Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,
I hope everything is well at the North Pole. How are the reindeer and elves? I bet Mrs. Claus has been busy getting your suit ready for the big day.
I wanted you to know how good we've been this year! We've worked really hard at accomplishing our fitness goals and have brought home lots of medals and trophies.
Santa, if you can, could you please bring us the following gifts...

-SNOW!
-A stocking full of goodies from VPX Sports Nutrition
-An unlimited amount of Pure Barre classes so we can go every day!
-An afternoon shopping spree at Lululemon
-Alp-n-Rock ski shirt from Twist Yoga
-Latisse
-An I-Phone
-Ski weekend
-New vacuum
-MacBook Air
-Lifetime membership to a massage salon
-Lunch cooler
-Laundry fairy
-Laser peel
-Step mill
-Perfect health for our friends and family
-And we'd like to borrow your sleigh so we can take a trip to Disney World!

Thank you so much for bringing the best Christmas gift early, we love having baby Toby Brian Marquez home for the holiday!
I'm sure you get really hungry and tired by the time you reach Denver, CO, so we'll leave you some Tokyo Joe's and VPX Redline by the fireplace.

With lots of love,
The PR Girls

PR Girl Elisa featured on 9 News!

Elisa Romero helped her friend Lori Melchoir open a small fitness studio in Westminster called Balanced Fitness last year after they both decided to leave their personal training jobs to start something on their own. At Balanced Fitness they offer boot camps, classes and some personal training with no gym membership fees! They were featured on Martino TV last month and were soon contacted by 9 News anchor Susie Wargin to fill a spot on her Wargin's Workouts segment to help viewers get in shape for those skinny jean fall fashions! Wargin's Workouts features a different gym, trainer or workout every week, so Elisa and Lori were very excited to be selected. To watch the segment, click here!

PR Girl Amanda Berthod is a marathon PRock star!

PR Girl and Performance Ready Trainer, Amanda Berthod just ran her 2nd half marathon and she shares with us her experience!

You ran the Rock 'n' Roll Half marathon on Oct 17th, correct?
Yes. The weather was absolutely beautiful and the race course very scenic.
All in all it was a great race!


Was this your first marathon?

No. I ran the Denver Half Marathon last year. I finished in 2 hours and 15 minutes.


What made you decide to run the Rock 'n' Roll?

I caught the running bug after completing the Denver Half last year and I vowed to beat my previous time. I trained hard and I was able to take 7 minutes off of my overall time. I finished in 2 hours and 8 minutes this year!

Did you run alone or did you have others running with you?
I trained with my Sister In Law, Jessica. She's a great running partner and I love spending time with her. Thanks Jess for being a great running buddy! xoxox

How have you been training and for how long?
I continued to run after last year's race as a part of my normal workout routine. 8 weeks prior to the Rock 'n' Roll I started a pre-race training program. On average I ran 30-35 miles per week. The routine Incorporated easy runs, tempo runs, speed work, and long distance runs throughout the week.

Are you a natural runner?
I really enjoy running, but no I'm not a natural runner! Its definitely a challenge for me. As a result I have to train extra hard. I really enjoy the competition of the sport and I love being in a constant race with myself. It's also a great stress reliever for me.

What will you do immediately following the race?
Immediately following the race I start the recovery process. I focus on hydration, re-fueling my body, stretching and getting some much needed R & R. I also enjoy a little cheat meal too. :)

What is your upcoming race schedule?
Santa's Half Marathon 12/19/2011; Long Beach CA
Surf City USA Marathon 2/6/2011; Huntington Beach, CA
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon 6/5/2011; San Diego, CA
America's Finest City Half Marathon 8/21/2011; San Diego, CA
Nike Women's Marathon, 10/16/2011 San Francisco, CA

Our PR Girl, Amy Jo Palmquest shares her 2010 Big O experience with us:

The Big O in Vegas is one event everyone must attend at least once...then you'll never want to miss it again. I come back so motivated and ready to hit the gym hard! Especially since you get tons of supplement samples to test-out.
I wanted to get a job working a booth, since I knew it's the best way to meet several people in the industry. Also, it does help cut back your cost while you still get to take in the whole experience and enjoy Vegas! I sent out my pictures and profile to some company's hoping to get booked, but heard nothing. I had met Bob Cicherello, IFBB Pro and Mr. Olympia Host, awhile back so I sent him an email to see if he knew of any opportunities. Well come to find out, he and his wife, Tasha, have an online supplement store, The Organic Monkey (www.theorganicmonkey.com ). They were having a booth and needed an extra girl, so he hired me! IFBB Fitness Pro, Nicole Duncan, who competed in the Fitness Olympia, was at our booth signing and taking pictures as well.

I also set-up a photo shoot with the wonderful TC Chang, which is another must-do. It really is a great time to meet-up with some of the top photographers around.

My favorite part had to be watching the pre-judging show. Seeing the stage and all the competitors. Wow, how fantastic they looked! What Pros! Watching them closely, I admired each physique and was ready to hit the gym by the nights end.

The weekend was amazing and I can't wait to go again next year!

VPX Redline voted BEST 2 years in a row!

PR Team PRoud sponsor, VPX, has won the 2010 Bodybuilding Supplement award for BEST energy drink with VPX Redline for the 2nd year in a row! PR Girls love Redline and here's why!
"Redline is the perfect wake-me-up for cardio first thing in the morning! It goes down easy, is light on your tummy and gives you a perfect pre-workout kick!" -Tanisha
"I love VPX Redline Princess. Not only does it taste good, but it gives me that extra push I need for an early 5:00am workout. It is a very effective & yummy product. Love it!!!"-Ashley
"I love to drink a Redline on the drive home from work for an extra boost of energy before I head to the gym. Redline helps eliminate that afternoon laziness!! Plus, it is a flavorful drink when all I've had is water all day." - Michelle
Get your own Redline here!

Tanisha celebrates 9yrs as a PR Girl!

PR Girl Tanisha is getting ready to celebrate her 9th year as a PR Girl!

How long have you been on the PR Team and how did you initially get involved?
September 30th will be my nine year anniversary on the PR Team! I found Carla by accident when I was looking for someone to coach me on stage presentation while training for a Galaxy competition (obstacle course and physique competition). On the day I met her and with only three weeks to go, Carla told me to register for the NPC Rocky Mountain Championships and make an appointment with Christine Marsh for a competition suit. I did it, but I had no idea what I was doing! Carla continued to coach me as part of her PR Team for the three weeks leading up to the Rocky and put me on my first competition diet. I was completely thrilled when I won the Figure Overall! I became hooked on competing in Figure from that moment, and also became hooked on being part of the PR Team.

What is your favorite memory?
I have so many great memories, and really can't pick one that stands out above all others. It has been so much fun to be a part of a group of girls that all have the same goals and mission, and the support we get from one another in competing and in our personal lives is invaluable. My favorite memories are travelling together as a team with Carla and other PR girls to compete in New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh and Sacramento. Even with too little food and rest, I had a blast doing our contest prep together, cheering for each other on stage, and then doing some super fun group photo shoots! Several of us have remained close friends since that time. It was always so great to have the support of family and friends when they would come cheer for me on stage!

What do you love most about being a PR Girl?
I enjoy having the opportunity to organize community service events for the team. In this sport in particular, it is really easy to get wrapped up in yourself and lose perspective of what is really important in life. I think it's critical not to lose perspective, and giving back to those in need helps periodically remind us how ridiculous our whining can be regarding the workouts we "have to do", or the umpteenth chicken breast we "have to eat", when others would be thrilled to trade places with us. I love having a support network of girls that have the same interests, values and goals, and love having a coach with such positive energy and undying support and commitment to the girls on the team. I have met some of my very best friends on the PR Team, and that is what I love the most.

Favorite PR product?
My favorite PR products are the Beach Body Self Tanning Mist, Beach Body Bling Shimmer Lotion, PR Training Journal, and the PR Logo Terry Contest Warm ups.

Anything else you would like to share?
Nine or ten years ago I spent a lot of time admiring the women in the competition coverage section of various women's fitness magazines. My husband, Sloan, gave me a little push to give it a try, and soon afterward I met Carla. Carla provided me with all the training and confidence I needed, and the girls on the PR team continued to serve as a support network throughout the years. This journey has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of my life. I would strongly encourage anyone who is the least bit interested to give fitness competitions a try. It is one of the most difficult things you will ever do in terms of testing your discipline, dedication and your will, but it is so rewarding! Thank you Carla and all the PR girls, past and present, for such a wonderful experience!

PR Girl Ami!

We continue to celebrate 10 years of the PR Team with PR Girl, Ami. Ami's been on the team from the beginning and remains on it today. She just recently moved to NC to open 2 new Pure Barre studios!

How long have you been on the PR Team and how did you initially get involved?
I think I have been on the team 9 year

What is your favorite memory? Funny, heartfelt, inspiring, etc.
So many good memories! My bachelorette party was one of the best! 20 cute fit girls not dieting causing trouble in Denver. The first time I competed with other team members was fun and inspiring, everyone was strong and determined, I was truly inspired.

What do you love most about being a PR Girl?
The friendships I have made and the motivation to train hard, no excuses!

Favorite PR product?
Training Journal. Until Carla gave me my first one I did not keep my diet or weights in writing. Now when I look back at them I can see how far I've come and I can recirculate workouts.

Anything else you would like to share?
The team has meant so much to me throughout the years and the friendships I have made are unlike any other. It has been a group of hardworking, driven, multitasking women who have inspired me in all my fitness aspirations. I am glad I found the team and miss training with my teammates.

PR Alumnus Tanya!

Former PR Girl, Tanya Smith, is not only celebrating the PR Team's 10th anniversary, but she's also celebrating her marriage, motherhood and a successful career in the fitness industry!


When were you on the PR Team?
2003

What is your favorite memory?
My first and only fitness show, the adrenaline was indescribable! The prep and celebration afterwards was so much fun! I love the gymnastic classes at 5280 too and hitting up all the bakeries in NY with Des after nationals! :)

Any funny or heartfelt stories you would like to share?
Funny: Taking VPX Liquid Clenbutrx in the car with the 'oral shooter' while an older woman next to me stared with her jaw down...probably thought I was doing something illegal!
Heartfelt: I am so grateful for the friendships developed through and as a result of being a part of the PR team.

What are you doing today?
I'm happily married with a 6/12 month old baby boy and LOVING motherhood! Since PR, I've been working with Healthways for 6 1/2 years now as a District Manager for the SilverSneakers Fitness Program and absolutely love my job and the fitness program for Seniors! :)

PR Alumnus Christine!

PR Alumnus, Christine Pomponio-Pate joined the PR Team the day it started. We love that we can still call her a friend!

"WOW! Where do I start? Feels like this team has always been a part of my life. I began the team THE DAY the team began 10 years ago. I have to say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. There have been sooooo many great memories that it is hard to choose just one. I learned A LOT, not only about fitness, but also about myself. I can share one good and one bad memory...good is that I have EXTREME will power that I didn't think I did, and the bad is that I still blush when I am in the spotlight. I may come across as a "Diva" which I'm not! At times the nerves made it difficult to embrace which leads me to some of my heartfelt stories, the times when so many of you wonderful girls were such great support during rehearsals, training and each competition I did. I made some of the best friends that I still have today.
Today I am loving being a mommy and would not change that for anything! I also know that there are more chapters to add to my book of life within this career. If I never told Carla enough over the years I want her to know that she is a life saver, not just a trainer but an amazing coach and when I look back over the years I wouldn't trade her blunt honesty (haha) that whooped my butt where it needed to be, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
Carla, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Also, thank you to ALL of the fellow team members I have had the opportunity to be around over the past 10 years! You women have made a huge impact in my life, thank you for all of your support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" ~Christine Pomponio-Pate