Hardbody – Female Sports, Health and Fitness

IFBB Bikini Pro, Sonia Gonzales is looking pretty in pink on the newest Muscle & Fitness Hers cover. The September/October 2010 issue hit newsstands this week and this is one you’ll want to purchase. I flipped through the magazine at the grocery store last night and it’s loaded with great information. I really like the direction the magazine has gone this year. Check it out and I’m certain you’ll agree that it’s become the best magazine for women who are serious about fitness.

Sonia Gonzales rock’n the hardbody.

Sonia will be competing in the Tournament of Champions in a couple weeks and will follow it up with an appearance at the 2010 Bikini Olympia.

Hardbody peeps we need your votes. Fans submitted themselves with current Muscle & Fitness Hers cover girl, Kathleen Tesori’s issue. Now you get to decide who wins the prize. Vote below…

Cover One

Cover Two

Cover Three

Cover Four

Cover Five

Cover Six

Cover Seven

Check this out Hardbody peeps! You could win your choice of a $50 gift certificate from i-Tunes or a $50 Visa Giftcard. How? Simple. All you have to do is snap a creative photo of the newest Muscle & Fitness Hers issue, featuring Kathleen Tesori and then post it to her Facebook Fan page. The person with the most creative photo featuring Kathleen’s issue will take home the fiddy dollar prize. The contest runs until July 31st so you have time to get yours submitted

Here’s a couple photos from the cover girl to get your creative ideas flowing.

Kat with Kat n Kat in the frozen food section.

The Kats visit the crableg section.

Kat having some fun on the playground.

Note: This contest is via KathleenTesori.com and is intended for fun.

IFBB Figure Pro Kathleen Tesori is the newest competitor to grace the cover of Muscle & Fitness Hers. She’s rock’n the July/August 2010 issue with a set of kettle bells and looking hardbody.

If you haven’t checked out the new look to Muscle & Fitness Hers, you’re missing out. The redesign is chalked full of great content with a kick ass new look. In this issue you’ll see IFBB Pros Kristal Richardson, Kristi Tauti, Monique Minton, Alicia Harris, Tracey Greenwood, Nicole Wilkins-Lee, Stacey Oster-Thompson, Adela Garcia, Monica Mark-Escalante, Nathalia Melo, Tianna Ta, Pauline Nordin and cover girl Kathleen Tesori! There’s also contest coverage and my “TWISTS & TURNS” column. Check it out to see my behind-the-scenes photos from the first stateside IFBB Bikini pro show.

July/August 2010 – featuring Kathleen Tesori.

This issue looks awesome and the bar has been raised for other fitness magazines. Subscribers have received their issue in the mail but others will have to wait until next week for it to hit stores. Props to all involved in this issue, great work.

Ladies this is your chance to make it into Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine. The magazine is holding a transformation challenge and the winner will win a photo shoot with Muscle & Fitness Hers and a chance to train with Figure Olympia champ Nicole Wilkins-Lee and top trainer Kim Oddo. It’s free to enter but you better hurry the deadline is May 14th.

Click here for complete details and rules on the contest.

The May/June 2010 issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers is hitting newstands across the land and you might recognize the cover girl. IFBB Bikini Pro Amanda Latona is the newest competitor to land on the cover of M&F Hers. Check it out and let us know what you think. Congrats Amanda!

Those of you who follow us on twitter got a sneak peak at the cover last month.

IFBB Bikini Pro Dianna Dahlgren has another cover to her growing modeling resume. The California girl was relatively unknown in the fitness industry a year ago and now she has a Muscle & Fitness Hers and FLEX magazine cover to her credit. Add in a featured spread in Muscle & Fitness and she’s completed the trifecta of top fitness magazines. Pick up the newest issue of FLEX to see Dianna and a number of other top IFBB pros inside. Congrats Dianna!

You can get modeling tips from Dianna on Hardbody.com, check ‘em out.

Florida beauty, Kat Holmes took the overall bikini title at the 2009 North Americans but there’s more to Kat than her looks. She recently appeared on the cover of PANAMA CITY LIVING, a very professional and nicely produced magazine. Inside the magazine is a three page feature on Kat where readers learn about what’s beneath the cover girl looks. She not only has a degree in sign language interpretation but also one in Criminal Forensics. Pretty impressive but that’s not where it ends. Kat’s true passion lies in dance. Her and her brother have a full sized dance and workout facility in Panama City. Dance Life Fitness is a 3,000 sq ft studio where people can take classes in dance, dance fitness, body sculpting, weight management, personal training and more. Oh wait… besides the degrees, running a dance studio and being an IFBB Pro she also payed on the Tampa Tempest, a women’s professional football team. I’m guessing you wouldn’t peg a bikini competitor as a former football player, huh?

At the end of the interview Kat talks about competing and being part of Team Bombshell, run by Shannon Dey.

Kat on the cover of Panama City Living.

IFBB Bikini Pro Kat will make her pro debut next weekend at the Orlando Show of Champions.

Christine Pomponio-Pate has been absent from the figure stage since the birth of her child but that hasn’t stopped her from being active. Christine is featured on the latest cover of Hollywood Weekly and is the featured article in the magazine. Check out the e-zine version here. The feature mentions Christine is currently working on two books, an autobiography and a fitness book.

Congrats to IFBB Bikini Pro Dianna Dahlgren for her first fitness magazine cover. Dianna is featured on the freshly redesigned Muscle & Fitness Hers March/April 2010 issue. Pick up your copy today!

Dianna will be competing in the Musclecontest Bikini Pro show next month. She also provides our Monday Modeling Tip here on Hardbody.

IFBB Figure Pro Rosa Marie Romero has kicked the new year off with a bang. She’s currently on the cover of IRONMAN Australia and Health & Fitness magazine. Rosa will look to continue her winning ways this weekend when she competes at the Phoenix Pro.

Congratulations to Brooklyn Decker for being named the 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Model. It’s one of the most celebrated magazine covers and last year’s issue reportedly sold over 4 million copies. The website devoted to the new Swimsuit Issue is pretty bad ass. It has a ton of behind-the-scenes videos, interviews and more. Some of the photo shoot locations are amazing. Props to Sports Illustrated for going all out on their promotion and marketing the crap out of this issue. I wonder what their budget is… hmmm.

2010 Sports Illustrated Issue.

Yes, the Cover Model works out. Check out a couple of Brooklyn’s tweets regarding working out and running on a treadmill.

“Anyone run on a treadmill w/a tv? It’s the WORST! I get nauseas & if I turn it off, it’s just my reflection bouncing on the screen. Grr.”

“This playlist definitely got me through my workout today.. I really don’t know how people exercise without iPods.. without it, Im useless.”

I remember getting the 25th Anniversary issue (1989) with Kathy Ireland on the cover and thinking how cool it would be to photograph the women in it. While I’m not shooting the cover of Sports Illustrated, I’m pretty fortunate to shoot some of the fittest women in the world.

Keep your eye out for the FLEX swimsuit issue in the coming months. It’ll feature some of the top hardbody ladies in the fitness industry.

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?

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

I’ve heard a lot of you complain – and compliment – the recent Muscle & Fitness Hers covers. Well, now is your chance to pick the next Hers cover! Just sign up for the Hers newsletter, and you’ll be on the list of those who get sent the cover tests for each issue.

Sign up for the cover test here:
http://www.muscleandfitnesshers.com/newsletter/

MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE MUSCLE AND FITNESS READER OPINION PANEL BOX TO SIGN UP FOR THE COVER TEST.

Each month, the crew at Weider puts together between 2-4 Hers covers. Those covers then get sent to the Hers focus group. Based on the results, the cover with the highest percentage of votes gets selected.

This month, Hers will be testing a few options as far as redesigning the look of their covers. Based on their last cover, of Figure Olympia winner Nicole Wilkins-Lee, I personally feel they are on the right track and shouldn’t change much at all, if anything. They are starting to focus more and more on the industry and on competitors, and I would hate to see what is becoming a positive for the industry and the competitors in general take a turn for the worse.

So sign up for the cover test here, and make your vote count for something.

Jamie Eason continues to grace the covers of magazines in and out of the fitness industry. She’s the current cover girl for Austin Fit, free fitness publication in Texas. The cover claims she’s the “World’s Fittest Model”. I’m not sure what the criteria is to become the “world’s fittest model” however she is doing a great job of getting noticed. Look for Jamie in upcoming ads for MuscleTech, Bodybuilding.com and others.

Jamie Eason on the cover of Austin Fit Magazine.

Check out the interview with Jamie on www.austinfitmagazine.com.

“I’m not afraid to eat, that’s for sure,” she says. “Eating whole, non-processed foods has become so important. Eating clean keeps my engine going all day, and it keeps the weight off.” - Jamie Eason, Austin Fit Magazine.

Congratulations to the current Ms. Figure Olympia Champ, Nicole Wilkins-Lee for her first (solo) magazine cover. She appeared on this year’s FLEX swimsuit issue with Monique Minton and Felicia Romero. Nicole graces the cover of the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers, on sale now. You can also check out a video of Nicole demonstrating a few exercises in this video. Nicole will be back on stage at the 2010 Figure International in March.

Video feature

HARDBODY Nicole Wilkins-Lee rock’n the new cover!

This is an interesting battle to watch in the coming weeks… Muscle & Fitness Hers (like most magazines) does “test covers” to see which image/layout gets the best response before going to print. Many times it’s the same model with different outfits, poses and color schemes. Other times the test covers will feature two or three different models. Yesterday, Muscle & Fitness Hers tweeted regarding an upcoming cover.

What do you think hardbodies.. will the figure competitor get the nod over the bikini competitor for the cover? Perhaps the bikini competitor was a better model and will prevail in the rest over the figure model. Many factors to consider with the cover but if we boil it down to figure physique vs bikini physique… Who wins for the cover? Let Muscle & Fitness Hers know via twitter and let us know in the poll below.

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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.

Congratulations to 24 year old Hardbody, Katie Bopp for making the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers. Katie looks great and I’m digging the cover. Pick up your copy and check out my column, “Twist & Turns”. Feel free to share any feedback you have about the cover or the mag in the comments below.
 

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.

Andrea Watson has won the overall figure title in every show she has competed in. Quite the accomplishment, especially considering she hadn’t stepped on stage until this year. She took the overall title at the NPC JR USA and had anticipated making her IFBB pro debut at the Jacksonville Pro. Unfortunately, Andrea had to have her appendix removed and it sidelined her for the remainder of the season. I’m a firm believer in “everything happens for a reason” and confident this will apply in Andrea’s case.

The 4′10″ figure sensation is the newest woman to grace the cover of American Body Plus magazine. The magazine covers mainly the East Coast and Southern region of the USA.

Watson all smiles on her first cover.
Cover photo by J.M. Manion

Congratulations Andrea and we look forward to seeing you make your debut next year.

Check out the September 2009 issue of Performance Auto & Sound Magazine. Tianna Ta, who is a finalist in the FLEXonline Bikini model search, is on the cover and what do you know… it says HARD BODY right on there. SWEET!

Tiana Ta on rock’n the cover.

Tianna tells me she will be competing in a NPC bikini competition next month. Good luck there and at the Olympia!

Jessica Paxson continues to find success in the world of fitness. This month Status magazine features UFC fighter Rich Franklin and the stunning Jessica Paxson. Jess is one of the few competitors who has done well on and off the stage. Last month Jessica won the Jacksonville Pro Figure. Congratulations Jessica on another cover.

Jessica Paxson on ther current cover of Status.

I had a chance to catch up with Jess last week in Dallas. She tells me she will be competing in the Figure Olympia this year and continues to work with Optimum Nutrition. Look for her in Las Vegas next month at the 2009 Olympia.

Last June, I told you to keep an eye on Alicia “Smiley” Harris as she headed into the NPC USAs. She stood out at the 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals with her physique and bright smile. Alicia went on to do well at the 2008 NPC USAs and achieved IFBB Pro status at the 2008 Team Universe contest. She continues to improve from show to show as an IFBB Figure Pro and will look to qualify for the Olympia this weekend in Dallas.

You’ve seen her smiling face here a few times and if not just do a search for “Alicia Harris” on the right side of this page. Yesterday the news became official, well those of you who read the comments would have seen a comment similar on Alicia’s video post. Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine shared a look via twitter (@MandF_Hers) at the new cover and Alicia Harris is on it.

Just got the new issue in the office…we think it came out great! Hits stands in 2 weeks.

Alicia Harris on the newest Muscle & Fitness Hers.

Congratulations Alicia. We’re proud of ya!

The next IRONMAN magazine to hit the stands will feature the current Ms. Fitness Olympia champ, Jen Hendershott. Props to IRONMAN for featuring both the Figure and now Fitness Olympia champs on their covers this year. Inside the September issue you’ll find a feature on Jen and the extended interview is available on Ruth Silverman’s blog.

September issue of IRONMAN magazine.

Don’t forget this weekend is Jen Hendershott’s ALL FEMALE NPC event. This NPC contest will take place in Charleston, South Carolina on Saturday July 18th. I will be attending this event and will keep ya posted on all the happenings throughout the weekend.

Jen gets a leg up in newest IRONMAN magazine.

Check out the current issue of FLEX magazine to see some hot photos of Terri Turner. Terri won the Figure overall title at the 2009 NPC JR Nationals over the weekend and is now featured on her first cover. She has to share the cover with John Cena and his brother but hey, there are certainly worse problems to have. FLEXonline.com has some sexy photos of Terri from the shoot. Props to Terri, Terry Goodlad the photographer and FLEX for the feature.

Terri Turner featured in the new FLEX magazine.

Most of you are well aware of who Jamie Eason is and if not what cave have you been living in?

I saw a photo of Jamie in 2005 shortly after her first NPC competition. She looked great and definitely caught my attention. I contacted Jamie via email and did a brief interview/profile with her for NPC NEWS magazine. Yes, she has a good physique and yes, she’s cute but the thing that impressed me the most about Jamie was her attitude. While working a booth at the Arnold Expo, she was friendly to everyone who approached her, was knowledgeable about the product samples she was handing out and made an impression. My point? There are plenty of hardbodies out there and a number of attractive women in the fitness industry. Take a chapter out of Jamie’s book and make an impression beyond looking cute.

Jamie has been on several magazine covers and is on another this month. The new issue of Inside Fitness has Jamie looking fit as ever. If you’re in Canada check it out, Terry Frendo is doing a tremendous job with this magazine.

Jamie on the current issue of Inside Fitness.

Jamie also posted on her twitter account that she has resigned with bodybuilding.com and will have her own column in Oxygen magazine.

Jamie Eason is doing things right and proof that you can make it in the fitness industry. She didn’t get there overnight but has definitely made a name for herself in the industry.

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