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Mandy Blank shared with me earlier this year that she would be making a return the pro fitness stage at the Atlantic City Pro. The show took place and there was no Mandy on stage. I haven’t heard why she didn’t compete and if she plans to compete in 2010. If any of you are “Blankstas” and know why, give a shout in the comments below.
Speaking of Mandy, here is a much different video than you’ll find most fitness competitors/models putting out. It’s ah… well, interesting. Have a look…
IFBB Figure Pro Teri Turner is one week out from her pro debut but that hasn’t stopped her from lending a hand to a friend in need. Teri passed this story along in hopes of helping her friend Nathan out in his time of need. If you’re interested in making a donation the contact info is below.
Hey friends of the fitness industry!
I’m writing to ask for everyone’s thoughts and prayers for my friend Nathan from work who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. Nathan just turned 21 and was in training for his first Ironman competition…This crazy boy has the best frickin attitude out of anyone you will ever meet…He describes the process of kicking the cancer in the ass as his “Ultimate Ironman Triathlon”… He is really and inspiration to us all. Throughout his first round of chemo, he refused to stay in bed all day like most of us would…He got his ass up and did his daily power walks. (YOU GO BOY!) He wouldn’t let the chemo keep his body weak…this boy is determined! We can all learn from him and his positivity. So when all us competitors don’t feel like getting out of bed for our morning cardio…think of Nate!
Some of my closest friends are you guys in this industry. I am very grateful to know such wonderful people that will do anything to help out…I know what the power of prayer can do, so please take the time to read his story and prayer request…
LOVE YOU NATE! (don’t hate because I can bicep curl more than you)… that’s right, I said it.
Nate is always updating his journal- check him out at
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nathangeorge/mystoryIf you would like to make a much appreciated donation for his treatments, contact me at: livefit.terri@gmail.com
His shirts are also for sale for a $15 donation, contact: ultimate_ironman31@yahoo.com
xo!
Terri Turner
Looking to get into the Halloween spirit with something other than candy? Give Cytosport’s Monster Milk RTD a try.
MONSTER MILK RTD is a powerful, convenient, sustained-release protein formula perfect for your demanding training and on-the-go lifestyle. MONSTER MILK RTD contains 45 grams of premium proteins consisting of rapid-releasing anabolic whey and free-form BCAA’s that are complemented by slower, anti-catabolic caseins and milk protein isolates. This powerful combination of fast and slow proteins creates an “anabolic window” that lasts for hours.
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween Hardbody Peeps. Rock your Halloween out with Skillet’s ‘Monster’.
Canada is getting into the mix with the new bikini division. Props to Nutrabolics for signing Canada’s first IFBB Pro Bikni competitor, Leigh Lingham.
Leigh Lingham. Photo Courtesy of Nutrabolics.
Nutrabolics issued this press release regarding the signing:
Nutrabolics® is proud to welcome Canada’s first IFBB Bikini Pro, Leigh Lingham, to the team. Leigh won 1st place & overall in the bikini category at the 2009 CBBF Nationals, earning herself a pro card.
Leigh is also currently ranked #2 in North America by IFBB Bikini Rankings and she has plans to qualify for the Olympia in 2010 where she will represent Canada and Team Nutrabolics® on the world stage.
“I am very excited about my new partnership with Nutrabolics. I was already using their products and I believe in their products so it was an easy decision to join their team,”says Lingham.
“With Leigh Lingham joining the Nutrabolics® team, along with Fitness Champion Brandi Latimer and Figure Champion Breanne Seward, Nutrabolics is really able to showcase how our products work for women who possess a variety of different fitness goals,” said Rodney Dupont, CEO of Nutrabolics®.
Not only is Leigh a delight to work with, but her energy, drive and athleticism is second to none. She is truly an inspiration for any woman looking to get into shape.
“As our roster of women continue to expand, keep an eye open for new Nutrabolics products designed just for women,” said Jayson Wyner, Vice-President of Nutrabolics®.
Under the contract terms, Leigh will make appearances to promote the Nutrabolics® brand of leading-edge sports supplements. The first stop is the 2010 Arnold Classic Fitness Expo in Columbus, Ohio.
If your store or gym is interested in finding out how they can schedule a Leigh Lingham retail appearance, sponsored by Nutrabolics®, please contact rodney@nutrabolics.com
Nutrabolics® Inc., based in British Columbia, Canada, is a leading worldwide manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of premium sports nutrition products.
Further proof that the new bikini division is opening doors for more women and creating more opportunities.
I just spoke with NPC Texas Chairman, Lee Thompson and he informed me that the 2010 NPC JR USA will be moving to Houston (Stafford), Texas. Houston will serve as the host city for this show in the years to come. It’s a welcome move, in my opinion, as Charleston was a pain to get in and out of. The Charleston venue was great, the promoter did a tremendous job but the logistics of getting to Charleston were expensive and offered few direct flights. The move will also make this a more centralized show in the States. Typically, the NPC JR USA was the first national NPC show and dominated by East Coast competitors. The NPC JR USA will move the event closer to NPC Nationals and will no longer be the first national NPC show.
The 2010 NPC JR USA will take place on August 28, 2010 in Houston (Stafford), Texas. Lee tells me the host hotel will have kitchenettes for all the competitors and is in a great location. The 2010 contest will be held at the Stafford Centre.
We will be updating the NPC JR USA web site in the days ahead. Stay tuned for more information but be sure to mark your calendar and plan your prep accordingly.
Jack Johnson is one of my favorite low-key, mellow musicians. I like the line, “Where’d all the good people go?” in his song ‘Good People’. Enjoy a little Jack in your day.
Jack has a new album ‘EN CONCERT’ that debuted this week.
Ms. Figure Olympia, Nicole Wilkins-Lee has inked another contract since winning the title last month. FLEXonline.com first reported that Nicole has signed a multi-year supplement contract with Nutrigenix.
Nicole Wilkins-Lee & Moe El Moussaoui
Photo by J.M. Manion
Nicole tells FLEXonline.com, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Nutrigenix team.” She goes on to say, “I know that with their support I will be able to bring my best in the years to come.”
Nicole becomes one of the few women to ink a supplement and publication contract in the fitness industry. Her manager, J.M. Manion tells me that she will be the lone female representing Nutrigenix and all parties are happy to be working together. Nicole joins fellow IFBB Pro (and Weider athlete) Moe El Moussawi as the company’s sponsored team. Look for Nicole to be at the Nutrigenix booth, most likely at the IRONMAN Pro and the ARNOLD CLASSIC.
Read the FLEXonline.com story here. Congratulations Nicole on a kick ass year.
Props to Kayde for rock’n the jug during a Raleigh news feature. The reporters seem fascinated by Kayde’s diet and made it the focus of this local TV spot.
The baffling thing is they get her accomplishments right, Fitness National Champ and 7th in her class at World’s, yet the still refer to her as a bodybuilder. Regardless, congrats Kayde on the local TV coverage.
Last month, Monica Mark was awarded the overall figure title at the 2009 NPC Team Universe contest. She presented a refined physique showed promise heading into the pro ranks. The blonde beauty from California had her sights set on next weekend’s Sacramento Pro as her IFBB Figure debut. Unfortunately, that debut will have to wait.
Monica informed me that she was unfortunately been diagnosed with swine flu last Saturday. She is currently taking an antibiotic and attempting to rest. When I asked her how she was doing she shared, “It’s completely draining. I can’t exercise and have to take it easy.”
Monica was a favorite amongst many to leave her Mark in the top spots at this contest. Despite the disappointment, Monica is in good spirits and assures me we’ll see her on stage soon. Don’t be surprised if you see her make the Figure International at the Arnold her debut.
Get well soon Monica.
Apparently today is National Oatmeal Day. Who decides days like this I’m not sure but it’s one of the top trending topics on twitter. Confused with all the hipster dufus lingo? I am too. Oatmeal is one food that competitors tend to eat daily.
Enjoy your oatmeal on this glorious Oatmeal Day.
Here’s a cool site I ran across today. Optimum Nutrition has a created a web site specifically for Smoothie Recipes, optimumsmoothie.com. I haven’t tried any YET but I plan to. If you give any of these a try, let us know which ones you recommend. Pretty cool.
I spoke with John Tuman, promoter NPC/IFBB Sacramento contest, and he shared a few updates on the show. NPC competitors may register up until the day of the event. There are currently around 120 competitors in the NPC portion of the show. The IFBB men’s bodybuilding and IFBB Figure numbers continue to grow and it’s shaping up to be a great contest. Those competing in the NPC portion of the contest may check-in early at the host hotel on Friday, November 6th from 7-9pm. If you’re unable to make it to the Friday night check in your may do so on Saturday morning. The IFBB Figure competitors will check-in from 6-6:30pm at the host hotel.
More information: www.npcsacshow.com
Host hotel:
Courtyard Sacramento, Airport Natomas
2101 River Plaza Drive
Sacramento, CA 95833
Ph: 916-922-1120 ask for Sacramento Bodybuilding Group Rate to receive a discount price when booking.
Extreme Bronze is the official tanning provider of this contest. If you’d like to book an appointment you may do so by contacting: 1mightymouse@comcast.net
HARDBODY.com will be there covering the event. If you plan on attending let us know.
Korn’s version of ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ is pretty bad ass. Check it out.
There are two more IFBB Female events left in 2009 but already many plans are being made for 2010. The first IFBB Pro Bikini contest was thought to be taking place during the ARNOLD Classic weekend however that is NOT the case. The first IFBB Pro Bikini contest will be held on March 27, 2010 in Culver City, California.
The poster and information for this event is already out for all IFBB Bikini Pros. Visit www.musclecontest.com for more information on this and other southern California events.
IFBB Bikini Pro, Monique Minton took a trip to my Denver photo studio earlier this year and we got a number of great shots. She’s quickly become one of the fitness industry’s leading ladies when it comes to modeling and with good reason. She knows how to MODEL. One of the photos from the shoot is featured as Bodybuilding.com’s Wallpaper of the Week.
Look for Monique to take the stage sometime next year in the IFBB Bikini division.
The IFBB Kentucky Pro will be held one week after the Sacramento Pro but it currently only has 8 competitors. I look for this list to grow as the event gets closer and it would be a smart move for anyone who doesn’t crack the top three in Sacramento to make the trip to the final pro Figure show of the year.
IFBB Kentucky Pro Competitor List
Tivisay Briceno
Natalie Calland
Rachel Cammon
Cristiana Casoni
Valerie Haines
Ann Titone
Stephanie Togrul
Terri Turner
One of the last IFBB Figure shows of the year is approaching and it’s shaping up to be a very competitive line up. Here’s the newest competitor list for the IFBB Sacramento Pro.
IFBB SACRAMENTO PRO FIGURE
Jeni Briscoe
Cheryl Brown
Raechelle Chase
Serena Cooper
Valerie Gangi
Nancy Georges
Carin Hawkins
Danielle Kifer
Julie Ann Kulla
Kristin Nunn
Amy O’Neil
Ann Pratt
April Rountree
Elvimar Sanchez
Kristi Tauti
Alexandra Tothava
Terri Turner
Waleska Valle
Natalie Waples
Karly Woodle
Visit: www.npcsacshow.com for more information on this event.
Pick up the newest issue of FLEX magazine and you’ll see NPC competitor Celeste Bonin featured in the W’s section. Celeste is a brunette beauty that callas Texas home. I had a chance to shoot with her earlier this year and she was a natural in front of the camera. While this isn’t the photo that ran in the magazine it is from the same shoot.
Celeste Bonin has a great look to match her personality.
If you have the chance to meet Celeste definitely do so, she is hilarious. Keep your eye on her, not that it’s hard to do.
I ran across these stats last night and it’s rather interesting. When it comes to the various social web sites, informationisbeautiful.net shares that women reign supreme. Advertisers and marketers take note of these numbers.
Click for larger view.
P!nk is one of the baddest women in music today. She sings with raw, passionate, emotional power that comes from the heart. The bad ass released her Funhouse Tour – Live In Australia yesterday and it’s pretty kick ass and has a few cover songs on it. The song ‘Funhouse’ is one that can get stuck in your head.
This used to be a Funhouse
But now it’s full of evil clowns
It’s time to start the countdown
I’m gonna burn it down, down, down
Congratulations to top NPC National competitor Alissa Carpio and her husband on the birth of their first child.
Alissa shared via her facebook that she gave birth to Joel Anthony Carpio on Saturday October 24th. He checked into the world at 19 inches, 6 lbs. 3 oz. Alissa has been a long-time reader of hardbody.com and we wish her and her family all the best!
I am convinced there is something in the water of Florida. Heading into the 2009 NPC season, I expected California to lead the pack with top bikini competitors. Cali you’re getting whooped by Florida in that department. Maybe the ladies in Cali are too busy trying to be actresses. I kid. Florida is leading the pack with the hottest bikini competitors and there are no signs of that slowly down.
Need further proof?
Check out Lonnie Teper‘s Rising Stars with Jessica Anderson in the newest IRONMAN magazine (December 2009 issue). Jessica is a part of the United States Navy and still finds time to prepare for a contest. She finished second at the NPC Europa Show in Orlando earlier this year and has her sights set on NPC Nationals next month.
I met Jess at this year’s Arnold and her personality matched her striking looks. Unfortunately, we only had about 10 minutes to shoot in Orlando but we able to get a few images like this one. Proof that being a good model and not being a diva can pay off.
Jessica in the newest IRONMAN magazine.
Good luck Jessica, we’ll see ya in Ft. Lauderdale in a couple weeks.
Got a couple hours to spare? Check out the concert that U2 performed Live from the Rosebowl on Youtube. Even if you don’t watch it is a solid two hours of music while working away. This was pretty close to the concert I saw in Vegas. Any Hardbody visitors see them? I know IFBB Figure Pro Jessica Paxson-Putnam saw them and enjoyed the show.
Have a kick ass day!
You’ve seen Kristal Marshall mentioned on this site a few times. She took home the overall bikini trophy at this year’s NPC USA contest and was runner-up earlier at the innagural bikini event. Now she’s adding another title to her list of accomplishments. Kristal tells me she has signed on with TNA wrestling. You might recall Kristal was a WWE diva before jumping into the fitness world. Now she’ll look to do both. You can catch Kristal and her man Bobby Lashley on SPIKE TV this Thursday night. Congrats on the continued success Kristal!
Kristal and Bobby return to wrestling. This time it’s with TNA Wrestling.
Muscle & Fitness recently featured a few women of TNA in their magazine. Check out some of the photos from the shoot here.
Many people felt IFBB Figure Pro, Kristi Tauti looked her best ever at the IFBB Border States Figure show. When I spoke with Kristi last week she told me she’d been sick and almost didn’t enter the contest. Say Whaaaaat? That’s a pretty damn good showing for being under the weather. The blonde momma said she was at about 80% of what she felt she could be at that show. That said, she’s feeling better and has decided to enter the upcoming IFBB Sacramento Pro Figure show.
IFBB Pros Alicia Harris and Kristi Tauti gett’n down in Cali.
Meet the newest Muscle & Fitness Hers cover girl, Katie Bopp.
Name: Kathryn D Bopp
Born/Raised in: Carson City, Nevada
Currently Live in: Reno, Nevada
Number of shows competed in/placed: 4x NPC figure competitor (twice runner up for Nevada State 07, 08)
How did you get into fitness modeling? Was found by Muscle and Fitness (at my first show in Oct 06 vegas classic)
Has being with an agency helped you get more work? Just got picked up by Wilhelmina in January – looking to “move up” in the modeling world…
What’s been the most fun you’ve had on a shoot and why? My favorite shoot was for the cover of HERS (I was eating birthday cake right before we shot!! It was my hair/makeup lady’s birthday tehe)
Favorite song to sing when you’re out having a good time? Love music – right now I am digging Black Horse and a Cherry Tree by KT Tunstall
Will you be competing any time soon? Looking to compete next year! Going to make some improvements on physique over winter. I might try bikini….
You’re a BSN girl, right? Love being a Girl of BSN! It has gotten me exposure and they are a blast to work with!
Is the Muscle & Fitness Hers cover your first cover? M&F hers is my first cover, but I hope it’s not my last!!! I LOVE working the M&F – they are all wonderful, professional people.
Any other projects in the works that you can share? I am not sure what the future holds, but be on the look out for me
Thanks for the warning. Just kidding.
If people want to find out more info on you do you have a web site or place the should visit? Feel free to find me on facebook or email me at kdbopp@hotmail.com
You can read Katie’s full story and see her workout photos in the newest Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine.
Check out the gallery with Jennifer Apodaca, who i featured in the newest FLEX magazine. If her name doesn’t ring a bell but she looks familiar, it’s because she is the IFBB Pro formerly known as Jennifer Celeste.
I had the pleasure of seeing the Black Eyed Peas & U2 in Las Vegas. Talk about AWESOME! A big thanks to Hardbody.com reader Don for hooking me up with one of the most amazing concert experiences of my life. If you have a chance to see U2 do it. It will be an experience you never forget. They take live concerts to an unmatched level. They just announced new tour dates for 2010. Denver is on the schedule. ROCK ON with U2′s Beautiful Day.
A look from my seat. Only wish I had my good camera to photograph this event. Simply Awesome!
It’s a beautiful day, the sky falls
And you feel like it’s a beautiful day
It’s a beautiful day
Don’t let it get away
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