Monica Brant's FEM (Fun, Educational, Motivational) Camp 2007

So, 2 days after returning from Phoenix, I jetted out to Austin, Texas to attend Monica Brant's FEM Camp 2007. What an experience this was. I can't even tell you how much I learned about Figure Competition and everything that goes into preparing for one of these events. This was the BEST way to jump in and learn the ropes.

Monica and her business partner, Lynda Thoresen went above and beyond anything that I could have expected. We left with so many samples and "goodies" I thought I would need another suitcase. Luckily, I found a way to fit it in, but had to pay an extra $50.00 at the airport, because my suitcase was almost 70 lbs.!! There's a workout in itself.

Here I am on day two at the gym with Lynda Thoresen, me, Monica Brant and her husband Scott. They scheduled us for two 1.5 hour workouts each day, along with educational sessions on competition preparation nutrition programs (luckily I have extra training here), suit selections, tanning, posing, walking (in 5 inch heels), hair, makeup and fitness modeling as well.

Here is Monica showing us her impecable form and how she maintains her incredible figure.

Here I am with Competition Coach Kim Oddo. He is a leader in the industry for developing Number 1 competitors. I am happy to say that I am now going to be one of "Oddo's Angels." I'll fill you in more on that later.

Here I am with my "team" as we completed one round of workouts on day 2. This is a strong group of women, and we had a great time getting to know one another.

Here I am on the last day, posing with the COVER MODEL for the March 2007 Oxygen Magazine - IFBB Figure Pro, Amanda Savell. Make sure to check out her workout routine on page 82. She is just as beautiful in person. Here she was, to meet with Kim Oddo for her check in prior to the Arnold Classic, which is the first weekend in March.

As I mentioned above, we had a session on "suit selection" and I had the pleasure of meeting Berns of Passion Fruit Designs. She is a warm, and fun loving woman, who really knows this business. Not only did I buy one of her custom designed crystal bras (that I wore home for my husband), but I am thrilled to say I ordered both my one and two-piece suits from her, and can't wait to see the beautiful creations.

For those of you that don't know much about Figure Competition, I have to tell you that these custom made suits don't come cheap. However, I was lucky enough to work with Berns privately in designing my suits, and I am really excited to see them. Of course, wearing them in front of hundreds of people, will certainly be an experience.

Those of you that know me, know that I am very "pale" to say the least. Now, I have been tanning at the salon to get a base tan, but nothing prepared me for the "competition tan" that I received while in Austin. We had Jan Tana herself and her partner Kevin there to spray us all down. For those of you familiar with the body building industry, she is a legend!! Again, another wonderful, down to earth couple, who made us all feel completely comfortable. After all, we had a room of half naked women, all getting tanned, touched up and drying off with the Jan Tana Competition tan. Again, just going through the process was invaluable.

Finally, and certainly not least, we had not one but two photo sessions with professional photographer, David Ford. He was amazing to work with and made all of us feel comfortable and have fun while showing off. Sorry, but I'm not sharing those photos - yet!!

To Your Health, Wealth & Success,

Lisa