Archives for November 2007

My pal Lonnie (aka The Swami/BuffDadddy/Da hunk) Teper sent me this little gem from the past. Lonnie is a writer for IRONMAN Magazine and one of the finest emcees in the land. At any given show you can see him having a great time with the competitors and posing for photos like this one.

Jamie Franklin, Elaine Goodlad, LT, Monica Brant
and Jen Hendershott are all smiles.

Can you name the year and the show this was taken? email me and the first one to correctly do so gets a prize. I’d just like to know one thing, why is Lonnie always taking photos in the bathroom?

While we’re on the topic of American Gladiators… We’ve known for weeks that Beth Horn has been chosen as an American Gladiator however kept it under wraps until we saw the NBC commercial for the show. A group that claims to sponsor Beth sent me a lengthy email questioning me “outing” her and that it is not Beth in the commercial.
“Beth Horn in the gladiator commercial is not Beth Horn. The person lifting someone overhead is a well known bodybuilder. Beth may or may not be involved but she is not featured prominently in the commercial.”

errkay. If this is not Beth Horn I will apologize for the false-identification, however if this is not Beth Horn, who is it? I guess we’ll have to wait until December 12th to “officially” hear.

No. I’ve confirmed this evening that the rumors being circulated that Kim was leaving NBC’s “Biggest Loser” for the remake of American Gladiators are false. I’m told they were interested in her becoming a Gladiator but decided against. That’s Hollywood for you.
The new season of the “Biggest Loser” begins in January; will she be back for another season? We’ll have to wait and see. I’m told she is currently negotiating her contract.

Congratulations to Jessica and her husband Peter for their continued success. The two have both signed with the most respected publication in the fitness industry, Weider Publications. Jessica and Peter are both popular competitors and genuine nice people.

FLEXonline.com reports:
PETER PUTNAM & JESSICA PAXSON-PUTNAM: For the first time in Weider history, a married couple has been signed, something the Putnams are very proud of. That’s not to say they’re both not strong candidates in their own right. Peter, like Curry, earned his place among the top competitors in the NPC with impressive showings in the two biggest amateur contests of the year, the 2007 USA Bodybuilding Championships in July and the NPC Nationals in November. Peter narrowly missed out on earning his pro card at both shows, winning the light-heavyweight class at the USAs before placing second in the light heavies at the Nationals. Jessica, who appeared on the cover of the 2007 FLEX swimsuit issue, is one of top competitors in the figure ranks — she earned her pro card by winning her class at the 2005 Junior Nationals and has placed in the top five in three of her four professional contests, including a win at the 2006 New York Pro Figure show.

Jessica shown here with fellow IFBB Pro figure competitor,
Jeanette Freed at the 2007 Olympia Expo.

Last spotted rock’n the fitness stage at the 2007 IFBB West Palm Beach show; Shannon Dey is another in a slew of fitness women getting some mainstream exposure. Shannon just finished filming a commercial for Geico Insurance, where she plays the “insurance policy”. The national spot with Shannon will begin airing the first of the year. Congrats!

Shannon on stage at the West Palm Beach Fitness show.

Shannon and her husband also own Southern Muscle Plus, a magazine that covers NPC shows in the Southeast area of the U.S.

Christine Pomponio-Pate, one of my friends & favorite competitors in the figure industry, is less than one month out from her first child. Christine and her husband Jim’s new addition to the family is expected to arrive on Christmas day. Christine is an IFBB Figure pro and popular fitness model. She’s been featured in several magazines and if you’re around the Denver (and not living in a cave) area you’ve certainly seen her as the spokes model for American Furniture Warehouse.

ME: How ya feeling?
Christine: It’s getting close and I am nervous!

ME: Why ya nervous?
Christine: I’m nervous because I don’t know what to expect. I’m excited though.

ME: Are you going to put in for the Arnold? LOL
Christine: I think I actually could, I’ve only gained 17lbs.

ME: 17lbs? Get out. You used to gain more than that in your “off-season”.
Christine: That’s funny you’re right. I think I would gain that in one week following a contest. I’m not kidding.

ME: Well you look great. You and Jim will make awesome parents.
Christine: Thank you so much! Jim’s mom told me he weighed 10lbs and 4 ounces! Holy Crap! That’s a painful thought!

Thanks for the update Christine and best wishes to you and Jim!

A shot of Christine 28 weeks pregnant.

Today Hardbody.com’s Ron Avidan was on the set of American Gladiators. The filming started today in Los Angles, California. He wasn’t allowed to take any photos and much of the happenings are still under-wraps. The official press day isn’t until December 12th, where more details will be revealed. We can tell you the names of the Gladiators, but who is who will have to wait until the official announcement from NBC.

New American Gladiator names:
• Fury
• Helga
• Siren
• Venom
• Wolf
• Justice
• Toa
• Titan
• Stealth
• Mayhem
• Militia
• Blast

TMZ.com has video of the Hulkster driving into the taping.

Ever year at the NPC Nationals, NPC officials meet to discuss future shows, show dates, rules and scheduling. I had a chance to speak with many of the NPC promoters, judges and Jim Manion (the president of the NPC) about the 2008 season. I learned of a few changes that would be taking place next year in NPC Fitness & Figure. I gained further insight when sharing a shuttle with long-time photographer/man-in-the-know J.M. Manion (not to be mistaken for his dad the president) and industry man Kenny Kassel. We chatted about a number of things but most importantly were the changes in NPC fitness and figure for 2008. The list below are official changes to the NPC starting in 2008. A big thanks to JM for helping me sort through all the changes and additions.

OFFICIAL CHANGES FOR NPC FITNESS & FIGURE BEGINNING IN 2008

NPC Junior USA Championships:
• NPC Junior USA Fitness Championships – Overall Winner Earns IFBB Pro card (3 Height Classes)
• NPC Junior USA Figure Championships – Top 2 in the Overall Comparison Earn IFBB Pro cards (6 Height Classes)

NPC Junior National Championships:
• NPC Junior National Fitness Championships – Height Class Winners Earn IFBB Pro cards (3 Height Classes)
• NPC Junior National Figure Championships – Top 4 in the Overall Comparison Earn IFBB Pro cards (6 Height Classes)

NPC Masters National Figure Championships:
• Overall Winner Earns IFBB Pro card

NPC USA Championships:
• NPC USA Figure Championships – Height Class Winners Earn IFBB Pro cards (6 Height Classes)

IFBB North American Championships:
• IFBB North American Open Figure Championships – Top 2 in the Overall Comparison Earn IFBB Pro cards (6 Height Classes)
• IFBB North American Masters Figure Championships – Overall Winner Earns IFBB Pro card

NPC Team Universe Championships & National Fitness Championships:
• NPC Team Universe Figure Championships – Top 2 in Each Height Class Earn IFBB Pro cards (6 Height Classes)
• NPC National Fitness Championships – Top 2 in Each Height Class Earn IFBB Pro cards (3 Height Classes)

NPC National Championships:
• NPC National Figure Championships – Height Class Winners Earn IFBB Pro cards (6 Height Classes)

NEW HEIGHT CLASSES FOR WOMEN’S FIGURE NATIONALS AND CONTESTS WITH SIX HEIGHT CLASSES:
• Up to 5’1”
• Over 5’1” and up to and including 5’2-1/2”
• Over 5’2-1/2” and up to and including 5’4”
• Over 5’4” and up to and including 5’5-1/2”
• Over 5’5-1/2” and up to and including 5’7”
• Over 5’7”

All other classes remain the same:
For all contests with two (2) classes:
• Up to and including 5’4”
• Over 5’4”

For all contests with three (3) classes:
• Up to and including 5’4”
• Over 5’4” and up to and including 5’6”
• Over 5’6”

For all contests with four (4) classes:
• Up to and including 5’2”
• Over 5’2” and up to and including 5’4”
• Over 5’4” and up to and including 5’6”
• Over 5’6”

For all national qualifying figure events – the top five (5) are eligible for the JUNIOR USA, TEEN COLLEGIATE MASTERS NATIONALS and TEAM UNIVERSE FIGURE CHAMPIONSHIPS and the top three (3) are eligible for the JUNIOR NATIONAL, USA and NATIONAL FIGURE CHAMPIONSHIPS. Eligibility is good for two (2) years. Promoters can elect number of classes for their figure contests. ONLY THOSE FIGURE CONTESTS HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH A NATIONAL QUALIFYING BODYBUILDING CONTEST WILL BE NATIONAL QUALIFIERS.

The Front Split will no longer be a mandatory move in the fitness routines.

As you can see there are a number of changes in fitness and figure. I’m happy to see the height classes modified, typically the shortest and tallest classes had more competitors than others. This will even the classes out and make the judging a bit more manageable.

Fitness competitors should be stoked, the overall winner will now turn pro at Junior USAs as well as the class winners (3) turning pro at Junior Nationals. Also note that the National Fitness Championships will be held with Team Universe in New York. There was “Team Universe Fitness Championships” where the top two turned pro until now. Confusing? No more fitness at the end of the year with NPC Nationals – it is moving to Team U. Essentially nothing has changed with Team Universe except it is being called something else.

Figure competitors take note that there is now a “Team Universe Figure Championships” as well as “National Figure Championships”. That means the there will be figure added to NPC Nationals in Atlanta next year, where six women will turn pro (each class winner). There will still be figure with Team Universe where the top two will turn pro in each class. A pro card will be awarded to the Masters Overall Figure winner. This is worth noting because the first IFBB Figure Masters show is slated for the Atlantic City contest in ’08. Please note that some of the above pro cards were awarded in ’07 the NPC office thought it should be included with the changes otherwise people would think that pro card was no longer available.

If you have questions, comments or any thoughts on these changes feel free to post them or you can email me… isaac @ hardbody.com

You’ve seen her in the magazines, you’ve watched her rock the competitive stage and now you can catch her on TV. Fitness star and the creator of PHAT Camp, Jen Hendershott will be on A&E’s “Flip This House“. Jen is training a realtor on the show and will make an appearance in an up-coming episode. Check back here for more info on when the show will air.

IFBB Fitness Stars, Jen Hendershott & Julie Lohre pose for a photo at the 2007 Olympia.

Photographer, TC Chang is giving us a sneak peak at what he has in store for the 2009 edition of his calendar. This edition will be the “Flight Edition”. The images below are of rising star Jamie Reed and one of the hottest fitness models today, Jennifer Nicole Lee. I enjoy the unique approach the calendar has taken in the past and it looks like this edition will not disappoint. Let us or TC know what you think, your feedback is welcomed.

NPC competitor and former pole-vaulter, Jamie Reed.
Top fitness model, Jennifer Nicole Lee.

The latest from IFBB Pro, Carla Sanchez:

Join the PR Fitness and Figure Team by land or by line!  Don’t live in Colorado or the Denver area? You can still become a PR Girl! You can train with IFBB Pro, Carla Sanchez by joining the NEW Performance Ready ONLINE Team.  It’s time to transform your body, mind and your life! Follow your fitness dreams and create a competitive physique!  www.performanceready.com

 A recent release from the Arnold Classic Directors Bob Lorimer and Mike Davies announces the opening of the event to Europe, Asia, Canada and USA amateur athletes. 

More to come on Hardbody about several of the athletes from Europe that will be making the trip.  Check back for more information….

Press Release from Arnold Classic Website 

The 2008 Arnold Amateur IFBB International Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships will come to the annual Arnold Sports Festival in 2008 with an international focus and an expanded schedule.

In a precedent setting move, the event will be open to IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilders) Amateur Competitors throughout Europe, Asia, Canada and USA’s NPC (National Physique Committee) – the governing body for amateurs in the America. Amateur athletes will compete in men’s and women’s bodybuilding, women’s fitness, and women’s figure.

“The Arnold Sports Festival is proud to announce this historic collaboration between Rafael Santonja, President of the International IFBB, Jim Manion, President of the NPC, and Classic Productions,” said Jim Lorimer, producer of the Arnold Sports Festival.

Rafael Santonja added, “The IFBB is most pleased to further our relationship with the Arnold Sports Festival. The inception of this competition will create a premiere opportunity for amateur athletes around the world.”

Bob Lorimer, a co-director of the event with the Fitness Factory’s Mike Davies commented, “We are thrilled to once again allow top amateur athletes an opportunity to compete on the legendary Veterans Memorial stage in Columbus, Ohio where every icon of the sport has competed. This opens our competition to international exposure and broadens the scope of the entire Sports Festival,” added Lorimer. “The level of competition will increase and it will advance the sport.”

2007 was the inaugural year for the Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Competition. The event was a huge success welcoming the best amateurs in the sports of bodybuilding, fitness, and figure from across North America. The 2008 addition of a world-wide range of top level IFBB athletes will introduce a great new competitive and prestigious dimension to the Arnold Sports Festival.

Click on over to IRON MAN Magazine’s web site for the behind the scene’s look at Dina’s photo shoot. Caution when opening this link at work, your boss may wonder what you’re doing.

Dina’s recent photo shoot for IRON MAN Magazine.

Dina is a long time friend of the crew here at hardbody and we’re happy to welcome her to the team. Dina is a welcome addition and will have a featured column, “Bedroom Banter”. She’ll answer your questions and address some of the hot topics competitors are afraid to discuss. This column will be an extension of her podcast with the same name that will begin in the new year. Look for Dina’s first contribution in the next couple days.

I’m happy to give the first look to the January 2008 issue of IRONMAN magazine, featuring none other than Dina! The newest issue should be hitting the shelves in the next few days. This is cover number four for Dina. The shoot came about when Ron Avidan, Lonnie Teper (LT), Sherry Goggins and myself were tooling around Las Vegas looking for Sherry’s hotel. What should have been a 10 minute drive turned into a couple hour tour. Ron’s directions (or lack there-of led to our confusion) but that’s what I get for listening to him. While we were all going bonkers, LT asked Dina if she’d shot with Michael Neuvex with IRONMAN and to his surprise she hadn’t. LT put the wheels in motion and Dina rolled out to LA for the shoot. The cover speaks for itself and Ray Charles could see why we’re fans of the Dino.

Congrats and welcome aboard D!

Dina Al-Sabah on the newest IRONMAN Cover. Thanks to IM for the image.

This morning’s competition kicks off with the NPC Fitness routines in Dallas. Last night, thirty four women took the stage in showed off weeks of hard work in their one piece suits. The standout of the show will likely come from the tall class in a couple of ways. The physique rounds will go to Tanya Merryman, she has amazing lines, killer calves and just an all-around rock’n body.

Tanya Merryman at NPC Fitness Nationals.

Watch out for Jo Merriner in the routine rounds. Jo is one of the taller women on stage and while still lacking the overall muscle needed to do well in the physique rounds, she’s come a long way in a few years. She will have the crowd in awe with her crazy strength moves. Anyone attending the show this morning or tonight – watch for her routine. She’s recently worked with IFBB Pro Fitness competitor on her routine and will take an already solid performance up a notch.

Jo Merriner from Colorado all smiles during prejudging.

We’ll keep you posted on how the routines go this morning. I’m covering the show this weekend for FLEX Magazine, so look for more coverage on FLEXonline.com throughout the weekend.

I’m currently in Dallas, Texas covering the NPC Nationals. I had the chance to shoot with Texas’ own Amy Peters. I’ve known Amy for a number of years but this was the first time we shot together. Amy was actually the very first interview I did on Bodybuilding.com about 4 years ago. Any whoo – I’m glad we had a chance to shoot as we were able to get a number of great shots. Amy has a new hair color and one week off from her show in Kentucky, looked great. Here are a couple shots from today.

Amy Peters in Dallas, Texas.
Amy work’n it in the Dallas.

Strike a pose there’s nothing to it.

Kentucky Muscle coverage – The Courier Journal

November 13, 2007 by Isaac Hinds

The Courier Journal in Louisville, Kentucky wrote a nice article on last weekend’s show. Along with the article is a two minute video and a few photos. It’s nice to see a newspaper provide coverage and focus on the hard work and dedication it takes to compete. It looks like promoter Brent Jones is doing a great job with this show. The article mentions that Brent competed in the NPC, which can be significant. I’ve noticed that when former competitors become promoters more often than not the athletes are treated very well. All the feedback I’ve heard from this show reinforces that notion.

You can check out all the coverage from this show on the Courier Journal website.

NPC competitor photo on the Courier Journal website.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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2007 NPC Alaska Ironman Championships

November 13, 2007 by Isaac Hinds

It’s not every day you hear about the NPC Alaska but it does exist. Our often forgotten state to the north recently held an NPC show in Juneau.

“I think next year both (the fan turnout and number of competitors) will be bigger because the audience had a fantastic time and word will get out as to what a great show this was,” Pavitt said. “For the competitors, we had just the right number for the first year. I think all the competitors had such a wonderful time and I think they’ll go up north and talk it up.” – from JuneauEmpire.com

Check out more on this event with results and photos on the Juneau Empire web site. Congrats to all the competitors who competed in their first show.

Photo by Herbert Law.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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American Gladiators names being revealed

November 12, 2007 by Isaac Hinds

Word is beginning to get out on who the next group of American Gladiators will be. Hardbody.com has not posted the confirmed gladiator’s names because we do not want to jeopardize any of the women’s contracts. That said one online story has reported one of the new gladiator’s names.

International Federation of Bodybuilders fitness professional Tanji Johnson was scheduled to speak as well. But at the last minute, she was hired by NBC for its new version of “American Gladiators.”

— Read the entire article here.

Tanji was the winner off the 2007 Arkansas Fitness Classic earlier this year.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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