OKAY!!!!!! SO again, BIG TIME APOLOGY for this delayed post! Like I said previously, the timing for my blog migration to a new server was not scheduled out so magnificently so I felt super bad for making you guys wait for this! Especially after weeks and weeks of anticipation leading up to the event!
So let’s start from the beginning shall we!!???
Friday morning Danny-J and Aubrie from The Sweaty Betties flew in to support me at my very first fitness bikini competition! It was the first time we met in real life but I felt like I already knew them! Such funny and random girls. They stayed with me for the weekend.
That’s Aubrie, me, and Danny!
Danny-J took me to my registration at the local Crown Plaza to get my height checked. Oddly, I was measured 5’4″ when I know for a fact I am 5’5″! I had just gone to the doctors to get my height checked 2 weeks ago. I spoke with some of the other girls and they said they were all about 1/2″ to 1″ off. Weird. So anyway, that put me in Bikini Class C which measures from 5′ 2.5″ to 5′ 4″. There were 12 girls in my class. I later found that class D had only 5 girls!
That night my mom helped me finish up my bikini (we made it ourselves) and I tanned up for the last time (I did this 5 times) and went to sleep dirtying some old sheets. Tanning is no fun. It’s nasty, dirty, smelly, toxic, and when that aerosol spray hits you, it’s effin cold.
Got up bright and early Saturday morning at 6am to do my hair and makeup!!! Mommy did hair, I did makeup. The girl at MAC told me to wear double eye lashes which I had never done before, so I took her advice…but they were sooooo heavy on my lids. Now after looking at the pics, I don’t think I should have. It looks like my eyes are closed!!! Anyway, here I am with my trainer Kip! He brought me a bag of resistance bands so that I could pump up right before hitting the stage. You know, to make my muscles pop! Crazy last minute techniques huh? He gave me a little pep talk and wished me luck. We worked really hard together for the past 1 and a half months so today was the time to strut and shine!
Here’s a glimpse of what I got to look at backstage. Girls tanning. Guys flexing. I mean, not too bad, right? :P
Here I am with some of the other bikini competitors in class A and B I believe. I love how all of our bikinis are different and all glammed up! These girls are seasoned competitors. My backstage friend Valerie (#83) helped me with last minute posing and we also helped tan and oil each other up. She flew all the way from New Mexico to compete and was such a sweetheart. It made the whole experience a lot more friendly. Which reminds me…I have a funny story to tell you when I vlog about the bikini comp. Not everyone was so nice…and it makes me laugh.
More backstage pics! The two ladies on the left are Figure competitors. That’s Cori Ann and Christy! Very cool peeps! As you can see, they are more muscular than Valerie and I. Their suits are a little different too. Their bikini bra criss-crosses in the back and their bottoms have more of a high V look on the sides. The routines that Figure competitors have to do are also much more different than Bikini. Figure body fat %’s also tend to be lower than Bikini. Bikini girls are allowed to have more of a “softer” more “feminine” shape.
Hellooooooooooooo 6 packs!!!!!! Wait make that 12!!!! Here I am some Men’s Physique competitors along with another one of my super cool backstage friends Merredith! Doesn’t she look like Britney Spears!!???!!! Men’s physique is a newer division for the guys that is kinda “one step down” from bodybuilding. I don’t mean that in a bad way, I just mean it’s kinda like the step down you take from Figure to Bikini. In this division, the judges are looking for more of the ultimate “beach bod” look so you don’t have to be as big/built/ripped/cut as the bodybuilders. The guys also wear board shorts instead of male thongs, wait, I mean “posing trunks”. Haha, just kidding, just kidding.
OOoOoO!!! Now let’s go the other direction! Here is Stacey a woman bodybuilder!!!! Look at those mature muscles! OMG. There’s me trying REALLY HARD to form a puny bicep next to her mega arms! Oh man, here you can really tell the difference between the different female body types that can be seen at these fitness competitions! So crazy!
My parents came out for the event. And if you must ask, no I did not feel weird prancing around in almost nothing next to my Asian mother and father. Hahaha. In fact, they were quite supportive of my whole bikini contest journey. They saw the discipline and dedication it took and just let me be. I mean, my mom thought I was totally insane for eating the same food everyday and my dad thought I had no life because I lived in the gym for hours at a time, but in the end, they still loved me because I set a goal and completed it!
Do I look more like my mom or my dad? Or none because I look like a dolled up oompa loompa? Hehe.
I was so surprised when I found out that my best friend and former college finance tutor Sam flew in from LA to come support me at this competition!!!! He knows how much this journey means to me and bought a ticket last minute to make an appearance! I felt so loved. Even though he thought I was a crazy B throughout the whole process, he too, like my parents, was very proud of me for the hard work and time put in to get ready for this bikini competition. He had to deal with a lot of me on the phone going “Ughhhhhhh…I’m so carb depleted…..ughhhhhh only 10,000 more hours of cardio…..” Hahahaha, he must be so happy now that he doesn’t have to hear me complain!!!
So anyway!!! For the show, I had to prepare a 10 sec modeling routine for the morning show (pre-judging) and then once more for the night show. Apparently the winners are pretty much determined at the morning show, and you know if you make Top 5 if you are called out to be compared in the “comparisons” against 4 other competitors.
The judges are looking for overall muscle tone, proportion, and I was TOLD that a nice booty and sexy legs help too.
I don’t have the CD pictures of me on stage yet, but I found this one online.
I don’t know what’s going on with my pinky, but otherwise, I was having a grand ole time :)
I really wanna show you the modeling routine I worked on for the month and a half! Kip had me practice 30 min a day religiously. It was really good practice not just for the contest but for life…LOL…I am now so outrageously graceful, confident, and bouncy in clear 5″ stripper heels :)
Anyway, gotta grab the footage for that…but until then just imagine me cocking my hips side to side and doing T-stands and smiling a lot. Pivot turn, pivot turn, you know.
So what were the results? Well I did not make Top 5 in my class. I later got feedback that I did not have enough upper body. I needed more muscle in my shoulders and back compared to the other girls. But you know what? I totally love the way I look and am happy with my body!!! Yes I entered myself into a contest to be judged physically and their standards for the perfect bikini bod may not be my standards, but I do not regret getting involved in this world of fitness that was so foreign to me until now.
I wasn’t bummed since my original goal was to just be able to work hard enough to stand next to these bikini girls and look like I wasn’t out of place. I also wanted to shape up for the POP Pilates DVD, so as a tool, using the competition to bust my butt off totally worked :) I have never been this lean in my life. Like I said in previous posts, the entire experience has been incredibly rewarding and positive the whole way around. I am sooooo happy I followed through with the training and the prep work needed for the competition. Now I know what it takes to be a competitor and how hard I can push my limits. This will not only help me gauge my own level of fitness during workouts, but will also help me have a sharper eye when it comes to instructing and training students!
Here is the girl who ended up winning the whole Bikini division. Congrats Traci!
I have much much more to say about the contradictions and hypocrisy I encountered while training for this event, but I will save it for my vlog which I will post tomorrow. It’s gonna be juicy :)
So what did I do after the event ended? Umm I totally ate cheesecake. DUH.
And then what did I do on Sunday after I cheesecake? I ate cinnamon ice cream with snickerdoodles.
Haha, no worries guys – I did not gorge!!! I shared these desserts with friends and having food with sweetness and flavor again was just heavenly. I always like to say that eating dessert is eating for the soul. So my inner Cassey was very full and happy this weekend.
I didn’t go nuts though because I had another photoshoot on Monday! Kip told me to book a couple shoots this week just to capture the hard work that went into the whole journey. Good idea. I shot with photographer Hardy Wilson who does amazing work and he was so much fun to work with. I can’t wait to see and show you the fitness and swimsuit photos we did!!!!
One drawback of the competition has been the leprosy I have developed. Just kidding. It just looks like it. I look like a reptilian mutant. My back, abs and chest are all scaly and disgusting. I am wearing black long sleeves to teach nowadays and I feel super self conscious about my orange skin tone. Ha, I guess I should just hang around other competitors for the next week so we can be all mutant together.
So that’s that guys! Part 2 with my vlog on my thoughts of the competition will be up tomorrow. I leave you with a picture of my dad who became inspired to compete after watching the show :P
Much love!!!! And thank you for following me on my bikini journey. So excited to be back to regular life and to be able to cook with a variety of ingredients again!!!! More time for YouTube workouts and more time for blogging.
<3 Cassey
I really think that Cassey looks a lot better to my eye than the winner! :) I’ll print that on-stage picture to keep me motivated with my workout.
You looked awesome! I normally compete in figure but I think I am going to try my hand at bikin in 2013.
I commented on this when you decided to do the competition. You don’t have the body type for it. Them telling you “You need more upperbody” is because in there standards you are not proportionate. They expect breast augmentations.
Yeah I agree… I mean just look at the other girls (who participated under the bikini body). I personally prefer a more um “natural” body/look and think Cassey looks amazing ^^
I love your body compared to the other girls! Good Luck for this one. Hopefully you win. Your youtube subscribers will always support you!
Love from your youtube subscriber from Australia
Your dad reminders me of my driving instructor. I bet your dad is a funny man.
You look more healthy, cute and natural than other girls! That’s what I love about you!! Wish you luck this year! <3
you are to tan orange!! :3
I totally agree with the other popsters, you were the prettiest and didnt look deformed and all manly… Sorry you were all orange….however for your next tan just come to Jamaica and lay in the sun all day with your sun block on. Trust me no orange after effects. lol..
Cassey, to me you’re the champion, cause you are the natural one, not overly built, just perfect for a natural beautiful healthy built. I would love to have a body like yours, but…why it’s so hard to start? :-D
You are really a sweetheart, Cassey and true in mind, heart and spirit. I did also competed 10 years ago and experienced how you went through. You are a “REAL CHAMPION” to each and everyone of us. Keep loving your career as I do.
Your fan and follower.
Muchlove,
Josephine
Wow, the way you look is soooo amazing, I am totally inspired by you! I think it’s quite motivating for everyone here to see how you managed to slim down and stay healthy at the same time. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, you are amazing!! :)
Love you ♥
PS: At first I thought you looked like your Dad but the longer I look at the picture the more I think you rather look like your Mom! You definitely got her nose. ;)
you look healthier than all other girls! Otherwise a good job. Proud of U!:)
How did you make your bikini? Where did you get the bling parts for the bottoms especially? Any help is appreciated!
I live in fort lauderdale, fla. I am a professional relationship coach. I am for mothers age, but keep myself very fit thru working -out and bellydance & hip hop…for years.this is the first time hanging-out on your blog; & doing some of your pilates.,.just want to say how much i enjoyed the work-out and the pictures of your competition.you are so cute on so many levels!! my sister; who lives in L.A. placed second in the contest that was on saturday, memorial week-end.. Her name is jana hollingsworth, she was in the 50 plus catagory. Looking forward to your next work-out…stay happy…love, jody…p.s. If you need a mentor for any relationship issues don,t hesitatate to e-mail me, at jodysierra@aol.com…bye..
Cassey you did a fantastic job, congratulations on achieving a goal! I love that your number was 89 (my birthyear, haha ;p) and you definitely look like a perfect mix of both your parents, maybe just a tad more like your dad! You look absolutely lovely in that yellow bathing suit photo as well, I want it! Thank you for all your videos, you really help me push through my laziness, it’s a daily struggle but I prefer to do your workouts over anything else. Keep up the great work, you really are an inspiration xoxo
You looked amazing! Good job :)
First of all, you look absolutely amazing!! I recently found you on youtube STALKING all competitors as I have entered myself into this madness….Your journey is inspiring to me..and I seriously can not wait to hear the drama! haha I find myself crying during freaking workouts so I can’t imagine being up there…I too have always wanted to see if I was capable of pushing my body…I am 9 weeks out and I am literally freaking out!!! Thank you for sharing…Love you lady! and keep inspiring us all. Now back to my rice cakes ;O)
Shana
ColorBlind
Cassey you rocked it out! You looked better than all the girls you featured in my opinion, but I guess that is based on my aesthetics. The girl who won looked REALLY fake, and those boobs were not cute at all (I don’t mean to be mean, I’m just stating my truth). I am happy that you chose to represent a real natural woman, and what the perfect “bikini” body should be for a general level. I am also happy that the girl who won wasn’t totally super buff and abnormal (really only her boobs were out of wack, everything else actually wasn’t bad). So glad you were up there to represent us REAL girls- power to you!
I agree with everyone. You are so much more beautiful than any of the other girls. And fake boobs aren’t attractive!! You’re beautiful and I aspire to have a body like yours! You’re amazing Cassey!! You’re the winner in our hearts haha!!
Okay so there is no nice way to say this… but I wanted a man’s opinion on who was better. Well since my husband is a man’s man… he is a Marine and hot if you ask me. Anywho I asked him who he would rather poke… you or the winner. Without hesitation he picked you. His words exactly… “I am a boobs guy, but she looks like a woman.” “The other one not so much.” “So yeah… the asian.” I know that is not really a compliment, but trust me it is. I just don’t see how you didn’t win, the other girls are gross and kinda trashy.
you looked fab ! ant beleive how much the effort you put in paid off !!!! i will deffo be doing more of your videos to have a hot bikini body this summer
Cassey,
I was originally upset and generally an unsupportive fan of your journey. It made me nervous that someone as radiant and beautiful as yourself would undergo extreme alterations in the name of competition. After seeing your pictures here, I realized something. You are 100x prettier and better looking than anyone else you took pictures with. Lopsided implants are not an attractive look. You look natural, healthy and radiant. They look deformed. I hate to be judgemental towards the other competitors, but wow. I had no idea just how bad it was.
You are amazing. I’m glad you are back to your non-orange self and eating carbs again. If I were a judge, you would have won.
I think the other girls lookd alright not really a real bikini body I prefer yours more than the winner your legs looked way more toned. But it’s so nice you took us with you and I am inspired to set a goal and train hard to get it. Prob not a bikini body but something I’ll be happy with thanks Cassey and I’m excited for your next video!!!
Girl, you are amazing!! Congrats for all the effort that you put on your goal, you were amaaaazing, and in my opinion your body rock more than the others!!
Have a hug from Mexico, and keep rocking :)
You are a vision and an inspiration. The photo of your dad at the end especially made me smile.
I too think you looked the most “real” (oompa loompa tan aside, which is apparently a requirement anyway!) Did all those other competitors have fake porn star boobs?? It kind of looked like it..and no offense to them, since I’m sure some of them were quite nice…I was surprised how unattractive everyone else was!! Congratulations on meeting your goal!
First off, you look fabulous- so much more natural (minus the mega tan) compared to the other girls! Also, did you say DVD?!?! When is this happening, I must know.
I just wanted to say that since I found your videos, I have been so inspired by your energy and outlook on everything and of course your rockin’ body :) I now love working out in my room in between studying for exams.
xoxo from Australia
Cassey, I’m glad you’re not too bummed about not making top 5 but if the pictures were ANY indication of your competition in your class, you’d EASILY win in my book!
So happy to finally be able to read about the competition! You did great! Thanks for taking us all along for the journey.
I have to admit I am a bit disappointed that the focus on this competition is looks. I thought you were so cute and healthy looking before, but still fit and had a body to be envied. I just don’t like how you did all this for aesthetic, not for health. It’s great to strive for something and to accomplish it, but did it have to be something so superficial?
Yay! looks like you had a wonderful time. So nice to see all the lovely support and surprise faces to bring smiles to you on the big day. What a lovely family you have! You’re mum and dad look so lovely, and remind me of mine (who are back in NZ) That same lovely calm care, sense of fun and pride for a child grown who is well loved.
I really think your figure looked best! lovely, trim but not manly (but shapely feminine and refined – so a very good balance between lean and strong. Both you and kit have done well!) i think mostly you though hehehe after all you had to eat the same food each day and do all the work!
as I still think we girlies look better with our nice curves but a little muscle (for when we need it :OP) so you have worked towards and achieved a beautiful aesthetic! am so happy for you.
Cassey! I honestly think you have the better body compared to the other bikini fitness competitors! Beautiful! Congrats! Is there anyway you could post more about all of the training and nutrition stuff that got you this far? I’d love to follow in your footsteps!
I love that yellow and grey bikini where is it from? And yes I will ask on youtube as well =)
Congrats!
You looked fantastic. Of course, everyone’s ideals of beauty are different, and I so admire the other women for working their ass off to look like they did, but personally, I prefer your toned body to their more muscular ones.
P.S. Your dad is adorable; you totally inherited your features from him!
I’m a big fan and I think you look amazing! Any negativity from others come from people that can’t do what you do. You are amazing, with amazing energy and discipline. As a fitness instructor, the best thing you can do is motivate people and you do just that! Keep your head up and continue doing what you do!
Ah yes fake tanning for competition, had the same problem in competitive Irish dancing. Is it just expected that you’ll be tan or is it an actual requirement?? I’m terribly allergic to sunless tanners, three years of hives for dance before we figured it out, and then they made me wear tan tights! I understand a healthy moisturized glow when you’re showing a lot of skin, but why the heavy orange fake glow! Le sigh.
You looked amazing. And your bikini definitely outclassed the other ones, good choice. Congratulations!
Uh you need more upper body as in boobs? Coz the winner only had more boobs than you I think. I think you have a better bikin body… Well at least to my standards.
I honestly think you look the most ‘real’ out of everyone you had pictures of! Like you look super fit but not overboard like some of the other girls. I’m glad you came out with as good of an attitude as you went in with, even though you were top 5. That shows a lot about you. Looking forward to the vlog!
Agree!!
You look absolutely great! I love how “natural” you look compared to the other competitors, if you know what I mean! I’m inspired!
Congrats Cass, that must have been crazy adventure :)
Congratulations Cassey!! So amazing!!!
yay you’re legs looks amazing! good job!
Congrats on achieving your goal, Cassey! It must be a wonderful feeling. Your dedication is so inspiring :)
1st of all..Congrats Cassey!
Ur determination inspired all of us..Ur already a winner 2 me. Admire ur guts being able to strut on stage. Not everyone can pull that off my dear.
Lurve u loads keep us updated s usual. Miss ur workout. Lastly u definitely look alike more to ur Dad.
Biggest Fan Fm Singapore:)
Definitely agree with lots of what’s been said! You looked gorgeous Cassey! I loved how fit and sexy you looked but definitely kept it natural… and you totally rocked the cheetah! You’re such an inspiration, and have totally put the idea in my head to try it out the whole competition thing to see what it’s all about, haha. Looks like you had a blast!
ahhhh casey you looked so much better than those other girls although you are sooo skinny! they all looked so fake.
so glad this thing is over though. didn’t seem healthy at all
Im SOOOO proud of you Cassey! Congrats!!!
Hey Casey,
Came across your blog and I am inspired by all your content and the things you do. Would love for you to check us out, we share the same enthusiasm for Pilates and all things healthy lifestyle! XO http://www.corepilatesnw.blogspot.com/
Good job Cassey! Your parents are soooo cute and you look like you dad.