The term “� tness model” has many meanings depending on whom you ask. If you ask a competitor, it is a form of competition. If you ask a professional model, itis a job. If you ask a � tness related company, it is someone that is hired to make theirproducts look good. I have been a competitor and working as a � tness model for over 10 years and have my own de� nition of what I view a � tness model to be. A � tness model is someone who wants to set a standard for living a life of � tness and leads by example as a positive role model. It is not someone who is just looking to see what they can

get from theindustry, such as magazine covers or supplement deals, but someone who tries to see what they can give back to the industry. A true � tness model is a role model of � tness that doesn’t just talk the talk, but walks thewalk. This is what I aspire to be in the industry. Last year, I was given the biggest honour of my career, when I was named the #1 FitnessModel in Canada by Inside Fitness Magazine and graced the cover of their � rst ever “Hot and Fit 100” issue. After working hard for 10 years in the industry and staying dedicated

to my personal � tness, it was wonderful to be shown this type of recognition. I have always made � tness a part of my life for the true love of the game and not to see how many covers I could get. So, to have Canada’s #1 Fitness Magazine grant me such a high honour really meant the world to me. Being granted this distinction last year has brought forth many career opportunities. It inspired me to follow my dreams and develop my own

all-natural nutrition bar called the Lyzabar and create a � tness franchise of my own called the Hourglass Workout bootcamp (both launching in 2011). I do all of this in the hopes of living up to my de� nition of a true � tness model. I would like to thank Inside Fitness and their amazing team for this huge honour and for showcasing the talent Canada has to offer. To all the girls that made it on to this year’s list, a huge congratulations on being chosen as the top � tness models in Canada! This is a great achievement that you should be very proud of. To the winner of this year’s search, congratulations on this accomplishment and I wish you much success in your career as a � tness model!

INSIDEEXPERT

THE DEFINITION OF A “HOT & FIT 100” FEMALE2009 Winner Lyzabeth Lopez Tells Us What It Takes To Top the ListBy Lyzabeth Lopez

8 4 I N S I D E F I T N E S S . C A F E B / M A R 2 0 1 1

industry and staying dedicated

Lyzabeth Lopez Lyzabeth is a fi tness model, certifi ed personal trainer, aerobics and gymnas-tics instructor. Check out her website at www.LyzabethLopez.com.

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