HARDBODY Fit Female News & Events

Amanda Latona backstage at the NPC Cal.
Photo via Amanda’s myspace.

There’s no denying the striking looks of hardbody Amanda Latona. I first noticed Amanda when she competed in the FLEX bikini model search contest at the Olympia. She carries herself with confidence and has no problem making you do a double take. Amanda recently competed at the NPC California State, where she took home top honors in the bikini tall class. Amanda’s no stranger to the limelight and while her fitness career is still catching steam, she’s already accomplished a world of things. She was kind enough to share a bit more about herself with us.

Name:
Amanda Latona

Currently Reside in:
Las Vegas

Born/Raise in:
Born in Pittsburgh PA.  Lived in Orlando Fl. for 12 years

What made you decide to do a NPC show?
I have been wanting to do an NPC show for awhile now. When I heard they were adding a bikini division I was super excited. I am not quite figure, so bikini was the perfect fit for me.

You were recently featured in Muscle & Fitness - how was that shoot for you?
To be totally honest, A dream come true. I have been reading and subscribing to the magazine for years. I started competing in ‘03 and have been wanting to be in Muscle & Fitness ever since. The shoot was at an awesome location in California. The whole experience was amazing start to finish. The hair, the make-up, the wardrobe the crew everything. I have always wanted to shoot with Ian Logan as well. When the feature and article came out, it was so much more than I ever expected. I was ecstatic!! Still am!

Amanda recently featured in Muscle & Fitness.

You’re no stranger to the stage having competed in many modeling and bikini contests, but you’ve also performed beyond a physique competition. Those may not know, you were/are a singer. How did you get started in that?
I have been singing as long as I can remember. Living in Orlando a lot of the bands were coming from there back during the whole pop explosion of boy/girl bands. I was in a girl group that traveled and toured Europe and The States. After that deal, I was signed solo to J-Records by Clive Davis. After that deal, I was signed to a record label in London. It just went from one thing to the next.

That’s awesome. Being signed by Clive Davis is no joke. Speaking of boy bands. How was it dating a backstreet boy? (Amanda dated Backstreet Boy AJ McLean for a stint years ago)
Pretty normal… except for the paparazzi, huge concerts, red carpets and award shows, lol. But we had a very normal relationship. We ate dinner at home, watched movies, played golf and went bowling. Then you would go to a huge sold out concert and it was surreal. You know this person so well, but the rest of the world sees them as a superstar. Fun.

Do you find that your experience from being on stage in front of thousands of people helps your confidence during a bikini contest?
Absolutely. I am extremely comfortable onstage and I feel that’s so important. I come alive when I am onstage and my personality really comes out. I just love it! Its my favorite time.

What advice do you have for other women out there looking to improve their stage presence?
Practice and experience. You can only be experienced in a field when you get experience in that field.

There’s a stereotype brewing that bikini girls don’t work out. Do you work out and if so how often?
5 to 6 days a week. Sometimes twice a day. I truly enjoy it, so its not a chore.

Do you eat healthy or is it ice cream and french fries for you?
My diet is always pretty clean. I only have a cheat meal if I want one, not a scheduled one. Like I dont do a “Sunday cheat day” or something like that. Usually I will plan a cheat day on a special occasion, like a birthday or holiday. But I like to stay around the same weight to be ready for photoshoots and things. I’ve found things always come up last minute. And its always after you had a cheat day of wings and ice cream and your bloated like a puffer fish, lol.

Mmmm wings. Good advice on being ready for a photoshoot.

What are your goals and aspirations for the fitness industry?
I would love to be in several areas of the fitness industry. Make a dvd, be a sponsored athlete, host a fitness show and own a gym and train from there. Haha, yes, lots of goals… but I think that’s a good thing

If people want to find out more about you where should they visit? myspace.com/a_latona

Will you be signing autographs at the NPC USAs? Sure if someone wants one! Usually its just my mom though, lol.

Thanks for taking the time to share a bit more about yourself. Amanda will be competing at the 2009 NPC USAs held in Las Vegas, NV next month. Might we be looking at one of the next IFBB Bikini Pros? I certainly wouldn’t bet against it.

Monique Minton was set to take the stage at the NPC JR USA last weekend. She sent in her entry fee and was all set for the first ever National NPC bikini contest. Ms. Minton was mysteriously missing, so where in the world is she? Monique has been cast as one of three ring girls for the movie “Warrior” which stars Nick Nolte. Filming is taking place now and is set to hit theatres next summer.

Nolte plays an ex-Vietnam vet boxer-turned-steel mill worker whose family was torn apart by his alcoholism; the now-sober and remorseful dad welcomes back his youngest son (Hardy) and trains him to compete in a mixed martial arts tournament. He and his older brother, played by Edgerton, are on a collision course in the ring. - cagepotato.com

Monique tells me she still plans to compete in bikini and will do so in Texas sometime next month. She’ll need to qualify for a national level bikini show since missing the Jr USA event. She currently has her sights set on the NPC USAs held in Las Vegas this July. Props to Monique for the mainstream gig and for letting us know where the heck she’s been hiding lately.

Monique & the other two ring girls on the set of Warrior.

Andrea Watson looks to make it four in a row.

Andrea Watson is one of the NPC’s rising stars and on the fast-track to the IFBB pro ranks. She’s entered three shows and won not only her class but also the overall title in each of them. Andrea is heading to the NPC JR USA next weekend looking to make it four in a row and leave a pro. I caught up with Andrea days out from her the show and she shared a bit more about herself.

Currently Reside: Pensacola, FL

Occupation: Regulatory Analyst for Gulf Power Company (Subsidiary of Southern Company)

What made you decide to compete in Figure? I was always active growing up from cheering, running track, and lifting weights and thought about doing some fitness/figure modeling. I would always buy Oxygen Magazine, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Fitness Rx (just to name a few) just to look at all the amazing physique’s and competition photos. Last September I overheard someone talking about competing and I decided to buckle down and start training.

Andrea all smiles and getting ready to grub.

Had you been to a competition before your first show? Yes, I attended the Panhandle Showdown in 2007 and 2008.

What’s your family think of it? My husband Brian is the one who always said that he thought I should compete and he’s been nothing but supportive (I think he enjoys it more than me!). He and my sister are my number one fans. At first my mom was against it until my family and my went to my first show and then realized that I was not a body builder but a “figure” competitor. Now they’re totally supportive.

What’s been the biggest learning experience for you thus far? I have learned that with hard work, dedication, and belief in yourself that anything is possible. I’ve learned who my true friends are - the ones who support me 110% and are happy that I am happy and successful. Also, I have learned that you must balance faith, family, work and training and put them all in perspective….in that order.

What supplements and food help get you through the dieting? Tight Curves protein shakes are what I look forward to the whole day. I drink one right before I go to bed. They are so delicious I feel like I am cheating!  Also, as strict as our pre-contest diets can be, I savor every moment of the two prunes and quarter of an apple I get with my breakfast!!! I know it sounds crazy. Also, I am allowed one cheat meal a week and it’s usually some kind of carb like pizza, lasagna, or cheeseburger… if I was allowed I would eat all three at one sitting…and a piece of chocolate or two…or three…

Any advice for others who are thinking about competing? You MUST join IFBB Pro Shannon Dey’s Team Bombshell! They give you all the tools you need: diet, cardio, exercise plans, suit selection guidance, hair and make-up, and posing advice.  Also, they offer camps for figure/fitness/bikini competitors where they go over everything with you and kick your butt with boot camp and training sessions in-between!  The team is the best thing that has happened to me as a figure competitor. I have made life long friends with the ladies on Team Bombshell. They are part of my family now.

Do you still have frozen eggplant parmesan in your freezer?  Lol! Yes, I ordered the eggplant parmesan for my cheat meal after the Pittsburgh Championships and I couldn’t finish it all so I took it back to Pensacola with me! So, yes it’s waiting for me in the freezer for my next cheat meal.

How did you get the trophy that was bigger than you home? Funny thing - Well I knew it was too big to get it on the plane (and I was scared they would charge me for another seat) so my sister Jaynie (who was on a later flight and who had time) had to use a wrench and disassemble it and put it in her carry-on! Hopefully she will bring it to Jr. USA’s in South Carolina so I can be re-united with it.

All the best in your next show and we’ll see you in Charleston. Thanks!

Andrea backstage after her second A Class win.

A look at the Orlando Line-Up.

The Europa Super has concluded and the photos are being uploaded to the folks in Boise (bodybuilding.com is where you can see my photos from tonight). I’ll give you my top five predictions and a break down of how I saw it. The fitness isn’t over just yet as the women will be preforming their two minute routines and it counts as 1/4 of the overall score. Going into the night show this is how I see things going down and again, just my opinion.

FITNESS TOP 5 PREDICTIONS:
5. Mindi O’Brien - Mindi I have in fifth for the physique rounds but I have her in second for the 45-second routine. Depending on the scores and how the judges saw it she could be as high as 3rd. I don’t see her placing higher than that but hey stranger things have happened.

4. Erin Riley - Erin is a kick ass performer with a raw, edgy vibe. She’s definitely a rocker when it comes to the routines and I have her in 4th for the routine round. I have her in third for the physique rounds based on how the judges positioned them. Personally, I feel her physique needs to be streamlined a bit. She carries a good deal of muscle and building muscle isn’t her problem. I think her physique needs to come down in size, particularly her back. Get away from the hardcore lifting (which is cool and I dig the power lifting stuff) but not needed at this point. Again, just my opinion.

3. Tina Durkin - Tina I have in second for the physique rounds. She looks a little fuller than she did in New York. It will come down to where she places in the routine rounds. She could be as high as second or as low as 6th in my book. I have her in a solid third going into the final round.

2. Mariam Capes - This Canadian cutie has totally transformed herself from when I saw her first perform at the 2007 Europa Super show in Dallas. I have her in third for the physique rounds and I have her winning the routine round. It’s definitely a battle between her and fellow Canadian, Mindi O’Brien for the 45-second round. Her physique has come a long way in the last two year and her routine shocked the hell out of me. She did a standing backflip like it was no big deal. She held her strength moves as if to add extra emphasis of her abilities.

1. Shannon Meteraud - The fitness momma is back for win number two. I was impressed with Shannon’s 45-second routine and her flexibility. I have her in third for the routine round behind the two Canadian standouts. It was pretty clear the judges have her smack dab in the middle for callouts and will win the physique rounds. Shannon looks to have this one in the bag if she has a solid two-minute routine.

There were some physiques that looks like they belonged as light-weight bodybuilders in the fitness division. There were a couple women who were too skinny or over-dieted, a couple who look like they needed to diet and a few that were middle of the road.

FIGURE TOP 5 PREDICTIONS:

5. Erin Stern - Erin improved her presentation and some of the finer details from the Arnold. She ditched the crown and changed up her heels. She also looked like she stripped a little muscle off since March, not much but a little. I like her physique and I’d put her in the 5th place spot based on callouts. I could see her moving up into a top three spot in a future show.

4. Inga Neverauskaite - We haven’t seen Inga in awhile but she came back looking better than ever. She’s making a run at the top three but I think she is in a solid 4th here. Inga has a good look and I’d have her in third from the read poses but 4th in the front. I’d like to see her compared to 5-7 instead of just the top 3. Great showing by her at this show.

3. Monica Brant - I had Mo in second in the one piece but I have her in third in the two piece. Why? I’m going off from call outs and comparisons. Mo doesn’t have the same detail in her back as the others in the first call out. I could see her getting a few 4th place votes because of it. We’ll see where the judges place her but I see her as high as second or as low as fourth. It looks like Mo will once again not take top honors in a Figure competition.

2. Nicole Wilkins-Lee - She looked great and I have her in a solid second. She might get a couple third place votes but I don’t see her placing any lower than third. Could she win? Anything is possible but I don’t see it this time. You can’t help but continue to look at her when she is on stage. A natural beauty who holds her own in tremendous fashion. A return trip to Vegas (the Olympia) looks like it’s in the cards for Nicole.

1. Heather Mae French - I see Heather winning her first pro show in clear fashion. This is the best I’ve ever seen her look and I’ve seen her compete in a number of shows. YEARS ago Heather was competing in NPC fitness and was a tiny little thang. She’s far from the most muscular but she has added some muscle to her well structured frame and found a winning combination to her conditioning. Heather should take home top honors tomorrow night as well as a qualifcation to compete in the Figure Olympia.

A few random figure thoughts…
Candice Keene is close to a top 5 finish and looked good. She could hold her own in a top five position in future shows. I have her in 6th or 7th. Valerie Haines was at her all time best and will be in the 6-9 spot. I would have liked to see her suit fit a bit different from behind to show her booty and hips a bit better. Great symmetry and she really shined in the two piece. Rachel Cammon had a solid debut and will land in the top 10. She too looked better in her two piece. I would have liked to see her just a bit fuller and if she enjoyed a little meal tonight, she will end up doing just that tomorrow night. No offense to the other women in the second callouts in both 1 and 2 piece rounds but I didn’t see them in those spots. The top five I don’t have much argument with beyond the 6-8 spots it starts to become a toss up. Natalie Waples making her debut seemed better suited for the bikini division as she looked smallish next to the other women. She has a great physique but just not the same level of muscle the others have. Hopefully, the pros will adapt the NPC rule change and just go with the 2 piece as the physiques can’t hide and most of the women looked better in them tonight.

Some women looked like they should hang up the suit and call it a day. Now it’s not my place to say when anyone should stop competing but some of the women’s physiques left me wondering how they turned pro. Overall though it was a solid line-up and a presentable top three heading to the Figure Olympia.

Those of you who followed the NY Pro Fitness over the weekend saw Stacy McDowell (formerly Simons) in one round of action. Stacy competed in the one-piece round but didn’t make it back for any other comparisons. I received a call from Stacy yesterday and she shared the news around what happened at the show and her future plans.

Stacy on stage for the last time in her IFBB Pro career.
Photo By Bill Comstock.

During last weekend’s NY Pro Fitness, Stacy experienced extreme pain in her lower back which prevented her from continuing in the competition. She felt the pain while being compared in the first round of the competition. After the first round she tried to stretch it out and fight through it but it wasn’t meant to be. This wasn’t how Stacy wanted to go out but there comes a point in time when you have to listen to your body. Unfortunately for Stacy, that time arrived in the middle of the show. Years of gymnastics and competitive diving has taken it’s toll on her body. The pain her back was too much to bare and forced her to withdraw from the competition.

Stacy achieved IFBB pro status at the 1997 NPC Nationals. Throughout her twelve year career she found the highest success in the European shows. Twice Stacy won the European Pro Fitness Cup (2003 & 2004). She was runner-up at the 2005 Europa Super show and competed in last year’s Fitness Olympia. Stacy not only qualified numerous times for the Fitness Olympia but she was also invited to the prestigious Fitness International on several occasions. She’s probably best known for her incredible and freaky flexibility.

What’s next for Stacy? She tells me while a little disappointed that her competitive career is over she will stay involved in the fitness industry. She currently helps prep & train women for shows and says that’s more nerve wracking than competing herself. Recently married  (hence the name change), her husband isn’t complaining about the end of dieting and training. Nope. She can no longer use the “I’m too tired” excuse when he asks for some McLove’n.

Congratulations on all your success Stacy. All the best in the next chapter in your life. Your freakish flexibility routines and bubbly smile will be missed on the pro stage.

Stacy at the 2007 West Palm Beach Pro, where she placed third and qualified for the Fitness Olympia.

IFBB Figure Pro Natalie Waples will be making her pro debut this weekend in Orlando. Natalie turned pro last fall at the North American, one of the few shows Canadian residence can compete and reach IFBB pro status. I caught up with the Canadian Figure competitor today and here’s what she had to say…

Natalie Waples pro debut this weekend.

What have you worked on since turning pro last fall?
In terms of training I have been working hard at gaining some size in my back and delts (I naturally have very narrow shoulders so developing my delts have always been a challenge).  On the promtion side of things I have signed an agreement to promote Florida-based True Healthy Products and have also been spearheading the Serious About Fitness Fit Camps in Canada. I have also been shooting regualrly with Oxygen Magazine and working on my website.

What do you feel separates you from the other rookies as well as veterans in the Orlando show?
I have really tried to differentiate myself from other competitors in that I produce my own training DVDs, run several fitness camps, do promtional work for various sponsors and magazines (Oxygen, Inside Fitness, MuscleMag) and also offer consulation services and posing clinics for clients/competitors in Ontario, Canada. I feel this experience has really helped me to become a well rounded competitor in my understanding of the industry and helping others achieve their fitness goals. Plus, I’m Canadian eh!

That last line sums things up. LOL! Say no more. Okay just kidding Canada.

Do you feel it’s a challenge getting any love in the states being from Canada?
This will be my fourth show in the US (I’ve competed twice at the North Americans and also once at the Arnold Amateur) and have consistently been well received by the judges, so if I can gain some exposure south of the border, and meet more fellow competitors, I don’t see it being an issue.  Plus I have my coach Doug Schneider, fitness pro Mindi O’Brien and some friends from Canada all at this show, so I will definitely be keeping my eye out for them in the crowd.

What’s your goal as an IFBB Pro - not just this show but in general?
I would like to use my professional status to help promote the companies I work with (Interactive Nutrition, Natural Nutrition and True Healthy Products), as well as the Serious About Fitness Fit Camps. My next goal is to qualify for the Olympia and make the most out of my time on stage and the whole competitive experience. I love competing!

Can we expect to see you compete in any other shows?
I will be attending both the California and NYC Pro shows as well as one other this year (depenedent on how the Spring shows go). I know that is a tall order but I plan on making the most out of my rookie year.

When someone says Natalie Waples - what do you want them to think of or be known for?
I hope to promote a healthy, natural, athletic image and for fitness enthusiasts to feel comfortable approaching me with their questions.  I am going to ride this wave as long as I can, and have fun doing it.

Thanks Natalie and best of luck in your debut.
Thanks Isaac!

The Orlando Show of Champions will take place this weekend in Orlando, Florida. Stay tuned for more updates and interviews this week.

Mad props to J.M. Manion for providing these photos. Here’s your first look at a few of the top competitors heading into the week’s events. J.M. wouldn’t spill the beans on when these pictures were taken, so they could be four weeks, two weeks or one week out. As you can see the ladies are looking good and the competition will be fierce. We’ll see who brings their A-game to the stage on Friday.

Felicia Romero - Pro Figure   

 

 

Gina Aliotti - Figure - Defending Champ

Heather Mae French - Figure

Kristal Richardson - Figure

Sonia Gonzales - Figure

Erin Stern - Figure

Nicole Wilkins-Lee - Fitness

 

Ali Sonoma will participate in the first Arnold Bikini Division.

San Diego’s Ali Sonoma is a perfect example of what the new bikini division brings to the table. Striking good looks, toned physique but not overly muscular. She works out, eats right and has aspirations of making a difference in the world of fitness. I had a chance to chat with Ali as she heads into her first competition. What made this former UFC ring girl enter the Arnold Bikini competition? Find out the answers to this as well as what it’s like dating one of the top UFC fighters below.

You currently live in Cali but where did you grow up?
St. Louis, MO

How many NPC competitions have you competed in?
The Arnold Classic next week will be my very first one! I’m very excited!

What made you decide to compete in the Arnold Bikini Competition?
I was at Mr. Olympia last year and was really amazed at how the competitors looked. I saw the figure women on stage and was just in awe. I said to myself, I would love to do that someday, it would be such a rewarding self challenge to get your body at it’s best. So I went for it. I found a great trainer, (Kim Oddo), and he told me about the new bikini division. I started training immediately.

What are your competitions goals this year?
I would love to get my pro card, become a spokemodel for a few supplement /nutrition companies and continue to look and feel my best.

You mentioned you enlisted the help of Kim Oddo with your diet/nutrition, how has that experience so far?
I couldn’t have done it without Kim! I wouldn’t have a clue where to begin without a professional, especially one of the best in the business. He laid out everything-my diet, supplements, times I should eat, portion control, lifting schedule, etc.

I read somewhere that you like to fish and shoot guns, is that true?
Ha ha, sure is! I’m from Missouri so I’m naturally a country girl at heart and I’m not afraid to get a little dirty.

Some people may not know but you were a ring girl for the UFC. What was that experience like?
It was a great experience for me. I was with them for a year and traveled to many places. I am still a huge fan of the fights and always will be.

Do you get nervous thinking about the competition or is it a walk in the park for you now?
I might be a little nervous considering it’s my first one, but I think I’ll be more excited than anything.

Do you weight train?
Yes.

What a bikini competitor that works out? Get out. What type of training do you follow?
I weight train just about everyday. I alternate upper and lower body. I do light-med weight, high reps, at high intensity. I love lifting, so much more than cardio!

Do you work out solo or with a training partner?
I work out solo and I take it very seriously. I go to the gym to train, sweat, and work hard. I don’t like any distractions.

How is it dating a UFC fighter (Ali is dating UFC Fighter Diego Sanchez)… Does he help motivate you in the gym or can be a distraction while preparing for your own show?
Diego Sanchez is not just a UFC fighter, he’s so much more. He’s my very best friend and I have learned so much from him since being with him. He’s very knowledgeable in nutrition, training, diet, meditation, recovery, supplements, I could go on and on. I started eating all organic food because of him, and started taking up better habits like cutting aspartame, anything artificial, anything processed, etc. It’s a plus being with him because he helps to train and motivate me-yesterday we did sprints until our legs were about to fall off. ha ha! He believes in me and I in him. I am always the loudest, craziest one at his fights and he’ll be right there watching me on stage as my number 1 fan.

A number of women have taken up MMA classes are you one of them or leave that to Diego?
I love kickboxing and would love to someday take up Muy Thai and Jui-Jitzsu. I love to feel strong.

What do you plan on eating after the competition - birthday cake? (Ali’s Birthday falls on the Arnold Classic Weekend)
Ha ha, YES! Chocolate and some red wine! It’s been so long!

What advice do you have for women out there thinking of doing their first competition?
Get a great trainer! You get what you pay for.

If people want to find out more info about you where should they go?
My myspace page is the best way to contact me www.myspace.com/alisonoma

Any one you want to thank or give a shout out to?
First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me in so many ways-all the glory goes to him, the Creator. I would also like to thank Kim Oddo, my family, fans and the love of my life Diego.

Thanks Ali and best of luck in Columbus.
Thank you.

The Arnold Bikini competition will take place in Columbus, Ohio on Thurday, March 6th. Competition starts at 7pm.

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.

Props to J.M. Manion and his crew for the latest Iron Sirens comic cover. Here’s an exclusive look at the next cover (minus the lettering) available at the Arnold Classic in March. Artist Uko Smith, from Columbus, Ohio, illustrates IFBB Figure Pro Kristal Richardson for issue #4. Kristal joins Adela Garcia and Jenny Lynn as the heroes in the series.

Kristal Richardson looking bad ass!

Monica Brant heading back to the Figure International.

I caught up with Monica Brant moments after she received the news of her Arnold Invite. Monica will take the stage for the first time since the 2007 Olympia at the 2009 Figure International. Hardbody.com fans voted “YES” in a big way when asked if you’d like to see Mo return to the Arnold stage. Check out what Mo had to say about retiring, her fans and more…

How did you find out you made the invite list?
ISAAC HINDS! He is sooo fast!

Does this change your meal plans for Christmas?
Well, I’ll just have to make sure I get in my cardio and workouts… Since I am sitting around 133lbs right now it shouldn’t be too much to bring it on down for stage by end of FEB!

Not that it matters but what are you usually on stage?
Well… Since there isn’t ever a scale backstage to step on prior to stage. It is really hard for me to know EXACTLY! I typically leave the house before water depletion around 127/8.

Ah piece of cake then.

What made you decide to come back to the competition stage?
Just for the record… I have never told anyone that I retired. All statements made are rumors and speculations! Seriously, it has never come out of my mouth that I was retired. I realize I mentioned that IF I was to place lower than 3rd at the 07 Olympia we would consider me retiring… But after that placing of 7th - I still never told anyone that I retired!

I was invited to the AC in 08 — but was unable to perform do to some issues with my endorsement at the time. Then I wasn’t qualified for the Olympia based on my ‘07 placings.

Otherwise, being on stage is also a great platform for my business stuff! I will be having some exciting news next year to share with fans. If you want to be one of the first to know my business, fans can sign up to receive my monthly newsletters via my home page of www.monicabrant.com (which is going to have a face lift beginning of the year!) Also, if anyone is interested, I have all new 2009 F.E.M. Camps listed on www.femcamp.net!!

What do you say to those who say you’re time has passed and should stop competing?
Whatever! Ha! Ha! I don’t buy it…And everyone has an opinion! I am sure the people that are saying that aren’t competitors. Keep in mind I am using the stage as a platform, I really haven’t ever expected to win! I figured it out back in 2003… I do it for the gazillion fans that are asking me, on a continual basis, to get back on stage!

What can fans expect to see from Mo in Columbus?
Just my best… As always!

Thanks Mo!
Thanks I