In January, Women’s Health magazine set out for its 2nd annual nationwide talent search to find the “Next Fitness Star.” After receiving thousands of submissions, the competition has been narrowed down to five amazing finalists who will be featured on the flip cover of the July/August issue of Women’s Health magazine (on stands today), and the winner to receive a DVD contract with the brand. WH is asking America to weigh in and choose the winner with the help of an elite judging panel including celebrity trainer & Extreme Weightloss Host Chris Powell; actress, Brooke Burke; GMA Anchor, Amy Robach, and Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief Michele Promaulayko.
In addition to the flip cover, finalists will be included in the magazine with individual features, custom online videos, and social media campaigns. The search will culminate with a reveal on Good Morning America in August when the “Next Fitness Star” winner will be announced.
The voting starts today and going through August 1st. Viewers can head to the Fitness Star website www.thenextfitnessstar.com to see videos of the finalists, previews of their workouts and vote immediately for who they want crowned as the next face of fitness.
Learn more about the contestants now and place your vote today!
MEET THE NEXT FITNESS STAR FINALISTS:
Katie Yip, New York, NY: From an athletic background, Katie began her training at SSC Gym in San Diego with Chris Robinson, and completed her apprenticeship under Brooke Siler and Cary Regan at re:AB Pilates in NYC. Katie is a graduate of the University of California San Diego where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Physiology & Neuroscience. She is currently a Master’s Candidate in Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology at Columbia University.
Amy Kiser,Los Angeles, CA: A passionate trainer with over 10 years experience. She believes in time-efficient workouts and positive reinforcement – and that exercise shouldn’t add stress to your life. In addition to specializing in circuit training, Amy is an expert in Mat Pilates, Kettlebell, Practical Yoga, Sports Specific Training, TRX, and Nutrition. A lifelong athlete, Amy has competed in half marathons, marathons, triathlons, and more.
Emily Schromm, Denver, CO: A reality star turned CrossFit competitor and trainer who’s all about serving up comfort-zone-smashing workouts. Emily employs a fundamental approach to training that teaches her clients to be a success in and out of the gym. Whether you’re improving your deadlift, slimming your waistline, or just getting into a workout routine, Emily seeks to help you conquer your goals.
Idalis Velazquez, Fort Lauderdale/Miami, FL: A former track athlete sidelined by injury who turned her comeback into her calling, Idalis Velazquez shows women the best way to reach their fitness goals. The owner of IV Fitness LLC, and creator of PowerUp60 training method, Idalis is a dedicated trainer and online coach with one mission: To help you live life in shape.
Noell Yanik; Fort Mill, SC: The Charlotte based trainer developed a unique strength-training-meets-yoga training model. The confidence Noell found in fitness allowed her to take a leap of faith and quit her job in sales to become a personal trainer. Since becoming a personal trainer, Noell has launched Superwoman Video Series, a subscription-based online workout program.
ABOUT WOMEN’S HEALTH “NEXT FITNESS STAR”
Women’s Health embarked the first-ever Next Fitness Star competition in 2013 to find the next face of fitness scouring the US for the best, up-and-coming trainer. Minneapolis native Stacie Clark was crowned the winner in the first year. As a result, her career has catapulted and her Power Sculpt DVD Series is a top seller.
This year, the magazine launched its 2nd annual search for skilled and dynamic personal trainers for the 2014 Next Fitness Star. After receiving thousands of submissions, the magazine has narrowed the field to a talented top five finalists. In the July/August issue (available on newsstands June 24), the five finalists will all be revealed appearing on the flip cover of Women’s Health and featured in a spread in the magazine encouraging readers and fans to vote for their favorite.
The reader/fan votes combined with the help of an elite judging panel including — celebrity trainer & Extreme Weight loss Host Chris Powell; actress, Brooke Burke; GMA Anchor, Amy Robach, and Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief Michele Promaulayko —will select this year’s Next Fitness Star. The winner will star in her own workout DVD series produced by Women’s Health, be featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine, receive a full marketing and promotional plan to help build their brand…and more!
Women’s Health is putting the full-force of its star-making power behind the winner by creating and distributing the trainer’s own DVD series; prominently featuring her in the magazine and on its website; and leveraging other assets of its parent company, Rodale (which also publishes books). The prevalence of personal trainers in America has exploded in the past decade with the number of trainers climbing 44% and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects another 24% spike by 2020. And while a handful have become household names, WH recognized the immense amount of untapped star potential out there and devised a plan to bring the Next Fitness Star to the masses.