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NPC JR USA Schedule of Events

May 22, 2009 by

There will be over two hundred competitors participating in the NPC JR USA and the action gets under way this morning. Here’s a schedule of events for today. One more day to go until we see FIVE new IFBB females.

Friday, May 22, 2009
Embassy Suites Convention Center
9 a.m. – 7 p.m. NPC Promoters Office: Meeting Room 2
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Weigh-in / Check-in (Men): Meeting Room 3
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Weigh-in / Check-in (All Women): Meeting Room 3
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Final Weigh-in / Check-in (Men & Women): Mtg. Rm. 3

Check back for more info throughout the day and follow us on Twitter for the latest news as it happens.

Filed Under: NPC

Craziness on The Way To Carolina

May 21, 2009 by

My trip to South Carolina started at 1:15 on a red eye flight to Charleston. It’s been quite the adventure along the way and I’ll write all about it this evening. Here’s a little taste of my trip so far…

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Taking the swine flu precaution to a new level.
I’m off to a photo shoot with the three-peat mini-wheat Andrea Watson. Check back for more info and follow the news on twitter.com/hardbodynews.
Filed Under: News & Features, NPC

The Three Stooges Make Their California Pro Predictions

May 20, 2009 by

My fellow “experts” stooges, Ron “Yogi” Avidan and Lonnie Teper have challenged me to predict the top five for this weekend’s California Pro. I’d have better luck playing the lottery than picking a top five in this line up so we’ll go with just the winner. Since Lonnie will be the emcee of this show and Ron will be there photographing, they didn’t want to fear for their lives for leaving anyone out (despite their challenge to me). The great thing about this show is that any number of women could win and find themselves in the top five. Only the top three will qualify for the Figure Olympia. Now for the winning picks…

Ron changed the tune of his fiddle diddle when he saw that the Denver Dream’s Heather Mae French entered. Originally Ron was going with Sonia Gonzales but says, “after carefully analyzing the situation I am going to take Heather as she’s just great. She looks good and I predict a win for her. Too bad the Nuggets can’t win in LA.” Okay Yogi, Thanks for that babbling response which does make some sense for once. Kinda.

Now onto the elder of the group, Lonnie “still hanging” Teper. Lonnie is predicting a win for Sherlyn Roy. When pressed for why he is going with Sherlyn he commented, “It’s simple-she won my Junior Cal in 2006, and  Sherlyn is a special guest (along with Michael O’Hearn) at my show on June 20, so gotta stick with the home girl.” I can appreciate that prediction, not bad but you and Yogi are out to lunch.

My prediction? Well Heather Mae French is on a roll. She lost by one point in Orlando and I had her winning the show from my seat was her best pro showing to date (in my opinion). She could definitely come in and win this show. However, I’m going with Sonia Gonzales for the win. She’s had some time off since the Figure International and I look for her to come in better this time around.

When you break it down on paper, these could definitely be your top three competitors battling it out for the title. They finished 7-8-9 at the Figure International with Heather placing the highest followed closely by Sonia and Sherlyn. Last year, Heather was the runner-up in this show narrowly losing to Felicia Romero.

Who do you like for the win or are the stooges off and someone else will win?

{democracy:55}
Filed Under: IFBB, News & Features, Polls

NPC JR USA Video and Photography

May 20, 2009 by

If you’re competing in the NPC JR USA or know some one who is check out the following information on purchasing video and photographs.

Official Videographer – Mark Mason
Mark will be video taping the entire competition and will have DVDs available for purchase on his web site.
http://www.markmasonmedia.com

Official NPC Photographer – Isaac Hinds
Order forms are available here. (pdf) Prints will also be available after the show for purchase at photos.liftstudios.com

Bodybuilding.com, FLEXonline.com and here on hardbody.com we’ll keep you updated with photos, news and all the action as it happens this weekend. For more information on the first National NPC show of the year, visit: http://npcjrusa.com

Filed Under: News & Features, NPC

Roadtripp’n Tweeter

May 20, 2009 by

Andrea Watson is keeping everyone updated on what’s shaken in her world as she heads into this weekend’s NPC JR USA. Here’s the latest tweet from her, which I’m sure every dieter out there can appreciate.

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That’s a ton of asparagus. What’s the over/under odds on how many times Andrea has to stop and pee on her road trip to Charleston? You can follow Andrea here and be sure to follow all the action in Charleston via our twitter feed.

Filed Under: NPC

Add One More to California Pro Figure

May 19, 2009 by

Oh shit! Those might be the words of a few competitors when they see who the last enterant for the California Pro Figure is. Here’s your Final, Final IFBB California Pro Figure competitor list. I heard from a few that Heather Mae French would enter this competition and now it has been confirmed. J.M. Manion commented on a previous hardbody post, “You can add Heather Mae French to the list. Just talked to the IFBB Professional League office to see if there were any last minute entries & she’s the only one. That makes things interesting considering her placing at the Europa Florida.” This definitely shakes things up for the top five, at least on paper. Heather Mae was the brides-maid to Nicole Wilkins-Lee at the Orlando Pro, by one point. That leaves Heather and Sonia the two odds on favorites going into this contest. Now my fellow “expert” Lonnie Teper has Sherlyn Roy winning the whole show. His reason for going with Roy, “She won the Jr. Cal. Nuff said.” We’ll find out who the next to qualify for the Olympia are in a few days.

2009 IFBB CALIFORNIA PRO FIGURE
1 – Jane Awad (USA)
2 – Macey Boudreau (Canada)
3 – Deanne Brown (Canada)
4 – Natalie Calland   (USA)
5 – Nadya Castellas (Canada)
6 – Krissy Chin (USA)
7 – Becky Clawson (USA)
8 – Lorena Cozza (Italy)
9 – Meriza DeGuzman (USA)
10 – Jennifer DeJoya (USA)
11 – Heather Mae French (USA)
12 – Celeste Gonzalez (Spain)
13 – Sonia Gonzales (USA)
14 – Alicia Harris (USA)
15 – Carin Hawkins (USA)
16 – Catherine Holland (USA)
17 – Geogina Lona – (Mexico)
18 – Crystal Lowery (USA)
19 – Amy Lee Martin (USA)
20 – Michele Mayberry (USA)
21 – Tanya Merryman (USA)
22 – Kristin Nunn (USA)
23 – Amy O’Neil (USA)
24 – Rosa-Maria Romero (Australia)
25 – Sherlyn Roy (USA)
26 – Laura Sutter (USA)
27 – Kristi Tauti (USA)
28 – Natalie Waples (Canada)
29 – Karen Williams (Trinidad)

Filed Under: IFBB

California Dream’n – Pros Set To Debut

May 19, 2009 by

It’s something most competitors dream of…Pro Status. This weekend, three women are set to launch their competitive pro careers when they debut at the California Pro. Who will place the highest of these rookies? You might have better luck playing the lottery than picking this one. All three women should more than hold their own in this line up. Who are they?

1. Jennifer Dejoya – Earned her pro card at the 2008 Nationals by winning the B Class. Jennifer has come a long way over the years and when she is good she’s good. If she’s off she’s way off. There will be no kinda sorta for Jennifer. Look for to either be in the mix of the top callouts or in the dreaded tied for 16th. She has the advantage of not traveling far and by making her debut in California.

2. Alicia Harris – Alicia aka “Smiley” Harris will undoubtedly light up the stage with the brightest smile in the line up. This young Janet Jackson look alike has a number of things going for her when she’s on top of her game. She can’t come in too soft or she’ll be on the outside looking in. If she comes in tight and relaxed in her presentation, look for her to make some noise at this show. When she sports her hair straight she looks about 5 years older, which would make her look about 23, but the judges seemed to like that look. She sported the straight hair at the Team Universe contest and turned pro. Which du will she be sporting for the debut? We’ll see.

3. Amy O’Neil – She took to the Figure stage for the first time at this show last year, where she placed 4th in the D Class. It’s not often that someone turns pro in their first year of competing on the national scene but Amy did just that at the 2008 Nationals. Still a relative rookie to the figure stage, Amy has made leaps and bounds in a short time. If she comes in full and not over-dieted she could be a threat in this show. The biggest challenge for her is to not be over-depleted and have a “stringy” look. She’s going back to where it all started and could have a break out debut.

All three women are very good competitors and help make for a tough California Pro Figure show.

{democracy:54}
Filed Under: IFBB, Polls

Part One: Monica Brant with LAMUSCLE.tv

May 18, 2009 by

Check out the first in a three part series where LAmuscle.tv goes Behind-The-Scenes with Monica Brant at the Orlando Pro show. The first part sets the stage for what Monica went through in the midst of doing this show.

Check back as you’ll get to see my mug on a photoshoot with Monica. I know you’re all dying to see that. LOL! Good stuff and props to Rob Riches for the video.

Filed Under: IFBB

Five New Pros Crowned This Week

May 18, 2009 by

This weekend in Charleston, South Carolina five females will leave the NPC ranks and join the elite group in the IFBB. Two Figure, Two Bikini and One Fitness competitor will qualify for IFBB Pro status at the first National NPC show of the year, the 2009 NPC JR USA. Promoter Tres Bennett shared there will be between 200 & 250 total competitors (including the men). As we’ve come to expect, the Figure competition will be the largest of the weekend with over 100 females trying to nab one of the two pro cards. This show typically has the most competitors from East of the Mississippi. It’s a great venue with the host hotel connecting to the venue and a short ride from the airport. IFBB pro Tracey Greenwood will be the head expediter for this event and her crew will be the ones running the action backstage.

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As of earlier this month the breakdown was:
15-20 Women’s Bodybuilders
15-20 Fitness Competitors
50-60 Bikini Competitors
100+ Figure Competitors
Order your tickets early via Ticketmaster:
• Prejudging Tickets
• Finals Tickets

Things kick off Friday with the check-in. Here is the schedule of events:

Friday, May 22, 2009
Embassy Suites Convention Center
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Weigh-in / Check-in (Men): Meeting Room 3
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Weigh-in / Check-in (All Women): Meeting Room 3
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Final Weigh-in / Check-in (Men & Women): Mtg. Rm. 3

Follow all the action via our twitter account this week from Charleston. We’ll also be providing updates from the California Pro via twitter as well.

Filed Under: News & Features, NPC

Houston Pro: Drops Fitness Keeps Figure

May 18, 2009 by

I’d been hearing rumblings that the IFBB Houston Pro would not be keeping fitness in its August show and now I can confirm that is the case. Houston will NOT being having a pro fitness competition but will have pro figure. The event is slated for August 29, 2009 in Houston, Texas. That leaves two shows for Fitness pros to qualify for the Olympia: The Europa Super Show (August 14-15) and the Atlantic City Pro (Sept 11-12).

After this weekend at the California Pro show there won’t be another pro event until August. Leaving pro competitors and fans with a 2.5 month layoff from the action. Fortunately for the fans of the sport there will be plenty of amatuer action across the land to follow.

Filed Under: IFBB, News & Features

New York Pro Photo Galleries

May 17, 2009 by

If you’re looking for more photos from the New York Pro check out a few on bodybuilding.com.

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Cathy LeFrancois the NY Pro Champ.
Filed Under: IFBB

Cathy LeFrancois Repeats as NY Pro Champ

May 16, 2009 by

Congratulations Cathy. As expected Cathy repeats as the NY Pro Female bodybuilding champ. Taking the runner-up position was Betty Pariso and in the third spot was Rosemary Jennings. All three women are now qualified for the 2009 Ms. Olympia in Las Vegas. Visit FLEXonline.com for complete galleries of all competitors.

IFBB Women’s Pro Results

1. Cathy LeFrancois
2. Betty Pariso
3. Rosemary Jennings
4. Debbie Bramwell
5. Dena Westerfield
6. Jeannie Paparone
7. Tazzie Columb
8. Brenda Raganot
9. Jennifer Sedia
10. Antoinette Thompson
11. Beverly DiRenzo
12. Maryse Manios
13. Maria Segura
14. Nancy Lewis
15. Claudia Partenza
16. Marika Johansson
17. Fabi Antoine
17. Irene Andersen
17. Kim Buck
17. Myriam Bustamante
17. Maria Calo
17. Giusy Caputo
17. Nadia Nardi
17. Diana Tinnelle

Scorecard Results at

http://www.getbig.com/results/womens/nightofchampionswomen.htm

Filed Under: Contest Results, IFBB

New York Pro Female Bodybuilding – Prejudging

May 16, 2009 by

The prejudging for the New York Pro female bodybuilding has concluded. As I predicted yesterday, Cathy LeFrancois looked like the standout in the group to win and retrain the NY Pro crown. Will she leave the Big Apple the champ again? It looks that way to me however a not-so-little someone named Betty Pariso may prevent that from happening. Betty, who sat out the Ms. International, is back on stage and just as good as she’s ever been. It will be a matter of prefence in physiques for the judges. You have a smaller, sleeker Cathy vs a much larger, more muscular Betty. Rosemary Jennings is also looking to disrupt the repeat for Cathy and will land in the top three. Based on the callouts from the judges this is how it looks to shake out…

Cathy LeFrancois repeats as champ with Betty Pariso in second and Rosemary Jennings third. Look for Dena Westerfield, Tazzie Columb and Debbie Bramwell to round out the top six. Jeannie Paparone and Brenda Raganot will be on the outside of the top five but in the mix for top 10.

We’ll see how things play out tonight when the finals kick off at 6pm EST.

Filed Under: IFBB

NY Pro Women’s Bodybuilding Competitor List

May 15, 2009 by

Tomorrow the IFBB female bodybuilders will take the stage at the NY Pro. The event will be held at the Tribecca Performing Arts Center in New York. Below is the competitor list for tomorrow’s event. I like Cathy LeFrancois to repeat as the champ once again. Who do you like for the win?

COMPETITOR LIST
Irene Anderson
Fabi Antoine
Debbie Bramwell
Myriam Bustamante
Maria Calo
Giusy Caputo
Tazzie Columb
Beverly Direnzo
Maria del Carmen Gomez-Seguro
Rosemary Jennings
Marika Johansson
Cathy LeFrancois
Nancy Lewis
Maryse Manios
Nadia Nardi
Jeannie Paparone
Betty Pariso
Claudia Partenza
Jennifer Sedia
Antoinette Thompson
Diana Tinnelle-Stanback
Dena Westerfield

Filed Under: IFBB

2009 IFBB California Pro Final Competitor List

May 14, 2009 by

Here is the final (as of Friday but pros have until Monday to send in a contract) competitor list of the IFBB California Pro, which will be held on Saturday, May 23rd, along with the NPC California contest (which has over 110 competitors at the moment.)

IFBB Pro competitors competing include…

1 – Jane Awad (USA)
2 – Macey Boudreau (Canada)
3 – Deanne Brown (Canada)
4 – Natalie Calland   (USA)
5 – Nadya Castellas (Canada)
6 – Krissy Chin (USA)
7 – Becky Clawson (USA)
8 – Lorena Cozza (Italy)
9 – Meriza DeGuzman (USA)
10 – Jennifer DeJoya (USA)
11 – Celeste Gonzalez (Spain)
12 – Sonia Gonzales (USA)
13 – Alicia Harris (USA)
14 – Carin Hawkins (USA)
15 – Catherine Holland (USA)
16 – Crystal Lowery (USA)
17 – Amy Lee Martin (USA)
18 – Michele Mayberry (USA)
19 – Tanya Merryman (USA)
20 – Kristin Nunn (USA)
21 – Amy O’Neil (USA)
22 – Rosa-Maria Romero (Australia)
23 – Sherlyn Roy (USA)
24 – Laura Sutter (USA)
25 – Kristi Tauti (USA)
26 – Natalie Waples (Canada)
27 – Karen Williams (Trinidad)

See you there…

Filed Under: IFBB

Hardbody Profile: Andrea Watson Fast-Track To Success

May 14, 2009 by

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Andrea Watson looks to make it four in a row.

Andrea Watson is one of the NPC’s rising stars and on the fast-track to the IFBB pro ranks. She’s entered three shows and won not only her class but also the overall title in each of them. Andrea is heading to the NPC JR USA next weekend looking to make it four in a row and leave a pro. I caught up with Andrea days out from her the show and she shared a bit more about herself.

Currently Reside: Pensacola, FL

Occupation: Regulatory Analyst for Gulf Power Company (Subsidiary of Southern Company)

What made you decide to compete in Figure? I was always active growing up from cheering, running track, and lifting weights and thought about doing some fitness/figure modeling. I would always buy Oxygen Magazine, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Fitness Rx (just to name a few) just to look at all the amazing physique’s and competition photos. Last September I overheard someone talking about competing and I decided to buckle down and start training.

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Andrea all smiles and getting ready to grub.

Had you been to a competition before your first show? Yes, I attended the Panhandle Showdown in 2007 and 2008.

What’s your family think of it? My husband Brian is the one who always said that he thought I should compete and he’s been nothing but supportive (I think he enjoys it more than me!). He and my sister are my number one fans. At first my mom was against it until my family and my went to my first show and then realized that I was not a body builder but a “figure” competitor. Now they’re totally supportive.

What’s been the biggest learning experience for you thus far? I have learned that with hard work, dedication, and belief in yourself that anything is possible. I’ve learned who my true friends are – the ones who support me 110% and are happy that I am happy and successful. Also, I have learned that you must balance faith, family, work and training and put them all in perspective….in that order.

What supplements and food help get you through the dieting? Tight Curves protein shakes are what I look forward to the whole day. I drink one right before I go to bed. They are so delicious I feel like I am cheating!  Also, as strict as our pre-contest diets can be, I savor every moment of the two prunes and quarter of an apple I get with my breakfast!!! I know it sounds crazy. Also, I am allowed one cheat meal a week and it’s usually some kind of carb like pizza, lasagna, or cheeseburger… if I was allowed I would eat all three at one sitting…and a piece of chocolate or two…or three…

Any advice for others who are thinking about competing? You MUST join IFBB Pro Shannon Dey’s Team Bombshell! They give you all the tools you need: diet, cardio, exercise plans, suit selection guidance, hair and make-up, and posing advice.  Also, they offer camps for figure/fitness/bikini competitors where they go over everything with you and kick your butt with boot camp and training sessions in-between!  The team is the best thing that has happened to me as a figure competitor. I have made life long friends with the ladies on Team Bombshell. They are part of my family now.

Do you still have frozen eggplant parmesan in your freezer?  Lol! Yes, I ordered the eggplant parmesan for my cheat meal after the Pittsburgh Championships and I couldn’t finish it all so I took it back to Pensacola with me! So, yes it’s waiting for me in the freezer for my next cheat meal.

How did you get the trophy that was bigger than you home? Funny thing – Well I knew it was too big to get it on the plane (and I was scared they would charge me for another seat) so my sister Jaynie (who was on a later flight and who had time) had to use a wrench and disassemble it and put it in her carry-on! Hopefully she will bring it to Jr. USA’s in South Carolina so I can be re-united with it.

All the best in your next show and we’ll see you in Charleston. Thanks!

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Andrea backstage after her second A Class win.
Filed Under: Interviews, NPC

IFBB Figure Pro Krissy Chin Preview Photo

May 13, 2009 by

Here’s a glimpse at what IFBB Figure Pro Krissy Chin will be bringing to the stage next weekend. Krissy makes her return to the figure stage after a few months off. Check that. A few months away from the competitive stage but she’s been keeping plenty busy training, hosting a new radio show and working for ALR industries. Krissy tells me she is excited to be back on stage and happy with the improvements she’s made.

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Krissy Chin gives a preview of what’s to come.

Check Krissy out at the 2009 Cal Figure Pro next Saturday. Good luck Krissy.

Filed Under: IFBB

Teri Turner & Catherine Holland Two Week Out Preview Photos

May 12, 2009 by

Catherine Holland posted a few photos of her killer work out with super trainer Mike Davies on her blog. She also shared a preview of what she’s looking like as she heads into next weekend’s IFBB California Pro. Cat also gives everyone a sneak peak at one of the top NPC Figure competitors, Teri Turner. Teri narrowly missed her pro card a few times last year but has her sights set on finishing business at the NPC JR USA next week. Check back next week to see how these two do at their shows.

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Catherine and Teri practice their posing.
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Teri and Cat getting in a workout in Ohio.
Filed Under: IFBB, NPC

2009 NPC Contra Costa Winners

May 11, 2009 by

Stacey Oster, from Colorado, won not only the short class but also the overall title at the 2009 NPC Contra Costa Bikini Division. She prevailed over tall class winner, Natalie Pennington for the overall Bikini crown.

In the Figure division, Wendy Fortino won the overall, as well as Class A. Other figure winners include Megan Phi (Class B), Jennifer Aguirre (Class C), and Christy Dalton (Class D). For Master’s Figure, Maria Harvey won the Masters 35+ Overall and the Masters 35+ Short, while Christy Dalton won the Masters 35+ Tall.  Barbara Mencer won the Figure Masters 45+ class.

Congratulations to all the winners.

Filed Under: Contest Results

Photo of The Day – IFBB Pro Spotting – Teresa Anthony

May 7, 2009 by

IFBB Figure Pro Teresa Anthony was in attendance at the Orlando Pro show last month. What’s up with this figure diva? She’s been enjoying her off-season as she is already qualified for this year’s Figure Olympia. If you’re in Atlanta this weekend for Ty Ropeman’s NPC show keep your eye out for Teresa, she is slated to be in attendance.

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Teresa Anthony looking good in Florida.
Filed Under: IFBB

IFBB California Pro Figure Competitor List

May 6, 2009 by

This is shaping up to be a great line up for the California Pro Figure, which will be held on May 23rd. The top three will qualify for the Olympia.

1 – Macey Boudreau (Canada)
2 – Deanne Brown (Canada)
3 – Krissy Chin (USA)
4 – Meriza DeGuzman (USA)
5 – Jennifer DeJoya (USA)
6 – Celeste Gonzales (Spain)
7 – Sonia Gonzales (USA)
8 – Alicia Harris (USA)
9 – Carin Hawkins (USA)
10 – Catherine Holland (USA)
11 – Crystal Lowery (USA)
12 – Michele Mayberry (USA)
13 – Tanya Merryman (USA)
14 – Kristin Nunn (USA))
15 – Amy O’Neil (USA)
16 – Rosa-Maria Romero (Australia)
17 – Sherlyn Roy (USA)
18 – Laura Sutter (USA)
19 – Natalie Waples (Canada)

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Filed Under: IFBB

Orlando Pro Fitness Photos

May 1, 2009 by

More photos from the Orlando Pro are featured on IFBBpro.com.

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Winner Shannon Meteraud gets up!
Filed Under: IFBB

Hawt Hardbody – Ashlynn Evans

April 30, 2009 by

Last year’s overall NPC JR USA fitness winner Ashlynn Evans is today’s photo of the day. She has yet to make her pro debut but she will be on hand in Charleston doing hair and makeup for this year’s JR USA.

Ashlynn has done the makeup for American Pie star Shannon Elizabeth, fashion shoots as well as fitness and figure comeptitors. If you’re heading to Charleston and in need of hair/makeup email Ashlynn and tell her Hardbody sent ya.

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Ashlynn Evans heat’n it up in Charleston.
Filed Under: NPC

Erin Riley Rocks

April 27, 2009 by

Erin Riley is one of the rising stars of the IFBB Fitness world. This was the final shot of Erin at the Orlando Pro and you can see she’s rock’n some ripped shoulders. If Erin streamlines her physique a bit in the coming months she could become a threat to the top spots in the years to come. Definitely becoming one of my favorite fitness competitors.

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Erin Riley lays it all on the line in Orlando.
Filed Under: IFBB

IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Lisa Marie Bickels – 3 weeks out from debut

April 24, 2009 by

I spotted IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, Lisa Marie Bickels yesterday in an unexpected location… the lingerie football league tryouts in Denver. Lisa is three weeks out from her pro debut and wanted to try her luck at the new football team in Denver. Lisa impressed the scouts with her arm during an early practice as she continued to whiz the ball over the heads of other ladies.

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Lisa three weeks out from her pro bodybuilding debut.

She showed off her running abilities when she sped off for a touchdown during the scrimmage. No word on if Lisa made the team as of yet but we’ll keep ya posted.

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Lisa off to the races during the tryouts.
Filed Under: IFBB, News & Features

Nashville’s Got a New Star

April 23, 2009 by

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Nashville Figure Star Valerie Haines

You won’t read about this woman singing at the Grand Ole Opry. Nah, that’s of little interest to IFBB Figure Pro, Valerie Haines. While belting it out with the likes of Dolly Parton may not Valerie Haines forte, putting together an impressive pro figure physique is. Last weekend Valerie took the stge in Orlando where she made quite the statement. Valerie placed 6th out of a competitive field of 28 at the Europa Show of Champions. It’d been a few months since we last saw Val, so I caught up with her to see what she’s been up to.

Where ya been Val and why the time off since your last show?
I wanted to make some significant changes and I knew I had to take some time off to do so…and I think I did. My last show prior to the Europa was 2007 NY Pro where I placed 12th.

I’d agree you did make some significant changes. Do you feel it was the time off that helped?
Absolutely. I feel like I “rebuilt” my physique in a way. I am THRILLED with the results too!

I didn’t see you sporting any bags of asparagus this time – did you make any changes to your diet or training since you last competed?
LOL…That picture is classic Isaac! Actually, I did change my prep diet quite a bit this time around. My cardio was less intense and I did very low to no carbs throughout my prep. I maintained a high fat content and it seemed to work well for me.

Did you diet longer than usual or how long was your prep for this show?
I didnt prep any longer than I usually do. I always start at 16 weeks out. I did incorporate a second cardio session up until about 6 weeks out this time around. But thats the only thing I did differently.

Are you going to jump into another show or enjoy the summer and hit a later event?
I am going to take a SMALL break, not like the last break. Believe me, I have a fire inside me now and I will be back. Look for me at the Kentucky Pro in November!

What’s your occupation besides being a Pro Figure competitor?
Scheduling Coordinator for a dental office

So, do you notice people’s teeth first?
LOL… Actually, yes I do! that’s the first thing I see.

Congratulations Valerie. We’ll look for ya in the fall on the Kentucky stage.
Thank you.

See more photos of Valerie from the Orlando Pro show here.

Filed Under: IFBB, Interviews

ALRI’s Troy Johnson The Next Swami?

April 22, 2009 by

I offered up $100 to anyone who could correctly predict the top 5 in order. Troy Johnson who is very familiar with the Figure scene came the closest with his predictions. He called the top three in exact order which is impressive. He even called Inga as the dark horse and Erin Stern in the top five. I can’t hold his fifth place prediction of Kristin against him. I’ve got your first drink at the next show Troy. Nice work.

Troy’s Top Five Figure
1- Nicole Wilkins-Lee
2- Heather Mae French
3- Monica Brant
4- Erin Stern
5- Kristin Nunn
Dark horse’s- Inga Neverauskaite and Cea Anna Kerr 😉

Filed Under: Contest Results, IFBB, News & Features

NPC Competitors Should Plan Accordingly…

April 22, 2009 by

If you plan to attend the NPC JR Nationals contest please take note of this announcement from J.M. Manion:

NOTICE TO ALL 2009 NPC JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS COMPETITORS
The Following Athlete’s Are Required To Participate In The NPC NEWS Photo Shoot With J.M. Manion On Sunday, June 21 At The Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel From 8:30 a.m. To Approximately 12 Noon:

· MEN’S OVERALL WINNER
· WOMEN’S OVERALL WINNER
· THE 3 FITNESS HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS
· THE 4 FIGURE HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS THAT QUALIFIED FOR THE IFBB
· THE 4 BIKINI HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS THAT QUALIFIED FOR THE IFBB

Only The 5 Overall Winners Are To Bring Their Overall Trophies.

The Men’s & Women’s Overall Winners Are To Bring Their Posing Suit & Posing Oil.

The Bikini, Figure & Fitness Winners Are To Bring Their 2-Piece Competition Suits Along With Any Other 2-Piece Bikinis.

There is also an opportunity to do individual photo shoots that afternoon for NPC NEWS so the more bikinis you bring the better.

All Competitors Please Plan Accordingly With Your Travel Plans.

Filed Under: News & Features, NPC

Random Thoughts From Orlando Pro Show Weekend

April 21, 2009 by

A few random thoughts from my nearly week long stay in Orlando and the Europa Show of Champions. The Good, The Bad and The in Between…
• The venue and hotels were conveniently located from the airport. The airport itself was easy and affordable to fly into.

• The hotel staff didn’t seem to have much information on the schedule of events or shuttle service to the venue. I was at the second host hotel and it was a nice hotel but the staff seemed fairly clueless on the entire event.

• The show ran much quicker than it did in Dallas. There were two less events for the pros, so that obviously helped.

• Orlando was a good place to hold an event like this, my only hope is that it’s near another show to draw in more competitors – primarily for the men and not the women.

• Note to Self: Don’t procrastinate and leave late for the airport. I missed my flight to Orlando because I didn’t pack the night before and hit traffic. I missed my flight back (which sucked because only one flight back on my airline) because I didn’t allow enough time to return the rental car.
• The lighting improved for the NPC show and the night show of the pros but I hope every promoter can do the competitors justice by properly lighting the stage. I know every venue is different and it’s a challenge to often work with the given venue however if the competitors put in the time and effort to attend your show, they deserve to show off their hard work with proper lighting.

• A number of women commented to me that they were dissappointed in the evening show. Every competitor had to get in their two-piece outfits but only the top three went on stage. By that point in time the scores are tabulated and there is no reason (in my opinion) to make every competitor change into their two-piece if they are not going to all walk on stage. Either bring them out on stage one more time for another pose or inform them that they were not in the top placings.

• The vendors/supplement companies seemed pleased with the amount of traffic that the expo received. I was photographing the NPC and Pro events which didn’t allow for much time to hit the expo. What part I did, it seemed to run much the same as the Dallas show.

• Promoting shows is often a thankless job. Ed and Betty were able to duplicate their efforts in Orlando that they’ve done numerous times in Texas. It’s one thing to put on a show where you live, it’s an entirely different animal when you are organizing a show in another state. Overall I felt the did a good job. There are a couple little details I’d like to see change – like the lighting but aside from that it was a great showcase of talent with the women’s events.

• Erin Riley impressed me with her routine. It is choreographed to her music perfectly, when she hits a move in her routine it is timed with the beat.

• Myriam Capes is one to watch come Olympia time. She’s changed her physique a great deal and has one of the best routines you’ll ever see. She could be a top 6 finisher in September.

• Mindi O’Brien also had an awesome routine and did a great job of entertaining the crowd.

• Shannon Meteraud made it two in a row. Impressive. Especially when you consider she is 40 and able to do moves that women half her age are unable to do.

• Nicole Wilkins-Lee is definitely one of the stars of the future and it looks like her time arrived in Orlando.

• Heather Mae French looked her best ever and solidified herself as a top 5 competitor in any show she enters.

• Erin Stern has a great, athletic, healthy look that will continue to improve as she competes. She’s a great example of what a taller figure competitor should look like.

• NPC Bikini is still finding it’s way. There weren’t many competitors in the show so it’s hard to critique it. The top three in the Tall Bikini class stood out to me and should be able to hold their own on the National stage.

Filed Under: IFBB, News & Features

Europa Show Of Champions Results

April 19, 2009 by

Check out the score sheets on IFBBpro.com for a complete breakdown. I will be providing photos from the finals as well as the fitness routines later today or tomorrow. Congrats to all. Nicole Wilkins-Lee edged out Heather Mae French by one point to win her first pro show. Shannon Meteraud made it two wins in a row, while the two Canadian Fitness women rocked the house… Myriam Capes and Mindi O’Brien brought down the house with their routines.

Figure
1. Nicole Wilkins-Lee*
2. Heather Mae French*
3. Monica Brant*
4. Inga Neveravskaite
5. Erin Stern
6. Valerie Haines
7. Candice Keene
8. Rachel Cammon
9. Laura Sutter
10. Hazal Nelson-Etiz
11. Jennifer Migliacci
12. Natalie Waples
13. Karen Williams
14. Brandie Gardner
15. Kristin Nunn
16. Aymara Bernardo
16. Deanne Brown
16. Natalie Calland
16. Lisbeth Halikka
16. Alana Hernandez
16. Catherine Holland
16. Ines Jimenez
16. Cea Anna Kerr
16. Amy Lee Martin
16. Petra Mertl
16. Nicole Pitcher-Scott
16. Marcy Porter
16. Shelly Taucher

Fitness
1. Shannon Meteraud*
2. Myriam Capes*
3. Mindi O’Brien*
4. Erin Riley
5. Tina Durkin
6. Melissa Frederick
7. Donna Jones
8. Jessica Booth-Palmer
9. Ryall Graber
10. Siene Silva
11. Maggie Blanchard
12. Liza Hughes
13. Shannon Dey
14. Leslie Rae Newton
15. Mandy Polk

*Qualifies for the 2009 Olympia.

Filed Under: Contest Results, IFBB

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