2009 April

Canadian Waples Set to Debut in Orlando

April 13, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

IFBB Figure Pro Natalie Waples will be making her pro debut this weekend in Orlando. Natalie turned pro last fall at the North American, one of the few shows Canadian residence can compete and reach IFBB pro status. I caught up with the Canadian Figure competitor today and here’s what she had to say…

Natalie Waples pro debut this weekend.

What have you worked on since turning pro last fall?
In terms of training I have been working hard at gaining some size in my back and delts (I naturally have very narrow shoulders so developing my delts have always been a challenge). On the promtion side of things I have signed an agreement to promote Florida-based True Healthy Products and have also been spearheading the Serious About Fitness Fit Camps in Canada. I have also been shooting regualrly with Oxygen Magazine and working on my website.

What do you feel separates you from the other rookies as well as veterans in the Orlando show?
I have really tried to differentiate myself from other competitors in that I produce my own training DVDs, run several fitness camps, do promtional work for various sponsors and magazines (Oxygen, Inside Fitness, MuscleMag) and also offer consulation services and posing clinics for clients/competitors in Ontario, Canada. I feel this experience has really helped me to become a well rounded competitor in my understanding of the industry and helping others achieve their fitness goals. Plus, I’m Canadian eh!

That last line sums things up. LOL! Say no more. Okay just kidding Canada.

Do you feel it’s a challenge getting any love in the states being from Canada?
This will be my fourth show in the US (I’ve competed twice at the North Americans and also once at the Arnold Amateur) and have consistently been well received by the judges, so if I can gain some exposure south of the border, and meet more fellow competitors, I don’t see it being an issue. Plus I have my coach Doug Schneider, fitness pro Mindi O’Brien and some friends from Canada all at this show, so I will definitely be keeping my eye out for them in the crowd.

What’s your goal as an IFBB Pro – not just this show but in general?
I would like to use my professional status to help promote the companies I work with (Interactive Nutrition, Natural Nutrition and True Healthy Products), as well as the Serious About Fitness Fit Camps. My next goal is to qualify for the Olympia and make the most out of my time on stage and the whole competitive experience. I love competing!

Can we expect to see you compete in any other shows?
I will be attending both the California and NYC Pro shows as well as one other this year (depenedent on how the Spring shows go). I know that is a tall order but I plan on making the most out of my rookie year.

When someone says Natalie Waples – what do you want them to think of or be known for?
I hope to promote a healthy, natural, athletic image and for fitness enthusiasts to feel comfortable approaching me with their questions. I am going to ride this wave as long as I can, and have fun doing it.

Thanks Natalie and best of luck in your debut.
Thanks Isaac!

The Orlando Show of Champions will take place this weekend in Orlando, Florida. Stay tuned for more updates and interviews this week.

Filed Under: IFBB Orlando Pro, Interviews

Up All Night

April 13, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Happy Monday Morning Hardbodies! Here’s a good little jam to rock out to. Give Hinder’s Up All Night a listen.

“We’re gonna be up all night
Doing things your dad won’t like”

Filed Under: Uncategorized

IFBB NY Pro Fitness Full Results

April 12, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

The full results are in and a look at the scorecard shows this event was all over the place. You had Bethany Wagner winning the Round 1with straight ones and fell to sixth in the 2 round. Shannon Meteraud was second in the 1st Round and first in the 2nd Round. Trish Warren unanimously won the 45-second round which really launched her into contention. Stephanie Irick won the 2-minute routine round in similar fashion but it wasn’t enough to move her beyond seventh. Ultimately, the veteran Meteraud prevailed by having the most consistent scores. This is one of the more bizarre set of scores I’ve seen as you have women up and down and all around in their scores. It looks like Bethany Wagner and Myriam Capes dropped dramatically in the routine rounds and cost them in the end.

NY PRO FITNESS RESULTS
1. Shannon Meteraud
2. Trish Warren
3. Tina Durkin
4. Nicole Wilkins-Lee
5. Myriam Capes
6. Erin Riley
7. Stephanie Irick
8. Bethany Wagner
9. Shannon Dey
10. Maggie Blanchard
11. Ryall Graber
12. Donna Jones

Check out the full score card on IFBBpro.com.

Filed Under: IFBB NY PRO

Do What You Do

April 12, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Mudvayne’s Do What You Do. Great tune to add to the play list.

“Just do what you do.”

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Happy Easter Hardbody Peeps

April 12, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

A Happy Easter to all the Hardbody Peeps out there. Don’t bite off too many chocolate bunny ears or consume too many of those sugary lil peeps today.

Filed Under: Misc

Shannon Meteraud Wins NY Pro Fitness

April 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 6 Comments

Shannon Meteraud wins in the Big Apple. Second was Trish Warren and third Tina Durkin. We’ll have full results and more info soon. Congrats Shannon.

Filed Under: IFBB NY PRO

NY Pro Fitness Routines

April 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

I’ve been informed that 3-4 of the women missed their mandatory moves or performed the mandatory moves out of order. You will see this reflected in the scores from the routine round. Should be interesting to see who benefits and who gets hurt by this.

Stay tuned for more NY Pro Fitness updates.

Filed Under: IFBB New York Pro

NY Pro Prejudging Concludes

April 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

After the physique rounds as well as the 45-second round, our East Coast Correspondents have it going…

1. Shannon Meteraud
2. Bethany Wagner
3. Nicole Wilkins
4. Tina Durkin
5. Mariam Capes
6. Trish Warren

I’m not at the event and pictures can only tell so much. Based on the photos alone, I’d give the physique rounds to Bethany Wagner. She has improved her physique in a big way since we last saw her. We’ll see how the women fair in their two-minute routines tonight. Who will take the top 3 spots and qualify for the Olympia? We’ll know in a few hours.

Filed Under: IFBB New York Pro

New York Pro Fitness – 2 Piece

April 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

After the two piece round, the top six look to be…

Meteraud
Wagner
Capes
Warren
Wilkins-Lee
Durkin
The top three in the one-piece physique rounds looedk to be Shannon Meteraud, Tina Durkin and Bethany Wagner. Durkin was knocked down in the two-piece. I’m told by a few that she was too small and not full enough. Capes usually has a great routine, which could launch her into top three contention if the scoring is close in the physique rounds. Nicole’s lower body, in particular her quads are over-powering her upper body and keeping her out of the top three spots in the physique rounds. The women will perform their 45-second routines next and then come back later tonight for the 2 minute routines and the finals.

Check back for more later.

Filed Under: IFBB New York Pro

New York Pro Fitness – 1 Piece

April 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Live from the Big Apple, Hardbody has ya covered on all the action. Our East Coast correspondents tell me that the top call-out in the one piece are:

Wilkins-Lee
Meteraud
Durkin
Warren
Capes
Wagner

They give Meteraud the nod in this round. Check back for more updates as they happen.

Filed Under: IFBB New York Pro

New Addition in Store for Alissa Carpio

April 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 3 Comments

Top NPC Fitness competitor Alissa Carpio has been training her booty off for the ’09 season. She had her sights set on this year’s NPC JR USA contest and until she received the news. The stork will be making a special delivery to the Carpio home this fall. Alissa and her husband Dave are expecting their first child around November 3rd. This will be the first time since 2003 that Alissa hasn’t competed. Alissa tells me, “It will be weird not to compete but I have a feeling I’ll be plenty occupied with the wonderful symptoms of pregnancy, ha ha.”

Yes, Alissa I don’t think you’ll have to worry about being bored. Congratulations!

Filed Under: Announcements, Industry News, Misc

Back at It – Photo of the Day

April 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 3 Comments

It’s time to get back at it people. If you haven’t stopped, great. If you’ve been slacking then today is the day to get back at it. You wanna look and feel good then you’ve gotta hit the gym and watch the diet. Do it today!

If you wanna look like this you gotta work!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Boom Boom Pow!

April 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Gotta Get dat… Black Eyed Peas – Boom Boom Pow

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Don’t Put Shannon Meteraud Out to Pasture Yet

April 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Shannon shows she still has ups.

Shan-na-na, Shan-na-na, HEY HEY HEY Goodbye… Hold up. Wait a minute. Shannon Meteraud may be a veteran to the stage but don’t start singing her goodbyes just yet. She placed sixth at the Fitness International and is looking to take home top honors in the NY PRO Fitness. I caught up with Shannon as she heads into the Big Apple.

What have you worked on since the Arnold?
Trying to keep my sanity!!!!! Actually, just been doing the same ole thing. I was happy how the Arnold went, so we just kept pluggin’ away. Same ole hours of cardio and those wonderful days of routine practice!

Were you surprised to you qualified for the Olympia?
I wouldn’t say surprised. My goal was to make top 6 so I was thrilled with that accomplishment. Getting the “O” qualification out of the way was just a bonus.

Has it been hard staying on a diet since the Arnold?
YES! I have my 2 girls and it’s Easter time so there is a ton of candy floating around the house. I had to make Easter Bunny frosted cookies for my daughters Easter party and not lick my fingers I’ve been dieting since November! Orange Roughy and asparagus just aren’t cutting it., but I’m hangin in there.

What’s the goal for the NY Pro Show?
Well you know everybody always trains to win so of course that is my goal!

How’s the hip or is it the knee, whatever fragile bone that gave out last year? Kidding but seriously how is your knee?
Actually Dear Isaac, it’s my knee/leg. I broke my tibia, bruised my patella tendon, and partially tore my ACL. And let me point out that all the YOUNG chickies are tearing ACLs left and right. Anyway, it’s doing fine thanks for asking. I feel it from time to time, but don’t put me out to pasture yet.

Thanks Shannon and good luck in NYC!

Filed Under: IFBB New York Pro, Interviews

Which Fighter Failed to Make Weight?

April 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

Female MMA Fighters are few and far between. When the women do get their chance to shine in the MMA scene, all eyes are on them. Lately, it has become a reoccurring theme with the women missing weight. Yes, the men miss weight and an issue with them as well. My two cents, professional fighters need to be exactly that, professionals and make weight. It’s disrespectful to the opponent and the fans.

That said, one thing struck me as odd in this latest failed weight match-up. professional and make the weight. Take a look at this photo and guess which woman missed weight by 6 lbs?

Hitomi Akano and Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos square off.

The woman on the right, “Cyborg” is the one who missed the weight and as you can see it’s not from being out of shape. She’s ripped and has veins going through her abs. Clearly she is taller and carrying some muscle. I’ll keep an eye on the interviews to hear what she did or didn’t do to prepare diet/nutrition wise for this fight. Certainly can’t criticize the way her physique looks. Props for the photo and see more on MMAjunkie.com. The two women are set to square off tomorrow night on SHOWTIME.

Filed Under: Misc, MMA

Bodybuilding.com Fit Expo Videos

April 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Check out the various videos from the Bodybuilding.com Fit Expo. There are some hilarious videos from the event.

Check out all the videos here.

Filed Under: Misc

Nicole Wilkins Lee Heads to The Big Apple

April 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Nicole Wilkins-Lee returns to the NY Fitness stage.

IFBB Pro Nicole Wilkins-Lee is heating things up on and off the stage. She competed at the Fitness International, shot with FLEX magazine for their annual swimsuit issue and is headed to the Big Apple in hopes of qualifying for the Olympia. WHEW! Check out what Nicole had to share days out from tomorrow’s New York Pro Fitness.

How’s it feel to no longer be a rookie in fitness?
It feels great! Each year I learn more about myself and have a better idea of what to expect against the best girls in the world. I am much more comfortable onstage although I still get butterflies just before I walk out!

Did you enjoy competing in fitness over figure at the Arnold?
You know that I am going to say that I love them both! What an honor just to be on the Arnold stage. I love the competition but nothing can beat the rush of performing a fitness routine in front of a huge crowd.

What have you worked on since the Arnold?
I will be coming into NY about 3-4lbs leaner and we added a few parts to my two minute routine to speed it up a bit. I feel great and right where I need to be. NY has been good to me in the past

Nicole turned pro at the Team Universe by winning the overall fitness AND overall figure there.

Fav supplement to use while dieting?
Whey protein and Glutamine

Goal for the NY Pro?
TO WIN! I’m not gonna lie! I train to win and I want that Olympia qualification again.

Life of a married woman any different than the single life?
Alan and I have been together for 6 years and he has been with me from the very beginning of my career. He is a huge support and comes with me to every show. It is nice to be with someone who understands and enjoys the fitness lifestyle. We own a business together and I couldn’t imagine my life without him! He’s awesome ♥

Did you give Adam Sandler any training tips?
Haha! He was such a nice guy! But to be honest I think he was more interested in Jay Cutler than us girls. He approached Jay first and was congratulating him on his accomplishments and we were all standing there with our mouths open! Holy crap! He was like a foot away from us! Jess, Erin and I asked if we could take our pic with him and he was totally down to earth. He looked like he was wearing pjs though – I guess when you are the Sandman you can do whatever you want right!?

Word is that you’ll be doing figure in Orlando – right?
Yep – I’m going for a double qualification again I need to get the heck out of the snow here in Michigan!

Kick some butt in NYC Nicole.

Filed Under: IFBB New York Pro, Interviews

More Minear

April 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 3 Comments

Check out the newest FLEX magazine for the “W’s” profile on NPC competitor Jodie Minear. You’ll have to pick up the mag to see which shot made it in but here’s an image from the same shoot. Keep your eye on her, you’ll be seeing more Minear in the future.

Jodie Minear has the look to take her places.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Death Cab for Cutie No Sunlight

April 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Death Cab For Cutie’s No Sunlight is a groovy little tune worth listening to.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Flashback Friday – Flex Magazine Workout

April 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Welcome to Flashback Fridays. Here is a look at Shawn Ray, Lee Priest and Frank Zane on Flex Magazine Workout. Word is the ladies loved these outfits more than Shawn loved to talk.

What do you think ladies, a look that should stay in the past or bring it back?

Filed Under: Misc

Durkin a Force to be Reckoned With

April 9, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

IFBB Fitness Pro Tina Durkin

I caught up with IFBB Fitness Pro Tina Durkin days out from the NY PRO Fitness competition. Check out what the rising fitness star had to say.

Currently live in: Alexandria, VA (Originally From Ohio)

You’re a mom right, how many children do you have? One (Evelyn-5)

What’s your occupation besides a pro fitness competitor? Personal Trainer/US Air Force Reserves, E-6 is my rank

How did you get into competing? I watched Ms. Fitness on ESPN back in HS and said “I can do that”… it just took me 12 years the guts to try. I then started in WTF to warm up. I actually attended Jenny’s PHAT camp and she told me about Mike Davies. He basically had to talk me into trying a NPC show… and well you know the rest. I met Mike in 2006.

What did you do different this year from year’s past to improve your physique? DIET DIET DIET… LOL! I actually feel like I’m stronger now that I’ve had back surgery. I’m more careful working out now but I’m able to do so much more. My back problem did not happen overnight so I’m sure it kept me from performing my best in the past.

Favorite supplement while prepping for a show? REDLINE RTD

Goals for New York Pro Fitness? Hey, I’m in it to win it!!!! No really, I just wanted to get my name back out there and have fun. I would like to clean up my routine and work on my stage presence. I feel a little rusty being off a year.

Socks with Sandles or no socks? OMG… †if you wear socks with sandles I would kill you!!! (So NO WAY)

Good luck in New York Tina!

Filed Under: IFBB New York Pro, Interviews

Florida Panhandle Classic Winners

April 9, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Thanks to Rob Rosetti of American Body Plus for the Florida update. Rob tells me that Kat Holmes, from Panama City Beach, Florida won the Florida Panhandle Classic Bikini Division. She’s a Ballroom dance instructor, has a masters in forensic science and has worked as a detective. Who says these bikini competitors are just a pretty face with a nice body? Congrats Kat!

Kat on stage in the NPC Bikini division.

Kat at the water’s edge.

Andrea Watson from Pensacola, Florida took top honors in the Figure Division. She checked in at 4’11″ and took home a trophy nearly as big as her. Keep your eye on this 1/2 Italian 1/2 Phillipino woman in future shows.

Andrea posing with her trophy.

Andrea all smiles at the beach.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Mark your Calendars for the NPC Junior California

April 9, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

IRONMAN Magazine’s Lonnie Teper brings you the 2009 NPC Junior California event. The event will take place on Saturday June 20, 2009 at Rosemead High School. This is a great event for competitors looking for a little extra magazine exposure. The winners will be featured in IRONMAN and who knows where it may lead. Sherlyn Roy competed at this event and went on to turn pro and grace the Figure International stage. Visit www.npcjuniorcal.com for more info.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Thursday Thought of the Day

April 9, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

“If you are going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Under Armour® Power In Pink

April 9, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

If you or someone you know is a breast cancer survivor, this is your chance to inspire other women. Under Armour is looking for three strong women to be part of the “Power in Pink”.

Under Armour® Power In Pink honors, inspires, and supports women fighting breast cancer. We need your help.
3 strong women to tell us how your active lifestyle, your attitude, and your spirit helped your body fight breast cancer. Tell us your story, and win a chance to inspire others. The chosen survivors will get an all expense paid trip to Baltimore for a 2-day photo shoot and interview session. Photos and videotaped stories will be used for Power in Pink in-store visuals, magazine ads, website, and/or other promotional materials.

Visit the web site for more information.

Filed Under: Misc

Try Walking in My Shoes

April 9, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Recommended listening by one of our faithful Hardbody readers. Today’s song of the day is “Walking in My Shoes” by Depeche Mode.

You’ll stumble in my footsteps
Keep the same appointments I kept
If you try walking in my shoes
If you try walking in my shoes

Filed Under: Uncategorized

A New Look to MonicaBrant.com

April 8, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 5 Comments

Check out Monica’s redesigned web site which went live today.

A new look to MonicaBrant.com.
Monica has also added a few new F.E.M Camps to her schedule.
* F.E.M. Camp – May 1-3- Calgary, Canada
* mini – F.E.M. Camp – June 5-7 – Palm Springs, CA
* F.E.M. Camp – July 10-12 – London, Ontario, Canada
* F.E.M. Camp – September 11-13 – MDR, CA
* F.E.M. Camp – October 23-25- Montvale, New Jersey

Fans will get a chance to see Monica compete next weekend at the Orlando Super Show.

Filed Under: Industry News, Misc

Wednesday Weirdness – Have you mown your lawn?

April 8, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

This is a rather weird commercial for female razors out of the Uk.

Clearly the Europeans have a much different sense of humor than any where else in the world. Prop to FashionCanada via Twitter.

Filed Under: Ad Watch

Jenny Lynn looks to compete in Europa Supershow

April 8, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 3 Comments

No, not the Europa Super show that will be taking place next week in Orlando. Past Ms. Figure Olympian Jenny Lynn will look to return to the stage at the Dallas Europa Super show held later this year. Jenny was in Boise for the Bodybuilding.com Fit Expo where she represented Ultimate Nutrition.