Archives for December 2007

One of the fitness industry’s top models shares a bit about her new Weider contract, what she’s doing for the holidays, working with WWE’s John Cena and more. A big thanks to the Weider crew for granting us permission to interview Jessica. Keeping with the holiday spirit of giving, the FLEX family recently published a never-before-seen gallery of her from the 2007 Swimsuit shoot. Check it out at: FLEXonline.com

Ten Questions with Jessica Paxson-Putnam
1) What are you doing for the Holidays?
I am just going to be relaxing and spending time with Peter and our three boxers: Puncher, Piston, and Pixie. We spent Christmas with Peter’s side of the family in Dalton, Georgia.

2) Any New Year’s Resolutions?
I have never really been one to make New Year’s resolutions…I guess a good one would be to continue to try to live out God’s will for my life in passion and purpose!

Also, to make wise financial decisions :)!

3) Have you been naughty or nice?
Come on Isaac…You know I am a good girl (except when I am with Peter 😉.

4) Congrats on the Weider contract. How’s it feel to be one of the only women with a magazine contract?
I cannot tell you how humbled and honored I feel to be one of the only women to have a Weider contract! I plan on representing the company to the best of my ability. I will never take this for granted!

Peter and I are blessed to be the first married couple ever to sign with Weider and that too is such an honor!

5) Does this mean I have to get permission to take a picture with you now?
Peter says you must always ask for permission to take a picture with me:)

6) Will we be seeing you at the Arnold Expo?
Yes you will! I will be representing my sponsor Optimum Nutrition (ON) and American Bodybuilding (ABB). Please check out www.rippedacademy.com.

7) How is it working next to John Cena (all the ladies want to know)?
It’s nothing compared to sleeping next to Peter Putnam ;)…Just kidding. John is a really nice guy. I have to say he is great with his fans.

8) When will you be on stage again and what’s the goal for the 2008 season?
I am still undecided about which show I want to do next year. I am leaning toward the Pittsburgh Pro, but I still don’t know for sure.

My goals for next year are a little different. I am not going to put so much pressure on myself or put alot of emphasis on worrying about placings. Of course I want to compete and do well, but I have realized that sometimes you don’t have to win a show to come out a winner.

I just want to continue to represent ABB/ON and now Weider, continue to work with The Rush Fitness Complex (www.therush247.com) here in Knoxville, and really focus on promoting Peter and I in the industry.

My ultimate goal would be to reach a mainstream audience somehow.

9) Any little ones in the near future?
Of course:)! Peter and I want to enjoy our lives right now, be a little selfish first, and set up a solid foundation. There is plenty of time for family down the road.

I would say we will wait no more than five years.

10) This one is Ron’s question… Do your religious beliefs dictate what types of photos you’ll pose for and do you feel confined when it comes to modeling?
Leave it to Ron to ask the controversial questions:).

I would like to start by saying this:
Regardless, of what type of photographs some one may take, people are always going to have opinions. For example, Some may think that some of my pictures are too revealing and I may think that of someone else.

I just know that I would never take any pictures that I don’t feel comfortable taking and yes, my relationship with God is a huge factor in what I will and won’t do regarding photoshoots.

I never feel confined or limited during a shoot. I am a firm believer that you don’t have to pose overly provocative or in little to no clothing to be sexy!

I also like to think about how these pictures will affect me down the line. I would never want to take any pictures that would put shame or reproach upon myself, my husband, family members, or down the road, my children.

With all that said, please check out www.flexonline.com to view a gallery of pictures of me from the FLEX swimsuit issue :).

You can also check me out at www.JessFit.com and www.myspace.com/JessFit.

Thanks Jess. Happy Holidays to you and Peter. I wish you both nothing but the best in 2008 and beyond.

When the first official list came out for the Ms. International lineup, Cathy’s name was not on it, and it puzzled a lot of people. Well, I am happy to say, after talking to Lonnie Teper, that Cathy LeFrancois’ name was added to the lineup and she will be competing in the Ms. International! Congrats!

I’m happy to report, Christine Pomponio-Pate and her husband Jim are proud parents of a baby boy! Riley James was born this morning at 1:25a.m. via c-section. He tipped the scales at 6lbs 15 oz. and 19 inches long. Mom, Dad and Riley are all doing well.

If you missed it, check out Christine from one week. Hard to believe it was sunny and warm in Denver, today the roads are icy, snowy and Christine is a MOM! Congratulations to Jim and Christine.

20th Annual Arnold Classic Competitors

Fitness International Competitors

Regiane Da Silva
Tina Durkin
Bethany Gainey
Tracey Greenwood
Oksana Grishina
Jen Hendershott
Kimberly Klein
Julie Lohre
Tanya Merryman
Mindi O’brien
Julie Palmer
Stacy Simons
Figure International Competitors

Sonia Adcock
Gina Aliotti
Paola Almerico
Catherine Andersen
Natalie Benson
Monica Brant-Peckham
Amy Fry
Bernadette Galvan
Jennifer Gates
Deborah Leung
Juliana Malacarne
Kristal Richardson
Chastity Slone
Brenda Marie Smith
Briana Tindall
Valerie Waugaman
Latisha Wilder
Nicole Wilkins
Ms. International Competitors

Lisa Aukland
Tracy Beckham
Dayana Cadeau
Tazzie Columb
Iris Floyd Kyle
Kristy Hawkins
Rosemary Jennings
Debi Laszewski
Mah-Ann Mendoza
Colette Nelson
Yaxeni Oriquen
Betty Pariso
Brenda Raganot
Annie Rivieccio
Antoinette Thompson
Betty Viana-Adkins
Men’s Competitors
Melvin Anthony
Gustavo Badell
Adorthus Cherry
Toney Freeman
Kai Greene
Deshaun Grimez
Phil Heath
David Henry
Dexter Jackson
Johnnie Jackson
Victor Martinez
Desmond Miller
Ronny Rockel
Silvio Samuel
Branch Warren
Hidetada Yamagishi

 

HardBody Interviews Lenay Hernandez, NPC Figure Competitor
Class B winner & Overall Figure Champion of the 2007 Gold Cup
By: Rick Lohre, Hardbody.com Contributor

HB.com – What got you interested in competing in Figure?
L.H. – The thought crossed my mind in 2004 but with many obstacles in the way I was unable to pursue my dream. I spoke to IFBB Pro Paola Almerico at the gym about my interest and we arranged to meet that week on a Sunday afternoon…I had a decision to make.

I looked up to her and how far she has gotten in the sport and how much knowledge she had gained . Someone told me “It has always been your dream to compete, now is the time”.

HB.com – How did the meeting go?
L.H. – Paola was determined to help make my dreams come true. We decided on the 2007 Gold cup which will get me nationally qualified if I placed top three, with only two months and two weeks we started working hard. I have to thank both Paola and her husband Nelson for their support.

HB.com – How did preparations begin?
L.H. – Paola helped me at the gym with my weights, the posing and the make up. Nelson did my nutrition and body fat They worked as a team, the best team I have ever met.

HB.com – So how did it go?
L.H. –October 27th, 2007 was a night that I will never forget!! We had a goal of top three. Friday night I did not sleep because I wanted this so much; this was my “DREAM”.

During pre-judging my heart was beating as fast as it ever has when I stepped on that stage with my class. I was in the first call out in both the one piece and the two piece. At the night show they called the top 5 out, my heart stopped when they called out second place and it wasn’t my name, I broke into tears knowing that I more than exceeded my goals!!

Not only had I placed first, now I was going for the overall. Thinking back, Paola’s first show was on that same stage in 2005 where she won her class and the overall. As I stood on stage awaiting the judges final tally, they called Paola out to hand the trophy to the overall winner…..it was me.

I hugged her as hard as I could (she is my idol, my friend, my trainer and I look up to her in so many ways). We both cried and hugged, my trainer was giving me the trophy she once received on that same stage two years ago, and it was incredible. I cannot even begin to imagine how I felt and feel till this day, I never thought I would take the overall title.

HB.com – What are your plans now?
L.H. – My future plans are to continue competing, I have the passion and love for it. Hopefully one day I will be on stage with her.

I’d like to wish everyone a Happy HARDBODY Holiday. Many of you will be sharing this time with family and friends, most likely dining with large quantities of food. While going back for that second cookie, we often forget the sacrifices the fitness and figure competitors go through during this time. Currently, many female pros are in pre-contest mode for the Arnold Classic and must leave the sugary treats behin. That doesn’t stop these ladies from enjoying the holidays. Curious what the pros are doing this holiday season? Wonder no more; I caught up with a few of today’s top IFBB pros and to find out how they spend their holidays.

Check out how many of the ladies responded:

Jen Hendershott, IFBB Fitness Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: My hubby and I are going to Ohio for 10 days to visit my parents, brothers and his family. We will also get some time to see friends and enjoy some food and drinks. I can’t wait. There is nothing more important then time your husband, your family, and friends.

Does your family have any holiday traditions: This year we will once again watch “Christmas Vacation” at least 3 times. My brothers and I will tease each other and call each other out on things we did 20 years ago. My 10 nieces and nephews will go bowling. My family will drink so we can all put up with one another. The only way to survive the holidays with 25 people in the house is have a beverage in hand. I can’t wait!

Any New Year’s Resolutions: To be better then I was in 2007 in everything I do. I believe I get better with age! Happy Holidays everyone. God Bless.

Tracey Greenwood, IFBB Fitness Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: Well this is the first year that my family is coming to MY HOUSE. Thank God I train a caterer!!! But Christmas eve will be quiet with my “man” and my doggies 🙂

Does your family have any holiday traditions: Well funny story…. my mom and dad still live in Wildwood NJ and ever since I was a “wee” girl… they always Christmas Caroled with my aunts, uncles and their friends. Sounds innocent doesn’t it? Not so much… see they get plastered and climb into the back of Uncle Ernie’s pick up truck (Uncle Ernie does not drink!) with their water bottles filled with booze, drive to people’s homes and sing! Again fairly innocent…. not so much…..after they finish singing…. Uncle Ernie backs the truck up, they all line up…. Ernie hits the headlights on the truck and everyone drops their pants because they have spray-painted their butt cheeks to spell MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! It has become quite the tradition in Wildwood. People actually set up buffets for them!

Any New Year’s Resolutions: Exercise and eat healthier (HA HAHA)

Paola Almerico, IFBB Figure Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: I will be spending Christmas and New Years with my friends and family in Miami. I come from a big family so our get togethers are always fun and interesting. We spend warm and loving time in the kitchen preparing meals together for the big event. Like most big Italian/Chilean families, we love good food and wine. The process of preparing everything is as enjoyable as the actual meal. Our parties include a lot of dancing and games. We open our gifts at midnight on Christmas eve but the Children in the family have additional gifts from “Santa” waiting for them in the morning.

Does your family have any holiday traditions: Many times we share our New Year’s resolutions with the family and have the tradition of eating 12 grapes to bring in the New Year.

Any New Year’s Resolutions: I would like to take my game to the next level as a competitor but, more importantly, help other women transform their body and mind through health and fitness. During 2007, I trained 3 figure competitors who did extremely well (2 won overalls and 1 got 2nd place). I saw how the process changed them in a very profound way. During 2008, I would like to impact more women to be their best!!

Krissy Chin, IFBB Figure Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: I will be spending the holidays with my husband and family in Kansas…brrrrrrr…(chilly here!)

Does your family have any holiday traditions: Our family has Family Christmas at church where we each bring our favorite dish and then we have a gift exchange.

Any New Year’s Resolutions: To be even more productive and successful in 2008!

Monica Brant, IFBB Figure Pro & Fitness Icon
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: Hubby, Mom, Dad, sis in law’s Dad @ brother (Philip) and sis in law’s (Kathy) new home in San Antonio, TX And PUPS!

Does your family have any holiday traditions: EAT! Watch a movie… LAUGH a Lot! Other than that… Not much! Ha!

Any New Year’s Resolutions: Hmmm… Not yet.. I suppose since I have goals all year I don’t take NEW YEAR’S Resolutions too seriously… I have always been a goal orientated person and don’t need a new year to make them happen!

Kristal Richardson, IFBB Figure Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: I’ll be spending my holiday in sunny Miami, Florida with my husband, Tom and my parents. Oh, and my two chocolate labs!

Does your family have any holiday traditions: Growing up, we had the normal traditions…got to Christmas Eve church service, open presents on Christmas morning, then cook and eat all day and watch “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The last few years, we have added in another tradition on Christmas Eve. We also go to Tom’s business partner’s home and celebrate Noche Bueno. This is a Latin tradition and they cook up a pig and drink like maniacs! No pig or drinking for me this year-I’m dieting for the Arnold (hopefully!!! 🙂 ).

Any New Year’s Resolutions: The same one I have every year-to organize the junk room-yes, I said room… we have an entire ROOM dedicated to useless junk!

Sonia Adcock, IFBB Figure Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: My husband and I will be spending our holiday with my family, mom(Maria), step dad(Lohn), 2 brothers (Cp, Patrick), sister in law (Debbie), 2 nieces (Brianna, Loren), nephews (Josiah, Ashton)!

Does your family have any holiday traditions: Our family tradition is to pick out a tree together and decorate it, we make a whole day of this and then have a casual dinner afterwards. This usually happens on a weekend while watching football.

Any New Year’s Resolutions: I usually don’t make resolutions, I just want to be healthy and HAPPY !!!

Christine Pomponio-Pate, IFBB Figure Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: I will probably be spending my holiday in the hospital with my newborn baby and daddy (my husband.)

Does your family have any holiday traditions: Usually, the Italian fish and spaghetti dinner.

Any New Year’s Resolutions: Not really, I make them ALL year long.

Julie Lohre, IFBB Fitness Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: I am spending Christmas with my family here in Kentucky. While our Holiday travel plans are not exciting, I will be working hard finishing off our basement into a full fledge gym. Nothing better than rolling out of bed and onto the Stepper : ) We are doing all the work ourselves and I am pretty good with a hammer. Today, carrying wood and putting up the walls got to count for my cardio, can’t beat that.

Does your family have any holiday traditions: As far as holiday traditions, the Christmas season has truly begun as we just finished watching “The Christmas Story”. Each year, I just have to see if Ralphy will shoot his eye out or not! We are blessed to have most of our family all within 30 minutes, so we visit lots of relatives between Christmas eve and Christmas Day. The best part of Christmas for me is waking up Christmas morning and seeing the look on our son’s face when he realizes that Santa did indeed come.

Any New Year’s Resolutions: For the new year, I do have a resolution, to lose 8 lbs in the next 9 weeks : ) But seriously, as far as my fitness resolutions go, I want to continue having fun with the sport that I love. Sometimes, we get so competitive that we forget why we are competing in the first place. So, I plan to work as hard as possible ahead of time and relax a bit at the shows to really have fun with it. Did I mention that winning is fun, so I think I will try to do some of that too. : )

Juliana Malacarne, IFBB Figure Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: I’ll be here (NY) one client of mine invited me go to her home on x-mas night. For New Years I still have no idea.

Does your family have any holiday traditions: My family is Catholic so X-mas… catholic stuff.

Any New Year’s Resolutions: I think people need to love more, to forgive more and make their lives simple. Everyone take care about themselves and helps others to build a better the world.

Catherine Anderson, IFBB Figure Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: I will be home, in Milwaukee, spending a nice family holiday with my husband and his grown children.

Does your family have any holiday traditions: We always enjoy having Christmas day dinner at our house. Sometimes it is a nicely prepared feast, other times we do a casual buffet type meal. Very relaxed, very homey. I will be eating my pre-contest meal of chicken and greens though… no rest for the wicked I guess. But at least I get to watch everyone else enjoying the holiday yummies!

Any New Year’s Resolutions: Yes, be better at what ever I do than I was in 2007. And to always be mindful of the many blessing I am given – health, happiness, love and support!

Desha Rodriquez, IFBB Figure Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: I will be spending the holidays at home with family.

Does your family have any holiday traditions: We will be having Xmas brunch at my house watching the children open up their presents and then we head over to my grandmother’s house for a good Italian dinner….YUMMY!!! Oh yea on Christmas Eve, Santa stays up pretty much all night putting together all the toys he brings so they are ready for the children to play with when they wake up.

Any New Year’s Resolutions: No real New Year’s resolutions… I wish good health and happiness for everyone. My goal for myself is to stay focued and organized while I balance my family, work and competing.

Jennifer Gates, IFBB Figure Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: With my hubby Derek, my two kids, Adelyn and Peyton, and all of our family… In Indiana… where it’s 40 degrees with snow… yikes!! I’m sure we will be by the fireplace!!

Does your family have any holiday traditions: We have Santa Claus come to our grandparents house every year on Christmas Eve night and each kiddo gets to sit on Santa’s lap and get a little gift.

Any New Year’s Resolutions: To be nicer to my family while I’m dieting… and of course to be 100% ready for the Figure International… if I get invited!!!

Gina Aliotti, IFBB Figure Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: This year I will be staying in San Diego and spending the holiday with friends. For the first time, I am not going home but going to share the Holidays with a dinner celebration with some close friends. I decided to stay close to home, in preparation for the Arnold!

Does your family have any holiday traditions: Yes, typically I go to my hometown, Monterey, where I celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my dad’s side of the family. We celebrate Christmas Eve with our traditional Sicilian Seafood Feast. Any type of seafood imaginable is prepared and shared on the special night. I will miss this, this year, but will keep the tradition and prepare a nice seafood dish to bring to my get together with friends

Any New Year’s Resolutions: As far as New Year’s Resolutions, I am going to have to start thinking about that… I haven’t really given it much thought.

Jessica Steffens, IFBB Figure Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: My husband & I are going “back home” which is the San Luis Valley. Both our families still live there.

Does your family have any holiday traditions: We always open all our presents on Christmas Eve and have a big feast which is always Prime Rib with twice baked potatoes & my home-made eggnog! Christmas morning we go to Travis’s parents at 6 a.m. for communion, followed by more presents & more food!

Any New Year’s Resolutions: Live my life to the fullest & be happy!

Jennifer Searles, IFBB Figure Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: I’m going home to Nantucket to be with my family for Christmas. Same thing every year! My family is steepd in tradition. We ALL go to my grandmother’s house every year. No one’s missed a Christmas and Grandma’s since I’ve been alive… As for New Year’s, I live in NYC, so always play it by ear! So many things to choose from, it’s more fun not to plan it I think…

Does your family have any holiday traditions: YES! We wake up Christmas morning, get ready, go to Church, then head over to my Grandparent’s house to open presents… we all gather in the living room, sit in the same places we do EVERY year (I sit in the green chair by the fireplace) and my little sisters pass out the presents to everyone, and we open them… we have dinner together that night. EVERY YEAR SINCE I’VE BEEN OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER!

Any New Year’s Resolutions: To be more disciplined with work, and to try to stop beating myself up for stupid things that life throws my way… I get stressed so easily and need to work on it LOL!

Oksana Grishina, IFBB Fitness Pro
Where will you be spending your holiday and with whom: We will be spending our holidays around our friends and Oksana is a creative human, it will be mini-show. Life bring for us a lot of surprises, as good,as not good.

Does your family have any holiday traditions: Our family traditions are don’t notice bad surprises and living each day as a holiday.

Any New Year’s Resolutions: Love and beloved. Love your work be strong and you will be reward.

I caught up with one of the industry’s top fitness models and IFBB figure sensation, Christine Pomponio-Pate five days out from her due date. If you haven’t heard, the date I’m referring to is the delivery of her first child. Christine shared that she has gained 17lbs over the course of her pregnancy. Anyone who is close to Christine knows she could usually pack on a good twenty pounds in a few week after a contest. This is a testament to Christine’s dedication to being healthy throughout her pregnancy. Our full conversation related to her pregnancy training and nutrition will be highlighted on a bodybuilding.com feature. Also spotted at the gym during my visit was top national figure competitor, Jacqui Skibba, who is featured in the newest Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine.

Christine and I managed to get a photo shoot at The Point Athletic Club in, despite my main camera malfunctioning. SON OF A! Here’s a peek at Christine just five days out from delivery.

The Colorado winter weather coperated with us to capture Christine
a few days out from delivery. She looked great!

Christine worked out during her pregnancy and
it contributed to her staying in top shape!

What do you think readers? Will Christine have a boy or a girl and will she deliver on Dec. 25, 2007 as scheduled? How much will the lil’ one weight? Place your bets in the comments field or email me at isaac @ hardbody.com. The person who guesses closet to the weight, deliver day and sex of the child will win a prize from hardbody.com. Christine is alo donating a prize to the winner.

Yes Gladiator fans, your wish may come true. It looks like Valerie Waugaman might be putting down the joust stick for a bit and slipping on the clear plastic heels again. The official list is not out yet so we’ll have to wait and see if this comes to fruition. Don’t be surprised if “The Green Goddess” returns to the stage in Columbus.

This week we will find out who will be competing at the 2008 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. The entry deadline was December 14th. The offices of Jim Lormier informed me that the names will be made public on the Arnold Classic web site this week. A number of competitors are dieting with the hopes and anticipation of getting invited to the show. Two names that will be absent from the list will be Olympia figure & fitnes champs, Jenny Lynn and Adela Garcia.

There could be a few surprises to the list based on the women who have told me they applied.

I caught up with new IFBB Fitness Pro Tanya Merryman and got the scoop on how she builds her killer calves, when her pro debut will be, how her injuries are doing and more. Some of you easily identified the photo of her calves earlier on hardbody. (Check it here in case you missed it.)

1. What have you been doing since turning pro in Dallas?

Besides spending time with my husband and our two kids (2yr and 10yr old)…?

I was looking forward to switching gears from a long season of 6 stage appearances and my body needed a rest. Just after Dallas I was able to get my new website up (www.TanyaM.com) which has all the photo updates from this year’s contests. Also, I have been keeping very busy throwing myself into my new job as The Group Fitness Director and Pilates Coordinator for CRUNCH fitness in San Francisco. I had been interviewing prior to the Nationals and running back and forth to the city (an hour away) for the last 4 weeks. This is really big for me because I am giving up my job locally at a health club that I have been with for ten years. CRUNCH is known for edgy aerobics (pole dancing class anyone?) and an innovator when it comes to setting the next trend in fitness. I was working in the city as a CRUNCH Trainer for a couple months before getting my promotion at CRUNCH, so they let me dive in once my Nationals was over. They are a huge support system for my competition endeavors. Change is good and the transition has had its moments, but I have been busy getting to know my new team and creating the next big fitness craze.

2. When will you be making your pro debut?
I am undecided and you will have to wait and see. My coach Kim Oddo and my choreographer Gilda Tehrani have a major impact on my next show so I am working with them to see how my body and routines are coming along. Most likely I will stay as West Coast as possible for my debut in Fitness. I might do the Cal Pro Figure show as well.

3. Have you always had killer calves or what did you do to get them where they are today?
Yes, they are God given. I never felt comfortable with them until I turned into a gym rat in my 20’s, it’s like walking around topless with all the attention they get. Doesn’t matter where I am at (grocery store, gym, parking lots, crossing the street), people ask and stare at them constantly. The funny thing is that I keep them covered up everyday at work (and I work in a gym) and people would never know it by looking at the rest of me that I am so muscle bound. I can tell you that I have always been a really fast runner and have a pretty good high jump thanks to them… I might even still hold records from my elementary school days. To keep them in shape, I do a ton of cross training. Like running, hiking, biking, Plyometrics, Pilates, Pilates, Pilates. I might work on a machine just weeks before a show just to tighten them up a bit. I tear them up almost everyday doing other things and they are always in knots.

4. How are the injuries doing?
This is the first time I have suffered a pulled hamstring and I am still unable to reach for my toes or straighten my right leg 100%. I am just hitting the 6 week mark on my injury and will be working on my fitness routine for the first time since nationals (4 weeks ago) in the next couple days. We are currently working on my new 45sec mandatory routine so we will just work around the injury. I am still shocked at my ability to perform in the Nationals. It was not the routine I had planned for and hope that those that were there and know me for my routines will understand that I have a lot more in me and I feel physically better and stronger then I was ten years ago. Injuries are just a part of being an athlete and I have always dealt with them so as much as I hope one day I will not have a single injury and can be pain free, I just do the best I can with what I have.

The reason I even got the pulled hamstring was due to a sprained ankle just 7 days before the Sacramento show and I taped the ankle up too tight and my hamstring ended up overcompensating for it in one of my routine elements while warming up. I re-choreographed my routine in my head just minutes before taking the stage and somehow got through that show, which was just a couple weeks before Nationals. Earlier in the season I was trying to compete in fitness and sprained both ankles just 3 weeks apart from each other as well as an injured shoulder in preparation for the Fitness season, so that is why you saw me compete in Figure for the first half of the year. In pictures you can see that my ankle is swollen like a golf ball and I wasn’t able to put heels on until it was time to walk out on stage. Good Times!!

5. What advice do you have for women who are contemplating doing fitness but don’t think they have it in them?
Getting back on a fitness stage in 2007 was surreal for me. Everytime I trained my routine I pushed beyond my limits and faced my own fears, it is the scariest thing getting up there and going through it, BUT the feeling of accomplishment is priceless. Each training day I walked in scared, walked out fearless and that stays with you whether you win or lose the darn competition. Just go for it and see for yourself.

Today our West Coast man, Ron Avidan was on the American Gladiator set for Press Day. He reports that filming has ended and a few of the gladiators are banged up. We’ll be posting lots of photos, videos and more inside scoops from the set. Stay Tuned!

This year the annual FLEX lingerie issue took a slightly different approach. The January 2008 issue of FLEX looks back on 11 years of hottest shots and the cover features a woman outside of the NPC/IFBB. UFC’s Rachelle Leah is the cover model this month. Some women in the fitness industry have stated that using women outside of the industry is insulting. Rachelle Leah looks like she could hold her own on a competitive stage, but does this matter? At the end of the day, the goal of any magazine is to sell. When you place an attractive woman who has more name recognition (to the mainstream audience) than most competitors, it sells magazines. Rachelle has muscle but not too much which is often the criticism for many competitors who are looking to get published. I think she looks great and when I first saw the issue I wondered what competitor was featured. What are your thoughts?

Inside the magazine readers will get a chance to see some of today’s (and yesterday’s) hottest fitness faces. The first FLEX Lingerie Special appeared in the October 1996 issue. The photography is shot by Rober Reiff.

The list of those published in this issue:
2007 – Jelena Abbou
2007 – Julie Lohre & Kendra Elias
2005 – Carla Sanchez
2003 – Elaine Goodlad
2003 – Timea Majorova
2003 – Sharon Christian
2002 – Jenny Worth
2002 – Kary Odiatu
2002 – Timea Marjorova
2001 – Beth Horn
2000 – Stacy Simon
1999 – Amanda Blank & Laurie Vaniman
1999 – Lena Johannesen
1998 РAlexanra B̩res
1998 – Minna Lessig
1998- MaDonna Grimes & Minna Lessig
1997 – Leigh Annna Ross
1997 – Sharon Bruneau
1997 – Barbara Moran
1997 – Milamar Flores
1996 – Erica Kern
1996 – Cory Everson
1996 – Sharon Bruneau
1996 – Monica Brant

WOMEN’S OLYMPIA 2007 – all aspects of the evening show from Olympia weekend will be featured in this program, including the Ms. Olympia Contest, the Figure Olympia Contest, and the FITNESS Olympia contest including all of the 2-minute routines. Over two dozen FIGURE Olympia athletes including legendary Monica Brant will challenge 2006 winner Jenny Lynn. The dynamic competitive finals routines of the MS. OLYMPIA bodybuilding athletes as they show their best, and the posedown round will make a memorable show for all.

The IFBB Figure Pros will get another chance to turn compete in Florida and three more will qualify for the 2008 Figure Olympia. This marks the second pro figure show for The Sunshine State (the other being West Palm Beach Pro). The show is being promoted by top IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, Dexter “The Blade” Jackson.

JACKSONVILLE PRO FIGURE CLASSIC
Entry deadline: June 20, 2008
Show Date: Aug 1-2, 2008
Where: Jacksonville, Florida
Promoter: Dexter Jackson, 904-993-0872, Dexflash904@yahoo.com
Prize Money: $10,000
Olympia Qualifying Spots: 3

IFBB Pro Athletes should get their application sent in before December 14, 2007 if they have hopes of competing in the Arnold Classic.

ARNOLD CLASSIC
Feb 29-Mar 1
Columbus, OHIO

Entry deadline: Dec 14, 2007
Promoter:
Jim Lorimer
Ph. 614-431-2600
Fx. 614-431-3493

This morning tragedy hit Arvada, Colorado in the form of another shooting. A gunman opened fire on a missionary training campus shooting four people. One woman and one man have died and two others were injured. I live in Denver and caught the news on the local stations. Early this morning I received an email from IFBB Fitness Star, Jen Hendershott related to this tragedy. Jen’s youngest brother is the head of the school and her niece attends the school. They are both safe and out of harms way. Please keep Jen, her family and the victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Seven new female American Gladiators were cast for the new series beginning on January 6th, 2008 on NBC.  We have not had the complete list until now. Here they are

• Venom – Beth Horn
• Siren – Valerie Waugaman
• Stealth – Tanji Johnson
• Fury – Jamie Reed
• Helga – Robin Coleman
• Crush – Gina Carano

and the last Gladiator…

• Blast – Jenny Berry

We will write more about Jenny Berry in an upcoming post, as Jenny also has an interesting past!

Also, you can check out the latest commercials and pictures at this link…

http://www.getbig.com/news/2007/12/20071207amglad.htm

And read more about the tryouts, the set, and Ron’s experience at this link

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/amgladiators.htm

 

Ladies this is your chance to be part of one of the best NPC stages of the year. This show is held in conjunction with the IRON MAN Pro Bodybuilding and Fit Expo. Every major magazine and photographer will be there. The overall winner receives a photo shoot with Michael Neveux for a pictorial in Iron Man magazine. Don’t miss the opportunity to shine.

Check-In: Judging: Saturday, 2/16/08, 10:00 a.m. (Petree Hall – backstage)
Finals: Saturday, 2/16/08, 5:30 p.m. (Petree Hall – backstage)
Schedule subject to change. Check online at www.ironmanmagazine.com for updates.

Venue:
The Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
Underground parking on premises $12.
Parking and Traffic Information: Radio Station 1630 AM.
Petree Hall is inside West Hall building, behind Staples Center.
No video or flash photography allowed.
No food or beverages allowed in the auditorium.
See www.ironmanmagazine.com for map and directions.

Eligibility: Open to all 2008 NPC registered athletes in good standing. Unregistered athletes can purchase cards on the day of event from NPC Officials.

Entry Fee: Figure $60 before Jan. 31, 2008; $100 thereafter. Credit card, money order or cashier’s check payable to Iron Man Magazine. No refunds.

Payment: Payment due with contract. All major credit cards, check, money order accepted. Payment in U.S. Dollars. No refunds.

Awards: Trophies for top 3 plus one overall. Overall Winner to receive a photo shoot with Michael Neveux for a pictorial in Iron Man magazine.

Posing Suits: Figure competitors are allowed to wear 2-piece multi-colored “V” style suits with make-up and earrings for the FINALS EVENT ONLY. The rules on posing suits for Judging remain unchanged.

Hotel: Host hotel, the adjacent HOLIDAY INN CITY CENTER, is $140 a night for singles or doubles. Mention Iron Man FitExpo to get this special rate by calling them at 888-336-3745 in February. 1020 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 – www.hicitycenter.com.

Tickets: Judging ($40) + Finals ($70) = $110. Figure Special: $80/combo. Includes (1) Saturday FitExpo Entrance. Restrictions may apply.

Showtimes:
Men’s Judging: Saturday, Feb. 16 – 10:00 a.m. (Petree Hall)
Figure Judging: Saturday, Feb. 16 – 12 noon (Petree Hall)
Finals: Saturday, Feb. 16 – 6:30 p.m. (Petree Hall)
FitExpo Hours: Fri/Sat/Sun, Feb. 15, 16, 17 (West Hall)
*Schedule subject to change. Check www.ironmanmagazine.com for updates.

Contact:
Sonia Melendez, Iron Man Magazine
1701 Ives Avenue, Oxnard CA 93033
Tel: 805-385-3500, ext. 332
Fax 805-385-3515
sonia@ironmanmagazine.com

Download Application Form.

Muscle & Fitness and Muscle & Fitness Hers Magazines are looking for fit, athletic females and muscular males to use as models in upcoming issues.

When: Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Where: Weider Publications
21100 Erwin St.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
ph: 818-884-6800

Time: 2pm-4pm

More information and details here.