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Archives for February 2015

Ronda Rousey is Who We Thought She is… UNSTOPPABLE

February 28, 2015 by

Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey’s walk out to the octagon took longer than it did for her to finish the #1 contender in the UFC Women’s Bantamweight division. Ronda made quick work of Cat Zingano in UFC 184’s main event and remains undefeated. The win puts Ronda soundly at the top of the division with an 11-0 record.

Cat charged after Ronda like a bull loose on the streets of Spain. Zingano’s aggressive takedown attempt proved to be a costly error for the Colorado contender. Rousey quickly gained control over Cat and forced her to tap in just 14 seconds.


The UFC marketed Cat as Ronda’s biggest threat yet. We were lead to believe she would be Ronda’s toughest opponent and maybe she was but we didn’t get to see much of a fight. If Cat really was Ronda’s toughest opponent then that speaks to her unmatchable dominance and leaves us to wonder who is next for the champ?

There’s only one answer and that’s Cris Cyborg Justino . Last night in INVICTA, Cyborg dismantled her opponent Charmaine Tweet in 46 seconds. Sure there are a number of things that need to happen before this fight takes place in the UFC. Cris has to cut down to 135, which UFC President Dana White doesn’t think can happen. In a press conference earlier today he noted he’d have to see her (Cris) make weight at 135 before he’d entertain bringing her to the UFC to face Ronda, or anyone else.

It was an unfortunate loss for Cat as she’s faced a number of adversities over the last few months. You couldn’t help but hope she put up a fight against Ronda but alas it wasn’t even close. Cat lost her composure in the post fight interview and dropped several F-bombs in disbelief which was also heartbreaking to watch.

Ronda didn’t even break a sweat in the octagon so don’t be surprised if you see her defending her title sooner than later. Will fans buy a Pay-Per-View knowing that it won’t make it out of the first round due to her dominance? The UFC will need to put her with a much better card than tonight if they want fans to keep shelling out 50 bucks. We’ll have to wait what to see happens with Ronda and the division she has decimated.

In the meantime you can rest assured Ronda is enjoying her post-fight meal ritual… wings.

lead photo via UFC

Filed Under: MMA, News & Features

UFC 184 Makes History But Will it Be Memorable?

February 28, 2015 by

UFC 184Two undefeated fighters… Any promoter’s dream. In one corner the champion, Ronda Rousey an Olympic medalist in Judo and undefeated in her pro mixed martial arts career. Opposite her is a relatively unknown, soft-spoken bad ass name Cat Zingano, also undefeated. The two women will headline the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) main event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. UFC 184 (Sat., Feb. 28, 2015) will make history as the first card with the main and co-main featuring women. UFC 184 is best described as OPPORTUNITY.

It wasn’t that UFC president Dana White intended it to play out this way. Chris Weidman was the headliner with his championship belt on the line but after an injury was forced to reschedule. The UFC had no choice but to attempt to play the patron saint by marketing the women as the card’s two main fights. It was an opportunity for the UFC to be more than the Rousey Hype Machine. While Rousey versus Zingano is worthy of a main card slot, the co-main event isn’t. That’s not because they’re women it’s because they’re not a draw casual fans and diehards alike. The co-main event will be Holly Holm versus Raquel Pennington. Never heard of them? You’re not alone and this is no knock on either woman.

They aren’t known to many who follow the UFC much less a casual fan. Holm is undefeated and making her UFC debut which is a great story but she needs more than great striking to be talked about as Rousey’s biggest threat. Holm has an impressive resume in boxing but it remains to be seen how well that translates to the UFC. It would make for a good prelim fight on FOX to get casual fans interested in what the new-comer has to offer. Her oppoonenet, Raquel Pennington has a record of 5-4 and while she isn’t a sacrificial lamb like Charmine Tweet was to Chris Cyborg it’s not exactly a co-main event match-up.

The UFC is banking on Rousey being the Pay-Per-View draw that former champions Georges St. Pierre and Brock Lesnar have been for them in the past. Rousey is a rockstar, there’s no questioning that but will she draw the same numbers as Lesnar and GSP? Not even close. That’s not to say she’s to blame because she’s not. The rest of the card will have some good fights but enough to shell out sixty bucks? Probably not for most people, especially when Rousey has made it a habit of making quick work of her opponents and sustaining little damage. Two unknown fighters as the co-main doesn’t do anything to sell the card when the fight would likely be on Fox Sports One or Fight Pass if held any other weekend. other cards.

Ronda sells herself, something many athletes have trouble doing. She doesn’t just talk a good game but she also backs it up. Ronda has improved her game inside the octagon and continues to shine outside the cage. She recently appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue and had a role in Expendables 3. You’ll see her in ENTOURAGE the movie this summer in her second big Hollywood role. The more impressive thing about Rousey is her ability to take on the media and have sound bites for them to run with. She’s not afraid to take on controversial topics and have an opinion.

Discussing Octagon Girls (The UFC’s version of Boxing’s Ring Girl) isn’t exactly controversial but her remarks did spark a bit of a hubbub in the MMA community. When asked about her remarks towards Arianny Celeste (popular octagon girl) Rousey responded with, “I said that the fighters should get paid more than the ring girls. That doesn’t make me a bully, that makes me f-cking right.” Celeste has question Ronda as a role model and taken jabs at her in interviews and online.

What about Cat Zingano? Cat has been faced with adversity in more ways than imaginable and done so with incredible poise. In 2013, Cat defeated Miesha Tate and earned a spot to coach opposite Rousey in The Ultimate Fighter, the UFC’s reality-tv competition. Appearing on the show would also set up a title shot against Rousey once the season ended. Neither happened for Zingano. Cat was sidelined after with a knee injury that required surgery before the show began taping. The injury not only forced her off the show but put her hopes for a UFC title fight on hold. That was just the tip of the iceberg of adversity for Cat. She was faced with the suicide of her husband and left to care for her son alone. Take a few minutes and read more about her journey back in an incredibly well-written story on ESPN by Allison Glock.

This is obviously a huge opportunity for Cat rock the MMA world and derail the Rousey Train. Will it happen? The Vegas odds-makers don’t think so and most of the the Mixed Martial Arts community agrees that it’s a long shot. You can’t count her out but you also can’t ignore the dominance of Rousey. The only way UFC 184 will be memorable is if Cat defies the odds and defeats Ronda Rousey. If Ronda submits Cat with an armbar the UFC women’s bantamweight division is in big trouble. Why? Because no one currently in the UFC stands a chance at defeating Ronda.

My prediction? Ronda wins and we see her face Chris Cyborg in July. Now THAT would be a memorable fight and likely the only opportunity for someone to test Ronda’s abilities.

Photo via UFC.com

Filed Under: MMA, News & Features

Arnold Women’s Physique International Poll, Preview & Predictions

February 27, 2015 by

Arnold Physique International

This year the Arnold Sports Festival has added the IFBB Pro Women’s Physique division. Many of the women are familiar names to those who follow the division. The inaugural Women’s Physique International will likely be a repeat of what we saw at the 2014 Women’s Physique Olympia. You’ll likely see fan favorite, Dana Linn Bailey standing next to the genetic wonder girl Juliana Malacarne. Dana Linn Bailey, or DLB as she’s known to her thousands of fans, won the first-ever Women’s Physique Olympia. She finished in the runner-up position to Juliana Malacarne last year. In 2013, Juliana was too big and too muscular for what the judges were going for. Last year, she brought a smaller and more streamlined look and the judges rewarded her for it.

While those two women will likely be the last two standing, don’t count out Tycie Coppett. Tycie is one of the taller women in the division and with that has to enter the show with more muscle than the other women to fill out her tall frame. I like the look she brings to the stage and wouldn’t argue with her taking the top spot. She’s that good. I don’t see anyone shaking up the top three but you never know what will happen until show time.

Cast your vote for who you think will win the the Arnold Women’s Physique International. You can read a full preview on all the competitors on Bodybuilding.com. If you’re unable to attend the Arnold you can watch a replay of the action on bodybuilding.com. There will be no live webcast of the event but there will be video footage provided after the show.

IFBB Pro League Women’s Physique will be held at the Arnold Sports Festival for the first time in 2015. Prejudging and finals will be held on the Arnold Fitness EXPO Stage at Noon, Friday, March 6.

2015 Arnold Women’s Physique International Payout:
1st: $5,000
2nd: $2,000
3rd: $1,500
4th: $1,000
5th: $1,000
6th: $500

MY 2015 WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE INTERNATIONAL PREDICTIONS
1st: Juliana Malacarne
2nd: Dana Linn Bailey
3rd: Tycie Coppett
4th: Karina Nascimento
5th: Sabrina Taylor
6th: Jillian Reville

Schedule of events for Arnold Women’s Physique International
WHEN: Friday, March 6, 2015
WHERE: COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER – Arnold Fitness EXPO Stage
TIME: Prejudging & Finals / Noon-1:30 p.m.

2015 Arnold Women’s Physique International Competitor List
Dana Linn Bailey
LaDrissa Bonivel
Tycie Coppett
Nathalie Falk
Heather Grace
Juliana Malacarne
Karina Nascimento
Mindi O’Brien
Jillian Reville
Jennifer Robinson
Sabrina Taylor

For more information visit arnoldsportsfestival.com and follow @arnoldsports on twitter. Be sure to use the hashtag #asf2015 for all your Arnold related tweets.

Filed Under: Arnold Classic, Polls

2015 Arnold: Bikini International Preview, Poll & Predictions

February 26, 2015 by

2015 Bikini International

The 2015 Arnold Bikini International is just days away and he only returning competitor from last year’s top five is the champ, Ashley Kaltwasser. Ashley has been on a win streak since she last Spring but you have to keep your eye on the up-and-coming threat, Janet Layug. When the dust settles on Saturday night you’ll likely see one of them shaking Arnold’s hand and accepting the Bikini International trophy. Janet has the stage presence and stunning good looks to take the top spot and there’s never been a repeat champion in the history of the division, at least at this contest. Ashley has a more athletic physique and seems to be what the judges are looking for lately.

The field is stacked with first time Arnold competitors. Look for Stephanie Mahoe and Sarah LeBlanc to make an impact on the top 10. If I was judging, which I am not, I’d roll the dice on Justine Munro, Christina Strom Fjaere and Sara Back. The three of them have incredible bikini bodies and if they are at their best belong in the top spots. You can’t rule out former Bikini International Champ, India Paulino either. The judges will have their work cut out for them next Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.

Cast your vote for who YOU think will win the 2015 Arnold – Bikini International. Get a complete breakdown and preview of all the competitors on bodybuilding.com. If you’re unable to attend the Arnold Sports Festival you can watch the bodybuilding.com webcast free next weekend.

 

If everyone is at their best, I’d have the top six as…
1. Janet Layug
2. Ashley Kaltwasser
3. Sarah LeBlanc
4. Justine Munro
5. Christina Strom Fjaere
6. Sara Back

I’m predicting it goes more like…
1. Ashley Kaltwasser
2. Janet Layug
3. Stephanie Mahoe
4. India Paulino
5. Sarah LeBlanc
6. Narmin Assria

JUDGING:
WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 2015
WHERE: COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER – Battelle Grand
TIME: Prejudging: 2pm – 4pm / Finals:7 pm

2015 Arnold Bikini International Payout:
1st: $7,000
2nd: $3,000
3rd: $2,000
4th: $1,000
5th: $1,000
6th: $1,000
Total: $15,000

PAST WINNERS
2014 – Ashley Kaltwasser
2013 – India Paulino
2012 – Sonia Gonzales
2011 – Nicole Nagrani

2015 Bikini International Competitor List:
Noy Alexander
Nicole Ankney
Narmin Assria
Sara Back
Bianca Berry
Christina Strom Fjaere
Ashley Kaltwasser
Janet Layug
Sarah Elizabeth LeBlanc
Stephanie Mahoe
Justine Munro
Noemi Olah
India Paulino
Anna Starodubteseva
Kenea Yancy

For more information visit arnoldsportsfestival.com.

Filed Under: Arnold Classic, News & Features

5 Ways to Kick Cravings

February 26, 2015 by

Kick Cravings With Healthy Alternatives
Nutrition Expert Explains How To Tame Your Junk Food Urges

Now that 2015 is well under way, millions of people have all but abandoned their New Year’s resolutions to eat healthy and lose weight. However, with recent statistics showing that the obesity rate in the United States has reached 27.7% (the highest obesity rate ever), now is not the time to give into your cheese fry cravings.

Luckily, it is possible to eat healthy and drop pounds without suffering. Celebrity fitness/nutrition expert and creator of The Lifestyle Renovation Joey Thurman explains how:

5 Ways to Kick Cravings

1.  Start Smart. People say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. “That may be true,” says Thurman, “But all too often I see people use this mantra as an excuse to load up on Sausage McMuffins or donuts in the office break room. That’s not doing your waist (or your heart) any favors. Instead, get up 15 minutes earlier and make yourself a warm breakfast at home, be that steel-cut oats with fresh fruit or an omelet with sweet potato hash.”

2.  Eat for the Body You Want, Not The Body You Have. “People have a defeatist attitude when it comes to their body. They think ‘I am already fat, why not have another slice of pizza? But this type of thinking is what keeps people stuck in unhealthy lifestyles,” says Thurman, “Ask yourself: ‘If I was 10 pounds lighter, what would I eat for lunch today? Would I have the burger or the salad?’ Think with your thin self in mind.”

3.  Think Clean. Counting calories can be overwhelming and boring. “Instead of reading labels and counting points, just start focusing on eating clean, whole foods,” says Thurman. “Stop buying processed foods and eating out. Make your own dinner and bring your lunch. You will save money and look better as a result.”

4.  Stop Giving Up. “If you are tired of starting over, stop giving up,” says Thurman. “It’s time to stop thinking about this as a temporary diet. It’s a lifestyle change, a total and complete renovation.”

5. Harness the Power of Juicing. “I love fresh fruits and veggies, especially when they are juiced (or blended,) and easy for me to take on the go. For example, I blend my veggies in a Nutribullet or blender to make sure I get all of the nutrients AND fiber! I often blend pineapple, lemon, spinach, cucumber, and cayenne pepper whenever I want energy…best of all, it boosts the metabolism as well!”

About Joey Thurman:
Joey Thurman is a health, fitness, and nutrition expert and the creator of The Lifestyle Renovation, a website dedicated to helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. He has appeared on CBS, FOX, ABC, and WCIU sharing his insights as a celebrity fitness trainer and published author. Joey’s work has been featured in publications such as BodyBuilding.com, Racked, TimeOut Chicago, RedEye, and American Global Traveler. Joey is a fashion model represented by Chosen Model Management where he works with brands including Neiman Marcus, Abercrombie, Jockey, and Carson Pirie Scott. He has also appeared on the covers of Healthy for Men and TimeOut Chicago. Joey is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) with the American Council on Exercise, a Fitness Nutrition Specialist (FNS) and a FITchef. For more information, please visit www.thelifestylerenovation.com and follow Joey on Instagram and Twitter at @JoeyThurmanFit.

Filed Under: NUTRITION

Vote for Your Favorite Fitness Magazine Cover

February 25, 2015 by

Fitness covers

Four IFBB Pros grace the covers of popular women’s fitness magazines. It’s something that hasn’t happened in awhile as many of the magazines have been opting for “celebrities” over competitors. IFBB Bikini Pro, Dianna Dahlgren hasn’t competed in over a year but that hasn’t stopped her popularity and graces the cover of FitnessRX for Women. This is her third FitnessRX for Women cover. The 2012 Biking Olympia champ, Nathalia Melo landed her first Muscle & Fitness Hers cover but not her first cover in the industry. Reigning Figure International Champ, Candice Keene scored her first Oxygen (North American edition) and it’s good timing heading into the Arnold next week. 2x Figure Olympia Champ, Erin Stern hasn’t competed in nearly a year but that didn’t stop Oxygen Australia from using her on their cover.

Dianna Dahlgren CoverDianna Dahlgren – FitnessRX for Women Cover.

Nathalia Melo coverNathalia Melo Muscle & Fitness HERS Cover,

Candice Keene CoverCandice Keene Oxygen Cover.

Erin Stern coverErin Stern Oxygen Australia Cover.

Filed Under: Polls

Support Your Favorite Arnold Sports Competitor

February 22, 2015 by

Arnold Sports competitors

We’re under two weeks out from the annual Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio. The IFBB Pro women will be competing in the Figure International, Fitness International, Bikini International and the inaugural Women’s Physique International on March 6 & 7, 2015. You can help show your support by sharing and tagging your favorite competitor with one of the graphics below. Post to Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram with your favorite competitor and use the hashtag with their team name. The official Arnold Sports Festival tag is #ASF2015. These women work hard and your support will be greatly appreciated.

FITNESS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS

FIGURE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS

BIKINI INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS

WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS


Follow along as we cover the women’s events live from Columbus. Be sure to use the hashtag #ASF2015 and follow @ArnoldSports on twitter for official coverage.

 

Filed Under: Arnold Classic, News & Features

2014 Olympia DVDs

February 22, 2015 by

Olympia DVDsIf you missed the 50th Anniversary of the Olympia weekend don’t worry. You can no order the events on DVD. In an email the creators shared, “Despite the incredibly long delay, the 2014 Olympia DVDs will be shipping very soon to bodybuilding fans worldwide. This year’s discs are by far the very best production ever – and you get DOUBLE DVDs with over SIX HOURS of content for either the Men’s Olympia or the Women’s Olympia sets. More content, more clarity – you can join the sold-out arena with a front-row seat at the Greatest Muscle Shows on Earth!”

The Women’s portion is described as, “Ms. Olympia, Physique Olympia, Figure Olympia, Fitness Olympia and Bikini Olympia. NINETY-FIVE fabulous female athletes appear and you get every introduction, every comparison, every pose, the dazzling Fitness routines … you get it all! 10-time Ms. Olympia Iris Kyle ends her reign with a sensational victory, and 9-time Fitness Olympia returns to make her emotional retirement speech.”

women-olympia-dvd

For the first time ever, you will receive TWO discs with over 6 hours of complete contest coverage! Catch all the action including the five women’s Olympia divisions.

Ms. Olympia Results: Iris Kyle (1 – and don’t miss her 10-time champion celebration and sadly, her retirement announcement!), Alina Popa (2), Debi Laszewski (3), Alana Shipp (4), Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia (5), Anne Freitas (6), Sheila Bleck (7), Jennifer Sedia (8), Rita Bello (9), Margie Martinn (10), Christine Envall (11), Lisa Giesbrecht (12), Simone Oliveira (13). Fitness Olympia Results: Oksana Grishina (1), Regiane Da Silva (2), Tanji Johnson (3), Bethany Cisterino (4), Myriam Capes (5), Fiona Harris (6), Trish Warren (7), Whitney Jones (8), Danielle Ruban (9), Marta Aguiar (10), Amanda Hatfield (11), Somkina Lludmilla (12) – and the emotional retirement speech of nine-time Fitness Olympia Adela Garcia! Figure Olympia Results: Nicole Wilkins (1), Candice Keene (2), Candice Lewis (3), Ann Titone (4), Latonya Watts (5), Gennifer Strobo (6), Julie Mayer (7), Dana Ambrose (8), Cydney Gillon (9), Allison Frahn (10), Alicia Coates (11), Jessica Graham (12), Camala Rodriguez (13), Wendy Fortino (14), Andrea Calhoun (15), Sasha Brown (16), Krista Dunn (16), Karina Grau (16), Nathalia Lemartova (16), Zsuzsanna Toldi (16). Physique Olympia Results: Juliana Malacarne (1), Dana Linn Bailey (2), Tycie Coppett (3), Karina Nascimento (4), Sabrina Taylor (5), Mindi O’Brien (6), La’Drissa Bonivel (7), Jillian Reville (8), Jennifer Robinson (9), Frances Mendez (10), Karin Hobbs (11), Jacklyn Abrams (12), Patricia Mello (13), HJeather Grace (14), Tamee Marie (15), Rachel Baker (16), Roxie Beckles (16), Olga Bellakova (16), Nathalie Falk (16), Samantha Hill (16), Sandra Lombardo (16), Leila Thompson (16), Toni West (16). Bikini Olympia Results: Ashley Kaltwasser (1), Janet Layug (2), Stacey Alexander (3), Yeshaira Robles (4), Amanda Latona (5), India Paulino (6), Sarah LeBlanc (7), Tawna Eubanks (8), Noemi Olah (9), Stephanie Mahoe (10), Candice Conroy (11), Narmin Assria (12), Vladmira Krasova (13), Lacey DeLuca (14), Christie Marquez (15), Noy Alexander (16), Jessica Arrevalo (16), Taylor Bentson (16), Kelsie Clark (16), Christina Fjaere (16), Sandi Forsythe (16), Jenee Leger (16), Dayna Maleton (16), Angela Marquez (16), Crystal Matthews (16), Brittany Taylor (16), Nikola Welterova (16).

The Mr. Olympia is also available along with a combo pack. The individual DVDs are priced at $39.95 and the combo pack for the men and women will set you back $75.00. Get your Olympia DVDs here.

Filed Under: News & Features, Olympia

2015 Arnold Amateur Competitor Lists

February 16, 2015 by

Arnold AmateurThe 2015 Arnold Amateur Competitor Lists have been announced. The Amateur event coincides with the Arnold Sports Festival held in Columbus, Ohio on March 5-7th. Some of today’s leading ladies have competed in this event before they went on to the professional ranks. India Paulino finished in second at the 2011 Arnold Amateur and went on to be a top Bikini pro. In the same show (and same class) was an unknown bikini competitor by the name of Ashley Kaltwasser. Ashley finished in 14th in the 2011 event. The next year she won the overall amateur bikini title. Last year Ashley shook Arnold’s hand as the 2014 Bikini International champion. It’s a great reminder that ever pro was once an amateur and you have to start somewhere.

Which of these Arnold Amateur competitors could be the next top pro? We’ll find out in a just over two weeks.

WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE

Women’s Physique Short
Nicole Berube (Canada)
Paola Jaira Sanchez Bonetti (Dominica Republic)
Priscila Cristiane Cavilha (Brasil)
Jennifer Duncan (Indianpolis, Ind.)
Nicky Foord (Australia)
Teresa Heron (Canada)
Jenaya Hofer (Canada)
Amy Kozie (Brighton, Mich.)
De Franciscis Loredana (Italy)
Roberta Gomes (Brasil)
Tiana Holtzhausen (South Africa)
Indira Yunuem Dominguez Lopez (Mexico)
Fino Mara (Italy)
Daniele Oazen (Brasil)
Maria Ortiz (Reading, Pa.)
Claudia Gabriela de Leon Pardo (Mexico)
Rocha Grou Patricia (Italy)
Lada Plihalova (Czech Republic)
Jenna Reid (Canada)
Thea Renee Schuler (Canada)
Brianna Smith (San Antonio, Texas)
Georgianna Spybey (Pataskala, Ohio)
Indrell Thomas (Greenacres, Fla.)
Petra Urbánková  (Czech Republic)
Tammy Wallace (El Paso, Texas)

Women’s Physique Tall
Stacy Always (El Dorado, Calif.)
Julia Axford (Canada)
Marjorie Beck (Brasil)
Tina Chinchic (Warren, Ohio)
Dana Connell (Clarence Center, N.Y.)
Robin Eve (Canada)
Lydia Fernandes (Albuquerque, N.M.)
Julia Föry
Alessandra Grimaldi (Brasil)
Carrie Grissinger (Ozarks, Mo.)
Kathy Hornbuckle (Copake, Texas)
Arie Gail Humphrey (Idledale, Colo.)
Linda Jensen (Norway)
Debbie Marcy (Rochester, N.Y.)
Caló Maria Melania (Italy)
Claire McGee (United Kingdom)
Adele Moyton (Round Rock, Texas)
Ryzhikova Natalia (Russia)
Piari Oksana (Russia)
Susan Ormiston (Canada)
Imane Russchen (Netherlands)
Karma Schopp (Canada)
Dana Shemesh (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Chelsea Staedter (Oceanside, Calif.)
Fralova Tatsiana (Belarus)
Joan Liew Lee Ting (Singapore)

FITNESS

Fitness Short
Elva Concepcion Gonzalez Luna (Mexico)
Shelby Maynard (Bargersville, Ind.)
Emma Paveley (United Kingdom)
Sandra Grajales Romero (Mexico)
Julia H. Luz Sanchez (Mexico)
Dominika Multanova (Slovakia)
Kim Scoffins (Canada)
Shesterikova Svetlana (Russia)
Toni Wheeler (Morehead, Ky.)
Brittany White (Lousiville, Ohio)

Fitness Tall
Kelley Durbin-Williams (Missoula, Mont.)
Foroni Giorgia (Italy)
Narandzic Milica (Serbia)
Toni Naramone (Maumee, Ark.)
Venus Ramos (Long Beach, Calif.)

FIGURE

Figure A
Milly Cowan (Miami, Fla.)
Krista Easto Johnson (Canada)
Sara Huxter (Canada)
Sharonda Lowe (Southgate, Mich.)
Stephanie Onorato (Kingwood, Texas)
Angela Robinson (Canada)
Brenly Rosenblatt (Canada)
Dusty Smith (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.)
Chie Terui (Homewood, Ill.)

Figure B
Michelle Bailey (Trinidad & Tobago)
Emily DeSalle (Springfield, Ohio)
Janaina Ferreira (Brasil)
Ihona Gonzalez (Riviera Beach, Fla.)
Francesca Hartman (Buckeye, Ariz.)
Leidy Hernandez (Spain)
Pam Leather (Canada)
Melanie Noel (Canada)
Visintainer Roberta (Italy)
Kathleen Shreve (Erie, Pa.)
Mercedes Sousa (Brasil)
Finsas Kristine Terese (Hong Kong)

Figure C
Amie Adcock (Woodbury Heights, N.J.)
Ally Chargualaf (Redmond, Wash.)
Jaime Coughlan (Marion, N.Y.)
Menini Cristina (Italy)
Alejandra Diaz Mercado Chavez (Canada)
Ann-Marie Flinn (Canada)
Ariadna Fontelio (Panama)
Amber Forrest (Canada)
Nikolaeva Iaroslava (Russia)
Donya Jackson (Cleveland, Ohio)
Kaitlyn Kollar (Canfield, Ohio)
Jaclyn Lefebvre (Canada)
Amani Moss (Seattle, Wash.)
Donna Murphy (United Kingdom)
Molly Musselman (Camp Hill, Pa.)
Rachel O’Connor (Pembroke, Mass.)
Morgan Oiler (Elkhart, Ind.)
Carolina Solano Peralta (Dominican Republic)
Michele da Silva Pinto (Brasil)
Rita Singh (India)
Karla Plott (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Jeannette Post (Delray Beach, Fla.)
Vanessa Rogers (Canada)
Wagna Vargas Savietto (Brasil)
Leticia Vecchi (Brasil)
Nicole Walters (Findlay, Ohio)
Aimee Welu (Winnetka, Ill.)
Jenna Marie Wilcox (Canada)
Li Yi-Ming (Chinese Tapei)

Figure D
Mabel Alvarez Alvarez (Dominican Republic)
Oksana Balanyuk (Lakewood, Wash.)
Navarrskaya Daria (Russia)
Ashley Garcia (Marshall, Ill.)
Dezio Giusy (Italy)
Carly Gregson (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Mariia Gubanova (Ukraine)
Mimi Macias (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Ilic Marsela (Serbia)
Catherine O’Guin (Bloomfield Hillis, Mich.)
Julie Peterson (Canada)
Helen Petras (Canada)
Zuleica Resende (Deerield Beach, Fla.)
Amanda Schmidt (Canada)
Yulia Shumakova Catron (North Las Vegas, Nev.)
Chantal Swart (South Africa)
Carli Terepka (Fayetteville, N.C.)
Agnes Tüske (Hungary)
Jena Weiss (Ardmore, Okla.)
Denise Wortheim (Lake Park, Fla.)

Figure E
Kalugina Anna (Russia)
Avril Belanger (Boca Raton, Fla.)
Yvette Brown (Australia)
Egorova Ekaterina (Russia)
Charlene Gilbert (Canada)
Rachel Killam (Canada)
Kelly King (Canada)
Alisa Kron (Birmingham, Ala.)
Shamaine McVay (Clinton Township, Mich.)
Paula Miller (Rochester, N.Y.)
Barbara Moyneaux (Canada)
Morennah Camila S. Nascimento (Brasil)
Marcia Olsen (Canada)
Viridiana Sanchez (Mexico)
Rachel Solano (Hewitt, Texas)
Chephirah Williams (Jamaica, N.Y.)
Sara Willis (Barbourville, Ky.)

Figure F
Denean Arntson (Canada)
Robyn Askew (Canada)
Delyse Botes (South Africa)
Rebecca Broadwater (Owings Mills, Md.)
Azusena Cardenas (Mexico)
Lauren Connell (Columbus, Ohio)
Ramona Curiel (Netherlands)
Teri Donald (Canada)
Jennifer Gordon (Shelby Township, Mich.)
Monika Kaczmarski (Canada)
Khady Malombe Toure (Canada)
Jennifer Ozari (Carlsbad, Calif.)
Rosemarie Roodenburg (Netherlands)

FIGURE MASTERS

Figure Masters Short
Milly Cowan (Miami, Fla.)
Ann-Marie Flinn (Canada)
Jill Frew (New York, N.Y.)
Claudinea Gentil (Brasil)
Britney Gonzalez (Birmingham, Ala.)
Beatriz Vazquez Heredia (Mexico)
Jennifer Hill (Sumter, S.C.)
Donya Jackson (Cleveland, Ohio)
Shrell Krawczyk (Williamsville, N.Y.)
Sharonda Lowe (Southgate, Mich.)
Melanie Noel (Canada)
Roseli Perfoll (Brasil)
Edna Alessandra Piu (Brasil)
Lada Plihalová (Czech Republic)
Jeannette Post (Delray Beach, Fla.)
Dusty Smith (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.)
Patricia Spezia (Brasil)
Chie Terui (Homewood, Ill.)
Nicole Walters (Findlay, Ohio)
Mel Warrington (Canada)
Aimee Welu (Winnetka, Ill.)
Li Yi-Ming (Chinese Tapei)

Figure Masters Medium
Oksana Belanyuk (Lakewood, Wash.)
Lisa Brown (United Kingdom)
Lea Deonarain (Richardson, Texas)
Judy Doughty (Canada)
Esmeralda Higareda Gonzalez (Mexico)
Carol Grayer (Canada)
Cindy Lee (Waco, Texas)
Ilic Marsela (Serbia)
Hege Mathisen (Norway)
Catherine O-Guin (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.)
Zuleica Rezende (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
Leigh Rumball (Canada)
Liese Scott (Round Rock, Texas)
Yulia Shumakova-Catron (North Las Vegas, Nev.)
Mende Todd (Secretary, Md.)

Figure Masters Tall
Denean Arntson (Canada)
Donna Boyd (Australia)
Dana Connell (Clarence Center, N.Y.)
Teri Donald (Canada)
Cindy Gregoire (Canada)
Monica Kaczmarski (Canada)
Barbara Molyneaux (Canada)
Marcia Olsen (Canada)
Jennifer Ozari (Carlsbad, Calif.)
Rosemarie Roodenburg (Netherlands)
Brenda Whitehead (Canada)

BIKINI

Bikini A
Lori Alix (Montgomery, Ala.)
Elisangela Angell (Allex, Texas)
Svetlana Berman-Majeau (Canada)
Ninoshka Cano (Hamburg, N.Y.)
Karolina Fierlej (Boynton Beach, Fla.)
Renee Freeman (Canada)
Bishop Green (Laurel, Md.)
Stephania Fabiola Andrade Jimenez (Mexico)
Heather Krause (Columbus, Ohio)
Deanna Demay Lee (Canada)
Sheyla José Rodriguez Molina (Dominican Republic)
Ericka Jeannette Morales Morgan (Guatamala)
Kozlova Oxana (Russia)
Karen Pham (Canada)
Phananya Powell (Lowell, Va.)
Sierra Roach (Sylvania, Ohio)
Jessica Suarez (Miami, Fla.)
Hyacinthe Tamayo (Canada)
Denis Mireles Torres (Mexico)
Jen Trotman (Canada)

Bikini B
Tumeko Allen (Snenville, Ga.)
Mandi Ashley (Effingham, Ill.)
Caroline Aspenskog (Sweden)
Heather Cobb (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
Nicole David (Ewa Beach, Hawaii)
Lauren Elizabeth David (Canada)
Julenoy Dias (Brasil)
Sherry Mae Junsay Espera (Phillipines)
Danitza Alejandra Espino de Dios (Mexico)
Ana Doljuejra (Redmond, Wash.)
Anya Ellis (Canada)
Maria Ferrari (Boca Raton, Fla.)
Larissa Evidente Francisco (Philippines)
Lauren Hagwood (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
Lauren Hardaway (Coppell, Texas)
Elizabeth Hwangbo (Canada)
Danika Johnson (Fairfax, Vt.)
Virág Kiss (Hungary)
Vanessa Kurtzman (Beachwood, Ohio)
Ashley Lemos (Hurricane, W. Va.)
Amanda Lima (Brasil)
Paige Lodge (Canada)
Jaana Malytcheva (Finland)
Ekaterina Rozemborskaya (Ukraine)
Nancy Rodriquez Martinez (Mexico)
Jenna Parente (Olmsted Township, Ohio)
Sabina Plevakova (Slovakia)
Oemil Rodriguez (San Antonio, Texas)
Flor Maria Moran Romero (El Salvador)
Nahed Abdul Sater (Lebanon)
Sachie Sonkin (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Finessi Stefania (Italy)
Lisa Traugott (Pflugerville, Texas)
Alyssa Vance (London, Ohio)
Lauren Wheeler (Mount Morris, N.Y.)

Bikini C
Kaufman Alena (Russia)
Erin Joanna Augis (New York, N.Y.)
Samantha Barnes (Galena, Ohio)
Karen De Beer (South Africa)
Silvie Beránková (Czech Republic)
Nicolene Booysen (South Africa)
Marina Borodyanskiy (Columbus, Ohio)
Tamkia Bullock (Fishers, Ind.)
Carly Byron (Chicago, Ill.)
Burova Elena (Russia)
Katrina Freds (Hamilton, Ind.)
Marina Gatica (Argentina)
Victoria Gill (United Kingdom)
Keishawna Griffin (Mitchellville, Md.)
Giovana Guido (Brasil)
Lindsay Honaker (Grove City, Ohio)
Alexi Rae Irvine (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Stefanini Jessica (Italy)
Thais Urbam Jorge (Brasil)
Jordan Judd (Hanover, Md.)
Pudovikova Julia (Russia)
Sherstneva Karina (Kazakhstan)
Lucy Kim (Canada)
Amanda Kurt (Maumee, Ohio)
Melissa Lefebvre (Sudbury, Calif.)
Chandelle Lombard (South Africa)
Chelsea Louik Peterson (Davison, Mich.)
Shumakova Marina (Kazakhstan)
Renee Mazza (Toms River, N.J.)
Shelbi Neumann (Clinton Township, Mich.)
Maidê Salles Nogueira (Brasil)
Andrea Ortiz (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
Shelagh Paton (Canada)
Sauyuri Paula Torres (Brasil)
Denise Trindade Real (Portugal)
Krystal Ricci (Lincoln, Calif.)
Andrea Romero-Munoz (Las Cruces, N.M.)
Julie Royer (Canada)
Crystal Rutherford (Westerville, Ohio)
Natalie Saul (Columbus, Ohio)
Kelly Shamrock (Warren, Ohio)
Cassidy Shell (Winfield, W. Va.)
Nathasha Simpson (Port Sanilac, Mich.)
Jill Smetlz-Klinker (Attica, Ohio)
Tasha Star (Canada)
Joana Talim (Brasil)
Tizana Temple (Canada)
Sabine van Pelt (Netherlands)
Danielle Watkins (Keller, Texas)
Brittaney Weyand (New Albany, Ohio)

Bikini D
Melissa Allen (Tampa, Fla.)
Raven Barnes-Harrington (Pasadena, Calif.)
Olivia Cambalova (Slovakia)
Nora Prado Carvajal (Mexico)
Diane Chazelle (France)
Nora Denno (San Antonio, Texas)
Cara Dukes (Milford, Mich.)
Krasavina Ekaterina (Russia)
Sandee Estes (Reynoldsburg, Ohio)
Gobbetti Fedrica (Italy)
Iordanova Galia (Italy)
Siliana Chanel Gaspard (Houston, Texas)
Chantelle Harvey-Houghton (Canada)
Vanessa Hill (Trinidad & Tobago)
Angela Howden (South Africa)
Nicole Hubertu (West Bend, Wis.)
Tiffany Inboden (Logan, Ohio)
Alysha Jamal (Canada)
Kerri Keller (Canada)
Raquel Long (Birmingham, Mich.)
Kaori Matsumoto (Lafayette, Calif.)
Briana Neumann (Clinton Township, Mich.)
Katya Nosova (New Zealand)
Diem Nugyen (Canada)
Mana Noda (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Anessa Norman (Canada)
Jamie-lee Phillips (Trinidad & Tobago)
Tiffany Roy (Canada)
Diana Salamon (Hungary)
Brandie Sharp (Columbus, Ohio)
Naomi Sonek (St. Louis, Mo.)
Sierra Steinback (Canada)
Sheila Tague (Pollock Pines, Calif.)
Diana Hilda Alvarez Trejo (Mexico)
Desma Triplett (Columbus, Ohio)
Jennifer Weintz (Canada)
Joanna Wolosz (United Kingdom)

Bikini E
Elma Adanalic (Sterling Heights, Mich.)
Alina Alexeahu (Canada)
Zubkova Anna (Russia)
Jade Atkinson (Canada)
Olivia Caldareri (Canada)
Madeleine Conti (Atlanta, Ga.)
Brittany Fendikevich (Rochester, N.Y.)
Christy Float (Pickerington, Ohio)
Marcia Cristiane Goncalves (Brasil)
Jacqueline Groleau (Canada)
Vasilyeva Irina (Russia)
Julie Johnson (Fairhope, Ala.)
Jaime Kurgan (Lowell, Ind.)
Jennifer Lee (Columbus, Ohio)
Darlene Lizotte (Oakland, Calif.)
Pellegrino Mariella (Italy)
Whitney Matthews (Canada)
Jessica Maxon (Chandler, Ariz.)
Shelia McCarthy (Eugene, Ore.)
Kalugina Nataliya (Russia)
Elis Naumanis (Estonia)
Lisa Netherly (Columbus, Ohio)
Mariana Maria Pereira De Oliveira (Brasil)
Elizabeth Perez (Spain)
Abby Pollock (Canada)
Laura Prerost (Downers Grove, Ill.)
Sara Reis (Brasil)
Ayazhan Seitkazina (Mountain View, Calif.)
Karina Skowronska (United Kingdom)
Frida Paulsen Stern (Sweden)
Danielle H. Vaughn (Canada)
Susanne Zavelle (Florence, S.C.)

Bikini F
Shellie Andrews (Miami, Fla.)
Stephanie Blackburn (Waukesha, Wis.)
Brittany Brinkman (Columbus, Ohio)
Jill Bunny (Canada)
Rebecca Burger (France)
Lotten Daberno (Denmark)
Oksana Davydova (Ukraine)
Anne Everett (Hampstead, N.C.)
Luciana Del Giudice (United Kingdom)
Melissa Hardesty (Ashland, Ky.)
Kayla Harrington (Palm Desert, Calif.)
Sarah Harrison (Canada)
Lauren Henley (Groveport, Ohio)
Amanda Insalaco (Jackson, Tenn.)
Anna Jaworska (Poland)
Nadia Kovacova (Alexandria, Va.)
Kate Linehan (Dublin, Ohio)
Olya Lomakina (New Zealand)
Traisha Martin (Garland, Texas)
Maria Carolina Meyer Martins (Brasil)
Lyndsay Maynard (Shadyside, Ohio)
Valerie Mazza (Chicago, Ill.)
Leanne McFarland (Canada)
Nicole Muller (Brasil)
Kristen Olson (Ira Township, Mich.)
Jennifer Amari Peña (Dominican Republic)
Angela Palumbo (Agoura Hills, Calif.)
Jasmi Qvick (Finland)
Gabriella Rákóczi (Hungary)
Maggie Resztake (Canada)
Whitney Scurlock (Chicago, Ill.)
Mileane Silva (Danbury, Conn.)
Nataly Castanheira Da Silva (Brasil)
Maria Stamer (Tempe, Ariz.)
Heather Stump (Adrian, Mich.)
Olga Svyrdova (Wayne, Pa.)
Alicia Sweet (East Aurora, N.Y.)
Brooke Tabor (Alburquerque, N.M.)
Cherise Taylor (Chicago, Ill.)
Miranda Van Orden (Lake Ariel, Pa.)
Josiane Weber (Brasil)
Courtney Wicks (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Haley Young (Ames, Iowa)
Rebecca Zirkle (Noblesville, Ind.)

For more information and men’s competitor lists visit ArnoldAmateur.com.

2011 BIKINI OVERALL: Ingrid Romero (USA)
2012 BIKINI OVERALL: Ashley Kaltwasser (Akron, Ohio)
2013 BIKINI OVERALL: Anna Starodubtseva (Russia)
2014 BIKINI OVERALL: Kenea Yancey (USA)

Filed Under: Arnold Classic, News & Features

Supplement Companies Want Women to “Be Strong”

February 15, 2015 by

Be Strong

We’re seeing more and more companies embrace and empower women in their marketing efforts. The ALWAYS’ “Like a Girl” campaign and Under Armour Women’s “I WILL WANT I WANT” are just a couple that have been successful with their messaging. I’m a fan of both campaigns and more importantly women are. Last year, 13-year-old Mo’ne Davis put the world on notice and forced everyone to rethink what “throw like a girl”. Last month “This Girl Can” was another campaign encouraging women to “do their thing”.

The “empowerment movement” is catching on with a few supplement companies. Instead of showing dudes looking like their constipated and screaming in pain they’re opting to feature strong women. Companies are taking varied approaches and some have created women specific lines. The results remain to be seen as it’s still too early to tell how successful a women’s only supplement line will be. Most of the companies are using pink (or some shade variation of it) for their “women’s line”. One could argue it’s smart to use pink because you’ll automatically associate it with women. Others may debate that it’s a bad move in that you’re implying it’s a “weaker” version of a men’s line. The color pink is commonly associated with feminine so can pink be strong? Two companies currently targeting women would like to think so. So much so that they are both using the hashtag #BESTRONG.

The first is MusclePharm’s women’s line “FITMISS”. They use the colors black and pink in their marketing and claim “the new brand dosed + formulated specifically for women”. They’ve trademarked “STRONG IS THE NEW SEXY” and utilize it throughout their marketing efforts.  I’m not a huge fan of the saying but that’s a topic for another time. Most of their imagery tends to feel “real” and convey “strong” at least when it comes to featuring the face of the brand, WBFF pro Chady Dunmore. In the image below, they show Chady in a gym with the hashtag #BESTRONG . It’s much better than their background banner on the NPCNEWSonline.com site that showcases Chady and “instafamous model” Jen Seltzer (which is a little weird considering neither is a NPC or IFBB competitor).

BE STRONG - FITMISSFitmiss wants you to #BESTRONG

A new supplement line is using the same hashtag but with different imagery. MuscleTech’s new line called “STRONG GIRL” claims to have  “effective formulas, made by strong women, for strong women.” They want you to “Be the best you!” and to “Be Positive”. I’m not quite sure how they arrived at all of that but again another topic for another day. They’re using race car driver Danica Patrick as their lead athlete and also using the hashtag #BESTRONG. STRONG girl uses more of a purple than pink with black for their color scheme. The line is exclusive to GNC which means you’ll have to order it through the GNC website or visit your local shop to BE STRONG with STRONG GIRL.

Danica Patrick StrongStrong Girl wants you to #BESTRONG

FITMISS has been on the market for awhile and STRONG girl only recently launched. So… FITMISS did it first but did they do it better than STRONG girl? Cast your vote below.

Filed Under: HINDSight, Polls

2015 Arnold Kids Fitness Expo Schedule & Events

February 14, 2015 by

The Arnold Sports Festival continues to expand and new events. This year multi-day event in Columbus, Ohio has added an Arnold Kids Fitness Expo. Children ages 6-16 (and their parents) will be able to watch various demonstrations and participate in a variety of activities. Children 10 and under get in FREE.

Arnold kids expo

Arnold Kids Fitness EXPO Stage Schedule
Bricker Building, Ohio Expo Center

The Arnold Kids Fitness EXPO will be open from 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 8. The event will feature a variety of sport demonstrations and a stage with two days of entertainment.

Saturday, March 7, 9:00am-5:30pm
9:15 am Cyril Scott Pipe Band and Scottish Highland Dancers
9:45 am Hooping Ninja
10:00 am Extreme Table Tennis
10:30 am Comedy & Juggling of Matt Jergens
11:00 am Richens Timm Academy of Irish Dance
12 Noon Father & Son Jugglers – Rejean & Sebastian
12:30 pm Hula Hoops & More
1:00 pm Arnold’s Quest For Talent! FINALS
2:45 pm OSU Cheerleaders
3:00 pm Chess: Arnold vs. Emma Chang
3:30 pm Jedi Fencing
3:45 pm Arnold’s Quest For Talent! Awards
4:00 pm Self Defense / Karate Seminar with Ashley Hill
4:15 pm World Jump Rope
4:30 pm Straub Dance

Sunday, March 8, 10am-4pm
10:00 am World Jump Rope-Double Dutch U.S. Championship
12:30 am Father & Son Jugglers – Rejean & Sebastian
1:00 pm Richens Timm Academy of Irish Dance
2:00 pm Hula Hoops & More
2:30 pm Extreme Table Tennis
3:00 pm Pinnell Dance

Admission to the Arnold Kids Fitness EXPO and the sports and events at the Ohio Expo Center is included in the Daily EXPO Ticket ($10 in advance, $15 at the door). Children 10 and under are FREE.

Parking at the Ohio Expo Center will be $6 and FREE shuttles will run between the Ohio Expo Center and the Greater Columbus Convention Center from…
8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday, March 6
8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 8

FREE Shuttles will transport attendees between the Ohio Expo Center and the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Friday , Saturday and Sunday.

Ohio Expo Center-Greater Columbus Convention Center Shuttle Hours
Friday, March 6: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, March 7: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 8: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Arnold Kids Fitness EXPO to Energize Columbus Youth
PARENTS AND KIDS CAN EXPERIENCE 28 SPORTS, ACTIVITIES IN ONE PLACE!
COLUMBUS, OHIO – The newest B-I-G thing at the Arnold Sports Festival in 2015 is a focus on kids ages 6 to 16 (and their parents) by providing a smorgasbord of 28 sports and activities at the Ohio Expo Center. And those age 10 and under will get in FREE.

“Each year we try to present a variety of sports and events to accommodate the many ways people choose to express their physicality,” said Jim Lorimer, who has partnered with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to present the Arnold Sports Festival since 1989.

“We created the Arnold Kids Fitness EXPO to give parents a great way to let their children experience literally dozens of sports and activities, hopefully helping them find one they wish to pursue.”

The activities and demonstrations available at the Ohio Expo Center during the Arnold Sports Festival and new Arnold Kids Fitness EXPO include: archery, ballroom dance, baseball, chess, Crossfit Endeavor, disc golf, equestrian, fencing, football, golf, gymnastics, hockey, hula hoop, Irish dance, jump rope, juggling, karate, lacrosse, pickleball, power and speed training, rowing, Scottish dance and bagpipes, soccer, table tennis, talent show, tennis, unicycle and zip line.

The relocation of several competitions to the Ohio Expo Center and the debut of several new events is the result of the closing of Franklin County Veterans Memorial, which hosted the Arnold Sports Festival since 1989. Arnold Sports Festival events, including the popular 900-booth Arnold Fitness EXPO, will continue to be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

The Arnold Kids Fitness EXPO will be held on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 at the Bricker Building. The event will feature demonstrations by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Clippers, Columbus Crew, Ohio Machine, Royal Arts Fencing Academy, Cyclone Gymnastics, Ohio State Chess Club, the United States Tennis Association and others. The non-profit Buck-Icon will offer football demonstrations featuring former Ohio State University football players.

The Arnold Kids Fitness EXPO will also feature a stage with two days of entertainment, highlighted by the by the Arnold’s Quest For Talent! Finals presented by Columbus Children’s Theatre from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 7. Chris Kirkpatrick, of the band *NSYNC, will emcee the talent show. At 3 p.m. Saturday, a Chess Challenge Featuring Arnold vs. 8-year-old Emma Chang of Dublin, Ohio will be featured on the stage. (See Page 2 for complete Kids Fitness EXPO Stage Schedule).

In addition to the Arnold Kids Fitness EXPO, a variety of sports will be held in other buildings at the Ohio Expo Center, including Archery, Cheerleading & Dance, CrossFit Endeavor, Disc Golf, Equestrian, Pickleball, Table Tennis, XPC Powerlifting, and POWER X.

Filed Under: Arnold Classic

Under Armour – Erase All Doubt

February 12, 2015 by

Erase All Doubt
Actor Jamie Foxx narrates Under Armour‘s latest brand campaign, The Book of Will. The new campaign is the biggest in the brand’s global initiatives. The first two films, directed by Acclaimed film director Peter Berg, feature NBA’s Stephen Curry and US track and field athletes Manteo Mitchell and Natasha Hastings.

The spots focus on self-determination and the inner drive to Erase All Doubt. They’re well done and worth checking out. Under Armour continues to gain momentum in not only the apparel category but also the shoe game. As the spot says, “The excellent ones reinvent the race.”

Press Release
NBA All-Star Stephen Curry and Oscar Winner Jamie Foxx Team Up in Under Armour’s Biggest Ever Global Brand Campaign
The Yearlong Campaign Launches During NBA All-Star Weekend and Features a Series of Short Films Celebrating the Spirit of the Underdog

New York, NY (February 12, 2015) – Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx and NBA All-Star Stephen Curry joined Under Armour Founder and CEO Kevin Plank at an event in New York City to launch the brand’s biggest ever global brand campaign, The Book of Will. Foxx is the star and Creative Director of the new short films that are expanding the brand’s I WILL campaign dedicated to the underdogs whose journey is defined by a relentless drive to succeed. The first film from the campaign, which debuted at the event, tells the story of Curry’s journey and is entitled “Volume One: Shakespeare Got it All Wrong.” It will air on February 15 during the 2015 NBA All-Star Game telecast on TNT.

“We’ve had a relationship with Jamie since 1998 when he was filming the movie ‘Any Given Sunday’ and we knew he was the right creative partner to help bring Stephen’s journey and the underdog message to life,” said Kevin Plank, Under Armour Founder and CEO. “He understands what it means when athletes will themselves to make something happen, and – like creating a legacy in Hollywood or taking the NBA by storm — a lot of times that means rewriting the book and creating your own path.”

Acclaimed film director Peter Berg, directs each spot in the campaign. The new film is available to watch now at youtube.com/underarmour.

“Stephen Curry is the hottest player in the NBA right now, and this film tells the story of his tough journey to get there,” said Foxx. “With the season he’s having, everybody is acting as if they believed in his talent from the start, but he had to fight his way up from day one, through high school, to putting a small college on the map, to dominating in the league.”

“Shakespeare Got it All Wrong” depicts Stephen’s path from being the son of an NBA star, to an overlooked high school basketball player, to becoming the game’s new creative genius and most “unguardable” playmaker. After being virtually unknown to scouts and pundits just a few years earlier, the film anoints him as “The Patron Saint of Underdogs.” Detailing Curry’s rise, and the response he has received causing mob scenes at Under Armour stores around the world, from New York to Shanghai, the content is comprised of real moments in his life going back to his childhood. Now in his fifth professional season, Curry has established himself as one of the game’s most electrifying players. He is redefining the point guard position with a combination of floor vision and shooting that sets him apart from anyone who has ever stepped on a basketball court. The leading vote getter amongst all players, he is starting in his second straight NBA All-Star game this Sunday in New York City.

“I appreciate the journey I am on and what I’ve gone through to get where I am today,” said Curry. “I’m enjoying the success, but I still feel I have room to grow to reach my full potential. The process is about getting better everyday and never losing the hunger to reach all my individual and team goals.”

Featured in the commercial is the “Dark Matter” Curry One – the colorway of his signature shoe that he will wear during the NBA All-Star game. Available at UA.com starting on February 13 for $119.99, the new shoe features Charged Cushioningâ„¢ and Anafoam technology. Charged Cushioning absorbs impact and converts it into a responsive burst, offering explosiveness in every step and change of direction. Anafoam molds together EVA foam and mesh to provide basketball players of all levels with anatomical support at key pressure points.

The second film in the series, “Volume Two: Aristotle Got it All Wrong,” also debuted at the event. It airs on broadcast starting February 17 on the NFL Network and ESPN, and is available to watch now at youtube.com/underarmour.

Starring Foxx alongside US track and field athletes Manteo Mitchell and Natasha Hastings, the film chronicles the self-determination and inner drive it takes to be the fastest person on the track. In this take, its Aristotle’s famous: “You are what you repeatedly do,” quote that is rewritten for Under Armour athletes to: “You are what you repeatedly do, when things get hard.” For Mitchell, his reaction to the challenge is detailed by his resolve during the 2012 Olympics when he broke his leg while running the 4×400 relay and continued running another 200 yards to pass off the baton, giving his team the chance to eventually win the silver medal.

In the spot, Mitchell and Hastings are wearing UA SpeedForm® Gemini and UA SpeedForm® Apollo Vent running shoes, respectively.

UA SpeedForm Gemini brings precision fit and feel to a shoe made for long distance running. It features a seamless heel cup and lightweight, breathable upper, which minimizes distractions and allows for a more locked in, personalized fit. UA SpeedForm Gemini is available now for $129.99 at UA.com.

UA SpeedForm Apollo Vent, engineered using the same seamless heel cup technology, delivers zero distraction and next-to-skin support and comfort. The ArmourVentâ„¢ mesh upper delivers maximum breathability in a light, stretchy, durable, fast-drying fabric and the molded 4D Foam® footbed conforms to your foot’s exact shape to eliminate slippage. It’s available on UA.com beginning February 13 for $109.99.

For more film content visit youtube.com/underarmour and to join in on the conversation follow @UnderArmour on Twitter, Instagram and record.underarmour.com/.

About Under Armour, Inc.
Under Armour (NYSE: UA), the originator of performance footwear, apparel and equipment, revolutionized how athletes across the world dress. Designed to make all athletes better, the brand’s innovative products are sold worldwide to athletes at all levels. The Under Armour Connected Fitnessâ„¢ platform powers the world’s largest digital health and fitness community through a suite of applications: UA Record, MapMyFitness, Endomondo and MyFitnessPal. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland.

Filed Under: Ad Watch

Arnold Webcast to Stream Live On Bodybuilding.com

February 10, 2015 by

Arnold Webcast

If you’re unable to attend the Arnold Sports Festival don’t lose too much sleep over it. You’ll be able to watch the Arnold Webcast stream LIVE and FREE on bodybuilding.com. The webcast will kick off with the Arnold Amateur championship on Friday, March 6, 2015. The Friday night webcast will feature the finals for the Men’s 212 Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure International. The prejudging for those events will be held earlier and not on the live web stream. Following the conclusion of the pro events, the webcast will switch gears and feature the 2nd Annual National Pole Fitness Championships. If you’ve never seen pole fitness, you’ll want to check it out. It’s incredible to watch and props for it moving to the big stage this year.

Saturday will feature the Bikini International and the Arnold Classic Bodybuilding. No word on the newly added Men’s and Women’s Physique competitions being aired or recorded. The events will have their prejudging and finals on the expo stage, like at the Olympia.

Bodybuilding.com Announces Exclusive 2015 Arnold Webcast
Boise, ID – February 9, 2015 – Bodybuilding.com, the Internet’s most-visited fitness website and largest online retailer of nutritional supplements, will offer a free worldwide webcast of select portions of the 2015 Arnold Sports Festival, presented by BPI, BSN, and MuscleTech.

The 2015 Arnold Classic is a must-see event for all fans of physique competition. Thanks to this live webcast, everyone can tune in—for free! The live HD webcast, as well as post-event video-on-demand replays, will stream on the Bodybuilding.com website and via the Livestream mobile app.

The webcast will commence with the live Arnold Amateur championship early Friday morning, March 6, from the Battelle Grand Ballroom at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (6:00 a.m. Pacific).

The Friday night webcast will feature the finals for the Men’s 212 division (men weighing 212 pounds or less), as well as the beautiful women of the Fitness International and Figure International competitions, starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time (3:30 p.m. Pacific) with a preshow commentary segment.

A new addition to the webcast lineup this year is the inclusion of the 2nd Annual PCS Championship (Pole Fitness National Championship), immediately following the IFBB Friday night show. The Pole Fitness webcast segment starts at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time (6:30 p.m. Pacific).

On Saturday, March 7, the webcast coverage continues at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time (10:30 a.m. Pacific) and culminates with the Saturday IFBB night show events at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time (3:30 p.m. Pacific). Saturday coverage features the men’s Arnold Classic competition, as well as the fan favorite Bikini International, and plenty of preshow discussion and post-show analysis and interviews.

The webcast also includes the annual Arnold Webcast Fan’s Choice Award, where fans get to vote for their favorite athlete. As always, Arnold Schwarzenegger himself will be on hand to congratulate the winners and interview them after their victories.

Each live segment will kick off with an insightful pre-show discussion hosted by veteran sports broadcaster Dave Farra (SyFy, Fox Sports, NBC), who will also provide play-by-play coverage of the competition. Farra will be joined by a panel of leading experts including Bodybuilding.com team athletes IFBB Physique Pro Steve Cook and IFBB Figure Pro Kathleen Tesori, along with reigning Ms. Figure Olympia Nicole Wilkins. Each will provide valuable insights into the streamed competitions as they happen.

Pole Fitness experts Fawnia Dietrich and Annemarie Davies round out the expert panel, and will provide play-by-play commentary during the pole fitness webcast segment.

Stay tuned for details and more 2015 Arnold Sports Festival coverage available soon at Bodybuilding.com!

Be sure to check out all of Bodybuilding.com’s 2015 Arnold Sports Festival coverage at:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/arnold

Filed Under: Arnold Classic, News & Features

Ronda Rousey in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

February 10, 2015 by

Ronda Rousey Swim Suit
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has been published since 1964. Some of the most popular models have graced the SI Swim cover over the years from Cheryl Tiegs, Elle Macpherson and Christie Brinkley to Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks. Elle Machperson has the most covers to her credit with five.

Every year there’s some sort of buzz around the models and not only who made the cover but also who was left out. Fans of athletic females tend to point to fitness models and wonder why none of them are featured. The rationale you’ll find it all over the place. If you’re looking for athletic women featured in a magazine, you’re better off picking up ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue. While it’s more the exception than the norm, there have been female athletes featured in the magazine over the years. The majority of the athletes featured have been tennis players with Steffi Graf, Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova and Anna Kournikova all being featured in the magazine. In the 2010 issue, Winter Olympians Hannah Teter, Lindsey Vonn, Ana Ivanovic, Lacy Schnoor and Clair Bidez were featured.

This year two female athletes are featured in the magazine. Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and UFC champion Ronda Rousey. While it’s not surprising to see a tennis athlete featured it is highly unusual to see a mixed martial artist in the swimsuit issue. Rousey has become one of the most popular fighters in the UFC. She’s without question the most popular in the women’s division but she’s arguably becoming the most recognized in the entire organization. She’s has roles in the Expendables and has an upcoming part in Entourage the movie. Rousey’s stock continues to rise as she dominates inside the octagon and will looks to do so again later this month (Feb. 28th) when she fights Kat Zingano.

ronda Rousey

Rousey shared a few of the images on her Facebook page and shared, “I purposely tried to get a little bit heavier for the SI issue so I was a little bit curvier and not in top fight shape look but the look at which I feel I’m the most attractive. It’s very natural for a person’s body to go through seasons.”

While Rousey lacks no confidence in her fight game she admitted, “I’m not the best model in the world. I try my best.” She goes on to share in a behind the scenes video, “Strong and healthy is the new sexy.”

Rousey SI Swim

Ronda reminded everyone that those photos were taken months ago, as common with every magazine, and she currently has other matters at hand. If you’re thinking of talking negatively about her photos or her decision to appear in the magazine, watch the clip below before you do…


Check out Ronda and all the women in this year’s SI SWIM issue.

Photos via Sports Illustrated by Walter Looss Jr.

Filed Under: News & Features

Jada Pinkett Smith’s Inspiration

February 9, 2015 by

inspiration fitnessIt’s not every day you see a Hollywood celebrity post that their inspiration comes from a Figure competitor. On Sunday, Actor/Director Jada Pinkett Smith shared a photo of IFBB Figure Pro Natalie Benson on her Facebook page and said, “Here’s one of my new inspirations to hit the gym. This is Natalie Benson and this picture is the wallpaper on my phone. When I’m contemplating whether I’m going to work out or not…I look at her and I’m out the door. I will never look like her, but she inspires me everyday. She’s magnificent…”

That’s pretty sweet. When Natalie heard of the news she shared, “thank you for this POST!!! Girl people are always thinking and quoting that I look like a man!!! And I’m far from that… I do not let the negative comments affect me and I keep on pushing and pushing.. I’m a 40 year old woman, with a 21 year old daughter!! and I take care of myself just as you!!! You have a great body hun!!! And I love it.. I’m smiling like crazy to know that Jada Pinkett Smith has me as her wall paper!! Love Ya CHICA!! Let’s keep on inspiring woman… To push themselves no matter what!!”

Natalie Benson
As Jada shared, “Find a workout muse…it helps”. Solid advice for all of us to stay motivated and inspired.

photo via Physique Art Inc.

Filed Under: Celebrity Fitness

Under Armour Acquires Endomondo and MyFitnessPal

February 9, 2015 by

Under Armour Under Armour announced it has created the largest digital health and fitness community with the acquisitions of Endomondo and MyFitnessPal. Under Armour acquired MapMyFitness in December of 2013 and since then the company has focused on building “the largest Connected Fitness platform”. MapMyFitness has roughly 31 million registered users. In January of 2015, Under Armour acquired Endomondo (purchase price $85 million) which has around 20 million registered users. Most of Endomondo’s users are based in Europe and 80% of its base outside of the U.S. This will help Under Armour expand their base worldwide.

Last week, Under Armour Announced it will acquire MyFitnessPal for a purchase price of $475 million. MyFitnessPal is described as, “the leading resource for healthy living and nutrition with over 80 million registered users.” This will allow Under Armour‘s Connected Fitness platform to include nutritional resources.

The newest acquistions will be part of Under Armour’s recently announced UA Record.

NEWS RELEASE

Under Armour Acquires Endomondo and MyFitnessPal to Establish the World’s Largest Digital Health and Fitness Community
Baltimore, MD (February 4, 2015) – Today, Under Armour (NYSE:UA), a global leader in sports performance and innovation, announced the acquisition of Endomondo and MyFitnessPal, establishing ownership of the world’s largest digital health and fitness community. These acquisitions, which supplement UA’s existing MapMyFitness and UA RECORDâ„¢ suite of applications, will further enable the brand to provide unparalleled health and fitness data and insight, in support of its universal mission to make all athletes better.

Powered by more than 80 million registered users, MyFitnessPal is the leading free resource for achieving and maintaining health and fitness goals, providing nutritional information for over five million foods and offering caloric data associated with hundreds of exercises, empowering its community to make better, more informed healthy-living decisions. MyFitnessPal will expand the current offerings from UA Connected Fitnessâ„¢ to include comprehensive nutrition tools, allowing users to track calories, nutrition and exercise.

Meanwhile, Endomondo is an open fitness tracking platform and social fitness network connecting athletes throughout the world. Utilizing GPS and other advanced technologies, Endomondo provides users with the ability to map, record and share their workouts. Endomondo currently hosts 20 million registered users, approximately 80% of which are located outside of the U.S., providing immediate scale and increased international presence for the Under Armour Connected Fitnessâ„¢ community.

“Under Armour’s demonstrated global leadership in health and fitness innovation is greatly enhanced with the addition of Endomondo and MyFitnessPal, as we continue to redefine and elevate the Connected Fitness experience for millions of people around the world,” said Kevin Plank, Chairman and CEO of Under Armour. “Similar to MapMyFitness, Endomondo and MyFitnessPal have established track records of unmatched equity, expertise and passion in the fitness and nutrition space, and they are ideal partners to enable Under Armour to provide data-driven, proactive solutions to help athletes of all levels lead healthier and more active lifestyles.”

With the acquisitions of Endomondo and MyFitnessPal, Under Armour continues to strengthen its position at the forefront of the connected fitness space and advances its goal of delivering game-changing solutions to how athletes and fitness-minded individuals train, perform and live.

Combined with the growth of MapMyFitness, these acquisitions will expand Under Armour’s Connected Fitness community to include more than 120 million registered users.

“At MyFitnessPal, user success is our true North,” said Mike Lee, Co-founder and CEO of MyFitnessPal. “Under Armour will bring vast health and fitness expertise and resources to our 80 million users to help guide them as they work to achieve their health goals.”

“Endomondo has built an engaged global community of fitness enthusiasts, providing a strong technical platform for our users, while adhering to our core belief that social interaction and support are key motivators when it comes to getting fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” said Mette Lykke, Endomondo Co-Founder and CEO. “We share in Under Armour’s passion for innovation, as well as its mission to make athletes better, and we look forward to better serving the needs of athletes around the world.”

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Under Armour, Endomondo will continue to operate out of its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. Following the anticipated closing of the acquisition in the first quarter of 2015, MyFitnessPal will continue to operate out of its headquarters in San Francisco, CA.

For additional details on the acquisition, see related press release titled, “Under Amour Reports Full Year Net Revenues Growth of 32%; Announces Creation of World’s Largest Digital Health and Fitness Community.”

Under Armour was advised by Goldman, Sachs & Co. and the law firm King & Spalding LLP in connection with both acquisitions, as well as the law firm Kromann Reumert in connection with the acquisition of Endomondo. Endomondo was advised by the investment banking firm Mooreland Partners and the law firm Mazanti-Andersen Korsø Jensen. MyFitnessPal was advised by the investment banking firm Qatalyst Partners and the law firm Fenwick & West LLP.

About Under Armour, Inc.
Under Armour (NYSE: UA), the originator of performance footwear, apparel and accessories, revolutionized how athletes across the world dress. Designed to make all athletes better, the brand’s innovative products are sold worldwide to athletes at all levels. Under Armour’s wholly owned subsidiary, MapMyFitness, powers one of the world’s largest Connected Fitness communities. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland.

About MyFitnessPal
With over 80 million users, MyFitnessPal has helped millions of people achieve and maintain a healthier and happier lifestyle. With a database of over 5 million foods and hundreds of exercises, top fitness technology partners and community insights, MyFitnessPal is the leading free resource for achieving and maintaining health goals. MyFitnessPal is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. For more inspiration, visit www.myfitnesspal.com.

About Endomondo
Founded in 2007, Endomondo’s social fitness network and popular Endomondo Sports Tracker mobile app help turn a smartphone into a personal trainer and social motivator. Now with 20 million registered users around the globe, Endomondo lets people track workouts, analyze performance, and support each other so people become and stay active. For more information, visit www.endomondo.com.

Filed Under: News & Features

The Fit Expo Returns to Los Angles

February 4, 2015 by

2015 LA Fit Expo
The largest fitness event on the West Coast, the LA Fit EXPO kicks things off this weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event is headlined by online powerhouse Bodybuilding.com and presented by Subway Restaurants and Body Fortress. The event will take place on February 7-8 and feature a monster sized expo with a number of companies providing free samples, insight and more. Last year’s event saw nearly 50,000 people attend and this year should be bigger than ever.

“We are committed to bringing Los Angeles another top fitness event with the eminent fitness leaders in the country, plus exciting programming and exhibits,” said Erin Ferries, Executive Director of National Fitness Productions. “After last years’ record breaking attendance of 49,000, we have added an additional 90,000 square feet to accommodate the ever-expanding exhibit floor and to make more room for new competitions and performance areas.”

Fit Expo Coupon
DOWNLOAD & PRINT THE 2015 FIT EXPO COUPON FOR $10 OFF

This year the organizers of the Fit Expo have partnered with ParkME to provide attendees with parking options near the Convention Center. If you’ve ever attended an event in the area you know parking can be a royal pain. You can reserve a parking spot now and receive 15% off the regular price. Just use the code FITEXPO when you’re checking out. is year we have partnered with ParkMe to provide you with parking options near the Convention Center. If you reserve your parking spot now, you can save an additional 15% off the regular parking price! Just use the online code FITEXPO when you are checking out HERE. This is a great idea and let us know if you use it.

News from the #LAFITEXPO

THE FIT EXPO LOS ANGELES TICKET INFORMATION:
Your ticket includes admission to the giant exhibition floor filled with over 150 guest celebrities and cutting edge companies displaying, promoting and selling fitness, health and well-being products and services. Your admission ticket also includes FREE admission to ALL 24 competitions taking place on TheFitExpo floor! Don’t forget to check out the FREE seminars, demonstrations and celebrity autograph sessions and grab all the FREE samples. Many of our exhibitors are offering super-cool products at discounted prices so be prepared for the shopping action. It’s non-stop fun for the entire family and it is ONLY $25 a day or $40 for both days!

When you order in advance, print your computer generated ticket at home and bring it with you. Come to the PRE-PURCHASED TICKET booth at registration, and we will scan your ticket(s) for entry in the TheFitExpo. Please note that digital coupons on smartphones, tablets, or any other electronic device will not be accepted under any circumstances. Tickets will of course be available at the door. Please do not buy tickets from anywhere other than our website or our registration desks as all tickets are scanned for one time use.

THE LA FIT EXPO TICKET PRICES
February 7, SATURDAY: $25
February 8, SUNDAY: $25

WEEKEND PACKAGE: SATURDAY & SUNDAY: $40
Kids tickets, 12 and under, will be $10 a day at the door only.
Kids 6 and under are free.

THEFITEXPO LOS ANGELES SHOW HOURS:
Events in South Hall of The Los Angeles Convention Center
Saturday February 7, 2015 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday February 8, 2015 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

WHERE IS THE LA FIT EXPO:
The Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Visit www.TheFitExpo.com for more information. Use the hashtag #LAFitExpo in all your social media and follow the official account of The Fit Expo for all the latest updates on twitter @TheFitExpo and on Facebook.

Filed Under: News & Features

Katy Perry’s Halftime Show – Love it or Hate it?

February 2, 2015 by

katy perry rides a tiger or lion
The people who sit by their TVs and watch the Super Bowl Halftime show instead of getting another snack or walking the dog want to be entertained. They’ve grown to expect larger than life performances and why wouldn’t they? It’s the biggest day in American football and one of the few times people choose to watch commercials. The halftime show is no different. Most people genuinely want to like it before it starts. Sure there are a few “haters” who will think it sucks no matter what happens but that’s the case in anything.

So what about this year? Did Katy Perry deliver or did it fall flatter than a Patriots ball in a playoff game? We’ve seen comments range from YOU ROCKED to THAT SUCKED and everything in between.

One debate was did Katy ride in on a lion or was it a tiger? The verdict is still out. The question we want to know is where does that feline end up and how can we get a ride on it? Seriously.

Missy Elliott seemed to be a hit with most who watched it, especially those 90s kids. The younger generation watching it may not understand the excitement their elders had for seeing Missy on stage but that’s to be expected. Just chalked that up to #oldPeopleProblems.

Hardbody Poll – Katy Perry’s Halftime Show – Love it or Hate it? Cast your vote.

The dancing sharks were more memorable that most of the commercials even if it felt like you were watching a Barnie meets Sharknado mashup on acid.

Filed Under: Polls

Top 5 Best Super Bowl Commercials of 2015

February 2, 2015 by

superbowl ads
Super Bowl Sunday. The one day when most people tune into tv just to watch commercials. The biggest day in American football has turned into the biggest day in the world of advertising at least for creativity and hype. The commercials that run during the Super Bowl XLIX (that’s 49) cost around $4.5 million per 30 second spots. Many advertisers target the Super Bowl because of the hype that surrounds the big game. Now people take to twitter and Facebook to rate, judge and comment on their favorites as they happen.

So which Super Bowl ads were a hit? The game may have been better than the commercials for the first time in recent memory but here’s our top five best Super Bowl commercials.

Hardbody Top 5 Best Super Bowl Commercials of 2015

5. Clash of Clans: Revenge (Official TV Commercial)
Actor Liam Neeson plays the part well and anyone who has been to a coffee shop will relate to their name being mispronounced. It’s way more creative than some other approaches video games have gone.

4. Official 2015 Dodge Super Bowl Commercial | Wisdom | #DodgeWisdom
This spot by Dodge features elderly in a classy way. The spot gets better and better as it progresses so watch until the end.

“You call it attitude, we call it character. Sometimes in order to get the most out of life you need to keep your eyes open and your mouth shut. So live fast, don’t bitch and most importantly never, ever forget where you came from.” via Youtube.

3. SNICKERS® – “The Brady Bunch”
You’re not yourself when you’re hungry. Who can’t relate to that? HA! Especially those of you in contest prep mode. If you didn’t watch the Brady Bunch growing up it may not be as funny to those who did but it’s still gets a thumbs up in our book.

2. Always #LikeAGirl – Super Bowl XLIX
ALWAYS reintroduces the “LIKE A GIRL” campaign after it was widely successful in 2014. The commercial has received over 54 million views since it went live on Youtube. We’d put this one first but since it was a remake of the previous commercial we had to put it in the runner-up spot.

“Take a stand. Join our movement. Together, let’s make #LikeAGirl mean amazing things.” via Youtube.

1. 2015 Budweiser Super Bowl Commercial “Lost Dog” | Budweiser #BestBuds
Who doesn’t love a a spot with animals, especially dogs and horses? The answer is everyone. Ok well maybe not everyone but millions of people saw the spot before it aired on the big game and were fans. Will it make you buy Budweiser? Probably not but it is a feel good spot that you’ll want to watch more than once.

Which was your favorite commercial from the 2015 Super bowl? Join the conversation on twitter and/or Facebook and let us know.

Many people have cited the FIAT commercial as their favorite but really? It’s a total boner concept (lame pun intended) that has been played out but hey maybe it resonates for reasons we don’t need to know about.

Saturday Night Live makes fun of the big game and women’s role in it. The Super Bowl Activity Pack for Women is ridiculously funny because we know it would never happen.

Filed Under: Ad Watch

Contest Results: Jamie Del Angel wins the 2015 IFBB Legends Classic Pro Bikini

February 1, 2015 by

Legends Classic Pro Bikini
The first IFBB Bikini pro show is in the books and Jamie Del Angel from McAllen, Texas took home a unamious win. This was Jamie’s third IFBB pro contest and first title since she achieved pro status at the 2014 NPC USAs. Candice Chamberland from Murletta, California finish in second and fellow Californian Christie Marquez wound up third. Canada’s own Cynthia Benoit finished in fourth with Tamara Haddad rounding out the top five. The win locks Jamie in for the 2015 Olympia and the remainder of the tope five earn points towards the Olympia Point Series. The next pro contest will be the Arnold in Columbus, Ohio the first weekend of March.

Harriet Davis from North Carolina finished just outside the top five in the open division, with a six place finish but took the top spot in the 2015 IFBB Legends Classic Pro Bikini Masters’ division. The Masters division does not accumulate points towards the Olympia.

2015 IFBB Legends Classic Pro Bikini Results Open & Masters:
Las Vegas, NV – January 31, 2015

2015 IFBB Legends Classic Pro Bikini
1. Jamie Del Angel – McAllen, Texas
2. Candice Chamberland – Murietta, California
3. Christie Marquez – Culver City, California
4. Cynthia Benoit – Quebec, Canada
5. Tamara Haddad – Long Beach, California
6. Harriet Davis – Charolette, North Carolina
7. Ruth Dales – United Kingdom
8. Ashley Pfaff – Miami Beach, Florida
9. Michelle Mein – San Jose, California
10. Jessica James – Rancho Murietta, California
11. Alicia Marie – Sherman Oaks, California
12. Jade Carroll – Destin, Florida
13. Melissa Brizic – Colorado Springs, Colorado
14. Lindsay Oxford – Beaumont, Texas
15. Nicole Markovic – Newman, Georgia
16. Emma Fernandez – San Diego, California
16. Nana Kim – Los Alamitos, California
16. Lisandra McGrath – San Diego, California
16. Satrice Rigsby – Baltimore, Maryland
16. Chassidy Smothers – North Highlands, California

2015 IFBB Legends Classic Pro Bikini Masters
1. Harriet Davis – Charolette, North Carolina
2. Michelle Mein – San Jose, California
3. Lindsay Oxford – Beaumont, Texas
4. Lisandra McGrath – San Diego, California
5. Melissa Brizic – Colorado Springs, Colorado
6. Kat Ciresi – Longwood, California
7. Emma Fernandez – San Diego, California

Official Scorecards can be found here.

Filed Under: Contest Results

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