2015 Arnold Fitness International Results


Fitness International Results
The results in the Fitness International played out as most who follow the division thought they would go. Despite the somewhat expected results, that didn’t change the excitement of watching the routines.

The defending chap, Oksana Grishina brought another new performance to Columbus and demonstrated new ballet skills in her routine. She noted in a post-show interview that she was inspired by the movie Black Swann three years ago but held off on doing the routine. Adela Garcia, the all-time fitness winner, encouraged Oksana to perform the routine. She taught herself ballet and the hours of hard work paid off. Her routine wasn’t the biggest surprise. She moved all the way up to win the physique round and not just win but did so with a unanimous score. The pair of perfect scores earned her the title for the second year in a row.

Tanji Johnson had a great showing and finished in second. She was in third going into the routine rounds and actually finished fourth in the routine round. Coming third, which was a bit higher than I thought she’d finish, was Regiane Da Silva. Regiane was fourth in the physique round and tied for second in the routine round. Bethany Cisternino struggled a bit with her routine and I think it cost her at least one spot. She was in second heading into the night show but had to settle for fourth. She was sixth in the routine round. Michelle Blank brought her best physique to the stage and nailed a solid routine to put her in fifth. An impressive comeback after she injured her foot last year at the Arnold. Myriam Capes moved up in the standings with her routine round but it was just enough to put her into 6th place.

2015 Oksana Wins

Oksana Grishina at the 2015 Arnold Fitness International. Photo by Michael Pronzato

2015 Arnold Fitness International Results
Place / Name / 2-Piece Score / Routine Score
1. Oksana Grishina – 5 – 5
2. Tanji Johnson – 15 – 21
3. Regiane Da Silva – 26 – 18
4. Bethany Cisternino – 13 – 30
5. Michelle Blank – 20 – 27
6. Myriam Capes – 39 – 18
7. Ryall Graber – 37 – 37
8. Fiona Harris – 47 – 45
9. Trish Warren – 47 – 50
10. Melinda Szabo – 55 – 50
11. Sara Kovach – 61 – 49
12. Auyrika Tyrgale – 68 – 48
13. Ashley Sebra – 66 – 64
DNF – Whitney Jones due to injury



Arnold Fitness International Preview, Predictions & Poll


Fitness International
The 2015 Arnold Fitness International will take place this weekend in Columbus, Ohio. The Fitness International competitors will earn the most money out of all of the female divisions and rightfully so. The women of fitness are tasked with not only being in top shape for the two-piece round but also perform a routine. Their routines aren’t just dancing around and doing a few jumping-jacks. Oh no, the women of the Arnold are some of the elite fitness competitors in the world.

The defending champ, Oksana Grishina will be back and one thing you can always count on from her is a passion filled routine. Oksana doesn’t just go through the motions when it comes to performing her routine. Key word here is performing. The hours of routine practice show in her performances. She usually fairs well in her routines but its the two-piece round that could hold her back from another title. She’ll face another Fitness International champion this week, Tanji Johnson is back and looking to regain the top spot. If Tanji is in shape, and I have no reason to believe she won’t be, she’ll be in the driver’s seat heading into the routine round. Then it will come down to Tanji performing a clean routine whether she takes the top spot again or not.

Don’t sleep on Bethany Wagner-Cisternino. Bethany has the best physique in Fitness and look for her to take the top spot in the two-piece round. If she nails her routine she could also give the champ a run for her money. Of course you can’t rule out Regiane Da Silva who leaped into the third place spot at the 2014 Olympia. Regina’s routines will leave you exhausted just watching. Those are my top four competitors and then after that it gets dicey.

Read the full Fitness International preview on Bodybuilding.com. Cast your vote for who your think will take the top spot in the 2015 Fitness International. If you can’t make it to the finals to see these incredible routines you can watch it live and FREE on bodybuilding.com.

2015 Arnold Fitness International Predictions
1. Oksana Grishina
2. Tanji Johnson
3. Bethany Cisternino
4. Regiane DaSilva
5. Myriam Capes
6. Trish Warren

2015 Arnold Fitness International Payout:
1. $25,000
2. $13,000
3. $8,000
4. $5,000
5. $3,000
6. $2,000

SCHEDULE:
Friday, March 6, 2015

Prejudging – 11 am – Noon
COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER – Arnold Fitness EXPO Stage

Finals – 7 pm
COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER – Battelle Grand

Fitness International Champions
1994: Carol Semple
1995: Carol Semple
1996: Alexandra Beres
1997: Carol Semple
1998: Susie Curry
1999: Susie Curry
2000: Kelly Ryan
2001: Jenny Worth
2002: Susie Curry
2003: Susie Curry
2004: Adela Garcia
2005: Jen Hendershott
2006: Adela Garcia
2007: Kimberly Klein
2008: Kimberly Klein
2009: Jen Hendershott
2010: Adela Garcia
2011: Adela Garcia
2012: Adela Garcia
2013: Tanji Johnson
2014: Oksana Grishina



Arnold Figure International Preview, Predictions & Poll


2015 Arnold Figure International
The 2015 Arnold Figure International Preview, Predictions & Poll on hardbody. Will Candice Keene win the Figure International again or someone else dethrone the champ? Candice Keene will tie the Figure International record with three wins should she take top honors this week in Columbus, Ohio. Jenny Lynn and Nicole Wilkins both won the Figure International three times. She’s taken the top spot the last two years and is poised to collect a third title in just a few days.

It won’t be an easy win for her as she’ll have some tough competition with new-comers like Latorya Watts and Cydney Gillon. The usual suspects Camala Rodriquez, Candice Lewis and Ann Titone will look to give the champ a run for her money as well. Heather Dees took some time off at the end of last year and if I was a betting man, I’d say she’ll be back better than ever. My sleeper pick that many many not see coming is Latorya Watts. She has an incredible physique and if she looks anything like she did at the Olympia she could be standing in the first callout being compared for the top spot.

Read the preview on every competitor on Bodybuilding.com. Cast your vote for who you think will win the 2015 Figure International below. If you can’t make it to the Arnold you can catch the finals on the live webcast.

FIGURE INTERNATIONAL PREDICTIONS
1. Candice Keene
2. Candice Lewis
3. Camala Rodriquez-McClure
4. Latorya Watts
5. Ann Titone
6. Heather Dees

Schedule
Friday, March 6, 2015

Prejudging – 11am – Noon
COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER / Arnold Fitness EXPO Stage

Finals – 7pm
COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER – Battelle Grand

2015 ARNOLD FIGURE INTERNATIONAL PAYOUT
1st $16,000
2nd $10,000
3rd $8,000
4th $5,000
5th $3,000
6th $2,000
Total $44,000

PAST FIGURE INTERNATIONAL WINNERS
2003: Jenny Lynn
2004: Jenny Lynn
2005: Jenny Lynn
2006: Mary Elizabeth Lado
2007: Mary Elizabeth Lado
2008: Gina Aliotti
2009: Zivile Raudoniene
2010: Nicole Wilkins
2011: Nicole Wilkins
2012: Nicole Wilkins
2013: Candice Keene
2014: Candice Keene



Broken Escalators… Reebok to the Rescue


reebok broken subway
Reebok took to the streets or in this case the subway to lend a helping hand. When the escalators in a Stockholm subway broke down, Reebok was there to help. As part of their new campaign encouraging people to “be more human” Reebok enlisted the help from local Crossfit athletes to do some heavy lifting. The athletes helped carry pets, children and even people up the escalators.

While I’m not so sure I need some one hoisting me over their shoulder and carrying me up the stairs, it’s a feel good gesture which coincides with being more human.

Broken Escalators… Reebok to the Rescue

There’s an escalator meltdown in the Stockholm subway, forcing people to walk. Sometimes up to 180 steps. Which is easier said than done at 8:30 in the morning. On Friday the 20th of February we decided to help men and women up the escalators together with our friends from @f4lcrossfit. #BeMoreHuman

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.



Ronda Rousey is Who We Thought She is… UNSTOPPABLE


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

lead photo via UFC



UFC 184 Makes History But Will it Be Memorable?


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo via UFC.com



Arnold Women’s Physique International Poll, Preview & Predictions


Arnold Physique International

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



2015 Arnold: Bikini International Preview, Poll & Predictions


2015 Bikini International

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit arnoldsportsfestival.com.



Support Your Favorite Arnold Sports Competitor


Arnold Sports competitors

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

FITNESS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS

FIGURE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS

BIKINI INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS

WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITORS


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

 



Supplement Companies Want Women to “Be Strong”


Be Strong

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

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

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

BE STRONG - FITMISSFitmiss wants you to #BESTRONG

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

Danica Patrick StrongStrong Girl wants you to #BESTRONG

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



Under Armour Acquires Endomondo and MyFitnessPal


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

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

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

NEWS RELEASE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



The Fit Expo Returns to Los Angles


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

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

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

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

News from the #LAFITEXPO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Reebok Wants You to “Be More Human”


Be More Human Reebok

Reebok wants you to “Be More Human”. Huh? That was my initial reaction when I heard about Reebok’s newest campaign. Keep in mind this was before I saw any of the ads that were launched this yesterday. “Be More Human”… as opposed to a robot or an alien? What exactly was I doing that was so un-human like that Reebok wanted me to change? I wasn’t quite sure. When the ads were released and I checked out the new website, it started making sense what their “be more human” was encouraging homo sapiens to do.

On the Reebok site it reads, “It might be time to break your selfie addiction” they had me. We’ve all taken at least one selfie, if you’re saying no I haven’t I don’t believe you. Unless of course you don’t own a phone and you’re reading this at the public library, in which case my bad. The selfie world has truly become an addiction for many, especially in the world of fitness. If you have any doubts just look at many of the current IFBB Bikini Pros and you’ll see what I’m talking about. If you see one selfie or booty selfie or boobsweat selfie you can bet there were probably a dozen more that weren’t the right angle or in the right light before getting a filter (despite being hash tagged #noFilter or #unedited) on instagram.

Sorry, selfie rant. I’m not a fan. So ya back to Reebok. YES IT IS time to break your self addiction, not “might be time” it IS TIME. Reebok wants you to #BREAKYOURSELFIE ON INSTAGRAM as part of their new campaign. “It’s time to break our selfies. To challenge ourselves and the digital soul-stealers affixed to the end of our extended arms to capture less-plastic, more-human expressions of who we really are.” I agree and fully support this.

Break Your Selfie Reebok

The sad thing is when you look at the instagram feed on their website, mant of the people don’t get it. They aren’t doing anything more human like, they are taking more selfies and simply using the hashtag #BREAKYOURSELFIE to show up on the Reebok feed. Let’s hope there are fewer selfies.

Reebok Be More Human

When you look at the website, the commercials and the creative around the new Reebok spots they focus primarily around women. They’re showing images of strong, get after it and kick ass women. Look for the Reebok “Be More Human” campaign to “officially” kick off during the 2015 Super Bowl on NBC. The Break Your Selfie game resonated with me, check out some of the other spots in the new campaign.

Reebok – Freak Show – Be More Human

To all the athletes out there who spend their days bloody, muddy, and sore, not for bright lights or money, but to simply be the best version of themselves: This is for you.

Sometimes a little bit of crazy is a good thing. It’s that extra push that keeps you at the gym after everyone else has thrown in the towel, that urge to go for one more lap, or that mental alarm clock that drags you out of bed in the morning to get out there and train. That little bit of crazy is what sets the tire flippers, rope climbers, and 5 A.M. runners apart from the crowd.

And it’s not just about being able to lift more, run further, and jump higher. It’s about pushing your own personal limits, expanding your mental and social strength, not just your physical strength. It’s about being a harder worker, a more mindful person, a better human. Reebok designs gear that’s forged from these ideals and stands up to non-stop punishment.


Honor Your Body & Be More Human

You’ve only got one body. Don’t waste it with inactivity. Honor your body by dragging it through the mud. If you and your body can conquer the elements, you can conquer anything life throws at you.

Determined athletes love to get their hands dirty. The rain doesn’t keep them indoors. They don’t see mud, dirt, and sharp inclines as obstacles but as part of the experience of honoring their bodies. This penchant for physical punishment isn’t just about building muscles or being able to run further. It’s about improvements across the board, physical, mental, and social.

Inspired be these athletes, Reebok not only creates the apparel and sneakers they gear up with, but also connects them with each other and puts them to the test with the Be More Human Experience, the world’s first test to explore and discuss our human-ness.

Let Your Inner Child Out & Be More Human

Kids love to play in the dirt. Some adults do too, and the more power to them. These are the athletes who don’t hesitate to sprint straight through the mud, who don’t hesitate to get drenched in rain, all for the sake of improving themselves. So how often do you let your inner child out?

Intense fitness isn’t just about physical improvement. It’s about digging deep, finding the inspiration to go for one more lap, set, or match. It’s about breaking past your mental limits, having your mind push your body and your body push your mind.

These athletes also push Reebok to create the most advanced apparel and sneakers possible. Reebok is now connecting those dedicated to fitness through the Be More Human Experience, the world’s first test to explore and discuss our human-ness.

Dig Deep & Be More Human

Strength doesn’t just come from muscles; it comes from a place far deeper. How deep will you dig to find that strength? How much mud and dirt will you power through, physically and mentally?

Testing your physical limitations affects more than your body. This transformative experience is a test of wills, as well, pushing you to Be More Human. There are no heroes in intense fitness training, no egos, just that invisible badge of honor.

Reebok stands for relentless self-improvement on all fronts, physical, mental, and social. And we’re not just talking about helping you gear up with most resilient sneakers and apparel available. Our Be More Human Experience helps dedicated athletes find inspiration, empowering them to get out there and push themselves further.

 

Every spot encourages people to “see what it truly means to Be More Human.” Then get more at http://Reebok.com/BeMoreHuman.

**This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.

NEWS RELEASE
REEBOK CELEBRATES PEOPLE THAT PUSH THEMSELVES OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONES TO FULFILL THEIR HUMAN POTENTIAL
CANTON, Mass. – January 28, 2015 – Today, Reebok issued a bold challenge to the world to “Be More Human” with its new, fully-integrated marketing campaign, continuing the global fitness brand’s mission to change how people perceive and experience fitness. “Be More Human” goes beyond a campaign or a tagline; it’s a rally cry to live up to your full potential. This unique point of view is embodied in the brand’s new symbol, the Reebok Delta. The three sides represent the physical, mental and social change that comes through living a fitness lifestyle.

In our hyper technology-driven world, Reebok celebrates everyday people who have reconnected to a rugged physicality that allows them them to live much bigger, fuller and less self-focused lives. For these individuals fitness isn’t just a physical activity – it’s something that enhances not only their body, but their entire life. Through fitness they become better parents, better leaders, better teachers, better partners and overall a better, stronger version of themselves.

“Reebok believes that by pushing ourselves to the brink and testing our limitations, we have the power to transform ourselves not only physically but also mentally and socially”, said Matt O’Toole, Reebok Brand President. “By adopting such a lifestyle, you find yourself in a community of people, joined together by a common purpose – to be better versions of themselves. We’re confident that when we push ourselves, we not only transform our bodies, we transform our entire lives.”

The brand film titled “Freak Show”, available at www.reebok.com/bemorehuman​ acknowledges that tough fitness is a lifestyle not always understood. Its methods are intense, demanding and require real commitment. “Freak Show” is a celebration of those who have chosen to be more than they thought they could be through fitness. It is a challenge to those yet to be converted to Be More Human.

Courageous and cinematic, “Freak Show” is a story with captivating intensity that showcases everyday athletes embodying what it truly means to “Be More Human” as they meet and tackle different fitness challenges transforming them to be better leaders, better parents and more capable humans. Directed by AG Rojas in partnership with Venables Bell & Partners,the 60 second TV spot juxtaposes the merits of tough fitness and how it benefits humans in their everyday lives – this includes a young mother crushing a new workout routine and how a firefighter uses the mental toughness gained from a night trail run in his demanding day job.

Yan Martin, Vice President of Global Brand Communications at Reebok, says, “There’s a new breed of athlete. These are everyday people, and these athletes should also be regarded as role models. For these individuals, the achievement comes from the realization that they are transforming their lives through fitness, and in the process they’re transforming the lives of their communities. We acknowledge and salute these new athletes who challenge themselves daily in search of greater rewards.”

At the heart of the multi-channel campaign is the “Be More Human Experience,” an online destination where fitness enthusiasts can challenge and define what it is to be human. The one-of-a-kind platform, available via desktop, tablet and mobile, features a number of interactive “Be More Human” tools and experiences, including:

THE HUMAN SCORE
The world’s first test that quantifies one’s ‘humanness’ by ranking users against various human attributes specifically social, mental and physical traits – designed to trigger conversation about the choices we make with regard to health and physical activity. Participants complete a short online quiz composed of a number of multiple-choice questions, from which the answers are used to generate a personalized Human Score.

GRAY MATTERS
An interactive 3D visualizer that dynamically shows how various physical activities, from excess sleeping to tackling a demanding obstacle course race, stimulate key nodes of the brain – in particular neurotransmitters (emotion and cognitive action), the cerebellum (smooth mental and physical movement), the corpus striatum (TBC), the hippocampus (memory) and the frontal cortex (executive functioning). As users interact with the visualizer, in-depth research on the relationship between physicality and brain stimulation from Dr. John Ratey, one of the world’s foremost authorities on the brain-fitness connection, is revealed.

#BREAKYOURSELFIE
Challenges the notion of what beauty is by encouraging fitness enthusiasts to rebel against the shiny, happy selfie by posting images to the “Be More Human Experience” of themselves at their most depleted, raw, broken post-workout state. The rebellious social campaign will feature Reebok athletes and employees, with outstanding submissions rewarded with a #breakyourselfie photo essay depicting the story of the individual or group of friends.

The “Be More Human” campaign will officially kick-off with a TV advertisement on NBC on February 1, 2015.



American Media Inc. Sells SHAPE & Other Women’s Magazine Titles to Meredith Corp.


Meredith buys SHape It’s no secret that print magazines have been faced with many challenges, especially in the fitness industry. As advertisers move their ad dollars to online and social media avenues, print magazines have struggled. We’ve seen the number of issues reduced, paper quality dropped and many times the same photos and articles are being recycled. Fitness magazines are often their own worst enemies. It’s not that print is dying, it’s more the case of magazine failing to offer something unique and fresh.

Today Meredith Corporation announced it has acquired popular women’s fitness magazine, SHAPE from American Media Inc (AMI). Meredith has acquired not only print but also the digital assets to Shape, Natural Health and Fit Pregnancy brands. Meredith will begin publishing SHAPE with the May 2015 issue and combine it with their existing Fitness magazine. Fitness magazine will no longer be printed but its website will continue to operate separately from SHAPE’s website. Subscribers of Fitness magazine will be receiving SHAPE with the May issue. Meredith will stop printing Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health magazines but will continue with an online presence with both titles.

The news of this sale could be foreshadowing with other AMI titles. Don’t be surprised to see Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness HERS and/or Flex sold this year. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Muscle & Fitness HERS cease to exist sooner than later. The writing is on the wall, in my opinion, when Meredith purchased the three other brands in AMI’s Women’s Active Lifestyle Group but not HERS. Meredith likely saw little value in the HERS assets and opted not to acquire them. The only other option for HERS is to be packaged with big brother Muscle & Fitness magazine and attempt to sell them together.

**Update**
The New York Post is reporting the sale of SHAPE, Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health was for “$60 million in cash, plus future profit-sharing” according to their sources.

NEWS RELEASE:

Meredith To Acquire Popular Shape Brand From American Media
Merging Fitness Magazine into Shape to Create Leading Media Brand in Women’s Active Lifestyle Category
NEW YORK and DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 28, 2015 — Meredith Corporation (NYSE:MDP, www.meredith.com), the leading media and marketing company serving more than 100 million unduplicated American women, announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Shape magazine and the digital assets of the Shape, Natural Health, and Fit Pregnancy brands from American Media (AMI).

Meredith introduces an updated market positioning and logo that reflect the strength of Meredith’s national and local consumer media brands as well as its expanded portfolio of marketing solutions.

Meredith will begin producing Shape magazine with the May 2015 issue, with current readers of Shape and Meredith’s Fitness magazine receiving the new and enhanced Shape magazine. Shape will have a rate base of 2.5 million, an increase of 60 percent from its current level of 1.6 million. The Shape and Fitness websites sites will continue to operate as separate digital destinations, with a combined reach of almost 7 million unduplicated unique monthly visitors.

“The acquisition of Shape establishes Meredith as the leader in the women’s active lifestyle media category,” said National Media Group President Tom Harty. “It increases our reach among millennial women to over 23 million, creating an unmatched opportunity for advertisers to connect with this highly-valued audience across multiple media channels.”
Shape magazine covers exercise, beauty, nutrition, health, fashion, wellness, and other lifestyle topics to help women lead a healthier, active lifestyle. It is the category leader and has a median household income of $87,000 and median age of 39, the youngest in the category.

Tom Witschi, President of the Meredith Women’s Lifestyle Group, will oversee the new brands. The digital brands and related assets will report to Jon Werther, President, Meredith Digital. In addition, Galvanized LLC will be working with Meredith on the newly combined Shape and Fitness.

“We’re excited that David Zinczenko and his team from Galvanized will continue to oversee the editorial and brand vision for Shape to ensure stability and continued quality throughout the transition,” Witschi said. “David has been the acting Editorial Director for Shape at AMI, and he and his team bring an unsurpassed expertise in the healthy, active lifestyle field, as demonstrated by their success in building Men’s Health; the launch of Women’s Health; and the recent award-winning re-launch of Men’s Fitness.”

“As Shape joins Meredith’s Women’s Lifestyle Group, it is poised to build upon it’s extraordinary position as the category leader in both ad pages and circulation to deepen connections with its audience, while reaching out to new ones,” said David J. Pecker Chairman and CEO AMI. “We couldn’t be more proud of the work of the editors and publishers who have helped build Shape into the industry-leader it is today, and I look forward to seeing it continue its remarkable success at Meredith in the years ahead.”

Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction will be accretive to Meredith’s fiscal 2015 financial performance. Meredith will provide more detail when it reports its fiscal 2015 second quarter results on January 28, 2015.

The acquisition of Shape is the latest in a series of acquisitions, launches and alliances for Meredith’s National Media Group including:
• A 10-year licensing agreement with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia to acquire the rights to Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings and www.marthastewart.com media properties.

• The launch of the award-winning Allrecipes magazine, which followed the acquisition of Allrecipes.com. Last week Meredith raised the rate base of Allrecipes to 1.1 million.

• The acquisition of leading digital destinations, including the growing website www.mywedding.com and native and engagement-based digital advertising leaders Selectable Media.

Additionally, over the last three years, Meredith has acquired the Eating Well, Family Fun, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Parenting and Baby Talk brands. In spring of 2015, Meredith plans to launch Parents Latina, an English-language magazine with a ratebase of 700,000 targeting millennial Hispanic moms.

“We continue to strengthen our focus on the important areas of home, family, food and health,” said Meredith Chairman and CEO Steve Lacy. “This acquisition strengthens our portfolio in both the print and digital space, and is consistent with our Total Shareholder Return strategy to pursue investments that scale our business and increase shareholder value.”
Meredith has also been executing a strategy to expand its broadcast television footprint. In the last year, Meredith’s Local Media Group has completed or announced the acquisition of television stations in Phoenix, St. Louis, Mobile-Pensacola and Springfield (Mass.).

“We continue to look for strategic acquisitions, partnerships and investment opportunities like these to expand our reach and create additional shareholder value,” said Meredith Chief Development Officer John Zieser.

ABOUT MEREDITH CORPORATION
Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; www.meredith.com) has been committed to service journalism for more than 110 years. Today, Meredith uses multiple distribution platforms – including broadcast television, print, digital, mobile and video – to provide consumers with content they desire and to deliver the messages of its advertising and marketing partners.
Meredith’s National Media Group reaches an audience of over 230 million monthly, including 100 million unduplicated women and 60 percent of American millennial women. Meredith is the leader in creating content across media platforms in key consumer interest areas such as food, home, parenthood and health through well-known brands such as Better Homes and Gardens, Parents and Allrecipes. The National Media Group features robust brand licensing activities, including over 3,000 SKUs of branded products at 4,000 Walmart stores across the U.S. Meredith Xcelerated Marketing is a leader at developing and delivering custom content and customer relationship marketing programs for many of the world’s top brands.
Meredith’s Local Media Group includes 17 owned or operated television stations reaching 11 percent of U.S. households. Meredith’s portfolio is concentrated in large, fast-growing markets, with seven stations in the nation’s Top 25 – including Atlanta, Phoenix, St. Louis and Portland – and 13 in Top 50 markets.
Meredith’s balanced portfolio consistently generates substantial free cash flow, and Meredith is committed to growing Total Shareholder Return through dividend payments, share repurchases and strategic business investments. Meredith’s current annualized dividend of $1.73 per share yields approximately 3.5 percent. Meredith has paid a dividend for 67 straight years and increased it for 21 consecutive years.

SOURCE Meredith Corporation



Bodybuilding.com Launches Their Own Supplement Line


True Grit Supplements
It seems there’s a new supplement line announced every month and why would 2015 be any different? It’s not. Bodybuilding.com has become the largest online retailer of nutritional supplements and has decided to venture back into the world of  supplements with their own line. About ten years  ago, Bodybuilding.com had their own supplement line called “Higher Power”. It was cheaper, dare I say “generic” alternative to other brands. It was a bit like Target with a cheaper alternative next to the big name brand of xyx product.

There newest line is taking a different approach and it appears it will will be heavily promoted on the site. The new line was the top promo in an e-newsletter and holds one of the three rotator positions on the site’s homepage. The packaging isn’t generic in its look and has a comparative feel to other brands. True GRIT’s messaging is similar despite claims of being “unlike any supplement”. Many companies claim their products are made for “true athletes” (Muscle Pharm, Gifted Nutrition and others) and backed by science (nearly every supplement at some point in their marketing).

There are five products in the initial launch with two products listed as coming soon. Available now are a pre-workout, whey protein (in 2 and 4 pounds), post-workout and a fat burner. The multi-vitamin and testosterone booster are scheduled to be released in February. Look for the True GRIT brand to shoot up to the top of the site’s Top Sellers list in no time.

NEWS RELEASE – BODYBUILDING.COM LAUNCHES TRUE GRIT
BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 27, 2015 Bodybuilding.com the Internet’s most-visited fitness site and largest online retailer of nutritional supplements, is proud to release the most science-based, research-backed, results-oriented supplement line available, True GRIT. The new line, True GRIT includes the following:

• Whey protein powders to support muscle building.
• Pre-workout powder for improved workouts.
• A test booster to support healthy testosterone levels.
• A thermogenic to help support body composition.

“Each True GRIT supplement contains premium and fully dosed ingredients, so there will never be a question of what you’re putting in your body,” stated Ryan DeLuca, founder and CEO of Bodybuilding.com. “True GRIT is backed by today’s best science and research to bring you the best products possible.”

True GRIT is unlike any supplement because it was made for the true athlete in mind. It was created from advanced supplement research, using clinical studies performed at leading universities and sports performance labs around the world. These studies revealed some of the most effective physique altering and performance-enhancing ingredients currently available. To get your first look at these scientific supplements, please click here.

About Bodybuilding.com
Based in Boise, Idaho, Bodybuilding.com is the world’s largest online sports nutrition store. The site carries more than 13,500 health and fitness supplements and accessories, shipping to customers in more than 155 countries. Bodybuilding.com helps more than 29 million people every month achieve their health, fitness and appearance goals by offering over 35,000 pages of FREE information, including more than 25,000 articles and 10,000 videos, expert-designed online training programs, and new content added daily. For more information, please visit www.bodybuilding.com.



Maddie Bowman All She Does is Win – 2015 Winter X Games Results


Maddie Bowman kicked the 2015 Winter X Games off with a bang! Maddie captured her third-consecutive X Games Gold medal on Wednesday night in the Women’s Ski SuperPipe. She edged out Japan’s Ayana Onozuka by just over two points for the win. Coming in third was Brita Sigourney.

What is Maddie’s secret to winning? She tells ESPN, “I think the secret to winning is just having fun. We are just out here trying to have the best time with our friends. When you are having a great time is when you are skiing your best.”

2015 Winter X Games Results Women’s Ski SuperPipe Final
1. Maddie Bowman, 85.66 (USA)
2. Ayana Onozuka, 83.33 (JPN)
3. Brita Sigourney, 78.66 (USA)
4. Angeli VanLaanen, 69.66 (USA)
5.Janina Kuzma, 66.66 (NZL)
6. Annalisa Drew, 66.00 (USA)
7. Marie Martinod, 65.66 (FRA)
8. Roz Groenewoud, 27.33 (CAN)

NEWS RELEASE

X Games Aspen 2015 Day One News and Results
Under the the falling snow, X Games Aspen 2015 kicked off Wednesday night with Maddie Bowman claiming her third-consecutive X Games gold in Women’s Ski SuperPipe.

The 2014 Olympic Gold medalist tallied her highest score on her third run with a score of 85.66. The winning run consisted of a right 900, a left-side mute, left-side tail, straight-air mute, left-cork nine, right 720, and a switch 720. Japan’s Ayana Onozuka finished second, with a silver medal score of 83.33 and Brita Sigourney took the bronze with a score of 78.66.

The X Games Aspen 2015 opens to the fans starting at 11 a.m. MDT. Finals for Mono Skier X, the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Snowboarding, Snowmobile Speed & Style and the crowd favorite Men’s Snowboard SuperPipe will be held.

Follow us on twitter at @hardbodynews and follow the X Games at @xgames on twitter and the hashtag #xgames for all the action in Aspen.

News via ESPN.



Kai Greene on ESPN – The Mindset


Kai Greene ESPN

Top IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, Kai Greene appeared on ESPN over the weekend in a promo piece titled, “The Mindset”. The feature is something rarely seen in “mainstream” media. The video is mostly a collection of football highlights narrated by Kai with some of glimpses of his training interlaced. The spot is motivating and executed well. Props to Kai and his team on getting this done. Take a look at the promo below and follow what Kai is up to on twitter, @kaiGreene.

Kai Narration:
“I refuse to believe today will be just another day in my life.
All that I am.
All that I will become… will be written through my thoughts and my actions.
I’ve conditioned my mind.
Trained my body.
Sacrificed my soul.
There will be obstacles.
Doubters.
Mistakes.
But nothing comes to those who wait.
Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.”

Kai Greene Espn

MUSIC: Hozier “Take me to Church”

Behind the Scenes via FB:



2015 Arnold Prize Money Climbs to Over 1/2 a Million Dollars


arnold prize money

The Arnold Sports Festival is one of the few invite only competitions in the IFBB Pro League. New to the 2015 pro lineups are the men and women’s physique divisions. The two new divisions will have an equal payout for both the men and women. The biggest payout goes to the Arnold Classic Men’s bodybuilding winner. The payday for one lucky lad will be $130,000, which is more than the entire women’s payouts combined. The total prize payout for the women’s divisions will be $126,000 with the Fitness champion taking home the biggest pay check. The Fitness women will also take home more than the Men’s 212. Figure is nearly equal to the Men’s 212 Bodybuilding division. See how the entire 2015 Arnold prize money pays out with a total of over 1/2 a million dollars.

Women’s Prize Payout by Division:

2015 Arnold Fitness International Payout:
1st: $25,000
2nd: $13,000
3rd: $8,000
4th: $5,000
5th: $3,000
6th: $2,000
Total: $56,000

2015 Arnold Figure International Payout:
1st: $16,000
2nd: $10,000
3rd: $8,000
4th: $5,000
5th: $3,000
6th: $2,000
Total: $44,000

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

2015 Arnold Classic Women’s Physique Payout:
1st: $5,000
2nd: $2,000
3rd: $1,500
4th: $1,000
5th: $1,000
6th: $500
Total: $11,000

TOTAL WOMEN’S PRIZE MONEY: $126,000

2015 Arnold Classic Men’s Bodybuilding Payout:
1st: $130,000
2nd: $75,000
3rd: $50,000
4th: $30,000
5th: $15,000
6th: $10,000
7th: $2,000
8th: $2,000
9th: $2,000
10th: $2,000
11th: $1,000
12th: $1,000
13th: $1,000
Total: $326,000

2015 Arnold Classic 212 Men’s Bodybuilding Payout:
1st: $22,000
2nd: $10,000
3rd: $6,000
4th: $4,000
5th: $2,000
6th: $1,000
Total: $45,000

2015 Arnold Classic Men’s Physique Payout:
1st: $5,000
2nd: $2,000
3rd: $1,500
4th: $1,000
5th: $1,000
6th: $500
Total: $11,000

TOTAL MEN’S PRIZE MONEY: $379,000

TOTAL ARNOLD PRIZE PAYOUT $505,000



Reebok Encourages You to Live Free Range


**This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.

live free range

Reebok released a new commercial yesterday and it features a chicken. Not exactly the star athlete you might expect to appear in a running ad. The spot starts with a chicken breaking free from its cage (which resembles a prison cell) and going on the run. Despite the cliché chicken crossing the road part of the ad, it’s pretty amusing and held my attention throughout. It’s not often you find yourself watching an ad from start to finish, especially one that is over a minute long. The Reebok “Live Free Range” ad has only been up a day but more than 600,000 people have watched it.

VIA YOUTUBE

Free Range celebrates the kind of fitness we believe in here at Reebok. Watch as our hero breaks free from a life of monotony in search of an inspiring, life-long approach to physical activity. Find out more at reebok.com/LFR or join the conversation with #LiveFreeRange.

Create-online.com reports that the Reebok spot was created by their agency Venables Bell & Partners and will be part of #liveFreeRange campaign.

Live Free Range Chicken



2015 CrossFit® Games Prize Money


2015 CrossFit Games Money
CrossFit continues to grow in popularity and in large part due to the CrossFit Games appearing on ESPN. Add the support of Reebok and you have a recipe for success. The CrossFit Games are one of the few events where the men and women’s prize money is equal. The 2015 CrossFit Games prize money will be over $2,000,000.00, a 100 percent increase from three years ago. The top earners will be the fittest man and fittest woman, both taking home $275,000. That’s more than Mr. Olympia wins in bodybuilding. Pretty amazing for the women of CrossFit to be looked at as equals in their sport. Second place will receive 90 grand and third takes home $60,000. The CrossFit Games pay all the way down to 20th place, which send you home with $2,000 for your efforts.

2015 CrossFit® Games Prize Money Individuals
Top 20 at the Games
1st – $275,000
2nd – $90,000
3rd – $60,000
4th – $30,000
5th – $20,000
6th – $18,000
7th – $16,000
8th – $14,000
9th – $13,000
10th – $12,000
11th – $11,000
12th – $10,000
13th – $9,000
14th – $8,000
15th – $7,000
16th – $6,000
17th – $5,000
18th – $4,000
19th – $3,000
20th – $2,000

Top 3 in Each Games Event
1st – $3,000
2nd – $2,000
3rd – $1,000

Top 5 Overall at Each Regional
1st – $5,000
2nd – $4,000
3rd – $3,000
4th – $2,000
5th – $1,000

2015 CrossFit® Games Prize Money – Teams
Top 5 Games Teams
1st – $50,000
2nd – $30,000
3rd – $15,000
4th – $10,000
5th – $5,000

Top 5 Regional Teams
1st – $3,000
2nd – $2,500
3rd – $2,000
4th – $1,500
5th – $1,000

2015 CrossFit® Games Prize Money – Masters
Top 3 at the Games
1st – $10,000
2nd – $5,000
3rd – $3,000

Prize Purse information via games.crossfit.com



VIDEO: What Not To Do With Your Workouts


workout fail
It’s that time of year when we see the gyms flooded with newbies. We all had to start somewhere and we encourage everyone to welcome the new gym goers with open arms. Many times it’s not the first-timers to the gym that are doing things incredibly wrong. If you go to the gym on a regular basis you’ve likely seen someone doing something that makes you look twice and wonder what the…?! The folks at FAIL ARMY have put together a collection of epic workout fails. Check it out and please people avoid hurting yourself.



On the Auction Block – Dana Linn Bailey’s Olympia Posing Suit


Update: The auction ended with a winning bid of US $6,600.00. I’m not quite sure how it dropped from an earlier bid of $8,000 but still a nice haul for charity.

dlb posing suit
Dana Linn Bailey has become one of the most popular competitors in the IFBB Pro League. She was the first woman to be awarded an IFBB pro card in Women’s Physique and went on to become the first Women’s Physique Olympia champion. She finished in the runner-up position at last years event but failing to defend her title hasn’t hurt her popularity. If anything, it may have helped it.

Having doubts about that? Look no further than a current eBay auction. Dana’s (or DLB as she’s known in the industry) Olympia posing/stage suit went up for auction on eBay on January 5th for $49.99. One day, and 117 bids, later the auction sits at $8,000.00. Yes, you read that correctly EIGHT GRAND. There are still four days left before the auction ends and who knows how high the bidding will go.

DLB posing suit
Currently sitting at $8k with four days to go on eBay.

Now before you get your undies in a bunch over her selling her suit, you should keep in mind this is a charity auction and it’s being put on by the suit designer, Tamee Marie.

VIA EBAY

YES ITS HER ACTUAL SUIT!! Every year I am blessed to design and make suits for some of the best athletes in the world. For the first time we are going to auction DLBs suit from Joe Wieders 50th Anniversary Olympia last October. All profits from the auction will be donated charity as to New York Bully Crew rescue.

Dana LOVES her pit bulls and both of her little Angels, Kaia and Dboh, were rescued from abusive and neglectful homes. This is an amazing opportunity to purchase the suit of one of the largest icons of the current fitness industry from the 50th Olympia and help an amazing rescue foundation. The suit is in mint condition. This item could used to strut the stage in the same suit as DLB or hung in a shadow box as memorabilia.

**Item will include a personalized autographed photo from DLB showing her in the same suit you are bidding on

Suit size and material information
Fabric: Fuchsia hologram
Stones: Clear, pink, green, turquoise and blue.
Rhinestone Connectors: Around the neck, hips, backstraps and broach
Top Size: A-C top (included is a set of thick removable pads)
Bottom Size: Fit someone 100-120 lbs and best on 5’0″ – 5’5″ frame
**Alternations not available as suit is heavily rhinestoned

Great idea by both Tamee Marie and DLB. In an industry that is often noted for its selfishness, this is a refreshing act of kindness. Doing things like this are part of why DLB is becoming one of the biggest names in the bodybuilding world. Interesting in bidding on the suit? Visit eBay before it’s too late.



Iron Man Magazine Sold


iron man magazine sold

The print industry has been struggling in recent years and bodybuilding/fitness magazines have felt the pressure. Many magazines have scaled back on staff and the number of issues they print. Some have gone out of business or tried to go strictly online. Today, Iron Man magazine announced its been sold to Binais and Dr. Catherine Begovic. Binais is a former Iron Man cover model and his wife Catherine, a successful plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. Catherine is no stranger to fitness and recently appeared on the cover of Iron Man Norway.


Binais plans to redesign the magazine and website, something many people have felt is long over due. The new owners are slated to unveil their version of Iron Man with the April 2015 issue. Previous owners, John Balik and Michael Nevuex are expected to continue working with the magazine. Balik as a consultant and Neveux as a photographer and Design Director. No word on whether long time writers Lonnie Teper and Ruth Silverman will stay on board. Iron Man magazine has been one of the longest running magazines in the bodybuilding/fitness industry. All the best to the new owners.

Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) January 05, 2015 – Iron Man Magazine, the world’s leading bodybuilding and fitness magazine and the fitness world’s pillar of information for training announced today that entrepreneur Binais Begovic and his wife Dr. Catherine Begovic have purchased the company. Iron Man Magazine was founded by Peary and Mabel Rader in 1936. It was then purchased by John Balik and Michael Neveux in August of 1986 with Mr. Olympia Lee Haney on the cover. Iron Man Magazine was created to be a source of inspiration, information and transformation for the fitness industry. 79 years later it is still driven by those core values. Iron Man Magazine licenses to countries all over the globe including Japan, Australia, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.

Binais Begovic, a fitness athlete himself who was featured as a cover model for the magazine in 2006, brings a deep passion for weight training and scientific nutrition. Begovic was born in Montenegro and fled with his family to Sweden as a teen when war erupted in his native country. Begovic is an athlete ranking nationally in Judo and other fitness competitions. After winning competitions in Europe, he came to Los Angeles to shoot for fitness magazines and became an integral part of the fitness world. “Being on the cover of Iron Man Magazine and being featured in the magazine was one the critical moments in my career. It gave me credibility, international exposure, and was the launching point to expand my love of fitness into other businesses.” Begovic’s goal with the magazine is to make effective training and nutritional information accessible to everyone. “In a world where the Internet makes it confusing for people interested in fitness, Iron Man Magazine is the one place they can always turn to for credible information as well as up to date news, and the insiders’ look into the fitness industry.” He also would like to use it as a platform to launch new athletes into their fitness careers and provide opportunities for fitness enthusiasts to participate in a community where they can share ideas. Begovic’s vision for Iron Man Magazine is also to highlight other popular divisions such as Bikini and Men’s Physique in additional to traditional bodybuilding. Begovic is planning a re-design of the magazine, a re-launch of the website with informational articles and videos, as well as other events centered on the core values of “inspiration, information, and transformation.”

The launch of the re-designed Iron Man Magazine under the new ownership is projected to be the April issue 2015. The past owners John Balik will be retained as a consultant to the Publisher, and Michael Neveux as photographer/Design Director.



Ronda Rousey’s Book “My Fight/Your Fight” Released in 2015


ronda rousey book
Ronda Rousey continues to make a name for herself out of the octagon. She’s an Olympic Medalist, actress, model, UFC Champ and now you can add author to her resume. The 288 page hardcover book, is slated to be released on April 14, 2015 and co-written by her sister Maria Burns Ortiz. The book will detail her diet, workouts, mind games and more. The book will set you back around thirty bucks but it should be money well spent.

Ronda Rousey’s Book “My Fight/Your Fight” Released in 2015

In this revealing memoir, undefeated UFC champion and Hollywood star Ronda Rousey charts her difficult path to glory, revealing her tragic childhood and her father’s suicide, her meteoric rise to fame, the secret behind her undefeated UFC record, and what it takes to become the toughest woman on Earth.

It was over in a blur. It took 16 seconds. Ronda Rousey, the Olympic medalist and reigning UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, retained her mixed martial arts title in a brief flurry of fists, knees, and chokeholds. Rousey now is the most sought after and recognizable female athlete in the world: the former judo Olympic champion turned star ultimate fighter, seen stripped down on the cover of ESPN magazine, profiled by the highbrows at the New Yorker, and fast becoming a ubiquitous presence in Hollywood. When she isn’t beating her opponents into submission she is starring in big-budget movies like Entourage, The Expendables 3, Fast & Furious 7, and three upcoming major action films from Warner Bros. In this inspiring and entertaining memoir, Rousey charts her difficult path to glory, exposing her tragic childhood, settling numerous scores, and sharing the habits that create champions, including her extreme diet regimen during fight week, her grueling and unexpected workouts, and the shocking mind games she plays before knocking out every opponent she’s ever faced.

Ronda Rousey is the UFC undefeated women’s bantamweight champion, an Olympic medalist, and a Hollywood actress. One of the most dominant athletes in UFC history (arguably the most dominant), Rousey is single-handedly responsible for the inclusion of women in the Octagon. And she has taken Hollywood with the same force as the UFC, landing roles in major films and emerging as an up-and-coming action film star.

via simonandschuster.com

Ronda RouseyBook cover not final – image via simonandschuster.com

Ronda Rousey’s Book “My Fight/Your Fight” released in 2015.



2014 DJ Earworm Mashup – United State of Pop


dj-earworm

DJ Earworm’s 2014 Mashup of Billboard’s Top 25 is more mellow than we’ve heard in the past. The 2009 version was more upbeat. What does that say about our top music of today? I’m not sure but it’s still an impressive job of mashing the top songs by DJ Earworm.

DJ Earworm Mashup – United State of Pop 2014 (Do What You Wanna Do)
A mashup of the 25 biggest hits during 2014 in the U.S. featuring:

A Great Big World feat. Christina Aguilera – Say Something
Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea – Problem
Bastille – Pompeii
Dj Snake & Lil Jon – Turn Down For What
Hozier – Take Me to Church
Idina Menzel – Let It Go
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX – Fancy
Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora – Black Widow
Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz – Talk Dirty
Jeremih feat. YG – Don’t Tell ‘Em
Jessie J feat. Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj – Bang Bang
John Legend – All Of Me
Katy Perry feat. Juicy J – Dark Horse
Lorde – Team
Magic! – Rude
Maroon 5 – Animals
Meghan Trainor – All About That Bass
Nico & Vinz – Am I Wrong
One Direction – Story of My Life
Passenger – Let Her Go
Pharrell Williams – Happy
Pitbull feat. Ke$ha – Timber
Sam Smith – stay with me
Taylor Swift – Shake It Off
Tove Lo – Habits

image via youtube



Reebok and the UFC Announce 6-year Partnership


 **This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.
ufc reebok partnerships

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced a 6-year partnership with Reebok. Reebok will become the exclusive outfitter and apparel provider for the UFC with the new policy beginning the week of July 6, 2015. The announcement was met with mixed reviews from the fans but the general consensus amongst the fighters was positive. The new deal provides UFC fighters with a guaranteed income for each of their fights and they’ll also have the opportunity to generate royalty income from their own athlete-specific products.

A promo from Reebok was shown at the press conference.

“This partnership is much more than a licensing agreement,” said Matt O’Toole, President, Reebok. “It is a true collaboration between two great brands, which will not only give UFC a new and exciting look, but will harness the global reach of both brands to also benefit young people around the world, particularly those at risk of being involved in crime and violence.”

Sorry fans but you won’t see CONDOM DEPOT or other random brands across the fighters’ shorts in the octagon. The fighters will no longer be permitted to have sponsor logos on their athletic apparel during the fight, the official UFC fight week events and in any UFC-produced content. There will no longer be banners inside the octagon behind the fighters. Some of which looked more like NASCAR than anything.

WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE HERE:
UFC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Lorenzo Fertitta shared, “This will be the biggest non-broadcast partnership that our company has ever signed.”

Women’s UFC Bantamweight Champion, Ronda Rousey tells mmaFighting.com she has known about the partnership for awhile and helped them (Reebok) in the develop of the women’s line. In an interview after the press conference she shared, “Women’s clothing for MMA has never existed before so I’m excited to see what they come up with.” Rousey hasn’t had a major sports apparel sponsor and said, “It works out perfectly for me.” When asked if she has her own Reebok deal Rousey shied away from answering with a smile.

Reebok has found success by partnering with Crossfit, Les Mills and Spartan Race. Only time will tell how things unfold with their UFC deal but they are clearly invested in the sport for the long haul.

During the press conference and on the UFC’s twitter account we saw the hashtag #WhatDoYouFightFor. Reebok has posted this video on their Youtube channel which is the only thing that really addressed the hashtag to date.

Our training is mental battle, a community experience and a physical ass-kicking.
From MMA and Boxing to Kickboxing and Karate, our fights help us get fit – body, mind and soul.
This training is intense. This training is life-changing. This training has us inspired.
We are committed to improving human performance by building the best, most functional product for human movement.
This sport is no exception.
Youtube

Read more about the partnership here.

Information for this article via mmafighting and UFC.com.



Rest In Peace Tony Hawes


tony hawes

If you’ve ever competed in a NPC National level event or attend one, you’ve seen Tony. He couldn’t be missed. He was usually by the door, collecting your ticket to the event and had a smile from ear to ear. It’s with great sadness and a heavy heart to share that Tony has passed away. Antonio R. Hawes-Beeler passed on December 1, 2014 after a long illness and a stroke. Tony’s family shared on Facebook, “Of course we are sad that he will no longer be with us but we are relieved that his suffering is over. We would like to thank you for your prayers and words of comfort. You have been a good friend to us.”

EVERY person who has commented about Tony mentions his kindness, positive energy and contagious smile. We’ll miss you Tony. Rest in Peace.

Cards of Condolences can be sent to his family:
The Beelers
145 Jan’s Meadows
Stockbridge, GA 30281

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation:
“The Tony Hawes-Beeler Scholarship Fund”
P.O. Box 834
Jonesboro, GA 30237

Viewing: Friday 12/5
12 Noon – 6 pm
Wake from 6-7 pm
Watkins Funeral Home
163 North Avenue, Jonesboro, GA

Funeral Service: Sat, 12/6, 11 am
Rock Springs Baptist Church
5900 Reynolds Road
Morrow, GA 30260

photo via fb



The Dew Tour Returns to Breckenridge, Colorado


Dew Tour

Some of the biggest names in the world will be competing once again at the Dew Tour National Championships in Breckenridge, Colorado. Winter Olympic medalists Kaitlyn Farrington, Kelly Clark, Jamie Anderson, Enni Rurukajavi, Jenny Jones and more are slated to compete December 11-14, 2014. Last year’s Dew Tour winner Jamie Anderson went on to win Gold in Sochi and will be a contestant on the next season of The Celebrity Apprentice.

The Dew Tour is an great event to watch in person and when you’re not checking out the competition, there’s always sponsor booths that are worth checking out. Can’t make it to Breck to see it live? No sweat you can catch watch it on NBC and NBCSN.

2013 Dew Tour Winners2013 Snowboard Superpipe Winners

 

Confirmed Athletes:
Snowboard Superpipe
Queralt Castellet
Kelly Clark
Holly Crawford
Jenna Dramise
Arielle Gold
Elena Hight
Chloe Kim
Sophie Rodriquez
Maddy Schaffrick
Hannah Teter
Mirabelle Thovex
Cai Xuetong

Snowboard Slopestyle
Jamie Anderson
Sina Candrian
Amiee Fuller
Anna Gasser
Jessika Jenson
Jenny Jones
Cheryl Maas
Silje Norendal
Spencer O’Brien
Miyabi Onituska
Kjersti Ostgaard-Buass
Christy Prior
Enni Rukajarvi
Karly Shorr
Ty Walker

Freeski Superpipe
Maddie Bowman
Anais Cafardeux
Rowan Cheshire
Annalisa Drew
Virginie Faivre
Rosalind Groenwoud
Keltie Hansen
Janina Kuzma
Devin Logan
Marie Martinod
Ayana Onozuka
Brita Sigourney
Angeli VanLaanen

Freeski Slopestyle
Nikki Blackall
Jamie Crane-Mauzy
Emma Dahlstrom
Keri Herman
Dara Howell
Julia Krass
Kim Lamarre
Devin Logan
Anna Segal
Kelly Sildaru
Darian Stevens
Yuki Tsubota
Kaya Turski
Maggie Voisin

Women’s Event Schedule (Time in Mountain Standard Time)
Friday, December 12, 2014
9:30 am – 10:30 am Women’s Freeski Superpipe Final
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle Final

Saturday, December 13, 2014
9:00 am – 10:00 am – Women’s Snowboard Superpipe Final
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Women’s Freeski Slopestyle Final

Visit the DewTour for more information and follow the action on social media via Facebook, twitter and instagram.



2014 IFBB Ferrigno Legacy Pro Results & Review


ferrigno pro show

The final show of the year is in the books. The IFBB Ferrigno Legacy Pro took place in Santa Barbara, California and featured Men and Women’s Physique, Men’s Bodybuilding and Women’s Bikini. The winners punched their ticket to the 2015 Olympia.

This was the first time the show has been promoted and it will be interesting to see if it returns next year. Fans were treated to a free, live webcast on Bodybuilding.com which is great. A free webcast for a pro show usually only happens at the Arnold and Olympia so it was a treat for fans, friends and family members to watch.

That said there were some odd choices with the show, like why it was on the day after Thanksgiving which required traveling ON the holiday. Santa Barbara isn’t exactly the easiest spot to fly into and dealing with holiday traffic is never fun. While I applaud the show promoters for wanting to “go big” it’s a mistake far too many make. You don’t have to go big to have a successful show. We’ve seen it happen a number of times and they don’t last beyond a year or two. The night show didn’t start until 8pm which seems like a huge blunder given you had all day for the event. That is until the Pro Bikini competitors took the stage and the music person decided to play the most disrespectful and vulgar lyrics I’ve ever heard. Pittbull’s “GO GIRL” and JAY-Z’s “Is that Yo Bitch?” were disrespectful music choices and the competitors deserve an apology for the offensive lyrics. A competitor is disqualified if their posing music has profanity in it, the show’s promoters and music people should be held to the same standards. There are millions of songs to choose from and there’s no need to play that during the Bikini portion, or any portion, of a show. The show ended just before midnight on the West Coast and as you can imagine everyone was exhausted.

Congratulations to all the competitors who dieted through Thanksgiving and competed in this show. The next big pro show will be the Arnold Classic next March in Columbus, Ohio.

2014 IFBB Ferrigno Legacy Pro Results
Santa Barbara, CA – November 28-29, 2014

Pro Bikin

2014 IFBB Ferrigno Legacy Pro Bikini Results
1. Sarah LeBlanc
2. Jade Carroll
3. Lindsey Waters
4. Tatiana Koshman
5. Breena Martinez
6. Angela Marquez
7. Camile Periat
8. My Coustels
9. Katherine Williams
10. Barbie Heng
11. Ebony Quince
12. Vladimira Krasova
13. Edna Olivas
14. Cristina Mendivil
15. Jazmeen Hernandez

women physique california

2014 IFBB Ferrigno Legacy Pro Women’s Physique Results
1. Jamie Postill
2. Candrea Judd-Adams
3. Leona Paula Muttoni
4. Jane Santos
5. Marlene Koekemoer
6. Jill Rudison
7. Dominique Furuta
8. Danielle Mastromatteo
9. Jill Dearmin
10. Holly Chambliss
11. Evangeline Belton
12. Jill Vadala
13. Amber McElreath
14. Natalia Batova
15. Misty Ali
16. Jennifer Jacques-Conn
16. Eleni Kavva
16. Marina Lopez
16. Moira McCormack
16. Marie Pierre Ripert
16. Ida Sefland
16. Casie Shepherd
16. Marnee Winn
16. Nuria Novoa

2014 IFBB Ferrigno Legacy Pro Men’s Bodybuilding Results
1. Ronny Rockel
2. Brad Rowe
3. Robert Piotrkowicz
4. Marius Dohne
5. Omar Deckard
6. Stefan Havlik
7. Constantinos Demetriou
8. Dalibor Hajek
9. Michael Ely
10. Rafael Jaramillo
11. Will Harris
12. Jerome Ferguson
13. Vladimir Sizov
14. Pedro Barron
15. Lionel Brown
16. Kiss Jeno
16. Ryan Pateracki
16. Varingh Singh Ghuman

2014 IFBB Ferrigno Legacy Pro Men’s Physique Results
1. Andre Adams
2. John Nguyen
3. James Hurst
4. Frank Griffin
5. Damir Delic
6. Joe Cantu
7. T.A. Martin
8. Jake Routt
9. Chad Crouse
10. Adam Schafer
11. Chad Demchik
12. Ian Lauer
13. Tyler Larson
14. Willie Spencer
15. Mariusz Czerniewicz
16. Tim Degroot
16. Timothy Feuling
16. David Kampfe
16. Nick Olson

Visit NPCNEWSonline.com for photos.



Meet ALEX.


alex bottle

If you’re like me you probably have more than one water bottle in your cupboard or in your car. So why would you need another one? Meet Alex. ALEX isn’t your average bottle. It’s like a stylish transformer of awesomeness. The concept is pretty simple but amazing. I heard about ALEX through world-class snowboarder, Gretchen Blelier and decided to check it out. After reading more about the ALEX bottle, I became “a backer”. It was the first time I’d backed anything on Kickstarter so I was a little apprehensive but the process was super easy and painless.

The original goal was $50,000 on Kickstarter but that number has been crushed. Over 2,450 people have backed the ALEX bottle and pledged over $126,000 with just five days to go.

ALEX stands for something.
A devious do-gooder from the start, ALEX is an acronym for “Always Live Extraordinarily”. We believe that innovation with a conscience is an idea that people can get behind. By personifying ALEX, it becomes more than just a water bottle; it becomes a part of your family.

Mission In A Bottle.
ALEX is made by a small group of individuals who seek to improve the planet, one idea at a time. Our products reflect strong passions for creative design, functional integrity, and simplicity. If we ever successfully bottle the cosmos, you’ll be among the first to get a straw.

What’s ALEX made of?
ALEX may be really ridiculously good looking, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Made with 100% BPA Free premium grade stainless steel and a strap from 100% recycled water bottles, ALEX naturally attracts health conscious citizens of mother earth.

• BPA Free Premium Grade 304 Stainless Steel
• BPA FREE Polypropylene #5 Cap and Mid Body Band
• ALEX is top rack dishwasher safe
• Fits ice cubes, but not rapper Ice Cube
• Strap made from recycled plastic bottles
• Fits most cup holders and bike bottle cages
• Cap covers bottle lip Smoothie, powder drink and oatmeal friendly
• All sealing o-rings and gaskets made from Food Grade Silicone
• Conceived in the USA, Responsibly made in China

ALEX BOTTLE

Don’t wait. Get your ALEX bottle before the time expires and tell ’em HARDBODY sent ya. You won’t get any special deals but you’ll get a kick ass bottle.



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