HARDBODY Female Sports, Health & Fitness News
A Love for Sport Life.™
We’re in Columbus, Ohio for the 25th Anniversary of the Arnold Classic. You can follow our coverage all weekend long, live from the events. The fastest and easiest way to get update is via twitter or bookmark this page to see the info roll in live.
Visit Bodybuilding.com all weekend long for photos, videos, the FREE LIVE webcast and more. If using twitter include #asf2013 in your tweets.
Candice John checks in to give us a look at what it’s like to be hours away from a competition. This isn’t just any competition though, this is THE ARNOLD. She shares some tips for new competitors and what to do and not to do before a show.
The 2013 Figure International is here!
With mere days to the 2013 Figure International, I am totally psyched. I feel great as my contest prep has been on point. My trainer does not believe in doing anything drastic in the final week, so we just stick with what works… keeping things balanced and monitoring my daily progress. I do not do any crazy carb depleting or Rocky-style training to kill me in the last days to a show. The diet, workouts and posing have been grueling from the start, so I don’t really have to increase the intensity in the end. I can feel the adrenalin pumping through me. I’m in “GO” mode all day long. It’s sometimes hard to sleep because I’m always mentally updating my checklist, sometimes jumping up in the middle of the night to pack another item in my luggage.
This week is also about beauty. My skin, hair, nails and toes must be looking their best. If I’m going to present myself in a two-piece suit to thousands of people, I should be looking good from head to toe, right? I always tell myself before a competition, NEVER try someone, something or somewhere new. No new hairstylists, beauticians, hair salons, spas, etc. I try to stick to who and what I know. I’ve been competing for some time now and I know this rule better than anyone. Now it got interesting for me this week since I had to break the rule because a curve ball was thrown at me. My trusted esthetician, unbeknownst to me, decided to move to a different state, so my thinking was, ok, keep calm and just google a trusted spa. I decided my risk would be lower if I go to a fancy schmancy spa at a five star hotel. What could go wrong? They should have the best estheticians and facial products, right? Well, the facial was absolute crap and I was left wondering, how can I ask for my money back with interest. I am certain that I could have gone to CVS or Walgreens, get a good facial cleanser, toner and moisturizer, and I would have been able to do a better job. It would have cost so much less!
A very important lesson to all new competitors is, do your research. Never get caught off guard. One has to be prepared for anything at this time, so I asked questions from past Figure International competitors about their experiences, especially with regards to the weather, and I used this information to compile a list of things that I would need. I have my fluffy bath robe, snuggie, fleece socks, and portable heater for backstage. Not to mention my hot water bottle, ear muffs, and body lotion to prevent my skin from becoming too dry. I continue to look at the weather in Columbus, Ohio every day on www.accuweather.com, hoping and praying that I’m not going to see temperatures in the single digits (yes, I look at the celcius forecast).
Even though I make an exhaustive list of the things that I would need, I still have to keep in mind the weight of my luggage. So the night before I leave for a show, there is usually a battle between the number of items on that list and number of pounds on my digital luggage scale. For my trip to Columbus, I ended up with two suitcases instead of the one I initially intended. I think it is because I packed different types of clothing. The first being my, “for sure†clothes…that’s clothes I’m definitely going to wear. The second being my “anything can happen†clothes, which includes clothes and items for unplanned photo-shoots to snow-storm attire…you name it, I’ve packed it.
Though this is my first Figure International appearance, I feel ready physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’m also humbled by being selected to compete at the Arnold Sports Festival 25th Anniversary and super excited to be part of this unbelievably momentous occasion. I’m packed and on my way. I Hope to see you guys in Columbus. I’ll have that Caribbean sun shining through to me, so come by say hi and feel Trini’s warmth.
Love,
Candice “Trini” John
IFBB Fitness Pro, Ryall Graber-Vasani shares her latest hardbody blog before stepping on stage at the 2013 Fitness International. Ryall talks about what it’s like being in just hours away from the show and reflects on her journey to get here.
Hi Hardbody fitness fans!
The time has finally arrived and The Arnold is here. I have just arrived in Columbus after a full day of travel and I SHOULD be exhausted but my adrenalin has already kicked in and I may notbe getting much sleep now! The host hotel is outstanding – ‘health baskets’ in our rooms with all kinds of samples and goodies as well as incredible athlete menu for the entire event. The organization around this event is truly world class. I can’t wait to see my fellow fitness family and soak up every moment of being at my first Fitness International. Pinch me! OUCH! Not a dream? This is my reality and I am truly living it. Feeling so fortunate, beyond grateful and so freakin’ amped for this experience.
To wrap up my Road to The Arnold, my final two weeks of prep has had some unexpected challenges. This particular time had to become a very self-focused period and demanded every ounce of energy I had to keep going beyond the pain and the fatigue and beyond what I had thought was the edge of my ability. However overcoming these obstacles has made this particular journey the most valuable competition experience for me yet. Overcoming adversity creates great strength and I am stronger than I was yesterday. So as I see it, as difficult as many days on my road to the Arnold were, something was not only learned but also achieved over the past two weeks. All of the hard hours I put in with the expertise of my choreographer Renzo and now I have it – my new routine is ready to rock! I’m beyond excited to perform it for the first time at The Arnold and I hope you will all love it!
I believe that to be successful in any pro sport requires a certain level of selfishness – just for a short period of time. These are the crucial, final moments that demand your utmost focus to optimally physically and psychologically prepare you for competition. It may be a few weeks or as short as a few days but these times are a must to achieve success. I don’t feel guilty about this ‘all about me time’ as I understand, for me, this is crucial. I am very grateful that during my ‘me’ time I’ve finally found the right core of people to surround myself with that truly understand (without judging) my dedication, discipline and total passion for competing in Fitness. Thanks to my amazing team of talented, positive and empathetic coaches, the support of my parents, who has always encouraged me to chase my dreams and who will be in Columbus this weekend watching me life my dreams; Very special. The positive energy from my Sister in Alberta, my special friends and fitness family (you know who you are) has been so uplifting and motivating. I thank each of you so much for your calls and messages over the last two weeks. And last but not least, CJ with CJ’s Elite Competition Wear who has generously sponsored my routine outfit and 2-piece for this weekend – she did a beyond killer job!
I’m ready and so honored to bring my best to The Arnold. Through many difficult days I have immensely enjoyed the challenges of this journey and I now plan to enjoy every single moment of my first-ever Arnold. AND every single moment of some cheesecake when it’s all over
Thanks for the support and for following my Road to The Arnold.
Here’ s to living the dream!
Ryall
Check out Ryall’s website and give her facebook page a “likeâ€. You can see her competition photos on bodybuilding.com. For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.
Photo courtesy of Ryall Vasani.
– See more at: http://www.hardbodynews.com/?s=ryall#sthash.VoY9cILV.dpuf
GEORGETOWN, Mass. (AP) — A bus carrying University of Maine women’s basketball players ran off a highway north of Boston on Tuesday night, seriously injuring the driver, who police said may have had a medical episode.
State police said 22 other people on the bus, including students and athletic staff, had only minor injuries.
The driver, whose identity was not immediately released, was taken by helicopter to a Boston hospital.
The bus was southbound on Interstate 95 at about 8:30 p.m. when it crossed the median, went across the northbound lane and down an embankment into woods near Georgetown, a town of about 8,000 residents 30 miles from Boston.
Georgetown Fire Chief Al Beardsley said it was a miracle no other cars were involved.
“This is a very heavily traveled road, day and night, and for a bus that size to basically catapult across the road, I couldn’t imagine being northbound and seeing that thing coming at me,” Beardsley said at the scene.
The University of Maine said Coach Richard Barron was treated for minor facial cuts and three others — players Ashleigh Roberts and Corinne Wellington, and Samantha Wheeler, the team’s director of basketball operations — were taken to a hospital for observation. The team was en route to play Boston University on Wednesday night. That game has been postponed, according to the basketball schedule posted on UMaine’s website.
“We’re very thankful that this accident was not any worse than it was,” Robert Dana, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said in a statement. “The thoughts of the entire University of Maine community are with the bus driver and the team as they contend with this very frightening event.”
Erin stern is on track for the 2013 Figure International held in Columbus, Ohio. She was recently interview by Bodybuilding.com’s David Robinson where she talked about this year’s competition and more. Stern offered some great advice, “I found that the best way to handle the pressure is to make a plan and stick to it. I focus on what needs to be done. I have learned to filter the feedback and understand that I won’t make everyone happy.”
A question often asked of Figure competitors is what would you like to accomplish? If an amateur they typically say, “turn pro” and if a pro they say, “win the Olympia”. When Erin was asked what she would like to accomplish by being a Figure athlete she answered much differently. Perhaps it was because she’s already won the Olympia or maybe she’s gained insight at what being a pro competitor in the spotlight can be about. Erin shared, “I want to teach and help other women incorporate balance into their lives. I want to help other women be strong, healthy, and natural.”
Read the entire interview on Bodybuilding.com.
Kathleen Tesori fielded fan questions in our latest LIVE Twitter Chat. She shared if she’ll be competing any time soon, tips on how to get sponsored by bodybuilding.com and more find out how often she liked to cook her food, if she thinks a personal trainer is a good idea and what was Mayhem Miller like to work with on the set of MTV Bully Beatdown. If you’re at the Arnold Sports Festival, stop by the bodybuilding.com booth to meet Kat.
Kathleen Tesori LIVE Twitter Chat
1Q @kathleentesori how did you get involved with the #fitness industry & any advice for those just starting? #askKat
1A Got involved in the industry by competing in a bikini show. Best Advice is to never lose sight of what is important to you. #askkat
2Q @kathleentesori is Mayhem Miller as crazy in person as he seems? (referring to Bullybeatdown on MTV) #askKat
2A He is just like you see on TV really nice. He has no in between he is either super crazy and full of energy or reallly quiet! #askkat
3Q. @kathleentesori You’ve been super fit for quite a while now; is there anything u have yet to achieve that still motivates you? #askKat
3A I feel like I have lots to still achieve. Inspiring and motivating others keeps me going!!! I love living a healthy fit lifestyle #askkat
4Q @kathleentesori do you work out on an empty stomach in the morning, if not what do you eat? #askKat
4A Empty tummy with BCAAs if I am doing a light moderate type activity. 1/2 protein shake & a small bit of fruit if more than light #askkat
5Q @kathleentesori hi, I’m 39 and in the best shape of my life, do u think it’s too late for me to compete? #askKat
5A ABSOLULTY NOT… 30s AND 40s are the best years for our body’s true potential. Go for it! #askkat
6Q @kathleenTesori Loved your @MandF_Hers cover w/ the kettle bells. Do you train with them very often? #askKat
6A Not often. I do not own any and gyms do not have them usually. But I will use plates in place of kettle bells and do some moves #askkat
7Q @kathleenTesori How do I get sponsored by @bodybuildingcom like you? #askKat
7A Compete in the FIT USA show they host in June .Enter the spokesmodel search, Be active on bodyspace build a good following #askkat
8Q @kathleentesori who’s been your biggest role model? #askkat
8A Mother Teresa… my Mom… and Since 2008 when it comes to the industry my role model is @Jamie_Eason #askakt
9Q @kathleentesori Do you have any plans to compete in Figure or Bikini again?
9A No plans yet… the desire is there for bikini thinking this summer #askkat
10Q @kathleenTesori What is your favorite body part to train & do you have a favorite exercise? #askKat
10A Favorite body part to train shoulders… favorite exercise LUNGES of all kinds! #askkat
11Q @kathleentesori How often do you cook your meals and do you eat meat? #askKat
11A My not competing meal plan I eat meat 2 times a day. I cook on the weekends food lasts me Fri. to Fri. #askkat
12Q @kathleentesori Any advice for wanting someone wanting to get into #fitness modeling? #askKat
12A Find a “show” to compete in is the easiest way to be seen. Get educated before making decisions-research. Be a walking billboard #askkat
13Q @kathleentesori Do you have a personal trainer & do you think they help in getting into shape? #askKat
13A Trainers best investment you can make! @FeliciaRomero @Brandon_J_ are my miracle workers.find someone wise in nutrition & the gym #askat
14Q @kathleenTesori Any tips on how to cook tilapia & make it taste good?
14A buy the @CostcoTweets Kirkland brand BAKE @425 12 minutes. this BRAND is a must most tilapias taste like dirt. #askkat
15Q @kathleenTesori do you eat protein bars and if so do you have a favorite? #askKat
15A Quest bars – strawberry cheesecake @Bodybuildingcom AND ANY of @Jamie_Eason bars #askkat
16Q @kathleenTesori Will you be at the @arnoldsports this weekend? #askKat
16A I will be at the @ArnoldSports with @Bodybuildingcom all weekend long. Already packed and food prepped 🙂 #askkat
17Q @kathleentesori Do you put out training videos or ever thought of having your own DVD? #askKat
17A no training videos yet. i would love to create some. I will be using more of YOUTUBE soon. I have my @Bodybuildingcom 360 video #askkat
18Q @kathleentesori what were you on a TV set for today? Are you becoming a weather person? #askKat
19A depends on goals and the ime I have… on the norm 2 to 3 morning cardio sessions a week-weekend. 30 mins after a workout. #askkat
20Q @kathleentesori Do you personal train people and do you do any online training? #ASkKat
20A i dont do any training i do lifestyle coaching – one on one sessions over the phone by skype or in person to get people started #askkat
See all of our Twitter chats here.
Thew newest issues of women’s fitness magazines are hitting the newsstands now. Each magazine has taken a slightly different approach. Oxygen has gone outside the norm by not putting one but four women on the cover. Fitness RX for Women has India Paulino on their cover for a second time and represents the Bikini division this month. Muscle & Fitness HERS went with Figure Olympia Champion, Erin Stern for their cover and feature. Which of these covers do you like the best or maybe none of them? Cast your vote below.
Below you will find larger versions of each cover.
Fitness RX for Women
Muscle & Fitness HERS
Oxygen
Last year’s Bikini International Champion, Sonia Gonzales will not be back to defend her title and that leaves the top spot up for grabs. The inagural winner, Nicole Nagrani will look to recapture the title but she’ll have to go through the reigning Ms.Bikini Olympia Champion Nathalia Melo.
The 2013 Bikini International will feature a mixture of seasoned veterans and hungry rookies. India Paulino has her sights set on her first major title but so does veteran Jamie Baird. Who will finish in the top spots? We’ll find out in just a few days.
We’ve all been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Skipping breakfast can leave you tired, cranky and hungry. Colorado lawmakers are looking at a bill that would ensure schoolchildren get a healthy breakfast. According to Hunger Free Colorado, The bill known as the “Breakfast After the Bell Nutrition Program” offers an affordable solution to thousands of children who arrive at school hungry and in turn less prepared to learn.
VIA Hunger Free Colorado
Breakfast is critical to learning and health, and it’s the number-one needed school supply for students to succeed. Yet, many kids in Colorado arrive at school hungry, focused on their rumbling bellies instead of being ready to learn. Those experiencing hunger—estimated to be 22% of all children in Colorado—are more likely to exhibit behavioral, emotional and academic problems. Simply put, hungry kids cannot learn. Teachers, doctors and parents agree—hungry children lack focus and have difficulty performing well in school. School breakfast served after the bell can make such a difference for students of all ages, especially for those who may not when and where they’ll get their next meal. We can—and should—increase the availability and accessibility of school breakfast by expanding after-the-bell serving models like Breakfast in the Classroom into more Colorado schools.Hunger Free Colorado and many other organizations strongly support HB-1006, sponsored by Reps. Dominick Moreno of Commerce City and Tony Exum of Colorado Springs, and Sen. Angela Giron, D-Pueblo. The bill would require Colorado schools with 70% or more students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals to offer a nutritious after-the-bell breakfast program, if they have at least 100 students in their school and 300 total in the district.
Read the bill in its entirety. HB-1006 offers an affordable solution to the hundreds of thousands of children who arrive at school hungry and less prepared to learn. It is a responsible and cost-effective way to set Colorado’s children up for academic success while staying healthy.
Learn more about HB-1006, why after-the-bell breakfast is needed, what this bill will do and how it works, as well as see the growing list of organizations in support of HB-1006.
Visit www.hungerfreecolorado.org for more information.
Ana Delia has quietly moved into the spotlight over the past two years. She’s consistently finished in the top spots of every NPC show she has entered however it’s her ability to model that has people talking. One of the biggest challenges Ana has faced is living outside of the continental U.S. The distance can make it expensive and inconvenient to get to shows and modeling opportunities. She’s proving that if you’re determined and motivated you can overcome any obstacle.
Ana has appeared in a number of advertisements and magazines outside of the fitness industry. She is a perfect example that you don’t have to win shows or be a pro to find success in the fitness industry. Ana won month three of the FLEX Online Model Search and went on to be crowned the overall Flex Bikini Model Search winner. Previous winners have been Amanda Latona, Kathleen Tesoi, Alex Zerega and Yarelis Gonzales. She currently works as a make-up artist in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Visit NPCnewsonline.com for a HARDBODY Photo Gallery with Ana D photographed by LiftStudios at MetroFlex Long Beach, CA. Follow Ana on twitter and “like” her Facebook page.
NPC Bikini Division Results:
• 2012 NPC South Beach Classic (National Qualifier): Bikini B Winner
• 2012 NPC/IFBB Pittsburgh Pro: 6th Place
• 2012 NPC NY Metropolitan: 2nd Place
• 2011 NPC Eastern USA: 2nd Place
• 2011 NPC Team Universe: 4th Place
• 2011 NPC NY Metropolitan: 2nd Place
• 2012 Olympia Flex Model Search Contest Overall Winner
• 2012 Month 3 Flex Model Search Online: Winner
Ana D. on NPCnewsOnline.com
This week marks the 25th Anniversary of the Arnold Classic. In celebration of this monumental event the folks at bodybuilding.com are offering 25 awesome deals. Save nearly 50% of some of your favorite supplements, vitamins, clothing and more! What better way to celebrate an anniversary than by saving some money? Visit Bodybuilding.com’s 25 Deals‘ page but hurry it won’t last long.
See all of the deals including a limited edition stack on bodybuilding.com.
Lifestyle Coach and Fitness Model, Kathleen Tesori joins us LIVE on Tuesday, February 26th at 9pm EST. Kathleen will answer your questions on twitter in real-time. She’ll talk about landing magazine covers, getting sponsorships and any tips you may be looking for in your nutrition and workouts. She’s been seen in Muscle & Fitness HERS, FLEX, Muscle & Fitness and many other magazines. Kat will be appearing at the Bodybuilding.com booth during this year’s Arnold Sports Festival.
Don’t miss this opportunity to have Kathleen answer your questions personally and live on twitter.
LIVE Hardbody News Twitter CHAT
DAY: Tuesday, February 26, 2013
TIME: 9pm EST
HASHTAG: #askKat
FOLLOW ON TWITTER: @hardbodynews and @KathleenTesori
NEW TO TWITTER CHAT?
Do a search for #askKat on Twitter at 9pm EST (on the 26th) to view the twitter conversation. Add #askKat to your tweets so everyone can join in the conversation and see your questions. You can follow along live on our twitter chat page as well.
For the past three years, Adela Garcia has been in the winner’s circle at the Fitness International but won’t be back to defend her title. Last year’s runner-up, Camala Rodriquez, has made the switch to Figure, and top-contender Myriam Capes was forced to withdraw due to injury. You remove those top finishers and you’re looking at a huge opportunity for others to make a name for themselves.
Oksana has momentum on her side coming off her best season ever in 2012. Bethany Wagner has the physique to win and with an ever improving routine has the chance to take the top spot. Add in the return of Trish Warren and veteran Tanji Johsnon along with the other women and we’ve got a showdown.
Read the preview of all the Fitness International competitors on Bodybuilding.com.
Rachel McLish has been labeled many things in her life. It doesn’t matter which moniker you choose from role model, icon to pioneer; they are all fitting. Rachel won the first Ms. Olympia competition in 1980. She became the first female bodybuilding champion and her efforts not only changed her life but also those of women every where and created a fitness revolution in the process.
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has produced a documentary, that will air on February 26, featuring women who help change America. The project, MAKERS: Women Who Make America, is a three-part series on the women’s movement with an online component at www.makers.com.
PBS President Paula Kerger said in a recent press release that MAKERS will tell the story of how women have helped advance America in the last 50 years.
The film is built from first-person, intimate accounts of women who experienced this time of change and confronted the dramatic social upheaval in their own lives including movement leaders such as author and feminist activist Gloria Steinem and actress, author and activist Marlo Thomas; media moguls like Oprah Winfrey and Katie Couric; and political influencers like former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. – Businesswire
Rachel was raised in Harlingen, Texas and began weight training at an early age. She tells MAKERS that growing up she identified with her father because he had strength, freedom, money and he made the decisions. She wanted to be like that. It was that drive and determination that helped her become not only a champion bodybuilder but also an actress and author. Rachel helped dispel the perception that females who lifted weights had to be masculine and were unattractive. Her involvement in the fitness industry helped make physical fitness part of women’s daily lives.
She wanted to empower women and improve their self-confidence. Rachel said, “I wanted to show them you could be sexy, beautiful and you can be as strong as a man.” Rachel helped do that by opening South Texas’s first health club and getting women involved in lifting weights.
Visit MAKERS.com for video interviews with Rachel and hear her speak on a variety of topics.
images from makers.com interviews
Jaime Baird has been one of the leading ladies in the IFBB Pro Bikini division since its inception. She’ll be heading to her third Bikini International next weekend where she hopes to stay in the top spots. Bodybuilding.com’s David Robinson caught up with the Florida pro for an interview. Jaime hits on training, motivation and becoming the online editor-in-chief of FitnessRX for Women.
EXCERPT:
Can you describe your current training approach and the specific results it has produced? Have you made any changes to the program you used in 2012?
My training is always intense and it evolves throughout my prep so I see continued progress. So, it’s hard to say how my training is different from last year’s prep. I focus on making the most of each and every weight training session so my muscles stay full while I’m leaning out.
How important is nutrition to your competition preparation? Do you follow a similar dietary protocol year round?
Success in this sport, or anything related to your health, begins with nutrition. You can train your butt off, but if you don’t eat strategically, you won’t see results.
My diet definitely varies from off-season to pre-contest. My off-season nutrition, while still mostly clean, has a bit more variety and calories from carbs and fat. And, I definitely make room for a chocolate chip cookie or two when I’m not counting down to a show.
Read the entire interview on Bodybuilding.com.
Nicole Wilkins has won Figure International for the last three years. Now that she’s out of the competition, the stage is set for a new queen of fitness. Who will it be? Three-time Figure International Champion Nicole Wilkins has decided to sit out this year’s competition at the Arnold Classic. That means the door is open for one of the 18 competitors lined up to take her place. The obvious favorite, at least on paper, is Erin Stern; but Candice Keene is nipping at her heels. There’s also a crew of newcomers determined to make their presence known.
Read the breakdown of the Figure International on Bodybuilding.com. Cast your vote for you who would like to see win the 2013 Figure International.
Two-time Figure Olympia and 3x Figure International Champion, Nicole Wilkins joined us for a live twitter chat. During the hour, she provided fans with workout tips, nutrition advice and posing insight. Nicole also shared that she’s planning to compete at the New York Pro. Check out the entire Q&A with Nicole.
1Q @NicoleMWilkins I want to get into figure competitions, but have no clue where to begin. Where should I start?
1A Attend a show in your area, ask qs and def hire a trainer with experience working w/ competitors. #askNicole
2Q @NicoleMWilkins Is it hard to sit out the @ArnoldSports this year and will you still be there, if so where? #askNicole
2A Yes and no. Knew my body needed a break plus I moved from MI to CA. Would’ve made prep vry hard. Will be at @Official_METRx #askNicole
3Q @nicolemWilkins What is YOUR biggest obstacle during a contest prep? #asknicole
3A Ha! the beginning-Getting back into routine. Traveling/training/packing food is also hard. I ⤠it tho. #asknicole
4Q @nicoleMwilkins Have you ever thought of switching back to #fitness? (nicole won the fitness & figure title at the same show) #asknicole
4A Nope. I think I’ll stick with what I’m better at.
5Q @NicoleMWilkins How do you deal with the mental aspect of weight gain during your off season? #askNicole
5A I’ve never been a ‘skinny’ girl and I’m ok w/ that. I am strong, healthy and I think I look good so that’s all that matters. #asknicole
6Q @NicoleMWilkins How do you train to keep symmetry for your physique? #askNicole
6A I have to train my upper body heavy to balance my lower. Lower gains muscle easy so I do lots of sprints/plyos. #asknicole
7Q @NicoleMWilkins What is your favorite part about competing? The prep, the walk on stage or the “bling” #askNicole
7A All of the above. the challenges day 2 day, seeing improvements, motivating others, the rush of the stage etc #asknicole
8Q @NicoleMWilkins What carbs are u utilizing during your preps & do u use whey #protein for all weeks of prep? #askNicole
8A Oats, brown rice, sweet pot, rice cakes usually. I use whey only for emergencies during prep. Off-season more often. #asknicole
9Q @NicoleMWilkins Do you do cardio workouts on the stair master? If so, how long & what intensity? #askNicole
9A Yes. I love that thing. I also run, track, ellipticize (I think I just made that up). Duration/intensity varies. #asknicole
10Q @NicoleMWilkins What is your biggest challenge when training clients & what do you enjoy most from training clients? #askNicole
10A Biggest challenge is when you want it more than them. I love when I people change their lives – lower cholesterol, BP etc #asknicole
11Q @NicoleMWilkins Any tips/hints on practicing posing for figure? i.e. duration to hold each pose, what to focus on, etc. #askNicole
11A practice practice practice!! Learn to flare lats, be confident and not robotic. When practicing hold poses for 30sec #asknicole
12Q @NicoleMWilkins How often do you train legs & what exercises helped build yours the most? #askNicole
12A Once a week. Squats and lunges are two of the most important IMO for legs. And don’t neglect your hamstrings! #asknicole
13Q @NicoleMWilkins Do you find it difficult 2 maintain a clean diet / workout plan when in a relationship? #asknicole
13A lol depends on who you’re w/. For me no. It is my life and is very important to me. I need my significant others support. #asknicole
14Q @NicoleMWilkins What changes the most in your diet from contest prep to off-season? #askNicole
14a precontest-very strict,food measured, no sugar, don’t miss meals. Offseason-still clean 2-3hrs but more variety,will go out2eat. #asknicole
15Q @NicoleMWilkins What do you have for pre and post workout meal and does it change in your off-season? #askNicole
15A usually lean meat/sw pot and 15 almonds pre and shake or lean meat and rice cakes/apple post #asknicole
Hold up @NicoleMWilkins 15 almonds… Do you count them out? lol Sorry couldn’t resist. #asknicole
@hardbodynews ha! Maybe 16 or 21. What’s the difference, right @OddosAngels?
16Q @NicoleMWilkins Do you prepare for a #photoshoot different to a comp? If so, how? #asknicole
16A usually at shoots you can be a little softer than onstage. For me? na not much difference.
17Q @NicoleMWilkins What do you think are the best supplements for women trying to build lean muscle and lose weight? #asknicole
17A You MUST have a sound nut. plan. Supplements supplement that.Multi, BCAAs,EFAs,Glutamine, @Official_METRx joint guard, Whey #asknicole
18Q @NicoleMWilkins What brand of jeans do you wear and find that fit muscular quads? #asknicole
18A I hate jeans. They hate me lol. Needs to have stretch – I get waist tailored in. Express and Buckle – silver jeans. #asknicole
19Q @NicoleMWilkins We are talking training, but what do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies? #asknicole
19A I love traveling, trying new restaurants, movies, amusement parks, coffee shops, long walks on the beach… #asknicole
20Q @NicoleMWilkins Do you have any upcoming plans to hold seminars in the US? #askNicole
20A yes! Omg so many: few in CA, 2 in New Orleans, 1 in MI, Texas, FL, maybe AZ. Follow here and fb facebook.com/nicolewilkins01 #asknicole
21Q @NicoleMWilkins Will you be putting out another DVD & when/where will you compete next? #askNicole
21A Yes! DVD: Legs and Glutes. Editing now – How to structure wo/track wo/plyo/cardio4glutes etc.due in spring. Next show: NYPro #asknicole
That’s all the time we have for @NicoleMWilkins #askNicole chat. Thnx 4 all your questions! Visit her site nicolewilkins.com for more!
Tens of millions of Americans struggle with eating disorders, including a growing population of baby boomers, adolescents and children. For individuals in recovery from these complex illnesses, a frightening reality is the possibility of eating disorders relapse.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eating Recovery Center Offers Guidance to Help Individuals Avoid Eating Disorders Relapse
During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2013
International treatment center encourages four strategies for living a life of recovery
Denver, Colo. (February 20, 2013) – Tens of millions of Americans struggle with eating disorders, including a growing population of baby boomers, adolescents and children. For individuals in recovery from these complex illnesses, a frightening reality is the possibility of eating disorders relapse. In fact, a 2005 study in the European Eating Disorders Review found that more than one-third of individuals who have struggled with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa will experience an eating disorders relapse in the first two and a half years after leaving a treatment center.
With National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2013 taking place next week, February 24-March 2, Eating Recovery Center, an international center providing comprehensive treatment for eating disorders, seeks to highlight the skills and support structures that help men, women and children live a life of recovery. Recognizing that the hardest work of recovery often begins upon returning to “real life†following intensive eating disorders treatment, Eating Recovery Center offers these four strategies to help individuals protect their health and avoid eating disorders relapse.
1. Remain actively engaged with the aftercare plan. Discharge planning and the development of a recovery-focused post-treatment strategy are critical in creating sustainable recoveries and preventing relapse. These individualized aftercare plans are created by licensed therapists who work closely with a patient’s treatment team to identify emotional, behavioral and situational discharge challenges, and outline personal and recovery-focused goals.
2. Develop a strong supportive network. Friends, family and colleagues who have been educated about eating disorders and understand how to support a loved one in his or her recovery can be very helpful in sustaining recovery. Many individuals find a strong recovery-focused community through the alumni programming offered by many treatment centers. These programs generally provide ongoing education, events and a sense of community to support a life of eating disorders recovery.
3. Identify values and pursue valued life directions. Values not only serve as a compass for people’s lives, but also help individuals with eating disorders understand why change is necessary and pursue that change, even when it feels overwhelmingly difficult. Not surprisingly, identifying values and valued life directions are key components of the eating disorders recovery process. Taking time to be in touch with values and align thoughts and actions with valued life directions can help sustain recovery, even in times of stress or challenges.
4. Seek help. Sustainable recoveries do not just happen. Individuals and families in recovery from eating disorders must work diligently to protect and maintain a healthy weight and body image. The need for additional support – through support groups, outpatient therapy or an intensive treatment program – does not indicate failure, but rather underscores an ongoing commitment to doing whatever it takes to sustain eating disorders recovery.
“By nature, individuals with eating disorders tend to be perfectionistic and high achieving—they like to do things right, and they like to be the best at their endeavors,†explains Julie Holland, MHS, CEDS, chief marketing officer at Eating Recovery Center. “Their approach to recovery is generally no different, and patients often struggle to understand that life without an eating disorder looks different for every individual and there is no ‘right’ or ‘perfect’ way to live a life of recovery. In addition to developing recovery skills and implementing effective support systems, patients must also accept that challenges are likely to arise and understand that they have not failed even if recovery lapses occur.â€
For more information about National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2013, visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/nedawareness-week.
Join Eating Recovery Center and its partner programs, The Moore Center and Summit Eating Disorders and Outreach Program, at the following events during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2013:
• National Eating Disorders Association Walk, hosted by The Eating Disorder Network of Central Florida; Sunday, February 24, Orlando, Fla. (Eating Recovery Center sponsoring)
• Mind and Body Fair, hosted by the University of Northern Colorado’s Women’s Resource Center; Monday, February 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Greeley, Colo. (Eating Recovery Center exhibiting)
• Eating Recovery Center Patient Artwork Exhibit; February 25-March 1, Eating Recovery Center lobby, 1830 Franklin Street, Denver, Colo.
• Eating Recovery Center Patient Artwork Exhibition Reception; Thursday, February 28, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Eating Recovery Center lobby, 1830 Franklin Street, Denver, Colo.
• Amber Sokoll, MA, NCC, RYT, speaking at Beyond the Mirror’s professional networking event; Tuesday, February 26, Fort Collins, Colo.
• Jennifer Lombardi, MFT, speaking at the Celebrate Your Body Week event, hosted by the University of California Davis; Wednesday, February 27, Davis, Calif. (Summit speaking, exhibiting)
• Jennifer Lombardi, MFT, speaking at the Love Your Body event, hosted by California State University Sacramento; Thursday, February 28, Sacramento, Calif. (Summit speaking, exhibiting)
• Celebrity Dance Challenge, hosted by the Eating Disorders Information Network; Thursday, February 28, Atlanta, Ga. (Eating Recovery Center sponsoring, attending)
• Jen Sommer, RD, speaking at Eating Disorders Coalition of Iowa event; Saturday, March 2, Des Moines, Iowa. (Eating Recovery Center speaking, exhibiting)
• National Eating Disorders Association Walk, hosted by the University of Nevada Reno; Saturday, March 2, Reno, Nev. (Summit sponsoring, exhibiting)
Binge Eating Disorder Workshop, hosted by The Moore Center; Saturday, March 2, Bellevue, Wash.
About Eating Recovery Center
Eating Recovery Center is an international center providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS and binge eating disorder. Under the personal guidance and care of Drs. Kenneth Weiner, Craig Johnson, Emmett Bishop and Ovidio Bermudez, programs provide a full spectrum of services for children, adolescents and adults that includes Inpatient, Residential, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services. Our compassionate team of professionals collaborates with treating professionals and loved ones to cultivate lasting behavioral change. Denver-based facilities include the Behavioral Hospital for Adults, the Behavioral Hospital for Children and Adolescents, the Partial Hospitalization Program and Outpatient Services for Adults, and the Partial Hospitalization Program for Children and Adolescents. In an effort to increase patient access to care throughout the United States, Eating Recovery Center partners with Summit Eating Disorders and Outreach Program in Sacramento, Cali., and The Moore Center for Eating Disorders in Bellevue, Wash. Summit offers Partial Hospitalization and Outpatient Services as well as Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services in Fresno and Roseville. The Moore Center offers Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services. For more information, please contact us at 877-218-1344 or info@EatingRecoveryCenter.com or confidentially chat live on our website at www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com.
Leading contender for the Figure International crown, Candice Keene shares some of her tips to stay sane during contest prep. She shares her current book of choice, iPad app for visualization and more. Read what Candice is doing in the final days before heading to Columbus for the Arnold Sports Festival.
Hey All!
Another week down, another week to go! This point in the “last leg†of prep is very crucial, not only physical but mental as well. As we all know, the closer the show the lower the carbs go… aka brain fog and zombified Lol. Since I have a tendency to forget what I need to do at times, I have been Mind Mapping what I need to get done going into the show. Mind Mapping is awesome! It helps me organize and break down my tasks for school and prep, etc. It is a powerful visual thinking tool to keep the mind organized, free from becoming overwhelmed, and lessen that brain fog!
For those of you iPad owners, there is an app called iThoughts. This also helps with visualizing goals and planning ahead.
Speaking of visualizing, another thing I do before each show is create a vision board. Even though I have the imagery in my head, the actual practice and engagement of taking part in the vision board creation is very powerful. By looking through magazine clipping, quotes etc., your mind is allowed to be “set free†and you become creative with it. The purpose of vision boards or goal writing is to “put it out there.†I believe by putting it out there, it will come back to you.
Another important thing I do before shows is positive self-talk practice imagery, or visualization… Super Important!! So those are a few of my preshow practices I like to do to keep on track and to keep my head right! Remember, the mind is a powerful tool…be sure to use it right and to your advantage!
A week from today I will be in C-Bus!!
Until Next time!! Xo CK
Follow Candice on twitter at @candicekeene, Instagram @candicekeene and like her facebook page. Check out her competition photos on Bodybuilding.com. For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.
Lead image courtesy of Candice Keene.
– See more of her Hardbody Road to The Arnold blogs at at: http://www.hardbodynews.com/?s=keene#sthash.kWjvXgKZ.dpuf
Bethany Cisternino is one week away from the Fitness International in Columbus, Ohio. She shares how she’s mixed up her training and what she’s doing in the final days of preparation for one of the biggest shows of the year. Bethany hits on training more instinctual this year and why this prep has been her best yet.
Bethany Cisternino – 2013 Fitness International Contender
Hello Hardbody Peeps!
I can’t believe the Arnold is T-10 days! I actually fly out 1 week from TODAY! It is make it or break it time. No time for tired, pouting, or negative thoughts. If they creep in I turn up my music, put my head down, and push right on through. The next 7 days I will focus on fine tuning my physique. I will begin to back down my weights, meaning I will not train as heavy but incorporate more sets.
This is difficult for me because I get what I call gym ADD; after 3 sets of one exercise I’m ready for the next challenge! I usually do 3 sets (not including warm up) of about 5 exercises. This week I will do 4 or 5 sets of 4 exercises. This makes me focus on conditioning instead of size, roundness, or muscularity. Because it is conditioning week I have increased my cardio by 10 minutes a day. It doesn’t sound like much but as an entire week it is 70 minutes which is a lot!
Looking back at this prep I have to say I think it is my best to date. By best I mean happiest, fullest, and most energy. I didn’t follow a set meal plan or training regimen. Every day my meals changed based on how I looked and how I felt. Don’t get me wrong, I eat the same basic foods; whey protein, eggs, chicken, turkey, oats, rice, and sweet potatoes. However, the amounts of carbs and fats changed depending on my energy level and intensity of training. Over the years I have learned to trust my body and the process.
I truly believe that for women diet and training should be more instinctual than traditional. There may come a time when traditional is needed but as a science I truly believe that we can turn our bodies into metabolic machines without becoming cranky, miserable, “bleepsâ€.
The Arnold Classic is one of the most fun weekends of the year! I wish all the competitors the best of luck! See you next week to find out my competition essentials and what is in my “show bag!!â€
Bethany Cisternino
Join us today for our LIVE Hardbody News twitter chat with Champion Figure competitor and popular fitness model, Nicole Wilkins. Nicole joins us LIVE on twitter at 9pm EST to answer your questions. She’ll talk about sitting out the Arnold, tips on modeling, her latest DVD and more. Nicole has appeared on numerous covers and has become one of the top competitors in the IFBB. She’s also a sponsored athlete with MET-RX, so if you have questions on sponsorship she’ll address those as well.
Don’t miss this opportunity to have Nicole answers your questions personally and live on twitter.
The Hardbody 411:
LIVE Hardbody News Twitter CHAT
DAY: Thursday, February 21, 2013
TIME: 9pm EST
HASHTAG: #asknicole
FOLLOW ON TWITTER: @hardbodynews and @NicoleMWilkins
NEW TO TWITTER CHAT?
Do a search for #asknicole on Twitter at 9pm EST to view the twitter conversation. ADD #askNicole to your tweets so everyone can join in the conversation and we can see your questions. You can follow along live on our twitter chat page as well.
We caught up with cover girl and popular fitness model, Amanda Latona live on twitter. The questions came in fast and furious. We weren’t able to ask every question that came in but during the hour the cover model shared with us and her fans she answered a variety of things thrown at her.
1Q What’s your biggest goal for 2013?
1A My goal every new year is to everything bigger, better and more awesome then the year before.That being said,more tv & mainstream.
2Q I’m having a hard time going to the #gym. How do you push yourself?
2A TRAINING HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PASSION OF MINE, SO I PHYSICALLY JUST LUV TO GO. I’ve been there though and thats the times u.
2A cont. You gotta invision what you want. GO AFTER IT! Dig deep, find that inner motivation& know that gotta out in the hard work
3Q U r my fav athlete! I fell off the wagon one year ago…what should I eat to start burning fat again?
3A I understand, 1st DONT get discouraged.Cut out all processed foods,limit carbs to 1st meal and post lift.lean protein/veggies
4Q Your glutes: genetics or what did you do to build them into what they are today?
4A I always say a mixture of both. had a butt since I was young but worked my butt off to build build it.YEARS of heavy lifting#askamanda
5Q Are you competing in 2013 & will you be at @ArnoldSports?
5A My plans are Olympia and Sac right now. Need a break for hormones, injuries. I will def be at the Arnold for @BSNFinishFirst
6Q Why do you eat 6 meals a day?
6A Ha why not? Heck I would eat 15 times a day if I could.I’m always hungry & luv me sum food.But, its to keep blood levels steady
7Q What got you started in the #fitness industry?
7A I started as a singer in a girls group.they gave us a gym membership 2 stay in shape. went in, fell in love, been hooked.
8Q How much cardio (time/how often) would you recommend and do you do?
8A Depends on ur goals. I’m never a slave to cardio. I like less time, more intense for me right now, 3-4 days @30-@35 min HIIT
9Q What is your favorite outfit to do a serious workout at the gym in?
9A Hands down @lululemon WonderUnders and a HOODIE. All my booty pics are in those & I’m never to naked @ gym. I’m There to work.
10Q What fat burners do you recommend & what’s your fav @BSNFinishFirst protein flavor?
10A @BSNFinishFirst HYPERSHRED! luv it. Ya’ll know me know I’m a peanut butter nut head! so syntha 6 choc.p.b. also…cont. @BSNFinishFirst I just found out is coming out with..wait for it…PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE FLAVOR FOR SYNTHA 6 !!#heaven
11Q Do you feel weight training is a good source of cardio? Trying to be careful w/ my adrenal fatigue.
11A Gotcha. Weight training is good cardio depending on intensity/rest periods/training styles. for cardio though, I like cardio.
12Q Do you have any regrets with #fitness or your singing career?
12A I live life with the mantra “I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be” no regrets. never dwell on the past
13Q What’s the best advice to get into #fitness modeling & getting a cover?
13A Know ur brand. Look good. Have a personality & knowledge. Be aggressive. Compete to be seen.Be humble & nice.
14Q Do you have any advice for someone who wants to compete one day in a pro fitness comp?
14A Get a good coach. Go to the shows to see what its all about. Knowledge is key. Talk to people, network, ask questions & research.
15Q Do you use heavier weights to help with toning & building more muscle Or lighter weights higher reps?
15A I don’t believe in building or toning. I lift heavy & lite to switch it up 4 my body. Diet &c ardio is my means of building or toning
16Q Who is your biggest inspiration & what motivates you?
16A inspiration is anyone who is selfless & helps people. in fitness, its people who set a goal&make positive changes in their life
16AA what motivates me are the people who tell me that I inspire them.It keeps me goin when I dont feel like it
17Q Do you eat carbs at night & what’s typically your last meal?
17A I sometimes but rarely eat carbs at night. I do add more carbs on lifting days. Last meal is 99%of the time protein/fat
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT I EAT. I USUALLY TAKE PICS AND POST EM ON INSTAGRAM, SO COME FOLLOW ME THERE. @amandalatona #askamanda
(We forgot to ask #18 oops)
19Q Can I train with you & what’s next for you this year?
19A WAHOO! You will FINALLY be able to train with me this year! I will be “hands on”training & posing at a new Vegas studio. Cant wait
20Q Where is the studio & do you have a #training DVD yet?
20A The studio is in Vegas but will be doin online as well. This year my goal is to have a training DVD.
Follow Amanda on twitter and stop by the BSN Booth at the 2013 Arnold to meet her in person.
Oksana Grishina stops by one last time before the Fitness International. She’s about 10 days out from the Fitness International in Columbus, Ohio and apparently has food on the brain. Read what Oksana has been cooking up en route to her run at the Fitness crown.
Hi everyone!
It’s the week before the Arnold! Time is going so fast but, honestly, I can’t wait to get on the Arnold stage! I’ve already started packing my bags, lol. In this prep, I’ve learned a lot. First of all, from my best friend the “food Channel”. HA! I learned how to cook cheesecake, donuts, cakes (all different kinds), tiramisu, ice cream, homemade bread… the list goes on forever, haha. My friends tell me to please stop cooking, it’s too much and sometimes not tasty. Of course, I can’t taste my own cooking, so I can’t tell if it’s any good. I guess they’re trying to be still polite with me.
I love how my body changes with every workout! It’s so great that my body appreciates all of my hard work! I have 4 more performance workouts and it’s important now to be safe. I spend a lot of time to warm up my body well, so I have less risk of injury! Close to the contest I don’t have any day or night time. I eat and workout around the clock, using all 24 hours. I sleep whenever I need to and anywhere I want to, lol.
Again, I want to thank all my fans for their support through this prep! You know how much I appreciate it! See you on the Arnold stage, and also make sure to stop by the SAN booth on Saturday and Sunday. I’ll be there all day long. Don’t forget to bring some tasty food for me, lol.
Love,
Oksana
IFBB Fitness Pro
www.oksanagrishina.com
Follow Oksana on twitter at @OksanaGrishina and like her Facebook page.
For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.
Hardbody momma, Trish Warren gives us an update on her busy life en route to her return to the Fitness stage. Trish juggles being a wife, mom and business owner while preparing for one of the biggest competitions of the year. She shares how she includes her adorable daughter into her workouts. Trish shares a few workout photos where baby Faith goes along for the ride and appears to be having a blast.
With less than 2 weeks to show time, I can honestly say that this has been one heck of an amazing journey! I’ve enjoyed every moment of this with my daughter Faith who just turned 1! It’s hard to believe that our normal mornings of watching news and having coffee have turned into watching cartoons and catering to a 1 yr. old!
My comeback will be very memorable to me as I realize that I’ve had to compromise on so many things. For instance I have a hard time just going to the gym to grab a normal workout! Faith gladly makes herself part of my training time! If I want to ensure a successful session, I have to keep Faith entertained and out of the way of the other gym members. This is a typical training day with Faith.
First we start with ball squats, and yes I said ‘WE”. Faith and I will do 50 reps. Next it’s on to single leg lunge with a back kick. I will do 15 a leg. Remember I have to get as creative as I can to keep Faith from being bored with the same movements.
We will then go on to single leg stiff leg deadlifts, I will do 15 a leg really concentrating on perfect form. Faith actually helps me stay balanced during this exercise. From there we will go into 25 a leg side lunges, and finish with 30 body squats going as deep as I can go. I will go through this routine 3-4 times total depending on how well Faith is holding up!
After workout, we both grab a healthy lunch and then it’s on to our hour of cardio. I love to run, and Faith loves being outside, so it’s a match made in heaven! The weather has been beautiful here in Texas which makes for a pleasant afternoon outing! Faith usually gets her 30 minute beauty nap in during our run, so by the time we make it home, she’s all rested and re-energized and I am doing my best to drag myself in and grab a cold piece of chicken before I pass out!
This is the time that Branch gets to keep his princess entertained, so I can tend to our logistics business, it’s pretty funny watching him push her around the house on her Barbie car! Oh yes she has him wrapped around her little finger! This has not been a “normal” contest prep, but it has been good for me! I am stoked about being back and can’t wait to see how the weekend unfolds. Thanks for following my journey and I will see you in Columbus.
Until Next Time,
Love Life and God Bless!
Trish Warren
Check out Trish’s contest photos and competition history. Follow her on twitter @trishwarren and on facebook. For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.
Photos courtesy of Trish Warren for HardbodyNews.
Candice John is an international IFBB figure competitor and faces challenges many of her fellow competitors don’t. Living outside of the USA can present a set of obstacles many people may not be aware of but Candice gives us a look at what it’s like to live, eat and trains outside of the USA.
Candice John – 2013 Fitgure International Contender
Introduction
Having left my life in the sunny Caribbean island of Trinidad to stay in the USA for the next few months, it seems fitting that in this article I give Hardbody readers a bit of insight into my life as a very active figure competitor, who splits her time between the US and her home country.
I imagine that there are many women who live outside the USA who have the dream I once had i.e. to compete in the USA as a professional IFBB figure competitor. Many of them might think that their dream is unattainable, since there are so many obstacles in their way. Unlike the NPC, in my region i.e. Central-American and Caribbean, only one IFBB figure pro card is given out each year and the transition into the pro ranks can be challenging.
After winning my pro card, I must confess that it took me a couple of years to acclimatize to the new competitive environment. I was like a deer in headlights at my first show, but sharing the stage with the best in the industry helped me recalibrate my modus operandi when I returned home.
What’s it like as a competitor when I live in Trinidad?
Thinking of it, once they have a reliable data connection, international competitors aren’t really at a disadvantage when it comes to staying in contact with their coaches and others in the industry. Because we live in an age where we can access information and communicate with others with ease, I was able to research and find the best figure coach and team in the USA. Though I was thousands of miles away, I was able to get the proper guidance and support which were critical to my success as a competitor. My old diet and training were supplanted by ones that were structured for a professional. As a result,the changes to my body were immediate and I started to move up in my placings.
One thing that technology has not dealt with so far is the weather, lol! Being fortunate enough to come from a country that has warm weather for the most part of the year, having to deal with extreme cold weather is often a major adjustment. This was the case in New York a couple of weeks ago. It surely made staying looking pretty, with make-up intact, a difficult task. I was a complete mess. A pink nose from the constant blowing, watery eyes which made my mascara run. It looked like I had been bawling my eyes out. Lipstick filled the cracks of my chapped lips and to top off, the Caribbean girl in freezing weather look…ashy skin with frizzing hair. I was a sight to behold. I know you women who experience this totally understand what I mean. Luckily, my only concern when I was in Trinidad was that it was too hot outside.
What’s it like to eat my local foods whilst competing and dieting?
In Trinidad, I don’t always have access to the specific foods on my diet. For example, we do not have fresh asparagus, so I sometimes have to tweak my diet accordingly, by incorporating other types of vegetables. I have even found recently that due to the high use of pesticides on local cucumbers, I developed an allergic reaction. My lips swell and turn red, not a cute look at all, so this has resulted in me removing cucumbers from the already strict list of things that I can have. Organic produce is also scarce in our larger supermarkets. Though a couple health shops might carry organic goods, the selection is extremely limited and expensive.
Trinidad has limited distributors, so supermarkets often get their produce on a set day of the week i.e. Thursday. This is a big problem for me when I run out of the items on my meal plan, so to get around this I stock up every week, but I hate having so much food in the house, even if it is all healthy stuff. I run the risk of closing my eyes and slipping in an extra ounce here and there, lol! On the other hand, when I’m in the US, there is an ample supply and a wide variety of produce in the supermarkets. I honestly look like a tourist or country bumpkin because I could spend an entire day at Whole Foods, just cruising the aisles looking at the wide variety of colors of fruits and vegetables.
What’s it like training in Trinidad?
Training in Trinidad remains pretty much the same as I have a plan given to me by my coach in the US. In Trinidad, I am more flexible with my training times as I have a full home gym, so I can train anytime… NO EXCUSES EVER! Also, I do a great deal of outdoor training, using hills and stairs. If any one of you ever visit me, there is a very steep hill near to my home, which makes for a killer workout. When you get back to your treadmill in the gym, and raise the incline to 15%, it will be a walk in the park, lol. There is also an athletic facility nearby, to which I have 24 hr access. In the US, you need to get permission or you need to be affiliated with a college/university to gain entry to use their facilities (track, stairs, etc.). When I’m home, I do not have to worry about these things.
What’s it like living in the US as an international competitor?
Competing as an international IFBB figure competitor is definitely not for the faint of heart, as much of the time includes staying in different hotels, living out of suitcases and really not having that one space to simply call home. I enjoy the time I spend in Trinidad, however I really look forward to re-assimilating myself when I come to my second home i.e. USA. It’s my time to reconnect with my fitness life, my fitness world and it gives me the opportunity to live amongst my coaches and team mates. I really look forward to this, for it’s refreshing to be around women who live my lifestyle and who have the same level of discipline necessary to excel in the sport.
When it comes to traveling to the US, this is when the expense starts. Firstly, it’s very expensive to travel to the United States from Trinidad to compete, let alone compete in the number of shows that I do yearly. Before I land in the US, my credit card would have taken several hits, as I would have booked airfare, accommodation, transport, etc. I implore anyone who chooses to live this lifestyle that shopping around for the best deals and being highly cost-efficient is a must. Look at various hotel rates and never go with the first quote, budget in advance just to know approximately how much you may need, it may be more, or it may be less. Get every reward card possible… I have Marriott, Hilton Honors, you name it. Get club cards, airline memberships and anything else that can get you free upgrades or special services like waiving of baggage fees, upgrades to first class, room upgrades, access to lounges…you get the idea. Also, don’t be afraid to ask hotel managers for discounts, especially if you are staying for a long time. I always felt that I would sound cheap if I asked managers for a discount, but what I found was that if you could reach them on a human level, they are sometimes willing to take off an extra 10 to 15%. What the heck, you have nothing to lose!
One thing that frustrates me a bit when I live in the US is my lack of independence. In Trinidad, I drive on the left side, whereas in the US, motorists drive on the right, so I haven’t mastered the art of driving yet in the US. I am therefore heavily dependent on cabs, which can be time consuming when you have to wait on them to go anywhere. They are also quite expensive. My daily cab fare can reach as much as US $40. Renting a car might cost around the same, but when I add the cost of gas and the risk of spending time in jail for hitting a pedestrian with my rental car, I think taking a cab is my best choice. There is the option of public transport, but after an intense workout, the last thing I want to do is stand and wait at a bus stop. I guess, you have to weigh it out and see what is best for you.Though you might be geographically far away, a must have is an EXTREMELY supportive spouse and family.
My spouse of 12 years is very understanding and supportive. In my absence, he handles everything, from our home to our business. He also tries to travel to as many of my shows as he can. My family members, as well, are fantastic. They respect what I do and shower me with so much love and support. Facetime and Skype help make the days shorter and not so lonely.
In ending, I hope that by sharing some of my experiences as an international IFBB figure competitor in the US helps women from around the world, who have that dream of competing in the IFBB, realize that it can be accomplished.
For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.
Here it goes… for the past few months, I have not been training for the Bikini International. I am sure I have a lot of explaining to do, so I will start typing.
As 2012 came to a close, I decided sit down and write out my 2013 prayers and goals. I really do not like the whole “New Years Resolution” thing. One of my goals was to get in the best shape of my life for the Arnold Classic. As I contemplated my goals a little more, I began to think about the fact that I would be turning 30 March 7th, a week after the Arnold. So many thoughts and emotions were running through me and I became very convicted. I scratched out “get in the best shape of my life for the Arnold Classic” and wrote “be the healthiest inside and out I have ever been (mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually) when I turn 30”.
Of course that still meant I wanted to train the hardest I ever have and step on stage at my best for the Bikini International..but this time, I truly would be doing it for me! My goal was to train for life, not a show. As I am about to compete in my third Arnold classic, I can honestly say, I have never felt better. I am in the best place I have ever been in my walk with Christ and I am truly filled with joy and purpose like never before, which I know is key to everything else in life falling into place.
I have enjoyed my training, pushing it to levels I never have, my diet was spot on, and I changed things up with an awesome holistic approach that has my body functioning on higher levels and feeling amazing. I didn’t go through this prep tired and drained. I had energy and a new purpose to help push me. I see so many women that are competing that kill themselves with training, diet, and cardio. Doing so many things that are incredibly harmful to their bodies…and for what?! A few minutes on stage?, a magazine cover?, a trophy?!.
Let me tell you, the stage lights will soon fade, the magazines will pick another cover model, and that trophy that means so much to you will collect dust. You only have one body and once chance to live a healthy life! Take the time to reevaluate your priorities for your training and competing, it is so very worth it!
This time when I step on stage I will truly feel that I have already won. I will walk out on that prestigious stage with my head held high and feeling so thankful and grateful to God for all of my many blessings…and hopefully I will look good doing it ;), ha!. This experience will make celebrating this milestone birthday with my amazing fiance, family and friends just a little more sweet :).
Thank you for letting me share my journey to the Arnold with y’all! All the best and God bless!
Jess
Follow Jessica on twitter at @JessFit.
For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.
Join us today for our LIVE Hardbody News twitter chat. Popular fitness model, Amanda Latona joins us today at 6PM EST LIVE on twitter. She’ll be answering all your questions and sharing insight into how she went from virtual unknown in the world of fitness to one of the most popular models in the biz. Amanda has appeared on numerous covers including the current issue of Muscle & Fitness HERS.
Don’t miss this opportunity to have Amanda answers your questions personally and live on twitter.
The Hardbody 411:
LIVE Hardbody News Twitter CHAT
Fitness personality, cover model and multi-talented Amanda Latona joins us for a live twitter chat on Tuesday, February 19th at 6pm EST.
Amanda answers your questions LIVE on twitter. Find out how she went from a recording artist to top fitness personality.
DAY: Tuesday, February 19, 2013
TIME: 6pm EST
HASHTAG: #askamanda
FOLLOW ON TWITTER: @hardbodynews and @amandalatona
NEW TO TWITTER CHAT?
Do a search for #askamanda on Twitter at 6pm EST to view the twitter conversation. ADD #askamanda to your tweets so everyone can join in the conversation and we can see your questions. You can follow along live on our twitter chat page as well.
Amanda will be appearing at the BSN booth throughout the 2013 Arnold Sports Festival next week.
If you missed our Live Twitter Chat with cover model and reigning Bikini Olympia champion Nathalia Melo don’t sweat it. We’ve compiled the top 20 questions that were asked of the Brazilian Bikini star and what her answers were. Twitter forces you to be short and to the point as there are only 140 characters available in each “tweet.
Keep in mind this was on twitter and you’ll notice abbreviations and shortened words to keep within 140 characters. #ASKNAT TWITTER CHAT
1Q. What made you decide to move to the USA from Brazil?
1A. I felt like there were many things and dreams I wanted to go after! Here was the perfect place!
2Q. What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?
2A. Ha! I’ve seen lots of ppl think I don’t understand their sneaky offers because English isn’t my first language and I have an accent.
3Q. What is your first language and will you be at the first @ArnoldSports Brasil this year?
3A. First language is Portuguese, and YES will be at the @ArnoldSports Brazil! So excited! Oh… and ”HOLA” is not Portuguese! =p
4Q. How did u keep urself motivated during ur first competition & how did u keep ur nerves down?
4A. I always liked workin out, so the changes in my body kept me motivated. I wasn’t really nervous… Not shy here! LOL
5Q. Aside from the language what was the biggest change from Brazil?
5A. The opportunities! There are a lot of opportunities in the US… I am very thankful for all this country has offered me.
6Q. What’s your biggest inspiration or drive? By the way always love your first appearance on @muscle_fitness
6A. It inspires me to know that all my hardwork and dedication inspires ppl all over the world to be fitter and healthier.
7Q. Do you typically do a.m. cardio on an empty stomach?
7A. Yeah! I tried eating before, but it didnt work well… I got sick! Oooops! LOL
8Q. I know your family is important to you. How have they supported you and your fitness career? Especially early on.
8A. I moved to US solo when I was 20, and worked my butt off to support myself, but now they understand n support my choices.
9Q. Did you play sports/dance/cheer/ballet, or do gymnastics growing up?
9A. I played everything, and sucked at them all! Hahahaha… I’ve always been into sports tho!
10Q. Do u have any advice for a first time #bikini competitor 6 weeks out from my first show?
10A. Do it for YOU and enjoy the ride!
11Q. Now that you’re getting alot of exposure do you have any new goals because of it?
11A. Of course! You always wanna be better than you were yesterday! Lots of cool things in the make…stay tuned!
12Q. Do you watch the @UFC and if so who is your favorite fighter?
12A. I could say ”The Brazilian ones”, but that would be 75% of UFC…hahaha… I do like Anderson
13Q. Other than “Awesome”, How did it feel winning Olympia last year?
13A. I still cant believe it! Everytime I watch a video or see a picture I am like ”Daaaang, That’s me!!” LOL
14Q. Do you ever drink a glass of wine?
14A. AbsofreakinLutely! I am human too! LOL.. I take 2 times off a year, and enjoy myself with good food n cpl glasses of wine.
15Q. Do you have a cheat day or cheat meal during your prep and if so what do you like?
15A. Not during contest prep. I could but i rather not have. I found it to reduce my cravings. After comp. I love chocolate! <3
16Q. How did you first get published in a magazine & any advice for new #models?
16A. I shot wit @liftstudios and he submitted my pics,n the mag liked them.Look for published photographers or reach out for the mag
17Q. Do you cook all your own food at once for the week and how do you stay on track when traveling?
17A. Cook 2x week. Food tastes a bit fresher. When traveling in season I take all my cooked food with me
18Q. How often to do you lift with weights and do you ever train other women?
18A, Weights 5x/week. I am a personal trainer, n 99% of my clients are women.
19Q. Do you still run as much as you were last prep & is it only outdoors or do you use a treadmill? Any incline, if so?
19A. Lots of running again! I run mostly on the treadmill cause in FL there are no ”inclines”LOL Once or 2x/week I run on the track
20Q. Will you be doing any other competitions after the @arnoldSports & will you have more camps if so where?
20A. I’m doin @FitXEvent and the Olympia. Confirmed seminars so far in Moncton and Newfoundland both in Canada. More to come..
That wraps it up for our live twitter chat with @nathaliamelofit. #askNat See her compete at the @ArnoldSports in 2 weeks.
HUGE thanks to @hardbodynews everyone who was a part of our Live chat! I had lots of fun and can’t wait to be on stage at @ArnoldSports
Follow Nathalia on twitter at @nathaliaMeloFit. You can see her compete at the 2013 Bikini International in Columbus, Ohio. Follow us on twitter at HardbodyNews. Check back for more live twitter chats in the days ahead with other Hardbody people.
The 2013 Arnold Amateur competitor lists have been posted today and keeping with the continued trend, the bikini and figure division dominate the divisions. The other sad trend is the decrease in fitness numbers. Only 10 women have entered the amateur fitness division. Women’s bodybuilding sits around 20 competitors and the new women’s physique division is just over 30 total entrants. Many of the Bikini divisions have over thirty in each height class.
The Arnold Amateur is open to any Bodybuilding, Fitness or Figure athlete residing in the United States who is registered as a member of the National Physique Committee and has placed in the top five in an NPC National qualifying event; or the top international IFBB amateur competitors who are recommended by their respective national IFBB affiliates. The Master’s division is open to competitors 35 and over. There is no qualification needed for classic bodybuilding, bikini and men and women’s physique.
VENUES
The 2013 Arnold Amateur NPC/IFBB International Men’s & Women’s Bodybuidling, Fitness, Figure, Figure Masters, Bikini & Men’s & Women’s Physique Championships will be held at Veterans Memorial and the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Veterans Memorial
300 W. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Greater Columbus Convention Center
400 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Guests of competitors can purchase a general admission, all-day ticket for $25 in advance at ticketmaster.com/Arnold or at Veterans Memorial on Thursday, February 28, 2013 or Friday, March 1, 2013.
Lightweght (10)
Laura Raquel Saccomani De Bordon (Paraguay)
Veronica Martinez Castillon (Mexico)
Kavva Elena (Greece)
Rosanne Harte (United Kingdom)
Rowena Marcaida (Singapore)
Braka Njegovec (Croatia)
Denise Nuckols (Fayetteville, N.C.)
Nidia Hermosilla Ocampos (Paraguay)
Jessica Pagsisihan (Edmonton, Canada)
Ana Paula da Silva (Brazil)
Heavyweight (8)
Maureen Donlevy Clary (Fort Mill, S.C.)
Shannon Doyle (Killeen, Texas)
Heidi Hegg (Anchorage, Alaska)
Joan Liew (Singapore)
Jill Lundy (Goodyear, Ariz.)
Kashma Siana Maharaj (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Nina Midling (Norway)
Matta Silvia (Italy)
Short Class (18)
Noemia Francisca de Abreu (Brazil)
Nicole Bly (DuBois, Penn.)
Erin Duggan (Avon, Conn.)
Kristina Dybdahi (Denmark)
Maria Vincenza Gioia (San Marino)
Teasha Hardy (Gahanna, Ohio)
Teresa Heron (Canada)
Lori McGraw (Mokena, Ill.)
Tiffany Mosely (Louisville, Ky.)
Isabela Oliveira (Brazil)
Maria Rita Penteado (Glen Head, N.Y.)
Laura Pfeiffer (Columbus, Ohio)
Rita Piko (Clifton, N.Y.)
Lada Plihalova (Czech Republic)
Floor Van Putten (Netherlands)
Evy Anita Rustad (Norway)
Danielle Alves Balbino da Silva (Brazil)
Anne-Marie Swisher (Roanoke, Va.)
Tall Class (12)
Alma Agic (Atlanta, Ga.)
Daniele da Cunha (Brazil)
Karen Dallas (Deerwood. Minn.)
Zsuzsanna Kellner (Hungary)
Maggie Kuhn (Hilliard, Ohio)
Jessica Link (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
Charlene Maldonado (New Albany, Ohio)
Mande Martinez (Chatsworth, N.J.)
Bianca Antunes Nobrega (Brazil)
Mica Schneider (Westerville, Ohio)
Ida Sefland (Denmark)
Alicia Terrell (Coconut Creek, Fla.)
Class Unknown (2)
Adrey Lopunshanskiy (Azerbaijan)
Elena Shvetsova (Azerbaijan)
Fitness Short Class (7)
Chika Aluka (Round Rock, Texas)
Maria Grant (Edmonton, Canada)
Huang Saijun (Hong Kong)
Kim Scoffins (Canada)
Shannon Siemer (Effingham, Ill.)
Melinda Szabo (Hungary)
Toni Wheeler (Morehead, Ky.)
Fitness Tall Class (3)
Marta Aguiar (Uruguay)
LeNora Angles (Gahanna, Ohio)
Alevtyna Titarenko (Ukraine)
Figure A Class (8)
Christina Clausen (Lemont, Ill.)
April Dumouchel (Canada)
Katrina Kocielska (Canada)
Samantha Maycock (Dallas, Georgia)
Jill Pirchesky (Greensboro, N.C.)
Dawn Reichley (Dayton, Ohio)
Chie Terui (Homewood, Ill.)
Figure B Class (20)
Damariz Salazar Absalon (Mexico)
Stacey Adams (Wyomissing, Penn.)
Michelle Bailey (Trinidad & Tobago)
Heather Cobb (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
Michelle Davis (Ostrander, Ohio)
Gook Elina (Russia)
Trisha Fleischer (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Danita Fry (Bahamas)
Viviana Evangelista Gimenez Guanes (Paraguay)
Alyssa Hawkins (Fayetteville, N.C.)
Nora Raquel Martinez Jara (Paraguay)
Simei Pimentel de Jesus (Brazil)
Evangelina Figueroa Loreto (Mexico)
Silvia Pavliskova (Slovakia)
Brittany Ramsey (Bolingbrook, Ill.)
Viviana Smerilli (Coral Springs, Fla.)
Mariane Tomita (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
Tiffany Vann (Chicago, Ill.)
Bajana Vasiljevic (Serbia)
Sandra Tacza Zapata (Peru)
Figure C Class (24)
Simone Bonus (Canada)
Hyla Conrad (Corydon, Ind.)
Audreana Cornelissen (Wilmington, N.C.)
Cristina Menini (Italy)
Cristina Romano (Italy)
Angela Derzapf (Germany)
Etzel del Carmen Delgado Fernandez (Panama)
Mishanoe Frans (Curacao)
Zory Garasimcuk (Salem, Oregon)
Sara Heimisdottir (Iceland)
Eleni Kritikopoulou (Greece)
Autumn Massey (Morehead City, N.C.)
Alicia McDowell (Evansville, Ind.)
Bruna Miyagui (Brazil)
Filatova Olga (Russia)
Rachel Omolewu (Atlanta, Ga.)
Sharissa Perez (New Orleans, La.)
Emmanuela Pinus (Canada)
Asher Prior (Australia)
Radojkovic Snezana (Serbia)
Anna Szcotka (Poland)
Christina Watson (Xenia, Ohio)
Nikolayeva Yarslava (Russia)
Figure D Class (21)
Tamara Beckers (Canada)
Darci Campbell (Clintonville, Ohio)
Elena Cuzuioc (Italy)
Regina DeLaurentis (Mundalein, Ill.)
Elena Mishyrina (Russia)
Federica Ghezzi (Italy)
Danielle Ferreira (San Diego, Calif.)
Sophie Haddad (Dearborn Heights, Mich.)
Tiffany Hamilton (Olive Branch, Miss.)
Marsela Ilic (Serbia)
Veronica Kolyada (Elk Grove Village, Ill.)
Kristie Ott (Federal Way, Wash.)
Shannon Pointer (Semora. N.C.)
Teagan Posey (Middletown, Ohio)
Maira Susana Ramirez (Mexico)
Nina Ross (United Kingdom)
Freyja Siguroardotir (Iceland)
Cindy Steele (Memphis, Tenn.)
Ludmila Tavolaro (Brazil)
Ursula Valencia (Spring Valley, Calif.)
Philita Wheeler (Zanesville, Ohio)
Figure E Class (10)
Cindy Angulo (Phoeniz, Ariz.)
Vanessa Bailey (North Charleston, S.C.)
Lesley Barents (Netherlands)
Maria-Kristin Carroll (Mary Esther, Fla.)
Amanda Fletcher (Southlake, Texas)
Andrea Legradi (Hungary)
Meni Moskowski (Canada)
Viktoria Szilagyi (Miami, Fla.)
Yulia Ushakova (Russia)
Laurie Wojcik (Angola, N.Y.)
Figure F Class (10)
Tina Anderson (Canada)
Beata Antoninas (Canada)
Beckie Boddie (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Jennifer Bradford (Lexington, Ky.)
Julia Carlson (Wadlport, Ore.)
Viaura Centeno (Sarasota, Fla.)
Danielle Dam (Norwalk, Conn.)
Virginia Kinkel (Washington, D.C.)
Kimberly Lewis (Midlothian, Va.)
Rinnah Schmid (Australia)
Short Class (21)
Tracy Allen (Carlsbad, Calif.)
Mart del Amo (Spain)
Giordani Annamaria (Italy)
Ann Claiborne (Fountain, Colo.)
Jaqueline de la Torre Duenas (Mexico)
Veronica Gallego (Spain)
Wally Gravett (Ooltewah, Tenn.)
Tracy Grogg (West Jefferson, Ohio)
Amy Hearon (Edmond, Okla.)
Jennifer Hill (Sumter, S.C.)
Jodie Luther-Kofod (Savannah, Ga.)
Penny Lunkenheimer (Cato, N.Y.)
Angela Lynn Morales (Corbin, Ky.)
Susana Garcia Rivas (Mexico)
Dinah Salazar (Venezuela)
Jeanette Samuelson (Del Ray Beach, Fla.)
Melitta Simmons (Dublin, Ohio)
Luciane Viera (Brazil)
Rina Cardenas Zamudio (Mexico)
Medium Class (18)
Renee Black (Columbus, Ohio)
Roberta Bozzao (Italy)
Tomi Ann Butler (Jupiter, Fla.)
Lisa Callingham (Australia)
Timea Csotonyi (Canada)
Tena Donze (Pelham, Ala.)
Charlotte Exline (Carroll, Ohio)
Betty Jo Ganey (Bend, Ore.)
Melanie Gardner (Canada)
Kim Gramlich (Canada)
Josee Hammond (Canada)
Bren Lauver (Bernville, Pa.)
Yvonne Melendez (Grove City, Ohio)
Karina Rhode (Noblesville, Ind.)
Shelly Sayman (Gilbert, Ariz.)
Pamela Waugh (Columbus, Ohio)
Kristi Yarter (Kingsland, Texas)
Tall Class (9)
Martina Abukhal (Czech Republic)
Rosalind Alexander (Singapore)
Shannon Brown (Botkins, Ohio)
Teri Donald (New Brunswick, Canada)
Lauren Manning (Dublin, Ohio)
Keneese McNamer (Bolingbrook, Ill.)
Tye Pierpoint (Flower Mound, Texas)
Danielle Smith (Pickerington, Ohio)
Christina Splittgerber (Olathe, Kansas)
Bikini A Class (11)
Jessica Barth (South Jordan, Utah)
Brooke Bartlebaugh (Lorain, Ohio)
Elspeth Dana (Bellbrook, Ohio)
Andrea King (Tierra Verde, Fla.)
Michelle Inah King (Edina, Minn.)
Larissa Lira (Bartlett, Ill.)
Noura Matouk (Alcoa, Tenn.)
Caryn Paolini (Aurora, Ill.)
Jodi Rector (Rockport, W.V.)
Wany Reyes (Miami, Fla.)
Alma Villanueva (Sterling Heights, Mich.)
Lauren Wood (Gahanna, Ohio)
Bikini B Class (30)
Dyana Alexander (Winter Park, Fla.)
Anjali Antani (Naperville, Ill.)
Nataly Leticia Perez Banuelos (Mexico)
Mel Bors (Minneapolis, Minn.)
Maria Karina Constantino Durzo (Mexico)
J. Karina Escobar (Dublin, Ohio)
Maria Isabella Ferrari (Boca Raton, Fla.)
Eve Freeman (Salisbury, N.C.)
Mawy Lobato Gutierrez (Spain)
Michelle Holdsworth (Columbus, Ohio)
Kara Jennings (Auburn, Ind.)
Brandi Jordan (Lexington, Ky.)
Samantha Leete (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Jenna Carmen Lithgow (South Africa)
Heather Loucks (Michigan City, Ind.)
Elena Nadezhdina (Russia)
Elda Priscila Segovia Lujan (Mexico)
Jade Roxanne Mackinnon (New Zealand)
Caroline Mahar (Wilmington, N.C.)
Yurie Larisssa Hasegawa Cassio Maraccini (Brazil)
Branda Daniela Villalpando Perez (Mexico)
Noylan Dunn-Pulaski (Westerville, Ohio)
Chelah Ryan (Hopkins, Minn.)
Samantha Slaven (Rolling Meadows, Ill.)
Maricela Munoz Santacruz (Mexico)
Julia Souza (Orlando, Fla.)
Rodora Ferman Trinchera (Phillipines)
Jennifer Trotman (Santa Monica, Calif.)
April Wintle (Bethesda, Maryland)
Bikini C Class (40)
Gabrielle Ahmed (Canada)
Nadirah Baldwin (Chesapeake, Va.)
Nikolett Benedek (Hungary)
Lesley Bimonte (Marysville, Ohio)
Chanel Carter (Ashland, Ky.)
Yulia Shumakova-Catron (Singapore)
Nina Cash (Beavercreek, Ohio)
Heather Caster (Gladstone, Missouri)
Erin Flax (New Albany, Ohio)
Camry Gasio (Edmond, Oklahoma)
Martine Gauthier (Canada)
Andrea Gordon (Denver, Colo.)
Tracy Gramer (Atlanta, Ga.)
Kristina Grogan (Pickerington, Ohio)
Martina Hageli (Switzerland)
Beth Hagendorf (La Jolla, Calif.)
Hayleigh Hanna (Columbus, Ohio)
Shari Harrison (Canada)
Sarah Ingmanson (Henderson, Nev.)
Anne Johnson (Fayetteville, N.C.)
Pauline Marshall (Dayton, Ohio)
Tiffany Mast (Warren, Ohio)
Hannah McMahon (Hilliard, Ohio)
Krista Mobley (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Ann O’Keefe (Elkhart, Ind.)
Angelika Perez (Kansas City, Kan.)
Lian Price (Springfield, N.J.)
Valentina Guadalupe Parra Rivera (Mexico)
Visintainer Roberts (Italy)
Sara Rodriguez (Spain)
Julie Royer (Canada)
Crystal Rutherford (Columbus, Ohio)
Midori Rutledge (Canada)
Shadia Smidi (Columbus, Ohio)
Courtney Shanks (Hudson, Ohio)
Priscilla Smith (Arlington, Texas)
Natalie Neurouth Sosa (Mexico)
Sarah Vance (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Pricilla Verona (Miami, Fla.)
Beth Workman (United Kingdom)
Bikini D Class (45)
Charmaine Barden (Kenosha, Wisc.)
Emily Braker (Hixson, Tenn.)
Shannon Buflod (Mason, Ohio)
Iuliia Butova (Elmhurst, N.Y.)
Kristine Carr (Canada)
Kerry Champlin (Buffalo, N.Y.)
Denita Clark (Atlanta, Georgia)
Jessica Ellis (Hilliard, Ohio)
Svetlena Eregina (Russia)
Melanie Evans (Indianpolis, Ind.)
Brandie Farley (Columbus, Ohio)
Dorothy Fife (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Sabrina Frank (Springfield, Ill.)
Amanda Gaudio (Delaware, Ohio)
Jessica Humphrey (Westchester, Ohio)
Alexis Huntermark (The Woodlands, Texas)
Yana Kashcheeva (Russia)
Tamara Keith (Virginia)
Victoria Kirsanova (Belarus)
Ashley Kurtenbach (Spearfish, S.D.)
Michelle LaCost (Colleyville, Texas)
Denisa Lipovska (Slovakia)
Amy McDermott (Pickerington, Ohio)
Jeana Mullins (Loma Linda, Calif.)
Natalia Nevskaia (Russia)
Lindsay Nutter (Columbus, Ohio)
Moriana Oliveira (Brazil)
Mary Joe Orbegoso (Glen Ellyn, Ill.)
Ashley Pfaff (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Cindy Van Empel Popowich (Canada)
Miroslava Reese (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Sarah Reinitz (Redondo Beach, Calif.)
Monika Rosenbergerova (Slovakia)
Nina Silic (Australia)
Jane Spalding (Bayonne, N.J.)
Chelsea-Iyeesha Tapanainen (Canada)
Paola Terry (Anchorage, Alaska)
Heather Tierney (Henderson, Nev.)
Ekaterina Usmanova (Russia)
Jessica Valencia (Chelsea, Ala.)
Timea Varga (Hungary)
Olga Viazmetinova (Ukraine)
Brittany Walker (Dublin, Ohio)
Sarah Walraven (Bay City, Mich.)
Nancy Young (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
Bikini E Class (32)
Samantha Bossert (Columbus, Ohio)
Courtney Busby (Parkville, Missouri)
Liz Calabaro (Watchung, N.J.)
Laura Carstenson (Castle Rock, Colo.)
Rita Catolino (Canada)
Maxine Chaikouang (Chicago, Ill.)
Alesia Chuchkevich (Canton, Ga.)
Michele Cicalese (Millington, N.J.)
Jennifer Cullen (Fort Madison, Iowa)
Felicia Gelman (Shillington, Penn.)
Marcia Goncalves (Brazil)
Melissa Haywood (United Kingdom)
Vivian Hodges (Reynoldsburg, Ohio)
Cristianna Houghland (Ashburn, Va.)
Abby Huot (Bloomington, Minn.)
Hannade Ibrahim (Valparaiso, Ind.)
Noelle Joye (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Natalie Lynn Lichtenbert (Hoffman Estates, Nov.)
Natalia Lukashevich (Singapore)
Whitney Mialkowski (Jacksonville, N.C.)
Jessica Mullis (Mooresville, N.C.)
Sylvia Narvaez (Iceland)
Mayling Ng (Singapore)
Clara Paris (Sykesville, Md.)
Melissa Russell (Uniontown, Ohio)
Camila Santos (Amesbury, Mass.)
Jaclyn Scott (Fayetteville, N.C.)
Clarissa Spear (Corpus Christi, Texas)
Olga Svyrydova (Wayne, Penn.)
Meaghan Terzis (Canada)
Celeste Vannoy (Beaumont, Texas)
Josiane Weber (Brazil)
Bikini F Class (30)
Jovana Aleksic (Serbia)
Aeryon Ashlie (Canada)
Ashley Barnhart (Columbus, Ohio)
Hali Berger (Huron, Ohio)
Luana Blaszczyk (Spring, Texas)
Kelsey Byers (Magnolia, Texas)
Elaine Codilla (Tracy, Calif.)
Angel Denman (Chicago, Ill.)
Brooke Hall (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Kathrin Hollman (Germany)
Christine Hronec (Wilmington, Del.)
Stefanie Krohn (Franklin, Ky.)
Jana Majernikova (Slovakia)
Camilla Maybee (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Meghan McGee (Manhattan, Kansas)
Tressia Murphy (Canada)
Egle Eller-Nabi (Estonia)
Kornelia Nagy (Hungary)
Sybil Nasser (Boise, Idaho)
Amy Bella Orzechowski (Erie, Penn.)
Cara Ovis (Albuquerque, N.M.)
Belinda Risreski (Australia)
Alexandra Roane (Bowie, Maryland)
Jessica Roe (Dallas, Texas)
Richardene A.W. Shelton (Atlanta, Georgia)
Anna Starodubtseva (Russia)
Robyn Stone (Canada)
Chelsey Walton (Columbus, Ohio)
Visit http://arnoldamateur.com/competitors/ to see the men’s list and more information on the show. Use #asf2013 for all your tweets related to the Arnold Sports weekend.
The NPC has announced their November Athletes of The Month. See the news release below for more information on the selected competitors.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATIONAL PHYSIQUE COMMITTEE AND GASPARI NUTRITION ANNOUNCE NOVEMBER ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA (February 15, 2013) – The National Physique Committee and Gaspari Nutrition have announced six competitors as the November Athletes of the Month – Brian Yersky, Juanita Blaino, Angela Skeels, Nicole Sims, Toni West and Vincent Fiore. All six of the winners won Overall titles at the NPC Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia last November.
Each month, NPC President Jim Manion selects the Athletes of the 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 November NPC Athletes of the month, go to www.npcnewsonline.com.
About the November Athletes of the Month:
• Men’s Bodybuilding: Brian Yersky, 30, has been competing on the national-level stage since 2006, placing in the top five seven times. The 2007 Collegiate National Super Heavyweight winner, Yersky competed in six pro qualifiers before earning his IFBB Pro card at the Nationals.
• Women’s Bodybuilding: Juanita Blaino, 43, took a 16-year break from competition before returning in 2009. A patrolwoman with the County Sheriff’s Department, Blaino finished second in the Heavyweights at the 2010 Nationals before winning the class and Overall last November
• Figure: A mother of three, Nicole Sims won her class and the Overall at the Nationals. The win was a dramatic from Sims’ first attempt at earning a pro card, when she failed to place at the 2011 USAs.
• Bikini: Angela Skeels didn’t place at the USA Championships last summer, but that didn’t little to discourage her. Skeels rebounded in a big way four months later by winning her class and the Overall at Nationals.
• Men’s Physique: A former college lacrosse player at Oneonta State in New York, 24-year-old Vincent Fiore proved to be a quick study in the Men’s Physique Division. Fiore earned his IFBB Pro card by in just his fourth competition.
• Women’s Physique: Toni West tried her hand in both the bodybuilding and figure divisions before moving over to Women’s Physique this year. West, 33, competed in just one previous physique contest before winning her class and the Overall at Nationals.
