How and why did you get into Fitness Training?
Being active has always been a part of my lifestyle. At the age of 3, I started dance lessons, and by the age of 5, I was onstage dancing solo in Competitions all over the U.S, until I was 18 years old. Being Fit and active in the gym was something I always enjoyed doing at a young age, and after I had decided to not dance, I reinitiated my mindset into working out and competing in Fitness.
What workout routine would you suggest to female beginners?
Setting a reasonable goal of weight training 3 days a week with 5 days of cardio and a healthy diet is the perfect way to start. You never want to overdo it.
What advice would you give to people looking to achieve your aesthetic physique?
Setting yourself up with goals that are unrealistic and unattainable. Working out and staying healthy should be something incorporated into your everyday life.
Tell us about your journey and how you got all the way to the top as a Pro Fitness Model.
After being heavily involved in working out, I happen to meet my best Friend IFBB pro-Colette Nelson at one of her aerobics classes. I begin very intrigued by competing and I began asking her how to do that. I researched a lot and found the right coach who trained me for my first Figure Show in California, at that time there was no Bikini division. When I heard about Bikini I decided that this was for me, seeing as though my body type was of a dancer, I began training and really focusing on my goals and entered a few competitions, including the Miss CT Miss U. S pageant and did quite well.
At the same time, my occupation of an aesthetician and makeup artist led me to travel around to shows at the age of 21 providing competitors with onsite tanning and makeup artistry.
Have you ever had any obstacles in your fitness journey?
At the age of 19, I was diagnosed with a rare pulmonary disease called Pulmonary Hypertension. I was told by doctors that my exercise ability due to this life-threatening illness could very well get in the way of me going to the gym or competing. Although there is no cure for the disease, I am on medication that is allowing me to function through my everyday activities including the gym. I am a very positive person and I refuse to let anything or anyone get in the way of my dreams and aspirations.
How did you manage to overcome those obstacles and progress even further?
I listen to my body and I try and take care of myself the best I can, by staying in shape.
What are your opinions on Image / Performance enhancing drugs?
It’s a great excuse to have a great body with putting in less work and effort. It bothers me to see that even bikini girls take types of drugs to help keep their body fat and estrogen levels low. It’s unfair for someone like me or others who want to compete and do it naturally.
What advice would you give to female beginners looking to become a fitness model just like you in the near future?
Research! If you are looking to get into this sport, find the best of the best. Look for a coach who has years of experience coaching. Research the different federations there are too to compete in and know that this is not an easy sport, if it was, everyone would be doing it. Also never quit your day job, keep in mind that competing is a hobby, very few people make a living off this sport.
What are your future plans?
It’s hard to think about the future when I am so much in the present. Currently, I am operating two businesses, Cosmetic by Elise LLC where I travel to shows, providing onsite makeup, and tanning services. I also run camps called Glam Camp for competitors to work on posing and learn the ins and outs of competing.
Recently I just opening another business/store called Star Bar Studio Inc, this is a makeup and blow dry bar in Rockland County. I have a wonderful business partner and our future plan is to try and Franchise in the future.
What are your long term goals?
My long term goals are to continue to feel good, and do what I love. I’m working towards a successful future where someday I can possibly have a family of my own.