Hello Columbus Ohio


The hotels are packed with fitness, figure and bodybuilding peeps. No problems on the flight, plane was smaller than normal for the direct flight to Columbus. A few industry people on the plane but not as many as usual. Hope that isn’t an indication of the number of people with booths this year. Grabbed a bite to eat at a nice Greek restaurant just down from the expo. Check it out if you like Greek food and in Columbus. Ran into Monique Minton at the hotel. She’s looking beautiful as always and will be working the BSN booth this weekend. Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson was in the house and introduced me to a lovely ladies. Former WWE’s Bobby Lashley was checking into the hotel. His fiance Kristal will be competing in the bikini division tonight.

Headed to the Pro Athlete’s check-in and then will probably check out the NPC portion of the show. I’m curious to see what type of physiques are in the bikini division and who is rewarded. The prejudging and finals are held tonight. If I have enough time will check out Joe Rogan’s comedy act which is being filmed for an upcoming special.

This is the nicest Arnold Classic weather I can remember. It was in the 50s and was able to walk around outside with a light jacket. Sun is shining and no gray skies. Very refreshing from the usual frigid temps.

Stay updated with us on twitter throughout the evening.



Video: Try PowerThirst Energy Drink


“Mother nature will be like sloooooooow down”. HAHA. This is spoof on energy drinks but fairly amusing. Okay, it’s dumb but gets funnier every time you watch it. Over thirteen million people have viewed it!

How many new energy drinks will we see in Columbus?



IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Isabelle Turrell on Local News


Props to Isabelle Turrell for getting some local coverage heading into the Ms. International. Isabelle will be making her first trip to the Arnold where she will compete against a number of seasoned veterans. She looks like she’ll be holding her come show time.

Nice plug for the webcast on bodybuilding.com at the end. These are the types of pieces that will not only help competitors but also the industry as a whole.



Warmer Weather in Columbus & Clocks Ahead This Weekend


Many of you will be traveling to Columbus this weekend for the Arnold Classic. Two things to note. The weather and the time.

Let’s hope this weather holds up. There’s a slight chance of rain but I’ll take warmer weather and rain over cold and snow.
Thursday – 58°
Friday – 56°
Saturday – 66°
Sunday – 66°
Monday – 46°

All Americans should take note of Daylight Saving Time this weekend. Those of you planning on partying it up at the afterparty will need to do it up early. The clocks get set ahead at 2am on Sunday. It will give us an extra hour of sunlight at night, which I’m all for but it sucks that it falls on this weekend. I will need all the sleep I can get. Want to know more about Daylight Saving Time check it out here.



You Wanna Compete?


Muscle and Fitness Hers has a good article on those of you looking to compete. It also has some helpful reminders and tips for those of you who already do compete.

YOUR CONTEST-DAY CHECKLIST
• Towel
• Spray adhesive to hold your suit in place
• Extra color and powder-free latex gloves
• Oil or moisturizer for sheen
• Cell phone and camera
• Hair accessories, rollers, scrunchies, bobby pins, curling irons
• Makeup (include powder, lip gloss and extra set of eyelashes) and hand mirror
• Jewelry and extra earring backings
• Water and straws for sipping
• Food, usually carbs such as oats, potato, rice cakes or dried fruit; bring utensils
• Resistance band for pumping up

Get all the tips and read the entire article at MuscleandFitnessHers.com.



Ft. Lauderdale Pro Show a Go


I had a few people ask me if the IFBB Figure show was still on. The event isn’t currently on the IFBBpro.com schedule but promoter Shannon Dey assures me the event is a go. When the first round of the calendar went out a date hadn’t been established. Now there is a date and it’s set for October 10, 2009. The show will take place at the Parker Playhouse in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Shannon tells me it’s a 1940’s theatre with a burlesque feel to it. There will be valet parking, red carpet, the whole nine yards. This is an all female event.

Stay tuned for more info in the coming weeks but mark your calendars now.



Pickem and Win on SiouxCountry.com


If you’re itching to interact with some of the top female pros then Siouxcountry.com is the place to be. The forum has a massive collection of information on the women, in a positive environment. You can even win 50 bucks if you correctly pick the top 8 in the Figure International.

The show is incredibly stacked and even though I made my predictions (different once again on siouxcountry – pulling a Lonnie Teper). The show could go a number of ways and we have no idea who will miss the mark and who will nail it. This is all in good fun so don’t get your panties in a bunch if your favorite competitor isn’t being named or if you’re name is absent from the list. 🙂

Head over to SiouxCountry.com to place your picks.



Harbody Twitters The Arnold Classic


A few weeks ago I had asked if you were part of the Twit Nation here on hardbody. Most of you didn’t know what it was, why it was all the buzz and what the big deal was all about. I admit I didn’t know much about it despite having had an account for months. Since that time I’ve adapted to the Twitter ways and find it pretty damn cool. You can get news and info in real time. I started “following” people that I would most likely never interact with, like the CEO of ZAPPOS.com and Tony Robbins. The cool thing is you can get the “tweets” (see video below for what that means) sent to your phone by text message or you can view it through your twitter account.

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We’re going to try something new at the Arnold this year. We’ll keep your posted in real time with all the news, gossip, inside scoops and results as they happen at the Arnold Classic via twitter.  If you don’t have a twitter account – get one. It’s free to join and you can do so in a couple of minutes. Once you have a twitter account find us at http://twitter.com/hardbodynews . There you will be able to follow all the happenings from Columbus.

Here is a video that explains Twitter for those of you still not picking up what I’m putting down. 🙂

If you have a twitter account post it here and make sure to start following all the action.



IFBB Pros Carla Sanchez & Elaine Goodlad to Host Arnold Webcast


Those of you who aren’t able to make it to the Arnold Classic this weekend can still enjoy the action compliments of bodybuilding.com. The women’s portion of the weekend will be hosted by IFBB Fitness Pro Carla Sanchez and IFBB Figure Pro Elaine Goodlad. The two will give the play by play for all the women’s events. Visit Bodybuilding.com to check out the webcast.



Monique Minton New Muscle & Fitness Hers Cover Model


Congrats to NPC competitor and rising fitness model star, Monique Minton on her first cover. Monique is featured on the new Muscle & Fitness Hers cover which hit stands today. Those of you attending the Arnold Classic this week can stop by the BSN booth and meet the cover model. Congrats Monique!

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Monique Minton features on the March/April 2009 issue.


Charity After-Bash VI – MEGA-PARTY


Be Part of THE LARGEST AFTER-PARTY OF THE FITNESS INDUSTRY… If you attended previous Mega-Parties you’ll know Practically Every Pro Athlete of The Industry Will Be Attending! THIS SATURDAY NIGHT March 7th

Jason Dhir Presents…The Charity After-Bash VI – MEGA-PARTY ’09!
6 Months of Design and Prep work.
5 Thousand people in attendance.
4 Levels in this Sanctuary of Sin.
3 Unbelievable Shows in one night.
2 Times the size of last years After-Bash.
1 Bad-Ass MEGA-PARTY.

Don’t miss several LIVE shows including…
Hysteria AND THE HYPERDOME!
Chainsaws on Ice!
And Candyland Massive!

Also – The First Time in our After-Party History…ALL LIVE FEED ON WWW.BODYBUILDING.COM – Be Seen WORLDWIDE and LIVE! Thousands of dollars of Giveaways, Surreal entertainment, and with more celebs and athletes than any other After-Party in town that weekend! It is THE Party to attend. Don’t Miss It!

To Purchase Tickets In Advance:
www.jasondhir.com or www.groovetickets.com

*Please Note that the Charity After-Bash is NOT associated or affiliated with any other parties or events during the Arnold Classic Weekend. There’s only ONE MEGA-PARTY in town…and THIS IS IT!

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Arnold Expo Drives Loretta Lynn Nutty


Today’s photo of the day was snapped a couple years ago at the Arnold Expo. The peeps working a booth tend to get a lil nutty by the end of the weekend. Here’s an example of what happens to a fitness model like Loretta Lynn at the end of it all.

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Get outta my face foo!


Kim Lyons teams up with BEBE Sport


IFBB Pro and trainer on NBC’s Biggest Loser, Kim Lyons has teamed up with popular women’s clothing line BEBE Sport. Kim is featured on their web site and shares a bit in the video below.

Thanks to Alyssa Carpio for the heads up on this story. You can meet Kim Lyons at the Bodybuilding.com booth next weekend at the Arnold EXPO.



Figure International Champions Wallpaper


Looking to spruce up your desktop and help stay motivated? Head over to bodybuilding.com and download the latest Wallpaper featuring last year’s top five Figure International winners.

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Top six at the 2009 Figure International.


Happy Birthday Dina Al-Sabah


A big shout out to Dina Al-Sabah who will is celebrating her birthday today. Dina hasn’t been on the competitive stage in couple years but can still be seen in many of the fitness magazines. Most recently she was on the cover of IRONMAN magazine. Happy Birthday Dina!

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The beautiful Dina Al-Sabah.


IFBB Fitness Pro Anna Level Back on Stage


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Anna performing her fitness routine.

I caught up with IFBB Fitness Pro Anna Level recently and she tells me she’ll be back on the fitness stage. Well, let me clarify… she’ll be back on stage as a guest performer at The Diamond Classic on April 25, 2009. The last time we saw Anna on the competitive stage was the 2004 Fitness Olympia, where she placed 10th.

Will she return to IFBB Fitness competition? You’ll have to wait and see.



Lingerie Football League Casting Call


Are you hot and tough enough to play in the LINGERIE FOOTBALL LEAGUE with a chance to compete in the LINGERIE BOWL??? If so, the producers will be in Denver casting for the LFL’s newest team, The Denver Dream!

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New Lingerie Football League.

Denver Ladies… Friday, March 13th attend the open-call Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to try-out for the Denver Dream!
• Dress Attire – Cute/Athletic Wear
• Bring a Headshot/Bodyshot
• Time – 10AM Arrive/Ready

Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (Home to the Dream)
6000 Victory Way
Commerce City, C0 80022

On-site contact: Heather Theisen
Please email Heather with any questions: heather_theisen@LFLUS.com

For more information on the Lingerie Football League visit: www.LFLUS.com



Arnold Expo – Who Will Be Where


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The Arnold Expo
in Columbus, Ohio draws thousands of fitness enthusiasts from across the globe. It’s a place where companies showcase their products and it’s always a jam packed event. We’re compiling a list of who will be where during the expo. If you’re working a booth and don’t see your name here, leave it in the comments or email me isaac @ hardbody.com.

Bodybuilding.com
A complete list is here but some females to stop by and visit:
Crystal Matthews
Kyla McGrath
Michelle De Maria
Tana Gabrielle
Fawnia Dietrich
Ginger Redeker
Allison Ethier
Christine Pomponio-Pate
Sherry Goggin
Kim Lyons

CardioFight

Tina White
Amy Lee Martin
GNC
Kristi Tauti
Sonia Adcock
Adela Garcia
Julie Palmer
Tracey Greenwood
Heidi Fletcher
Desha Rodriquez
Tina Durkin

ErgoPharm

Amy O’Neil
Rachel Cammon
Alicia Harris
Tight Curves
Kristal Richardson
Huong Arcinas
Brooke Johnson
Candace Houston
Holly Schrader
Janet West
Jessica Smith
Melinda Meyer
Pamela Chatman
Sara Bedrossian
Tanya Horn

Optimum/ABB
Jessica Paxson-Putnam

MET-Rx
Grace Grimes
Monica Varrasso

Worldwide Sport Nutrition
Brianna Tindall
Courtney Hodges

ALRi
Tara Thatcher
Caryn Baker
Krissy Chin
Lauren Powers

VPX
Liza Kampstra
Kristin Nunn
Julie Palmer

S.A.N.
Rosa-Marie Romero
Heather Green
Timea Majorova

BSN
Jennifer Nicole Lee
Monique Minton
Alicia Marie

GAT
Felicia Romero

ManSports
Meriza DeGuzman

Species Nutrition
Catherine Holland
Julie Ann Kulla
Arina Manta
Colette Nelson
Dena Westerfield
Melissa Detwiller
Jennifer Cowan
Isabelle Turell
Britt Miller

Europa Sports
Jenny Lynn
Gina Aliotti

Gaspari Nutrition
Marzia Prince
Gina Ostarly
Kirstin Lykus
Cathy LeFrancois
Erin Riley
Tanji Johnson

MHP
Kim Sheppard
Abbie Marie Lindeman (formerly Wolf)
**Matt Matthews for all you ladies looking for a big hunka man

ProLab
Vanessa Adams
Angela Terlesk

Labrada Nutrition
Deanne Brown

Twinlab
Halcy Duarte

Metabolic Research/Interactive Nutrition
Natalie Waples

Champion Nutrition
Kathleen Tessori
Kristal Marshall
Jennifer Celeste
For you MMA Fans… Bobby Lashley, Thieago Alvez, and Mike Brown

BNRG
Monica Brant



The Evil Look from Adela


Top IFBB Pro Adela Garcia shares another one of her favorite Youtube videos with us. “The Evil Look” is pretty cute. We’re beginning to think Adela may be addicted to youtube.



1 Week to Go – An Improved Hernandez is Ready for the Arnold


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IFBB Figure Pro Lenay Hernandez
Lenay has been counting down the days to the Figure International since she sent in her application. She is one of the most positive, up-beat women you’ll meet in the industry. Always sporting a smile and not afraid to show her sassy side. One week from today she’ll be in Columbus on the eve of her first Arnold competition. Lenay tells me she has a new one piece suit and feels amazing. She trains with Nelson Almerico in Florida and they’ve focused on refining her physique for this show. Little Miss Hernandez shared, “My delts are a little rounder and my quads have improved since the Olympia. I am ready and cannot wait to step on the prestigious Arnold stage. Oh and get that cupcake you owe me since the O!”
Lenay is like a little kid. Don’t promise to treat them to something and not follow through. I had told her I’d get her a cupcake if she made it to the Olympia and she did however I failed to deliver the cupcake. I won’t make that mistake again as she hasn’t let me live it down since September. HAHA.
This is the woman you need to keep an eye on to shake things up in the top 6. She’s featured in the newest Bodyshop in FLEX magazine this month as well. Check it out on shelves now and check her our on stage next week.


Allan Donnelly Named Editor-In-Chief of FLEX Magazine


One of the good guys in the bodybuilding/fitness industry, Allan Donnelly continues to move up at FLEX magazine. I’ve had the pleasure to work with Allan since he started with FLEX and he’s always been supportive of the women in the biz. Congrats Allan.

PRESS RELEASE:
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/
— David J. Pecker, Chairman, President and CEO of American Media, Inc. (AMI), today announced that Allan Donnelly has been named the new Editor-in-Chief of FLEX magazine. Since joining FLEX in 2006, Mr. Donnelly has been involved in all aspects of the magazine and website, rising from Senior Editor to Online Editor and, most recently, Executive Editor. His involvement with AMI and Weider Publications dates back to 2001, when he began as an Editor at Men’s Fitness and a contributor to Muscle & Fitness.

Since its inception in 1982, FLEX magazine has been the world’s leading publication for bodybuilding enthusiasts. FLEX reaches over one million readers a month.

About American Media, Inc.
American Media, Inc. is the leading publisher of celebrity journalism and health and fitness magazines in the U.S. These include Star, Shape, Men’s Fitness, Fit Pregnancy, Natural Health, and The National Enquirer. In addition to print properties, AMI manages 14 different web sites. The company also owns Distribution Services, Inc., the country’s #1 in-store magazine merchandising company.



Oksana Grishina Wallpaper of the Week


Download the Oksana Grishina Wallpaper for your desktop. I took this shot at the 2008 Fitness International and it is one that you have to look more than once to appreciate. Yes, she is balancing on only one hand in the middle of her evening routine. Simply amazing!

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Oksana Grishina demonstrates her incredible skills.

Oksana will be competing next weekend at this year’s Fitness International once again. Best of luck Oksana.



The Iron Sirens Come to Life


IRON SIRENS creator JM Manion provides us with a look at how the Sirens come to life.

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The real Adela Garcia.
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The illustrated Adela.
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Kristal Richardson posing for her cover.
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Kristal’s illustrated cover.

Sonia Gonzalez and Gina Aliotti are now part of the “Dark Divas” along with Jenn Gates and Liza Kampstra. The photos you see are raw images and not touched up but you can see how the artist as used them in his drawings. Keep your eye out for photos of Jenny, Jenn and Liza in their outfits later this year.

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Gina Aliotti in her outfit for the comic.
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Gina Aliotti’s character drawing.
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The diva Sonia hits a pose in costume.
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Sonia’s character drawings.

Iron Sirens Issue # 4 will be for sale exclusively at the Tight Curves booth at the Arnold Expo. Jimmy Mentis and Tom Richardson helped make that happen. There will be a few feature packages with all four issues available for a discounted price of $20 at the Arnold. This is a bargain for comic book fans. Issue #4 wraps up the current story line and sets it off into a new one at the end. Fans can have Kristal autograph their copy at the Tight Curves booth and then venture to the GNC booth for Adela and Sonia’s signatures. Jenny Lynn and Gina Aliotti can be found at the Europa Sports Product booth throughout the weekend if you’re looking to snag their autograph as well.Which Siren will come out on top at the Arnold stage? We’ll have to wait until next week to find out.



Boogie Bear joins the Richardson Family


Here is one of the more adorable photos you’ll see.

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Kristal and Boogie Bear chill’n poolside.

IFBB Figure Pro Kristal Richardson tells me there is a new addition to the Richardson/Tight Curves Family. This 8 week-old chocolate lab named Boogie Bear joins his older brother Boomer at their Florida home. The little guy won’t be little for too long. He’s already tipping the scales at 16lbs.

Kristal is currently prepping for a return to the Figure International stage. She’s coming off a top ten finish at the Olympia and is ready to rock in Columbus.



Head to the Heart Attack Grill after your Next Show


Anyone who has been around the world of competing or competed themselves knows that the meal after the show is a coveted one. Competitors often crave pizza, donuts, chocolate or maybe a margarita. I’ve competed twice and for me it was pizza. Well that and nearly every other thing on the menu at The Cheesecake Factory. Those of you living near Chandler, Arizona have a different place you may want to visit after a show. You may never want to return but it does look like the kind of destination worth checking out at least once. That place is The Heart Attack Grill. Yes, it prides itself on being unhealthy and their tag line is “taste worth dying for”. If you’re over 350lbs you eat free… All day – every day. You do have to weigh-in before they will serve you if you’re in that category.

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The menu at The Heart Attack Grill.

Disturbing? Absolutely. I wouldn’t recommend making it a staple of your daily meal plan. Would I check it out once? Ya and hopefully I’d live to share about it.

Learn more about this bizarre place in the video below:



Julie Ann Kulla feature in Muscle & Fitness


Check out the April 2009 issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine on shelves now. Bruce Lee is featured on the cover and on the inside is a great piece with IFBB Pro Julie Ann Kulla. One year ago she wasn’t even a pro and now she’s gracing the pages of Muscle & Fitness. We’ll be seeing Julie Ann back on stage at some point this year.

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April 2009 Muscle & Fitness

Oh and the lead-in photo to the article was snapped by yours truly. It was a hot ass day in Vegas when we shot but Julie Ann was great to work with and fun to photograph. Congrats Julie Ann!



Adela Garcia Recommends Booty Aerobics


What do competitors do when they are dieting and carb-depleted? If you’re IFBB Pro Adela Garcia you amuse yourself with youtube videos. Adela sent me this video and it is hilarious. If you’re attending the Arnold Classic next weekend, make sure you stop by the GNC booth and ask her for a booty aerobics demonstration.



Hardbody Huong’s Arnold Update


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Huong Arcinas is ready for Columbus.

IFBB Figure Pro Huong Arcinas checks in days out from the Figure International.

Huong shares:
Despite being loaded with tons of caffeine these days, I fell like a total zombie. I hit my goal weight ( anyone care to guess??) and just cruising now. I look great and this Cali momma is ready to roll out to Columbus in 9 days.



Bikini Coaching/Training?


I’ve been seeing it pop up more and more online. Numerous trainers are promoting that they are teaching women how to prepare for the new NPC bikini division. I’m curious how those of you who are trainers and coaches are approaching this considering there has yet to be a show. I’m not saying it isn’t necessary however my concern is how can you teach some one to do well in bikini when there has yet to be a show take place? If it is working on stage presentation, great! This is definitely something that every competitor could and should work on. Tanning, suit selection, shoes, make-up and hair are all things that should be given attention to but until the presidence is set by the judges about all there is to go off from is what FLEX magazine awarded in their bikini model search.
Sound off if you’re helping women prep for the bikini division.



I’m On A Boat Feauting T-Pain


This doesn’t really have much to do with females of fitness but hey it is funny. There have been close to 5 MILLION, yes MILLION, views to this youtube video. Check out the skit from the folks at Saturday Night Live but be sure not to have your speakers too loud if you’re at work or easily offended. The Lonely Island’s I’m On a Boat is comedy. This is a real CD you can purchase.

Do you have your flippy floppies?



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