You saw Elissa Schlichter here a few days ago as a 49 year old NPC competitor. Now you’re looking at one of the newest IFBB Pros! Congratulations Lisa! Elissa won the overall at the Master’s Figure Nationals held tonight.
Hendershott’s All Women’s Weekend In The Books
July 18, 2009 By 2 Comments
Congratulations to Jen Hendershott for her first NPC promotion. She had a little help from fellow IFBB Fitness Pro, Shannon Meteraud & Tres Bennett along the way. Several women walked away with not only awards but buckets full of goodies. Props to Jen and her crew for putting on a solid show for the women. Look for this event to get bigger each and every year. I’m off to the afterparty being held but here’s a look at your overall winners in fitness, bikini and figure. All three looked great!
(Left to Right)Morgan Spoon – fitness, April Curry – bikini,
Shannon Ditmer – figure
Morgan is only 20 years old and has a tremendous future in fitness. Watch out for this girl as her body matures and she hits the national NPC level. April Curry is on the fast track to a bikini pro card as she continues to show what is right about the new division. Shannon won not only the Master’s Overall Figure but also the Open overall figure. This woman could have held her own at the Master’s Nationals.
Hardbody Hotbody April Curry
July 18, 2009 By 2 Comments
April Curry was the runner-up to eventual overall bikini winner, Marzia Prince at the NPC Jr. Nationals last month. Today, she is competing in her own backyard in Charleston, South Carolina. April did everything right today at the Jen Hendershott All Women’s Weekend event. She competed in the bikini class again where she rocked the scrunchy suit bottoms and posed great.
I caught up with her after prejudging for a photo shoot. We found a nasty, filthy, gritty spot behind a restaurant and took some sweet shots. Here’s one of the photos from this afternoon.
April Curry in Charleston, South Carolina.
Hardbody Ladies Rock’n It Today
July 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Today there will be a number of hardbody ladies taking to the stage for the first time, while others will make a repeat performance. I’m currently in Charleston, South Carolina covering Ms. Fitness Olympia Jen Hendershott’s All Women’s Weekend. This is the first time she’s promoted a show and it’s one of the few that features only women. There are some great stories behind some of the competitors here. One woman, in the Army, traveled from Kuwait to compete! It kicks off in a couple hours in downtown Charleston. Great little venue and lots of character in this city, as one woman coined it last night… “It’s charming” or maybe she was talking about me. Just kidding!
I spoke with a few women at the check-in who told me they visit this site daily. THANK YOU! Every show I attend more and more women tell me how they love what is happening here on hardbody. Don’t be afraid to comment or email me if you’d like to see a topic covered. I appreciate you checking things out every day.
Promoter Jeff Taylor had a record number for his NPC Colorado State show with 118 people checking in last night. I know the NPC Los Angeles will have over 150 competitors and told around 30 women will compete in bikini. The NPC Teen Collegiate Master’s Nationals has 405 competitors BEFORE crossovers.
It’s telling that during these tough economic times people are still willing to invest in themselves. Good luck to everyone competing today. Rock the Hardbody!
Bad Girls
July 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Antastacia has a kick ass voice. Here she teams up with Jamiroquai for their version of Bad Girls.
Tis the season for Phony Photographers
July 17, 2009 By 4 Comments
I always ruffle a few feathers when I talk about photographers in the fitness industry. There are a number of people who are very good at what they do when it comes to photography. There’s just as many if not more that are nothing more than guys with a camera. The competition season is upon us and along with that brings out characters with cameras. You’re all adults and it’s your decision on who you choose to shoot with or not. If you’re goal is to get into a magazine, you’re not going to get there mounting a light pole with a no-name photographer. Reality is most of you will never be on the cover of a magazine but that doesn’t mean you should lower your standards to stroke your ego by taking crappy photos.
A HARDBODY.com reader recently sent me a link where a photographer, who has has some work published, posted this…
Are you a totally beautiful girl with a great body? Want to be on a real magazine cover that you really can buy at the store?
The publisher wants a beautiful girl to be on the cover with a very famous male fitness model. We are making final decisions but are looking to see who else is out there.
…Sorry no compensation. Yes I will get you some photos for your personal portfolio use.
You must be totally reliable, have reliable transportation and be ready and in shape now and not in 30 days.
If you are interested best to get to me now…
Ah yes, the stereotypical Hollywood line. I’ll “get you published” and better yet, I’ll “get you on a cover”. Don’t believe everything you read or are told. Even if you shoot for a cover it doesn’t mean you will make it on the cover.
That’s not to say there aren’t some solid photographers in this biz but think twice before posing for a guy who promises you the moon. If you have questions about what photographers are good or not, I will always give my opinion. Remember it’s just my opinion and the information I share is based on my experiences in working with the major bodybuilding & fitness magazines.
HardbodyNews Tweet
July 17, 2009 By 4 Comments
Holla Hardbody Tweeters! Follow us on twitter @hardbodynews and you’ll get on the go content like this…
At the Dallas airport, the newest FLEX magazine has one of our favorite Hardbody ladies… Erin Stern on the cover and a feature on the inside. Sorry for the crap quality pic but it was taken via the iPhone.
Erin Stern in the newest FLEX magazine.
Props to FLEX for continuing to feature the women in their mag. Congrats on the continued success Erin!
Video Interview with Amanda Latona
July 17, 2009 By 4 Comments
I caught up with the gorgeous Amanda Latona at the UFC FAN EXPO. She was turning heads left and right at the BSN booth during UFC 100. Hear her talk about her plans to compete at the NPC USA contest in the bikini division. She goes on to share how she trains on her own, her three record deals and how fitness is her passion. Amanda’s a ham in front of the camera and one of those women who makes you do a double take when you see her in person.
Amanda was two weeks out from the NPC USAs in this interview. Amanda was one of the Round Two winners in the FLEX Bikini Model Search contest. She gives a shout out to HARDBODY at the end. Good luck Amanda!
Amanda posing for a fan at the UFC FAN EXPO.
Kathleen Tesori Contemplates Competing
July 17, 2009 By 4 Comments
I caught up with the 2008 FLEX Bikini Model search winner, Kathleen Tesori last weekend in Las, Vegas. Kathleen was working the Champion Nutrition booth and was rock’n the hardbody. Kathleen told me she hasn’t competed in the NPC but is contemplating it. Right now, she’s training hard and enjoys working out. When I asked her what she was considering competing in she said, “What do you think?” My respsonse, “Let’s take a vote on hardbody.” Kathleen went on to share that she’s yet to see a NPC or IFBB competition in person. Maybe Greg and the folks at Champion will unleash her from the booth so she can check one out soon.
Kathleen at the UFC FAN EXPO.
Kathleen strike’n a pose in Vegas.
So what do you think hardbody peeps… What should Kathleen compete in; Figure, Bikini or don’t even bother?
What should Kathleen compete in?
Kathleen getting the fans to bare it all for a t-shirt. Check out the dude at the end. LMAO!
Heather Bear A Real Life Transformer
July 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Check out the transformation that NPC competitor, Heather Bear has made over the years. She’s gone from fluffy to hardbody. Heather is the mother of two and as you can see anything is possible when you put your mind to it. Congrats Momma Bear on a job well done!
Heather (right) before working out.
Heather at the 2009 JR USAs.
Read more about Heather on her web site.
I Got A Feeling…
July 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
This is the kinda song that gets stuck in your head when you hear it and will be with you all day. Black Eyed Peas sing “I Gotta Feeling”.
Rock on Hardbody Peeps!
Amanda Latona & Lindsie Renee Win Round Two
July 16, 2009 By 1 Comment
Congrats to Amanda Latona & Lindsie Renee for winning Round Two of the Flex Online Bikini Model Search contest.
The two women receive:
- $250 first prize
- $250 gift voucher from Amazon.com
- Free Ed Hardy swimwear
- A profile in FLEX magazine
- A part in the totally hot photo shoot in Las Vegas that will be featured in a future issue of FLEX
Click here to read their profiles and learn how you can enter the third and final round of the contest.
Diet Turbo Tea Ad
July 16, 2009 By 1 Comment
I ran across this ad from ABB for their Diet Turbo Tea. The full page advertisement features NPC Figure competitor Jennifer Rankin. It’s a nice looking ad and cool to see some love given to an amateur female competitor in a tasteful way. Check out the tea, it’s pretty tasty and sugar free too.
Jennifer Rankin feature in an ad for Diet Turbo Tea
The Female Training Bible
July 16, 2009 By 1 Comment
Bodybuilding.com has put together a ton of great content on women’s training.
The primary concern women have when it comes to weight training is, ‘I don’t want to get big or bulky.’ We are here to tell you that you won’t! Here’s some basic diet and training information to help you get started! Read on.
Check out the feature for videos, photos, tips and more.
This Weekend in The NPC
July 16, 2009 By 1 Comment
This weekend is going to be a busy one in the NPC. There are a number of shows taking place from coast to coast. Every promoter I’ve spoke with having shows this weekend is happy with the entries to date. The Los Angeles NPC show is always big and will have over 150 competitors again this year. Jeff Taylor’s Colorado State show has over 100 entries and on pace to be the best state shows he’s held. The NPC Teen, Collegiate, & Masters National Championships is another big show and sure to produce some quality winners. The overall Master’s Figure & Master’s Bikini winner will receive IFBB PRO status. Jen Hendershott is holding her first NPC show, which will be all women.
Here’s a list of all NPC events happening this weekend. If you’re competing or know someone who is, give a shout out in the comments below.
Teen Collegiate Masters Nationals
Promoter: Gary Udit
Pittsburgh, PA
Los Angeles
Promoter: Jon Lindsay
Culver City, CA
Mississippi State
Promoter: Gordon Weir
Jackson, MS
Ancient City Classic
Promoter: Gene Schlossberg
St. Augustine, FL
Washington Open
Promoter: Jeremy Williams
Auburn, WA
Texas State Natural
Promoter: Lee Thompson
Stafford, TX
Empire States
Promoter: Oren Silver
Sufren, NY
Natural Michigan
Promoter: Professional Fitness Group
Detroit, MI
Arizona Open
Promoter: Miles Nuessle
Mesa, AZ
Bill Grant Classic
Promoter: Bill Grant
Allentown, PA
Jen Hendershott’s All Women’s Weekend
Promoter: Jen Hendershott & Tres Bennett
Charleston, SC
Colorado State
Promoter: Jeff Taylor
Denver, CO
If I happened to of missed one please let me know but as you can see this is a very busy weekend in the NPC. Good luck to everyone competing!
Dark Divas – IRON SIRENS 5
July 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The latest installment of the IRON SIRENS comic book will debut this weekend at the Teen Collegiate Masters Nationals. Former Ms Figure Olympia, Jenny Lynn will be appearing at the comic booth where all five issues will be fore sale. The mastermind behind the series, JM Manion, tells me this issue is unique for comics. It will be printed at a standard magazine size and photos will be intertwined into the comic to give it more of a magazine feel. This issue features the Dark Divas villains. Check it out if you’re in PA this weekend.
IRON SIRENS #5
Brook White – Use Somebody
July 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment
What do you think… Does Brook White do “Use Somebody” justice with her cover? If it sounds familiar it’s a Kings of Leon song.
I don’t mind it but I’ll take the Kings of Leon version from the MTV music awards over it.
Wednesday Weirdness – McTrash
July 15, 2009 By 5 Comments
Hardbody.com faithful follower and all around funny guy, Doug Martin sent me this shot today. This is a photo of someone’s backseat. How disgusting and weird is it to drive around with a garbage bin? I don’t even want to imagine how bad this must smell. Clearly this cat is not rock’n the hardbody.
McTrash bin. GROSS!
Hardbody Fit Booty Contest
July 15, 2009 By 16 Comments
You work hard. The toughest spot to get fit and usually the last to go is the booty. You can quickly see who is contender and who isn’t on stage when they turn around and show the backside. The year is half over and there’s been a couple fit booties to make you do a double take. I know there are more still out there and I’m looking for nominees for the Hardbody Fit Booty Contest. You, the visitors of hardbody.com, will vote and decide the winner.
What kinda booty will make the cut? Thus far there are two standout booties…
NPC Figure Competitor Alyssa Stroud.
IFBB Bikini Pro – Sonya Vecchiarelli
Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. Do you have a fit booty or know someone who does? Email me or post in the comments field n who to keep an eye on.
There’s Something in The Florida Water
July 15, 2009 By 4 Comments
I’m beginning to think there is something in the Florida water. There are more and more beautiful women making waves in the competition scene that call Florida home. Need proof? Amanda Procida from Tampa, Florida won the Bikini C Class at the Southern States last weekend. She’s one of the many Bombshell Girls who will stop you in your tracks. Amanda took home the overall Bikini crown at the Tampa Bay Classic before she made her way to the Southern States. I’m told by her trainer, Shannon Dey, that she will be competing at the Coastal USA and then head to Team Universe. She’s yet another example of everything right with the bikini division.
Amanda sport’n the hardbody.
Ahhhhhhmanda.
BIKINI COMPETITORS TAKE NOTE:
Notice the bikini suit cut on Amanda’s bottom in the last photo. This is the “scrunchy” bottom that appears to be the most flattering suit for women in the bikini division. I’m not an NPC official nor do I sit on the judging panel, however I’ve seen a number of NPC bikini competitions from the press pit. In my opinion, as well as talking with head judge Sandi Williamson on two different occasions, this is type of suit to wear.
Whoa Momma
July 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Keep your eye on Emily Danielson from Florida. She’s competed in one NPC Bikini contest and will be trying her hand at a second show next month at the Dexter Jackson Classic. The Florida cutie is the proud mom to an 18-month old boy. Yes, moms can still rock the hardbody!
All smiles in Florida.
Final Day To Vote
July 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Don’t forget to head over to FLEXonline.com and cast your vote for your favorite bikini model. Today is the final day to vote in round two of the competition. There’s still time to enter the third and final round of the competition. Click here for complete details on how you could find yourself in the pages of FLEX magazine.
IRONMAN Covergirl – Jen Hendershott
July 15, 2009 By 1 Comment
The next IRONMAN magazine to hit the stands will feature the current Ms. Fitness Olympia champ, Jen Hendershott. Props to IRONMAN for featuring both the Figure and now Fitness Olympia champs on their covers this year. Inside the September issue you’ll find a feature on Jen and the extended interview is available on Ruth Silverman’s blog.
September issue of IRONMAN magazine.
Don’t forget this weekend is Jen Hendershott’s ALL FEMALE NPC event. This NPC contest will take place in Charleston, South Carolina on Saturday July 18th. I will be attending this event and will keep ya posted on all the happenings throughout the weekend.
Jen gets a leg up in newest IRONMAN magazine.
Inside The Fire
July 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Disturbed sings about suicide in the song “Inside the Fire.” I didn’t realize the topic of this song when I heard it on the radio, it just was a good jam. When you listen to the lyrics you learn what it’s all about. This is a fairly disturbing video but a good song. It’s not a topic often discussed but one many people face. If you are having thoughts of suicide or know someone who is contact National Suicide Prevention hotline.
Devon
No longer living
Who had been rendered alone
As a little child
she was taken,
and then forsaken
you will remember it all
Let it blow your mind again
Bob O’ Leary Sports Science (BOSS) Shuts Down
July 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment
I received word today that Bob O’ Leary Sports Science (BOSS) has shut down. The distribution company for many sports nutrition brands has issued no official statement. Attempts to reach BOSS via the telephone were unsuccessful. The number listed on the company web site goes unanswered. BOSS also had its own retail catalog “BodyTalk” that help promote their company. A few Hardbody females have graced the cover over the years.
BODYTALK – BOSS Retail Calendar
Allegedly, USA SPORTS LLC has purchased the assets to the company. Joe Miles, former COO of Boss is said to be one of the founders.
WOW – Elissa Schlichter at Age 49
July 14, 2009 By 8 Comments
Elissa Schlichter heading into this weekend’s NPC Master’s Nationals and looking great. Elissa shared a photo from a recent photo shoot and she looks great. This is the physique of a 49 year old figure competitor. She turns 50 in January and looks more fit than most 25 year olds. She tells me, “I want mainstream people to get that little obsession and dedication to health & fitness that can help slow down the aging process.”
Elissa on the beach last weekend.
It looks like you’ve found a winning formula for looking young. Best of luck this weekend!
Arnold Amateur Bikini Winner Ali Sonoma
July 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment
We first told you about Ali Sonoma in February, before she headed into the Arnold Amateur Bikini contest. She left with the inaugural bikini title but we have yet to see her compete for the elusive IFBB Pro card. So when will we see Ali on the NPC stage battling it out for a Bikini Pro card? I caught up with Ali at the Warrior International booth during the UFC FAN EXPO. Ali was representing the MMA clothing line and it was there she shared that Team Universe is where she plans to compete next.
What’s the guy on the left checking out?
Ali Sonoma in Las Vegas.
She look like she could compete next week at the NPC USAs but we’ll have to wait until September before we see how Ali fairs on the NPC National stage.
Can’t Keep Runnin’ Away
July 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The Pharcyde breaks it down with Runnin’. Video is a bit strange but a groovy lil tune.
Meet Natasha Wicks – New UFC Octagon Ring Girl
July 13, 2009 By 2 Comments
Forty beautiful women took the UFC FAN EXPO stage on July 11, 2009 in hopes of becoming the new UFC Octagon Ring Girl. One lucky woman walked away with a year-long UFC contact and a photo shoot with Maxim Magazine. At the end of three rounds it was 24 year old, Natasha Wicks coming out on top of the judges scorecards. The Las Vegas resident will break up the trio of brunettes currently serving as UFC Octagon Ring girls by sporting her blondish, brown curly hair.
The judging started with the forty women in Maxim tank tops and their own shorts. The four judges…two men from Maxim Mag, UFC Fighter Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and the chief marketing officer for the UFC, Bryan Johnston narrowed the field to twenty.
The chosen twenty were in bikinis and asked what super-hero power would they choose if they could pick one. Most responses were fairly weak. More than one woman responded with, “Invisible”. You’re competing based on your looks and you want to be invisible? Come on ladies, come up with something a bit more memorable. A couple appeared to be UFC groupies wanting to be around the fighters, also not a good response. I doubt the answers had much to do with the final five but I could be wrong. It was pretty clear that the judges wanted a different look from the current group of Octagon girls. The final five were selected and they were all blondes. There were a few women I would have chosen over three of the five but overall it wasn’t bad. I liked #27 for the win but her large back tattoo may have hurt her for the win. She had a nice physique and one of the cutest faces in the competition. She ultimatelyfinished in the runner-up position.
Top five in the Maxim Maga & UFC Octagon Ring Girl contest.
It’s interesting to see what the mainstream folks gravitate towards in terms of physiquea. A few of the women could have held their own in a NPC Bikini contest but most would need to train a bit longer. Many pretty faces though. So how about the winner… What is her story?
Natasha Wicks – the new UFC Octagon Ring Girl.
From NatashaWicks.com:
Natasha Wicks is a Los Vegas native, and a former cross-country runner for NAU. She got her modeling start in Hawaii shortly after graduatin college, and has recent signed on as the UFC’s newest “Octagon Girl”. She beat out 39 other girls for the contract with the UFC, and is speculated to become the most popular “Octagon Girls” yet. She is 100% all-natural, and has never had any plastic surgery!
Natasha checks in at 5’2″ and 105lbs. She has a nice, healthy, fit look and was a solid choice for the win. Her athletic look ultimately helped her win the crown, at least in my opinion. She got her start in modeling while living in Hawaii and has been involved in a variety of modeling jobs since. According to her modelmayhem.com profile she says, “I am adventurous, fun, light-hearted and professional and always the first one ready to roll in the mud and get crazy and creative.”
Natasha Wicks – photo by Calvin Dakari
Natasha also shares, “I was a Bunny at the playboy club in Las Vegas where I worked with and met some of the most famous people in the world. Good times for sure! No, I did not pose for playboy and though I have nothing against it.. I am looking to turn my modeling in a different direction. I have GOGO danced all over Vegas and love it… I am a wicked, crazy dancer! 
I get along with everybody unless you’re a hater and then there is nothing I can do about that.”
What about her goals for the future? “My goals are such an array of colors! I want to be a model, a nature photographer, marine biologist, pro-surfer, seaworld animal trainer, designer, painter, actress….. I just want to try everything!”
Congratulations Natasha and good job on rock’n the hardbody in Las Vegas.
NPC San Jose Winners
July 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Thanks to IRONMAN Magazine’s Lonnie Teper for the assist. The Swami snagged this photo for us of the bikini and figure winners from last weekend’s NPC San Jose contest.
From LT: Bikini winner is Maysa Quy (my-sa kwee) left & Megan Phi on right, figure winner.
I believe both ladies are heading into the NPC USA contest next weekend, but don’t quote me on that.
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