The 2009 Team Universe overall champ, Monica Mark was set to make her pro debut last year but was plaqued by a nasty virus and the swine flu. She was unable to prepare adequeatly then but she’s recovered and ready to take the Phoenix Pro figure stage. She’ll compete this weekend and then head to the Figure International in two weeks. I caught up with Monica on the eve of her IFBB pro debut.

HB: You’ll be heading into the Arnold… Have you done two shows back to back before?
I am planning on going to the Arnold, where I hope to peak. The last time I did two shows back to back was in 2007 when I did the Team Universe and followed it with the USA about 2 weeks later. It wasn’t easy, but if you put our mind to it is achievable.

HB: Has your prep been any different knowing you will compete again in two weeks?
Not really, but I am pulling out all stops for the Arnold as I want to peak for that show.

HB: Have you been training differently since turning pro – if so how, if not why?
Turning pro means I can train more like I used to train: hard. In 2009, I had to cut back the intensity and volume of my weight training in the gym to get the physique I brought to the 2009 Team Universe. Now that I am a pro I need a little more muscularity to be competitive so I have been able to hit the weights relatively harder.

HB: What’s food helps get you through the day that you’d eat even if not preparing for a show?
I love my oatmeal. Even in the off season it is one of my favorite treats.

HB: What separates you from your competitors?
I am still trying to figure that out. I just know I like to train hard and stay strict on my diet, but I don’t think that is too different from other figure pros.

HB: Any supplements you like and would recommend for other women?
I love Isoflex Whey Protein Isolate, Evogegen (pre-workout), and the Cortisol Complex by Body by O.

Hardbody Hot Seat:

I think a glass of wine is__
Relaxing

Tiger Woods is___
A liar, but I hope he has learned his lesson.

I’m craving____
Pizza…ummmm….pizza, but not till after the Arnold.

Kathleen Tesori competed in her first figure show last year and took home top honors. She went on to compete in the 2009 NPC Nationals and left with her pro card. A pretty impressive, albiet short, competitive career. This weekend Kathleen will compete in the Phoenix Pro show where she’ll not only go against a number of other rookies but also her mentor and friend, Felicia Romero. I caught up with Kathleen on the heels of her first show and she was kind enough to share a bit more about herself.

HB: You were debating between figure and bikini last year. What made you choose figure?
One of my prizes for winning the 2008 FLEX model search was a chance to participate in the FLEX swimsuit shoot. After seeing the physiques of the figure girls in person, I was hooked. Felicia, Jessica, Erin, Monique, Nicole and Jen are very beautiful and have been a huge inspiration.

Since 2006, I have maintained a healthy athletic look for both bikini and spokes-modeling opportunities. For the most part, I maintained what I thought was a clean diet. After seeing them.. their physiques were on another level. In my mind, these girls were ROCKING THE PHYSIQUE I had wanted to achieve.

HB: Obviously the decision paid off. What’s your favorite part of prepping for a show?
I enjoy living a healthy fit lifestyle and preparing for a show only requires a little additional effort. I enjoy having events to look forward to and the people I have met in the industry have been great.

Another favorite part: After a good off season of building I enjoy leaning down. It is like unwrapping a present…it is always a nice surprise to see what changes have been made.

HB: What’s your least favorite part?
The Non-Fat days…having to go without Peanut Butter and Cashews. No after work cocktails in the bathtub. I also miss being able to do Yoga, aerobic classes or cross-fit on days I do not want to lift or do cardio.

HB: How did you hook up with Felicia to start training with her?
I met Felicia at the FLEX Swimsuit shoot in 2009 and was hooked. She is so smart and very positive. After hanging with the Pro Figure girls for the weekend and seeing their physiques in person I knew I wanted to compete. I contacted her after the shoot and she was so positive about the experience and made me feel so comfortable with my decision to compete.

HB: Is it going to be weird or cool to compete against your trainer?
I say COOL – Felicia and I are friends and the show is something we both have in common. Damian, her fiancé, takes care of my training and diet which allows Felicia and I to focus on other fun things plus we will have each other backstage which will make things fun.

HB: Why the Phoenix Pro show for your debut?
It was a financial decision. My athlete sponsorship fell through and the Orlando show which I originally intended doing is just not going to be possible because of money. I am able to stay with Felicia and the place tickets from Salt Lake City were inexpensive. The more I think about my decision the more reasons I think it was a good idea. The weather is going to be just right and I might as well kick off my Rookie season as soon as possible. Also, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and Felicia has a great spot picked out for us on Sunday morning.

HB: You’ll be at the Bodybuilding.com booth for the Arnold. Are yous ponsored by anyone or looking for sponsorship?
I am NOT sponsored by anyone at this time. I am currently looking for a company to build a long term relationship with – I want to build my face with a brand.

HB: Favorite supplement you’d recommend for other women?
Fiberlyze powered by Species

HB: Favorite part to train?
Legs – once I get past the squats or deadlifts everything else feels good. I always feel accomplished after a great leg day and it is one of the areas I am determined to control.

HB: Least favorite part to train?
I do not have a least favorite body part to train but I DO NOT enjoy long sessions of slow cardio… I like HIT type cardio and sprinting up hills.

HB: Any goals for the 2010 competitive season?
I want to have an active and successful rookie year. I would love to make it to the Olympia, place in the top ten at the Olympia and maybe be in the running for the Weider’s” Rookie of the year award.” I think it would be so neat to accomplish all this after winning the FLEX model search and being inspired by the Pro Figure Physiques.

HB: When you’re not eating or training what do you like to do?
I enjoy shopping, traveling, hiking, camping, being involved in the community and spending time with family.

HB: Any pets?
No I wish…. No fenced yard.

HB: How do you stay balanced in your every day life when preparing for a show?
Time Management, Preparation and Prioritization skills are key to my survival. I make the most of every hour, accomplish what NEEDS to get done first and fit anything else I WANT to get done after. Separating what needs to get done from what we want to get done can be a challenge for many women. There are certain things in life that are nice to get done but that do not need to get done. I really try to prioritize everything based on deadlines and importance. If I don’t get something accomplished I push it to another day of the week.

HB:You have a “day job” – able to share a bit of what you do and how you got into it?
I work full time with the US Air Force as a civilian and manage the logistic functions for a portion of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). I am involved with a variety of activities that help keep this weapon system on alert 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. Keeping this weapon system on alert provides deterrence and safety for the United States and our allies. I was recruited out of college using the career service center at Weber State University.

HB: What brought you and keeps you in Utah?
My dad was in the military and at the age of 5 we moved from Germany to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. My parents have since then moved to Tennessee to retire but because of work and my husband I remain in Utah. I am looking to move to California but it will take time to line up a job with the Federal government.

HB: How did you overcome being sick and stay the course for this show?
All of sudden on a Thursday Afternoon toward the end of January my throat started to feel like razor blades and I was feeling achy. I immediately gargled with Warm Salt water and went to the store to get Zinc and Vitamin C. The next day when I work up I felt pain in my ear and nasal area so I made a Dr. Appointment right away. My Dr. said I had an infection and I got on antibiotics that day (Friday). I am the type of person who hates the hospital and self medicates by eating right, drinking lots of water, making sure to blow my nose and relax as much as possible. Because of my commitment to the show I wanted to exercise all options and get better ASAP.

It was hard to stay focused. I felt my sugar levels go low while on the cardio machine and just did not feel like myself. I felt like I did not have an option to slow down and take a break. When there are girls determined to do well who are training hard you do not have an option to slow down if it is still possible for you to get around. So I took it day by day and just told myself I was going to get a good workout in and ended up feeling accomplished after each workout.

Hardbody Hotseat:

I prefer a shot of
tequila

Pink! Is
not my favorite color

Someone who owns 3 or more cats
is a nurturing person

Celery
great for dipping

Orange Roughy
have some in my freezer but have not tried yet

I’m craving
my homemade carrot cake

I can’t live without
friends and family

Favorite actress
Julia Roberts

TV show I’d like to be on if given the chance
any show on HGTV

Thanks Kathleen! Good luck in your pro debut.

Anyone you’d like to thank?
B-training for keeping the gym fun while pushing me to my limits. Arizona figure DIVAS for helping me achieve my health and wellness goals. Master D for checking in on me and making sure I was doing the right things at the right time. Sylvia Tremblay for sponsoring my suits this year.

I caught up IFBB Fitness Pro Bridgette Murray as she heads into the Phoenix Pro. Bridgette has made some changes to her prep and is coming into Arizona ready to rock the fitness stage.

HB: You competed the end of last year at the Ft. Lauderdale Cup. How was your experience there and what feedback were you given?
Let’s just say the experience was much better than the feedback! They (the promoters) put on a wonderful show, at a fantastic venue; we were really treated like stars. The feedback on the other hand was expected- need to bring the physique down and in better condition – it’s my main area of weakness.

HB: You’ve always had strong routines but the criticism has been your conditioning. What have you done differently to prepare for this show?
Well, I relinquished control to Kim Oddo… that’s what I did differently. In the past I have trained myself…for the most part and when you allow yourself to be in control, it easier to say “I think I have done enough cardio today…OR this one little cheat won’t hurt me.” But, the problem is…it’s never enough cardio, and the little cheats DO hurt you. It finally apparent to me that something needed to change.

HB: What prompted you team up with Kim Oddo for this show?
My husband! After the last show in Fort Lauderdale, he basically told me that if I was going to do another show that I would be hiring someone…and he suggested I contact Kim. So I did. I was skeptical at first (my own control issues, of course) – I’m sure Kim would agree…but he made a believer out of me. In the trainer-athlete relationship, and in this sport… they say ‘JUMP’, you ask – ‘how high?!’

HB: How’s it been working with Kim?
Kim has been fabulous! I couldn’t have asked for a better dyanmic, for me personally. I like a straight shooter and that’s what he is. After this experience with him…I am not sure I could ever go back to attempting it on my own. He becomes the brains of the process-so it’s nice not to think about it…you just DO IT!

HB: Is it difficult to work with another trainer when you yourself train people?
I think this was originally part of my hesitation- but it’s not difficult at all! He has my best interests in mind and will do everything he can to help me reach my goals- which is what I do for the girls I train. Training others and training yourself is two totally different ball games. Even though I may have the knowledge I need to get through this process, it much more difficult to apply to yourself than to apply to others.

HB: When Saturday’s show takes place what will we see from Bridgette Murray?
More confidence. Regardless of the outcome of the show… I will know all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that I put in to get here – in the big picture, bettering yourself is a huge accomplishment…so, I can finally say I am proud of what I have done~ I gave it my all.

HB: You help women with their fitness routines in Colorado or is it everywhere? Tell people a bit more about your services and what you offer to fitness competitors.
We (my husband and I) do routines for competitors anywhere and everywhere; however most end up being local. My weekly fitness classes are the core of the team training for the fitness gals. It allows us all to feed off of each other and have the support system we need as athletes in this sport. We don’t only offer routines, we do the whole package- nutrition, strength training, cardio etc- however it’s more or less an a-la-cart menu…which is why we have had other trainers refer girls to us for routines only. We also have the figure girls come to class, for conditioning and posing.

HB: Will see you in any other shows this year?
I am not sure what the rest of the year holds for me. Right now, my focus is on getting through this show and enjoying the spring. My husband and I are close to celebrating our 1 yr anniversary in May which calls for a vacation/celebration!! We’ll see where the journey takes me after that.

HB: What are your favorite supplements while preparing for a show?
Is SLEEP a supplement? Ha! Well, aside from the normal vitamins and such- I love coffee! Not a morning or practice goes by without a giant cup. BUT, if we are talking REAL sports supplements, I have to say I was introduced to MRM’s Digest All for this show- I really like the ‘digestive assistance’ it provides. It helps eliminate some of the unwanted side effects of a high protein diet! ha!

Jaime Meade is one of several women from Colorado who will be competing in the Phoenix Pro show this weekend. Jaime turned pro at the 2009 Team Universe contest and after a bit of time off she’s ready to rock. I caught up with the rookie to see what she’s been up to and how she’s approaching her debut.

HB: How’s it feel to be a week out from your IFBB Pro Debut?
PINCH ME! I’m beyond excited to experience it all both on and off stage! Counting down the days before we board the plane for AZ BABY! Give me a big fat sweet potato and let’s carb up!

HB: What’s changed in your diet and nutrition since you turned pro?
STRAIGHT UP CLEAN EATING! I began contest prep 18 weeks out to afford some wiggle room along the way. Pulling artificial sweetners and products, and consuming more protein from more whole food sources instead of protein drinks. Overall the biggest change in both training/nurtition has been working with Kim Oddo. He has been the master behind the all the great changes in my diet/nutrition/training style.

HB: Why the Phoenix show for your debut?
Since the Arnold is two weeks after I thought it would drive away all the “PRO VETS” away to give the “Little Pros” a chance to play! But I do think this year we are going to see a hefty competitive line up within the Pro Circuit..that’s what it’s all about though right? Keeps us all pushin harder!

HB: What goals do you have for the 2010 competitive season?
Get up in the top 10 line up..for my PRO DEBUT!

HB: You’ve become pretty familiar with supplements through working at Max Muscle. Has working at a nutrition store helped you or do you want to get away and not talk about protein at this point?
I never get tired talking SUPPS! Working at Max Muscle in Lone Tree, Colorado has helped a ton! I work once a week at the store to target mostly women in pursuit of creating and pushing toward their individual goals using Max Muscle Supplements. Knowing what works for me and why by using Max Muscle Supps offers me the opportunity to help other people too!

HB: If you have to pick one supplement that’s helped you what would you say it is?
Max Muscle XTR extreme training recovery is one of my favorite products. XTR is aperfect blend of branched chain amino acids Glutamine, Citrulline, Argining AKG and other synergistic ingredients. The product really helps to prevent muscle breakdown and is super effective at promoting rapid recovery and reducing soreness from my most intense workouts. NO SUGAR, NO CARBS, NO Calories…it’s a Figure competitors best friend!

HB: That’s a pretty good pitch. They should have you working the store more than once a week.

HB: You also have another occupation you’re passionate about. Tell people about your “day job”.
My “day job” is being a Pediatric Physical Therapist. Kids with cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, any type of special needs, physical impairments…all have a special place in my heart!:) Giving these kiddos the experience to learn how to move either in their own bodies or through adaptive equipment brings so much joy and fulfillment into my life.

HB: On Saturday night what place will Jaime Meade’s name be next to?
TOP 10…at LEAST..I hope! It’s hard to say where I will line up amongt the other super star rookies and IFBB PROs.

HB: When someone says Jaime Meade – what do you hope they think of?
Positive energy, always smiling and genuine.

HB: Aight Rapid Fire – first thing that comes to mind…
I ate rabbits that were on fire..ha ha ha ..that is protein right!?

HB: HAHA. You need a carb or three

HB: Nickelback
saw in concert last year…rocks in concert but not on IPOD.

HB:Favorite song to work out to
Meet the Monster by Five Finger Death Punch

HB: Chocolate sardines are
They are dipped in chocolate…so they are DELISH!

HB: Fishing in the dark is
Stupid. Im scared of fish and being around water in the dark

HB: I am craving
peanut butter and banana wrapped in a wheat tortilla

HB: Sounds oddly delish!

HB: Peanut Butter is
Best when licked off your finger

HB: The smell of asparagus is
A reminder you are competing in a week

HB: If I were a ferret
I’d ask for a cute sweater and poop all over the place

HB: An iced cold beer
Is calling my name…BLUE MOON BABY!!

HB: I think snuggies are
warm and comfy…but not allowed in my house (per boyfriend)

Thanks Jaime. Good luck in your pro debut and we’ll see you in Phoenix!

We’re just days away from the first IFBB Pro Figure event of 2010 and Mendi Sakamoto is stoked to be part of it. I caught up with the blonde beauty as she heads into this weekend’s Phoenix Pro show. Take a minute to get to know a bit more about Mendi and how she balances her “Brady Bunch” life and competing.

HB: It’s been a year or so since we last saw you compete. What prompted you to take some time off?
I had a pretty painful shoulder injury that required some time off from hard training. Nothing too serious, just overuse. I kind of looked at the time off as a blessing in disguise, and we (my husband and I) were able to spend the year focusing on the kids and their many activities. It was also a great opportunity for us to take time off and travel to places like Sun Valley, the Bahamas, Napa Valley and Vegas. It is so nice to travel without having to bring your food or obsess about getting your workouts in!

HB: How many children do you have?
We are a Brady bunch…a blended family with 5 kids. I had 3 children and my husband had 2 when we married.

HB: What’s the key to balancing a family life and a competitive figure life?
You really have to be organized and manage your time well. Every night before I go to bed I write out a list of what I need to get done the next day and schedule everything. While getting ready for a show it becomes really important for me to make sure that I prioritize what’s important….my faith, my family and my training…the rest can wait.

HB: Why comeback at this show?
I am healthy and ready to compete again. As crazy as it sounds, I actually missed the discipline and the whole process that goes into preparing for a show. I plan to compete in a few shows this year and really wanted to get after it early in the season. It certainly didn’t hurt that it is in Phoenix and as a former baseball player, my husband is looking forward to watching a little Spring Training while we are down there.

HB: Have you trained differently since you last competed?
Much more of a functional workout program. I still hit the weights hard, but I have added track workouts a couple times a week… sprints, intervals, running stairs and plyometrics. My goal has been to balance out my physique and bring up my lower body.

HB: Looking back…is there anything you wish someone would have told you about when you first got started?
Use a professional tanning service like Jan Tana…It is one less thing that you have to worry about the day of the show and you know that they will do a great job.

HB: Any supplements you take that you’d recommend to other women?
Udo’s oil, Vitamin C, and Muscle Milk protein plus

HB: How do you maintain a balance with your husband while dieting?
Like many parents, a lot of my evenings are consumed with kids, sports and activities…but once a week Jeff and I block out an evening for date night. We really try to be intentional about spending time together and having fun…even when I am dieting. For example, last week on our date night we went out to the gun range…and had a blast (No pun intended)

NICE! Let me fire off a few things and you tell me the first thing that comes to mind.

Guys with mullets are___
deal-breakers

I’m really craving____
yellow cake with sprinkles

I can’t sleep without____
3 pillows and a ceiling fan

Gallon jugs are_____
Ummm…are we talking water or boobs?

HAHA!

Anyone you’d like to thank in closing?
My husband, Jeff, is an amazing partner and I wouldn’t be able to do all this without his support and understanding. Also, Mark Nichols with Sledge Athletics here in Portland has been a great resource to keep me focused and accountable.

Good luck Mendi! We’ll see ya in Phoenix.

The first IFBB show of the year is quickly approaching and a number of women will be making their debuts at the Arizona Pro. This week we’ll be catching up with a few of these women.

Our first profile is with Texas beauty, Jodie Minear.

HB: Why did you decide to make the Phoenix Pro your debut?
JM: I decided on the Arizona show because it was the first one of the year and honestly I’m dying to get out there and give it all I got.

HB: Have you been training differently since turning pro?
JM: My training has been way more intense and I have really been working on my legs and butt.

HB: Why the legs and butt?
JM: In my opinion there is always something to work on. I just sometimes need to pick one thing at a time or I will drive myself crazy.

HB: What’s your favorite diet meal on the menu today?
JM: Chicken with a side of chicken seasoned with some chicken.

HB: What’s the key to balancing work and working out for you?
JM: I get through it with energy pills… Many of them.

HB: Any supplements you like and would recommend for other women?
JM: I’m a big fan of Arginine, but even bigger fan of RM 10 which does amazing things for your immune system.

HB: Favorite quote from Family Guy?
JM: “O lois its so hard to find funny women these days, but your hilarious!” Stewie…

Hardbody Hot Seat Questions:
HB: Last movie you watched
JM: Couples retreat… Vince Vaughn

HB: Favorite song to work out to
JM: Yelling, or something like that

HB: I’m craving____
JM: Sugar… Bitches love sugar

HB: Lady Gaga_____
JM: ooh la la…. love her.

Good luck Jodie. We’ll be there covering the action from the Arizona Pro show here on HARDBODY.com and photos will be posted on Bodybuilding.com.