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Archives for August 2012

Road To The Olympia: Dianna Dahlgren – The Contender

August 31, 2012 by

Cover girl, Dianna Dahlgren joins our “Hardbody Road to The Olympia” series. The California girl has risen to the top of the bikini ranks and is looking to remain there at this year’s Olympia. Dianna was third at the Olympia last year and is gunning for the number one spot. She checks in with us four weeks out from the show and shares what’s different this year. See what she had to say.

A COMPETITOR’S LIFE
4 weeks out
By Dianna Dahlgren

HELLLLLOOOOO, great to be back on HardBody! So we are about 4 weeks out from the Bikini Olympia and I am soooo excited! This year my prep is different being that my comfort levels have done a complete 180 turn! To have the best success day in and day out through this last bit of prep I decided to pack up and head out to Arizona where I live, breath, eat, sleep, train at AZ Pro Physiques with my most amazing trainer Damian Segovia! I feel like I’ve never had a 100% solid prep because there were so many distractions back in California, so I know in my heart this is what’s best for the time being to be out here in Arizona where I get to hang out with my fitness friends as we all prepare for shows! Having people around me who do the same things and live a very similar lifestyle makes me feel normal again. No longer do I feel ‘odd’ for having all the tupperwares and protein powders with me. I now know the difference in prepping for shows where you have no one around you doing what you do and having everyone around you doing what you do. The change up is amazing! My goals right now in prep are to stay busy! I get distracted too easily, so things I do to stay focused is writing on my mirror, goals, sayings, desires, etc, write them on the bathroom mirror so every morning and night you wake up and BAM! goals, goals, goals!!!! Makes me want to get my ass up, out the door and conquer the day!!!!

For this week, these are they things I am focusing on! I will check in with you all next week with an update and renew my weekly goals!

Talk to you soon!!! 4 WEEKS, LETS DO IT!!!!!

xo, DD

Follow Dianna on twitter @diannadahlgren and become a fan on Facebook. Check out photos from Dianna’s competitions here.

 

 

Filed Under: Competitor's Corner, Olympia

Brittany Tacy Fitnss 360 Feature

August 30, 2012 by

Our friends at Bodybuilding.com have a new feature on one of our favorite IFBB Pros, Brittany Tacy. A little over a year ago, Brittany was rocking the stage at the NPC USAs show and now she’s a few weeks away from her first Olympia. Bodybuilding.com Editor-in-Chief, Jeff O’Connell did a great job with this feature on the rising star.

 

brittany tacy bikini

Name: Brittany Tacy
From: West Palm Beach, Florida
Age: 24
Weight: 117 off-season, 113 contest
Height: 5’4″
Occupation(s): Personal trainer, bartender, student (on hiatus)
Education: Studying exercise science and health promotion at Florida Atlantic University
Role Model: I’ve always admired Amanda Latona. I love her body and admire everything she has done. She is one of the most recognizable bikini competitors in the industry, but you would never know it by talking to her because she is so down to earth and friendly.

Read the full feature about Brittany’s Training, Nutrition and Supplementation..

Filed Under: News & Features

Hardbody Road To The Olympia: A Competitor’s Life – Nicole Nagrani, The Champ

August 30, 2012 by

The defending Ms. Bikini Olympia Champ, Nicole Nagrani joins us to share her Hardbody Road To The Olympia. Nicole is one of the few women who has competed in each Bikini Olympia. She was third in 2010 and took top honors last year. After finishing third at the 2012 Bikini International she regrouped, refocused and won the Tampa Pro. She’s looking to carry that momentum into Vegas next month. Check out what the champ had to share in her first installment of “A Competitor’s Life”.

nicole nagrani bikini champion

 

A COMPETITOR’S LIFE
4 weeks out
By Nicole Nagrani

Wow, here we are about 4 weeks out from the 3rd Bikini Olympia! I really can’t believe this year will be the third time I’ve been honored with gracing the Olympia stage! As a child when I would watch the Olympia on tv every year with my parents and never dreamed that I would be on the stage, yet alone crowned Ms. Bikini Olympia in 2011.

Now that I have earned the title of Ms. Bikini Olympia, it’s time to come back in 2012 and defend my title! This makes prepping for this show a lot different because I have earned the top spot already.  Three weeks ago I competed in the Tampa Pro where I placed first!!! I thought this was a good idea to get my head on straight and gain some momentum coming into the Olympia. By getting in competition shape a few weeks out from the Olympia and being able to critique my pictures, I can see what I need to improve and have time to do so. I also brought a different package to the stage in Tampa and it seemed to get a lot of positive feedback. This package is a lot more mature. I turn 21 this year, and Ive noticed that not only has my body matured, but also I have as a person. This becomes evident through my posing primarily because posing in the Bikini division is such a good indicator of the personality of that individual. I am a lot more confident, a lot wiser, and I have a greater appreciation for all that I have accomplished. Every time I take the stage, I approach the situation differently. I used to be so nervous, even though its such an enjoyable experience. Now I’ve learned to take everything in and enjoy every second of being in a competition. I think a lot of competitors tend to get lost in all of the craziness of prepping for a show, and especially on the day of the show. If they learned to not make everything such a big deal, just treat the prep like a lifestyle, it all becomes a lot more enjoyable. When youre not so consumed in being so uptight and nervous, it’s a lot easier to take note of everything going on and allows you to enjoy the journey. The journey to a show is an experience that not a lot of people will ever know the feeling of because it takes an exceptional individual to withstand weeks of harsh training, dieting, and the mental fatigue of constantly trying to improve. So make sure to live it up and not let it pass you by.

Coming off the Arnold with a third place finish after winning the Olympia has definitely given me some motivation to put 150% effort into prepping for this years Olympia. People always ask if I was disappointed with the outcome of the Arnold and my answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT. First off, I’m competing in the most prestigious shows in the world, the Arnold and the Olympia, next to the most beautiful women with the most incredible bodies…. It wouldn’t matter if I placed dead last!  On the other hand, I was able to take the critique from that show, learn from it, and improve. If you are willing to take steps toward improvement and never settle for what you may think is your best, then you become a winner in my eyes. Striving for perfection, which is generally unattainable, is not easy. So the perseverance, dedication, and motivation that fuels the passion to better one self are all characteristics that make you a better person. I am a better person in all aspects of my life because I compete. I am a stronger woman with high expectations for myself because I have set goals for myself to be the best I can be. This all stems from the goal of IMPROVEMENT.

With that being said, I will hope to improve my physique, my posing, and myself on the road to this years 2012 Olympia. GAME ON!

CHAMPION SHOULDER WORKOUT
Here’s a good shoulder workout that’s aided in my improvement off season…

The key to obtaining the result you want, is training according to your desired “look”. If you want to put on size, lift heavier and do less reps. If you want to lean up, grab waits that you can do lots of reps with but aren’t to easy to lift. You also have to find out what kind of training works for YOU! Experimenting is one of the most time consuming and annoying things to do when you want result right away, but when you find out what works best for your body type its well worth it.

In my case, I tend to lift a little heavier to put on size on my upper body. I’ll grab the 20 lb dumbbells instead of the 10 lb.

Remember ladies
It’s harder to put on muscle than you think! 5lb dumbbells wont do the trick, and lifting heavy will not turn you into a monster

I generally allow for 30 seconds of rest in between sets. That way, I’m not wasting time, my metabolic rate is elevated, but I’m not burning out too quickly. I try to go up in weight.

SETS X REPS – EXERCISE
5X 12 Arnolds
5X 15 Shoulder Press
5X 12 lateral raise
5 X 12 rear lateral raise

See photos of Nicole here. Follow Nicole on twitter @nicolenagrani and become a fan on Facebook.

Filed Under: Competitor's Corner, Olympia

Salt Lake City Demo Rep Wanted

August 30, 2012 by

If you are in the Salt Lake City, Utah area and looking to work with one of the top supplement companies in the world, this is your chance. The position needs to be filled VERY quickly, so don’t miss out. It’s open to both women and men the SLC area. Details below.

If you’re looking to make a little extra cash and located in the Salt Lake city area (Sandy, Orem, Provo areas) then this is your chance. A few things to note… The company is looking for outgoing, knowledgeable (teachable), responsible, and self motivated individuals. This is a demo position and NOT a modeling gig and not a sponsorship with the company, it’s simply doing demos of the products.

The positions is available immediately and needs to be filled FAST. If you are selected you would receive a crash course/training and start immediately after that. The times are mostly for Monday afternoons and Saturdays. The demos are typically three hours and this gig does payThe company will provide all the product and necessary apparel.

PLEASE only respond if you are in the area, available and qualified. All other emails will be deleted with no response. If you know someone in the area, please forward to them. Thanks!

Email info @ hardbody.com and a brief description of your background.

Filed Under: News & Features

NPC Athletes of The Month Announced

August 24, 2012 by

The latest selections for NPC athletes of the month have been announced. Read more more on each division’s selection and a bit of info about them in the news release below.


NATIONAL PHYSIQUE COMMITTEE AND GASPARI NUTRITION ANNOUNCE JUNE NPC ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA (August 24, 2012) – The National Physique Committee and Gaspari Nutrition have announced seven competitors – Anthony Pasquale, LaDawn McDay, Vida Guerra, Mallory Haldeman, Darrian Tissenbaum, Sadik Hadzovic and Betty Vasquez – as the Athletes of the Month in their respective divisions for the month of June.

NPC Chairman Jim Manion selects the Athletes of the Month in each of the organization’s seven divisions – Men’s and Women’s Bodybuilding, Figure, Bikini, Fitness and Men’s and Women’s Physique – based on in-person analysis and on the information provided by contest promoters across the country and featured in the NPC News Online Contest Roundups every Monday.

For complete profiles and galleries of the June NPC Athletes of the month, go to www.npcnewsonline.com.

About the June Athletes of the Month:
– Men’s Bodybuilding: Anthony Pasquale, a former Cryptologist in the Air Force from 2001-2005, recently won the Heavyweight and Overall titles at the Junior Nationals

– Women’s Bodybuilding: LaDawn McDay, an elementary school teacher from Michigan who began competing in 2004, won the Heavyweight and Overall titles and the Junior Nationals.

– Bikini: Vida Guerra won her pro card by winning her class at the Junior Nationals. Guerra has appeared on the covers of Playboy, FHM and Maximum and was named FHM’s Model of the Year in 2004.

– Figure: Mallory Haldeman, 26, won the Overall at the Junior Nationals. Halderman started competing in 2011, two years after she broke both ankles in a rock climbing accident.

– Fitness: Twenty-one-year-0ld Darrian Tissenbaum earned her IFBB Pro card in just her second competition by winning the Overall at the Junior Nationals.

– Men’s Physique: New York resident Sadik Hadzovic won his class and the Overall at the Junior Nationals.

– Women’s Physique: Betty Vasquez, a former figure competitor, won her class and an IFBB Pro card at the Junior Nationals.

Filed Under: News & Features

Bodybuilding.com Announces Exclusive 2012 Olympia Webcast

August 24, 2012 by

The 2012 Olympia is right around the corner and if you’re not able to attend in person, don’t fret. Thanks to Bodybuilding.com there will once again be a live webcast of the event. IFBB Pros Carla Sanchez and Dina Al-Sabah will call the women’s events on the webcast.


Boise, ID – August 24, 2012 – Bodybuilding.com, the Internet’s most-visited bodybuilding and fitness site and largest online retailer of nutritional supplements, will once again offer a free worldwide webcast of Joe Weider’s 2012 Olympia Weekend, presented by MuscleTech.

With one of the best lineups of athletes in the contest’s 46-year history and more than $1 million in prize money, the 2012 Olympia is a must-see event. Thanks to the live webcast, everyone can tune in!

Bodybuilding.com will webcast live September 28-29, 2012, from the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada beginning at 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time (9:30 ET) both Friday and Saturday nights.

The webcast kicks off Friday with an insightful pre-show discussion from industry expert Dr. Layne Norton and veteran bodybuilding commentator Larry Pepe. Training experts Neil Hill and Kris Gethin will also make cameo appearances to provide additional insight and commentary.

The competition begins with the beautiful ladies, featuring: Fitness Olympia, Ms. Olympia, and Bikini Olympia finals, followed by the Mr. Olympia Open Judging round.

Co-hosts Carla Sanchez (professional IFBB Fitness competitor and coach) and Dina Al-Sabah (professional IFBB Figure & Bikini Competitor and fitness model) will announce the women’s competitions.

The winners of the 2012 Bodybuilding.com Supplement Awards (24 different awards, including Brand of the Year, Supplement of the Year, etc.) will be announced during the webcasts. The Bodybuilding.com Supplement Awards have set the standard for recognition of the best products and brands in the fitness and supplement industry for the past eight years.

On Saturday, September 29th, the webcast coverage will culminate with bodybuilding’s biggest annual show: The Mr. Olympia Finals. Reigning champion Phil Heath will battle to defend his title against fierce challengers, including the formidable Kai Greene and the reigning Arnold Classic Champion, Branch Warren.

The Saturday coverage will also include the beautifully sculpted women of the Figure Olympia and the men’s 212 Showdown (men’s bodybuilding lighter weight division).

Stay tuned for details and more 2012 Olympia Weekend coverage available soon at Bodybuilding.com!

Bodybuilding.com offers more than 13,000+ health & fitness supplements and accessories to help more than 10 million people every month achieve their health, fitness and appearance goals, as well as more than 35,000 pages of FREE information, including more than 20,000 articles and videos, expert online trainers, and new content added daily!

Filed Under: News & Features, Olympia

Jennifer Nicole Lee & Ab Circle Pro Marketers Charged for Deceptive Advertising

August 23, 2012 by

Most of you visiting this site are well aware that there are no quick fixes and most gimmicks are exactly that, a gimmick. Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed deceptive advertising charges against the marketers of the Ab Circle Pro and its pitchwoman, Jennifer Nicole Lee.


Jennifer Nicole Lee (JNL) has been a popular fitness personality and appeared in nearly every fitness magazine over the last 10 years. Many people felt she “sold out” when she took her marketing and self-promotion to new heights, while others felt she was doing what everyone wants, going “main stream”. Going “mainstream” doesn’t mean selling false hope. The FTC felt JNL and the marketers behind her ab exercise devise  mislead customers and now they have to pay up. Infomercials for the Ab Circle Pro have been aired over thousands of times and one claim JNL says, “You can either do 30 minutes of abs and cardio or just three minutes a day. The choice is yours.”

The FTC complaint names as defendants Fitness Brands, Inc., Fitness Brands International, Inc., and the two individuals who control them, Michael Casey and David Brodess; Direct Holdings Americas, Inc. and Direct Entertainment Media Group, Inc.; infomercial producer Tara Borakos and two companies she controls, Tara Productions Inc. and New U, Inc.; and Jennifer Nicole Lee and two companies she controls, JNL, Inc. and JNL Worldwide, Inc.

The defendants have agreed to settlements that provide as much as $25 million – and at least $15 million – depending on the volume of refunds consumers request. If you purchased an Ab Circle Pro you may be eligible for a refund.

Court documents show that JNL Defendants received $710,480 in royalties from Ab Circle Pro sales.

Recently the FTC has ramped up its efforts to stop over-hyped health claims. In this instance the complaint filed charges all the defendants with misrepresenting that using the Ab Circle Pro allowed Jennifer Nicole Lee to lose 80 pounds.

The settlements bar all defendants other than Lee and the two companies she controls from claiming that the Ab Circle Pro or any similar device is likely to cause rapid and substantial loss of weight, inches, or fat; is likely to do so in specific areas of the body such as the abdominal area, hips, thighs, and buttocks; or makes a significant contribution to an exercise plan that provides rapid and substantial loss of weight, inches, or fat. The defendants also are prohibited from claiming that the Ab Circle Pro or any similar device, if used for three minutes a day, causes users to lose 10 pounds in two weeks; provides the same exercise benefits as doing 100 sit-ups; or provides weight- or fat-loss benefits that are equivalent or superior to longer workouts on other exercise devices or gym equipment.

The settlements also prohibit all except the Lee defendants from making fat-, inch-, or weight-loss claims for any exercise equipment, food, drug, or device unless such claims are supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. The defendants further cannot claim that consumers using such products can generally expect to achieve the results claimed by endorsers of the products, unless such claims are supported by competent and reliable evidence.

The settlements bar the Fitness Brands, Inc. defendants from providing others with the means to make any of the representations prohibited above.

Under the settlements, the Fitness Brands, Inc. defendants will pay $1.2 million. Direct Holdings Americas, Inc.; Direct Entertainment Media Group, Inc.; and relief defendant Reader’s Digest will pay $13.8 million – and up to $10 million more, depending on the volume of refund requests.

The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint and approving the proposed consent decree was 5-0. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on August 22, 2012.

NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The complaint is not a finding or ruling that the defendant has actually violated the law. The consent order is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by the defendant that the law has been violated. Consent orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them.

 

Lead image from FTC.gov
A news release from the FTC was used in part for this story.

Filed Under: News & Features

2012 IFBB Pacific USA Pro Bikini Preview

August 17, 2012 by

Ten women will take the stage at the 2012 IFBB Pacific USA Pro Bikini in beautiful San Diego, California. Given the number of pro cards awarded each year in the bikini division, it’s surprising to see so few competitors. While the numbers may not be the highest, the field is competitive.


The Hardbody Breakdown: Our West Coast Correspondent Ron Avidan will be covering the action from California. We’ll see a group of competitors where the physiques could not be more different. It will be interesting to see which direction the judges of this show decide to go. Check out the 411 on each competitor below.

2012 IFBB Pacific USA Pro Bikini
1. Noy Alexander – Noy is wasting no time jumping into the pro ranks after turning pro at the NPC USAs last month. She is one of the shorties in the group and brings a bit more muscle than some of the other women in this line up but has a look that should be in the top spots.

2. Narmin Assria – Narmin is another shortie but has positioned herself as one of the leading ladies in the Olympia Qualification Series. She is currently tied for the lead and a win would give her an automatic birth to the Olympia. If she finishes in the top five, which she undoubtedly will she will take the lead. Look for Narmin to be in the top spots.

3. Tiffany Marie Boydston – Tiffany has already locked in her spot for the Olympia and the pressure is off her to qualify. She’ll likely be in the top five here however she’ll have her work cut out for her for the win. She’ll need to bring more booty to the stage if she hopes to take home the top spot.

4. Abbie Burrows – Abbie will be one of the taller competitors and could dwarf Narmin and Tiffany when they stand next to each other. You never know what you’re going to get with Abbie. She could win or she could be 5th. Look for her to be in the top callout and if her suit fits her, she poses in a relaxed manner she’ll be the one in the top spot once again. If she is distracted and shows up like her Arnold showing she’ll be on the outside looking in.

5. Jennifer Dietrick – Jennifer has one of the best booties in this line up and could be in the top spots. She is always right on the bubble but given the competition, she’ll have a tough time cracking the top five.

6. Maureen Doherty – Maureen took top honors in her fist show at the 2011 NPC Border States. She finished in second at the 2012 Team Universe event, where she earned pro status. Maureen could be in the deep end of the bikini pool at this show but if she can crack the top five it would be a victory.

7. Diana Harbort – Diana also turned pro at the 2012 Team Universe event and will make her debut here. Diana picked a tough show to make her debut at and will likely be on the outside looking in on a top spot. If she can improve from her Team U look it will be a victory for her.

8. Christie Marquez – Christie gets the award for most persistent competitor of the year. She’ll improve on her New Orleans finish and if she can crack the top five it would be a win for her. It’ll be tough but don’t rule her out.

9. Taylor Matheny – Taylor has the looks, she has the physique but her only real downfall is her posing and presentation. If she can present in a bit more controlled, polished manner she should be a top contender. Look for her to be in the mix for a top spot.

10. Crystal Rose Matthews – Cystal would likely match up the closest to Abbie Burrows in this line up. She’s a bit taller than most of the competitors and has a bit more muscle. Will she be compared to Abbie? It all depends on what she brings to the stage. She was towards the bottom of the pack at the 2012 Pittsburgh Pro, her pro debut and has no where to go but up.

2012 IFBB Pacific USA Pro Bikini
1. Noy Alexander – Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Narmin Assria – Murietta, California
3. Tiffany Marie Boydston – Las Vegas, Nevada
4. Abbie Burrows – Las Vegas, Nevada
5. Jennifer Dietrick – West Toluca Lake, California
6. Maureen Doherty – Henderson, Nevada
7. Diana Harbort – Scottsdale, Arizona
8. Christie Marquez – Santa Monica, California
9. Taylor Matheny – Newport Beach, California
10. Crystal Rose Matthews – Denver, Colorado

Visit Bodybuilding.com for photos and more info.

 

Filed Under: IFBB & NPC, Show Previews

2012 IFBB Europa Supershow Pro Figure – Dallas Preview

August 17, 2012 by

The IFBB Figure pros are back in action this weekend at the 2012 IFBB Europa Supershow in Dallas, Texas. Twenty women will take the stage in hopes of earning the right to compete at the 2012 Figure Olympia. None of the women in this competition are currently qualified to compete in the Olympia.

dallas europa figure

Obviously, all women in the competition are hoping to win and the Olympia qualification however there are a couple women who will look to add to their point total in the IFBB Pro Olympia Qualification Series should they not win. The top five highest point finishers will qualify to compete in the Olympia and currently Alea Suarez is tied with Natalie Waples for second place. If Alea doesn’t win this show look for her to improve her point total and move into first place. Allison Frahn leads the Qualification Point Series but is not competing in this show. Larissa Reis is sitting in 10th place with 3 points but would position herself in the top five if she finishes in fourth or better. Points are assigned to placings… 2nd – 4 Points, 3rd – 3 Points, 4th – 2 Points, 5th – 1 Point.

THE HARDBODY BREAKDOWN:
Look for this show to be a 3 woman race. Felicia Romero takes the stage for the first time this year. She finished 2011 in less than stellar fashion at the Olympia and Sheru Classic. It was obvious her body needed a break and more than likely mentally as well. She’ll be rested but will she be on point her first time out? Don’t bet against her as she’ll be the one to beat at this show. Alea Suarez may have something to say about that though. She was in the runner-up position at the Omaha Pro and finished in third at the Chicago Wings of Strength. Alea has found her groove since switching from Bikini and will likely stand next to Felicia being compared for the win. If she brings the same look and physique she brought to the Omaha night show, she could leave with the win. Larissa Reis will look to return to the Olympia stage and while she often carries a bit more muscle than other competitors she won’t look out of place in this line up. Look for her to be next to Felicia and Alea being compared for the win. I see her finishing in third but we’ll see how she matches up in prejudging. Two rookies will look to shake things up in the top five and could do so. Tatiana Koshman achieved pro status at the 2011 NPC USA by winning the B Class and has exotic good looks and a physique that could put her the top call-out. She’ll need to come in a bit tighter than when she turned pro if she hopes to land in the top spots. If she’s in shape, Essence Monet could join her in the first call-out in her pro debut. Essence is a beautiful woman with great shape however has yet to showcase her fullest potential. She’ll need to come in much tighter than she was when she turned pro at last year’s North Americans. She has the potential and is one to watch in her debut. Laurie Schnelle debuted in 10th place last week at the Tampa Pro and look for her to move up at this show. Michelle Mayberry is all about presentation if she brings a polished, youthful look she’ll be in the mix. She has gone back and forth between Figure and Fitness over her career. Jodie Minear is a bit of an x-factor here. Since turning pro she has yet to find her groove on the pro stage. Jodie finished in 5th at the 2010 Phoenix Pro in her debut but has yet to match that finish. Over the last year her legs seemed to disappear. If she’s brought the wheels back up she’ll be back in the hunt.

2012 IFBB Europa Super Show Dallas Pro Figure
1. Julia Aragon (El Paso, Texas)
2. Tivisay Briceno (Memphis, Tennessee)
3. Clarissa Castaneda (Cozumel, Mexico)
4. Vicki Counts (Calumet City, Illinois)
5. Debbie Fowler (Fort Worth, Texas)
6. Soleivi Hernandez (Houston, Texas)
7. Tatiana Koshman (Spring, Texas)
8. Georgina Lona (Mexico City, Mexico)
9. Michelle Mayberry (Federal Way, Washington)
10. Jodie Minear (Houston, Texas)
11. Essence Monet (Chicago, IL)
12. Olga Maria Morales Gallardo (Mexico City, Mexico)
13. Nuria Novoa (Auckland, New Zealand)
14. Melanie Oberg (Saskatchewan, Canada)
15. Larissa Reis (Brazil)
16. Felicia Romero (Chandler, Arizona)
17. Miriam Sanchez (Lo Pagan, Spain)
18. Laurie Schnelle (Sarasota, Florida)
19. Alea Suarez (Cedar Park, Texas)
20. Katerina Tarbox (Warick, Rhode Island)

Follow along live on twitter with the hashtag #DallasEuropa. Photos will be available throughout the weekend on Bodybuilding.com, NPCNEWSonline.com FLEXonline.com.

Look back – 2011 IFBB Europa Super Show Dallas Figure Results:
1. Ava Cowan (USA)
2. Deena Walsh (USA)
3. Ella Horton (USA)
4. Heather Dees (USA)
5. Jami DeBernard (USA)
6. Alea Suarez (USA)

Filed Under: IFBB, Show Previews

Hardbody Preview – 2012 Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Tampa Pro

August 11, 2012 by

The 3rd annual IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Tampa Pro kicks off today and it will be one to remember. Over 100 hardbody men and women will take the stage in hopes of taking home not only bragging rights but also an Olympia qualification. There are a number of competitors making their IFBB Pro debuts and will face off against some seasoned veterans on stage.

The IFBB Pro Prejudging kicks off at high-noon Tampa time and will likely last 2-3 hours. Ticket buying fans will definitely get their money worth at this show. There’s also a NPC event held in conjunction with the pro show and it’s a great opportunity for fans to see both pro and amateur competition on the same stage.

This will mark the first year that the show will be held at the Grand Hyatt Regency Ball Room. The move to hold the event within the hotel will make things much easier for competitors. For more information on the show visit www.pbwproshow.com.

THE HARDBODY BREAKDOWN:

FIGURE
The top five in this line up is anyone’s guess however look for your top three to be Gennifer Strobo, Ann Titone and rookie Mallory Haldeman. Gen and Ann are already qualified for the 2012 Figure Olympia and on paper have to be your leading ladies in the event. Don’t be too shocked if Vegas resident, Mallory Haldeman is in the first call-out and gives both the women a run for their money. She took home top honors at the 2012 NPC JR National Figure Championships and if she can stay relaxed while posing has a chance at taking home another title. Andrea Cantone will look to improve on her Omaha Pro 3rd place finish however it will be a bit more challenging to match or beat it here. Canadian Aleisha Hart will look to collect a few more points in the Olympia Qualification Series. She’s currently tied for 5th with 4 points. Aleisha will need to be at her best ever to take move up in the standings. Tanya Etessam, Kamla Macko and Laurie Schnelle will all be making their pro debuts today. Laurie stands the best chance at joining fellow rookie Haldeman in the top five. Olga Maria Morales Gallardo was 6th at the Cal Pro and has a tremendous upper body, if she can come in full she could be in the top 10 here.

IFBB Figure – Total Purse $6,000
1. Tiffany Archer
2. Stephanie Bambrough
3. Andrea Cantone
4. Clarissa Franshesca Castaneda
5. Tanya Etessam
6. Mallory Haldeman
7. Aleisha Hart
8. Soleivi Hernandez
9. Kamla Macko
10. Olga Maria Morales Gallardo
11. Kiana Phi
12. Tamara Ribeiro-Bailey
13. Laurie Schnelle
14. Gennifer Strobo
15. Ann Titone

BIKINI
The Bikini division will showcase a variety of physiques. You’ll see some women in this line up who pack way too much muscle and others leaving you wondering where the muscle is at. When you look at the lineup as a whole it’s a bit of a cornucopia. Which look will prevail? The one with the most balance. The odds-on favorite has to be Nicole Nagrani. Nicole won this show two years ago, in her pro debut and will look to do so again here. She is the most accomplished competitor in the event. The only other competitor besides Nicole who is qualified for the Olympia is Diana Graham. The two have entirely different physiques however you could see them in the first call-out here. Rookie Adriana Hill has a nice look and could be in the hunt for a top spot in her pro debut. Gemmalyn Crosby will also be making her pro debut. She has a smile that will light up a stage and if her physique is tight on the lower half she could be in the mix. Jemma successfully petitioned for her pro status from her country, the Phillipines. Dayna Maletone has found her groove in the last few shows but has yet to higher than fourth. She could do it here and collect a few more points in the Olympia Series. She currently sits in 5th place with 6 points. The sleeper in this line up is Hungarian competitor Noemi Olah. Noemi is a stunning competitor who will look to return to the Olympia stage. She shocked everyone when she took top honors at the 2010 Detroit Pro, her pro debut. This will be the first time we see her on stage this year and if she can bring a tight lower half look for her to be in the mix. Tamryn Jackson and Agnese Russo are two new names and will be ones to watch what they bring to the stage. The beautiful Marcela Tribin will look to move up from her fifth place finish at the Pittsburgh Pro, where she made her IFBB Pro debut.

IFBB Bikini – Total Purse $3,000
1. Sara Picken Brown
2. Christy Cook
3. Gemmalyn Crosby
4. Diana Graham
5. Adriana Hill
6. Michelle Hutton Trasey
7. Tamryn Jackson
8. Dayna Maleton
9. Bernadett Matassa
10. Nicole Nagrani
11. Noemi Olah
12. Agnese Russo
13. Melissa Sayles
14. Marcela Tribin
15. Kristie Winter Trasey

WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING
This is the deepest line-up we’ve seen in women’s bodybuilding in quite some time. One spot to the Ms. Olympia is up for grabs and none of the 27 competitors are currently qualified. Tazzie Columb wasn’t on the initial competitor list (she was mistakenly mentioned as a women’s physique competitor) however is in the show. She has the highest Olympia Series point total of the group so if she misses out on the top spot, she’ll hope to collect a few points for her efforts. Sheila Bleck will look to return to the Olympia stage. She was 6th at the Olympia last year and has to be one of the favorites in this lineup. Debbie Bramwell announced at the media conference this will be her last competition and she’ll leave looking shredded. She has plans to start a family and will retire on a high note. Nancy Lewis is one of the seasoned veterans to the stage and has her sights set on finishing higher than she did at the Chicago pro, 6th. Kim Perez will also look to return to the the big dance in Vegas. She’s coming off a 9th place finish at the 2012 Arnold Classic. Marina Lopez has been competing all year in the Women’s Physique division and has been outside of the top spots. It will be interesting to see what she brings to the bodybuilding as she makes the switch back. This is one of the highest pay day opportunities for the women, so look for the field of competitors to be at the best in hopes of leaving a little richer.

Women’s Bodybuilding – Total Purse $9,500
1. Alicia Alfaro
2. Irene Anderson
3. Rita Bello
4. Sheila Bleck
5. Debbie Bramwell
6. Michelle Brent
7. Beverly DiRenzo
8. Roxanne Edwards
9. Paula Francis
10. Judy Gaillard
11. Colette Guimond
12. Sarah Hayes
13. Mary Ellen Jerumbo
14. Gillian Kovack
15. Janeen Lankowski
16. Lupe Leito
17. Nancy Lewis
18. Marina Lopez
19. Jena Mackey
20. Maryse Manios
21. Robyn Mentgen
22. Emery Miller
23. Kim Perez
24. Drorit Silverman
25. Melody Spetko
26. Beth Wachter
27. Tazzie Columb

WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE
There is no Olympia for this division in its inaugural year so the women are competing mainly for bragging rights. One lucky lady will leave with the title, a little cash and a giant trophy. The division has begun to work itself out and favors women with that are closer to a Figure competitor than that of a bodybuilder. That said, look for the women with the best shape and a nice balance of muscle to prevail. The competitor who could catch the line up sleeping and not seeing her coming is Tycie Coppett. She will be making her pro debut after turning pro at last year’s NPC Nationals. There are the usual suspects in the show like Nola Trimble, Gina Trochiano, Jennifer Robinson and Mikaila Soto. Dayana Cadeau looks like 1/2 the women she was a year ago as she’s completely down-sized her physique from her bodybuilding days. Jen Louwagie will be making her debut after achieving pro status at the 2012 Team Universe. Teresita Morales was second at the New York Pro but packs a great deal more muscle then many of the other competitors. It will be interesting to see how she fares here.

Women’s Physique – Total Purse $3,000
1. Mercedes Bazemore
2. La’Drissa Bonivel
3. Dayana Cadeau
4. Cheryl Cooke
5. Tycie Coppett
6. Laura Davies
7. Melissa DiBernardo
8. Cassandra Floyd
9. Amanda Harris
10. Marlene Koekemoer
11. Lisa Lopez
12. Jen Louwagie
13. Petra Mertl
14. Teresita Morales
15. Tiani Norman
16. Jennifer Robinson
17. Mikaila Soto
18. Antoinette Thompson
19. Nola Trimble
20. Gina Trochiano

If you’re following the action online and participating on twitter use the hashtag #PBWpro. You can follow live play-by-play on Muscle Phone and NPCNEWSonline.

Filed Under: IFBB, Show Previews

2012 Phoenix Pro Show A No Go

August 6, 2012 by

We received word late last night that the 2012 Phoenix Pro show has been canceled. A look at the IFBB Pro League Website also shows no mention of the event that was scheduled to take place on September 1, 2012.

The show was slated to feature Women’s Physique, Women’s Figure and Men’s Open Bodybuilding. Despite the confirmation of the show being off the schedule, the web site phoenixproshow.com still shows things being business as usual. Any questions related to why the show has been canceled should be directed to would-be show promoter Stryker.

There are five IFBB Pro League shows remaining before the 2012 Olympia.

Filed Under: News & Features

Watch Live: Michael Phelps Press Conference

August 5, 2012 by

Michael Phelps, the most successful Olympian of all-time, will be giving an exclusive press conference with sponsor Head & Shoulders on Monday, August 6th at 9:45am London time.  You can watch the event LIVE via the webcast player below.

Michael will be giving a $25,000 award on behalf of his sponsors to a US youth center to support grassroots sports and the Olympics legacy. The award will be given on stage to a little 7 year old boy from a low-income and notoriously violent area of Knoxville, Tennessee. His father was tragically victim to this violence having been shot and killed in April this year. After the presentation of the award there will follow a Q&A session with the media.

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Lead image compiled from YOUTUBE commercial.

Filed Under: News & Features, Olympics

Olympic Results: Women’s 100 Meters

August 4, 2012 by

Team USA had three women in the Olympic 100 meter finals but only one was able to medal. Despite all three women running 11 seconds, only Carmelita Jeter’s 10.78 was fast enough to land in the top three. Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce captured gold, USA’s Carmelita took home silver and Jamaica’s Veronica Capbell-Brown leaves with bronze.

Team USA’s Tianna Madison and Allyson Felix were just outside the medal times and finished in 4th and 5th respectively.

2012 London Olympic Women’s 100 Meter Finals
1. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce 10.75
2. Carmelita Jeter 10.78
3. Veronica Campbell-Brown 10.81
4. Tianna Madison 10.85
5. Allyson Felix 10.89
6. Kelly-Ann Baptiste 10.94
7. AHOURE Murielle 11.00
8. OKAGBARE Blessing 11.01

Filed Under: Olympics Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Ladies Night in The Olympic Pool

August 3, 2012 by

The American women dominated tonight (Friday) in the Olympic pool. 15-year-old Katie Ledecky was on world record pace until the very end in the 800m Freestyle. She narrowly missed the world record however captured gold in a time of 8:14:63.

17-year-old Missy Franklin set a world-record in the Women’s 200m Backstroke with a time of 2:04.06. The win was her third gold medal and fourth overall at the London Olympics. Fellow American Elizabeth Beisel took home bronze with a time of 2:06.55.

Filed Under: Olympics

Hardbody LIVE in London

August 3, 2012 by

We’re in London for a week and the energy here is amazing. We’re please to have the unique opportunity to not only spend a week in this amazing city but also to do so during the 2012 Olympic Games. Follow along with us here, on twitter (@hardbodynews) and on facebook.

One of the coolest things so far is hanging out at the Proctor & Gamble Family Home. This place is simply amazing. Olympic athletes and their families can be found around every corner. The pad is 65,000 sq ft and there are individual rooms that include pool-tables, lounge chairs, Foosball, video games, laundry services, massages and the list goes on and on.

Maya Moore, Christian Laettner and Shawn Johnson listen to other speakers.

Yesterday at the P&G Family Home, WNBA Basketball star and member of the current USA Women’s Olympic basketball team, Maya Moore shared what Red, White & Blue meant to her. This was part of the TIDE® Red, White & Blue BBQ. Joining her on stage was Dancing with the Stars winner and Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast, Shawn Johnson. Last but certainly not least, 1992 Olympic Basketball “Dream Team member Christian Laettner shared some of the feedback he received from twitter on the topic. Great food was served and it was a fun atmosphere. The American spirit was strong and you felt proud to be part of a group of passionate, enthusiastic crowd.

Towards the end of the evening, we were able to watch Gabby Douglas win the gold medal in the Women’s All Around gymnastics. This was particularly cool to do in the P&G Family Home while chilling in a huge bean bag and watching on a monster big screen.


Gabby Douglas and her coach on the big screen at the P&G Family Home.

We’ll share more photos and news from the P&G Family Home throughout the week.

Filed Under: News & Features, Olympics

Mr. Olympia Coming to a Theatre Near You

August 2, 2012 by

American Media Inc. has partnered with writer/director Vlad Yudin and producing partner Edwin Mejia of the Vladar Company to produce and direct a bodybuilding docudrama titled, Generation Iron. They will follow the world’s top seven bodybuilders as they fight to bring home the 2012 Mr. Olympia title.

MR. OLYMPIA COMING TO A THEATRE NEAR YOU
American Media Inc. has partnered with writer/director Vlad Yudin and producing partner Edwin Mejia of the Vladar Company to produce and direct a bodybuilding docudrama titled, Generation Iron. They will follow the world’s top seven bodybuilders as they fight to bring home the 2012 Mr. Olympia title. Yudin is slated to direct and co-produce the film with Mejia, along with executive producer Jerome Gary (who produced Pumping Iron), executive producer Damon Bingham (Tyson), executive producer David J. Pecker, Chairman and CEO of American Media, Inc., and executive producer Jim Manion, NPC President and IFBB Pro League Chairman.

This film will take an unflinching look into the widely misunderstood world of bodybuilding. Filming was slated to take place in mid-July and the cameras will travel from Brooklyn, NY to Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, CA, to document the lives of each athlete as they prepare for the “Super Bowl” of bodybuilding. The docudrama will star bodybuilding legends Phil Heath, Kai Greene, Branch Warren and Dennis Wolf and will follow the lives of the athletes as they push their bodies to the limit while preparing for the Mr. Olympia stage at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

This is one of many projects in the Vladar Company’s busy 2012 development slate, including the recently announced collaboration with Arcana Comics for the adaptation of the sci-fi graphic novel Head Smash and the paranormal thriller Catskill Park.

Director/Producer Vlad Yudin says, “There hasn’t been a film dedicated to an in-depth and honest look at the sport of bodybuilding since Pumping Iron, and a lot of things have changed since the 70s. The goal of the film is not just to show the grueling training but the individual sacrifice and immense character these athletes have. Just like the sport they are often misunderstood and I’m hoping to give them a platform to express themselves.” Yudin, who founded the Vladar Company in 2008 along with partner Edwin Mejia, is best known for writing, directing and producing Big Pun: The Legacy (2008), the critically acclaimed biopic about legendary rapper Christopher Lee Rios. In addition, Yudin directed, produced and penned the script for Last Day of Summer (2009), starring DJ Qualls (Hustle & Flow) and actress Nikki Reed (Twilight).
“This film will provide one-of-a-kind insight into the very essence of competitive bodybuilding by following today’s premier athletes as they prepare for the greatest title in this sport, the Mr. Olympia. Audiences will witness firsthand, what it takes to compete at this level and there is no doubt that new legions of fans will be inspired by the dedication, heart and will of these amazing, larger-than-life individuals. Since taking over production of the Mr. Olympia and the leading industry publications FLEX and Muscle & Fitness magazines in 2004, American Media Inc. has changed the face of the sport forever, bringing it to the masses while still retaining its core audience. We are proud to be partnered with the Vladar Company to make this groundbreaking documentary for the next generation and help take bodybuilding to even greater heights.”
David J. Pecker
Chairman, CEO, American Media Inc.

“Every now and then, a movie comes along that influences the public in ways that no one could have imagined. Bodybuilding has been waiting a long time for this moment, but the fact that this film is happening right now, when the sport is more exciting than ever, makes it the perfect time. And the athletes starring in this film are living proof that there are no boundaries to what the human body can achieve. The IFBB Pro League and the NPC have helped turned bodybuilding into a global phenomenon and we are honored to be a part of history in the making as American Media Inc. and the Vladar Company pay tribute to this sport that we so dearly respect and love.”
 
Jim Manion
IFBB Pro League Chairman, NPC President

Filed Under: News & Features, Olympia

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