Just Bring It… Anatomy of a Fitness Routine

Cathy Savage
Professional Fitness Choreographer
www.savagechoreography.com

Attending a fitness competition or even watching one on television can often be intimidating to someone who is thinking about entering such a show. Some competitors are gymnasts, and others are dancers but the reality is, all you really need is….. DEDICATION, DETERMINATION AND A BIG HEART!

Some women believe if that they can not tumble like Marylou Raton or dance like Janet Jackson, they shouldn't bother competing. "Not so!" say Rhonda Finlayson and Olivia Chamberland, who recently placed 4th and 5th in a field of 25 girls, at the 2002 Fitness Atlantic Pageant. Both women have earned an invitation to the Fitness Universe in Miami this June.

"I was a softball player and I have a passion for weight training and living a healthy lifestyle….I am competing side-by-side with some incredible gymnasts but I continue to place high and even win competitions without tumbling all over the stage!" The key to Rhonda's success is that she possesses the most important ingredients of a fitness routine-poise, strength and flexibility. Rhonda also states. "You do not need 20 years of dance and gymnastics to compete…going to the gym consistently and stretching on a daily basis, is what I do to prepare for my shows!

Olivia Chamberland has a similar story. "I was a high school cheerleader and I loved watching the Fitness America Pageants on ESPN. I started with Cathy Savage for choreography and Dave Ellis, in Braintree, MA for gymnastics. Taking gymnastics later in life has helped me "move more freely and it has increased my flexibility-I do not plan to be tumbling a great deal but Dave has helped me with my jumps, strength moves, and overall conditioning.

Rhonda and Olivia's routines are filled with strength moves, which have been taught to them, and combinations suited to their skill level, style and personality. Both girls light up the stage and draw the audience in for a two minute non-stop rollercoaster ride.

"The secret to a winning routine is to find people who can help to bring out creative and entertaining moves that are suitable for your own personality", says Olivia. "I never thought I would qualify for Fitness Universe after my very first show and now I am on my way to Miami!"

Best of luck to my clients Rhonda Finlayson and Olivia Chamberland in Miami and thanks girls, for proving that a big heart often goes a lot further than a back handspring!