Once Overweight And Bullied, Dina Juve Is Primed To Become The Next Fitness Star

At age six, Dina Juve spent every week at Stanford Medical Center getting blood draws and knee drains and cortisone injections for juvenile arthritis that left her inactive and heavy. She lacked the courage to step into a gym until age 25. Now 41, the mother of four is among finalists selected by Women’s Health magazine to be the Next Fitness Star.

“A lot of people think trainers are 20somethings who exercise all day. I’m a busy mom who knows what it’s like to lose 80 pounds,” Juve said. “I decided I needed to show my four-year-old son that people can change their destiny. We worked out together.”

Women’s Health received thousands of submissions and selected five finalists for the 3rd Annual Next Fitness Star competition.  Others are from Kentucky, Arizona, New York and Redondo Beach, Calif.

They’re featured on the flip cover of the July/August issue, which hits newsstands nationwide June 30.  The winner will be selected by a panel of celebrity judges and public votes cast online from now until August 1. Votes may be cast daily.

The winner will be announced on The Today Show.

Kyle Brown featured Juve on his ESPN Radio show “The Empower Hour” in San Diego because “she gives hope to women who are sometimes discouraged.”

As co-founder of the FitnessSocial Studio in Fresno, Calif., Juve has also developed online programs and a support network for a fast-growing client base from throughout the country.

“Dina helped me lose 28 pounds,” said business partner Melissa Oberti. “The weight stays off.”

Client Marlene Montero, 48, of Fresno said, “Dina Juve is challenging without judgment.”

Juve has worked through spinal stenosis and autoimmune disease while spending 12 years in health and fitness.

“Once your mind believes you can do it, your body will do it,” she said.

Juve is a Certified Kettlebell Instructor, Battling Ropes Coach, TRX trainer and Barre instructor. She is an ambassador for lululemon athletica, creator of the popular “Lean Out Cleanse & Slim Down Program” and is currently enrolled with Deepak Chopra at the Chopra Center in the Perfect Health Teacher Training program.

The Women’s Health contest winner will star in her own fitness DVD and become a contributor to the magazine.

Vote for Dina Juve at thenextfitnessstar.com.