Fitbliss Fitness Coach, Kassie Enriquez, earned her IFBB Fit Model Pro Card in June of 2025. Previously, Kassie had competed at the National level in Bikini. However, with the introduction of the Fit Model division, she decided to make a switch. We’ve taken the time to compile all of Kassie’s valuable insights on what it took to make her successful in this change!

1. Decision-Making with the Right Coach Makes All the Difference

When I first signed on with my coach, Carrie, back in 2022, the focus wasn’t just on stepping on stage; it was about making sure I was ready for the lifestyle that came with it. She guided me through my very first prep, and from that moment on, I fell in love with the sport. Carrie didn’t just push me through prep; she supported me through every phase of bodybuilding and life.

When the new fit model division was introduced, I brought up possibly changing divisions during my weekly check-ins. I was open about my thoughts, doubts, and feelings. Communication was everything. Carrie supported me in whatever decision I felt was best. But together, after honest conversations and looking at where I was physically and mentally, we decided that transitioning to fit model was the right move.

And now, flash forward… she helped me turn PRO. I couldn’t be more grateful for her guidance, her belief in me, and the team I have behind me. Choosing the right division mattered, but choosing the right coach mattered just as much.

2. The Mental Shift: “Am I Big or Lean Enough?”

One of the hardest parts of my journey was the mental shift I had to make when transitioning divisions. I was laser-focused on building, especially in my glutes and shoulders to match the level of muscularity needed for the national bikini stage. I took a long off-season, trained hard, and stayed committed. However, even after that, I realized I still wasn’t quite where I needed to be to compete at the national level in bikini. And that’s okay. That didn’t mean I failed; it was a redirection. After some thought, I decided to shift gears and compete in the Fit Model Division. It allowed me to showcase the hard work I had done, highlight my strengths, and present a physique that was still strong and muscular, but better aligned with the judging criteria.

3. Bikini Has Evolved

Let’s be real… bikini isn’t what it was 5 or even 10 years ago. The muscle requirement has gone way up. After my very first bodybuilding competition, I knew I wanted a future in this sport, and I dove straight into a 2+ year improvement season. (For anyone unfamiliar, that’s a phase dedicated to building muscle without worrying about staying stage lean.) But even with those gains, I had to be honest with myself: my structure and genetics just weren’t lining up with what was needed to be competitive at the national level in bikini. I was discouraged at first, no sugar-coating that. But that feeling didn’t last long. That moment of honesty quickly turned into a new sense of purpose. I started to fall in love with the look I had built and felt proud of what my body was truly capable of. It wasn’t about falling short; it was about finding the division that celebrated my strengths.

4. The Details Matter: Posing and Presentation

One of the biggest differences in switching divisions? The suits. Bikini is all about the sparkle and glam. But in the fit model division, sparkle is actually not allowed. The suit must have 50% glute coverage, offering more modesty in the back. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how confident I felt, even with the change of suits.

But the biggest challenge? The posing. I had spent years practicing my bikini routine. Starting from scratch was humbling. It felt awkward at first, but I committed to extra hours of practice: posing, posing, posing. Week by week, I grew more confident. I started to feel the flow of the new routine and, honestly, loved showing off a new side of my physique and stage presence.

5. Lifestyle and Longevity: What’s Sustainable?

One of the biggest questions I asked myself was: “Where do I want to be in five years?”

I love food. I love to travel. And I love spending time with my friends and family. While you can absolutely have those things in bikini, I felt like I had to be “on” all year long to chase the size and conditioning it required. With fit model, my current level of muscle and shape felt like a great foundation. It became more about fine-tuning, rather than chasing more. And that’s what felt sustainable for me.

I want to build a lifestyle that supports my long-term goals, not just in bodybuilding, but in life. One of those goals is starting a family. I knew I didn’t want to put myself through extreme protocols that might compromise that. The fit model division gives me room to thrive both as an athlete and as a person with a life outside of the stage.

Conclusion

My message to you: No matter where you are in your journey, whether you’re just starting out or thinking about switching divisions, remember that your path is your own. What matters most is choosing the division that aligns with your physique, your goals, and your lifestyle. For me, moving from bikini to fit model wasn’t just a physical shift, it was a decision rooted in self-awareness, sustainability, and what lights me up both on and off the stage. I hope sharing my experience helps you feel more confident in choosing the path that’s right for you. Trust your gut, do the work, and don’t be afraid to evolve.

Apply to work with Kassie!