IFBB Pro League Advisory Notice on Muscle Size


IFBB Pro League Advisory Notice on Muscle Size. Jim Manion, President of the IFBB Pro League, issues the following letter to all IFBB Pro Athletes and Judges.

From: IFBB Pro League
To: IFBB Pro Athletes and Judges
Date: November 13, 2015
Subject: MUSCLE SIZE

The popularity of the IFBB Pro League continues to grow as a result of many factors the introduction of more achievable, less muscular physiques in the Figure and Bikini and the new divisions of Women’s and Men’s Physique.

All of the athletes who have competed in these divisions have represented the IFBB Pro League well. That being said, there has been a noticeable increase in muscle size across all of these divisions.

We would like to remind all athletes and judges that muscle size is only one of the many factors in judging competitors in these divisions.

In order to preserve the criteria in which all of these divisions were based on, we would like to see less focus on muscle size and more focus on symmetry, balance, proportion, definition and overall condition which are all equally important factors contributing to an aesthetically pleasing and fit physique.

We look forward to seeing all of you during the 2016 IFBB Pro League contest season.

Jim Manion
President
IFBB Pro League

About 11 years ago the IFBB issued a statement to all female athletes that read…

Date:December 6, 2004
From: Office of the Vice Chairman
IFBB Professional Division
To: All IFBB Professional Female Athletes
Re: FEMALE MUSCULARITY

For aesthetics and health reasons, the IFBB Professional Division requests that female athletes in Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure decrease the amount of muscularity by a factor of 20%.

This request for a 20% decrease in the amount of muscularity applies to those female athletes whose physiques require the decrease regardless of whether they compete in Bodybuilding, Fitness or Figure.

All professional judges have been advised of the proper criteria for assessing female physiques.

Sincerely,

Jim Manion
Vice Chairman

News Via IFBBpro.com



Results: 2014 IFBB Sacramento Golden State Championships


golden state results

Karin Hobbs doubled down and it paid off at the 2014 IFBB Golden State Championships held in Sacramento, California. Karin won not only the open Pro Women’s Physique competition but also the Master’s Pro Women’s Physique competition. The Boise resident was the unanimous winner on the scorecards and has a spot in the Olympia showdown next month in Vegas. Coming in second was Jillian Reville. Jillian returned to the stage for the first time since having heart surgery last year. Rounding out the top three was Colorado’s Heather Grace. Heather edged out Akane Nigro-Ismeal by one point. Finishing in fifth was Jennifer Robinson. Robinson is already qualified for the Olympia but will need to come in sharper if she has hopes for being a contender in the stacked Olympia lineup.

IFBB Golden State Championships Women’s Physique Results
1. Karin Hobbs
2. Jillian Reville
3. Heather Grace
4. Akane Nigro-Ismeal
5. Jennifer Robinson
6. Jodi Marchuck
7. Carrie Simmons
8. Candrea Judd-Adams
9. Leah Johnson
10. Claire O’Connell
11. Loan Leonard
12. Patricia Wood
13. Roxie Beckles
14. Cathy Jackson

The results were pretty much the same in the Masters with Karin taking the unanimous victory.

IFBB Golden State Championships Masters Women’s Physique Results
1. Karin Hobbs
2. Heather Grace
3. Carrie Simmons
4. Candrea Judd-Adams
5. Leah Johnson
6. Claire O’Connell
7. Patricia Wood
8. Loan Leonard
9. Cathy Jackson

William Bonac took home the victory in the Men’s competition and earned a spot in the Olympia lineup with the win.

IFBB Golden State Championships Men’s Bodybuilding Results
1. William Bonac
2. Essa Obaid
3. Manuel Romero
4. Mohammad Ali Bannout
5. Jojo Ntiforo
6. An Nguyen
7. Akim Williams
8. Toney Freeman
9. Johnnie Jackson
10. Manuel Lomeli
11. Ray Arde
12. Kenneth Jackson
13. Santana Anderson
14. Brian Yersky



IFBB Pro Fitness Added To 2013 PBW Tampa Pro


The number of IFBB Pro Fitness shows are few and far between, especially stateside this year. Now IFBB Fitness Pros have a chance to compete before the 2013 Olympia at the Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Tampa Pro. A number of pros have cited not knowing in time to properly prepare for previous shows, that’s certainly not the case here. We hope to see a number of women step up and compete in this show. A number of promoters have dropped pro fitness from their events due to lack of participation.

tampaproAdded
Tim Gardner and his team always put on a great event in Tampa. This is a welcomed addition to the event. Props to all who are involved in this Fitness addition. We’ll see you there!

PBW CHAMPIONSHIPS PRO
August 9-10 – Tampa, Florida
Promoter: Tim Gardner
Contact: 813-908-7843 / tgflex@aol.com
www.pbwproshow.com



2013 IFBB Contest Schedule – Dates Announced *Updated


The 2013 IFBB Pro League Contest schedule has been released and there are a few new shows added, as well as a couple new locations. The Fitness and Women’s Bodybuilding divisions will see fewer shows in the United States in 2013. The schedule is subject to change and your best bet is to visit IFBBpro.com for the latest contest information.

2013 IFBB contest schedule
HARDBODY 411:
The breakdown of shows from 2012 to 2013 are below. The biggest hit was the Fitness Division with 4 few shows on the schedule for 2013. Women’s Bodybuilding loses a show, while Women’s Physique is down two shows overall from the 2012 schedule. Figure and Bikini continue to dominate and both divisions are up in total shows from 2012.

2013 Number of Shows
Open Men Bodybuilding – 17
212 Men Bodybuilding – 9
Men’s Physique – 11
Women’s Bodybuilding – 5
Fitness – 6
Figure – 24
Bikini – 25
Women’s Physique – 11

2012 Number of Shows
Open Men Bodybuilding – 18
212 Men Bodybuilding – 13
Men’s Physique – 10
Women’s Bodybuilding – 6
Fitness – 10
Figure – 23
Bikini – 23
Women’s Physique – 13

**Updated November 29, 2012**

FITNESS – 6 Total Shows

FITNESS INTERNATIONAL
March 1-2 – Columbus, Ohio
Promoter: Jim Lormier
Contact: 614-431-2600 / slorenz@arnoldexpo.com
Info: www.arnoldsportsfestival.com

FIBO POWER GERMANY
April 13 – Cologne, Germany
Promoter: Jens Thieme
Contact: jens.thieme@reedexpo.de

ARNOLD CLASSIC BRASIL
April 26-27 – Rio deJaneiro, Brasil
Promoter: Rafael Santonja and Bob Lorimer
www.arnoldclassicbrasil.com

TORONTO PRO SUPERSHOW
May 31-June 1 – Toronto, Canada
Promoter: Ron Hache
Contact: 705-561-0775 / ronhache@unitz.ca
Info: www.TorontoProSupershow.com

FITNESS OLYMPIA
September 27-28 – Las Vegas, Nevada
Promoter: Robin Chang
Contact Info: 866-676-2007 / rchang@weiderpub.com
www.mrolympia.com

ARNOLD CLASSIC EUROPE
October 12-13 – Madrid, Spain
Promoter: Monica Ortega
Contact Info: 346-738-88752 or info@ifbbevents.com
www.arnoldclassiceurope.es

——————

FIGURE – 24 Total shows

FIGURE INTERNATIONAL
March 1-2 – Columbus, Ohio
Promoter: Jim Lormier
Contact: 614-431-2600 / slorenz@arnoldexpo.com
www.arnoldsportsfestival.com

AUSTRALIA PRO
March 9-10 – Melbourne, Australia
Promoter: Tony Doherty
Contact: 613-9388-0866 / promuscle@dohertysgym.com
www.dohertysgym.com

ST. LOUIS PRO
March 16 – St. Louis, Missouri
Promoter: Jack Titone
Contact: 314-686-3828 /  titonej@aol.com
www.npcmidwest.com

GOVERNORS CUP
March 23, 2013 – Sacramento, California
Promoter: Ted Williamson/John Tuman
Contact: tedwm@aol.com / bbspy@aol.com
spectrumfitnessproductions.com

EUROPA SHOW OF CHAMPIONS
April 19-20 – Orlando, Florida
Promoter: Ed and Betty Pariso
Contact: 817-498-3631 / BettyPariso@aol.com
www.europaexpo.com

PITTSBURGH PRO
May 4 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Promoter: Jim Manion
Contact: 412-276-5027 / npcfirst@aol.com
www.garyudit.com

POWERHOUSE PRO/AM CLASSIC
May 5 – Detroit, Michigan
Promoter: Will Dabish
Contact:248-305-9630 / 313-670-0727 / willdabish@powerhousegym.com

NEW YORK PRO
May 25 – New York, New York
Promoter: Steve Weinberger
Contact: 516-933-1111 / info@bevfrancis.com
www.bevfrancis.com

CALIFORNIA PRO
May 25 – Culver City, California
Promoter: Jon Lindsay
Contact: 866-370-3011
www.musclecontest.com

TORONTO PRO SUPERSHOW
May 31 – June 1 – Toronto, Canada
Promoter: Ron Hache
Contact: 705-561-0775 / ronhache@unitz.ca
www.TorontoProSupershow.com

OMAHA PRO
June 8 – Omaha, Nebraska
Promoter: Jack Titone
Contact: 314-686-3828
www.npcmidwest.com

WINGS OF STRENGTH CHICAGO PRO
June 5-6 – Chicago, Illinois
Promoter: Tim Gardner
Contact: 813-908-7843 / tgflex@aol.com
www.chiocagoproshow.com

PBW CHAMPIONSHIPS PRO
August 9-10 – Tampa, Florida
Promoter: Tim Gardner
Contact: 813-908-7843 / tgflex@aol.com
www.pbwproshow.com

EUROPA SUPER SHOW
August 16-17 – Dallas, Texas
Promoter: Ed and Betty Pariso
Contact: 817-498-3631 / BettyPariso@aol.com
www.europaexpo.com

TAHOE SHOW 
August 24, 2013 – Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Promoter: Chris Minnes
Contact: 775-267-7564 / Chris@tahoeshow.com
www.TahoeShow.com

NORDIC PRO CHAMPIONSHIPS
August 31 – Finland
Promoter: K.P. Ourama
Contact: kp.ourama@kpfitness.fi
www.fitnessexpo.fi

VALENTI GOLD CUP
August 31 – Sarasota, Florida
Promoter: Patricia Valenti
Contact: 941-955-9300 / info@valentigoldcup.com
www.valentigoldcup.com

TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
September 7 – Culver City, California
Promoter: Jon Lindsay
Contact: 866-370-3011
www.musclecontest.com

FIGURE OLYMPIA
September 27-28 – Las Vegas, Nevada
Promoter: Robin Chang
Contact: 866-676-2007 or rchang@weiderpub.com
Info: www.mrolympia.com

SHERU CLASSIC
October 4-5 – Mumbai, India
Promoter: Sheru Aangrish
Contact: Sheru@sheruclassic.com
www.sheruclassic.in

ARNOLD CLASSIC EUROPE
October 12-13 – Madrid, Spain
Promoter: Monica Ortega
Contact: 346-738-88752 / info@ifbbevents.com
www.arnoldclassiceurope.es

HOUSTON PRO
October 12 – Houston, Texas
Promoter: Lee Thompson
Contact: 281-435-8804 or lee@tltinc.org
www.thompsonmusclecontest.com

EVL’S PRAGUE PRO
October 25-26 – Prague, Czech Republic
Promoter: Eva Sukupova
Contact: info@evlspraguepro.com
www.EVLsPraguePro.com

KENTUCKY MUSCLE PRO
November 9 – Louisville, Kentucky
Promoter: Brent Jones
Contact: 502-387-3808 / lbrentjones@kentuckymuscle.com
www.kentuckymuscle.com

——————

BIKINI – 17 Total Shows

BIKINI INTERNATIONAL
March 1-2 – Columbus, Ohio
Promoter: Jim Lormier
Contact Info: 614-431-2600 / slorenz@arnoldexpo.com
www.arnoldsportsfestival.com

AUSTRALIA PRO GRAND PRIX
March 9-10 – Melbourne, Australia
Promoter: Tony Doherty
Contact: 613-9388-0866 / promuscle@dohertysgym.com
www.dohertysgym.com

MUSCLECONTEST.COM PRO 
March 9 – Torrance, California
Promoter: Jon Lindsay
Contact: 866-370-3011
www.musclecontest.com

ST. LOUIS PRO
March 16 – St. Louis, Missouri
Promoter: Jack Titone
Contact: 314-686-3828
www.npcmidwest.com

BATTLE ON THE BEACH
March 30 – Daytona Beach, Florida
Promoter: Kristen Nagrani/Shannon Dey
Contact: 386-334-0429 / 386-214-3927 / fitgirlproductions@hotmail.com
www.ftlauderdalecup.com

PITTSBURGH PRO
May 4 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Promoter: Jim Manion
Contact: 412-276-5027 / npcfirst@aol.com
garyudit.com/event/2012-npc-pittsburgh-championships

POWERHOUSE PRO/AM CLASSIC
May 11 – Detroit, Michigan
Promoter: Will Dabish
Contact: 248-305-9630 / 313-670-0727  /  willdabish@powerhousegym.com

NEW YORK PRO
May 25 – New York, New York
Promoter: Steve Weinberger
Contact: 516-933-1111 / info@bevfrancis.com
www.bevfrancis.com

TORONTO PRO SUPERSHOW
May 31-June 1 – Toronto, Canada
Promoter: Ron Hache
Contact: 705-561-0775 / ronhache@unitz.ca
www.TorontoProSupershow.com

GREATER GULF STATES
June 21-22 – New Orleans, Louisiana
Promoter: Luke Tesvich
Contact: 504-439-6224 /  NPCLAoffice@aol.com
www.npcggs.com

EUROPA BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS
June 29 – Hartford, Connecticut
Promoter: Ed and Betty Pariso
Contact: 817-498-3631 / BettyPariso@aol.com
www.europaexpo.com

PBW CHAMPIONSHIPS PRO
August 9-10 – Tampa, Florida
Promoter: Tim Gardner
Contact: 813-908-7843 / tgflex@aol.com
www.pbwproshow.com

ORANGE COUNTY MUSCLE CLASSIC
August 10 – San Diego, California
Promoter: Jon Lindsay
Contact: 866-370-3011
www.musclecontest.com

ST. LOUIS PRO
August 24 – St.Louis, Missouri
Promoter: Jack Titone
Contact: 314-686-3828
www.npcmidwest.com

NORDIC PRO
August 31 – Finland
Promoter: K.P. Ourama
Contact: kp.ourama@kpfitness.fi
www.fitnessexpo.fi

VALENTI GOLD CUP 
August 31 – Sarasota, Florida
Promoter: Patricia Valenti
Contact: 941-955-9300 / info@valentigoldcup.com
www.valentigoldcup.com

BIKINI OLYMPIA
September 27-28 – Las Vegas, Nevada
Promoter: Robin Chang
Contact: 866-676-2007 / rchang@weiderpub.com
www.mrolympia.com

SHERU CLASSIC
October 4-5 – Mumbai, India
Promoter: Sheru Aangrish
Contact: Sheru@sheruclassic.com
www.sheruclassic.in

HOUSTON PRO
October 12 – Houston, Texas
Promoter: Lee Thompson
Contact: 281-435-8804 / lee@tltinc.org
thompsonmusclecontest.com

FORT LAUDERDALE CUP
October 19 – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Promoter: Kristen Nagrani/Shannon Dey
Contact: 386-334-0429 / 386-214-3927  /  fitgirlproductions@hotmail.com
www.ftlauderdalecup.com

BRITISH GRAND PRIX
October 19-20 – Manchester, England
Promoter: Neil Hill
Contact: neilhill69@btinternet.com

BORDER STATES
October 26 – San Diego, California
Promoter: Jon Lindsay
Contact Info: 866-370-3011
www.musclecontest.com

EVL’S PRAGUE PRO
October 25-26 – Prague, Czech Republic
Promoter: Eva Sukupova
Contact: info@evlspraguepro.com
www.EVLsPraguePro.com

SACRAMENTO PRO
November 2 – Sacramento, California
Promoter: Ted Williamson/John Tuman
Contact: 951-687-9366 / 209-480-1798 / tedwm@aol.com / bbspy@aol.com
www.spectrumfitnessproductions.com

IRON WARRIORS
November 9 – San Diego, California
Promoter: Jon Lindsay
Contact: 866-370-3011
www.musclecontest.com

——————
WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE – 11 Total Shows

IFBB PRO GRAND PRIX 
April 13 – Culver City, California
Promoter: Jon Lindsay
Contact: 866-370-3011
www.musclecontest.com

EUROPA SHOW OF CHAMPIONS
April 19-20 – Orlando, Florida
Promoter: Ed and Betty Pariso
Contact: 817-498-3631 / BettyPariso@aol.com
www.europaexpo.com

NEW YORK PRO
May 25 – New York, New York
Promoter: Steve Weinberger
Contact: 516-933-1111 / info@bevfrancis.com
www.bevfrancis.com

TORONTO PRO
May 31-June 1 – Toronto, Canada
Promoter: Ron Hache
Contact: 705-561-0775 / ronhache@unitz.ca
www.TorontoProSupershow.com

MILE HIGH PRO
June 1 – Denver, Colorado
Promoter: Jeff Taylor
Contact: 303-282-9999 / jtnpc@comcast.net
www.coloradonpc.com

GREATER GULF STATES
June 21-22 – New Orleans, Louisiana
Promoter: Luke Tesvich
Contact: 504-439-6224 / NPCLAoffice@aol.com
www.npcggs.com

WINGS OF STRENGTH CHICAGO PRO
July 5-6 – Chicago, Illinois
Promoter: Tim Gardner
Contact: 813-908-7843 or tgflex@aol.com
Info: www.chiocagoproshow.com

PBW CHAMPIONSHIPS PRO
August 9-10 – Tampa, Florida
Promoter: Tim Gardner
Contact: 813-908-7843 / tgflex@aol.com
www.pbwproshow.com

EUROPA SUPER SHOW
August 16-17 – Dallas, Texas
Promoter: Ed and Betty Pariso
Contact: 817-498-3631 / BettyPariso@aol.com
www.europaexpo.com

OLYMPIA WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE SHOWDOWN
September 27-28 – Las Vegas, Nevada
Promoter: Robin Chang
Contact: 866-676-2007 / rchang@weiderpub.com
www.mrolympia.com

TITANS GRAND PRIX
October 19 – Culver City, California
Promoter: Jon Lindsay
Contact: 866-370-3011
www.musclecontest.com

——————

WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING – 5 total shows

MS. INTERNATIONAL
March 1-2 – Columbus, Ohio
Promoter: Jim Lormier
Contact: 614-431-2600 / slorenz@arnoldexpo.com
www.arnoldsportsfestival.com

TORONTO PRO
May 31-June 1 – Toronto, Canada
Promoter: Ron Hache
Contact: 705-561-0775 / ronhache@unitz.ca
www.TorontoProSupershow.com

WINGS OF STRENGTH CHICAGO PRO
July 5-6 – Chicago, Illinois
Promoter: Tim Gardner
Contact: 813-908-7843 / tgflex@aol.com
www.chiocagoproshow.com

PRO BODYBUILDING WEEKLY CHAMPIONSHIPS
August 9-10 – Tampa, Florida
Promoter: Tim Gardner
Contact: 813-908-7843 / tgflex@aol.com
Info: www.pbwproshow.com

MS. OLYMPIA
September 27-28 – Las Vegas, Nevada
Promoter: Robin Chang
Contact: 866-676-2007 / rchang@weiderpub.com
Info: www.mrolympia.com
For a complete list of the men’s events visit IFBBpro.com.



IFBB Tournament of Champions Photos & Results


The 2012 IFBB Tournament of Champions Pro Figure was the last chance to qualify for the Olympia. Rookie Pro, Francine Sablan did what few women have done… win their pro debut. The win means her second pro show will be the Figure Olympia. Fellow rookie Mallory Haldeman finished in the runner-up position and will head to the Olympia as well via the Qualification Points System. The Figure Olympia will be Mallory’s third pro show since achieving pro status at the 2012 NPC Jr. Nationals. In a bit of a surprise, Teresa Anthony was relegated to third. Look for Teresa to be better than ever at the Olympia in less than three weeks.

Our West Coast correspondent, Ron Avidan was in Culver City to capture all the action on and off the stage. Visit Bodybuilding.com for complete results and photos from the 2012 Tournament of Champions.



Hardbody Training: Legs Like Mallory Haldeman


Mallory Haldeman has been lighting things up on stage this year. She took home the overall Figure title at the 2012 NPC JR NATIONALS and has two runner-up finishes as an IFBB Pro. The pair of second place finishes put Mallory in the the Figure Olympia via the Qualification Points Series, not too shabby of a start to a pro career. Mallory has a set of legs that are the envy of many. How does she train her wheels of steel? To fin out we caught up with Mallory’s trainer, IFBB Fitness Pro Tracey Greenwood to get the leg workout she puts Mallory through.


If you want legs like Mallory it takes work, hard work. Give this leg workout a try an let us know how it goes. Get HARDBODY!

GIANT SET
SETS X REPS

3 X 15 Leg Extensions

3 X 15 leg press (feet in “V”)

3 x 20 deep squats standing each foot on a riser

3 x walking lunges (with weights) superset with 30 pop squats

3 x 10 on each side lateral barbell squats stepping over a riser or platform

GIANT SET
3 X 15 Lying leg curls

3 X 15 Manual leg curls

3 x 15 DB deadlifts standing on a riser

40 second rest between sets but if you really want to get hardbody drop down and do a set of abs. This workout should take no more than 40-45 minutes.

Mallory Haldeman Leg Training
Mallory Haldeman is A HARDBODY!

Follow Mallory on twitter @MalloryIFBB and find out more on Tracey Greenwood’s training programs at http://traceygreenwood.com.

 

 



IFBB Greater Gulf Championships Preview


The women of the IFBB are on stage once again and this time it’s in Metaire, Louisiana. The competition on stage will surpass the scorching temps outside and for y’all wondering – that’s hot. Nearly 250 NPC competitors will also take the stage at NPC Greater Gulf States, a National Qualifier since 1983. Take a look at the Hardbody breakdown of this weekend’s IFBB Bikini & Women’s Physique competition.

The HARDBODY 411:

BIKINI BREAKDOWN
1. Stacey Alexander Stacey will return to the Nawlins show once again, only this time as a pro. Stacey took home top honors as a NPC Bikini competitor and will look to repeat as an IFBB pro. She’s the only woman in the line-up qualified for the Olympia however she’s been beaten by a couple of women in this line-up since her Phoenix Pro win. This is her third pro show and will look to finish in the top spots once again.

2. Jessica Arevalo This will be Jessica’s second pro show since achieving the title of IFBB Pro at the 2011 NPC Nationals.  Jessica finished 8th at a very competitive New York Pro last month and should move up from that finish here.

3. Narmin Assria Narmin might be the smallest competitor on stage but don’t let her pint size stature fool you. She’s the mighty mouse of the Bikini division and is looking to head to her first Olympia. She’s in the mix with the new Olympia Qualification Series but a pro win is what every competitor is after. Narmin has the potential to do so and should be in the mix once again here. She’s coming off a third place finish at the Muscle Contest Pro.

4. Jennifer Chapman Jennifer will look to continue her hot streak this weekend. She’s coming off a second place finish at the Toronto Pro and has yet to finish out of the top three this year. Jennifer leads the Olympia qualification series, so even if she doesn’t win the show she could secure more points for an Olympia invite.

5. Christy Cook If the name throws you off, don’t worry it did us too. Prior to this year, she competed as Christy Merritt. Christy burst onto the scene when she took home the 2011 NPC JR USA overall crown. She followed it up with a second place finish in her pro debut and earned and Olympia spot. Since then, she’s struggled to find the top five. This will be her first time on stage this year and with a switch in training camps she’ll be bringing a new look to the stage. We’ll see if the changes put her back in contention for the Olympia

6. Marisa Lee This Georgia peach has a great look. This will be her third pro show since achieve pro status at the 2011 Team Universe event. Marisa just needed to bring her quads down a bit to match her upper body. She was 8th at this year’s IFBB Pittsburgh Pro and will look to move back into the top 5. Marisa finished third at the 2011 Jacksonville Pro, her pro debut.

7. Dayna Maleton Dayna is coming off her highest finish as an IFBB Pro, 4th at the Toronto Super show. She found success in a relatively short time in the NPC ranks but struggled to find her groove in the pro ranks. Dayna’s biggest issue was her presentation but at the Toronto Pro that wasn’t an issue. Dayna has a rock’n physique with a bit more muscle than some but that shouldn’t hold her back from a strong showing here.

8. Christie Marquez Christie has been up and down in her pro placings and will look to crack the top five here. She’s placed 4th on two occasions and has her sights set on moving into the money spots this time out. If she can pose with poise and stay relaxed she has what it takes to do so. At this level of competition it comes down to little details and if she’s refined those she’ll be in the mix.

9. Justine Munro Justine is coming off a slightly disappointing finish in her homeland. She finished sixth at the Toronto pro, a placing that doesn’t reflect what she brought to the stage. If she brings the same presentation and physique to this stage she’ll be in the hunt for the win. Justine has one of the best booties in the game and if her legs are tight she’ll be top three without a doubt, at least on our score sheet.

10. Brittany Tacy Brittany might be one of the most underrated pros in the league today. She has a kick ass physique and one that can hang with the top women in the division. Brittany’s highest finish to date was 4th at the Titans Grand Prix. She’ll have her work cut out for her to match it but she certainly has the potential to surpass it.

11. Summer White Miss White will be making her IFBB Pro debut and will be the dark horse in this line up. She exudes sexiness on stage and if she can harness that and pose with confidence, she’ll be in the mix. Summer turned pro at the 2011 NPC Nationals and many had her winning the overall. Can she make a splash in the top spots her first time out? Don’t bet against it.

WOMEN PHYSIQUE BREAKDOWN

1. Tracy Bodner Tracy will return to the stage once again and will look to find her groove in the pro ranks. She took a step back at the St. Louis Pro show when she showed up way too light with her tan. If she comes in how she likes instead of playing a guessing game of what the judges want, she’ll fair better. Tracy is at her best when she’s confident as it shows on stage.

2. La’Drissa Bonivel La’Drissa turned pro at the 2011 NPC USA, a show that rewarded more muscular physiques. The division has shown that women resembling female bodybuilders tend to not fair well. That said, La’Drissa will need to have brought her muscularity down from what we saw in St. Louis if she hopes to crack a top spot here. This will be her third show and will look to improve upon the 9th place finish her last time out.

3. Gloria Faulls Gloria is coming off an 8th place finish at the Toronto Pro show (her pro debut) and should finish better here. She’ll need to watch not being overly vascular when she takes the stage but balance it with her legs tight. It’ll be a balancing act for this Jersey girl but one she should be able to do with the first time jitters out of the way.

4. Karin Kimura Karin will look to continue her winning streak in this her second pro show. Karin successfully made the switch to Physique from Figure and took home top honors at the 2011 NPC Nationals. She followed it up with a close win over Sara Hurrle at the Governor’s Cup in her pro debut. She’s the one to beat at this show however you never know how it will go with a different panel of judges. We got a sneak peek at her one day out and can say she has nothing to worry about, she’s done her homework and looks great.

5. Tamee Marie Tamee will be making her debut in the Women’s Physique division and it should suit her well. She faired well in the NPC ranks as a Figure competitor however turned pro as a Fitness competitor and has yet to find the top five. Tamee is a taller competitor and needs muscle on her frame to not look “stringy” or “skinny”. This division is a good fit for her structure and could be the one she does the best at. Look for her to be in the top call-out if she’s not too hard in her conditioning.

6. Jennifer Robinson Jennifer hasn’t finished out of the top five in over 2 years. She was a leading lady in the NPC Figure ranks and has successfully made the switch to the Women’s Physique division. If she has refined her posing and brings a similar look to that of the St. Louis Pro she’ll be in the hunt for her first win. Jennifer found success on this stage as an amateur figure competitor when she took top honors in 2010. Can she repeat her efforts as a pro? The magic 8-ball says things look promising.

7. Joele Smith Joele has a nice look and placed consistently in the top spots as a pro. Her highest finish was 4th at the Orlando Pro and look for her to be in the mix for a top three here. Joele turned pro at the 2011 NPC Nationals and will be one to watch in this line-up. Joele is coming off a fifth place finish at the New York Pro.

8. Mikaila Soto Mikaila has been to hell and back off stage. While she may not place as well as she likes, she shows that simply taking the stage can be rewarding. Last year, Mikaila suffered an asthma attack and was later diagnosed with pneumonia. She gained nearly 40 pounds due to the medication but proved that a powerful mind can overcome adversity. If she’s able to bring in a physique similar to her Figure days she’ll move up in her final placings.

9. Gina Trochiano – This will be Gina’s debut in the Women’s Physique Division. She fared well as a Figure competitor and made it to the Olympia in 2010. It will be interesting to see what look she brings to the stage in this new division. She could be the dark horse to shake things up in the top spots.

When asked where the must see action of New Orleans is at (besides the on-stage competition of course) Louisiana State Chairman and show promoter Luke L. Tesvich III shared this with us..

You must see Jackson Square, (since 1700’s), St. Louis Cathedral, (behind the Square, also since the 1700’s and the oldest Basilica in the U.S.) the Pontalba Apartments that run along both sides of the Square are the oldest apartment buildings in the U.S. (since the 1700’s) and have Cafe au Lait and Beignets at the corner across from the Square at Cafe du Monde… that is the heart of the French Quarter… within a 3 block radius of the Jackson Square is a multitude of shops, restaurants, Jazz bars, etc…etc.. and Bourbon Street!”

Looks like we’ll have our hands full on and off stage. Follow all the action here on Hardbody.com and for live coverage via twitter follow the hashtag #GR8GULF.

LOCATION:
Best Western Landmark Hotel Ballroom
2601 Severn Avenue Metairie, LA

TIMES:
FRIDAY:
Pro Meeting / Check-in: 5pm
Prejudging: 7pm

SATURDAY:
Finals: 6:30pm

More Information & complete NPC Schedule: http://www.npcggs.com

 



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