A number of people have voiced their opinion on the new bikini division. That’s to be expected. I’ve voiced my opinions based on attending nearly every NPC National bikini show and every IFBB Pro Bikini show (except for New Zealand). Most of the things I’ve seen written online are based on hearsay and not from people attending the pro shows. One “industry expert” recently commented on a bikini competitor’s posing as “crass” but based the opinion by viewing photos online. I’ve mentioned a few times that you shouldn’t base opinions of the bikini division on photos. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but consider the source and what they’re basing it on. There are still a few people who aren’t fans of the new division but that’s to be expected. Figure wasn’t well received when it was introduced.

After the 2010 Pittsburgh Pro Bikini competition I went straight to the voice who matters most… IFBB women’s head judge Sandy Williamson. Sandy addressed a number of things related to the bikini competition. If you’re a competitor or a trainer, PLEASE pay attention to what she says.

Sandy talks about suit choice, presentation and what type of physique the judges are (or should be) looking for. At the end of the video IFBB Bikini Pro Nathalia Melo joins Sandy and shares why she (Nathalia) is the look for the new bikini division. Sandy also stresses the point about the division is new and they are still working through the criteria, just like they did in Figure. As of today, this is where the division is at and how competitors should prepare for it.

A big thanks to Sandy for taking the time to do this video and to J.M. Manion for helping arrange it to happen.

Alicia Marie is no stranger to the world of fitness. She’s graced a number of covers, hosted a couple of tv shows and has been connected to a few celebrities. She nabbed her IFBB Pro card in the Figure division but this weekend she’ll bring her sassy ass to the bikini stage. It’s a pretty obvious transition but I caught up with Ms. Alicia Marie to get the inside scoop directly from her. Check it out!

HB: I see you all over the place but where do you currently live?
AM: Los Angeles, CA – baby!

HB: Peeps want to know… Why the switch to bikini?
GOOD QUESTION! LOL! You see… I love Figure, but as a model AND because I am moving into being more of a ‘mainstream’ television personality, Bikini suits my physique in an attainable, “non-intimidating” way for people to relate to me and my programs. I am very tall for this sport — just under 5’10″. If I were to put on the muscle needed to complete my stature and physique for Figure, I might be walking around off-season at 160lbs (right now I am contest, 139, off-season, 145). That would just about kill my career off the stage. The plus side of it is – I love the stage theatrics for Bikini!! I am a natural HAM so the sexy walk and the ‘tude suit me just fine!!

HB: You a HAM? Get out. (note the sarcasm)

HB: What’s the best part of competing in NYC?
Steve and Bev have always had fabulous shows. Team Universe was always my favorite show as an amateur and coincidentally it is the show that I finally went pro in in 2008! I am originally from New York City so I get to go back home to Yankee country, see my family and do some (not as many as I’d like) of my favorite New York THINGS! Have to avoid the cupcake bar til AFTER contest….

I really never stress because I just like to have fun doing this, being a part of it and at the end of the day I feel so lucky to be up there with all those gorgeous and strong women!!!

HB: How do you eat healthy while traveling and being on the go non-stop?
Traveling and “on-the-go nonstop” just about describes my life PERFECTLY!! LOL I have to be super diligent and plan ahead like you wouldn’t believe. Not only am I packing food and supps, but I know ahead of time what the hotel is offering food wise AND if there is a grocery store close by… It takes planning ahead and not waiting til the last minute.

HB: What new projects do you have coming out or in the works that you can talk about?
I am FINALLY writing a BOOK! Very excited. It is basically THE book. Everything about everything in fitness and health according to ALICIA MARIE! LOL! My monthly column in Oxygen magazine, Ask Alicia, did so well and I get dozens of questions every month that I thought, it’s just TIME. So I am working on that like crazy!

BSN has me on the road making appearances…I love those!!!

I am doing some television things that I can’t breathe a word of yet — which I will tell you about first. Trust!

I am re-launching my website – with the same “look” but more user-friendly for me and for visitors! I am such a computer geek at heart. My boyfriend is a music and video producer so along with his things (ABC’s ‘V’) we just have fun making things happen. Maybe some more music videos down the pike…hmmmmm….

I also would love to get an Olympia nod in Bikini…we’ll see what goes down this contest year.

I stay busy and that is 100% how I like it!

HB: Okay I need another cup of coffee after that question. Give me a minute.

HB: Aight I’m good. Soo…

HB: Do you use the Ab Circle Pro?
Who? Hell no. The Ab Coaster all the way, baby!

HB: Will you be cheering for the Yankees or did you switch teams with the Cali move?
I BLEED PINSTRIPES — YANKEES!

HB: No more Braves? I kid. I kid.

HB: You’re around a number of celebrities. Any celebs you were star-struck when you met them?
Madonna – YES! As for the ones that ask me out, NO. A lot of celebrities hunt me down because they want me to write them a diet and fitness “Red Carpet Ready” program. LOL

Alicia Marie hang’n with celebs.

HB: Will you be rock’n the wig you wore in the music video?
You mean in Jace Hall’s “I Play W.O.W” (shameless plug) – over a million views on YouTube!!

I thought about the blonde one I wore in the video, BUT I think I will have to do my Bikini Pro debut in a pink fuschia glitter wig. I think the judges might like that touch and connect with it.Ha!

HB: Which of your fellow bikini competitors do you like the look they bring?
So many!!! I have been looking at the stage pictures and I am astounded at how gorgeous and naturally toned and tight the girls look. I do love Jelena’s physique – she knows that.

HB: Will we see you on stage again in the bikini division?
EUROPA in Hartford, CT!! That is actually where I grew up — so many of my old (and not so old) family and friends will be there…hopefully

HB: You’re a BSN athlete and featured in a few of their ads. What’s your favorite BSN product?
This is a tough one because I live on my BSN supps. Atrophex and Lean Dessert Protein (Vanilla and Cinnamon Roll) are my staples, but the new N.O. Xplode NT (Evolution series) is edging up a few notches for me! It’s incredible!

HB: Thanks Alicia! Good luck and we’ll see ya in the Big Apple.

IFBB Figure Pro Taylor Condren (formerly Gallagher) had an impressive rookie debut last weekend. Taylor placed fifth at the Pittsburgh Pro Figure contest and looked great doing so. She has nice structure and a very balanced physique. Look for her to continue to do well in the figure division this year. I caught up with the rookie before the finals were announced and she shares a bit more about herself. The 2008 Mr. Olympia, Dexter “The Blade” Jackson makes an appearance in the video and sounded a bit like Yogi Avidan when asked to provide some words of wisdom. Check it out.

Mr. and Mrs. Condren.

Gen Strobo was backstage chill’n when I caught up with her. She’s headed to the Olympia later this fall but hear what other shows she plans to do before then.

I caught up with one of the leading ladies in the IFBB Bikini division, Sonia Gonzales. I grill Sonia on her suit change, what she did different and what’s next in her competition plans. Sonia started running and attributes it to the changes in her physique. There’s no denying her body has come a long way and she’s worked hard to get there.