Archives for June 2008

We can narrow it down to fitness or figure in the 2008 Arnold Classic, but can you spot whose booties these belong to? The photo is published in the current issue of JPG magazine, a photography magazine found in most bookstores. “Booty Lineup” may seem like a regular ol’ image to those of us who attend competitions but to the general public this isn’t something they see every day. One of my goals for 2008 was to introduce figure and fitness to people outside of the current audience and fan base. Getting photos like this into non-fitness related magazines is one way of accomplishing this goal. I encourage everyone to do their part to help showcase the hard work of the women wherever they can.

“Booty Lineup” in the current issue of JPG magazine.

Okay, I’m done tooting my own horn for a bit and will leave the tooting to Ms. Fitness Olympia. If you haven’t voted in the Adela Gas Poll yet, you can do so on this Hardbody post. It looks like the moped option is leading the way.

I checked in with Shannon Gill for her scoop on how the Mike Davies Fitness Factory Boot Camp went. As you may remember it was a camp held in Seattle on June 6-8, those of you who may have missed it the original post on hardbody can be found here. Shannon provided me with the following update.

Oh Wow! What crazy fun that was! The hardest and most productive weekend ever! Mike and Julie are absolutely amazing people.

We had 18 in attendance for the weekend, traveling from all over the state of Washington and even from Canada and Oregon. The LA fitness Facility was immaculate and was a great fit for us. Weekend GM Alex Hayden took care of us, and was great support for all the girls. I cannot say enough great things about this former Mr. Flex winner!

We started off the weekend with one of the most intense boot camps ever, with Julie herself joining in with the group. I got one word….Non-Stop! (Well…two…LOL). Saturday started off early with an advanced leg workout, followed by a cardio program for champions! With a break for lunch we started back up with a Posing seminar that really opened the eyes to all of the competitors. It was a treat for all of us to see Mike’s expertise to highlight our strong points and that no-nonsense approach to training.

Our Q&A time was well spent with everyone asking what was on their minds. Afterwards one more intense training session finished us out followed by a “dieting – friendly” social hour and dinner at my house down the road from the gym & Hotel. The food was prepared by our dear friend Merry Christine, who generously took time away from her busy suit making schedule to create a bountiful spread that everyone could indulge. With all that, sleep came early as our next training began at the wonderful hour of 6am! After one more intense workout, we closed out the weekend by sitting down and having another Q&A forum which highlighted every question the girls could think of.

With all of us leaving much more educated then when we showed up, our engines are revving and gearing up for the next round of shows!  We are now planning another Mike Davies Boot camp on December 12th – 14th, again here in Bellevue, WA at the LA Fitness Facility! With such a successful camp…we are so excited for the next one!

Stay tuned for more details on the next camp. If any of the hardbody readers attended this camp, let us know what you thought. Congratulations to Julie, Mike and his team for what sounds like a great weekend.

Weeks ago American Airlines began charging passengers for $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second. United Airlines recently announced they will soon be implementing the same procedures. I frequently fly United as it’s a hub in Denver. It’s not my preferred airline (Frontier is) but it is necessary to use them more often than not because of the flight schedule. The airlines blame the price of gasoline for the luggage charges, which is to be expected. It’s an interesting approach, or lack there of, to customer service and public relations. I’d suggest rolling the $15 into the price of the airline ticket opposed to charging each passenger for their first piece of luggage. The airlines encouraged us to pack lighter and carry on more often. Then they placed restrictions on the size of liquids that could be in our carry-on luggage. Now we’ll have to pay to check luggage and bet your sweet ass people will be jamming everything they can in their carry on luggage. We’re also informed that there will be an added cost when our luggage is overweight. What if the airlines charged for passengers that were overweight. OH NO! That would be discrimination. Let’s allow a 400lb man to pay the same price for an airline ticket, take up 1/2 my seat with his big ass, yet charge me because I have to check a bag.

Weeks ago I flew to Las Vegas on United Airlines for an event. I was in the very back of the airline and the last to be served the complimentary beverage. Remember the good old days when you’d get a snack and a WHOLE CAN of your favorite beverage? Not so much the case today. When the woman asked what I’d like to drink I responded with, “A diet coke please and may I just have the can”. She looked at me baffled and said, “No, it’s our policy to not give out the can.” HA! Really? Wow thanks. Good thing you have to save the rest of that diet coke for NO ONE since I’m the last one to be served. Wait, maybe they are saving the 1/2 opened cans for the next flight. I had to laugh and said nothing as she continued to spew more corporate bull. A company policy not to give out a can of Diet Coke. Ah, that’s right gas prices are up we all need to save.

As you fly to competitions or on a vacation be prepared to pay for checking your luggage and don’t dare ask for the can.

The email sent to me regarding the change in luggage charges:

Before your next trip with us, we would like you to know about changes to our checked baggage policy and revised fees for excess, overweight, oversized baggage and special items, effective for travel on or after August 18, 2008.

If you purchase a United Economy® ticket on or after June 13, 2008 for travel on or after August 18, 2008, a $15 service fee will apply, each way, to check your first piece of baggage. This fee applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

As previously announced, a $25 fee will apply to check a second bag when flying on a ticket purchased on or after February 4, 2008.

Jamie Wright takes round three in the FLEX Magazine’s Online Bikini Model Search. FLEXonline.com caught up with the 25 year old beauty for an interview. Check out her interview and a few photos that helped knock out the competition.

Jamie Wright wins Round Three.

A segment in the July 2008 Issue of MUSCLEMAG, with Arnold on the cover, highlights yours truly. Thanks to the people at MuscleMag and Larry Pepe for the nice write-up. The photo was taken by Ron Avidan during a shoot I did with IFBB Pro Amy Peters.

In the News – July 2008 issue of MuscleMag.

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Big congratulations go out to Isaac Hinds of Lift Studios for being named the 2007 Photographer of the Year in the annual Bodybuilding.com awards. Isaac covers virtually every major NPC and IFBB contest plus a good number of not-so-major ones along with doing more photo shoots with both top and up-and-coming athletes than I even want to think about. He has shot several friends of mine, like IFBB pros Will “World” Harris and Chris Faildo, both of whom raved about how easy is to shoot with and the quality of the photos he produces. His work appears in many worldwide publications and on Web sites such as Bodybuilding.com, Hardbody.com and his personal site, LiftStudios.com.

This is the last day to vote for the FLEX MAGAZINE Online Bikini Model Search Contest. There are a number of great models in this month’s contest. If you haven’t sent in your photos for next month you can still do so on the web site as well. Vote for your favorite model by visiting FLEXonline.com.

Yes, I am aware of how lame it is to be at home on Saturday night and even more pathetic to admit I saw Geraldo At Large… Live.

Geraldo welcomed “The Obama Girl” and the two “McCain girls”. The original and the “hulked up” version of McCain. Geraldo had to make some wise ass comment about steroids and how McCain wouldn’t like that. The big mustached goof always has something asinine to throw in the middle of his segments. Aside from that bit, it was a good showing for Colette. When they came back from commercial break the three political girls sang Happy Birthday to the ARMY. The United States Army turns 231 today and the three did a good job of singing; it was a nice touch. Colette told Geraldo playing the bulked up version of McCain was a dream come true… a bodybuilder playing a version of The Incredible Hulk would be flattering in any capacity. Props to Colette for coming across very professional and being a good ambassador for female bodybuilders.

It dawned on me while writing this, Colette’s long-time boyfriend Dave Palumbo has played The Incredible Hulk a few times on NBC’s Conan O’Brien.

Dave Palumbo on Conan O’Brien as the Hulk.

This video shows two brothers in a chair, one biting the other’s finger. What does that have to do with fitness or figure? On the surface, nothing however after watching this video a few times and I’m more and more amused. It reminded me of a couple things. Remember to laugh, smile and don’t take yourself too serious. Last week’s tragedy served as a reminder, life is short and you never know what tomorrow brings. While I don’t have children, there is something refreshing about kids that make you stop and enjoy the moment.

Don’t take yourself too serious as you’re competing, training and dieting. We all get wrapped up in our own little world at times and that’s okay but remember to balance it out and have fun. If this doesn’t bring a smile to your face then might I suggest bite your own finger. 🙂

I talked to fitness champ Adela Garcia today and like most of us, she is frustrated with gas prices. Adela is contemplating a couple of options to save money. Originally she thought it would be a good idea to run to the gym instead of driving. Hmmm… Not a bad thought as she’d get her cardio in AND save money. Then I asked her how she would get home, she’d have to run back. DOUBLE CARDIO! She could take care of her double cardio sessions AND save money. That’s one option for the reigning champ, however she might be too tired when by the time she got to the gym. So the second option could be riding her bike to the gym. Again, not a bad idea and would be easier and faster than running. However, Adela is afraid she might burn off too much muscle in her attempt to save money on gas so she is contemplating a third option. What might that be? A MOPED. She’d save money on gas and save her precious muscle. Tough decision for Adela, but what do you think? You can cast your vote below.

I grew up a fan of the Incredible Hulk comic book and the TV show and when the news of a movie was announced a couple of years ago I was stoked. Disappointed, I was not a fan of the first Incredible Hulk movie but will give the second one a chance. Today, The Incredible Hulk opens in theaters across the US and should do well at the box office. It seems every talk show is doing some sort of promotional coverage for the movie. Last night on Jimmy Kimmel, this morning on FOX and Friends the Green Madness is everywhere. If this movie bombs it’s not for lack of marketing.

While on Youtube.com this morning I ran across this little gem. When the “McCain Girl” gets angry she transforms herself into the female version of The Incredible Hulk. It is amusing because the “hulk” version is no other than Colette Nelson, IFBB Pro Bodybuilder from New York. Props to Colette for continuing to get work in creative ways. Check out Colette as “The Incredible McCain Girl” in this Hulk Spoof…

Today, the topic of trainers. A few red flag reminders and things to consider when it comes to working with a trainer – specifically in regards to a competition.

TRAINERS
There are a number of male trainers who are great, however that does not make them experts in all fields. All to often I see males training figure and fitness competitors like they are bodybuilders. It may work from time to time but women’s bodies are different from men and generally should adapt different training/nutritional principles. Some women love to train heavy and sweat it out with the men which is awesome. I work out with women from time to time and they tend to kick my ass. Why? I usually let my macho male ego get in the way and not allow myself to get run into the ground by a woman. That’s not really what I am referring to however EGO is the point. Many trainers have huge egos and love to take credit for the competitor’s success. If someone is name dropping and telling you they can turn you pro without having seen you compete or evaluate where you are – run. These are clowns who are trying to use you to be somebody bigger than what they already are. Trainers are there to help you reach YOUR goals, that is why you pay THEM. It doesn’t give you the right to do whatever you want but you are the client so remember it is about you paying them, to reach your goals. Whether it be competing in a show or losing 10lbs they are there to provide a service.

It’s not only men… I’ve seen women who’ve won a large show think that qualifies them as an expert in coaching. Hell, there are even some top national and pro competitors (men and women) that think because they are a pro competitor they are an expert. Some are and while many others are not. I can spot it a mile away and so can the judges. When a competitor has been coached by someone who doesn’t know what they are doing…it shows. These are the people who don’t pay attention to the little details it shows.

POSING – last week I witnessed some horrendous figure posing at a local show. There were familiar faces/voices in the crowd cheering on their competitor. RAH RAH GOOD JOB #123…PERFECT! Huh? What the chuck are you doing I thought to myself. The competitor was posing all wrong and it definitely hurt her placings because she was not presenting her physique properly. This poor woman worked her ass off only to pose incorrectly and she paid the price. On the flip side I could see a few very polished, poised and well rehearsed physiques on stage. When the night show rolled around and these people thanked their trainers, I thought ah ha it showed. To the women who want to piss and moan and say xyz person won because they were trained by xyz – stop and think for a minute… Did you ever consider they won because they were trained properly and knew what the heck they were doing? You don’t have to train with one of the big name trainers in the industry to win but there is a reason why their women do well… it’s because they are qualified to do what they do. Spend some time watching a show, in person, and observe the posing – you’ll know what I am talking about.

PROS AS TRAINERS – Just because someone is a pro competitor doesn’t make them a good trainer, it makes them a good competitor. More often then not they became a pro by working with someone else and didn’t do it all on their own. This goes for both men and women. I’ve met competitors who tell me they are trained by xyz pro and they are proud of it. Cool, congrats, that’s awesome! Many competitors want to tell the world that they trained with a top pro. I observe them posing and or check out their conditioning and think, holy hell are you kidding me? You should ask that pro for your money back. If someone tells you they train with xyz pro and they turn lots of people pro – they are probably full of shit. More often than not this pro has an ego and thinks they are the shit. Really? I know hard to believe but many times true. This person found a diamond in the rough and worked with a competitor or two who turned pro. Those same competitors would have probably turned pro with any trainer but sure not always. Just be mindful of someone trying to name drop and convince you that they can do more than they can. Pros as trainers do not have any more “in” with the judging than Joe Blow. If they try to tell you otherwise look for a different trainer because they are blowing smoke up your ass.

EVERYONE’S AN EXPERT – Many times as you prepare for a show and as you get a little more tan and a little leaner people ask tons of questions. They want to know what magic pill you’re taking and forget that you’re doing two hours of cardio. These same people will ask about your training or your diet and then have something to add. My advice, listen to one person and stick to it till the end of the show. If you listen to three different people who all think they have something better for you to do with your training or diet you will end up frustrated and confused. I am guilty of it myself. The first time I competed I worked with a trainer and found myself listening to others. I had to learn to trust my trainer, not question them when they told me to eat more carbs and have a little faith. Fortunately, for me it worked and it is a recipe for success that I see with others. Sometimes it doesn’t work out with a trainer and that’s no big deal. Everyone has different styles and ways about them. Some people need a hard ass trainer to get them motivated, others need to be comforted and hugged along the way. Don’t fall prey to those who think they know what is best for you when doing a show. There is a reason why you are paying your trainer and not the meat head in the gym who thinks they have a better solution.

If have any specific questions or topics related to trainers post them in the comments field or email them to me at Isaac @ liftstudios.com. I will be hitting on more topical items in the coming weeks. Next up… Husbands and Boyfriends. Check back this one will be interestings.

Are you competing in the NPC Jr. Nationals next week or know someone who is? How about the NPC USAs held in Las Vegas next month? If you are competing or know someone who is men or women please email me at isaac@hardbody.com or isaac@liftstudios.com. I am putting together a few things to preview the contest and the competitors for both shows. I have a number of confirmed competitors for both events and the competition will be fierce.  Some familiar faces who are so close to winning and others who are new to the scene and may break through like Lenay Hernandez did last month at the NPC JR USAs.

Monday night, Pro Bodybuilding Weekly remembered Amanda Earhart-Savell. I was honored to share a bit about Amanda with Pro Bodybuilding Weekly audience. We talked about some of her success on and offstage as well was how she would be remembered. At the end of the segment, host Dan Solomon read a note from her manager JM Manion. JM shared his thoughts and his last time speaking with Amanda. I’ve been on Pro Bodybuilding Weekly before but this time was different (obviously) and I was nervous. It is easy to get sucked into the negativity and get angry over the loss of Amanda but I want to remember what a huge heart she had and could inject humor in any situation.

In a selfish way, I am happy to be one of the last people to communicate with her. We texted each other last Monday about dieting and she was giving me a hard time about doing the “27 Days of Bodybuilding.com“. We joked about the side effects of eating too much protein and the last words I will ever get from Amanda read, “Ha holy shit rolling laughing on that one ya I have done that before ha”. I am thankful my last communication with her was what I will always remember her by. Funny and full of life. Rest In Peace Amanda.

You can listen to the replay from the show here.

Alicia Marie is quickly becoming one of the most popular fitness models on the scene today. She has her own column in Oxygen Magazine, one of the leading ladies for the supplement company BSN and if that wasn’t enough she’s a NPC competitor. Yes, folks there is even more that she does but to cover all that would take an entire afternoon to share.

When I spoke to Alicia at the Bodybuilding.com Boise Fit Expo she had planned on competing at the NPC Jr. Nationals. Since her travel schedule didn’t allow for her to focus 100%, she switched things up and will head to Sin City for the NPC USAs. Alicia runs her own blog on the BSN web site where she shares some of the happenings in her life.

Good luck at USAs Alicia and I hope you’ve kicked the food poisoning. (Alicia recently had a bought with some bad food according to her last blog post)

The newest issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers hit the shelves today. One of our loyal readers corrected my prior post and thank you for bringing it to my attention. LAST month’s issue featured IFBB Pro Figure competitor, Jennifer Gates. Jenn’s arm training workout is currently featured on the MFhers web site.

“It’s easy to overlook the backs of your arms when training. With a good pump in the biceps, what’s behind them may seem sufficiently big as well. But if you leave out your triceps enough in the gym, the imbalance will be woefully evident. IFBB figure competitor Jennifer Gates knows this better than most, and is therefore scrupulous in how she trains both sides of this very visible bodypart. But contrary to what some may think, you don’t need an endless array of sets and exercises to get great arms—Gates blasts hers with two exercises each for bi’s and tri’s, 12 sets total.”

If you missed last month’s issue but looking for Jen’s full are arm workout visit muscleandfitnesshers.com.

Chris Hobrecker, Group Creative Director for Weider Publications, and his wife Kristi gave birth to their second daughter on Saturday. I should say, Kristi Hobrecker gave birth with no drugs (not even asprin) to Cayden June. Talk about being a champ, now we know who’s the toughest Hobrecker. Baby Cayden was greeted with smiles by her adorable older sister Callia.

Chris is one of the most easy going professionals in the fitness industry and often takes a low-profile approach about himself. He brings a ton of passion and creativity to our industry and I know baby Cayden is in good hands.

Congratulations!

I’ve been informed by the family and her best friend who is currently at the Earhart residence that the cause of death was murder/suicide and not a double homicide as some people have thought. The news is slow to become public but again I have confirmed that is was in fact murder/suicide. I will post more information around the case as it becomes available. A quick search on “Amanda Savell” turns up hundreds of news stories, most of which are the same associated press story.

Update news from Plano Texas:

Plano Police: Steroids Dealer Killed Himself

PLANO (CBS 11 News) ― David Jacobs, an admitted and convicted steroids dealer, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  That’s according to Sgt. Andrae Smith of the Plano Police Department.

The woman who was found with him, 30-year-old Amanda Jo Earhart-Savell, died of multiple gunshot wounds, Smith said.

Sources close to the investigation told CBS 11 News Thursday that Jacobs, 35, had suffered two gunshot wounds: one to the stomach and one to the head.

Police found the bodies at Jacobs’ Plano house Thursday morning.  Published reports say the two were engaged to be married.

Savell worked as a fitness model. Photos of her have appeared in several national fitness and bodybuilding publications. She also competed in national body building competitions. As a teen, she was also a nationally ranked tennis player.

CBS 11 News observed officers carrying several brown paper bags out of the house Thursday morning. When asked if they had found any steroids in the house, police said they were still trying to determine that.

Police also say they confiscated mail from Jacobs’ house.

Jacobs’ lawyer says his client met with NFL officials last month and gave them names of players he said had bought steroids from him.

Thursday afternoon, the NFL released this statement to CBS 11 News: “We offer our sympathy to the families of David Jacobs and Amanda Jo Earhart-Savell. As we have previously confirmed, our security representatives interviewed David Jacobs on two occasions. We are reviewing the information to determine if there is documented evidence establishing any violations of our program and will follow up on any other information that is provided. It is premature to comment on any specific player at this time. Anyone found to have violated our policies will be subject to discipline, including suspension. We will continue to be responsive to any needs of law enforcement on this matter.”

On May 1, a federal judge sentenced Jacobs to three years probation and fined $25,000 on his conviction for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.

Jacobs had pleaded guilty to the crime.

Previously, Jacobs claimed that he sold steroids to former Dallas Cowboy Matt Lehr in 2006 and 2007.

Lehr’s attorney has denied the allegations.

CBS 11 News looked up Jacobs’ MySpace page. On it, he listed his nickname as “Bulletproof.”

I haven’t been able to sleep and my mind has been on Amanda and her loved ones. I decided to hunt through my thousands of photos over the years to see what I could dig up from the various shows. I found quite a few of Miss Amanda and as you can see she lit up the camera with her smile. This was tough for me to put together as it brought back so many memories and a reminder that I’ll never see her again. It brings tears to my eyes to write this and watch it again but in some strange way it begins to make this all a bit more real for me. The fitness community will never forget Amanda and her sense of humor.

I don’t have full details yet but I was informed moments ago that Amanda’s funeral is set for Sunday in Dallas, Texas. As I receive more information on the arrangements I will pass it along. **Originally this was Monday but it is SUNDAY.
If you would like to send flowers or cards to the family you can do so by sending to:

Earhearts
C/O Remember Amanda
3912 Penzance Dr.
Plano, TX 75093

I am in the process of gathering photos and interviews I’ve done with Amanda over the years as a tribute to her. Here are a couple that I’d like to share with everyone to help remind us that she was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outer shell.

My interview with Amanda before the 2007 Arnold on Bodybuilding.com

The following story was published on the New York Times Web site.
Steroids Dealer and Girlfriend Found Dead at Home
By MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT
Published: June 6, 2008

A convicted steroids dealer who provided documentary evidence and testimony to N.F.L. officials last month that tied several players to the use of performance-enhancing drugs was found dead on Thursday morning at his home in Plano, Texas, the police said.

Jacobs last month in the kitchen he used to make steroids in.

David Jacobs, who was convicted on federal steroid distribution charges last year, began cooperating with N.F.L. officials shortly after he was sentenced to probation in May.

His girlfriend, Amanda Jo Earhart-Savell, 30, was also found dead in the home, the police said.

Early Thursday morning, officers in Plano responded to a caller’s concern about Jacobs. Upon the officers’ arrival at the home, Jacobs and Earhart-Savell were found shot to death.

Jacobs had said he provided two N.F.L. players with steroids and human growth hormone and that they then supplied other N.F.L. players with the banned substances.

The New York Times reported in April that information from the government’s investigation of Jacobs had led federal prosecutors to investigate Matt Lehr, an offensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints, on the suspicion that he distributed performance-enhancing drugs.

Lehr’s lawyer denied that his client ever sold steroids or human growth hormone and said Jacobs fabricated information about Lehr after he refused to pay Jacobs’s legal fees. Jacobs said he never asked Lehr for money.

Telephone and e-mail messages left for Jacobs’s lawyer were not immediately returned Thursday.

The Plano police said the investigation was continuing.

I’ve been on the phone all morning with those closest to Amanda Jo. Everyone’s story is consistent at this point. The last time anyone heard from Amanda Jo was on Monday night. Her family and friends tried to reach her but there was no response. They contacted the police and filed a missing person’s report as this was unlike her. She hadn’t been to the gym in a couple days and Amanda never missed a workout. When she hadn’t logged onto myspace or been to the gym, friends knew something was wrong. She was preparing to do the Europa Super show, a show which she had won two times before. Amanda was very close to her family and her father’s health had been failing as of late. AJ loved to be on her MYSPACE page. She enjoyed using the “mood” feature on the site and checked her email there several times a day. I had been talking with Amanda about her returning to the stage and we were planning out a photo shoot for the Europa. I’m numb as I write this as she was an amazing woman who I cared about as did many in and out of the fitness industry. She was anxious to return to competition and show everyone how hard she’d been working since the Olympia. We joked about being hungry and how dieting can be challenging.

News is still being collected but it appears her ex-boyfriend Dave Jacobs shot her and then turned the gun on himself. The two were found in his home of Texas. Dave Jacobs has been in the news over a steroid bust and was recently convicted for the incident. Despite friends and family encouraging Amanda to keep her distance from him she fell back into his control several times. Dave’s mentality was one that if he couldn’t have Amanda Jo no one would and at this point it appears he took it to the ultimate extreme.