Infographic: How Soft Drinks Impact Your Health

June 19, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

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.

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.

props: fastcoexist.com

Filed Under: News & Features

Pro Skateboarder Cindy Whitehead Talks Style, The Smithsonian and More

June 18, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

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 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.

Did 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 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.

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 think 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.

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.

: Cirl is not a 4 letter word.

: A look at the top of the board. Super cool!

: Cindy’s message to not just girls but everyone and supporting gro

: The attention to detail is world-class.

: Duster’s collaboration with Cindy Whitehead.

: Advertisement for the new board

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.

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 Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

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 Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

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 Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

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 Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

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 Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

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.

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 Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

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.

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

2013 IFBB Omaha Pro Figure Review & Results

June 9, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

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

Robert Kennedy Publishing Out of Business

June 7, 2013 by Isaac Hinds 22 Comments

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.

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.

#BREAKINGNEWS: Robert Kennedy Publications #RKP are done. Doors have closed to the building, employees are locked out. #developing

— Muscle Phone (@MusclePhone) June 7, 2013

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: clean eating, magazines, oxygen

Hardbody Preview: Omaha IFBB Pro Figure

June 7, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

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.

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

Europa Games Phoenix Adds IFBB Pro Show to Schedule

June 4, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

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.

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

2013 New York Pro Bikini Results & Review

May 28, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The 2013 New York Pro Bikini had some of the division’s best physiques in it. As expected it came down to a few bikini bodies that would challenge for the title. In the end Yeshaira Robles had the most complete look and presentation. She’s positioned herself as one of the top competitors in the division as she heads into the Olympia. New comers Ashley Kaltwasser and Lindsey Waters are also on the fast track to the top as they finished in second and third respectively.

View 2013 NY PRO Bikini Photos.

Yeshaira has the look to be sexy and cute with ease. She presents with class and has a smile that will light up the darkest room. You can’t help but be drawn to her when she’s on stage. If there’s any one that new competitors are looking to emulate and look up to in the division, Yeshaira is the one. Ashley Kaltwasser has one of the best physiques in the division and without question will be a top contender in every show she enters. She got her tanning right at this show and her body was on point. I’d love to see her change up her hair and makeup and ditch the super long eye lashes. If she tweaks those minor things I think it could be the difference at a big show like the Olympia. Lindsey Waters turned pro just one week prior to the New York Pro by winning the overall at the NPC JR USA. She has a rockin bikini body and also got her tanning on point this time. It’s the same scenario with Lindsey as Ashley… I’m not a fan of the eyeshadow and huge eyelashes. They’re distracting and when it comes down to little details it can make or break a decision. If she changes those minor things it would make a huge difference.

Ashley, Yeshaira and Lindsey – Top Three New York Pro Bikini

Yarelis Gonzalez has all the potential in the world to do well in the division however we have yet to see her reach it in the pro ranks. She came in a bit better than Pittsburgh however her lower body was still not where it needs to be in order to be in the winner’s circle. It looked like she may have over done the cardio and crash dieted a bit by the way her skin looked. When you compare the tightness to that of Ashley’s skin, specifically above the knees, they are worlds apart. It may not be obvious to the casual fan but to the judges and those of us who see thousands of physiques a year, it is. Rounding out the top five was Ashley LeBlanc. Ashley may have been a bit too conditioned in her upper body as the vascularity was noticeable. I’m not crazy about the big curls in front of her face but she has improved her presentation and beginning to get more relaxed on stage.

Dayna Maleton has an incredible physique but it might be too much for the bikini division. Someone asked how she would do in Figure and I’m not certain but it would be interesting to see how she looked posing as a figure competitor with a different suit and same body. She improved her presentation and her only downfall is the amount of muscle and conditioning she brings to the stage compared to the other women.

Nikola Weiterova brought one of her best looks to date and could have been in the top spots. She’s brought up her backside and presents much better than her previous shows. Andrea Hertlein had the best booty in the entire show and if shows were based on butts alone, she would have been your winner.

View 2013 NY PRO Bikini Photos.

Things I’d love to see women NOT do on stage…
• The shoulder shrug/shimmy. It’s when a woman brings her shoulder to her chin and back down, sometimes more than once. It’s awkward and uncomfortable to watch because it’s not natural to most competitors when they do it. Ditch it, it’s not doing anything but distracting your presentation.

• The wind-up hip pop. India Paulino does it and it can be over the top some times but works for her because she’s sassy to begin with. When others do it, it looks out of place and doesn’t work. Don’t do it, it’s not helping your placing.

• The hand up to the chin/shoulder when presenting. It doesn’t do anything but distract during your presentation.

• The legs crossed and bending over in a very slow and way too far forward manner. The pose works for some women but not for all. If it doesn’t work for your backside don’t do it. It’s not a mandatory pose and can be uncomfortable to watch when done slow and in an unnatural manner. When some competitors do it, it almost looks like they have to go pee and that’s not the look you want to present, especially as a pro.

2013 New York Pro Bikini Results:
1. Yeshaira Robles
2. Ashley Kaltwasser
3. Lindsey Waters
4. Yarelis Gonzalez
5. Ashley Cronley LeBlanc
6. Dayna Maleton
7. Ashley Wade
8. Gigi Amurao
9. Maria Annunziata
10. Leigh Brandt
11. Francesca Yumul
12. Nikola Weiterova
13. Anna Starodubtseva
14. Meredith Long
15. Anna Lee Van Hatten
16. Cynthia Benoit
16. Danielle Carr
16. Janet Harding
16. Andrea Hertlein
16. Nathalie Mur
16. Cecile Palacios
16. Tabitha Klausen

Filed Under: Contest Results

2013 New York Pro Women’s Physique Results & Review

May 28, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The IFBB Pro Women’s Physique Division (WPD) continues to evolve in just its second year. Things are beginning to take shape though with a few familiar physiques consistently being in the top spots. The 2013 New York Pro reinforced that with Brazilian natives Juliana Malacarne and Karina Nascimento finishing in the top two spots. The two have completely different physiques yet still were the standouts in the line-up.

Juliana carries more muscle on her frame than other competitors but it’s not over the top. It’s thick, dense muscle that shows years of lifting and maturity. She has the genetics that she can hold the muscle without looking like a female bodybuilder. The look was too much for Figure but seems to be the way of Women’s Physique. Karina came in with better conditioning than Juliana but lacked the size she carried. It then becomes a matter of what the judges prefer – conditioning or size. Juliana had the most complete look. Karina loves to play up the sex appeal on stage and it certainly helps get the attention of the judges. She’s positioned herself as one of the top competitors in the division. Toni West rounded out the top three and also has an aesthetically pleasing look. She could have been a tad tighter in the glutes and hamstrings but overall a nice showing. I wasn’t crazy about her suit bottom cut from the back and a slight change there may help.

View 2013 IFBB New York Pro Women’s Physique Photos.

Karina, Juliana, Toni – top three New York Pro Women’s Physique

Joele Smith also has a good look to her physique and could have been in the third spot without an argument. She could win a physique show before the year is over. Teresita Morales was second at this contest last year and has a very balanced physique. Another tough competitor and could be in the mix of the top three in every show she enters. Many industry pundits professed that Nathalie Foreau would be “too big” for the division but she didn’t appear out of place at all. If her tan was a bit darker she might have been a bit higher than 6th. She has huge quads and is one of the shorter competitors but more than held her own on the pro stage and has potential to be in the top spots in future shows.

I like Jen Louwagie’s look and would have put her in the top 10. Sheena Ohlig also has a nice look and if she comes in with better conditioning will be in the hunt for a top five spot.

View 2013 IFBB New York Pro Women’s Physique Photos.

2013 IFBB New York Pro Women’s Physique Results:
1. Juliana Malacarne
2. Karina Nascimento
3. Toni West
4. Joele Smith
5. Teresita Morales
6. Nathalie Foreau
7. Jillian Reville
8. Jill Rudison
9. Sheilahe Brown
10. Jennie Verdi
11. Melissa DiBernardo
12. Jen Ann Louwagie
13. Sandra Lombardo
14. Cynthia Colon
15. Nathalie Falk
16. Sarah Bridges
16. Gloria Faulls
16. Asha Hadley
16. Carmen Knights
16. Michelle Krack
16. Frances Mendez
16. Sheena Ohlig
16. Vallerie Paul
16. Antonia Perdikakis
16. Gina Quinn
16. Jane Santos
16. Stacy Simons McDowell
16. Alecia Marie Rankovic
16. Kathy Unger

Filed Under: Contest Results

2013 Ifbb New York Pro Women’s Preview

May 25, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The 2013 IFBB New York Pro is upon us and the women’s division will be highly competitive. The Figure, Bikini and Women’s Physique all have a few fan favorites but no clear-cut winner heading into the event. The prejudging will take place at 11am EST at the Tribecca Performing Arts Center and there we’ll get a better idea of who will leave the champion, crowned later in the night at the finals.

THE HARDBODY 411:

Ones to Watch in Figure:
The match-up that everyone will be watching is the reigning Figure International Champ, Candice Keene and top Figure Pro Nicole Wilkins. Nicole sat out this year’s Arnold to give her body a little rest. This will be the first show of the year for her and she’ll either be relaxed, rest and refreshed or a bit rusty. Knowing Nicole, don’t look for her to be on stage rusty. The only x-factor will be if the flight delay disrupted her final hours of prep. Candice will likely be the harder and appear more muscular of the two however Nicole has better symmetry and shape. It’s hard think that anyone will beat either of these two, however anything is possible.

Marcy Porter is back on stage after a few months layoff. She was once a top tier pro, can she return to the top five? Shelly Albetta will be making her pro debut and look for the New York crowd to be behind her. Swann aka Frenchy Cardot will be grinning ear-to-ear after being proposed to on the eve of the show. She’ll be sporting a new rock and will much sharper than her Pittsburgh showing. Monica Specking has the shape and if she comes in a bit sharper with the little details she’ll be in the mix. Patty Zariello will also have the hometown crowd behind her and if she goes back to her Pittsburgh look she’ll be in the hunt.

Figure
Shelly Albetta
Maria Luisa Baeza Diaz
Corinna Booth
Andrea Cantone
Swann Cardot
Lauren Cascio
Michelle DeRosa
Kenyatta Jones Arietta
Candice Keene
Tiani Norman
Melanise Pettee
Marcy Porter
Amy Puglise
Cinderella Richardson
Tissilli Rogers
Elvimar Sanchez
Rebecca Schubeck
Monica Specking
Katerina Tarbox
Rebecca Vera
Nicole Wilkins
Patty Zariello

Ones to Watch in Bikini:
The bikini division will be a very competitive division. Lindsey Waters achieved IFBB Pro status at the NPC JR USAs last week and is wasting no time getting into the mix. She has a rock’n physique and my only nit-pick thing is sometimes her eyeshadow / makeup is too dark and heavy around her eyes. She’s cute so would like to see her play up the cutesy part and not try to have a sultry look. She could win this show but she’ll have her work cut out for her. Yeshaira Robles is a class act on and off the stage. She’s one of the few women who can be smiling and cute and in the flip of her hair she’s captivating you with a sexy, whoa hot momma look. The thing about Yeshaira that women need to note is her energy. She ALWAYS has positive energy to her on stage and you can’t help but be drawn to her. She’s got the body to match and it’s the little things that always put Yeshaira on top. Ashley Kaltwasser has a sic physique from her years of running and it’s one of the most athletic looks n the division. If she nails her tanning and doesn’t cake on the heavy eye make-up she’s your winner. She continues to get better and better with more stage time. Once she nails all the little details, she’ll be a top 6 Olympia competitor and collect a few more first place wins like she did two weeks ago in Detroit.

The X-factor in this show is Yarelis Gonzalez. She’s one of the shorter competitors and if she’s is slightly off she’s on the outside looking in. Her upper body is usually spot on but her legs and Cuban booty tend to be a bit bigger and drop her down in her placings. If she comes in with a tight booty and smaller legs than Pittsburgh she’ll be tough to beat. She has yet to reach her potential and if she nails it here she’ll be back in the mix as a top competitor. If she doesn’t it’ll leave you wondering if she will ever be able to match the look she had as an amateur. Dayna Maleton has a great physique and if she poses without looking like a fish out of water she’ll be in the top spots. She always has impeccable hair and makeup, so ladies take note. Leigh Brandt, the original Canadian Cutie, will look to get in the top spots. She has the looks but doesn’t have as much muscle as some of the others but still one to watch. Gigi Amurao could be in the hunt if she brings her legs down and comes in a bit tighter than Pittsburgh. Nikola Weiterova and Ashley Wade have stunning looks but yet to crack the top five. Meredith Long will be making her IFBB Pro debut and will be next to another tall competitor Tabitha Klausen. Both women are beautiful and will be two of the taller women in the show, we’ll see how they match up. The Nawlins’ Hip-hop-poppa Ashley Cronley LeBlanc has the potential to be in the top five and if she can present in a relaxed, poised manner without twisting herself in half she’ll be in the mix.

As you can see this a VERY tough line-up.

Bikini
Gigi Amurao
Maria Annunziata
Cynthia Benoit
Leigh Brandt
Danielle Carr
Ashley Cronley Leblanc
Yarelis Gonzalez
Janet Harding
Andrea Hertlein
Ashley Kaltwasser
Tabitha Klausen
Meredith Long
Dayna Maleton
Nathalie Mur
Cecile Palacios
Yeshaira Robles
Anna Starodubtseva
Anna Lee Van Hattan
Ashley Wade
Lindsey Waters
Nikola Weiterova
Francesca Yumul

Women’s Physique Ones to Watch: The IFBB Women’s Physique division is in its second year and there are still some growing pains with what “the look” should be. It’s definitely making headway and gone are the female bodybuilders with too much muscle, generally speaking. You’ll see apples to oranges in terms of physiques. The likely battle will come down to Juliana Malacarne and Karina Nascimento. The two Brazilians have a great look without being over the top with the muscle factor. Karina plays up her sex appeal when she presents, which tends to help draw your attention to her. Joele Smith and Toni West both have nice looks and could be in the mix for a top spot. Hometown favorite Jillian Reville will be a contender if she comes in full and doesn’t look too stringy. Jill Rudison has potential to be in the mix if she has her legs dialed down and doesn’t appear too muscular in the lower body. It’ll be an interesting show to watch and will be foreshadowing of what’s to come at future shows in terms of “the look”.

Women’s Physique
Sarah Bridges
Sheilahe Brown
Cynthia Colon
Melissa DiBernardo
Nathalie Falk
Gloria Faulls
Nathalie Foreau
Asha Hadley
Carmen Knights
Michelle Krack
Sandra Lombardo
Jen Louwagie
Juliana Malacarne
Frances Mendez
Teresita Morales
Karina Nascimento
Sheena Ohlig
Vallerie Paul
Antonia Perdikakis
Audrey Presson
Gina Quinn
Alecia Rankovic
Jillian Reville
Jill Rudison
Jane Santos
Stacy Simons McDowell
Joele Smith
Kathy Unger
Jennie Verde
Toni West

Filed Under: News & Features, Show Previews

2013 IFBB California Pro Figure Preview

May 21, 2013 by Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Things will heat up this weekend in Culver City, California as 27 IFBB Figure Pros take the stage in hopes of not only bragging rights but also an Olympia qualification. While the list below isn’t final it’s a good indicator as to who we’ll see in the event. There’s no clear cut favorite for the win which will make for an interesting show.

Based on previous outings, we could see these women in the mix… Victoria Adelus continues to refine her physique and if she comes in full she could be in the mix. Krista Dunn could fair a bit better here than in other shows as she carries a fair amount of muscle and many of the women in this line up do as well. Wendy Fortina had success earlier this year at the Governor’s Cup and will look to be in the top spots once again here. If she brings a similar look she could. Allison Frahn wasn’t at her best at the Detroit pro but a couple of weeks have passed since then and she should come in better here. She always seems to be in the mix here so don’t be surprised if she’s in the top five once again. Monica Labriola has a great physique and a bit shorter than some of the others here. She’ll need to come in a bit tighter than others and could be in the top spots if she does. Michele Mayberry has been all over the map in her placings but brought a nice look last year. We’ll have to see what she brings this year. Laurie Schnelle found a nice balance in Pittsburgh and the judges took a liking to it. This will be a different set of judges and different line up so no telling if she’ll find similar results. She does have a solid physique that can hang though.

If you’re a gambler then you’re likely to wager on the contest being between Camala Rodriquez and Francine Sablan. Camala was recently married and if that didn’t disrupt her prep you’ll see her in the top call-out. Francine Sablan has the home turf Cali advantage and likely a bit more determined than others. She was snubbed on an Arnold invite and this will be the first time we see her on stage this year. If she brings the look she did last year she’ll be in the hunt for the win. The big question is if she will come in sharp enough her first time back on stage.

2013 IFBB California Pro Figure
Victoria Adelus
Leah Berti
Clarissa Castaneda
Krista Dunn
Dawn Fernandez
Wendy Fortino
Allison Frahn
Maria Garcia
Cristina Gedang
Erin Harding
Rose Hendricks
Elizabeth Jenkins
Christine Kluger
Monica Labriola
Georgina Lona
Michele Mayberry
Julie Mayer Hyman
Queren Pacheco
Alessandra Pinheiro
Tiffany Radzwill
Camala Rodriquez
Francine Sablan
Jill St. Laurent
Laurie Schnelle
Tamara Sedlack
Michelle Shepherd
Bojana Vasiljevic

More info visit musclecontest.com and use the hashtag #CALPRO in all your tweets.

Filed Under: Show Previews

2013 NPC JR USA Preview – Charleston, South Carolina

May 16, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The first IFBB Pro qualifier will take place on May 18, 2013 in Charleston, South Carolina. Over 450 National Physique Committee (NPC) competitors are expected to compete. Promoter Tres Bennett always takes great care of the competitors and the venue, North Charleston Performing Arts Center, is one of the best. It’s such a great venue that Bonnie Raitt and Jason Aldean will be performing in it the night before.

Those checking into the host hotel, take note that parking could be challenging on Friday night because of the concert. The venue is across the parking lot from the Embassy Suites hotel, which makes it convenient for competitors. The area around the venue continues to grow. There are numerous restaurants, a Super Wal-mart, shopping and more all with-in a five minute drive. The venue is about 10-15 minutes from the airport, which is also convenient. If you have some extra time head into Charleston and enjoy some amazing seafood. The character of the city is rich in history and worth visiting.

The show will be dominated by the Bikini, Figure and Men’s Physique divisions. Sadly, there looks to be fewer than 10 total fitness competitors entered in the show. It’s unfortunate to see these numbers so low as one of these women will leave with IFBB Pro status. Another sign of the times and the change that is happening is the Women’s Bodybuilding division. There were only TWO (2) female bodybuilders entered in the competition. There is no pro card for the division but still, it’s very telling what’s in store for the division. When competitors don’t enter, women can’t expect promoters to continue to add it to their shows.

Expect to see around 40 Women’s Physique competitors. Making the transition from Figure to Women’s Physique will be Kelly Diffenderfer. She’ll be one to watch in this division on Saturday.

Over 120 women will compete for pro status in the Bikini division and it’s always a competitive group. There will be six height classes and the winners of each class will be compared for pro status. Three of the six will be awarded pro status. Some shows each class winner and even the top two achieve pro status but this one you’ll need to win not only your class but also be one of three in the overall comparisons. The C and D class typically have the largest turn out and this year will likely be the same. Sundae Marshall, Patrice Lee-Seyon and Kadie McDuffie are potentials in the C class. Names like Hayley Davis, Trang Grider, Siliana Gaspard, Michelle LaCost and Paige Hathaway will likely all be in the D Class and ones to watch. Keep an eye out for Whitney Wiser in the E division and Callie Bundy in the F class. Tina Elias and Asia Mendoza are also two contenders in the F class.

The same holds true for the Figure competition and well over 100 women will compete for pro status. Camille Clarke has a unique look and continues to improve her physique in the F Class. Look for the 2012 NPC Music City Muscle Classic overall winner, Ecko Johnson in the F Class as well. She came up just short of pro status at last year’s NPC Nationals and has the potential to win the whole show this weekend. Familiar names like Michelle Moody and Tara Zito will be in the hunt of the E class. Brooke Merritt and Lacy Smith could be contenders in the B Class. Lacy Smith has really improved over the last year and was the overall figure champion in Sacramento earlier this year.

We won’t know who is in the show until late Friday night so there could be any a number of women who enter and could be your next IFBB Pros.

PHOTOS AND VIDEO
If you’re looking for official video of the competition you can purchase it through Mark “Money” Mason. Official NPC stage photos can be viewed and purchased through LIFT Studios.

WHERE:
North Charleston Performing Arts Center
5001 Coliseum Dr. North Charleston, SC 29418

WHEN:
FRIDAY MAY 17, 2013
Location: CONVENTION CENTER

ATHLETE CHECK IN / WEIGH IN
9:00AM-11:00AM or 5:00PM-7:00PM
MEETING ROOM 6 AND 7

*NOTE: Athletes are only required to check in once, either @ the morning session or the evening session.

SATURDAY MAY 18, 2013:
Location: PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
DOORS OPEN TO PUBLIC 8:00AM

PREJUDGING: 8:30AM
FINALS: 6pm

MEETING TIMES
FITNESS / WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING / MEN’S BODYBUILDING / MEN’S PHYSIQUE 7:30 AM
WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE 9:00 AM
FIGURE 9:30 AM
BIKINI 10:00 AM

PRE-JUDGING ORDER*
FITNESS ROUTINES
WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING
MEN’S BODYBUILDING
MEN’S PHYSIQUE
WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE
FITNESS 2 PC
FIGURE
BIKINI

*THESE TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Filed Under: Show Previews

2013 IFBB Optimum Pro Women’s Physique Competitor List

May 8, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The women of the IFBB Pro Women’s Physique division will be back this weekend in Shreveport, Louisiana. The show was added late to the schedule and little mention has been made about the contest. Despite the lackluster promotion for this pro event, twelve women are listed to compete.

Last year’s stand out Karina Nascimento will be on stage for the first time this year to see if she can pick up where she left off in 2012. Karin Hobbs will look to get back in the winner’s circle and should be a top contender. Jennifer Robinson tends to fair better in the southern shows and could be in the top spots here. Venus Nyguyen was in the top placings in California last month but will have her work cut out for her in this lineup. If Toni Perdikakis comes in tighter with her conditioning, specifically her lower body she could be a contender. Sheilahe Brown will be one to watch as she’s one of the bigger competitors in the division. She’ll either be at the top or very bottom.

2013 IFBB Optimum Pro Women’s Physique
Candrea J Adams
Evageline Belton
Sheilahe Brown
Tycie Coppett
Samantha Hill
Karin Hobbs
Karina Nascimento
Venus Nguyen
Toni Perdikakis
Jennifer Robinson
Joele Smith
Lindy Waid

Filed Under: Show Previews

2013 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Bikini Results & Hardbody Review

May 8, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Yeshaira Robles continues to be one of the leading ladies in the IFBB Bikini division. She was crowned the winner over the weekend at the 2013 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro. The competition continues to get better and better in the division. Ashley Kaltwasser finished in second and Stacey Alexander finished in third.

After prejudging it looked as though Stacey Alexander could have left the winner. She was spot on with her conditioning and seemed the sharpest of the group. Yeshaira has the presentation portion of competition down. She can go from cute and with the flip of her hair look like one of the sexiest women on stage. I wouldn’t have argued with Pollianna Moss winning the show either. She carries a bit more muscle on her tiny frame than the other women but she’s always poised and polished with her presentation. Ashley Kaltwasser has one of the most athletic physiques in the division and certainly can hang with the best of the division. The little details still plague Ashley. Ashley’s tanning was a bit green and muddy in the midsection and her makeup is a bit dark around the eyes for my liking. I’d like to see those details get ironed out and should be taken into account for placings, in my opinion. The tanning was better at the night show though. Lacey Deluca greatly improved from her Orlando finish and her physique was much tighter in Pittsburgh. She impressed the judges and it landed her in fourth.

View photos from the event here.

Many of these women will head to Detroit and New York to compete. We’ll see if there are similar results.

2013 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Bikini Results
1. Yeshaira Robles
2. Ashley Kaltwasser
3. Stacey Alexander
4. Lacey DeLuca
5. Pollianna Moss
6. Aly Veneno
7. Nicole Witbeck
8. Ashley Cronley LeBlanc
9. Yarelis Gonzalez
10. Gigi Amurao
11. Natalie Pennington
12. Vladimira Krasova
13. Jennifer Elliott
14. Anna Starodubtseva
15. Melissa Sayles
15. Natalie Abrhiem
17. Maria Annunziata
18. Becky Clawson
18. Cassandra Dubois
18. Heather Gonyea
18. Jessica Renee
18. Kelsie Burgin
18. Lynn Sambuco
18. Michon Leddy
18. Rachelle Dejean

View photos from the event here.

Filed Under: Contest Results

2013 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Bikini Competitors & Hardbody Preview

May 3, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The IFBB bikini pros are back on stage this weekend in Pittsburgh. The line-up is a very competitive one and there’s no odds-on favorite for the win, which should make for an interesting show. Who will show up on their game and who will miss the mark?

Those of you who follow Hardbody know we’re not going to take the easy route and say everyone looks amazing. Yes, all of these women do look great and that’s why they are pros. When you cut the crap and get down to it, there’s a few physique that stand out from the rest and are ones to watch this weekend.

THE HARDBODY 411
Stacey Alexander made the trip from Cali and tends to be in the mix on the West Coast, will she find similar fortune on the East? Gigi Amurao is always in the top 10 contention and if she brings in slightly smaller legs than Daytona she’ll be a contender. Maria Annunziata finished in the top 5 in Orlando but will need to have a better tan and tighter lower body to match that finish. Ashley Cronly Leblanc found her groove at the end of 2012 and will be on stage for the first time this season. Will she be rested and ready or need to clear out the competition cobwebs?

Yarelis Gonzales has the potential to win this show and be a star in the pro bikini division but will she be in shape? She’s her own worst enemy and being a shorter competitor she needs to come very tight or will way look off. We haven’t seen her since December so who knows what she will bring to the stage. Ashley Kaltwasser has an athletic physique and should be a contender, it’s the little details like hair, make-up and tanning that could hold her back. Pollianna Moss has positioned herself as a contender in every show and if she matches the look she had in Daytona she’ll be in a top spot.

Yeshaira Robles is always a contender and the perfect blend of cute and sexy on stage. Look for her to be in the top spots. Aly Veneno will get a true test this time around. She’s been in the top five her last couple of shows but this is a much tougher line-up. If she’s on point she can hang but any misstep and she’ll be on the outside looking in. Lastly, Nicole Witbeck could be a contender. She’s been competing in a number of shows so it will either help her find her groove or take its toll on her body.

The show takes place on Saturday, May 3, 2013 in Pittsburgh. Follow the hashtag #pittpro on twitter and check back here for updates throughout the weekend.

2013 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Bikini:
Natalie Abrhiem
Stacey Alexander
Gigi Amurao
Maria Annunziata
Kelsie Burgin
Becky Clawson
Ashley Cronley Leblanc
Rachelle Dejean
Lacey DeLuca
Cassandra DuBois
Jennifer Elliott
Heather Gonyea
Yarelis Gonzales
Ashley Kaltwasser
Vladimira Krasova
Michon Leddy
Pollianna Moss
Natalie Pennington
Jessica Renee
Yeshaira Robles
Lynn Sambuco
Melissa Sayles
Anna Starodubtseva
Aly Veneno
Nicole Witbeck

Filed Under: Show Previews

2013 Arnold Classic Brasil – Pro Fitness Preview

April 27, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The Arnold Classic heads Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this weekend for its inaugural event in South America. The wildly popular Arnold Sports Festival is rooted in Columbus, Ohio where Jim Lormier and Arnold Schwarzenegger became partners on the event over a handshake. The event is part of a much larger project called “Brazilian Sports”. The weekend will feature a three-day expo with all the latest supplement companies, workout apparel, gym equipment and more.

The IFBB Fitness pros will take the stage on Saturday evening for prejudging and the finals will be held shortly afterwards. This is a rare schedule as the prejudging is often the night before or earlier in the morning. The women will share the stage with the IFBB Pro Bodybuilders.

The biggest story from Rio was that the reigning Fitness International Champion, Tanji Johnson would not be competing this weekend. Head Judge, Lee Thompson shared at the athlete’s meeting that Tanji had VISA issues and was unable to make the trip. This makes the competition very interesting.

2013 Arnold Brasil – IFBB Pro Fitness
1. Regiane Da Silva - Regiane has a high flying, fast-paced routine and her physique continues to improve with each show. Look for her to be a top contender for the title.

2. Nicole Duncan - We know what Nicole is capable of but lately she’s come up just a bit short. If Nicole brings a conditioned physique and her high energy routine that features incredible gymnastics and dance moves she’s a contender. Loads of potential in Ms. Duncan.

3. Allison Ethier – Allison has steadily improved her physique and her routine. If she brings a high paced routine with solid strength moves she could be in the hunt.

4. Ryall Graber Vasani - Ryall has moved up in the ranks and if she bring a similar look that she showcased in prior shows this year, she’ll be in the top spots. She has great strength skills and should be in the top callout in the physique round.

5. Fiona Harris - Fiona has the looks, the physique and now it’s a matter of putting it all together. The judges don’t often reward her routines as good as some feel they are. If she can wow the judges a bit more with her routine, she’ll be in the mix.

6. Amanda Hatfield - Amanda continues to chip away at the pro ranks. She has solid gynmastics and will look to move up in the placings. She’ll have her work cut out for her in this line-up.

7. Diana Monteiro - Diana is one of the more muscular and taller competitors in this group. She has the how stage advantage and is the lone Brazilian in the group. Diana has been up and down in her placings so it will be interesting to see how she fares here.

8. Natalie Planes - Natalie is the darkhorse in this line-up. She’s caught veterans on their heels and is a force to be reckoned with. She made her IFBB pro debut last year and left the winner. Since she’s already qualified for the Olympia, look for her to be relaxed and wow the crowd with her routine.

9. Kizzy Vaines will rock the blonde hair this time around and if she can nail her routine she’ll be in the top 5. If it’s too slow and she’s not at her best she’ll be on the outside looking in.

10. Trish Warren - Trish returned to the stage after having her first child. She more than held her own in the return when she competed last month at the Fitness International in Columbus, Ohio. Look for her to be in the top spots on Saturday night.

Check back for more information on the Arnold Brasil all weekend long.

Filed Under: Arnold Classic, Show Previews

Prejudging Report – 2013 Europa Show of Champions Bikini

April 20, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The 2013 IFBB Europa Show of Champions Pro Bikini prejudging took place on Friday afternoon in Orlando, Florida. The competition didn’t have any “big names” so to speak which meant the door was wide open for someone to step up and qualify for the Olympia. The prejudging went quick and a reminder to all competitors you only get a couple minutes to make an impression on the judges.

HARDBODY PREJUDGING 411:
These are just opinions and not indicative of the final placings, which will be held on Saturday at 3pm.

Maria Annunziata – She’s improving her stage presence. Not sure if the suit color was the best choice with her tan. Could have used different suit or different color tan. She was in the first call-out and will likely be top five but didn’t see it that way. She’s a little too soft from behind and needs to come in tighter in the legs and booty to be in my top five.

Maura Bouchard - Maura competed in just her second show and if she is patient she can steadily improve. She’s one of the smaller women on stage and needs more muscle and fullness to her. She seemed to be over-thinking her posing instead of just rolling with it. It doesn’t look like she’ll be top five this time around.

Danielle Carr - One of the taller competitors and her challenge will be not looking to straight up and down in her posing. She wasn’t super confident in her posing and if she can take the stage a bit more poised and polish her presentation she could move up.

Jennifer Dawn - One of Jennifer’s better looks in recent contests but didn’t get much love with the comparisons. I would have put her higher than where she’ll finish and thought it was one of her better presentations to date. She has larger boobs which can be distracting in some people’s opinion but can’t see that being the cause for her not placing higher. She’ll be top ten but wouldn’t argue if she had been top five.

Lacey DeLuca - Lacey looked like she always does… A nice look in the upper body but soft and not conditioned in the lower half. It’s likely a genetic battle she’ll always face with a bigger booty. She presents herself well in the individual round but needs to bring the legs and booty down to be a contender. She won’t be top five this time around.

Ashley Kaltwasser - Ashley will likely finish second and has a physique I’ve always liked. She’s one of the more athletic looking competitors and this is just her second pro show. As she progresses she could be a top pro. I’d like to see a little different eye make-up and a better tan. Her tanning color was a bit off and the eye make-up a bit too much. She’ll need to polish up her posing but watch for her to be in the top spots as she refines the little details.

Courtney King - Courtney will be king err queen of this stage. She improved her posing from her pro debut and looked spot on. She has long legs and looks much taller on stage then she really is. She’s definitely one of the rising stars in the division and she’ll leave your winner, at least that’s how I see it. I’d like to see her continue to put on a little size in her upper body but she has time on her side.

Nathalie Mur - Nathalie Mur looked much better than her Daytona showing a couple weeks ago. I would place her higher than she’ll finish and with Nathalie it’s more about her presentation than physique that needs polished. If she present with a bit more confidence she’d get a better look.

Sabrina Nicole - Sabrina will be at the bottom of the pack this time around. She has more muscle than most in this line-up and needs to be a bit sharper to be a contender. Sabrina has the potential to do well she just needs to dial in her conditioning to get in the top spots.

Noemi Olah - Noemi was back on stage in the USA but won’t finish in the top spots. She’s a beautiful women and if the judging was based on facial looks she’d be a winner in any show. It’s more than just a pretty face and she won’t be in the mix this time. Noemi’s tan was too light and she was too soft for this line-up. Still one of my favorite competitors when she’s tighter and the details are on point.

Jessica Renee - Jessica has lots of potential and just needs little tweaks to improve. I’d like to see her come in with big pageant style curly hair (ie Jennifer Andrews style) and a different colored suit. Her tan seemed a bit splotchy. She won’t be top five but could in future shows with some minor adjustments.

Aly Veneno - Aly will likely be your third place finisher. She was much more relaxed and poised than the Daytona show. She had make-up and a tan that matched and it’s those details that can help make or break where you finish. I’d like to see her work on the timing of her presentation. She tends to over pose and stage on stage longer than needed. She could have been a little tighter in the glutes but overall not a bad showing.

Ashley Wade - I like Ashley’s look and the curly hair. Ashley will be in the middle of the pack here and would have argued if she finished higher. She’s one competitor that for some reason gets lost in the mix.

Nicole Witbeck - Nicole was one competitor I thought should have been top five in Daytona and while she didn’t finish in the top spots there she should here. Look for her to be in the fourth of fifth spot. She’s one of the few blondes in the division and has a nice, balanced physique. Only critique here would be to bring a different look with her hair. She could pull off the big pageant curls instead of the straight hair. Silly, to talk about hair in a physique competition, right? I know.

Brittany Young - Brittany will be in the top 10 and had one of her best looks to date. She is another tall competitor who towers over some of the others. This was her best showing as a pro and should be happy with what she presented.

Francesca Yumul - Francesca kinda flew under the radar heading into this show but turned some heads on stage. This is just her second pro show, the muscle contest being her first. She’ll be in the top ten and has a look that catches your attention. She’ll move up with a little more stage time and improve presentation.

I see it going…
1. Courtney King
2. Ashley Kaltwasser
3. Aly Vaneno

The winner will leave with an Olympia qualification and the 2-4 finishers will get points in the Olympia Point Series. We’ll find out the results Saturday afternoon. There was also Women’s Physique, Men’s physique and Men’s 212 Bodybuilding at this show. The expo held in conjunction with the pro show is huge with many events, including a NPC show. If interested in purchasing NPC photos you can do so here and see more photos from the event on bodybuilding.com.

Filed Under: News & Features, Show Previews

One Hardbody To Watch – Nicole Witbeck

April 18, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Nicole Witbeck may not be a name you’re familiar with now but you will. She’s one of the few blonde bikini competitors in the IFBB Pro League and she could stop traffic with a flip of her hair. She turned pro relatively quick, having only competed in two regional shows before stepping on stage at the 2012 NPC USAs where she achieved pro status. This weekend she’ll be competing in her third pro show and despite not making the top five at the Battle on The Beach, she’s one to watch this weekend.

Nicole shares a little tough love on eating and why she loves butter. This former track athlete shares a bit more about herself and why she’s one hardbody to watch!

Name: Nicole Witbeck

Born in: Portland Oregon

Currently Live in: San Diego California

Did you play any sports growing up? Dance (if you consider it a sport) and I ran varsity hurdles in high school.

110 hurdles or 300/400m? 100 high

Siblings? One brother

Youngest or oldest? Oldest, but some think he’s older just due to his sheer size.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a secret agent, then I grew up and realized they don’t exist in the way I thought they did.

Like the cartoon character MAD… SPY VS SPY? Never heard of it, I’ve always been a Star Wars junkie, so more sci-fi type stuff. Actually, dearth vader is currently my background on my iPhone

Other than hitting the weight room what do you with you day? I spend a lot of time outdoors, whether its the beach, hiking, and playing golf.

Have you always worked out? I’ve always been active- not necessarily In a gym. During college I was so focused on my accounting degree I rarely saw anything but the inside of a library.

Did you get an accounting degree and put it to use? I did work in accounting for about a year and I am starting to get back into it! I took some time off to really put my all into this sport.

Any accounting tips for your fellow fitness peeps? lol financial tip- go back and look at how much you used to spend on bars and eating out- then each month put that money away into a savings account. Use that savings account to help fund your competition career.

How did you get into competing? I went to one of my brother physique competitions and though hey I can do this! So I called his coach and got started that day. I did the emerald cup three weeks after that in Bellevue Washington.

You did only a handful of shows before turning pro right? Yes, I did two regional shows and got my pro card in Las Vegas last year!

See Nicole’s competition photos here!

What’s the biggest difference competing in NPC to the Pros? Just the attention that you receive- people look up to you as a role model or inspiration and that’s an amazing feeling knowing you are encouraging others to obtain a healthy lifestyle.

What’s something you wish people would have warned you about and learned the hard way? That I would probably never eat butter again. My favorite food is just straight up butter – and that’s obviously not on our diets.

Wait butter? So you would take a stick and just chew on it like a candy bar? lol yes, I mean I didn’t do that often, but the saying “want some bread with your butter” that was coined after me. My parents said growing up they would find me sneaking into the fridge late at night eating out of the butter tub.

Best thing about competing? Everything! I love the lifestyle and the way I feel. Being on stage and the competitions are just a fun way to show off all that you have worked so hard to achieve.

What’s it like being married to a Navy Seal? I am grateful to all that serve in our armed forces, so I’m very proud to be married to someone who puts his life on the line for our freedom. He constantly pushes me to be better and to never give up.

Like to work out solo or train with someone? When I’m lifting I prefer to train alone just because music really fuels the intensity of my workout. However, Cardio is more fun when I have a partner to laugh with.

What’s on your music play list currently? iHeart Radio- linkin park station

Favorite sport to watch? Football- and mainly because San Diego is an awesome place for hanging out and watching games.

Yes, San Diego is a nice warm place to watch the Charges lose to the Broncos. Are you a chargers fan or Seahawks? Chargers, I was never really a Seahawks fan so I adopted the chargers when I moved to San Diego, like every other person who lives there.

Favorite sport to play? Golf when I’m playing well. I also spent every weekend skiing back when I lived in Oregon.

How’s your golf game? Well… I’m not a scratch golfer by any means. But I can get ahold of a few every once in awhile.

Do blondes have more fun? I think that I have a lot of fun being a blonde!!! Especially in this sport, there are so few of us I have the ability to bring my own look.

What’s your favorite healthy food to make? Dried fruit- I can’t get enough dried pineapple.

Any tips for making fish taste better? I use a chipotle or spicy seasoning to cover up the taste, but when I don’t use seasoning my tip would be to suck it up- I don’t see food as pleasure just fuel to get me through the day.

Rather cook or do laundry? Well my husband would say do laundry because he thinks I’m a clean freak, but I would prefer to cook or bake any day!

Biggest pet peeve? When guys lift up their shirts and stare at their abs in the mirror at the gym. Like really???

Bad Habit.. Coffee, I don’t even want to know how much I spend on Starbucks in a given month.

Social media where people can find you? Twitter: @IFBBNicoleMarie Facebook: Nicole Marie Witbeck- IFBB pro

Where else will you be competing this year? I’m looking at Pittsburg, and from there will just see where things take me!!

Filed Under: Interviews, News & Features

Dove Real Beauty Sketches – You’re More Beautiful Than You Think

April 16, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Gil Zamora is a forensic composite artist, trained at the FBI academy in 1993. Gil worked at the San Jose police department from 1995 until 2011 as their police artist. He works off a person’s memory and asks several questions to composite his sketches instead of reference material. It’s important to note as it influences this experiment, beautifully documented.

Gil was hired by Dove to interview and draw seven different women, two sketches each.The first sketch is drawn from the woman’s description of herself. Gil never sees the women before he draws them. The second sketch is based off from a stranger’s description of the same woman. The sketches are incredibly different and in one woman’s words, “the stranger’s was a little more gentle.” The women are shown the sketches side by side and the women realize how hard on they are on themselves. The take away, at least in my opinion, is that women spend too much time trying to fix things they don’t like and they are too hard on themselves. The spots may be for Dove but you’d barely know it by the way they were produced and presented.

Bravo to Dove and this Real Beauty campaign. The short version has been seen over 1.2 million times in two days.

Youtube:

Women are their own worst beauty critics. Only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful. At Dove, we are committed to creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety. So, we decided to conduct a compelling social experiment that explores how women view their own beauty in contrast to what others see.

Watch the whole experience at: http://dove.com/realbeautysketches
Join the conversation at: #wearebeautiful

And don’t forget: YOU are more beautiful than you think!

Lead image via Dove Youtube.

Filed Under: Ad Watch

2013 IFBB Pro Women’s Physique Division Returns to LA

April 12, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The IFBB Women’s Physique Division will make its 2013 debut this weekend in Los Angeles, California. The division is the newest addition to the the IFBB Pro League and as this year progresses we should see it develop a bit more than last year. Last year was the first season for the pro division and every show featured a variety of physiques. We saw Figure competitors moving up in size and bodybuilders trying to downsize. Fitness competitors no longer wanting to take a beating on their physique with the routines also tried their hand at the division.

Generally speaking, the Figure pros moving up with a bit more size came out on top. The direction the division headed was a figure competitor with more muscle. This meant more size than a figure competitor but maintaining good shape, balance and symmetry. You’ll also see women who have healthy looking skin and a feminine look place better. This weekend will help set the direction for the division.

Sara Hurrle will not be back to defend her title and will be making her 2013 debut at the new Colorado Mile High Pro show in June. Patricica Mello was runner-up last year and will be looking to take the top spot this year. Look for Tycie Coppett, Karin Hobbs (formerly Kimura) and Jill Rudison to be in the hunt if they are all in shape. Toni Perdikakis can be in the mix if she comes in conditioned as well. Don’t rule out a strong finish by California girl Venus Nguyen either.

IFBB Pro Women’s Physique Competitors:
1. Debbie Barrable (Alberta, Canada)
2. Tycie Coppett (Johns Creek, Georgia)
3. Susan Graham (Paso Robles, California)
4. Keri Ann Heitzman (Portland, Oregon)
5. Karin (Kimura) Hobbs (Boise, Idaho)
6. Anne Marie Kam (Eugene, Oregon)
7. Anne Marie Lasserre (Australia)
8. Leon Leonard (Sacramento, California)
9. Patricia Mello (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
10. Venus Nguyen (Irvine, California)
11. Antonia Perdikakis (Cockeysville, Maryland)
12. Janessa Roy (Manitoba, Canada)
13. Jill Rudison (Venice, California)
14. Stacy Simons McDowell
15. Michelle Trapp
16. Elizabeth White Wilson

NPC prejudging begin at 10am and the IFBB will likely start around noon California time. The show will also feature the IFBB Men’s Physique division. The Men and Women’s Physique Division will be held during the Olympia Weekend for the first time, so every competitor is out to win or finish with points in the Olympia Point Series.

For photos from last year’s show click here.

2012 LA GRAND PRIX RESULTS:
1 Sara Hurrle
2 Patricia Mello
3 Sabrina Taylor
4 Karina Nascimento
5 Stacy McDowell
6 Joele Smith
7 Carrie Simmons
8 CeaAnna Kerr
9 Trish Wood
10 Venus Nguyen
11 Marina Lopez
12 Kris Murrell
13 Donna Jones
14 Tonia Moore
15 Mascha Tieken
16 Irina Veselova

Filed Under: Show Previews

2013 FIBO Power Germany Pro Women’s Fitness Preview

April 12, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Ten IFBB Fitness Pros will take the stage at the 2013 FIBO Power this weekend in Cologne, Germany. Competing outside of the USA can be a challenge for some competitors but with plenty of rest most adapt before show time. This is one of the few opportunities for the Fitness Pros to qualify for the Olympia by either winning or collecting points in the Olympia Point Series. We’ll see a mix of seasoned veterans and relative newcomers to the stage.

HARDBODY 411:
Bethany Cisternino – Bethany has one of the best physiques in the IFBB Pro Fitness divisions. If she brings a similar look to the stage that she did in Columbus, she’ll take top honors in the 2-piece round. She has a much stronger routine than in years past. If she’s far enough ahead of Regiane after the two-piece round, she should take top honors at the end of the night.

Regiane DaSilva - Regiane has the home turf advantage. She tends to fair better at European shows and her routine is like the Energizer Bunny… she just keeps going and going and… She’ll likely finish in the top spots but where is the question. She has the potential to win the show based on her routine but if she’s not in the middle of the pack heading into the routine round she could be in the 3-5 range.

Nicole Duncan - Loads of potential. Potential is a word that continues to be attached to Nicole. She has the ability to win the show if she comes in shape and brings a routine that is at the level we’ve seen her perform before. She wasn’t at her best conditioning for the Arnold last month and seemed a bit gassed during her routine. Nicole’s had a month to tighten things up and I look for her to be in much better shape and be in the mix for a top spot here. Redemption Road for this Georgia peach.

Ryall Graber-Vasani - Ryall has a good physique that continues to improve. If she can add more strength moves and perform a more fluid routine than in the past, she will be a contender. Look for her to be in the top half of the 2-piece round and then battle for a top spot in the routines round.

Amanda Hatfield - Amanda is coming off the Arnold where she was welcomed to the next level. She has the ability to hold her own and her gymnastic skills are amazing. If she brings a more poised and controlled routine to the stage and puts the jitters aside she’ll improve from her Columbus finish.

Whitney Jones - Whitney Jones closed out 2012 with a strong showing in the division and will look to pick up where she left off. The little details with Whitney are what will make or break her. Things like her tanning, presentation and not coming in too vascular and hard. It’s a balancing act with her physique and genetically she appears to always be vascular. She has strong skills in her routine and if she’s cleaned it up a bit and performs without little stumbles, she will be int he mix.

Somkina Liudmila - Somkina will have her work cut out for her at this show. She doesn’t have quite the physique that the others do in this line up so she’ll likely be playing catch up after the two-piece round. She has the ability to make up some ground in the routine portion of the competition.

Diana Monteiro - Diana is another competitor that often places better at European shows. She was third at the Arnold Europe and was second at the FIBO show in 2011. Look for her to be the dark horse to shake things up in the top five. She will likely be somewhere in the middle of the group in the 2-piece round but could move into the top five with a strong routine.

Babette Mulford - This will be Babette’s introduction into the pro league. She achieved pro status at the 2012 Team Universe and if she brings a similar look to FIBO she will hold her own. Little details could make the difference in the two-piece round like suit cut and posing. She flies high and really goes for it in her routine.

Kizzy Vaines - Kizzy is another competitor who could be in the top spots or the bottom of the pack and it all depends on what she brings to the stage. Again it’s the details that make the difference with her presentation and posing. She has the most insane flexibility in her routines and she’s coming off a 7th place finish at the Arnold. The show wasn’t her best but when she is at her best she’s a contender.

Saturday
Prejudging
4:30am eastern standard time

Finals
12:45pm eastern standard time

photo via Whitney Jones’ facebook.

Filed Under: Show Previews

Poised & Polished Pollianna Moss Wins 2013 IFBB Battle on The Beach Bikini

March 30, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Pollianna Moss entered the inaugural IFBB Battle on the Beach with two shows already under her heels for the year. She was fourth at the 2013 Australian Pro and runner-up at the 2013 New Zealand Pro. The Hawaiian cutie showed that stage presence and combined with a tight, toned physique will stand out. Pollianna notched her second pro win in her career with a win over 10 other IFBB Bikini Pros. The win comes less than one year since her first pro victory, the 2012 Toronto Pro.

Rookie Courtney King showed she’s a force to be reckoned with in future competitions and with a little more stage time you’ll see her in the winner’s circle. Rounding out the top three was Aly Veneno who was competing in just her second pro show.

Promoter Shannon Dey and her crew did a great job of making every competitor feel welcomed and this women’s only event was a great stop for not only the pros but also a number of NPC competitors. Don’t be surprised if you see a few of the NPC competitors from this show end up with IFBB Pro status before the year is over.

The HARDBODY 411 on the Pros:
1. Pollianna Moss – Very polished and presented great. She’s a shorter competitor with a bit more muscle than the others but she carries herself in a classy manner. The green suit works for her and her presentation as spot on. She’ll be a contender in every show she enters if she matches what the brought to the stage in Daytona. There was no question she was the winner in my opinion.

2. Courtney King – Great pro debut for Courtney. She’s has a great look, nice legs and with a bit more time for her body to mature she’ll do very well. She was a little nervous with her individual posing and once she got comfortable in the comparisons it made a world of difference. Look for her to be a threat to the top spots in future shows.

3. Aly Veneno - This was Aly’s second pro show in her competitive career. She was a bit off in her posing during the prejudging individual round doing some odd things with her fingers and arm positioning. I wasn’t a big fan of how low the suit connectors were and her tan was a bit dark and her face/make up a bit too light. When she got into her poses she looked good. Nice legs and a nice physique. The evening show she switched suits and it was much better as was her posing. Her makeup was a bit muddy but the presentation was way better.

4. Gigi Amurao – Gigi brought a fuller physique than in previous shows and the purple suit works for her. She presents well and has improved stage presence from last year. Gigi’s biggest battle will be her quads and not looking too muscular on stage. If she can bring her legs down a bit she’ll have a bit more balance. A solid showing by Gigi at this contest.

5. Maura Bouchard - Maura is like Brazil’s version of the Tasmanian Devil cartoon character. She has a ton of energy and goes non-stop. This was her pro debut and finishing in the top five is certainly an accomplishment. I’d like to see her a bit fuller in the upper body and her hair out of her face when presenting. She continues to improve and if she keeps heading in that direction she’ll be in the mix.

6. Ashley Wade - Ashley has a great look. Love the curly hair, nice skin tone and has a pleasing physique. If anything her suit choice may be something to look at but I would have put her in my top 5. She’ll hold her own in future shows.

7. Nicole Witbeck - This was Nicole’s second pro show but you wouldn’t know it by the way she presented. She looked spot on with her physique and not sure there’s much more she could have done differently. She might have been a little nervous at first but when she smiles and relaxes she lights up the stage. I would have place her in the top three and would have liked to see her compared to that first group. She’s definitely one to watch as she has tons of potential to be a top contender.

8. Michon Leddy - Probably Michon’s best look to date. Her upper body was on the mark but when she poses from the back, the suit cut and/or the posing is a little unflattering. I’d like to see different posing from the back or possibly a different suit cut, or both. That’s the one thing that stood out. Overall she keeps improving.

9. Nathalie Mur - Nathalie is a taller competitor and with her tall frame needs to come in a bit fuller. I’d like to see her with a bit more butt and pose with a tad more energy. Red is a good suit color on her. She took some time away from the stage in 2012 and will look to return to the Olympia in future shows.

10. Jessica Renee - Jessica has a cute look but was just a bit off at this show. Her tan and make up was a bit off and could have used some oil in prejudging. Suit color was good and she has potential. If she can tighten up with her conditioning and refine the little details, she’ll move up.

11. Jennifer Elliott - Jennifer appeared to be in the middle of the pack based on prejudging call-outs but her lower body conditioning held her back from placing there. Blue is a good suit color for her which compliments her blonde hair. I’d like to see her pose with her legs a little closer together and bring in a tighter lower body.

Filed Under: Contest Results, News & Features

Hardbody Rookie PROfile – Courtney King

March 28, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Courtney King is one of the youngest competitors in the IFBB Pro League but you’d never know it by the way she conducts herself on and off stage. The windy city native is on the heels of her first pro competition and has a solid chance at winning it all. Courtney takes time out from her prep to share a bit more about herself in our Hardbody PROfile.

Name: Courtney King

Born in: Chi-Town! Chicago, IL.

Currently live in: Daytona Beach, FL.

Are you the oldest or youngest in the fam? I am the Oldest! I have a younger 17 year old brother.

Contest history:
• 2011 teen nationals championships bikini- 1st
• 2012 jay cutler classic bikini- open bikini overall & bikini class B 1st
• 2012 npc jr USA’s- bikini class D 13th
• 2012 junior nationals bikini – 7th
• 2012 team universe bikini – 3rd
• 2012 npc teen collegiate and master national championship-collegiate bikini 1st and overall , teen bikini 1st and overall
• Npc USA championships – bikini earned pro card class D 2nd

Did you play any sports growing up? My parents had me in every single sport possible! Haha, growing up I’ve done everything from gymnastics to soccer, track, swimming, basketball, cheerleading, even flag football when I was younger! (I know I’m embarrassed to admit that) haha

How did you get your start in the NPC? Two words… Nicole Nagrani! I Remember when I was 17 years old looking at her win the bikini Olympia at 19 (my age now) and thinking “wow! I want to be just like her” luckily now since moving to Florida me and Nicole became really close friends and she is one of most genuine and beautiful girls inside and out I’ve ever met! I’m so grateful to have became such close friends with Nicole! She’s the one who inspired me to start competing..and still does.:)

Thing you like best about competing. I like the journey and process! It’s cool seeing what hard work & determination can do and how much your body can transform with the effort and drive you put into it! I also love meeting so many motivated and inspirational people that all have a strong passion for what they do!

Thing you could do without when it comes to competing. Getting JanTana color off your skin! And walking around at the shows with everyone shoving their faces with protein bars and having really bad gas. Like come on… Just stop eating haha

Cardio in the morning or not so much? Unless my coaches say otherwise… Yes! Haha, I don’t really mind morning cardio though, it gets my day off to a good jump start!

What’s your favorite body part to train? I would have to go with legs on this one!

One body part you dread training? I love training! It’s something I do everyday so I don’t dread any training day.

What feedback did you get from the judges at your last show? They said that I needed to work on building my upper body if I wanted to compete with women in there 20′s and 30′s. They also said since I’m younger it takes time, but I think I’ve made improvements on my overall physique since I turned pro back in July!

When you’re not prepping for a show what do you like to do? I’m very laid back! I don’t mind just hanging out with my family or friends and relaxing!

First thing I do in the morning is… Thank God for another day but besides that I get up usually check my phone and lay in bed for an extra 5 minutes and then brush my teeth, go pee and start getting ready for my AM cardio! lol.

Last thing I do at night is… By the time I go to bed between school and training I’m usually exhausted so right when my head hits the pillow I’m usually knocked out. Haha

One thing I HAVE to have in the morning. I love my morning oatmeal! (Always gotta have it) haha but besides that as corny as this sounds.. .I feel like I have to have a good attitude every morning! If not then I feel like it just ruins the rest of my day.

One food prep tip I learned and wish I knew when I first started… I wish I knew to freeze all my meals and make everything in bulk ahead of time! (Not the day of) who does that?! Only I would. lol

What do you want to be when you grow up? lol HAHAHAHA! I actually LOLed at this question, thanks Isaac! Hmmm let’s see as of now I’m really undecided with what I want to do in my future! I’m a freshman in college right now so I’m just doing my general courses as of now before i have to pick a major. It’s hard to decide!

Rather be in workout clothes or glammed up? Workout clothes! But come on now what competitor wouldn’t?!

Girly girl or tom boy? That’s a tough one…I would say it’s split in between! I can be super sporty and tomboy, and then again It’s always good to get your girly girl on and done up at times! It’s a tie, so id say I’m a “Tom/Girl”

Most ridiculous thing a guy has said to you in the gym? I’ll never forget a guy once offered me a “free massage” because he just got his masseuse certification. (I’m sure he did) Hahah, thanks but no thanks buddy ill have to pass!

My favorite cheat meal is… Gosh I don’t even know! I think this is a hard question for anyone. I always crave different things, but I really love pancakes! I also am a huge trail mix junkie. Give me those two and I’m set!

My favorite spot to chill is… Probably my room. Haha peace & Quite!

Check out Courtney’s competition photos and check back to see how she did in her pro debut, this weekend at the Battle on the Beach.

Filed Under: Interviews, News & Features

2013 Fitness International Preview

February 24, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

For the past three years, Adela Garcia has been in the winner’s circle at the Fitness International but won’t be back to defend her title. Last year’s runner-up, Camala Rodriquez, has made the switch to Figure, and top-contender Myriam Capes was forced to withdraw due to injury. You remove those top finishers and you’re looking at a huge opportunity for others to make a name for themselves.

Oksana has momentum on her side coming off her best season ever in 2012. Bethany Wagner has the physique to win and with an ever improving routine has the chance to take the top spot. Add in the return of Trish Warren and veteran Tanji Johsnon along with the other women and we’ve got a showdown.

Read the preview of all the Fitness International competitors on Bodybuilding.com.

Filed Under: Arnold Classic, Show Previews Tagged With: arnold, fitness

Dallas Woman Sues L.A. Fitness

February 11, 2013 by Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

A Dallas woman alleges two employees of LA Fitness sexually harassed her during personal training sessions. Jamie Johnson claims her person trainer made inappropriate comments towards her.

ABCNEWS.com
At one point, the trainer had Johnson perform certain exercises so he “could ‘watch her boobs,’” according to the lawsuit filed in Dallas County Court last month. He told Johnson that he could tell when she’d had a “good workout” because “her nipples would get hard,” according to the court filing.

Read full story on abcnews.com.

Filed Under: News & Features

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