02/11/2026
FITNESS ATLANTIC 2027 — IT'S MORE THAN JUST GETTING READY FOR A SHOW!
Workshops are back, teams are forming, and contestants are already preparing for April 2027!
I've been getting more questions lately about finding coaches, attending workshops, and how to get started with Fitness Atlantic.
One question that comes up quite often is, "Brian, who would you recommend as a coach?"
That's not always an easy question to answer because there are so many different trainers and coaches out there.
But I can tell you what I personally look for and why some coaches have always stood out to me.
WHY I LIKE WORKING WITH LOCAL COACHES WHO KNOW FITNESS ATLANTIC
Some of my favorite coaches are actually former Fitness Atlantic contestants.
Not simply because they've competed in the WBFF or because they know the brand.
It's because they genuinely love the Fitness Atlantic experience.
They've been on our stage. They've experienced the nerves, the preparation, the friendships, the excitement, and everything that comes with show weekend.
And some of them have been doing this for many years.
I'm especially impressed by coaches who worked their way up through the sport. People who competed in some of the biggest shows, didn't always place well when they started, but kept coming back, kept improving, and eventually worked their way toward the top.
Those are the stories I really appreciate.
They understand that competing isn't always about winning your first show.
They understand what it takes to improve, how to handle disappointment, and how rewarding it can be to accomplish something you've worked toward for months or even years.
That's the kind of experience I love seeing passed along to new contestants.
NOT EVERYTHING SHOULD BE ABOUT WINNING A PRO CARD
Something else I've noticed over the years is how much emphasis some people place on trying to find the easiest path to winning.
Which division has the fewest contestants? Which class gives someone the best chance of earning a Pro Card? How can we strategize to win?
I understand that people want to do well. Of course they do!
And there's nothing wrong with wanting to become a professional.
But I don't believe that should be the entire reason someone chooses a division or enters Fitness Atlantic.
I'd much rather see someone enter the division that truly suits them, prepare to the best of their ability, and enjoy the experience.
A great coach should help you become your best, not simply look for the smallest class to enter.
Some of the contestants I respect most didn't start at the top. They earned their way there over time.
And those journeys often make the best stories.
THE 2027 TEAMS ARE ALREADY GETTING STARTED!
It's exciting to see how early some teams are preparing this year.
Jamie Zonfrilli is already booked up with clients, and I've started seeing photos of her contestants meeting with suit designer La Diva Designs.
We're still months away from the show, and they're already planning their stage looks!
I was also talking with Veronique and reminded her, "Don't forget to work with Karina's girls from New York!"
She replied that we need Shannon Petralito, too!
And I couldn't help thinking about the years when Massachusetts would bring some really big teams to Fitness Atlantic.
Those teams always added so much energy to the event.
It's great to see coaches, contestants, designers, and teams connecting again as everyone starts preparing for 2027.
THE BEST TEAMS CREATE MEMORIES OUTSIDE THE GYM
Here's something I don't think people consider enough when choosing a coach.
What kind of experience are you going to have with the team?
Some of my favorite coaches don't just prepare people physically. They bring everyone together.
They organize group photo shoots, help each other with their stage presentation, travel together, support one another backstage, and celebrate together after the show.
I remember walking past the Vista Lounge at Mohegan Sun one night after Fitness Atlantic several years ago.
There was a whole group of contestants dancing, laughing, and having an incredible time.
It was Coach Matt and his team from CKO Kickboxing!
I remember looking over and thinking, "Look how much fun they're having together!"
And that memory has stayed with me.
Because when those contestants look back at their Fitness Atlantic experience years later, I doubt they'll only remember what place they finished.
They'll remember the preparation, the friendships, the photo shoots, the excitement of stepping on stage, and probably that night dancing with their teammates at Mohegan Sun.
That's what I want people to experience at Fitness Atlantic.
Of course, you want to look your best and do well on stage. But I also want people to leave with memories they'll enjoy for years.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT COACH?
If someone you trust recommends a coach, that's a great place to start.
If there's an experienced coach close to where you live, that can make preparing and practicing much easier.
But choosing someone simply from a list of names isn't always easy.
That's why we've added information about trainers, coaches, and teams to our new Fitness Atlantic website.
Visit www.fitnessatlantic.com and check out our Trainers & Coaches page.
Take some time to learn about the people who have been part of the Fitness Atlantic community.
And remember, the right coach for you isn't necessarily the person with the most trophies. It's someone whose experience, personality, coaching style, and approach match what you're hoping to accomplish.
FITNESS ATLANTIC 2027 WORKSHOPS
One of the best ways to get started is to attend our workshops.
You don't have to be part of a team, and you don't need to have a coach to attend.
You can come on your own, meet other contestants, ask questions, and learn more about what to expect on stage.
We'll work on posing, walking, half turns, stage presentation, and helping you look confident and natural.
2027 WORKSHOP DATES — SUNDAYS
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
January 24 — Posing, Walking, Half Turns & Stage Presentation
February 7 — Posing, Walking, Half Turns & Stage Presentation
February 28 — Posing, Walking, Half Turns & Stage Presentation
March 14 — Posing, Walking, Half Turns & Stage Presentation
March 21 — Final Workshop, including Transformation Video Filming exclusively for Transformation participants
LOCATION
Coastline Fitness
141 West Main Street
Clinton, CT 06413
WORKSHOP FEE: $40 PER WORKSHOP
Cash or check at the door.
No advance payment required. Attend one workshop or as many as you'd like. Each workshop is paid separately.
And don't worry if you're a complete beginner. That's one of the main reasons we offer these workshops!
HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR HOTEL ROOM YET?
I mentioned this in a previous email, but it's worth repeating.
When someone tells me they're thinking about entering Fitness Atlantic, one of the very first things I recommend is booking their hotel room.
Why?
Because it puts the weekend on your calendar and turns the idea of competing into something you're actually planning for.
Our 2027 format should make scheduling much easier, too!
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2027
Contestant Check-In • Athlete Meeting • Red Carpet
SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2027
12:00 PM — Transformation Show
5:00 PM — Finals Doors Open
5:30 PM — Finals Show Begins
Everything on stage happens Saturday, so you won't need to arrive at Mohegan Sun until Friday.
RESERVE YOUR MOHEGAN SUN HOTEL ROOM USING THE FITNESS ATLANTIC DISCOUNT LINK:
https://book.passkey.com/go/FITATL7
Check the available rates, deposit requirements, and cancellation policy when making your reservation.
WHAT I HOPE PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM FITNESS ATLANTIC
I've been producing Fitness Atlantic since 1999, and one of the things I've always enjoyed most is seeing people grow.
The first-time contestant who was nervous just walking into a workshop.
The person who didn't place well their first year but returned stronger and more confident.
The contestant who eventually became a professional.
And the former competitor who now brings an entire team of new people to experience the same show they once entered themselves.
That's what keeps this interesting for me.
I love seeing familiar faces return, but I also love meeting people who are just getting started.
And I especially appreciate the coaches who understand that a successful show weekend isn't measured only by trophies and Pro Cards.
It's also about the people you meet, the goals you accomplish, the confidence you build, and the memories you take home.
So whether you're preparing with a coach, joining a team, or simply thinking about stepping on stage for the first time, I hope you'll come out to a workshop and become part of the Fitness Atlantic community.
Let's make 2027 another great year of contestants, coaches, teams, and memories!
See you at the workshops and Mohegan Sun!
Brian Cannone
Fitness Atlantic | WBFF Pro/Am
Since 1999
www.fitnessatlantic.com
