2009 September

Amanda Marinelli Out of AC Fitness

September 12, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Amanda Marinelli was slated to compete at the Atlantic City Fitness Pro show this weekend unfortunately she had to withdraw. Amanda shared the following news on Siouxcountry.com:

Unfortunately, I have withdrawn from the contest. I was diagnosed with asthma on Tuesday and last night after we arrived at the Trump Marina here in Atlantic City, I had an asthma attack. It has been a trying week learning about the medications and still practicing my ftness routines. For my own health and well-being, I decided to withdraw from the competition because my lungs are just not stable enough today! Thanks for all of your support Sioux Country friends and wish my husband, Dave Marinelli (IFBB Pro 202 Class) Good Luck!!!

We wish you the best and hopefully see you on the IFBB fitness stage again soon.

Filed Under: IFBB Atlantic City Pro, Industry News, Misc

Jen Hendershott’s MTV MADE

September 12, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Earlier this month we told you about IFBB Fitness Pro Jen Hendershott’s MTV MADE episode. Well, you gotta love editing. If you are expecting to see Jen as the coach throughout the episode you’ll be in for a bit of disappointment. She unfortunately gets the short end of the stick when it comes to coaching Carter, the wannabe bodybuilder. Most of her airtime comes at the very end of the show but hey few minutes on MTV is better than nothing.

made_281x211re

Check MTV’s schedule for the replay of this episode.

Filed Under: Industry News, Misc

Atlantic City Pro: Master’s Figure Photos

September 12, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

“Money Mark” Mason is capturing all the action in Atlantic City for bodybuilding.com this weekend. The prejudging photos from the Master’s Figure Prejudging are up for your viewing pleasure. Check out the one and two piece rounds here.

IFBB Figure Pro Tivisay Breceno

Filed Under: IFBB Atlantic City Pro

Come On

September 12, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Bonecrusher (featuring Onslaught) combines rock and rap with “Come On“. RAHHHH! YEAH!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Atlantic City Pro: Master’s Figure Prejudging

September 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

The IFBB Master’s Pro Figure prejudging looks to have Shanon Meteraud and Tivisay Briceno running one and two with Marie Ann Newman, Melissa Freabbiele and Rosalind Vanterpool rounding out the top five. This is an excellent debut for Marie Ann Newman who just a few weeks ago was battling it out as an amateur in the NPC ranks. Tivisay Briceno was able to bring her best today and it should put her neck and neck with Shannon Meteraud for the win. Shannon is the seasoned vet and looks to be the one to beat here. Melissa Frabbiele is no stranger to the top five and should be in contention for the top five again and a strong case for top three. Rosalind Vanterpool looks to round out the top five here but Jennifer DeJoya and Christina Casoni won’t make it easy for her there.

If I were to call it (and I’m not a judge and don’t pretend to play one online) I’d go…

1. Shannon Meteraud
2. Tivisay Briceno
3. Melissa Frabbiele
4. Marie Ann Newman
5. Rosalind Vanterpool
with Jennifer DeJoya and Christina Casoni in the hunt as well for a top five spot.

We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see how this one plays out.

Filed Under: IFBB Atlantic City Pro

Atlantic City Pro: Fitness Two-Piece

September 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The lineup looks much the same as the one piece, in fact is the same with the exception of Laticia Jackson moving up. This reinforces the case that doing away with the one-piece is a good move as the callouts and placings don’t change much, if at all. Laticia looks to be in a solid fourth where she may have been fourth or fifth in the one-piece. She could be looking at an Olympia qualification with where she is currently sitting. It will definitely make things interesting in the routine rounds. As it stands right now I’d have Tracey Greenwood and Tanji Johnson a lock for the top two. The third place spot would then be the lone qualifying spot for the Olympia (Tracey and Tanji are already qualified). I’d say is neck and neck between Bethany Wagner and Laticia Jackson for that spot. I’d give Bethany the nod in the physique rounds but Laticia brings energetic routine rounds to the stage. Bethany beat Laticia at the Europa but can she do it here? Nicole Duncan always brings a solid routine to the stage as well. We won’t know until tomrorow night who will win… Tracey or Tanji (in my opinion) and who will get the third and final qualifying spot… Who do YOU think will get it?

Who will get 3rd in AC Fitness

Filed Under: IFBB Atlantic City Pro, Polls

Atlantic City Pro Fitness Prejudging One-Piece

September 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

It will be one of the last times you see these women sporting a one-piece suit. The IFBB Atlantic City Pro Fitness kicked things off tonight and in the first round your top three look to be Tracy Greenwood, Tanji Johnson and Bethany Wagner. This is the best Tanji we’ve seen in awhile as her conditioning has greatly improved from previous outings. Tracey Greenwood looks to be on the money with her physique. Bethany Wagner has brought another tight, balanced look to the stage. She has great symmetry and in the running here. If I were a gambling man I’d say it is Tracey first, Tanji second with Bethany third in the physique rounds. It looks to be a catfight for fourth, fifth and sixth place in this round. Look for Tonya Burkhardt, Laticia Jackson and Nicole Duncan to round out those spots. Nicole is already qualified for the Olympia so the pressure is off her. Laticia has a solid routine and if she is in that 4th spot going into the routine rounds she could overtake Bethany for an Olympia birth. Tonya Burkhardt has to be happy with the physique she’s brought to the stage. She was called out in the first group but left out for the second round of callouts.

Stay tuned for more on the Atlantic City Pro prejudging.

Filed Under: IFBB Atlantic City Pro

La La Laaaatona

September 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 5 Comments

Today’s Hardbody shot of the day is with new IFBB Bikini Pro Amanda Latona. I had the chance to shoot with Amanda after her win in Las Vegas and she is great in front of the camera. Amanda will be competing in the finals at the FLEXonline model search at the Olympia. She’s definitely one to watch, as if that is a chore for anyone.

latona
New IFBB Bikini Pro Amanda Latona

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Trish Stratus Olympia Appearance

September 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Those of you attending the Olympia this year mark your calendars for Saturday, September 26 from 1:30-3:30pm. The stunning fitness model – turned 7x WWE Champion – turned Yoga guru, Trish Stratus will be appearing at the ISS Research booth from 1:30-3:30pm on that day. Get there early as she will certainly have a long line of fans.

trishstratus

Filed Under: Olympia

Erin Stern Training Video / Interview

September 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

Xmuscle.com recently caught up with IFBB Figure Pro & Olympia bound Erin Stern for a video/interview.

You’ll see Erin rock’n the hardbody throughout the video. Dave Palumbo does a decent job of interviewing her and while the video gets a little redundant the voice-over/ audio interview is worth listening to. Erin looks great and she’s definitely on track to looking her best on stage.

Might she roll into the Olympia and find herself in the top 6 her first time out? Don’t bet against it.

Filed Under: Interviews

Bodybuilding.com Olympia Line-up

September 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Bodybuilding.com is one of the main sponsors of the Olympia contest and always has a booth that is a must stop at the Expo.

Women at at the bodybuilding.com booth:
Jamie Eason
Kyla McGrath
Allison Ethier
Sherry Goggin
Tana Gabrielle
Crystal Matthews
Fawnia Dietrich
Kim Bresingham

Check out the entire list of who will be at this year’s Olympia booth. Bodybuilding.com is also running a few Olympia Specials on the site where can save a little coin.

Filed Under: Industry News, Olympia

NPC Tournament of Champions

September 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

While the Atlantic City show is taking place on the East Coast, the West Coast will play host to the NPC Tournament of Champions in Culver City. This show used to have IFBB Pro Figure with it however that has been moved to Border States show next month. This show is a National qualifier for the NPC in the bodybuilding, figure and bikini divisions. If you’re in Southern California head to Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, September 12 and tell promoter Jon Lindsay hello. Our West Coast man, sometimes with a plan, Ron Avidan will be attending the event.

Lonnie “not the swami for long” Teper will be emceeing the Finals, which begin at 6:30pm. Head to www.musclecontest.com for more information on the show.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Remembering 9/11

September 11, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Eight years ago everyone’s lives changed forever. It’s a day you never forget but wish you could. Remember those who lost their lives or loved ones in the 9/11 attacks.

Filed Under: Misc

No Change to IFBB Pro Fitness Two-Minute Routines

September 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

There’s been quite the buzz around the changes announced regarding the IFBB Pro Fitness. Now before getting your thongs in a bunch… relax. The two-minute routine rules have NOT changed and those competing in the Ft. Lauderdale Pro show on October 10th won’t need to do anything different than originally planned. Except breathe a sigh of relief that you don’t need to practice two routines. I confirmed with the IFBB Pro League office and direct word is:

The mandatory movements (from the 45-second routine) will not be incorporated in the 2-minute routine, which will remain unchanged.

I’m sure this matter will be discussed more at the upcoming annual meeting. If you’re a pro fitness competitor with questions or concerns contact your rep (Jen Hendershott) and make her aware of them. She is your voice and direct pipeline to the IFBB Pro League Board members. Complaining on forums won’t accomplish anything. Discussions are great and welcome however it’s usually the people effected the least who are the loudest. The fitness pros I’ve spoke with today have all been happy and wish it would have happened sooner.

Filed Under: Industry News

Bye Bye 45-second Routine & One-Piece Swimsuit Rounds

September 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 27 Comments

YAYEEEE! While I’m not a professional fitness competitor (yes, I am captain obvious at times) I do cover many of the shows. The IFBB Professional League has issued an advisory notice that has MAJOR changes for pro fitness competitors. Beginning next month there will be NO ONE-PIECE and NO 45-Second routine!

byebye

I’m stoked with this decision because the one-piece is a waste of time, in my opinion. Physiques are shown at their best in the two-piece round although some competitors may not feel that way. They will also save money by eliminating the costly suit. Shows will move much quicker with only one round and if/when the new bikini division is adapted to the Pro League, this will help with the duration of the show. Most fitness competitors I’ve talked to have no problem with the 45-second routine going away. The elimination saves them on purchasing the mandatory black “catsuit” and choreographing another routine.

The following notice was issued by the IFBB Professional League:

FROM: IFBB Professional League
To: All Athletes, Judges, Officials and Promoters
Date: September 9, 2009

Subject: FITNESS ELIMINATION of 45-SECOND ROUTINE AND ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT ROUNDS

This will confirm that a proposal has been submitted to the IFBB Professional League to eliminate the 45-second routine and one-piece swimsuit rounds in Pro Fitness.

Although a formal vote will be taken at the IFBB Professional League annual meeting on September 24, 2009, this proposal already has overwhelming majority approval of the IFBB PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE and will therefore be adopted.

Fitness competition will then consist of two rounds – the Two-Piece Bikini and the Two-Minute Fitness Routine – each valued at 50% of the total score.

To provide sufficient lead time to accommodate this rule change, the IFBB Professional League herewith provides notice that the change will take place beginning with the Fort Lauderdale Pro Fitness competition on October 10, 2009.

Jim Manion
Chairman
IFBB Professional League

The only people I see being upset from this notice are the suit makers but life goes on. I applaud the Pro League office for the changes and look forward to them taking place in Florida. BRAVO!

**Note this is ONLY for PRO FITNESS competitors. There isn’t a 45-second routine in the amateur divisions and currently the Pro Figure division still has two rounds.

Filed Under: IFBB & NPC, Industry News

Meet Hardbody Shina Mitchell-Lewis

September 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 4 Comments

Behind every man is a good woman or so the saying goes. In the Lewis residence of Murfreesboro, Tennessee that certainly holds true. Many people in the bodybuilding industry are aware of pro bodybuilder James “Flex” Lewis but few are aware of Mrs. Lewis, until now. Flex will take the stage again this weekend in Atlantic City but this time he’ll be joined on stage by his better half. No, she won’t be striking any most muscular poses but Shina Mitchell-Lewis will join him on stage as a NPC bikini competitor. I caught up with Shina and she shares a bit about herself and how she met the man of her dreams.

shinalewis

Name:
Shina Mitchell-Lewis

Born/raised in:
Born in Lansing Michigan, raised in Columbia, Tennessee

Currently live in:
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Contest History:
2006 Greater Knox Classic Figure class C 2ND place. 2006 Tennessee State Championships Figure Class B 3rd place

Some may not know (maybe living in a cave) but who is your husband?
My husband and best friend is IFBB Pro James “Flex” Lewis!! He is a Gaspari Nutrition Athlete and is also sponsored by Weider Publications.

How did you two meet?
Flex and I met back in 2006. I was getting ready to compete in my first figure show and I had noticed on a Contest Flyer that Flex was going to be a guest poser at the show I was competing in. So you know back then MY SPACE was HUGE!!! So I found his picture and sent a friend request along with a message saying “you don’t know me but I will be competing in the Knoxville show and you know my trainers, so it would be nice to meet you…we are all going out for pizza after the show”, well at least a week or so went by and NO reply!! so I sent another message but this time it said “FINE don’t add me as your friend no cheesecake for you”… and it worked ….he finally messaged me back and added me and from that moment we have never lost contact!!

Two weeks into emailing, txting and finally calling he invited me to fly out to California to attend a Charity Golf event. Shawn Ray was in charge of who was going to attend this Charity even and he told Flex to bring me along…. so with a lot of thought and prayer I accepted his offer. I had asked my father to pray over the situation, bc if you knew me then I would have never flew clear across the country to meet some man from my space…LOL but he wasn’t just some man my father told me… My father came back and said he felt in his heart that if I didn’t fly over to meet Flex that I would regret it in the future…

So with a $500.00 credit limit on my “college” only credit card I BOOKED the flight. Mind you this was four weeks out from my first show…but I knew I had to meet him!!

The day finally came when I met him face to face. As I was descending into Orange County I txted my mother and best friends and said ” I think I am going to throw up bc I am about to meet the man I am going to marry”!! Seriously, I knew before I met him that I would spend the rest of my life with him…and three and a half years later I am happily married to that man!! He is a blessing and I love him so much.

Wow, that’s awesome and vert a very cool story.

The two of you are not only partners in life but also in business. Tell us about your business name and how that started.
The name of our business is Flex N Shake Smoothies, we started the business last year just before the Olympia! We had the opportunity to lease out a space in our gym and we went from there!

Is it tough running a business while dieting and what’s the key to keeping it going?
It is not tough to run a business whilst dieting but it can get hectic at times. The key to keep it going is to have trust worthy employees. I have the best employees ever. I have taught them exactly how I want our business ran and it gets done!!

What made you decide to compete in the same show as FLEX?
This was a last minute decision. I always diet along side with Flex, for moral support! I had decided earlier in the year that I wanted to compete this year but in October. So I hired a trainer and and started my prep. Well, about 3 weeks ago I was taking progression pictures to send them off to get a new plan from my trainer and Flex suggested then that I go ahead and compete now. So I threw this idea to my trainer and he gave the thumbs up!!

shina
Flex isn’t the only one with abs in the Lewis household.

How has the prep been while dieting together?
Like I said earlier, I Have always dieted with Flex for support and to work the booth at the shows with him…so its easy really

Who does the cooking?
I DO ALL THE cooking!!! I love to cook!

What’s the most challenging thing about being married to a pro bodybuilder?
The most challenging thing is making sure he has everything ready and packed before he travels for an event. Especially because he is from the United Kingdom, we travel a lot over seas and I have to make sure I have all the right traveling documents organized, food cooked and prepared, and remember to pack the universal adapters for our electrical appliances

What do the two of you do when not eating chicken, fish or doing cardio?
We enjoy married life! We enjoy going out to eat at a nice restaurant, going to go see a movie and/or just chill out at home with the dog!!

What advice do you have to women who are considering competing but unsure about it?
Read all you can about nutrition and training. I believe knowledge is key with that said I’m blessed to have a husband who is very knowledgeable in nutrition and the training side of things but when we decided to do this years Atlantic city Show I hired a trainer, Mike Davies (www.mikedaviesfitness.com) who has been fantastic. By doing so it alleviates unnecessary relationship stress especially since Flex and I are both doing the show.

Next try to attend as many shows as possible and look online (hardbody.com) so you can see what the judges are looking for. Plus you can pick up tips for hair and make-up, suit colors and styles, and generally the whole competition criteria.

If my husband is dieting for a show, personally I would “sympathy diet” with him. We diet very well together plus in my eyes if you have a supportive spouse that eats similar to you or lives a healthy lifestyle it makes the dieting a whole lot easier on both ends!

Ladies, try to get your other half involved when you decide to compete, it will make the whole experience much more enjoyable!

What’s on the menu for after the show?
Mmmmm lets see my husband and I love the Cheesecake Factory…so Probably the Baja chicken Tacos and the Chris’s outrageous chocolate cake!!

Any aspirations on becoming an IFBB pro like hubby?
I would love to be an IFBB Bikini Pro…my next show will be the Nationals in November.

Any other new ventures the two of you are embarking on?
We will be opening a gym in January 2010! The name is Olympus Athletic Club and the Flex N Shake will also be inside the new gym!

Anyone you want to thank?
I want to thank my husband and family for all their prayers and support. I also want to thank hardbody for this interview…I love sharing my story and hope to inspire other woman to push hard for what they aspire to do in life.

Thanks for sharing more about yourself Shina and best of luck to both of you this weekend!

Filed Under: IFBB Atlantic City Pro, Interviews

Iron Sirens Head to Pittsburgh Comicon

September 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Those of you near Pittsburgh this weekend make sure to stop by the Pittsburgh Comicon that starts tomorrow. Iron Sirens’ mastermind J.M. Manion will be in attendance along with writer/co-creator Ian Ascher but the one fans will really want to see at Booth S067 is IFBB Figure Pro Kristal Richardson. No offense J.M. / Ian but that’s why I’d stop by. Kristal Richardson will be dressed as her character in this photo that mimics her cover.

kristal1web
Kristal Richardson will be sport’n the guns this weekend.

J.M. tells me they will be selling all 5 issue’s & have a discount when you purchase all 5 as a set. If you’re not able to attend you can check out the updated cweb site (www.ironsirenscomics.com) where all the issues are available for purchase.

specialiron

Filed Under: Industry News, Misc

Match Your Words with Your Actions

September 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

This was at the bottom of an email I received yesterday.

“We learn more from people’s actions than from their words. If you wish to live a Powerful life with Love and Acceptance, match your words with your actions.”

I love this and it’s something we can all practice. It goes back to “Be impeccable with your word” from the Four Agreements.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

OH! – Union Turnpike

September 10, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Here’s a song to get ya rock’n on your Thursday. Hell to the yeah!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Tiffany Upshaw Goes For It

September 9, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

I met Tiffany Michelle Upshaw last month at the Europa Super Show and she was memorable. Chat with her for a couple minutes and you’ll know why. Mr. Optimum Nutrition Man, Bob Corbett introduced me to her as she was there working their (ON/ABB) expo booth. Tiffany has a fresh face with a great physique but it is her out-going, sassy personality that made her stand out. Looks will only take you so far in the fitness industry and Tiffany is the perfect example that if you have a personality to compliment the looks, people take notice. Ms. Upshaw calls Florida home and recently made her way onto the NPC stage for the first time. I caught up with her to find out how she did and what’s next.

tiffanyupshaw

Occupation:
Student, Soon to Be Realtor… AGAIN! ON/ABB Athlete

Realtor “again” Why again and why now with the economy for real estate in the crapper?
I became licensed when I was 19 so my age was a downfall for me. I had clients that would ask about my age, etc and I always felt like, “What does that matter? I can do what a 47yr old Realtor can!” The economy was also a downfall as well. I am choosing to do real estate again because I am older and the partner I will have is one of THE top realtors in Luxury Real Estate in Naples, FL and I want to soak up any and all knowledge from him, Patrick Dearborn of John R. Wood Realtors.

How did you get into the industry and become an ON/ABB Athlete?
Actually, on MySpace!! Neat, huh? Crazy, I thought it was spam or something and then when I actually got emailed a contract I was like …WOW, this is really really real!

Bob shared a similar story saying he accepted your “friend request” and checked out your profile and photos. He liked your look at thought you had a chance to be something special in the world of fitness, so he took a chance and signed you up. He went on to share, “Everyone at the office liked her potential too.” You’re doing something right because he said, “She’s worked very hard representing our company with class and determination and we’re very proud of her win at the show!”

Tiffany and Jessica at the ON/ABB booth.

Number of NPC shows:
1/1 !!! Did 1 show & WON 1 SHOW!

Congrats. What was the show and what did you win?
2009 Royal Palm Classic: Bodybuilding, Figure & Bikini Championships – 1st Place, Bikini Short Class

What made you decide to compete?
I became endorsed by Optimum Nutrition & American Bodybuilding last October and wanted to live up to my endorsement but then also attain a goal in a different area other than beauty pageants and modeling.

You mentioned beauty pageants and modeling. Have you done either and what do you say to people who think bikini is nothing more than a fit pageant?
I’ve done beauty pageants for the past 17 years; since I was literally before the age of 1 and I won my first one! Bikini is sexy, sassy but yet STILL should remain classy. It is a contest of the fittest, sexiest, most appealing and of course beautiful.

When you put it that way, bikini is right up your alley. Any tips for women considering competing but unsure about it?
GO FOR IT! It is a great way to build self-confidence, get into beach ready shape and you have the ability to turn Pro!

What’s next for ya?
NPC National Bodybuilding and Figure Championships – Fort Lauderdale, Florida – November 20-21, 2009

TiffanyUpshaw9
Tiffany has the look.

What’s the weirdest/funniest thing you’ve seen while working an expo booth?
Hmm…have YET to see something crazy – maybe at the Mr. Olympia this year in Vegas!?

Um Ya. There’s pretty good odds on that happening. Not as good as the Arnold but still up there.

Goals for the future in the fitness industry?
I would love to earn my Pro Card in Bikini and continue my amazing endorsement with ON/ABB!

What’s your favorite Optiumum Supplement?
Chocolate Coconut 100% Whey Protein because it tastes amazing blended with a banana and peanut butter or even just by itself.

Stop by the Optimum booth at this year’s Olympia and meet Tiffany. You can read more about her and see more photos of her on her bodyspace profile. Congratulations Tiffany and best of luck in the years ahead.

Filed Under: Interviews, Misc

Kim Lyons Heads to The Big Apple

September 9, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

IFBB Pro and co-trainer of NBC’s Biggest Loser, Kim Lyons shared via her twitter account that she is launching a Jenny Craig walking DVD and CD in New York. Props to Kim on her continued success. She’s one of the few competitors who has successfully hit the mainstream.

trainerkim

Filed Under: Industry News

Poll: IFBB Atlantic City Figure

September 9, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 3 Comments

The final competitor lists are in for the IFBB Atlantic City Pro Figure competition. This is one of the largest fields of the year with 31 women in the Open and 24 in the Masters. Technically NO ONE is qualified for the Figure Olympia in this line up. That’s staggering to me. I say “technically” because Shannon Meteraud is qualified to compete in the Fitness Olympia but not the Figure. Which means the top three women in this show will qualify for the 2009 Figure Olympia. **(I was incorrect here – Patricia Mello is qualified by way of the 2008 Kentucky Pro – Thanks Troy) There will be a new AC Figure Pro crowned this weekend as Jenn Gates is not back to defend the title. Rookie Alicia Harris has been added to the list and it could be her time to land in the top three. What do you think Hardbody peeps? Who will qualify for the Olympia?

FIGURE OPEN
Maggie Blanchard
Tina Marie Bloomfield
Susanne Bock
Tivisay Briceno
Darlina Brown
Andrea Carvahlo
Cristiana Casoni
Jessica Clay
Jennifer DeJoya
Valerie Gangi
Lisbeth Halikka
Alicia Harris
Aleisha Hart
Ines Jimenez
Candice John
Cheri Lewis
Patricia Mello
Petra Mertl
Shannon Meteraud
Marie Ann Newman
Nicole Pitcher-Scott
Marcy Porter
Lisa Reed
Larissa Reis
Marie Pierre Ripert
Sherlyn Roy
Elissa Schlichter
Laura Sutter
Mascha Tieken
Sue Upson
Rosalind Vanterpool
Karen Williams

MASTERS FIGURE
Maggie Blanchard
Susanne Bock
Tivisay Briceno
Natalie Calland
Andrea Carvalho
Cristiana Casoni
Jennifer DeJoya
Melissa Frabbiele
Valerie Gangi
Brandie Gardner
Lisbeth Halikka
Lydia Haskell
Ines Jimenez
Cheri Lewis
Petra Mertl
Shannon Meteraud
Marie Ann Newman
Lisa Reed
Marie Pierre Ripert
Elisaa Schlichter
Laura Sutter
Mascha Tieken
Rosalind Vanderpool
Karen Williams

Will the same woman win the Open & Masters Figure?

Filed Under: IFBB Atlantic City Pro, Polls

Poll: Atlantic City Fitness

September 9, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

The final lists for the IFBB Atlantic City Pro have been posted on IFBBpro.com. The fitness list hasn’t changed since the last update. Here is your final competitor list for the fitness division.

IFBB ATLANTIC CITY FITNESS FINAL COMPETITOR LIST:
Tonya Burkhardt
Chantal DiCaire
Nicole Duncan
Allison Ethier
Tracey Greenwood
Marnie Hollie
Laticia Jackson
Safiya Johnson
Tanji Johnson
Amanda Marinelli
Michele Mayberry
Kizzy Vaines
Bethany Wagner

Nicole Duncan, Tracey Greenwood and Tanji Johnson are qualified for this year’s Olympia. If they take the top three spots, which in my opinion they will, the fourth place finisher could head to the Olympia.

Who will win Atlantic City Pro Fitness?

Filed Under: IFBB Atlantic City Pro, Polls

Sey Hey (I Love You)

September 9, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

Here’s something a little different… Michael Franti & Spearhead “Say Hey”. I can already hear this being played at wedding receptions across the globe.

This one goes out to you and yours worldwide
I say hey I be gone today
But I be back around the way
Seems like everywhere I go
The more I see the less I know

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Melanie Oudin “Believe” Shoes

September 8, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 2 Comments

The U.S. Open is taking place in New York this week and youngster Melanie Oudin is causing quite a stir. She’s not only taking out top ranked tennis players but also doing it with some kick ass Adidas shoes. These might be the most famous shoes in the world right now. The yellow and pink shoes have “Believe” customized on them. If you’re looking to have your own pair you can duplicate these or create your own on Adidas.com.

Melanie Oudin at the U.S. Open

Check out the entire photo gallery from the U.S. Open on SportsIllustrated.com. Props to Melanie for putting herself and her shoes on the map.

Filed Under: Misc

Timing the Right for Magazine Exposure

September 8, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 3 Comments

As you may or may not know, I have a monthly column (thanks to the good folks at WEIDER Publications) with Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine. I feel fortunate to give the fitness & figure women some ink in a quality, credible magazine. The magazine is printed every other month and the current issue features IFBB Figure Pro, Alicia Harris. Check out the contents of the new issue here.

Alicia Harris on the Sept/Oct 20009 Issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers

The Angle:
I receive a number of emails every week from women pitching their stories to me in hopes of getting in the magazine as well as featured on here. I’m not trying to sound rude but most of what I receive never makes it to either. Why? I don’t think the readers would find it interesting. I have to consider the audience, not so much here but more so for the magazine. Around 95 percent of what I include in my column is based on an interesting story line or angle. The other five percent is contest results. The stories are usually from conversations I have with women at shows or notice what they’re doing online. If you don’t compete and/or you’re not active online, chances are you won’t be in my column. That’s not the case with every magazine or writer’s column but generally speaking it is for mine. I’m less likely to include something in the magazine then I would be to share it here. That’s not to say it’s not a good story or worthy of being in print however the space in a magazine is limited and also time sensitive.

Example: Did you know IFBB Figure Pro Teresa Anthony is a contracting officer for NASA?

Timing:
Timing is as important as the story itself. If you feel you have an interesting story, think about the timing of when you share it. If your goal is to get into a magazine you’ll need to plan in advance. When I submit my column it is done 2-3 months in advance of when it actually hits the newsstand.

Example: If you’re holding a camp don’t tell magazine writers 3 weeks before you have it because there won’t be enough time to write about it.

It’s a challenge to write things that aren’t old news and played out online. If you’ve already told your story online that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If the story angle is interesting enough it will get covered. Many times stories break online first and they’re covered more in depth in print.

Pick up the current issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers you’ll get a feel for what I’m talking about on page 88. My column is called “Twist & Turns” and you’ll see the various stories that I thought had interesting angles and timed it to coincide with the Olympia.

Timing the right angle to pitch is essential magazine exposure.

Filed Under: Industry News, Misc

Optimum Nutrition At The Olympia

September 8, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 3 Comments

Optimum Nutrition unleashes a new protein at the Olympia

Optimum Nutrition‘s home page says, “We will be the talk of Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas. Stop by the Optimum Nutrition booth on Friday September 25th and get a taste of where performance nutrition is headed.” While you’ll have to wait to learn about their new protein you won’t have to wait to learn who will be at their Olympia Expo booth. Thanks to our main Optimum Man (sounds like he needs a cape with that title) Bob Corbett for passing along the list of who will be representing them in Vegas.

Women:
• Jessica Paxson-Putnam (Figure Olympia Competitor)
• Jen Turnbull
• Jackie Kay
• Kristina Lum
• Jennifer Rankin
• Tiffany Upshaw
• Prudence Moe
• Andrea Taylor
• Sarah Baker
• Nadia Kiss
• Amanda Olson

Men:
• George Farah
• John Hansen
• Tobias Young
• Sean Royer

Optimum Nutrition has some of the best tasting supplements around. You don’t have to take my word for it, stop by their booth and try a few samples. Tell them HARDBODY.com sent ya and maybe they’ll hook ya up with a little something extra.

Filed Under: Olympia

Team Universe Winner’s Photo Shoot

September 8, 2009 By Isaac Hinds Leave a Comment

NPC NEWS official photographer J.M. Manion recently posted a reminder for next weekend’s Team Universe contest.

The Following Athlete’s Are Required To Participate In The NPC NEWS Photo Shoot With J.M. Manion On Sunday, September 20 At The Embassy Suites New York Hotel From 8:30 a.m. To Approximately 1 p.m.

• MEN’S OVERALL WINNER
• WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING OVERALL WINNER
• MASTERS FIGURE OVERALL WINNER
• THE 3 FITNESS HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS
• THE 6 FIGURE HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS
• THE 6 BIKINI HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS

The shoot will be at:
Embassy Suites New York
102 North End Avenue
New York, New York, United States 10282
Tel: 1-212-945-0100

If you’re competing in this contest and looking for more details check out the entire list of information on Siouxcountry.com.

Filed Under: Misc, NPC Team Universe

I’m Feeling Invincible Tonight

September 8, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Here’s a new tune to add to the jam list. Adelitas Way’s “Invincible” will help get ya rock’n.

I’m feeling invincible tonight
I’m alive, take a look into my eyes
This time I’ma take you for a ride
I’m invincible tonight
I’m feeling invincible tonight
I’m alive, take a look into my eyes
This time I’ma take you for a ride
I’m invincible tonight

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Hardbody Shot of the Day: Dianna Dahlgren

September 7, 2009 By Isaac Hinds 1 Comment

Dianna Dahlgren is a fresh face in the NPC and one to keep an eye on in the months ahead. She took fourth place at her first national show in the bikini division and will look to improve on that next week at the Team Universe. Keep an eye on this hardbody.

diannaabs
Dianna Dahlgren rock’n the abs poolside in Las Vegas.