ALEA SUAREZ

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Resides: Austin, TX
Height: 5'4”
Contest Weight: 116
Occupation: Owner/founder Tigress-Dragon Bootcamp, dance instructor/choreographer, ACE certified
fitness instructor, personal trainer, IFBB Fitness Pro

Alea Suarez was born and raised in San Diego, CA to a multi-cultural family. She was half tom-boy and half girly playing sports & skateboarding with the boys while also taking ballet, tap & jazz classes. Alea was very active but also a chubby kid. Her Grandfather affectionately called her “Butterball”. As Alea dealt with some serious family adversities and her increasing weight, she decided to take back some control of her life and started changing her diet and exercising late in high school.

Alea had wanted to compete ever since she watched a Ms. Fitness competition on ESPN. She always practiced a healthy lifestyle teaching dance and aerobics but competing was left to the backburner because she felt she didn’t have the time or resources for it. What finally inspired her to compete was losing her best friend Cassandra 2 years ago, who died suddenly leaving two children behind. Cassandra was also a fitness advocate and always said that Alea should stop talking about competing and just do it. As a result, Alea won the 2009 NPC Texas State Bikini overall championship and has recently won her IFBB pro card at the 2009 NPC National Championships last November. Alea states, “It hasn’t been easy but as a mother of three, I know how moms can lose sight of themselves, always taking care of their loved ones first. I would like to be an inspiration to encourage other women to take care of themselves so they can always be there for their families. Losing Cassandra made me realize life is too short not to reach for the stars! “

Alea is also a licensed aesthician/make-up artist and holds a BA in Psychology with an emphasis in child development. She is into alternative medicine, holistic and organic methodologies, and has home schooled her children for 6 years. Alea is passionate about what she believes in and many times it does not fit into societal norms.  Growing up training and performing as a dancer, has greatly prepared her for this venue. Having an active family, a supportive husband who is also a fitness professional, and children who also perform in large dance productions is conducive to this type of active lifestyle.  Alea says, “Being a role model for my children is first and foremost, but I've realized the impact of being an IFBB professional.  I have an opportunity to reach out to other women who find it difficult to fit fitness into their lives.  I was always driven to rise above my personal adversities and it carries on throughout my life.  I just want to convey to people with similar situations that they can rise above what they face and fitness is a great vehicle for that.”

Contest History:
2009 NPC Texas State Championships class B 1st & Overall
2009 NPC National Championships class C 1st Pro Card*