Hardbody - Female Sports, Health and Fitness
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The photo of the day is from the 2009 Arnold Expo. Mr. Olympia, Dexter Jackson has a new clothing line called “Gym Life”. There is a temporary site up at, gymlifegear.com where you can purchase some of the items. The new line is for women, men and kids. Check it out and tell Dex we sent ya.
The opening line from Pearl Jam’s “Brother” speaks volumes in today’s economy. “You should be happy with what you got…” It’s not what the song is about but it’s a pretty rock’n tune.
Yesterday, Heather Mae French showed that she is more than an IFBB Pro Figure competitor. Heather showed some skills on the football field at the new Denver Dream tryouts. I’m not sure what her 40 time was but she hauled ass. Here’s a shot of Heather getting up over a local sports reporter. The spot ran on the local ABC affiliate station last night. Congrats on making the team Heather.
Props to C-Ho for the recommendation. Apparently, this song was a big hit at a recent shoot. I hadn’t heard this version of Timberlake’s “Sexy Back” but gotta say it’s pretty bad ass.
News announced on the team’s myspace page.
Today, Denver fans and media flocked to one of the country’s most beautiful venues called Dick’s Sporting Goods Park home of the Lingerie Football League’s Denver Dream. League officials met with some of the most beautiful and athletic women in Denver and chose an incredible group of women to represent the city of Denver and the state of Colorado as the 2009 / 2010 Denver Dream. The Denver tryouts attracted every major broadcast affiliate and newspaper in Denver, the word about the LFL is out! Today’s News Coverage Included – NBC, CBS, FOX, CW, ABC, Denver Post and Westword.
Congrats To The 2009 / 2010 Denver Dream Roster:
Kristal Marshall
Jessica Palmer
Alicia Armendariz
Heather Mae French
Kari Abt
Jenny Yukich
Skyler Kreysar
Adiamond Baker
Shannon Martin
Lindsey Szvetits
Melissa Mikkelsen
Ianthe WellsVisit: www.LFLUS.com for more info.
Congrats to all the Hardbody women for making the team. Stay tuned for more info as things take shape.
Thirty five women, well 38 if you count the three who came later, made the trip to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park today. The women were dressed in workout attire and had their game faces on. Why? They were hoping to make the team of 12 for the new Lingerie Football League. While the producers tell me they usually get hundreds of women for this event they were very pleased with the quality of women who came out. If you think this is some powder puff event, you are mistaken. These women were running, jumping, tackling and kicking the crap out of each other during the tryouts. A number of NPC and IFBB competitors came out. Seventh place finisher at the Figure International, Heather Mae French was representing in full strength. IFBB Fitness Pro, Jesse Palmer made a strong showing just weeks out from the Orlando Pro Fitness event. Kristal Marshall who placed second in her class at the inagural NPC Bikini contest busted a few heads, literally. Lindsey Svetits who you saw on here months ago turned a few heads with her passing abilities.
Tomorrow I will be shooting the chosen few in the studio. While the names haven’t officially been released I can tell you the NPC & IFBB has a strong chance of having representation in the league. The local media was on hand to capture all the action. If you’re in Denver make sure you tune in to Channel 7, ABC affiliate for an amusing feature. There will be some behind the scenes footage from tomorrow’s shoot up in the coming days as well.
Today is the day! I know there are a few women from the Denver area who told me they will be trying out for this. If you haven’t already made place you have until 3pm to get out to Dick’s Good Park to tryout. The producers are in town this weekend to cast the Lingerie Football League’s Denver Team.
New Figure Champ Zivile was spotted working the S.A.N. booth on Sunday. A fan was gathering signatures of all the top celebs in the biz. Zivile was very friendly and cordial to everyone stopping by. Winning the Figure International certainly doesn’t hurt to be in a cheery mood.
A live performance from John Mayer with Waiting for the World to Change. I’ve seen him in concert a couple times and he’s one of those people who is just as good live as they are in the studio.
Last year at the Olympia, I had the good fortune to attend the party where a number of IFBB Pro League branded items were unveiled. The event was put on by the IFBB Pro League and a number of top industry people were on hand for the event.
Today a press release was issued announcing the new branded products.
IFBB Professional League Introduces IFBB PRO™ Branded Workout and Lifestyle Apparel for Bodybuilding and Fitness Enthusiasts
The IFBB Professional League Consumer Products Group unveils to bodybuilding and fitness enthusiasts the first officially licensed collection of IFBB PRO™ workout and lifestyle clothing.Los Angeles, CA, March 12, 2009 –(PR.com)– IFBB PRO Apparel is designed, engineered and gym-tested with features that include proven patented technologies, high performance applications and textile innovations. The collection lets one experience the benefits of Active Performance, Athletic Compression and Lifestyle items that take you from the gym to the street. All items feature the distinct red, white, blue IFBB PRO graphic or text logo.
The initial line of IFBB PRO Apparel includes breathable, moisture management performance and compression workout tops, tees, hoodies and caps featuring classic athletic styling. New items will continue to be introduced over time.
IFBB PRO Apparel is available at select specialty retailers including Bodybuilding.com, the official online home of IFBB PRO merchandise.
About IFBB Professional League – The Bodybuilding Authority
Going strong since 1965, the IFBB Professional League, founded by Joe and Ben Weider, has evolved and grown to be the largest professional Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure organization in the world. The bodybuilding authority, the Pro League is at the forefront in the field of strength training and the sport of bodybuilding. The Pro League officially governs men’s and women’s IFBB professional Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure; it organizes contests worldwide including the biggest, longest-running, and most prestigious Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure event, the Joe Weider Olympia.IFBB PRO Officially Licensed Merchandise sets the standard for performance training. The IFBB PRO Consumer Products Group is dedicated to assuring that every IFBB PRO branded product is conceptualized, designed and engineered for athletes and anyone wanting to build a healthy, fit body.
Contact Info:
Scott Walker
IFBB PRO Apparel
949-510-9136
ifbbproapparel@yahoo.com
www.ifbbpro/productsIFBB Professional League Consumer Products Group Contact:
Linda Saint Marc
646-220-2918
Linda.SaintMarc@bbdgp.com
Check out a number of the items on bodybuilding.com and you can sport a watch similar to what The Incredible Hulk has on in the photo below.
Cheryl Brown, whom I like to called “Brownie Figure Momma” was in attendance at the 2009 Arnold Expo. She could be spotted signing autographs and taking photos at the American Body Plus (ABP) booth. ABP used to be Southern Muscle Plus. Brownie Momma is feature on the current cover of the publication.
Cheryl is a fun sport and you’ll be seeing her on the National NPC stage again this year. Watch out for her, in more ways than one. Check out more news on bombshellfitness.com and thanks for the awesome cookies this weekend Shannon!
Iris Kyle has solidified herself as one of the best female bodybuilders to ever compete. When she stepped on stage last Friday it was lights out. The question became who would be in the mix for second, she is that good. Iris presented a new look with her haircut, not quite as dry as the Olympia but a bit fuller and as always showcased her incredible lines. Today’s photo is a shot of Iris’ back, relaxed. She had a better back than some of the men in the weekend’s competition. Congratulations Iris.
Charles “Mask” Lewis was one of the founders of the popular MMA clothing line, TapouT. The video below is the last interview he did before passing away. Charles died yesterday morning in a car crash. I’m posting this video here because he shares some very inspiring words about chasing your vision and dream. One sentence really stands out to me is, “I like being a team player to the sport and to the fighters.” Think about that…Are you a team player to the fitness industry or have you fallen into the “me-me-me” mentality?
He’s a perfect example of despite being a colorful character and a little wacky at times, when you peel all of that away he was just following his dream. RIP Charles.
Dave Matthews Band has been around for awhile but their music never gets old, at least for me. These tunes are great for for a long drive and zoning out. Today’s song is Crash Into Me, an acoustic version which is pretty sweet.
Sweet like candy to my soul
Sweet you rock
And sweet you roll
New IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Peter Putnam and his wife Jessica are organizing a great event to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Check out the press release on the event:
On Saturday, March 21, 2009 The Rush Fitness Complex is hosting the 2nd Annual Weider Superstar Seminar and the first annual “Lift for Life” bodyweight bench press competition to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The competition is being held in conjunction with the 2nd annual Weider Superstar Seminar that is returning again this year to Knoxville. The event is from 12-4 pm at The Rush Fitness Complex located in the Walker Springs Plaza. The “Lift for Life” bodyweight bench pressing competition will begin at 2pm. There is no fee for the seminar.
Weider publications is a publisher of health and fitness magazines including Flex, Muscle & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness Hers, and Shape among others. The event will be covered and featured by Weider and video on Flexonline. The seminar will consist of a men’s portion and a women’s portion that will cover topics training, competing, and general health and fitness questions.
Individuals attending the seminar will have the opportunity to meet and talk with athletes such as Mr. Olympia, IFBB Pro Dexter Jackson, Bodybuilding Champion IFBB Pro Dennis James, IFBB Figure Pro and cover model Jessica Putnam, IFBB Fitness Pro and fitness model Julie Lohre, and FLEX Bikini Model Winner and Weider athlete Kathleen Tesori, as well as Knoxville’s only IFBB Professional Bodybuilder, IFBB Pro Peter Putnam. Also attending will be Jen Widerstrom who stars as Phoenix on television’s American Gladiators. Putnam is the organizer of the event.
Contestants entering the bodyweight bench press competition will be competing to see how many times they can lift their own body weight in the bench press. Trophies will be awarded to the top male and top female lifters. Those in attendance will also be able to challenge Jen Widestrom (Phoenix) in the “Gladiator Charity Challenge” to a jousting match. Entry to compete is $25.00 for each event. All proceeds from both events and t-shirt sells will be donated to MDA.
*Athletes also signing merch to be auctioned.
The money raised at this event will be used to provide the following services and assistance for families in the Greater East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia area served by the local MDA offices.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency- a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans.
For additional inquires and if you wish to consider donating please contact: peter@peterputnam.com
For directions and information on The Rush Fitness Complex: www.therush247.com
JUST ADDED: Bodybuilding.com Model Search to be held from 4-5pm on March 21st. Here’s your chance to break into the fitness industry. Go from being an unknown to viewed by 5.8 million people a day on the supersite of Bodybuilding.com‘s main page. For more info send inquires to: physiquepros@hotmail.com More details to come on the Supersite about this event to following shortly!
**Posing Clinic** There will also be a private posing clinic on Sunday, March 22nd from 10am-12pm with IFBB Pros Jessica Putnam and Julie Lohre. Cost is $100. Spaces are limited so please send an e-mail to physiquepros@hotmail.com to reserve a spot.
IFBB Pro Fitness competitor, Jen Hendershott won her second Fitness International crown on Friday night. There’s no disputing Jen is one of the busiest pros in the industry. She’s been able to take her success on stage and turn into into a business away from it. Jen recently did an interview with the Ashland Times Gazette where she is quoted as saying, “”I always win the routine round, so I don’t worry about the routine round.” I don’t question the fact that Jen is one of the most entertaining fitness pros around and she is awarded accordingly. I gotta question that comment though. Does that mean Hendershott is so confident that she feels unbeatbale in the routine rounds? Hendy doesn’t ALWAYS win the routine rounds. Oksana Grishina scored a 7 and Jen scored a 17 in the 2007 Olympia two-minute routine.
What do you think… Is Hendershott getting overconfident or is she just in not worrying about the routine rounds? Will anyone step up and challenge her at the Olympia? When Hendershott feels she doesn’t have to worry about any competition in the routine rounds do we get the best Jen Hen performance? She is clearly ahead of the pack when it comes to the routines. I’m a fan of Jen’s routines despite her doing more dancing than strength moves most times. Let’s see who can up their game and give Jen a run for her money in the routine rounds come September.
– Read the Full Interview Here. Thanks to Millard Baker via Twitter for the story link.
Three women stood out at the 2009 Arnold Classic weekend. That’s not to say others didn’t shine but these three women brought a different look and had what I consider their best showings of their careers.
Figure - Zivile Raudoniene
You can’t help but do a double and triple take when Zivile is on stage. She presents herself with elegance and grace each time she strides on stage. Her physique has improved over the years and it’s a good reminder to the rookie competitors. Zivile has been training for years and didn’t get to the winner’s circle overnight. Her English has greatly improved and she carries herself with a newfound confidence. Of course, winning the Figure International title doesn’t hurt. She stood out to me in the Figure lineup and I felt she deserved the win.
Fitness – Tina Durkin
When Tina walked out at prejudging I was blown away by the changes she had made to her physique. This was a completely different Durkin than we’d ever seen from her. When Tina wasn’t in the first callouts I was baffled however the judges brought her out and compared her to the other top physiques. This was without question the breakout show of her career. If she can continue to improve her routines you will hear her name kicked around for a top fitness spot.
She’s also a breath of fresh air for fitness. No offense to Hendershott, Greenwood, Garcia, Palmer and some of the other women in Fitness but they are on their way out of the competition scene. Fitness needs more Tina Durkins to keep it alive in the coming years. Props to Tina for shaking things up in the world of Fitness.
Debi Laszewski – Female Bodybuilding
Despite placing second at the Ms. International, Debi Laszewski was the one who had the breakout performance of her career. Iris Kyle is in a league of her own and it was clear that no one would touch her in the competition. Yaxeni, Dayana and Betty are usually the names being kicked around to challenge Iris for the top spot. Rarely, if ever, have you heard people mention Debi’s name for a top spot. She did what most failed to do…bring the best package ever. Placing second in this contest is like winning it when Iris is in the lineup. Debi was very well conditioned and presented herself well on stage. This was without a doubt the best I’ve seen Debi and she positioned herself as a top 6 contender at the Olympia. Job well done Debi.
Today’s photo of the day is from Jason Dhir’s Afterparty. This poor fella had a long weekend and most likely a bit too much to drink. Add this to your things NOT to do at an Afterparty… PASS OUT.
Help caption Mr. Sleepyhead’s photo…
Seether’s “Fake It” has a few lyrics that are worth paying attention to. It’s a good song and today’s Hardbody tune of the day.
A few Lyrics from Seether’s Fake It
Whose to know if your soul will fade at all
The one you sold to fool the world
You lose your self-esteem along the way
Good god, you’re coming up with reasons
Good god, you’re dragging it out
Good god, it’s the changing of the seasons
Whoa momma! What a weekend. I am still in Columbus, Ohio but will be heading back to Denver this evening. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the show, the weekend, some of the people I met and those Arnold After party photos! This was the most fun I’ve had at any Arnold. Why? I think the biggest part of it all was the weather. It was the best weather of the 8 years I’ve been coming to the Arnold. It’s funny how the temperature outside can influence your mood inside.
I am happy to be part of the kick ass team at Bodybuilding.com. The Bodybuilding.com booth was one of the most popular booths of the entire expo. Security had to help direct the crowd on Saturday. One guy said he waited in line for 90 minutes! The other cool thing were the special Arnold shirts Bodybuilding.com had made. Check out thousands of photos from the weekend’s event on Bodybuilding.com.
This was one of the more impressive sights of the weekend…
It’s been a long day of shooting the Men’s events, the expo and now it’s time for the finals as well as the UFC event. Talked to a number of Hardbody readers, thanks for visiting. Muscle & Fitness cover model Monique Minton not only jacked me in the jaw (for real) but also put me in a read naked choke. She’s been practicing her BJJ and she had me unable to talk for a few minutes. Another Muscle & Fitness Hers cover model turns 26 today. Jessica Putnam is celebrating her birthday today by signing autographs at the expo.
Stay tuned for some madness at the after party via twitter. I will try to update the site more tomorrow and definitely on Monday.
Jen Hendershott, Zivile Raudoniene and Iris Kyle were all victorious tonight. I gotta give a shout out to Tina Durkin. She gets the most improved award in Fitness. Also Debi Laszewski was at her all time best and really shocked a number of people. Zivile was the deserved winner and looked her best ever on a figure stage. Lots of unhappy campers and some with states of delusion. I talked with a couple girls who were out of the top six and felt they “got screwed”. Shocker. Like I said before the event – many said felt great going in but after they didn’t place well make excuses. Suck it up for those of you passing the blame on anyone other yourselves.
I will be writing a full report in the morning. Check out all the coverage on bodybuilding.com.
The women of the IFBB will take the stage in a couple of hours. We’ll be on hand to cover the event and I will give you my thoughts throughout prejudging on the Hardbody Twitter account. Last night at check-in the fitness women seemed intense and there was definitely some competitive tension in the air. The figure ladies were a bit more relaxed and laid back.
One of the favorites going into the Figure show, Adela Garcia is out of the competition. Adela is considering competing in the Orlando Pro show next month but may need more time for her knee to fully recover. Her knee is what kept her out of this event. I wish Adela well with her ongoing struggles that surround her knee. I know she was disappointed to not be able to compete this weekend.
We’ll see who comes out on top in this morning’s prejudging in just a couple hours.
Who is Gia Allemand? She won the short class in bikini last night. There’s no denying she is a beautiful woman, however I thought she lacked the muscle tone that should be required in the NPC. I couldn’t help but wonder why Gia had no tan as well. She’s working the MuscleTech booth this weekend, so I will ask her why she decided not to tan. The judges didn’t feel it was necessary. It was the first bikini event in the NPC so things will get worked out and refined during this first year.
She’s no stranger to modeling. Here are a couple of videos of her with MAXIM magazine.
Today’s song of the day comes via the Beastie Boys with “Girls”. ‘Cause this Fabulous Friday is all about the girls in Columbus, Ohio.
Gia Allemand & Ali Sonoma winners in Columbus.
Ali Sonoma of San Diego, California is the overall winner of the Arnold Amateur NPC Bikini Championship. Thirty-one women competed in the inaugural event. You may recall we profiled Ali on hardbody last month. The judges sent the right message by rewarding Ali not only the Tall Class title but also Overall honors.
HARDBBODY Short Class Results:
1. Gia Allemand
2. Kristal Marshall
3. Beth Roedersheimer
4. Brooke Johnson Griffin
5. Joleen Axworthy
HARDBODY Tall Bikini Class Results:
1. Ali Sonoma
2. Sonya LaGore
3. Melissa Pittman
4. Nicolle Long
5. Kimberlee Strickland
The crowd was unhappy, and rightfully so in my opinion, when Gia Allemand won the short class. Gia beat Parker, Colorado’s Kristal Marshall by one point. There were a variety of physiques that competed and overall it wasn’t a T&A contest like many assumed it would be. I’m encouraged by the potential NPC Bikini brings to the industry. Ali is the perfect example of what a bikini competitor should represent. I had a chance to interview Ali backstage before the finals. Check it out on bodybuilding.com tomorrow.
The hotels are packed with fitness, figure and bodybuilding peeps. No problems on the flight, plane was smaller than normal for the direct flight to Columbus. A few industry people on the plane but not as many as usual. Hope that isn’t an indication of the number of people with booths this year. Grabbed a bite to eat at a nice Greek restaurant just down from the expo. Check it out if you like Greek food and in Columbus. Ran into Monique Minton at the hotel. She’s looking beautiful as always and will be working the BSN booth this weekend. Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson was in the house and introduced me to a lovely ladies. Former WWE’s Bobby Lashley was checking into the hotel. His fiance Kristal will be competing in the bikini division tonight.
Headed to the Pro Athlete’s check-in and then will probably check out the NPC portion of the show. I’m curious to see what type of physiques are in the bikini division and who is rewarded. The prejudging and finals are held tonight. If I have enough time will check out Joe Rogan’s comedy act which is being filmed for an upcoming special.
This is the nicest Arnold Classic weather I can remember. It was in the 50s and was able to walk around outside with a light jacket. Sun is shining and no gray skies. Very refreshing from the usual frigid temps.
Stay updated with us on twitter throughout the evening.
“Mother nature will be like sloooooooow down”. HAHA. This is spoof on energy drinks but fairly amusing. Okay, it’s dumb but gets funnier every time you watch it. Over thirteen million people have viewed it!
How many new energy drinks will we see in Columbus?
Hardbody is hitting the road. We’re off to Columbus where all the action is set to begin at the Arnold Classic. This evening the IFBB pros will check-in and have a meeting. The first ever bikini competition will take place along with fitness and figure tonight. We’re going to try and take in both the pro and amateur events tonight. Stay tuned for tons of updates from Columbus. If you want quick updates and live happenings, follow hardbody on twitter. Safe travels everyone and it’s time to rock!
Spoon tells us “It can’t all be wedding cake” in the song, The Underdog. Mmmm. Cake. I ran across these cats last night and kinda dig the song.
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