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Archives for December 2012

Hardbody Training – Monique Gantt’s Booty Rock’n Workout

December 28, 2012 by

IFBB Bikini Pro Monique Gantt has built one of the best booties in the biz and she’s sharing her workout with you! If you want to build a better butt you have to put in the work and with this Booty Rock’n Plan you’ll be closer to a better butt in the new year.

booty-workout


HARDBODY TRAINING / BOOTY Building with IFBB Bikini Pro Monique Gantt

Monique: Here is one of my favorite booty burning regimes I incorporate into my workouts at least twice a week. It’s short and sweet but will definitely leave that Boo-tay nice and plumped. Lol.
(For a medium to advanced workout don’t be afraid to add some weight)

• Single leg hip lift
3 sets 15-20 reps each leg

• Smith machine leg press
4 sets 15-20 reps each leg (lie on back and push off of your heel)

• 1 legged stiff leg on smith machine
4 sets 15 reps

• Reverse lunges
4 sets 15 reps

Monique: When finished do one set of sumo squats until failure. Be sure to only rest 15-30 seconds in between each set to maximize fat burning! Booty booty booty rock’n everywhere!

bootytraining

Filed Under: TRAINING Tagged With: , , , , , ,

HARDBODY Photo Gallery – Teresa Anthony Women of The NPC/IFBB

December 27, 2012 by

IFBB Teresa Anthony shows that like fine wine she gets better with age. She’ll be 40 next month but she reminds all of us that she’s just getting warmed up. Check out the HARDBODY photo gallery on NPCNEWSonline.com that features the always consistent figure competitor. Teresa rocks the Hardbody in MetroFlex Houston’s gym after the Houston Pro.

teresa-anthony

Teresa is sitting out the Arnold this year but you can rest assure she’s a top contender in any show she enters. Visit NPCnewsonline.com for the HARDBODY photo gallery. Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find over there. Props Teresa, NPCnews & Isaac Hinds.

teresa-anthony-gym

©Photo by Isaac Hinds – MetroFlex Houston.

Filed Under: Photo shoots

Tattoos… Cool or Not So Much – How Far Will Fans Go?

December 27, 2012 by

Most of you have your favorite athlete, model, singer, competitor, etc. You follow their career, “like” their facebook fan page, follow on twitter and maybe you’ve even been fortunate enough to meet them. The level of fan-dome varies but how far would you take it to show your appreciation? Some fans take it to extremes with tattoos but perhaps it’s not in their eyes.

reis-tat-fan

Check out the some of the newest ink showing their appreciation. IFBB Figure Pro Larissa Reis’ name, MMA Fighter Ronda Rousey image and not to be out down UFC Octagon Girl Arianny Celeste.

What to do you think Hardbody Nation?

{democracy:245}
Filed Under: News & Features Tagged With: , , , ,

Hardbody Poll: Jamie Eason vs Amanda Latona Booty Cover

December 27, 2012 by

The New Year is right around the corner and women’s fitness magazines are focusing on building a better booty, at least on their covers. Fitness RX for Women features popular fitness spokesmodel Jamie Eason and Muscle & Fitness HERS showcases popular Bikini Pro Amanda Latona. As you can see the magazines took totally different approaches in how they feature the female posterior. We want to know which cover do YOU like better?

booty cover, magazine,fitness, new year

The two covers feature the popular models looking over their left shoulder and both are smiling. Jamie is in workout clothes but her booty is show in a pair of pants. Amanda’s cover has her in a workout top and a mid-cut pair of bottoms. When you compare the two next to each other you can see a distinct difference in how the two magazines chose to feature the female butt.

jamie-eason-cover
Jamie Eason – Fitness RX for Women

 

amanda-latona-cover

Amanda Latona – Muscle & Fitness HERS

Cast your vote and feel free to leave your comments on the covers below.

{democracy:244}

 

 

 

Filed Under: News & Features, Polls Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Hardbody Training – Dana Ambrose’s Triceps Workout

December 27, 2012 by

IFBB Figure Pro Dana Ambrose has consistently placed in the top 5 in each of her pro shows. Dana’s consistency isn’t just on stage, she also follows a consistent workout plan combined with a proper diet. The Houston Champ shares her Triceps Training routine in this installment of Hardbody Training. Give it a try and feel the burn!

tricep-training

 

HARDBODY TRAINING / TRICEPS with Dana Amrbose, IFBB FIGURE PRO

Dana: I always like to change up my workouts but I always do the following for my triceps (the grip or stance may vary from week to week).
• Warm-up: close hand push-ups 3×25
(I like to begin with these just to get warmed up and feel my triceps begin to burn!)
• Skull-crushers: 3×12
• Cable arm triceps extension: 3×12
• Weighted Triceps Dip: 3×12-15
• Reverse grip triceps pushdown: 3×12
• Rope Pulldown: 3×12

Dana: Just like training any other body part, I stay focused and picture in my head exactly what muscle I am working.  I like to go really heavy on everything and emphasize on squeezing the muscle.

 

training, triceps, workout, gym

Filed Under: TRAINING

Quick, Healthy, High Protein Snack/Meal

December 26, 2012 by

If you’re looking for a quick, simple, healthy, high protein snack/meal we have one for you. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a simpler way to get a small meal/snack in than this. It super simple and thanks to our friends at Chobani, it’s even easier with their conveniently packaged products. Check it out, give it a try and let us know how if you add/change anything to make it even better.

healthy-snack

INGREDIENTS:
1 – 6oz cup of Chobani Plain Non-fat Greek Yogurt
1 – 1 scoop of protein powder
1 – handful of almonds

Empty the Chobani Greek Yogurt into a bowl. Don’t try adding the ingredients to the Chobani cup, there’s not enough room for the protein powder. We know because we made that mistake. 🙂 Add one scoop of your favorite protein powder to the box. We used Optimum Gold Standard Whey -Chocolate Malt this time but you can use whichever you like. Mix it until all the protein powder has been whipped into the yogurt. Then add your almonds (we prefer Blue Diamond almonds but again any brand will work) as many or as few as you like depending on your dietary needs. That’s it. Simple, right? Totally.

Nutrition Facts:*
Amount per serving
• Calories 305
• Total Fat 8.5g
• Total Carbs 12.5g
• Protein 45g

*(varies depending on protein and #almonds)

high-protein-snack

A look at the healthy snack, all mixed up.

 

Filed Under: Recipes

IFBB Pro Tianna Ta – MTV Season 12 MADE Coach

December 26, 2012 by

IFBB Bikni Pro Tianna Ta is no stranger to the limelight having been a model for years and competed in the Bikini International and Bikini Olympia stage. Now the feisty East Coast Bikini Pro will get a chance to show everyone her coaching chops, well kinda. Tianna was selected as the coach for an upcoming episode of MTV MADE. She follows in the footsteps of IFBB Pros Jen Hendershott and Alicia Marie who have also been MADE coaches however Tianna’s protege went a step further. Tianna’s work-in-progress competitor took a trip out to the Olympia in Las Vegas and viewers will get a chance to see some of that footage.

tianna-ta-mtv-made
I caught up with Tianna for a bit more info on the show. She shared that the episode will air on MTV on January 5, 2013. Check your local listings for times. The girl who Tianna worke with is named Brooke. The 19-year old is studying to be a dietician at UNCONN and her parents are both fit. Tianna says, “PART of the reason she wants to be ‘made’ was so that she look the part once she graduates.” She also wants to be “made into a professional fitness model.” Now that should be interesting.

The show follows the two of them around for five weeks. Tianna said, “I had to live in Connecticut and I also brought her to Las Vegas with me so she could experience the Olympia. In doing so, she was able to meet Ryan DeLuca, CEO of Bodybuilding.com, NPC President Jim Manion, Head Expeditor and NPC Promoter Dr. Mike Fuelner, owner of Silver Model Management Adam Silver, Fitness model Jamie Eason, Champion Bikini Competitor Nicole Nagrani and so many more influential people in the industry.”

In the end, Brooke’s “final task” was to compete in the NPC New Hampshire Championships. Tianna wouldn’t reveal how she did but she did say, “people will be able to see the girl she started out as (a college student who ate whatever she wanted and didn’t really get results from her workouts), to the person she blossomed into.”

Tianna said, “We fought, she cried, she vomited… its’ a lot of drama but its tv, so hopefully it will make a good episode.”

Check out a preview of the episode here.

The part I’m looking forward to is when Tianna tells her to “get your ass down”.

 

Filed Under: News & Features

2013 Arnold Competitor Invite List Announced – UPDATED

December 21, 2012 by

One of the most anticipated events of December, besides what’s under the Christmas tree, is the Arnold invite list. Each year Santa comes a little early to a select group of IFBB Pros. The show is one of the few competitions that’s by invite only and to receive an invite is considered a huge honor in the industry. The competitions coincide with the massive Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio.

arnold-invite
We knew heading into this announcement that the 2012 Champions opted out of consideration this year. Nicole Wilkins would not be back in Figure, Adela Garcia in Fitness, Sonia Gonzales in Bikini and Branch Warren in Men’s Bodybuilding. What’s your thoughts on who made the list? Anyone not on here you hoped to see compete? Keep in mind they may not have submitted for an invite and why they were not selected.

2013 Arnold Classic, Ms. International, Fitness International, Figure International and Bikini International Official Invite Lists:

Arnold Classic (13)

• Fouad Abiad
• Darrem Charles
• Toney Freeman
• Marcus Haley
• Dexter Jackson
• Johnnie Jackson
• Michael Kefalianos
• Cedric McMillan
• Ben Pakulski
• Edward Nunn
• Ronny Rockel
• Fred Smalls
• Hidetada Yamagishi

Ms. International (11)
• Brigita Brezovac
• Kim Buck
• Tazzie Colomb
• Angela Debatin
• Alevtina Goroshinskaya
• Elena Kava
• Iris Kyle
• Debi Laszewski
• Cathy Lefrancois
• Yaxeni Oriquen
• Jeannie Paparone
• Olga Puzanova Withdrawn

Fitness International (11)
• Myriam Capes
• Bethany Cisternino
• Regiane DaSilva
• Nicole Duncan
• Ryall Graber-Vasani
• Oksana Grishina
• Fiona Harris
• Amanda Hatfield
• Tanji Johnson
• Melinda Szabo – Withdrawn
• Kizzy Vaines
• Trish Warren


Figure International (18)

• Cheryl Brown
• Ava Cowan
• Heather Dees
• Olga Gallardo
• Mallory Haldeman
• Aleisha Hart
• Candice John
• Candice Keene
• Candice Lewis
• Kamla Macko
• Camala Rodriguez
• Giada Simari
• Nicole Sims
• Erin Stern
• Gennifer Strobo
• Alea Suarez
• Ann Titone
• Natalie Waples

Bikini International (18)
• Noy Alexander
• Jennifer Andrews
• Jamie Baird
• Tiffany Boydston
• Abbie Burrows
• Lacey DeLuca Lieto
• Tawna Eubanks
• Ashley Kaltwasser
• Lexi Kauffman
• Nathalia Melo
• Justin Munro
• Nicole Nagrani
• Noemi Olah
• India Paulino
• Jessica Paxson
• Yeshaira Robles
• Marcela Tribin
• Anna Virmajoki

VIP Ticket Packages and individual event tickets are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold or 800-745-3000. Daily EXPO tickets are available for $10 in advance or $15 at the door of all Arnold Sports Festival venues. Children 10 and under free.

Arnold Sports Festival National Sponsors:
GNC, AEP, Animal, Bodybuilding.com, bpi Sports, BSN, EAS, Gaspari Nutrition, Jan Tana, MET-Rx, MHP, Michelob ULTRA, Optimum Nutrition, Supro, Twinlab and Vitamin Shoppe.

Arnold Fitness EXPO Sponsors:
Bodybuilding.com, Burn Machine, Dymatize, Europa Sports Products, Enforce Nutrition, Everlast, Fitview, Interactive Nutrition, ISS, Liquid Grip, Lonestar Distribution, MRI, MRM, MuscleDog, PROLAB and Proto Whey.

Arnold Sports Festival Local Sponsors:
AEP, American Airlines, Chase, The Columbus Dispatch, Gold’s Gym, Metro Fitness, Michelob ULTRA, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Nationwide, Qfm96, Ricart.com and Subway.

For more information, including schedules and hours of operation, visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.

————-

PRESS RELEASE:
Dexter Jackson Aims For Record-Tying Fourth Arnold Classic Title

Six-Time Champ Iris Kyle, Oksana Grishina, Erin Stern, Nicole Nagrani Lead Women’s Fields

Dexter Jackson will gun for his record-tying fourth Arnold Classic title when he leads a field of 13 men’s professional bodybuilders the 25th Anniversary Arnold Classic at the 2013 Arnold Sports Festival.

Jackson, who will compete in Columbus for the 14th time, won the Arnold Classic in 2005, 2006 and 2008. A win in March would tie Jackson with the popular Flex Wheeler, the Arnold Classic champ in 1993, 1997, 1998 and 2000. Cedric McMillan, making his Arnold Classic debut; Ben Pakulski, fourth in 2012; and Toney Freeman, fifth in the 2012 Arnold Classic Europe, are expected to challenge.

In the Ms. International, six-time champion Iris Kyle returns to the Veterans Memorial stage after sitting out 2012 due to injury. Kyle will be challenged by five-time winner Yaxeni Oriquen, last year’s winner, and Deb Laszewski, who finished second in 2012.

Five-time Fitness International champ Adela Garcia will not compete in 2013, leaving the door open for Oksana Grishina, Bethany Cisternino, Tanji Johnson and Myriam Capes to battle for the title among a field of 12. Grishina beat Garcia heads up to win the 2012 Arnold Fitness Europe, while Cisternino (fourth), Johnson (fifth) and Capes (sixth) will look to improve on impressive showings in 2012.

A new champion will also be crowned in the Figure International. Three-time defending champ Nicole Wilkins will not compete, leaving 2012 Arnold Figure Europe winner Erin Stern as the favorite among a field of 18. Candice Keene, Ava Cowan and Heather Dees all return after top six finishes in 2012, while Camala Rodriguez makes her Figure International debut after finishing second in the Fitness International in 2012.

Nicole Nagrani, winner of the inaugural Bikini International in 2011; India Paulino, second in 2012; Jamie Baird, third in 2012; and Nathalia Melo, fifth last year, lead a pack of 18 in the Bikini International.

Olga Puzanova (Ms. International), Melinda Szabo (Fitness International), Olga Gallardo (Figure International) and Ashley Kaltwasser (Bikini International) earned automatic invites in the IFBB Pro League events based on overall victories at the 2012 Arnold Amateur IFBB/NPC Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure & Bikini Championships.

The 25th Anniversary Annual Arnold Classic, Ms. International, Fitness International, Figure International and Bikini International contests will be held March 102 at Veteran Memorial and the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio during the Arnold Sports Festival. Visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com for more information and www.ticketmaster.com/arnold for ticket information.

The Friday and Saturday night shows in Columbus will have a slightly different look in 2013. The Fitness International, Fitness International and Figure International will be held on Friday, March 1, while the Arnold Classic, Ms. International and Arnold Strongman finals will be held on Saturday March 2.

 

Filed Under: Arnold Classic, News & Features

Arnold Sports Festival Celebrates 25th Anniversary

December 20, 2012 by

The Arnold Sports Festival will celebrate it’s 25th Anniversary next year and promises to be bigger than ever. The inaugural Arnold Classic, named for co-promoter and bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, and women’s bodybuilding contests were held at Veterans Memorial in 1989. Since then the Arnold Sports Festival has become the nation’s largest multi-sport festival. The 2013 Arnold Sports Festival will draw 175,000 health and fitness enthusiasts and sports fans to Columbus when it is held Feb. 28-March 3.

arnold-25th-anniversary


COLUMBUS, OHIO – The nation’s largest multi-sport festival, which began in 1989 with 39 male and female bodybuilders, will feature more than 18,000 athletes from 80 nations competing in 45 sports and events – including 12 Olympic sports – when the Arnold Sports Festival celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2013.

The inaugural Arnold Classic, named for co-promoter and bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, and women’s bodybuilding contests were held at Veterans Memorial in 1989. Inaugural champion Rich Gaspari will be among the previous winners who will return in 2013 to celebrate its 25th Anniversary.

The 2013 Arnold Sports Festival will draw 175,000 health and fitness enthusiasts and sports fans to Columbus when it is held Feb. 28-March 3. GNC, the nation’s largest specialty retailer of sports nutrition products, returns as the lead sponsor for the 13th straight year.

The Arnold Sports Festival prides itself on bringing new and interesting competitions to the largest multi-sport event in the nation.

New in 2013 is the Scottish Highland Games, which will feature men in kilts performing feats of strength such as the caber toss and hammer throw. The Scottish Highland Games and accompanying Scottish Highland Dance Competition will be held at 10 a.m. on March 3 at Columbus Commons.

Also new will be the Arnold Survival Race, an extreme 5K race at Lou Berliner Park on March 2, K-1 (professional kick boxing) in Battelle Grande Feb. 28, and XPC Powerlifting at Veterans Memorial March 2-3.

The 2013 Arnold Fitness EXPO will again feature 700 booths of the latest in sports equipment, apparel and nutrition and a stage that hosts unique, non-stop competitions and entertainment that combine to make the Arnold Fitness EXPO the heart of the Arnold Sports Festival. Many Arnold Sports Festival participants are youth competing in events such as archery, boxing, cheerleading, dance, fencing, gymnastics, martial arts and table tennis. The top student-athletes compete for ten $2,000 college scholarships presented annually by the Columbus Rotary and the Arnold Sports Festival.

“A Daily EXPO ticket affords a great entertainment value and allows our attendees to experience a great variety of sports and events,” co-promoter Jim Lorimer said. “We are very proud to provide the opportunity for athletes, a majority of them youth, to compete at the largest multi-sport festival in the U.S.”

TICKET INFO:
A Daily EXPO tickets include admission to the following events:

Greater Columbus Convention Center
-Arnold Fitness EXPO (March 1-3, 2013)
-Arnold 5K Pump & Run and Arnold 5K Run/Walk
-Arnold Amateur IFBB International Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure & Bikini Championships
-Arnold Amateur Strongman
-Arnold Armwrestling Challenge
-Arnold Cheerleading & Dance
-Arnold CrossFit Games
-Arnold Fencing Classic
-Arnold Gymnastics Challenge
-Arnold Martial Arts Festival/Grappling
-Arnold Mighty Mitts Competition
-Arnold Strongman Classic (all except final)
-Arnold Table Tennis Challenge
-Arnold USA Boxing Championships
-Arnold Weightlifting Championships
-Arnold World Jump Rope Competition
-Arnold Youth DanceSport
-Art At The Arnold
-Fitness International, Figure International and Bikini International Prejudging
-Ultimate Teen Challenge
-USA Powerlifting Championships
-Zumba Fitness

Columbus Commons
-Arnold Scottish Highland Games

Veterans Memorial
-Arnold Archery Competition
-Arnold XPC Pro/Elite Coalition

French Field House (OSU)
-Arnold Track & Field Championships

Hilton Columbus Downtown
50+ DanceSport Challenge

Lou Berliner Park
-Arnold Survival Race (Free admission, pay to park)

*Some events above are not all three days, please see event schedule for further details.

Separate tickets are required for the following events:
• Arnold Amateur Classic Bodybuilding Prejudging & Finals, Fitness, Figure and Bikini Prejudging 6pm, Feb. 28, Veterans Memorial $25.
• Amateur Bodybuilding Prejudging, Physique & Figure Masters Prejudging & Finals, 9am, March 1, Veterans Memorial $25.
• Fitness International, Figure International and Bikini International Finals, 7pm, March 1, Veterans Memorial $50-75.
• Amateur MMA Festival, 7pm, March 1, Lifestyles Communities Pavilion $30-$75 (not included in VIP package).
• 25th Annual Arnold Classic, Ms. International Prejudging, 2pm, March 2, Veterans Memorial $50.
• 25th Annual Arnold Classic, Ms. International Strongman Classic Finals, 7pm March 2, Veterans Memorial $50-$100.
• Arnold Party With The Pros, 9pm, March 2, Hollywood Casino $25.
• Arnold, Champions & Legends Sunday Morning Showcase, 9am, March 3, Hilton Columbus Downtown $50 ($25 for students with ID)

VIP Ticket Packages and individual event tickets are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold or 800-745-3000. Daily EXPO tickets are available for $10 in advance (plus service charge) or $15 at the door of all Arnold Sports Festival venues. Children 10 and under free.

 

Filed Under: Arnold Classic, News & Features Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

NPC Announces September Athletes of The Month

December 20, 2012 by

The National Physique Committee and Gaspari Nutrition have announced seven competitors – Dallas McCarver, Tammy Jones, Sabrina Nicole, Dawn Fernandez, Danielle Delikat, Anton Antipov and Jill Rudison – as the NPC Athletes of the Month for the month of September.

All of the athletes won Overall titles in their respective divisions at the IFBB North Americans in September. Each of the winners will be profiled on the NPC News Online and will receive free product from Gaspari Nutrition.

athletes-sept

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL PHYSIQUE COMMITTEE AND GASPARI NUTRITION ANNOUNCE SEPTEMBER ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA (December 20, 2012) – The National Physique Committee and Gaspari Nutrition have announced seven competitors – Dallas McCarver, Tammy Jones, Sabrina Nicole, Dawn Fernandez, Danielle Delikat, Anton Antipov and Jill Rudison – as the NPC Athletes of the Month for the month of September.

All of the athletes won Overall titles in their respective divisions at the IFBB North Americans in September. Each of the winners will be profiled on the NPC News Online and will receive free product from Gaspari Nutrition.

Each month, NPC President 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.

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

About the September Athletes of the Month:

– Men’s Bodybuilding: Dallas McCarver, 21, became the youngest competitor in history to win an Overall title at a pro qualifier when he won the Super Heavyweight and Overall titles at the IFBB North Americans.

– Women’s Bodybuilding: Tammy Jones, 33, started training after joining the Army as a teenager. Jones won the Heavyweight and Overall at the IFBB North Americans.

– Figure: Forty-four year-old Dawn Fernandez, a mother of three, started training as a way to get back in shape after having her third son. Fernandez, who started out as a Bikini competitor, won the Overall and Class F titles at the North Americans.

– Bikini: Sabrina Nicole of Dallas, Texas, won her class and the Overall at the North Americans. Nicole, 35, started competing in 2011.

– Men’s Physique: Anton Antipov is a former fashion model who was born in Belarus and moved to New York City at the age of 14. Antipov, a self-described “skinny teenager”, won his class and the Overall at the North Americans.

– Women’s Physique: Jill Rudison, 34, started competing in Figure in 2010 on a dare from a friend. Rudison won her class and the Overall at the North Americans.

– Fitness: Danielle Delikat, 35, took two years off from fitness competitions to work on her routine for the 2012 season. The layoff paid off, as Delikat won the Overall and an IFBB Pro card at the North Americans.

Filed Under: IFBB & NPC, News & Features

Ronda Rousey Headlines First Women’s UFC Fight & Some Bros Are Mad

December 20, 2012 by

One of my favorite hardbody women, Ronda Rousey continues to make history. When she’s not arm-barring someone inside the cage she’s giving the media a headline to chat about. Sure she has the looks but that will only take you so far in any walk of life. What’s attractive to any business is the all-mighty dollar and Rousey is money. Ronda rocked the cover of ESPN Magazine The Body Issue, she’s on the current cover of Oxygen magazine and featured in the newest Esquire. She’s doing appearances on talk shows and getting out of her comfort zone because she knows it’s good business not only for her but also the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). The UFC is the fastest growing sport and in two months Ronda will not only be the first female to fight on their roster, she’s also headlining it.

rounda-rousey-ufc
UFC President, Dana White was against women in the UFC telling TMZ we’d “never” see them in the octagon.That was until Rousey came along. Now Dana White is not only bringing women’s MMA into the fold but he’s also made it the headline fight for UFC 157.

Oh what a difference a year makes.

Last year around this time fight fans were blasting Rousey for her lack of experience in MMA and claiming she was a one-trick pony. Ronda is known for arm-bar finishes inside the cage. Some call Rousey cocky but in the words of Kid Rock, “It ain’t braggin’ m_f_er if ya back it up.” She’s backed it up before and she’ll have the chance to do it all over again in Anaheim, California on Feb 23, 2013.

Not everyone is stoked about Ronda having top billing though. The co-main event features former UFC light-heavyweight champ Lyoto Machida against Dan Henderson. Dan Henderson’s striking coach, Gustavo Pugliese, was none to pleased with ‘Rousey vs Carmouche’ getting billing over the injury plagued fighter. After posting a rant on facebook he clarified (kind of) his comments to GracieMag.

“Where I come from, there’s a pecking order for anything in life,” he explained. “I believe in paying dues. In this particular case, ‘Hendo’ and Machida paid their dues a long time ago. For someone new to come in and have a free ride just seems unfair to them and the whole sport they helped build.”

Whaaaa-Whaaa.

He’s right they have “paid their dues” but with all due respect that doesn’t entitle you to blast Rousey and claim she’s getting a “free ride”. Like the boys, she’s paid her dues and now she’ll get the chance to let the world see on PPV.

Deal with it.

This isn’t the first time Henderson and Rousey have shared the spotlight. Earlier this year UFC magazine (now UFC 360) featured the two fighters on the cover of their Olympic issue. Henderson is an accomplished wrestler but never won an Olympic medal. Rousey on the other hand was the Judo bronze medalist in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. She became the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in Judo.

dan-hendersn-ronda-rousey
Rousey was originally scheduled to make her Strikeforce debut on the same card as ‘Henderson vs Fedor’ in 2011 however the fight was pushed back. She went onto win the rescheduled fight and months later became the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion.

I’m willing to bet more casual MMA fans know who Ronda Rousey is than Dan Henderson. Diehard MMA fans will tune into the PPV no matter what but it’s the new fans that the UFC is eyeing. Dana White isn’t stupid. He recognizes the hard work Rousey has been doing in and out of the cage. She’s everywhere in the media and finishes her business in the cage.

That’s good business not only for Rousey but also the UFC. Tickets for UFC 157 go on sale Friday, December 21, 2012.

rousey-157

UFC logo and poster via zuffa – UFC.

Filed Under: BLOGS, MMA, News & Features Tagged With: , , , , ,

Pain & Gain Movie – Trailer

December 20, 2012 by

Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson star in the newest Michael Bay film schedule to hit theaters on April 26, 2013. The story is based on a true story of two bodybuilders in Florida who get caught up in an extortion ring and kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong. Director Michael Bay is known for his over-the-top big budget films but Bay and the bodybuilding Bad Boys reportedly all took pay cuts for this film.

painandgain
Mark Wahlberg bulked up for his role in order to hang with “The Rock” in this film. Both men are in solid shape and look hardbody, at least from this trailer. The Rock recently tweeted, “AM: Shot craziest scenes of my career. PM: Pray for forgiveness. AM: Do it all over again. #PainAndGain”.

Pain & Gain Trailer from Michael Bay Dot Com on Vimeo.

What will the world think of a bodybuilding movie when it’s released this Spring? Only time will tell but let’s hope it inspires more people to get off the couch and hit the gym.

Stay updated with the movie on twitter, facebook and the official website.

pain-and-gain-movie
©2012 – Paramount Pictures

Filed Under: News & Features Tagged With: , , , , ,

Hair-Dos May Keep African American Women from Exercising

December 18, 2012 by

A recent study from North Carolina revealed that 40% of African American women will avoid exercising to save their hair-dos.

The study’s objective was to “characterize the influence of hairstyle maintenance on exercise behavior in African American women.” A 40-item survey was conducted with 123 African American Women from 21 to 60 years of age but only 103 women completed the questionnaire. Fifty percent of the women surveyed have modified their hairstyle to accommodate exercising and 37.9% avoid it (exercise) all together because of a hair-related issue.

**Note**  We did NOT conduct the survey and are only passing along the findings. Obviously, HARDBODY women aren’t about excuses and are in the gym. If you would like to share your experience as it pertains to this topic, feel free to email us and we’ll explore it.


From http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/journal.aspx
Objective: To characterize the influence of hairstyle maintenance on exercise behavior in African American women.

Design: A 40-item survey with questions concerning hair care practices, physical activity, and the relationship between the two.

Setting: University-affiliated dermatology department at an academic medical center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Participants: A total of 123 African American women from 21 to 60 years of age were surveyed; 103 women completed the questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures: The statistical significance of relationships between hair care practices and physical activity was determined.

Results: Fifty percent of African American women surveyed have modified their hairstyle to accommodate exercise and nearly 40% (37.9%) avoid exercise at times owing to hair-related issues. Respondents who exercised less owing to hair concerns were 2.9 times less likely to exercise more than 150 min/wk (95% CI, 0.9-9.4; P = .08).

Conclusion: Dermatologists can discuss hair management strategies during exercise that facilitate routinely performing exercise.

 

Visit www.reuters.com for more on this story. Gawker also weighs in on the story.

Filed Under: News & Features Tagged With: , , , ,

Hardbody Inispirational & Motivational Photos: Libby DiBiase

December 18, 2012 by

Crossfit Athlete Libby DiBiase is undoubtedly a HARDBODY. We recently followed her as she knocked out a Crossfit workout and talk about intense! In the days/weeks ahead we’ll be sharing inspirational photos and motivational quotes like these with Libby. Thanks to Libby for helping us kick things off with these images from CrossFit Omaha. Libby is a sponsored Reebok Crossfit athlete and member of Team Gaspari Nutrition.

libbyfree
Check out our interview with Libby to learn more about her. Oh ya and she’s a mother of an adorable son, so for all the mothers out there wondering if you can be a hardbody… wonder no more. YES! YOU CAN. Follow Libby on twitter and check out what she’s up to on facebook. Photos by LIFTstudios.com shot during actual Crossfit Training.

Filed Under: I'M A HARDBODY, News & Features

Jelena Abbou Featured in New MAC Strength Collection

December 17, 2012 by

Jelena Abbou has graced the covers of many magazines and featured in a number of ads over the years. Now the IFBB Figure Pro has taken her modeling up a notch in the new MAC Cosmetics campaign. The MAC Strength Collection is a “collection to play up your strength.” The collection will be available online December 24th and in North America at MAC locations on December 26th. International customers will have to wait until the new year to find the line at nearby MAC locations.

mac-strength-model1

Jelena flew to London in February, where the campaign was shot. She shared with us that the experience was incredible and is super excited to see it in stores. At the time of the shoot she was a few weeks out from the Figure International, where she went on to place 11th.

A few websites recently shared the image and it has received a wide variety of responses. TheBestbydianne.blogspot.com shared a passage from the upcoming campaign and said she was excited to try it because of its message.  The copy reads, “I am a women: fearless, elegant, strong. We love women who strike powerful poses, stand out, redefine the notion of beauty…and do it with an inner/outer strength that’s irresistible and impossible to ignore. Colour is a vehicle for a women to flex their femininity and MAC’s New collection reflects this state of mind and style. It starts with dramatic eyes defined by two Eye Shadow Quads that sculpt and highlight, precision Penultimate Eye-Liner and extra-volumizing Opulash. Lips plump up with vivid colour to project power while Powder Blush in Natural Tones softly chisels cheeks. And, nailing it for overall presentation, MAC’s High Gloss Nail Lacquer.”

jelena-mac-strength
Jelena Abbou looking HARDBODY in new MAC advertisement.

Join us in congratulating Jelena on this tremendous opportunity to showcase a HARDBODY in the “mainstream” world. Visit www.maccosmetics.com for more information. See more images at www.temptalia.com.

Filed Under: Ad Watch, BEAUTY & STYLE

2013 Winter X Games Invited Female Athletes

December 17, 2012 by

The X Games Aspen 2013 returns to Aspen, Colo. on Jan. 24-27, 2013. The women’s field has been announced and it’s another stellar lineup for the popular winter games. Check out who made the cut and the schedule of events for the 2013 Aspen X Games.

winter-x-games

PRESS RELEASE:

Shaun White, Kelly Clark Among the First Wave of Athlete Invites

 ESPN will launch into 2013 with X Games Aspen officially kicking off the global expansion – a six-event schedule that will conclude in Los Angeles in August.  In May, ESPN announced it would be expanding the X Games to Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil; Munich, Germany and Barcelona, Spain – joining X Games Aspen, Los Angeles and Tignes taking the premier action sports event global.

ESPN will present X Games Aspen 2013 from January 24 – 27 bringing all the action back to Buttermilk Mountain for an 11th consecutive year.  Celebrating 17 years of the winter version of X Games, this year’s competition will feature more than 200 athletes competing for medals and prize money in the sports of Skiing, Snowboard and Snowmobile.  ESPN and ABC will combine to televise 20 hours of live X Games Aspen competition in high definition. In addition, the Worldwide Leader in Action Sports will present all the X Games action on ESPN 3D.

The full list of first wave athletes invited to compete at X Games Aspen 2013 is available at www.xgames.com.

SNOWBOARDING:
Women’s Slopestyle
Jamie Anderson
Enni Rukajarvi
Kjersti Oestgaard Buaas
Spencer O’Brien

Women’s SuperPipe
Kelly Clark
Elena Hight
Hannah Teter
Gretchen Bleiler
Queralt Castellat
Kaitlyn Farrington
Torah Bright

SKI
Women’s Slopestyle
Kaya Turski
Anna Segal
Emilia Wint
Keri Herman
Dara Howell

Women’s SuperPipe
Roz Groenewoud
Maddie Bowman
Anais Caradeux
Brita Sigourney
Megan Gunning

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
All event times listed are Mountain Standard Time (MST) and subject to change. All competitions take place on Buttermilk at Aspen, Colo.

Thursday, January 24, 2013
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Skiing SuperPipe Men’s Elimination
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Snowboard Slopestyle Men’s Elimination
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Snowboard SuperPipe Men’s Elimination
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Snowmobile Freestyle Final

Friday, January 25, 2013
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Skiing Slopestyle Men’s Elimination
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Snowboard Street Round One & Final
6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Skiing SuperPipe Women’s Fina
8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Snowboard Big Air Round One & Final
8:45 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Skiing SuperPipe Men’s Final

Saturday, January 26, 2013
11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Snowmobile Seeding
12 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Snowboard Slopestyle Men’s Final
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Snowboard Slopestyle Women’s Final
2:45 p.m. – 4 p.m. Snowmobile Speed & Style Final
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Skiing Big Air Round One & Final
7:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Snowboard SuperPipe Women’s Final

Sunday, January 27, 2013
12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Skiing Slopestyle Men’s Final
1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Snowmobile SnoCross Adaptive Final
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Skiing Slopestyle Women’s Final
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Snowmobile SnoCross Round One, LCQ & Final
7 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Snowmobile Best Trick Final
7:45 p.m. – 9 p.m. Snowboard SuperPipe Men’s Final

 

Visit Xgames.com for more info on the event and updated info.

Filed Under: News & Features, Snow

Results: IFBB Pro World Bikini Championships

December 11, 2012 by

IFBB Bikini Pro, India Paulino keeps hip-popp’n her way to the top. The sassy Floridian notched another pro win to her bikini belt at the 2012 IFBB Pro Wold Championships held in Miami, Florida. India won in unanimous fashion, at least on the judges’ score sheets, over a competitive line-up.

bikini-pro-world india wins

Second place went to Lacey DeLuca who edged out new-comer Yarelis Gonzales by two points. Personally, I had Yarelis winning the show. She was the most relaxed, confident and poised on stage during the pre-judging rounds. She also had nice balance of being tight and toned. Lacey presented in a polished manner and many people often comment on her nice hair. I wouldn’t place her as high she does simply because of her lower half. I’d like to see a much tighter backside to finish in the top spots. Just my opinion and the judges obviously see things differently than me. It’s no knock on Lacey and a second place finish in this line-up is an accomplishment for her. The always classy Yeshaira finished in fourth. I would have had her in the top three but she’s had an impressive 2012 season and is consistently a threat to the top spots. Rounding out the top five was Aly Veneno in her pro debut. Aly could continue to be in the mix of each show if she shows up in similar fashion. Monique Gantt was just outside the top five and presented her best look as a pro to date.

Visit Bodybuilding.com for photos.

IFBB Pro World Bikini Results:
1. India Paulino
2. Lacey DeLuca
3. Yarelis Gonzalez
4. Yeshaira Robles
5. Aly Veneno
6. Monique Gantt
7. Gigi Amurao
8. Ashley Wade
9. Talia Terese
10. Nicole Moneer-Guerrero
11. Nikola Weiterova
12. Janet West
13. Brittney Young
14. Stefanie Bambrough
15. Jessica Fletcher
16. Adrienne Crenshaw
16. Bernadett Matassa
16. Jennifer Dawn
16. Maria Annunziata
16. Trina Goosby

Filed Under: Contest Results, IFBB Tagged With: , ,

All She Does Is Win-Win-Win, Natalie Planes wins in Miami

December 11, 2012 by

Heading into the final IFBB Fitness show of the year not many (if any) pundits were talking about Natalie Planes. Natalie flew under the radar heading into the IFBB Pro World Championships (her pro debut) but made her presence immediately known during the Fitness Routines. She was fourth heading into the routine round and won in convincing fashion on the judges’ score sheets. The routines count for 2/3 of the overall score and a solid routine propelled Natalie to her first win, in her first pro show. Natalie won the 2012 NPC Atlantic States and Team Universe before heading into this show.

natalie planes fitness

Whitney Jones brought an improved physique to the stage and tied for second in the routine round, locked up a second place finish. Ryall Graber-Vasani, who many thought could win the show, had to settle for third. She was the unamious winner in the physique round but the judges didn’t favor her in the routine rounds which dropped her down to third. Fiona Harris was another contender who many thought could win the show but again the routine round plagued the Canadian and kept her out of the top spots.

Visit Bodybuilding.com for photos.

2012 IFBB Pro World Fitness Results:
1. Natalie Planes
2. Whitney Jones
3. Ryall Graber-Vasani
4. Diana Montiero
5. Fiona Harris
6. Nikki Venzara
7. Amanda Hatfield
8. Debbie Fowler
9. Jennifer Bishop-Kernaghan

Filed Under: Contest Results, IFBB Tagged With: , , , , ,

Candice Lewis Wins a Record-Tieing Fifth Show

December 11, 2012 by

Candice Lewis’ win at the 2012 IFBB Pro World Figure Championships puts her in elite company. The win in Miami over the weekend ties her for the most pro wins in one year, a record held by Erin Stern and Nicole Wilkins. Lewis started her 2012 season in May at the Pittsburgh Pro. She finished in 7th place there but since that time she’s been on a roll. Aside from the Olympia (where she also placed 7th) she has yet to lose a show. A pretty impressive feat for someone who has only been pro for little more than one year.

figure pro world
Rookie Kamla Macko was nipping at her heels but had to settle for second place, the third runner-up finish in her pro career. Kamla achieved IFBB pro status at the 2012 USAs and has finished in the top five in each of her four pro shows. Rounding out the top three was another rookie on fire, Dana Ambrose. Dana turned pro in June, at the 2012 NPC JR Nationals, and since that time has notched three top three finishes. She was third in her pro debut in Houston, second in Kentucky and then third again here. Look for her to be on the Olympia stage in 2013 if she continues to stay consistent.

Visit Bodybuilding.com for photos.

2012 IFBB Pro World Championships Results:
1. Candice Lewis
2. Kamla Macko
3. Dana Ambrose
4. Elisha Archibold
5. Dawn Fernandez
6. Kenyatta Jones-Arietta
7. Krista Dunn
8. Maria Jose Garcia
9. Agnese Russo
10. Satrice Rigsby
11. Kim Seeley
12. Monica Labriola
13. Heather Grace
14. Jennifer DeJoya
15. Paula Frega
16. Amanda Marinelli
16. Marie Pierre Ripert

Filed Under: Contest Results, IFBB Tagged With: , , , , ,

2012 IFBB Masters Olympia Weekend – Competitor Lists

December 3, 2012 by

This weekend marks the final competition on the 2012 IFBB Pro League schedule. The Master’s Olympia returns to the men’s bodybuilding competition and the pro women will compete in Bikini, Fitness and Figure. The Master’s portion is only for the men’s bodybuilding, the women’s portion is open to all IFBB Pros. We’ll see a few rookie debuts along with seasoned veterans this weekend in Miami.

 

masters competitor lists

 

Below are the competitor lists for this weekend’s competition. Visit http://www.jarkasgym.com/wtol.html for tickets, event information and how you can watch the show via webcast.

2012 IFBB MASTERS OLYMPIA – MEN’S BODYBUILDING
Sean Allan – Matawan, New Jersey
Troy Alves – Glendale, Arizona
Mark Antonek – Wesley Chapel, Florida
Lee Apperson – Daytona Beach, Florida
Lee Banks – Jacksonville, Florida
Robert Belisle – Edmonton, Ontario, Canada
Alberto Bistocchi – Milano, Italy
Andreas Cahling – Oceanside, California
Gianluca Catapano – Benevento, Italy
Darrem Charles – Trinidad
Constantinos Demetriou – Australia
Jerome Ferguson – Venice, California
Toney Freeman – Canton, Georgia
James Hampton – Acworth, Georgia
Ralf Herget – Hanau, Germany
Timo Honkala – Finland
Dexter Jackson – Jacksonville, Florida
Tricky Jackson – Louisville, Kentucky
Dennis James – Peoria, Arizona
Jocelyn Jean – Boca Raton, Florida
Michael Kefalianos – Australia
Marc Lavoie – Quebec, Canada
Rod Ketchens – Sioux City, Iowa
David Marinelli – Palm City, Florida
Edward Nunn – Anderson, Indiana
Ronny Rockel – Germany
Chuck Sanow – Chicago, Illinois
Bill Scarnaty – Woodridge, New Jersey
Sergey Shelestov – Moscow, Russia
Bill Wilmore – Hollywood, Florida
Nathan Wonsley – Tampa, Florida
Bud Woodruff – Stuart, Florida

2012 IFBB MIAMI PRO FITNESS
Jennifer Bishop – Jupiter, Florida
Debbie Fowler – Fort Worth, Texas
Fiona Harris – Ontario, Canada
Amanda Hatfield – Brunswick, Ohio
Whitney Jones – Chandler, Arizona
Diana Montiero – Brasil
Natalie Planes – Elmhurst, New York
Nikki Venzara – Orlando, Florida

2012 IFBB MIAMI PRO FIGURE
Dana Ambrose – Houston, Texas
Elisha Archibold – Arlington, Virginia
Jennifer DeJoya – North Hollywood, California
Krista Dunn – Broomfield, Colorado
Dawn Fernandez – Peoria, Arizona
Paula Frega – Argentina
Maria Garcia – Spain
Heather Grace – Denver, Colorado
Kenyatta Jones Arietta – Tappan, New York
Monica Labriola – Medina, Ohio
Candice Lewis – Chandler, Arizona
Kamla Macko – Brandon, Florida
Amanda Marinelli – Palm City, Florida
Satrice Rigsby – Baltimore, Maryland
Marie Pierre Ripert – France
Agnese Russo – Venezia, Italy
Kim Seeley – Lees Summit, Missouri

2012 IFBB MIAMI PRO BIKINI
Gigi Amurao – Edgewater, New Jersey
Maria Annunziata – Wellington, Florida
Stephanie Bambrough – Miami, Florida
Adrienne Crenshaw – Spring, Texas
Jennifer Dawn – Frisco, Texas
Lacey DeLuca – Ocala, Florida
Jessica Fletcher – Miami Beach, Florida
Monique Gantt – Metairie, Louisiana
Yarelis Gonzalez – Cuba
Trina Goosby – West Palm Beach, Florida
Amanda Johnston – Alberta, Canada
Bernadetta Matassa – Hungary
Nicole Moneer – Schaumburg, Illinois
India Paulino – Pembroke Pines, Florida
Alessandra Pinheiro – Brasil
Yeshaira Robles – Bronx, New York
Talia Terese – Vallejo, California
Ashley Wade – Orlando, Florida
Nikola Weiterova – Bratislava, Slovakia
Janet Lynn West – Endicott City, Maryland
Brittney Young – Atlanta, Georgia

CONTACT:
Jarka Lorie Schneider
The Jarka’s Productions, INC
www.jarkasproductions.com
www.masterolympia.com

Filed Under: IFBB

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