 135 pounds competition and 150 pounds off-season.

How did you get started lifting weights and training?

I struggled with anorexia in my early to mid-teens and became an avid runner to burn massive amounts of calories, but I was much too weak to run the distances I was running and an injury stopped me from running when I was 16.

I began lifting weights to build up strength so I could run again and I fell in love with the weight room and have never looked back. 

How long have you been training? 

I've been training for almost four years, but I've only really decided to become serious about bodybuilding in the last year or so. 

How old were you when you did your first show? 

I was 17 for my first competition. 

Shannon Thompson

What inspired you to start competing?

I admired the drive and dedication of other competitors I followed on social media and I wanted to see what my body was capable of. 

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

Either a wider back or leaner legs.

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

Definitely my shoulders. I'm very proud of this as they used to be one of my weakest points. 

What is your profession?

I'm currently unemployed, but I'll be going to college in September for a bachelor of  sports and fitness leadership.

Shannon Thompson

You have all your expenses covered to spend your perfect day. What would you do?

I would spend the day in New York with my mom shopping, eating tons of interesting food and seeing a Broadway play. 

Your home is burning down. Family and pets have all made it to safety. You have one chance to go back in and save just one item. What do you save?

I feel kind stupid saying this, but I would save my cell phone. 

If you could look into the future and see yourself at age 50, what would you want to see?

I hope to be an IFBB figure pro, an inspiration to many people with a happy family and a beautiful home somewhere in British Columbia. 

Where can we see more of you?

Instagram

Model Mayhem 

See Shannon on You Tube. 

Please visit our NEW look blog here!

Emma-Lee Thomas - Legends Football League

Emma-Lee Thomas is a football player with the Austin Acoustic of the Legends Football League. 

What are your stats? 

Height 5-4; weight 138 pounds; age 29.

What is your athletic background?

I have competed at a high level in a range of sports but predominantly gymnastics and full kit gridiron.

How did you get involved playing football?

I used to watch a lot of NFL on TV and saw an advertisement in the local newspaper back home for tryouts for a women's team. I showed up and made the cut and I've been addicted ever since!

Emma-Lee Thomas

You started your football career in Australia and then came to the US. Can you fill out the timeline?

I played full kit from 2011, LFL Australia Season 1 from 2013/2014 and arrived in Texas to play for the Austin Acoustic in March 2016. 

What made you decide to leave Australia to play in the US?

Gridiron in America is a national sport. I was interested to see the level of competition, training and coaching that was provided over here in the States. I've had a great experience so far.

What's the difference between playing in Australia versus the US? 

The athleticism and skill level were very similar I think. We have a lot of rugby players in Australia, which requires many of the same skill set to play gridiron. I did notice a huge difference in the level of knowledge and intricacies of the game. Being America's national sport, the level of game awareness, in general, is much higher here than in Australia. 

Is there any difference between how the league and the players are viewed between the two countries?

I think the introduction of gridiron alone is something very new to Australian shores. I know that it is definitely growing in popularity back home due to the injection of Jarryd Hayne (one of Australia's top rugby league players) into the San Francisco 49ers team. 

What position do you play and what are your primary responsibilities on the field?

My primary position is offensive line, either tight end or centre, and secondary is defensive end. Centre is to snap the ball and provide direction to the offensive line. Both offensive positions require either run or pass blocking and occasionally receiving the ball, although in LFL everyone is eligible. 

What strengths as a football player do you bring to your team?

I usually pick up blocking schemes and play books quite quickly and am able to help out my other teammates with the installation of blocking schemes and play book. I'm also a very hard worker on and off the field.

What areas do you feel you need to improve on? 

At this stage I'm looking to improve my overall strength and agility. But also my speed. I've been doing sprint sessions and a lot of extras outside football to try and work on these areas.

What do you do for a living? 

Civil Engineer.

How many hours of training do you do per week off the field?

I'd probably say an extra 10 hrs of personal development outside of football training.

How many hours of training do you do per week on the field? 

At the moment we do nine hours of physical training and between one to two hours of film review.

Do you have a favorite LFL player?

My favourite LFL player would have to be Ashley Salerno. She's such a versatile player and so aggressive on the field. I think she's one of the greats.

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

My age.

Where can we see more of you?

Instagram

Facebook

Emma-Lee Thomas

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.

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