“Holy Cow!!”  That’s what IFBB Fitness Pro Tanya Merryman said when she was informed that the Flex Swimsuit Issue in which she is featured along with a number of IFBB Pro’s has hit the newsstand. “I got it from Flex but I didn’t realize it was hitting the shelves already.  I will email all the ladies right now!” said the Crunch Fitness exercise instructor. 

The pictures of all the girls are quite beautiful, sexy and classy at the same time.  It is an excellent job by the Flex Staff and all the models.  They should all be quite proud.  “I tried to give a lot of different looks,” said Tanya, “but you never know how it will turn out or what they will pick.  I’m pretty excited about it!”  Asked if she was as nervous about the issue coming out as she gets before competing she replied. “You and Gilda (her choreographer) are the only ones who know how nervous I get before a show!”   

The fact is, for as many accomplishments as she has, Tanya is quite down to earth and easy going if you get to know her.  From a distance with all the things she’s done in the industry she may be presumed to be some type of self-focused diva by onlookers.  The truth is she is driven to excel by the fact that she never sees herself as being good enough.  She has worked longer and harder than most to keep improving and has set goals that even intimidate her.  That keeps her driving forward.  When asked about her last place finish at the 2008 Arnold she said with a smile. “That was fine.  I knew that physique wise I was still coming down so I couldn’t fill out the way I normally would.  Then when I hurt my hamstring again and had to alter my routine I knew I wasn’t going to be my best so I just rolled with it.  I’ve been last before.  I finished in 20th place at Fitness America and then came back to win after having Josh so I know I can always do better.  I think I like being the underdog.” 

As to her plans for this year, “I just want to establish myself as a quality pro competitor and compete at my best.  I am hard in training now and I hope my injuries are behind me.  I will do Fitness at the Europa Show in Texas and then probably do figure at the Tournament of Champions.  After that we’ll see.  I’m not focusing on getting into the Olympia at this point but on being the best I can be and then hopefully good things will happen.  I feel I need to prove myself onstage again and then hopefully that will lead to another invitation to the Arnold.  I am looking forward to the Europa.  I have had some pretty good luck in Texas!” 

Until then the extremely goal oriented Mrs. Merryman can enjoy her multiple page coverage in Flex.  “All the girls look great, it was a lot of fun and I feel really fortunate to be included.” 

Tanya took the time recently to send birthday wishes out to me. 

“See, not many people get to see your normal, sweet and humble side, they think you’re just a diva,” I kidded.

“OK, I will have to start practicing on the “sweet and humble” part.  Did you cover that in the Bodysport modeling workshop?” 

“Yes, we did. Timea and Elaine addressed it.”

“Damn, I guess I’ll have to go to the next one!”