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Bikini International Jessica Paxson’s Road To The Arnold

January 10, 2013 by

Jessica Paxson has been a figure in the IFBB for nearly a decade. She turned pro at the age of 21 in the Figure division and made the transition into Bikini. This will be her third Bikini International competition and she’s ready to give it all she’s got in Columbus. Jessica joins us to shed a little light on what she’s been up and shares some advice to other women. Enjoy Jessica’s journey to the 2013 Arnold.

jessica-road

 

Jessica Paxson – 2013 Bikini International Contender

Hey Hardbody Readers!

My name is Jessica Paxson and I am from Dayton Ohio. 2013 Marks my ninth year competing! I can’t believe I turned Pro at 21 and will be celebrating my 30th birthday the weekend after I compete in my third Bikini International competition at the Arnold Classic!

I have to say that the Arnold Classic is my absolute favorite show to compete in! The athletes are treated so well and taken great care of, and the show is run so smoothly! I love that we have pre-judging and finals all on Friday, so I can spend the rest of the weekend working the Optimum Nutrition and American Bodybuilding booth at the expo, and I LOVE that I get to drive a short hour and a half to compete in my home state in front of tons of friends and family!

The last show I competed in was the Sheru Classic in India last October. That was my second time visiting India and it was another amazing experience! I really enjoyed it because all of the athletes got to spend  time together which doesn’t always happen at every show. It really felt like we were a team. We got to experience the culture together and were treated wonderfully! I would love to compete in that show again.

I knew that for my next show, I wanted to request an invite to the 2013 Arnold Classic, but I thought I would have a little bit of down time before I had to start gearing up for show prep. I have to confess, I am not one of those anal competitors that is OCD and just LOVES prepping my food and staying on schedule etc.. I honestly wish I were a little more type A. The diet part of competing has always been a struggle for me, which is kind of crazy since my whole career involves the health and fitness industry. I am a personal trainer, sponsored athlete, competitor, and fitness model.

So, I have had to learn the hard way, quite a few times, how important it is to eat clean year round… I am so happy to say that I feel I FINALLY got it after nine years of competing! lol!.

I was enjoying my down time (a little too much : /) when I received a call from Muscle and Fitness Hers magazine saying they wanted to shoot me. I was thrilled to get a chance to shoot with them again! I thought we would schedule a shoot right around the Arnold, like I always schedule my shoots. Nope, they wanted to shoot the first week in January! At first I was thinking… aw man, I don’t get to really enjoy my Thanksgiving and Christmas… then I had a reality check. HELLO!!! Most competitors would kill for an opportunity to shoot for a magazine like Hers!

It was time to REALLY start practicing what I preach. Year round clean eating and a healthy fitness lifestyle! This was the first Holiday season that I didn’t over indulge and you know what? I felt great!!!  This all seems so simple, but it really was a hard lesson for me to learn. It’s also hard to admit because as a competitor and fitness model I have women that follow and support my career. I don’t want to have people writing me or telling me they look up to me, when I really don’t follow the lifestyle I preach!

I feel it’s important to talk about these things because women look at the magazines or the competitors on stage and compare themselves to what they feel is perfection…when in all reality a lot of us women struggle with different types of issues in regards to our diet.

I am looking forward to a nice meal after my shoot and getting right back on track with my show prep for the Arnold. It’s all about balance!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and blessed New Year!

Jess

Follow Jessica on twitter at @JessFit.

For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.

 

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Oksana Grishina’s Hardbody Road To The Arnold

January 10, 2013 by

Oksana Grishina has become a fan favorite over the years. She makes difficult moves look simple and if you dare try one of them you’d likely land on your head. It hasn’t always been roses and victory parties for Oksana. She’s had to “pay her dues” as the saying goes and she’s delivered every step of the way. She tied for 16th in her IFBB Pro debut at the 2007 Dallas Europa. Last year, she did something most never thought was possible. She finished ahead of the most decorated IFBB Fitness Pro in the history books, Adela Garcia, at the Arnold Spain competition. Oksana has established herself as one of the top contenders to this year’s Fitness International title. She joins us in her journey to back to Columbus.

oksana-arnold

Oksana Grishina – 2013 Fitness International Contender

Hello guys!! My name is Oksana Grishina. I’m from Kaliningrad, a small city in Russia. I came to the USA 6 years ago to test myself as a Pro Fitness athlete. To get my Pro card I had to win both the European Championship in 2005, and the World Amateur Overall Fitness Championship in 2006. I have been competing as an IFBB Fitness Pro since 2007, and I’m looking forward to my sixth appearance on the Arnold Classic Stage in Columbus, the 25th Anniversary Arnold Classic show!

I’m really excited as I prepare my new performance for the Arnold Classic stage. This is a very creative performance. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, but I was not ready to take on this character. I am so ready now, and I’m working hard to make it perfect for the fans. I am spending many hours on gymnastics and dance training, new moves, choreography, music, makeup, and costumes, all in a concerted effort to create something to wow the judges and excite the fans. I want to give everyone something to remember and talk about, good or bad.

People always ask me what placing I expect. Guys, from my experience in fitness, each time you prep a new routine, it’s like starting from scratch, and it’s hard to know how your work will be accepted or judged. All I can say is that I am going to do my best. Any other thoughts get in the way. I choose to compete with a positive attitude. I try not to think about my placing, because it is a distraction from doing my best. I am committed to doing something creative and entertaining. If you love to compete, and you love what you’re doing, will your placing change anything? Do what you love to do with all your heart, and be happy with it. I’m very thankful for this opportunity to be on stage, to create something, to entertain, and to be appreciated.

When training for a Fitness competition you must prep both your body and your performance. This can be a challenge, but I’ve found a balance that works for me. I never mix performance training and weight training on the same day. I alternate weight training and performance workout days, training 6 days a week, with two additional cardio sessions each day—including on my “day off”.

The gym is my home, and I do all of this because I love it. I focus on doing my best. I want to give the fans something that will surprise them and thrill them. I love fitness, I love to create, and I love to be on stage. So, I’m already happy.

Love,
Oksana

oksana-avatar1Oksana on the Olympia stage making difficult moves look easy.

 

Follow Oksana on twitter at @OksanaGrishina and like her Facebook page.

For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.

 

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Mallory Haldeman’s Road to The Arnold

January 9, 2013 by

Malllory Haldeman will be heading to her first Arnold in just her third year of competing (amateur and pro combined). She shot to the top of the pro ranks after achieving pro status at the 2012 NPC Jr. Nationals. In reality, Mallory has only been an IFBB Pro for a few months but she’s considered a top five contender by many at this year’s Figure International. She’ll be sharing her journey with us here on Hardbody along the way.
mallory-arnold


Mallory Haldeman – 2013 Figure International Contender

For a few years now, I have wanted to attend the Arnold but never got the chance. It doesn’t quite seem real that my first time there will be on the stage! I am really looking forward to getting on stage with all of these top competitors again. I am most excited to see the changes I have made to my physique during my off season and get the chance to be compared to girls that for so long have been my idols!

I have to admit that the first few weeks of prep are really hard for me. It takes a while for my body to start responding to all the hard work I am putting into it. Unfortunately I am not blessed with the best metabolism, SO my diet HAS to be spot on. And I can’t get away with skipping any of my cardio or conditioning. Once I start to see the changes though, I get much more excited for my gym time! It is also easier to eat the around 1300 calories I get knowing I am where I need to be. 🙂 The first show is also where you get to see all the hard work from the off season shine through and this year, at the Arnold, I am even more excited to see the changes!

I’ll be sharing more soon. Thanks!

Mallory Haldeman

Follow Mallory on twitter at @MalloryIFBB and like her Facebook page.

 

For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.

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Top Fitness Competitor Myriam Capes OUT of Arnold

January 8, 2013 by

Canadian Fitness Pro, Myriam Capes has steadily refined her physique and honed her fitness routines into one of the best in the world. She’s a threat to the top spot in every show she enters. The 2013 Fitness International was looking no different. Until today. The folks at the Arnold Sports Festival first shared the news that Myriam has withdrawn due to injury.

myriam-capes

Myriam finished fourth at the 2012 Olympia. Behind only Adela Garcia, Oksana Grishina and Tina Durkin. On paper it looked like this year’s Fitness International could be between her and Oksana for the win however that battle will have to wait. Myriam’s powerful routines and incredible gymnastic skills will be missed. She finished 6th at the Fitness International last year, fifth in 2011 and 8th in 2010.

An unconfirmed report of an injured back is cited as her injury. If she recovers in time we could see Myriam at the 2013 Arnold Classic Brasil. Join us in wishing Myriam a speedy recovery and return to the stage.

Update: Myriam posted a statement on Facebook. While it’s in French some of you may understand it better than BING translated if for us. HA!

Je vous annonce officiellement que je ne compétionnerai malheureusement pas au Arnold Classic cette année suite à une blessure au dos. Rien de majeur ne vous inquiètez pas mais mon état ne me permet pas de me lancer à nouveau au travers d’une autre préparation. C’est après 12 années sans répris, plus de 30 concours Pro à mon actif dont 4 OLYMPIA et 3 ARNOLD que mon corps me demande un peu de repos!! Alors je me dois de l’écouter afin de revenir en force en septembre pour OLYMPIA afin de monter à nouveau sur le podium!!! Ou qui sait peut-etre avant étant présentement en traitement intensif avec les meilleurs thérapeutes!!! À suivre… Je vous tienderai informer!! Mimi xo

I announce officially that I do competionnerai unfortunately not at the Arnold Classic this year due to a back injury. Nothing major do not worry but my State does not allow me start again through another formulation. It is after 12 years without resumed, more than 30 competition Pro to my assets including 4 OLYMPIA and 3 ARNOLD my body a little rest wonder! Then I have to listen to him to return in force in September for OLYMPIA in order to reach the podium again! Or who knows maybe before being currently under intensive treatment with the best therapists! To follow… I inform you tienderai! Mimi xo
(Translated by Bing)

UPDATED 2013 Fitness International Field:
Fitness International (10)
Bethany Cisternino
Regiane DaSilva
Nicole Duncan
Ryall Graber-Vasani
Oksana Grishina
Fiona Harris
Amanda Hatfield
Tanji Johnson
Kizzy Vaines
Trish Warren

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Nicole Nagrani’s Hardbody Road to The Arnold

January 8, 2013 by

Nicole Nagrani was the inaugural Bikini International Champion in 2011 and is determined to shake Arnold’s hand once again in the winner’s circle. The champ is back to share her journey to Arnold and what keeps her motivated. She asks herself,”How bad do you want it?” She’s coming off a win at the Sheru Classic in INDIA and is determined to move up from her third place finish at the Arnold last year. Find out what keeps this full-time college student on pace en route to her third trip to Columbus.

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Nicole Nagrani – 2013 Bikini International Contender

Hi! I’m Nicole Nagrani from Daytona Beach, Florida. This will be my seventh year competing. YES SEVEN! This will be my fourth year competing in the Bikini division. I can’t believe this is my third trip to the Arnold!!

I can’t wait to step foot on that Arnold stage this year! After winning the Inaugural Bikini International in 2011, and taking third this past year, I am definitely going back to regain my title! Taking third last year was really hard on me after winning both the Arnold and Olympia the previous year.. even though I know that might sound crazy. Believe me, I know what an honor it is to even take the stage at the Arnold, let alone be ranked as one of the top competitors in the sport, but its such an ego blow when you feel as if you’re untouchable and you find out otherwise. I needed that though, I needed to realize that I was taking my success in the sport for granted. But most importantly, I realized that my position as an icon for women around the world is the most important part about this sport. Titles come and go, there’s always going to be someone that ends up being better than the last, but the impact you have on someone’s life by inspiring and motivating them to accomplish their own fitness goals, is by far the most rewarding. So this year, when I go back, no matter what place I take, I want to be my best. I say this every show, but I think I accomplish this every show. I’m happier and happier with my physique every time I take the stage. And I hope that this year when I take the stage, I am still considered an inspiration to competitors around the world and lead by example that achieving your goals is possible!

The Sheru Classic in India was my last show. Just one week after the Olympia, I flew to India and won the IFBB Bikini division! I am half Indian, so winning in this country was really great! The Indian fans were really rooting for me and I think I was able to show them that no matter your background, ethnicity, or race, anyone can eat healthy and train hard to obtain their ideal physique. People in America definitely don’t realize how easy it is to have access to the education and accessories necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle. In India, fitness is really starting to catch on, especially with the women, but the idea of exercising and watching your diet is foreign to most. I’m glad that our group of competitors could travel to India and have an influence on the people to workout and become healthier. Not only did we influence the Indian people, but everyone on that trip embraced the culture and wanted to learn about the people. We wore the traditional Indian dresses, the sari, and we traveled to local markets and temples to really get a sense of what life was like in a foreign country. It truly was an incredible experience and the memories I have will forever be very special to me.

What keeps me motivated for the first show of the year? Well, I think this question all boils down to… HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT? When I train for a show, it’s like this switch is turned on in my head and I don’t focus on anything else besides my goals. Most of you know I am a full-time student, but I recently graduated from Stetson University and I have gotten a job doing research in the meantime until I hear back from medical schools. Among this and many other personal things, my life has changed drastically in the past few months. I’m trying to get my life straight because I feel like my head is everywhere, but when I hear the word Arnold, its like nothing could possibly stop me from dominating this show prep. We all have excuses as to why we aren’t motivated, how there’s so much going on in our lives, how we have no time and this list goes on and on. But when you really want something, when you are passionate about achieving a specific goal, you will do it. I know for me, its not like I know what motivates me, the way I look at it is that their is no other option than to be motivated. I am already motivated, and something must really go sour for me to choose the option of being unmotivated.

And C’mon… its the ARNOLD were talking about here!!!!! Who wouldn’t be motivated?!?!?

Until next time,

Nicole Nagrani

Follow Nicole on twitter at @NicoleNagrani and like her Facebook page.

For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.

 

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Hardbody Road To The Arnold – Yeshaira Robles’ Journey

January 8, 2013 by

Yeshaira Robles is prepping for her first trip to the Bikini International and she shares her journey with us. Follow her Road to the Arnold and read how a mom with  four year old daughter and full-time job juggles it all. Yeshaira is like many of us and she loves food. Will it knock her off the road to the top? Don’t bet against her, she’s proven she can be a leading lady at any show she enters and will be looking for a top spot in Columbus.

yeshair-arnold


Yeshaira Robles, 2013 Bikini International Contender:

Hi Everyone!

My name is Yeshaira Robles and I’m an IFBB Bikini Pro. I’m a mom to a 4 year old girl. Let me tell you a little bit about myself.

I was a model/actress for the entertainment industry. I was pretty much average but once I got pregnant in 2007 I went from 110 to 176. After birth in 2008 I thought I would drop at least 20lbs, wrong. Ha Ha I only dropped 1 pound. After the birth of my daughter, I still went on auditions and landed a lead role for a music video. When I tell you I dropped 40lbs in 3 months I did. I ate clean, small portions every 2 to 3 hours and doing tons of cardio. I trained at home since I had a little one with me all the time. I would do lots of plyometrics at home and circuit training with 5lbs and 10lbs kettle bells. Eventually I got tired of the auditioning and long hours at video and movie shoots so I decided to take a break and get into NPC bikini competitions.

This will be my 3rd year competing. I started in 2010 and turned pro in 2011. I had a great season in 2012 and I will start 2013 off with the Bikini International.  This is my first trip ever to the Arnold and I’m soooooo excited.  Getting invited to the Bikini International was one of my goals/dreams besides the Olympia and winning a show 🙂

Today, I am 7 weeks out and I have officially started my diet and training for this show. I took time off from the gym and diet since my last show, well not completely off just on and off. Ha… I told myself,  “Yeshaira you have to really come in great for this show, its the Arnold and you got Invited”. Honestly sometimes I do get lazy.

I prepped all my meals this morning, all in baggies and ready to go. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, I enjoy my egg whites, oatmeal and a good cup of coffee. Keeping a clean diet is always so difficult for me cause I love FOOD! When it was time for me to eat meal number two, I was like “oh man” Fish and Asparagus. HA!

Once I was done with work I went straight to the gym to start off my first workout of the year “Quads and Glutes” My fav… I had a really good workout I know I’m going to feel it in the morning. After the gym I went home to prep more meals for the next day. I cooked for my little girl and big man lol. I’m not going to lie but I made pepperoni flat bread pizza for my daughter and I had a bite. Food temptation is the worse LOL.

Tomorrow is a new day and I’m ready!

Thanks for reading and until next time,
Yeshaira Robles
Follow Yeshaira on twitter at @yeshaira and like her Facebook page. For more information on the Arnold Sports Festival visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and use #ASF2013 in all your tweets.

 

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Arnold Sports Festival Celebrates 25th Anniversary

December 20, 2012 by

The Arnold Sports Festival will celebrate it’s 25th Anniversary next year and promises to be bigger than ever. The inaugural Arnold Classic, named for co-promoter and bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, and women’s bodybuilding contests were held at Veterans Memorial in 1989. Since then the Arnold Sports Festival has become the nation’s largest multi-sport festival. The 2013 Arnold Sports Festival will draw 175,000 health and fitness enthusiasts and sports fans to Columbus when it is held Feb. 28-March 3.

arnold-25th-anniversary


COLUMBUS, OHIO – The nation’s largest multi-sport festival, which began in 1989 with 39 male and female bodybuilders, will feature more than 18,000 athletes from 80 nations competing in 45 sports and events – including 12 Olympic sports – when the Arnold Sports Festival celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2013.

The inaugural Arnold Classic, named for co-promoter and bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, and women’s bodybuilding contests were held at Veterans Memorial in 1989. Inaugural champion Rich Gaspari will be among the previous winners who will return in 2013 to celebrate its 25th Anniversary.

The 2013 Arnold Sports Festival will draw 175,000 health and fitness enthusiasts and sports fans to Columbus when it is held Feb. 28-March 3. GNC, the nation’s largest specialty retailer of sports nutrition products, returns as the lead sponsor for the 13th straight year.

The Arnold Sports Festival prides itself on bringing new and interesting competitions to the largest multi-sport event in the nation.

New in 2013 is the Scottish Highland Games, which will feature men in kilts performing feats of strength such as the caber toss and hammer throw. The Scottish Highland Games and accompanying Scottish Highland Dance Competition will be held at 10 a.m. on March 3 at Columbus Commons.

Also new will be the Arnold Survival Race, an extreme 5K race at Lou Berliner Park on March 2, K-1 (professional kick boxing) in Battelle Grande Feb. 28, and XPC Powerlifting at Veterans Memorial March 2-3.

The 2013 Arnold Fitness EXPO will again feature 700 booths of the latest in sports equipment, apparel and nutrition and a stage that hosts unique, non-stop competitions and entertainment that combine to make the Arnold Fitness EXPO the heart of the Arnold Sports Festival. Many Arnold Sports Festival participants are youth competing in events such as archery, boxing, cheerleading, dance, fencing, gymnastics, martial arts and table tennis. The top student-athletes compete for ten $2,000 college scholarships presented annually by the Columbus Rotary and the Arnold Sports Festival.

“A Daily EXPO ticket affords a great entertainment value and allows our attendees to experience a great variety of sports and events,” co-promoter Jim Lorimer said. “We are very proud to provide the opportunity for athletes, a majority of them youth, to compete at the largest multi-sport festival in the U.S.”

TICKET INFO:
A Daily EXPO tickets include admission to the following events:

Greater Columbus Convention Center
-Arnold Fitness EXPO (March 1-3, 2013)
-Arnold 5K Pump & Run and Arnold 5K Run/Walk
-Arnold Amateur IFBB International Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure & Bikini Championships
-Arnold Amateur Strongman
-Arnold Armwrestling Challenge
-Arnold Cheerleading & Dance
-Arnold CrossFit Games
-Arnold Fencing Classic
-Arnold Gymnastics Challenge
-Arnold Martial Arts Festival/Grappling
-Arnold Mighty Mitts Competition
-Arnold Strongman Classic (all except final)
-Arnold Table Tennis Challenge
-Arnold USA Boxing Championships
-Arnold Weightlifting Championships
-Arnold World Jump Rope Competition
-Arnold Youth DanceSport
-Art At The Arnold
-Fitness International, Figure International and Bikini International Prejudging
-Ultimate Teen Challenge
-USA Powerlifting Championships
-Zumba Fitness

Columbus Commons
-Arnold Scottish Highland Games

Veterans Memorial
-Arnold Archery Competition
-Arnold XPC Pro/Elite Coalition

French Field House (OSU)
-Arnold Track & Field Championships

Hilton Columbus Downtown
50+ DanceSport Challenge

Lou Berliner Park
-Arnold Survival Race (Free admission, pay to park)

*Some events above are not all three days, please see event schedule for further details.

Separate tickets are required for the following events:
• Arnold Amateur Classic Bodybuilding Prejudging & Finals, Fitness, Figure and Bikini Prejudging 6pm, Feb. 28, Veterans Memorial $25.
• Amateur Bodybuilding Prejudging, Physique & Figure Masters Prejudging & Finals, 9am, March 1, Veterans Memorial $25.
• Fitness International, Figure International and Bikini International Finals, 7pm, March 1, Veterans Memorial $50-75.
• Amateur MMA Festival, 7pm, March 1, Lifestyles Communities Pavilion $30-$75 (not included in VIP package).
• 25th Annual Arnold Classic, Ms. International Prejudging, 2pm, March 2, Veterans Memorial $50.
• 25th Annual Arnold Classic, Ms. International Strongman Classic Finals, 7pm March 2, Veterans Memorial $50-$100.
• Arnold Party With The Pros, 9pm, March 2, Hollywood Casino $25.
• Arnold, Champions & Legends Sunday Morning Showcase, 9am, March 3, Hilton Columbus Downtown $50 ($25 for students with ID)

VIP Ticket Packages and individual event tickets are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold or 800-745-3000. Daily EXPO tickets are available for $10 in advance (plus service charge) or $15 at the door of all Arnold Sports Festival venues. Children 10 and under free.

 

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Photographic Coverage of the 2012 Arnold Sports Festival

March 2, 2012 by

The 2012 Arnold Sports Festival is in full swing and it’s already been one to remember. The IFBB pro competitors were treated to a rare encounter when Arnold Schwarzenegger showed up at their meeting. Typically Arnold arrives in Columbus on Friday however this year a larger than life statue is being unveiled in his honor.

 

photos from the arnold classic

 

There were a number of hardcore juggers at the meet the pros meeting. The Arnold Amateur competitors took the stage last night and there were a number of awesome hardbody women from across the globe. Ron Avidan and Isaac Hinds were there to capture all the action for Bodybuilding.com and NPC NEWS. Check out the photos here.

 

 

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