Follow all our tweets from the 2010 NPC USA. Ron Avidan and I will be tweeting from the event as well as photographing the action. Ron will be backstage while I will be front and center in the pit. I’ll be tweeting under BBcomContests and Hardbodynews. If you’re not on Twitter, you can stay on this page and refresh for the live call-outs and get our thoughts on the events as they happen today.
Archives for July 2010
Everything I Said was True – Taproot
July 30, 2010 by
Taproot brings you “Fractured” (Everything I Said was True). Not bad a tune.
Hardbody Hot Shot: Vegas or Bust
July 29, 2010 by
NPC Bikini Competitor Alex Zerega is competing this weekend. Dig the Facebook profile photo.
Image via Alex’s Facebook page.
2010 NPC USA Preview
July 29, 2010 by
Click on over to bodybuilding.com to read my preview for this weekend’s 2010 NPC USA. There will be a few familiar names along with a crop of newbies. Who will leave Vegas with an IFBB Pro card?
Hardbody Hot Shot: Kristal Richardson Gets After It
July 29, 2010 by
IFBB Figure Pro Kristal Richardson is currently preparing for the 2010 Figure Olympia. This photo was taken last month at a Cross-Fit competition. Look out ladies, Kristal is coming.
Kristal Richardson performing the Clean and Jerk.
Jen Hendershott NPC All Women’s Weekend & The Big Shott Classic
July 29, 2010 by
Jen Hendershott is back with her All Women’s Weekend and this time she’s added The Big Shott Classic. The event will take place on October 23, 2010 in Charleston, SC. Trish and Branch Warren will be the featured Guest Posers for this event.
WHAT:
The 2nd Annual Jen Hendershott NPC All Women’s Weekend – Fitness, Figure & Bikini
and
The Big Shott Classic – Men and Women’s Bodybuilding (National Qualifier)
WHEN: October 23, 2010
WHERE:
The Sottile Theatre
44 George Street
Charles, SC 29701
For more information visit: www.getphatpromotions.com
We’ll see ya there!
Muscle & Fitness Hers Superstar Camp Details
July 29, 2010 by
This Sunday, Muscle & Fitness Hers will be holding a Superstar Camp. There was an overwhelming response when the camp was announced and enrollment has since been closed. I’ve received a few emails asking for details about the event. Ask and you shall receive ladies. Here’s the skinny on the event and remember you must already be registered for the event.
What: Muscle & Fitness Hers Superstar Camp
When: August 1, 2010
Where: Flamingo Gold’s Gym, Las Vegas
3750 East Flamingo RoadLas Vegas, NV 89121
(702) 451-4222
MAP LINK
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m.
What to Bring: Water and snacks. The camp is providing the training and nutrition information.
What to wear: Dress to train and workout.
Who will be there:
• Weider Group Senior Science Editor Jim Stoppani
• IFBB/NPC judges Steve Weinberger and Lee Thompson
• Trainer Kim Oddo
• Figure Olympia Nicole Wilkins Lee
• Fitness Olympia Adela Garcia
• IFBB Figure Pro Heather Mae French
• IFBB Bikini Pro Amanda Latona
• IFBB Figure Pro Stacey Oster-Thompson
What to expect:
There will be 6 stations – 3 training (upper body, Lower body, plyometrics)
1 nutrition/supplementation
1 posing/presentation
1 beauty/prep.
Cost: Free!
This will be a great event. Follow Muscle and Fitness Hers on twitter and you might get a glimpse of what’s happening in Vegas.
Papa Roach – Kick In The Teeth
July 29, 2010 by
Papa Roach rocks things out with “Kick in the Teeth”. Sometimes I feel like I’m on the receiving end of one of those when dealing with airports.
2010 NPC Los Angeles Photos & Results
July 28, 2010 by
Last weekend the 2010 NPC Los Angeles Bodybuilding, Figure and Bikini Championships took place. Many times this show gives a sneak peak at some contenders for this weekend’s USAs.
Kat’s Countdown – One Week To Go
July 28, 2010 by
Current Muscle & Fitness HERS cover girl Kathleen Tesori is one week out from her return to the stage. She shares a number of things and can you believe she’s already packed for her trip? True story. I fly out to Vegas in a few hours and I haven’t packed. HA!
Hunger
Bottom line… for most of us competitors we are going to feel hungry!!! We are only hungry because our metabolism is in over drive and we are working so hard yet eating portions of someone who does not work out at all. I get so hungry sometimes I will drive myself crazy sitting around thinking how hungry I am.
I have found I do not think about food or do not feel hungry when I am busy and not sitting. So, to fight the hunger pains and thoughts of food I run errands, go shopping, clean and complete projects around the house (organize filing cabinet, clean out garage…)
Hunger and Favorite Foods
In addition to staying busy I also found the following to be helpful during the last few weeks of prep:
1. Homemade iced tea – no need to add Splenda when tea, coffee and water are your only choices.
2. Making the most out of what you can eat – some of my favorite combos include:
-Â Diced chicken, fresh squeezed lemon juice, sea salt, apple cider vinegar with chopped green beans, cabbage or asparagus.
– Diced chicken or tilapia with soy sauce mixed with either chopped green beans, cabbage or asparagus
These two meals taste sooooo yummy and really help me get through the last few weeks. Do any of you have combos you enjoy?
Family Support
Family support is an important and for me a needed element to competition prep especially during the last few weeks before a show.
I returned home from a week long vacation. Every day during my vacation I would break away from the family to complete my workouts. Having family support made it easier and less awkward for me. At first they thought it was a little weird for me to be on “VACATION†yet still have to hit the gym every day.
The following explanations helped my family understand what was going on:
1. I enjoy working out so for me being able to work out on my time during vacation is a vacation and not a job.
2. My body is like a billboard and represents all the individuals helping/sponsoring me for the show.
3. At the moment I skip a beat there is another competitor working hard.
4. Getting on stage knowing I did everything I could to be the best makes it easy to be confident on stage.
It was so nice to be on my own schedule during vacation. I was able to get 7 to 11 hours of sleep a night. Prepping is a little bit of work but I think the benefits of being off work and with the family outweigh the prep time.
Jacksonville
I am packed and already started my cooking for the Jacksonville show. I cooked, measured and froze a bunch of chicken. I will cook and freeze my steak this weekend and cook my eggs, tilapia and prep veggies the night before leaving. Starting your packing and prepping early will be to your benefit for so many reasons~!
I am feeling so good! I am full of energy and everyone keeps complimenting me on how my skin looks so fresh and bright. I really want to make it to the Olympia and am excited/ready to showcase my physique.
Those of you in the Utah area stop by Max Muscle in Layton and meet Kathleen Tesori. Their customer appreciation day is this Saturday from 10am-5pm.
NPC USAs Schedule of Events
July 28, 2010 by
This weekend over 500 hardbody men and women will be taking the stage in Las Vegas, NV. Temperatures are slated to the 100’s and things won’t be much cooler inside Artemus Hall. Here’s the schedule of events for the weekend. If you’re competing and would like to purchase photos, email me to receive an order form before the show and save $25. Those of you following the action via twitter use #npcUSA as the hash tag. I will be tweeting via hardbodynews and BBcomContests throughout the weekend.
Host Hotel:
Embassy Suites Convention Center Las Vegas
3600 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States 89169
Tel: 1-702-893-8000 Fax: 1-702-893-0378
NOTE THIS IS A DIFFERENT HOST THAN YEAR’S PAST!
Thursday, July 29th: Embassy Suites
6:30-8:00 pm
Early weigh-in Men’s bodybuilding
8:00-9:30 pm
Early weigh-in women Bodybuilding
Early height-check for Figure
Early height-check for Bikini
Friday, July 30th: Embassy Suites
9:00-10:30 am
Final weigh-in/height-check (all athletes)
Prejudging and Finals are at Artemus Ham Hall on the UNLV Campus
Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Map Link
Friday, July 30th: Artemus Ham Hall
3:00 pm Men’s mandatory meeting
4:30 pm Men’s prejudging
5:00 pm Bikini mandatory meeting
(7pm) TBD Bikini prejudging
Saturday, Artemus Ham Hall July 31st
8:00 am Women’s Bodybuilding mandatory meeting
9:00 am Women’s Bodybuilding prejudging
9:30 am Figure mandatory meeting
(10 am) TBD Figure prejudging
5:00 pm Top 15 Class Competitors Mandatory meeting (Men,Women,Figure, Bikini)
6:30 pm Finals
Hardbody Hotshot: Jelena Abbou – New York
July 28, 2010 by
Hardbody Jelena Abbou – shot in New York 2010. See more Hardbody photos here.
Stretch.
IFBB Jacksonville Pro – August 6 & 7
July 28, 2010 by
The next stop for the IFBB Pro ladies will be Jacksonville, Florida where IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Dexter “The Blade” Jackson puts on his promoter hat. This contest is shaping up to be a very competitive line-up in the figure and bikini division. It’s one of the last chances to get an Olympia qualification. There will be over 30 IFBB Pro Figure competitors and 10 more in the bikini division. The top five in the figure should be a very impressive group.
A few story lines to watch in this event. Ava Cowan, Sara Hurrle and Joanne Murphy will be making their IFBB Pro debuts. Stacey Thompson is making the switch from bikini to Figure. Michelle Adams will be back on stage for the first time in years but not as a figure competitor. She’ll be testing the water in the bikini division. Dina Al-Sabah is back looking to improve upon her Tampa showing. Bianca Binno will be making her pro debut. Jessica Paxson-Putnam will be making the switch from figure to bikini for this competition.
Here’s the unofficial competitor list as of today.
JACKSONVILLE PRO FIGURE
Teresa Anthony
Elisha Archibold
Holly Beck
Susanne Bock
Tivisay Briceno
Vivian Alejandra Casarubbia
Nicole Coleman
Taylor Condren
Ava Cowan
Michelle Craven
Brandie Gardner
Alicia Harris
Jennifer Hernandez
Catherine Holland
Sara Hurrle
Ines Jimenez
Candice Keene
Danielle Kifer
Petra Mertl
Jennifer Migliacci
Joanne Murphy
Emily Nicholson
Ann Pratt
Katherynne Ramirez
Mikaila Soto
Gennifer Strobo
Kathleen Tesori
Stacey Thompson
Kimmy Trowbridge
Sue Upson
Christina Vargas
Josie Zamora
JACKSONVILLE PRO BIKINI
Michelle Adams
Dina Al-Sabah
Jaime Baird
Bianca Binno
Diana Fields
Safiya Johnson
Amanda Marinelli
Dayna Maleton
Jessica Paxson-Putnam
This show is held next weekend in Jacksonville, Florida. Prejudging will take place on Friday August 6th and the finals are Saturday, August 7th.
Visit: dexterjacksonclassic.com for more information.
American Bang – Wild and Young
July 28, 2010 by
American Bang brings you “Wild and Young”. I hadn’t heard it before today but I’m digging it. Enjoy your hump day.
Notice To All 2010 NPC USA Championship Competitors
July 27, 2010 by
News Release regarding this weekend’s NPC USA contest in Las Vegas.
The Following Athlete’s Are Required To Participate In The NPC NEWS Photo Shoot With J.M. Manion On Sunday, August 1st At The Embassy Suites Hotel From 9 a.m. To 12 Noon:
• MEN’S OVERALL WINNER
• WOMEN’S OVERALL WINNER
• THE 6 FIGURE HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS
• THE 6 BIKINI HEIGHT CLASS WINNERSOnly The 4 Overall Winners Are To Bring Their Overall Trophies.
The Men’s & Women’s Overall Winners Are To Bring Their Posing Suit & Posing Oil.
The 6 Bikini & 6 Figure Height Class Winners Are To Bring Their 2-Piece Competition Suits Along With Any Other 2-Piece Bikini’s.All Competitors Please Plan Accordingly With Your Travel Plans.
NPC USA Bikini Competitor Lists
July 27, 2010 by
The Bikini division continues to bring out more and more competition. This weekend’s NPC USA Bikini Championships will be no different. Look for things to heat up this weekend in Las Vegas.
CLASS “A” Up to 5’1
Assria Narmin
Byrne Theresa
Barnes Katie
Conley Christa
De Beer Noy
DeLallo Elle
Dominguez Jennifer
Grajo Joy
Hergenrader Ashley
Kambarova Natalie
Labender Rachael
Newton Traci
Peralta Nicole
Phantharath Jenny
Turnbull Jen
White Elena
CLASS “B” Over 5’1 to 5’2 1/2
Berumen Tiffany
Cagle Michelle
Calhoun Bianca
Cui Maria
Dabuet Joyce
Hartman Francesca
Le Lisa
Miller Holly
Pimental Jennifer
Taketa Mandie
Taylor Skye
Whalen Jennifer
CLASS “C” Over 5’2 1/2 to 5’4
Bell Ashley
Bridges Kimberly
Campanoli Britani
Campbell Lisa
Capehart Dawn
Carney Grace
Cavendar Laura
Chapman Jennifer
Chomos Melissa
Desimone Tiffany
Deweese April
Eiler Monica
Elwell Rachel
Giese Christina
Gil Elizabeth
Hall Sopresa
Hamm Michaelyn
Hoskins Karlee
Laquer Julia
Long Jennifer
Maffei Adriana
Matheny Taylor
McLellan Sarah
Miller Cathy
Miranda Tatum
Moore Ashley
Parsons Stephanie
Pelt Adrianne
Prebyl Vanessa
Ramos Venus
Ray Robyn
Santosuosso Tara
Tamor Brandi
Tokunaga Toby
White Tamara
Winn Brieana
CLASS “D” Over 5’4 to 5’5 1/2
Alexander Stacey
Biggs Kelly
Bryant Carolyn
Costa Angelique
Dana Tyren
Dimuzio Heidi
Dixon Angela
Goudreau June
Green Kelsey
Larsen Melissa
Leaver Brandy
Moret Ashlee
Murdick Audrey
Naito Stacey
O’Connor Brittany
Palacios Alejandra
Pauza Kardena
Sushchik Zlata
Vaughn Clenet
Willos Kelly
Wood Roxanna
Zerega Alexandra
CLASS “E” Over 5’5 1/2 to 5’7
Bejarano Antoinette
Brugman Rachel
Cadenas Denise
Carey Emily
Colbath Shanon
Cristofani Kacy
Ellison Lea-Ann
Fernandez Dawn
Gines Mary
Hanson Michelle
Hefner Christina
Hudson Shandi
Jerbasi Taylor
Magoon Stephanie
Meadows Jennifer
Michelle Kelli
Orsini Theresa
Phillips Abby
Polk Jamie
Rice Katie
Rosen Alison
Rudholm Diane
Saitone-McGuire Janelle
Teems Michelle
Thompson Leslie
Weber- Ziaolhagh Nicole
White Summer
Whitmire Angel
CLASS “F” Over 5’7
Beccaria Gina
Benjamin Sarah
Buchanan Natassia
Cameron Meegan
Cochrell Shameen
Coles Katie
Covington Kelin
Duby Desirae
Eubanks Tawna
Genov Rhiannon
Hils Kim
King Crystal
Lane Jill
McWhorter Piper
Mora Brooke
Morris Samantha
O’Brien Paige
O’Rear Emilee
Scheerer Brendy
Sweatte Natasha
NPC USA Figure Competitor Lists
July 27, 2010 by
Promoter Jon Lindsay has released the 2010 NPC USA competitor lists for the Figure division. As you can see this is going to be a huge show with each height class stacked. Hardbody will be in attendance covering this event. Those of you following the action and tweeting about it use #npcusa for the hashtage.
CLASS “A” Up to 5’1
Anderson Christine
Aracena Maria
Aragon Julia
Ashton Tamara
Bermudez Kimberly
Bjornstad Kristen
Cabading Maria
Cafiero Cecilia
Castro Darice
DeGiovine Amy
Dominguez Sarah
Edwards Amber
Ferguson Kelly
Fortino Wendy
Francis Tina
Goodwin Molly
Henderson Mandy
Henrick-Carpenter Mai
Jaques-Conn Jennifer
Kondo Shawna
Lopez-Roule Sylvia
McCormack Moira
Meza Alicia
Morgan Kimmie
Mossholder Arlin
Reavis Aubrey
Richard Krissy
Santos Laura
Santos Gemma
Schroeder Jenaliegh
Seal-DeTracy Brandy
Signorelli Francesca
Sweeney Stephanie
Vanderbilt Sheanni
Whitfield Jennifer
CLASS “B” Over 5’1 to 5’2 1/2
Allman Tori
Anderson Chazz
Anderson Marie
Berger Mallory
Bridges Amber
Canez Rebecca
Celaya Genevieve
Cross-Arabia Tina
Decolati Kelly
Hanson Brandy
Jones Laura
Kikuchi Erika
Kiselev Irina
Krause Michelle
Lovato Brittany
Martinez Cindy
Misra Heather
Ralar Amalia
Ramos Anissa
Ramsey Brittany
Richardson Cinderella
Singh Diane
Smythe Jennifer
Stewart Janae
Stidger Carissa
Velez Elizabeth
Wang Carolyn
CLASS “C” Over 5’2 1/2 to 5’4
Acosta Ivonne
Barber Kalani
Brocato Casey
Brown Kerryne
Caputo Kimber
Dahlum Shannon
Danielson Katrinka
De La Paz April
Delvecchio Wendy
Doleshal Brigitte
Dusek Rachel
Gardner Christine
Gichert Rachel
Guenther Nichole
Ingram Erika
Pawlicki Sarah
Rivera Grace
Ronquilio Dani
Sanchez Adriana
Sexton Naomi
Shafer Elizabeth
Simmons Mary
Smith Michelle
Smith Angela
Specking Monica
Sullivan Kellie
Taylor Jamie
Thielen Sarah
Vasquez Betty
Willes Stephanie
Wilson Dana
Yanga Aneta
CLASS “D” Over 5’4 to 5’5 1/2
Bailey Laura
Bannowsky Janet
Berthelson Meredith
Dees Heather
Everson Ryan
Faraschuk Lauri
Favazzo Christine
Grace Heather
Jarmolowich Mary
Judy Deborah
Laronal Kapiolani
Laucius Kathy
Mayer-Hyman Julie
McDougall Amy
Medders Wendi
Mettler Sheila
Neilson Joni
Pahlmann Rachel
Pearson Nicole
Petersen Katie
Quinlan Amanda
Reville Jillian
Singleton-Taylor Autier
Smith Brandy
Stark Lisa
Suppes Sheri
Vanderham Natalie
Waddell Tiffany
Walsh Deena
White Amanda
CLASS “E” Over 5’5 1/2 to 5’7
Angulo Cindy
Bales Sheri
Beavers Angela
Braun Jodi
Bravomalo Tammy
Candrilli Melissa
Charleston Myriam
Copenhagen Shamika
Delgado Jennifer
Dunn Krista
Edmonds Danielle
Geist Michelle
Hill Christy
Jaimes Ginger
Kelley Jenn
Kerns Leslie
Kluger Christine
McCaskey Marcy
McDonald Stephanie
Monette Tielle
Moody Bridgette
Moore Christine
Rabosky Deanna
Rankovic Alecia
Reynolds Megan
Rinaldi Jessica
Rogers Summer
Romero Elisa
Rudison Jill
Smith Kerri
Steenberg Kayte
Varela Monique
Vetter Amy
Ware Avis
CLASS “F” Over 5’7
Aquino Claudia
Bales Myschon
Bates Michelle
Bowers Rebecca
Boyd Jennie
Defalco Elizabeth
Dickson Kimberly
Eberling Lena
Ence Brooke
Gruner Stephanie
Haner Kelley
Iritano Jennifer
Jackson Veronica
Lairet Kimberly
Langer Stacy
Lenzer Cheryl
Lindy Rebecca
Nadeau Stephanie
O’Hara Katie
Payne Anissa
Penna Shannan
Pridgen Lindsey
Pritchett Kimberly
Ringholm Hannah
Rutherdale Draga
Scott Jennifer
Sedlatschek Amy
Tiahrt Jodi
Tjernlund Kristina
Weinstock Sici
West Courtney
Hardbody Hindsight – Hartford Bikini
July 27, 2010 by
Another IFBB Pro Bikini competition is in the books and three more women are headed to the inaugural Bikini Olympia. The event wasn’t the strongest line-up of the year but it was competitive. I’ve been in attendance for every IFBB Bikini Pro show, with the exception of New Zealand. There are some things that I find work well and others that are distracting. Keep in mind each show has different judges and what one panel likes another may not. What I gravitate towards isn’t always what the judges reward. There will be a variety of opinions and we’re all entitled to them but doesn’t mean we’ll all agree. Who cares if we disagree, I’m not telling anyone who to be just giving my opinion. Let’s break it down…
1. Dianna Dahlgren – As I mentioned heading into this show she would be improved and a favorite for the win. Toot, toot goes my horn on calling this one but hold on a minute. Dianna improved her presentation from her debut but still needs to work on it if she wants to hang with the likes of Melo and Nagrani. Many of her poses make her look too straight up and down. She has one of the best bikini butts in the biz and presents it well from the rear poses. Job well done by the youngster and has some momentum going into her next show. We’ll see if she can present herself a little curvier from the front and how she stacks up in Dallas against tougher competition.
View contest photos.
2. Jessica Jessie – The Queen of the “side walk” had a strong showing in her pro debut as most expected. The photos don’t show the presentation of bikini competitors and you have to watch video or see the “side walk” in person to understand what I’m referring to. She basically looks straight ahead while her body is turned walking on stage. Personally, I’m not a fan of it but props to her for being able to do it and not trip. She has a “pageanty” presentation to her which the judges seem to gravitate towards. Her suit is flattering to her physique and fits her personality on stage. Her physique has improved from Jr Nationals and will need to continue if she hopes to crack the top five at the Olympia.
View contest photos.
3. Dianna Fields – Dianna has a good bikini butt. I’m not a fan of her presentation and it’s a little too much sass for my liking. The mouth open gasping while hitting poses is not a flattering look. Props to her for securing a bit to the Olympia. I wouldn’t have her in my top three but hey I’m not a judge.
View contest photos.
4. Jelena Abbou – Talk about a turn around in two weeks. She finished in the top ten at the New York Pro Figure and dramatically changed her physique for this show. Her legs and butt are always areas that plague her. She brought them down and rocked a new suit. I would have had her in the top three. My guess is that the judges felt her upper body was too hard and her butt a little too soft. I think bikini is the division for her and could see an Olympia qualification if she competes in one of the remaining shows
View contest photos.
5. Kat Holmes – Kat tightened up a bit from Tampa but her lower half continues to hold her back from placing higher. If she tightens her conditioning a bit she could move up in a future show. She should be content with a fifth place spot.
View contest photos.
6. Tabitha Klausen-Leandri – She’s one tall drink of water. Nearly 6’0″ without heels she towers over some of the other competitors but holds her own. I think her suits and presentation held her back from a higher spot at this show. I think she had one of the best physiques in the show and could have been a couple places higher. If she ditches the distracting strings on the bikini she’ll likely move up.
View contest photos.
7. Jessica Lawrence – I had her in or around this placing. Jessica has a nice physique but has no energy on stage. If she could bring some life to her presentation she could move up but until then you’ll likely see her out of the top five
View contest photos.
8. Kelly Gonzalez – Kelly’s pro debut was a decent start. She’s a tiny competitor and has a nice physique. If she continues to improve her presentation she could move up.
View contest photos.
9. Natalie Waples – HUGE, HUGE improvement from Tampa. Natalie ditched the first time bikini mistakes and made major improvements at this show. She seemed more comfortable, had a better suit and improved presentation. If she continues to get comfortable on stage you could see her place higher. I would have had no problem seeing her a few places higher here
View contest photos.
10. Janet Harding – Oh Janet what are we going to do with you? I’ve coined her the Emeril of bikini. If you’re not sure what I’m referring to check out Chef Emeril and his “BAM” video here. Janet had a different hairstyle, a new suit and new posing. The hair color was good. The new suit – a nice improvement. The posing – horrible. I told her this backstage and asked her what was up. She said she’s working with a new coach and hadn’t perfected her poses just yet. When she came out at prejudging she hit her poses fast and furious like Emeril on his cooking show. BAM! BAM! She did slow things down a bit at the night show which was good.
View contest photos.
11. Juliette Primak – This was her IFBB pro debut and went relatively unnoticed. She’s cute but will need to tighten up the butt and present with some energy to make her mark in future shows.
View contest photos.
Notes:
• Long strings on the bikini bottoms are distracting. I think it looks best if you choose a suit without the strings on the bottoms.
• Pose with class and not like you’re looking for a pole to climb. If the bikini division is to be taken serious competitors need to keep it classy. I don’t see it much in the pros but the amateur shows are plagued with it. The IFBB pros set the tone for other competitors. Many women in the NPC ranks emulate what the pros do. Pros – keep that in mind when you’re on stage as many women want to be in your shoes.
• Presentation is everything in bikini. Looking at photos is great but doesn’t tell even 1/2 of what the judges are looking for. Smile and project positive energy on stage. Remember whatever you’re thinking it will be magnified by 10 fold to the audience.
• Know your body and your angles. A pose that works for one competitor may not work for you. Create an illusion that makes you look curvy and sexy.
Five Finger Death Punch – Bad Company
July 27, 2010 by
Five Finger Death Punch remakes “Bad Company” and does a solid job. Rock on with your Tuesday.
2010 NPC Los Angeles winners heading to the NPC USA’s
July 26, 2010 by
Congratulations to Megan Reynolds (Figure) and Taylor Matheny (Bikini) for winning the overall titles at the NPC Los Angeles championships. Both of them are planning to compete at the NPC USA’s this upcoming weekend in Las Vegas, which is already a record breaking contest with over 530 competitors.
HBO Real Sports Takes Easy Route with Female Bodybuilding Feature
July 26, 2010 by
Bryant Gumbel introduces his HBO Real Sports feature on women’s bodybuilding with, “we move onto the wild, weird and relatively unknown world of women’s bodybuilding. If you’re like most Americans what little exposure to bodybuilding you’ve had, has probably been limited to to brief glimpses of scantily clad competitors posing in a magazine.” You can already assume which direction the feature will go.
Gumbel draws attention to nothing but the negative things associated with women’s bodybuilding. If there was anything positive in the piece, I missed it. Focusing on the negative aspects is the easy route and been done a number of times. Gumbel dwells on things like “training for at least four hours a day, six days a week.” He chats with Brandi Mae Akers about her troubled childhood and quest to get bigger. Who knows how much video was shot but the way it was edited made Akers appear to be an obsessed women focused only on doing whatever it takes to get big and be in control.
No women’s bodybuilding segment would be complete without Lauren Powers. Lauren is exactly what mainstream media loves… a freak. She thrives off from the role and has made a career of playing the part. She isn’t an active competitive bodybuilder but continues to be one of the few women featured any time there is piece on women’s bodybuilding. I don’t think it helps the industry but it certainly helps her business.
An active female bodybuilder, Dena Westerfield is featured posing in her hotel room on a webcam. It’s an avenue where many women are making good money. There was no mention that Westerfield is a doctor. Gumbel shifts the focus to muscle worshipers calling them “schmoes”. He discusses the muscle worship sessions many women perform and can make a few hundred dollars at doing.
Photographer, Brian Moss offers up an interesting question back to Gumbel when asked if he might be exploiting women with his web site, shemuscle.com. He responds to Gumbel asking, “Who’s exploiting who?” Sharing his argument that the women aren’t paying the men. The men are paying $8 a minute for posing and flexing.
You can watch the entire feature here but don’t expect to see anything uplifting or positive about women’s bodybuilding.
RS#160 Female Muscle from NOA Productions on Vimeo.
I’m Too Sexy
July 26, 2010 by
Remember this one? Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy”. Quite possibly one of the most annoying songs ever made. It is quite hilarious though, especially the sleeveless mesh shirt.
Need You Tonight
July 25, 2010 by
A little more old school music. “Need You Tonight” by INXS is pure awesomeness. Check out this video.
Europa Battle of Champions – Bikini Results
July 24, 2010 by
Dianna Dahlgren bounced back from her first pro show to win the inaugural Europa Battle of Champions. She took straight firsts from the judges. Jessica Jessie was second in her IFBB Pro debut and Diana Fields moved up into third place. Jelena Abbou placed a disappointing 4th. Personally, I had her in the top 3 but I’m not a judge. I’ll share my breakdown later on the contest. Congrats to all the women going to the bikini Olympia.
EUROPA BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS – BIKINI
1. Dianna Dahlgren
2. Jessica Jessie
3. Diana Fields
4. Jelena Abbou
5. Kat Holmes
6. Tabitha Klausen-Leandri
7. Jessica Lawrence
8. Kelly Gonzalez
9. Natalie Waples
10. Janet Harding
11. Juliette Primak
Europa Battle of Champions – Figure Results
July 24, 2010 by
Congrats to Candice Keene for her first IFBB Pro victory. She took home straight ones to win this show. Terri Turner edged out Gina Trochino by one point to take second. Gina landed in third and secures a spot in the Figure Olympia.
EUROPA BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS – FIGURE RESULTS
1. Candice Keene
2. Terri Turner
3. Gina Trochino
4. Marcy Porter
5. Hazal Nelson
6. Monica Mark-Escalante
7. Tivisay Briceno
8. Jennifer Hernandez
9. Julie Kulla
10. LaVonda Ezell
11. Caroline Hernandez
12. Jennifer DeJoya
13. Aleisha Hart
14. Jennifer Migliacci
15. Melody Clere
16. Petra Mertl
17. Mia Finnegan
17. Rachel Cammon
18. Ginette Delhaes
18. Kristin Nunn
18. Laura Sutter
18. Michele Mayberry
18. Mikaila Soto
18. Vicki Nixon
Europa Battle of Champions – Women’s Bodybuilding Results
July 24, 2010 by
Congratulations to Brigita on her second win in a row. The top three women are now qualified for the Olympia in September.
Europa Battle of Champions Full Results
1. Brigita Brezovac
2. Helen Bouchard
3. Cathy LeFrancois
4. Nicole Ball
5. Debbie Bramwell
6. Skadi Frei-Seifert
7. Lisette Acevedo
8. Tazzie Columb
9. Wendy McCready
10. Cassandra Floyd
11. Beverly DiRenzo
12. Rita Rae
13. Tammy Patnode
14. Maria Calo
15. Aurelia Grozajova
15. Daniela Sell
16. Elizabeth Gomez
16. Irene Andersen
16. Mary Ellen Jerumbo
16. Sarah Bridges
Europa Battle of Champions Prejudging Photos
July 24, 2010 by
Check out the prejudging photos from the 2010 Europa Battle of Champions on FLEXonline.com.
Who do you think will win the Figure and Bikini? The call-outs in Figure left many wondering how the final placing would end up. We’ll find out this afternoon when the Finals take place at 2:30 PM EST.
Top four or battling for third?
Three women will qualify for the Bikini Olympia. Who will be odd woman out?
Live Coverage from Hartford
July 24, 2010 by
Follow the live coverage from the IFBB Europa Show of Champions Pro show today.
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 call-outs and get my thoughts on the events as they happen today.
Photos posted from prejudging at FLEXonline.com. Check em out!
Separate Ways – Classic
July 24, 2010 by
A little old school goodness. Journey’s “Separate Ways” for your Saturday. Gotta love these hairstyles.
G’s Tip of the Week – Tackle Fear
July 23, 2010 by
Gina Aliotti shows you can tackle your fears in this week’s Tip of the Week.
Fear is a very powerful force. Fear can stop us from accomplishing our goals, hopes, dreams, and from reaching our full potential. We hall have innate fears that may be holding us back without us even realizing it! The only way to break your fears is to just tackle it. Remember that fear is only as deep as your mind allows it to be!
“Do one thing every day that scares you.”~E. Roosevelt
Gina Aliotti-Silva
www.ginaaliotti.net
Gina Aliotti skydiving.
