We should have a complete list of who is competing at the 2010 Arnold on Monday. Look for an additional female bodybuilder and another fitness competitor to be added to the line-up from what is currently public.
The 2010 Bodybuilding.com Los Angeles Fitness Expo
January 16, 2010 By 1 Comment
The 2010 Bodybuilding.com Los Angeles Fit Expo is one week away. Despite the cancellation of the IRONMAN PRO Bodybuilding contest, the Fit Expo will be business as usual. The new Bodyspace spokesmodel winner will be crowned and a number of NPC & IFBB Pros will be in attendance. Check out some of the ladies slated to appear at the event.
Scheduled to appear during the weekend are:
• 8 Time Ms. Olympia LENDA MURRAY
• 2009 IFBB New York Women’s Pro 1st Place Winner CATHEY LeFRANCOIS
• IFBB Figure AVA COWAN
• FBB Figure Pro KRISSY CHIN
• NPC Bikini Competitor JANAEE ADAMS
• IFBB Bikini Pro MICHELE D’ANGONA
• NPC Bikini Competitor STACEY NAITO
• NPC Figure Competitor ALI HARRIS
• NPC Figure Competitor REYHANEH TAMAYO
• IFBB Figure Pro SONIA GONZALES
• IFBB Figure Pro ALICIA HARRIS
• IFBB Figure Pro ALICIA MARIE
• NPC Top 5 National Level Figure Competitor PRUDENCE MOE
• IFBB Figure Pro SHERLYN ROY
• 2008 FLEX Bikini Model Winner & IFBB Figure Pro KATHLEEN TESORI
…and many more!
If you’re in LA and plan to attend the expo you can print this coupon for $5 off the cost of admission. I unfortunately won’t be attending the Expo this year however HARDBODY.com’s West Coast man, Ron Avidan will be there covering the action. Click here for more information on the event.
It’s Like a SNUGGIE for Your Neck
January 16, 2010 By 3 Comments
Lately there’s been record-low temperatures recorded across America. Many of you are dieting and have low bodyfat. You get colder at a faster rate than most. Well not any more. Now you can stay warm with THE NECKY! It’s like a SNUGGIE for your neck! BRILLIANT!
Fan Favorite Out of the Arnold
January 15, 2010 By 1 Comment
IFBB Pro Heather Armbrust is one of the top female bodybuilders in the game today. She’s considered by many to be the biggest threat to beating current Ms. Olympia and Ms. International, Iris Kyle. Unfortunately the remtach with have to wait until the Olympia stage in September. Heather has withdrawn her name from the 2010 Arnold competition due to an injury.
I caught up with Heather after the news was made public. When asked if she was ok and if the injury is career ending she shared, “It’s a minor set back. Actually, there are a few but I will deal with them and get them back to normal. I am tough and train through things that I never mention but it’s a mixture of pains and personal”.
Does this mean the end of her career though? “NO! I’m not done where would you get that? I am going to compete at the Olympia for sure. I want that title,” shared the clearly disappointed but anxious competitor.
Heather went on to say, “I apologize and thank everyone for their support. With the mixture of all that is going on, I just want them to understand that I’m doing what is best for the sport and to make a better me when I do step on stage so my supporters will be proud when I do get my win.”
We’ll see Heather back on stage this fall at the 2010 Ms. Olympia competition.
Check out some past training footage of Heather recently posted on Bodybuilding.com.
See more training clips with Heather on Bodybuilding.com.
Fitness Pros Take Note Regarding Your Props
January 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Thanks to Ms. Fitness Olympia Adela Garcia for bringing this to my attention.
From: IFBB Professional League
To: All Fitness Athletes
Date: January 14, 2010SUBJECT: PROPS
IFBB Pro Rule 21.7.5 allows the use of props during the Fitness Routine round.
All competitors using props must notify the Head Judge at the Official Athlete’s Meeting.
Props that leave material onstage that presents a safety hazard and/or requires the stage to be cleaned or repaired before further use are prohibited.
Any item discarded during the routine must be removed by the competitor before exiting the stage without causing any delay in the competition.
A competitor must enter and exit the stage and perform the routine without the assistance or involvement of any other person or persons.
Jim Manion
Chairman
IFBB Professional League
Rock the Top
January 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Everyone has their own style and preference when it comes to what they wear. Do you rock the tank-top and if so what’s your color?
What color tank-top would you most likely wear to the gym?
Strobo Strides in Florida Marathon
January 15, 2010 By 2 Comments
IFBB Figure Pro Gen “monkeybutt” Strobo is no stranger to a competitive scene. She steadily improved her physique as an amateur figure competitor in the NPC and achieve IFBB pro status last spring. She took a few months off to add muscle and in her pro debut qualified for the Ms. Figure Olympia. Apparently needing another challenge Strobo decided to enter the Walt Disney World Marathon last week. She didn’t train for it specifically like most people do. Nope she jumped in to show her support for fellow family members. Her husband Rob alerted me her accomplishment via twitter. Her pace was 11:49 with a finish time of 05:09:51. It pains me to think about walking 26.2 miles much less run it. Congratulations Gen!
Monkeybutt strides to a successful finish.
Tigre’s Sweet Revenge
January 15, 2010 By 4 Comments
We got a sneak peak at Ana Tigre’s new clothing line (Sweet Revenge) during the Ft. Lauderdale Cup. The shirts looked pretty cool and definitely caught my attention. Ladies who have worn the shirts tell me they like the fabric and the design. Check out Sweet Revenge here.
Heather Mae French Circa 2003
January 14, 2010 By 2 Comments
Most of you know Heather Mae French as an IFBB Figure Pro but did you know she once competed in Fitness? While sorting through old photos, I ran across this image. It was snapped in Boulder, Colorado at the 2003 NPC Northern. Heather (who at the time went by Heather Newton) won the fitness short class besting five other women.
Heather Mae French as a NPC fitness competitor in 2003.
One other random tidbit from that show. Tamara Sherrill & Bridgette Murray both competed in the fitness tall class. They both went on to achieve IFBB Pro Status in Fitness years later.
Italy’s Cristiana Casoni is “Over the Moon”
January 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The 2010 Arnold is around the corner and we’ve seen a few names dropped from the invited lists. This time around it’s a different story. The Arnold Committee has added a competitor to the Figure International. Typically, names are not added after the invitations are made public. There’s been the occasional addition over the years but it is rare. One woman who is happy about the addition is Italy’s Cristiana Casoni. I caught up with the Italian beauty after she heard the news.
HB: For those who don’t know where are you from?
CC: I live in Trieste North East Italy.
HB: How did you find out you’ve been added to the line-up?
CC: I’ve been told by a friend to check the Internet. I thought for a moment it was a joke!!! Beacause I didn’t believe!!!
HB: What are your thoughts on being added?
CC: To be accepted to take part in this lineup is such a honor. I cannot believe it. It’s exhilirating. I’m over the moon. This is my dream in my life!!!
HB: If people learn more about you, where can they go?
CC: My web site is www.cristianacasoni.it.
Thanks Cristiana and we’ll see you in March. Good luck!
Support Your Favorite Female
January 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Everyone has their favorite female and the reasons vary. Many of you have probably torn their photo out of a magazine and used it for inspiration or motivation. Along the way you enjoy showing them support but How far would you go?
Tattoo their name on your arm? Probably not. Buy a signed photo? More likely. The Arnold EXPO is coming up and we’re curious about what you’d purchase from your favorite female.
Would you buy a t-shirt with your favorite competitor on it?
Would you buy a signed photo?
Would you buy a calendar
What would you'd like to see your fav female sell?
Palmer Profile in Capital Style
January 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Capital Style, an Ohio women’s magazine, recently profiled IFBB Fitness Pro Julie Palmer. The article has some expected silliness from a non-industry writer but laced with some interesting insight. Meredith Heagney, the author of the article, writes, “Fitness competitors aren’t bodybuilders. They’re more like bikini models who could take down most men in an arm-wrestling match. The ideal look is lean yet muscular, showing both strength and femininity. Julie, for example, has a tiny, sculpted waist, bulging shoulders and powerful quadriceps. She finishes the look with a massive smile and French-tipped nails.”
One thing I didn’t know about Julie was, “For four hours a week, Julie works as a registered nurse at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Nursing is “a total escape” from fitness, she says, but another way to help people be healthy.” I enjoy hearing how pros are doing more than focusing on their next meal and I think the fans do as well.
Julie Palmer has her sights set on the Fitness International crown.
Photo from Will Shilling, Capital Style magazine.
The article talks about her relationship with Mike Davies and how he told her she had no business being on stage after her first show. Heagney writes, “The world of fitness is a competitive and self-absorbed one, and Julie was picked on by other women Mike trained. She started to feel like he was the only one who understood her. Romance bloomed.”
I chuckled reading Jen Hendershott’s comment in the article. “There is nobody that probably works harder than she does,” Hendershott said. “I would even say she works harder than me.” WHAT? Get outta here! Someone working harder than Hendershott?
I don’t believe it. Relax, I’m kidding.
Julie is preparing for the Fitness International in March. Will her day come and she wears the Arnold crown? We’ll find out in a few weeks. Check out more photos of Julie on the Capital Style web site.
Supplements = Hope in a Bottle?
January 13, 2010 By 1 Comment
The New York Times has an article that takes aim at supplements. The story, “When the Gym isn’t Enough” questions the validity of supplements. There are some points I agree with while others I don’t. The opening paragraph says, “OVER the course of a year, Alex Feintuch, a 20-year-old sophomore at the University of South Carolina, spent more than $1,000 on fitness supplements.” Is that supposed to be a shocking number? That’s less than $100 a month. I’d be willing to bet if you add up how much the average college student spend on eating out and alcohol it will drawf the supplement number.
There’s nothing really new or earth shattering in the piece but if you’re bored check it out.
Arnold Invited Competitor Lists Continue to Shuffle
January 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The Arnold Classic invites were announced last month, right before Christmas. A number of women were elated when Santa arrive early while others were left pondering why they’d been put on the naughty list. It’s not an easy task to make it on the invited list and several very good girls didn’t make the short list. Since that time there’s been some shuffling and it isn’t done yet.
First we learned that Kristal Richardson wouldn’t be able to compete due to her hernia surgery late last year. She will compete this year however the recovery is taking longer than expected. We then learned that Tracey Greenwood was out and will go under the knife for a knee surgery. Next up was Jen Hendershott who cited nagging injuries and personal issues. Earlier this week we learned that Jessica Paxson withdrew her name due to personal issues.
I’ve learned a fifth invited pro intends to withdraw her name from the list before the contracts are due this Friday. Look for more information on this soon.
A few people have asked me why so many women are opting out. My response – Life Happens. Injuries are unfortunate and never planned, especially to Fitness competitors. Sometimes life throws you a curveball and lives are affected. At the end of the day the pros are no different than you or I. They face many of the challenges we do and often times more. It’s unfortunate that we won’t see some of the industry’s best on stage but right behind them are other hungry, willing and accepting competitors worthy of a spot and a chance at the title.
Such is the case with the Figure International. Twitter followers of ArnoldSports learned that Cristina Casoni of Milan, Italy was added to the invited list. The Arnold committee could have easily added another U.S. competitor however they added an International Figure competitor. Those who complain that the event doesn’t invite enough International competitors might want to reconsider. Congratulations to Cristina for getting the invite.
I’ll post the final competitor lists this weekend once all the contracts are in and we know who will be on stage in Columbus.
Ditch The Salt
January 13, 2010 By 2 Comments
The New York City Health Department is urging companies and restaurants to reduce the salt level in foods. Most of you probably avoid salting your food however if you’re eating pre-packed food it may have more salt than you’re aware. You may also be getting more salt than you bargained for when you eat at resteraunts. CNN.com has the story.
“Salt is a huge problem in our diets,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, director of the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Control Program at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “The majority of us consume too much salt, which increases blood pressure and puts us at risk for heart attack and stroke.”
Nathalia Brightens Up Your Desktop
January 12, 2010 By
Nathalia Moreira made waves in the bikini division last year and now she’s turning heads on Bodybuilding.com. If you want to see more of this Brazilian beauty – download her wallpaper. She’s this week’s wallpaper of the week on Bodybuilding.com.
Jamie Eason’s Hydroxycut Max! Ad
January 12, 2010 By 1 Comment
Hydroxycut Max is one of the few fat burners formulated specifically for women. What better way to get your product noticed than to use a trusted name and face? One of the women they’re using to do this is with popular fitness model, Jamie Eason. Jamie is featured in the newest ads currently running in magazines now.
Hydroxycut™ Max! Advanced is designed for women who are looking for a powerful thermogenic effect! This means accelerating your metabolism, which helps you burn more calories! Plus, Hydroxycut™ Max! Advanced delivers a powerful energizing kick!
Kim Kardashian… Say What?
January 12, 2010 By 7 Comments
Oh brother. Kim Kardashian shared, “Might skip a day at the gym this week, but it’s ok coz I have my Reebok EasyTones to wear around… it’s like a workout without the gym 
You can pick them up at Dick’s Sporting Goods! Have any of you tried them out yet!?”
Come on. Stop it.
G’s Tip of the Week – Snack on Jicama
January 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Is late night snacking or snacking in general holding you back from achieving your fitness goals? Try slicing up Jicama and eating it to satisfy that need to just munch or satisfy that sweet craving. Jicama is actually a legume that is crispy and sweet. It actually reminds me of an apple! It is great used in salads, stir fry’s or even by itself. It is a great source of fiber and low in calories and carbs. With only 11 calories per oz, it is a perfect snack that will help you obtain your fitness goals!
“Look at your past. Your past has determined where you are at this moment. What you do today will determine where you are tomorrow. Are you moving forward or standing still?”
–Tom Hopkins
Weight-loss is Big Business
January 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The weight-loss industry reaches well beyond fat burners and protein shakes. According to a recent AdAge article it’s a $59.7 billion industry. That is billion with a “b”. Wowzers. It’s an interesting read that’s worth checking out. A few things that stood out to me in the piece were…
“The recession of the last two years affected people so that more people traded down to lower-priced food and fast food and more comfort food to combat their stress,” Mr. LaRosa said.
I can certainly see that being the case and only leads to bigger issues. The very next line is a bit more encouraging though.
The result has been a rise in the do-it-yourself diet; he said that 76% to 78% of dieters are following regimes at home, rather than with institutional programs. That’s up sharply from a historic average of about 70% who have gone it alone.
Trainers, nutritionists and companies like Bodybuilding.com stand to benefit from those types of numbers. Also note the length at which people will need to stay on a diet as a result of eating poorly.
And that could be good news for the industry: As Americans trade down to cheaper, more comforting food, they’re now bigger than ever before. “When they do go back to diet programs, they’ll have more to lose, and it’ll take them longer to lose it, so they’ll stay longer on the diet programs.”
Check out the entire article on Adage.com.
Jessica Paxson Putnam OUT of the Arnold
January 11, 2010 By 2 Comments
IFBB Figure Pro Jessica Paxson Putnam posted on her facebook minutes ago, “Thank you to all my family, friends, & supporters. I appreciate the emails, posts, & tesxts….I’ve withdrawn from The Arnold for personal reasons. Thank you.”
This would have been Jessica’s first trip to the Figure International stage.
Jess becomes the fourth invited competitor to opt out of the 2010 Arnold.
Muscle & Fitness Hers Cover Design
January 11, 2010 By 19 Comments
Muscle & Fitness Hers is considering a redesign of the cover. Below you’ll see two different variations. Try NOT to pay attention to the photo but rather the logo/design/layout. This is not to choose the next cover but rather the DESIGN DIRECTION of the cover. Which direction do you like?
Which cover do you like?
Those of you who signed up for the Muscle & Fitness Hers newsletter may have already seen these covers. If you haven’t and would like to be included visit muscleandfitnesshers.com. Make sure you check the “reader opinion panel box” to be included on cover tests. Note these are NOT the covers for the next issue but to gauge the response on the look. Another test will be going out to choose the next cover, which may or may not be one of the above you see here.
Test Design Cover #1
Test Design Cover #2
What’s Your Color?
January 11, 2010 By 1 Comment
Last week I saw a number of people posting colors to their Facebook status updates. The more I saw it the more I asked, “What the heck is this?” The responses varied and most had no clue or responded with “something to do with breast cancer and women are posting the color of their bra.” Turns out it, it does have to do with Breast Cancer Awareness.
The Chicago Tribune wrote about the movement.
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization was among those asked if it was responsible. Andrea Rader, a spokeswoman for the group, said it did not launch the effort but called it “a terrific tool for raising awareness.”
“We just hope people act on it,” Rader said. “Get educated. Get a mammogram.”
I like the idea and hopefully it does bring more awareness to breast cancer. It’s a creative way to to use Facebook.
Weighty Matters – New Surgeon General Sworn in Today
January 11, 2010 By 5 Comments
Today, Dr. Regina Benjamin will be sworn in as the new Surgeon General of the Unites States. It’s a plus for women but does it matter that she’s a “plus sized woman”? Dr. Benjamin’s weight has been the topic of discussion since July, when President Obama nominated her for the position. She spoke with Robin Roberts on “Good Morning America” regarding when she admits, “I want to be attractive. You don’t want to see those negative things, people calling you names.” Dr. Benjamin goes on to say, “I’m just like 67 percent of Americans. I struggle with my weight just like they do.”
Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin on Good Morning America.
Does Dr. Benjamin's weight matter?
Q: What are the responsibilities of the United States Surgeon General?
A: From Wikipedia.org:
The Surgeon General reports to the Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH), who is the principal advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on public health and scientific issues. The Surgeon General is the overall head of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC), a 6,000-member Commissioned Corps of the USPHS, a cadre of health professionals who are on call 24 hours a day, and can be dispatched by the Secretary of HHS or the Assistant Secretary for Health in the event of a public health emergency.
The Surgeon General is also the ultimate award authority for several public health awards and decorations, the highest of which that can be directly awarded is the Surgeon General’s Medal (the highest award bestowed by board action is the Distinguished Service Medal). The Surgeon General also has many informal duties, such as educating the American public about health issues and advocating healthy lifestyle choices.
The office also periodically issues health warnings. Perhaps the best known example of this is the Surgeon General’s Warning labels that can be found on all packages of American cigarettes. A health warning also appears on alcoholic beverages.
Some feel she should look the part of the position. What do you think?
Pick One Supplement – What Would it Be?
January 10, 2010 By 2 Comments
There are many supplements on the market today, some with ridiculous claims and are garbage. Many supplements do work and help in a variety of ways. If you were forced to pick one supplement, what would it be? I know what mine is but let’s hear yours. If you don’t see it on the poll add it.
If you could have only one supplement what would it be?
Got a Business Card?
January 10, 2010 By
I worked at a large advertising agency for a number of years and learned a number of things along the way. While working on ads and other printed material, the print production manager would always tell me, “Price, Quality, Speed – pick any two but you can’t have all three. That was over ten years ago and things have changed in the printing world. Now you can get quality material printed quickly and at a reasonable price. That doesn’t hold true for the designer, but that’s a topic for another day.
Business cards used to take weeks to print. Now you can have them in a few days. There’s some debate on whether business cards are still relative or not. I still find them useful despite the ability to take someone’s contact information immediately on my phone.
Do you have a business card?
Monica Brant Interview
January 9, 2010 By 12 Comments
There’s no question Monica Brant is an icon in the fitness industry. She’s graced numerous covers and one of the most recognizable names in the biz. Mo is featured on yet another cover this month, by way of South Africa’s Fitness Magazine. She had some interesting things to say in this interview that I hadn’t heard mentioned before.
Monica on the cover of fitness magazine in South Africa.
When asked what challenges she’s faced in her career Monica mentions competing in Fitness without a gymnastic or dance background. She goes on to say, “The biggest challenge I have faced since switching to Figure has to do with the politics in the industry that I feel affect me competitively. However, I am blessed with much and I am thankful that I haven’t ever had to wonder if I was winning because of me or some other political reason. I suppose overcoming the challenges has been based on the knowledge that the competitions aren’t the end-all for me and I don’t compete to be approved of.”
Monica mentions her and Scott (her husband) are “tossing the idea around about opening a studio where I can host workshops, train clients and be available for more fans to come in and work with me one on one.” She goes on to say, “We also hope to have children some day.”
Check out the online version of fitness magazine for the complete interview.
Dianna Dahlgren one of the “Ring Girls of Supercross”
January 8, 2010 By 6 Comments
IFBB Bikini Pro Dianna Dahlgren continues to turns heads outside of the fitness world. This time she’s featured on MAXIM.com as one of the “sexy girls of supercross”. If you’re in Anaheim this weekend check out the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, where Dianna and several other lovely ladies will be at.
Dianna Dahlgren featured on MAXIM.com’s homepage today.
First Two Things You Need for Any Web Site
January 8, 2010 By 6 Comments
Many of you have your own web site, had one in the past or perhaps you’re looking to have one built now. It’s definitely easier to build your own web site now than it was 10 years ago. It doesn’t mean that it will look great but you will have something. I get asked weekly about building a web site and often daily. It used to be 98% of my business and now it is about 2%. I could go on forever about the topic of building a web site but will save that for another time.
Unless you plan on using a site like myspace, blogger or facebook there are two things everyone needs for a web site. Even if you do use one of those I suggest you still purse the first item.
1) A Domain name.
Register your own domain name so you have ownership of it. I’ve registered names for people in the past and when it comes to transferring the ownership it is a pain in the butt. I highly suggest everyone register their own name and the $10 investment will save you from a number of hassles. Do this even if you don’t plan to have a web site any time soon. I have used a number of different domain companies over the years. 15 years ago when I first started doing web sites there was only one place to go, now there are hundreds. I highly suggest using GODADDY.com. They have the best customer support, security and prices. The cheapest isn’t always the best. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way.
2) Web Hosting.
Once you have a domain name registered and you wish to have a web site you’ll need web hosting. This can get fairly technical so I’ll spare you the boring geek speak. Hosting is basically the computer that holds your files. When someone types in yourname.com it takes them to the “hosted” web site. It can range from a few dollars a month to quite a few. You can expect to pay between $10-$40 a month for a basic site hosting plan. That should include email. IE. info@yourname.com. If you have a message board or a popular site you may need to spend more. A reliable hosting company is important and the most important thing (again I’ve learned the hard way) is customer service. Make certain the hosting company is accessible and has reliable customer service.
Those are the two things every web site MUST have. If you have a topic related to web sites or having a site built feel free to post them in the comment below or email me.
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