Our fitness friend to the north, Mindi O’Brien was planning on competing at the Houston Pro Fitness contest however she’s had a change of plans. Mindi informed me that she has a torn medial head of the gastroc. She recently found out that it was torn before the Arnold and since it wasn’t treated, it progressively got worse. She’s currently dealing with intense physio and may possibly be put in a cast (although that is a last resort). Provided everything goes well she will be competing at the 2008 Europa Supershow. I asked Mindi if she wanted me to keep her injury on the down low and she said, “I’m not on the down low…shit happens and just have to deal with it. I tend to work harder when things like this happen.” It is great when competitors are brutally honest about these types of things. So many competitors are fighting injuries and afraid if people know about it that somehow it will hurt their chances of placing well. I applaud Mindi for being upfront and it’s people like her that are an inspiration to others. Someone out there reading this may be going through a similar injury and perhaps Mindi can help them fight through it or visa versa.
Mindi performing at the Fitness International in Columbus, Ohio.Take care of that injury and we’ll see you in Dallas qualifying for the Olympia.
She did some damage in the pro ranks of the IFBB of figure but has been absent from the stage as of late. I caught up with Ms. Jennifer Searles while I was in New York this past weekend. Jennifer looks great and is keeping herself plenty busy despite being away from the figure stage. Find out if she will return to the figure stage again and what she’s focused on now…
Jennifer outside the NY PRO show.
HB: You’re still in the big apple right… What are you doing with yourself?
I am still here in NYC and am in school getting a second degree in Nutrition and Food Science so I can obtain my Registered Dietician License. I then plan on continuing forward to get a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition. I have so much school ahead of me it’s mind-numbing. I’m also privately training clients and several fitness/figure competitors for upcoming shows this season and working as a trainer at Equinox Fitness on Wall St.
HB: Are you going to pull a Jordan and say you’re retired but return later?
Honestly, I don’t see it happening. I accomplished some really cool things as a pro-winning a title, competing and placing in the top 10 in 2 Olympias. I’m happy with that and am so ready to continue on through the next chapters of my life. I still am involved in the sport with coaching and all though.
HB: What did you enjoy the most about competing and how did you get into it to start with?
The meal after the show… Lol! No seriously the meal after the show. And the sense of satisfaction that it gave me to work so hard toward a goal and reach it. No one can ever that away from you… All of the hard work. I got into competing as a result of people always telling me I should try it. I had always heard that I had good genetics and would do well. I never listened until I moved to New York and was going on audition after audition for acting and seeing that I needed to step up my game physically. I began working out religiously to improve my image and fell in love with the gym. I then thought, hmmm…. I miss the competition I used to get with my figure skating. Maybe I’ll try one show. That was it!
HB: What advice would you give the women reading this in regards to competing and making it fun?
Don’t put pressure on yourself to win a trophy. Just make small goals along the way in your prep and be satisfied and proud when you reach each goal. Ultimately, this should be done for yourself and nothing else. Get into a race with yourself and the process is so much deeper and more rewarding. Which makes it a ton more fun! Trophies and placings are bonus 
HB: We’ve all seen your photos. What everyone wants to know is how did you make that booty talk and how do u maintain it?
LOL! lunges/squats/genetics… First off, thanks for the kudos and for noticing Mister Isaac lol! I figure skated for 10 yrs, so a lot of my musculature comes from that, in addition, I’ve always had a full set o’ glutes, sooooo… The base was there. To maintain I always made sure to include movements that targeted those areas such as reverse lunges, step-ups, high footed leg presses. And diet. Diet is so important if you want the fruits of your labors to be seen. If I have too much fat covering the muscle, I have a big blob of a butt. Not so cute! Now that I’m not competing anymore, the focus has shifted from building to shaping. I make sure I train all compound movements in a high (20-25) rep range and I eat very clean throughout the week and have small treats on the weekends. I’ve learned that cheating big is too hard on me and that a little can go a long way with satisfaction.
Bootilicious photo by JM Manion with Ms. Searles.
A few of the Gladiators will soon have their own action figures. We’re working on getting a few bigger images of the figures but here is a glimpse at the SIREN figure. I’m told Siren may be in New York this weekend for an upcoming event. If she happens to stop by the NY Pro show, I’ll get an update for you.
Last night, Jamie Eason was on the BRAVO tv show WORKOUT. The episode had some major drama. WHAT? Drama on a reality tv show? Whodda thunk it. Jamie was referred to as a fitness model who came in to work out with one of the trainers. The gym owner’s assistant (Lisa) commented, “I didn’t like her boobs, they look manufactured.” Shortly after she says that Jamie’s boyfriend says, “That’s my girlfriend and she had cancer.” The assistant realized what she had done and remarks, “I felt like the lowest piece of crap on earth.”
Jamie is a spokes model for Bodybuilding.com.Lisa apologized and felt bad over a couple of lame jokes. Jamie’s trainer (Peeler) was bothered by the comments and brought it up with the owner, Jackie. The episode ends with Peeler getting fired told to take his client elsewhere. He calls Jackie a “worthless human body.” The episode ends with that drama. Jackie didn’t want to discuss it with him because she didn’t make the comments and wasn’t an issue she felt like discussing. What will happen next? You’ll have to tune in next week to BRAVO and catch the fallout.
Pissed off Peeler over comments about Jamie Eason.
I caught up with a few of the figure pros tonight as they made their way through check-in. Catherine Andersen is ready to go but it seems her google maps isn’t working the best. Her hotel is located by the airport, which is a 30-40 minute drive. Huong Arcinas is in great shape and appears to have done her homework this time. She tells me she is weighing 94lbs (that’s at 4′10″). Heather Mae French’s plane was delayed and she was frantically on her way to the hotel when I met up with her. IFBB Fitness Pro Shannon Dey made an appearance at the check-in and will be guest posing in a couple weeks at the NPC JR USAs. Carla Salotti, IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, tells me she was in a car accident and her mother has been ill so she has been out of the gym a few weeks. She looked great and has her sights set on the Tampa Pro Show. Jenn Gates had just finished up a photo shoot with JM Manion when I saw her and she said it was fun and went well. She is at the show working the 8-ball Nutrition booth. She looked like she was ready to compete but laughed when I told her that. Heather Green wrapped up a shoot yesterday with JM Manion and is anxiously awaiting her after contest meal which I’m told may involve pizza. Allison Jones-Williams was her usual sparky self when I saw her earlier in the day and I witnessed her being wrong for what may be the first time. Yes, tis I who runs this site. 
Kim Oddo was looking jacked! Dude has been hitting the weights since I saw him in Nationals and looks a couple weeks out from a show.
Earlier today, I caught up with Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman for FLEXonline.com - check out a few photos on their blog. That’s it for today - prejuding starts at 9am EST and my guess is the pros will go on around 10am. Check back for more updates here and on FLEXonline.com throughout the weekend.
East Coast diva, Kristal Martin has put down her NPC figure heels and picked up her bowling ball. Is she looking to go pro on the bowling circuit? Nah, but she is looking to cash in on Howard Stern’s Bowling Beauties. Sixteen beauties will bowl it out in hopes of claiming the title. Check out the video and more photos of Kristal on the official web site.
Height: 5′8″
Weight: 135 lbs
Measurements: 34D-25-35
Self-described as being “built like a brick house,” this dark-haired, part-time fitness model spends her days working in construction and aspires to be parole officer. Kristal absolutely hates to lose. A former high school English teacher, don’t be surprised if the well-read Kristal sheds her homebody nature for her more competitive side - as she’s quite capable of using her extremely athletic build to roll over the other beauties.
Kristal goes bowling. Can’t say I’ve seen this bowling… ever!I’ll have to find the video where Kristal demonstrated for Ron Avidan and I how to eat ice cream at the Arnold Classic. I think Ron is still dazed and confused from it.
** Click here to view the food porn video Ron filmed with Kristal.
I caught up with World Champion fitness competitor, Oksana Grishina and her husband Boris today. They are going great and reported a change in their lives. The two decided to leave Las Vegas and call Long Island home. Oksana isn’t sure when she will compete next but she is enjoying some time off until her next show.
Oksana Grishina.I’ll report more on our favorite Russian couple after the New York Pro, where they tell me they’ll be spotted next.
Rachel recently competed in the NPC Northern Colorado and won her class. That was her first show and she looked amazing. So much so that I knew I had to shoot with her as she has “the look”. We met up at Colorado Pro Gym, which (as you read here) is run by Dylan and Heather Armbrust. They are cleaning the gym up and making it look incredible. It has some of the best lighting for gym shoots and today was no exception.
Rachel demonstrating a few exercises in the gym.
Today, I asked Rachel what she does for cardio and she said, “I chase tumble weeds in Wyoming. Those lil’ fauckers are fast.” Not only is she a fresh face to watch in the coming months but she also has a witty personality. This 25-year old rising star works full-time in pharmaceutical sales. You’ll be seeing a lot more of her around and don’t be surprised if you see her in a few magazines.
Rachel showing off her killer physique on a warm Denver day.
Last weekend the crew from TAPOUT made it’s way to Denver, Colorado for Battlequest 8. TAPOUT has established itself as one of the premiere clothing lines in the MMA world and also has a popular tv show. Two NPC figure competitors were tapped to be ring girls for the event. Liza Kampstra and Shawna Wittrock sported outfits from Camobooty and I’m told grew quite a crowd.
The show airs on the VS. channel - check local listings for show times.
Liza and Shawna ringside.
Liza sporting the camobooty apparel.
The 2007 IFBB NY Pro Fitness champ, Tracey “Trixie” Greenwood, didn’t take the stage to defend her title. She’ll be competing in the later shows before heading to the Olympia in September. Trixie was in attendance for this year’s show and had this to share with me:
You were the champ last year - was it tough not to be on stage to defend the title?
No. it was relaxing and exciting to see alot of new girls competing. I was especially excited for my good friend Heidi Fletcher to win her first Pro show. I like to watch the other girls and see what the new up-and-comers are doing with their routines.
What did you think of the women’s routines as a whole - anyone impress you?
I am always impressed with everyone’s fitness routines. Not many people understand how HARD it is to practice routines day in and day out on hard floors. And not to mention practicing fitness routines while dieting and doing 60 minutes or more of additional cardio!! All of the Fitness competitors are TRUE CHAMPIONS in my eyes! That stuff is not easy! All of the girls were great!!
Did you agree with the top 3? Anyone you thought did well but missed out on the top spots?
I have no arguments on the final results of the show. I think the top 5 girls all did their homework and presented their best physiques and routines. It will be nice to see some new faces in the Olympia this year Specials Congrats to my girl Heidi…I am soooo proud of you!!! And BIG CONGRATS to Trish Warren who defines the term, perseverance! And way to go Nicole Wilkins for qualifying at her 1st pro fitness show!
Tracey Greenwood the 2007 NY PRO Fitness Champ.
I spoke with IFBB Figure Pro Erica Fuerst (formerly Davidson) and she had a bit of news for me. She’s been preparing for the IFBB California Figure Pro show but suffered a back injury which will keep her out of the competition. Erica is feeling better but is unsure of when she’ll compete next. Take care of that back Edawg and we’ll look for you to hit the stage later in the year.
Erica and I backstage at the 2007 Sacramento Pro Figure show.
Those who are competing at the JR. USA and JR. Nationals figure may breathe a sigh of relief but watch out USAs. Top NPC competitor, Erin “the cat trapper” Heath has informed me that she’s put her competition plans on hold until this year’s USAs in Las Vegas. Erin was narrowly missed her pro card in 2007 and will be a threat for one this year. Fans will have to wait until July to see her on stage but if you’re attending the Emerald Cup you can catch up with her at the Muscle Milk Booth, where she will be working.
I had the chance to shoot with NPC Figure competitor Liza Kampstra and the UFC’s Houston Alexander last week. I’m still sorting through all the shots but Liza lit it up and looked great. She’s preparing for the NPC Jr. Nationals and it was the best I’d seen her look this far out from a show. Keep your eye on her in Chicago as she’s a rising star in the industry.
Liza Kampstra and Houston Alexander.
The UFC is attracting more and more fans, many of which are women. Ladies, are you a fan of the UFC? What do you like or dislike about it?
Houston and Joe Rogan after his fight.Unfortunately, Houston lost his fight but check out some of the training shots, video my article at bodybuilding.com. There are also a number of photos from the fights, which I was privileged to shoot, right on the octagon.
Yes, at least one more NPC figure competitor will make her way onto the show. Will she be a Gladiator or a contender? You’ll have to wait and see. The new cast is set to begin filming shortly.
Check out the first round of model hopefuls on FLEXonline.com and vote for your favorite. Over 25 women entered the first round and more are sure to follow suit in the months ahead. Who do you like?
If you’re a model and missed the first round, there’s still a chance to enter each month. Visit the registration page for more information and how to enter.
BUILT magazine used the 2007 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas as it’s debut. What bigger venue is there to announce a new magazine that’s vision is to promote bodybuilding (except for maybe the Arnold)? It was a new magazine being given away at the Pinnacle/Kemistry booth. The magazine featured many amazing photographs, various articles and tips printed on high quality paper. The design, well it looked more like a “design for design sake” than that of a functional, legible publication. As a designer, I can appreciate the design and new approach however it wasn’t fitting for the bodybuilding world. It was better suited as an art/design/creative magazine.
Any whoo… as we reported months ago all of the athletes under contract with Pinnacle/Kemistry were let go in November of 2007. Pinnacle also dropped out as title sponsor of the 2007 NPC Nationals. It appears there was a direct connection to these events that also lead to the demise of BUILT magazine. The magazine as it stands today is dead - one and done. I applaud the people behind BUILT for trying something new and attempting to bring more awareness to the industry. Unfortunately, this story happens more often than not with new magazines not only in the fitness/bodybuilding industry but also in the world of publishing as a whole.
R.I.P. BUILT magazine
It’s been awhile since we last saw her on stage but that’s all set to change in May. Halcyon Duarte has her sights set on returning the the figure stage at the 2008 NPC JR USA. Halcy has appeared in Muscle & Fitness Hers, Oxygen and IRONMAN. She graced the cover of M&F hers for the JAN/FEB 2006 issue. I’m looking forward to seeing her return to the stage. Best of luck Halcy and we’ll see you in Charleston.
Happy Birthday to one of the most entertaining pros in the IFBB Pro ranks today. Stacy Simons is almost always and is a true East Coast gal when you get a chance to know her. Stacy will be celebrating her birthday today with friends and family with a little drinky drink or two. I asked Stacy why she wasn’t competing in the NY Pro Fitness in a couple weeks and she tells me she is focusing on winning the Atlantic City Pro before heading back to the Olympia. In our conversation she shared a bit about her ‘08 Fitness International routine. She’s kind enough to share it with HARDBODY.com…
Aight Stacy what’s the scoop on your routine at the Arnold?
Okay, where do I start? Let’s just say that I felt like “Ralphie” in “A Christmas Story.” C’mon, you know the scene. “OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH FFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUDDDDGGGGEEEEE!” Yup, you guessed it! Except I said the real thing! I was about 20 seconds into my newly choreographed 2 min routine. Since I am a creature of habit and I’m used to tumbling stage right for my first pass…it just sort of happened. My choreographer did a kick ass routine for me, except I was SUPPOSED to tumble…stage left. So, what do I do? Anything but what I had practiced…tumble the wrong friggin’ way! I’m going into my tumbling pass and as I am doing my hurdle… I’m saying to myself “Oh f*ck! I’m going the wrong way!” Well, thank “gawd” I’m a former gymnast (and trained dancer… a lllllllllloooooonnnnnnnnnggggggggg time ago) and have the ability to improvise. So, the routine that everyone witnessed Friday night during the finals was NOT the way it was supposed to go. I forgot about 35 seconds of it. The next thing I can remember is doing some heavy praying to the “Big Guy Upstairs” so I can make this look somewhat decent. Next thing you know, I’m doing the “Hindsy”, my backyard is on my head, and I’m almost finished the routine. So, I guess finishing 7th really wasn’t too shabby, huh?
Stacy doing the “Hindsy” at the 2008 Fitness International.Happy Birthday Stacy and the “Hindsy” could be a great move to liven up any party.
I met Erin “the cat trapper” Heath last year at the NPC Jr. USA where she placed well and showcased some of the best abs in the biz. Erin continued to quarter-turn her booty off in hopes of nabbing a pro card with the IFBB. Erin narrowly missed her goal of pro status a few times in 2007. That was then. This is now and she’s one of the odds-on favorites to join the pro ranks.
Erin Heath at the 2008 Arnold Classic.That’s all fine and great but where the hell did “the cat trapper” moniker come from?
During the Arnold Classic, I had the chance to talk with Erin and get to know the “other side” of her. Many times I’m photographing the competitors and don’t know much more than how the looked and where they placed. I believe everyone has something interesting about themselves and Ms. Heath is certainly no exception. Aside from her love for being a book worm, she’s involved in something I’d never heard of, that is until our chat. Erin is a HUGE animal lover and cats in particular. I’m not a big fan of cats myself, so I prodded why Erin was on the verge of becoming a “crazy cat lady” with five cats of her own. She responded with some sort of babble which most of went in one ear and out the other, except for one nugget of info. Erin mentioned she is involved in helping the “feral cat” problem.
HUH? Me being the simpleton I am asked, “What the hell is a feral cat what is the problem?”
Erin recited, “Feral cats are the ‘wild’ offspring of domestic cats and usually the result of pet owners’ abandonment or failure to spay and neuter their animals, allowing them to breed like crazy. They are elusive and don’t like humans. I’m involved in humanely trapping these feral critters. We catch them, then spay/neuter, vaccinate and return them.”
Interesting. I had no idea that there was 1) a cat problem in the world and 2) people trapped them in an effort to fight the problem. While I enjoy busting Erin’s chops about a variety of things; I applaud her efforts to help better the world. How many of us take time out of our days and do something we’re not asked or paid to do? While trapping cats may not be your thing, we can all spare a little time and learn something from a chapter out of Heath’s book.
If you’d like to learn more on “Trap-Neuter-Return”, you can visit The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
We last saw Heather Armbrust on the Olympia stage. She had a great rookie year where she won her pro debut in Sacramento. Since that time Heather’s been one busy woman. The newest adventure is no small task. Heather and her husband Dylan recently took over ownership of Colorado Pro Gym. The previous owner, Harry, was always super cool to everyone who stopped by. Heather and Dylan are good people who will do a great job of keeping the gym what it’s been known for in Denver… that of a raw, kick-ass energy gym where you can grunt as you like.
Heather 2 weeks out from pro debut at Colorado Pro Gym.I’ve done a few shoots in this gym and has great lighting with awesome equipment. Last year I shot Heather and her prep for her first show at their gym. I recently shot IFBB Pro Phil Heath in this gym for FLEXonline.com which caused a great stir in the men’s bodybuilding world.
Phil Heath in Colorado Pro Gym.If you live in Denver or visiting the area check out Colorado Pro Gym for a gym with no fluff.
