The Story of Yolie Fitness

Yolanda Hughes - Best in the Business

I work as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and health and wellness coach, at Fitness Evolution in Bellingham, Washington. 

I competed as a professional bodybuilder for 8 years and won the Ms. Universe, Ms. International 97 and 98 and placed 2nd in the Olympia in 98.

One of the most interesting and fun experiences of my professional career was my role in the movie Rollerball in 2001 - I had a blast! After my introduction to the film world thought I wanted to pursue acting however, I went out to LA and had a change of heart.

I was introduced to bodybuilding by a pro wrestler named Hillbilly Jim back in Kentucky. He spotted me practicing gymnastics and he asked me if I was interested in competing in a bodybuilding competition.

I trained for 4 weeks and placed 2nd. I thought that was good for not knowing what the heck I was doing. I just played around with the sport not really taking it seriously until I qualified for nationals. Then, I focused more seriously on my training and competed in a few national shows before I was asked to represent the United States in the World Championships where I got my pro card by winning the Universe. I retired after 8 years on the pro circuit and headed in a different direction which was opening up a pole fitness studio here in Bellingham.

​

Now, I provide personal and group fitness training as well as vertical bar/pole fitness instruction at Fitness Evolution.