Archives for August 2011

2011 Europa Supershow – Dallas Information


IFBB Pro Bodybuilding, Bikini and Figure returns to the stage this weekend in Dallas, Texas. The Europa Supershow is one of the biggest IFBB shows of the year and the competition is always fierce. This year will be no different as 74 men and women will compete in one of the final events to qualify for the 2011 Olympia. This show has grown leaps and bounds over the years. Ed and Betty Pariso have teamed with Eric Hillman of Europa Sports to build not only a quality IFBB event but also a weekend loaded with events and an expo.

 


The weekend will feature CrossFit, MMA, Grappling, Wrestling, Power-lifting and more. The expo features a number of companies providing samples and discounts on clothing and products. Those of you attending Friday tends to be a little slower which can provide you with easier access to getting your goods. Saturday is jam packed with people and has a few more events but heck if you can make it go both days!

When: August 12-13, 2011
Where: Dallas, TX
Dallas Convention Center
More info: http://www.visionstarinc.com/dallas/event-tickets-npc.html

Event Hotel:
HYATT REGENCY DALLAS
300 Reunion Blvd
Dallas, Texas 75207

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Thursday,  August 11, 2011
IFBB PRO Women & Men Meeting
7pm – Host Hotel

——–


Friday, August 12, 2011

EXPO
2pm – 10 pm – Convention Center

NPC Competitors Meeting
11am Host Hotel

IFBB Pro Prejudging
3pm – Convention Center

NPC Prejudging
6pm – Convention Center
——-

Saturday, August 13, 2011
EXPO
9am – 6:30pm – Convention Center

NPC Finals
11am – Convention Center

IFBB Pro Finals
3pm – Convention Center

We’ll be there covering all the action. Follow on twitter.com/hardbodynews and if you’re tweeting about the event use #EuropaTX.



What’s in Ava Cowan’s Competition Bag? Find out!


This weekend will mark one of the final IFBB Figure shows to qualify for the 2011 Olympia. The show will feature rookies and veterans alike. One of the seasoned pros competing this weekend is fan favorite Ava Cowan. This isn’t Ava’s first rodeo and since she’s competed a number of times it got me thinking, what does Ava’s competition bag look like? She was kind enough to share what’s in her bag for this weekend’s Europa Super show in Dallas, Texas. Check it out!


What’s in Ava’s competition bag?

What’s in my competition bag for the Dallas Europa.
1.  New Gaspari Nutrition Jump Suit
2.  Oddos Angel‘s T-Shirt
3.  2 suits one by Tamee Marie Competition Suit, plus Back Up suit by CJ
4.  Black flip flops
5.  Competition Jewelry, plus extras for me or if someone needs to borrow anything
6.  2 black towels
7.  Old bedding
8.  Hot Plate
9.  Cooking Utensils
10.  2 pairs of clear heels, one other pair for photo shoot with Isaac.
11.  About 20 bikinis I am selling at the event that have just been sitting in my closet for photo shoots.:)
12.  Back up Make up plus toiletries
13.  Curling Iron
14.  Workout clothes
15.  Oil, need bikini bite!
16.  IFBB Pro Card, ID, Book, IPhone, Prescriptions
17.  Myofusion Packs for after the show.  Withdrawal!
18.  Spirodex
19.  All other clothing

Follow Ava on Twitter and “like” her on Facebook. Check back for our interview with Ava days before she returns to the stage in Dallas.



Voskos Greek Yogurt Launches Recipe App


Greek Yogurt is high and protein and has a variety of ways it can be implemented into your nutritional plans. Thanks to Voskos Greek Yogurt you can now find quick and easy recipes through your mobile device. The app also has a convenient store locator so you can easily find where to purchase Voskos in your area. Guess what, it’s FREE!

 

I downloaded the app to my iPhone this morning and it installed without any problems. Sounds simple enough but you’d be surprised how many apps crash or don’t install when they first launch. It loads quickly and designed so that you can navigate easily. I haven’t tried any of the recipes listed yet but after seeing some of the images, it does have my mouth watering.

 


Screen shots via iTunes App store.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sun Valley, CA—August 9, 2011 – Loaded with dozens of easy-to-prepare options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, the Voskos Greek Yogurt Recipes App was released for the Android and iPhone platforms on August 3, 2011. The App is free, and available for instant download from the Android Marketplace and iTunes App Store.

Developed by Voskos Greek Yogurt’s team of chefs and nutritionists, the App’s collection of over 100 recipes contains detailed nutritional information and easy instructions. The recipe collection includes high protein, low-fat, and low-sugar choices, and new recipes will be added to the App’s library every month.

Accompanying the recipe collection is a collection of “Videos from Mary’s Kitchen,” in which Mary demonstrates several “no-cook” recipes that are ideal for older children, busy students, parents, and for anyone who simply doesn’t have the time to make recipes that call for complex cooking instructions or a long list of ingredients.

“The Voskos Greek Yogurt Recipes App makes shopping easy,” says registered dietitian Janet R. Mertz. Mertz, a diabetes educator. Mertz writes for Voskos Greek Yogurt’s “What’s Fresh” blog. “The App allows you to search recipes by keywords, and save a list of your favorites for your next trip to the grocery store. Greek yogurt is such a healthful addition to the diet. The Voskos Greek Yogurt Recipes App makes it simple to incorporate this ‘superfood’ into any meal.”

The Voskos Greek Yogurt Recipes App also includes a store locator to help you find the stores that sell Voskos, as well as money-saving coupons and access to Voskos Greek Yogurt contests.

Voskos Greek Yogurt has been recognized in awards contests presented by Fitness magazine, Women’s Health, Vegetarian Times, Natural Solutions, Self Magazine and Cooking Light magazine. It is also a triple gold winner of the 2010 Los Angeles International Dairy Competition. Visit Voskos’ Web site for dozens of Greek yogurt recipes for low-carbohydrate breakfasts, appetizers, entrees and snacks.

About Voskos Greek Yogurt
Award-winning for its thick, rich taste and nutritional value, Voskos Greek Yogurt is all-natural, hormone-free, gluten-free, and Kosher certified. Through Voskos’ proprietary ProStrainâ„¢ method, Voskos yields two times more protein, more probiotics, less lactose, and a thicker, creamier consistency. Voskos is the only brand to offer an organic Greek yogurt line in addition to its all-natural plain and blended flavors and never has “fruit on the bottom.” Available nationwide, retailing between $1.49 – $2.99 in such stores as Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Bi-Lo, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and more. For store locations, and to download a coupon, visit voskos.com or facebook.com/Voskos.Greek.Yogurt today.

About Janet Mertz, Janet R. Mertz, MS, RD, CDE, CPT
Janet Mertz is a diabetes educator, wife of a Type-1 diabetic and mother who enjoys helping educate people on nutrition and healthy lifestyle.

 

Download the app here. You can also follow Voskos on twitter. Give them a Hardbody hello on there.

 



No Kaitlyn on WWE RAW? We Got Ya Covered


If you’re a WWE fan you likely watched WWE RAW tonight. We did and while there were some entertaining matches we were hoping to see our resident hardbody Kaitlyn. It wasn’t meant to be but hey we’re here to help ya with your Kaitlyn fix.


Here’s a peek at Kaitlyn from her LIFTstudios photo shoot a few weeks ago. She was just getting started on her Caveman Diet when these were shot.

Fitness fans will get the opportunity to meet Kaitlyn at the 2011 Olympia in Las Vegas next month. Stay tuned for more details on that. In the mean time enjoy this Kaitlyn photo and follow her on twitter @KaitlynWWE – give her a Hardbody hello.


©Photo by Isaac Hinds – LIFTstudios.com – 2011.



Dianna Dahlgren Does Dallas


IFBB Bikini Pro Dianna Dahlgren has positioned herself as one of the top models in the biz and now she’s looking to do the same on the competitive stage. She hasn’t competed since last year’s Bikini Olympia and she was a little off her best there. What will we see from the California girl this weekend in Dallas? Can she bring the same swagga she shows in her photos to the stage and overtake the Bikini Olympia champ, Sonia Gonzales? DD checks in as she heads into this weekend’s Dallas Europa Super show.

 

ALMOST THERE!!!!!! KEEP GOING!!!!!
Wow! I can’t believe where the time has gone! Is it really August already!? Right now in my life I am very happy!! I’m closing in on the last days of prep before I head into the Dallas Europa and I am so ready for it! I have been working very hard for the last few months and I’m excited to see what will happen next weekend! For those of you who keep up with Hardbody.com you will know that I was supposed to do the New York Pro back in May and unfortunately I couldn’t pull myself together in time! It was very heart breaking for me, I am very hard on myself for things I don’t do when I say I am going to do them. But NY Pro was not the right time for me and I am so ecstatic that I have chosen Dallas Europa as my first show of the year! I have not competed since last year’s Olympia, so my overall goal here in Dallas is to just have fun! Get on that stage, work it, and wait for those judges to call my number! 🙂

The past few weeks have been some of the hardest, mentally. Nutrition and diet is the most important during your prep and I tell everyone that this is my biggest challenge of competing! So during this prep I have learned so much about dieting and what works for me. Learning your triggers and what to stay away from, I haven’t had to do this in over a year! So I forgot what it was like in some situations. I travel a ton for work, my second home is an airplane and a hotel room LOL but I have surprisingly made it work great for my program and didn’t make excuses! Got it handled!! So here we are, only a few days left of workouts before I fly out to Dallas. I’m finalizing all the ‘TO DOs’ of competing in a show. Flights, Hotel, Hotel Roomie (Brooke Mora! YAY), Tanning, Make up and Hair, Suit, Shoes… and POSING POSING POSING!

I’ll keep all of you updated on the show so make sure to follow me on twitter! @diannadahlgren or you can go find me on Facebook! I’m just so thankful, my support system has been amazing and Ive been treating myself very well, so I feel great headed into Dallas, not a worry in my mind! See you all there!

xoxo
DD

Follow all the action here on hardbody as we cover one of the biggest shows of the year. User #EuropaTX for your hastag if you’re tweeting about the show.



Erin Stern & Jaime Baird Win in Jacksonville – Full Results


As expected reigning IFBB Figure Olympia Champion went into Jacksonville and came out with a victory. Candice Keene finished in second with Kristen Nagrani in third. All three women were already qualified for the Olympia so we’ll see no one new added to next month’s big dance. In the bikini portion of the competition, Jaime Baird added her second pro win of the year and her pro career. Sassy Floridian, India Paulino bounced back from her Tampa showing and locked in second place and a trip to the Olympia. She was the overall winner of the 2011 NPC Jr. Nationals. Rounding out the top three and snagging the last qualifying spot was Marissa Renee Lee. Marissa is a new pro, just having achieved IFBB pro status at last month’s Team Universe. Marissa calls Atlanta, Georgia home and will make a trip to the Olympia just weeks after turning pro. Congratulations ladies!

IFBB Jacksonville Pro Figure
1. Erin Stern*
2. Candice Keene*
3. Kristen Nagrani*
4. Holly Beck
5. Petra Mertl
6. Marie Ann Newman
7. Catherine Holland
8. Michelle Bates
9. Gina Trochiano
10. Tiffany Archer
11. Tara Hollingsworth
12. Stefanie Bambrough
13. Patrice Vignola
14. Vicki Nixon
15. Sherma Dillard-Del Tergo
16. Marie Pierre Ripert

IFBB Jacksonville Pro Bikini
1. Jaime Baird*
2. India Paulino*
3. Marisa Renee Lee*
4. Lisa Lutz
5. Tianna Ta
6. Nicole Moneer-Guerrero
7. Samantha Morris
8. Kristin Gomes
9. Deborah Denio
10. Dayna Maleton

*Olympia Qualification



2011 Jacksonvill Pro Photos


Money Mark Mason was in attendance as the official photographer for the 2011 Jacksonville Pro. Check out the photos from the Men’s 202, Figure and Bikini competitions.

View all the photos here!



IFBB Jacksonville Pro Prejudging Figure & Bikini Report


The 2011 IFBB Jacksonville Pro prejudging has concluded and it looks like the favorites heading into the contest will deliver. Erin Stern should stride to victory in the Figure competition while Jaime Baird appears to be in position for her second IFBB pro win.

HARDBODY Figure Breakdown:
Based on the call-outs it looks like the Figure competition will have Erin Stern winning with Candice Keene in the brides-maid position. This is how I saw it going into the show and based their competition history no shocker here. RXmuscle.com’s Dave Palumbo commented in his live play-by-play nearly the exact same thing for both women. “Best structure up there. Tight waist. Should be hard to beat.” I agree with this assessment however there can only be one winner and at any other show Candice might be the winner. Erin’s athletic background and years of training propel her to another level. The battle comes in the third place position where Holly Beck has found her stride, and just in time heading into the Olympia. She was third last week and could find herself in the same spot here but it won’t be easy. Kristen Nagrani has proven she’s a contender and is in the hunt for the third place spot but might have to settle for fourth. I see Nagrani in third, why well that’s what I predicted before the show so it has to be right. I kid, I kid but I do think that’s how we’ll see it shake out. Petra Mertl looks to round out the top five based on call-outs. Some felt this was a generous position for her and would have liked to seen Marie Ann Newman and Gina Trochiano compared to for the fifth spot. In the end only the top three spots go to the Olympia and from the looks of things the top four will likely already be qualified which would mean no one new is headed to the big dance from this show.

HARDBODY Bikini Breakdown:
Jaime Baird was on top of her game once again and should leave with win number two. She won her first pro show earlier in the year at the Pittsburgh Pro and it looks like tomorrow night she’ll leave with her second. She’s rock’n the same balanced, tight, toned physique as before and has a new suit. Jaime tells me she had a suit malfunction before going on stage but thankfully Cynthia James (CJ) did an emergency fix and she avoiding any meltdowns. Second looks to be India Paulino who was off her game in her pro debut at Tampa but is back with the sass. Her yellow suit pops and it well suits her well. The third and final qualifying spot appears to be a head to head match up between rookie Marissa Renee Lee, who turned pro last month at Team Universe and Tianna Ta. I picked Marissa as my dark horse to shake things up and it looks like she’s doing just that. If she snags the third place spot in her pro debut it would be a huge accomplishment and a crushing blow to Tianna. Don’t count Tianna Ta out. She was close in Tampa to a third place finish and it looks like she’s in a similar situation here. Also making an impressive showing in her pro debut is Lisa Lutz. Lisa avoided getting trapped in any elevators and should be in the top five at this event. Great job by the rookies and veterans alike.

The finals will take place tomorrow night in Jacksonville, Florida. For more information on the show and how you can see it in person, visit www.dexterjacksonclassic.com.



Hardbody Style’n With Cindy – Fuel for Photo Shoots


Cindy Whitehead aka The SportsStylist® works with a variety of models every years. She styles shoots for Muscle & Fitness HERS, Nike, Wrangler and tons more. That being said she’s seen a number of things throughout the years of what to do and not do related to photo shoots. She has a simple but important tip on eating.

 

In a previous tip I touched on moderation and eating your face off on a shoot. On the other side of eating was the girl who had starved all week, came to set with no energy and almost fainted 3 times under the hot lights. So once again – everything in moderation. Eat foods that fuel you with out bloat, know what things will give you long lasting energy and perk you up for a few hours. This makes the day go so much smoother for you and the crew and your shots will look gorgeous since you are not tired and hungry.

Check out Cindy’s blog at cindywhitehead.blogspot.com. She’s also one to follow on  twitter.com (@sportsStylist).



Women Looking Buff is Bad?


Good Morning America (GMA) did a piece on Women who are toned or “too toned” in their words. Recently Cameron Diaz was seen rock’n a Hardbody and that has people up in arms. God forbid a woman eat healthy, workout and have abs. GMA’s Lindsey Davis “investigates” the topic.

There wasn’t a lot of investigating in the segment but check it out.

It’s rather amusing that they show bikini competitors as an examples of “too buff”. NPC Bikini competitor Summer White is interviewed in the piece. She placed 5th in her class at the NPC USA Bikini Championships.

It’s pathetic that mainstream media wants to paint being toned as a bad thing. I say go F yourself if you think Cameron Diaz is “too toned” and if anyone has an issue with women looking buff, they should take a long look at themselves first. What do you think Hard Body Nation?



2011 IFBB Jacksonville Pro Preview


This weekend in Jacksonville, Florida Gale Ellie and 2008 Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson play host to a NPC and IFBB Pro event. The show is held in a great venue and always a well run event. The women’s IFBB pro competition will be one of the last chances to qualify for the Olympia. Defending Olympia Champion Erin Stern will be competing in this year’s show and it’s one of the rare opportunities fans can see her compete other than the Arnold and Olympia.


The HARDBODY Breakdown of the Jacksonville Pro show. Three Olympia qualifications are up for grabs in each division. It is possible that we see a fourth person head to the Olympia in the Figure division since there are three women already qualified for the big dance. If I was a gambling man I’d say who ever finishes in fourth will head to the Olympia because of that rule.

IFBB FIGURE:
Tiffany Archer – She missed the top five last weekend and was relegated to 6th. If she finishes in the top five here, I’d consider it a win. This is a tougher line up than last week though so we’ll have to see how she matches up.

Stefanie Bambrough – Cute woman but struggles to come in conditioned. If she matched the physique she brought when turning pro she could be in the mix but we have yet to see her nail it as a pro when it comes to her conditioning.

Michelle Bates – Michelle is one of the taller competitors and with Erin Stern in the show I think it could help her. She has a nice look and many times looks to big next to some of the shorter competitors. She has yet to get inside the top 10 as a pro but I could see her doing it here.

Holly Beck – Holly has the pressure off her as she qualified last week in Hartford. She’ll have her work cut out for her to return to the top three here but look for her to be in the top five.

Sherma Dillard-Del Tergo – Sherma competed in this show back in 2008 and finished in the dreaded 16th position. We’ll see what she brings to the stage this time around and she’ll need to be much improved in order to hang in this line up.

Catherine Holland – It’s been some time since we’ve seen Catherine on stage. She’s switched up her training and is working with a new trainer. Will the results of this switch up be prevalent this weekend?

Tara Hollingsworth – Tara earned her IFBB Pro card at the Master’s Nationals in Pittsburgh last month and will waste no time competing as a pro. If she tweaks her posing a bit from that show it could help her. We’ll have to wait and see how she matches up with the seasoned vets.

Candice Keene – Candice was second earlier this year at the Europa Orlando, a show many people felt she should have won. I look for her to be in the first call-out and in the mix for a top three spot. The only way she’s not top three is if she comes in off. I don’t see that happening but one never knows.

Petra Mertl – Petra has steadily improved and will look to move into the top five spots here. It won’t be easy and I see her being in the middle of the pack when it comes to placings here.

Kristen Nagrani – Kristen is already qualified for the Olympia and showed she can hang in the big leagues. I look for her to be in the top five here and wouldn’t be surprised if she’s in the money placings. I have her sitting in third and if Keene comes in off she could leap her for the runner-up position.

Vicki Nixon – Vicki keeps coming back and gets an award for persistence. That said I think she’s in the deep water here and will have to strive for being her personal best as her award.

Marie Ann Newman – Marie Ann could make run for the top three if she brings a tight backside. I see her finishing in the top five but cracking the top three will obviously be her goal. She could technically head to the Olympia if the top three are already qualified. It’s highly possible we see her on the Olympia stage if she finishes in fourth behind Stern, Keene and Nagrani which I see happening.

Marie Pierre Ripert – Marie will need to come in way tighter and sharper than her last couple of outings if she has any chance of cracking the top 10 here. I don’t see her in the mix of a top call-out but we’ll see what she’s done in her time away from the stage.

Erin Stern – Unless something drastically goes wrong this is Erin’s show to lose. She’s the defending Figure Olympia champ and her physique is in a league of it’s own. I don’t see her scoring anything but straight ones. My money is on Stern for the win as she warms up for her Olympia title defense in a few weeks.

Gina Trochiano – Gina was in the top five last week and will look to return and move up here. She has the ability to hang in the top call-out if she hits her posing and her conditioning is on. She’ll have her work cut out for her to get into the top three but don’t rule it out.

Patrice Vignola –
Patrice will make her IFBB debut after earning pro status at this year’s Team Universe contest. I don’t see a top five finish in the cards for her but never say never

I’m going with the following as my top three predictions.
1) Erin Stern
2) Candice Keene
3) Kristen Nagrani

I’m surprised the field for this show isn’t at least twice the size given the number of IFBB Bikini pros in the mix now. While it’s not the largest line up, it will be competitive. Here’s how I se it going down.

IFBB BIKINI:
Jaime Baird – Jaime has found her groove and will make the drive from Orlando to compete in her first show since her victory at the Pittsburgh Pro. I look for Jaime to leave Jacksonville with her second pro victory and head into the Olympia with some momentum.

Deborah Denio – Deborah will try her hand at Bikini after competing as a Figure pro. It’s been a few years since we’ve seen her on stage so who knows what type of physique we’ll see this weekend. She competed in Figure back in 2004 and 2005 but was out of the money there. She finished out of the top spots years ago and will have a challenge to be in a top spot here. We’ll have to wait and see what she brings back to the stage.

Kristin Gomes – Kristin has competed in the Figure division so we’ll see how she fairs in her switch to bikini. I don’t see her in the top call-out but hey anything is possible.

Marissa Renee Lee – Marissa turned pro at the 2011 Team Universe and has a great look. I could see her being a contender in the top five if she brings the same look she did when she turned pro. She could be the dark horse to shake things up in the show.

Lisa Lutz – Lisa turned pro at the 2011 Team Universe event and this will be her pro debut. She trains with IFBB Figure Pro Nicole Wilkins and she’ll hope some of her mentor’s mojo will rub off on her. I see her finishing in the top five and challenging for the top three.

Dayna Maleton – Dayna isn’t on the “official” list but I’m told will be competing. She has one of the best booties in the bikini biz and has steadily found her mojo on stage. When she presents calm, cool and collected she’s great. I like the look she brings to the stage and if she can leave the nerves behind look for her to be in the mix for a top spot. I look for her to be in the first call-out challenging for a top three finish.

Nicole Moneer-Guerrero – Nicole has polished her posing since turning pro and tightened up her physique along the way. She’ll need to be at her all time best from the back side to finish in the top three here.

Samantha Morris – Sam has struggled with coming in tight enough to hang in the top spots. We’ll see if she can come in tighter here and if she doesn’t she’ll be relegated to out of the top five.

India Paulino – India was a little off at her IFBB Pro debut a few weeks ago. If she can bring her swagga back she’ll be in the top three here. I think she’ll do it and head to her first Olympia.

Tianna Ta – Tianna narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Olympia at the Tampa Pro. She’s brought a tighter, rounder booty to the stage and ditched the shakes she showed earlier in her bikini competitions. I look for her to be in the top three and challenging for the top spot.

I’m going with this as my top three in the bikini division..
1) Jaime Baird
2) India Paulino
3) Tianna Ta

Prejudging will take place on Friday evening in Jacksonville and the finals will be Saturday. Visit dexterjacksonclassic.com for more info on the show and check back for coverage throughout the weekend.



2011 Europa Battle of Champions Figure Results


It was a nail biter at the 2011 Europa Show of Champions Figure competition last weekend in Hartford, Connecticut. Gen Strobo notched another pro win to her credit beating out a competitive group of up and comers. Strobo has a fast metabolism and many times comes in too stringy. She found the winning formula this time as she came in round and full. Jelena Abbou was at her all time best and had her sights set on returning to the Olympia stage. She managed to do that and narrowly missed her first pro win by one point. We might see Jelena on stage again before the Olympia rolls around.

While Strobo and Abbou battled it out for first and second a similar battle took place for the third and final Olympia qualification. Holly Beck edged out rookie Chikondi Mseka by one point to take home third. Chikondi made her pro debut here and showed that she will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Gina Trochiano rounded out the top five in the field of seventeen IFBB Figure Pros.

2011 IFBB Europa Battle of Champions Figure Results
Place – Name – Points
1. Gennifer Strobo – 7*
2. Jelena Abbou – 8*
3. Holly Beck – 17*
4. Chikondi Mseka – 18
5. Gina Trochiano – 28
6. Tiffany Archer – 32
7. Aleisha Hart – 35
8. Hazal Nelson – 35
9. Teresita Morales – 46
10. Allison Frahn – 50
11. Caroline Hernandez – 53
12. Emily Nicholson – 66
13. Melanie DePalma – 66
14. Angelica Nebbia – 67
15. Tiffany Procopio – 73
16. Elizabeth Maurice – 74
17. Marcy Porter – 80

*Qualify for the 2011 Figure Olympia

Photo via Rxmuscle.com



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