Not the newest song but a ’7 Days’ from Craig David is a groovy little tune.
Ft. Lauderdale Cup: Video Tour of Host Hotel Room
October 8, 2009 By 3 Comments
I travel to a number of shows and I gotta give props to Shannon Dey for the host hotel at the Ft. Lauderdale Cup. The Double Tree in Ft. Lauderdale is not only one of the nicest host hotels but also has the cheapest rate. Competitors have a refrigerator, microwave, stove, kitchen, great views and each room is a suite. It’s walking distance to the beach and the staff is friendly. My favorite thus far was the warm cookie at check-in. 
Here’s a look at what you’re missing out on if you aren’t competing in this show.
Follow Along to Florida
October 8, 2009 By 4 Comments
Look out Florida… Hardbodies are on their way. Follow along with us as we head to Ft. Lauderdale for the All Women’s Weekend.
It’s 5:30 am & running on just a couple hours sleep. Time to head to the airport & just in time as a cold front is moving in and it’s supposed to snow! The flight is direct on Frontier, which means in flight tvs & no hassle of connecting. It also means I can curl up and take a nappy nap.
7:35am update:
Arghhhhhh! Nothing like hitting morning traffic in rainy weather. Now on airport parking’s shuttle bus. I have 5 minutes to check my bag or I’m totally hosed. We’ll see how this pans out.
8:00am
Wanna find out if you are in shape or not? Run like Forrest Gump through the airport to make the cut off for checking your bag. Turns out, I’m won’t be winning any races in the near future. I did however make it right at the cut off. Once I arrived at the gate there was no plane. There are a couple of kids that need to be on a leash though. Time to grab some terminal food.
Poor mom getting attacked by two hellions.
8:45am
Flight running late but I’m on and no worries. Well, except for the wannabe gangstah who is playing the “elbow game” with me. Dude not cool. Will see how long this lasts. Gotta love screaming kids on a plane. Wait no you don’t. Can someone invent an airplane muzzle? Some adults need it as well so will need to be made for various sized noggins. Plane is getting de-iced now.
A view from the plane of the deicer.
Talk about a change in temperature coming up! Next update when I land in Florida.
4:00pm
Landed in Florida and at Avis, picking up the rental car. Ran into IFBB Fitness Pro Bridgette Murray and her husband Daniel. They were stuck next to the hellions I posted earlier for the entire flight.
Bridgette look’n good in Ft. Lauderdale.
It is frick’n hot here. I was commenting on how hot it was and the lovely woman at Avis turned her fan on me to help me cool off. Sweet! Avis really does try harder. We’re off to the host hotel.
Cool’n off while getting the rental.
5:00pm
All our bags barely fit (mine, Bridgette and Daniel’s) in the Kai but hey they made it. We trekked around, took a couple wrong turns and ended up in Walgreens. Apparently Walgreens is the place to be down here. More senior citizens in site than BINGO night at the town hall. We’re stocking up on water and Bridgette is jose’n for cereal. She’s spotted a super fly jug with a kick ass handle that you can’t find in Colorado.
Bridgette joins Jugnation with a nifty upgraded jug.
Bridgette is returning to the stage for the first time since the 2007 Atlantic City show. She had foot surgery and tells me she is ready to compete again. Her routines always rock and she’ll be one to watch this weekend. Arrived at hotel and this is one of the nicest hotels you’ll find for a competition. Look for the video in a bit where I’ll give you a tour of what the room looks like… full kitchen, stove, fridge, microwave. This rocks!
Check back throughout the day as I update this blog along the way. Follow along on Twitter.com/hardbodynews & look for photos/videos on bodybuilding.com from this all women’s weekend.
Hey Soul Sister
October 8, 2009 By 1 Comment
Train brings ‘Hey Soul Sister’ for today’s song of day. I’m digging this tune.
Fit Girl Productions Getting Some Miami Love
October 7, 2009 By 3 Comments
Props to Shannon Dey and her team for their efforts to promote the IFBB Ft. Lauderdale Cup event. The Miami Herald covered the story in their SPORTS section.
`’We are excited to be bringing a physique competition and the old Hollywood glamour together for the first time at the Fort Lauderdale Cup this year,” Dey said in a release. “We have had a fantastic response from competitors all over the world that will be attending, and who are some of the `best of the best’ that will be completing the IFBB Olympia.”
Check out the full story in The Miami Herald here.
Ms Olympia Competitor Photos
October 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Fans of female bodybuilding will want to hop over to IFBBpro.com and check out some of the mandatory moves from the Ms. Olympia competition. Photos taken by yours truly.
Nicole Wilkins-Lee Wallpaper of the Week
October 7, 2009 By 6 Comments
It’s that time of the week again to spruce up your desktop with a new image and what better way than with Nicole Wilkins-Lee? Nicole was only the fourth female to win the prestigious title of Ms. Figure Olympia. Download the bodybuilding.com wallpaper of the week featuring the champ.
2009 Ms. Figure Olympia Champ, Nicole Wilkins-Lee.
Olympia Video Interviews
October 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Did you catch all the video interviews from the 2009 Olympia? If you haven’t checked them out, click on over to bodybuilding.com where you can see Jen Hendershott, Mike O’Hearn and others get their interview on. Some are funny, some are cheesy, some might leave you wondering What The…?! but there’s a little something for everyone.
Here’s an interview with Ms. Figure Olympia Nicole Wilkins-Lee. Jen Hendershott tries to recruit Nicole to compete in Fitness and in case you didn’t know, Jen wasn’t competing this year. This video was taken before the show where Nicole went on to win the title in Figure.
Check em out on the bodybuilding.com video portal.
Wednesday Weirdness – Laughing Yoga for Stress
October 7, 2009 By 2 Comments
This is not only the weirdest thing I’ve seen in some time but also one of the funniest. Either way Boo boo boo booo boo boo boo booooooo
Yes, also creepy as hell.
IFBB/NPC Ft. Lauderdale Cup Info
October 7, 2009 By 3 Comments
The Ft. Lauderdale Cup will mark the first Olympia qualifying show for the 2010 IFBB Pro season. This will also be the first IFBB Pro show WITHOUT a one piece and a 45 second round in the Fitness division. Yes, there is still a one-piece in the Pro Figure division. Nothing has changed on the NPC front and there is still time for you to enter. Entries will be accepted online through 6pm Friday and in person at the host hotel on Friday’s check-in. Visit www.ftlauderdalecup.com to enter online and more info.
More event info provided by promoter Shannon Dey:
NPC CROSSOVERS
NPC Girls, make sure you enter more than one division! You have trained, dieted and done the work, now it’s time to show it off! Give yourself some extra stage time and a higher chance of taking home one of our BEAUTIFUL trophies! Divisions for Figure include, Open, Over 55, Over 45, Over 35, Junior (never won an open overall) and Novice (first time competitor). As a competitor, you can compete in any two of these Divisions! In Bikini, the Divisions include Open and Over 35. To crossover, simply register for two events. The second event is only $40 to enter and will make the show even more fun for you, your friends and family!! If you have already entered and did not crossover, you can add a second division at check-in.FREE POSING SEMINAR
Fit Girls Productions has put together a FREE posing seminar exclusively for Ft. Lauderdale Cup Competitors!! Rookie IFBB Figure Pro Sensation Andrea Watson and Rising IFBB Pro Bikini Superstar Jaime Baird will be conducting a FREE posing and presenatation seminar for you! This not to be missed seminar will be held in the Check-In Room at the Host Hotel at 8pm Friday.HOLLYWOOD STYLE RED CARPET NIGHT SHOW
Arrive to the theatre, pull up to optional valet parking and step out of your car into a true Hollywood Syle Red Carpet Entrance with a photographer waiting for you to strike a pose on the Step and Repeat!
We are encouraging our competitors to get to the venue a bit early and toss on a dress for their grand entrance into the event. Have your photo snapped with your family, friends and fellow competitors. This is YOUR night to shine!!INCREDIBLE STAGE WITH TOP NOTCH PHOTOGRAPHY
The stage for this IFBB/NPC event will be like none other! Created by the Set Designer for the IFBB Olympia, it is built exclusively for the female comepetitor. You have NEVER seen a stage like this!! Feel like a Diva from the moment you step on stage and have BEAUTIFUL stage photos taken by none other than the one and only J.M. Manion, Official Show Photographer! PLUS, fitness industry icon photographers Isaac Hinds and Terry Goodlad will be shooting the show as well. WOW!!SECOND TO NONE TROPHIES
Each and every NPC Divison will receive 17 inch high trophies for ALL FIVE PLACINGS! These beautiful, huge metal cups on top of GENUINE MARBLE bases will be treasured for years to come. Just another reason to cross over and do more than one NPC Division! In addition, our Overall Trophies are FIVE FOOT TALL Masterpeices like you have never seen.There will be ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE trophies awarded in this one special evening!
AFTER PARTY
After the show, we will move the party to the Host Hotel where the kitchen and bar will be open late! There will be a live DJ, dancing and fun! Don’t miss out on the after party of the season!!
For more information make visit www.ftlauderdalecup.com. I’m looking forward to the trip. As always during show time we’ll keep your posted on all the happenings around the event. I’ll be flying out tomorrow so be sure to follow the hardbody twitter account @HARDBODYNEWS. There will be a number of smoke’n hot photo shoots going on this weekend so look for those in the coming days. This is sure to be a great event that features only the LADIES OF THE NPC/ IFBB.
This is Special Right Here
October 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment
A little rap a tap tap for your Wednesday. Dr. Dre, Eminem, Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg & Xzibit bring ‘Bitch Please II’. Probably don’t want to have this one too loud in the office.
New BSN & UFC Octagon Girl Natasha Wicks Interview
October 6, 2009 By 1 Comment
We caught up with the newest BSN girl, Natasha Wicks at the 2009 Olympia Expo. Natasha won the UFC Octagon Ring Girl search in July. In case you missed the profile on her, check it out here. The Olympia Expo was just getting started when we chatted with the rising star. Natasha is a very sweet girl and welcomed addition to the BSN roster. Check out the video to find out more about this blonde beauty.
Natasha at the BSN booth during the 2009 Olympia.
Anna Level Returns
October 6, 2009 By 4 Comments
This weekend at the IFBB Ft. Lauderdale Cup, Anna Level will take the stage for the first time in five years. The last time we saw her compete was the 2004 Fitness Olympia where she finished tenth. So why did she decide to return now? I caught up with this seasoned pro to find out and also what she’s been doing since we last saw her.
Currently reside in:
Currently I live in Miramar, Florida.
Turned pro at:
I turned Fitness Pro in the year 2000, in New York.
Last Pro show:
Olympia 2004
Why did you stop competing?
I wanted to start a family. Competing & dieting was making it almost impossible. I wasn’t getting any younger either. So taking a break from competing was the right decision.
What have you been doing since you were last on stage?
I traveled for a while & did quite a few guest appearances with Weider, which I’m still sponsored by. I got pregnant and had my beautiful son James Rafael who is now two years old. All my time went to him so I was very busy raising & taking care of him. It is a full time job all by itself. I still kept myself involved in the industry though. I have a show, the Anna Level Fitness & Figure Classic in combination with the NPC West Palm Beach Bodybuilding Championship. I’m very proud to say this
was the sixth year of the show.
Why come back to the stage now?
More than anything to prove myself that even after having a baby & very little time for myself I still have it. I can get in shape & show that having a family can’t take away from keep pursuing your dreams. It’s just a personal goal.
How have you balanced being a mom and staying fit?
The baby keeps me pretty busy, he is pretty active but I need to make time for myself. Everything is about balance so my schedule is much better now, but before I used to train & eat around his schedule. You can’t function properly if you don’t eat & rest, we all know that. I just try to manage my time the best I can. Now I have a full time job as the Fitness Director of Metamorphecise Health & Spa, in Pembroke Pines. So talk about having balance try a family, traveling, guest posing, modeling,
training AND competing. Piece of cake. haha.
Good luck Anna and we’ll see you at the show.
Thank you.
See more of Anna on her web site: http://www.annalevel.net. Anna will be competing in FIGURE and not FITNESS at this show.
ESPN The Magazine BODY Issue
October 6, 2009 By Leave a Comment
ESPN The Magazine takes a bold step with their next issue where they, “take it off in body”. Their web site says, “ESPN The Magazine will show some skin and examine the world’s sexiest athletes in a way we’ve never seen before for our upcoming BODY issue in October.”
The BODY issue will go on sale this Friday with a variety of covers, two of which can be seen below. The women slated to be in the magazine are Serena Williams (Tennis), Christina Kim (LPGA), Gina Carano (MMA), Claire Bevilacqua (Surfing), Jessica Mendoza (Softball).
Gina Carano ESPN cover.
Serena Williams ESPN cover.
This issue has been getting quite a bit of publicity. I occasionally look at this magazine but will check out this issue. It’s reminds of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in that it gets a lot of coverage based on the photography and subjects shown. Maybe next year we can see a pro fitness, figure or bikini competitor in it.
The Influence
October 6, 2009 By 1 Comment
Jurassic 5 brings ya ‘The Influence’. This is a tune that will get ya bopp’n.
Brock Lesnar & Trish Stratus at The Olympia Expo
October 5, 2009 By 2 Comments
You never know who you’ll see at the Olympia Expo. Our West Coast man, Ron Avidan was scouring the scene for bodybuilding.com and snagged this photo of two former WWE super stars. Former WWE star turned UFC champ Brock Lesnar poses with former WWE Diva Trish Stratus. The two were on hand signing autographs for fans during the Olympia weekend. Brock could be seen at the Dymatize booth while Trish was at the Oh YEAH! booth. Both drew huge crowds during the Olympia Expo.
Brock Lesnar and Trish Stratus at the Olympia.
Check out more expo photos from the Olympia weekend on bodybuilding.com.
Mag Watch: Andrea Taylor
October 5, 2009 By 2 Comments
A couple months ago we showed you the behind-the-scenes video from a photo shoot with Andrea Taylor, if you missed it check it out here. The newest issue of IRONMAN Magazine (November 2009) features a full page photo from that shoot and highlights Andrea as one of Lonnie Teper’s Rising Stars. Andrea was fun to work with and don’t be surprised if you see more of her in the coming months.
NPC Bikini competitor Andrea Taylor
Photo by Isaac Hinds/Liftstudios.com
Walk Away and Head for the Door
October 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Ben Harper’s ‘Walk Away’ kicks off the week. He’s pretty mellow but has some good stuff like this.
And it’s so hard to do and so easy to say
But sometimes, sometimes you just have to walk away
Walk away
Two Time Figure Olympia Champ Jenny Lynn Retires
October 3, 2009 By 10 Comments
We heard rumblings that IFBB Figure Pro Jenny Lynn was contemplating retirement after her 7th place finish last weekend. FLEXonline.com has confirmed that the two-time Figure Olympia Champ has decided to retire.
The story from FLEXonline.com:
She captured the very first pro figure contest in history, the 2003 Figure International and went on to win a total of 12 shows – including two Figure Olympia’s – in her seven year pro career. But now, 37 year-old Jenny Lynn has decided to call it a day. “I think they’re looking for fresh faces and new blood,” Lynn said after placing seventh at the 2009 Figure Olympia, her lowest ever in the sport’s premier event. “Figure is ready for the next generation of athletes.”
Lynn, said she will continue to be active in the industry, writing e-books, providing online workout programs and helping athletes prep for shows. Asked what she would like to be remembered for, Lynn said, “I want people to say that I was a humble, kind champion.”
Best wishes in the next chapter of your life Jenny.
Figure Chix & Gang Signs
October 3, 2009 By 5 Comments
Figure women are a gang of their own. Figure Olympians Sheryln Roy, Jessica Paxson-Putnam, Nicole Wilkins-Lee and Erin Stern took a break from pumping up to throw up their best signs. HOLLA HOLLA FIGURE LAAAADIES.
Watch out for this gang of figure chix.
See more photos of the figure gang backstage at the Olympia here.
We Takin’ Over
October 3, 2009 By 3 Comments
A Hardbody shout out to Kristina Walker for recommending this song of the day. DJ Khaled – We Takin’ Over (feat. Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Baby & Lil’ Wayne) kicks off your Saturday.
IFBB Border States Pro Figure Competitor List
October 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The 2009 IFBB Border States Pro Figure will take place in San Diego, California on October 17th. As of today, there are ten IFBB Pro Figure women but as with every show, look for this number to increase as the event draws closer. There are a number of debuts taking place at this contest and will be interesting to see how they all match up.
COMPETITOR LIST:
Crystal Chiles
Meriza DeGuzman
Valerie Gangi
Akane Nigo-Ismeal
Ann Pratt
Maria del Consuelo Rojas
April Rountree
Kristi Tauti
Stephanie Togrul
Christina Vargas
For more information visit: Musclecontest.com
Phoenix Pro Show A Go
October 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment
I received official word from NPC/IFBB promoter, Stryker Salman, that the IFBB Phoenix Pro show is a go. The event will take place on February 20, 2010 at the Mesa Center for the Arts. This new IFBB Pro show will include fitness, figure, women’s and men’s bodybuilding along with the men’s 202 class. Styker will also host a NPC National Qualifier (Desert Muscle Classic) in Tucson, Arizona on February 6, 2010. There will be no NPC show with the Phoenix Pro however there will be an EXPO for sponsors on Friday February 19, 2010. Check out strykerx.com on October 12th for more information.
This is sure to bring out a number of top pros as it is shortly after the IRONMAN PRO for the men and before the ARNOLD CLASSIC for all divisions. Some people have asked me why no bikini? The Arnold Classic is slated to host the first ever IFBB Bikini Pro division and since this show is before it, that is why it will not include bikini.
Bikini Overall Winner Will Be Featured in Muscle & Fitness Hers
October 2, 2009 By 1 Comment
If you picked up the newest copy of Muscle & Fitness Hers and checked out my monthly colum (TWIST & TURNS) this is old news to you. Those of you who haven’t picked up the mag, what are you waiting for? A piece of info we shared in the monthly column should serve as a little more motivation for all you NPC bikini competitors out there.
Next month in Fort Lauderdale, Florida the NPC will crown its first-ever NPC Bikini Nationals Champion. The overall NPC bikini winner will be featured in an upcoming issue of HERS, along with a chance to grace the cover. This is a huge opportunity for all NPC bikini competitors. If you haven’t sent in your entry to compete now would be a good time to do so. The show takes place on November 20-21, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale. For more information on the contest visit, nationalbodybuilding.com. We’ll see ya there!
Cover Girl Felicia Romero Gets Engaged
October 2, 2009 By 1 Comment
IFBB Figure Pro Felicia Romero had quite the weekend in Las Vegas. She placed 9th at the Figure Olympia but the bigger news came off the stage for this cover girl.
Damian & Felicia are all smiles.
While working the Olympia Expo her boyfriend, Damian Sergovia, sprung the big question on her. The nervous lad (and who wouldn’t asking the question around thousands of people) from Arizona asked Felicia to be his wife. Felicia tells me she is still in shock about the proposal but she’s super excited. No date has been set as of yet. Congratulations and all the best in your years ahead as husband and wife.
Lets face it. Women See Me They Wanna Be Me
October 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment
I hadn’t seen this before today but this is definitely a Friday Funny worth checking out.
Props to Doug and Amy Martin for passing this along. HILARIOUS!
Sonia Says So Long
October 2, 2009 By 3 Comments
IFBB Pro Sonia Gonzales is hanging up her figure suit and saying so long the the competitive figure stage. Hold up, she’s not leaving IFBB competition.
The brown-eyed beauty has decided to make the transition from Pro Figure to Pro Bikini in 2010. When I asked Sonia what her thoughts were about the move she shared, “I’m really excited about my new venture. I think bikini is the right fit for me.” I’d have to agree that bikini does appear to be a better fit for Sonia, at least in the way we’ve seen the judging go as of late in the NPC shows. Will Sonia be rock’n the scrunchy bottoms in her debut? “Of course and for the next few months I’ll be working closely with my trainer and nutritionist, Kim Oddo, on changing my physique into a more streamlined bikini look,” she shared.
We look forward to seeing ya show’n some sass in the bikini division next year. Good luck Sonia!
Go Backstage at the FLEX Bikini Model Search
October 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment
FLEXonline.com takes you backstage at their bikini model search contest. See what the scene looked like from behind the curtain at this event. Photos are posted here.
FLEX Bikini Model Search Winners.
Figure Olympia One Piece Photos
October 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment
IFBBPro.com has featured the Figure Olympia One Piece from JM Manion. Check out the photos here.
Updated Ft. Lauderdale Cup Competitor Lists
October 1, 2009 By 3 Comments
Now we’re talking! Thanks to IFBBpro.com for the updated competitor lists as of today. As you can see this is shaping up to be a solid event in both the fitness and figure competition. Bridgette Murray is making her return after a knee injury and some time away from the stage. Victoria Larvie is making her pro debut after her win in Chicago earlier this year. Desiree Walker and Sandi Stuart will also be making their pro fitness debuts at this contest. Nicole Duncan just competed at the Olympia and will look to snag a qualification for 2010 at this event. In figure you have Anna Level returning to the competitive stage for the first time in years. Anna is a name we’re used to seeing at top of fitness in year’s past. Top six Olympia finishers, Erin Stern and Kristal Richardson will compete in their home state of Florida. Gennifer Strobo & Cheryl Borwn will make their debut in her home state as well.
FITNESS
Nicole Balarezo
Susana Cacavieli
Nicole Duncan
Liza Hughes
Victoria Larvie
Michele Mayberry
Bridgette Murray-Ward
Leslie Rae Newton
Kristina Rojas
Sandi Stuart
Michelle Theison
Kizzy Vaines
Desiree Walker
Sandie Ward
FIGURE
Tivisay Briceno
Cheryl Brown
Brandie Gardner
Aleisha Hart
Allison Jones – Williams
Anna Level
Marie Ann Newman
Kristin Nunn
Marcy Porter
Rosa Maria Romero
Kristal Richardson
Cynthia Sharp
Chastity Slone
Erin Stern
Gennifer Strobo
Rosalind Vanterpool
Natalie Waples
Karen Williams
Tessa Wood-Thomes
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