Athlete Profile On Figure Competitors Megan Csanyi & Melissa Griffin

2018 CPA 'The Gym' Northern Classic

For the 17th consecutive year, the City of Fort St. John in Northern BC and promoter IFBB Pro Jeni Briscoe played host to this prestigous event.The timing of the show has always been a springboard to the next level with competitors traveling from afar to gain that qualification placing. With the move to be part of the Canadian Physique Alliance, that certainly hasn't changed. The new organization, which leads to the IFBB Pro League much like the NPC in the States is in its infancy and as such, would expect that the importance of these regional shows will be amplified after this inaugural season. With more stringent placing requirements in year two, the competitive level will increase as in the past. The beauty of the new structure is that Canadians can compete in ANY of these regional qualifiers from coast to coast. AND...that brings us to the topic at hand, where a one-two Alberta punch took the Figure Category by storm! Competing in the same Novice and Open Classes, Megan Csanyi and Melissa Griffin placed 1st and 2nd respectively, with Megan following up with the Overall Crown. Both were perfectly dialed in for the show leaving nothing to chance! From capped delts, the "ideal" muscle definition/separation for the category and posing/presentation on point, a recipe for success! A nice coincidence that we had scheduled a gym shoot for the following day, but not at all surprised that these ladies were on a mission to make a statement here and take advantage of every opportunity.

Megan's Journey:

"Born and raised with competition in my blood, I grew up playing a variety of sports that kept my competitive attitude afloat. After moving from my hometown in southern Ontario to Edmonton at 19, I switched gears from team sports and took on marathon training. I completed my first half-marathon in August 2016 in Santa Rosa, California, where I placed 14th out of over 200 runners in my age category. Although documented as a success, I quickly realized that at only 5'3", I have far from a "runner's stride" and it was game-over when I decided to pick up some weights.

I started weight training seriously about two years ago, with no intention of competing; I simply wanted to stay fit, healthy, and happy. I made the decision in 2017 to prep for a photoshoot, and I quickly became addicted to the process. From fasted cardio, to a strict diet, this was a test of my strength, determination, and willpower. Not long after my photoshoot, the stage was calling my name, and that was my goal for 2018.

Going into prep this year, I was beyond ready. I had a goal, and I was ready to do what it took to achieve it. I fell in love with the principle of competing against myself; becoming stronger than yesterday and better than last year. I knew I was committed to competing for the right reasons, making prep the most enjoyable 16 weeks of my life. The early mornings, the absence of peanut butter, the cravings, the insomnia; I wouldn't change any of it because I knew it was worth it. If there is any advice I could offer any aspiring competitor; make sure you're ready. Ready mentally, and ready physically. Why are you competing? This sport is you against you; it's about being better than you were yesterday, last month, last year, and the only person in control of that, is you."

Melissa's Journey:

"Fitness and healthy living have been a huge part of my life since I was a child. It all began with competitive sports in grade school. A monster was born and took years to develop into what she is now, mind and body. I feel at home when I am at the gym, throwing a 1-2 into a punching bag, sprinting on a track or on the court playing competitive sports. It’s been a part of my heart and soul for years. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I started this fitness journey many years ago with the goal in mind of getting to the stage. I’ve always strived to be better and stronger than I was before, pushing to be stronger than the other girls. That competitor in me (with others and oneself) has never died. She’s still in there and she’s a force to be reckoned with. Before you start your fitness journey, ask yourself one question…why are you doing this? What is the core reason in your heart and soul. Seeing the numbers drop on the scale is great! Do NOT get me wrong, but why are you really doing it? I believe that everyone is truly trying to live the longest, happiest, strongest, healthiest life possible, and that’s why I do this. You have to reach down into your heart, into that soft spot full of emotions, and find your motivation, your core reason to why you are here in this moment. Superficial goals can only take you so far, it won’t pick you up when you fall hard, when you lose, it won’t power your through all the successes and failures along the way. If you’re going to last a week, a month, a year, your life…we need to start setting stronf goals from the beginning. What motivates you? My search for something more has led me here, today, on this journey to my first bodybuilding competition. This is my story."

Megan and Melissa met in August of 2017 at of all places, the gym. They hit it off with the "are you competing" conversation, and at the time neither of them had firm plans. While both were following strict off-season training plans and diets, Megan and Melissa eventually committed to competing together. Although competing 'against' one another, the pair were inseparable and remained genuine in their friendship. Despite their competitive nature, the dynamic duo considered it a win to simply stand on stage together, regardless of the results. As Megan mentioned, "It really doesn't matter what the judges decide; just being here with my best friend and knowing we got to the stage together, is a win in my books."

The pair certainly made a statement in BC, but what's their next mission? Will they continue to compete together? While Megan and Melissa cannot yet confirm their next show date, they can confirm that they will appear as a pair in 2019.

For more information on the Canadian Physique Alliance and more photos from this event, visit:

http://www.canadianphysiquealliance.com/

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