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The NPC Sacramento Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure along with the IFBB Pro Figure date has been set for Saturday, November 1, 2008. The show will start at 10am with the finals beginning at 6:30pm. Visit NPCsacshow.com for more information.
Which cover do you like? It looks like it’s between Annik Nayler and Felicia Romero. I’m partial to the Felicia cover myself and like the shot of her they’ve chosen. Let us know your thoughts in the comments field.
A message from NPC JR USA promoter, Tres Bennett:
The NPC JR USA is around the corner (May 17), as usual the Host hotel (The Embassy Suites) is filling up quickly. The hotel does not have any availability Thursday, May 15 therefore if you put in for Thursday it will kick your reservation out and say “no availability”. There is still availability Fri 16th and Sat 17th.
Call now for reservations 843-747-1882 if you have any issues ask for Angi Young and tell her your w/ The NPC JR USA.
Recently, it dawned on me that I receive the same questions over and over again about the relatively same topics. Sponsorship, getting noticed and more. That said… I’ll begin providing tips and insight on how you can better market yourself to the fitness and beyond. Some of you may ask, what makes me qualified to provide this information? Here’s the quick skinny on my background.
I have 12 years experience in advertising, branding, design and marketing. I was editor of my college newspaper as well as working a variety of jobs. I say jobs because it taught me what I DID NOT want to do. My career began as an art director for a large global advertising agency. After learning a great deal about advertising and marketing at this ad agency, I decided it was time for a change and moved to Denver. While working at a small design firm in Denver, I began working with clients that were appealing to me… sports, fitness and health-related. A year later I took the leap and started my own gig. I own and operate Lift Studios, a brand strategy and design firm. Since starting LIFT over five years ago it’s evolved into photography, video and more.
I’ve always been involved in athletics and sports, but after college I found myself fat and out of shape. Disgusted with myself I decided to make a change and did Body-for-Life. After completing the challenge I was in better shape, better educated on nutrition and decided to get more involved with the bodybuilding and fitness community. I’m not someone who just talks about it - I workout regularly and try maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I’ve combined my love for art & design with a passion for sports, health and fitness. It reminds me that I’m living my dream. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with you and hope it can help you in your careers.
Can you name who this big haired IFBB Pro is on the left?
Note not only the hair but also the drums in the background. Oh and don’t forget the shiny gloves. 
Could it be possible she was a drummer for Sheila E or just a look-alike?
Another new feature I’m starting is “Blast from the Past” where I will feature ads, photos and stories from years ago. This little gem came from a 1994 issue of FLEX magazine. I’ve been a fan of the sport long before I started photographing and writing about it. A number of issues from the mid-nineties still sit on my book shelves. I’ll be dusting them off and bringing you a few things you may not have seen before or if you have it might bring you back in time.
This is an ad for bars called “HARD BODY”. It’s fun to revisit how things were marketed year ago. Note the packaging on these bars. Would you buy one of these if you saw them on the shelves today?
Mindi O’Brien has been shaking her booty on the competitive stage for awhile and has made a name for herself as one of the top IFBB Fitness pros. I caught up with her to see what’s next and learn a little bit more about the Canadian star.
You recently competed in the Fitness International… How many times have you competed there and were you satisfied with your showing?
I earned my IFBB Pro card in the summer of 2004 and have competed in 4 consecutive Arnold Classic/Fitness Internationals. I was pleased with what I brought to the stage this year… however, it was a battle getting there. I was sick with the flu and a horrible cold a month prior to the Fitness International. Because of being so sick, my routines ended up suffering a little. My joints were really sore due to being sick and my endurance and energy was extremely low. I couldn’t really practice my routines as much as I should have and I had to tone down my routine a lot….(I had a few new skills added to my routines, but was unable to perform them without risking further injuries) Other than that, I was pleased with my physique…I feel that I had a good off season and made the necessary improvements to my overall physique. I placed 9th overall. My personal goal was to place a little higher, but I was pleased with what I brought to the stage. The Fitness International is one of the most prestigious competitions, and I feel blessed and honored to receiving an invite to represent my country and compete amongst the best Fitness Competitors in the world.
Are you the best Canadian Fitness competitor?
Canada has produced many top Fitness Competitors over the years who I have had the opportunity to compete with… Stephanie Worsfold, Kary Odiatu, Sandra Wickham are a few of Canada’s best and I feel honored to have had the opportunity to share the stage/limelight with them… There are a few new pros from Canada who are very talented and will definitely make an impression on the circuit… Myriam Capes and Marnie Holley will be showing off their talent this yr.
Choosing not to claim to be the best Canadian, ok. Let’s move on.
What’s something that you haven’t posted on your web site or put out in an interview before? You chew your toenails… secretly wear your fake butt outfit around the house… Let’s hear it.
LOL… Hmmm… this is a tough one!!!! I don’t think this has ever been posted on my site or anywhere else…but, at every competition since turning pro, I have been introduced as a former bodybuilding champion….When I started competing, I only competed in Fitness…that was my goal from the get go….I used to compete in the Fitness Canada Pageants before switching over to the CBBF…At the Fitness Canada Nationals, I placed 4th overall and the judges feedback was that I was too muscular for fitness and I had been penalized for it. The next day I went back to the venue to pick up my prop and my husband dared me to compete in the Musclemania event to see how I would do. I’m always up for a challenge!!!! Dennis (my husband) taught me how to pose in 10 minutes before going on stage, we oiled me up and away I went. We re-choreographed my fitness routine during the morning/night show and I performed my bodybuilding routine to my fitness routine music…Well…I ended up winning the Women’s Heavy Weight Division (weighing 123lbs). My passion is fitness…It was at that moment that I decided it was time for me switch over to the CBBF and go after my IFBB Pro card… I had a lot of fun competing on stage with the other bodybuilders, but for me fitness is where my heart is.
What’s your next show and will you be doing a new routine?
My next show will be the Houston Pro Show on July 4-5th. I will be performing to the same music but I am in the process of re-choreographing my current routine. If I qualifiy for the “O”, I will be bring a new routine to the stage.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Hmmmmm…I love sushi and mint chocolate chip ice cream and peanut butter sandwiches…not together though!!!
Thanks Mindi!
Thanks Isaac.
Mindi is currently feature in Canada’s INSIDE FITNESS magazine.
Inside Fitness, Canada’s biggest fitness & bodybuilding magazine, celebrates two years of excellence in the world of health, bodybuilding and fitness publishing with its Second Anniversary Issue. Features include athlete profiles on Mindi O’Brien and Fouad Abiad, as well as a focus on abs that is found in the magazine’s midsection. Seasoned bodybuilding and fitness professionals featured in the issue include Lee Labrada, Craig Ballantyne, Garry Bartlett, John Berardi and Ralph Dehaan. The issue is available at most major Canadian newsstands including Chapters, MAC’s Convenience Stores, London Drugs, 7-11, Walmart, GNC and fine health food stores across Canada.
I ran across this piece on a message board, siouxcountry.com. The news was posted by a female who was applauding the coverage of female bodybuilding in the adult men’s magazine, HUSTLER. This caught my attention as most women typically don’t applaud much of the contents in the magazine.
HUSTLER was made famous by it’s creator Larry Flynt, know for his battles regarding pornography and free speech.
The June issue of the magazine gives a brief history of competitions and mentions the likes of Rachel McLish and Cory Everson. The article goes on to interview Colette Nelson, Amber Steel and Melissa Dettwiller. While this is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea and the magazine doesn’t have a repuation for being “classy” most of the article isn’t bad. There are a few statements made that raise an eyebrow but that’s to be expected in a magazine of this nature. The photos featured are by longtime photographer, Brian Moss who runs shemuscle.com.
I’ve received a few emails asking why are there more names being added to the list for the IFBB Pittsbugh Pro show when the deadline has passed. It’s pretty simple, this is the first show of the year (the Arnold was by invite) and many pros were either a) not aware of the deadline or b) expressed an interest to the IFBB but the office hadn’t received the signed contract from the competitor. Some women are all bent out of shape by this and my advice is… relax. Lists change all the time for one reason or another. Focus on yourself, don’t worry about who your competition is and have fun.
• Catherine Andersen
• Teresa Anthony
• Huong Arcinas
• Tivisay Briceno
• Heather Mae French
• Amy Fry
• Bernadette Galvan
• Shannon Meteraud
• Melissa Montanaro-Griffin
• Hazal Nelson
• Melissa Pearo
• Nicole Pitcher-Scott
• Rosa-Maria Romero
• Brenda Marie Smith
• Tammy Strome
• Laura Sutter
• Nicole Wilkins
** Heather Green, Brianna Tindall and Allison Williams are not on the “official list” but do intend to compete.
Rosa-Maria Romero is one of the few Aussies who has the title of IFBB Pro on their resume. She can add OXYGEN cover model her growing list of accomplishments. Rosa-Maria is featured on the Australian edition of OXYGEN magazine.
Next up, she will make the long trip from Australia to be compete in the IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Figure. Congratulations Rosa-Maria, you look great and keep up the continued success.
Today, I confirmed with two more women that they will be competing at the Pittsburgh Pro Figure contest. I’ve had the opportunity to shoot with both of these women and they’re both fun to be around.
Huong Arcinas confirmed with me that as of today her contract is in and this shorty is ready to rock. She made her debut in Sacramento and this will be her second pro show. She has tremendous shape to her balanced physique. Huong is a mother of two children and lives in northern California.
The other fit momma is one of my favorite models, Heather Green. Heather had an impressive 2007 - starting with the NPC JR USA and found herself on the Figure Olympia stage months later. She headed to West Palm Beach to end a very long but productive season. I caught up with Heather at the Arnold Classic where she was looking great but hadn’t decided for certain on what show(s) she would be doing. Early this morning she confirmed that she will be doing the Pittsburgh Pro as her 2008 debut. ** Heather intends to compete and the IFBB office is awaiting her signed contract at the time of posting this.
Beauty & The Beach - Heather Green.
Heather at the 2007 NPC JR USA.
Good Luck to these fit mommas in their season opener.
BUILT magazine used the 2007 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas as it’s debut. What bigger venue is there to announce a new magazine that’s vision is to promote bodybuilding (except for maybe the Arnold)? It was a new magazine being given away at the Pinnacle/Kemistry booth. The magazine featured many amazing photographs, various articles and tips printed on high quality paper. The design, well it looked more like a “design for design sake” than that of a functional, legible publication. As a designer, I can appreciate the design and new approach however it wasn’t fitting for the bodybuilding world. It was better suited as an art/design/creative magazine.
Any whoo… as we reported months ago all of the athletes under contract with Pinnacle/Kemistry were let go in November of 2007. Pinnacle also dropped out as title sponsor of the 2007 NPC Nationals. It appears there was a direct connection to these events that also lead to the demise of BUILT magazine. The magazine as it stands today is dead - one and done. I applaud the people behind BUILT for trying something new and attempting to bring more awareness to the industry. Unfortunately, this story happens more often than not with new magazines not only in the fitness/bodybuilding industry but also in the world of publishing as a whole.
The newest campaign for Vegas.com isn’t targeted to women, however we’ve all encountered one of these guys at some point. I found the ad hilarious and very fitting for many of the guys in the bodybuilding industry.
The copy reads, “Do you love clubbing in Vegas, sleeping 8 guys to 1 room and spray-on tans? Lucky for you VEGAS.com has been helping discerning douchebags Do Vegas Right long before you used your first pick-up line.”
The web site www.vegas.com/douchebag is equally amusing where guys can take a quiz.
Take the Douchebag Quiz to figure out if you can cut it as a Vegas Douchebag:
1. Do you know where to get the best spray-on tan?
2. Do you like to show off your nipple ring in public?
3. Do you know the difference between beer and malt liquor?
4. Do you wear your chain inside or outside your shirt?
5. Do you own more than 5 different trucker hats?If you answered “fo sho” to any of the above questions, you may have what it takes to be a true Vegas Douchebag.
A new feature I’ll be posting from time to time is AD-WATCH. Ads that feature the women in the fitness industry and how the women are portrayed. Seen an ad that’s caught your eye? Drop me a line and let me know.
A copywriter out of New York called attention to a Gaspari Nutrition ad recently in his blog. The ad in question features fitness model, Marzia Prince and one of the supplement company’s products. The headline reads, “THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER BOX ON THE PLANET”. Below is the ad and the blogger’s comments. What are your thoughts?
DON’T read too much into this ad…
Well, it’s certainly one way to make sure consumers stare lustily at your product. That’s “famous” fitness “supermodel” Marzia Prince, 2007 Ms. “Bikini Universe” (here’s her myspace page), classily shilling for some body building supplement in a recent copy of Iron Man magazine, of which I am not a subscriber. At least she’s spreading her wings a bit, I guess. Anyway—we now have a female ad companion to the Warehouse One dick-in-a-box ad; though it’s not the first time we’ve seen a product placed directly in front of a coochie. related: ABSOLUT VAGINA. (ad posted by MultiCultClassics) update: believe it or not, I am getting REALLY tired of posting this brand of witless ads…
– copyranter.blogspot.com
It’s been awhile since we last saw her on stage but that’s all set to change in May. Halcyon Duarte has her sights set on returning the the figure stage at the 2008 NPC JR USA. Halcy has appeared in Muscle & Fitness Hers, Oxygen and IRONMAN. She graced the cover of M&F hers for the JAN/FEB 2006 issue. I’m looking forward to seeing her return to the stage. Best of luck Halcy and we’ll see you in Charleston.
The IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Figure is set for May 3, 2008 in Pittsburgh, PA. Three more figure pros will be added to the list of qualified competitors for the 2008 Olympia. There are a few rookies as well as a few veterans on the competitor list to date.
• Catherine Andersen
• Teresa Anthony
• Tiviasy Briceno
• Heather Mae French
• Amy Fry
• Shannon Meteraud
• Melissa Montanaro-Griffin
• Hazal Nelson
• Melissa Pearo
• Nicole Pitcher-Scott
• Rosa-Maria Romero
• Tammy Strome
• Nicole Wilkins
For more information on this contest visit IFBBpro.com.
Happy Birthday to one of the most entertaining pros in the IFBB Pro ranks today. Stacy Simons is almost always and is a true East Coast gal when you get a chance to know her. Stacy will be celebrating her birthday today with friends and family with a little drinky drink or two. I asked Stacy why she wasn’t competing in the NY Pro Fitness in a couple weeks and she tells me she is focusing on winning the Atlantic City Pro before heading back to the Olympia. In our conversation she shared a bit about her ‘08 Fitness International routine. She’s kind enough to share it with HARDBODY.com…
Aight Stacy what’s the scoop on your routine at the Arnold?
Okay, where do I start? Let’s just say that I felt like “Ralphie” in “A Christmas Story.” C’mon, you know the scene. “OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH FFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUDDDDGGGGEEEEE!” Yup, you guessed it! Except I said the real thing! I was about 20 seconds into my newly choreographed 2 min routine. Since I am a creature of habit and I’m used to tumbling stage right for my first pass…it just sort of happened. My choreographer did a kick ass routine for me, except I was SUPPOSED to tumble…stage left. So, what do I do? Anything but what I had practiced…tumble the wrong friggin’ way! I’m going into my tumbling pass and as I am doing my hurdle… I’m saying to myself “Oh f*ck! I’m going the wrong way!” Well, thank “gawd” I’m a former gymnast (and trained dancer… a lllllllllloooooonnnnnnnnnggggggggg time ago) and have the ability to improvise. So, the routine that everyone witnessed Friday night during the finals was NOT the way it was supposed to go. I forgot about 35 seconds of it. The next thing I can remember is doing some heavy praying to the “Big Guy Upstairs” so I can make this look somewhat decent. Next thing you know, I’m doing the “Hindsy”, my backyard is on my head, and I’m almost finished the routine. So, I guess finishing 7th really wasn’t too shabby, huh?
Happy Birthday Stacy and the “Hindsy” could be a great move to liven up any party.
Any women competing in the IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Figure contest and looking for a make-up artist, look no further. Amber Altany has worked with all the pro women that have visit JM Manion’s studio in Pittsburgh. A few of the people she’s help get beautified are Adela Garcia, Kim Klein, Gina Aliotti, Sonia Adcock, Jenn Gates, Shannon Meteraud, MaryJo Cooke, Natalie Benson, Hazal Nelson, Amanda Jo Savell, Kristin Gomes, Davana Medina, Jenny Lynn, Christine Pomponio-Pate, Jennifer Searles, Mary Elizabeth Lado, Andrea Dumon, Heidi Fletcher, Kristal Richardson, Nicole Wilkins, Juliana Malacarne and Tracey Greenwood.
Contact Info:
Amber Altany
Ph: 412-726-5017
Email: amber@amberaltanymakeup.com
http://www.amberaltanymakeup.com
We’ve seen a number of IFBB pros give birth to a new generation within the last few months. Last week I caught up with one of my long time clients, IFBB Pro Kim Seeley. Those who may not know, Kim is one of the few professional competitors that competes with type one diabetes. She’s been very helpful with many others looking to compete with the disease and contributes to a variety of diabetic publications.
Kim hasn’t taken the stage in a few months and with good reason… she’s expecting her first child. She tells me she’s excited to step away from competing for a bit to focus on starting a family, but she isn’t retiring. I asked Kim to share a bit more with the readers of HARDBODY.com about her exciting news. Check out her candid answers to my questions.
What’s your due date?
September 9, 2008Do you know the sex or want to know?
I’m not sure what we’ll be having yet. We will find out in the next few weeks or so. Since I am also a type one. I have tons of sonograms and like a gazillion other tests to make sure the baby is healthy and doing what it is suppose to be doing weekly. So basically I’ll find out the sex probably by accident seeing so many sonograms.I am happy to find out though. I think knowing ahead of time can prepare you financially as well as an emotional connection might be kinda cool. I honestly could give 2 shits what it is… with the “Advanced Maternal Age Bull Shit”…and more importantly how the affects diabetes can play a roll in the baby developing have been really stressful. Happy and healthy coming out of the chute is what i want…then my husband and I can f’ it all up mentally late..hee hee. Kidding Isaac, but it is something I have to think about with my diabetes.
Any names picked out?
The names are based on a family thing: Eric, Eric’s grandfather and so on have had the initials E.O.S. So that’s what we are doing. Girl’s names, Elliot or Elton for the first name and Olivia for the middle. The boy names, Ellison (Ellis for short) or Eric the second, the middle names could be Owen, Oliver or Otto. Yes, Otto. My husband’s family is very German.What’s been the biggest adjustment since finding out?
Shit! Which one?! Ha! Physically this is the first time in 10 years I have not seen abs. I always have some sort of ab definition and that is now long gone. (so my physique changing is an adjustment. God, I have to be honest, my nose runs constantly which is so odd. Mentally my moods are way off kilter. I’m sane one minute and a nut job the next. I love carbs more than i can remember. I SWORE I’d be Ms Fit pregnant chic and although I haven’t had any nausea. I feel completely exhausted all the time; to the point where I fall asleep at my desk while at work. This has really baffled me. I have missed many many workouts. This has been really tough. I literally could not make myself get to the gym. Sounds like such a bunch of crap but was so true for me. Hopefully that will get better.The biggest thing is in relation to my disease though. God, I thought training for competitions would cause crazy blood sugar swings. Not even close. This is the most difficult thing I have ever dealt with in all my years of having type one. Some highs and many many, many, lows. In fact one really low last Friday night that resulted me in the back of an ambulance. Glucose dropped while driving and I blacked out. Drove about 22-15 minutes unaware, wrecked my car, hit a curb and a pole of some sort. All the while with my chihuahuas flying around in the back seat. Luckily I was fine and did not injure anyone else. The cops thought I was drunk. I pissed myself too. That was my favorite part of the night. I rule. No but seriously, the baby is using so much fuel that my insulin measurements were way off. We are working on that!!
Thank God I have the coolest team of doctors under the sun. They cleared up one helluva lot of misconceptions for me and the fit pregnancy thing. I have 3 teams and they are very, very, hip and aggressive.
Thanks for your candidness Kim and we’re all glad you and the baby are ok. We’ll check in with you throughout your pregnancy and wish you all the best!
We’re all inspired by someone or something. Post up your latest inspiration in the comments field or email them to me. I’ll be featuring an “inspiration” list in the coming weeks. My current inspiration is a friend of mine traveling the world and sharing the amazing experiences. It reminds me that we all should get out a little more and experience something new. This morning I woke up with this thought in my head which is my new mantra.
“Life is my currency… It’s my choice how I spend it.”
I love it. It doesn’t matter where you’re at or how much or little money you have - as long as you’re alive you have the choice to spend your time as you choose.
