2008 March

Figure International Champ Gina Aliotti in the news

March 17, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The 2008 Figure International Champ is doing a great job of getting her name out in the news. Gina Aliotti stopped by our friends at BODYSPORT.com’s radio show this week. She chats it up with Terry and Elaine Goodlad, check it out it’s worth a listen.

Monterey County The Herald reports:

Toning up
Gina Aliotti got the year off on the right triceps, capturing the 2008 Arnold Bodybuilding Classic in Ohio.

Competing in the Figure Pro Division, Aliotti placed second last fall in the Olympia competition. Aliotti, a 2002 Monterey High graduate, has written a book on fitness.

If you missed my interview with Gina before the Arnold Classic you can still check it out on bodybuilding.com.

Filed Under: Misc

Anna Laratta – not even close to being over the hill

March 17, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

My Italian is a little rusty but I’d like to wish a Donna bella di buon compleanno. Huh? I think it’s pretty close to saying, Happy Birthday to a beautiful woman. Why would I be attempting to say Happy Birthday in Italian? Well, Anna Laratta is 100% Italian and on Saturday night she celebrated her 40th Birthday complete with a number of authentic Italian treats. Anna’s husband, John who is also 100% Italian, invited a number of friends and family to their beautiful Denver home for a Birthday Bash.

The Laratta family after the 2007 Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta.

Careful to coin this mother of four and top NPC figure competitor “Over the Hill”. She placed third in the B Class won and the 35+ B class at the 2007 NPC North Americans. Anna’s three daughters have lit up the Jr. Fitness stage at Carla Sanchez’s Fitness Fiesta year after year and don’t be surprised if you are reading about them in the years to come as top fitness competitors.

A number of top NPC competitors as well as a couple IFBB pros were in attendance to help celebrate her birthday. Carla Sanchez and her husband made an appearance with their growing baby boy. New mom Christine Pomponio-Pate and her husband showed up still glowing from the birth of their first child. Christine looks like she could step on stage this week if she wanted to, however she tells me her days are spent trying to sleep when not caring for her newborn. Jacqui Skibba, who will be hitting the national figure stage in a few weeks, made a showing with her hilarious husband. Liza Kampsta was looking great as she prepares for Jr. Nationals in June. Heather Locklear look-alike, Tanisha Harrison avoided the deserts as she prepares for the Master’s Figure competition in Pittsburgh.

Anna Laratta at the 2007 NPC USAs.

Keep your eye out for Anna as she competes on the NPC national figure scene this year. She’s proof that at age is simply a number and you’re only as old as you want to feel.

Filed Under: Misc

Saturday Swimsuit Scenes with Flex Magazine

March 15, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 8 Comments

Yesterday, the crew at FLEX magazine put another swimsuit shoot in the books. Who will get the cover of the 2008 FLEX swimsuit issue? I’m partial to brunettes myself and would like to see Felicia Romero or Jen Gates. However, my input doesn’t mean squat – it all comes down to who photographed the best and which shots would make for a great cover. Last year it was Jessica Paxson-Putnam, this year’s cover model will be revealed in a couple months.

Allan Donnelly wears multiple hats as a FLEX Sr. Editor and
swimsuit video guy. Shown hear capturing IFBB Pro, Felicia Romero. Tough job AD.

For more photos from the shoot visit: BLOG.FLEXONLINE.com

Filed Under: Misc

Absent Abby… for good reason

March 14, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Where in the world has IFBB Figure Pro Abby Duncan been? She won the 2004 NPC IRONMAN figure and went on to win the A class at the 2004 NPC JR Nationals, earning her pro status. Abby competed a couple of times as a pro in 2005 and could be seen at various shows working for GNC. Lately though she’s been absent from the scene. Where in the world is Abby Duncan?

Abby all tanned up ready for the figure stage.

Abby has been away from the competitive stage for good reason. Four months ago today she gave birth to a handsome lil devil named Alden. Abby and her husband currently reside in California. Abby tells me you might catch her in the audience at one of the California shows.

Alden hanging with his peeps.

Congratulations to Abby and her husband Joe!

Filed Under: Misc

Take your Jugs to a new level

March 14, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

No, I’m not being a sexist pig, get your minds out of the gutter. I’m talking about the ongoing epidemic of “THE JUG BUG”. I’ve received a number of emails from those who suffer from the jug syndrome and embarrassed to admit it. This morning in the gym I was working out with NPC Figure competitor, Sara Hurrle, who admitted to being a jugger in the past. Her excuse, like many who emailed me, centered around doing a show and had to drink distilled water. The rationale is apparently it’s easier to monitor total water intake. Okay, if you want to live in denial and that’s what you’re running with, fine. During this morning’s discussion we realized that those of you toting jugs are making a statement. You want us all to know you are no longer working out. OH NO, Juggers want to let every one around them know they are “in training”. What exactly are juggers training for? That’s precisely what they want you to ask and will be happy to tell you.

Later, I spoke with Will, the main content man at bodybuilding.com, about this ongoing outbreak and he enlightened me to a whole new world of jugging. Take a gander at teenbodybuilding.com to see how one guy is utilizing jugs as his workout.

The 1/2 gallon rear jug raise.

Could the jug bug turn into the latest fitness craze? It has the potential of being cooler than an Affliction shirt at an after-party. Stay Tuned!

Filed Under: Misc

Go Behind the Scenes on the Flex Swimsuit Photoshoot

March 14, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

The boys at FLEX have a tough job some days. Earlier in the week, Arnold Schwarzenegger stopped by the Weider offices and said hello to the hard working crew. Yesterday, a few of the FLEXers could be seen poolside in sunny California. It’s that time of the year again when eight of the most beautiful women in the biz are photographed for the annual FLEX swimsuit issue. The magazine will be on sale in May.

Julie Lohre phones home to hubby, Rick while playing photographer.

Check out more photos and Behind-The-Scenes action from the shoot on the FLEX blog.

Filed Under: Misc

Bodybuilding.com – Women’s Super Feature

March 13, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Ladies this is the place to check out for all your female related topics. A new super feature on bodybuilding.com is specifically for the women. There are tips, interviews, recipes and tons more. Lots of great information that was created with women in mind.

Check it out at: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/superwomen.htm

Filed Under: Misc

Flex Bikini Model Search – Enter to Win Big

March 12, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 4 Comments

Attention Hardbody ladies! This is your chance to be the next FLEX Swimsuit Model and earn an exclusive contract with Weider Publications.

Last year hordes of women flocked to the Olympia in hopes of winning the bikini contest. The folks at FLEX decided to start things a little earlier this year with an online model search. The contest begins April 1st and one winner a month (5 total) will receive $250 and a spot in the final 15 at this year’s Olympia in Las Vegas.

WHAT: FLEX Bikini Model Search Online
WHO: Females 18 & Older
WHEN: Monthly, beginning on April 1, 2008
COST: Free
HOW IT WORKS: Each of the contests will begin on the 1st of each month (beginning April 1) and run through the 15th. The contestant with the most votes after the two-week voting period will win the monthly contest.
DEADLINES: Photos are due by the 21st of the month prior to the start of the contest.
WHAT YOU GET: Monthly winners earn $250 USD and a spot in the 15-woman finals of the FLEX Bikini Model Search on Olympia Weekend.
FOR MORE INFO: Go to www.flexonline.com/flexmodelsearch

Filed Under: Misc

Have You Been Bitten by the Jug Bug?

March 12, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 3 Comments

Have you been one of the many in an on-going epidemic that suffer from the “jug bug”? It typically hits competitors and wannabe gym jockeys. Admittedly, I was once bitten by the pesky “jug bug” but that was years ago.

What the hell am I talking about? Come on, you’re either currently suffering from it or have seen it in your gym.

I’m talking about the people who carry around a gallon jug of water. Some people fancy it up with some Crystal Light to give it a little extra flair. Recently, I’ve notice the bug has bitten more than a few people in my gym. There’s the usual victims, the trainer who is always lean and loves to have people ask her what show she’s training for as she guzzles from the jug. There’s the bodybuilder dude who could compete but most likely never has nor will yet he too love the attention the almighty jug brings. The other day I saw a middle-aged gentleman taking this outbreak to another level with his insulated “jug protector”. Yes, an insulated protector for his gallon o’liquid. It was quite amusing to see a fairly frail man lugging around a this contraption. Really? Do you really need an insulated gallon jug? Dude, come on this jug weighs more than you were just trying to curl.

This morning I saw a woman in a spin class with a gallon jug sitting on top of her spin bike. Um, really? Are you really going to spin and down a gallon of water? Get outta here.

I’m calling on everyone to stop the JUG BUG! It’s not necessary and as a former bitten one who has now seen the light I can say, you look like a total tool lugg’n the jug.

Filed Under: Misc

FLEXonline.com to feature the next female pros

March 12, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

The next three IFBB female pros will be featured on FLEXonline.com following the NPC Jr. USA. The top two figure as well as the overall fitness winner will be featured on the site. This is the first of many additions to the FLEX website that will showcase the women. The “PRO-files” will feature not only photos from the photo shoot with LIFT Studios but also a closer look at the winners.
Props to FLEXonline.com for stepping up to showcase the women who work hard to achieve IFBB pro status.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

2x Ms. Figure Olympia Jenny Lynn does NOT sign with VPX

March 11, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

I confirmed with Jenny Lynn’s manager, JM Manion, that she is not with VPX and he had this to say…

A few days before the 2008 Arnold Fitness Expo, word was leaked that Jenny Lynn had signed a multi-year contract with supplement company VPX. The only problem was, we did not release the info & neither did VPX because although a contract was in the works for Jenny Lynn & VPX, the reality of the situation was that we had not received a fully executed copy of a contract from VPX. So nothing was officially official. Yes, Jenny Lynn did work the VPX booth the entire Arnold Fitness weekend, which was at the request of VPX. By the Wednesday after the Arnold Fitness weekend, VPX stated it had reviewed the contract offer for Jenny Lynn & at this time the two would not make a good fit. It was not because of Jenny Lynn at all they assured us, it was due to the fact that VPX did not have a product to market Jenny Lynn around. So instead of her being signed to a supplement company that would not use her in any immediate advertisements & only having her make a few booth appearances at contests per year, VPX felt that an athlete of Jenny Lynn’s stature deserved to be with a supplement company that would fully utilize the 2-time IFBB Figure Olympia, 3-time IFBB Figure International champion & feature her as the great champion that she is. We couldn’t agree more. So yes, Jenny Lynn IS available to be signed by any viable supplement company that is interested.

Please contact:
JMP Management
c/o J.M. Manion & Debra Amelio-Manion
(412) 257-4555
E-mail: jmmnpc@aol.com

Filed Under: Misc

“Tara Talks” – Gina Aliotti & Figure International

March 11, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Another new feature here on HARDBODY.com… “TARA TALKS”. This is a raw, unedited talk with IFBB Figure Pro, Tara Scotti. Tara hung up her posing suits and clear heels after a successful pro figure career. She was married last fall to one of the coolest guys you could ever meet, Dominic. Any one who knows Tara, knows she is a true New Yorker who is loyal and true to her word, but also isn’t afraid to tell it how it is. This is the first of many “Tara Talks” here on HARDBODY.com. In this edition, Tara talks about how she first met Gina Aliotti, the 2008 Ms. Figure International Champ and breaks down a bit of the figure competition. Below is a portion of Tara Talk, where she is talking with her now husband, Dominic. This is one of the more amusing exchanges you’ll read all day…

The phone call went something very similar to this:
ME ” Hey Babe, I am about to win my 2nd pro show”
HIM “Wow, that’s a pretty bold statement”
ME “Babe, trust me. I am peaking like I did at last year’s Olympia, and I saw almost all the girls backstage, I am not losing this show!! ”
HIM “Simmer down cowboy. What about Gina Aliotti? ”
ME “Who’s Gina?”
HIM “Gina Allioti, my sources in Anaheim tell me Gina is looking really good.”
ME: “Who the f**k is Gina Allioti, and who the f**k are your sources?”
HIM: (laughing) Babe relax. You competed against her a few months ago in Colorado. You placed ahead of her. You don’t remember her? ”
ME: “I have no idea who you are talking about. And if I already beat her, why would I lose to her now?”
HIM: “Gina is one of the new girls. She is very young, very pretty, has a great physique, flowing lines. If this kid can get her conditioning down, forget it, lights out. She is the future of Figure babe. It is what it is. Just relax. Just do your little thing on stage, and let the cards fall where they fall. You’re going to do fine, you always do.
ME: ” Jesus, by the way you are talking, you sound like you are the president of her fan club. Why don’t we just break up and you can start dating her yourself.”
HIM: “You know what, that’s not a bad idea. See if you can get me her number when you talk to her.”
ME: (CLICK)

This jerk is trying to take the wind out of my sails. So I hung up on him and turned my phone off. So now I went from confident to shaky. My mind is starting to race. Who the f**k are his sources? Probably that nut case Isaac Hinds. Wait till I see him.

Read Tara’s full encounter with Gina and how she saw the Arnold Figure shake down here.

Filed Under: Interviews, Tara Scotti's Tara Talks

Martin Schoeller – “Female Bodybuilders” at Ace Gallery – Beverly Hills, CA

March 10, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 3 Comments

Born in 1968, Martin Schoeller grew up in Germany and is well known for his Close Up photographs. An amazing book, “CLOSE UP” was published in 2005 featuring actors, musicians, politicians, athletes and more.

Angelina Jolie shown in Schoeller’s book, “Close Up”.

In 2003, Martin began creating a series of over 60 portraits of Female Bodybuilders. He traveled to many of the top bodybuilding shows to capture photos of the women at their top condition. Schoeller stated in his gallery invite, “With Female Bodybuilders, I am trying to show the vulnerability that I see and feel in the subjects when I am with them, to get to the complex emotions behind a mask of extreme physical expressions.”

The photos are currently on display at Ace Gallery Beverly Hills. There is some discussion amongst female bodybuilding fans regarding the photos. Some fans are not impressed, others like the work. I enjoy the work and view it as art. Art is different things to different people, we’re all left to interpret it how we wish. What do you think?

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Isaac Hinds Joins Team Weider

March 10, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 10 Comments

I’m happy to announce that I will be providing coverage for the women’s side of the sport for FLEXONLINE.com. Starting in April, we’ll be featuring more of the women’s news, interviews and monthly photo galleries. This is not only an exciting opportunity for me but also for the women of the NPC and IFBB. A huge thanks to Allan Donnelly, Peter McGough, Chris Hoebrecker and Lisa Clark for their support. It’s refreshing to see a reputable publication like FLEX stepping up to feature more of the women in the industry.

Stay tuned for a number of announcements related to the women and FLEXONLINE.com.

Filed Under: Misc

Wedding Bells at the Arnold

March 10, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Saturday, March 2, 2008, IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Evgeny Mishin and National Fitness Competitor Lena Squarciafico exchanged wedding vows. The two met at the Arnold Classic in 2004 and decided it was only fitting to get married there. Congratulations to the newly weds and best wishes.

The bride and groom at the 2008 Arnold Classic.

Filed Under: Arnold Classic

Shannon Dey – Bombshell Academy Figure Camp

March 10, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

There are still a couple of spots left in IFBB Pro Shannon Dey’s Bombshell Academy Figure Camp. The camp is held March 14-16 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Hotel is included in your camp.

Camp includes:
• Several workouts where you learn the training secrets of the pros
• One month of personalized workout and diet based on YOUR physique
• Several posing sessions to teach you how to present the BEST package on stage!
• Q&A with the NPC Florida Chairperson for Figure and Fitness
• And much, much more!!!

For more info visit shannondey.net and tell her HARDBODY.com sent ya

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Catch Monica Brant in Chicago March 29-30

March 9, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

WHAT: Capitol Nutrition Store Appearance(s)
WHEN: Saturday March 29th: Capitol Nutrition 3344 South Rt. 59 Naperville, IL 60564
Sunday March 30th: Capitol Nutrition 9960 W. 191st Street Suite I Mokena, IL 60448
TIME: 11 AM – 4 PM both days
More info call: (708) 478-8141 for either location

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Capturing a fitness routine

March 7, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 6 Comments

It’s one of the highlights of every show for me; the fitness routines. It’s a challenge to capture the action as it unfolds in front of you and that one moment in time when everything clicks. I often have more photos that are blurry, out of focus or cropped wrong but for those that total suck, I usually end up with a couple that totally rock. One of my favorite competitors to shoot on stage is IFBB Pro Tracey Greenwood. There is something about her routines that no matter what outfit she is wearing or what moves she’s doing I’m able to capture her at the right time. I think a good portion of it is that Tracey holds her moves longer than most and times her strength moves in an order that is logical.

Tracey hitting a move at the 2008 Fitness International.

Check out more pro routine photos on bodybuilding.com.

Filed Under: Arnold Classic

IFBBPRO.com – Women’s Bodybuilding Photos – Behind the Lense with Lift Studios

March 7, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 10 Comments

The females are getting some love on the main IFBB Pro League Web site, IFBBPRO.com. Check out photos from the Ms. International show.

Filed Under: Arnold Classic

Eric Broser and Jenny Lynn Team Up

March 6, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Personal Trainer, Eric Broser announced he will be working with Ms. Figure Olympia on her training for the upcoming Olympia in September. On Musculardevelopment.com’s message board Eric posted the following:

Over the ASC weekend, Jenny Lynn and I spent alot of time discussing her training over the last few years, as well as what areas of her body need to continue to improve. We talked alot about my PRRS method of training and she fell in love with the concept behind it.

By Sunday we had secured a deal for me to personally take over her TRAINING (Hany will still be doing her diet) for her upcoming Ms. Olympia title defense (and beyond).

So, it is official…Jenny Lynn and I are now teamed up and will be working hard to make her the best ever in 2008!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Larry Pepe chats with IFBB Women’s Head Judge Sandy Williamson

March 6, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

Sandy is the top female official in the women’s sport of bodybuilding, fitness and figure. She’s the women’s rep for the NPC and was the head IFBB judge at last week’s Arnold Classic for the women’s competitions. Monday, Larry Pepe talks with Sandy about the shows and this will be one Pep Talk episode not to miss. They discuss some of the controversy surrounding around last week’s placings.

Another topic that will come from the show is a letter going out to all IFBB Pro Figure competitors from the IFBB. The letter will inform all figure competitors that they need to tone down the hardness they bring to the stage. The letter is going out to all IFBB Figure pros within the next week.

You can catch the show live on BODYBUILDINGRADIO.com Monday.

Filed Under: Misc

New Hardbody Feature: MO KNOWS

March 6, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

A new feature here on Hardbody.com features fitness icon, Monica “Mo” Peckham-Brant. The MO KNOWS segment was born last Sunday night when I was fretting over loosing my Driver’s license and having to board a plane the next morning.

The group after a long weekend at the Arnold Classic.

Monica shared a similar story with Erin Heath, Ana Tigre and myself that happened to her. She told me I’d have to file a police report and show it to get through security. Sure enough the people at United told me the same thing when I called after being on hold for 20 minutes.Check back for more MO KNOWS segments in the future here on hardbody.com. Visit Monica’s site at www.monicabrant.com

Filed Under: Arnold Classic

Thousands of Arnold Weekend Photos

March 6, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The HARDBODY.com crew was everywhere at the Arnold Classic Weekend. Thousands of photos from the weekend, on and off stage, can be found on Bodybuilding.com here.

Filed Under: Arnold Classic

Ana Tigre launches Fizeek Brazil Clothing for women

March 5, 2008 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Monica Brant told me to keep an eye out for “a hot Brazil woman” who would be wearing on of her old suits at the NPC IRONMAN. Silly me, I didn’t remember and I failed to put two and two together – hot Brazil woman – winner of the B class in the show. What was I thinking? Clearly I wasn’t. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to meet the NPC competitor in question. When I met Ana Tigre, I didn’t realize she was the “hot Brazil woman” Mo had been referring to. The two of them reminded me of it a few times throughout the weekend but hey Mo was right.

Erin Heath (left) Isaac Hinds and Ana Tigre (right) at the Arnold Classic.
The two will be battling it out in the same height class at the 2008 NPC JR USA.

There’s more than just a pretty face and top notch physique behind Ana; she’s a graduate in Fashion Design and a former equestrian of sixteen years. As if that wasn’t enough she is quite the comedian and a magnet for random oddballs, but we’ll save that story for another time. Ana told me about her new clothing line and mentioned Monica wore the clothing for her Austin Fitness cover. The more you hear about her new venture you begin to see she has done what many people only dream of doing. She’s combined passion for design and fitness to launch Fizeek Brazil as her business. Along with the help of her sister, Lulu, and an encouraging husband they are off to the races.

An example of the fashionable Fizeek Brazil clothing.

The line is already in hot demand and can be seen in upcoming issues of the top fitness magazines. One look at the clothing and you can see it is fashionable wear for women. Their new web site (www.fizeekbrazil.com) is officially open for business. Take a look at their line and let them know HARDBODY sent ya.

Mark my words, Ana is on pace to become the Heidi Klum of the fitness industry. When you see her on Oprah you can say, I remember when…

Filed Under: Industry News

Catherine Andersen’s Figure Debut

March 4, 2008 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

She wasn’t on many people’s list to crack the top ten in the pre-Arnold chats and many took a “wait and see” approach. I mentioned she could be one to shake things up and she did. Catherine looked great and showed she can hang with the best. Watch out for her in the upcoming shows and if she is at the right show at the right time, you’ll see her top 3 and heading to the Olympia. I asked Catherine a couple questions related to the show…

How did you feel your looked?
I felt I came in MUCH better than I expected. I worked at streamlining my lines which I believe I did. I am still a bit bigger than I want so I will be shooting to bring it down just a touch for my competitions this year.

Any difference from USAs in terms or nerves/excitement?
I was so much more nervous AND excited for this pro debut. C’mon, it is the Arnold! I was fine until both feet hit the stage at pre judging! Then my heart just pounded out of my chest. I had to really regulate my breathing to avoid that adrenaline overload! I am happy with 8th, but not satisfied… it makes me hungry for more… watch out 2008!