San Delivers Results

A Country Boy Can Survive


Some good ol’ Country for your Wednesday. Hank Williams Jr. “A Country Boy Can Survive” is a classic country hit.

We’re from North California and South Alabam
And little towns all around this land
And we can skin a buck; we can run a trot-line
And a country boy can survive
Country folks can survive



Flex Swimsuit Video: Kathleen Tesori – 2008 Flex Bikini Model Search Winner


Last year’s FLEX Bikini Model Search Winner, Kathleen Tesori is the latest online video feature at FLEXonline. Check out her video and remember this could be you as FLEX will be holding their contest once again. She makes some good points about connecting with the camera in her video interview.

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Kathleen in the newest FLEX magazine.


Behind The Scenes at The Emerald Cup


Ron Avidan takes you Behind-The-Scenes at the Emerald Cup. Check out over 20 pages of candid and backstage photos from the event.

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Backstage at the Emerald Cup.


Happy Healthy Cinco De Mayo!


The Food Network has some healthy recipes for Cinco De Mayo.

Try our fresh, healthy recipes for a delicious alternative to cheesy, greasy Mexican favorites. Load up on always-healthy salsa and guacamole, and sample our slimmed-down versions of beloved dishes like quesadillas, taco salad and fajitas.

Check them out. Some of these look mouth-watering delicious!



Here Come the Bottom Feeders & Irresponsible Media


News of the Hydroxycut recall seems to have a few bottom feeding lawyers licking their chops. I ran across this piece on an Alabama news station and can’t help but shake my head. Talk about over-the-top, irresponsible reporting. Check out the moronic video here.

Then to write this asinine statement on their web site:

Hydroxycut is not the first one to be proven dangerous. Former popular supplements inlude the date rape drug GHB and ephedrine which is linked to cardiovascular problems.

“It’s definitely lawsuit territory,” says the lawyer in the piece. Get ready for class action lawsuits and people looking to make a quick buck off this recall.



Hungry For Change – Food Inc. Movie


This looks like it could be an interesting and potentially disturbing movie. The film is set to open in LA,NY and San Fran on June 12th. I’m definitely going to check this out if/when it hits my city. Check out the trailer below and visit their web site for more info.

From Food Inc.

How much do we really know about the food we buy at our local supermarkets and serve to our families?

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that’s been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government’s regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation’s food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, insecticide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won’t go bad, but we also have new strains of e coli–the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

Featuring interviews with such experts as Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) along with forward thinking social entrepreneurs like Stonyfield Farm’s Gary Hirshberg and Polyface Farms’ Joel Salatin, Food, Inc. reveals surprising — and often shocking truths — about what we eat, how it’s produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here.



Tight Curves Team Bombshell


Tight Curves spokes model and IFBB Figure Pro Kristal Richardson poses with the ladies from Team Bombshell in today’s photo of the day. Team Bombshell headed up by IFBB Pro Shannon Dey took Pittsburgh by storm is quickly becoming one of the top teams in the world of fitness and figure. Congrats ladies!

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Team Tight Curves Bombshells.


It’s 5:19 with Matt Wertz


I ran across this cat last night and I’m digging his music. Matt Wertz sings “5:19″ acoustically and demonstrates tremendous talent.

Another version at the office of Seventeen magazine. The women in the background look thrilled with his presence. LOL!

We both know that I could think myself dizzy
Right now I’m spinning around
You said, “baby, don’t worry”
But I just miss you right now
I said, I miss you right now



Behind The Scenes Video With Jessica Paxson-Putnam


Jessica provides some good tips on modeling and shooting in the latest FLEX swimsuit videos. Check it out here.

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Jessica in the newest FLEX mag.


Sandy Williamson Chats NPC Bikini


First let me remind you, I am NOT speaking on behalf of the NPC or claiming to be a NPC official. Simply sharing some of the things that came out of my conversation with someone who is and was pleased that I asked for clarification on a few things.

I had the opportunity to chat with Sandy Williamson for a few minutes while in Pittsburgh for the NPC PA Championships. Those of you who are new or don’t know who Sandy is she’s the IFBB Professional League Women’s Representative and the IFBB Professional League Head Judge for the women. Sandy also is the head judge at many of the NPC shows across the country. Lamest terms, if Sandy tells you something you should listen. We had a candid conversation after the show and I asked her for some more info on the Bikini Division. She was kind enough to answer my questions and clarify a few things. Here are a few things that came from our conversation.

As I have stated here on hardbody and Sandy agrees with me… The judges can only judge what is on stage and in front of them. There have been several shows where the number of participants have been few. Every competitor that entered may be below the level bikini should be about on the National and Pro level however the judges still have to award a winner. Just because you won the Podunk Classic does NOT mean you will get a pro card at the National level. Keep this in mind when looking at the results of some smaller, local NPC shows. It’s not the judges fault no one of quality entered and they can only judge what’s on stage.

Sandy mentioned the level of quality in the bikini division at the PA Championships had been some of the best she’s seen to date. Myself, J.M. Manion and Bill Comstock (all photographers who have seen many events already this year) also agreed. When you go to a number of shows every month you have more to compare it to than the casual fan or one time participant. I asked if she felt the winner of this show and the Arnold were in line with what the bikini division should be about. Sandy did feel these were the two best examples but also felt there were a few other women (in both shows) who also are in line with what a look she likes for the bikini division. Ali Sonoma was the winner of the Arnold Classic and Jaime Baird was the winner of the PA championship.

Kristal Marshall, who placed second in the bikini short class at the Arnold Classic, has a physique many feel looks good for bikini. I like Kristal’s look and think it is in line with what a bikini physique should look like. Sandy mentioned she really liked Kristal’s physique but felt she had a little too much muscle. The one thing the judges are trying to do is make a clear distinction between figure and bikini. If you look like you could win in figure you won’t (or shouldn’t) win in bikini. There have been examples where this hasn’t been the case at some shows but rest assured it will not be the case on the National level where pro cards are awarded. Bikini is new to the judges too so cut them a little slack as they work through the first year. Like figure, give it some time to grow and develop into something. If you’re a bikini competitor with too much muscle you may find yourself disappointed with your placings.

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Jaime Baird overall bikini winner.

One thing I noticed with the bikini division thus far is the presentation. I asked Sandy if she liked how Jaime Baird presented herself and she thought it was good. Ali Sonoma also presented herself well at the Arnold. As I’ve stated here you do NOT want to come out looking like a deer in the headlights but you also don’t want to be over the top and come across as trashy. There is a different between working the stage with a couple of model poses, popping a hip, looking over your shoulder from behind vs looking like you’re about to climb up a pole and take your clothes off. Think of it almost as doing a photo shoots where you do a couple model poses, hand on your hip and present with confidence. Sandy shared that this is still being worked out and as more shows take place, the judges will be able to give better feedback on what is the best way to present your physique in bikini. She felt just standing there like a figure competitor relaxed did not do as good of job as doing a more model type of pose.

Probably the best bit advice Sandy shared was in regards to suit choice. She is all for women getting a suit off the rack and not having to spend hundreds of dollars on it. This was a big complaint and the main reason why the one piece went away. Competitors spending tons of money on suits became a huge burden. She mentioned Miss California’s suit in the Miss USA contest… How it tied to the side and despite it being white (which is usually a no-no for competitors) it looked very good. Sandy liked a suit like this and how well it fit Miss California. It could be a suit that was purchased off the rack at a store. The big point though and she really stressed was for women to have a suit that fits them. If you buy a suit off the rack have it altered to fit your physique. I noticed this with a couple competitors at the PA show, where the top was too big for them or the bottoms were too small and it didn’t flatter their physique. She couldn’t stress enough how important it is to have a flattering, fitting suit. If you want to bling a suit out you can but again it should fit your body and compliment your physique.

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Notice the fit on Miss California’s suit.

Lastly, pay attention to the small details like your hair, make up and skin. You do not want to look depleted and have unhealthy looking skin. Do not come in shredded to the bone and expect to do well. The judges want a healthy looking physique. If your hair and makeup are not flattering to you it will also hurt you in comparisons to someone who does.

Sandy will be the head judge for the California Pro on May 23rd. If you are competing in that show or will be there and have more questions feel free to ask her there. The same weekend the NPC JR USA will take place in Charleston. She assured me that the head judges for that show (where pro cards will be awarded) are on the same page as her as to what look they are after.



What is Good?


My Monday Meltdown…

People, people, PEOPLE! Please enough! First, let me preface this by saying I am far from the best photographer in the world. I constantly strive to do better work each and every time I do a shoot. Do I suck at photography? I’d like to think not. Am I great at it? Not yet. What am I getting at? My issue is with people praising mediocre work. Mediocre is even a stretch. Sometimes it’s hideous work that I see being praised on message boards and some of it even gets published in magazines. UGH. So what gives? It’s not just photography but also web sites and videos. I’ll stick with photography for today.

Those of you who are competitors, do you strive to look like the person who placed dead last at a competition? My guess is, no. There’s a reason why many of you cut out images of Jenn Gates, Mary Lado, Davan Medina, Monica Brant and many others. They are good competitors and their physiques are ones you look up to and wish to emulate. Right? Well, use that mentality when it comes to photography and how you praise it. First you have to recognize what is good and use that as your “good gauge”. If you’re used to looking at nothing but crappy photos you won’t know what is good.

Beginning today I will profile photography in and out of the fitness industry, most of it will be outside the lines of fitness. I encourage everyone to stop and think, is this really good or am I just saying that because everyone else is? Or maybe no one has shown you what is good until now. This is in an example of good. Not just good photography but REALLY good.

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Screen shot from David Johnson Photography.

If you have any examples of what you think is good, feel free to email me. It’s my goal to see the world of fitness photography suck less in the months ahead.



Watson Goes Two For Two


Florida’s Andrea Watson is on a roll. This 4’10″ okay MAYBE 4’11″ figure competitor from Florida is on a roll. She’s gone two for two in her figure competitions, taking home not only the short class win but overall crown. I had a chance to shoot with Andrea after the show and despite her claims for not having modeled before she did a great job. Keep your eye on this lil cutie.

This is a shot of Andrea walking off the stage with yet another overall trophy taller than her. Congrats Andrea!

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Andrea Watson the overall NPC PA Figure Champ.


Don’t Believe Everything That You Breathe


Great line “Don’t believe everything that you breathe” from Beck’s “Loser”. A live version of the song that is pretty cool.

Whatever happened to this little guy?



A Chat With NPC Judge Sandy Williamson


I had a chance to chat with head judge, Sandy Williamson (formerly Ranali) about the direction of the bikini division. We discussed a number of things and I’ll post a number of things that came out of our discussion. This is coming from the main judge in the women’s world of the NPC.

Check back tomorrow for an in-depth list of tips that and can help you as a competitor or trainer for this new division.



Creative Marketing Bag


I ran across this bag that is a pretty creative idea. The bags were given to customers when they purchased fitness accessories or supplements at the Fitness Company. Publicis Frankfurt is the ad agency with his buzz generating idea.

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Teens asked for the bag which created a buzz in Germany.
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Pretty cool bag.


It seems to Me That Maybe…


A little from one of my favorite dudes – Jack Johnson ripp’n it up with Ben Harper with FLAKE.

It seems to me that maybe
It pretty much always means no
So don’t tell me you might just let it go
And often times we’re lazy
It seems to stand in my way
Cause no one no not no one
Likes to be let down



NPC PA Prejudging Updates


A quick update from Pittsburgh. The quality of the female competitors is very good at this NPC event. The bikni division at this show is probably the best I’ve seen all year. Hopefully, this is a sign of the times and as we head into JR USAs it will be where many think it can be. Regardless – one of these two women should win the tall class and take the overall NPC bikini crown, at least in my opinion.

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NPC Bikini competitors.

There are a number of very good competitors in the figure portion as well. The one to watch this year, in the short class, will be Andrea Watson. This girl has nearly flawless skintone, great symmetry and watch out A Class competitors, she’s good! I will go on the record and wager that you’ll see Andrea in the pro ranks before the end of 2009.

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Andrea Watson in the Figure A Class.


Rescue Me


Buckcherry’s “Rescue Me” is a groovy little tune to get your weekend started.



Over 150 Enter the 2009 NPC Pittsburgh Championships


Tomorrow 152 NPC competitors will take the stage at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh, PA. J.M. Manion tells me there are over 60 figure competitors and 18 bikini competitors set to turn it out when prejudging begins in the morning. The IFBB Pro Men’s show will start the day off at 9am.

I had a fantastic meal with the world’s top bodybuilders, IFBB judges and industry peeps. NPC President, Jim Manion played host to the star studded crowd at Brushettas. The meal was fantastic and if you’re in Pittsburgh definitely check this place out if you haven’t already. I enjoyed chatting with judges Linda Wood Hoyt, Ropeman and Vicki Gates over dinner. They shared similar views as I do on the bikini division. What’s that? Give it time to develop and remember the judges can only judge what is on stage. As more women enter, the better the competition will become. Sandi Williamson is also in attendance and will be head judge for the women’s NPC events.

The host hotel is a block away, which makes it nice to sleep in a bit and walk to the venue. The funniest part of the entire evening was a shuttle bus taking the group back to the hotel and bottomed out. Turns out having Toney Freeman, Dennis Wolf, Kai Green, Rich Gaspari and a few other people is too much to handle going over a curb. Once we got out of the bus, the driver was able to proceed without any problems. A little much weight for the little bus to handle.

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the weekend.



Iovate Issues Statement Regarding Hydroxycut


The following statement was issued today by Iovate regarding the Hydroxycut recall.

As you know, Iovate is strongly committed to product safety. In keeping with that mission, Iovate welcomes balanced regulation for the dietary supplement industry, and we feel that these regulations are in the best interest of our customers and our industry.

Millions of consumers purchase Hydroxycut products each year. Iovate carefully considers the ingredients in each of its dietary supplement formulations to make sure that they are safe. Each ingredient in each formulation is investigated for safety by reviewing all of the available medical, scientific, and toxicological information that is publicly available. Iovate works closely with nutritional scientists and other scientists, both within and outside of the company, to develop its products. A world-renowned, independent third-party expert toxicological firm reviews all formulas Iovate launches for safety, before launch. Iovate does not release any product containing any ingredient that it has not evaluated for safety. In addition, once an Iovate product is made available to consumers, Iovate continues to monitor the safety of the product by collecting information on potential adverse experiences with the product.

Iovate initiated a voluntary recall when it became aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s analysis of 23 reports over the last seven years about consumers having experienced liver-related problems was different than the analysis done by Iovate’s independent, third-party toxicological experts and epidemiologists.

On May 1, 2009, the FDA issued an advisory which states that, “Although the liver damage appears to be relatively rare, FDA believes consumers should not be exposed to unnecessary risk.” In 2008, for instance, more than 9 million units of Hydroxycut-branded products were sold, while the FDA only referred to three reports potentially associating the products with liver toxicity.

Iovate’s own assessment of the potential risk associated with the use of these products differs from that expressed by the Agency. For instance, the number of adverse event reports described by the FDA is small relative to the many millions of people who have used Hydroxycut products over the seven years referenced by the FDA. These numbers must be contrasted with the background rate of 1 in 100,000 for hepatitis/liver injury in the general population. Kaplowitz N. 2005, Idiosyncratic Drug Hepatotoxicity, Nature Review Drug Discovery, June 4 (6); 489-99. Moreover, Dr. David Graham of the FDA reviewed data from four epidemiology studies and estimated that the rate of idiopathic (i.e., unexplained) acute liver failure is approximately one per million per year. Graham, D., American Journal of Gastroenterology 2003; 98: 175-179. However, out of an abundance of caution and because consumer safety is Iovate’s top priority, Iovate is voluntarily recalling these Hydroxycut-branded products in the United States. Please note that Hydroxycut Hoodia and Cleanse products are not included in this recall; nor are any other Iovate products. We are working with the FDA in this recall process. We will be in contact with you very shortly to effectuate this recall.

This voluntary Class 2 recall applies to the following:
- Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
- Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
- Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
- Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
- Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
- Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
- Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
- Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
- Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
- Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
- Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
- Hydroxycut 24
- Hydroxycut Carb Control
- Hydroxycut Natural

As you have already heard, the new evolution in the Hydroxycut brand, Hydroxycut Advanced, will be shipping in the near future. You should have received a Hydroxycut Advanced information deck by now, but if you haven’t, please contact your Iovate authorized broker or your Iovate Sales Team member as it is critical that your orders are in place soon. We expect initial demand might exceed our ability to supply the new formulations, at least in the beginning.

Over the last ten years, the Hydroxycut brand has been the top selling weight loss supplement brand in the U.S. During this time, we have continuously reformulated our product offerings. Our new formula, Hydroxycut Advanced, while also based on science, is a completely new and revolutionary formulation.

We thank you for your continued support and we look forward to working closely with you.

Sincerely,

Iovate Health Sciences



FLEX Swimsuit video – Ms. Olympia Jenn Gates


The FLEX Swimsuit Issue video series continues with IFBB figure pro Jenn Gates. This Indiana girl had never been on a snowmobile before, can ya believe it?

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Rub a Dub Dub Jen’s in Da Tub.


FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Hydroxycut Products


This came from the FDA this morning, but more news coming soon.
Dietary Supplements Linked to One Death; Pose Risk of Liver Injury
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products by Iovate Health Sciences Inc., of Oakville, Ontario and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. of Blasdell, N.Y. Some Hydroxycut products are associated with a number of serious liver injuries. Iovate has agreed to recall Hydroxycut products from the market.

The FDA has received 23 reports of serious health problems ranging from jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, an indicator of potential liver injury, to liver damage requiring liver transplant. One death due to liver failure has been reported to the FDA. Other health problems reported include seizures; cardiovascular disorders; and rhabdomyolysis, a type of muscle damage that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure.

Liver injury, although rare, was reported by patients at the doses of Hydroxycut recommended on the bottle. Symptoms of liver injury include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and brown urine. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, excessive fatigue, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, itching, and loss of appetite.

“The FDA urges consumers to discontinue use of Hydroxycut products in order to avoid any undue risk. Adverse events are rare, but exist. Consumers should consult a physician or other health care professional if they are experiencing symptoms possibly associated with these products,” said Linda Katz, M.D., interim chief medical officer of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

Hydroxycut products are dietary supplements that are marketed for weight-loss, as fat burners, as energy-enhancers, as low carb diet aids, and for water loss under the Iovate and MuscleTech brand names.  The list of products being recalled by Iovate currently includes:

Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
Hydroxycut 24
Hydroxycut Carb Control
Hydroxycut Natural

Although the FDA has not received reports of serious liver-related adverse reactions for all Hydroxycut products, Iovate has agreed to recall all the products listed above. Hydroxycut Cleanse and Hoodia products are not affected by the recall. Consumers who have any of the products involved in the recall are advised to stop using them and to return them to the place of purchase. The agency has not yet determined which ingredients, dosages, or other health-related factors may be associated with risks related to these Hydroxycut products. The products contain a variety of ingredients and herbal extracts.

There are many other fat-burners available if you’re looking for an alternative.



Follow Friday… 2009 NPC Pittsburgh Championships


Hardbody.com is off to Pittsburgh where we’ll be covering the action at the 2009 NPC Pittsburgh Championships. I’m told the women’s side of things should be a great event with a number of top competitors from across the USA have making the trip.

Follow along on our twitter account at: twitter.com/hardbodynews for news and updates as it happens live from PA.



Orlando Pro Fitness Photos


More photos from the Orlando Pro are featured on IFBBpro.com.

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Winner Shannon Meteraud gets up!


Photo of the Day: Hot Seat!


Make up Artist and IFBB Pro, Elaine Goodlad gives a helping hand to Erin Stern during the FLEX magazine photo shoot.

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Elaine, you’re a little overdressed for the occasion.



Timea Majorova in Scorpion Helmet Commercial


IFBB Pro and long-time fitness model Time Majorova is featured in a new commercial produced by fitness photographer Alex Ardenti.

Timea continues to heat things up.



We Are We Are The Youth of A Nation


Happy Friday! P.O.D. – Youth of the Nation. Always a good one to revisit and crank up.



Disclaimer: Reader discretion advised, please consult your physician before beginning any exercise or diet program.