Archives for January 2008

Valerie “The Charging Rhino” Waugaman is making a name for herself off the competitive stage. Val who plays “Siren” continues to get some love from various newspapers across the country. Ya gotta give the woman props, she is accomplishing her goals.

FROM THE BALTIMORE SUN:
When you look at Siren on American Gladiators, besides the costume and the intimidating look, you’re sure to notice the sculpted muscles.

Valerie Waugaman sees fat.

“The camera really does add 10 pounds,” says Waugaman, the 29-year-old Cleveland resident who plays Siren on the NBC series. But she is not going to turn into some timid little birdie; she is very fitness-conscious.

>> Read Full Story Here.

Check out the second cover of Iron Sirens. Featured on the cover is Ms. Fitness Olympia, Adela Garcia. Her villain, Sonia Adcock, will make her comic debut in this issue as well. The ladies will both be working the GNC booth during the Arnold Classic. Stop by the GNC or NPC booth to get your autographed copy.

I spoke with one of Texas’ finest, Ms. Natalie Benson today to catch up on what’s happening in her world. She tells me she is feeling great and counting down the days to rock the Arnold stage. When I asked her what fans might expect to see on stage this year she said, “I’ll be a bit smaller than the Olympia.” Natalie will be sporting new competition suits made by Sylvia Tremblay.

Check out the newest Muscle Mag International where Natalie gets a little love from columnist, Larry Pepe. Natalie also has a number of shoots planned around the Arnold Classic time, which we can expect to see in various magazines in the coming months. I’ll be featuring Natalie in an upcoming bodybuilding.com interview in a few weeks. Any competitor who is interested in having their makeup done by one of today’s top IFBB Pros – Natalie is available. Her website (nataliebenson.com) is nearing completion and will have full details on her contest services.

Natalie at the Europa Supershow 2007.

The Arnold Classic Website has been updated with photos of all of the competitors that will be on stage at the 2008 Arnold Classic Invitational.

Check out the Fitnesss Athletes Here

Photo JM Manion
Check out the Figure Athletes Here

Photo JM Manion

American Gladiator hopefuls will get another chance to try out for the NBC show at the Fit Expo on Los Angles. The tryouts will be held on February 16 & 17th from 10am-4pm both days. For more information visit: www.thefitexpo.com

JM Manion has been working hard with his team on the second issue of Iron Sirens. You saw the cover of the debut issue here first. Now we’re giving you a sneak peek at the first five pages of the second issue. The issue will premiere at the 2008 Arnold Classic and will feature the introduction of a new villian. This new character is out to kick Adela Garcia’s booty. Will it happen? Who is the new character? I’ll give ya a hint. She’s another attractive IFBB pro. Adela and her villian will both be at the Arnold Classic. They will follow it up with a comic convention in April if all things go as planned. Iron Sirens writer, Ian Ascher will also be in attendance at the Pittsburgh Comic-Con.

You heard it here first comic book fans!

Hardbody’s Cali man, Ron Avidan was on the scene this past weekend for the American Gladiator’s tryouts. Ron reports that IFBB Pro competitors Julie Childs, Mary Jo Cooke and Zhanna Rotar all tried out and did well. I spoke with FLEX magazine Senior Writer, Allan Donnelly who said the scene was total madness. Thousands of people lined up for their chance to become the next contestant or American Gladiator. Tryouts will be held in various cities this weekend. There are a few NPC competitors in the Denver area who have expressed an interest and I know a hot little fitness diva in Texas who is planning on rocking the tryouts in Austin. Stay tuned for photos, videos and more on the American Gladiator tryouts. It’s a strong possibility we’ll see more NPC/IFBB females in the show for season two.

Julie Childs shows off one of her gunz.

Zhanna Rotar and Allan Donnelly at the tryouts in Venice, California.

A big birthday shout out to Amanda Jo Savell. Amanda hit the big 30 today and is spending the day in Texas taking it easy with family. AJ tells me she celebrated her birthday last weekend with close family and friends. Happy Birthday Amanda Jo!

I received this update today from one of the industry’s best suit designers, Christine Marsh. Christine has designed many of the top fitness and figure competitor suits. She is definitely HARDBODY APPROVED.

We want to let you know that we are no longer at the 2160 S. Holly St. location. We have moved to 7500 S. University Blvd., Centennial CO unit #109 in the Dry Creek Center. Our phone number (303.584.0832), email (cmdesigns10587@qwest.net), and website (christinemarshdesigns.com) are all the same.We are now on the southeast corner of Dry Creek Road and University Blvd. The Southglenn Public Library is on the west end of the complex and we are between Dry Creek Discount Liquor and Blackjack Pizza. Arapahoe High School is on the Northwest corner of Dry Creek Road and University Blvd.

Our mailing address is now:
Christine Marsh Designs
P.O. Box 3652
Littleton, CO 80161

Give Christine Marsh a call at 303.584.0832. Tell her HARDBODY sent ya.

Yesterday, I had a chance to chat with one of the shortest competitors in the IFBB ranks. Huong Arcinas is only 4’11” but don’t let her height fool ya. She has tremendous potential and could fair well in her 2008 IFBB figure season. Huong told me she’ll be competing in the Pittsburgh Pro Figure and then look to do a couple shows closer to home (Northern California). The Pittsburgh show is scheduled for early May and will be here before we know it. When I asked her what she’d been up to she told me “eating and sleeping”. Well, that and caring for her two young children. Yes ladies, you can still have an amazing physique after giving birth. She’s also been busy working as a personal trainer and helping women achieve their fitness goals.

Keep an eye on Huong Arincas this year. If she reaches her potential, we’ll see this her giving the tall ladies a run for their money in every show she enters.

Those of you wondering who will be competing in the amateur portions of the Arnold Classic weekend can now check them out on the Arnold web site. Visit: http://arnoldclassicamateurbodybuilding.com/competitors.html

There will be updates to this list. We were just informed that one of the individuals on the list to compete is now expecting another child. Who might that be? Hmmmmm… We’ll keep ya posted

I had a chance to rap with Joe Bayer of HDPhysiques.com about IFBB Figure Pro and American Gladiator Valerie Waugaman. Joe is friends with Val and kind enough to pass along the following information from her. Yes, Waugamaniacs, this is straight from V-Dub…

The reason I am not doing the Arnold is because I really needed the recovery time between Gladiator seasons one and two. There are no particular “acute” injuries, nothing torn, broken, etc… Just wear and tear, especially on the upper body joints, from doing a lot of physical stuff in a short period of time. I kind of relate it to how a football player might feel at the end of a season. This was a very difficult decision and I waited until the very last possible moment to make the decision. I’m really going to miss competing in the Figure International this year – it’s such a wonderful show and it’s in my backyard. I’m definitely not done with competing. I’m hungry for a title and plan on competing more in the future. After consulting with my physical therapist and realizing that I wouldn’t be able to train the way I’d need to train to bring the best Valerie Waugaman to the Arnold stage, I decided that it would be best to continue to recover and get back to 100%. I’m really excited about seeing everyone in Columbus, as I’ll be there working various booths, watching the competition and supporting the other athletes. I’m very proud of my background with the IFBB and continue to talk about that in each interview I do for the Gladiators. Positive mojo! See you in Columbus!

Thanks Joe and Thank you Val for sharing your reasons behind the decision. We look forward to seeing ya at the Arnold Expo!

A big shout out to Heidi Fletcher who celebrates her birthday today. I touched based with Fletch to hear how she was celebrating the big day. She tells me, “I’m watching everyone else eat chicken parmesan and birthday cake but still have my birthday wish”. What that wish is, only she knows but we all wish her the best this year on and off stage. Heidi will be making the 2008 New York Pro Fitness her first show of the year. Eleven weeks and counting till we’ll see her back on stage.

The last time I saw Heidi she at the Cheesecake Factory grabbing some grub. This followed a great showing at the West Palm Beach Pro.

Weeks ago we reported that all of the competitors and models were released from Kemistry/Pinnacle. One of those who felt the cut was HARDBODY friend and top model, Christina Lindley. Christina is a marketable woman and now part of the BSN team.

Christina will be making her debut with them at the Arnold Classic. She’ll be writing articles for their quarterly catalog as well as a weekly blog on the BSN website. The blog will keep fans updated with all the happenings in her life. Christina’s next television apperance will be the Visual Effects Society Awards show in Hollywood, where they wil present Steven Spielberg a lifetime acheivement award. Christina will be there giving out the trophies to some of the winners.

Congrats Christina!

Join IFBB Pro, Carla Sanchez and special guests, to learn top tips to compete at your very best in 2008! PR Competitor Camps cover training and nutritional strategies, nutrient timing and supplementation, judging criteria, stage presentation, competition make-up application, suit selection, body color application, and NEW this year, fitness modeling with Terry and Elaine Goodlad!

WHEN: February 15-17, 2008
WHERE: Denver, CO

Special Guests:
• Jim Rockell, NPC National and IFBB Pro Judge
• Christine Marsh, Christine Marsh Designs
• Jose Antonio, Ph.D., CSCS, FASCM- Leading research advocate in the field of performance nutrition.
• Terry Goodlad, www.bodysport.com Fitness writer and photographer for FLEX, OXYGEN, AMERICAN CURVES and other fitness magazines.
• Elaine Goodlad, www.elainefit.com IFBB Pro, fitness model and professional make-up artist
• David Sandler, MS, CSCS consultant and member of the advisory board for MUSCLE AND FITNESS magazine

For more information and to register, visit: http://www.performanceready.com/pages/seminars.html

One of the industry’s mot popular female competitors has confirmed, she is out of the 2008 Figure International. Monica Brant confirmed with me today that she is in fact out of the line up. Mo has agreed to do an interview at a later date where she will share more details.

Check back for more breaking news that only hardbody.com provides.

Clearly this woman is a competitor, but who is it? Let me know if you know who this is. Part of a series with Ray-Ban sunglasses using the tagline “Never Hide.” The commercial gets more amusing the more you watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbu1_1TGhd8

Beth Horn, well known competitor, model, author and now American Gladiator, opened up her new website. Beth also appears every Monday on American Gladiators as VENOM.

Her new site features a ton of photos spanning all facets of her career as well as an in depth “About Me” section.

Look to learn more about Beth as we interview her later this month.

Make a trip on over to BethHorn.com and tell her HardBody.com sent ya.

Take a trip over to the Arnold Classic web site and you will see Valerie Waugaman’s name is no longer on the Figure International list. It’s been confirmed that Valerie Waugaman is in fact out of this year’s show. The details behind her withdrawal from the show have not been confirmed as of yet. Once we have a chance to confirm with Val on her condition and reasons for withdrawing, we’ll report back.

Many considered Valerie a favorite for the Figure National title and most definitely a lock for a top 6 spot.

Stay tuned.

Hardbody.com brings you the 2008 prize breakdown for the women first. The total purse for the women is $154,000 which isn’t too shabby. The difference between first and second is significant as you can see in the breakdown. Those who gripe about figure getting treated better than female bodybuilding or fitness competitors might rethink that. The prize money for fitness and figure is more than the figure division as shown in the prize breakdown.

Fitness International – $55,500 Total
1st Place $25,000
2nd Place $12,500
3rd Place $8,000
4th Place $5,000
5th Place $3,000
6th Place $2,000

Ms. International – $55,500
1st Place $25,000
2nd Place $12,500
3rd Place $8,000
4th Place $5,000
5th Place $3,000
6th Place $2,000

Figure International – $43,000
1st Place $15,000
2nd Place $10,000
3rd Place $8,000
4th Place $5,000
5th Place $3,500
6th Place $2,000

Paola Almerico is an IFBB Professional Figure athlete who turned pro in 2007 at the NPC Jr. USA’s. In her first year competing as a pro earned not only a qualification to the 2008 Figure Olympia, but also a bid to the prestigious Figure International. I was very excited to catch up with Paola following her exciting entry into the IFBB Figure world.

HardBody.com (HB) – What got you started into Figure?
Paola Almerico (PA)– It wasn’t until my mid 30s that I was introduced to the sport of Figure. I had been training with weights for many years but was not aware of the sport. I was so excited. At the time, I was 35 years old and had a 2 year old daughter. I knew it would be a challenge but I learned everything I could about the sport and trained very hard.

HB – What was your first show?
PA – My first show was the 2005 Gold Cup which was a very competitive show with over 40 competitors. I not only won my class but won the overall.

HB – That was two years ago, 2007 has been an amazing year for you, from winning your pro-card at the Jr USA’s, securing a qualification to the 2008 Olympia and now an invitation to the 2008 Figure International (Arnold Classic), what stands out to you as your most memorable moment?
PA – I had a lot of “special” moments in 2007 but getting my Pro-card by winning the Overall at the Jr. USA and qualifying for the 2008 Olympia in front of my friends and family would be the two most memorable moments.

HB – You are one of this sports “Fit Mommas”. I understand you are a very busy woman, mother, wife and IFBB Pro Athlete. Aside from those responsibilities and training for competition, how do you spend your spare time, if you have any?
PA – Reading and Gardening. I have a love affair with Orchids!! I also enjoy reading at night when the house is quiet. Right now I am enjoying “Eat, Love, Pray” by Elizabeth Gilbert. I love going to the Barnes & Noble, having a cup of tea and reading for hours. I also enjoy watching the cooking channel. One of my favorite shows is “Every Day Italian” with Giada.

HB – Not only do you have a busy schedule of your own, you’ve started helping other women prepare for their shows, right?
PA – Yes, I recently trained and prepared the competitor that won the overall at the 2007 Gold Cup. I really enjoy helping others excel in the sport and reach their dream.

HB – So just a month ago your name was released as one of the athletes invited to the prestigious Figure International / Arnold Classic. What were your expectations leading up to the Arnold Invitation Release?
PA –I was hoping for the best but preparing myself if I was not invited. My confidence was increased by fellow IFBB Pro friends who told me I had a very good chance of being invited based on my two overall titles and my qualification for the 2008 Olympia.

HB – How did you react when you heard the news?
PA – As you might imagine, I was extremely excited. I screamed so loudly that my daughter asked what was wrong and starting crying. I had to explain to Isabella that sometimes a person screams and cries because they’re happy. I told her I was going to the Arnold!! She looked at me confused and said “Who’s Arnold?”

HB – Have you been waiting to start your prep until the release of names? Or had you already started?
PA – My training has been more intense than ever even before I got the great news but I did enjoy the holidays if you know what I mean. I have put on some quality muscle since my last show but have to get much leaner in the next 8 weeks. I have a solid plan and am confident I will be my best.

HB – Looking back at your first competition and where you are now, did you ever dream you would go so far so fast?
PA – It’s been a amazing journey! The past 2 years have been extremely intense. When I did my 1st show, I did not think I would win the Overall. I also did not think I would get my Pro-card in 1 year and then compete in the Arnold and Olympia the very next year. So the answer is No!! I did not think it would happen so quickly. Many people which I have a lot of respect for saw my potential more than I did and their motivation and belief in me really helped me along the way.

HB – Is there anyone in particular you would like to thank who has been supportive or helped you achieve your goals?
PA – There’s a lot of people that have helped me. I have been very fortunate that I have attracted into my life the right person exactly when I needed them. I have made very special friends in this industry. Honestly, the special people and relationships I have developed since I started competing have been as important as anything else.
My family has been extremely supportive of my goals. My special thanks goes to my Mother-in-Law, “Francella Almerico” who has been taking care of my daughter when I travel in the most loving way possible. She’s been my Angel. My husband has given me unconditional support especially during those tough moments. Nelson has also been my trainer. Together we have learned the sport and how to maximize my physique and performance.

HB – Paola, thank you so much for taking the time for us to interview you. We wish you luck next year, I am sure this year will be filled with even more success than last.
PA – Thank you for the interview. I really appreciate it:)

NBC issued a press release and The American Gladiators’ second season will air this summer prior to the 2008 Olympics.

The announcement was made by Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment.

“These exciting new reality shows will be a vital part of ‘NBC’s All-American Summer’ building up to the drama of the Beijing Olympics,” said Plestis. “We are thrilled to feature the powerhouse ‘Gladiators’ this summer and it’s a real coup to bring ‘Nashville Star’ to NBC.”

Those of you interested in auditioning for the next American Gladiators season. If you’re unable to attend the open casting you may send in a video of yourself. The application and more information are available here. You must be at least 18 years of age and a legal US resident of the 50 United States.
OPEN CALL:  LOS ANGELES
Saturday, January 26th, 2008
10:00am – 4:00pm

Gold’s Gym-Venice Beach
360 Hampton Dr.
Venice, CA. 90291

OPEN CALL: Saturday, February 2, 2008/Time and Location: TBD
Denver, CO
Chicago, IL
Austin, TX

OPEN CALL: Saturday, February 9, 2008/Time and Location: TBD
New York City, NY
Scottsdale, AZ
Orlando, FL

OPEN CALLS
You must come in workout attire and appropriate footwear to be considered. You will be tested on your physical ability in areas such as strength, speed, balance and agility. We recommend bringing a workout towel and water with you to the open call.

• Please bring a non-returnable photo of yourself with a completed Application to the open call.
• Open call lines will begin forming 2 hours before the start time. Please do not line up prior to that time.
• Time is limited and there is no guarantee that everyone will be seen – so please arrive early.

It appears that is one of the next steps for the revived NBC tv show. Plans are in the works for an American Gladiators Comic Book but details on what it will entail remain to be released. Will we see the current female gladiators become comic book super-heroes? It’s possible. We’ll keep you posted on further developments.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that IFBB Figure Pro, Nancy Hirsch had landed a role on the popular tv show, Nip Tuck. If you missed the news check it out here. I chatted with Miss Nancy today and she informed me that her first speaking role aired on the Tuesday. How cool is that? Replays of the show run tonight (Friday) and again on Sunday. If you missed it the first time check your local listings so you don’t make the same mistake twice.
Congratulations Nancy!

In 2007, Mariza Deguzman made her way out of the NPC Figure ranks and quarter-turned into IFBB success. This California girl decided to share her experience and help other women with an informative DVD. Pre-orders for her new DVD “The Art of Figure” are available at www.merizafigure.com. It’s slated to release next month.

This 45 min. DVD includes:
• Complete Posing Routine
• Personal Training
• Leg Workout
• Posing Preparation
• Tanning Products
• Shoulders & Back
• Posing Tips & Techniques

I spoke with Boris, Oksana’s husband, and checked in on her Arnold Fitness preparations. He assured tells me she is doing great. Oksana will be bringing a new routine to the Arnold stage and assures everyone it will not be like her previous ones. She is looking forward to her Arnold Classic debut. She will be signing autographed photos at the BodyWell Nutritionals’ booth.
Stay tuned for more updates with Oksana and other Arnold Classic competitors.