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My good man Tony Blinn over at IFBBpro.com has posted Houston Pro photos from the figure one and two piece competitions. Check out the competition from the lense of photographer, Mark Mason. Mark is a good guy out of the upper west side of the United States. He does work on his own as well as for bodybuilding.com.
Did you miss the action that went down earlier this month in Houston? Check out the photos on the IFBB web site to see a bit of what you missed. It sounds like we’ll be seeing another showdown in the heart of Texas next month when Tracey, Shannon and Erin (the top three in Houston) all return to the Europa Super show.
Thanks to Tom Richardson, Co-Founder BodyWell Nutrition, shared this video with me today. Lee Thompson along with BodyWell Nutrition shared their time with Healthy Kids Houston. They didn’t do it alone though. Figure competitors Kristal Richardson, Paola Almerico, Natalie Benson and Monique Minton also joined in the fun. Props to all of them for giving back to the Houston community.
Two incredible contests in Houston and here are the final results.
Houston Pro Figure Results
1. Felicia Romero
2. Lenay Hernandez
3. Heather Mae French
4. Jelena Abbou
5. Paola Almerico
6. Huong Arcinas
7. Krissy Chin
8. Bernadette Galvin
9. Natalie Benson
9. Darlina Brown
11. Jane Awad
12. Liane Seiwald
13. Amy Peters
14. Andrea Dumon
15. Petra Mertl
16. Karen Mullarkey-Barringer
17. Melissa Pearo
18. Candice John
19. Elisha Archibold
19. Susanne Bock
19. Trivisay Briceno
19. Nancy Georges
19. Celeste Gonzalez
19. Patricia Mello
19. Jessica Steffens
Houston Pro Fitness Results
1. Tracey Greenwood
2. Shannon Meteraud
3. Erin Riley
4. Bethany Gainey
5. Nicole Duncan
6. Amy Haddad
7. Nicole Rollolazo
8. Heidi Fletcher
9. Angie English
10. Trish Warren
11. Laticia Jackson
12. Susan Groshek
13. Myriam Capes
14. Traci Redding
15. Amy Villa-Nelson
16. Maggie Blanchard
16. Jessica Rohm
18. Leslie Rae Newton
19. Shannon Dey
20. Jennifer Cassetty
21. Liza Hughes
21. Lisbeth Marquez
21. Lisa McCormick
21. Stacy Wig
The physique rounds in the IFBB Houston Pro fitness kicked things off this morning. My Houston attendees are telling me it looks like the two of the three stooges are battling it out for first. If you haven’t followed the talk here on hardbody, where the hell have you been?! Kidding, by stooges I am referring to Shannon, Tracey and Heidi. Oh ya and Trish Warren jumped in the mix as Stooge Shemp. It appears Shannon (don’t call her gramma) Meteraud is neck and neck with Dr. Tracey Greenwood. Who wins this battle? hmmmm. It sounds like it could be momma Meteraud leading the way after prejudging. Shannon always fairs well in the physique rounds but can her brittle bones hold up for the routines? I think so but Tracey and her stupid sic strength should put her in first for the rounds. Then who wins?
Shannon vs. Tracey… The epic battle will be decided tonight.
The figure pro women took the stage tonight in Houston and the competition was fierce.
Your top six in the show look to be:
(in no particular order)
Felicia Romero
Heather Mae French
Lenay Hernandez
Paolo Almerico
Huong Arcinas
Jelena Abbou
Lenay Hernandez tells me she is on cloud 9 and couldn’t be happier. This is her pro debut and a dream come true for her to be on stage with her mentor and trainer, Paola Almerico. Paola was also in the first call outs. Felicia has established herself as a top pro this year and a threat for the top spot in every show she enters. Heather Mae French has also found a winning look and having a breakout year. Lil Houng Arcinas has one of the best physiques in the pro ranks and could find herself in a qualifying spot for the Olympia. Jelena has a super tiny waist and a beautiful look. She may be on the outside of a qualifying spot to the O but we’ll have to wait and see. All the prejudging is complete and the women will find out the results tomorrow at the finals.
The IFBB Figure pros will take the stage tonight in Houston. The ladies will start their own set of fireworks in the prejudging. Who will prevail? This is a very tough lineup and the top five could go a number of ways. Stay tuned to hear who burned out and who lit it up, later tonight. The pro figure will have one round of prejudging beginning at 5:30pm (Texas time).
For more info visit: houstonproshow.com
This is a candid, behind-the-scenes shot from Memorial Day weekend of the reigning champ of fitness, Adela Garcia. Adela was trying to stay warm and cover her eyes from the sun when I snapped this pic. Those of you attending the Houston Pro Show will get a chance to meet Adela. Ask her what she’s doing for her routine this year at the Olympia.
IFBB Figure Pro Jessica Steffens calls Colorado home. She’s an active lil lass who can be seen climbing walls, racing go-karts as well as dirt bikes and motorcycles. This weekend she’ll be doing no climbing of rocks and no racing of motorized things… Instead she’ll me making her IFBB Pro debut at the Houston show. I caught up with Jessica before she headed south for the big show.
Why did you decide on Houston for your debut?
My main reason was timing I really want to get three shows in this season and it just worked out that Houston would be my first.
What’s your goal for the show?
I would be so excited to be in the top 10 for my first pro show!
When you’re not training for a figure competition what do you do?
Seems like that is all I do…but when I do take a break I enjoy doing anything with my husband. We like to rock climb, travel and fly fish and of course eat more dinners out!
Plans to compete in any other shows this year?
Yes! My plan is Houston, Jacksonville and then NYC!
Have you been dirt biking lately?
No I haven’t. I have been rock climbing more though.
Good Luck Jess. There was no comment on who catches more fish and can eat more in the Steffens’ household.
Thanks to Laura Johnson of POSEDOWN magazine for passing along the photo and new cover. POSEDOWN, a Texas based magazine, features IFBB Fitness Pro Trish Warren as the newest cover model. Trish has her own column in the magazine each month as well. Laura tells me Black Mamba plans on smashing the competition and did a little demonstration of her skills recently. Good luck to the Mamba of Darkness this weekend and congrats on the cover.
Look who’s back, back again. Darlina Brown’s back. Back again. Wait! Hold up. Darlina is already qualified for the 2008 Ms. Figure Olympia, what in the sam hill is she doing competing this weekend? I pondered the same question and caught up with Harker Heights Texan to get the skinny on her Houston plans. Darlina shares the answer to this along with a few other things. Take a minute to learn a bit more about IFBB Pro Darlina Brown.
You’re already qualified for the Olympia, why compete in the Houston Pro Figure show?
Nobody knows who I am. I wanted the opportunity to be better known before the Olympia rolls around and to see if I could give a consistent showing and placing. Of course, it all depends on who shows up that day. Additionally, its keeping me busy as my husband just deployed. Its serving as a positive outlet for me and a distraction from my reality…so to speak.
You did fitness back in the day, right?
I did. I love the routines but I wasn’t sure what avenue to take this time around and I figured I’d start with getting my body up to par.
Why the long lay off and when you returned why figure?
How much time do you have? LOL. Okay - I passed out at my 2nd pro fitness show in Pittsburgh. I want to say that was around the year 2000 or so. As it turned out I was at risk of a stroke. In the next year I couldn’t really workout without being rushed to the hospital for feeling like I was having a heart attack. I went to every Doctor under the sun and two years later found out I have Hemiplegic migraines which often paralyzes one side of the body. One pupil dilates throwing off equilibrium. Further down the road we found the culprit. It was the birth control pill by way of too much estrogen. Seems I was part of the 1% who could suffer such side effects. By then I was managing a health club fulltime and personal training. I planned never to return to competing until a couple years later. After a divorce and sometime on my own, I met my current, wonderful husband who wanted to see me fulfill a dream I left behind.
What’s been the most challenging thing returning to the stage?
I’d have to say being confident and not too critical of myself. When you stand up there next to all these amazing girls, your suddenly a needle in a haystack and its easy to start with the self doubt. Above all I want to have fun and be an inspiration to those who are trying to make healthy lifestyle changes. All my clients know I’m no stranger to Papa John’s Pizza, IHOP or Dairy Queen. I just make exercise part of my life. In my opinion its finding balance. The challenge is staying balanced.
What is your goal for the Houston Pro show?
I would love nothing more than to improve my placing. I’m coming in tighter and I’ve managed to bring down my legs a bit. Honestly, I’ve dieted for only 18 days. I just couldn’t spend the last weeks with my husband not going places, doing things or just grabbing an ice cream together. I didn’t want him to sacrifice his last days at home and when you know its a very real possibility that you might not get the chance again, you just say to heck with it. So, my goal is simple…get on that stage, enjoy myself and present the best physique I could given the circumstance. Let me be clear on one thing. My work ethic is off the charts and I have busted my ass to do this show. I’m very pleased with how I’m looking and I’m psyched!
Good Luck Darlina and our thoughts go out to your husband for helping to defend the USA.
If you’re stressing out about who will do your make up and help your hair in the Houston humidity, put your melon at ease. Hardbody.com approved make up artist, Laurie St. Michael will be at the show and she has a handful of openings left. If you haven’t met Laurie or worked with her yet, she is one of the best in the biz. Ms. St. Michaels has worked with a number of amateurs and pros with great success. She’s been a life saver and helped me out on a number of shoots. Laurie is a professional, will take very good care of you and goes above the call of duty for her clients. There is a distinct difference between someone who knows how to do make up and someone who thinks they do.
If you’re interested in Laurie’s services EMAIL HER HERE and tell her HARDBODY sent ya.
Amy is set to take the stage at the Houston Figure Pro show this weekend. Amy was last spotted with her fiancé, Steve, at the NPC Jr. California show a couple weeks ago. Ron Avidan informed me she was looking good and if you have the Yogi seal of approval, what more does one need? Here is a photo from last year’s Nationals where Amy and I met up for our first shoot.
IFBB Fitness Pro, Erin Riley has been working her booty off in preparation for this weekend’s IFBB Houston Pro Show. I caught up with Erin days before she takes the stage. She’s been a pro for less than a year, earning her pro status at the 2007 Team Universe, but cracked the top 10 in her pro debut. With one sixth place finish under her pro belt; she’s looking to shake things up in the top 5.
How do you feel going into the Houston Pro?
I feel great! I have really worked hard for this show, and I’m very excited to be getting back on stage again. I can’t wait until Saturday!
What are your goals for this show?
My goal for the Houston Pro is to bring my best package to date, physique-wise, and to nail my routines. That is really all I can ask of myself. The rest is up to the judges…although I wouldn’t mind a top 5 finish In fact, that would be amazing, especially considering the strength of the lineup.
What can fans expect from you at this show?
Fans can expect a more full and balanced physique, compared to my pro debut last year in Atlantic City. I’ve really worked hard in the past several months to try to bring up my physique to be competitive with the top fitness pros.
As far as my routines go, well, you will just have to wait and see. I can’t give away any secrets! Lets just say I plan to “rock” it on stage, and I think the fans will enjoy my performances.
What did have you done differently since your last show?
I took a good 6 months off from dieting since the Atlantic City Pro last September so that I could really focus on building some quality muscle and re-shaping my physique. Last year, I dieted for 7 months straight without any break, so the long off-season was a necessity. My diet is pretty similar to what I’ve used in the past. I still work with Robert Samborsky. He knows my body and how it responds. So we have the diet formula pretty much down to a T.
As far as training, I have added some new full body conditioning training that uses a lot of “strongman” type exercises. These workouts have really helped my routines and my overall conditioning tremendously, AND they’re a lot of fun!
What advice do you have for other women thinking of trying their hand in fitness but not sure they can put together a routine?
I always encourage women to give fitness a try because it is just so rewarding! I think the idea that you need to be able to do gymnastics to be successful in fitness scares some women off. But there are so many great pros that do not have a gymnastics background, and yet they still put together some amazing routines! My best advice is to find what you are good at, whether it be dance, gymnastics, aerobics, cheerleading, etc- and build your routine from that. If you are comfortable and having a blast with your routine performance, the audience will see that, and they will love it!
Thanks Erin and Good luck! If you like to see what Erin looked like one week out and the training video she was speaking about, you can see it all on her blog.
She’s making her pro debut just weeks after reaching IFBB status. Lenay Hernandez will be trekking from Florida to Houston this weekend. She lights up the stage with her smile and has a pleasing physique to match. Check out what the rookie had to say one week out from her big debut.
You just turned pro a couple months ago and now you’re making your debut. Are you ready?
I just turned pro at Jr. USAs and I feel ready. I can only compete against myself and have challenged myself to the next level. I’m bringing the best package that I have ever had.
What are your goals for this show?
My goal for this show is top 7. I am living my dream and just being on stage with other pros is still surreal to me. But one of my BIG Goals is to qualify for the big O!
Have you been working on your pull ups?
I do wide grip pull ups every time I train back so yes I have and I still do 20!!! How about you I?
I am still working with the assisted pull-up machine. Kind of like pull-up training wheels but thanks for asking L.
What’s your fascination with Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter!! I don’t know what it is but I love it. I can eat it with bananas, I love it in my oatmeal, my rice, or just a good tbsp. I love cashews too!!!
You’re not driving to Houston are you?
No, I’m not driving to Houston but if I absolutely had to I would. “They never said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it.” I’m grateful to just be an IFBB PRO!!
Hailing out of Hackensack, New Jersey, IFBB Figure Pro and top fitness model Jelena Abbou is ready. Ready for what? She’ll be taking the stage at the IFBB Houston Pro show with a refined physique. Jelena reached IFBB Pro status at the 2006 Team Universe contest and feels she is bringing her best look to date. She’s proven that her stunning looks have made her one of the top fitness models, now she’s determined to find the same success on stage. Her look could be one that is rewarded next weekend but we’ll have to wait a few more days to know for sure. I caught up with with Jelena for an update…
What are your goals for the Houston Pro Show?
I’m very excited about this show! I look my best ever. I’m really hoping to place in top 5 but Olympia qualification would be dream come true.
Do you feel like your physique fits in line more with the direction of figure this year?
Yes, defiantly. I’m so happy that they going this way. Hopefully judges like what I bring on stage this time.
What have you worked on in your off season?
I worked on my symmetry, bringing my legs down to match my upper body. So I train legs hard but not heavy and included some cardio in off season to. I’m also working with new trainer, Jeff Dwelle. I think he did awesome job with my training and nutrition. It worked very well for me and I’m extremely happy with results.
One thing something may not know about you?
I like watching food network, while I’m dieting, even during my cardio at home!
You’ve had tremendous success in fitness modeling, any tips for women who are looking to get into the modeling side of things?
Keep trying, never give up.
Good luck Jelena!
They’ve been relatively quiet lately and one can assume they’re focused on next week’s Houston Pro Fitness show. Trixie has been trying to avoid getting caught in any monsoons or crashing her car. Shannon is hoping her hip doesn’t give out on her and can leave he walker at home. While Fletch is shopping for a new pair of shades that are well out of her normal budget range. The Houston Pro Fitness will be one to watch and we’ll all be patiently waiting to see which one of the three will prevail.
Celeste Gonzalez will make the long trip from the Canary Islands of Spain to the United States once again. This time she’s looking to show the judges her improvements since the California Pro Figure contest. Celeste will be competing in the IFBB Houston Pro Figure show next weekend and is excited to take the stage. I caught up with Celeste one week out from the contest…
What are your goals for the Houston Pro Show?
The Houston Pro is going to be one of the MOST IMPORTANT championships of my sports career. It’s all going to be new to me. I really feel like if it’s the first time I compete because I’m starting a new phase in my professional life. I have changed absolutely everything: my diet, my training, my suits, everything.
I would like the judges to see that I am really making an effort to improve and get to be in the track of the Figure that they demand for the competitors. It is very difficult to come from so far away and not obtain the desired results, that’s why I always have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE in every show. Every time I compete I learn so much and I try to make the best of myself.
My main objective in this occasion is to try and stand out amongst the ten first competitors. That would be like winning my personal target.
I know this will take time but I will keep on working hard to be in the top five some day.
How do people outside of the United States view figure competitions? Do they wish they could do it and like your look?
I think that people from outside the USA see us like an example to follow. Clearly, the Amreican competitors’ level is the best with no doubt, so the ones that come from outside, like me, should follow the example and their guidelines. It’s a privilege for me to compete in the United States and I wish to gain good qualifications and have the American level.
The physical criteria are different, because in Europe, for example, girls look different… they have more muscular harshness. I hope that one day this will change and the criteria are unified.
Did your manager eat all of his cheesecake?
Do you remember? I will never be able to forget those enormous and delicious cakes! We were all puzzled when we saw Jose buy all those pieces of cake! Although he didn’t eat them all, he enjoyed them just looking at them! I’m dying to eat one of those delicious pieces of cake after the Houston Pro!
Thanks Celeste and best of luck to you in Houston.
The IFBB is one competitor shy of hitting the FIFTY - yes 50 - competitor mark. There are currently 24 Figure competitors and 25 Fitness competitors on the official IFBB Houston Pro lists. I would not want to be a judge at this show. One look at the figure line up and you’ll know what I’m talking about. Below are the updated lists from the IFBB Professional League Office:
IFBB HOUSTON PRO FIGURE:
1 Abbou, Jelena USA
2 Archibold, Elisha USA
3 Arcinas, Houng USA
4 Awad, Jane Canada
5 Benson, Natalie USA
6 Bock, Susanne Germany
7 Briceno, Tivisay USA
8 Chin, Krissy USA
9 Dumon, Andrea USA
10 French, Heather Mae USA
11 Galvan, Bernadette USA
12 Georges, Nancy USA
13 Gonzalez, Celeste Spain
14 Greenwood, Tracey USA Tracey as we all know will be in Fitness
15 Hernandez, Lenay USA
16 John, Candice Trinidad
17 King, Carol Barbados
18 Mello, Patricia Brazil
19 Mertl, Petra USA
20 Mullarkey-Barringer, Karen USA
21 Pearo, Melissa USA
22 Peters, Amy USA
23 Romero, Felicia USA
24 Seiwald, Liane USA
25 Steffens, Jessica USA
IFBB HOUSTON PRO FITNESS:
1 Blanchard, Maggie USA
2 Capes, Myriam Canada
3 Cassetty, Jennifer USA
4 Dey, Shannon USA
5 Duncan, Nicole USA
6 English, Angela USA
7 Fletcher, Heidi USA
8 Gainey, Bethany USA
9 Groshek, Susan USA
10 Haddad, Amy USA
11 Hughes, Liza USA
12 Jackson, Laticia USA
13 Marquez, Lisbeth Venezuela
14 McCormick, Lisa USA
15 Meteraud, Shannon USA
16 Newton, Leslie Rae USA
17 Redding, Traci USA
18 Riley, Erin USA
19 Rohm, Jessica USA
20 Rojas, Kristina USA
21 Rollolazo, Nicole USA
22 Villa Nelson, Amy USA
23 Warren, Trish USA
24 Wig, Stacy USA
** ADD TRACEY GREENWOOD TO FITNESS LIST
J.M. Manion caught up with two of the three stooges last weekend at the NPC Atlantic States. Tracey Greenwood and Heidi Fletcher want make it clear to Shemp err I mean Shannon Meteraud, Black Mamba Warren and the others - their future looks bright in Houston. Word on the street is that they are sporting shades wherever they go… The gym, saving dogs on the side of the road, grocery shopping and various other events. Check out some of the photos of the two.
Fletch not amused by Greenwood’s choke hold.
Fletcher shows off her rear naked joke.
Greenwood asks, “what the hell is this?”
Heidi worried she may have injured the Doc.
Uh oh, looks like GrandMomma Meteraud has some competition when it comes to the comeback tour. Nicole Rollolazo has been away from the competitive stage for a few years but is making a comeback at the IFBB Houston Pro show. I caught up with her for an interview which will can be found at FLEXonline.com in the coming days. When I asked Nicole if she would be reuniting with Kelly Ryan to bring back the Vibe Tribe (a guest performance trio with Nicole, Kelly and Tanji) she informed me there would be no jail house rock tour. Despite being away from the competitive stage Nicole has still been doing guest performances, so she’s more than ready for the three stooges and the Texas Mamba.
Nicole was one of the many people who lost their sponsorships from Pinnacle last year. If you’re looking to add a friendly little spit-fire to your roster, she’s looking and you can find out more info about her on her web site www.nicolefitness.com
IFBB Pro, Susanne Bock competed in the 2007 Figure Olympia and now she’s headed back to the United States to compete again. Susanne will be competing in the IFBB Houston Pro Figure show on July 4-5th, a show where she hopes to qualify for the big dance once again. She is one of the few females who has made the transition from bodybuilding to figure. Susanne placed 5th in the Heavyweight division at the 2003 Jan Tana Pro Classic. It seems only fitting that since she calls Germany home, she’d naturally have a need for speed, right? Find out which cars she likes to drive and more in my 5 Questions Susanne Bock…
How long have you been competing?
I’ve competing since 10 years, this year, and I’m on the pro level since 2003, but my carrier start in the heavyweight BB and I switch in Figure 2005.
What have you been doing differently since the Olympia?I change some things in my training and food, so i start with much more sprints and special exercise for my legs, and try to get my legs in the front little bit rounder, and stop my ab training, so that my waist will be smaller and my upper back come more up. So I try to come not so hard, then we know, we have new rules, more rounder, then I mean my genetic is perfect combination from my upper-body to my legs, small waist and very tall. So we will see what the judges say.
Susanne at the 2007 Figure Olympia.
What is your background - how did you get into Figure Competing?
I like figure more, we have more shows to try to get the qualification for the Olympia then bodybuilding, but some times I miss the posing. Figure is another stage present and really sexy and everything must look relaxed, not that the judges see that you flex your muscles. I like forming my body and believe me my way is very interesting, I loose a lot of muscles 33 pounds, this is a hard job. Right now I must check every time in my training which exercises is good for me or not, then I get straight big arms or whatever, then my muscle are there you know what i mean.
Yes, I know what you mean.
What do you do for fun?
I like to drive really fast car, and I prefer German cars. I drive by myself an AUDI 3 with the big machine and the second car what i drive is my Porsche 944. So then in Germany you can go, not on all highways bust the most of them, so fast your car can, this is fantastic. I also love my 2 dogs and to go shopping, oh and I like to travel.
HAHA. That is great!
What do you like about HARDBODY.com?
Oh hardbody.com is a very good site. I get them so many information about the other figure and fitness pros and nice pics and all the stuff around the shows.
Thank you Susanne and good luck at the 2008 IFBB Houston Pro Figure Show.
Or is it the other way around? As the IFBB Houston Pro closes in a number of competitors are looking for the endorsement of Ms. Fitness Olympia, Adela Garcia. It seems every time I talk with the champ she is throwing her spicy support behind someone else. On the Muscle & Fitness Hers web site it states, “Fitness pros Adela Garcia and Heidi Fletcher use every trick in the book to build stage worthy legs”. Hmmm… Will any of these tricks lead to Fletcher’s victory next month?
There’s never been more smack talk in the world of IFBB Fitness than this show, well not in recent memory. It’s all in good fun and the women are being good sports about it. Black Mamba threw here name in the mix to via for the title. Will someone else or will she be the only one that challenges the three stooges for a title. Heidi has one under her belt, Tracey has tasted victory at the top before, Shannon is a seasoned pro and Trish is qualified for the big dance in Vegas already. What do you think? Who will win the show? Our Hardbody.com poll is open for your voting.
Let’s see who delivers and who burns out faster than a roman cheap sparkler on the fourth of July.
Petra Mertl is making the trip from her Florida home to the mighty state of Texas next month to compete in the Houston Pro Figure show. Despite placing 14th at the California Pro contest she hasn’t let that stop her. She’s made improvements to her physique and is looking to move up in her next show. Petra enjoyed a bowl of chili and a monster sandwich the day after our beach photo shoot. Chili? I wouldn’t have guessed that would be a meal one would crave after the show but apparently soup is high on a few competitor’s “meals to eat after a show”. She tells me she was happy with her showing in California and hopes to continue to improve in her next show. Look for Petra to light her own set of fireworks in Houston.
