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2013 IFBB Chicago Wings Of Strength Pro Competitor Lists

June 29, 2013 by

The 2013 IFBB Chicago Pro is just a week away and it looks to be a competitive show. We’re 13 weeks out from the Olympia and each of these competitors are looking to punch their ticket to the show in Las Vegas. The show will be held in conjunction with the NPC Tim Gardner Chicago Extravaganza. For more information on the show and to purchase tickets visit chicagoproshow.com.

 

2013 IFBB Chicago Wings Of Strength Pro Figure
1. Tiffany Archer
2. Chaya Boone
3. Magela Cambronero
4. Vicki Counts
5. Dawn Hinz Pugh
6. Eleni Kritikopoulou
7. Michele Mayberry
8. Samantha Maycock
9. Melanise Pettee
10. Cinderella Richardson
11. Louise Rogers
12. Agnese Russo
13. Katerina Tarbox
14. Teela Thompson
15. Ann Titone
16. Laurie Schnelle
17. Shala Singer
18. Bernita Stuckey
19. Gloria Tarpley
20. Leila Thompson
21. Natalie Waples

2013 IFBB Chicago Wings Of Strength Pro Women’s Physique
1. Lisette Acevedo
2. Nicole Ball
3. Evangeline Belton
4. La’Drissa Bonivel
5. Laura Davies
6. Jill Dearmin
7. Danielle Deck
8. Marilena Echohawk
9. Amie Francisco
10. Valerie Gangi
11. Andrea Holliday
12. Chris Kramer
13. Loana Paula Muttoni
14. Lohani Noor
15. Mindi O’Brien
16. Jamie Pinder
17. Leonie Rose
18. Jull Rudison
19. Bailey Shuck Minihan
20. Lori Steele
21. Kim Tilden
22. Nola Trimble
23. Stacy Wright

2013 IFBB Chicago Wings Of Strength Pro Women’s Bodybuilding
1. Natalia Batova
2. Rita Bello
3. Juanita Blaino
4. Michelle Brent
5. Rene Campbell
6. Christine Envall
7. Nancy Clark
8. Anne Gannon
9. Sherri Gray
10. Aurelia Grozajova
11. Monique Jones
12. Marina Lopez
13. Emery Miller
14. Sharon Mould
15. Sherry Smith
16. Beth Wachter

 

Filed Under: IFBB

NPC Announces May Athletes of the Month

June 28, 2013 by

NATIONAL PHYSIQUE COMMITTEE AND GASPARI NUTRITION ANNOUNCE MAY NPC ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA (June 27, 2013) – The National Physique Committee and Gaspari Nutrition have chose seven athletes – Kevin Rainey, Rebecca Andrades, Lindsey Waters, Vicki Dowell, Geobanny Paula, Leila Thompson and Mary Stockbridge – as NPC Athletes of the Month for the month of May.

may-npc-athletes

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.

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

About the May NPC Athletes of the Month:
Men’s Bodybuilding
Kevin Rainey, 24, won the Heavyweight and Overall titles at the Junior USA Championships. Rainey is a high school math teacher.

Women’s Bodybuilding
Rebecca Andrades, 34, won the Lightweight and Overall titles at the Junior USA Championships. Andrades, who owns her own dog-grooming business, was inspired to start bodybuilding when she saw 1980 and ’82 Ms. Olympia winner Rachel McLish in a magazine.

Bikini
Lindsey Waters, 23, started competing in April at the Steve Stone New York Metropolitans. Six weeks later she won her IFBB Pro card by winning the Overall at the Junior USA Championships.

Figure
Vicki Dowell won her class and the Overall at the Junior USA Championships.

Women’s Physique
Leila Thompson, 41, is a mother of three who won her class and the Overall at the Junior USA Championships. Thompson, a former figure competitor, started competing in 2011.

Men’s Physique
Geobanny Paula, 25, competed in seven IFBB Pro qualifying events before finally earning his pro card as one of the two class winners to turn pro from the Junior USA Championships.

Fitness
Mary Stockbridge, 35, won the Overall at the Junior USA Championships. Stockbridge began competing in the Fitness division in 2007.

 

Filed Under: NPC Athletes of The Month

ESPN Films Launches Nine for IX – Documentary Films About Women in Sports

June 28, 2013 by

ESPN and ESPN Films release Nine for IX, a series of nine documentary films about women in sports. The films, directed by female filmmakers, are another way to celebrate Title IX’s 40th anniversary. The series will air on ESPN this summer.

ninefornine

On June 18, COACH kicked off the Nine for IX Film Series. Watch it here.

Director – Bess Kargman
Executive Producer – Whoopi Goldberg
Vivian Stringer is one of the most prolific coaches in the history of college basketball. She was the first to lead three different schools to the NCAA Final Four, has over 900 wins and received the highest honor of all in 2009 – a place alongside Michael Jordan, John Stockton, Jerry Sloan and David Robinson as an inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Coach Stringer became well known to the non-sports world in 2007 when the words “nappy headed hoes” were used to describe the group of young women she led, in spite of tremendous odds, to the National Championship game that year. Perhaps because Stringer is also a mother whose career successes have been intertwined with personal tragedy, her response to the 2007 incident showed she wasn’t just a great coach, but the perfect example of grace under fire.

Watch COACH here.

FILM SCHEDULE
provided by espnmediazone.com

VENUS VS.
July 2 at 8:00PM ET
Director – Ava DuVernay
Cast – Venus Williams, Billie Jean King, John McEnroe

Everyone knows about the swing. Everyone knows about the swagger. But what most Americans don’t know about Venus Williams is how she changed the course of her sport. In a stunning case that captured the attention of the European public beginning in 2005, Williams challenged the long-held practice of paying women tennis players less money than their male counterparts at the French Open and Wimbledon. With a deep sense of obligation to the legacy of Billie Jean King, Williams lobbied Parliament, UNESCO and Fleet Street for financial parity. Indeed, it was her poignant op-ed piece in The London Times that convinced many people that the tournament organizers at Wimbledon were “on the wrong side of history.” The boys clubs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon finally relented in 2007. In fact, it was at Wimbledon that year that Venus became the first women’s champion to earn as much as the men’s (Roger Federer). So to her seven major championships, another victory can be added.

PAT XO
July 9 at 8:00PM ET
Directors – Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern
Producer – Robin Roberts
Cast – Pat Summitt, Tyler Summitt, Chamique Holdsclaw, Tamika Catchings, Michelle Marciniak, Geno Auriemma, Peyton Manning, Kenny Chesney

On April 18, 2012, Pat Summitt, the winningest coach in the history of the NCAA basketball, did the unimaginable and announced her resignation from the University of Tennessee. On the very same day, her son Tyler was named assistant coach of the Marquette’s women’s basketball team, his first job out of college. While the sports world reeled from the news of Pat’s early on-set Alzheimer’s, the coach and her son quietly set out to beat this challenge just as they had every other – with grace, humor and most of all, each other. Pat XO tells the remarkable story of Pat Summitt as it’s never been told before. This raw, authentic portrait takes the camera from the filmmaker’s hands and places it into those who know her best. With Tyler as the lead storyteller, moving recollections are shared by assistant coaches, players like Chamique Holdsclaw, Tamika Catchings and Michelle Marciniak, fellow coach Geno Auriemma, and such admirers as Peyton Manning and Kenny Chesney. The archival footage and statistical records woven into the film provide their own insights into a woman who cared about winning, but also about elevating her players and her university. If it’s possible to do justice to Pat Summitt, Pat XO does it.

LET THEM WEAR TOWELS
July 16 at 8:00PM ET
Directors – Anna Sundberg and Ricki Stern
Cast – Melissa Ludtke, Lesley Visser, Christine Brennan, Claire Smith, Robin Herman, Michelle Himmelberg, Lawrie Mifflin and Jane Gross

Lisa Olson was just trying to do her job as a reporter for the Boston Herald in 1990 when a group of New England Patriot players sexually harassed her in their locker room. Her lawsuit against the team ignited a storm of threats and she ultimately left her job and the U.S. to escape the torment. The story touched off a national debate about the presence of female journalists in the male sanctum of the clubhouse. That debate should have been settled 12 years earlier, when Melissa Ludtke of Sports Illustrated successfully challenged Major League Baseball after she was kept out of the New York Yankees locker room. Why had equal access for women reporters remained such a hot-button issue? That question is asked in Let Them Wear Towels, an examination of females working in the man’s world of the locker room. Through interviews with such pioneer women as Ludtke, Claire Smith, Lesley Visser and Jane Gross, you’ll hear stories of raw behavior and humorous retaliation, angry lawsuits and remarkable resolve.

NO LIMITS
July 23 at 8:00PM ET
Director – Alison Ellwood
Cast – Tanya Streeter

As a teenager, Audrey Mestre suffered from scoliosis, but in those formative years, she discovered a passion for the ocean. It offered her a sense of freedom, and the burdens she faced on dry land soon dissipated as she slipped below the surface. In the final stages of her PH.D., Mestre was drawn to Cabo San Lucas where she became infatuated with free-diver Pipin Ferreras, a Cuban defector whose dives had put him at the forefront of the sport. The two became a couple and Mestre followed the elusive, often raucous Pipin on his almost spiritual quest to push his limits underwater. Soon enough, Mestre moved from support team member to ardent free-diver and then to a world-class competitor who outshone her husband. In 2002, after news arrived that a rival female diver named Tanya Streeter had successfully gone to a record-breaking 525 feet, Pipin began preparations for Mestre to make a 561-foot dive off the coast of the Canary Island. Having completed practice dives even deeper in the weeks leading up to the record attempt, Mestre was prepared. But because of a fateful decision before the dive, Mestre never resurfaced alive.

SWOOPES
July 30 at 8:00PM ET
Director – Hannah Storm
Cast – Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, Phil Knight, David Stern, Tina Thompson

Sheryl Swoopes has famously been labeled as the female Michael Jordan. Actually, she’s far more interesting. On the court, she was nearly as dominant as Michael: a national championship with Texas Tech, three Olympic gold medals, three MVP awards and four consecutive championships with the Houston Comets of the WNBA, the league she helped start. She even had a Nike shoe named after her, the Air Swoopes. Off the court, she gave birth in the middle of her first WNBA championship season, divorced her high school sweetheart, and became the highest-profile athlete in her sport to declare she was gay. She has struggled with love, family, money and lack of recognition, but she has never lost her spirit. In this portrait, viewers will meet someone who’s not the everyday superstar, a woman who has defied a multitude of labels, including “old” – in August 2011, Swoopes, at 40, hit a buzzer-beater to end the Tulsa Shock’s 20-game losing streak.

THE DIPLOMAT
August 6 at 8:00PM ET
Director – Jennifer Arnold and Senain Kheshgi
Cast – Katarina Witt, Brian Boitano

At the height of the Cold War, Katarina Witt became one of East Germany’s most famous athletes. Trained in an ice rink that gave rise to socialist heroes, Witt dominated her field by winning six European skating titles, four world championships and back-to-back Olympic gold medals to become arguably the world’s best figure skater. Known as “the most beautiful face of socialism” her success gave her a unique status in East Germany. It also triggered constant surveillance by the Stasi, East Germany’s notorious secret police force. This film chronicles how Witt, one of the greatest skaters of all time, fought for her future in socialist East Germany, how she faced the great changes that occurred after the fall of The Berlin Wall and, ultimately, how she ended up both a beneficiary and victim of the East German regime.

RUNNER
August 13 at 8:00PM ET
Director – Shola Lynch
Cast – Mary Decker, Zola Budd

Mary Decker obliterated opponents and records with blazing speed and a starving hunger to win. She dominated her sport, holding U.S. records in every distance from 800 to 10,000 meters, and she did it all without the Olympics. She was too young in ’72, hurt in ’76 and shut out by the U.S. boycott in ’80. As Sports Illustrated’s cover “Sportswoman of the Year” in 1983, she was ready: 1984 was the target, with the Olympics in Los Angeles and her skills at their 25 year-old peak. The world was buzzing about Decker’s shot at gold and her match-up against the young, barefooted new star, Zola Budd. But the story leads to a single shocking moment in the 1984 Games, with Mary writhing on the ground in physical pain and emotional heartbreak, with the whole world watching.

THE ’99ERS
August 20 at 8:00PM ET
Director – Erin Leyden
Producer – Julie Foudy
Cast – Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan, Kristine Lily

The world of women’s sports was kicked upside down on July 10, 1999. Before a sold-out crowd of more than 90,000 at the Rose Bowl and an estimated 40 million Americans watching on television, the women’s soccer team reached a cultural and athletic pinnacle with its penalty-kick shoot-out victory over China to win the Women’s World Cup. These players were more than the ponytailed poster girls celebrated by mainstream media. As told through the voice of longtime team captain, Julie Foudy, viewers get an inside look at the strong team ethic and rare “do for each other” mentality that propelled them to victory that day and turned the team into a cultural touchstone. With unprecedented access, the film uses candid, behind-the-scenes footage shot by the players themselves during the tournament to present a unique portrait of the women who irrevocably changed the face of women’s athletics. Reuniting key players from the 1999 squad and talking with current U.S. players as well, the film examines how women’s soccer – and women’s sports as a whole – has changed since that epic day at the Rose Bowl.

BRANDED
August 27 at 8:00PM ET
Directors – Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady
Cast – Lolo Jones, Lisa Leslie, Chris Evert, Mary Lou Retton, Gabrielle Reece, Hope Solo, Laila Ali, Brandi Chastain

Sports is supposed to be the ultimate level playing field, but in the media and on Madison Avenue sometimes looks matter more than accomplishments. This film explores the double standard placed on women athletes to be the best players on the field and the sexiest off them. Through stories of the women who have faced and tackled this question in very different ways, Branded explores the question: can women’s sports ever gain an equal footing with their male counterparts or will sex always override achievement?

 

More information on Nine for IX can be viewed at espnW.com/NineForIX.

 

Filed Under: News & Features

2013 ESPN The Magazine: 5th Annual ‘Body Issue’ List of Athletes

June 26, 2013 by

ESPN the Magazine will feature 21 top athletes in their 2013 The Body Issue. The Body Issue showcases athletes baring it all in a tasteful and inspiring way. The annual issue, now in its fifth year, will be on newsstands Friday July 12.

espn-the-body

Leading the way for the women are three-time beach volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh-Jennings and fellow Olympian, boxer Marlen Esparza. Kerri was photographed before and after her daughter was born in April. Last year, BODY prominently featured the UFC’s first female fighter, Ronda Rousey and this year it will be her next opponent Miesha Tate. WNBA All-star Swin Cash will once again appear in the issue. In 2012, Swin talked about lifting weights and being strong in an ESPN The Body feature…

Eleven women and ten men in this year’s ESPN The Body issue.

Women:
Kerri Walsh-Jennings
Swin Cash
Courtney Force
Carly Booth
Elena Hight
Miesha Tate
Marlen Esparaza
Sydney Leroux
Tarah Gieger
Agnieszka Radwanska
Daila Ojeda

Men:
Matt Harvey
Colin Kaepernick
Kenneth Faried
Giancarlo Stanton
Vernon Davis
John Wall
Joffrey Lupul
John Isner
Chris Sharma
Gary Player


Featured female athletes tweets about the upcoming issue:

Follow The Mag on Twitter @ESPNmag.

Filed Under: News & Features

Tycie Coppett Wins the 2013 IFBB Greater Gulf Women’s Physique

June 21, 2013 by

2013 IFBB Women’s Physique division has become a very competitive one. The women are coming in more streamlined and the ladies can’t afford to be off their game. Tonight, Tycie Coppett brought her best look to date and the judges rewarded her for it. She presented a tiny waist, nice conditioning but not over the top. She does have more muscle than some of the other women but she carries it well.

tycie-coppett

Mindi O’Brien continues to find her groove in the Women’s Physique division after making the switch from Fitness. Nagging injuries have prevented her from competing in the Fitness division and she’s found her way into the top spots in the Physique division. Mindi has a little bit wider waist than some of the other competitors which can hurt her if she doesn’t pose in a flattering manner. She’s a seasoned veteran to competition and she knows how to nail her conditioning. Mindi was on the money but just not as streamlined as Tycie. A second place finish is a solid placing though. Last year’s champ, Tamee Marie was a bit off with her tanning in the morning. She appeared a bit too light and had an ashy look to her. She corrected it for the night show but the little details could have cost her a placing. She finished in third which is a good showing in this group.

Karin Hobbs could have gotten the nod over Tamee but was relegated to fourth. She has a bit more muscle than some other women in this line-up but overall she did well. The surprise of the competition could have been fifth place finisher, Carrie Simmons. Carrie also made the move from Fitness and this was the best we’ve seen her look since turning pro. She knows how to exude sex appeal on stage without being over the top and kudos to her for nailing her conditioning.

2013 IFBB Greater Gulf States Pro Women’s Physique Results
1. Tycie Coppett
2. Mindi O’Brien
3. Tamee Marie
4. Karin Hobbs
5. Carrie Simmons
6. Gloria Faulls
7. Frances Mendez
8. Nola Trimble
9. Samantha Hill
10. Alisa Alday
11. Cinzia Clapp
12. Asha Hadley
13. Loan Leonard
14. Cynthia Jansen
15. Trina Thompson
16. Jennifer Robinson

Filed Under: Contest Results

Latona Stays Red Hot in Louisiana – IFBB Pro Greater Gulf Bikini Review

June 21, 2013 by

Amanda Latona showed she’s still one of the best in the IFBB Pro Bikini division. Latona took the stage for the first time this year and made her presence known from the get-go.  Amanda has one of the curvier physiques in the division and a booty that is the envy of many. She knows what she’s working with and isn’t afraid to show it.

Amanda-latona

Results:
1. Amanda Latona
2. Amy Allen
3. Liana Hamilton
4. Sarah LeBlanc
5. Narmin Assria
6. Ashley Cronley LeBlanc
7. Lacey DeLuca
8. Jessica Arevalo
9. Janelle Saitone-McGuire
10. Kathleen Tesori
11. Kelsie Burgin
12. Christie Marquez
13. Cassandra Dubois
14. Summer White

bikini
Top five winners. 

THE HARDBODY 411:

2013 IFBB Greater Gulf States Pro Bikini Competitors
1. Amy Allen – Amy was the surprise of the show. She was her best ever and the judges took notice. She was confident and on point. She displayed a tighter physique than we’ve seen before and presented in a “curvier” way. Congrats to her on a job well done.

2. Jessica Arevalo – Jessica is steadily improving in the division but her presentation still needs a little tweaking. Her physique continues to get a bit more stream-lined and its a nice progression. I’d like to see a bit less “big hair” and her smile more. She seems to be concentrating too much and over thinking her posing. It comes across as a scowl. SMILE GIRL!

3. Narmin Assria – Narmin is one of the smallest women in the division and looks like a peanut next to Amanda Latona. She has good energy on stage and she’s consistently in shape. It comes down to judge’s preference and this panel preferred a curvier look. She’s already qualified for the Olympia so she’s good to go.

4. Kelsey Burgin – Kelsey is a beautiful woman with a great look. She just needs to tighten up her lower body a bit and work on her posing a tad. I could see her moving up in future shows.

5. Ashley Cronley Leblanc – The crawdaddy hip-poppa has steadily improved her presentation and been consistent with her look. Again it comes down to judges preference and she doesn’t have the curviest physique in this line up. She’s a contender though and don’t rule her out of an Olympia spot just yet.

6. Lacey Deluca – While Lacey is still a bit soft in the lower body for my liking, I thought it was one of her better looks to date. She seemed less nervous and more confident with her body than I’d seen in  the past. I look for her to be back in the top spots in a future show. Whatever changes she’s made to her nutrition and training are working as it’s a nice, healthy look.

7. Cassandra DuBois – Cassandra looked good for her. At the end of the day that’s really all you can ask for, right? She ran up against a buzzsaw in this competition but as long as she keeps improving she’s winning.

8. Liana Hamilton – Mad props to Liana for jumping right into the pros. She achieved IFBB pro status last week at the NPC JR NATIONALS and waste no time getting her heels wet. Finishing third in this line up is no joke. She was tighter than she was in Chicago and showed she’s a force to be reckon with in the big leagues. Just one point separate her from second place, which again speaks volumes to her potential.

9. Amanda Latona – Lala lal laaaa tona. Amanda Latona has the “it” factor and there’s no denying it. She was on point with her physique and looked as good as ever. Amanda knows how to take the stage with confidence and have the sexy/flirty look without being over the top. She ditched the legs crossed… “I have to pee” pose and it was a good move. Amanda, in my opinion, it a top contender yet again for the Olympia.

10. Sarah LeBlanc – This was one of the best looks we’ve seen Sarah bring to the stage. She was confident, sexy and not over the top. She continues to improve and more than held her own in this line-up. Job well done for the local Louisiana girl.

11. Christie Marquez – Christie looked good and could have been a bit more confident with her posing in the morning. She seemed more relax at night. She’s up and down in the placings and could find her way to the Olympia if she locks own a couple more top five spots.

12. Janelle Saitone McGuire – Janelle has a great, healthy look. She’s not the most muscular or the curviest however she has a nice all-american girl look to her. This was the best we’ve seen her and I wouldn’t have argued with anyone if she had finished higher. Look for her to move up in future shows.
13. Kathleen Tesori – Kat returned to the stage for the first time in a number of months. She was at her best in the bikini division and it’s a better fit for her than Figure. She could have been a little bit darker in her tanning but overall it was a nice look and she could move up in future shows without much tweaking. A nice return to the stage.

14. Summer White – Summer seemed a bit nervous in the prejudging but way more confident at night. She had a good tan and was one of the better looks we’ve seen her present as a pro. I’d like to see her with a bit more confidence in the morning show and I think it could help her move up.

 

Filed Under: Show Previews

2013 IFBB Greater Gulf States Pro Preview

June 21, 2013 by

The IFBB Pro women will be on stage today, Friday June 21st, for the Greater Gulf States show. The event is held in conjunction with a large NPC show. This is always a great event held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bikini and Women’s Physique prejudging should begin around 12pm central standard time. The finals for NPC and IFBB will be held tonight, at 6pm. This is one of the few competitions where the finals and prejudging are on the same day. The men will compete on Saturday.

The bikini competition will be very competitive. On paper the favorite has to be Amanda Latona. This will be the first time we see her compete this year but she’s rarely off. Kathleen Tesori returns to the stage after taking 2012 off from competitions. Liana Hamilton waste no time jumping into the pro ranks after turning pro at last week’s Jr Nationals. Narmin will be the smallest competitor on stage but she’s coming off a win in Cali. Jessica Arevalo continues to improve and will look to be in the top spots once again. This will be one of the most competitive line-ups we’ve seen thus far in 2013. Any number of women could be in the top spots.

2013 IFBB Greater Gulf States Pro Bikini:
1. Amy Allen
2. Jessica Arevalo
3. Narmin Assria
4. Kelsey Burgin
5. Ashley Cronley Leblanc
6. Lacey Deluca
7. Cassandra DuBois
8. Liana Hamilton
9. Amanda Latona
10. Sarah LeBlanc
11. Christie Marquez
12. Janelle Saitone McGuire
13. Kathleen Tesori
14. Summer White

The defending champ, Tamee Marie is back and she’ll have her work cut out for her if she wants to make it two in a row. Samantha Hill, Mindi O’Brien and Nola Trimble could be her biggest competition but don’t sleep on Frances Mendez and Trina Thompson. Tycie Coppett and Carrie Simmons both have nice looks and have potential to do well if they are in condition. This will be a great competition and one worth following.

2013 IFBB Greater Gulf States Pro Women’s Physique:
1. Alisa Alay
2. Cinzia Clapp
3. Tycie Coppett
4. Gloria Faulls
5. Asha Hadley
6. Samantha Hill
7. Karen Hobbs
8. Cynthia Jansen
9. Loan Lenoard
10. Tamee Marie
11. Frances Mendez
12. Mindi O’Brien
13. Jennifer Robinson
14. Carrie Simmons
15. Trina Thompson
16. Nola Trimble

Follow along on twitter with #GREATERGULF as the has tag.

 

Filed Under: Show Previews

Flo Rida Partners with MusclePharm

June 20, 2013 by

Denver based supplement company, MusclePharm has announced their latest partnership and this time it’s with global recording artist Flo Rida. Flo Rida is the guy is responsible for songs that get stuck in your head like “Good Feeling” and “Wild Ones”. MusclePharm is hoping their supplements resonate with his audience as much as his music. They continue to use not only athletes but also celebrities and fitness enthusiasts to promote their products. The company utilized social media to market and promote the easily identifiable MusclePharm green.

PRESS RELEASE
Global Superstar Flo Rida Now Partnering With MusclePharm®.

DENVER, June 20, 2013 — /PRNewswire/ — MusclePharm Corporation (OTCQB: MSLP), a nutritional supplement company focused on active lifestyles, has signed a deal with international recording artist Flo Rida. Activating a social media network of over 16 million followers, Flo Rida will promote MusclePharm products and develop exclusive viral exercise videos for the brand. He also will represent MusclePharm at events and star in a series of radio and online ads.

Flo Rida has built a fervent fan base by mixing hip-hop harmonies with slick dance beats, selling over 75 million singles worldwide. The innovative Florida-born rapper became a chart-topping artist fixture with blockbuster singles such as “Right Round” and “Wild Ones (feat. Sia).” Flo Rida is committed to imparting the importance of education to children and empowering student athletes to become leaders both on and off the field through his non-profit organizations, Big Dreams for Kids and the Florida Youth Football League (FYFL).

“Ever since I was growing up, health, nutrition and fitness have been very important aspects of my life,” said Flo Rida. “I started using MusclePharm supplements because of the company’s commitment to developing safe, scientifically backed products. Right away I noticed a positive improvement with my energy and fitness levels. I’m very excited to join the MusclePharm family and look forward to promoting the brand to my fans.”

“As one of today’s most popular musicians, Flo Rida is a global force who is at the top of his field because he is dedicated not only to his music but also to his physical well-being,” said Brad Pyatt, founder and CEO, MusclePharm. “Flo Rida’s international influence coupled with his amazing physique make him an ideal ambassador. We’re thrilled to have him represent the MusclePharm brand.”

As part of their agreement, MusclePharm will make a donation to Flo Rida’s charity, the FYFL, and gift new sports equipment to the league. MusclePharm and Flo Rida will celebrate the partnership at the customer appreciation day next month which will be taking place at Flo Rida’s new South Florida gym, Flo Fit (12425 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028). The musician and philanthropist joins fellow MusclePharm brand ambassador, quarterback Colin Kaepernick of the NFL® San Francisco 49ers, who partnered with the company earlier this year. Additionally, MusclePharm is the official Nutritional Supplement provider of the Ultimate Fighting Championship®.

ABOUT MUSCLEPHARM CORPORATION:
Founded in 2008 by former NFL player Brad Pyatt, MusclePharm is a healthy lifestyle company that develops and manufactures nutritional supplements to address active lifestyles like muscle building, weight loss and maintaining general fitness through a daily nutritional supplement regimen. The products are formulated through a six-stage research process using the expertise of leading nutritional scientists at MusclePharm Sports Science Center & Research Center in Denver, Colorado. MusclePharm’s products are sold to consumers in more than 110 countries and available in over 10,500 U.S. retail outlets, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, 24 Hour Fitness, Bally’s, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe and Vitamin World. MusclePharm products also are sold through more than 100 online channels globally, including bodybuilding.com, amazon.com and vitacost.com. For more information, please visit www.musclepharm.com. You can also follow MusclePharm online at www.facebook.com/MusclePharm and www.twitter.com/MusclePharm.

Forward Looking Statements The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

MusclePharm PR Contact: Ivy Mollenkamp/Wendy Zaas Rogers & Cowan 310-854-8131/310-854-8148 imollenkamp@rogersandcowan.com wzaas@rogersandcowan.com

MusclePharm Investor Relations Contact: The Del Mar Consulting Group, Inc. Robert B. Prag President Telephone: 858-794-9500 Email: Email Contact

Or

John H. Bluher Executive Vice President MusclePharm Corporation 303-396-6149 John@musclepharm.com

Flo Rida Contact: Elora Mason Strong Arm Management 305-828-3228 305-851-5699 (mobile)

SOURCE MusclePharm Corporation

Filed Under: Celebrity Fitness, Supplements

Interview with Camille Leblanc-Bazinet – One of The Fittest Women In The World

June 20, 2013 by

Camille Leblanc-Bazinet is one of the top ranked Crossfit Athletes in the world. She splits her time between Canada and the United States as she juggles college and being one of the rising stars of Crossfit. We caught up with Camille one month out from the 2013 Crossfit Games to learn a bit more about her. Camille shares what she eats, what duct tape can’t fix, her favorite song to sing in the shower and more. She’s definitely one hardbody athlete you’ll want to follow because she not only looks the part but also lives it.

camille-crossfit


HARBODY INTERVIEW WITH CAMILLE LEBLANC-BAZINET

Age: 24

Height: 5’2″

Weight: 130 lb

Born in:
Canada

Currently live in:
Montreal 80% / San Diego, CA 20%

Best part about Canada:
My family the food and Montreal is amazing

Best part about California:
Surfing, my husband coach and friends

What’s the best part of being a twin?
You are raise with your best friend

Were the two of you competitive with each other growing up?
We were not competitive together but I was competitive with everyone lol… We are way different she was playing hockey and I was doing gymnastic. We support each other a lot.

What’s the best song to sing in the shower or in the car?
“I will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. hahahahaha


Any chances we’ll hear you putting out your own album?
lol hahahahaha hell no… I love singing by myself it is so much fun but I am more than scared to sing in front of anyone.

Are you still going to school for chemical engineering?
Yes, I am still in school and I have 36 credits left can’t wait to be done.

Will you put that on hold for a career in CrossFit or what would you like to do as a chemical engineer in a “perfect world”?
In a perfect world I would love to keep doing things with CrossFit especially to help out women and girls with the way they view themselves… but I also have a big passion to try to make a difference in the world with my degree… I want to do recycling process for industry and air and water treatment to try to save our planet.

Do you feel being pushed in gymnastics at a young age helped you in CrossFit?
Yes, I would recommend anyone to put their kids in gymnastic simply to learn kin-aesthetic awareness… just to be better in general in anything they want to do.

What was the most challenging sport you’ve tried?
Crossfit hahahaha which is why I love it so much… once you think you get better at something there is something new to work on… It is just so much fun the variety of this sport.

What other sports do you participate in now?
Now I ski and surf for fun.

Do you do any other type of training besides CrossFit?
No I pretty much just cross fit for training… because it involves already pretty much everything… do weightlifting power-lifting, running, swimming, etc.

Who introduced you to CrossFit and do you remember what your first WOD was?
I was introduced while I was playing rugby some of my teammates were doing crossfit so they challenge me to come try and my first workout was 5 rounds for time of 400m run 25 burpees 🙂

camille-leblanc


What should someone look for in a CrossFit gym and trying it for the first time?
A lot of attention from coach and a warm welcome from the other clients… they’ll take care of you as if your in their family.

Do you eat before or after a WOD?
Both… if I do a long endurance workout I eat 2 hours before other ways 30 minutes before and I always eat after a shake and sweet potato.

Do you change your diet up in preparation for The Games?
Yes… I already eat clean most of the year but I just clean up more and I eat way more since I do more volume… pretty much meat veggies, almost no fruits, sweet potato and some nuts… with bsn synths-6, amino-x and I take religiously my extreme endurance.

What do you eat the day of The Games?
Anything that goes in… I struggle to eat when I am nervous so if I want to eat somethings I do so to have fuel. Mostly sweet potato pouch (baby food), protein shakes and tons of water and coconut water.

Do the type of shoes you wear in CrossFit help you an any you’d recommend to others?
Yes, I totally love Reebok weightlifting shoes when we squat so I stay back in my heels. I like the Reebok Nanos cause they are light and keep my feet near the ground for more stability.

Do you think women get the same exposure and attention in CrossFit as the men?
I think we might get a little more… It is great to see a sport where the women are put in front and where we seem to have as much attention… I think it might be because it is creating a new way for women to see themselves and it is inspiring for people.

What would you like to see more women do in the world of CrossFit?
Accept themselves and stop worrying about their weight. lol… gain muscle and be proud to be strong!

Do you feel like there’s pressure on women to look a certain way in CrossFit?
Yes, I think women still want to be small and ripped, but I think we shouldn’t care about the way we look as long as our fitness is going up.

Are the women friendly and hang out with each other at The Games or not so much?
Well for myself there is a group of athletes that I can’t wait to hang out with… I know that I always have tons of fun with the majority of those girls and the reason why is because I have a huge respect for them… everyone works so hard to qualify that it seems ridiculous to me not to be friend with them… and they are all so amazing.

One event that you hope is not on this year’s schedule at The Games?
Just rowing for a certain distance or time.

How much of competing in CrossFit is mental?
Well all year you train and once your competing the work is already done and then its 90% mental.

Do you have any rituals or things you do to stay mentally strong during an event?
Yes, my husband ask right before event if I am hungry… and that always fired me up (hungry to win).


Who are your current sponsors?
bsn, cep compression, extreme endurance, wodshop, via prive and Reebok shoes.

What advice do you have for women trying to get sponsorships?
Work your ass off and they’ll come to you.

Favorite BSN product?
Syntha-6 peanut butter cup

Any recipes you’ve created using a BSN product that’s your go to meal?

Yes in a magic bullet…
• ice
• chocolate coconut water
• synth-6 peanut butter
• one frozen banana
• a spoon of peanut butter
Way too good!

What’s the best piece of advice anyone has given you?
Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do… you make the call.

Anything duck tape can’t fix?
hahahahaha when your sole hurt lol

Favorite line in Forrest Gump?
Life is like a box of chocolates. (obviously)

Was it more pressure to compete head to head and have it broadcast on the web or didn’t matter to ya?
It was more like an honor and a chance to prove myself… there was nothing really to win but it was a crazy experience and people gave me so much love it was one of the best experience i ever had… obviously it made me push way harder too.


Any aspirations to try out for the 2016 Olympics?
Yes, I really want to give a shot in weightlifting.

Where can people find more information on you?
They follow me on Facebook via my fan page or on instagram @camillelbaz and twitter on the same name.

Thanks Camille. All the best at The Games and thanks for your time.


Photos Courtesy of BSN.

 

Filed Under: Crossfit, Interviews, News & Features

Infographic: How Soft Drinks Impact Your Health

June 19, 2013 by

Drinking an occasional soda may not seem like a terrible idea until you start to look into what it could do to your body. Your parents likely warned you not to drink that soft drink because it’ll “rot your teeth”. I know my used those exact words when I was a kid reaching for a can of Mello Yello.  In an infographic by Term Life Insurance, it shows that sugar and acid in soft drinks can dissolve tooth enamel. While that alone may not be enough to startle you a look at the graphic and how it hits your body might.

soda-drinking

Sugar Overload is particularly interesting…

20 Minutes – After drinking a soda, your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar into fat.
40 minutes later – caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dialite; your blood pressure rises; as a response, your liver dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked, preventing drowsiness.
45 minutes later – your body ups your dopamine production, stimulating the pleasure centers of your brain. This is physically the same way heroin works, by the way.

Eighty percent of those affected by osteoporosis are women.

Click the infographic for full view and see more stats related to how soda can impact your health.

impact-health-soda

 

props: fastcoexist.com

 

Filed Under: News & Features

Pro Skateboarder Cindy Whitehead Talks Style, The Smithsonian and More

June 18, 2013 by

I caught up with our resident style’n guru Cindy Whitehead aka The SportsStylist® to learn a bit more about her life as a professional skateboarder. Cindy has a no BS approach to life and she’s the epitome of what living hardbody is all about. She’s one of the coolest people you’ll ever meet and reminds us all to follow your passions and do what you love. Cindy doesn’t just say it, she lives it.

 

cindy-whitehead

 

Cindy has a hundred and one things going on and she was kind enough to do this interview with us. She talks about what it’s like being a female athlete, her own style, life as a stylist, skateboarding down the 405 highway, her own skateboard, The Smithsonian and more.

THE HARDBODY 411:

Name:
Cindy Whitehead

Currently Reside in:
Hermosa Beach, California – the small beach town I grew up in!

You started skateboarding at a young age… Who helped you get started in skateboarding?
I asked for a board for my birthday because I saw people doing it and photos in magazines. Then once I started skating on the streets of Hermosa, the pier and the strand – local guys I hung out with encouraged/pushed me.

cindy whitehead skateboarderDid your parents approve of your skating passion?
They kind of realized that at a young age I kind of did my own thing. I had been living /traveling in a VW van with my mom and brother for over a year in Mexico & Guatemala when I was nine so “being yourself” was encouraged. And my grandparents lived nearby and they were my biggest supporters!

Do you still skateboard today?
Absolutely! I don’t drop into pools and skate vert like I did back in the day anymore but I do ride banked walls, cruise the street, as well as the strand by my house, and have fun.

How does one turn pro in the world of skateboarding?
You compete at the amateur level, practice hard, get some sponsors, win some contests and when you or your sponsors feel you are ready, you enter the pro division at a contest – which means there is prize money rather than just product when you win.

Once you turn pro in skateboarding are you always considered a pro?
Yes, you never go back to amateur status. Later when you stop competing you may still be referred to as a Pro Skater, OG Pro Skater, or a former pro skater – depending on who is talking about you.

Are there different divisions in pro skateboarding? Give the 411 on skateboarding for dummies, like me.
There are women & men’s divisions. Sometimes if there are not enough women competing the women compete with the guys in an “open pro division”. Then there are also types of skateboarding, like street, downhill, vert etc. and each discipline has its own pro division, but some people skate/excel in more than one category. Like my friend Judi Oyama, she is an old school pro skater in slalom & downhill as well as vert.

Who were your first sponsors?
My first big sponsors were Sims Skateboards, Tracker Trucks, Flyaway helmets and Puma Tennis Shoes

What advice would you give young skaters on getting sponsored?
I’d say it’s not all about getting sponsored; it’s about skating because you LOVE it. But to answer the question – sponsors look for someone who rides consistently, shows up on time to demos, contests and photo shoots and is going to show off their product well.

Do you remember your first magazine feature and what it was?
Oh yeah. It was a 2 page article and a centerfold in a skateboarding Magazine. I was grounded for a month at the time for ditching school to do a photo shoot, so when the magazine called my house to tell me that I had the centerfold my mom answered the said “that’s nice, but she won’t be able to see it until she is done being grounded in 10 more days”. Nice…

HaHaHa! That’s awesome.

cindy-whitehead7Cindy Whitehead Skateboarding magazine feature


Were there many girls skateboarding at the time you started?
There were not a ton of girls but there were enough to have pro and amateur divisions at most big contests. We were so spread out geographically that most of us rarely skated with or saw another girl skating vert at our home skatepark so coming together for contests was great! I met one of my close friends Judi Oyama at one of these events – in fact it was Winchester Skatepark and it was the contest I turned Pro at back when I was about 16 years old.

It’s stereotypical for men to look at women as lesser than in the world of sports, were there guys who were supportive of you and the other women in skateboarding?
I would say back in my day skateboarding if you gave respect and charged hard you gained respect from the guys. I never felt that the guys I skated with treated me as anything other than one of them. They never said, “let the girl drop in” or gave me preferential treatment – and I really appreciate that. It meant I was 100% accepted.

Did you sneak into pools and places you weren’t supposed to be in to skate?
Hell yes! Backyard pools, running and jumping fences and when the police arrived & if you didn’t run fast enough, or were unlucky, they sat you down on the curb with your hands under your butt and either wrote you up or called your parents or maybe on a good day, let you go with a warning. We got also got shot at with buckshot on the Indian Reservation when we snuck in to skate the legendary Arizona Pipes.

That sounds like quite the adventure!

What’s the thrill behind skateboarding or is it something you never fully understand until you do it?
I think it’s like anything you love – you crave it. For me it’s been about mastering a trick after falling hard hundreds of times trying it over and over again, the freedom of going fast, floating in the air when doing airs, hanging with good friends and pushing each other. Skateboarders are family for life. You can go anywhere in the world and say you are a skateboarder and I guarantee someone will have your back and welcome you in.cindy-whitehead1

There are photos of you rocking huge headphones while skating. What were you listening to?
Since they were “radio” headphones back then it would be anything from REO Speedwagen and the Beach Boys to Heart, Aerosmith and Led Zepplin. I wasn’t too into punk.

Are women getting more coverage in skateboarding now or are they still left in the shadows like the early days?
I think the women are getting more & more coverage for sure. They are excelling faster than ever, and banding together to make sure that 2013 is the year of the “Girl”. There are now more competitions, they are raising their visibility and are a force to be reckoned with. Amelia Brodka’s new movie UNDEREXPOSED is also something to look out for in women’s skateboarding.

Was Dogtown and Z-Boys an accurate portrayal of the 70s skating scene?
It was a fun movie made by friend and fellow skater Stacy Perlata, and it was about of one small part of the skateboarding scene during the 1970’s. It wasn’t meant to be an overall view of skateboarding – it was about the Dogtown crew. If you watch Stacy’s new movie, THE BONES BRIGADE you will see an amazing inside view of another part of skateboard history – the Powell-Peralta Bones Brigade Team. There are more movies coming out about different teams/parts of skateboard history and if we piece together important information from each of those, we can get a more complete portrayal on skateboarding history as a whole – and that itself is not a movie has been done. Yet.

Are there any girls that stand out today and ones to watch?
Absolutely! So many great girls are skating/competing today – Lizzie Armanto, Alana Smith, Julz Lynn, Nora Vasconcellos , Leticia Bufoni, Mimi Knoop, Amelia Brodka, Allysha Bergado, Amee Jay, Katherine Folsom, & Jean Rusen, are just a few names to watch for in the women’s division. The younger girls like Poppy Starr Olsen, Annika Vrklan and her sister Klara, Bryce Ava Wettstein, Jordyn Barratt are some that I am keeping a close eye on. See how long the list is and I haven’t even named them all! That makes me smile.

Wow, that’s awesome.

Does skateboarding still mean freedom to you? How is skateboarding a lifestyle?
Yes absolutely. Every time I skate or am just around people that skate I feel like I am “home”. Family. Love. Those are all things that come to mind. It’s a mindset we grow up with and an understanding and a deep appreciation of one another as skaters and people.

What was your “style” of skateboarding?
Skating pools and half-pipes I had to be a bit more aggressive and charge the wall but I also tried to have a smooth style when I skated – that was and still is, something that I thcindy-whitehead5ink is important.

What would you typically be rocking at the skatepark for a wardrobe?
Shorts (padded if I was trying a new trick) OP cord shorts if not. A fitted team tee or striped short sleeve, low socks, Pumas or Nikes (before I was sponsored by Puma), red knee and elbow pads and a bad ass flyaway helmet if I was skating in a skatepark.

So you were the stylish one at the park…?
I think we were all pretty stylish – even the guys! If you look at mainstream fashion now, they are constantly referencing and emulating those looks, so we all must have been doing something right to be trendsetters!

Do you feel like your work as a stylist was influenced by skateboarding?
Absolutely on certain shoots, like the commercial I just did for a big shoe company. It was all about the skater lifestyle and influence via the styling so you can imagine what a rad day I had working on that!

You keep a blog where you identify trends and cool shit. (itsnotaboutpretty.com) It seems like skateboarding is “Fashionably cool” lately. Do you like the integration and is it an accurate portrayal?
I think anytime a sport like ours is being looked to set trends and used as a fashion reference, it only helps us in the long run. I do find it interesting when I see something in Vogue where the model is in high heels and a beautiful dress holding a skateboard – but being in the fashion industry, I embrace it all, and I understand the fashion world’s fascination with it.

Skateboarding is often associated or thought of as a California sport. Were there any other hotbeds for skateboarding in the 70s?
There were kids skateboarding all over – Florida was a big area for awesome skateboarders – my Sims teammate, Mike Folmer came out of Florida and he was a huge pro skater, as did legendary freestyle genius, Rodney Mullen. Places like Cherry Hill, NJ and Apple Skatepark in Columbus, Ohio also had amazing skaters. These areas had a couple of the best skateparks outside of California! California had the most parks and the main magazines were based here, so yes the coverage was greater BUT skateboarding was happening all over the USA.

We used to see “no skateboarding” signs everywhere – do you still see those around?
I unfortunately still do. Even right near where I live. I am hoping in time that will change.

You skateboarded down the 405 FWY during Carmegeddon. Was that the biggest adrenaline rush for you as a skateboarder?
It was one of them for sure. And it was a hell of a lot of FUN. The planning, the trying – we tried for over 2 hours before we could safely access the 405 fwy and not get caught. Finally getting to skate it was mind blowing. I have lived in LA all my life and I spend more time than I’d like to on that fwy so it really felt like a F-You of sorts over the usual traffic I encounter daily.

405 skateboarding, cindy whitehead

Cindy skateboarding down the 405 interstate while closed. #crazyCool

It received quite a bit of press and you didn’t get arrested so that’s a score. LOL! Speaking of F-You…You have your own skateboard now “Girl is not a 4 letter word” a collaboration between you and Dusters California – what does that mean to you and how did the idea come about?
The idea came about one day over lunch at my house with Michael Brooke who is the owner/editor of Concrete Wave Magazine and is also the founder of Longboarding For Peace, and Nano Nobrega who is the creative director at Dusters California skateboards. We were all talking about the cool stuff Longboarding for Peace is doing all over the world, and Michael suggested that Dusters do a collab with me and we tie it in to LB4P and any other non-profit I wished to help out. So that’s where the idea was born and 9 months later here we are! I am very excited about this collab as I believe in everything LB4P is doing and being able to also contribute to GRO (Girl Riders Organization) is awesome too as many more girls will be able to try out and/or continue their love of skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding etc.

How involved were you in the creation of the board and what’s your favorite part of it?
I was very lucky to be involved in every aspect of the design process while working closely with Nano Nobrega in making this board. The phrase “Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word” is something I thought up and have been using for awhile now and I like the strong message it sends, the artwork & lettering was all hand done by me via pencil, paintings and ink and the message on the tail of board is a combination of phrases I like/say often. We discussed colors and board shape + size at great length – I really wanted a cruiser board that everyone could easily ride but that could also be ridden in a skatepark (old school style!) if you wanted to. Some of my favorite things are the gold trucks that are completely badass (you don’t see too many boards with gold trucks out there), the little skull and the words “Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word” in the wheels, the skull embedded in the grip tape, and the Longboarding for Peace logo as well as GRO on the tail in metallic gold. It’s these elements of design that set Dusters apart from a lot of other boards on the market. And I am stoked they went the extra mile for me in every part of the design process to produce a board that I am 100% stoked with.

A portion of the board sales will go towards GRO “Girl Riders Organization”. Why that organization and where can people find more about it?
GRO (girlsriders.org) helps girls of all ages get into action sports so if you wanted to learn to ride a skateboard, snowboard or surf you could show up at a GRO clinic and have people help you and provide all the gear so you could try that sport out in a safe, female friendly, environment. GRO has done a lot to teach young girls about the female riders that have come before them and to help further women in action sports, and I fully support that message.

Where can people buy the board?
The board is being stocked at skateboard shops all over the USA and abroad. Boards are hitting the stores as early as June 15 in some parts of the USA! You can follow us on Facebook at Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word or via the Dusters California website to stay up to date on where boards are being sold.

It will also be part of the VANS WARPED tour, right? What’s the skinny on that?
Yes! We will be giving away 1 board at each stop on the Vans Warped Tour All you have to do is pick up a “passport” at the Concrete Wave/Longboarding for Peace booth, get 6 non profit booths at the Warped Tour to stamp it to be entered to win. I am really stoked that the board is part of the tour this year!

You’ll be speaking at INNOSKATE and be part of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC, along with Tony Hawk. That’s pretty rad. How did that come about?
The amazing people at the Smithsonian Museum (Jeff, Betsy, Jane & Kate) have been so awesome to all us skaters over the past couple years and I can’t say enough nice things about them – I feel that they are now part of the skateboarding family – they know us all that well. Their team flew out here again recently for IASC & the Skateboarding Hall of Fame & the next week they called me up & asked me to speak at Innoskate (not email text, etc.) How professional and nice is that? I was so excited – what they are doing on June 22 is part of skateboarding history. There will be a 1/2 pipe set up in front of the museum; guys and girls will be doing demos on the ramp all day. Various speakers will discuss skateboarding, innovation, fashion, and the future of skateboarding and everyone is going to have an AMAZING time! For the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation to put on this huge unprecedented event is really something you don’t want to miss. You can actually read more about it here: http://innoskate2013.tumblr.com/about.

What items will the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History’s sports collection be accepting from you on June 22?
I am donating quite a few of my late 1970’s & early 1980’s skate gear and apparel as well as the prototype of the new “Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word” board and all it’s original artwork. I am really honored to have some of my personal skateboard history be accepted into this amazing museum!

Cindy's Smithsonian donation.

Cindy’s Smithsonian donation.


That’s a HUGE honor. Do you have your speech written or will you wing it?
I have a general idea of what I’m going to be talking about for Innoskate but yes, some of it I will be winging so it feels more authentic and that’s how I think I work best.

You also have your own shirts / clothing coming out, right?
The t-shirt line is new, and we are just getting started, but we have gotten great feedback so far on the prototype’s we have made. They say things like “Pretty Radical” and of course “Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word”.

When will that launch and where can people find out more about it?
The hats and t-shirts will be released in the next couple of weeks and can be found on the new girlisnota4letterword.com website and via our facebook page.

Thanks for your time Cindy. You’re an inspiration! I really appreciate you sharing a bit of your story here on Hardbody.

Thank you so much for having me on Hardbody, it is an honor! And I’d like to give a shout out to the amazing people & companies who made all of the above possible; Longboarding 4 Peace, Dusters California, Concrete Wave Magazine, Dwindle Inc., Vans Warped Tour, the Smithsonian Museum, GRO, my awesome husband, and every girl and guy out there that loves skateboarding. xx

Try to keep up with Cindy at…

Filed Under: Interviews, News & Features

Colorado’s Carly Lobato Wins the 2013 NPC Jr Nationals Fitness Title

June 17, 2013 by

The fitness division showed a glimmer of hope at the 2013 NPC Jr Nationals in Chicago, Illinois. It wasn’t the largest fitness competition in terms of number of entrants but the quality was top notch. It was fairly obvious after prejudging that Carly Lobato was the star of the show. She has a balanced physique but her routine is what put her into the winner’s circle at least in my opinion. Many competitors start their routines strong but fade towards the energy and often struggle with their moves. Carly started just as strong with her final move as she did with her first. She incorporated more strength moves in her routine than anyone else and did them with ease. The Colorado cutie also did something many fitness competitors forget about. She smiled and looked like she was having fun throughout her routine. All too often competitors will wince and scowl when hitting their moves in a routine. It’s understandable that there would be a few funnies faces because the moves they’re doing are far from easy. When you can master controlling your facial expressions while doing moves that rival that of a Cirque So lei performance you know you’re a winner.

The winner of each height class were awarded IFBB Pro status. This competition had three height classes and the fitness routines count for two thirds of the score. Joining Carly as a new IFBB Pro were Shannon Siemer and Lishia Dean. Shannon also had great energy when she competed and more than held her own against the other winners for the overall title. A bit of an audience favorite was Lishia Dean. Lishia has come close to becoming and IFBB pro numerous times. She finally broke the curse and enters the pro ranks by winning the B class. No disrespect intended to Lishia but I didn’t see her winning the class. She did a few solid moves but spent more time dancing around than performing strength moves. Lishia was off in her conditioning which was apparent in the two-piece round. Again, no disrespect but it baffles me how she could win the routine round in unanimous fashion. That said, congratulations to Lishia. She has the potential to hold her own in the pro ranks and I hope we see her stick to her contest prep and enter the Tampa Pro or Arizona Pro later this year.

Also worth noting was the always inspiring and motivating Barbie Thomas. Barbie may be missing both arms but she shows heart and talent every time she competes. She was in better condition than others in her class and that’s pretty awesome.

Click here for all the NPC JR NATIONAL  CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS.

FITNESS RESULTS

Class A – Up to and Including 5’2″
place / name / fitness routine score / 2-piece score / final score
1. Shannon Siemer 7 / 5 / 19
2. Kennedy Hilgers 9 / 13 / 31
3. Natalie Graziano-Cribbs 15 / 12 / 42

Class B Over 5’2″ and up to and including 5’4 1/2″
place / name / fitness routine score / 2-piece score / final score
1. Lishia Dean 5 / 21 / 31
2. Nicolette Spencer 14 / 5 / 33
3. Irene Nunn 18 / 13 / 49
4. Deanne Fry 24 / 13 / 61
5. Tiffany Heuhs 22 / 30 / 74
6. Toni Naramore 29 / 25 / 83
7. Nancy Swanson 27 / 35 / 89

Class C Over 5’4 1/2″
place / name / fitness routine score / 2-piece score / final score
1. Carly Lobato 8 / 5 / 21
2. Kimberly Stroup 10 / 10 / 30
3. Debbie Sizemore 16 / 18 / 50
4. Jenna Anderson 21 / 17 / 59
5. Venus Ramos 22 / 23 / 67
6. Barbie Thomas 28 / 30 / 85

 

 

Filed Under: Contest Results

2013 NPC Jr. Nationals Bikini Results

June 16, 2013 by

The National Physique Committee (NPC) awarded six new IFBB Pro cards at the 2013 NPC Jr Nationals in Chicago, Illinois. The winners of each bikini height class move on to the pro league where they can now compete for prize money across the globe. The overall title went to Yasmin Ali who was the A Class winner. Nissan Weaver, Yarishna Ayla, Liana Hamilton, Chaundra Bagwell and Hope Howard were also class winners. Congratulations to all!

Click here for all the NPC JR NATIONAL  CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS.

Class A
1. Yasmin Ali *overall winner
2. Ashriel Osgood
3. Annie Parker
4. Caryn Paolini
5. Elle DeLallo
6. Harmony Cannon
7. TauMee King
8. Elspeth Dana
9. Erica Strong
10. Emily Wolfgang
11. Kerin Martini
12. Michelle Kling
13. Cat Martinez
14. Jeneffer Rubinstein

Class B
1. Nissan Weaver
2. Susan Waters
3. Sana Shah
4. Lisa Schimkat
5. Alli Petriella
6. Melanie Kate
7. Amy Lindsey
8. Lisa Campbell
9. Maddie Abrams
10. Pauline Marshall
11. Meghan Dover
12. Patrecia Mathis
13. Samantha Slaven
14. Eve Dawes
15. Karen Meiling Hardy
16. Aimee Cosban
16. Autumn Landers
16. Gianna Ficco
16. Jacquelyn Geringer
16. Jazzla Walters
16. Jenifer Lloyd
16. Libbie Dahl
16. Maria DiNello
16. Marlana Fraser
16. Meagan McGraw
16. Ruth Fortou
16. Tawnya Block

Class C
1. Yarishna Ayala
2. Antanique Landry
3. Collette Barbera
4. Angeles Burke
5. Angelica Gonzalez
6. Gena Baisa
7. Kathryn Mantone
8. Amber Anderson
9. Anna Deiturrondo
10. Miroslava Reese
11. Sarah Thomas
12. Michelle Ackerman
13. Paris Jordan
14. Erica Altman
15. Jessica Beville
16. Amy Branch
16. Angelika Perez
16. AnnaMarie Rose
16. Becky Padilla
16. Celeste Monique DeVore
16. Dana Gones-Sillar
16. Elizabeth Jones
16. Elle Boyden
16. Grace Muraski
16. Heidi Allen-Patterson
16. Kadie McDuffie
16. Kelli Hinshaw
16. Kimberly Turner
16. Leah Ko
16. Lisette Howard
16. Melanie Galles
16. Nicole Chappell
16. Priscilla Smith
16. Rachel Omell
16. Randalene Sergent
16. Sharitha McKenzie
16. Shelby Maynard
16. Shinda Obey
16. Sundae Marshall
16. Tiffiny Newton

Class D
1. Liana Hamilton
2. Stephanie Mahoe
3. Ashley Kurtenbach
4. Lauren Gregory
5. Trista Anderson
6. Melissa Chancey
7. Hayley Davis
8. Alexandra Zerega
9. Justine Moore
10. Danee Cavaliere
11. Nikki Bonifatto
12. Anne-Marie Caravalho
13. Christina Carollo
14. Jaynelle Hoke
15. Erin Rocamontes
16. Adrienne Foster
16. Christina Baxter
16. Delanie Neal
16. Elizabeth Jochums
16. Jaimie Bernhardt
16. Lisa Bealin
16. Lyddane Tapia
16. Megan Sanders
16. Melanie Evans
16. Nancy Kim
16. Sherry Hasty
16. Siliana Gaspard

Class E
1. Chaundra Bagwell
2. Amber Orton
3. Whitney Wiser
4. Angela Okon
5. Jennifer Menezes
6. Susan Perry
7. Iryna Chemerynskyy
8. Danielle Barnes
9. Ashley Sarina Hoffmann
10. Summer Nelson
11. Leslie Barnett
12. Lindsey Hughes
13. Elisa Eoff
14. Kelsea Androes
15. Elena Leonetti
16. Andreanna Coffman
16. Ashley Nelson
16. Chelsea Schwink
16. Rachel Morrissey
16. Solara Key
16. Tarrah Speer-Lee

Class F
1. Hope Howard
2. Amanda Woolery
3. Holly Elizabeth
4. Asia Mendoza
5. Alexis Jones
6. Carianne Boos
7. Taylor Knollenberg
8. Allyson Cook
9. Leilani Hartley
10. Stephanie Gemmer
11. Jacquelyn Esser
12. Dorian Vandergriff
13. Allyson Enrico
14. Rebecca Zirkle
15. Micah Archibald
16. Ana Dosaj
16. Chantal Rzewnicki
16. Emily Herrington
16. Jade Carroll
16. Stacey Hair
16. Trista Groves

Click here for all the NPC JR NATIONAL  CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS.

Filed Under: Contest Results

2013 NPC Jr Nationals Women’s Physique & Bodybuilding Results

June 16, 2013 by

The women’s physique division is the newest division to the NPC and it continues to show signs of growth and improvement. The physiques were more streamlined and feminine than we’ve seen. Some classes had multiple competitors worthy of IFBB Pro Status. Only the winners of each class were awarded pro cards at this show but keep your eye on the names in the top five of each class. You’ll likely see them join the pro ranks before the year is complete.

The A class winner, Erica Blockman took home the overall title and looked great doing it. She has great shape and a tremendous back. Also awarded pro status were Stephanie Willes, Joni Neilson and Heather Barbee.

Click here for all the NPC JR NATIONAL  CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS.

WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE RESULTS

Class A
1. Erica Blockman
2. Michelle Davis
3. Justine Ansolone
4. Rose Brunner
5. Dawn Meininger-Wahlgren
6. Heidi Dee Jolly
7. Dominique Furuts
8. Kirsten Van Arsdale
9. Nina Black

Class B
1. Stephanie Willes
2. Heather Mell
3. Amanda Zawojsky
4. Shannan Roskam
5. Angela Morel
6. Jill Livoti
7. Tracy Weller
8. Nancy Espinal
9. Erin Dwyer
10. Kristina Diamond
11. Cheryl Shelby
12. Julia Ladewski
13. Elizabeth Crenshaw
14. Kelly Lovan
15. Dana Osakada

Class C
1. Joni Neilson
2. Krysta Enchill
3. Shawnna Doty
4. Jessica Bowman
5. Jennifer Underwood Kalbs
6. Sarah Skinner
7. Olivia Moschetti
8. Monica Smith
9. Rachelina Delmoral
10. Ariel Gail
11. Danae Zaitz
12. Annette McBride
13. Cydne Fuston
14. Laura Ellingson

Class D
1. Heather Barbee
2. Zandra Starr Minita
3. Leeann Friemoth
4. Melissa Shuster
5. Amanda Kinnaird
6. Christine Moyer
7. Delia McNeil
8. Kristin Miceli
9. Kyla Long
10. Erika Laine
11. Kristen Smithers
12. Nicole Goncalves
13. Tiffany Justice
14. Alicia Terrell
15. Jennifer Scott

WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING RESULTS
The writing is getting much clearer on the wall for female bodybuilders. What’s becoming more and more apparent is that it’s not a question of if but rather when the women’s bodybuilding division is a thing of the past. The NPC Jr Nationals has never awarded IFBB Pro status to the female bodybuilding winners, so the numbers are usually lower than the NPC USAs or NPC Nationals, which do award pro cards. It’s pretty clear that when only FOUR women enter a show of this size the end is imminent. Last month’s NPC Jr USAs had only 2 total entrants. It will be interesting to see if the pattern continues and we see only 8 female bodybuilders at the NPC USAs.

No disrespect intended to the four women who did step up and enter the show. Kasia Topor took home the overall title after winning the heavyweight division. She beat out Laura Brown, the lone entrant in the light heavyweight division.

Light Heavyweight
1. Laura Brown

Heavyweight
1. Kasia Topor
2. Carrie Rapp
3. Lisa O’Kelly

Click here for all the NPC JR NATIONAL  CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS.

Filed Under: Contest Results

Vera Mallet Wins The 2013 NPC Jr Nationals Figure – Complete Results

June 16, 2013 by

Well over one hundred women entered the 2013 NPC Jr Nationals Figure Championships but only six left with IFBB Pro status. The winners of each height class leave the amateur ranks and join the big leagues. Vera Mallett won not only the E Class but also left with the overall title. Also winning their class and turning pro were Andrea Calhoun, Kaelin Tuell, Jennifer Brown, Alicia Coates and Roshanda Schmitt.

This is always a very competitive show and this year was no different. Many of the women in each class showed tremendous potential and will certainly make their presence known in future competitions. Congratulations to all the women!

Click here for all the NPC JR NATIONAL  CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS.

FIGURE RESULTS
Class A – Up to and including 5’1″
place / name / score
1. Andrea Calhoun – 5
2. Jacqueline Thomas – 12
3. Rina Patel – 14
4. Milva Galati -19
5. Kim Clark – 25
6. Brenda Gabbord – 33
7. Danielle Hugunin – 34
8. Pamela Sampson – 39
9. Jennifer Nacoal Stone – 45
10. Esthela Heiler – 52
11. Colleen McMahon – 54
12. Yeny Martinez – 59
13. Nicole Alcala – 66
14. Alexandria Mossbarger – 68
15. Melanie Medlock – 74

Class B – Over 5’1″ and up to and including 5’2 1/2″
place / name / score
1. Kaelin Tuell – 6
2. Irina Kiselev – 9
3. Trisha Fleischer – 18
4. Arista Jackson – 18
5. Tarah Mitchell – 26
6. Brittany Ramsey – 29
7. Meghan Ann Olsen – 36
8. Christine Cecilione – 40
9. Tiffany Vann – 45
10. Brittany Umbrage – 49
11. Megan Dwyer – 55
12. Shari Bentley – 62
13. Lia Taylor – 63
14. Rachel Payne – 69
15. Susan McDonald – 74

Class C – Over 5’2″ and up to and including 5’4″
place / name / score
1. Jennifer Brown – 7
2. Katharine Lane – 9
3. Jennifer Cordovez – 14
4. Christina Watson – 21
5. Tiffany Garrett – 26
6. Lauren Williams – 26
7. Zahira Landestoy – 39
8. Shelina Azar – 42
9. Tiffany Howard – 44
10. Colleen Bertsch – 48
11. Kimberly Jones – 53
12. Angela Christo – 60
13. Marianne Mills – 65
14. Jeannette Samuelson – 71
15. Kathy Te Slaa – 74
16. Christine Gardner – 80
16. Alicia McDowell – 80
16. Sheia Malmoe Scott – 80
16. Claudia Olvera – 80
16. Melissa Fillmore – 80
16. LeAnn Blachowicz – 80
16. Kimberly Elizabeth – 80
16. Christine Gardner – 80
16. Annie Knueven – 80
16. Kesia Macios – 80
16. Kris Pitcher – 80
16. Shawna Reinhart – 80
16. Regina Stronach – 80
16. Cheryl Ann Trebat – 80

Class D – Over 5’4″ and up to and including 5′ 5 1/2″
place / name / score
1. Alicia Coates – 10
2. Rocio Ruiz – 10
3. Taniqua Mary Medina – 16
4. Michele Horan – 17
5. Ryan Behr – 20
6. Carla Araujo – 30
7. Brandi Reeder – 37
8. Darcy DeFrees – 39
9. Loni Pfeil – 47
10. Shyrlena Bogard – 48
11. Jaclyn Giordano – 56
12. Lateeah Morrell – 57
13. Erin Kirkland – 67
14. Candace Blau – 70
15. Nancy Wehbe – 76
16. Christina Larson – 77
16. Kayla Johnson – 80
16. Karly Gomez – 80
16. Dana Penrose – 80
16. Sarah Pitsch – 80
16. Laura Brown – 80
16. Vanessa Jacobs – 80
16. Genie Sammons – 80
16. Robin Fountain – 80
16. Amy Hearon – 80

Class E – Over 5’5 1/2″ and up to and including 5’7″
place / name / score
1. Vera Mallett
2. Alissa Parker
3. Annette Mendez
4. Kaylee Rae Flanagan
5. Tiffany Gaston
6. Angelina Masino
7. Amy Watson
8. Megan Daigle
9. Jennifer Delgado
10. Amy Scofres
11. Kay Jordt
12. Kristina Crawford
13. Bethany Utke
14. Jamie Lynn Byron
15. Erin Twiggs
16. Elena Carvell
16. Krystal Bogan
16. Maggie Moxley
16. Marta Lepe
16. Michelle Yeager
16. Rebecca Ewing
16. Tenecia Phillips

Class F – Over 5’7″
place / name / score
1. Roshanda Schmitt
2. Alexandria Berriman
3. Kimberly Dickson
4. Jackie Faine
5. Rebecca Mitchell
6. Allison Stauss
7. Amanda Maurer
8. Michelle Grissom
9. Jessica Walter
10. Hannah Whiteman
11. Kristen Campbell
12. Sarah Moloney
13. Dawn Bergklint
14. Heidi Vohwinkle
15. Saddi DuJour

place / name / score

Filed Under: Contest Results

NPC JR Nationals – Fabulous Female Friday Review

June 15, 2013 by

Hundreds of NPC female competitors took the NPC Jr Nationals‘ stage on Friday in hopes of leaving with IFBB Pro status. The Bikini competition dominated with the most entrants while women’s bodybuilding foreshadow its future. Only four women entered women’s bodybuilding and while the numbers for this show are always smaller than USAs or Nationals because of no pro card, four shows the writing on the wall.

2013-jr-nationals
Women’s Physique continues to thrive and come into its own as a viable division in the amateur ranks. The women in the physique division are more streamlined and while they are muscular they’re looking more like a Figure competitor with more muscle than a downsized bodybuilder.

The Figure competition showcased a number of very good competitors and while there’s no clear cut overall winner many of the classes showcased women with tremendous potential. The Bikini division was also very competitive with the C class being the largest. You know a class is large when the competitor roster takes up two pages.

Fitness had a decent showing compared to what we’ve seen in prior shows. While it’s a fading division in terms of numbers it’s still the most entertaining. The winners in each class will hold their own in the pro ranks but will likely need to be a bit more muscular in order to hang with the likes of Adela, Oksana or Tanji, the leading pro competitors.

HARBODY Predictions:
These are simply opinions and observations. They do not reflect the final out come of the show or reflect the judges’ opinions or those of the NPC. Check out all the photos from the show here.

FITNESS: Each class winner will achieve IFBB Pro League status. See the prejudging fitness routines and 2-piece photos here.

Look for Shannon Siemer to take the Fitness A class. She had not only the most complete physique but also the best routine in the class.

Nicolette Spencer had the best physique and should finish in the top spots for the routines and put her in the winner’s circle. Lishia Dean has been a long-time amateur favorite and could be in the top three but missed her conditioning in the physique round. Deanne Fry has the muscle and the physique to be in the top spots but will her routine be high enough on the scorecard? She broke out some old school Carol Semple moves in her routine.

Carly Lobato was the standout in the C class, women over 5′ 4 1/2″. She had great flexibility and a number of strength moves throughout. She also maintained her pace from start to finish. Many women start strong but end out of breath. Debbie Sizemore had a rather bizarre choice in the routine round. She brought out a huge prop which looked like a set of jail bars. It was distracting for the majority of her routine. Kimberly Stroup will be in the hunt for the top spot and should be in the top two. She had a solid routine and in the top spots for the physique round.

Barbie Thomas continues to awe and inspire everyone. She performs fitness routines and does move with ease, all with no arms. You can’t help but get a little choked up when she takes the stage. She reminds us all that there are truly no excuses. Mad respect to Barbie.

Women’s Physique: This is how I see the placings going but again they are NOT final. The winner of each class will be eligible for IFBB Pro League Status. View prejudging photos here.

Class A:
1. Erica Blockman
2. Michelle Davis
3. Justine Ansolone
4. Dawn Meininger-Wahlgren

Class B:
1. Stephanie Willes
2. Heather Mell
3. Amanda Zawojsky
4. Shannan Roskam
5. Angela Morel

Class C:
1. Joni Neilson
2. Krysta Enchill
3. Shawnna Doty
4. Jessica Bowman
5. Jennifer Underwood-Kallas

Class D:
1. Heather Barbee
2. Zandra Starr Minita
3. LeeAnn Friemoth
4. Amanda Kinnaird
5. Christine Moyer
6. Delia McNeil

Women’s Bodybuilding:
No disrespect intended to the four women who did step up and enter the show but this was, in my opinion, foreshadowing of the division. When only four women total show up, you know things are going downhill fast. Props to the four women who did enter.

Light Heavyweight
1. Laura Brown

Heavyweight
1. Kasia Topor
2. Carrie Rapp
3. Lisa O’Kelly

BIKINI:
The winner of each height class will be eligible for IFBB Pro League status. The bikini competition was some of the best to date and the physiques continue to improve across the board. View prejudging photos here.

Bikini A:
1. Ashriel Osgood
2. Yasmin Ali
3. Annie Parker
4. Elle Delallo
5. Caryn Paolini

Bikini B:
1. Susan Waters
2. Nissan Weaver
3. Lisa Schimkat
4. Sana Shah
5. Alli Petriella
6. Melanie Kate
7. Lisa Campbell
8 Amy Lindsey

Bikini C:
This was a HUGE class. It was a very tough competition and also had something happen, I hadn’t seen before. Miroslava Reese was in the fourth callout but was brought back with the top five women in a final callout and put in the middle. What that will mean, if anything is anyone’s guess. I spoke with the head judge on this an she told me she thought Miroslava had been overlooked and deserved a look at the top spots. Whether she will finish there or not, we’ll see but it’s a good reminder to all competitors you never know how things will go until the awards are handed out.

1. Collette Barbera
2. Yarisha Ayala
3. Angeles Burke
4. Antanique Lanry
5. Angelica Gonzalez

Bikini D:
1. Liana Hamilton
2. Stephanie Mahoe
3. Ashley Kurtenbach
4. Trista Anderson
5. Lauren Gregory

Bikini E:
1. Chaundra Bagwell
2. Amber Orton
3. Whitney Wiser
4. Jennifer Menezes
5. Angela Okon

Bikini F:
1. Hope Howard
2. Amanda Woolery
3. Asia Mendoza
4. Holly Elizabeth
5. Alexis Nicole Jones

FIGURE:
The winners of each height class will be eligible for IFBB Pro League status. This was a very competitive group of women and if the overall winner follows in previous winners’ footsteps they’ll be great. Last year’s winner Mallory Haldeman went on to compete in the Olympia the same year as turning pro and the prior year Candice Lewis took top honors. Candice has positioned herself as one of the top women in the pro ranks as well. View prejudging photos here.

Figure A:
1. Andrea Calhoun
2. Rina Patel
3. Jacqueline Thomas
4. Milva Galati
5. Kim Clark

Figure B:
1. Irina Kiselev
2. Kaelin Tuell
3. Trisha Fleischer
4. Arista Jackson
5. Tarah Mitchell

Figure C:
1. Jennifer Brown
2. Jennifer Cordovez
3. Katherine Lane
4. Christina Watson
5. Lauren Williams
6. Tiffany Garrett
**Alicia McDowell stood out has having tremendous potential in the months ahead. She missed her conditioning and won’t be in the top spots here but keep an eye on her.

Figure D:
1. Alicia Coates
2. Ryan Behr
3. Taniqua Mary Medina
4. Rocio Ruiz
5. Carla Araujo
6. Michele Horan

Figure E:
1. Vera Mallet
2. Alissa Parker
3. Annette Mendez
4. Kaylee Rae Flanagan
5. Angelina Masino

Figure F:
1. Roshonda Schmitt
2. Kimberly Dickson
3. Alexandria Berriman
4. Jackie Faine
5. Rebecca Mitchell

Finals will be held tonight, Saturday, where we’ll find out who wins and how accurate the Hardbody picks are. Again, the above are NOT the judges’ placings and are NOT final. Good luck to all competing and congratulations on taking the stage! Follow the coverage on twitter with the hashtag #NPCJRNATS to see results tonight.

See more show photos on FLEXonline.com and NPCnewsonline.com.

Filed Under: Show Previews

Brandon Curry & Brandy Leaver Reveal… a Boy or Girl

June 13, 2013 by

One of the nicest couples in fitness, Brandon Curry and Brandy Leaver are expecting their fourth child. Brandy will be sharing her pregnancy journey here on Hardbody News along the way. The power couple recently found out the sex of their baby and their sharing it exclusively in this video.

baby-curry

Check out the video below to see if they will be having a boy or a girl. They shared the news with family by opening a box that revealed the sex of the child with either pink balloons for a girl or blue balloons for a boy.

Congratulations Brandon and Brandy!

Filed Under: News & Features, Videos

Oxygen Magazine’s Tosca Reno “It’s been a few days, but I owe you the truth”

June 13, 2013 by

Tosca Reno broke her silence since the reported closure of Robert Kennedy Publishing. Tosca was married to the late Robert “Bob” Kennedy and when Bob passed she took over the publishing company he started 40 years ago. Today she posted on her website, confirming the news of the closure but also shed new light on the brands and what might be in store.

tosca-reno
The post was written more as a press release than that of someone speaking directly to readers, fans and former employees. Early on June 13, 2013 Tosca tweeted for the first time since last Friday. She shared:


She confirmed reports of the publishing powerhouse closing its doors on her website stating, “Canusa, parent company of Robert Kennedy Publishing which produced magazines Muscle Mag International, Reps!, Oxygen, American Curves and Clean Eating as well as hundreds of books (New York Times best sellers: Hardcore Bodybuilding, Reps!, RockHard!, Beef It!, Pumping Up! and the Eat-Clean Diet Series) has ceased business operations by officially closing its doors last Friday.”

Tosca cites the publishing industry being in financial trouble and the increase of “tablet computers” as reader’s choice over print to be the downfall. She also states, “These factors along with the soft economy have pushed many businesses into bankruptcy particularly in the publishing world.”

She writes, “Robert “Bob” Kennedy, passed away suddenly last year and the company has struggled tremendously in his absence unable to shoulder the burdens left behind.” Only Tosca knows fully what “burdens” were left behind and that she was faced with. Losing your husband and being thrust into running a publishing company is no easy venture. She goes on to state that she “reluctantly took the helm of the distressed publishing business he built.”

The part that gives Oxygen, Clean Eating and The Eat-Clean Diet readers hope is where she says she decided to “restructure the business as a whole in order to allow our brands, Oxygen, Cleaning Eating and The Eat-Clean Diet to possibly find a new home, where my hope is they can thrive again.” There’s no mention of efforts to bring back MuscleMag, American Curves and Reps. It’s not surprising, given that Tosca has no ties to those magazines however the other brands are directly associated to her and her personal brand.

The article closes with Reno saying, “One of the most difficult factors was knowing our dedicated employees are facing this reality now, too, though I laboured long and hard to avoid my ultimate decision. I have done everything I can to preserve and respect the brands by working with some exemplary individuals for whom I am deeply grateful.”

Many employees have shared that they knew things were tough at the company but were blindsided by the closure on Friday. They were told to leave on Friday and return on Monday to collect their belongings. Employees have written to us here at Hardbody News that have yet to hear from Tosca and were never addressed on the situation. It’s a sad deal for all involved and we’re certainly not pointing any fingers. There’s many factors that come in to play for a company of 40 years to close. It has left employees, subscribers and fans confused and left wondering what’s next. Subscribers continue to ask what will happen to their subscriptions and we don’t know.

We wish Tosca, her family and former staff all the best in the months ahead. We hope to see the brands renewed and brought back to continue inspiring and motivating women across the globe. Read the entire blog post on www.toscareno.com.

Lead photo via oxygenmag.com

Filed Under: News & Features

Build Better Legs & Glutes – Ashley Kaltwasser’s Hardbody Training

June 12, 2013 by

Ashley Kaltwasser took top honors at the 2012 Arnold Sports Amateur competition in Columbus, Ohio. She went on to achieve pro status at the 2012 Team Universe and has since become one of the rising starts in the IFBB Pro League. Ashley shares her leg and glute workouts that help her build her hard body. She splits her workouts into two separate regimens, one with a leg focus and the other with a glute focus.

glute-training

Monday (leg focus)
• 4 x 10 deep squats Smith Machine
• 4 x 10 prone hamstring curl
• 4 x 10ea. leg Pistol Squats
• 4 x 10 straight leg dead lifts
• 4 x 10 sumo squats with dumbbell
• 3 x 20 calf raise

Thursday (glute focus)
• 3 x1 5 resistance band kick backs
• 3 x 10 plyometric box jumps
• 3 x 10 one legged dead lifts with dumbbell
• 3 x 15 glute kick ups on hamstring curl machine or 3x 5 Glute Ham Raise
* Some exercises may be performed in a circuit or as supersets.

Cardio:
I will do a few sessions of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) cardio throughout the week, focusing on squeezing the glute area.

Examples of what I typically do for cardio would be 20 mins of interval Step Mill or 10 minutes of Jacob’s Ladder.

 

glute-leg-training
Follow Ashley on twitter at @AshleyKfit and on facebook. Check out what’s in Ashley’s fridge and some healthy eating tips on FitnessRx for Women.

 

Filed Under: Workouts

Hardbody 411: 2013 NPC JR Nationals – Chicago, IL

June 11, 2013 by

This weekend around 500 hungry, tanned men and women will head to Chicago for the 2013 NPC JR Nationals. The event is one of the best of the year and the winners have gone on to big things in the pro ranks. Last year’s Figure champion Mallory Haldeman went on to be named rookie of the year in the pro ranks by Flex Magazine. Lacey Deluca, the Bikini overall champ, consistently placed high in pro shows. Who will be ones to watch this year? The venue is attached to the host hotel which makes it very easy for competitors, especially when it’s raining out as it has in previous years.

npc-jr-nationals
The 2013 Optimum Nutrition NPC Jr. National Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, Bikini & Physique Championships, to be held June 14-15 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont (Chicago area), Illinois. There are 4 weight classes for the Women’s Bodybuilding, 7 weight classes for Men’s Bodybuilding, 3 height classes for Fitness competitors, 6 height classes for Figure and Bikini competitors, 4 height classes for Women’s Physique and 6 Height classes for Men’s Physique. IFBB Pro Cards will be awarded to all height class winners.

U.S. Citizenship is required for Fitness, Figure, Bikini and Men’s & Women’s Physique Competitors only (pro-qualifiers). All bodybuilding athletes must provide either proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Resident Alien status (Green Card).

Please note: The height class winners are all required to participate in the NPC NEWS photo shoot with J.M.M Manion on Sunday following the contest. The shoot is schedule for 8:30am to 1pm on June 16th. For more information on the winners’ shoot click here.

Lift Studios will be the official stage photographer. Photos will be available for purchase here.

Ticket Info:
FINALS: $75 & $50 -All Seats Reserved
PREJUDGING:Friday Night -$30; Saturday Morning -$30 (Open Seating)

HOST HOTEL and EVENT LOCATION
Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel
9300 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, IL 60018

CHECK-IN / ATHLETE MEETING / WEIGH-IN
HYATT REGENCY O’HARE HOTEL Thursday, June 13: Weigh-Ins and Check-Ins for all athletes will take place on a “rolling” basis from 2 -8 p.m. on Thursday ONLY! Competitors can come in to the room at any time during those 6 hours. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WEIGH-IN or CHECK-IN ON FRIDAY!

COMPETITION SUITS MUST BE WORN BY BODYBUILDERS TO WEIGH-IN/CHECK-IN IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE SUIT STYLE, BRING A SECOND SUIT!

POSING AND AWARDS
All competitors will be introduced on stage at the Finals. The top five in each Bodybuilding and Women’s Physique class and the top five in each Fitness class will perform their routines. Fitness competitors will be compared in their two-piece swimsuit, as will the top five figure, bikini and men’s & women’s physique competitors. The top five athletes in all divisions and classes will be awarded trophies. An overall trophy will be awarded in all divisions. The winners of each height class winners in Fitness, Figure, Bikini, and Men’s & Women’s Physique will be eligible to receive their IFBB pro cards.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel
24 hours Microwave Room TBD 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Promoter’s Office Grand Reg Office 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. All weigh-ins and check-ins on a “rolling” schedule Grand E 24 hours ProTan – Appointment Only TBD

Friday, June 14, 2013
Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel and Grand ABCD Ballroom

24 hours Microwave Room TBD 24 hours ProTan – Appointment Only TBD 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. NPC/Promoter’s Office Grand Reg Office

Please note: Mandatory report times will be confirmed and posted at weigh/check-ins on Thursday

1 p.m. Fitness Mandatory Meeting
1:30 p.m. Women’s BB Mandatory Meeting TBA Women’s Physique, Bikini, Figure Meeting
1:30 p.m. Doors open to public 2 p.m. Fabulous Female Friday – Prejudging Ballroom

Saturday, June 15, 2013
Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel Grand ABCD Ballroom
24 hours ProTan – Appointment Only TBD

7:30 a.m. Men’s Bodybuilding Mandatory Meeting Ballroom
8 a.m. Men’s Physique Mandatory Meeting
8:30 a.m. Doors open to the public
9 a.m. Men’s Bodybuilding Prejudging / Men’s Physique Prejudging
5:00 p.m. All Competitors Mandatory Meeting
5:30 p.m. Doors open to the public
6:00 p.m. Finals – All Ballroom

All Competitors should arrive 15 minutes early for meetings. Meetings WILL start on time. Competitors – please note that this schedule is subject to change and the final schedule will be posted at the Hyatt Regency during weigh-in and check-in on Thursday.

ALL WEIGH-INS AND CHECK-INS ARE ON THURSDAY ONLY – THERE WILL BE NO WEIGH-INS OR CHECK-INS ON FRIDAY!!
ALL ATHLETES MUST WEIGH/CHECK IN ON THURSDAY OR THEY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO COMPETE ON STAGE!

For more info visit npcjrnationals.com

 

lead photo via hyatt o’hare. Content from NPC Jr. Nationals website.

Filed Under: Show Previews

Omaha NPC Duel of Champions Results & Photos

June 11, 2013 by

The 2013 NPC Omaha Duel of Champions was held in conjunction with the 2013 Omaha Pro Figure contest over the weekend. See complete results from the bikini, figure, men’s physique and men’s bodybuilding. Photos from the event can be found here.

omaha-duel-champions

 

Figure Short Novice
1. Marni Shoemaker #53
2. Caitlin Sullivan #54

Figure Medium Novice
1. Molly Daniel #59
2. Amanda Jo Weber #57
3. Angie Tiehy #58

Figure Tall Novice
1. Jessica Kowalsky #63
2. Jen Diesterhaupt #62
3. Nichole Ulibarri #64

Figure Short Open
1. Ivana Ivusic #69
2. Cassie Craig #67
3. Marni Shoemaker #53
4. Deatra Brandel #68
5. Caitlin Sullivan #54

Figure Medium Open
1. Molly Wichman #72
2. Ryan Behr #74
3. Jennifer Good #77
4. Kim Stern #73
5. Amanda Jo Weber #57

Figure Tall Open
1. Melissa Creal #80
2. Jessica Kowalsky #63
3. Jen Diesterhaupt #62
4. Beth Roehik #81
5. Nichole Ulibarri #64

Figure Masters Open
1. Jennifer Good #77
2. Beth Roehik #81
3. Kim Stern #73
4. Angie Tiehy #58

Click here for event photos.

Fitness
1. Molly Wichman #72
2. Cassie Craig #67

Bikini A Novice
1. Jess Mart #87
2. Noura Matouk #84
3. Michelle Lopez #85
4. Anne Olthrogge #88
5. Jessica Chevalier #86

Bikini B Novice
1. Michelle Lehan #91
2. Gina Bessmer #93
3. Amy Henson #92
4. Cheri Albin #94

Bikini C Novice
1. Kimberly Humphreys #99
2. Kim Keeler #97
3. Kristie Egan #98
4. Amy Meyer #100

Bikini A Open
1. Noura Matouk #84
2. Michelle Lopez #85
3. Amber Anderson #104
4. Abby Stehlik #103
5. Jessica Chevalier #86

Bikini B Open
1. Keli Hinshaw #107
2. Jess Mart #87
3. Michelle Lehan #91
4. Amy Henson #92
5. Anne Olthrogge #88

Bikini C Open
1. Ashley Nelson #110
2. Gina Bessmer #93
3. Kim Keeler #97
4. Kristie Egan #98

Bikini D Open
1. Carianne Boos #113
2. Kimberly Humphreys #99
3. Amy Meyer #100

Bikini Masters
1. Amy Henson 392
2. Kim Keeler #97
3. Stacey Fuller #116
4. Cheri Albin #94

Click here for event photos.

Men BB Teen
1. Aaron Carpenter #118
2. Nick Garcia #120
3. Derek Peuter #119

Men’s BB Lightweight (143-154) NOVICE
1. Pat Reiff #122
2. Steve Woock #123

Men’s BB Lightweight (143-154) NOVICE
1. Oscar Marino #125
2. Landon Sindt #126

Men BB Light-Heavy (176-198) NOVICE
1. Randall Scott #128

Men’s BB Heavy (198-225) NOVICE
1. Curtis Brown #133
2. Nick McGee #131
3. Kyle Norton #130
4. Kenneth Ruben #132

Men’s BB Masters (50-59) NOVICE
1. Randall Scott #128
2. Pat Reiff #122

Men’s BB Bantam (143 -154) OPEN
1. Shane Cooper #135

Men’s BB Lightweight (143-154) OPEN
1. Steve Woock #123

Men’s BB Middle (154-176) OPEN
1. Landon Sindt #126
2. Dominick Hudson #137
3. Chris Van Gienson #139
4. Brent Stricker #138

Men’s BB Lt-Heavy (176-198) OPEN
1. Nicholas Langer #141

Men’s BB Heavy (198-225) OPEN
1. Curtis Brown #133
2. Marko Lvusic #143
3. Nick McGee #131
4. Kyle Norton #130
5. Kenneth Ruben #132

Men’s BB Super Heavy (225 and over) OPEN
1. James McKown #146
2. Ben Walkinshaw #145

Men’s BB Masters 35-39 OPEN
1. Ben Walkinshaw #145

Men BB Masters (40-49) OPEN
1. Monte Kaughnas #148

Click here for event photos.

MEN’S PHYSIQUE A NOVICE
1. Mike Smith #22
2. JT Agenor #20
3. Jesse Rittenhouse #21

MEN’S PHYSIQUE B NOVICE
1. Gerdon Kopecky #28
2. Alex Bittles #27
3. Tersor Orsar #26
4. Ben Talarico #25

MEN’S PHYSIQUE A OPEN
1. Christian Chadwick #33
2. Peter Ray #32
3. Jason Savage #31
4. Mike Smith #22

MEN’S PHYSIQUE B OPEN
1. Damon Bolt #38
2. Jason Sweeney #36
3. Dan Mackey #37

MEN’S PHYSIQUE C OPEN
1. Darik Opperman #44
2. Baylor Korth #43
3. Gerdon Kopecky #28
4. Anthony Vuckovich #41
5. Ryan Daharsh #42

Men Physique Master Open 35-39
1. JJ Agenor #20
2. Matt Hawkins #47

Men’s Physique Masters Open 40-49
1. Jason Sweeney #36
2. Michael McGuane #50

Filed Under: Contest Results

2013 IFBB Southern California Pro Results

June 9, 2013 by

Narmin Assria wasn’t the biggest competitor on the San Diego stage but she more then held her own. Narmin on the IFBB Southern California Pro on Saturday night in San Diego, California. The win was the second in her IFBB career.

Christie Marquez had to be elated in the runner-up position. The second place finish was the highest on her IFBB resume. Jessica Arevalo finished in third and rookie Candice Conroy finished in an impressive fourth. Angela Skeels cracked the top five for the first time in her pro career and in doing so collected a point in the Olympia Point Series.

2013 IFBB Southern California Pro:
1. Narmin Assria
2. Christie Marquez
3. Jessica Arevalo
4. Candice Conroy
5. Angela Skeels
6. Janelle Saitone-McGuire
7. Theresa Byrne
8. Amy Allen
9. Amanda Sexsmith
10. Jennifer Stevens

Filed Under: Contest Results

2013 IFBB Omaha Pro Figure Review & Results

June 9, 2013 by

The third annual IFBB Omaha Pro is in the books. Arizona’s Candice Lewis successfully defending her title tonight in downtown Omaha but the win didn’t come easy.

Nipping at her heels was Colorado’s Camala Rodriquez, fresh off her first pro victory at the Cal Pro. Rising in the figure ranks and bringing a much improved look to the stage was Aleisha Hart. The Canadian standout is en route to the Olympia if she continues to collect points in the every challenging Olympia Point Series. Rounding out the top five was Kim Sheppard and Allison Frahn. The two are also in the mix for the Olympia point series.

The venue for the Omaha Pro was second to none. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better venue than the Holland Center in Omaha. Captain Jack Titone an his wife Ann did a great job and rolled out the red carpet for the competitors and fans. Hats of to the St. Louis duo who continue to put their heart and soul into the NPC and IFBB. Their passion is admirable and it doesn’t go unnoticed.

See photos from the IFBB and NPC event here.

THE HARDBODY 411:
1. Candice Lewis: The defending champ has incredible shape. She wasn’t at her best here but her shape carried her to a victory. She was a little off in her conditioning. Look for her to take a little break and then compete at the Olympia. If she sharpens her conditioning she can be a top 5 finisher.

2. Camala Rodriguez: Camala was a bit more streamlined with her physique and overall look but her tan could have been darker and a bit tighter in her conditioning. I wasn’t crazy about her suit cut on the bottom. She appeared confident on stage and a runner-up finish here is a great placing.

3. Aleisha Hart: The Canadian standout took the stage with a ton of confidence. She weas holding a bit of water but wasn’t terrible. She stood out from the get-go and wouldn’t have argued if she was in second. She’s improved her posing and presentation a great deal over the last year.

4. Kimberly Sheppard Kim took the stage with confidence. She had nice color/good tan and presentation She could use more wider lats, especially from the front. If she lifts up a bit when posing from the back it would help. She continues to collect points in the Olympia Series.

5. Allison Frahn: Allison’s little details were on point… hair & makeup look good, nice suit and good tan. I’d like to see a bit more thickness in her back.

6. Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz: Maria has a pretty balanced physique and complete from head to toe. Many competitors lack calves but she’s not one of them. She carries a bit more muscle than others especially in her legs. There are times when posing she needs to open up her back a bit more. Still a solid showing from Maria.

7. Victoria Adelus: Victoria Adelus could be a bit fuller and needs to fill out her frame a bit more. Standing next to Maria it when you see it. She always has great energy and seems to be having fun.

8. Dawn Fernandez:  Dawn has great delts. She rocked a nice suit and her tanning was spot on. She needs to to be a bit tighter in the lower body from the backside and a bit more thickness in her back.

9. Bernita Stuckey: Bernita had great energy on stage. Love the shape and symmetry she brought to the stage. I wouldn’t have argued if she was in the top five. I thought the look sthe brought to the stage was very good.

10. Elizabeth Jenkins: The hometown gal has great delts. She could have been a little tighter an bring her legs down a bit. It’s always fun to compete as a pro in your own backyard.

11. Lauren Lessnau: This was Lauren’s pro debut. She downsized a bit since turning pro in Women’s Physique last year. She was a bit uncomfortable posing and walking in heels. She was better at the night show but still could improve. She looked good from the back but the front poses weren’t as on point.

12. Ginette Delhaes:  ofOne of Ginette’s best looks on stage. Her waist came down a bit at least it appeared to on stage and looks great from the front. She brought the best version of her and that’s all you can do.

13. Krista Dunn: Krista appears a little shallow in the upper chest and posing needs a little bit of tweaking. She improved her posing at the night show. She’s done a number of shows in a row and it might be time for a rest. She knows her body best thought and continues to come in with good conditioning.

14. Nancy Bowlin: In prejudging he could have used a bit more oil. Needed to be a bit tigher in the legs, especially from behind.

. Samantha Maycock: She has good shape. Once she gets into her poses she looks goo. Needed to be a bit tighter from behind.

16. Linda McKown: She had great energy and looked to be having fun. She wasn’t quite tight enough and her lower body needs to be dialed in.  great energy. Not quite tight enough. Lower body needs dialed in. #omahapro

16. Cinderella Richardson: She was in great shape and incredible condition but lots of muscle and it was too much for this lineup. She could potentially move over to women’s physique and do better. Her suit top wasn’t the most flattering fit.

See photos from the IFBB and NPC event here.

2013 IFBB Omaha Pro Figure Results:
1. Candice Lewis
2. Camala Rodriguez
3. Aleisha Hart
4. Kimberly Sheppard
5. Allison Frahn
6. Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz
7. Victoria Adelus
8. Dawn Fernandez
9. Bernita Stuckey
10. Elizabeth Jenkins
11. Lauren Lessnau
12. Ginette Delhaes
13. Krista Dunn
14. Nancy Bowlin
15. Samantha Maycock
16. Linda McKown
16. Cinderella Richardson

See photos from the IFBB and NPC event here.

Filed Under: Contest Results

Hardbody Preview: 2013 IFBB Southern California Pro Bikini

June 8, 2013 by

Ten women are set to go for the 2013 IFBB Southern California Pro Bikini competition. This won’t be the largest competition of the year but it will be competitive. The prejudging kicks off this morning in San Diego, California and the finals will crown the winner later tonight.

The Hardbody 411:
Amy Allen – Amy continues to improve her physique since achieving pro status. She has a chance to move up in the top five and is coming off a 16th place finish at the Muscle Contest.

Jessica Arevalo – If the judges find Jessica as appealing as her fans on instagram she’ll be your winner. Fortunately for the other women in this show it’s not based on photo popularity. She continues to improve her posing and presentation. She should be in the mix for a top spot if she brings the same confidence today.

Narmin Assria – Narmin has a pro win to her credit and on paper has the most the best chance at being the show favorite. She’s small but mighty and if she brings a conditioned physique she’ll be in the hunt for the top spot.

Theresa Byrne – Theresa continues to shed some of the muscle that has prevented her from placing in the top spots. If she brings a more streamlined look she’ll be a contender. She was a little off her game at the Muscle Contest, so look for her to redeem herself at this show.

Candice Conroy – Candice could be your dark horse in this show. The blonde California beauty will be making her pro debut and has a smile that will light up the darkest room. She’s got the look and as long as the rookier nerves don’t get the best of her she’ll be in the mix.

Christie Marquez – Christie is the veteran of the group and continues to come into her own on stage. She seems to be more relaxed and having more fun when she competes. She’s coming off a fourth place finish in St. Louis and will look to match and surpass that here.

Janelle Saitone McGuire – Janelle is a beautiful model and has great energy that you can’t help but be drawn to. If she comes in a bit fuller than in past shows she’ll be in the top five since turning pro.

Amanda Sexsmith – Amanda is the lone competitor not residing in California. She was 6th at the Toronto Super show, her pro debut. If she wears a brighter colored suit and tones down the big hair she’ll be in the mix. She has a great physique and with some minor tweaks she could be a threat for the top spots in any show she enters. Beautiful woman with lots of potential.

Angela Skeels – Angela has yet to find her groove in the pro ranks. She was the overall bikini champion at the 2012 NPC Nationals and her highest finish was 8th at the St. Louis Pro. She’ll need to be at her best to crack the top five here.

Jen Stevens – Jen will be making her IFBB Pro debut after achieving pro status at the NPC JR USAs last month. She has a nice look and as long as she’s not too conditioning and poses small she’ll be in the mix. “Posing small” meaning she has a bit more muscle than the other women in this show so can’t appear too muscular in her poses.

2013 IFBB Southern California Pro Bikini
1. Amy Allen – Temecula, California
2. Jessica Arevalo – San Jose, California
3. Narmin Assria – Murrieta, California
4. Theresa Byrne – Roseville, California
5. Candice Conroy – Canyon Lake, California
6. Christie Marquez – Santa Monica, California
7. Janelle Saitone McGuire – Murrieta, California
8. Amanda Sexsmith – Alberta, Canada
9. Angela Skeels – Santa Paula, California
10. Jen Stevens – Clayton, California

VENUE:
Scottish Rite Event Center
1895 Camino Del Rio S.
San Diego, California 92108

More info at: lindsayproductions.com

Filed Under: Show Previews

Robert Kennedy Publishing Out of Business

June 7, 2013 by

Robert Kennedy Publishing (RKP) is out of business and officially closed its doors today. We’ve confirmed with multiple sources that the one time leading publishing company in health and fitness has closed their office and filed bankruptcy.

oxygen-closes-doors

Since the passing of Robert Kennedy, just over a year ago, the bodybuilding, health & fitness publishing company has struggled. Bob Kennedy was great about building relationships and fostering new talent. His passion was unmatched in the world of health & fitness and even when times were tough people stuck by him. Once Bob passed things began to change and it’s no secret to those in the industry that there were rough waters ahead for the staff without Bob behind it.

The news is sad on many levels. We’re told the staff at RKP were not allowed in the building this afternoon and the company has filed bankruptcy. The news caught the staff by surprise and while they knew things were tough they didn’t expect to be out of a job today. We’ve also been informed that the printer has stopped printing the current issues of the magazines and are owed large sums of money by RKP.

There’s always rumors floating around and you hope that they are proven false in time. Sadly this is one rumor that proved true sooner than anyone thought. Since the news broke on twitter today (see tweet below), many contractors have come forward and reported not being paid. Photographers have shared they haven’t been paid for work completed months ago. Models shared with us that they too have been waiting for payment.


Bill Geiger was recently appointed editor-in-chief of Oxygen and was editor-in-chief of Muscle Mag International. He shared via his Facebook page, “Canusa/Robert Kennedy Pubs which produces MuscleMag and Oxygen has gone out of business. Closed its doors. It was great working all the great people on staff and athletes out there. Hope I land on my feet.” Bill was quietly named editor-in-chief after the position was vacated last month. There was no press release announcing his hiring and unfortunately there’s been nothing posted from RKP officially on their sites or social media outlets.

When it comes to what happens next it’s anyone’s guess. Oxygen is a very popular title and it’s likely another publisher will buy the assets and bring it back. Those who are subscribers to the magazines will likely be left out in the cold, at least for now. Subscriptions were where Oxygen excelled and those are valuable assets to a new buyer. Those owed money, will most likely never see a check. The staff has been left displaced and without jobs. Many of them have been at RKP for years. There’s no sense in blaming anyone person for today’s news and it’s an unfortunate situation for all in the fitness industry.

We’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available on this story.

About RKP
In 1974, Robert Kennedy started his first magazine, MuscleMag International, at his kitchen table with his friend Johnny Fitness. Fast-forward 38 years and with the continued success of that magazine, joined with Robert’s perseverance, the dream has now evolved into a publishing house with a strong focus on health, fitness, nutrition and lifestyle titles.

Formerly the Canusa Publishing Group, Robert Kennedy Publishing (RKP) currently publishes six highly successful magazines with worldwide circulation. MuscleMag International is still going strong, alongside Oxygen, American Curves, Maximum Fitness, Reps! and most recently, Clean Eating.

Our book publishing department has grown and RKP has published over 53 books with titles emphasizing topics like fitness, health, lifestyle and nutrition.

A lot can be said about a man and his vision. RKP is led by a man who had a vision and grew it into a successful company that continues to grow, producing compelling, inspiring and engaging content that delights its readers.

UPDATE: 7:30PM Central Time from Oxygen Magazine Australia Facebook
RKP closes its doors…

Sadly Robert Kennedy Publishing has filed for bankruptcy in Canada and until new owners are found they have closed their doors. As you would be aware Fitmedia publish three licenced titles from RKP being; Musclemag, Oxygen and Clean Eating. All these titles are growing for us and we have more than enough content to continue delivering these popular magazines to you.

Our production is in NO way affected by the closure in Canada and we will bring more details to you all as soon as they come to hand. Having just had Tosca Reno in Australia for three weeks, we know that her Eat Clean brand is thriving and that there is plenty of goodwill internationally to re-establish the existing RKP titles as we know and love them.

Thoughts are with the Canadian team right now!

Filed Under: News & Features Tagged With: , ,

Five Tips for Juicing

June 7, 2013 by

Thinking about Juicing? What You Should Know Before You Start
It’s no longer just celebrities, world-class athletes and alternative-lifestyle hippies turning to green smoothies and freshly juiced vegetable and fruits for improved health, says nutritionist and juicing pioneer Cherie Calbom, MS. (“The Juice Lady”).

juicing

“People from all walks of life are looking for proven ways to lose weight, energize, sleep better, strengthen their immune systems, and have brighter skin and a younger appearance. They’re also juicing to help their bodies heal from a variety of ailments,” says Calbom, author of a new book full of juicing tips, tricks and recipes, “The Juice Lady’s Big Book of Juices and Green Smoothies,” (www.juiceladycherie.com).

“No matter your diet, juicing offers a shot of goodness – nutrition, minerals, phytonutrients and more – that you might not otherwise get,” Calbom says.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been juicing awhile and want to optimize the experience, Calbom shares some important pointers that will help.

• Fruits & veggies happiness studies: Plenty of new research shows that adding more produce to your daily diet can benefit your mental health and sense of well-being. In one analysis of the eating habits and moods of 80,000 British adults, researchers at Dartmouth and the University of Warwick found that those who consumed the most fruit and vegetables every day rated themselves as significantly happier and more satisfied with their lives than those who ate lesser amounts. Research shows that the well-being score for people who ate seven to eight servings of vegetables and fruits per day was consistently three points higher than for those who ate little or none.

• More studies … Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health concluded from a study of 982 Americans that those who exhibited the most optimistic outlooks on life also had the highest blood levels of carotene, a key antioxidant that’s delivered by a colorful array of produce: dark green spinach and kale, carrots, and sweet potatoes, and vibrant yellow or orange fruits like peaches, papayas and cantaloupe, among others. And “juicers” should consider starting at a young age. A study of 281 adults with a mean age of 20, conducted at the University of Otago, New Zealand, showed that those who reported the highest daily intake of fruits and veggies also declared they were happier, calmer and more energetic than those who ate less.

• “Do I need to juice; can’t I just eat produce?”: This is a common response, but the reality is that most people in today’s society – especially those who are booked from morning to evening with a busy lifestyle – rarely get an optimal amount of produce throughout the day. A half-cup of veggies is a serving and ¾ of a cup of juice equals one serving; chewing seven to eight servings of produce every day requires much more effort and time than drinking fresh juice for some of the servings. That makes people much more likely to benefit from juice, she says.

• Flavor diversification: Some people soon fall into creative ruts because they stick to the same basic ingredients, and that can be a disincentive for sticking with juicing. Diversify! Try gourmet and exotic juice blends, or even plant-based ingredients you simply haven’t yet considered, some of which may include: butternut squash, one-inch ginger chunks, beets with leaves and stems, Brussels sprouts, and fennel bulbs with fronds. “Juicing is not about just using common fruit ingredients – spice it up and experiment with healthy vegetables; it works!” Calbom says.

• An exotic example: A fennel-watercress-cucumber blend juice is an excellent way to mix up your typical cocktail. It includes: 1 handful of watercress; 1 dark green lettuce leaf; 1 cucumber, peeled if not organic; ½ fennel bulb and fronds; 1 lemon, peeled if not organic. Cut produce to fit your juicer’s feed tube. Wrap watercress in lettuce leaf and push through the juicer slowly. Juice all remaining ingredients. Drink immediately; this portion serves one.

About Cherie Calbom, MS
Cherie Calbom, MS is the author of 21 books, including the best-seller “Juicing for Life,” with 2 million copies sold in the United States and published in 23 countries. Known as “The Juice Lady” for her work with juicing and health, her juice therapy and cleansing programs have been popular for more than a decade. She holds a Master of Science degree in nutrition from Bastyr University. She has practiced as a clinical nutritionist at St. Luke Medical Center, Bellevue, Wash., and as a celebrity nutritionist for George Foreman and Richard Simmons.

Filed Under: NUTRITION, TIPS

Hardbody Preview: Omaha IFBB Pro Figure

June 7, 2013 by

The second annual IFBB Omaha Pro Figure contest will be held this weekend in Omaha, Nebraska. Seventeen women are slated to compete in hopes of heading to the Olympia. The competition will be very competitive and the judges will have their hands full on deciding the top spots in this line-up.

omaha-pro

THE HARDBODY 411:
On paper you have to go with Candice Lewis as the one to beat. She won this show last year and it helped launch her into the discussion as one of the industry’s top figure competitors. She has brought down her legs and has incredible symmetry. If she brings a similar look with spot on conditioning she’ll be the two-time champ. New to the Figure discussion is Camala Rodriquez. Camala made the switch from Fitness to Figure and is coming off a win in California. She’ll look to upset the defending champ in this one.

Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz has steadily improved her physique and positioned herself as one of the women on the rise in the division. Allison Frahn can’t be left out of the discussion as a top five contender here. Kim Sheappard is coming off her best finish at the Cal Pro an will look to be in the mix again here. Aleisha Hart makes the trek down from Canada looking to shake things up in the top spots. Victoria Adelus also made the move from Fitness to Figure and if she comes in with a full physique she’ll hold her own.

Samantha Maycock is wasting no time jumping into the pro ranks after turning pro last month at the NPC JR USAs. She’ll test the waters against a competitive lineup. Also making her pro debut is Lauren Lessnau from Denver. She made a splash in the Women’s Physique Division last year as an amateur but has decided to try her hand at the Figure division. She won’t be the biggest or most muscular competitor on stage so she’ll have to shine with her shape and conditioning.

Bernita Stuckey is coming off a third place finish at the Kentucky Muscle but will have her work cut out for her in this line-up. Krista Dunn continues to improve her physique and presentation. If she can open up her back a bit more when she poses from behind she’ll showcase her hard work a bit better. Ginette Delhaes has also refined her physique and look to move into the top ten here. Dawn Fernandez will look to get back into the top ten after the Cal Pro. Elizabeth Jenkins will have the advantage of sleeping in her own bed and competing in own backyard of Omaha. She’s improved her physique with each show and will look to be in the top callouts this time around.

2013 IFBB Omaha Pro Figure Competitors
1. Victoria Adelus – Bend, Oregon
2. Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz – Chile
3. Nancy Bowlin – Castle Rock, Colorado
4. Ginette Delhaes – Quebec, Canada
5. Krista Dunn – Broomfield, Colorado
6. Dawn Fernandez – Peoria, Arizona
7. Allison Frahn – Dallas, Texas
8. Aleisha Hart – Ontario, Canada
9. Elizabeth Jenkins – Omaha, Nebraska
10. Lauren Lessnau – Englewood, Colorado
11. Candice Lewis – Chandler, Arizona
12. Samantha Maycock – Dallas, Georgia
13. Linda McKown – Wichita, Kansas
14. Cinderella Richardson – Stockbridge, Georgia
15. Camala Rodriguez – Morrison, Colorado
16. Kim Sheppard – Katy, Texas
17. Bernita Stuckey – Columbia, South Carolina

Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY
Athlete Checkin:
PROS: 5:00 pm
AMATEURS: 6:00 pm

SATURDAY
Prejudging – 10am
Finals – 6pm

VENUE
Holland Performance Center
1200 Douglas St
Omaha NE 68102

Host Hotel
Marriot Courtyard Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area
1-800-321-2211

Hotel is 1/2 block from venue.

Filed Under: Show Previews

Ms. International Dropped from 2014 Arnold Sports Festival

June 7, 2013 by

The 2014 Arnold Sports Festival will add the IFBB 212 Men’s Bodybuilding division and will drop professional women’s bodybuilding. The Ms. International was one of the last remaining events that held women’s bodybuilding. Promoter Jim Lormier shared, “The Arnold Sports Festival was proud to support women’s bodybuilding through the Ms. International for the past quarter century.”

female-bodybuilding1

Arnold Classic 212 To Debut At 2014 Arnold Sports Festival
COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Arnold Sports Festival will add the 212-pound professional men’s bodybuilding division to its IFBB Pro League contests in 2014, event promoter Jim Lorimer announced today.

The men’s bodybuilding lightweight division has become one of the IFBB Pro League’s most popular since being introduced in 2008 as the 202-pound division. The allowed weight was increased to 212 pounds effective November 2011.

The first-annual Arnold Classic 212 will be held Feb. 28, 2014. Prejudging will be held from noon-2 p.m. at the Arnold Fitness EXPO Stage, with finals sets for 7 p.m. that night at Veterans Memorial.

The Arnold Classic 212 will replace the Ms. International women’s bodybuilding competition at the Arnold Sports Festival. The Ms. International was part of the Arnold Sports Festival for 25 years, with Iris Kyle winning her record seventh title in 2013.

“The Arnold Sports Festival was proud to support women’s bodybuilding through the Ms. International for the past quarter century,” Lorimer said. “But in keeping with demands of our fans, the time has come to introduce the Arnold Classic 212 beginning in 2014. We are excited to create a professional competitive platform for some of the IFBB Pro League’s most popular competitors.”

The 2014 Arnold Sports Festival will again feature five IFBB Pro League events: men’s bodybuilding, 212 men’s bodybuilding, women’s fitness, figure and bikini.

The 2014 Arnold Sports Festival – which will once again feature 18,000 athletes from more than 80 nations competing in 45 sports and events – will be held Feb. 27-March 2, 2014. Arnold Classic 212, Fitness International and Figure International competitions will be held on Friday, Feb. 28 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Veterans Memorial. The 26th Annual Arnold Classic and Bikini International will be held on Saturday, March 1 at Veterans Memorial. The Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, Bikini & Physique Championships will be held March Feb. 27-28 at Veterans Memorial and March 1 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com for more information. Tickets to all events will go on sale beginning at a later date at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold.

Media Contacts:
Brent LaLonde Arnold Sports Festival
(614) 431-2600
brent@arnoldexpo.com

Matt Lorz
Lorz Communications, Inc.
(614) 443-1877 mattlorz@rrcol.com

Filed Under: News & Features

Europa Games Phoenix Adds IFBB Pro Show to Schedule

June 4, 2013 by

UPDATE! Originally the Europa Games announced that they will be adding an IFBB Pro show featuring bikini along with men and women’s physique to their second annual Europa Phoenix show. Things have since been changed and it’s good news for the women of Fitness as the show has switched gears and added Fitness to the show along with the Men’s 212 Bodybuilding. Men and Women’s Physique can still compete that weekend in California or Florida. Bikini will also be part of the Prague and the Ft. Lauderdale Cup show, also that weekend.

europa-games

Updated info:
FOR THE LOVE OF FITNESS:

http://www.europaexpo.com/events/2013/phoenix/index.php

PRO FITNESS added NEW IFBB PRO FITNESS SHOW ADDED AT THE EUROPA!

EUROPA PHOENIX IFBB PRO FITNESS & PRO 212 October 19th, 2013 / Phoenix Convention Center

Ed & I are pleased to announce the addition of IFBB Pro Fitness at the Europa GAMES EXPO in Phoenix, Arizona on October 19th, 2013.

We are asking ALL IFBB PRO Fitness Competitors to enter this Event. Lets prove to the world that fitness is not dead…and that there are plenty of ladies that want to step on stage. This is still the most entertaining division of the IFBB and we are asking EVERY IFBB Fitness Pro to enter & support your division.

Send a message to all other promoters & fans, that this sport still has a following, and it must start with you entering the EUROPA Phoenix IFBB PRO Fitness Show. Be the first to qualify for the 2014 Olympia.

Please email me if you plan on competing, so I can send you your competitor package.

IFBB PRO FITNESS
$6,000 Prize Money & Trophies Top 3
( $3,000 / $2,000 / $1,000 )
…

We will be giving away TWO separate Awards for Routines
(Judged by our VIP Guest Panel)
$1,000 & Trophy Most Entertaining Routine
$1,000 & Trophy Most Entertaining Routine

October 19th , 2013 / Phoenix Convention Center
Event Web Site: www.europagamesexpo.com
Email: BettyPariso@aol.com

Filed Under: IFBB, News & Features

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