The fitness pros will take the stage in their two-piece swimsuits for this morning’s prejudging. Tanji Johnson is heading into today’s competition looking for her first BIG SHOW win. Can she do it? We’ll find out tonight at the finals. 

How many Arnold’s will this be for you? 
Seven

What inspired the Michael Jackson routine? 
His passing…I wanted to pay tribute to MJ bc his gift as a performer has always been a huge inspiration to me. I was going to show this routine at the 2009 Olympia but decided to save it when I saw that Nicole Duncan was also doing an MJ theme. So, I am excited to pay tribute to Michael and entertain the fans with my passion.
 
What can fans expect to see different on the Arnold stage from the Phoenix show?
My physique will be tighter and I changed a section of my routine. I enjoy changing things up as every competition is an opportunity to showcase and have fun. And when celebrating Michael, there is so much “material” to choose from!

Many people think the show is between you, Adela and Julie. What will be the determining factor on which woman is announced the winner?
I think that whoever has the best physique in the judge’s eyes will win. Though Fitness has 2 rounds that count for 50%, I feel that the “sway” is determined by the best physiques and then a consequent ranking of routines from that pool of physiques. The winner will still have to have a strong total package so it will be a matter of who is ”most ON” in both categories. It will be an exciting competition as I anticipate everyone to be ON!

What’s your favorite Gaspari product?
Myofusion Chocolate Protein… I still cannot believe how good and smooth it tastes!

Gotta agree that stuff does taste great!

I understand you have a couple new DVDs coming out. Any insight on when those will be out and where people can find them?
 
Yes, the Competitive Edge series includes:
New ART of Posing for Fitness, Figure & Bikini
New Save Fitness Instructional DVD
Muscle Confusion Training DVD
Marketing Yourself in the Fitness Industry CD
 
These will all be available on my website, www.tanjijohnson.com
New website to be released later this month!

Thanks Tanji & good luck! 

Adela Garcia is heading to the Arnold Classic for the ninth time and the 2x Fitness International Champ is looking to notch number three tomorrow night. I caught up with Adela on the eve of her return to the Arnold stage.

How many times have you won the Arnold?
I won the Fitness International 2 times.

Do you know who holds the record for most Fitness International wins?
I believe Susie Curry does, she won the Fitness International 4 times.

You bounced back and won the Olympia in 2009. Now we head into the Fitness International… Jen Henn is out. Tracey is out. Tanji was nipping at your heels in Vegas and Julie has a win under her belt already. What do you think is the difference in who is announced the winner on Friday night?
It will be who brings the overall package. Remember we only have two rounds and some competitors look better in the one piece. The one piece is gone so is only the two piece and 2 minutes routine. So, whoever brings the best package will be the winner but I promise you that I am going for that win.

Will we see you compete in any other shows besides this and the Olympia?
No, I want to focus and getting my business going and getting more girls involved in fitness. I have a lot of girls that I am training at this moment for fitness, bikini, and figure. I want to focus on them after the Arnold. I have 3 pro girls that I am training and I want them to know that I am there for them. I have a new website www.offchallenge.com and the O.F.F. Challenge team is going to be making an impact this year.

We’re pretty much guaranteed some booty shaking but what else can we expect in your routine?
You know my routines will not be the same without the booty shaking, but you can expect a fun and energetic routine… full of strength and flexibility and strength and more strength. This routine is fun, glamorous and sexy. I was actually was going to do this routine in 2008 Olympia when I got injured and just deci ded to wait to debut it at the Arnold stage. I am very excited about and it is going to be fun.

What advice do you have for the rookies competing in the show?
To enjoy the moment. Have fun, meet new competitors and people in the industry. I did not compete at the Arnold 2 years in a row and I missed a lot. Enjoy every single moment of the weekend and make it a fun and learning experience.

Who do you think are the ones to watch in fitness in the years ahead?
The girls that are willing to put in the work. I see Nicole, Tina , Camela, Kristina Rojas, Oksana, and a few new girls taking care of business in the future. I just see how these girls are willing to give it all to make it big in the sport. You either want something bad or you don’t. You have to be willing to make sacrifices in order to succeed in this sport. I know at times finances are hard and I struggled a lot when I first started. I am so thankful and blessed because God gave me a talent and I took advantage of it. As long of these girls put in their time, they are going to see that it will pay off in the future. They just have to be patience.

Do you miss not training for the 45-second routine?
Yes… But I still do it when I practice my routine. I use the 45 seconds to warm up and it really helps with my conditioning.

Good luck Adela!