Some of the world’s finest athletes will take the Midland Theatre stage by storm this weekend, as the WBFF Central US Fitness Show returns to Kansas City. (Poster courtesy of the WBFF Central US Fitness Show)
By: Jacob Elyachar
On Saturday, the WBFF (World Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation) will invade the Midland Theater in Kansas City, Missouri.
This marks the third time that the WBFF Central US Fitness Show has visited the Kansas City area and multiple competitors are hoping to not only to take home the top prizes in five categories: Bikini Model, Male Fitness Model, Female Fitness Model, Muscle Model and Figure, but to earn their pro statues as well.
“We wanted to show a different type of competition show in Kansas City,” said Micah Lacerte, a WBFF Pro & the organization’s Midwest Regional Co-Director. “If you go to the typical bodybuilding shows, they are very similar across the organizations, but if you go see a WBFF show, it is fashion meets fitness.”
Among the competitors that will be taking the stage on Saturday includes Hitch Fit trainer Ellie Gundelfinger, who entered the show because she wanted to challenge herself.
“I wanted to get up onstage to prove to myself that I could do something that was outside my comfort zone.” Said Gundelfinger.
Another factor that was important to her decision to enter the competition was what the female competitors do during the show.
“I saw all of the YouTube videos and saw how much fun the girls had on stage.” Gundelfinger said. “They got to do the Diva walk, wear gowns and feel like a Victoria’s Secret model.”
When Gundelfinger first stood on the WBFF Central US Fitness Show stage, she noticed a surprising transformation.
“I am normally a very free-spirited person,” Gundelfinger said. “But when I got onto stage, a diva personality took over. I walked like I never walked before and I posed. It was a great experience for me.”
Another competitor and fellow Hitch Fit trainer, Sean Van Horn, competed in multiple bodybuilding shows before participating in the WBFF show, stated that there was one overall factor that helped him make his decision to enter the contest.
“The judges do not judge just your body,” said Van Horn. “They look at the whole package (your stage presence, charisma and marketability). “
Van Horn placed in the Top Four in his category (Muscle Model) and has learned from the lessons from his last show to help him prepare for his second go-around.
“I really feel like that this will be the year I will get my pro status and take the Muscle Model category.” Van Horn said. “You never know who is going to show up, but I am bringing my very best.”
In addition to the Muscle Model category, Van Horn also set his eyes on another special award.
“The WBFF Central Show has an award for Best Stage Presence.” Van Horn said. “I have been practicing my special moves that I will be doing on stage and how I want to energize the crowd.”
But Van Horn is not the only competitor that has his eyes on one of the WBFF Central Show’s prizes and improving their placing in the show.
“Last year, I placed in the Top 10.” Gundelfinger said. “I want to not only place in the Top 10 again, but I want to show off some more confidence on stage this year.”
However, both Hitch Fit trainers face some stiff competition in order to reach their goals.
“We expect over 200 athletes from around the globe to be on stage.” Lacerte said. “This is an awesome event that we (wife and WBFF Midwest Regional Co-Director, Diana Chaloux) love doing. There is simply nothing like it (The WBFF) out there.”
To learn more about the WBFF and the show, visit its website: http://wbffshows.com/
If you want to get tickets to the show, visit the show’s Ticketmaster page.
