Women's Health Magazine Announces Top Five Finalists For 2nd Annual "Next Fitness Star" Competition

NEW YORK, June 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Women's Health, the leading national and international women's health and wellness magazine, announces today that it will reveal the top five finalists for its 2^nd annual "Next Fitness Star" competition, a nationwide search for the ultimate personal trainer, in the July/August 2014 issue. After reviewing thousands of submissions, the talented trainers will appear on the flip cover of the magazine and share their best fitness tips in issue. The winner will star in her own workout DVD series produced by Rodale Inc. and receive a full marketing and promotional plan to build their brand, including a feature in Women's Health.

Women's Health launched the first-ever Next Fitness Star competition in 2013 to find the next face of fitness, scouring the U.S. for the best up-and-coming trainer. Minneapolis native Stacie Clark was crowned the winner in the first year, and as a result, her Power Sculpt DVD series is the second best selling DVD in Rodale history.

This year, finalists will be judged based on workout concept, fitness ability and aptitude, marketability, social media following and personality.  Women's Health produced custom videos showcasing the trainers; readers and fans can vote for their favorite from June 24-August 1^st via www.thenextfitnessstar.com.

"This year's finalists all possess the qualities it takes to be a star trainer—solid expertise, a dynamic personality, and the ability to motivate people to improve their lives," says Women's Health Editor-in-Chief, Michele Promaulayko. "We are really excited to see who America crowns the winner!"

Women's Health has also enlisted an elite panel of judges to weigh in on selecting the winner including Chris Powell, star trainer of ABC's Extreme Weight  Loss and bestselling author of Choose More, Lose More for Life; Brook Burke-Charvet, actress, fitness instructor and designer for Caelum Lifestyle; Amy Robach, ABC's Good Morning America News Anchor; and Women's Health Editor-in-Chief, Michele Promaulayko.  The combined judging panel and fan votes will determine the winner who will be announced live on ABC's Good Morning America in August 2014.

To view the finalist videos and vote head to www.TheNextFitnessStar.com.  Follow us on twitter @womenshealthmag and on Facebook #FitnessStar for updates.

Meet the Next Fitness Star Finalists:

Amy Kiser; Los Angeles, CA:  A passionate trainer with over 10 years experience. She believes in time-efficient workouts and positive reinforcement – and that exercise shouldn't add stress to your life. In addition to specializing in circuit training, Amy is an expert in Mat Pilates, Kettlebell, Practical Yoga, Sports Specific Training, TRX, and Nutrition. A lifelong athlete, Amy has competed in half marathons, marathons, triathlons, and more.

Emily Schromm; Denver, CO:  A reality star turned CrossFit competitor and trainer who's all about serving up comfort-zone-smashing workouts. Emily employs a fundamental approach to training that teaches her clients to be a success in and out of the gym. Whether you're improving your deadlift, slimming your waistline, or just getting into a workout routine, Emily seeks to help you conquer your goals.

Idalis Velazquez; Fort Lauderdale/Miami, FL: A former track athlete sidelined by injury who turned her comeback into her calling, Idalis Velazquez shows women the best way to reach their fitness goals. The owner of IV Fitness LLC, and creator of PowerUp60 training method, Idalis is a dedicated trainer and online coach with one mission: To help you live life in shape.

Katie Yip; New York, NY: From an athletic background, Katie began her training at SSC Gym in San Diego with Chris Robinson, and completed her apprenticeship under Brooke Siler and Cary Regan at re:AB Pilates in NYC. Katie is a graduate of the University of California San Diego where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Physiology & Neuroscience. She is currently a Master's Candidate in Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology at Columbia University.

Noell Yanik; Fort Mill, SC:  The Charlotte based trainer developed a unique strength-training-meets-yoga training model. The confidence Noell found in fitness allowed her to take a leap of faith and quit her job in sales to become a personal trainer. Since becoming a personal trainer, Noell has launched Superwoman Video Series, a subscription-based online workout program.

Contact: Lindsey Benoit, Director of Communications, Women's Health-212.573.0380 [email protected]

About Women's Health: Women's Health propels 22 million consumers into action, providing the motivation and the inspiration for them to make instant, positive changes in their lives. Launched in October 2005 and published 10 times a year by Rodale Inc., Women's Health has quickly grown into a multimedia brand that includes branded books, mobile applications, and renowned events. The magazine has received numerous industry accolades including the 2011 ASME National Magazine Award in the category of General Excellence in Fashion, Service, and Lifestyle and was also nominated for the ASME of General Excellence again in 2013; nominated in 2014 for its third ASME in the Active Interest category; included on Adweek's annual Hot List two times and was nominated for a third in 2013; and was named Advertising Age's 2009 Magazine of the Year and also listed among their 2013 A-List winners. With 28 editions in 51 countries, the magazine continues to be the fastest growing women's magazine in the world. Visit www.womenshealthmag.com.

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SOURCE Women's Health