Hardbody News: Female Sports, Health and Fitness
A Love for Sport Life.
If you weren’t able to attend the Arnold Sports Festival, don’t worry. The 2013 Arnold Classic webcast replays are available now for a limited time on bodybuilding.com. See the comparisons in figure, fitness, bikini and bodybuilding. The always popular fitness routines are also available and have to be seen in motion to truly appreciate. Hurry though, the replays are only available for a limited time.
Missed the live webcast? Don’t worry – get complete replays right here for a limited time!
Oksana Grishina stops by to share share her thoughts on the 2013 Fitness International. She’s had one of the most entertaining routines of the Arnold Classic weekend and finished in the runner-up position. It’s been a long, hard fought road for Oksana to reach the top of the Fitness ranks and while many of her fans might be calling foul over her placing, she’s nothing but grateful.
Oksana Grishina After the Arnold!
View photos of Oksana’s routine here.
Hi fans and friends!!!
This was an amazing weekend for me! I promised to all of you that I would do my best, and I did just that. I did what I wanted to do. I did what I had to do. I made a promise to myself that I would nail my performance, that I would fully master this new character, which was so emotionally hard, and that I would complete all the elements of my routine strongly and cleanly. All of the months of hard work really paid off for my very important two minutes on stage. This is what makes me happy, and a second place finish at the Arnold Classic is icing on the cake! It’s so great when you have a goal, work so hard, and everything goes as planned!
This performance was particularly hard for me. Throughout my prep, this character took a long time to figure out. On the day of the performance, I needed several hours to prepare and get into character. Backstage, when I had finished my makeup, I knew I was close. When I got on stage, I felt it fully. After the performance, I was emotionally drained and crying back stage. But, by this, I knew I had really brought the character to life.
Oksana Grishina as The Joker
I felt like I did my best with my body, as well, but there are still things that I don’t quite like, and need to improve. I still need to work on my posing, and I can work to bring a physique that is a bit softer to the stage. Of course, it is important to always be changing and growing, so I welcome having improvements to make and new goals to set. I’m working on them already.
I am so happy for Tanji Johnson! It was great to see her won ! Congratulations Champ!!! She is a leader and role model in Fitness, and no one is a more deserving Arnold Classic champion. It was amazing to see all my sisters in Fitness doing their best. Congratulations to every one of them! We are all fighters inside, and we are heroes, too. Just look at Fiona Harris. You may have noticed her breathing particularly hard during her routine. Well, the girl did all of that with a broken rib! This is what I call a hero! And, of course, we are all close friends, and support each other, too. It is so important to have that mutual support and positive energy when you’re backstage.
I know some of my fans are disappointed with my placing, but please know that I am happy. I always aim to do my best. I still have my dreams. And nothing feels better than the amazing response you give to me when I am on stage. Your appreciation of my performance and all my hard work is really beyond anything money or trophies can buy. Seeing fans standing and cheering in the auditorium is all that I can ever ask for J. It was great to hear so many people saying that they had come to Columbus to see Fitness. There may only be 10 of us competing, but I’m glad the fans see us as an interesting and entertaining part of the Arnold weekend. With fans like that, we’re all winners!
I am fortunate to have the support of so many people. Thanks to the fans for their constant encouragement on Facebook and Twitter, and at the shows. Thanks to SAN Nutrition for their sponsorship. SAN supplements give me energy in the gym, and help me with balanced nutrition throughout the phases of my diet and training. Thanks to Lisa Miles and Laura Richards for their beautiful posing suits. Thanks to my tailor, Jerry, for his help with my costume. Thanks to Matt Willems of Perfect Driver Music for helping to make my performance music just perfect. Thanks to my acting teachers at Playhouse West for helping me learn how to better express my emotions on stage. Thanks to my family for a lifetime of support, no matter how far away they may be. Thanks to the Arnold Classic organizers for putting on another great show! It’s always an honor to be on the Arnold stage. Thanks to the judges for their hard work. Thanks to the IFBB for giving us a stage on which to compete, be creative and be stars!
Finally, I am so thankful to the people who have taken the time to put their heart, mind and soul into my prep… my acrobatics coach, Vladimir Sizov, who has taught me so much and pushes me hard in the gym every time. He’s the only bodybuilder I know who has the skills and agility to actually compete in Fitness, lol…my manager, Tom Haynes, who is my second brain throughout the year. At contest time, when I’m focused on my body and performance, his brain may be the only one that’s working, lol…and my coach and trainer, Boris Ivanov, who has put his knowledge and soul into helping me, with endless patience, make my dreams come true. He’s been working with me for my whole pro career, and knows my body better than I know it myself. I am truly blessed to have such great support.
Work hard, stay strong, never give up!
With love,
Oksana
IFBB Fitness Pro
www.oksanagrishina.com
Follow Oksana on twitter at @OksanaGrishina and like her Facebook page.
The annual Ms. Bikini International took place in Columbus, Ohio on March 2, 2013 as part of the Arnold Sports Festival. Sixteen women were invited to compete on the prestigious Arnold stage and when the scores were tallied a new winner was crowned for the third year in a row. Nicole Nagrani was the inaugural winner and Sonia Gonzales took home the title last year. This year, Florida resident, India Paulino took home the crown.
India Paulino edged out the reigning Ms. Bikini Olympia Champion, Nathalia Melo by two points for the win. Many in attendance thought the finals could go a number of ways based on the judges’ call-outs. India brought a slightly softer physique than we’ve seen in the past but as expected she sported a yellow bikini and brought sass to the stage. Nathalia brought a similar look as she had to the Olympia stage but came up just short in the judges’ score sheets. She has a bit more muscle in her legs than the other women in this line-up and it may have hurt her since there was no one to compare her to with a similar build. Nathalia has always posed with great energy and confidence.
Nicole Nagrani look a little smaller than we’ve seen her in the past and she brought a new look to the stage. She had a very noticeable breast augmentation done in the off-season and it didn’t quite feel like we were seeing the same Nicole as year’s past. Aside from the obvious of the physical appearance it was also the presentation. Gone was the cutesy, bubbly young Nicole we’d seen in her first two years as a pro.
Yeshaira Robles is the epitome of class. She has a smile that will light up the darkest room and she has the ability to be cute and sexy with a bat of an eye. If Yeshaira had been crowned the winner you’d likely get few arguments from the fans. Jessica Paxson quietly finished in the fifth place position. She wasn’t in the initial first call-out but after a few comparisons between the 4-8 finishers she locked in fifth place. Jessica has the complete look from head to toe and she presented more confident than ever. Rounding out the top six was the always consistent Jaime Baird. Jaime has a long, lean legs and it can some times hurt her against the shorter women. She held her own once again but didn’t quite have the same glow to her presentation as she has in the past.
One woman to watch in the coming shows is Ashley Kaltwasser. She has a great physique and as she clocks more stage presence and gets more comfortable on stage, you’ll see her move up. She finished in 10th but don’t be surprised if she has a pro victory to her credit before the year is over.
View photos from the 2013 Bikini International.
2013 Bikini International Results:
1. India Paulino
2. Nathalia Melo
3. Nicole Nagrani
4. Yeshaira Robles
5. Jessica Paxson
6. Jaime Baird
7. Jennifer Andrews
8. Tiffany Marie Boydston
9. Tawna Eubanks
10. Ashley Kaltwasser
11. Anna Virmajoki
12. Lacey DeLuca
13. Abigail Burrows
14. Lexi Kaufman
15. Noy Alexander
16. Marcela Tribin
The Fitness International is a show that every fitness competitor dreams of competing in and few ever experience winning it. For nearly a decade, Tanji Johnson has been chasing the elusive Arnold title. She’s come close to winning a number of times but hadn’t until now. This year she put it all together and finally had the opportunity to shake Arnold’s hand.
Tanji positioned herself for the win by coming with a tight, conditioned physique. She’s been up and down with her placings in the physique round but this time she left no question in the judges’ eyes. She headed into the night show needing a solid routine performance in order to win and she did exactly that. It wasn’t Tanji’s best performance we’ve ever seen and she appeared to struggle a bit at times. It was still a good routine that included a number of strength moves mixed in with a little dance.
Oksana Grishina has become a fan favorite over the years. Her creativity and passion for fitness is obvious in every routine she performs. Every year Oksana brings an unique and interesting routine to the stage. This year was no different and left many with goosebumps. Oksana was in 4th place after the physique round and despite being better than in previous years, the physique round kept her out of the winner’s circle. Oksana was the unanimous winner in the routine round with her JOKER theme. It was full of strength, artistry and drama from start to finish. She continues to improve in the physique round and when it comes to the routines, everyone agrees she’s always one of the most memorable.
Bethany Cisternino brought a great physique to the show. A case could be made for her winning the 2-piece round but no shame in finishing in second there. Bethany was fourth in the routine round and is always improving her presentation on stage. She has incredible gymnastic skills and makes the most difficult moves looks easy. Bethany’s third place finish was well deserved and look for her to be a threat for the win in any show she enters.
Trish Warren bounced back from sitting out last year after the birth of her first child. Momma Warren proved that nothing can stop you if you’re focused and committed. Trish was 5th heading into the routine round and could have been a bit tighter in the physique comparisons. She brought a rock’n routine to the stage and the third place score helped her finish in fourth.
Regiane DaSilva brought another fast-paced, high flying routine to the stage and it helped her land in 5th. Regiane always scores a bit lower in the physique rounds and it leaves her playing catch up heading into the routine round.
2013 Fitness International Results
1. Tanji Johnson
2. Oksana Grishina
3. Bethany Cisternino
4. Trish Warren
5. Regiane DaSilva
6. Ryall Graber-Vasani
7. Kizzy Vaines
8. Nicole Duncan
9. Fiona Harris
10. Amanda Hatfield
The 2013 Figure International was chalked full of upsets and surprises. Heading into the contest it looked to be a showdown between Erin Stern and Candice Keene. Candice was looking to step out of Erin’s shadow and with the 2012 champ (Nicole Wilkins) sitting out, it was the perfect opportunity. Candice not only won but she did so with an unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.
Candice was clearly on the money and she posed with confidence and a little swagger. She is right at the line with muscularity. Any more and it will be too much and when you carry more muscle you have to find the perfect balance in conditioning to not look too hard and not appear too soft. Candice found that balance and left the stage a winner. The night was particularly special because not only did she get to shake hands with Arnold but she did so on her birthday. It’s safe to say that will be a memorable birthday for Candice.
One of the upsets of the night was Heather Dees finishing in second over the reigning Ms. Olympia. Heather edged out Erin by one point and positioned herself as one of the top contenders in the division. Erin was a little flat and not quite as sharp as she was at the Olympia. Heather has shaved off some muscle over the last year to year and a half and it’s helped in her placings. It’s human nature to compare the competitors to their best and it appeared everyone did that in this case. Erin being off her best and Heather being at her best helped set the stage for the upset.
Candice Lewis picked up where she left off in 2012. She brought a new look to the stage but with the same great shape. Candice’s challenge is keeping her legs down so they don’t overpower her physique. She seemed a little bit “deer in the headlights” at times with her stage presence but who wouldn’t be their first time on the Arnold stage?
Mallory Haldeman also continued her top five form at this show. Mallory hasn’t even been a pro for a full year and already she’s positioned herself as a top 6 contender in the Arnold and Olympia. Mallory needs to put on a bit more size and improve her stage presence. She’s a little shallow in her back and when she fills out her frame a bit you’ll see her move up.
Rounding out the top 6 in quiet form was Camala Rodriquez. Camala has nice shape and found a good balance with her conditioning. Many in attendance thought it could go either way between 5-7 placings. Ava Cowan was on the outside looking in as she finished in 7th. Ava brought one of her better physiques we’ve seen yet missed out on the top spots.
2013 Figure International Results:
1. Candice Keene
2. Heather Dees
3. Erin Stern
4. Candice Lewis
5. Mallory Haldeman
6. Camala Rodriguez
7. Ava Cowan
8. Gennifer Strobo
9. Cheryl Brown
10. Kamla Macko
11. Ann Titone
12. Aleisha Hart
13. Candice John
14. Nicole Sims
15. Alea Suarez
16. Giada Simari
16. Natalie Waples
16. Olga Morales
View competition photos of all the competitors on bodybuilding.com.
We were backstage last night at the 2013 Arnold Amateur and had the opportunity to capture some of the action many never see. Check out what goes on behind the curtain while waiting to go on stage or when exiting after the competition.
See all the photos from the Arnold Amateur on Bodybuilding.com. Congratulations to all who competed!
Backstage at the Arnold Amateur.
The 2013 Arnold Amateur competition kicked things off last night in Columbus, Ohio. While the numbers in the fitness division were low, it wasn’t indicative of the level of competition. Competitors from across the globe entered the prestigious event. The women showcased tremendous skill and flexibility from start to finish.
If the competition was based on routines alone we’re going with Melinda Szabo to win the Short Class. She had tremendous dance skills and picture perfect toe points. Look for Alevtyna Titarenko to take top honors in the Tall Class. Alevtyna showcased some incredible strength and performed moves we’ve never seen before. It could come down to the two of these women for the overall title.
All the women did a great job. Congratulations to all who competed and dedicated to keep the crowd entertained in true sport fashion. Below are our favorite images from the routines.
Check out more photos from the competition and entire weekend on Bodybuilding.com.
We’re in Columbus, Ohio for the 25th Anniversary of the Arnold Classic. You can follow our coverage all weekend long, live from the events. The fastest and easiest way to get update is via twitter or bookmark this page to see the info roll in live.
Visit Bodybuilding.com all weekend long for photos, videos, the FREE LIVE webcast and more. If using twitter include #asf2013 in your tweets.
GEORGETOWN, Mass. (AP) — A bus carrying University of Maine women’s basketball players ran off a highway north of Boston on Tuesday night, seriously injuring the driver, who police said may have had a medical episode.
State police said 22 other people on the bus, including students and athletic staff, had only minor injuries.
The driver, whose identity was not immediately released, was taken by helicopter to a Boston hospital.
The bus was southbound on Interstate 95 at about 8:30 p.m. when it crossed the median, went across the northbound lane and down an embankment into woods near Georgetown, a town of about 8,000 residents 30 miles from Boston.
Georgetown Fire Chief Al Beardsley said it was a miracle no other cars were involved.
“This is a very heavily traveled road, day and night, and for a bus that size to basically catapult across the road, I couldn’t imagine being northbound and seeing that thing coming at me,” Beardsley said at the scene.
The University of Maine said Coach Richard Barron was treated for minor facial cuts and three others — players Ashleigh Roberts and Corinne Wellington, and Samantha Wheeler, the team’s director of basketball operations — were taken to a hospital for observation. The team was en route to play Boston University on Wednesday night. That game has been postponed, according to the basketball schedule posted on UMaine’s website.
“We’re very thankful that this accident was not any worse than it was,” Robert Dana, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said in a statement. “The thoughts of the entire University of Maine community are with the bus driver and the team as they contend with this very frightening event.”
Last year’s Bikini International Champion, Sonia Gonzales will not be back to defend her title and that leaves the top spot up for grabs. The inagural winner, Nicole Nagrani will look to recapture the title but she’ll have to go through the reigning Ms.Bikini Olympia Champion Nathalia Melo.
The 2013 Bikini International will feature a mixture of seasoned veterans and hungry rookies. India Paulino has her sights set on her first major title but so does veteran Jamie Baird. Who will finish in the top spots? We’ll find out in just a few days.
We’ve all been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Skipping breakfast can leave you tired, cranky and hungry. Colorado lawmakers are looking at a bill that would ensure schoolchildren get a healthy breakfast. According to Hunger Free Colorado, The bill known as the “Breakfast After the Bell Nutrition Program” offers an affordable solution to thousands of children who arrive at school hungry and in turn less prepared to learn.
VIA Hunger Free Colorado
Breakfast is critical to learning and health, and it’s the number-one needed school supply for students to succeed. Yet, many kids in Colorado arrive at school hungry, focused on their rumbling bellies instead of being ready to learn. Those experiencing hunger—estimated to be 22% of all children in Colorado—are more likely to exhibit behavioral, emotional and academic problems. Simply put, hungry kids cannot learn. Teachers, doctors and parents agree—hungry children lack focus and have difficulty performing well in school. School breakfast served after the bell can make such a difference for students of all ages, especially for those who may not when and where they’ll get their next meal. We can—and should—increase the availability and accessibility of school breakfast by expanding after-the-bell serving models like Breakfast in the Classroom into more Colorado schools.Hunger Free Colorado and many other organizations strongly support HB-1006, sponsored by Reps. Dominick Moreno of Commerce City and Tony Exum of Colorado Springs, and Sen. Angela Giron, D-Pueblo. The bill would require Colorado schools with 70% or more students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals to offer a nutritious after-the-bell breakfast program, if they have at least 100 students in their school and 300 total in the district.
Read the bill in its entirety. HB-1006 offers an affordable solution to the hundreds of thousands of children who arrive at school hungry and less prepared to learn. It is a responsible and cost-effective way to set Colorado’s children up for academic success while staying healthy.
Learn more about HB-1006, why after-the-bell breakfast is needed, what this bill will do and how it works, as well as see the growing list of organizations in support of HB-1006.
Visit www.hungerfreecolorado.org for more information.
Ana Delia has quietly moved into the spotlight over the past two years. She’s consistently finished in the top spots of every NPC show she has entered however it’s her ability to model that has people talking. One of the biggest challenges Ana has faced is living outside of the continental U.S. The distance can make it expensive and inconvenient to get to shows and modeling opportunities. She’s proving that if you’re determined and motivated you can overcome any obstacle.
Ana has appeared in a number of advertisements and magazines outside of the fitness industry. She is a perfect example that you don’t have to win shows or be a pro to find success in the fitness industry. Ana won month three of the FLEX Online Model Search and went on to be crowned the overall Flex Bikini Model Search winner. Previous winners have been Amanda Latona, Kathleen Tesoi, Alex Zerega and Yarelis Gonzales. She currently works as a make-up artist in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Visit NPCnewsonline.com for a HARDBODY Photo Gallery with Ana D photographed by LiftStudios at MetroFlex Long Beach, CA. Follow Ana on twitter and “like” her Facebook page.
NPC Bikini Division Results:
• 2012 NPC South Beach Classic (National Qualifier): Bikini B Winner
• 2012 NPC/IFBB Pittsburgh Pro: 6th Place
• 2012 NPC NY Metropolitan: 2nd Place
• 2011 NPC Eastern USA: 2nd Place
• 2011 NPC Team Universe: 4th Place
• 2011 NPC NY Metropolitan: 2nd Place
• 2012 Olympia Flex Model Search Contest Overall Winner
• 2012 Month 3 Flex Model Search Online: Winner
Ana D. on NPCnewsOnline.com
Rachel McLish has been labeled many things in her life. It doesn’t matter which moniker you choose from role model, icon to pioneer; they are all fitting. Rachel won the first Ms. Olympia competition in 1980. She became the first female bodybuilding champion and her efforts not only changed her life but also those of women every where and created a fitness revolution in the process.
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has produced a documentary, that will air on February 26, featuring women who help change America. The project, MAKERS: Women Who Make America, is a three-part series on the women’s movement with an online component at www.makers.com.
PBS President Paula Kerger said in a recent press release that MAKERS will tell the story of how women have helped advance America in the last 50 years.
The film is built from first-person, intimate accounts of women who experienced this time of change and confronted the dramatic social upheaval in their own lives including movement leaders such as author and feminist activist Gloria Steinem and actress, author and activist Marlo Thomas; media moguls like Oprah Winfrey and Katie Couric; and political influencers like former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. – Businesswire
Rachel was raised in Harlingen, Texas and began weight training at an early age. She tells MAKERS that growing up she identified with her father because he had strength, freedom, money and he made the decisions. She wanted to be like that. It was that drive and determination that helped her become not only a champion bodybuilder but also an actress and author. Rachel helped dispel the perception that females who lifted weights had to be masculine and were unattractive. Her involvement in the fitness industry helped make physical fitness part of women’s daily lives.
She wanted to empower women and improve their self-confidence. Rachel said, “I wanted to show them you could be sexy, beautiful and you can be as strong as a man.” Rachel helped do that by opening South Texas’s first health club and getting women involved in lifting weights.
Visit MAKERS.com for video interviews with Rachel and hear her speak on a variety of topics.
images from makers.com interviews
Nicole Wilkins has won Figure International for the last three years. Now that she’s out of the competition, the stage is set for a new queen of fitness. Who will it be? Three-time Figure International Champion Nicole Wilkins has decided to sit out this year’s competition at the Arnold Classic. That means the door is open for one of the 18 competitors lined up to take her place. The obvious favorite, at least on paper, is Erin Stern; but Candice Keene is nipping at her heels. There’s also a crew of newcomers determined to make their presence known.
Read the breakdown of the Figure International on Bodybuilding.com. Cast your vote for you who would like to see win the 2013 Figure International.
Tens of millions of Americans struggle with eating disorders, including a growing population of baby boomers, adolescents and children. For individuals in recovery from these complex illnesses, a frightening reality is the possibility of eating disorders relapse.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eating Recovery Center Offers Guidance to Help Individuals Avoid Eating Disorders Relapse
During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2013
International treatment center encourages four strategies for living a life of recovery
Denver, Colo. (February 20, 2013) – Tens of millions of Americans struggle with eating disorders, including a growing population of baby boomers, adolescents and children. For individuals in recovery from these complex illnesses, a frightening reality is the possibility of eating disorders relapse. In fact, a 2005 study in the European Eating Disorders Review found that more than one-third of individuals who have struggled with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa will experience an eating disorders relapse in the first two and a half years after leaving a treatment center.
With National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2013 taking place next week, February 24-March 2, Eating Recovery Center, an international center providing comprehensive treatment for eating disorders, seeks to highlight the skills and support structures that help men, women and children live a life of recovery. Recognizing that the hardest work of recovery often begins upon returning to “real life” following intensive eating disorders treatment, Eating Recovery Center offers these four strategies to help individuals protect their health and avoid eating disorders relapse.
1. Remain actively engaged with the aftercare plan. Discharge planning and the development of a recovery-focused post-treatment strategy are critical in creating sustainable recoveries and preventing relapse. These individualized aftercare plans are created by licensed therapists who work closely with a patient’s treatment team to identify emotional, behavioral and situational discharge challenges, and outline personal and recovery-focused goals.
2. Develop a strong supportive network. Friends, family and colleagues who have been educated about eating disorders and understand how to support a loved one in his or her recovery can be very helpful in sustaining recovery. Many individuals find a strong recovery-focused community through the alumni programming offered by many treatment centers. These programs generally provide ongoing education, events and a sense of community to support a life of eating disorders recovery.
3. Identify values and pursue valued life directions. Values not only serve as a compass for people’s lives, but also help individuals with eating disorders understand why change is necessary and pursue that change, even when it feels overwhelmingly difficult. Not surprisingly, identifying values and valued life directions are key components of the eating disorders recovery process. Taking time to be in touch with values and align thoughts and actions with valued life directions can help sustain recovery, even in times of stress or challenges.
4. Seek help. Sustainable recoveries do not just happen. Individuals and families in recovery from eating disorders must work diligently to protect and maintain a healthy weight and body image. The need for additional support – through support groups, outpatient therapy or an intensive treatment program – does not indicate failure, but rather underscores an ongoing commitment to doing whatever it takes to sustain eating disorders recovery.
“By nature, individuals with eating disorders tend to be perfectionistic and high achieving—they like to do things right, and they like to be the best at their endeavors,” explains Julie Holland, MHS, CEDS, chief marketing officer at Eating Recovery Center. “Their approach to recovery is generally no different, and patients often struggle to understand that life without an eating disorder looks different for every individual and there is no ‘right’ or ‘perfect’ way to live a life of recovery. In addition to developing recovery skills and implementing effective support systems, patients must also accept that challenges are likely to arise and understand that they have not failed even if recovery lapses occur.”
For more information about National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2013, visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/nedawareness-week.
Join Eating Recovery Center and its partner programs, The Moore Center and Summit Eating Disorders and Outreach Program, at the following events during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2013:
• National Eating Disorders Association Walk, hosted by The Eating Disorder Network of Central Florida; Sunday, February 24, Orlando, Fla. (Eating Recovery Center sponsoring)
• Mind and Body Fair, hosted by the University of Northern Colorado’s Women’s Resource Center; Monday, February 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Greeley, Colo. (Eating Recovery Center exhibiting)
• Eating Recovery Center Patient Artwork Exhibit; February 25-March 1, Eating Recovery Center lobby, 1830 Franklin Street, Denver, Colo.
• Eating Recovery Center Patient Artwork Exhibition Reception; Thursday, February 28, 5:30-7:00 p.m., Eating Recovery Center lobby, 1830 Franklin Street, Denver, Colo.
• Amber Sokoll, MA, NCC, RYT, speaking at Beyond the Mirror’s professional networking event; Tuesday, February 26, Fort Collins, Colo.
• Jennifer Lombardi, MFT, speaking at the Celebrate Your Body Week event, hosted by the University of California Davis; Wednesday, February 27, Davis, Calif. (Summit speaking, exhibiting)
• Jennifer Lombardi, MFT, speaking at the Love Your Body event, hosted by California State University Sacramento; Thursday, February 28, Sacramento, Calif. (Summit speaking, exhibiting)
• Celebrity Dance Challenge, hosted by the Eating Disorders Information Network; Thursday, February 28, Atlanta, Ga. (Eating Recovery Center sponsoring, attending)
• Jen Sommer, RD, speaking at Eating Disorders Coalition of Iowa event; Saturday, March 2, Des Moines, Iowa. (Eating Recovery Center speaking, exhibiting)
• National Eating Disorders Association Walk, hosted by the University of Nevada Reno; Saturday, March 2, Reno, Nev. (Summit sponsoring, exhibiting)
Binge Eating Disorder Workshop, hosted by The Moore Center; Saturday, March 2, Bellevue, Wash.
About Eating Recovery Center
Eating Recovery Center is an international center providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS and binge eating disorder. Under the personal guidance and care of Drs. Kenneth Weiner, Craig Johnson, Emmett Bishop and Ovidio Bermudez, programs provide a full spectrum of services for children, adolescents and adults that includes Inpatient, Residential, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services. Our compassionate team of professionals collaborates with treating professionals and loved ones to cultivate lasting behavioral change. Denver-based facilities include the Behavioral Hospital for Adults, the Behavioral Hospital for Children and Adolescents, the Partial Hospitalization Program and Outpatient Services for Adults, and the Partial Hospitalization Program for Children and Adolescents. In an effort to increase patient access to care throughout the United States, Eating Recovery Center partners with Summit Eating Disorders and Outreach Program in Sacramento, Cali., and The Moore Center for Eating Disorders in Bellevue, Wash. Summit offers Partial Hospitalization and Outpatient Services as well as Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services in Fresno and Roseville. The Moore Center offers Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services. For more information, please contact us at 877-218-1344 or info@EatingRecoveryCenter.com or confidentially chat live on our website at www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com.
Join us today for our LIVE Hardbody News twitter chat. Popular fitness model, Amanda Latona joins us today at 6PM EST LIVE on twitter. She’ll be answering all your questions and sharing insight into how she went from virtual unknown in the world of fitness to one of the most popular models in the biz. Amanda has appeared on numerous covers including the current issue of Muscle & Fitness HERS.
Don’t miss this opportunity to have Amanda answers your questions personally and live on twitter.
The Hardbody 411:
LIVE Hardbody News Twitter CHAT
Fitness personality, cover model and multi-talented Amanda Latona joins us for a live twitter chat on Tuesday, February 19th at 6pm EST.
Amanda answers your questions LIVE on twitter. Find out how she went from a recording artist to top fitness personality.
DAY: Tuesday, February 19, 2013
TIME: 6pm EST
HASHTAG: #askamanda
FOLLOW ON TWITTER: @hardbodynews and @amandalatona
NEW TO TWITTER CHAT?
Do a search for #askamanda on Twitter at 6pm EST to view the twitter conversation. ADD #askamanda to your tweets so everyone can join in the conversation and we can see your questions. You can follow along live on our twitter chat page as well.
Amanda will be appearing at the BSN booth throughout the 2013 Arnold Sports Festival next week.
If you missed our Live Twitter Chat with cover model and reigning Bikini Olympia champion Nathalia Melo don’t sweat it. We’ve compiled the top 20 questions that were asked of the Brazilian Bikini star and what her answers were. Twitter forces you to be short and to the point as there are only 140 characters available in each “tweet.
Keep in mind this was on twitter and you’ll notice abbreviations and shortened words to keep within 140 characters. #ASKNAT TWITTER CHAT
1Q. What made you decide to move to the USA from Brazil?
1A. I felt like there were many things and dreams I wanted to go after! Here was the perfect place!
2Q. What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?
2A. Ha! I’ve seen lots of ppl think I don’t understand their sneaky offers because English isn’t my first language and I have an accent.
3Q. What is your first language and will you be at the first @ArnoldSports Brasil this year?
3A. First language is Portuguese, and YES will be at the @ArnoldSports Brazil! So excited! Oh… and ”HOLA” is not Portuguese! =p
4Q. How did u keep urself motivated during ur first competition & how did u keep ur nerves down?
4A. I always liked workin out, so the changes in my body kept me motivated. I wasn’t really nervous… Not shy here! LOL
5Q. Aside from the language what was the biggest change from Brazil?
5A. The opportunities! There are a lot of opportunities in the US… I am very thankful for all this country has offered me.
6Q. What’s your biggest inspiration or drive? By the way always love your first appearance on @muscle_fitness
6A. It inspires me to know that all my hardwork and dedication inspires ppl all over the world to be fitter and healthier.
7Q. Do you typically do a.m. cardio on an empty stomach?
7A. Yeah! I tried eating before, but it didnt work well… I got sick! Oooops! LOL
8Q. I know your family is important to you. How have they supported you and your fitness career? Especially early on.
8A. I moved to US solo when I was 20, and worked my butt off to support myself, but now they understand n support my choices.
9Q. Did you play sports/dance/cheer/ballet, or do gymnastics growing up?
9A. I played everything, and sucked at them all! Hahahaha… I’ve always been into sports tho!
10Q. Do u have any advice for a first time #bikini competitor 6 weeks out from my first show?
10A. Do it for YOU and enjoy the ride!
11Q. Now that you’re getting alot of exposure do you have any new goals because of it?
11A. Of course! You always wanna be better than you were yesterday! Lots of cool things in the make…stay tuned!
12Q. Do you watch the @UFC and if so who is your favorite fighter?
12A. I could say ”The Brazilian ones”, but that would be 75% of UFC…hahaha… I do like Anderson
13Q. Other than “Awesome”, How did it feel winning Olympia last year?
13A. I still cant believe it! Everytime I watch a video or see a picture I am like ”Daaaang, That’s me!!” LOL
14Q. Do you ever drink a glass of wine?
14A. AbsofreakinLutely! I am human too! LOL.. I take 2 times off a year, and enjoy myself with good food n cpl glasses of wine.
15Q. Do you have a cheat day or cheat meal during your prep and if so what do you like?
15A. Not during contest prep. I could but i rather not have. I found it to reduce my cravings. After comp. I love chocolate! <3
16Q. How did you first get published in a magazine & any advice for new #models?
16A. I shot wit @liftstudios and he submitted my pics,n the mag liked them.Look for published photographers or reach out for the mag
17Q. Do you cook all your own food at once for the week and how do you stay on track when traveling?
17A. Cook 2x week. Food tastes a bit fresher. When traveling in season I take all my cooked food with me
18Q. How often to do you lift with weights and do you ever train other women?
18A, Weights 5x/week. I am a personal trainer, n 99% of my clients are women.
19Q. Do you still run as much as you were last prep & is it only outdoors or do you use a treadmill? Any incline, if so?
19A. Lots of running again! I run mostly on the treadmill cause in FL there are no ”inclines”LOL Once or 2x/week I run on the track
20Q. Will you be doing any other competitions after the @arnoldSports & will you have more camps if so where?
20A. I’m doin @FitXEvent and the Olympia. Confirmed seminars so far in Moncton and Newfoundland both in Canada. More to come..
That wraps it up for our live twitter chat with @nathaliamelofit. #askNat See her compete at the @ArnoldSports in 2 weeks.
HUGE thanks to @hardbodynews everyone who was a part of our Live chat! I had lots of fun and can’t wait to be on stage at @ArnoldSports
Follow Nathalia on twitter at @nathaliaMeloFit. You can see her compete at the 2013 Bikini International in Columbus, Ohio. Follow us on twitter at HardbodyNews. Check back for more live twitter chats in the days ahead with other Hardbody people.
Reeva Steenkamp, a 29-year old model was found dead in the home of double-amputee Olympian runner Oscar Pistorius. Pistorius, known as “Blade Runner” for racing with carbon fiber prosthetic blades, was arrested early Thursday morning and charged with murder. Allegedly, Steenkamp was mistaken as an intruder and shot by Pistorious.
Steenkamp appeared in FMM, numerous advertisements and was the face of AVON cosmetics in South Africa. On Wednesday she tweeted, “What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow??? #getexcited #ValentinesDay”.
Steenkamp was an active user of twitter and recently used her account (@reevasteenkamp) to encourage her thousands of followers to fight sexual abuse.
“Before you lift a pen or raise your voice to criticise, acknowledge people’s circumstances. You don’t know their struggles. Their journey.”
She re-tweeted a message from singer/songwriter Lindiwe Suttle hours before her death. The message reads, “WEAR BLACK THIS FRIDAY IN SUPPORT AGAINST #RAPE AND WOMAN ABUSE #BLACKFRIDAY”
Around the same time frame, she shared an illustration on her instagram account with the message, “I woke up in a happy safe home this morning. Not everyone did. Speak out against the rape of individuals in SA. RIP Anene Booysen. #rape #crime #sayNO”.
Steenkamp often shared her love for healthy living and working out on twitter and instragram. She recently shared a photo of a shake in a popular SmartShake Cup with the tweet, “It’s a beautiful day!Make things happen. Starting my day off with a yummy healthy shake from my boo 
#healthyliving.” Last month she posted an image on instagram of “DROP IT LIKE A SQUAT” with the caption, “Time to get physical and burn some leftover Xmas ass before my event later. #CosmoSexyMen.”
Follow ESPN.com for ongoing reports related to this story.
Congratulations to hardbody Jaime Baird on being named the new online editor-in-chief of FitnessRXwomen.com. Jaime found success on stage in the early stages of the IFBB Bikini division and has shown time and time again she’s more than just a bikini competitor. Jaime’s an inspiration to women whether they compete or not because of what she brings to the table and it has nothing to do with how fit her physique is.
Jaime has an extensive background in marketing and research and will take those talents to Advanced Research Media, publisher of Fitness RX Women.
NEWS RELEASE:
Jaime is a Top-5 Olympia competitor who’s already demonstrated her talent for writing in the pages of FitnessRx for Women magazine. For the last year, Jaime has worked as a valuable staff writer on our print edition, as she’s conducted interviews with fitness experts and pros, and contributed articles on training secrets, the best supplements and workout programs, tips for sticking to fitness goals, and much more. As part of the FitnessRx team, Jaime has contributed not only her talent for journalism, but also her incredible work ethic, passion, and top-notch organizational skills that will be a valuable asset in her new role as Editor-in-Chief of the website.
Jaime’s vast knowledge of fitness and nutrition is also evidenced by her popular web column, “YOUR BEST,” and FitnessRx training videos. ARM is excited that Jaime will now use her expertise to manage and direct all web content at FitnessRxwomen.com, which is quickly becoming one of the industry’s top sources for fitness content.
FitnessRx for Women Publisher Elyse Blechman says, “The entire team at FitnessRx for Women would like to welcome Fitness champion Jaime Baird as the new Editor-in-Chief of FitnessRxwomen.com. We look forward to her energetic leadership and the creation of even more fantastic content, which you’ve come to expect. We know Jaime will bring FitnessRxwomen.com to the next level. Welcome aboard, Jaime!”
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to help take FitnessRx For Women online to the next level,” Jaime says. “It’s an honor to be a part of the industry-leading Advanced Research Media team and a dream come true to have my career reflect my life’s mission: to empower women through fitness. I’m very grateful to the Steve and Elyse Blechman for believing in me and look forward to helping our readers look, feel and live their best.”
A little more on Jaime:
Jaime’s education and career has been in marketing and consumer research with a focus on motivation and emotions. Jaime has a Master’s in Communications and has served such brands as House of Blues, Universal and Nike. She started competing in 2007 as a “fun” outlet and because she says she needed balance. Jaime was working crazy hours, traveling weekly and not taking care of herself, she says. She found that fitness made her a lot more effective in everything that she did. “When I was eating right and training, I felt happier, stronger, more capable and more confident. That is when my passion for fitness grew, and I knew I wanted to help others, especially women, experience the power of fitness,” Jaime says.
News via FitnessRXwomen.com
Join us in our first LIVE Hardbody News twitter chats. The reigning Bikini Olympia champion, Nathalia Melo will be joining us tonight at 9pm EST live on twitter and answering all of your questions. Nathalia has appeared in numerous fitness magazines like Muscle & Fitness HERS, Fitness RX for Women, FLEX, Muscle & Fitness, Muscular Development and more.
Nathalia is two weeks out from the Arnold Sports’ Bikini International where she will look to add Bikini International Champion to her already impressive competitions resume. The Brazilian bombshell has become one of the most popular competitors and fitness models in the industry. She not only has the looks but her witty sense of humor will leave you laughing for days.
LIVE Hardbody News Twitter CHAT
Our first Twitter guest is cover model and reigning biknii olympia champion, Nathalia Melo. Nathalia will answer your questions live on twitter.
Nathalia will show her fans some Valentine’s Day love. One lucky person will receive a free autographed photo.
DAY: Thursday, February 14, 2013
TIME: 9pm EST
HASHTAG: #asknat
FOLLOW ON TWITTER: @hardbodynews and @nathaliamelofit
NEW TO TWITTER CHAT?
Do a search for #asknat on Twitter at 9pm EST to view the twitter conversation. ADD #asknat to your tweets so everyone can joi in the conversation and we can see your questions.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a healthier, protein version of chocolate treats. Try these homemade protein chocolates featured on Bodybuilding.com. Recipes for Strawberry Protein-Filled Dark Chocolate Bites, Chocolate Protein-Filled Dark Chocolate Cups and Dark Chocolate and Oat Protein Truffles are available for you to try this lovey day.
Check out the recipes from Anna Sward and let us know how they turn out for you.
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup dried mulberries or dates
• 1/4 cup whey protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/8 cup oats (or casein)
• 1 tbsp coconut flour
• 3 squares (30 grams) 100% cocoa dark chocolate.
Directions
• Mix together mulberries, protein powder, water, oats, and coconut flour and roll into 8 balls.
• Melt chocolate.
• Dip each ball into melted chocolate until completely covered.
• Top each truffle with cocoa or coconut and put them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
When the chocolate hardens, you’re done! Share with your sweetheart.
Dark Chocolate and Oat Protein Truffles PDF (439 KB)
Nutrition Facts Serving Size (1) recipe makes 8
Amount per serving
Calories 45
Total Fat 1.3g
Total Carb 2.9g
Protein 4g
SELF Magazine is one of the most popular women’s fitness magazines today. SELF typically won’t show many hardcore hardbodies inside or on the cover but that’s not what sells the most magazines. All magazines are looking for more subscribers and more readers. The more magazines that are sold, the more advertisers they gain and in turn the more money they make.
SELF magazine’s biggest competitors are SHAPE and Women’s Health. The magazine has shifted it’s focus from exercise and wellness to a more general lifestyle magazine. Readers will see more fashion and beauty features along with a new design to the magazine.
According to Laura McEwen, vice president and publisher of SELF, the magazine’s current reader is a woman in her mid-30′s with a median income of $75,000. The shift in focus is aimed at targeting more of the 18-30 year old demographic. McEwen told the NYtimes, “The magazine is being edited for the women who think in 140 characters.” Referring to the number of characters (140) allowed in a single tweet. Like many other magazines, readers can use their smartphone to scan the pages and shop or view workout videos.
Will the magazine succeed in its attempt to be cool to a younger female reader? Only time will tell but it’s banking on catchier headlines and trendy topics. The magazine and website, which has also been redesigned, focuses on three sections… body, look and life. The web site also features FLASH which focuses on what’s happening now.
SELF, like many other fitness brands, is broadening itself beyond just a print magazine and website. Readers can download their app, interact with a social media game and look for the name to appear on fitness gear and equipment.
Julianne Alexandra Hough is featured on the newest cover of SELF. She’s appeared on the cover before and also featured in a number of other magazines. She’s a professional ballroom dancer, singer and actress. Julianne is a two-time champion of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
Fitness is become a lifestyle for millions of women and that’s hardbody! Read more on the redesign and it’s future on NYtimes.com.
Bodybuilding.com will provide free, live coverage of the 2013 Arnold Classic online. Webcast includes stage events, commentary, backstage interviews and more.
Bodybuilding.com To Air Free, Exclusive 2013 Arnold Classic Webcast
Boise, ID – February 7, 2013 – It’s already being called one of the most anticipated events in the history of bodybuilding and fitness. Arnold Schwarzenegger, star of the new film “The Last Stand,” is bringing his annual Arnold Sports Festival back to Columbus, Ohio, the weekend of February 28-March 3, 2013. Under the direction of promoter Jim Lorimer, about 175,000 visitors are expected to see 18,000 athletes compete in more than 45 different sports and events!
For those who can’t make the trip to Columbus, Bodybuilding.com will once again present a series of exclusive LIVE webcasts on Friday and Saturday, covering the Arnold Classic Bodybuilding Championship, along with the Ms. International, Fitness International, Figure International & Bikini International events.
Bodybuilding.com 2013 Arnold Classic Webcast
Don’t miss the FREE 2013 Arnold Classic Webcast, brought to you exclusively by Bodybuilding.com, Cellucor, MusclePharm & Optimum Nutrition!
Returning to call the action are veteran hosts Dan Solomon, IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Bob Cicherillo, and Physique Coach Dr. Layne Norton. Providing insights and commentary for the women’s events will be Fitness Coach & IFBB Fitness Pro Carla Sanchez and the 2011 Ms. Figure Olympia & 2012 Figure International Champion Nicole Wilkins.
All eyes will be on Dexter Jackson as he looks to tie Flex Wheeler’s record of four Arnold Classic Titles. Iris Kyle, Erin Stern and Nicole Nagrani will also return, attempting to re-claim their spot in Arnold’s coveted winner’s circle.
Event Schedule
Presented by Cellucor, Optimum Nutrition and MusclePharm, the webcast coverage begins, exclusively at Bodybuilding.com, on Friday at 7 p.m. ET with the Ms. International, Fitness International and Figure International Finals, preceded 10 minutes prior by commentary on the women’s prejudging rounds from earlier that day. (Video-On-Demand footage from the Friday women’s prejudging events will also be available as soon as feasible.)
On Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, be sure to return to Bodybuilding.com for the exclusive LIVE coverage of the Arnold Classic and Bikini International Prejudging rounds.
Finally, the main event consisting of the Arnold Classic & Bikini International Finals, plus special coverage of the Arnold Strongman Finals, goes live Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, preceded 30 minutes earlier by a special backstage Pre-Show Exclusive. The Post-Show Report from backstage at Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium follows the main event, featuring unique interviews and the presentation of the Arnold Classic Webcast Fan’s Choice Award.
Webcast Start Times
Friday, March 1, 2013, 6:50 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time)
Women’s Pre-Show and Ms. Int’l, Fitness Int’l & Figure Int’l Finals
Saturday, March 2, 2013, 2:00 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time)
Arnold Classic & Bikini Int’l Prejudging
Saturday, March 2, 2013, 6:30 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time)
Men’s Pre-Show and Arnold Classic & Bikini Int’l Finals
To learn more about Bodybuilding.com‘s expanded coverage of this year’s Arnold Sports Festival, visit: http://www.bodybuilding.com/arnold
Bodybuilding.com offers more than 13,000+ health & fitness supplements and accessories to help more than 10 million people every month achieve their health, fitness and appearance goals, as well as more than 35,000 pages of FREE information, including more than 20,000 articles and videos, expert online trainers, and new content added daily!
For more information: http://www.bodybuilding.com.
Liz Carmouche will face Ronda Rousey this month for the first women’s UFC bout. It’s been wildly publicized and the fight will be not only the first in the UFC but also the headline event for UFC 157. Monday, the second women’s UFC bout was announced between Miesha Tate and Cat Zingano. The two will face off as part of The Ultimate Fighter Finale on April 13, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Miesha Tate was the Strikeforce bantamweight champion, that was until she met up with the arm-barring Rousey last year. Tate is 13-3 and coming off a win over Julie Kedzie. Cat Zingano is undefeated in her pro career and currently stands at 7-0. Cat is as friendly as the come outside of the cage but you don’t want to meet up with her inside of it. She may not have the big name fights that Tate has but rest assured she will put the former champ to the test.
Cat shared on her facebook fan page, “Time to step it up and achieve my highest good! UFC Zingano vs Tate, April 13 Las Vegas NV.” Follow Cat via twitter @catzingano.
Follow Miesha Tate on twitter @MieshaTate or like her official facebook fan page.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) opted to keep the pentathlon and remove wrestling from it’s list of Olympic events. It’s a surprising move, considering wrestling is one of the oldest Olympic sports. The board reviewed 26 sports currently on the Olympic program and by eliminating one it allows for a new sport to be added to the program.
Wrestling joins baseball, softball, karate, roller sports, sport climbing, squash, wakeboarding and wushu for a single spot in the 2020 Olympics. Considering the removal it’s highly unlikely that wrestling would be voted into the mix. In 2005, the IOC removed baseball and softball. Rugby and Golf will be part of the 2016 Olympics games.
AP Sports writer, Stephen Wilson writes…
The IOC program commission report analyzed more than three dozen criteria, including television ratings, ticket sales, anti-doping policy and global participation and popularity. With no official rankings or recommendations contained in the report, the final decision by the 15-member board was also subject to political, emotional and sentimental factors.
Previously considered under the closest scrutiny was modern pentathlon, which has been on the Olympic program since the 1912 Stockholm Games. It was created by French baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic movement.
Modern pentathlon combines fencing, horse riding, swimming, running and shooting—the five skills required of a 19th century cavalry officer. The sport’s governing body, the UIPM, has been lobbying hard to protect its Olympic status, and the efforts apparently paid off.
Women’s Wrestling was added to the Olympics at the 2004 Athens Games.
NEWS RELEASE
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) – IOC leaders have dropped wrestling for the 2020 Games in a surprise decision to scrap one of the oldest sports on the Olympic program.The IOC executive board decided Tuesday to retain modern pentathlon – the event considered most at risk – and remove wrestling instead from its list of core sports.
The decision, announced by the IOC, was first reported by The Associated Press.
The IOC board acted after reviewing the 26 sports on the current Olympic program. Eliminating one sport allows the International Olympic Committee to add a new sport to the program later this year.
Wrestling, which combines freestyle and Greco-Roman events, goes back to the inaugural modern Olympics in Athens in 1896.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Read more on the story on Denverpost.com.
A Dallas woman alleges two employees of LA Fitness sexually harassed her during personal training sessions. Jamie Johnson claims her person trainer made inappropriate comments towards her.
ABCNEWS.com
At one point, the trainer had Johnson perform certain exercises so he “could ‘watch her boobs,’” according to the lawsuit filed in Dallas County Court last month. He told Johnson that he could tell when she’d had a “good workout” because “her nipples would get hard,” according to the court filing.
Read full story on abcnews.com.
It’s that time of year again. The annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is out and once again it features Kate Upton. While we’re not hating on Kate, we’re left wondering why her again and why such a lackluster cover. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue has turned into a brand of its own. It’s one of the few issues of any magazine that has millions of people talking.
Last year we posted a poll and over 2,400 of you voted. Brittany Tacy, Dianna Dahlgren & Amanda Laton lead the way. So we figured let’s do it again and see who might be the favorite this year or will we yield the same results? There are hundreds of hardbody women who we feel would make a better cover model and again it’s no knock on Kate. She’s a beautiful woman and all the props to her for the continued success.
Photo via Sports Illustrated. Kate Upton cover model.
We want to know who would YOU like to see on the cover. It can be any female athlete or competitor who you think has the kind of body that not only men but also women would appreciate. Let’s be honest we’ll probably never see a hardbody on the cover of the SI Swimsuit issue but hey we can dream right? Cast your vote for who you think would make a good cover model. If you don’t see your favorite already listed feel free to add them below.
UFC’s cameras follow Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche as they head into UFC 157. UFC Primetime is a documentary style approach to give fans a raw and real look inside their headline fighters. They don’t produce a prime time show for every title fight but when they do it’s very professional and carefully edited.
UFC 157 is a historic event that will feature women’s MMA for the first time inside the octagon. President of the UFC, Dana White told the fans and reporters they’d never see women fight in the UFC. That changed when a trash talking Ronda Rousey did more than talk, she delivered and finished fights. All of them. She has yet to allow an opponent to make it to a second round.
The first first of the UFC’s three part series aired last night and focused largely on Rousey. Those who follow the UFC and Rousey’s meteoric rise would expect nothing less. She has the looks, she provides the sound bites worthy of headlines and she can fight. Some would argue that she’s only getting the attention she is because of her looks but those are the same people who don’t know her story and her struggles from day birth.
In episode one, we learn Ronda was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. It caused her to struggle with her speech and it was nearly three years before she could talk. Ronda shared, “My sisters would translate my gibberish.” Near the end of the show, we see a side of Ronda that often goes unseen with the MMA bad ass. She breaks down into tears. It one of the few times you’ll see a vulnerable Rousey, she shares the story of how her father committed suicide after a sledding accident. Ronda was a young girl when the tragedy happened but you get a sense the memory lives with her every day.
Ronda was the first American woman to win an Olympia medal in Judo. “After the Olympics they pretty much gave me gave me 10 grand & a handshake,” said Rousey. Ronda worked as a waitress and bartender while trying to get her MMA career on track. Those days are long gone and you get the feeling she’s doing whatever it takes to never go back to those jobs.
Rousey’s opponent, Liz Carmouche gets about a third of the airtime in the first episode. UFC Primetime chose to highlight Liz’s sexual orientation right out of the gate. She served five years in the US Marine Corp but we learn little about that instead we hear about her being a lesbian. Carmouche openly talks about it and her relationship with her girlfriend. She doesn’t live a glamorous life but you don’t hear her complain about it.
Liz is the underdog in the fight. Unlike Rousey she has yet to reach super-star status. Liz opens the doors to her gym, the San Diego Combat academy, and helps close them at the end of the night. She answers phones, teaches classes and often runs the front desk. In one of the few moments we hear from Liz in episode one she says, “I was brought in to be the underdog ’cause they think that she’s going to win and I’m okay with that. I like having people think that. I absolutely think I’m gonna spoil the UFC plans.”
Watch as UFC Primetime cameras follow women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and challenger Liz Carmouche in the weeks leading up to their historic bout at UFC 157.
Wondering what the song was that played during Ronda’s drive to the gym? It’s ZZ Ward’s “Move Like U Stole it”. Listen to it on Spotify.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Primetime returns on Thursday night and it features the first two women to fight in the octagon. Ronda Rousey (6-0) has quickly become the face of women’s MMA and dominated in every fight. Her opponent, Liz Carmouche (7-2) will try to do the unimaginable by defeating the highly favored Rousey.
UFC Primetime: Rousey vs. Carmouche, premiers at midnight ET on FUEL TV. The three part series takes you inside their training camps for the historic championship bout.
PRESS RELEASE:
Las Vegas – UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and challenger Liz Carmouche are set to make history on Saturday, Feb. 23 when they become the first women to compete in the UFC’s hallowed Octagon®. Tonight, fans get an all-access pass inside their training camps before the historic championship bout, as episode one of UFC PRIMETIME®: ROUSEY vs. CARMOUCHE premieres on FSN. To see when the show airs in your region, check your local listings or visit http://msn.foxsports.com/tv/schedule or http://www.ufc.com/news/157-primetime-listings-news
UFC PRIMETIME®: ROUSEY vs. CARMOUCHE will also be available on www.ufc.com beginning tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 8. Air dates and times for the remaining two episodes will be announced shortly.
UFC®157: ROUSEY vs. CARMOUCHE, which takes place Saturday, Feb. 23 from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., will be available live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on UFC.TV, iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN and in Canada on BellTV, Shaw Communications, Sasktel, and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.99 US/$49.99 CAN for Standard Definition and $54.99 US/$59.99 CAN for High Definition.
For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.
About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas and with offices in London, Toronto and Beijing, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. In 2012, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FX and FUEL TV. This also includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, which airs on FX.
In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 169 countries and territories, to nearly 800 million TV households worldwide, in 28 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions, in English throughout Canada via Premium Sports Broadcasting Inc. and Australia via Main Event and in French throughout Quebec via Interbox. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with nearly 2.4 million followers on Twitter. Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs and video games, an internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, a new franchise in development with EA, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel and trading cards.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard of the popular social media website Pinterest. If you’ve used it you know it can end up being a time suck but a place for incredible inspiration. We’ve experimented with it a bit but admittedly not much. It can be a bit overwhelming and confusing on how to use it effectively. Thankfully our hardbody friend, Melissa Taylor has put together an ebook on that explains how it all works.
Melissa is a teacher, mom and now author who has figured out how to use Pinterest to its fullest and it’s earned her over a million followers. When you have that type of following you become an “influencer” and with that opens you up to a number of opportunities. We’ve downloaded her ebook (it’s free today 02.7.13) and would encourage you to do the same if you’re interested in using Pinterest to help you in your social media efforts. Let us know what you think and comment below if you’re on Pinterest.
You can follow us at pinterest.com/hardbodynews. Follow Melissa on Pinterest.
Download this easy-to-follow guide about Pinterest.
HARDBODY NEWS SOCIAL MEDIA: