Elise Firestone

Wednesday March 04, 2015

Meet Lift for Life Model of the Month Elise Firestone, an athlete who knows that life's most difficult challenges are not what we experience in the gym.

To many, the vibrant glow, perfect smile and flawless curves of a figure competitor are the epitome of health and vitality. Though Elise bears these signature trademarks with flawless ease, inside she is fighting a battle that most figure competitors can never comprehend.

At 19 years of age, Elise was diagnosed with a condition known as primary pulmonary hypertension, a rare lung disorder in which the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery rises far above normal levels for no apparent reason. Though symptoms of this condition can vary from mild to life threatening, Elise wasn't about to throw in the towel. In her heart she is a fighter, in her body she is an athlete, in her spirit she is a competitor, and nothing, not even a disease was going to keep her from reaching her goal.

"It took me 3 extra years to get to the stage after being diagnosed with a rare pulmonary disease and escaping an abusive relationship.

I finally did it!"

Elise Firestone glamour pic

One need only look at the determination in her eyes to know that Elise can do anything that she sets her mind to accomplish, or, in her own words - "conquer a dream".

And conquer she did!

Many use illness as an excuse to be sedentary, preferring the comfort of assistance to the pain of resistance. Elise chose the path of resistance, training diligently, ploughing through obstacles until at last the lights finally came on and she found herself on stage for the first time in 2006. It had taken her an extra three years of sweat, hard work and discipline to get there, and in that shining moment she claimed a prize far greater than any trophy, she had become a role model to those whose dream falters under the burden of illness.

Punctuating her accomplishment as a figure competitor, Elise is also a certified personal trainer, group aerobics instructor and licensed esthetician. Her skills as a trainer and cosmetic artist are evidenced not only in her piercing gaze and tightly honed physique, but in the confident appearance of the clients who trust in her talents.

Because of her unwavering commitment to physical excellence, her dedication to a cause and her ability to motivate and inspire others, Lift for Life.com is honored to feature Elise Firestone as the Figure Model of the Month.

To learn more about Elise, please visit her personal website at www.elisefirestone.com

Elise Firestone figure competitor