Home: Millburn, NJ
Gig: HR manager
Age: 34 Height: 5’7” Weight: 145 lb

Growing up: Alison was always bouncing off the walls. “As a kid I tried every sport I could fit into my schedule.” A good thing, considering her diet was anything but a healthy balance. “The profiles of most fitness women talk about how they grew up eating healthy with their families; I grew up eating pizza and drinking soda.”

Into the game: It wasn’t until she reached adulthood that she made a conscious effort to eat well. Nowadays, Alison is all about moderation, realizing she can fine-tune her body in a healthy way to get the results she desires. “As I have gotten older and more aware of my needs, I have seen my body get pudgy when I start eating badly and get lean when I keep my eating clean and my workouts strong.”

Favorite physical feature: “It’s my smile; when I’m happy, I can’t suppress my smile at all!”

Home: Miami, FL
Gig: Middle school teacher
Age: 27 Height: 5’4” Weight: 113 lb

Finding drive: Mariela was an athlete in high school, but when she entered college she lost the drive to work out. “Three years ago I challenged myself to live a healthy lifestyle. I completely changed my eating habits and fitness program.” Finding added inspiration from role models like Oxygen cover sensation Fran Dennis, she began her transformation to a stronger body.

High sights: Mariela hopes her newfound self-confidence will inspire other women to follow her path. Whether she’s leaving the gym after a workout or hitting the last few strides of an outdoor jog, Mariela finds a sense of accomplishment knowing “it hasn’t been easy, but I’ve done it myself.”

Favorite physical feature: “My biceps and my abs, because they are very defined.”