HARDBODY Female Sports, Health & Fitness News
A Love for Sport Life.™
We’ve added a new photo series here on HardbodyNews.com to help inspire and motivate you. “Finish Strong” is simple. We want you to Finish Strong in whatever you do, whether it’s your workout, your work day or maybe a school project. Check back often as we add more Finish Strong photos to this gallery. If you have a photo you’d like to share tweet it using #finishstrong and tag us at @hardbodynews and we’ll share the love.
Coach Alba Launches Smart Texting Platform Targeting Dieters’ Crucial Moments of Weakness. The program focuses on helping users survive the temptations they often face with a weight-loss plan. Vincent Han is founder and CEO of Coach Alba LLC, a behavioral change company founded in 2010 that builds innovative Web and mobile technologies to help people achieve life-changing goals. He was recently named one of Utah Business magazine’s top 40 business leaders under 40 and is an avid runner.
PROVO, Utah (January 29, 2013) – Coach Alba, a self-improvement company that specializes in using technology to influence behavior, today announced the public launch of an adaptive and personalized weight loss text message engine.
Through this smart text service, Coach Alba users receive custom messages to help identify and overcome individual “crucial moments†when they are likely to give in to temptation. Powered by a team of behavior modification experts, Coach Alba’s platform uses adaptive texting to learn more about users with every text message, offer increasingly personalized strategy and support, and celebrate users’ progress to help them stick to any weight loss plan they choose to follow.
By focusing on the moments when dieters falter, Coach Alba addresses the reality that four in five diets don’t succeed over the long term, a problem that is largely overlooked by the $20 billion diet industry.
“There are more than 100 million dieters in the U.S., but the lion’s share ultimately fail because they don’t recognize the simple, subtle things that derail them,†said Vincent Han, CEO of Coach Alba. “With Coach Alba, we help users stick with their goals by texting them ideas and words of encouragement before and during crucial moments of temptation or weakness. As we help our users recognize and overcome these moments, they develop greater confidence and get the momentum they absolutely need to achieve longer-lasting results.â€
As a text-based service, Coach Alba is available to any cell phone user with SMS capabilities — making it accessible to many more dieters than a mobile app that requires a smartphone and data plan — and the smart text platform is more effective at reaching users during quiet moments of vulnerability. Coach Alba also offers users a more private alternative to virtual weight-loss services that push information to online social networks.
“The decision to use a smart text platform is rooted in our research on affecting lasting change in behavior, and one of our findings is that purely open group dynamics can actually be counterproductive,†added Han. “It’s important to balance getting group support with strictly private interactions that will carry people through the crucial moments that often occur when nobody is around.â€
Coach Alba has already had a positive impact on thousands of beta users looking for a way to make sustainable changes in their lives.
“Coach Alba is so simple yet extremely effective,†said platform user Kim René Chinery. “It has taught me to recognize my weak times and is always there to provide a reminder when I need it most. My success has been encouraging and has made me feel so good about myself. How can I fail with such a great team behind me?â€
Coach Alba has a free 14-day trial, after which the service costs $5 a month. For more information about Coach Alba and to sign up, visit www.coachalba.com.
Coach Alba is also available to employers with wellness programs.
About Coach Alba
Founded in 2010, Coach Alba is a behavioral change company that builds innovative Web and mobile technologies to help people achieve life-changing goals. Headquartered in Provo, Utah, Coach Alba leverages powerful proprietary research and an adaptive, personalized SMS messaging platform to help users recognize and overcome the day-to-day challenges that keep them from attaining sustainable, positive change in their lives. For more information, visit www.coachalba.com.
About Vincent Han
Vincent Han is founder and CEO of Coach Alba LLC, a behavioral change company founded in 2010 that builds innovative Web and mobile technologies to help people achieve life-changing goals.
Vincent has spent his career successfully starting and building innovative online media-based startups. Vincent earned his MBA at the MIT Sloan School of Management. During his time at MIT, Vincent was also an Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EIR) at Battery Ventures, one of the premier Venture Capital firms. As an EIR, he co-founded Ruckus Networks, the largest provider of digital media serving the U.S. college market, which served more than 1 billion downloads per month at its peak. Ruckus.com was later acquired by Total Music, a joint venture between Sony Music and Universal.
Following Ruckus, Vincent founded Aha.tv, a company that developed an automated content programming engine millions of online videos. He also served as president of Adswizz, the fastest-growing streaming media ad insertion company in Europe.
Vincent was recently named one of Utah Business magazine’s top 40 business leaders under 40 and is an avid runner.
We caught up with some of your favorite Hardbody Pros to get their take on New Year’s Resolutions and their 2013 mantras. Find out what champion competitors like Nathalia Melo, Adela Garcia, Nicole Wilkins and more had to say about their year in review and a look ahead. Some experiences were happy times, others sad and some experienced personal growth.
HARBODY Pros:
Nathalia Melo – Bikini Olympia Champion
New Years Resolution: In 2013 I wish for Health to keep on doing what I love to do!! Well… Winning the Arnold Classic 2013 and keeping my Olympia tittle wouldn’t be too bad either! Hahahaha
Most Memorable Moment of 2012: Most definitely winning the 2012 Bikini Olympia Tittle! Also, my trip to the Capri Island, in Italy, which is a place I have always wanted to visit!
Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: ”Winning doesn’t make you a better person, but being a good person will make you a winner.” Joe Carlozo
My mantra for 2013 is: To keep on being myself and doing the things I have always believed in.
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Nicole Wilkins – Arnold/Olympia Figure Champion
New Years Resolution: I don’t usually make New Years Resolutions because throughout the year I am constantly setting new goals. I do however, like the ‘fresh start’ feeling the new year brings.
Most Memorable Moment of 2012: My most memorable moment of 2012 was when I took my mom and my sister with me to Finland for a week. It was the first time all three of us took a trip together.
Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: “A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are.”
My mantra for 2013 is: I will succeed.
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Adela Garcia – Olympia & Arnold Fitness Champion
New Years Resolution:  I would like to enjoy myself a little more. Get back to having fun and being the little crazy chica I used to be. Get on the cleaning my house more to avoid eating:) basically go back to being me.
Most Memorable Moment of 2012: My fiance Trent Calavan earning his Pro Card at the 2012 NPC USAs. I won my pro card at the USAs and this was his goal and to see him accomplished that was an amazing moment for me. Ha!! Getting my 7 Fitness Olympia title!!
Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: Â Live your own life. Don’t worry what others are doing or think of you. Keep doing what you love to do because in the end, you are the one who should be happy with yourself.
My mantra for 2013 is: Â “Continue to evolve in every aspect of life”
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Dina Al-Sabah – Figure / Bikini Pro
New Years Resolution: Never make any!
Most Memorable Moment of 2012: Getting engaged
Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: ” your United flight is ready for check-in”
My mantra for 2013 is: Live every day fully
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Tianna Ta – Bikini Pro, MTV MADE Coach
New Years Resolution: I’ve noticed that during the few years I’ve been competing, I’ve been complaining more and more about my body to my friends. My New Years resolution is to embrace my body at all times of the year. I realize that I’m getting older and my body is changing with it. Sure we all strive to improve our selves, and though no one is perfect, I will continue to work hard to mold my body as perfect as I can make it. I think sometimes we forget that our “stage” bodies are not realistically our “everyday” body, so we find ourselves degrading and beating ourselves up over this. I’m making a conscious effort to learn to accept my body, even though I’m not as “lean” as I am on stage.
Most Memorable Moment of 2012: 2012 was an amazing year for me! I was blessed to have competed in two of the worlds top shows, where only the best of the best of the IFBB compete: both the Arnold Bikini International, and Bikini Olympia! These are memories I’ll cherish and take with me for the rest of my life,esp since not everyone is able to experience these moments… However, with all of the opportunities competing in the IFBB has given me, I’d have to say my most memorable “moment” was being casted to be the coach and filming”MADE” on MTV.
Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: “Just keep moving forward and don’t give a shit about what anybody thinks. Do what you have to do, for you.” -Johnny Depp
If I listened to some of the negativity around me, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish some of the things I did in 2012, therefore, I say, f*ck em! Anything is possible, so shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars 🙂
My mantra for 2013 is: Work harder, play harder but find a balance in my life! Sometimes I get over consumed with the industry and go balls to the wall, but I’m still looking to find the balance between that life, as well as my personal, with my friends and family.
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 Candice Keene – Figure Champion
New Years Resolution: To be a better me than last year! But mainly to challenge myself with goals and certain habits. When I think of 2013, SUCCESS and HAPPY are what come to mind 🙂
Most Memorable Moment of 2012: I had several very special 2012 moments, but my most memorable would be placing third at the Arnold. This was the first show of the season, and the highest placing I had in either the Olympia or Arnold. It truly was such a great feeling to know I had brought my best package to date and all of my hard work didn’t go unnoticed, and it was my ignition that fueled my fire for the rest of the 2012 season.
Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012:”Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your OWN powers you cannot be successful or happy.” this phrase is by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale This man had a huge part in 2012 for me. I consistently listened to his audio books, which kept my mind fresh and optimistic. Another one I have really close to heart is, “The Rough is Only Mental.” simply said, very impacting.
My mantra for 2013 is: Don’t pay mind to self doubt..Don’t second guess myself..take those leaps or risks..follow my heart, remain true to myself, set goals high and set to achieve them to the best of my ability! All in all, Happiness is the main ingredient for my success 🙂
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Teresa Anthony – Figure Champion
New Years Resolution: Most resolutions fail, so with that said I don’t believe in them! I just try to live life to the best of my ability!
Most Memorable Moment of 2012: Losing the love of my life & my best friend…my Mommy!
Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: Emotionally Challenged.
My mantra for 2013 is: I’m not looking back at what I can’t change. I’m looking forward to setting the bar higher!
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Desiree Niemann – Bikini Pro
New Years Resolution: To bring my best package yet to my pro debut and make the top 5
Most Memorable Moment of 2012: Winning the title of Miss Bikini Bombshell and $10,000 CASH!
Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in ones determination.” -Tomy Lasorda
My mantra for 2013 is: Never give up!
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Candice Lewis – Figure Champion
New Years Resolution: My New Years Resolution is to workout lol I wish to be healthier year around not just when I’m prepping for a competition. I’m going to start by being alcohol free. I really wanted to go on a wine tour in 2013 but this will have to wait.
Most Memorable Moment of 2012: My Most memorable moment was winning my first pro show at the Omaha Pro. This was one of my goals in 2012.
Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: “I Can and I will do this”
My mantra for 2013 is: You have the patience and the strength and the passion to achieve your ambitions, your goals and dreams. All you need to do now, is try.
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Kristin Nunn – Figure Pro
New Years Resolution: Give more than I receive.
Most Memorable Moment of 2012: After four years of gong to the Arnold, finally seeing Arnold!
Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012: Never let your fear decide your fate!
My mantra for 2013 is: High risk, high reward!!
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Noy Alexander – Bikini Pro
New Years Resolution:  My number one resolution is to hone my listening skills. Even to long dragged out stories that I have heard 1,000 times. :)))
Most Memorable Moment of 2012: The most memorable moment of 2012 was realizing my once “hobby” passion of training and competing had materialized into a career.
Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012:Â Do everything with 110% effort and there will be no regrets later.
My mantra for 2013 is:  Set small goals to reach bigger goals. Turn that switch ON. Make it happen!
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Tawna Eubanks – Bikini Pro
New Years Resolution: Make simple improvements to myself. As a person, in the gym, and in my business.
Most Memorable Moment of 2012: Stepping foot and competing on the Olympia stage!
Quote or phrase that best sums up 2012:Â “Success is to be doing what you love, and if your doing what you love… you’ve already beat failure.”
My mantra for 2013 is: Make the most of ALL opportunities!
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Jessica Long is A HARDBODY and one of the most inspirational people you’ll ever hope to meet. Jessica’s seventh medal of the London 2012 Paralympic Games was not only a gold medal but also a world record. She left London the most decorated American athlete of the Games. Check out the video interview of Jessica and if this doesn’t inspire you we don’t know what will.
Via Youtube:
The Paralympic Games, Aug. 29-Sept. 9, follow the London 2012 Olympic Games and are held in the same venues as Olympic competition. For more information on the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Team and Paralympic athletes, competitions and sports in the United States, visit http://www.USParalympics.org, the official website of U.S. Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee formed in 2001. U.S. Paralympics leads the Paralympic Movement in the United States.
Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., the United States Olympic Committee serves as both the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. As such, the USOC is responsible for the training, entering and funding of U.S. teams for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games, while serving as a steward of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements throughout the country. For more information on the USOC and learn more about our athletes, log on to the official websites at http://www.teamusa.org and http://www.usparalympics.org.
We’re fans of hard work and a hard body. In order to achieve a hard body, one must start with a hardbody mindset. You have to commitment to yourself and the dedication it will take not only get there but also stay there. Did you do everything you could have done in the gym? Did you eat all of your meals? Did you cheat on your contest prep? At the end of the day, the one person you’ll always have to answer to is yourself.
We’ll be sharing motivational images of hardbody women showcasing “ME vs ME” on the site, on our facebook page, pinterest page and twitter account. If you’re on any of those and/or instagram we encourage you to join in the fun. Just tag your posts with #HARDBODY and #MEvsME. Each week we’ll share some of your images here. If you’re not on any of those pages (you really should be on at least one of them) you can email your MEvsME photo to info @ Hardbody.com with the subject line “Me vs. Me”.
Our lead image and kick off motivation is from 2011 NPC TEXAS State Overall Bikini Champion, Siliana Gaspard. She’s a working mother who takes time to train and embodies the mindset of ME vs ME. If you want to stay HARDBODY you can’t worry what everyone else is doing… you have to focus and challenge yourself.
Siliana Gaspard – MetroFLEX Houston – photo by LIFTstudios.com
We’ll leave you with this poem by Dale Wimbrow written in 1934.
THE MAN IN THE GLASS
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgement upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts the most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
You may be like Jack Horner and Chisel a plum
And you think you’re a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.
He’s the fellow to please-never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear to the end.
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
Stay HARDBODY!
