Ron Avidan caught up with Cynthia Bridges and Phoenix Pro Figure runner-up Amy O’Neil the day after her Olympia qualification in Phoenix. This was Amy’s highest finished to date and was due to a much improved physique. In previous shows she looked a bit over-dieted and dehydrated. This time around she presented a healthy, full look on stage and it paid off.
Archives for February 2010
Hardbody Music: Sick Puppies – Odd One
February 24, 2010 by
Sick Puppies released “Odd One” earlier this month. Not too shabby but I still like their song “You’re Going Down” the best out of their tunes.
Is it Okay to Be Fat? Nightline’s Fat Face-Off
February 23, 2010 by
ABC’s Nightline debated the topic of “Is it ok to be fat?” It’s an interesting debate and one that the show covered quite well. One woman felt that there was no direct correlation to being fat to being unhealthy. Another woman cited that obese people have smaller brains. HUH? Yep.
From ABC.com:
The “Face-Off” is a recurring series where opposing sides debate hot topics. In the fifth installment of the series, Crystal Renn, model and author of “Hungry: A Young Model’s Story of Appetite, Ambition and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves” and Marianne Kirby, co-author of “Lessons From the Fat-O-Sphere” will face off against MeMe Roth, president of National Action Against Obesity and Kim Bensen, author of “Finally Thin,” on dieting, obesity and whether it’s OK to be fat.
Check out the full debate here. What do you think about the debate?
G’s Tip of the Week – The After Show
February 23, 2010 by
As the heart of the competition season approaches and the Arnold is right around the corner, I wanted to share an important and key post contest tip. Remember when coming off a show to ease off of your program, slowly decreasing your cardio and slowly increasing foods and calories. If you do change things gradually and continue working out, eating clean and staying active, you will have no problems with coming off your contest prep and into lifestyle living! It is when you go from hero to zero that you may run into problems. Remember gradually come off your program and ease back into real life slow and steady to minimize any crazy increase in water and weight gain. Best of luck during the 2010 competition season!
“When a man is sufficiently motivated, discipline will take care of itself.”
– Sir Alexander PatersonÂ
Gina Aliotti
IFBB Figure Professional
Rookie Road to the Arnold – Angela Mraz Interview
February 23, 2010 by
Check out the interview with Arnold rookie competitor, Angela Mraz. Angela will be making her pro debut at the Figure International next weekend.
Good luck Angela!
Hardbod Music: Dink – Green Mind
February 23, 2010 by
I hadn’t heard this song until last week but Dink’s “Green Mind” is pretty cool. The sound on this video isn’t the best but you get the idea. Turns out the song is a few years old. LOL
Dianna Dahlgren’s Monday Model Tip – SHOES!
February 22, 2010 by
Hellllloooo everyone!
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Make sure to pack a variety of shooting heels! Clear, black, open toed, closed toed, heeled boots, etc! Sometimes the stylists’ picks don’t always please the client!
FOR EXAMPLE: Here is half my rack of shooting heels!
Everyone have a great week!
xoxo
DD
Erin Stern’s Countdown to C-bus. Things are Getting Hairy
February 22, 2010 by
The last two weeks of contest prep are the toughest…mentally and physically. I cut calories this week, and my brain feels fuzzy. I’ve been writing down tasks, so I don’t forget..and I’m feeling tired. The weight workouts have been mostly super-sets for upper body, though I’m still doing a heavy leg day and a functional lifting/plyo/power leg day. I am working toward maintaining more size in my legs..and yes, fighting the urge to roll out of bed to do steady-state cardio for 45 minutes on an empty stomach. I have been eating a small meal, like a shake and a few rice cakes, then heading to the track, a field, or running stadiums in the mornings. With the two-a-days and dropping a few pounds, I’m not as strong in the weight room…and I feel like a wuss (even if I am starting to look shredded)!
With training seemingly in check, I thought it would be smooth sailing until the show – wishful thinking! I’m 5 egg whites away from just flipping my head upside-down and “Aqua Netting†the crap out of it on competition day! I have scoured every beauty supply place in town for hair extensions, barrettes, or some way to style my hair, and nada…no luck. I spent an hour and a half in one store, going outside with “the hair†and a mirror to see if I could find something that matched. The girl behind the counter held up a weave and said, “no problem, this is the color for you..all you have to do is sew it in.†Seriously? Where’s my can of Aqua Net? It shouldn’t be this difficult!
I received my suits in the mail on Saturday…I eagerly ripped into the package and…they’re gorgeous! After the hair fiasco, I breathe a sigh of relief. The two piece fits like a glove. The one piece (panic attack in 3…2…1) is too small!!!! On the verge of tears, I email the girl who makes the suits and we’re trying to figure out what to do. She reassures me it’s going to be ok, and that she has time to fix it. The rational non-dieting person in me believes her…but the dieter in me is freaking out. It’s crazy how calorie-cutting can create life or death situations out of minor issues. It’s going to be an interesting week…
Arnold Sports Festival To Add IFBB Professional Bikini Competition in 2011
February 22, 2010 by
This is great news for all bikini competitors! The 2011 Arnold Classic will officially add the new pro bikini division to the festival.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Arnold Sports Festival, the largest multi-sport festival in the nation and home of the prestigious Arnold Classic since 1989, will add a professional bikini competition to its lineup of IFBB-sanctioned professional competitions in 2011.
The Bikini International will join a lineup of International Federation of Body Building events that also includes the Ms. International, Fitness International and Figure International competitions that draw elite professional fields to Columbus each March.
“We are very aware of the growing popularity of professional bikini competitions and are proud to offer the world’s top pros the opportunity to compete at the Arnold Sports Festival in 2011,†event co-promoter Jim Lorimer said. “Like all of our professional events, we will strive to make the Bikini International the most sought-after championship of its kind in the world.â€
There are 13 professional bikini competitions on the IFBB Professional League schedule in 2010. In addition, the Arnold Amateur IFBB International Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure and Bikini Championships has attracted more than 100 competitors for its Amateur Bikini competition to be held on Thursday, March 4 in Columbus. The winner of the 2010 Amateur Bikini will be invited to the 2011 Bikini International if that competitor earns a pro card in the next year.
The 2010 Arnold Sports Festival – which features 18,000 athletes from more than 75 nations competing in 44 sports and events – will be held March 4-7, 2010. Ms. International, Fitness International and Figure International competitions will be held on Friday, March 5 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Veterans Memorial. The 22nd annual Arnold Classic will be held on Saturday, March 6 at Veterans Memorial. The Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure & Bikini Championships will be held March 4-5 at Veterans Memorial and March 6 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com for more information. Tickets to all events are available at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold.
Video Interview with IFBbB Figure Pro Jodie Minear
February 22, 2010 by
IFBB Figure Pro Jodie Minear made her debut on Saturday and placed an impressive fifth. I had the chance to shoot with Jodie at the Fitness Factory in Gilbert, Arizona the day after. Once we finished our shoot, we chatted a bit and Ron “Yogi” Avidan captured the video. Jodie talks about a couple rookie mistakes, how she dealt with an unexpected visit from Aunt Flo and more. Check it out…
Hardbody Music: Jurassic 5 Ft. Big Daddy Kan – A day at The Races
February 22, 2010 by
Jurassic 5 Ft. Big Daddy Kane & Percee P – “A day at the Races”. Good stuff for cardio.
Phoenix Fitness Top Five Snapshots
February 21, 2010 by
There were some high flying routines last night. Here’s a snapshot of the top 5 from last night. All the routine photos will be posted on bodybuilding.com by tomorrow morning.Â
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Julie Palmer – 1st
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Tanji Johnson – 2nd
Camala Rodriquez – 3rd
Oksana Grishina – 4th
Bridgette Murray – 5th
Walk With Watson to The Arnold – Round 4
February 21, 2010 by
Ah, music to my ears… it’s so funny to think that when Brian looks at me and tells me that I have lost my booty and boobs that I get so freaking excited! Yes!!!! I say, that is just what mama wants to hear! Sweet victory, I am getting lean! Most men would not be getting excited at the sight of their woman losing all of the fat in their chest and boobs; however, our significant others in this industry rejoice at this fact! Yes, they too are proud that all of our hard work is finally paying off…or coming off! Beyonce and Kim Kardashian you are once again in your own league…until we meet again…in the off-season.
Like clockwork, every morning at 4:30am, Sam (my heffer, I mean overweight k-9 boxer) comes to wake me up and says, “mama, get your butt up…you’ve gotta do your cardio and win us some money…I’m tired of you buying me these cheap ass generic doggie biscuits while you’re buying your greedy butt exotic fish from around the world.†Well, in my mind she’s saying that. So, I roll out of bed – zombie like, wearing only my granny panties, Haines sports bra, and tennis shoes (yes, super sexy…come to mama) and I hop on the treadmill that is sitting in the middle of our living room and do my first cardio session of the day… two more to go today.
I am continuing to lose my mind as the days go on. Somehow, I ended up at work wearing two different shoes – one black and one brown, but hey, at least they were the same style! Good thing I had my shower shoes in my gym bag. My “business casual†work attire is getting more relaxed these days and my britches are getting so baggy on me that I’m looking more and more like MC Hammer…I have to fasten my belt so tightly it might as well be attached to my bra! Steve Urkel – meet MC Hammer! My hair has not come out of a bun or seen a flat iron since last year sometime….make-up? Huh, a thing of the past! Deodorant? If I remember.
They cut my protein down this week, however, I still have musical britches….yes, I am a gas monster indeed! My stomach continues to cramp so bad that I have to wait until I get home to do abs so that I don’t clear the gym of all its business! Just when I think it’s safe, someone walks around the corner and I am forced to keep this painful gas inside of me which creates a cramp so bad that it can only be compared to a gunshot wound….well, maybe not that bad.
This past week has been especially tough on me. I am feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally drained and sometimes I feel like I can no longer go on. I find myself crying out of exhaustion, contemplating whether or not I’m good enough to stand next to the other pro’s on stage, and wondering if I will show up looking my best. I wonder if I don’t place as well as I hope – will I disappoint my family and supporters? When I pose in front of the other girls I still feel shy and insecure and wonder if they are judging me. Am I crazy to feel this way?…Will two weeks ever get here? Jesus, help me get through this.
Complete Phoenix Pro Show Results
February 21, 2010 by
Full results for the IFBB Phoenix Pro show. The top three qualify for the Olympia in Las Vegas, Nevada later this year. Those of you interested in the complete scorecards please visit IFBBpro.com.
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FITNESS
1. Julie Palmer*
2. Tanji Johnson*
3. Camala Rodriguez*
4. Oksana Grishina
5. Bridgette Murray-Ward
6. Nita Marquez
7. Yenny Polanco
8. Stefanie Bambrough
FIGURE
1. Mindi Smith*
2. Amy O’Neil*
3. Rosa Maria Romero*
4. Felicia Romero
5. Jodie Minear
6. Angela Terlesky
7. Listy Allen
8. Linda Fodor
9. Crystal Chiles
10. Taylor Waldrop
11. Sabrina Gibson
12. Mendi Sakamoto
13. Ann Titone
14. Jaime Meade
15. Kathleen Tesori
16. Karen Mullarkey
17. Monica Mark-Escalante
18. Lynn Cimmino
19. Lydia Haskell
20. Jennifer Herdandez
21. Debbie Patton
22. Tina White
23. Chaundra Tanji
WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING
1. Yaxeni Oriquen*
2. Betty Pariso*
3. Zoa Linsey*
4. Jeannie Paparone
5. Dena Westerfield
6. Colette Nelson
7. Antoinette Thompson
7. Diana Stanback
9. Gayle Moher
10. Akila Pervis
11. Myriam Bustamente
12. Maria del Carmen Segura
Live Coverage from Phoenix
February 20, 2010 by
Follow all our tweets from the Phoenix Pro show today. Ron Avidan and I will be tweeting from the event as well as photographing the action. I’ll be tweeting under BBcomContests and if you’re not on Twitter, you can stay on this page and refresh for the live callouts and get our thoughts on the events as they happen today.
Dean vs. Momo Round 2 – UFC 110
February 20, 2010 by
Hello Guys,
I can not explain to you in words how important this weekend is, as a UFC fanatic this will be a great weekend especially bc my teacher/friend will be doing the main event, Rodrigo “minotauro” Nogueira vc Cain Velasquez. Nogueira is such a great guy, he is not a fake champion like tito ortiz, mike swick or many other posers that tell people they are good and some people actually believe them. This guy is the champion for 11 years,The champion in Japan and former UFC champion. In our culture when people reach the top they became arrogant and timeless for anyone, Nogueira goes out of his way to talk to people take pictures and make everyone feel like a friend, the guy is not only a great fighter, he is a example of the ideal human being. Now lets go to my picks!
Nogueira vs Velasquez – how can any mom named her son cain, she might as well have called him spawn(devil child) cain in the bible was a guy who killed his own brother cause of jelousy. I hope he has no brothers cause after my boy nogueira kicks his butt he will have to alleviate his hate on somebody, Nogueira by guillotine!
Silva vs Bisping – Bisping the big mouth(knows it all and have an excuse for everything) has done nothing yet, he is a creation of the UFC to win fans from england, as you know it is all about the show business, nothing like having a English fight hero Bisping calls himself the best, the man , but who has he really beat? no one, who has wanderley beat? huh, bisping’s teacher 2times (Rampage Jackson) and Dan Henderson the guy who was made fun of the entire Ultimate Fighter show(spike’s tv reality show) and on the day of the fight kicked bispings ass. Silva the “mad dog” is gonna knock him out in second round and he will come with the most lame excuse such as, “fans i am sorry , but I broke my nail last month and i couldnt train for weeks!”
Steverson vs Sotiropulos – Joe daddy is gonna win, how can anyone with a last name like that win anything, this guy should go to court ask for a name change and them go back to fight at the UFC. It reminds me of that sesame street character…snuffaluffagus! and snuffaluffagus wouldnt hurt a fly!
Jardine vs Bader – that is easy just look at their body, Jardine looks like uncle fester from the Adams family and Bader looks like a Hydroxycut model! He is the reality show champion (Ultimate fighter)when Nogueira was the coach and nogueira told me, he is really tuf. If nogueira said the guy is tuff , who am I to say otherwise. Im going with bader on this fight.
Cro Cop vs Routhwell – Cro Cop will win, cro cop is one of the greatest kickboxing fighters of all times, and routhwell is just a strong guy with heart, my advice for him is get a gym membership, shave some fat off, gain more muscles work on his cardio and learn to fight. Then come back to fight in the UFC! Cro Cop will knock him out with a kick to the head
Stephan Bonnar vs Krzysztof Soszynski – huh should I go with my beloved america, or with my mom’s land Poland, I will need to pick out Soszynski cause I think Bonnar is too washed up, he got punched in the head too many times, that cant be good for you. I love bonnar’s style, but I think the polish man will ground and pound him
Chris Lytle vs Brian Foster – dont know neither one of them but i will go for chris cause I seen him getting beat up by someone before! so maybe his time to shine! chris lytle , my pick.
CB Dollaway vs Goran Reljic – CB will win, very good wrestler, this guy is fearless and even though he looks smaller and has a baby face, and he is tuff as nails
To conclude all this guys are tough and it will be a great show, I love the story behind the fights and I love to see people that just like us in the industry train so hard for a competition and sometimes even be better they lose, but the most important think is to always remain positive and as rocky balboa quoted “it is not about how hard you can hit, but how hard you can get hit and not give up”
<3momo
ps. Please root for my boy Nogueira, he is the people’s champ!
—-
Dean’s Picks
James Te-Huna vs Igor Pokrajac
James Te-Huna – He grew up watching Bruce Lee so he has to win!
Knockout – Right uppercut third round
C.B. Dollaway vs Goran Reljic
Goran Reljic – Everyone sees potential in CB but potential doesn’t win fights, plus its always fun to watch wrestler lose!
Chris Lytle vs Brian Foster
Chris Lytle – he is a warrior, then again Foster is known for knocking some ffols out. This should be a great toe-to-toe fight.
Stephan Bonnar vs Krysztof Soszynski
Krysztof Soszynski – this will be another great fight as both these men can take a beating and give a beating. I see Bonner getting more of a beating then he gives Soszynski, so look for the usual Bonner to get hammered and hang-in there for longer then you think he should.
Soszynski – Decision
Mirko “Cro Cop†Filipovic vs. Anthony Perosh
Mirko – I know he hasn’t performed in the Octagon like we are used to seeing in the ring but I think after the last fight being controversial he will come out finish this one with authority!
Cro Cop – TKO via kick to the head late first round
Keith Jardine vs Ryan Bader
Jardine – I know of a lot of Jardine haters but the guy definitely looks MEAN! Regardless of likes or dislikes Jardines experience will get him the win over Bader.
Jardine – Split Decision
Joe Stevenson vs George Sotiropoulos
Joe Stevenson – Joe needs this win big time. This is a great fight for George, he has been working his way up with some impressive wins but Joe will be his toughest opponent yet. Joe has two wins but he needs a solid streak to get back on track as one of the divisions top fighters.
Stevenson – Unanimous
Michael Bisping vs Wanderlei Silva
Wanderlie – That’s all I have to say about this fight! Knockout 2nd round
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs Cain Velasquez
This is a hard one to call, Nog was almost written off by many fans then pulled off a win against Couture. Cain has been unstoppable and many who doubted him are starting to believe. I want Nog to win this one but I am going to have to give it Cain. Nog needs to get a submission or he wont win this fight. Velasquez – Decision
Phoenix Pro Show Prejudging Photos & Recap
February 20, 2010 by
The prejudging has come to a close and the photos are posted on Bodybuilding.com. Shout out to Dean Donlon who rocked it out back at the main office of Bodybuilding.com by posting the photos.
Fitness:
The Fitness physique round is between Julie Palmer & Tanji Johnson. No real shocker there but the third place position looks to be between Oksana Grishina and Camala Rodriquez. I’d give Camala the nod in the physique round but I look for Oksana to place higher in the routine round. That third place spot will be the one to watch – while the two favs battle it out for the win. You never know who will pull a great routine though and mix the placings all up. Bridgette Murray looked the best she’s looked since turning pro and the switch to working with Kim Oddo paid off.
Figure:
We know the top five will be Mindi Smith, Rosa-Marie Romero, Felicia Romero, Amy O’Neil and Jodie Minear. I’d give the nod to Mindi for the win. Her back is a bit muscular but she was the most poised and polished of the rookies making their debuts. Rosa-Marie Romero looked sharp and I have her in the fourth place spot. Jodie Minear had an impressive debut with a top five finish. She could be a bit darker with her tanning and have a little more oil on. Amy O’Neil looked her best ever. This time around Amy looked healthy, full and balanced. At previous shows she looked dehydrated or over-dieted but not this time. Whatever she switched up worked and she should be top three tonight. Felicia fair well in the one piece but looked to slip a bit in the two-piece. She was one of the favorites going into this contest and with be a top five finisher but where is the question. We’ll see in a bit.
Bodybuilding:
Yaxeni all day long. She had excellent conditioning and should take this show with straight ones in my opinion. Zoa Linsey will be second or third in her debut and I’d put her second over Betty Pariso but it’ll be close.
Olympic Siliver Medalist Evgeni “Quadzilla” Plushenko
February 20, 2010 by
Russian skater Evgeni Plushenko took home a controversial silver-medal this week at the Olympics. Here’s an entertaining and mildly disturbing video of Evgeni skating as a bodybuilder. Too funny.
Hardbody Music: Drowning Pool – Feel Like I Do
February 20, 2010 by
New stuff from Drowning Pool… “Feel Like I Do”. I dig.
Our First UStream Experiment
February 20, 2010 by
Our first experiment with UStream.tv was fun. I camped out in the hotel lobby coffee bar and chatted with a number of people throughout the evening. I’m still figuring it all out but overall it was fun and pretty cool. The biggest challenge was keeping the video stream going without cutting out. I had crappy connection on my wireless card and any movement of the laptop seemed to throw it off. We’re still learning and seeing what works. Thanks for the emails and feedback, the response has been great. Over the course of a couple hours we had Kim Oddo, Dan Hill, Oksana Grishina, Jaime Meade, Bridgette Murray, Ann Pratt, some guys from RXmuscle.com, Off Topic Radio and others stop by.
I will be trying it out again around 9AM PST. If you’re interested in interacting with a few industry people go to: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hardbody-com and follow along. Tomorrow I’ll be tweeting the show for Bodybuilding.com – follow BBcomContests for all the action.
Thanks again and we’ll continue to refine the chats.
Rosa Marie Romero Scores Two Covers
February 19, 2010 by
IFBB Figure Pro Rosa Marie Romero has kicked the new year off with a bang. She’s currently on the cover of IRONMAN Australia and Health & Fitness magazine. Rosa will look to continue her winning ways this weekend when she competes at the Phoenix Pro.
Interview with Bodysport.com
February 19, 2010 by
Terry Goodlad from Bodysport.com and I chatted this morning about the Phoenix Pro show and our hardbody experiment using UStream. A HUGE thanks to Terry for the interview and helping us get the word out.
Visit BODYSPORT.com the complete story and while you’re there check out their new site and all the fresh content.
Felicia’s Competition Bag Checklist
February 19, 2010 by
As the competition season begins most women are busy thinking about their food, workouts, cardio, water and all of the critical stages of the last week before your big competition. Most carb and fat depleted girls forget about the little things that are just as important….I am talking about your “Competition Day/Bag Checklistâ€.
There have been many times in which I forgot something at home or back at the hotel. I have also heard horror stories…none have happen to me yet (knock on wood)….where girls have forgotten the single most important item…THEIR SUIT!! Every athlete is a bit different in what they like to bring to the day of the show as well as backstage but there are a few key items that should ALWAYS be included. You want to make sure you are prepared for whatever might happen. Please take this list and make it your own…adding or subtracting your key items but I wanted to also give you all a sneak peak as to what I pack for EVERY show.
Checklist:
1. Suit—single most important item!!!
2. Shoes—can’t walk onstage without these.
3. Food—make sure to pack enough food just in case prejudging runs a little long. You don’t want to be stuck at the venue without your food.
4. Plastic utensils
5. Makeup—whatever you may use for touch-ups…also make sure to pack eye lash glue (just in case)
6. Safety pins—suit strap might break.
7. Bobby pins or hair clips—never know when you want to pin hair back.
8. Towel—to clean up sweat or excess tan and glaze
9. Baby wipes
10. Robe—in case you want to go out in the seating area to visit friends and family.
11. Curling iron—if needed…I know a lot of girls that like to do their hair when they get to the venue.
12. Change of clothes for after prejudging.
13. Bikini bite and glaze
14. Small travel blanket and pillow—-some shows last foreeever!
15. Cash
16. Ipod or music
17. NPC card—for the amateur athletes
18. Camera-—memories!!
19. Cell phone—to keep in contact with your trainer or loved one
20. CONFIDENCE!!!
Feel free to add to the list in the comment section if there is something that you always bring to the show with you. My good friend Kristi Tauti ALWAYS brings me a homemade granola bar from her local Whole Foods in every show that her and I have competed together in….we have kept that tradition for the past 3 years now.
Good Luck to all competitors this year…make sure you DON’T forget anything on your big day!!
Felicia Romero
www.azprophysiques.com
Hardbody Music: Jay-Z’s Blue Magic
February 19, 2010 by
Jay-Z kicks Tuesday off with “Blue Magic”. There’s a great quote from the movie American Gangster at the end of the video.
“Blue Magic, that’s a brand name. Like Pepsi, that’s a brand name. I stand behind it. I guarantee it. They know that even if they don’t know me any more than they know the chairman of General Mills.”
Monica’s Ready to Make Her Mark in Phoenix
February 19, 2010 by
The 2009 Team Universe overall champ, Monica Mark was set to make her pro debut last year but was plaqued by a nasty virus and the swine flu. She was unable to prepare adequeatly then but she’s recovered and ready to take the Phoenix Pro figure stage. She’ll compete this weekend and then head to the Figure International in two weeks. I caught up with Monica on the eve of her IFBB pro debut.
HB: You’ll be heading into the Arnold… Have you done two shows back to back before?
I am planning on going to the Arnold, where I hope to peak. The last time I did two shows back to back was in 2007 when I did the Team Universe and followed it with the USA about 2 weeks later. It wasn’t easy, but if you put our mind to it is achievable.
HB: Has your prep been any different knowing you will compete again in two weeks?
Not really, but I am pulling out all stops for the Arnold as I want to peak for that show.
HB: Have you been training differently since turning pro – if so how, if not why?
Turning pro means I can train more like I used to train: hard. In 2009, I had to cut back the intensity and volume of my weight training in the gym to get the physique I brought to the 2009 Team Universe. Now that I am a pro I need a little more muscularity to be competitive so I have been able to hit the weights relatively harder.
HB: What’s food helps get you through the day that you’d eat even if not preparing for a show?
I love my oatmeal. Even in the off season it is one of my favorite treats.
HB: What separates you from your competitors?
I am still trying to figure that out. I just know I like to train hard and stay strict on my diet, but I don’t think that is too different from other figure pros.
HB: Any supplements you like and would recommend for other women?
I love Isoflex Whey Protein Isolate, Evogegen (pre-workout), and the Cortisol Complex by Body by O.
Hardbody Hot Seat:
I think a glass of wine is__
Relaxing
Tiger Woods is___
A liar, but I hope he has learned his lesson.
I’m craving____
Pizza…ummmm….pizza, but not till after the Arnold.
Blast from the Past – Friends Set to Compete Again on Phoenix Stage
February 18, 2010 by
Some of today’s top pros weren’t always the top of the amateur ranks. No, they weren’t always polished and poised like you see them on the pro stage. Felicia Romero was kind enough to hare these photos along as a reminder of this. It’s fun to look back and see how far competitors have come in their competitive careers. Check out these photos of Lynn Widdowson (Cimmino) and Felicia on stage in 2005. The two competed against each other at the NPC Max Muscle Western Regional and they haven’t competed against each other since.
The two friends will reunite on stage this weekend at the Phoenix Pro. Felicia joked that Lynn reminded her of “look how far we’ve come”. The two have certainly come along way since these photos.
Tesori Takes on Her Pro Debut This Weekend
February 18, 2010 by
Kathleen Tesori competed in her first figure show last year and took home top honors. She went on to compete in the 2009 NPC Nationals and left with her pro card. A pretty impressive, albiet short, competitive career. This weekend Kathleen will compete in the Phoenix Pro show where she’ll not only go against a number of other rookies but also her mentor and friend, Felicia Romero. I caught up with Kathleen on the heels of her first show and she was kind enough to share a bit more about herself.
HB: You were debating between figure and bikini last year. What made you choose figure?
One of my prizes for winning the 2008 FLEX model search was a chance to participate in the FLEX swimsuit shoot. After seeing the physiques of the figure girls in person, I was hooked. Felicia, Jessica, Erin, Monique, Nicole and Jen are very beautiful and have been a huge inspiration.
Since 2006, I have maintained a healthy athletic look for both bikini and spokes-modeling opportunities. For the most part, I maintained what I thought was a clean diet. After seeing them.. their physiques were on another level. In my mind, these girls were ROCKING THE PHYSIQUE I had wanted to achieve.
HB: Obviously the decision paid off. What’s your favorite part of prepping for a show?
I enjoy living a healthy fit lifestyle and preparing for a show only requires a little additional effort. I enjoy having events to look forward to and the people I have met in the industry have been great.
Another favorite part: After a good off season of building I enjoy leaning down. It is like unwrapping a present…it is always a nice surprise to see what changes have been made.
HB: What’s your least favorite part?
The Non-Fat days…having to go without Peanut Butter and Cashews. No after work cocktails in the bathtub. I also miss being able to do Yoga, aerobic classes or cross-fit on days I do not want to lift or do cardio.
HB: How did you hook up with Felicia to start training with her?
I met Felicia at the FLEX Swimsuit shoot in 2009 and was hooked. She is so smart and very positive. After hanging with the Pro Figure girls for the weekend and seeing their physiques in person I knew I wanted to compete. I contacted her after the shoot and she was so positive about the experience and made me feel so comfortable with my decision to compete.
HB: Is it going to be weird or cool to compete against your trainer?
I say COOL – Felicia and I are friends and the show is something we both have in common. Damian, her fiancé, takes care of my training and diet which allows Felicia and I to focus on other fun things plus we will have each other backstage which will make things fun.
HB: Why the Phoenix Pro show for your debut?
It was a financial decision. My athlete sponsorship fell through and the Orlando show which I originally intended doing is just not going to be possible because of money. I am able to stay with Felicia and the place tickets from Salt Lake City were inexpensive. The more I think about my decision the more reasons I think it was a good idea. The weather is going to be just right and I might as well kick off my Rookie season as soon as possible. Also, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and Felicia has a great spot picked out for us on Sunday morning.
HB: You’ll be at the Bodybuilding.com booth for the Arnold. Are yous ponsored by anyone or looking for sponsorship?
I am NOT sponsored by anyone at this time. I am currently looking for a company to build a long term relationship with – I want to build my face with a brand.
HB: Favorite supplement you’d recommend for other women?
Fiberlyze powered by Species
HB: Favorite part to train?
Legs – once I get past the squats or deadlifts everything else feels good. I always feel accomplished after a great leg day and it is one of the areas I am determined to control.
HB: Least favorite part to train?
I do not have a least favorite body part to train but I DO NOT enjoy long sessions of slow cardio… I like HIT type cardio and sprinting up hills.
HB: Any goals for the 2010 competitive season?
I want to have an active and successful rookie year. I would love to make it to the Olympia, place in the top ten at the Olympia and maybe be in the running for the Weider’s†Rookie of the year award.†I think it would be so neat to accomplish all this after winning the FLEX model search and being inspired by the Pro Figure Physiques.
HB: When you’re not eating or training what do you like to do?
I enjoy shopping, traveling, hiking, camping, being involved in the community and spending time with family.
HB: Any pets?
No I wish…. No fenced yard.
HB: How do you stay balanced in your every day life when preparing for a show?
Time Management, Preparation and Prioritization skills are key to my survival. I make the most of every hour, accomplish what NEEDS to get done first and fit anything else I WANT to get done after. Separating what needs to get done from what we want to get done can be a challenge for many women. There are certain things in life that are nice to get done but that do not need to get done. I really try to prioritize everything based on deadlines and importance. If I don’t get something accomplished I push it to another day of the week.
HB:You have a “day job” – able to share a bit of what you do and how you got into it?
I work full time with the US Air Force as a civilian and manage the logistic functions for a portion of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). I am involved with a variety of activities that help keep this weapon system on alert 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. Keeping this weapon system on alert provides deterrence and safety for the United States and our allies. I was recruited out of college using the career service center at Weber State University.
HB: What brought you and keeps you in Utah?
My dad was in the military and at the age of 5 we moved from Germany to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. My parents have since then moved to Tennessee to retire but because of work and my husband I remain in Utah. I am looking to move to California but it will take time to line up a job with the Federal government.
HB: How did you overcome being sick and stay the course for this show?
All of sudden on a Thursday Afternoon toward the end of January my throat started to feel like razor blades and I was feeling achy. I immediately gargled with Warm Salt water and went to the store to get Zinc and Vitamin C. The next day when I work up I felt pain in my ear and nasal area so I made a Dr. Appointment right away. My Dr. said I had an infection and I got on antibiotics that day (Friday). I am the type of person who hates the hospital and self medicates by eating right, drinking lots of water, making sure to blow my nose and relax as much as possible. Because of my commitment to the show I wanted to exercise all options and get better ASAP.
It was hard to stay focused. I felt my sugar levels go low while on the cardio machine and just did not feel like myself. I felt like I did not have an option to slow down and take a break. When there are girls determined to do well who are training hard you do not have an option to slow down if it is still possible for you to get around. So I took it day by day and just told myself I was going to get a good workout in and ended up feeling accomplished after each workout.
Hardbody Hotseat:
I prefer a shot of
tequila
Pink! Is
not my favorite color
Someone who owns 3 or more cats
is a nurturing person
Celery
great for dipping
Orange Roughy
have some in my freezer but have not tried yet
I’m craving
my homemade carrot cake
I can’t live without
friends and family
Favorite actress
Julia Roberts
TV show I’d like to be on if given the chance
any show on HGTV
Thanks Kathleen! Good luck in your pro debut.
Anyone you’d like to thank?
B-training for keeping the gym fun while pushing me to my limits. Arizona figure DIVAS for helping me achieve my health and wellness goals. Master D for checking in on me and making sure I was doing the right things at the right time. Sylvia Tremblay for sponsoring my suits this year.
G’s Tip of The Week: Relax
February 18, 2010 by
De-stress and lose weight! Daily relaxation, meditation or journal writing can help you reach your goals! Take a few moments everyday to relax and unwind. Quality “you time” not only offers you a piece of mind but keeps your cortisol levels low. Cortisol can be the one thing keeping you from achieving your ultimate goals. Each day, take the time and give yourself a few moments just for YOU. You work hard, You deserve it!
Gina Aliotti
IFBB Figure Professional
Hardbody Music: Bryan Scary And The Shredding Tears “The Garden Eleanor”
February 18, 2010 by
This live version of “The Garden Eleanor” isn’t quite as good as the album version by Bryan Scary And The Shredding Tears but I dig it. This song is my latest iTunes purchase.
