Because of my little bro, I used to watch old-school ”American Gladiators” and cringe during every episode. I loved the nail-biters.

Tonight, I got to hang out with one of the toughest “girls” I know as we watched her on the new season premiere of ”Gladiators” on NBC.

Meet Melissa Trinidad.

(That’s her in the hot blue dress along with boyfriend, Jay, and Cindy Edwards of the ”Daytime” show.)

All you 4you fans already know her as one of the original ”Tips from the Trainer” personal trainers. She rocks!

She’s a trainer at the Lifestyle Family Fitness in Hyde Park, teaches mixed martial arts and kickboxing, plays tennis and is mom to a rambunctious 6-year-old.

And in all her spare time, she’s competing on “American Gladiator!”

She had a viewing party tonight at Champps at International Plaza.

Let me tell you, Melissa has a TON of fans!

Not only did she make her prime time debut on NBC, but she also won her match against opponent No. 1 (who used a rocket launcher backward during one of the challenges—doh)!

At the end of the season, the top six male and female contenders will return to vie for the championship title.

ME-LIS-SA! ME-LIS-SA!

Me, I’m-buffer-than-Hulk-Hogan & Stacey at Champps