Ripple's routines are indicative of her background in gymnastics, diving, and dance, and it is those sports that got her started in fitness.

"I needed to maintain flexibility, strength and endurance for the sports and/or art I enjoyed and competed in. There wasn't any particular individual that motivated me to get started, but numerous positive influences throughout the years who have made a powerful impact on my life to make goals, stay focused and be competitive.

"My coaches, parents, friends and teachers have all been an inspiration. Oddly enough, my lifestyle was so hectic that I was reading more about Kafka, Shakespeare and Hemingway, that it wasn't until recently I got out of my ignorant world of fitness and read about the more popular fitness competitors. I do admire Jenny Worth and Laura McGlashlan. Laura is a professional Galaxy competitor and writer for Muscle and Fitness Magazine who represents the ideal well-rounded person I would like to portray," Ripple adds.

Of course with an impressive fitness resume already, Ripple is primed to continue making an impact on the fitness world. Not only is she interested in making the top five at the Fitness America Pageant, but also wants to experiment with some Women's Tri-Fitness competitions and the Galaxy.

To do so, of course, requires a lot of dedication and time in the gym which unlike bodybuilding doesn't allow for much of an off-season.

"Is there an off season? It seems I read more when I do my cardio, swim to save my joints and find diverse outdoor activities to maintain sanity and appreciate nature, such as biking, hiking, skiing (water or snow), roller-blading, horseback riding and the list goes on!"

The 5'2" Ripple maintains a bodyweight of around 119-121 lbs. when she's not competing and takes the stage around 114-115 lbs.

"I have trained heavy in the past and unlike some people, it is easy for me to bulk. In college when trying on dresses, I could not get the zipper up the middle of my back which made me feel more manly than feminine," adds Ripple.

Of course the size might not have been something she wanted, but she enjoys the strength that it entails and her students enjoy it too – Ripple is a high school English teacher and coach, but her fun with strength happened at a much earlier age.

"I always was a show off, even in elementary school. In Kindergarten I was the only child who could climb the rope to the top! The boys I must say were impressed! I love being physically strong, but I also maintain the importance of mental, emotional, and spiritual strength. I am grateful for a healthy mind in which I find the courage and perserverance to display my physical body to the public. If anything were ever to happen to my body, such as serious injury, I recognize the importance of my other areas in life."

That kind of perspective is important for someone who works with youngsters, especially considering the message the mass media sends to young girls about body image in particular.

"Girls are more cognizant of healthy bodies and not just being slender. They recognize the fact that being healthy and athletic is just as appealing and admirable as being ideally slim, tall, or impossibly petite. The athletes I coach admire the fact that I am willing to put out the same amount of energy that I expect from them. Without having to say much at all, example is the most powerful (form of leadership)," Ripple admits.

And the response she gets from her students is a source of inspiration as well.

"My students are normally the most entertaining to hear responses from, 'Wow, Ms. Ripple! You're buff! I wouldn't want to arm wrestle you'" she adds with a smile.

And of course there are other comments when one looks at such an impressive teacher, such as from the guys who wish they had English teachers like Ripple when they were in high school. Of course women respond to her too, asking about diet and what it's like to show off so much of her body on stage in competitions and on television.

"Strangers usually guess my occupation as a personal trainer and I am always happy to say, 'No, I teach literature and coach gymnastics, dance and tennis. Why do you ask?' Ripple slyly adds.

And although she may just be a teacher and world-class athlete, Ripple isn't that different from everyone else.

"I have found in writing articles for bodybuilding.com that many people struggle with the same complex lifestyle I do, balancing their personal lives and goals with their professional. I find it easy to relate to people because I have so many interests. Its the psychology world of role conflict and discovering that happy balance."

In her down time Ripple likes to watch foreign films, and read and write poetry. Of course she also has some dreams too, like her desire to sing in a band.

"I don't think I have a great voice," she adds, but it's obvious that when she's on stage, she can command the attention of an audience. After all, who would you rather look at leading a band, Kevin Levrone or Tiffany Ripple?

Note:: On February 14, 2002, Tiffany was married and her last name is now "Ripple-Pristelski"

Tiffany Ripple's Mission Statement:
"Attention to the busy and overwhelmed! During my time competing in fitness, I have met various talented and amazing people. Indeed I recognize the type of elite competition I will be facing at nationals.

"My goal is to prove to myself, and the general public the art of balance. We can have fit minds, fit bodies, as well as healthy careers. Many people today have the uncanny ability of balancing their powerful positions in society with powerful, healthy bodies. I admire these people and want to portray a similar message.

"Currently I feel I have a successful career along with an invigorating lifestyle. I want to continue to be a positive role model through my success in fitness. I am presently searching for additional support to achieve this goal. I offer a unique approach and personality to the world of fitness. Beware if I step, jump, leap or even flip outside the norm!"