San Delivers Results

Follow Frenchy To The Arnold Amateur


We told you about NPC Figure competitor Swann Cardot last year as she was making her presence known on the competitive stage. She competed in four shows and won every one of them, the last coming with an overall victory at the NPC Easterns. Since that time, Swann has appeared in FLEX magazine and featured in Muscle & Fitness HERS. Now she’s embarking on a new journey, the road to the Arnold Amateur in Columbus, Ohio. We caught up with Swann as she prepares for her toughest challenge yet.

 

Isaac Hinds interviews Swann as she begins her road to the Arnold. Swann will be checking in over the next few weeks to provide an update on her Arnold Amateur prep.

Some how I’ve managed to come up with a number of nicknames for you ranging from Chick Norris, Tiny Dancer, Frenchy to Ninja. Which is your preferred nickname or just Swann?
Hahaha, Frenchy!!!

Where are you living these days?
In New York

Do you bike to the gym in the snow?
So far so good! I’m handling the cold and still ride my bike to the gym everyday. Let’s see if I’m tough enough to ride it in the snow when the days come.

You recently hit the slopes. Do ski or snowboard?
I skied and did some intense walking up and down the slopes, music blasting in my headphones. This was the best one all. My glutes were on fire!

Did you do a dance on the top of the mtn?
I actually did lol, I have a picture to prove it.

Swann Cardot doing her happy dance at the top of the mountain.


Are you still dancing or not so much?

Not right now but may start again soon.

You work with IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Fakhri Mubarak. How has working with Fahkri helped you improve?
Fakhri Mubarak has been helping me with my diet and contest prep. He has figured out exactly how my body works and was able to bring me learner, fuller and harder on my last two shows. Fakhri is unbelievable at what he does! Not only he has improved my look, but also my health and my mind. Since a very young age, I was always scared of food which always took a tool on me physically and mentally. Through Fakhri I was able to learn a lot about myself, understand the mechanic of the body and become better in this sport. I trully owe a lot to my coach!

You recently received your acceptance letter to compete in Columbus. What made you decide to do the Arnold Amateur?
The Arnold Amateur IFBB International is a very big show, and also the only chance* for me to get my Pro card. After doing my last show The Eastern USA, I wanted to compete again as soon as possible. If you know me, you know how much I love stepping on stage. I feel very lucky to have got the opportunity to participate in the Arnold’s this year and I am ready to bring my best to the stage.

*Swann is not a US Citizen and unable to enter national NPC shows where IFBB pro cards are awarded.

How do you think you compare now to your previous shows – any changes in the physique?
I am currently training, focusing a lot my back and shoulders. I have put on a little more mass since my previous show so hopefully I will accomplish the goals I’ve set for myself by then.

Do you plan to come in any differently?
I would love to come in leaner and a bit harder but this is also where I have to be very careful and make sure I still bring in the look the judges are looking for in a figure competitor.

What’s your training schedule look  like?
Monday – Chest
Tuesday – Back
Wednesday – Shoulders
Thursday – Arms
Friday – Legs
Saturday – Back & Shoulders
Sunday – Off

Do you train with TRX?
I rarely train with TRX, I usually stick to weights. But I like to keep my workouts fun so I’ll throw in different techniques here and there.

Swann showing off her ninja TRX skills.

How much cardio do you do a day?
I do an hour of cardio every morning after my workout but do two cardio sessions a day during a contest prep.

How much weight do you change from “offseason” to show time?
I make sure not to put on more then 5-7lbs

I saw you’re a a fan of Muscle Eggs, how did you find out about Muscle Eggs?
I discovered Muscle Egg through my sponsor NATURAL BODY Sport Supplements, Nutrition & Vitamins. It really makes life so much easier! Check em out on www.ifbbsupplements.com

What’s your favorite way to eat them?
I am French and love crepes. Here’s the way I make them. Cook a very thin layer of muscle egg liquid in a pan and use butter spray as topping. For thicker crepes, you can also blend it with protein powder & oat meal. Very yummy, you should try!

I will Try the “Frenchy Muscle Egg Crepe” today. Something tells me I may need some tips on cooking a good crepe though. HA!

Any secret for making chicken taste better?
I cook my chicken with pepper, oregano & fat free spicy brown mustard from Gulden’s.

Ok, I don’t do mustard but for everyone else that might work.

How many meals a day do you eat?
6 meals.

Who will be making your suit?
Saleyla.com Silvia has made all my suits, she is very talented and quick.

You were featured in FLEX and Muscle & Fitness HERS – how was it shooting for a magazine?
It was a unique experience. Shooting for a fitness spread is physically very intense, a lots of reps over and over, it is also hard to stay pump and full for hours. My recommendation is make sure you bring enough food with you!!! I absolutely enjoyed it and looking forward to shoot again this year. Fingers crossed…

How does a ninja relax on the weekends?
On my day off I love to spend time at home, do all my cleaning, watch movies, hang out with friends, go shopping.

What’s something you want to accomplish in the fitness industry that you haven’t yet?
I would love to become a spoke model. I think I need to improve my English, the way I express myself and be more relaxed in front for the camera. I am actually considering taking improv classes for that purpose. Overall lots of work my way! ;)

A Frenchy’s work is never done. Thanks for doing the interview and keep training hard. If people have questions for you as you prep for the Arnold Amateur where can they reach ya?
I’m on twitter @swannCardot and Facebook.

WOO WOOO!
WOO WOO!



Do you have to be HARDCORE to be HARDBODY?


Welcome our newest Hardbody contributing writer, Kelsey Craun. Kelsey is a self-proclaimed “fitness nerd” who has a sensible approach to her hardbody. She will be sharing her views on a variety of topics in the months ahead and we’re stoked to have her on the Hardbody Team. Check out her first thoughts on being “hardcore”.


Do you have to be HARDCORE to be HARDBODY?

By Kelsey Craun
When it comes to reaching your fitness goals, there’s something to be said for maintaining an intense attitude towards it. You want to step on stage in a figure or bikini competition suit? You need to have drive and determination. There is absolutely no questioning that…. Unless you don’t really care what you look like on stage, in which case I kindly suggest finding a different goal.

But does it need to take over your life? Is it “healthy” to be compulsive about your diet and training year round? No, and no. Is it healthy for a woman to maintain an extremely ripped physique for long periods of time? Again, the answer is no. Health, fitness, and being HARDBODY are about so much more than how ripped your abs are, or how many calories your burn on the treadmill each morning. It’s not that simple, or that shallow.

Are your fitness goals getting in the way of important relationships? Do you still “allow” time for other hobbies you used to enjoy? Do you mentally beat yourself up when you “screw up” your diet? You can be lean and healthy without weighing every ounce of food you eat, and without doing cardio 6 days a week.

It seems like the “HARDCORE” folks lose sight of this too often. Aesthetic goals should not cause you lose sight of the rest of your life outside of fitness. In your quest to be a HARDBODY, you have to remember that more is not always better (I’m talkin’ about you, Overtraining Syndrome and Adrenal Fatigue – Yes, you CAN workout so much that it harms your health). Also remember that being ridiculously “hardcore” outwardly about your dreams of vascularity and striations doesn’t make you any better than the girl who silently kicks your ass in both back squats and life balance. Extremism generally isn’t healthy physically, mentally, or emotionally. If being totally ripped is a major source of happiness in your life, it may be time to re-evaluate your priorities.

Am I suggesting you sit on your couch and eat chips while simultaneously downing cans of soda instead of hitting the gym? Obviously not, but I am suggesting that having good balance in different aspects of your life is more important (and healthier) than being super “shredded” every day of your life.

Fitness models and competitors who are in the public eye need to take a step back and ask themselves if they are encouraging health and fitness, or vanity and extremism.

Do you agree with Kelsey?
View Results

 

About Kelsey Craun:
B.S. – Exercise Physiology
Exercise Science Grad Student
ACSM – Certified Personal Trainer
Blogger
NPC Competitor
Fitness Nerd

 

Kelsey Craun – Photo by LiftStudios.com


Biography:

Hey! I am a fitness blogger/personal trainer who’s passionate about lifting, coffee, learning, and peanut butter ♥ I have my B.S. in Exercise Physiology, and am currently a full-time graduate student in the process of getting my M.S. in Exercise Science with a concentration in Nutrition & Exercise.

I want to use my education/experience to give people sound advice (amidst all of the crappy advice and information out there) and to help motivate/inspire people to live a little healthier :)

In less “serious” news, I recently did my very first NPC Bikini division competition, and won my height class and the overall… Competing again soon! 1st in class A and Overall winner at the 2011 Lenda Murray Championships, then 4th in class B at IFBB North American Championships… and that’s it! Just the 2 shows so far.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KelseyCraun
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/KelseyCraun
Personal blog: http://kelsfit.com

 



Nicole Wilkins Answers Your Hardbody Competition Questions


The defending Arnold Sports / Ms. Figure International Champ, Nicole Wilkins gives us an update on her contest prep and answers your questions. Nicole talks stretch marks, politics, cardio and more.

Wow! What a week! I feel like my training has kicked up a notch this as my entire body is sore and my appetite is through the roof! 7 weeks out from the Arnold and things are going smooth – my metabolism has kicked up and I’m feeling strong. Today was a higher calorie day and tomorrow I have a massage scheduled, so the week will be off to a great start. I also picked out my color suit for the show – it’s a color I have never worn before. I can’t wait to see the final outcome! Other than the usual, I haven’t traveled for almost the entire month so I have been enjoying my time at home ;)

I have gathered some of your competition questions to answer. Feel free to ask away on my facebook page  www.facebook.com/nicolewilkins01 and I may pick yours for a future blog.

1. I always hear everyone say that doing competitions is all politics and about who you know to win. Someone may look better but doesn’t win because the judges favor the other person more. Do you really think that happens?
The sport is very subjective. This is the reason that there is a panel of judges and not just one or two of them. It is a collaborative score between at least 7-9 judges at local NPC shows and even more at the National and Professional competitions. The high and low scores are eliminated when tallying up the totals, so if one judge tends to favor one girl and the scores are way off from the rest, it won’t matter because that score would be eliminated. For a competitor to win that didn’t deserve it because of politics, all of those judges would have to agree and the chances of that happening are very slim. Aside from the fact that if he/she gets caught, they would be removed from judging any future competitions, the risk just wouldn’t be worth it.

Bottom line, you must come in to each show looking the best you can. If you didn’t place where you thought you should have, ask why. Don’t blame it on someone else, take a real honest look at your physique and see where you can improve. In my experience it is only those who don’t do well that blame it on the politics. I do believe that if a competitor continues to come back with improvements to their physique and has a good attitude each time they step onstage, the judges may take that into consideration.

2. What is an appropriate intensity and amount of cardio for the offseason vs when preparing for a contest? How many days a week? Alone or after weights? Would cutting calories be more effective than hours of cardio?
The appropriate intensity and amount of cardio will vary from physique to physique. If there was one set plan, it would be easy :)

If you tend to pack on the pounds fairly easily, then you may keep the duration around 45 minutes each day. If you are trying to gain muscle, then keeping it closer to 30 minutes a few times a week may be sufficient. I usually recommend doing cardio immediately after weight training or at a separate time. This way, you will have more energy for your weight workouts. I also believe that your diet makes up 80% of what you look like and that hours upon hours won’t make much of a difference if you are eating like crap. So yes, cutting calories and eating clean is more effective than hours of cardio, but the most effective way to get in shape is obviously a combination of both.

3. I’m in the process of having laser treatments to remove my tattoos. I wanted to know if there are any good products I can use to cover them up now? I am concerned about having them and competing. Is this something that the judges frown upon? Thanks!

Jan Tana makes a tattoo cover-up that can be placed under the tan onstage. It can be found here.

This product is great for photo shoots or day-to-day life and goes on smooth. However, sometimes onstage it can make the tan a little thick and if it rubs off or you have too much on, it could look a little muddy. If your tattoo is not big and distracting, I would leave it alone. Although skin tone is taken into consideration, the judges won’t mind minor tattoos. Men and women compete with them all the time.

4. How extensive can stretch marks / scars be on a woman and she still have hope of doing well in competitions? I know the fake tan covers a lot of flat stretch marks and scars, but I used to weigh over 230 lbs at 5′ 6″ tall and when I was cutting to see how I looked, I found that the stretch marks and loose skin were very apparent. I was around 130 lbs when I stopped cutting down due to being discouraged by this. I feel my build is great, but the loose, bumpy, and scarred skin troubles me. I don’t want to set myself up for embarrassment or severe disappointment.

First of all, congratulations on having lost 100 pounds! Before you get discouraged due to stretch marks, take a look back at how far you have come. Your health is better, energy is higher and you have extended years to your life.

I am pretty certain that nearly everyone reading this blog (men included) have stretch marks somewhere on their body. I have them on my upper right thigh and the top of my glutes. Unfortunately some have them worse than others. Exercise, staying hydrated and keeping the skin moisturized will help tighten the skin. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but they won’t ever completely go away. They will most likely go from a darker pinkish color to a lighter clearer color, similar to a scar. The only way to remove them or loose skin, is to have it surgically removed.

When it comes to competition, a portion of it is based on skin tone. If there is a lot of loose skin, it could effect your placing. However, if your dream is to get onstage because you are proud of your body and what you have accomplished, who is anyone to tell you no? Every single competitor up there has a story. The tan, the cut of the suit, as well as your posing could make some of the stretch marks less noticeable. It is ultimately your decision. But please, competing is for fun. You are being judged on someone else’s opinion, so don’t take it to heart and think that you do not look good. You have already won with the changes you have made to your body.

Until next time….

Be sure to check out my 2012 Motivational Calendar.

Make sure to visit her website for more info on Nicole and how you can train with her. Follow Nicole on twitter @NicoleMWilkins.



SportsStylist Tip – Model Respect


Cindy “The SportsStylist” is back with a simple time for all models and model hopefuls. The clothes provided on magazine and ad shoots are often samples or pieces specific for the job. These samples often need to be returned to the company that provided it or to the store.

 

 

SportsSylist Tip:
Trying apparel on will be part of your day before shooting, and while we don’t expect you to hang the apparel back up, we do appreciate you handing it to us right side out (and not leaving it on the bathroom floor in a ball) Remember these are samples or pieces the stylist must return to a store – be gentle and respectful.

 

Check out Cindy’s blog at cindywhitehead.blogspot.com. Also make sure you follow her on  twitter.com (@sportsStylist). If you haven’t “liked” her Facebook page check it out… facebook.com/SportsStylist



Kaitlyn’s Corner: WWE Diva’s Take on New Year’s Resolutions


Our favorite skull crusher in the WWE is back in the New Year and she lays some smack down. Who Dat? WWE Diva Kaitlyn of course. She holds nothing back on those who would rather text kitten photos than squat in the gym and she reminds us all to DO WORK SON!

From Kaitlyn:

Happy Hardbody New Year
So it’s about that time we start thinking about the new year and a new set of resolutions and promises to ourselves. For some of us it’s weight loss, a new workout regimen, save money, or my personal favorite… stop drinking. For others, it’s to conserve water (bathe less), stimulate the economy (buy an ass-load of stuff you will never use), or “go green” (act like you care about the environment in order to look more attractive to that hot guy, with the dreads, that works at Whole Foods).

Maybe you fully intend on focusing on the next year and improving yourself as a person, inside and out, or maybe you’re goals are superficial and materialistic.
Regardless of your intentions, I feel as though New Years resolutions are short lived and something we are all just… programmed to do. New Years resolutions are often prostituted by people that believe they can change a large aspect of their life just like THAT. (I made a poor attempt to snap my fingers aggressively to emphasize the quickness of the word “that”).

I mean, really what’s the difference between December 31st and January 1st? Besides your blood alcohol level, it’s just another day. In most cases, I believe people make resolutions just because everyone else is doing it. Perhaps, it does provide a certain kind of motivation. It’s a new year, a fresh start, a chance to reinvent yourself. For one reason or another, most fall back into their same routine, same bad habits, and same “fat” jeans. I hate my fat jeans. They haunt me in my dreams.

Seriously, most new gym members that join January 1st don’t even make it to February 1st.

kaitlyn wweKaitlyn on WWE NXT last Tuesday.

I don’t consider myself a pessimist, (unless it’s earlier than 6 am). However, I feel like I’m a fairly down to earth and a realistic person. In my short 25 years on this earth, I have found that people don’t really change unless they are truly, truly committed. Even then, old habits die hard. If you haven’t worked out a day in your life, except for awkward-back acne-training bra-junior high gym class, I don’t really think you’re going to become an instant advocate of HIIT. Just sayin’.

While I’m on this subject…. Isn’t it just the worst thing when you walk into YOUR gym, ready bang out a workout….and there’s a bunch of new members that don’t really want to be there? I’m all for people getting in the gym and making changes in their life to be more fit and healthy. It’s the people that DON’T really want to be there that really grind my gears. There they are, at the squat rack to do something that vaguely resembles a squat… Or some kind variation of a push press, (with some people, I can’t tell the difference) and somehow texting pictures of kittens to their friends, at the same time.

Ok… I text pictures of kittens too. Seriously just google “kittens in costumes” and try not to be amused. BUT… There is a time and place for everything and the weight room floor is not one of those places. I use examples from the gym because fitness goals are among the most common New Years resolutions… And in most cases the most amusing. Anyways, Allz I’m saying is that if you really want something bad enough and you really believe you have the dedication, discipline and drive to truly accomplish it… Then don’t just pretend…DO IT.

Be different this year. Be one of the few that actually follows through and accomplishes their goals. Whether it’s big or small, commpletely materialist or something that will possibly help get you laid… (by the guy at Whole foods).

Push yourself, make sacrifices and do work, SON.

Follow Kaityln on twitter.com/kaitylnWWE and give her a HARDBODY hello.



The SportsStylist: Models,Tell The Truth


Cindy The SportsStylist® has a great tip to kick things off in 2012. If you put on a couple pounds over the holidays don’t sweat it. You’re not alone however if you’re in the business of modeling being in shape is a necessity. Check out what Cindy, who styles hundreds of men and women each year, has to say.

The SportsStylist® Tip:
When you get the call to model for that magazine shoot or advertisement, tell the truth about what shape your body is in and where it will be when the shoot happens (sometimes they will book you 3 weeks out). It’s slightly disappointing to hear a girl is not ready yet, but much better than having someone lie and show up on set out of shape. This almost always guarantees you will not be asked back in the future. Remember what your mom told you “First impressions count!”

Cindy is right, more often than not magazines and companies will not ask you back if you show up out of shape. Thousands of dollars go into photo shoots and the magazine and/or company are investing in you. Remember they chose you for a reason, if you aren’t ready they will appreciate your honesty and keep you in mind for future gigs. It’s not like they are going to stop liking your look but if you are the model who is never in shape when they call don’t expect them to keep calling.

Check out Cindy’s blog at cindywhitehead.blogspot.com. Also make sure you follow her on  twitter.com (@sportsStylist). If you haven’t “liked” her Facebook page check it out… facebook.com/SportsStylist



Cover Model & Figure Champion: Nicole Wilkins’ Hardbody Q & A


The Champ, Nicole Wilkins checks in and answers your questions. This Q&A is a good one because Nicole shares her input on hot topics like fake boobs, placing low in competitions and tips to getting started with a competition. Check this out because it’s something we’re often asked here at hardbody.com and Nicole does a great job of addressing these frequently asked questions.

 

From Nicole:

Hey there! I hope everyone is enjoying a little down time over the holidays :) This month I have been to Tampa, Boise and New Jersey, so the traveling continues, but I will be home for Christmas which will be really nice.

I love November and December because I get to spend time with my family. Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday because I love to eat… and it is usually the last big cheat meal I have before beginning my prep for the Arnold Sports Festival. This year I went shopping with my sister for the first time on Black Friday. She’s not a morning person at all, but she was that day which started with her texting me at 4am just to make sure I was up. LOL! We had a blast and shopped till we dropped at almost 5pm.

The 2012 NPC and IFBB seasons will be here before you know it, so if you have any specific competition questions for me, please email me or post them on my Facebook wall to be added to a future blog. Here are a few I received last month:

1. Do you think breast augmentation is necessary if you weren’t lucky enough to posses them?
That is a tough question to answer, as it really depends on the individual and the reasons why you are thinking about breast augmentation surgery. If you are getting surgery just to place higher remember – you will be stuck with those boobs way longer than you will be walking onstage with the 5” heels. Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons, and not only because you think it is going to help you place higher in contests. Suit designers nowadays make padding look so real that I don’t think it is necessary – plus, it can save you thousand of dollars.

2. I love competing but I haven’t placed well yet. I think I look great but then the judges don’t think the same. How do you get through the bumps and still want to keep competing?
First of all, let me just say that if you think you look great, then that is all that matters. You need to be happy with your body regardless of whether you place well or not.

If I were to give up on everything I failed at the first time, I would never be where I am today. Everything worth it in life has bumps to work through. Competing should be fun and a challenge to build your dream physique. I would always ask for feedback from more than one judge. Because it is subjective, you need to get opinions from more than one of them. Then take an honest look at your physique from top to bottom and figure out what you could have done to do better next time.

FYI, you can only get judges feedback AFTER the finals. They are not allowed to give advice between prejudging and finals. If you don’t get a chance to talk with them on show day, just email them your name, number (on your suit, not phone number) and photos from the event and ask for their comments on how you can improve.

Most of all, remember – this is a journey, and one you have to enjoy in order to be successful. When I was starting out, my goal was to win, of course – but I was ultimately happy if I was getting better with each contest. And that still is my goal today, to be better each time I step onstage. If you can be happy with that and set that as your main goal, then I’m sure you will start seeing better results when you step on stage. Good luck!

3. I just started out with a little fitness after having two kids and am thinking about competing. How long do you think that will take?
It could take 6 months, it could take 3 years. It depends on where you are starting from. If you have a good muscle base to start, not a lot of body fat to lose and good shape to your physique (symmetry wise from top to bottom) it won’t take as long. To do a competition, it isn’t only about how much you workout – 80% of it is what you eat.

If you are just starting out these tips may help:
- Get into a regular workout routine but make sure you are lifting properly. It may help to hire a trainer in the beginning.
- Assess the weak areas and strong areas of your physique – competing is all about shaping your body so that it is symmetrical from top to bottom. You don’t want your butt wider than your shoulders, or your arms bigger than your legs ;)
- Understand the muscles you are working. Focus when lifting – the mind muscle connection is very powerful
- Go to a competition to see what you are getting yourself into
- Eliminate all processed sugars/foods, and begin cooking all of your own foods.
- Bring a cooler with you each day and eat smaller portions every 2-3hrs.

Once you have been doing this for a while and feel you are ready to take it to the next level, then I would definitely recommend hiring a coach to help with posing, suit selection, hair, makeup, tanning etc. There is a lot involved and it will help to have someone there to support you along the journey.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Until next time…

 

Check out Nicole’s new Met-RX calendar and visit her website for her own inspirational calendar. Follow Nicole on twitter @NicoleMWilkins.

Lead Photo Courtesy of Nicole Wilkins’ Facebook.



Kaitlyn’s Awesome Adventures: Mexico Edition


We caught up with our favorite WWE Diva Kaitlyn to see what was crack-a-lack’n. Well besides being McAwesome she’s continued to travel the globe and made her first trip to Mexico. Check out her latest blogsky exclusive to Hardbody.com.

 

 

Thanks for joining me for the all new, (and first ever)…

*Awesome Adventures of Kaitlyn: Mexico Edition*

Day one of our short tour began on a Thursday. I got up at 6:00 am and walked a few blocks to the gym and got in a sweet Hardbody workout. It would come to my realization later on, that I am an idiot for getting up so early on a day of international travel AND the same day of our first show.

We flew out of Dallas on a private charter around noon. The best thing about that last sentence isn’t that we flew out of Dallas and it’s not the time of departure neither. We flew on a private charter like rock stars straight into Monterrey, Mexico! Our usual travel from live events, tv days and pay-per-views are normally brutal. We fly into the location of our first show and then we drive… and drive… and drive some more. So this was pretty amazing to get the chance to feel so important, especially for someone as easy impressed as myself.

 

View of Mexico.

So we arrived in Monterrey and we took a charter bus to the arena for our first show of the tour. We had police escorts surrounding us the whole way. So baller. When we arrived to the arena for show, there was already droves of people waiting to get in hours before Showtime. The experience is extra special for the fans because they don’t get the chance to see live shows very often. Little did they know that this was exponentially more exciting to me because this was my first time to experience Mexico with the WWE. It’s a good thing I reconsidered wearing the sombrero. It’s a little over the top.

The peeps at the arena had a good selection of healthy things to eat…along with ridiculously tempting Mexican delights as well. I stayed away from the beans, enchiladas and anything spicy. I’d compare eating that combination of foods before a wrestling match as something similar to a time bomb.

Once the show got under way, the crowd was electric. When the fans are excited, it makes us excited and makes for an awesome show.

After our main event, we all showered, slapped some clothes on and jumped onto the bus and headed back to our charter jet. We landed in San Louis Potosi and arrived at our hotel about 4:00 am. This was about the time I asked myself why in the hell I got up so early. At least I got my workout in, I had no idea what our gym access would be the rest of the trip. I dropped my bags, turned on the Spanish Disney channel and passed out. I was clearly too lazy to search for the English channels. I figured maybe I’d learn some Spanish in my sleep.

OH YA That's ME!

The next day I still had no knowledge of the Spanish language. Damn It! We all had breakfast and jumped on a shuttle to get a workout in before the next show. We pulled up to an Olympic training facility! Oh snap. It was just a cardio day for me but I couldn’t resist playing with all of the cool stuff they had.

Our next show was outdoors in a baseball stadium at night. Holy air horns, the fans were even more enthusiastic than the night before. Side note: Latin men are big fans of a muscular woman. This is a fact. Needless to say, my quads have a great fan base in Mexico.

Ok so yada yada… Bus… Plane… Hotel…food.. No sleep… Friday morning…NEXT SHOW ! Veracruz had a full baseball stadium of excited fans! It was HOT! Our resident ginger badass, Shaemus, had to wrestling in his under armor shirt to save his sensitive white skin from a severe burn. I was very pleased with this. A big, white, jacked wrestler with fire red hair, wrestling in small trunks and a long sleeve shirt.

 

In Action & No, I'm not breakdancing.

After the scorching show, we cleaned up in some sort of makeshift shower that looked like a port-a-potty. Since we were outdoors, everything was in tents. Pretty cool experience, plus we had A.C. And electricity. Not too shabby. Then, we flew straight to Mexico City for Raw tv that same night. Whoa. Luckily, Smackdown was taped at the same venue the next day, so we got a little sleep that night.

The following day Smackdown tv had 11,000 people in attendance! I had the honor of wrestling a singles match. It was unreal. That is the most people I’ve performed in front of yet! I also got a mic on the way down to ring. Let’s just say I learned enough Spanish to call my opponent “fish lips”. I was very pleased with myself. I won the match with a sweet leg submission. The crowd went wild. This is easily the highest point of my career thus far.

So in conclusion, Mexico is beautiful… even though I only saw it from the plane, the bus and the hotel room. I had the time of my life, learned some impressive Spanish (boca de pescada: fish lips), won a match in front of 11,000 people with a sweet submission hold using my legs (I give the people what they want), and avoided Montezuma’s revenge.

 

Follow Kaitlyn on twitter @KaitlynWWE to see what’s up. You might want to look into her MOVEMBER team – just a thought.



Nicole Wilkins’ Hardbody Q&A – The Champ is Back!


We’re excited to have Figure International, Figure Olympia Champ (and a few other titles), Nicole Wilkins here to answer YOUR questions. Nicole has not only been winning on the competitive Figure stage she’s also been blowing up the modeling scene too gracing the current issues of IRONMAN and Fitness RX magazines. Let’s check in with the champ and see what’s up…

 

Hey Hardbodies, I hope you had a Happy Halloween! Hopefully you stayed away from all the treats :)

Hard to believe it is already November. These last couple of months have flown by so fast. And what a month September was! I have to say, it was the best month of my career. I won three contests in a row – the Tournament of Champions, the IFBB Figure Olympia (yes!!) and the Sheru Classic in Mumbai, India. What a trip that was! For photos, check out my facebook page (www.facebook.com/nicolewilkins01). It was an experience I will never forget.

Nicole with the Sheru Classic promoters in Mumbia, India

I also re-signed with my sponsor Met-RX and have been enjoying a short off-season filled with traveling before beginning my prep for the Figure International at the Arnold Sports Festival on March 3, 2012.

I chose four questions from my Facebook fan page and my personal email to answer for you. If you have a question you would like answered in a future blog, I’d love to hear from you.

How do I choose between figure and bikini?
I am asked this question on a regular basis. Both categories have similarities and differences which can at times be confusing for a woman whose body seems to be in the middle of the two.

Here are the similarities:
• Presentation – must be confident onstage
• Skin tone – must be dark enough and have a healthy even color
• Hair and makeup – face must match body color (I have seen faces too light or dark for the body), hair should be natural and healthy looking
• Suit – should fit the body correctly and the color should accentuate your features
•  Athletic shape with a small waist and tight glutes

Differences:
Figure girls tend to be mesomorphs. They have more muscle mass, broader shoulders and less bodyfat. Bikini bodies emulate a dancers body with more curves. These ladies tend to be ‘hard gainers’ and have smaller frames. The bodyfat of a bikini competitor is a bit higher than a figure girl.
• Figure suits are more elaborate with swarovski crystals whereas bikini suits have scrunch butts, do not cross in the back, and are a bit more affordable.
• Figure competitors do quarter turns for posing and bikini competitors do front and back poses only. Bikini scoring has more emphasis on personality so competitors have a bit more leeway with the posing than a figure competitor does.

It is important to determine which division best fits your body type. This will help gear your training program and diet to shape your body to meet the given criteria.

What is your current diet and training program now that you are in the offseason?
Right now I am currently following a carb cycling program (2 days low, 1 day high) and doing 45min-1hr of cardio 6 days a week (sometimes more or less depending on how I am feeling).

My workout split is as follows:
Monday – Shoulders and calves
Tuesday – Legs (track)
Wednesday – Arms and abs
Thursday – Back and calves
Friday – Yoga
Saturday – Chest, hamstrings and light shoulders
Sunday – Yoga

An example of a high day would be:
• Meal 1
1/4c cream of rice
4 egg whites
spinach, cabbage, green beans mixed in egg whites

• Meal 2
1/2c quinoa
4oz extra lean ground turkey
green beans

• Meal 3
4oz sweet potato
4oz chicken

• Meal 4
1.5 scoops Met-Rx Whey protein
2 corn tortillas

• Meal 5
1/2c kidney beans
4oz salmon

• Meal 6
4 egg whites
2 rice cakes
1tbsp almond butter

I have been traveling almost every weekend the last couple months and November will be the same. Because of this, my workout schedule varies a lot as does my meals, but I stay on track because I get all workouts in no matter what time or day, and my macros stay the same even though the sources (proteins, carbs and fats) vary. I always have food prepared with me. I will go out to eat in the offseason although I have only had a couple cheats. I do not like to have a cheat meal every week. I don’t need it, and it honestly throws me off mentally because I don’t like the way it makes me feel. Thanksgiving on the other hand, WILL be my day off :)

Is it hard to compete in back-to-back contests? What is your rebound like? After your first show, how do you reintroduce your water? How did you cut it? What about carbs?
For me, competing in two shows is not a problem. Competing in 3 shows back to back is very tiring. Making sure I am getting enough sleep and rest is extremely important to make sure I stay healthy. This is going to vary from person to person, but what works for me is dropping my sodium and tapering water without ever cutting it completely. I keep my carbs a little higher but rely moreso on fat sources. After the contest is over, I add a little bit of sodium back in the form of egg whites and mustard for a few days and also keep my water up. If not, my body will go flat and smooth. A few days from the next show, I will repeat the same process.

How do you decide when you are ready to compete?
This is not only a physical sport, but in my opinion almost more of a mental sport. You have to have a focused mindset 24/7 and surround yourself with people who are there to support your journey. If mentally you are not focused (due to overwhelming responsibilities with school, family, work etc) I would wait until you are ready to give it 100%. You need to be ready to prepare all meals and never miss one, train daily in the gym, drink enough water, and get enough sleep throughout the prep. The sacrifices made make the experience very rewarding. Expect good days and bad days. I also do not recommend picking a competition three months away if you have 40lbs to lose. Choose a realistic competition date so that you are not killing yourself to try and get the weight off. When in doubt hire a coach/trainer. I did all my own prep for the first 3-4yrs of my career, but hiring Kim Oddo pushed me to that next level. Often times we have a distorted image of ourselves because we look in the mirror daily. By having that second eye, it relieves a lot of worry. Enjoy the experience. You will learn a lot about yourself and what you are capable of. Most of all have fun!

Until next time….

 

Nicole with Hardbody.com's Isaac Hinds in India.

Check out Nicole’s new Met-RX calendar! Follow Nicole on twitter @NicoleMWilkins.

Lead Photo Courtesy of Nicole Wilkins’ Facebook.



Hardbody Style’n with The Sports Stylist: Do Your Homework


We’ve been slacking here at Hardbody when it comes to some of our favorite guest blogs but we’re changing all of that. One of our favorite tipster is hipster Cindy Whitehead aka The Sports Stylist. The Cinster has been tearing it up with a number of styling gigs which you can see on her redesigned web site www.cindywhitehead.com. She’s also started a facebook fan page where you can see some of her newest work. This stuff is rad, just like her.

Cindy has a great tip that everyone should follow no matter what your role is in the industry. Check it out!

Homework. Before every shoot I Google the photographer, hair & make-up person and the client as well as the athlete or model I am working with. You should learn to do the same – it’s always good to know who you are working with so you can have a conversation and also not stick your foot in your mouth – like a photographer I worked with did talking about another shooter who’s ex-wife was our make-up artist that day… oops!

Check out Cindy’s blog at cindywhitehead.blogspot.com for more kick ass style’n tips and ideas. She’s also one to follow on  twitter.com (@sportsStylist). How bad ass is she?



WWE Diva Kaitlyn Talks Olympia & Thanks Chuck Norris


Our resident body-slamm’n bad ass, Kaitlyn checks in on the heels of the 2011 Olympia. We’re stoked that Gaspari has brought her on board to host their Live Olympia coverage and will be giving fans a chance to meet the rising WWE star. She checks in with her latest blogskie and breaks down what’s up.

 

Dear Vegas,

Hi. It’s been a while. I see you’ve been doing well. Sorry I haven’t called. I’ve… just been busy. I’ll be seeing you again very soon. I hope we can work it out. I really don’t think I want my mattress to end up on the roof and I certainly don’t want any more tattoos. Please take it easy on me.

With love,
Kaitlyn

Ps. If anyone ends up in the trunk… I’m blaming hardbody.

It’s that time of year again! The countdown to the 2011 Olympia weekend begins! I am so excited to be going to the Olympia this year. I can’t wait to breathe in the excitement of the Olympia expo, to be amongst the world’s most incredible athletes and to return to my roots!

I’ve always loved fitness and bodybuilding. I fell in love with it when I was just a kid. I attribute part of my love for fitness to Chuck Norris. He’s a true Hardbody. Plus, his Nordic Track infomercials really did a number on me! When I was fourteen, I remember asking mom for a weight bench and set of plates and dumbbells to put in my room as an early Christmas present. Apparently, this is not “normal” behavior for a young teenage girl, but I think I turned out just fine. I went from the NPC figure stage straight to the the WWE. Look at me now ma! I’m a professional wrestler! ( Makin’ Mom proud since 1986).

So, besides getting to represent the WWE at the fitness industry’s most prestigious event, What makes this Olympia extra special for me? I’ll be making my debut as the host of Gaspari TV! This is a first-time-ever, never-been-done, holy-moly-this-is-awesome moment!

I will be interviewing Gaspari‘s elite athletes, some of the most important people in the industry today, many enthusiastic fitness fanatics and Rich Gaspari himself. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to represent Gaspari Nutrition and the WWE in such a exciting and innovative way.

There are so many things running through my mind. What should I wear? Should I also be tanned and oiled? Do I break the ice with bathroom humor? Ahh, I’m so nervous. Without a doubt, the 2011 Olympia weekend with Gaspari Nutrition and friends will be filled with excitement, shenanigans and certainly many unexpected and memorable moments.

I’ll see you there!

 

Fans stop by the Gasapari Nutrition Booth at the Olympia and get this autograph card. Follow her on twitter.com/kaitylnWWE and give her a HARDBODY hello.

 

 

 



Hardbody Style’n – Sporty Inspiration with The Sports Stylist®, Cindy Whitehead


Our kick ass style’n guru, Cindy Whitehead aka The Sports Stylist® has some a sweet contribution this week. Check out her new “sporty inspiration”  looks that will help you stay hardbody in and out of the gym.
I’ve always thought that the most stylish girl at the gym was the one whose look was street inspired/workout rather than a full on typical “gym look”. I am a huge fan of layering the shit out of your outfit and mixing what you already have in your “everyday” closet with your workout wear (and this goes both ways). I also firmly believe that adding an awesome pop of color makes that 6 mile run on the treadmill go a bit faster. At least in my twisted little mind it does.
Check out Cindy’s blog at cindywhitehead.blogspot.com for more kick ass style’n tips and ideas. She’s also one to follow on  twitter.com (@sportsStylist). How bad ass is she?


Dianna Dahlgren Recaps Her Road to The Olympia


IFBB Bikini Pro Dianna Dahlgren is headed to her second Olympia and is carrying the momentum of a victory into the big dance. She takes a minute to share her thoughts on the past few weeks and what’s up in the days ahead. Dianna has successfully positioned herself as one of the top contenders in this year’s Bikini Olympia.

Hello again!!

Thank you to Isaac & Hardbody.com for allowing me to do another blog before heading into the BIG SHOW! I’m so happy beyond belief and can’t wait!

The Dallas Europa was a BLAST to say the least! I hadn’t competed in almost a year, so this was a “come back” party that I had for myself. LOL! My goal was to be happy no matter what. I figured… the judges hadn’t seen me in so long who knows if they will like me or what I have changed in my physique! The weekend ended with a 4th place finish and I was so excited because I qualified for the Olympia! The top 3 girls were all qualified coming into this show so when that happens, the 4th place finisher will qualify.

I was lean in Dallas so I knew that for Phoenix I could relax a tad bit and be fuller :) It was a 2 week time period before I would be on stage again so I didn’t do too much damage with my diet. I always do cardio the morning after a show, my goals are always to stay on somewhat of a regimen, but to be honest with all of you I am so physically and mentally exerted from the weekend that I am out of whack for 3-4 days. After that I have to put the pieces back to the puzzle and keep going!

I enjoyed lots of fats headed into Phoenix, when I say fats: steak, nuts and almond butter… YUM! By the time I was ready to hit the stage again I was nervous! Even though my trainer was saying I was ready, I didn’t feel like it just because I am used to seeing my abs shredded, its just genetics. But in Phoenix the overall goal was for them not to be so hard. Very pleased with what happened because I ended up walking out of there with a win! My 2nd pro win and it was great to just enjoy that. Ever since last summer, I dealt with a lot of personal issues I was having with myself, family and work, I just couldn’t pull myself together for anything, so for me to come back, qualify, then win is very surreal for me and I really want to thank the Lord, my parents, and the people always sending me love and encouragement. THANK YOU! It really does mean the world to me :)

So now, I am 8 days away from my 2nd Olympia and can I say I wish it was here already! I’m working away until then and I can’t wait! Nothing crazy this show and my goals are all set. I can’t wait until next Friday comes and the judges call my number! TIME FOR SOME FUNNNNNN! :)

I hope all of you tune into the live webcast and follow along on twitter or better yet, ATTEND the Olympia! It’s such an amazing place to be, tons of people, tons of action, never a dull moment! Helloooo LAS VEGAS!! Friday September 16th is my Prejudging and Finals WOOOHOOOOO!! Keep me in your prayers and I will update you after THE BIG SHOW!!!

Thank you so much :)
DD



Gina’s Meat Pick’n Tips


Gina Aliotti gives some tips on choosing healthy meat and what her favorite type of meat is. Do you have a rule of thumb you follow for picking out meat? Share it in the comments field.

 

 

G’S TIP OF THE WEEK
Not all red meat is created equal. There are definitely ways to enjoy beef without all the fat. Go for lean and extra lean cuts. These would include round steaks, strip, tenderloin and top sirloin. Look for steaks with the least amount of visible fat (the white marbling). Select grass fed over corn fed and look for “select” rather than “prime”, as prime is fattier and higher in unhealthy saturated fats. Looking for another low fat option… My favorite is Bison (aka Buffalo) which is very low in fat but high in protein. For a 3 oz serving it only has 2 grams of fat!

Have a great day!

Gina Aliotti
Nutrition, Fitness & Lifestyle Consultant
www.ginaaliotti.com
F www.facebook.com/GinaAliotti
T www.twitter.com/GinaAliotti



Figure Champ Nicole Wilkins Answers Your Questions


IFBB Figure Pro Nicole Wilkins checks in with her latest Hardbody blog and answers your questions. Nicole will compete in the 2011 IFBB Tournament of Champions Figure contest and then attempt to regain her title of Figure Olympia Champion. She will then head to India to compete in the Sheru Classic. Check out what Nicole has been up to (besides prepping for three shows in a row) and she answers some of your questions.

Hey Hardbodies! It’s been a while! I am now in the heart of my prep for 3 shows in a row… what was I thinking!? I am going to do the Tournament of Champions in Culver City Sept 10, then stay out in California before making the drive to Vegas for the Figure Olympia 6 days later and then finally off to the Sheru Classic in Mumbai, India the weekend after that. I am feeling fantastic and ready to rock and roll!

So since I have written last, I have made my rounds with Met-RX to just about every national show and met a lot of you, promoted the 2nd annual NPC Nicole Wilkins and Natural Michigan Championships, redid my website www.nicolewilkins.com and, of course, begun my prep. Life is good!

Here are some of the questions you have submitted to me through my website or facebook:

1. How do you deal with food cravings?

I get cravings almost every day, especially around 4pm and/or right before I go to bed. The afternoon is easier to deal with since most days I just keep myself busy at work. Nighttime is the hardest for me since I am sitting for once and the kitchen is within reach! What helps me at those times is drinking hot tea (Vanilla Chai is my favorite) with vanilla liquid Stevia, snacking on a few raw peppers or cucumbers, chugging water, reading a book, working on the computer, or closing my bedroom door and going to bed early! It also helps to eat solid meals every 2-3 hrs through the day beginning with breakfast each day. If you are really hungry at night, you may not be eating enough earlier in the day.

2. My loved ones are resisting my clean eating efforts. How can I get them to join me?
Once you have seen results from eating clean foods, it is natural to want everyone to join in. But undoing years of poor eating isn’t easy and you will probably experience a lot of resistance at first. You can’t make someone eat a certain way, especially if they are not ready to make a lifestyle change, but these things may help:

- Let them know what you are doing and why it is important to you.
- Have them pick out a healthy recipe and cook it together.
- Be gentle, quiet and persistent, don’t bug them about not eating clean. Remember they will only do it when they are ready.
- Go to the gym together. This may motivate them to eat healthier.

3. Is there a piece of advice that overlooked at first, but eventually became something you ended up incorporating into your daily or weekly routine?
Mindless snacking is a huge one.Every extra bite adds up through out the day, so if you think that one piece of candy (5x during the day) or the extra scoop or two of peanut butter isn’t going to matter, before you know it you have eaten en extra 500 calories that day.

As far as training, developing the mind-muscle connection is so important. Don’t rush. Concentrate on the muscle you are working and understand how to work muscles from all angles. Mix it up and try new exercises. I still struggle at times with the mind-muscle connection on my arm training days. It is not my favorite to do and I can easily lose focus and just try to rush to get it done. I am really trying to slow the reps down and focus on the range of motion, on stretching, flexing and squeezing the muscle. Weight doesn’t matter to me for the most part – I of course want to push myself, but what is most important is proper form and making sure I am keeping continuous tension on the muscle I am working, throughout the range of motion.

4. What is one kitchen appliance you couldn’t live without?

My grill pan :) I use this to grill my veggies, chicken and turkey patties.

5. Who inspires you?
My parents. They are my absolute favorite people in this entire world. They have instilled hard work eithic and support me 100% in all I do. I obviously would not be here or where I am not without them in my life. Not to sound cheesy but, aside from them – YOU guys inspire me, as does everyone who lives to better them self and embark on a healthy lifestyle. Keep following your dreams!!

Please be sure to check out my facebook page at www.facebook.com/nicolewilkins01 and let me know of any questions you would like me to answer in future hardbody blogs. Wishing you all my best. Until next time…

 



Healthy Homemade Croutons from Gina Aliotti


Gina Aliotti has a healthy tip on how you can make your own croutons for your salads. I admit, I’m intrigued and will have to give it a try. Check it out and if you decide to make these let us know how it goes.

G’S TIP OF THE WEEK
We all love croutons and the added crunch and flavor they give to our salads but watch out they can be deadly. Store bought croutons are typically processed white bread made with cheap unhealthy oils and other unwanted ingredients. Make your own croutons to get that added crunch without the added fat and calories. Making your own croutons is really simply and allows you to enjoy that little crunch with every bite! Try my Herbed Croutons and give your salad a healthy guilt free crunch!

Herbed Croutons
• 3 slices multi-grain bread (I typically use Ezekiel Bread)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• pepper, to taste

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice bread into cubes. Place cubes in mixing bowl and add olive oil and herbs, generously tossing to coat all cubes with oil. Place on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. At about 5 minutes gently move around cubes and allow to continue cooking. Then turn on the broiler** for about a minute and allow them to get nice and crispy.

** When on broil, watch closely as these get crisp really fast!

Gina Aliotti
Nutrition, Fitness & Lifestyle Consultant
www.ginaaliotti.com
F www.facebook.com/GinaAliotti
T www.twitter.com/GinaAliotti



WWE Diva Kaitlyn’s Corner – Spread Some Positive Juju


Our favorite WWE Diva, Kaitlyn checks in with her newest blogsky. Despite being on the road, or in the air, non-stop she’s live’n and love’n life. It can be easy to get caught up in all the annoying little things in life but in this installment she reminds us all that being polite and positive can go a long way to creating a happy place.

From Kaitlyn:
So here I am. Seat 8C, on a flight to Los Angeles, CA. I’ve had a crazy week of travel. East coast to West coast, West coast to East coast, Midwest to middle earth somewhere… My body is tired and my mind… Well, I lost it going through security at Houston’s Bush International airport.

Kaitlyn hit Muscle Beach while in LA. She’s looking HARDBODY!

I boarded the plane really early, got comfy and sat back to watch everyone find their way to their seat. Ok, I didn’t actually “sit back” because for some reason most airlines think it’s funny to make the seats so uncomfortable that it feels as though you are actually leaning forward. Anyways, back to the action.

First, I watched the ridiculously uptight flight attendant controlling the flow of traffic at the the front of the plane. If her lips were pursed any tighter, she would look like the “bitter beer face” guy. She was in no mood for shenanigans. Annnnd since “Shenanigans” is my middle name, I decided that I wouldn’t be bothering her at any point during this three hour tour. She was barking orders at passengers, acting so inconvenienced to have to help anyone put their bags away. I’m pretty sure she eats babies on her lunch break. I covered my mouth and nose in order to prevent myself from catching her contagious negativity.


Bitter Beer Face guy.

Next, I got eyes on the very overweight man squeezing into his window seat, nearly crushing the pelvis of the terrified man in the middle seat. Come on man, let the guy get up to let you by. He didn’t ask for a lap dance… To spite how erotic that may have been. Then this jumbo jerk had the balls to rudely get the flight attendant’s attention by snapping his fingers. What possibly could have been so important you ask??? He needed a seat belt extender!! Ugh, have you no shame!?

Now we get to the super jacked guy lugging his bags in one hand and balancing a fast food bag, a 30 oz soda, and some sort of man purse in the other hand. By the way, I’m not knocking the man purse. It’s sort of looks like my new satchel… you know like Indiana Jones, but cooler. Anyway so this guy struggles on past me with all of his belongings and then realizes he’s supposed to be in first class. Wow. So he turns around shoving through people still trying to make it to their seats. Plowing through women, children, cute puppies. (ok, there weren’t any puppies). He clearly has his mind set on the double McHeartAttack sammich in his hand.

All three of these characters, in the ongoing situational comedy that is my life, have one thing in common. They all have very little manners and had little or regard for others. Many other people were effected by these jackasses and their actions. The flight attendant was rude and belittled undeserving passengers. The heavy mouth breather guy nearly crushed the man next to him and possibly molested him. He also showed very little respect to the innocent flight attendant. The big muscle head pushed people out of the way and felt it was his right for one reason or another. Maybe he felt this way because he was chiseled like a Greek God or maybe just because his mama didn’t teach him any manners. Who’s to say that everyone who was directly effected doesn’t do the same thing to someone else just because they had a bad experience and it dampened their day?

I guess what I realized is that having a bad attitude and little regard for people around you is like having the flu and spreading your germs to everyone around you. I know I don’t want your bad attitude bird flu germs.

Thumbs up during the WWE Summer Slam.

The point is that if negative energy spreads like wild fire, imagine what a little positive juju could do. I strongly believe that doing nice things, smiling and even just having some manners goes a long way. It’s also makes you feel good about yourself. This flight was A little reminder to myself that no matter how little sleep I’ve had, how achy my feet are from uncomfortable shoes or how bad my face hurts from the wrath of feisty female wrestlers, being positive and polite goes along way. Spread the love peeps. It will probably make your day a little happier, your workout a little better, and your overall outlook a little brighter.

Follow her on twitter.com/kaitylnWWE and give her a HARDBODY hello.



Erin Stern Crushes Dumbbells on Incline Bench


The Figure Olympia is only 4 weeks away and the defending champ, Erin Stern is training harder than ever. If you’ve doubted the strength of a champion female competitor, watch this video and think again.

In this video clip Erin easily presses 50lb dumbbells for six, controlled, full range repetitions. She shows why she has one of the best hardbody physiques in the world. Check it!

Follow Erin on Twitter @ERINFAST and subscribe to her YOUTUBE Channel to see more training clips as she heads into Vegas to defend her title.



Weekend Wisdom with Gina Aliotti


Gina Aliotti has a tip for you as we head into the weekend. Check out what she has to say in this installment of G’s Tip of the Week.

 

Weekend Wisdom with Gina Aliotti
Headed out to a restaurant this weekend? Before you head out the door, it is always smart to check out the restaurant’s website and view their menu and nutritional information. It is important to have an idea of what it is you will be ordering so when you arrive, starving, you don’t find yourself choosing something completely off your nutritional plan. Not only is proper planning important, to stay on track, but you would be shocked to find out that the salad you thought was a “healthy choice” was actually higher in calories than the pasta dish you wanted but decided against! Before you head out to eat, be sure to check the menu and save yourself on calories and confusion! Have a great weekend!

Thank you, as always!! Enjoy your weekend!!

Gina Aliotti
Nutrition, Fitness & Lifestyle Consultant
www.ginaaliotti.com
F www.facebook.com/GinaAliotti
T www.twitter.com/GinaAliotti



No Kaitlyn on WWE RAW? We Got Ya Covered


If you’re a WWE fan you likely watched WWE RAW tonight. We did and while there were some entertaining matches we were hoping to see our resident hardbody Kaitlyn. It wasn’t meant to be but hey we’re here to help ya with your Kaitlyn fix.


Here’s a peek at Kaitlyn from her LIFTstudios photo shoot a few weeks ago. She was just getting started on her Caveman Diet when these were shot.

Fitness fans will get the opportunity to meet Kaitlyn at the 2011 Olympia in Las Vegas next month. Stay tuned for more details on that. In the mean time enjoy this Kaitlyn photo and follow her on twitter @KaitlynWWE – give her a Hardbody hello.


©Photo by Isaac Hinds – LIFTstudios.com – 2011.



Dianna Dahlgren Does Dallas


IFBB Bikini Pro Dianna Dahlgren has positioned herself as one of the top models in the biz and now she’s looking to do the same on the competitive stage. She hasn’t competed since last year’s Bikini Olympia and she was a little off her best there. What will we see from the California girl this weekend in Dallas? Can she bring the same swagga she shows in her photos to the stage and overtake the Bikini Olympia champ, Sonia Gonzales? DD checks in as she heads into this weekend’s Dallas Europa Super show.

 

ALMOST THERE!!!!!! KEEP GOING!!!!!
Wow! I can’t believe where the time has gone! Is it really August already!? Right now in my life I am very happy!! I’m closing in on the last days of prep before I head into the Dallas Europa and I am so ready for it! I have been working very hard for the last few months and I’m excited to see what will happen next weekend! For those of you who keep up with Hardbody.com you will know that I was supposed to do the New York Pro back in May and unfortunately I couldn’t pull myself together in time! It was very heart breaking for me, I am very hard on myself for things I don’t do when I say I am going to do them. But NY Pro was not the right time for me and I am so ecstatic that I have chosen Dallas Europa as my first show of the year! I have not competed since last year’s Olympia, so my overall goal here in Dallas is to just have fun! Get on that stage, work it, and wait for those judges to call my number! :)

The past few weeks have been some of the hardest, mentally. Nutrition and diet is the most important during your prep and I tell everyone that this is my biggest challenge of competing! So during this prep I have learned so much about dieting and what works for me. Learning your triggers and what to stay away from, I haven’t had to do this in over a year! So I forgot what it was like in some situations. I travel a ton for work, my second home is an airplane and a hotel room LOL but I have surprisingly made it work great for my program and didn’t make excuses! Got it handled!! So here we are, only a few days left of workouts before I fly out to Dallas. I’m finalizing all the ‘TO DOs’ of competing in a show. Flights, Hotel, Hotel Roomie (Brooke Mora! YAY), Tanning, Make up and Hair, Suit, Shoes… and POSING POSING POSING!

I’ll keep all of you updated on the show so make sure to follow me on twitter! @diannadahlgren or you can go find me on Facebook! I’m just so thankful, my support system has been amazing and Ive been treating myself very well, so I feel great headed into Dallas, not a worry in my mind! See you all there!

xoxo
DD

Follow all the action here on hardbody as we cover one of the biggest shows of the year. User #EuropaTX for your hastag if you’re tweeting about the show.



Hardbody Style’n With Cindy – Fuel for Photo Shoots


Cindy Whitehead aka The SportsStylist® works with a variety of models every years. She styles shoots for Muscle & Fitness HERS, Nike, Wrangler and tons more. That being said she’s seen a number of things throughout the years of what to do and not do related to photo shoots. She has a simple but important tip on eating.

 

In a previous tip I touched on moderation and eating your face off on a shoot. On the other side of eating was the girl who had starved all week, came to set with no energy and almost fainted 3 times under the hot lights. So once again – everything in moderation. Eat foods that fuel you with out bloat, know what things will give you long lasting energy and perk you up for a few hours. This makes the day go so much smoother for you and the crew and your shots will look gorgeous since you are not tired and hungry.

Check out Cindy’s blog at cindywhitehead.blogspot.com. She’s also one to follow on  twitter.com (@sportsStylist).



Gina Aliotti’s Top 5 Contest Travel Tips


Gina Aliotti has assembled her top five tips for staying healthy while traveling for a contest. Gina knows because she did it for a number of years as one of the top IFBB Figure Pros. Check it out.

 

 

This week is designated to all those competing this weekend or anytime in the future.

Here are my Top 5 Contest Travel Tips:
1 – Pre-cook, pre-measure, wrap and freeze your lean protein to ensure they stay fresh and cold!
2 – If flying, be sure to carry on your essentials with you on the plan. (suit, heels, or anything you need to step on stage)
3 – If flying, be conscious of passengers and chose a “less smelly” protein option, if possible. (tip: slightly broiling your fish not only adds for great texture but takes away most of the smell)
4 – Beware, you cannot bring a jar of nut butter with you on the plane. You must check it since it is considered a liquid! The last thing you want is to throw away your nut butter so be sure to check it!
5 – Forgot your nuts… don’t think you can pick up a pack of nuts from the airplane or airport to replace yours! They are most likely loaded with sodium and not going to replace your no sodium kind!

Good luck to everyone competing at the USA’s and all other future shows!!


Gina Aliotti

Nutrition, Fitness & Lifestyle Consultant
www.ginaaliotti.com
www.gfitactivewear.com



Kaitlyn’s Corner: WWE Diva Sheds 10 Pounds Like A Caveman


Our favorite WWE Diva, Kaitlyn is back for another round and this time she shares a bit about her diet and how she’s recently shed 10 pounds. Kaitlyn keeps it real and breaks down how she went from a figure competitor to a “blobish” wannabe wrestler. Now she’s stoked to share how she’s looking hardbdy as a WWE Diva. You have to love her honesty and sense of humor and if you don’t, well then you better watch out. She might just deliver a kick to your grill.


Kaitlyn’s Corner:

Alright girls, let’s talk Cavemen! Loin cloths, over abundance of body hair and loud grunting as a means of communication! Well… Not exactly. Ever heard of the “Caveman Diet”? It’s also referred to as the Paleo or Warrior Diet. To sum it up… The Paleolithic diet consists mainly of grass-fed pasture raised meats, fish, vegetables, fruit, roots, and nuts, and excludes grains, legumes, dairy products, salt, refined sugar, and processed oils.

Ok, We will get back to specifics of it later on. First, I would like to explain why I ventured into this different approach to “dieting”.

I spent a few years competing in figure/bodybuilding and had many successes and failures with various diets. I’ve tried ketosis diets, carb cycling diets, and everything in between. In my experience, most of the time, I would diet very extreme and then rebound like crazy after a competition and then struggle to find a healthy balance in my off season. This is no way to live!!! I had my “in season” jeans and my “off season ” jeans… aka my fat pants… aka anything with stretch.

When I got signed by the WWE, I was training for a bodybuilding show. My life changed drastically as far as my work schedule, workouts, sleep patterns and stress levels. I was searching for balance. So after only about a month of training in the developmental program for WWE, I was pulled up as a last minute replacement on the WWE reality based show NXT.

September 7th, 2010 was my official tv debut.. And the last time I can remember being sane, until now.

My schedule was non-stop. I was traveling so much I couldn’t remember what city/state I was leaving or heading to. When I would return home, I would have to go straight to practice, shows, or training for the developmental program, which I’m currently still a part of. I was getting 4-5 hours of sleep and even went 3 months straight without a day off. This was the “oh sh*t” method of learning how to be a WWE superstar on the fast-track. Looking back, I wouldn’t change one thing. Well… Except the blobish shape that my body had transformed into.

Seriously, I went from strict routine to utter chaos in no time and my body was the evidence. I tried some of the diets that had worked for me in the past but nothing was effective because there wasn’t much time for morning cardio and strict routine. I lost a sense of who I was.

After I ended up winning season 3 of NXT, my life regained a small sense of order. I was put on the Smackdown roster and began to try to find some consistency. Constantly traveling isn’t ideal for staying in great shape but this is my new way of life! I have always taken pride in being strong, muscular and in shape. And this blobish “shape” didn’t cut it.

Have you ever heard that doing the same thing over and over with the same unsatisfactory result is the definition of insanity? True… So very painstakingly true. So I looked in the mirror at where my abs had once been and said, “You’re better than this, McFatty”.

So I decided to tried the “caveman diet”. It’s different than anything I had ever done before. Basically, I started eating everything fresh. I started taking in way more fresh/raw veggies and even added fruit in 2-3 times a day. Now, if you have ever dieted strictly, you know that fruit is mostly “forbidden” due to it’s high sugar content. So eating fruit was glorious.

Next, I began eating whole eggs, tuna, salmon and nuts as my means of protein. Bye-bye red meat, chicken and beloved turkey patties. Basically, I stopped eating carbs “intentionally” and got them from fruit and fibrous veggies. I also ended up eating about 15-20 grams of fat per meal.

Whhhhhat!? Yep.

There are many ways to follow the Paleolithic diet. There’s tons of information on the internet and number of great books on it. I believe there are many variations and you have to find what works for you.
Welllll… Are you dying to know how effective it is? Yea, thought so. Let’s put it this way… I lost 10 lbs of pure body fat and gained 4 lbs of lean muscle in just 4 weeks. Oh, and by the way, I didn’t have to kill myself with cardio. (we will talk about that next time) Suck it, fat jeans!!

 

Before and After The Caveman Diet.

So here is the best part… Other than being a HARDBODY once again and being proud of the way I look, I actually FEEL good all the time! It has really become a way of life for me. I’m done fluctuating up and down and constantly trying to find balance. Plus, this diet is easy to maintain when I’m on the road. Veggies, fruits, nuts, tuna and boiled eggs are always in my lunch box. Yes, I DO get teased for carrying a lunch box. In my defense, it’s very fashionable.

Hey…. It’s so easy.. A caveman can do it! Zzzzziiiiinnnng!

Stay tuned Hardbodies, I’ll be back with another blogskie soon.

 

The main point here is to make eating healthy a way of life and try to avoid dieting extremes. Follow Kaitlyn on twitter at kaitlynWWE and become a fan on her official Facebook Fan page. Tweet her & give her a HARDBODY hello. She’s currently rock’n over 50,000 followers. BAM!

Photo Credits: Lead Photos by Isaac Hinds / LIFTstudios.com. Before & After photos courtesy of Kaitlyn.

 



Cindy Whitehead’s Hardbody Style’n Tip: Be On Time


The Cinster checks in with a great tip. I can’t tell you how important this one is and it should be an obvious one. Check out what The Sports Stylist®, Cindy has to share about being punctual.

 

The Sports Stylist® Tip:
Be on time.

Sounds easy right? Sometimes you travel to other cities for shoots and they may rent you a car or expect you to take a taxi to the location. If you “think” it will take 30 minutes to get there, add 30 on top of that. Be on time or even 10 minutes early. It’s always appreciated. Tardiness is not. An entire crew is waiting on you and you don’t want to keep them from the tasks at hand.

Arrive at the location way too early? Go get a Starbucks and chill for a few minutes – better to be relaxed and early than stressed and late.

 

This holds true when you shooting at shows or on location for your own portfolio work as well. Many times photographers have multiple shoots lined up and if you’re late it screws the entire schedule up for others. If you’re going to be late for whatever reason, communicate with the photographer or your client contact. Sometimes things happen that are out of your control but as Cindy mentioned, it’s best to give yourself plenty of time especially in cities you’re new to and don’t know your way around. Also remember GOOGLE MAPS LIE – yes, I’ve had it happen that it showed my route should take 15 minutes when in fact there’s roads closed, construction or even a parade that will change your schedule and route.

If you’re THAT model who is late, the client, photographer and crew will remember it and it could be a determining factor on if you’re booked again or not.

Cindy has been doing some really cool stuff lately. Check out her blog (cindywhitehead.blogspot.com) to see the styling she did for a new NIKE campaign. She’s such a bad ass, we love her! Follow her on twitter.com (@sportstylist) to see what she’s up to next.

 



G’s Tip of The Weeek: Honeydew Cucumber Smoothie Recipe


Gina Aliotti shares her latest tip on how to stay cool when the temperature heats up. Check out her honeydew cucumber smoothie recipe and let us know how you like it.

It’s that time of year where things are heating up and with the sun comes the desire for quenching fruits and smoothies! With only about 50 calories, no fat and is a significant source of Vitamin C and Vitamin B in each serving, honeydew can be a forgotten fruit. This season is just beginning to heat up with ripe honeydews. Next time it is hot and you are craving a healthy, fruity treat, give my favorite Honeydew Cucumber Smoothie a try and you will be sure to satisfy both your thirst and sweet tooth! Enjoy!!


GINA’S HONEYDEW CUCUMBER SMOOTHIE

Ingredients
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 2 cups cubed honeydew melon
• 1 cup non fat vanilla Greek Yogurt
• 8 sprigs fresh mint, or amount to taste
• Juice of one key lime
• 2 cups crushed ice
• Stevia to taste

Directions
Combine in a blender and blend until desired consistency. Pull leaves from mint springs and add to blender. Blend mixture until smooth. Pour and enjoy on a hot summer day!!


Gina Aliotti-Silva

Nutrition, Fitness & Lifestyle Consultant
www.ginaaliotti.com
www.gfitactivewear.com



Ms. Melanie’s Fitness Model Tip: Water Before A Photo Shoot


NPC Bikini competitor and experienced model, Melanie Tillbrook is back with a helpful tip regarding water and how she prepares for a big photo shoot.

Melanie’s Tip:
The week before a big shoot, I drink a lot of water. You should always be drinking water but it’s extra important before a photo shoot. Typically, I’m having 4-5 liters of water a day  and this helps flush out the toxins in my skin and keeps me fully hydrated. The last couple days before a shoot I taper off the water. The day before a shoot I will typically drink 1 liter and not much the morning of a shoot. After the shoot is over, I’m back to drinking water as usual. Staying hydrated helps to avoid wrinkles, clogged skin and overeating.

HARDBODY Insight: Melanie’s tip is helpful for models wanting to look their best. One thing as a photographer I will note, please do NOT deplete yourself to the point of looking unhealthy. I’ve had models show up on shoots looking like they are getting ready for a bodybuilding contest and are so dehydrated they cramp up and can’t move. This is NOT a good look and one that isn’t healthy. You have nothing to gain by taking diuretics or going to the extremes. Follow Melanie’s tip and remember to stay hydrated!

Melanie will be competing in a couple of weeks at the NPC USA contest in Las Vegas. Follow her on twitter @msmelaniet as she looks to earn her IFBB pro card in the NPC bikini division. She’s also been doing a number of runway projects. See what it’s like to be a model on the runway!

 



Hardbody Style’n with Cindy Whitehead – Go With The Flow


The Cinster aka The Sports Stylist® aka the baddest style’n guru in the land shares her latest hardbody style’n tip for models. She sheds some light on what it’s like to be a stylist on a project and the model is asked what they think of the outfit. Some of you might think, well if you don’t want to know don’t ask me, which I won’t argue with however in this case sometimes it’s best to do as Cindy suggests, just go with the flow.

HARD BODY STYLE’N TIP:
So what do you think of this outfit? Sometimes a model will get asked that question, either by the stylist, client or even the photographer. That’s a hard one. I liken this question to “how is your day?” – it’s a general question and perhaps not much more than that it’s best to smile and defer to the experts who are there to help. The stylist may know that a certain designer or color needs to be featured in this issue and knows that you are the girl that can pull this look off – so if you say “I never wear pink” tha next thing you know 5 people in the room have all decided they know what’s best and the whole team is back to square one. You know you look amazing and can pull anything off (that’s why you were chosen to model right?) so go with the flow and be happy to rock any look they give you.

Visit Cindy’s blog at cindywhitehead.blogspot.com. You can also follow her on  twitter.com (@sportsStylist). Give her a HARDBODY shout out.

 



WWE Diva Kaitlyn Joins Hardbody


I’m stoked to announce our newest Hardbody contributor, NPC Figure competitor turned World  WWE Diva Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn will be sharing her tales from the road, how she trains and look behind the scenes as a WWE Diva. She has the looks and the personality to match, making her one of the hottest new female stars in the WWE.

Kaitlyn’s Corner:

Well here I am… Dripping sweat, starving and about to wet my pants in seat 7A…. Headed to Harrisburg, PA.

I guess I should explain myself. I don’t normally wet my pants, in case that’s what you were thinking. I’m flying to Harrisburg to tape an episode of Friday night SMACKDOWN. I am currently one of the newest Divas on the roster.

So I arrived at Tampa international Airport to catch my flight, as I do EVERY week and my flight is delayed. Sweet. So half an hour later, I board my flight and just as I pass a screaming baby and think to myself, “I dodged a bullet there, glad I’m not sitting next ‘Stinky McTantrum’”. As I find my row, I’m thankful to have a window seat. Ok, the man in the middle seat seems normal. He looks a little like a hill-billy but who am I to judge? I sit down, put my seat belt on and HOLY FEBREEZE!! What is that smell?? If a donkey and gingivitis had a baby… This is what it would smell like.

This man, who I nick-named “Halitosis Harry (ass)” has clearly missed his monthly bath and most likely uses manure as tooth paste.

So I remind myself that things could be worse (not likely), but I always try to stay positive. It’s only an hour and forty minutes. As the plane went into descent and only 10 minutes to go, I was very thankful that we had a safe flight and that I was able to mask some of the odor by eating an entire pack of Orbitz sweet mint gum (which will undoubtedly give me gas later).

So the plane touched down and I turn on my phone while trying to think of something dumb to post on Twitter.

“Crap”. (that’s not actually what I said… But it’s close enough). It was 5:29 and my connection was going to take off at 5:52! When we got to the gate, I jumped up frantically trying to get to the front. Hey, I don’t care, I’ll push a baby! Especially if he was crying the whole flight. I was not going to get stuck in Charlotte, NC for the night. That means that I would have to fly to Harrisburg in the morning on a TV day.

TV days are ridiculously long and not to mention hella stressful. Plus my bags would be going to Harrisburg without me. That means my clothes, hair products and my cooler with all my food, (of course I bring my food on the road. Once a fitness girl, always a fitness girl), would be out of touch until the next morning.

So, I grabbed my carry-on and held on to my low-rise jeans and sprinted from gate B7 to gate E25! I made it in just enough time to have the yellow strap pulled in front of me and the gate door closed. The lady at the desk wasn’t bothered in the least that I had embarrassing pit stains and was pretty much completely out of breathe.

Man, I do interval sprints! Why the EFF was I struggling to breath? Whatever.

So I begged and pleaded and she let me on and she couldn’t have been more disgusted with the idea of actually helping someone out.

So that brings us up to now. I am so grateful to be sitting next to this clean elderly gentleman, who is quietly reading and smelling very pleasant. I am grateful even though I didn’t get to eat or use the bathroom and now I’M the one that smells like a hill-billy.

My life as a Diva is amazing, exhausting, rewarding, challenging and the best job in the world, but it is most definitely NOT glamorous. I have had the most incredible, (good and bad) experiences and I’ve only been with the WWE for just short of one, whirl-wind year.

My luggage didn’t arrive until 3:00 am… So I did what any HARDBODY would do… And worked out in my wrestling boots at the hotel gym. The first thing I learned about flying: always have your gear, wrestling boots, one dress, a set of workout clothes, make up and undies in your carry on bag for occasions such as this.

That’s all until next time Hardbody peeps!

Follow Kaitlyn on twitter at kaitlynWWE and become a fan on her official Facebook Fan page. Give Kaitlyn a shout and tell her you saw her on HARBDODY. She has a HUGE following on twitter and always good for a few laughs.

 



Hardbody Style’n With Cindy: A Smile is Contagious


Cindy aka The Sports Sylist Whitehead has a simple but helpful reminder for those of you doing photo shoots. As a photographer, I 110% agree with The Cinster on this tip. Something as simple as a smile can make things cruise along during a long day of shooting. Cindy is one of the best stylists in the biz, when she talks people listen.

The Sports Stylist® TIP:
It’s a photo shoot – have fun!  We all love what we do and it’s our pleasure to dress you and make you look your best. So enjoy the day and smile, take it all in, ask us to take photos of you (if you like).  Your excitement rubs off on all of us. Nothing better than spending the day with a smiling and “happy to be there” model!

Check out Cindy’s blog at cindywhitehead.blogspot.com. Also make sure you follow her on  twitter.com (@sportsStylist).

 



Disclaimer: Reader discretion advised, please consult your physician before beginning any exercise or diet program.