Publishers Note
2
Florida Fitness Photography
John Hawley, Publisher
Photographer/Videographer
John Hawley (904)333-3527
11604 Surfwood Ave, Jax. Fl 32246
Associate Editor Nellie Hawley
Published Dec. 17, 2014
In This Issue:
Carol Melendez
Please share something of your background related to your interest in fitness and this shoot.
I started lifting weights at the age of 13, when I turned 14 my mother told me that I was looking too muscular and she decided to switch my interest in lifting weights to aerobics. I got my first aerobics certification at the age of 15 and started teaching after school and on the weekends. Soon after that, I received my spinning certification. I was not allowed to lift weights anymore, but I was ok with that because I was still embracing a healthy lifestyle.
I continued to teach aerobics though college and when I graduated from college and move out of the house I started lifting again. I moved to the US at the age of 21 right after college and since my English was very limited I started teaching Zumba. After that I got married and had two children,
I decided to put my passion for weights and my healthy lifestyle to the side to raise my kids and focus on my career. I decided to compete a year ago and felt in love with the sport. I want to create self-awareness to all those mothers out there that feel that because they are in their mid-30’s is too late to start. Age is just a number and I feel younger at 36 than I have ever felt in my life. If by doing this shoot I can motivate one person to start living a healthy lifestyle then my mission is accomplish.
Share with us a bit about your contest history and most memorable show experience.
I have competed in 4 shows in the NPC within the last year. My first show was The All South in St Augustine in 2013.
I didn’t place at this show, but I definitely gained the confidence I needed it to step on the stage again. I started prepping after the holidays and competed on my second show The Central Florida District Championship, where I received a 4th place. After that I decided to compete at the Beach Bodies Classic since Melbourne FL is my hometown. I placed 1st in Masters, 1st place in bikini open B and won my first overall. My last show was The Florida State Championships where I placed 3rd in Masters and 3rd in open bikini B earning the qualification to compete in Masters Nationals next year. (cont. pg 6).
Florida Fitness Photography