Archives for November 2008

Blast from the Past – Guess Who


Can you guess which former NPC competitor is pictured here in her graduation photo?

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Who’s the girl with the big bangs?


IFBB Figure Pro Alicia Marie on the cover of The South magazine


Alicia Marie continues to find success on and off the stage. She reached IFBB Pro status earlier this year, signed with BSN, appeared on MTV’s MADE and now she is the feature of The South magazine.

Laura Clark of The South magazine writes,

On paper, Alicia Marie amazes, but in person, she astounds. Bright and incredibly energetic, it instantly comes as no surprise that fans and colleagues alike view her as a kind of super woman. She is proof that brawn, beauty and brains can come together flawlessly. She is the embodiment of the whole package—a strong, muscular body, with an intellect to match.

This isn’t the last we’ll see of Alicia. She’s part of the reality show featuring fitness and figure women that is set to begin filming soon. Props to Alicia for her continued success.

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Alicia Marie on the cover of The South magazine.
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Another version of The South magazine featuring Alicia Marie.


Photo Of the Day: Sea of Figure


This was the scene that opened the night show for the NPC Nationals in Atlanta. One of the fittest sights you’ll see take any stage.

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The entire group of NPC Figure competitors in Atlanta.


Song of the Day: Mr. Mister – Broken Wings


Awe ya, a blast from the past with Mr. Mister’s Broken Wings. How many of you were sporting this look?



Kristal Richardson shares 5 Exercises women should NOT do


Tight Curves spokesperson and IFBB Figure comeptitor Kristal Richardson shares five exercises on that women should NOT do.

If you hate sit-ups, you’re in luck. They’re one of the top five exercises women should completely avoid, says personal trainer Kristal Richardson.

The other ones to avoid are the ones you’re doing wrong, says Ms. Richardson, a Bloomington, Ill., native and “professional figure competitor” – a division of bodybuilding that emphasizes tone, symmetry and lean muscle. So while women can tackle the same workouts as men, their joints are generally looser than a man’s and “poor form and too much weight can lead to stiff joints or even damage.”

Here are five exercises that Ms. Richardson says women should avoid.

— Visit hometownannapolis.com for the five tips.



Sonia Drops Adcock


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The stunning Sonia will compete as Gonzalez in ’09.

Don’t be alarmed when you see the name Sonia Gonzalez on the competitor list in 2009. Sonia decided to ditch Adcock (since she is no longer married) and go back to her maiden name of Gonzalez. Currently living in sunny California, Sonia will return to the stage at the Figure International next March.



Photo of the Day: Waiting Your Turn


This is often a look that many competitors see while on stage. Standing off to the side while others are being compared and waiting your turn to be in the mix. “Waiting Your Turn” is today’s photo of the day.

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Waiting Your Turn.


Song of the Day: James Brown – Living in America


In between my many naps on Thanksgiving Day, I caught the Rocky marathon on Versus. One of the better songs from the Rocky films is James Brown’s Living in America. This video is a classic as well.



Cara Thien pushes on after accident


The following article ran in The Delta Optimist. This is an example of how to use your local media to get added publicity around your competitions. Props to Cara.

Hard work and perseverance has paid off for a local fitness trainer.

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Cara performing her fitness routine.
Photo from The Delta Optimist.

It was just over a year ago when a car accident prevented Cara Thien from competing in the prestigious Sandra Wickham Fall Classic. Devastated, the Tsawwassen mom had to rehabilitate her injuries and then start all over.

She regained her strength, found new trainers and went to work. Tanji Johnson and IFBB Pro were her new choreographers and Pete and Apple Grubbs her nutritionist. This new team has brought her nothing but great success.

It culminated with Thien capturing first place in the competition she wanted to compete in a year earlier — the Sandra Wickham Fall Classic Fitness and Bodybuilding event. The victory earned her a sponsorship and an endorsement contract from PVL Nutrients and $750 from the B.C. Federation for Bodybuilding and Fitness for a future show sponsored by the organization.

Earlier, Thien was second at a show in Los Angeles and first in the figure category at an event in Tacoma.

Her goal is to achieve International Fitness and Body Building status within the next two years. The IFBB is the world’s largest federation of bodybuilding and fitness athletes.

When she is not training, competing or being a mom to her children — Montana (10), Brayden (8) and Dylan (3) — Thien operates a personal fitness training studio in Tsawwassen.

This fall, she is offering an early morning strength and conditioning class that is designed for anyone wanting to get in shape for work.

Classes of this nature are often referred to as cross-training but will add a flare of new exercises inspired by Thien’s gymnastic and fitness training with pros. She invites anyone eager for a change. For more information on her classes, email her at carathien@yahoo.com.



Laura Mak Opens Bela Vida – A Manhattan Beach Boutique


IFBB Fitness Pro Laura Mak recently had a grand opening of her new store Bela Vida. The store features some of the best in fitness clothing and swimwear. The stylish boutique offers some of the best Brazillian fitness wear by Mak Attack as well as Beach Couture Designs. Bela Vida means “Beautiful Life” and from the looks of the store it definitely embodies the meaning. Best wishes with the new store Laura.

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Outside Bela Vida in Manhattan Beach, CA.

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A look inside Bela Vida.



Ms. Fitness Olympia Jen Hendershott Launches New Supplement Line


Today is billed as the biggest shopping day in America and Jen Hendershott saw fit to launch her new supplement line called Whey Sensible. Jen will be working as the spokesperson for the company in 2009. You can be one of the first to try the new protein, currently available only on Jen Hen’s web site. The protein is available in chocolate and vanilla. Look for more products and info on this new line in the days ahead. Visit: jennyh.com/blackfriday.htm

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Photo of the Day: Diana Tinnelle Lights It Up


This shot was taken behind the stage during Diana Tinnelle’s evening posing routine at the 2008 NPC Nationals. Diana always does a tremendous job of performing her routine and on this night, it would be her last as an amateur. Diana went on to win the middleweight bodybuilding class and reach IFBB Pro status. Congrats Diana for lighting up the stage one last time in the NPC.

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Diana Tinnelle posing in Atlanta.


Song of the Day: The Black Crowes – Hard to Handle


Today is known as “Black Friday” in the United States. All the crazed shoppers are looking for shopping deals and monster savings. The Black Crowes’ “Hard to Handle” is a groovy little tune to get your shop on to.



Livin’ With Ahnuld Thanksgiving


The folks at jibjab put together a rather amusing bit.

JibJab – Livin' With Ahnuld



Song of the Day: Adam Sandler – The Thanksgiving Song


Thanks to Sparky in AZ for reminding me of this holiday song. Today’s song of the day comes via funny man Adam Sandler… The Thanksgiving Song. Enjoy your turkey today hardbodies.



Photos of The Day: Family


Today we feature two photos. IFBB Fitness Pro and owner/creator/coach of the Performance Ready team, Carla Sanchez shares a photo of her family. Ms. Fitness Olympia Jen Hendershott also shares a photo of her family. Take a moment to remember those who are close to you and be thankful for what you have.

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Carla Sanchez and her troopers.
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Jen Hendershott and her family.


Happy Birthday JM Manion


A shout out to one of the long time members and contributors to the NPC/IFBB, J.M. Manion. It’s his birthday today! Happy Birthday JM and many more to come.

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JM joking around with Figure competitor Mandy Henderson.


Wedding: Congratulations Shina Mitchell and Flex Lewis!


A shout out to two of the nicest people you’ll meet in the fitness/bodybuilding industry… Shina Mitchell and Flex Lewis. The two exchanged wedding vows in Tennessee last weekend. Cheers to the two of you and best wishes in the years ahead!

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Shina gets a lift from the wedding party.



Monica Brant F.E.M. 2009 Camp Dates


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Lots of fun at Monica’s F.E.M. Camps.
I attended one of Monica’s first camps years ago in LA and can tell you firsthand she does a tremendous job with those who attend. No, I wasn’t doing quarter-turns or getting my model on. I was there taking photos of the event. Mo has released the latest dates for her 2009 camps and more locations will be added in the coming weeks. This is one camp worth visiting.

2009 CAMPS
* Regular – F.E.M. Camp – February 6-8- Austin, TX
* Regular – F.E.M. Camp – March 20-22- Pensacola, FL
* Regular – F.E.M. Camp – May 1-3- Calgary, Canada
* mini -  F.E.M. Camp – June 5-7 – Palm Springs, CA
* Regular – F.E.M. Camp – September 11-13 – MDR, CA

For more details visit the official Camp website: www.FEMCamp.net or you email Monica directly (monica@femcamp.net) directly and let her know which camp you are interested in. Tell her Hardbody sent ya.



Hip-Hop Hardbodies


A growing trend in the music biz is sporting a fit, hard body. This is especially true in the hip-hop world today. Nelly, Dr. Dre and LL Cool J have been noted for representing a muscular look as of late. Former Junior Mafia member, Lil-Cease is trying to get in the mix with his new workout video called “Hard Body.” Nice name. 🙂

** Note some language may not be suitable for the workplace in this video. **



Wednesday Weirdness – Boxing Grannies


Wednesday’s weirdness… Grandma vs. Nan



Photo of the Day: Jodie Minear


Jodie Minear is one tall Texan to keep your eye on. Once you’ve seen her it’s hard not to keep your eyes on her. She has striking good looks and potential to do well in the figure ranks. I had a chance to shoot with Jodie on Sunday and she’s a natural in front of the camera. Don’t be surprised if you see her showing up in a number of magazines in the months ahead.

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Jodie Minear has a look that will take her places.


MuscleMag Election Cover via Christine Wan


IFBB Figure Pro Christine Wan was inspired by yesterday’s post and decided to try her hand at creating her own spoof of celebrity muscle. Christine came up with a MuscleMag Election cover featuring Hilary and Barack.

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Gotta love photoshop.


Song of the Day: Carl Carlton – She’s A Bad Mamma Jamma


Today’s song of the day comes from the Muscle Milk Momma, Michelle Bell. Ma Bell (soon to be gram-ma bell) tells me this was the first song a boy sang to her. “The curl” in the video reminded her of the days when her husband sported a similar look. Maybe we can get Michelle to demonstrate some of these dance moves at her next appearance in the Muscle Milk booth. 🙂



Pumpkin Pie for the Health Nut


Nothing beats a nice slice of pumpkin pie with whip cream on top for Thanksgiving. If you’re not going to indulge in the pumpkin pie tomorrow afternoon, but still have a hanker’n for the flava flave of pumpkin, try the Spiced Pumpkin Pie Clif Bar. I first tried these earlier this year and they are definitely my favorite Clif bar. They are great for traveling and a quick bite while on the go.

Clif Clif Bar, 12 Bars, Spiced Pumpkin Pie



Men’s Fitness: Meet a Few of the World’s Strongest Women


Men’s Fitness has a profile on some of the IFBB’s Female Bodybuilders on their web site.

In the 1960s, guys like Dave Draper, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, and Lou Ferrigno turned body-building into an international phenomenon.

Not to be outdone by their male counterparts, female-only competitions started popping up in the late ’70s, with the first U.S. Women’s National Physique Championship held in Canton, Ohio, in 1978.

Since then the sport has continued to grow with the annual Ms. International and the Ms. Olympia events seeing an increased popularity year after year.

Not convinced that women have what it takes to compete at the same level? These five ladies might change your mind.

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 Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia

Visit Men’s Fitness for the story.



Photo of the Day: New IFBB Figure Pro – Amy O’Neil


I had a chance to shoot with Amy O’Neil the day after her victory in Atlanta. Amy had contacted me before Nationals to set up a shoot but I was completely booked when she had contacted me. Fortunately I had some time open up on Sunday and we were able to shoot. Little did I know when I met her for the first time on Friday that she’d be a new IFBB the next day. This was Amy’s first year competing in figure. Props to her for doing her homework and achieving IFBB Pro status.

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Amy O’Neil had the winning look in Atlanta.


Song of the Day: The Beastie Boys – Brass Monkey


Today’s song comes recommended by Arizona Figure Competitor Nichole Guenther. Nichole competed at the 2008 NPC Nationals and cracked the top ten her first time on the national stage. Undoubtedly you’ve heard The Beastie Boys – Brass Monkey before but definitely worth a listen.



Celebrity Muscle


I ran across this little gem today. The web site Worth100.com is having a contest to superimpose celebrities with muscle. Stating, “In this contest, we’d like to see you bulking up your favorite celebrity. It can be an actor, politician, or a sports star. Just try to select someone who hasn’t already been indicted for using, if you can find anyone.”

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Hot Momma Jessie Palmer


Check out Jessie Palmer’s profile on Carla Sanchez’s Performance Ready web site. Jessie is the proud mother of an 11-month old. Will we see her return to the competitive stage in 2009?

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Jessie Palmer and her little one.


Disclaimer: Reader discretion advised, please consult your physician before beginning any exercise or diet program.