Melissa Hall — October 2012

How She Got Her Start:

With her impressive competitive history, her return to the stage comes as no surprise. Formerly Miss Minnesota USA and a Minnesota Vikings pro cheerleader, Melissa was first inspired to compete in fitness when she saw the Fitness America pageant on ESPN. She ended up competing in that very show, and a few years later, in 2005, claimed the title of Ms. Bikini Universe.

On Coming Back:

“It’s kind of like coming out of retirement,” says Melissa, who competed in the WBFF World Championship this past August for the first time since 2008 as a Diva Bikini Pro. “After everything that has happened, to have the opportunity to come back is amazing.”

How She’s Training:

Contest prep is never easy, but now, with two kids, a personal training business and a post-baby body, it’s been more challenging than ever for Melissa. Luckily, her husband – who happens to be famed fitness personality Tony Little – set up a gym in their garage so she never has to miss a workout. “I’ve had to do more weight training to get back the muscle I’ve lost over the years, but I’ve enjoyed it. When people ask if I’ve had a tummy tuck, I can say, ‘No, I’ve worked hard.’”

Secret Weapon:

One training technique has sculpted her upper body and tightened her physique more than ever. “I’m loving TRX,” she says. “I can do a full cardio-circuit workout in 30 minutes. It’s working smarter, not harder."

Life With Tony:

What’s it like being married to Tony Little? “He’s actually shy,” she says. “I’m louder than he is!” And while two fitness buffs under one roof can spur some friendly rivalry, their competitiveness pushes them to stay at the top of their games. “When I was training for the Oxygen shoot, he started training harder. When I see him getting leaner, I start eating those sweet potatoes too!”

Cover Girl Quick Facts:

Age: 39

Sign: Capricorn

Height: 5'-6"

Weight: 123 lbs

Location: Tampa, FL

Nickname: Mel

Biggest fear: “Scuba diving”

Article of clothing she craves: “Her True Religion jeans.”

Team she cheers for: “Green Bay Packers”

Product she can’t live without: “Mascara.”

Favorite travel destination: “One&Only Ocean Club in Nassau, Bahamas (where she and Tony were married)”

Mel’s Meal Plan

How this model mom fuels her day.

Melissa's Salad Solution

Pressed for time? Shred some cold chicken from the fridge and mix up this satisfying salad in no time flat.

Quick Chinese Chicken Salad Ready in 10 minutes • Makes 1 serving

1–2 cups mixed greens 1 skinless chicken breast, shredded ¼ cup crispy rice noodles 1 tbsp. sunflower seeds ¼ cup dried, unsweetened cranberries 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette dressing In a bowl, top greens with chicken, noodles, seeds and berries. Drizzle with dressing, toss and serve. Nutrients per serving: Calories: 390, Total Fats: 17 g, Saturated Fat: 2.5 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 70 mg, Sodium: 470 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 28 g, Dietary Fiber: 8 g, Sugars: 10 g, Protein: 31 g, Iron: 3 mg

Playlist

Melissa’s taste in music is a lot like her training style – a mix of old school and new. Check out the tracks that get her going in the gym! 

1. OMG (feat. will.i.am) / Usher Download Download 2. Only Girl (In the World) / Rihanna Download Download 3. Feel So Close (Radio Edit) / Calvin Harris Download Download 4. Mama Said Knock You Out / LL Cool J Download Download 5. Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj) / David Guetta Download Download 6. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' / Michael Jackson Download Download 7. Super Bass / Nicki Minaj Download Download 8. Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) / Beyoncé Download Download 9. Pretty Wings (Uncut) / Maxwell Download Download 10. Doin' It / LL Cool J Download Download