Arnold Classic

This Saturday marks the beginning of a new international event. The inaugural Bikini International will showcase some of the hottest, hardbody bikini competitors in the world. Get the skinny on the competition by visiting Bodybuilding.com. Can Sonia repeat her performance at the Olympia and take home the crown or will someone else?

Check out the Bikini International Preview here.

IFBB Figure Pro Teresa Anthony checks in with just a couple days left before she takes the Figure International stage.

It is 3 days until the Figure International and I am completely honored to finally be apart of such a wonderful show.  The last two days have been hectic with work, training/dieting and just overall preparing for the travel.  Packing for a trip I am not a fan of, I wish sometimes I could just get on the plane with my pocketbook and buy clothes, food and necessities when I arrive at my destinations.  Well wishful thinking but not practical on my part. This weekend I tried to help myself eliminate as much stress as possible, so I prepared the meals and did 85% of my clothes packing, but of course I am sure I will be adding more in the eleventh hour.  I tend to over pack and never really wear half of the clothes I bring on my trips…go figure!! Most of the ladies times are spent competing, working booths and photoshoots.  So in the past I have found myself wearing sweats most of the weekend, unless you go out on the town…and that I plan on doing.

As I sit and process in my mind that I will be competing in the AC, I think about how much hardwork it takes to get us here and that we have to physically and mentally tough to endure structure a discipline and structured lifestyle.  I have been competing since 2003 and every year I learn more and more about my as person and a competitor.  Striving for improvements is what has been driving me the last year and I am loving every moment of it.  Late at night when I can’t sleep and want to dip my spoon in peanut butter or almond butter, I tell myself, “the other competitors are not cheating.”  That has worked for me most of the time…but most of all it is was me asking God to take the cravings away is what got me through the diet this early in the season.  Don’t laugh….I am so serious.

All in all I am feeling great, inspired and ready to head to C-Bus.  I would like to wish all the competitors safe travels and let’s have a blast this weekend.  Peace out.

Teresa

Follow Teresa on twitter @FitTeresaNicole. Give her a shout and tell her you saw her on Hardbody.

IFBB Fitness Pro, Tina Durkin shares what the last few months have been like for her as she prepares for the Fitness International. Tina’s husband was deployed and she faced a few challenges along the way.

The Long Road to the Arnold 2011
By Tina Durkin

Last May when my husband told me he was being deployed to Afghanistan I just about lost it. We have been together almost 13 years and he had never gone overseas. I thought I was going to be sick. Not only the fact that my husband was going to a war zone, but the fact was I was going to be ALONE.  Some might say that a strong woman (like myself ) shouldn’t have any problems holding down the fort for awhile while the hubby is gone.  But, to be honest, my husband Matt is a angel. When they say that family is suppose to be a team and be there for each other, we really take that to heart! He has ALWAYS helped me prepare my meals, pack my lunches, help with laundry, and most of all take care of my little girl Evelyn.  Bottom line is that he makes my life easier.

So as you can imagine my life drastically changed in June. I had to take on many roles in my house:

1. Mom
2. Dad
3. IFBB Pro Fitness Athlete
4. PT at Golds
5. Fitness Instructor at WSC
6. Zumba Instructor at Fitness First
7. Carpool Mom
8. Taxi for my daughter

It truly seemed to never end.  You never realize how much your partner helps until you have to do it all yourself.  I would often drive over 100 miles a day and had many 12 hour days with at least 4 of those in the car (I live in DC).

Before he left, he stressed that he wanted me to keep my normal life as much as possible, meaning that I should still focus on competing and working.  I truly thought that was the right decision too.  So I decided to compete basically the whole time he was gone, to keep my mind occupied.  Although the Olympia prep was overwhelming, I made it thought! After that, Ft. Lauderdale was a little easier.  So now it brings me to the Arnold!!!

The week of the Ft. Lauderdale Pro, I was lifting shoulders (never miss a shoulder workout ) and the next day I could barely lift my arm over my head. I took Advil to get though the pain for the show but after I returned home it just got worse.  I made an appointment with the Sports Medicine clinic on base and they said I had “tendinitis” and gave me a cortisone shot and referred me to physical therapy.  They also suggested I stay off lifting for 2-3 weeks. Mind you, we are in the middle of December by this time. When I went to the PT, even after the 3 weeks, he said NO lifting.  Hmmmmm…. didn’t like that answer so in January I decided I would start seeing my chiropractor that specializes in ART (Active Release Tech).

Because of that injury, I basically didn’t lift (at all) for about 6 weeks. I did the normal light cardio but nothing crazy.  So 9 weeks from the Arnold, I started my diet and working out again.  That shoulder just didn’t want to heal.  I was going to the Chiropractor 1-2 times a weeks and I just couldn’t pick up more than 5 bls over my head. I was a disaster.  I remember going to Mike’s (Davies) to train one weekend and he was like “what the h*** happened with your a**”….not really what you want to hear from your trainer.

I really felt that my workouts were not at the intensity that they need to be to get ready for a show.  I wasn’t seeing many results and I really started to doubt myself.  I actually waited until the last possible minute to send in my contract just in case my shoulder did not heal.

After starting to feel better, my chiropractor thought I could trying lifting normal again. So of course, I pick up my weights and did a killer workout the next day. OHHHHH, it felt good. Unfortunately, the next day, I couldn’t move my arm AGAIN… UGHHHHHH.  I went back to the chirpactor that week, and he said that maybe my body just needed a break.  Knowing that I’m an athlete, he knew that really wasn’t an option for me. But I put my head down and said “maybe your right….I’m not sure I can do this anymore”. I just wondered if I needed to make the decision to pull out… at what point? It was the last week in January, so I told him I’d give it until the end of the week, if he couldn’t fix me, I’d take a break. I guess the lord heard my prayers because be the end of the week the pain had gotten less and less.  Now, I was not pain free but good enough to move forward. Finally things were looking up.

Now it’s Feb 1ish,my hubby is SUPPOSE to be coming home, and to be honest, I have not stressed ONE time about the Arnold. Even during the whole shoulder issue. All I cared about is Matt coming home. I’s like all my emotions where tied up in the home coming of my BEST FRIEND.  Nothing else mattered. He finally told me that he was coming home Feb 6. Oh thank god!  Feb 6 came and went. The flights where just not coming, I had to wait another week.  My heart sank.

Finally Feb 13th, a flight from Germany to BWI landed at about 3:30pm.  At that point, nothing else matter. He was home! It was like a weight was lifted from my shouldered. I can honestly say I’ve never been happier.

During this journey, I’ve realized that family is the most important thing you will ever have. None of my success would be possible without the help of my family. Getting ready for a show is never a one man show though. There is always an entourage of people that contribute, like my trainer (Mike Davies), my gymnastics coach at Youth Sports, my choreographer and friend (IFBB Pro Nicole Duncan), my suit maker (Maggie Blanchard), my music guy, the PT, the chiropractor….I mean the list could go on and on. So, in my family we do this together. Evelyn goes to routine practice with me EVERY time. Matt helps with the food prep. Then I actually do the workouts….haha

Only days away from the Arnold, I’m actually feeling great.  My body finally did whats its suppose to do, my routine game together quite nicely, and my FAMILY will be there to support me. I am so excited to share this experience with them. I love competing but I love my FAMILY more… alleluia…we are together again!!!!!

Thanks! See ya in Columbus!

Tina Durkin, CPT
www.tinadurkinfitness.com

Current Muscle & Fitness Hers cover girl Justine Munro updates us one last time before the Bikini International. She’s been camping out in Florida for a few days. Read why she’s migrated south for the winter.

The countdown is on and the Arnold Classic is just days away. I can’t believe that I will be in Ohio within 72 hours!!! There is a part of me that is a little nervous, but deep inside I am so excited!

The last two weeks have been absolutely amazing! The past ten days I have spent in Florida with my team ” Team Bombshell”. It was the best decision I have ever made, as it has brought me closer to my dream.

I read this statement, “coaching with a professional coach, is the practice of supporting an individual through the process of achieving a specific personal or professional result”. My coaches Shannon and Rob have been amazing and have provided me with unconditional support. They pushed me to step up when I needed to step up and they encouraged me the entire way. Working with my entire Bombshell sista’s has motivated me as well and made me even more proud of being on such a great team of amazing individuals. This past week I had the chance of getting to know Jessica Jesse—She is a great person. We did everything together; cardio, training and even shopping! She is truly my partner in crime! (Love you girl xo)

I never realized how important it is to be part of a team. We go through good and bad times, happy and sad times, but always pulling together and staying strong. I have learned a great deal about myself; my strengths, my weaknesses and at times pushing me to my limit. But, what makes me feel good inside is knowing that no matter what, they accept me for who I am, understand the journey that I have chosen and continue to support me along the way. Thank you to Team Bombshell for everything! Love you lots!

Finally, I am honored to be on the front cover of Muscle Fitness and Hers Magazine for the March/April. Thank you to everyone for believing in me and allowing me to represent such a great magazine. I am truly honored and will make you proud!

Along every journey you meet a number of amazing people and at times must face a number of difficult situations and/or decisions that one must make. But I must say, my journey has been truly a great experience and I owe this to everyone who has traveled along with me. Thank you!

If I don’t get the chance to write again before the Arnold, “Good luck everyone! Thanks for a great journey!”

Justine
xo

“Success is a journey, not a destination”- Ben Sweetland

Become a fan of Justine on her Facebook page and tell her hello from Hardbody!

The reigning Figure International champ, Nicole Wilkins provides her final update before her title defense. She talks about her mindset and how it’s changed leading into this event.

Four days left. After nine years and over 20 contests, I consider this year’s Figure International the most important competition of my career. It’s one thing to win the title, it’s another to keep it. It’s funny, if you told me when I started competing that I would someday finish second at the most prestigious contest in the world, I would have been ecstatic. But your mindset changes when you win, and not keeping the Figure Olympia title was the toughest loss of my career. I know I don’t want to feel that way again, so I’m doing everything in my power to be the best I’ve ever been in Columbus.

The final two weeks are all about the final preparations – hair, wax, nails, cooking and measuring food, packing etc. I am getting really anxious, excited and of course a little nervous. I have been really enjoying my preparation for this show. I’ve been having a lot of fun with my training, spending time with great friends and family, resting more than ever in my life and just really listening to my body.

I will train Monday- Wednesday morning this week, drive in to Columbus on Wednesday night and then rest Thursday before the competition on Friday morning. I love being able to drive to this contest – I can just throw everything in the back of my car and don’t have to worry about anyone telling me I have too many bags, or my bag is over 50 pounds!

My knees are good considering I have been doing a TON of incline sprints and my back is healthy thanks to bi weekly massages and weekly chiro appointments. My suit is beautiful (thank you Maggie) and I have been practicing my posing daily. No matter what, I know that I put in 110% into this prep and I am ready to show it off!

Last week I held my annual seminar for NPC fitness, figure and bikini competitors. There was a great turnout- 29 girls trucked it through the snow storm to make it I am so inspired by you women (and men of course) who juggle family, full time jobs, and still make time to eat healthy, cook and train regularly. It all starts with the mind- you have to really WANT it. You have to make the time. You can’t let excuses allow you to keep from reaching your goals. It isn’t easy, in fact, getting and staying in shape is one of the things in this life that has no shortcut.

It takes consistency, determination and belief in yourself that you CAN and WILL do this, whether you’re trying to lose 10 pounds to look good in a bikini , get in shape for your first contest or (hopefully) defend the Figure International title. Being around positive people is so contagious!

Over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) stop by the MetRX booth and say hi!!

I wish all Arnold competitors my absolute best! Safe travels!

See you soon!
Nicole

 

Check out Nicole’s Facebook Fan Page page and twitter @NicoleMWilkins. Visit nicolewilkins.com to learn more about the defending champ.

IFBB Bikini Pro Ali Rosen shares her thoughts days out from the Bikini International. Her blog helps us all remember the big picture and what’s important in life.

For the past two weeks, I have come to realize so much about my journey to the Bikini International and how competing has helped me appreciate and realize all the blessings I have in my life. I’m approaching the final few days and feel overwhelmed with so many emotions. Feelings of elation, gratitude, pride and determination are just some of the many from my extensive list of emotions.

These feelings brought me back to a time when everything I had known and strived for came to a brief stop: The off season. After Olympia, I picked up a new book titled ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz, which at that time played a very important role in my life. Coming from a very strenuous season full of hard work, traveling and full out discipline I needed something to center me, to bring some balance into my life. All I’d known was EAT SLEEP TRAIN repeat. I got so used to that regimen that when it was over I felt lost (personally) and very out of touch with the support system I had chosen to surround myself with. This book helped me appreciate my self, my loved ones, and my purpose at that very moment.

I bring this up because yet again I have realized how important it is to show gratitude and appreciation for the ones who take the most beating throughout my competition prep: My family and closet friends. It is so easy to forget how your behavior during prep can affect those around you. I can get so caught up in my routine that I literally turn into a machine. It wasn’t until 3 weeks ago (my 3 week mark) that I had to stop and smell the roses. After some good solid cry(s), self talk(s) and constructive criticism from the ones I love, I came to realize that part of my journey and growing within the sport is to be able to be aware. Awareness in ones self, actions, feelings, training and most importantly your support system are the key ingredients to my contest prep. At that moment I went to my bookshelf picked up my extra copy of The Four Agreements and re-read inspiring parts. One of which states, “Always be your best,” which is defined as: “Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.” The other line that stuck with me is, “be impeccable with your word.” Being impeccable with ones words was defined as: “Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.”

Being aware of my actions and behavior was one thing, but changing the way I was being perceived was another. On the inside I was so proud of myself for reaching my goals for the Bikini International. I was so happy to be a part of a wonderful team, to have loving parents who give all their support and great friends who listen for endless hours about any and everything prep related. But on the outside, there were moments that the machine took over and changed my support systems view of my love for the sport. Once I started to become aware of how my actions and behavior needed to change, it became easy to “just do it.” Awareness of my attitude and subsequent actions allowed for me to naturally correct and re-direct my energy else where. I was able to embrace the not so great moments and cherish the amazing ones every day thereafter. I have come realize how important it is to include my support system throughout my journey and how together we make a great team

Coming into my final week, I would like to send a big ‘THANK YOU’ to my support system: My parents, my closest friends, my coaches and my fans, thank you for helping me be the best ME!

Train Hard & Stay Positive
Ali

The Four Agreements is one of my favorite books. Those of you who have been visitors of this site might recall mentioning it a few years ago. It’s a book that is worth picking up every few months. Thanks for the reminder Ali! Here are the four agreements the author mentions, if you haven’t read the book it’s worth a read.

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

IFBB Bikini Pro Shelsea Montes is in the final stages of her Bikini International prep. What’s up with the pint sized Puerto Rican? Read how she “embraces the grind” as she heads to Columbus.

So I’m less than 1 week out from the Bikini International… O-M- to that G!!! I can’t believe its already here! I remember 7 weeks ago and having the chat with Adela on the brutal stairmaster about how I wished the competition was already here. And now, here is the last week. My husband and I adopted a quote for the last week that can apply to any journey we go through, “embrace the grind”. Right now this means enjoying the last week of hard work before The Arnold. He is currently opening another business in a different city and I am training for one of the biggest shows of my career. Life is busy for us right now.

With so much piling up, it becomes easy to forget about how blessed we are to have these opportunities. We focus on how difficult things can seem and how much is on our plate, when there are so many out there that wish they had SOMETHING on theirs. This week was pivotal because I decided to turn it all around! Typically, the week before a contest I close myself off from 99.9999% of my ordinary life. I eat. I train. I relax (which sometimes means stress more).

This time around I decided to really enjoy the final week. I entered my husband and myself in a fitness fashion show that is raising money for Susan G Komen, made myself a slower work schedule, and I am getting pampered this whole week. I’m sure you’ve all heard (or if you haven’t you will, hehe) my newest slogan, “if you don’t grind, you don’t shine”. So after all the hard work, it’s time to treat myself!

I hope that I can influence some of you competitors to “embrace the grind” this week. Not only am I going to enjoy this week, but after the show I will too! I can’t stop thinking about my almond joy. Remember to always find the way to enjoy yourself and no matter what, you will shine

- Seashel

P.S. Don’t forget to read my 2nd hardbody blog if you need a packing list and C-BUS IS COLD!!!

P.S. squared… Who’s running the 5k the next morning…..I AM!!!!! Anyone brave enough to join? We can all run as Team Hardbody yay!

Follow Shelsea on Twitter @seashelmontes. If you’re as crazy as Shelsea and plan to run the 5k on Sunday, let us know.

Nicole Duncan is just days away from the Fitness International in Columbus, Ohio. The high fly’n pro shares her latest confessions and through it all the most important message to all… REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN!

It’s under a week left to the show and I am as excited as ever. It’s not because I have the perfect physique, cause I don’t. It’s not because I have my routine completed, cause I don’t. It’s not because I know I’m going to win – probably won’t. It’s because I have the best, most terrific people and support group around. My family, friends, trainer and support team are the absolute best people ever. Through it all, they have 100% confidence that I can pull this crap off. It amazes me how life can scoop in and shake things up, but in the end everything still falls right into place. I’m banking on that at this year’s show. I’m still sick. My music is still incomplete. Routine is being choreographed TODAY by me. I haven’t run anything full out. I practiced posing for the first time since last show TODAY. Each time I mention these things to my peeps, they look at me and say, “Big deal, you will be fine.” So I have chosen to take that approach. I’m eating my meals, taking my vitamins, drinking the water and taking things one hour at a time, because I will be fine. I am going to have the time of my life like I always do!

I just got an email from my trainer, the Mike Davies, which basically said that he has a lot of people in the show, send your travel and contact info, see me on Wednesday for posing if you can and REMEMBER NOT TO STRESS BECAUSE THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN. Why, as competitors, do we always forget that? Competing can and will be fun if you let it. We take ourselves too seriously sometimes.

In the IFBB we have developed an extended family. We only get to see each other a few times a year but boy do we have fun when we get together. I can’t say enough about the support that I’ve gotten from some of my closest IFBB buds. I’ll get to see Tina again who just welcomed home her husband Matt after missing him from 8 months while he was serving our country in Afganistan. Talk about true perseverance. I am so looking forward to getting a big ole’ hug from Alicia who has been my BBM inspirational buddy and has sent prayers and checked on me throughout this prep. I am sure we will be having our girl scout cookie and ice cream party somewhere after the event. I can’t wait to see Adela, a true mama to us all. I love her energy and was so lifted when she took the time to reach out to me when I was having a really hard time. It means a lot to me that she actually called to make sure I was doing well. And what would I do without IFBB Pro Maggie Keaveny (formerly Blanchard), she has been making my suits since I hit the pro stage. For this show, she contacted ME to get the ball rolling on my suit color choice and design. It’s been 4 years that she has been coming through for me as a sponsor and we all know how pricey suits are! I also can’t wait Laticia Wilder, who has a work ethic like no other; Theresa Anthony, miss comeback queen and sweet tweeter; and Jessica Paxson who just balances everything with grace and a level head. The fitness girls are going to rock and I can’t wait to see Erin, Myriam, Bethany and Tanji whip out some amazing routines. We truly get to have a blast back stage at what we work so hard to do.

So, mom, dad, Mike, Deb, the Situation, Mag, JanTana, Paula, Wanda, Monet, Marquesha, my clients, entire family, co-workers & friends, this one’s for you! Thanks Isaac!

Follow Nicole on her twitter @fitnicinc.