GOT NEWS or Interested
in Advertising here?
Contact Us:
hardbodynews@gmail.com
Feed Burner
IFBB Figure Pro, Meriza DeGuzman was quite happy when I saw her in the lobby at the NPC Junior California. No, it wasn’t because I was there. She was smiling pretty because of the beautiful engagement ring on her finger. The lucky groom-to-be is NPC Bodybuilding Pete Ciconne. Congratulations on your engagement!
I ran into Britt Miller over the weekend while in Charleston and this woman is stunning. If more female bodybuilders looked like her, you might see more interest in female bodybuilding. She told me she’s getting ready for NPC USAs, which is held in July. You might recall the post where Britt decided to try her hand at boxing, if not here’s the link. She definitely over-powered her opponent in the video below but I don’t think we’ll see her becoming the next Laila Ali just yet. Still worth checking out though.
Props to Siouxcountry.com board for the find.
Embrace the twitter peeps. You never know what nuggets of information you may find. Like this little gem from herbiceps’ twitter feed.
According to Michael Eckstut, owner of herbiceps, Britt Miller recorded four knock outs in a boxing event and collected $2500 in the process. Not too shabby of a night for Britt. Will we see Britt hang up the posing suit for good? Only time will tell but it’s fun to see things like this from the ladies.
Who knew NPC USA Overall Figure champ and now an IFBB Figure Pro had such ups? I didn’t until we did a quick shoot in Orlando. We took a few shots of her standing, standard model pose and then she started leaping around. Cool. This is far more fun! Keep jumping Amy! Here’s one of Amy leaping in a single bound.
Amy contemplating switching over to fitness? Hmm….
Let’s hope the “American Gladiators” does better in Europe than it did in the United States. The revived American Gladiators were never quite the same as the original. IFBB Figure Pro Jane Awad shares that she is part of an American Gladiators’ spin-off. Jane’s apparently not only starring in the show but serving as the co-executive producer.
A few random thoughts from my nearly week long stay in Orlando and the Europa Show of Champions. The Good, The Bad and The in Between…
• The venue and hotels were conveniently located from the airport. The airport itself was easy and affordable to fly into.
• The hotel staff didn’t seem to have much information on the schedule of events or shuttle service to the venue. I was at the second host hotel and it was a nice hotel but the staff seemed fairly clueless on the entire event.
• The show ran much quicker than it did in Dallas. There were two less events for the pros, so that obviously helped.
• Orlando was a good place to hold an event like this, my only hope is that it’s near another show to draw in more competitors – primarily for the men and not the women.
• Note to Self: Don’t procrastinate and leave late for the airport. I missed my flight to Orlando because I didn’t pack the night before and hit traffic. I missed my flight back (which sucked because only one flight back on my airline) because I didn’t allow enough time to return the rental car.
• The lighting improved for the NPC show and the night show of the pros but I hope every promoter can do the competitors justice by properly lighting the stage. I know every venue is different and it’s a challenge to often work with the given venue however if the competitors put in the time and effort to attend your show, they deserve to show off their hard work with proper lighting.
• A number of women commented to me that they were dissappointed in the evening show. Every competitor had to get in their two-piece outfits but only the top three went on stage. By that point in time the scores are tabulated and there is no reason (in my opinion) to make every competitor change into their two-piece if they are not going to all walk on stage. Either bring them out on stage one more time for another pose or inform them that they were not in the top placings.
• The vendors/supplement companies seemed pleased with the amount of traffic that the expo received. I was photographing the NPC and Pro events which didn’t allow for much time to hit the expo. What part I did, it seemed to run much the same as the Dallas show.
• Promoting shows is often a thankless job. Ed and Betty were able to duplicate their efforts in Orlando that they’ve done numerous times in Texas. It’s one thing to put on a show where you live, it’s an entirely different animal when you are organizing a show in another state. Overall I felt the did a good job. There are a couple little details I’d like to see change – like the lighting but aside from that it was a great showcase of talent with the women’s events.
• Erin Riley impressed me with her routine. It is choreographed to her music perfectly, when she hits a move in her routine it is timed with the beat.
• Myriam Capes is one to watch come Olympia time. She’s changed her physique a great deal and has one of the best routines you’ll ever see. She could be a top 6 finisher in September.
• Mindi O’Brien also had an awesome routine and did a great job of entertaining the crowd.
• Shannon Meteraud made it two in a row. Impressive. Especially when you consider she is 40 and able to do moves that women half her age are unable to do.
• Nicole Wilkins-Lee is definitely one of the stars of the future and it looks like her time arrived in Orlando.
• Heather Mae French looked her best ever and solidified herself as a top 5 competitor in any show she enters.
• Erin Stern has a great, athletic, healthy look that will continue to improve as she competes. She’s a great example of what a taller figure competitor should look like.
• NPC Bikini is still finding it’s way. There weren’t many competitors in the show so it’s hard to critique it. The top three in the Tall Bikini class stood out to me and should be able to hold their own on the National stage.
Kim Kardashian has been busting her butt, literally. She “Tweeted” today that she’s shooting for an upcoming issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers. I’m told she looks great and is in excellent shape.
IFBB Fitness Pro Tracey Greenwood is becoming a one woman comedy act lately. Last week she was trapped on her roof, read more here. This week she nearly lopped her finger off while opening a can of tuna. Yes, I know, it’s not funny and I’m sure it hurt like hell. Despite needing five stitches in her pinky, she assures me the injury will not force her into retirement.
What will Greenwood do next week? Stay tuned.
IFBB Fitness Pro Tracey Greenwood is always good for a laugh. The latest chuckle for Ms. Tracey came when she sent me a txt from her roof. What the heck was she doing on her roof? Great question. Apparently, it was a nice sunny day in Jersey and Tracey decided to clean the gutters around the roof. Since it was such a lovely day she proceeded to lay on the roof a bit and catch some sun. When attempting to get down from the roof she realized she wasn’t able to do so. Fortunately, she had a helping neighbor that gave her a hand.
What adventure will Tracey be up to next?
If you’re itching to interact with some of the top female pros then Siouxcountry.com is the place to be. The forum has a massive collection of information on the women, in a positive environment. You can even win 50 bucks if you correctly pick the top 8 in the Figure International.
The show is incredibly stacked and even though I made my predictions (different once again on siouxcountry – pulling a Lonnie Teper). The show could go a number of ways and we have no idea who will miss the mark and who will nail it. This is all in good fun so don’t get your panties in a bunch if your favorite competitor isn’t being named or if you’re name is absent from the list. 
Head over to SiouxCountry.com to place your picks.
Most of the industry experts have Jen Hen winning the Fitness International next weekend. A whopping 81% of the votes have gone to Jen here on the hardbody poll. Can anyone break into that top spot in Hendershott’s home state of Ohio? It will be tough but don’t rule it out. Julie Palmer and Tracey Greenwood will be pecking at her heels. Might Jen feel like this bird is already in the bag and come in over-confident? Is it a three person race like most are making it out to be or can someone else crack into the mix?
One week from today we’ll find out.
I caught up with IFBB Fitness Pro Anna Level recently and she tells me she’ll be back on the fitness stage. Well, let me clarify… she’ll be back on stage as a guest performer at The Diamond Classic on April 25, 2009. The last time we saw Anna on the competitive stage was the 2004 Fitness Olympia, where she placed 10th.
Will she return to IFBB Fitness competition? You’ll have to wait and see.
Those of you who follow the bodybuilding scene know by now that Muscular Development magazine fired two of their primary contributors, Dave Palumbo and John Romano. Romano had been with the magazine for 18 years and Dave a number of years as well. I have nothing personal against either of them and get along with them fine. I haven’t always agreed with them and have happily discussed it with them when I didn’t. This is another one of those times. Since the two are no longer part of the magazine world they’ve set up shop with their own web site. I give them props, they’ve done a great deal in a short amount of time. That aside, John is a bit off base in his latest writing.
Dave and I believe the women of our sport have been left out in the cold for long enough. Our commitment to them will not waver because the women physique athletes make up a very large contingent of our community and, currently, no one is serving them. RX Muscle has a place for all the women of our industry; and then some. We believe in the women and their cause and we intend on showcasing them in every way possible. After all, we love women!
I guess it would depend on how you define “serving them”. Last time I checked there are a number of web sites devouted to the women in the industry. The industry magazines feature the women as well, admitedly not as much as the men but I’d hardly say women are left out in the cold. Their site is starting yet another “radio show” and it’s devoted to the women. Krissy Chin and Colette Nelson are set to host it. Cool. Great. Both are good embassadors for the women and the more exposure for women the better. I don’t have an issue with anyone who supports the women of the industry but let’s keep it real. There are a number of people who are giving the women a voice in the industry and if RX Muscle wants to be one of them, great. Don’t insult those of us who do and the women in it by saying NO ONE is serving them.
Top NPC competitor and rising fitness model star, Monique “MoMo” Minton was spotted on the UFC web site. Ok, so it was a banner ad for the new Girls of BSN calendar but don’t under estimate MoMo’s fighting skills. She’s been taking up MMA training lately and tells me it’s an awesome workout. Monique will be at the Arnold Classic next weekend working the BSN booth. Stop by and say hello but don’t question the toughness behind the pretty face or you may find yourself getting choked out.
An ambitious Julie Lohre has her sights set on a new challenge. As if rehabbing her injury wasn’t enough, she’s taking it a step further and plans to compete in a triathlon.
So, I have set a date and am excited/nervous/overwhelmed that I will do my first triathlon in 100 days! I have chosen a local race for a GREAT cause – the Tri for Joe in Cincinnati, OH with proceeds going to Down Syndrome research. www.TriforJoe.com Not only is this a great test of endurance and strength, it will be a chance to contribute to a cause that I feel very passionately about. May 17th it is!
- Read more about her new goal and if you’re interested in joining her in the race, drop her a note. Good Luck Julie!
More changes are taking place in the bodybuilding publishing world. Today Muscular Development magazine fired Dave Palumbo and John Romano. Dave and John were both supporters of female bodybuilding while at the magazine but were also two of the most out-spoken people in the industry. The reasons for the termination are not yet known. Dave Palumbo works with a number of competitors on their diet and nutrition as well as running Species Nutrition. John Romano was part of MD for over a decade as one of their more talented writers. The two also ran No Bull Radio, which has been cancelled as well. According to owner Steve Blechman they already have someone new in place to run their online efforts. Blechman wrote on their message board, “We are pleased to announce that Robbie Durand will be the new Editor in Chief of www.musculardevelopment.com effective today.”
It will be a story to watch in the coming weeks to see if this is good or bad for the women in the industry. Stay tuned for more info as it develops.
All the critics jumping to conclusions about the type of women entering the new bikini division might want to rethink things. I caught up with former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) diva Kristal Marshall at the LA Fit Expo and she tells me she will be entering the NPC Bikini division at the Arnold Classic. Kristal was rock’n the Champion Nutrition booth and excited about getting into the fitness scene.
No stranger to success Kristal has an impressive resume. Kristal has been a competitor in the Miss California pageant, a model on Deal or No Deal, was a Barker Beauty on the Price is Right and appeared in musice videos for 50 Cent. As if that wasn’t enough she’s also a new mother. Watch out bikini contestants, Kristal Marshall is putting y’all on notice. Don’t let the pretty face and hardbody fool ya, she can still lay the smack down.
The StarPhysique Awards. What? You’ve never heard of them? You’d think that an event that professes to be the “The Oscars of the fitness industry” would have a little buzz behind it. Fitness model, Jennifer Nicole Lee issued a press release last month where you’d swear it was an event as big as her Oprah appeance.
“Being honored is a milestone in my career. I am humbled to be among the best of the fitness industry and Mixed Martial Arts industry. And I would like to thank all involved to make this incredible event happen. I would also like to congratulate all other fellow athletes who are being awarded, especially my fellow Team BSN athletes. This will be an event not to be missed!” says JNL.
It appears the “night to remember” is a night that will never happen. The StarPhysique Awards were to take place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, California this friday. Ticket prices start at $185 and go up from there, but there’s no mention on the event web site that this event won’t take place.
Less than a week out from the event Garba “Mister G” Onadja, the founder of this event, emailed the nominees informing them of the news. Mister G told the nominees that it was, “due to scheduling and venue agreements not being met”. He went on to say, “After careful thought and deliberations, the alternative venue being offered was simply unacceptable for the type of show and presentation that we have worked so hard to prepare.” Many of those who were nominated booked their flights and hotel stays weeks ago. The founder will certainly be reimbursing them, right? Don’t count on it. The response was, “I understand that in many cases airline tickets have been purchased and will try, to the best of our ability, to mitigate this with either additional tickets to the event (at no cost) or complimentary travel and hotel accommodations during the ceremony for our awardees.”
The founder reassured the nominees that the ceremony would be held at a later date and would confirm in the next two weeks the new date. Good thing because now Mister G is now going to attempt to get Mario Lopez and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to attend.
This is a great reminder to be cautious of events and people who are unproven. There will always be some one promising the moon and delivery nothing. Many people may have good intentions but should that be a free pass to under deliver? I don’t know Mister G or his intentions, but I’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt. An award show honoring hard-working individuals is cool but don’t compare an unproven, first year event to the Oscars. We all have to start some where but those who “get it” don’t try to be something or someone overnight.
I’ll keep you posted on any future developments with this event.
UFC icon Randy Couture and his wife Kim played host to a holiday party this weekend. Spotted in the photo gallery on combatlifestyle.com was none other than IFBB Figure Pro Elaine Goodlad. Also seen at the party was American Gladiator and MMA Female super star, Gina Carano.
P.S. Elaine you still owe me for that Randy bet you made in Kentucky.
IFBB Fitness Pro Amy Villa Nelson checked in yesterday and provided an update on her new family addition. Amy and her husband, Eric, found out they are having a baby girl. The pregnancy isn’t new but the gender is for the proud parents. She tells me they will name her Ayden Mikayla. The little one is already taking after mom, taking a liking to jumping and kicking around. Mom and baby are doing well as they head into the last trimester of the pregnancy. Congratulations!
I caught up with IFBB Fitness Pro Tanji Johnson last week and she informed me that she’s ready to hit the fitness stage. Tanji applied for the Fitness International and is one of the seasoned pros that is a lock for an invite. Her sister Safiya turned will be making her IFBB Pro debut at the Europa and will be taking on her big sis. Yep, Safiya and Tanji will be competing against each other on the pro stage for the first time. Not to be forgotten there is a third sister in the Johnson family, Zakiya. Zakiya will be making her fitness debut at the Europa as well. This will be one Fitness showdown to watch. Tanji tells me she is keeping busy with her Save Fitness efforts and is recruiting for the 2009 team. Check out the web site savefitness.net for more information.
IFBB Fitness competitor Oksana Grishina took the professional fitness stage by storm in 2007. It’s no secret I was a huge fan of her routine, while many others disagreed with me (which is nothing new). The judges at the Olympia in 2007 agreed with me and rewarded her routine favorably. Love it or hate it, her routine did something many people haven’t done in recent memory… get people talking about fitness again. Oksana competed at the 2008 Fitness International but didn’t have the same “wow factor” she had the previous year. Her physique wasn’t as sharp as it had been in the past and her routine came up a bit short in the judges eyes. Oksana took some time off from competing and is back living in Vegas with her husband Boris. Oksana tells me she has put in for the Arnold and hopes to get an invite to the competition. I’d like to see her back on stage and see what she can do in 2009. We’ll see what the committe thinks later this month.
Will we see one of the icons of the fitness industry, Monica Brant return to the competition stage next year? If the committee for the Figure International agrees to it, fans will see Monica Brant back on stage in March. Monica confirmed with me that she did send in her application for the 2009 Arnold Classic/Figure International. We’ll have to wait and see if her name is added to the competition list. If you were on the committee what would be your selection?
Monica is featured in the current issue of Muscle & Fitness. Pick it up if you haven’t already.
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard the name Zena Collins. She’s apparently put her competition days behind her and on to other things. One of those things will include being a mother for the first time. Friends close to the former figure competitor tell me she is expecting her first child in early 2009. Congratulations on the new addition to the family and best wishes.
She’s back. A workout video with Britney Spears appeared online in October and now she’s showing off the fruits of her labor. Britney performed this morning on Good Morning America sporting a new and improved fit body.
Congratulations to IFBB Figure Pro Erica Fuerst and her hubby-to-be Brian. Erica tells me her lucky lad surprised her in Laguna Beach over the weekend. The last night before dinner he walked her down to the beach and popped the question. She went on to share that it was very romantic and of course said yes. Her new last name will be Arnedo however it won’t be for awhile. The couple is looking at a wedding in Maui in 2010. Best Wishes to both of you
I ran across this little gem on the female forum – Siouxcountry.com. Valerie Waugaman announced her retirement from the IFBB competitive scene when she became an American Gladiator. The new American Gladiator show may return in 2009 but it appears unlikely. Valerie undoubtedly had one of the best physiques in the pro figure ranks. Many “Waugamaniacs” are still hoping she’ll return to the competitive stage.
Valerie is known from being different from others in multiple ways. It appears she is holding true to the beat of her own drum yet again or is it a hoax item? The item is listed as being located in “Strongsville, OH”. Hmmm… It appears she has placed her 2006 Figure Olympia suit up for sale on ebay. Selling suits or items isn’t uncommon but what is baffling is the asking price for the one piece suit. The suit can be yours for a cool $5,000. Val is either broke and hoping her homemade suit will help pay the bills or incredibly brilliant to get that kind of coin.
Will she get the asking price? I’d like to meet the person who steps up and buys the suit for that kind of dough.
