Archives for March 2010

24 Hour Fitness Gym Special Until The End of The Month


This is a pretty sweet deal for anyone looking to join a gym or even add a second gym to your routine. 24 Hour Fitness is offering $0 Initiation fee and $29.99 Monthly Dues on All-Club Sport Membership at 24 Hour Fitness. Valid through 3/31/10.



Booty Workout on The Duece


IFBB Fitness Pro Carla Sanchez takes the ladies of “EveryDay on The Duece through a Booty workout. Check it out.



A New Organic Protein Product – EcoProtein


This is a different approach to advertising a protein product. This ad is part of a new campaign targeting athletes and every day consumers. The product is an organic protein called EcoProtein. Since I can’t read a word of what their web site (ecoprotein.com) says, I’ll take their word for it. The ad illustrates the organic connection by showing the roots to the runner.

Will it be effective? Who knows but it certainly cuts through the clutter.

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via adsoftheworld.com



A Hardbody Nike Commercial with Sofia Boutella


This commercial with dancer Sofia Boutella is a few years old but it’s pretty sweet and a number of the moves performed remind me of an IFBB Pro Fitness routine. Check it out. I dig.



Hardbody Music: Phil Collins – Against All Odds


Phil Collins gets Hardbody with “Against All Odds”. This song is awesome and so is his hair in this video.

TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT ME NOW!



Musclecontest Pro Bikini Preview & Winner Poll


Unless things change in the next couple of days, we will see 15 women strutting their stuff in the first IFBB Pro Bikini show held in the US.

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The first Pro Bikini show was held last weekend in New Zealand with Sonia Gonzales taking top honors. No disrespect to her and the others but when the field is only three deep it is tough to gauge of what the division will become.

Many feel Sonia is what the standard in bikini should be while others think she carries too much muscle. It’s hard to say until we see all the women stand on stage next to each other. There’s no denying Sonia is a beautiful woman but one look at the roster and she’s in good company. It will take more than a pretty face to win this show. She is one of a few women making the transition from Figure to Bikini at this event.

Sherlyn Roy competed in the Figure International and had a lackluster showing placing 17th. She competed in the Figure Olympia last year but I feel the bikini division will suit her physique better. She’ll try her hand at bikini this weekend.

Zhanna Rotar is also making the transition from Figure to Bikini for this event. Zhanna will definitely bring the sex appeal and presentation to the stage but will she be carrying too much muscle for the judges liking? We’ll have to see but she’s definitely toned down her muscle since her competitive Figure days.

Dianna Dahlgren has been blowing up the fitness modeling scene in the last few months. She only has three shows under her belt but has a look that many women and men are drawn to. She won’t have the same amount of muscle as many of the other women on stage but it could work to her advantage. It all depends on what look the judges are after with the new division.

Amanda Latona is no stranger to the competitive stage and has a near flawless presentation. Fit booty fans will go wild when she takes the stage as she has some badunka dunk. It’s definitely not a bad thing. A stunning woman who undoubtedly will be a top contender, or at least many feel she should (myself included).

Monique “Momo” Minton will present her best physique to date at this show. We got a little preview at the Arnold Classic and she’s on point. If she’s able to present her physique in a confident manner she should be another one turning heads and making the judges do a double take.

Stacey Thompson was one of the first bikini pros and has been working like a woman possessed to streamline her physique since that show. She carried a good deal of muscle when winning but from recent photos it looks like she’ll be presenting a completely different physique and one of the names to listen for in the top callouts.

Alea Suarez has a great physique and wasted no time in getting in the mix since turning pro at the NPC Nationals last fall. This Texas beauty has a chance to do well at this show but again it will all depend on what the judges are after.

My sleeper pick to shake things up in the show is Leigh Lingham. She’ll be making the trip down from Canada to compete at this show. I had the chance to meet Leigh at the Arnold Classic and she is a doll. I really like her look and if she can rock it on stage I can easily see her doing well at this show. She hasn’t seen a whole lot of love yet in the States but keep your eye on her. She’s one to watch.

Michelle D’Angona, Jennifer Dietrick, Michele Gullet, Carol King, Christie Marquez and Natalie Pennington will all have their work cut out for them to crack the top five at this show. It’s no knock on them but it is a testament of how deep the field is for this show. Natalie is already qualified for the Bikini Olympia with her second place finish at the New Zealand Pro so the pressure if off her coming into this contest.

We’ll be there covering the action throughout the weekend. You can follow along here or for faster updates follow us on TWITTER @hardbodynews.

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G’s Tip of the Week – Eating Out


Newly wed Gina Aliotti-Silva checks in with her Tip of the Week.

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So you think you are eating healthy ordering an egg white omelet, steamed veggies, chicken breast or oatmeal? If you are eating outside of the country (the USA that is)… you might think twice! I couldn’t help but catch Betty, the omelet maker, dousing my omelet with salt before serving it. Did you know that in Mexico, “steamed veggies” equates to soaked in butter… chicken breasts include rib meat and enough salt for a decade, and oatmeal is made with whole milk?! Hey, not saying you can’t go out of the country and eat healthy but you better be sure to ask for NO SALT and NO BUTTER. I learned the words plain plain plain can do the trick!! FYI– I would always opt to bringing your own oatmeal. There really is no way around the oats made with whole milk! While traveling it can be hard to eat like you do at home but the best thing to do is to be aware of your choices and do the best you can. An egg white omelet with salt is better than a cheese enchilada for breakfast, ehhhh?

HAVE A GREAT DAY

Gina Aliotti-Silva



Christine Pomponio-Pate – Hollywood Weekly’s Newest Cover Girl


Christine Pomponio-Pate has been absent from the figure stage since the birth of her child but that hasn’t stopped her from being active. Christine is featured on the latest cover of Hollywood Weekly and is the featured article in the magazine. Check out the e-zine version here. The feature mentions Christine is currently working on two books, an autobiography and a fitness book.

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Gina Aliotti Weds in Mexico


Gina was absent from this year’s Figure International and with good reason. The IFBB Figure sensation wed in Mexico during the Arnold Classic weekend.

A look at the lovely bride and man on their wedding day. Congratulations and all the best in the years ahead.

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Fitness Model Lindsay Messina’s Knockout Abs


You might recognize fitness model Lindsay Messina from a variety of places. She’s notched a few covers under her belt with the first being this Muscle & Fitness Hers issue.

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Now the stunning cover girl is rock’n it in a new commercial for KNOCKOUT ABS®.

If I tried this thing it would probably whack me in the face.



“Real Women” in Ads Don’t Work


I ran across this little nugget this morning.

A study from Arizona State University, University of Cologne in Germany and Erasmus University in the Netherlands found that campaigns utilizing real sized women, which includes ‘plus-sized’ models, “are unlikely to work on their intended customers”.

“We found that overweight consumers demonstrated lower self-esteem — and therefore probably less enthusiasm about buying products — after exposure to any size models in ads (versus ads with no models). Also, normal-weight consumers experienced lower self-esteem after exposure to moderately heavy models, such as those in Dove soap’s ‘Real Women’ campaign, than after exposure to moderately thin models.”

An interesting finding that came from the study was that the size of the reader relative to the size of the model is a factor in self-esteem.

via agencyspy

This story supports the need for more Hardbody women in ads. 🙂



Hardbody Music: Passion Pit – Sleepyhead


NPC Bikini competitor Holly Huizinga recommended Passion Pit’s “Sleepyhead”. Definitely a different tune and was the first I had heard of them. Happy Tuesday.



Alicia Marie in Jace Hall Video


IFBB Bikini Pro Alicia Marie is at it again and this time it’s in a music video for Jace Hall. The video is um, ah different. Read more on who Jace Hall is here.



NPC San Diego Photos


Ron Avidan was on the scene in San Diego and captured the action at the NPC San Diego contest. Check out all the photos on bodybuilding.com.

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Dianna Dahlgren’s Monday Modeling Tip: MAC Pro Card


Ladies… Hope everything is well this week!

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Now that things are winding down for the MuscleContest Pro Bikini show,  I’m gathering all my things!! One thing that I’ve disliked with modeling is sometimes you got to spend money to make money!! But thank God some companies support models, make up artists and all the people involved in a shoot! MAC cosmetics has designed a pro card for their products to be discounted up to 40%!! All you have to do is fill out the application and send in your professional business card, head shots and a comp card with a check for $35 then vualaaa! They send you a card and you can use it at ANY pro store!! Happy make up shopping!!!

DD



Patti Stanger’s Top 10 Places To Find a Great Guy


Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker, Patti Stranger put together her top 10 list of places to find a great guy. She tweeted 11 if you count her shameless self-promo of the dating web site, psxoxo.com.

From twitter.com/PATTISTANGER

10. DOG PARKS: A single guy who takes good care of his dog is usually more open to commitment and responsibility.
9. CIGAR BARS: Most women can’t stand the smell, but if you’re one of the lucky ones that can – you’ll have your pick of eligible men!
8. INDUSTRY EVENTS: Find out what industry dominates your town & show up at lectures/promo events. Then, find out where after-parties are.
7. SUPERMARKET: Go to prepared food section – most men these days don’t have time to cook. Go right after work on weekdays – best pickings!
6. SUSHI BAR: Most common place for men to sit & eat alone. Sit at the bar & make friends with the chef! Who knows who will sit next to you!
5. CLASS: Take a class or 2 at local community college – (movies, pottery, books, etc). Great place to meet someone with similar interests.
4. MOVIE THEATRES: Not INSIDE! The lines outside – especially for MAN movies (action, horror, westerns, war). Spark up a conversation!
3. DRIVING RANGES: You don’t have to be good. Men love to coach & feel flattered when u compliment them on how much they’re helping u out.
2. STEAK HOUSES: Real men eat meat. Many enjoy a good steak & martini. The bar or lounge area is a great place to hit during Happy Hour!
1. SPORTS BARS: I know, I know. Go by yourself, befriend the bartender, and enjoy the ‘hang out’ atmosphere and who knows what could happen!

What do you think single ladies – did she get it right?



IFBB New Zealand Pro – Full Contest Results


Official results from the IFBB New Zealand Pro that was held last weekend.

IFBB NEW ZEALAND PRO FIGURE
1 – Heather Mae French – USA *
2 – Rosa Maria Romero – Australia *
3 – Patricia Mello – Brazil *
4 – Sesa Tomuli – New Zealand
5 – Lisabeth Halikka – Finland
6 – Teneka Hydman – New Zealand

IFBB NEW ZEALAND PRO BIKINI
1 – Sonia Gonazles – USA *
2 – Natalie Pennington – USA *
3 – Khan Nguyen – USA *

* Qualify for the 2010 Olympia

Results via IFBBpro.com



A New Spin on Fragrance


Ads outside of the United States are always a little more over-the-top but this one pushes even those lines. This ad shows a woman working out on a spin bike in a very erotic fashion. What’s the spot for? VULVA Original.

The web site (smellmeand.com) says, “VULVA Original is not a perfume. It’s a vaginal scent which is purely a substance for your own sensual pleasure. The vaginal scent stimulates and complements erotic fantasies”.

Um ya chalk this one up to the WTF Category.



Own Your Angles – Tips on Better Profile Photos


Most of you have a Myspace, Facebook or some other social networking account. This commercial by Samsung is an amusing spin on the profile photo and how to proper shoot the look you’re trying to capture. Pop the collar and show off the assets.



Hardbody Music: OK Go – This Too Shall Pass – Rube Goldberg Machine Version


Check out OK Go – This Too Shall Pass – Rube Goldberg Machine Version. Definitely a different music video that took quite a bit of time to do.



Amanda Latona & Alicia Marie on Kristie Alley’s Big Life


Two IFBB Bikini Pros made an appearance as potential trainers for actress Kristie Alley’s new TV show. The promo for Kristy Alley’s Big Life shows Amanda showing off her booty and Alicia Marie demonstrating some new workouts. Kristie is looking for a new personal trainer and two of the finalists are Amanda and Alicia Marie. There’s also a female bodybuilder shown but I didn’t catch who that was. If anyone knows post it in the comments below.

Congrats ladies on the mainstream exposure. Check local listings to view the replays of tonight’s episode and visit here to see the promo with the ladies.

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Amanda will be making her IFBB Pro debut next weekend at the MuscleContest show and Alicia will be making the switch to bikini for the Pittsburgh Pro in May.



NPC San Diego


Here’s a look at the top finishers of the bikini, figure and women’s bodybuilding at the first 2010 NPC contest in California, the NPC San Diego.

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NPC San Diego Bikini class winners

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NPC San Diego Figure Class Winners

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NPC San Diego Bodybuilding



Hardbody Music: Phoenix – 1901


A little something different. Phoenix’s “1901” is a groovy little tune.



Heather Mae French & Sonia Gonzalez Win in New Zealand


Heather Mae French took home top honors in the IFBB New Zealand Pro Figure and Sonia Gonzalez is the first winner inthe IFBB Pro Bikini Division. The New Zealand Pro didn’t have the largest turn out as far as participants but from the looks of things Heather Mae French looked on top of her game. Rosa Marie Romero was second with Patricia Mello in third.

See photos from the event on muscleimaging.com.

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IFBB New Zealand Pro Figure

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New Zealand Pro Bikini



Around The NPC Today


I’m in Salt Lake City, Utah covering a show today. I know there are a number of other NPC events taking place across the US. Where are you at? San Diego…Ohio… or somewhere else?

Who are some of the hardbody peeps on their way up to the pros?



Hardbody Music: LL Cool J – Headsprung


LL Cool J has been cool for years. “Headsprung” will get ya popp’n this morning.



Congratulations Gina Aliotti-Silva


Our weekly contributor, IFBB Pro Gina Aliotti has officially tied the knot. The new bride is now Gina Aliotti-Silva. G shared this photo from her destination wedding and tells me she stepped outside her box and went scuba diving. Might this be the new bride’s next sport? Congratulations Gina!

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Visit ginaaliotti.net for great training tips and more.



Book Your Los Angeles Photo Shoot – One Day Only!


Lift Studios and Hardbody.com are headed to Los Angles, California. For one day only, we’ll be doing studio photo shoots in Cali. We’ve secured a sweet little studio for Sunday, March 28th from 12-4/5pm.

This is your chance to get quality images for your portfolio and be seen by thousands daily with a feature here on Hardbody.com.

Visit the LIFT Studios’ Facebook page or email Isaac for complete details and rates for your studio shoot.

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Muscle & Fitness Hers: Give New Life to Your Egg Whites


Muscle & Fitness Hers has a fresh redesign to their web site and some great new content as well. Get crack’n this morning with a few tips on how to liven up your egg whites.

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Egg whites are a fit female’s easy protein source – two can be cooked in the microwave in two minutes. By themselves, though, they can be pretty plain and flavorless. Use these tips to liven up these protein powerhouses. Each suggestion uses two egg whites.

• Mix the whites into oatmeal or Cream of Wheat. Add cinnamon and Splenda for more flavor.

• Place eggs in a small corn tortilla, top with 1 ounce low-fat shredded cheese and 1⁄3 cup of your favorite salsa.

Check out all the tips here!



MMA with Momo – Arnold Recap & March Madness


Monique Minton is back after her trip to the Arnold Sports Festival.

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Hello Guys,

Earlier this month was awesome! I was the Arnold expo and got to see many great things.  I feel like we women are growing a lot and gaining more space in our industry. One of the highlights of the show was when Arnold himself called Slyvester Stallone to give him a award. I thought it was so cool because tqo of the biggest butt kickers of all times (at least in the movies) were on the same stage. It brought reminded me of why I love the UFC so much!

On Saturday Night we had the WEC fights. The WEC is a kind of a smaller league of the UFC and they have the lighter weight fights.  There were a bunch of surprises, new champions and old champions got destroyed for the second time (Miguel Torres) it was a really interesting night!  Now this next two weeks will be awesome… first because I will be completing in California for the first time as an IFBB Pro and second ’cause there will be two UFC events. The first one is this Sunday, March 21, and it’s a FREE UFC show on the Versus channel. Lots of great fights on this one.  Brandon Vera will be fighting this guy who is so scary. He’s so scary good that I wouldn’t even want to fight him. lol.  If things go the way people say it will… Vera will get a huge cut in his face and his new nick name will be Brandon “Frankenstein”Vera!

On March 27th in New Jersey there will be a card full of famous fighters, I can’t wait to comment on them as well.  Especially how Dan Hardy is gonna get embarrassed for not training appropriately.  Here is a tip for you readers… it’s not a good idea to train with family member when you are fighting against GSP, unless you are a nephew of Mr. Miagi. Concluding this week on Spike tv lots of interesting UFC show that show how fighters are getting ready for their fights, it is good to remember that some of these guys are training for the fight of their lives.  If they lose they not only lose money but also their contracts and a chance to fight in the biggest MMA league in the world.

As a fan of fitness and a fan of MMA all I can say is that it is important to fight.  Life is like a big octagon where you find yourself.  You know you could have done more to get better prepared, but there is no time to cry or complain the idea is to go there and fight with all you have, never give up and in the end know that you are successful for never doubting yourself. Get the mission accomplished… winning or losing doesn’t really matter because the objective was to go beyond your limits.

<3momo



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