Archives for March 2009

Hardbody’s Tuesday Tips – 5 Ways You Might Be A Pain in The Ass


We’ll be starting a new segment each day of the week, beginning today.

5 Ways You Might Be a Pain in the Ass.
1. Complaining about your placing. The only person truly happy with their placing is the one who wins first and/or the overall title. Complaining about where you place does nothing but make you look like a sore loser. If you are unhappy it’s understandable but do it with your close family/friends. Don’t do it on stage, backstage or to others at the show.

2. Blaming others for how you look. If you came into a show and weren’t your best it happens. If you came to a photo shoot and were out of shape don’t pass the blame. Same goes for if you show up for a shoot and are over-dieted and depleted. It’s your body and your responsibility to take ownership of it. If your make-up isn’t how you like it – tell the person before you go on stage, not after a show and blame him/her for how it look after the fact. If it’s not working out with a trainer then leave. If you decide to take some type of enhancements for a competition that’s your choice but when you start having a voice deeper than your husband or boyfriend, it’s still your responsibility.

3. Not showing up or canceling for photo shoots. Pick up the phone and call if it’s the day of a shoot and you can’t make it. Same goes for those of you who are photographers – don’t cancel shoots on models and not let them know. Sometimes things happen on both sides of the coin. It’s part of life. A little common courtesy goes along way if something should come up.

4. Whining about how much money it costs to compete. Guess what?! Everything costs money. If you’re a golfer you spend money on green fees, clubs, shoes, gloves and balls. You’re a fisherman you have a license, boat, bait, pole, reel, tackle and more. Every one who competes has experienced what it costs to do so. No one wants to hear you piss and moan about what it costs to compete. Yes, I’ve competed. Twice. I know what it costs. Oh, okay so I didn’t have to buy a fancy posing suit but it’s part of the biz.

5. Emailing/texting/calling industry photographers, writers, art directors & supplement companies only when you want something.
It makes you look bad and people will not want to work with you. I know because I experience it weekly and I know others in the industry do as well. Don’t pretend to be all buddy-buddy when all you want is a contact to a supplement company or a magazine. It’s okay to market yourself but don’t contact people only when you want/need something from them. Try building a relationship beyond what they can do for you but make it genuine and not based on their position in the industry.

I’m sure there are more than five ways you can be a pain in the ass but these are the five that I witness time and time again.



Stern Leaping in a Single Bound


IFBB Figure Pro Erin Stern demonstrated that she is more than just a pretty face and a girl in heels. Last weekend, Erin showed off her leaping abilities in a local high-jump meet. She claims she was a bit rusty but as you can see in these videos she’s got mad skills. Erin was kind enough to share these videos from her event with us.


Erin’s winning leap.

Stern demonstrating yet another skill.

The last video is worth watching a couple times. That’s FIVE FOOT and she does it with a scissors’ kick. WTF? Ya, pretty damn cool. Congrats Erin!



Tracey Greenwood Injured!


IFBB Fitness Pro Tracey Greenwood is becoming a one woman comedy act lately. Last week she was trapped on her roof, read more here. This week she nearly lopped her finger off while opening a can of tuna. Yes, I know, it’s not funny and I’m sure it hurt like hell. Despite needing five stitches in her pinky, she assures me the injury will not force her into retirement.

ouchgreen.jpg
Greenwood’s injured pinky.

What will Greenwood do next week? Stay tuned.



Sweeter Side to Cheryl Brown


You’ve seen Cheryl “Brownie” Brown‘s aggressive side but here’s a different look to the Florida momma. J.M. Manion caught up with Brownie for a photo shoot earlier this month in his Pittsburgh studio. Keep your eye on the Brownie Figure Momma as she hits the National NPC Figure scene this year. Today’s photos of the day…

brownie1.jpg

brownie2.jpg

brownie3.jpg

brownie4.jpg



Melly Mel Wants to Get Pumped Up


The first person who can identify the woman in this Melly Mel video, we’ll figure out some kinda prize for you. This is vintage rap at it’s finest. Melly Mel with “Pump Me Up”. The video features a female bodybuilder throughout it.



Sonia Overload


Check out even more Sonia on FLEXonline.com. Who says Figure girls don’t train hard?

5921.jpg
Sonia Gonzalez sporting the gunz.


Photo(s) of the Day – NPC Max Muscle Naturals


Hardbody.com’s West Coast Reporter, Ron “Jiminy” Avidan was at Jon Lindsay‘s NPC Max Muscle Naturals over the weekend. He managed to peel himself away from his plate of Orange Chicken to snap a few photos. Check out a few of the Hardbodies in the house.

adela.jpg
Adela Garcia represent’n GNC.
adela_sonia.jpg
Adela Garcia & Sonia Gonzalez at the GNC booth.
andrea.jpg
Andea Dumon passing the time by blowing bubbles.
zhanna1.jpg
Zhanna Rotar shows us how to pose.
lt_gina.jpg
Master Emcee LT & newly engaged Gina Aliotti.
kimoddo.jpg
Nutrionist Kim Oddo poses with the ladies.


Old School Rap Week – Rebel Without A Pause


While I was in Seattle, photographing current Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson, we listened to an old school rap station on XM radio. One of the songs that hit the airwaves was Rebel Without a Pause by Public Enemy.

Now this is good stuff. Have any old school rap songs you like? Post them in the comments or shoot an email with the suggestions.

Don’t forget about the Dexter Jackson Classic event this year.



First Lady Michelle Obama Too Buff?


The First Lady has been causing quite a stir in the media with her toned up arms. It’s baffling to me how people can see this as a bad thing. The LA Times ran a story today about the frenzy surrounding the debate.

Her curvy biceps have become something of a lightning rod for remarks from both sexes in a larger discussion of how much female muscle constitutes too much. While some praise Obama as a role model in a world gone obese, others say she’s gone too far in displaying the fruit of her workouts. Read one online forum comment: “There is nothing uglier than manly, muscular arms on a woman. Mrs. Obama should be hiding them instead of showing them off.”

I say great she should do more of it. What you you think? Read the full story here.

Thanks to Millard Baker via Twitter for the story link.



Ease my troubled mind


It’s a Three Doors Down Weekend. This is a live performance of Kryptonite. A different but cool version.

Shout out to IFBB Figure Pro Amy O’Neil for the link to this version.



Sonia Gonzalez Photoshoot Part II


An extended look at the FLEX magazine shoot with Sonia Gonzalez. Check out the newest issue to see the final shots. Props again for everyone involved. Good stuff.

sonia7a.jpg

sonia8a.jpg

sonia9a.jpg

sonia10a.jpg

Scroll down to see more photos from this shoot.



Hardbody’s Twitter Following


Our list of followers on Twitter continues to grow. Thanks for following along and we’ll be using twitter to keep you updated on news and events as it happens. Don’t forget you can turn “Devices On” if you wish to receive the messages via text.

http://www.twitter.com/hardbodynews



There might be more than you can see


“It’s not my time” by Three Doors Down is today’s groovy little tune.

All this time I’ve just been to blind to understand
What should matter to me
My friend, this life we live
Is not what we have, it’s what we believe



When You Check into A Hotel


What’s the first thing you do? Unpack? Check the water pressure? Check out the bed? I travel quite a bit and find myself being a total geek when I check into my hotel. The first thing I used to do was check the speed of the Internet in the room. Now I travel with a wireless card and don’t worry about it. The first thing I do is open up my suitcase and unpack, even if it’s for a day.

Do you do anything weird or have a ritual you do when you check into a hotel room? Post in the comments.



FLEXclusive Look Behind The Scenes with Sonia Gonzalez


The newest FLEX Magazine (with Moe El Moussawi on the cover) features IFBB Figure Pro Sonia Gonzalez. The beautiful Sonia is the focus of this issue’s “Women are Back” section. The section has been huge hit with readers and props to the staff at FLEX for continuing to feature the women. Weider Staff Photographer, Pavel Ythjall and the folks at FLEX provide this look behind the scenes. Look’n good people

sonia1a.jpg

sonia2a.jpg

sonia3a.jpg

sonia4a.jpg

sonia6a.jpg

Check back tomorrow for Part II of the Behind The Scenes. Good stuff!


Sometimes Goodby is A Second Chance


Today’s song of the day, “Second Chance” comes from Shinedown.

I’m not angry, I’m just saying
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance



While You Were Weighting


This is a creative way to advertise. People at this bus stop can have a seat and the sign will share their weight. It would definitely make me think about fitness after sitting down and seeing my weight displayed. Props for innovation from “Fitness First.”

fitnessfirstbench.jpg
FitnessFirst marketing.


Bodyspace Competition in Boise


Attention models… Next weekend there will be a bodyspace competition held at the Boise Fit Expo. See the details below and if you’re interested in registering visit bodybuilding.com

Attention all fit ladies! The 1st Annual Miss Bikini BodySpace Competition is here, and you could be the one to take home the title. It’s easy – Are you healthy and fit? Do you have a BodySpace (If not it only takes 3 easy steps, click here to start now)? Have you ever dreamed of showing off your hard work on stage? Do you feel like winning $500 and making major industry contacts?

If you find yourself shouting yes to these questions, then you could be on your way to becoming Miss Bikini BodySpace! This fun competition will take place Friday evening, April 3rd 2009 at Bodybuilding.com’s Famous BFE (Bodybuilding.com Fitness Expo). Get your entry in NOW – Don’t miss out on this great opportunity



Photo of the Day – Oksana Grishina in the Gym


Need to refresh your desktop? Check out the new wallpapers on Bodybuilding.com. This image of Oksana Grishina was shot 5 weeks before the Arnold Classic.

oksanawallpaper.jpg
Oksana Grishina in Las Vegas Gold’s Gym.


Vintage Bodybuilding Video – The Swami Had Hair, Well Kinda


What a difference 19 years makes. Grand Master Emcee Lonnie “The Swami” Teper wasn’t as folically challenged and Shawn Ray looked like a rock star. Check out the video of what the bodybuilding scene looked like back in the day. Good stuff.

There are more parts to the video on youtube. Ya gotta love the outfits they were rock’n at Gold’s Gym.

lonnieteper.jpg
Lonnie Teper rock’n the ‘stache.



Shake that ‘ol monkey off my back


I love Beth Hart‘s voice and edge. She has a Don’t F**k with me or I’ll punch you in the throat kinda vibe about her. This live performance of “Monkey Back” is about her battle with being sober.

Rock on with your Thursday!



Hendershott Selected as MTV MADE Coach


Ms. Fitness International, Jen Hendershott was selected as a coach for MTV’s MADE. Jen tells me she will be coaching a 16 year old boy as he prepares for his first bodybuilding competition. Filming is set to begin next week and Hendy will be keeping us in the loop on how it goes. Congrats Jen!



Gates Graces IRONMAN Magazine Cover


The newest issue of IRONMAN magazine features Ms. Figure Olympia Jenn Gates and IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Moe El Moussawi. This is Jenn’s second cover, her first being Muscle & Fitness Hers. Congrats!

ironmancover.jpg
Newest cover of IRONMAN magazine.


Mark Your Calendars NPC JR USA – May 23rd


The NPC JR USA will return to Charleston, South Carolina once again on May 23rd. There has been a little bit of confusion surrounding the date. The original date was May 9th. Please note that the date is May 23rd. This will be the first National NPC Bikini contest of the year. For more information visit: www.npcjrusa.com



Greenwood Trapped on Her Roof


IFBB Fitness Pro Tracey Greenwood is always good for a laugh. The latest chuckle for Ms. Tracey came when she sent me a txt from her roof. What the heck was she doing on her roof? Great question. Apparently, it was a nice sunny day in Jersey and Tracey decided to clean the gutters around the roof. Since it was such a lovely day she proceeded to lay on the roof a bit and catch some sun. When attempting to get down from the roof she realized she wasn’t able to do so. Fortunately, she had a helping neighbor that gave her a hand.

What adventure will Tracey be up to next?



Proper Finger Goggle Form


Photo of the day comes to us via Rick Lohre. IFBB pros Jessica Putnam and Julie Lohre demonstrate the proper form for Finger Goggling. The two were on hand for the Weider Superstar seminar in Knoxville.

goofs.jpg
Jess n Julie having some fun.


Rock on with Big Jack


A little AC DC for your Hump Day. Big Jack is a good tune to crank a little extra louder and get the head nodd’n.



Monique Minton & Kathleen Tesori Behind The Scenes Videos


Check out the behind the scenes video with current Muscle & Fitness Hers’ cover girl Monique Minton. You’ll also want to check out the video with fitness model Kathleen Tesori, who is featured in the new issue of Muscle & Fitness.



Stay Classy San Diego


Hardbody.com’s West Coast dude, Ron Avidan hit the NPC San Diego show on Saturday. Along the way Ronbo snapped a few shots of some of the ladies at the show.

soniakim.jpg
Sonia and Kim working the GNC booth.
anatigre.jpg
Ana Tigre with her Fizeek Brazil wear.
zhanna.jpg
Zhanna Rotar showing off the bod.


Marriage on the Menu for Gina Aliotti


Those of you who follow us on twitter already heard the news. If you’re still figuring out what the hell twitter is don’t worry we have ya covered. IFBB Figure Pro Gina Aliotti had quite the surprise when she opened the menu in Central Park. The Tavern on the Green menu read, “Will You Marry Me Gina?”

ginawedding.jpg
The Marriage Menu for Gina Aliotti.

She said “yes” to lucky man Michael Silva. Gina tells me a destination wedding is in the works and it will most likely be the Spring or Summer of 2010. Will she be changing her last name? “Yes, but will keep Aliotti or Aliotti-Silva for competition and figure business purposes,” the bride to be shared. Congratulations Gina!



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