Now let's be honest here...when the ‘powers that be' introduced the new bikini division to the women's competition last year it was hardly greeted with praise and enthusiasm from seasoned physique, figure and fitness competitors.
However, slowly but surely it does seem to be gaining more credibility and, with athletes like Alea Suarez stepping into the bikini ranks, it is likely to gain even more acceptance this year.
Alea possesses a dynamic combination of beauty and brains that dispels the myth that both attributes are seldom found together. I recently had the opportunity to talk to Alea and must admit I was very impressed by the woman I discovered, as I am sure you will be too as she shares her story here exclusively for RX Muscle....
Now before we even get into the subject of working out I noticed that you have a strong dance background... so where did your interest in dance come from?
"I'm not sure, for as long as I remember, I wanted to be a ballerina. My mom started me in lessons when I was 4. From there I also took jazz, tap, and gymnastics lessons. In middle school and high school I performed in the dance companies. I loved to be on stage dancing..and it came easy for me. It's funny how everything you learn leads you up to something in life even if it is not what you expect. Although I have worked as a dance instructor, I have not danced professionally per se... and then when I started doing my competitions I could see how being on stage all those years had gifted me with my stage presence and confidence for competitions."
Was working out a part of your regime for dance or did it evolve separately?
"Dancing definitely is a workout, just come take one of my classes! Seriously, the fitness workouts evolved seperately late in high school. I was a fat kid. My Grandpa affectionately called me "Butterball", you know, like the Turkey? In high school, I got up to a "high" clothing size and I 
remember someone had actually told me, "You'd be pretty if you'd lose weight!" , and suggessted that I start drinking Slim Fast! I think that was the breaking point for me. I was tired of being chubby & I wanted to do something about it so I started eating healthier and working out before school every morning. That was the beginning of a new lifestyle for me..."
Education seems to play a big part in your life and you have a degree in psychology...where did your interest in that subject come from and what career path did you see it leading to?
"Yes I love to learn and like a true Aquarius I've jumped around to different fields because as I go on in life, I acquire new interests and I'm never satistfied just following one path. People are suprised when I tell them about the different things I've done and/or studied but I believe it makes me more well-rounded. My interest in psychology came from wanting to be able to help others overcome obstacles in their lives. I felt that I have overcome a lot and I know sometimes when children are born into situations they have no control over, they feel alone or feel that they'll never get through it if they don't have the support they need. Personally, I came from a difficult upbringing, and grew up with many adversities including poverty. I was surrounded by substance abuse, and basically had no positive role models. I decided to educate myself so that I could first of all, be a better parent to my children and second, I hoped to someday do work in some capacity of psychology that would help people/children overcome adversities they had growing up. I would love to be able to be a light to show people there's hope and that you can get past it and be successful. Now that I am in the fitness industry, I see that showing people a healthy lifestyle is a great vehicle to convey that very important message."
Now you are going back to school to study dental hygiene...that's quite a subject switch...do you intend to pursue a career in dentistry?
"I've decided that continuing on the psychology path for a doctorate at this time would take too much time away from my children at a time when they need me most. Switching to pursue a dental hygiene degree was in response to looking for a profession that afforded flexibility and provided a way to help financially support the needs of a growing family. I used to work in the dental field before my last child was born, it is a field I am very familiar with and I could work part-time and be with my children more. I can't say for sure what the future may hold because God seems to keep stepping in and says "Nope, you're going to do THIS now." And he has provided a way for me to do something I truly love and enjoy. Although I am a fitness instructor, I've never had the means to pursue it as a full time career, until now".
Getting back to competition...what made you decide to take to the stage?
"I have wanted to compete ever since I first saw a Ms. Fitness competition on ESPN but life was always just too busy. Then recently I lost my best friend, Cassandra, and it reminded me that life can be cut short and that we should persue our dreams."
How have your first experiences been?
"They've been great! I've met so many wonderful souls...most people I've met have been helpful, positive and encouraging of one another. It is amazing to be part of a community that share the same affinity toward healthy living and the pursuit of being the best you can be."
You entered the most controversial class at the moment - bikini - what made you choose this class over, say, figure or fitness?
"First of all I want to say that I love the figure & fitness divisions, especially fitness. Having a dance and tumbling background. I went with bikini because I just thought that it is more relaxed and it represents a more realistic, fit physique that is sustainable year-round. I also was drawn to Bikini because it is more attainable for women thinking about making fitness a part of their lives."
That's a good point; however there is a lot of controversy on how this class should be judged. As a competitor what do you pay particular attention to when it comes to preparing yourself to face the judges?
"There is a great deal of preparation and conditioning a Bikini competitor must endure although many may think otherwise. Just try spending a week with me during my rigorous training schedule! All the competitors will try to bring their best physique so what I try to focus on above my conditioning is how I will interact with the judges and audience. I want to convey how much I enjoy being on stage and that this division has an element of fun and being sassy! My goal is to evoke emotion from my presentation".
There is also the accusation that bikini girls don't need to train or diet as hard as the other classes...care to respond?
"Oh ya, I've been waiting for this... that's like saying figure competitors don't have to train as hard as bodybuilders. In my mind, the only difference in the division is muscle mass on their physiques. When figure came into the arena, they were chastized and it was claimed that it would fail as a division, now it's our turn as the new kid on the block! Figure has proven to be an awesome division and in my opinion, the only way bikini will attain any legitimacy is by making the standard bikini physique fit & symmetrical, just like figure only with less muscle mass on their frames. In Bikini, you have the element of presentation that will help decide the winner as well, similar to the posing routines of the body builders and fitness routines of the fitness competitors. However, it's going to be up to the judges to make that standard and the future winners should be consistent in that way. If they choose softer winners, I think the division is definitely up for scrutiny. I think they should change the name to Fit-Bikini or Bikini Fit because it is afterall still a fitness competition. Otherwise why should we even have this division if it's just like any other beach bikini or modeling contest?"
All things aside though, there are many more opportunities outside of the sport for this class. Do you intend to pursue modeling work or even film?
"Yes, I'm putting my feelers out for some potential modeling work right now. I have worked in the film industry in the past. I just played a principle role in an independent film in Austin, TX called "Stone and Sand" produced by Iron Dragon Productions. The fitness industry affords great modeling opportunities but also I'd like to pursue editorial and instructional videos as well".
Okay...let's say Playboy called you and asked you to pose naked for a photo spread...would you?
"Although I truly believe the naked human form is beautiful, I choose to say 'no' in respect to my family and friends. But to each his own and I totally don't judge, it's just not for me".
You have been married for 12 years and have 3 children...it would be easy for some women to just sit back into the role of wife and mother and yet you actively pursue both sporting and career interests. What do you think drives you to break out of the mold and how supportive are your husband and children?
"First of all, I'm an Aquarius...we never walk the beaten path! For example, I am into alternative medicine, holistic and organic methodologies, and I've home schooled my children, so my life is based on unorthodox methods. But what holds true is that I am passionate about what I believe in and many times it does not fit into societal norms. Growing up training and performing as a ballet dancer, has greatly prepared me for this venue. Having an active family, a supportive husband that is a fitness professional, (accepting and understanding of the sacrifice and commitment needed to be in this profession), and children that also perform in large dance productions is conducive to this type of active lifestyle. Being a role model for my children is first and foremost, but I've realized the impact of being an IFBB professional. I have an opportunity to reach out to other women that find it difficult to fit fitness into their lives. So you ask what drives me to break out of the mold? I was always driven to rise above those adversities and it carries on throughout my life. I just want to convey to people with similar situations that they can rise above what they face and fitness is a great vehicle for that."
Your friend Cassandra was a great source of motivation when it came to competing...can you share Cassandra's story with our readers and how she inspired you?
"My dear friend Cassandra Simms, who was only 36 years old, died on Oct. 12, 2007 suddenly & the cause of her death is still unknown. The doctors can only speculate she died from a pulmonary embolism.
Cassandra had lived a difficult life; she was a single mom and struggled to makes ends meet. She was looking for a second part-time job to give her two children Christmas presents that year. I spoke to her the day she died & we made plans to see each other that April in San Diego. Our conversation was like all others we shared in the past, we reminisced, and I joked & made her laugh her incredible laugh... As good friends have that ability to pick up from where they left off, I'd like to think in a sense I got to say good-bye because it was so heart felt and we truly missed each other.
Before my family had moved to Austin, Texas, my husband and I had introduced Cassandra to fitness and she had lost a lot of weight and also used it to manage the stresses of her life. I had mentioned to her that I wanted to compete in the fitness arena and she always had encouraging words and told me to, "quit talking about it and just go for it girl!". Cassandra, I miss you dearly & you will never be forgotten. Life is too short for what-ifs & I'll-do-it-whens....So that's when I decided to compete. And that's all I have to say about that...."
Now you have your Pro Card after competing in only 3 shows...that must feel pretty good....
"It's an amazing feeling! To set a goal, work your tail off, and to have everything come to fruition is like a dream! I know there are many great competitors with the same dream of achieving a pro status, so I am grateful for the opportunity and honored to represent my chosen profession in this manner."
So what is next for Alea Suarez?
"I am in training for my pro debut which is this coming March 27 in Culver City, Ca at the IFBB Muscle Contest 2010 Pro Bikini. I am 10 weeks out and feeling good! I have also launched my new "Tigress Boot camp" this year and had my first group of campers start the first boot camp this week. A lot of exciting things coming up so I am very blessed!"
How can our readers contact you?
I have a Face book fan page that provides my updates and fitness tips:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Alea-Suarez-Fitness-For-Life-Page/135482106260
For appearances and modeling requests, please contact:
Fitness Management Group, (FMG)
Contact: (412) 257-4555
[email protected]
You can contact me for Tigress Bootcamp info on my Face book Tigress Boot camp Groups page at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=271027466960
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