Tiffany Sipos - WNBF Pro

Age: 25

Height: 5'1/2

Weight: 115 (off season) stage: 110

Genetics blessed me with the advantage of being naturally muscular starting at the young age of 10. I soon after began doing gymnastics, ballet, and eventually started running track, which helped me keep the strong legs God gave me.

But I didn't always see it as a blessing. Being passionate about ballet, I was always surrounded by tall, thin girls with very little to no muscle tone, and it only fueled my insecurities about being muscular.

It may sound strange, but I began to hate being the most muscular girl in every class, especially since my body was constantly being commented on.

After spending my high school years trying to starve off my muscle amongst other unhealthy habits, I finally decided to try and embrace my body instead of fighting against it. I took up yoga when I was 15 to help with my mental well-being and I absolutely fell in love.

I decided to start teaching 2 years later and I've been doing it every since. Todd Tanner, a trainer and friend from one of the gyms I also teach boot camp at, (Drop Zone Fitness) kept encouraging me to compete for years because of my genetic advantage. Considering the fact that I'd always been too shy to even wear a swimsuit at the pool, the thought of getting on stage was daunting.

But I finally bit the bullet in July 2010, and I received 5th place at my first show for Figure. I'm an extremely competitive person so that only motivated me to push harder.

My conditioning at that first show was pretty good, but my posing wasn't so great. So I learned how to pull my lats out for the judges, and took home the WNBF Figure Pro title at my 2nd show in September 2010 at the Alamo Showdown Classic.

I tested the waters in the Bikini and Fit Model divisions and came in 5th for both. Even after leaning down I still hold too much muscle, so I decided Figure was where I wanted to be.

And from then on I was definitely hooked! For the first time in my life, I began to feel good about myself and started to embrace my body instead of wishing it were different. Body image issues don't just affect the overweight.

And there are times when it's still difficult for me to accept certain aspects of my body, as is the case for most women. But I will continue to work on improving from the inside out. I refuse to be held down by anything or anyone, including myself. My next goal is to walk on stage at my first Pro show better, more confident and stronger than ever.

I hope to improve my physique with each competition, and continue to grow physically and mentally. I would love to inspire other women of all different body types to accept themselves and acheive their highest potention. As of now, I'm working on finding sponsorship to compete in a New York Pro show next year.

I've also decided to begin training for my first marathon in 2011.

It's been a great ride so far and I can't wait to see what comes next!

Achievements:

INBF Southwestern July 2010 - 5th place (figure)

Alamo Showdown Classic September 2010 - 1st place/recieved Pro card (figure)

NPC Texas State October 2010 - 3rd place (figure)

INBF David Nall Southwestern July 2011 - 5th place (fit model)