Archives for October 2009

Hardbody Poll: Calendars


We all need to keep track of time and what’s happening in our lives but with the technology today, do you people still use traditional calendars? Most of my planning is done on my computer and/or phone calendar. I remember getting a calendar from my grandma every year for Christmas, sometimes it was a cool Chicago Bears calendar and other times it was a tractor calendar. My father had a shop that always had a SNAP-ON girl calendar hanging up.

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Do you still buy calendars to hang up in your office or at home?

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{democracy:76}


Katie Bopp New Muscle & Fitness Hers Covergirl


Congratulations to 24 year old Hardbody, Katie Bopp for making the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers. Katie looks great and I’m digging the cover. Pick up your copy and check out my column, “Twist & Turns”. Feel free to share any feedback you have about the cover or the mag in the comments below.
 

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Rosa-Maria & Big Ron Coleman


Eight time Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman is in Sydney Australia and it’s hard to miss a guy of his size. Fellow IFBB Pro, Rosa-Maria Romero and Ronnie will both be guest posing this weekend in Cronulla Sydney. Rose tells me it’s already a SOLD OUT event. She also shared this photo that was snapped during a photo shoot for a national newspaper earlier this week. Thanks Rose!

 

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Rosa-Marie & Ronnie on the beach Down Under. 
 

If anyone is attending this event – snap a few pics and email them to us. We’ll post them up and give you a little Hardbody love.



Border States from the Lense of Ron Avidan


Individual photos from the IFBB Border States are available on IFBBpro.com. Ron Avidan was on hand to capture all the action at the event last weekend.

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Show Me What I’m Looking For


I ran across Carolina Liar’s ‘Show me what I’m looking for’ on youtube and it’s a pretty decent little tune.



Get Fit with Gina


Gina Aliotti has been a busy woman. She recently launched her new web site (www.ginaaliotti.com) with a new design that includes updated photo and information. more photos and info. Fans can join her member’s section that is loaded with tons of recipes, nutritional and training advice, q&a, cooking clips, training, real life videos, free downloads and an interactive forum. Women can get motivated and learn a few new tricks from one of the top pros.

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Gina’s wedding day is slated for March of  next year and with that she’s developed “Fed to be Wed in 50 Days”. Check out her web site for complete details on how you can use her plan for your special day. 



Mandy’s Italian Job


Top NPC Figure competitor Mandy Henderson recently made the trip to Italy for the World Championships. She was there lending a helping hand with popular tanning company, Jan Tana. When asked how the trip went, Mandy shared, “It was amazing to see the athletes from all the different countries. The best part was watching the USA team come together. There were hundreds of athletes and trainers backstage, yet, Kayde Puckett, Pam Wentz, Linda Wood Hoyte and the Jan Tana Team managed to stick together.” Mandy shared these photos from the event.

 

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Kayde, Linda, Pam and Mandy

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Kayde and Mandy all smiles in Italy.  
 

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Jan and Mandy taking a break from tanning.

Look for Mandy at the NPC Nationals next month as she looks to leave Florida with an IFBB Pro card in the A class.



Michael Bublé Everything


Beep bob along to Michael Bublé’s ‘Everything’ today.



Jamie Eason’s Oh Baby! Carrot Cake Protein Bars


I’m currently in Boise, Idaho working with fitness model Jamie Eason and the crew at Bodybuilding.com. We’re photographing and videotaping a number of new additions that will feature Jamie on the popular web site. While working away, Jamie busted out a brown little bar that looked quite tasty. I asked her what it was and she was kind enough to share one with me. I’m always looking for new ways to eat healthy and I know a number of you are as well. The tasty treat was her “OH BABY!” Carrot Cake Protein Bar. The name comes from the use of baby food carrots instead of shredded carrots. Give this recipe a try, it is delicious! You can see a video of Jamie demonstrating how to make these bars on her web site. 

Taken from Jamie’s web site with permission:

“Oh Baby!” Carrot Cake Protein Bar

Non-fat no-stick spray
1 cup oat flour (ground oatmeal found in the health section of your grocery store)
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp allspice (optional – more like spice cake)
3 egg whites
¾ cup Splenda
½ cup fat free Ricotta cheese
2 4 oz. jars or packs of baby food carrots (instead of shredded carrots)
2 scoops vanilla whey protein (look for a low sugar, low fat and low carb variety)
1 cup quick cooking oats (optional for added carbs and energy)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 x 8 pyrex dish with non-stick butter spray.

In a large bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. In a medium bowl, mix egg whites, Splenda, ricotta and baby food until well combined. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and mix well. Finally, fold in the quick cooking oats (optional) and stir until just combined.

Pour batter into the pyrex dish and spread evenly. Bake 25 – 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool and cut into 16 pieces – 4 x 4.

Nutrition: 2 small squares
94 calories (132 cal with oats folded in)
1.25 g fat (2 g fat with oats folded in)
10 g carbs (17 g carbs with oats folded in)
10 g protein (11 g protein with oats folded in)

 

Check it out and if you do let her know you saw it here.



Bodybuilding.com Launches New Contest Portal


The team at Bodybuilding.com continues to raise the bar in the fitness industry. The newest addition to their web site is a contest portal where you can find everything related to competitive bodybuilding, bikini, fitness and figure events. Contest promoters can enter their shows into the site’s database at their leisure. There is a helpful calendar that lists all events taking place on that day and their information. Competitors will be featured more as seen with on the current page with NPC Bikini competitor April Curry and IFBB Pro Bikini competitor, Amanda Latona.

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There’s also rankings in pro bodybuilding, fitness and figure. Soon there will be a pro bikini rankings page as well. As always you can find a number of products related to competing. Props to bodybuilding.com for the new addition!



No You Girls


While doing a gym shoot yesterday, Franz Ferdinand’s ‘No You Girls’ came on the radio. I dig.



IFBB 2010 Calendar of Events


The IFBB Professional League has released the 2010 Calendar of events schedule. New additions to the schedule are the Phoenix Pro on February 20, 2010 and the Europa Battle of Champions in Hartford, Connecticut on July 23-25th. There are a six pro bikini shows slated for the new season, however the first show will NOT be at the Arnold. The Arnold Weekend added Men’s 202 event instead of bikini. I’m disappointed to see that the bikini pros will not get to debut at the Arnold as it would have been a great venue to launch the pro event.

For the complete list, visit http://www.ifbbpro.com/events/2010-calendar-of-events/.

Also of note for the pro women…
• The Atlantic City Pro has been removed from the schedule.

• The New York Pro Figure will be held in July in conjunction with the NPC Team Universe BB, Figure & Bikini Championships/NPC National Fitness Championships. The move is about 2 months earlier then it was this year.

• The Pittsburgh Pro figure is back and there will also be a pro bikini event. I look for this to be a big show for the ladies.

• Lastly, as of now there is no IFBB Bikini Olympia scheduled. The schedule is subject to change and most likely will along the way.



Sacramento Pro Figure


The 2009 Sacramento Pro is slated to take place on November 7th in Sacramento, California. We’ll be on hand to cover all the action as this is always a top notch show. This is a great event for NPC competitors as well. The contest is two weeks before NPC Nationals and Sandi Williamson will be the head judge. I mention this as she is the leading lady when when it comes to the female side of the industry and the judging of it. It’s an opportunity to get feedback that could help going into Nationals.

The Sacramento Pro figure is shaping up to be a competitive field. As of today here is the list of ladies making their way to Sacramento on November 7th. 

IFBB SACRAMENTO PRO FIGURE
Cheryl Brown
Serena Cooper
Valerie Gangi
Nancy Georges
Carin Hawkins
Danielle Kifer
Julie Ann Kulla
Ann Pratt
April Rountree
Alexandra Tothava
Waleska Valle
Natalie Waples
Karly Woodle 

For more information on this event visit www.npcsacshow.com.



Fun at The Border States


Check out all the photos and results from last weekend’s Border States contest. Ron captured some of the fun behind-the-scenes as well.

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Felicia and Kristi put up their dukes.

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Top industry trainer Kim Oddo with his angels. 



We Fall, We Fall


I heard ‘We Fall, We Fall’ by Dead Celebrity Status for the first time and I dig it. Check it out and crank it up.



Notice to all 2009 NPC National Championships Competitors


Those of you competing in next month’s NPC Nationals will want to take note and plan accordingly.
Notice to all 2009 NPC National Championships Competitors
The Following Athlete’s Are Required To Participate In The NPC NEWS Photo Shoot With J.M. Manion On Sunday, November 22 At The Westin Diplomat Resort Hotel Swimming Pool/Beach Area

From 8:30 a.m. To Approximately 12 Noon

• MEN’S OVERALL WINNER
• WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING OVERALL WINNER
• THE 6 FIGURE HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS
• THE 6 BIKINI HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS

Only The 4 Overall Winners Are To Bring Their Overall Trophies.

The Men’s & Women’s Bodybuilding Overall Winners Are To Bring Their Posing Suit & Posing Oil.
The Bikini, Figure & Fitness Winners Are To Bring Their 2-Piece Competition Suits Along With At Least 1 Other 2-Piece Bikini.
(There May Also Be An Opportunity To Do Individual Photo Shoots For The NPC News So The More Bikini’s Brought The Better.)

Tentative Schedule As Follows:
8:30 a.m. – Photograph The NPC News Cover Featuring The 4 Overall Winners Only (Men’s & Women’s Bodybuilding; Bikini & Figure) Immediately Following Will Be Individual Photos Of The Men’s & Women’s Bodybuilding Overall Winners
10 a.m. – Arrival Of All Other Bikini & Figure Class Winners For Group Photos.

*All Women Please Arrive With Hair & Make-up Done*

All Competitors Please Plan Accordingly With Your Travel Plans.



Ladies Get A Leg Up in San Diego


Our photo of the day comes from backstage at the 2009 IFBB Border States Pro Figure. Ron snapped this photo of the ladies getting a leg up and having some fun after the results were announced.

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Hands up and HOLLLAAAAA



A Place For My Head


Happy Monday Hardbody peeps. Get your groove on with Link Park’s ‘A Place For My Head’.



Kathleen Tesori’s Beat Down


Kathleen Tesori has been a busy woman this year. Since winning the 2008 FLEX bikini model search contest, she’s gone on to do a number of things. I caught up with Kathleen for a quick video interview just as the 2009 Olympia Expo was getting started.

She served as a judge for the 2009 FLEX Bikini Model search and passed her title onto winner Amanda Latona.

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Kathleen taking a break from her judging duties for a photo.

We posted a poll in July as to whether Kathleen should compete in Bikini or Figure and the results were split. During the time of the video interview she was two weeks out from competing in her first NPC figure competition. Kathleen checked back with the good news… she won the overall figure title at the NPC Utah Nutrimart Classic. She tells me she had a little held from her friend Felicia Romero for her contest prep. Felicia just a week out from her own show (which she also won) flew into lend a helping hand.

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Felicia Romero and Kathleen Tesori with the hardware.

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Kathleen with her overall trophy.

Kathleen had a great time competing so much so that she has her sights set on the 2009 NPC Nationals next month in Florida.  She’s definitely one to watch at next month’s event.

As if preparing for a contest wasn’t enough, Kathleen landed a small but fun role in the MTV show Bully Beatdown. She plays the ring girl for the popular show that airs every Thursday on MTV. Kathleen looks like she could lay a pretty good beat down on some of the guys on the show.

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Kathleen hard at work. Photos from MTV.com

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Kathleen showing off her sexy side. Photos from MTV.com

Check out more photos of Kathleen on MTV.com. Congrats on the continued success Kathleen and we’ll see you in Florida next month!



All The Single Ladies Get Fit with Beyoncé


Superstar singer Beyoncé has her sights set on helping ladies get fit, kinda. She was recently quoted as saying, “I would love to do some kind of fitness game but incorporate dance and performance into it. I think a lot of women would enjoy that.”

No word on if the leotard will be included with the game.



Forever Never Seems to be Around When it Ends


‘Forever’ is a mellow but good tune from Ben Harper.



IFBB Border States Pro Figure Results


The results are in and some unexpected results were read off. I’m not at the event but everyone I spoke to didn’t see Akane in 5th. Felicia Romero has improved her lower body and notched another pro victory under her belt. Despite what the hardbody readers thought in our poll, Kristi Tauti landed in second. Kristi gathered 76% of the votes in our poll this evening with Felicia snagging 24%. Krissy Chin lands in the third and final qualifying spot for the 2010 Olympia. Kristin Nunn improved from last week’s Ft. Lauderdale Pro by finishing fourth. The surprise to those in the audience was rookie pro Akane Nigro-Ismeal landing in the fifth spot. Again, I was not there and can’t speak to how I would have scored it. Judging by photos only tells part of the story that played out on stage. Congratulations to all the women who accomplished their goals at this show.

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Top five at the Border States

IFBB Border States Pro Figure Results:
1. Felicia Romero*
2. Kristi Tauti*
3. Krissy Chin*
4. Kristin Nunn
5. Akane Nigro-Ismeal
6. April Rountree
7. Carin Hawkins
8. Meriza DeGuzman
9. Ann Titone
10. Sabrina Gibson
11. Christina Vargas
12. Jennifer Dejoya
13. Crystal Chiles
14. Stephanie Togrul
15. Valerie Gangi
16. Ann Pratt
17. Maria Del Consuelo Rojas

* Qualify for the 2010 Figure Olympia.

As you can see from the scorecard, there were some very close placings in the top five.

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Official Scoresheet



Akane Nigro-Ismeal Pro Debut


Akane is the talk of the Border States this afternoon in what served as her IFBB Pro debut. We’ll have to wait to find out how she finished but she is definitely in the top six. Many have her in the top three which would qualify her for the 2010 Figure Olympia. Akane is one of the shorter competitors on stage today but she’s standing tall after hearing her name called out in the top group. A tiny waist and incredible calves are help this cutie stand out. She looks to have improved her conditioning from the USAs in July, where she turned pro. Congratulations on an impressive debut!

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Akane Nigro-Ismeal in her IFBB pro debut.

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Might this be the top three tonight? We’ll soon find out.



Felicia Romero vs Kristi Tauti for Border States Win


Who do you think will win in just a few hours? Felicia Romero who has been in the winner’s circle before or Kristi Tauti who would log her first IFBB Pro win?

Poll Results:
Felicia Romero – 24%
Kristi Tauti – 76%
Someone Else – 0%

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Kristi Tauti and Felicia Romero during prejudging.

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Kristi Tauti in the one piece.

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Felicia Romero in her one piece suit.

The finals will be announced later tonight.



2009 NPC & IFBB Border States Report


The 2009 Border States is under way. Prejudging is taking place now in San Diego, California. If you’re in the area and interested in tickets for the evening show visit: www.musclecontest.com. Our West Coast correspondent, Ron Avidan is seated in the press pit shooting away for bodybuiding.com. He just reported in saying there are 190 total competitors in the NPC portion of this event. Currently, the NPC prejudging is taking place. The IFBB Figure Pros will take the stage around 12pm California time.

11:50am PST
NPC Judges are being swapped out for the IFBB Pro Judges. IFBB Figure turned Bikini Pro, Zhanna Rotar is in attendance judging the NPC show.

12:05pm PST
The Figure one-piece has started. First call-out..
Kristi Tauti, Felicia Romero, Krissy Chin, Kristin Nunn, Meriza DeGuzman, Carin Hawkins
**April Rountree and Akane Nigro-Ismael added to this group

Ron says it is between Felicia Romero and Kristi Tauti for the win here.

Ron Avidan has the top six in the one-piece round:
1. Felicia Romero
2. Kristi Tauti
3. Krissy Chin
4. Akane Nigro-Ismeal
5. April Rountree
6. Kristin Nunn

Hardbody IFBB Figure Pro and current Muscle & Fitness Hers cover-girl Alicia Harris has it…
1. Kristi Tauti
2. Felicia Romero
3. Akane Nigro-Ismeal
4. Meriza DeGuzman
5. Krissy Chin
6. Kristin Nunn

I spoke to others in attendance and they have Kristi winning with Felicia in second and April or Akane in third. It goes to show that in a subjective competition, everyone has a different view on what should or shouldn’t be rewarded.

12:20PM PST
Round one is over for the pros. They will be back on stage in their two-piece shortly.

12:40PM PST
Ron tells me Ruth Silverman from IRONMAN magazine is in attendance and not only reporting but taking photos. I don’t know whether I am in more shock with Ruth shooting the show or simply being in attendance. Just kidding Ruth. Don’t get you gurdle in a bunch, you know I am only giving you a hard time. Pros will be back out in their two-piece soon.

12:50PM
Two-piece is up now. First Call-out
Felicia Romero, Kristi Tauti, Krissy Chin, Akane Nigro-Ismeal, Kristin Nunn, Karin Hawkins, April Roundtree

1:00PM
Definitely between Kristi Tauti and Felicia Romero for the win. Ron tells me he likes Felicia as does Ruth Silverman for the win. Fellow photographer Bill Comstock is sitting next to him and likes Kristi Tauti for the win. Cover-girl Alicia Harris concurs with Bill and also like Tauti for the win here.

1:10PM
The prejudging has concluded for the IFBB Figure Pro event. The judging went much the same as the one-piece round. It could go a number of ways but here’s how the HARDBODY peeps are the show see it.

Ron Avidan’s Two-piece Picks:
1. Felicia Romero
2. Kristi Tauti
3. Akane Nigro-Ismeal
4. Krissy Chin
5. Kristin Nunn
6. April Rountree

Ron says, “Ruth is the same except she has Meriza DeGuzman in sixth. Chin might be third. All opinion.” Wow, thanks for that earth shattering report Ron. LOL! Yes, of course it is all opinion and we do the predictions and voice opinions for fun. It show how varying opinions of the same show and the same event exist.

M&F hers Covergirl Alicia Harris Two-Piece picks:
1. Kristi Tauti
2. Felicia Romero
3. Akane Nigro-Ismeal
4. Krissy Chin
5. Kristin Nunn
6. Meriza DeGuzman

Check back on this post as we update the action in San Diego throughout the day. We’ll report back with the final results later tonight.



IFBB Border States Pro Figure Championships – TODAY


The second 2010 Ms. Figure Olympia qualifying show takes place today in San Diego, California. Our West Coast correspondent, Ron “Yogi” Avidan made the trip down from L.A. to cover this event. Seventeen figure pros have entered this contest and it will be difficult to call the top 6. If you think you can correctly predict the TOP SIX IN EXACT ORDER, do so in the comments field. We’ll pony up $100 for anyone who gets this correct before 10am PST. There are a few women who have graced the Olympia stage in this event. Krissy Chin, Meriza DeGuman, Felicia Romero, April Rountree and Kristi Tauti. Might those be your top five? Akane Nigro-Ismeal is making her pro debut after a win at the NPC USAs. Ann Pratt is coming off a win in New York last month as is Ann Titone. Might one of them sneak into the top spots?

COMPETITOR LIST:
Crystal Chiles
Krissy Chin
Meriza DeGuzman
Jennifer De Joya
Valerie Gangi
Sabrina Gibson
Carin Hawkins
Akane Nigro-Ismeal
Kristin Nunn
Ann Pratt
Maria del Consuelo Rojas
Felicia Romero
April Rountree
Kristi Tauti
Ann Titone
Stephanie Togrul
Christina Vargas

For more information visit: Musclecontest.com



HB Photo of The Day: IFBB Figure Pro Jodie Minear


Jodie Minear took the NPC National stage by storm at the end of last year. Fastfoward a year… she’s graced the pages of FLEX magazine and is an IFBB Pro. I had the chance to shoot with Jodie the day after her victory and here’s a sample of our efforts.

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Jodie Minear has the look.



Tegan and Sara My Number


Tegan and Sara are twins sisters from Canada with a folkie feel to their music. ‘My Number’ is nearly ten years old but it’s good little number.



Border States Chat with Meriza & Ann


Days out from the Border States, Pete Ciccone chats with IFBB Figure Pros Meriza DeGuzman and Ann Titone. Find out how much the two ladies think they’ll weigh on stage (not that it matters but amusing where you hear how much Meriza weighs) and what food they are craving. Thanks Jack for passing along the video.

Ann is wasting no time making her debut as she turned pro just last month. Meriza is no stranger to the pro stage and will look to snag one of the three Olympia qualifications tomorrow.



Hardbody Photo of the Day: Kira Rivera


Kira Rivera is one of the newest IFBB Bikini Pros. She took home a pro card at this year’s North American contest. I had the chance to shoot with Kira while in Florida and here’s a sample from the weekend.

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IFBB Bikini Pro Kira Rivera.



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