San Delivers Results

It Don’t Matter


One of my favorite mellow, low key artists, Donavon Frankenreiter sings “It Don’t Matter“. Good stuff.

Yesterday and what we could be
It don’t matter
Getting more of what we don’t need
It don’t matter
Everything unless I’m with you
It doesn’t matter to me, no



2009 IFBB PBW Tampa Pro Women’s Bodybuilding Results


Results of the 2009 IFBB PBW Tampa Pro Women’s Bodybuilding

1. Betty Pariso (USA)
2. Gale Frankie (USA)
3. Tina Chandler (USA)
4. Nicole Ball (Canada)
5. Klaudia Larson (Sweden)
6. Angela Salvagno (USA)
7. Myriam Bustamante (Mexico)
8. Beverly DiRenzo (USA)
9. Carmen Knights (United Kingdom)
10. Irene Andersen (Sweden)
11. Jena Mackey (Bahamas)
12. Maryse Manios (France)
13. Aurelia Grozajova (Slovakia)
14. Nicole Acker (South Africa)
15. Elizabeth Meza Gomez (Mexico)
Best Poser – Beverly DiRenzo

For complete scorecard results, click below

http://www.getbig.com/results/womens/floridatampawomens.htm

 

For the men, the 2009 Men’s Bodybuilding Results are:

1. Dennis James (Germany)
2. Fouad Abiad (Canada)
3. Ben Pakulski (Canada)
4. Bill Wilmore (USA)
5. Ben White (USA)
6. Tarek Elsetouhi (Germany)
7. Leo Ingram (USA)
8. Johnnie Jackson (USA)
9. Frank McGrath (Canada)
10. Marcus Haley (USA)
11. Craig Richardson (USA)
12. Joel Stubbs (Bahamas)
13. Lionel Brown (USA)
14. Clarence DeVis (Belgium)
15. Robert Piotrowicz (Poland)
16. Eddie Abbew (United Kingdom)
17. Grigori Atoyan (USA)
18. Mike Debenham (New Zealand)
18. Omar Deckard (USA)
18. Alfonso Del Rio (Spain)
18. Clarence DeVis (Belgium)
18. DeShaun Grimez (USA)
18. Mike Horn (USA)
18. Jari Mentula (Finland)
18. Jonathan Rowe (USA)
18. Yans Salaks (Russia)
18. Fadi ZaaZaa (Lebanon)
DNF – Fedel Clarke (Jamaica)
Best Poser – Markus Haley (USA)

For complete scorecards results, click below

http://www.getbig.com/results/mens/gp-florida.htm
 

Results of the 2009 IFBB PBW Tampa Pro Men’s 202 and Under

1. David Henry (USA)
2. John Hodgson (England)
3. Lee Powell (United Kingdom)
4. Steve Namat (Hungary)
5. Tricky Jackson (USA)
6. Rod Ketchens (USA)
7. Jeffrey Long (USA)
8. Nathan Wonsley (USA)
9. Jocelyn Jean (USA)
10. Anthony Finocchiaro (USA)
11. Roland Huff (USA)

For complete scorecard results, click below

http://www.getbig.com/results/mens/gp-florida202.htm



Tampa Pro Bodybuilding Prejudging


Things get rolling today for the Tampa Pro. Yesterday, the female bodybuilders checked in and had a press conference. Those in attendance had a chance to hear from some of their favorites. Betty Pariso shared that she is a grandma and found it ironic that her competitor number was #53 and she’s 53 years old. Nicole Ball said she had originally not planned on doing the show when she heard it had been canceled but once it was reinstated she got busy and is looking to defend her title. The rookie, Angela Salvagno shared that she took some time off. Why? She had a baby. That was news to me and pretty impressive that less than a year later she turns pro. Angela took top honors last month in Las Vegas at the NPC USAs.

Stay tuned for updates live via twitter @hardbodynews. Check FLEXonline.com for photos.



I’m Goin Hungry


Chris Cornell does his rendition of “Hunger Strike”. Good Song.

Listen to Rev Theory’s version… I’m diggin their live acoustic version more, which is now available on iTunes.



IFBB Pro Tickets To Events


This Advisory Notice was issued by the IFBB Professional League & Jim Manion, Chairman of the IFBB Professional League.

TO: IFBB PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE ATHLETES & PROMOTERS
NPC NATIONAL PROMOTERS

FROM: JIM MANION

SUBJECT: TICKETS TO EVENTS

Please note that, effective immediately, the policy for receiving free tickets to the IFBB Professional League contests and NPC national events is changed as a results of complaints from promoters that, among other things, IFBB professional athletes are demanding free tickets not only for themselves but also for their family and friends; and are requesting these tickets on the day of the contest or event without any consideration for the limited space available at some venues.

IFBB professional athletes will receive one (1) ticket to IFBB professional contests and NPC national events only if the request for such ticket is submitted to the IFBB Professional League or NPC national office before the contest or event. You must provide proof of current membership, which will be verified by the IFBB Professional League or NPC national office.

Additional tickets may be available at the sole discretion of the individual promoters.

Please govern yourself accordingly.

Jim Manion
Chairman
IFBB Professional League

Visit IFBBpro.com a copy of the letter and how to contact the IFBB Professional League.



Mohd Wears Short Shorts But Should He?


He wears short shorts. Errr… He wore short shorts. Err.. Will he be able to wear his short shorts? Yoga Instructor Mohd Abdullah is causing a commotion with his short shorts in the gym. The 48 year old has refused to stop wearing his short shorts and says he has no plans to toss out his shorties. Apparently, he doesn’t want to part ways with his $5 shorties the bought at Wal-Mart twelve years ago.

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What a look Mohd!

Canada.com reports:
“I think it is discriminating and at the same time, I think it is a double standard,” he said. “Here you have women that are wearing shorts that are half my size and with, excuse my lingo, the boobs half falling (out) – and that’s acceptable.”

The article also reports, “Meanwhile Abdullah, who said he’s getting moral support from his wife and colleagues at the university, is prepared to take his shorts elsewhere if necessary.”

Good thing is wife is supporting him because his shorts don’t seem to be doing the job. This story was also on FOX NEWS this morning.

What do you think is this guy a goof who needs to sport longer shorts or shoulgym should let him wear what he pleases?



Don’t Call It a Comeback… She’s been here for Years


Fitness competitors heading into next week’s Europa Super show… Watch out. Adela Garcia is returning to the stage and she’s ready. The LL Cool J’s song “Mama Said Knock You Out” has some appropriate lyrics for Adela’s return to the stage…

Don’t call it a comeback
I been here for years
Rockin’ my peers
Puttin’ suckers in fear
Makin’ the tears rain down like a monsoon
Listen to the bass go boom
Explosion, overpowerin’
Over the competition, I’m towerin’

I chatted with Adela yesterday as she was headed to practice her fitness routine. How’s one of the most talented fitness athletes doing? She’s doing great but it hasn’t been all roses the last year and a half.

Adela has worked hard and established herself as one of the best fitness competitors in IFBB history. The last time we saw her was on the 2007 Olympia stage where she left a winner. Adela decided to sit out the 2008 Fitness International and then tragedy struck. A fitness competitor’s worst nightmare…injury. Adela injured her knee and it forced her out of defending her Olympia title.

The road to recovery hasn’t been easy for Adela. She, like many people who suffer an injury, must battle not only the physical aspect of recovery but also the mental. Adela commented, “Yes, it took me awhile to get back to the hard floor for my routine and I am very thankful for all the support from my family and friends. I am all good now so don’t you worry.”

Adela tells me fans will get to see a look at her new routine next week in Dallas. When I asked her if it would be the same routine she does at the Olympia she shared, “Yes but I will be adding more moves for the Olympia routine but you’ll get a taste of what I’m working with”. When asked how she felt about Jen Hendershott being out of the Olympia Adela said, “I’m sad. I love Jenny and it is always fun to compete with her.” Really? You’re sad one of your toughest competitors is out? “We’ve competed against each other for many years and it will be weird not to compete against her and Kim (Klien) this year”.

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Adela winning the 2007 Ms. Fitness Olympia.

I’m happy Adela is back. She brings tremendous energy to the stage with her routines and a show is always better with her in it. Welcome back Adela and we look forward to seeing you on stage in Dallas and then Vegas.



Hardbody Bikini Pro Jamie Baird


Jamie Baird found a winning look in Vegas last month and in the process reached IFBB pro status. She narrowly missed a pro card at the NPC JR USA & NPC JR National contests but it’s all water under the bridge now. Look for this sexy Floridian to take the bikini pro stage next year. Here’s a look at Jamie offstage putting her modeling skills to work.

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Jamie Baird – new IFBB Bikini Pro.


Gates is Good to Go


I caught up with the reigning Ms. Figure Olympia, Jenn Gates this week and she assured me she’s ready to defend her title. Seven weeks from today we’ll be in Las Vegas to see her do exactly that. We haven’t seen Jenn on the competitive stage all year but don’t mistaken that for her slacking.

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Jenn on a photo shoot after winning Ms. Figure Olympia.

Can anyone challenge Jenn for the Ms. Figure Olympia crown? Zivile Raudoniene was considered by many to be the biggest threat but she recently decided not to enter this year. Mary Elizabeth Lado hung up her posing suit and clear heels after last year’s Olympia so she’s out of the picture. Jenny Lynn? Maybe but I think we’ve seen her best already and others are passing her by. Wait… There is a little lady from California who is tired of being the bridesmaid. Yes, Gina Aliotti will be looking to take the crown from Jenn this year. She was second last year at the Olympia and second to Zivile this year at the Figure International. There’s a number of other women who could be compared to her in that top callout like… Felicia Romero, Kristal Richardson, Teresa Anthony, Amy Fry, Sonia Gonzales or Nicole Wilkins-Lee.
Does all this concern Gates? Nope. She tells me she only has a couple more pounds to shed and she’ll be ready. I made the mistake (once and only once) of counting Jenn out of a show and ended up eating my words. If you’re the gambling type, one thing I wouldn’t do and that’s bet against Gates.

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Jenn Gates in winning form.

Don’t miss Jenn and the others on stage in Las Vegas. Get your Olympia tickets here. What do you think…Will Jenn repeat as the Figure Olympia champ?



But The Day Pressed on Like Crushing Weights


Rise Against sounds a bit like the group Offspring. I’m digg’n their song “Savior“.



But the day pressed on like crushing weights
For no man does it ever wait
Like memories of dying days
That deafen us like hurricanes
Bathed in flames we held the brand
Uncurled the fingers in your hand
Pressed into the flesh like sand
Now do you understand?



New UFC Octagon Girl Natasha Wicks Loves to Workout


We told you about Natasha Wicks last month after she won the Maxim/UFC Octagon Girl contest. If you missed it, check out the post here. This weekend Natasha will make her debut in the Octagon at UFC 101. The Las Vegas native shares in her UFC video that she loves to workout and it isn’t a chore for her. It’s good to hear her share with millions of UFC fans that working out and eating healthy is important.

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Natasha Wicks – New UFC Octagon Girl.


Meriza Deguzman – FLEXonline Pro Training Partner


IFBB Figure Pro Meriza Deguzman tells FLEX magazine, “I do the leg presses with my feet high to target the hams and glutes more, and I vary my foot width.” Check out more tips from Meriza and one of her workouts on FLEXonline.com.

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Meriza work’n the wheels.


Satan’s Workout with Gina Carano


Norm Turner aka Satan is Gina Carano’s strength and conditioning coach. Gina is the most popular female in MMA and you might remember her as one of the American Gladiators. She will face her toughest opponent next weekend when she fights Cyborg. One of the things that people dog Gina for his her apparent lack of discipline when it comes to making weight for her fights. She’s had some time off from fighting and by the looks of this video, I doubt she’ll miss weight this time around.

Think you train hard? Watch this video and see if you still feel the same way.

Ya, I’d say that is one helluva workout.



Alicia “Smiley” Harris Before her Pro Debut


Top NPC Figure competitor Nichole Guenther interviewed IFBB Figure Pro Alicia Harris before her pro debut. We’ll soon see the results of the Muscle & Fitness Hers photo shoot she talks about and you will all be quite pleased. Alicia has two pro shows under her belt and is headed into the Europa Super show next week. Look for smiley on stage next week in Dallas.

Thanks to Nichole and Alicia for the interview. My West Coast correspondent, Ron Avidan tells me he is working on more videos to go live on the Youtube Hardbody channel. About time, right?!



Turn The Page


“Here I am, on the road again”. That seems to be my line this year. I’m heading to Tampa to cover the IFBB Pro show for FLEX magazine. Metallica’s version of Turn the Page seems like an appropriate song to get back on the road.

Here I am, On the road again
There I am, Up on the stage
Here I go, Playn’ star again
There I go, Turn the page

Whoa-oh
Out there in the spotlight, you’re a million miles away
Every ounce of energy, you try and give away
As the sweat pours out your body, like the music that you play



Four Dead – 9 Injured in Gym Shooting


George Sodini, 48, kept an online diary and would often write how women disliked him and how lonely he was. It appeared he despised women ranging from his mother to his inability to get a date. Alll this hatred built up and came to a very ugly head when Sodini, identified as the gunman, walked into a Pittsburgh gym and killed three women while injuring nine others.

CNN reports:

On Tuesday night, the gunman walked into the fitness center, entered a “Latin impact” dance aerobics class and placed a duffel bag on the ground. After pausing a few moments, he took at least two guns out of the bag and started shooting.

Three women were killed and nine people were injured. Police say he may have fired as many as 52 shots before turning the gun on himself and committing suicide.

“He walked right into the room where the shootings occurred as if he knew exactly where he was going,” Allegheny County police Superintendent Charles Moffatt said. “I think he went in with the idea of doing what he did.”

Authorities on Wednesday identified the gunman as Sodini, of nearby Scott Township. The three women who died were Heidi Overmier, 46, of Carnegie; Elizabeth Gannon, 49, of Pittsburgh; and Jody Billingsley, 38, of Mount Lebanon.

It is troubling that something like this would happen in a place where people go to escape.



A Distracted Dean at Bodybuilding.com


If you’re looking for your contest photos on bodybuilding.com or wondering why the results haven’t been posted from a show, you can blame Dean. Dean Donlon is a hardly working fella at Bodybuilding.com who handles that side of the biz. Dean has the duty of sorting and tagging every contest image that gets posted to the site. It’s a task that isn’t always the most glamorous but someone’s gotta do it. When I stopped by his desk, during a recent trip to Bodybuilding.com’s headquarters, he seemed a bit distracted. Apparently adding the new “wallpaper of the week” of Amanda Latona had Dean in a trance and unable to focus on his tasks at hand.

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Me capturing a distracted Dean at the office.

Thanks to Richard “I ain’t no cheese” Barnet for snapping the photo of me snapping the photo of Dean drooling.



One Winner…2 Pro Cards… No More


NPC Promoter, Dr. Gary Udit posted the following news on Siouxcountry.com.

Thanks go to NPC President Jim Manion for changing the rule to address this situation that arose at the 2008 IFBB NORTH AMERICA in the Men’s Division and the 2009 NPC MASTERS NATIONALS in the Women’s Bodybuilding Division.

The athletes are still permitted to win the Overall titles of the second Division they compete in but the pro card will go to the second placing competitor in the Overall judging.

Rule for events where one competitor could win two pro cards due to crossovers.
(NPC Masters Nationals and IFBB North American Championships)

When an event that is a pro-qualifier, such as the NPC MASTERS NATIONALS and the IFBB NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, has the possibility of the same competitor winning two Divisions, and also two pro cards, the pro card that is awarded last in the Schedule of Events will be awarded to the second-highest placing in the Overall judging of the last judged Division.

For example, at the NPC MASTERS NATIONALS, if a competitor wins the Overall of the Mens Over 50 Division he is awarded an IFBB pro card. If the same competitor wins the Overall of the Mens Over 40 Division, the pro card in the Mens Over 40 Division, which is judged after the Mens Over 50 Division, will go to the second highest placing competitor in the Overall judging of the Mens Over 40 Division.

I’m glad to see this recent change and props to the NPC for taking action on it.



Dancing with The Hulk


The popular TV show Dancing With the Stars is adding a bit of muscle to the new season. Many in the bodybuilding & fitness industry know Lou Ferrigno from his Pumping Iron days. The former Incredible Hulk has been in the news recently for his connection to Michael Jackson. Lou was said to be training Michael for his comeback concerts before his death. Reports are that Lou hasn’t sign a contract for the show yet but has met with the producers and apparently love the idea of him on the show.

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Monica Brant, Robert Reiff, Lou & Kim Lyons.
An Olympia party for IFBBpro.com.

No word on how much Lou will charge for autographs if he does make it on the show.



NPC USA Video Interviews


Video interviews from the NPC USA contest are available on bodybuilding.com. I caught up with a few female figure stars in the expo hall like Gennifer Strobo, Felicia Romero, Kristi Tauti and more. The interview below is with the first IFBB Bikini Pro Shelsea Montes and she’s a riot. Watch her get all fired up when I ask her if she works out. Check out all the interviews on the new video portal here.




I’m A Wanted Man


Most people in the fitness industry know Rich Luzzi as Jamie Eason’s boyfriend. Rich is often in attendance at the Arnold Classic or the Olympia weekend. The rest of the world knows him as the lead singer for the popular band Rev Theory. I had the chance to catch up with Rich for a few minutes after I filmed their acoustic version of Wanted Man. He tells me despite being on the road non-stop he makes time to go to the gym every day. Depending on their tour schedule he make an appearance at this year’s Olympia contest. Check out this live performance and then visit iTunes to grab their new acoustic songs that dropped yesterday. I purchased all of them and they are awesome.

It was fun to combine my love for acoustic music with photography/video. Get out there and do something you love today!



Jacksonville Pro Figure Photos


Check out photos of all the IFBB Pro Figure competitors from the Jacksonville Pro. Money Mark Mason was in attendance and captured the action.

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Congratulations to Jessica Paxson-Putnam for the victory. She came in looking her best and was noticeably tighter in her glutes/hamstrings than she’s ever been. Erin Stern continues to find comfort on the figure stage and displays one of the most athletic physiques in the industry. Jenny Lynn is still searching for the combination that worked for her a couple years ago but has yet to put it all together. She’ll look to come out on top next week in Dallas. Krissy Chin made her way into fourth with a new, fuller look to her physique. Look for Krissy to try her hand at an Olympia qualification again at an upcoming event.



NPC USAs Review


Dan Solomon reported on Pro Bodybuilding Weekly that the 2009 NPC USAs was the biggest contest ever held in the history of the NPC. Dan also gave a nice shout out to this site for being the first to deliver the news on Jen Hendershott sitting out the Olympia. Thanks Dan!

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If you missed the USAs and are looking for a recap, check out my review of the show here. Bodybuilding.com has all the behind the scenes photos and stage shots posted from this huge event.



Hardbody Shelsea Montes – First IFBB Bikini Pro


If you haven’t met Shelsea Montes you’re missing out. This little firecracker is quite the amusing lil lass. I had the chance to shoot with Shelsea in Las Vegas and it was a riot. Shelsea was the first IFBB Bikini Pro and is anxiously awaiting her pro debut. Shelsea tells me, “of course I work out” and that she used to compete in figure before the new division was created.

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Shelsea Montes – IFBB Bikini Pro


Shame on Female Pro Bodybuilders


This weekend in Tampa, Florida fourteen women will take the stage in hopes of qualifying for the Ms. Olympia. This show was dropped from the pro schedule earlier in the year but thanks to a few people, in large part folks from the Siouxcountry.com, it made its way back. I’d like to say I’m surprised by the number of women who are competing but I’m not. I’m disappointed in the pro female bodybuilders and they should be ashamed of themselves. There are a number of reasons why female bodybuilding is on the decline but one look at this competitor list and you see the biggest problem. What’s that? Support for themselves. Many times I read people complaining about how few shows there are for female bodybuilders and how the female bodybuilders don’t have the same opportunities as the figure or fitness women. Well, when they do get the opportunity and so few enter the contest what do you expect? It’s a slap in the face to promoter, Tim Gardner, and to those who went above and beyond to help ressurect this show. Shame on the female bodybuilders and their laundry list of excuses as to why they aren’t entering the show. If female bodybuilders want the support of fans, perhaps they start by entering the shows provided to them. I’d like to see less complaining and more competing.

IFBB TAMPA PRO BODYBUILDING WEEKLY CHAMPIONSHIPS
- Final Competitor List
-

Nicole Acker
Irene Andersen
Nicole Ball
Myriam Bustamante
Tina Chandler
Beverly DiRenzo
Gale Frankie
Elizabeth Meza Gomez
Aurelia Grozajova
Carmen Knights
Klaudia Larson
Maryse Manios
Betty Pariso
Angela Salvagno

Props to Angela Salvagno for wasting no time in jumping into the pro ranks. She won the overall at the NPC USAs last month and has a solid chance at qualifying for the Olympia here. I’m also pleased to see the women’s bodybuilding rep, Betty Pariso, entering this show. Betty is promoting the Europa Super show which is held next weekend in Dallas.



Get ya “SLAM” on


Here’s one you may not have heard before… Onyx’s Slam Harder. Onyx was popular for their song Slam years ago but Slam Harder didn’t make it to the same level.



FLEXclusive Behind The Scenes with Erin Stern


Erin Stern snagged a Figure Olympia spot by placing second last weekend in Jacksonville. She’s also featured on the cover and inside the newest FLEX magazine. Here’s a couple photos, courtesy of FLEX, of the hardbody athlete.

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Erin getting misted for the shoot.
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Behind the Scenes on the FLEX photo shoot.
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Making sure everything is set for the shoot.

Congrats on the continued success this rookie season Erin and props to FLEX for featuring the women in the industry.



Hendershott OUT of the 2009 Fitness Olympia


We just received the official word from Jen Hendershott that she will NOT be competing in the 2009 Olympia. Here’s the official release from Jen:

Graham, NC - Two-time Ms. Olympia and Ms. Fitness International Jen Hendershott will be a spectator at this years’ Fitness Olympia in Las Vegas.

“The fitness industry has been very good to me. It is time for me to give back. I love working with people who aspire to improve themselves. I will focus on my new supplement company PGN, my training program Get Phat Online, Phat Camp, Get Phat Promotions and the many other projects that I am currently working on. “

Jen has been a competitive fitness athlete for over 12 years. She is the current reigning Ms. Olympia and Ms Fitness International.

“I am not retiring but rather taking some time to work on the many other things that I am passionate about.”

This leaves the door open for someone to claim the Ms. Fitness Olympia title. Will it be Adela stepping back into the winner’s circle? Is it Tracey Greenwood’s time to shine? How about Julie Palmer? It definitely makes things interesting heading into next month’s event.



FLEX Bikini Model Search Online – Round Three


The third and final round of the FLEX Bikini Model Search is upon us. Make sure you vote for your favorite bikini model.

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There are over 100 women in this month’s contest so it won’t be easy to take home top honors. The voting ends on August 15, 2009. Two more women will join previous monthly winners Katie Barnes, Mary Jarmalowich, Lindsie Renne and Amanda Latona. The finals will take place next month in Las Vegas at the Olympia Weekend.

The monthly winners receive:
• $250 gift voucher to Amazon.com
• $250 USD
• Swimwear from Ed Hardy
• Profile in FLEX Magazine
• Profile on FLEXonline.com
• A spot in the 16-woman finals

The overall winner will earn the chance to appear in the 2010 FLEX Swimsuit Issue and an exclusive contract with Weider Publications. Cast your vote today!



You Can Get with This or You Can Get with That


“C” may be over the hill after turning 40 but he still has good taste in music. This comes recommended by Mr. 40 and it’s a good one. Trik Turner’s Black Sheep is a tune I’d never heard before but it’s on my playlist now. Give it a listen.



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