HARDBODY Fit Female News & Events

Ah more classics from the 80s. Night Ranger… When’s the last time you heard that name? “Sister Christian” was a hit in the 80s and so were those hair styles.

Congratulations to IFBB Bikini Pro Sonya Vecchiarelli on joining the ISS Research team. Sonya achieved IFBB pro status in the bikini division at the 2009 NPC Jr. Nationals. You might recall seeing her on this site a few times over the years, if not click here to see past Sonya news.

Sonya featured on ISS web site.
Photo By: Isaac Hinds / LIFTstudios.com

Sonya began working with ISS Research at the 2009 Mr. Olympia contest and has since shown she’s a fit for the company. A perfect example of doing a good job while working at an expo can turn into bigger things for all parties involved.

When I spoke with Andrea Wilson from ISS Research on why they signed Sonya she shared, “Sonya is a vibrant and fit woman whose fresh look and outgoing attitude exemplifies ISS Research and the OhYeah! Nutrition product line. We look forward to Sonya representing ISS and OhYeah! as she makes her IFBB bikini pro debut in 2010 and experiences continued success in the fitness industry.”

How’s the Colorado bikini pro feel about being part of the team? Sonya enthusiastically said, “ISS not only has effective, delicious and top of the line products, but their vision and commitment to creating a long term impact on the standards of sports nutrition is excellent as well. They truly care about their consumer’s needs and wants. Not to mention, they are the coolest crew!!! I am very honored, blessed and excited to be part of such an outstanding team and company!”

She will be representing the company at various trade shows and expos throughout the year.

Sonya’s tentative event schedule is:
• Bodybuilding.com Expo – May 8th  in Boise, ID
• NPC Jr. Nationals – June 18-19 in Chicago, IL
• Europa Super Show – August 13-14 in Dallas, TX
• Mr. Olympia – September 24-25 in Las Vegas, NV

About ISS Research
As much as it is in our power, ISS will bring to market the cleanest, purest, and most effective sports nutrition products. We utilize only the highest-quality raw materials from suppliers who meet our standards of integrity. Even though this raises our costs, we keep our products affordable, and hope that the rest of the industry will follow. As science advances so will our formulas. The company is committed to creating long-term impact on the standards of sports nutrition, and will continue to stand behind this customer commitment. We look forward to the day when all manufacturers will adopt the same standards we do, and no matter which products you purchase, no matter from whom, you will know that you are taking clean, effective, and safe supplements.

Visit http://www.issresearch.com for more information on the company and their complete product line.

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th ever year. It’s usually an excuse for those of Irish decent to drink heavily or those who wish they were Irish to do the same. Many of you are in diet mode and not drinking or avoid alcohol anyways.

You’re supposed to wear Green or risk being pinched. Did you know the original color was blue? You can read all about the holiday here. Enjoy the day!

I’m constantly asked by women how they can get sponsorship or land an endorsement contract. One way is to get creative.

Check out what one high schooler did to get the attention of UFC Octagon Girl Arianny Celeste. His creativity landed him not only a prom date with Arianny but also an appearance on The George Lopez show.

This weekend is the New Zealand Pro Figure and Bikini championships. I can understand there being few bikini competitors as it’s new, mainly consists of women from the Unites States and the trip isn’t cheap. There are a number of figure competitors outside of the United States but when I last heard there are only FOUR figure competitors in the line-up. There’s constant chatter about there not being enough shows outside of the United States yet when there is so few show up. Three out of the four women will qualify for the 2010 Figure Olympia.

Dre checks in again as she nears the birth of her first child. Check out what the Hardbody mommy-to-be has to say.

I’m exhausted. Fortunately this happens only about once a week, which is very different from what I hear or read about in all the pregnancy articles out there. Girls at work swear to me that this will happen more and more frequently now. I hate this feeling! One day a week I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.

The other 6 days out of the week are great! Most of the time I don’t even feel pregnant, at least until I put my hands on my hips… I swear they used to be closer together. Now my day to day dilemma is dealing with the extra weight being distributed ever-so-generously around my body. I’m 32 weeks into this and have gained about 20 pounds which is totally normal and healthy. I think about 15 lbs have planted themselves in my behind. I know this not only because I can see it growing, but my husband grabs, pinches, smacks and (insert any other verb here) it all the time! This isn’t the nice behind we all train for, it’s the soft kind. My excuse is that I needed some extra weight in the caboose to keep me balanced with the belly in front.

So, as we learned last time, I can’t run like I used to and I’m sorry but walking makes me feel like a loser. I went so far as to ask my doctor if I could jump rope instead! She literally looked at me like “are you serious?” Needless to say, I’m feeling a bit frustrated about the growing pregnant body and the fact that there’s not much I can do about it. Before, training was primarily to keep a healthy bikini body. Well, now that that’s not a plausible option, I’ve found a different goal: Natural Delivery.

I’ve never been a “medicine” person. When I get a headache, I know it’s for a reason so I find the reason and do something about it instead of popping a pill. So, my goal is to have a natural delivery. 99.9% of girls I say that to scream at me to “Take the drugs! Take the drugs!” So that little voice we’ve been talking about is now telling me “keep going, you’ve got a baby to deliver in 8 weeks!” I’ve been doing more yoga and more interval training since contractions come and go in intervals. I can picture it now, it hurts so bad and I’m just controlling my breathing as I would in an intense minute of burpees… hubby counting down 10-9-8…2-1 and relax. That’s my vision and I’m sticking to it!

Any advice from you Hardbody mommies who’ve been through natural delivery is definitely welcome!

Keith Kelly from The New York Post reports:

On Monday, Diane Newman resigned as senior vice president of Meredith in charge of the Parent Network, which includes Parents and American Baby magazines.

She’s been tapped to be AMI’s new executive vice president in charge of Shape, Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health magazines.

A day later, AMI CEO David Pecker lured Brian Gruseke from his job as associate publisher of Parent Network to be the new vice president and publisher of Shape.

He replaces Sabine Feldman who quit as publisher of Shape to join Condé Nast as associate publisher of Teen Vogue.

The magazine world is always changing and positions like these come with a large responsibility and high stress level. Keep your eye on these magazines in the months ahead to see if there are any changes in the way they are run.

FLEXonline.com caught up with IFBB Pro Zhanna Rotar as she makes the transition from Figure to Bikini. Zhanna will be competing next weekend at the MuscleContest in her first pro bikini event. Check out her training regime at Gold’s Gym Venice as she gets her heart rate soaring. She talks about her diet and nutrition in the video as well.

What do you think… Will she be successful in the transition?

Gotta love the music from the 80s. Asia’s “Heat of the Moment”. LOVE IT!

You all have heard that fruit is a perfect supplement to your post workout meal, right!?  Well, have you ever tried eating apple sauce with your meal!?  My favorite post workout meal is either a protein shake or egg whites with oatmeal and my famous homemade applesauce.  Simple slice apples and place them in a crock pot with a touch of water, no calorie sweetener (of your choice), and cinnamon.  Allow to cook on low for several hours until soft and walaaaa a perfect homemade apple sauce that is delicious and acts as a perfect supplement to your post workout meal!

Enjoy!!

California’s NPC season gets started with the NPC San Diego this weekend. It looks to be a record setting event with 190+ competitors and this isn’t counting crossovers! Don’t be surprised if this show is over 200 strong come show time this Saturday. IFBB Figure Pro Meriza DeGuzman will be lending a hand with emcee duties and Derik Farnsworth will be the guest poser. Visit www.musclecontest.com for more information.

Any Hardbody peeps attending or competing?

There are a number of reality tv shows and many of them are about as exciting as watching paint dry. Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice” is now “The Celebrity Apprentice“. The last couple of seasons it’s included nothing but celebrities, some of which leaves you wondering how they became famous. This season is no different as it has a few train wrecks and a couple people you’ve probably never heard of. Olympic Gold Medalist, Summer Sanders is looking hardbody on the show. She flew under the radar on the first episode but you can see she’s in great shape as she dishes up the food in the first task.

Summer’s web site is worth checking out. She has a some words of wisdom in her Lifestyle section.

“Achieving balance is quite tricky to say the least. To get it, you often have to ask for help from others. For me, I have to ask my husband for time to myself and I have to get a really good schedule in place. Again, a lot of it comes down to being organized. But most of it is know what you want out of life. Knowing what is truly important to you and making sure it is a daily ingredient in your life.” – Summer Sanders

A new tune for you hip-hop hardbody peeps… Timbaland – Carry Out ft. Justin Timberlake.

There’s been some confusion on whether or not the Arnold Amateur event is a National NPC qualifier or not. The Arnold Amateur is only a national qualifying event for the Bikini division. IT IS NOT a national qualifier for fitness, figure or bodybuilding.

March 15, 2010 (Denver) — Performance Ready, one of the nation’s top fitness, figure and bikini competitive teams, has a team member who is fighting for more than a fit figure—she’s fighting for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLC) Woman of the Year campaign.  This honor is presented to the woman who raises the highest amount of funds for the LLC during a 10-week campaign.

Last March, Denver resident Ashley Erickson’s husband, Mike, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at just 26 years old. After six months of treatment, Mike is now in remission, and Ashley is working to support Mike and others with leukemia and lymphoma to raise funds to find a cure.

“When Mike was diagnosed, our lives were changed in a matter of seconds, as we went from two healthy people in our 20’s planning our wedding, to preparing ourselves for the hard road of cancer including chemotherapy and radiation treatment,” said Ashley Erickson. “As a candidate for the LLS Woman of the Year campaign, I agreed to this challenge to help fight the blood cancers that have personally affected our family. I want to raise funds to help LLS in its efforts to find a cure for blood cancers and to assist patients and families, like ours, battle this disease.”

Erickson’s goal is to raise $60,000 toward the campaign, which runs through May 14, 2010.  She has planned a few events to help raise funds, including:
• Denver Cocktail Party: On March 25 from 7-10 p.m. at Sushi Hai, 3600 W. 32nd Ave, Denver: For a $10 entry fee to be given directly to LLS, guests will enjoy a silent auction, drink and food specials, DJ entertainment and a fun night with friends.

• Final Four Bracket Challenge: Calling all basketball lovers—for a $20 entry fee you will enter into the challenge and the winners will be eligible for prizes. Participation options: send an email to ALB014@hotmail.com to obtain your bracket. Brackets due March 16th.

• Denver Canvas and Cocktails: April 13th at 6:30. Come join us for a night filled with painting and cocktails in Cherry Creek. For $40 you will get your canvas, paint, and a drink to start the night off right. To sign up, please visit: http://www.canvasandcocktails.com.

For more information about Erickson’s campaign, or to donate online, visit: http://rmt.mwoy.llsevent.org/pledge/index.cfm?mid=AERICKSON.

About Performance Ready
Carla Sanchez, C.S.C.S. (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) and IFBB (International Federation of Body Builders) Pro, is lead trainer and owner of Performance Ready. A former Denver Broncos cheerleader, personal trainer and three-time recipient of the Colorado NPC Trainer of the Year award, she coaches and advises each Performance Ready team member through individualized training programs, diet planning, pre-contest preparation and ongoing team workouts, camps and seminars.

Performance Ready team members are regularly active within the community, participating in activities such as a Toys for Tots drive; a backpack drive for school children; Easter basket delivery to children at The Children’s Hospital; and the Komen Denver Race for the Cure. For more information, please visit www.performanceready.com.

Anyone know which figure competitor this is? She’s currently in the TMZ.com Blonde Bombshell contest.

This weekend the NPC Utah kicks things off with their 2010 Top Form Classic. I’ll be in attendance photographing this event. If you are attending or know someone who is please leave a note in the comments form below or email me, ISAAC@HARDBODY.com.

IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, Dennis Wolf will be guest posing and he’s just weeks out from taking the stage at the 2010 NY PRO. Show info is below and for more information visit: NPCUTAH.com.

March 19th, 2010
Mandatory Weigh Ins & Height Check 3:00pm – 7:00pm West Valley Gold’s Gym
Dennis Wolf Meet and Greet 3:00pm – 7:00pm West Valley Gold’s Gym

March 20th, 2010
Mandatory Competitors Meeting 8:00am – 9:00am Cottonwood High School

Pre-Judging Admission 9:00am Cottonwood High School
Pre-Judging 9:30am Cottonwood High School

Finals Admission 5:00pm Cottonwood High School
Evening Finals / Dennis Wolf 6:00pm Cottonwood High School

Venue Addresses
Cottonwood High School 5715 South 1300 East – Salt Lake City, UT
Gold’s Gym West Valley 3491 West 3500 South – West Valley, UT

For sponsorship or booth space, please call Steve at (801) 687-6409.

Top finisher at the Figure International (6th), Larissa Reis checked in and shared the following note.

Larissa Reis at the 2010 Figure International

I’m very happy and blessed to place in the top 6 in my first Arnold Classic because I come from Brazil and I’m fairly new to the pro show in the US. I missed seeing girls competing from all over the world at the Arnold Classic because I know that there are a lot of girls from other countries who have the ability to compete at a high level. It’s difficult to compete here because it’s expensive if you don’t live in the U.S. and also difficult to be here without all of the proper documents. But nothing is impossible if you have a dream. I came here speaking very little English and I didn’t have any money, but I have been fortunate to have wonderful people around me to support me and help me to become a professional. This year has truly been a blessing; I just recently got a contract with the best company in the world, Nutrex. I’m so happy to have an amazing sponsor. I’ve lived here since 2007, and I feel like I’m representing all the girls, not only from Brazil, but all over the world. That’s why I put the dreads in my hair during the Arnold Classic. I wanted to be like Avatar to represent that I am connected with all of the girls all over the world.

Please feel free to check out my website www.larissareis.net.

See more Figure International photos of Larissa here.

An oldie but goodie. Don McLean’s “American Pie” is one of the classic sing-a-long tunes.

Hello everyone. I Hope everyone is doing great!

I was on a shoot over the weekend for FLEX magazine. Saturday night I went to Sephora and bought eye cream. I thought eh, I might need this one day even though I have never tried or used it! Well thank God I bought it! I woke up Sunday morning and BOOM… PUFFY EYES! EEEK! I’m so glad I bought it. I’m adding this to my list of essentials. Pick up Depuffing Eye Cream By Benefit, it works!
xoxo
DD

What do you think ladies will you be getting a pair?

Female bodybuilders Lauren Powers and Jayne Trcka appear in the newest Lady Gaga video. Download “Telephone” on iTunes. It’s a little bizarre but would you expect anything less from Lady Gaga?

Turn your clocks AHEAD one hour tonight before going to bed. Spring ahead, fall back.

We’re taking a little time to rest and recover from last weekend’s madness. The posts will be few over the weekend but hey we all need to re-charge the life batteries once in awhile. Get out and enjoy the weekend Hardbody peeps.

The IFBB Pro League has the Fitness International women featured on their homepage. Thanks to Tony Blinn for graciously displaying my images on the site from this event. Check em out here.

This is hilarious! The folks at Muscle Milk are doing it once again and this time it’s a rap with manatees and spring breakers. Their Sexy Pilgrim video went viral and gained a great deal of attention, will the Spring Break It Down do the same?

I love it.

Check out springbreakitdown.com to download a coupon and a MP3 of the song.

I ran across these via Sasha Brown, a NPC competitor who is heating up the amateur figure ranks. Pretty handy for competitors and those of you on the go. Check em out.

Ziploc® Zip’n Steam® Microwave Cooking Bags combine the taste and nutritional benefits of steam cooking with all the convenience of your microwave.

Each bag has patented vents that allow food to be steamed under pressure so that it is cooked thoroughly and evenly for quick, healthy, delicious meals.

* Ideal for steaming fresh or frozen vegetables, potatoes, fish, poultry and more.
* Each bag holds 2–3 servings.
* Microwaveable (use as directed).
* No cleanup—simply toss the bag and mess away!
* Microwave cooking means quicker, easier meals.
* Each bag is printed with useful guidelines for cooking times.

Whatcha gunna do? Get it poppin’ with Fat Joe YO!

You followed Andrea Watson’s journey into her pro debut and now she shares the aftermath.

Wow! It’s taken me almost a week to recover from this past weekend. Geez, I haven’t competed since last May and I forgot how hard this sport is on our bodies! Currently, I feel like a 90 year old woman with a bad tan, swollen ankles, and a bloated belly.

Well, this weekend I was filled with lots of emotions: stress, happiness, sadness and defeat. I’ll get right down to the nitty gritty… When I was standing on stage and didn’t get first, second, or third call out during prejudging I was like, wait a minute… did they forget that I was up here? Did they not see me? It was the most horrible feeling I’ve felt in awhile. I started thinking, What did I do wrong? Was my posing off? Does my booty still look like Beyonce’s? How am I going to recover from this? I went back to my room and was totally tore up inside with a million different emotions! I had never been defeated before.

Brian, my sister Jaynie, her best friend Jane and my coaches gave me quite the pep talk on how amazing I looked, how far I have come and how proud I should be. I was among the best of the best… IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! These women had been competing for years…and me? Less than a year! Most of them had already been to the Olympia, placed first in pro shows and had been at the Arnold before. I started putting things into perspective and I felt much better. Shoot, I looked damn good and there wasn’t anything leading up to that day that I could have possibly done to bring a better package to the stage – that day.

Now, this put me in a better mood and I was actually looking forward to the night show. I was totally thrilled when they called me out with the second group that evening. As I was standing on stage for the finals I debated on whether or not I should reach out and grab Sylvester Stallone and Arnold’s butts (since they were right freakin in front of me) but then I had visions of the secret service men tackling me down and dragging me off stage… now, that would not be the way to be remembered at your pro debut!

As I look back at this past weekend I have two choices: Option 1 – I can let this feeling of defeat eat away at me, feel sorry for myself and half ass the next five weeks of training (my next show is the Europa in Orlando) and come up with excuses of why I can’t do this…or why I can’t do that…. OR, Option 2 – I can look at this as an opportunity to improve myself spiritually, mentally, and physically….DING, DING, DING. Folks, it looks like I’m going with Option 2!

A champion doesn’t always win every fight or battle. A champion continues to get up when they’ve been hit hard, when they are exhausted and when they feel like they have nothing left to give. In my mind, I will always be a winner, a fighter, and a champion because I have and will continue to pick myself up when life decides to throw its little curve balls at me. I can’t sit around and wonder why, or what if – no, sometimes in life we don’t understand God’s plan; however, at the most unexpected times He shows us why.

Hey, being ranked number 9 in the world isn’t too shabby!

So, just because I didn’t come in first place, does that mean that I’m not a champion? I’ll let you decide….

Check out this image of Dianna Dahlgren in the newest Muscle & Fitness issue. Double-D shows how to look fit and sexy. Nice job Dianna!

Dianna provides our weekly modeling tip of the week. Look for Dianna on stage later this month at the MuscleContest Pro Bikini show.
Thanks to Andrea Wilson for the assist on the image.