HARDBODY Fit Female News & Events

IFBB Figure Pro Felicia Romero is preparing to make her 2010 debut in her own backyard at the Phoenix Pro Figure show. Despite the busy schedule of preparing for a contest, Felicia tells me she recently recorded a spot for a reality tv show in Arizona. The following story features Felicia and few other women regarding the potential reality show.

Are you buff? Reality show to feature pumped up Valley women
CHANDLER, AZ — Ladies, put on your workout clothes and get ready to pump some iron.

A reality TV show featuring buff Valley women is being shot in the Phoenix area.

The show, Iron Maiden, will follow the lives and workout routines of five women. Their goal? To take home as many fitness championship titles as possible.

“These women are the rock stars of the fitness world,” said co-creator Bill Stanton.

All the women in the show, he says, have at one point in their lives been out of shape or overweight. Each woman has her own inspirational story to tell.

Twenty four-year-old Katelynn Cashin battled anorexia growing up. She became a fitness model four years ago.

Cashin says her new lifestyle helped her overcome unhealthy eating issues and gave her a better outlook on life.

“I hear all the time that I’m intimidating,” she said.

Those compliments give her confidence level a boost.

Felicia Romero, 27, has been competing in fitness tournaments since college. She works at Fitness Works in the East Valley.

“This lifestyle is very hard,” Romero said. “So that’s the one thing that I would tell women is it’s not something that I wake up one day and I look like this. It’s something that takes a lot of work, a lot of effort.”

Stanton says they’re still shopping the show around and they’ve had a lot of networks interested in the program. He hopes it’ll be on TV next fall.

Photo and story from ABC15.com

The March 2010 issue of FLEX magazine arrived in my mailbox and it is chalked full of great content. There’s a lot of love being shown to the women in this issue and it’s cool to see so many pages featuring some Hardbody ladies. Here’s a quick run down of some of what you’ll find in the newest issue related to the women.

Kristal Richardson & many others featured in the newest FLEX Magazine.
Photos by: Pavel Ythjall.

FLEX MAGAZINE – MARCH 2010:
• Nicole Wilkins signing
• Time off for Aliotti
• Women of Iron – Iron Sirens comic
• Scene at the 2009 NPC Nationals – lots of candid photos from the NPC Nationals
• Up Close & Personal with Amanda Latona
• Kathleen Tesori ReFLEXions
• Alicia Harris – Gym Bag
• Iris Kyle Workout Philosophy
• Kristal Richardson – In The Mood
• NPC Nationals photos and story
• Team Universe & Olympia Buzz
• My Story – Kat Ramirez featured

My favorite shots of the women are the ones with the ladies training in a more hardcore looking setting. Props to Pavel Ythjall and the crew at WEIDER for showing the women in different light. Pick up the March 2010 issue to check it all out.

Those of you in Columbus on March 6, 2010 will want to check out this Charity After-Bash. It’s without question the fitness industry’s baddest party just as the flyer claims. The master promoter, Jason Dhir is once again holding the biggest after-party in the biz. I’ve attended this party every year since its inception and it gets bigger and better every year. Jason always brings in the top fitness stars and also “mainstream” celebrities.

This year the party will be held at BoMA Niteclub 583, E. Broad St., Downtown Columbus. Doors open at 10pm. To pre-purchase tickets or for more info visit groovetickets.com or jasondhir.com. Check back for a schedule of events.

Hardbody.com is a proud sponsor and will be there covering all the action.

Check out the new addition to this year’s Europa Expos. There will be a gym in the middle of the expo floor at all three Europa shows. Those in attendance will get the chance to watch the pros train. The expo gym is sponsored by Apollo Fitness Equipment and the pros are sponsored by various supplement companies.

This year’s events take place on April 16-17 in Orlando, July 23-25 in Hardford and August 13-14 in Dallas. Visit: www.visionstarinc.com for more information on the show and how you can watch the Pros train.

IFBB Pro Alicia Marie has notched another endorsement to her resume. This time she will be featured on not only a product commercial but also its packaging. Alicia tells me she she finished shooting the Ab Coaster II commercial this afternoon. When asked if she was another “sell out” endorsing some bogus exercise equipment she simply said, “No.”  What’s new with the Ab Coaster II? Alicia shared, “You can add heavier weight using extra plates if needed and it also includes a rep counter.” Look for the commercials to begin running in the next few weeks.

Here’s a pic from today’s shoot.

Alicia Marie on the set with others during the shooting of the Ab Coaster II.

Alicia will be making the transition from Figure over to the new IFBB Pro Bikini division this year.

The newest addition to the online radio world comes via the growing community at RXmuscle.com. The site has enlisted the help of Olympians Jenny Lynn and Adela Garcia as the hosts of their new online radio show, Muscle Girls Inc.

From RXmuscle.com:
After weeks of phone calls and meetings, J.M. Management, ALR Industries, and RX Muscle are proud to anounce the re-launch  of Muscle Girls Inc. featuring dynamic co-hosts: Adela Garcia (4x Ms. Fitness Olympia & 2x Ms Fitness International)  Jenny Lynn (2x Ms. Figure Olympia & 3x Ms. Figure International). Adela is currently tied with Susie Curry for the most Ms. Fitness Olympia titles and is looking to break that record later this year (as well as adding a third win to her Fitness International streak in early March).

I’m all for anything that promotes women in a positive manner. I caught up with J.M. Manion regarding the announcement and he shared the following statement.

At this time of the year I kind of take a break from what’s going on in the sport & focus on other things, like catching up on work. So I was a little surprised to hear from Dave Palumbo in late December that he wanted to talk to me about an idea he had for the Muscle Girls Inc. web radio show. I had been a guest on it once & found it to be a good show & had fun with co-hosts Colette Nelson & Krissy Chin. What I didn’t expect to hear was Dave’s pitch to have Adela Garcia & Jenny Lynn as the new co-hosts. Apparently there were some personal issues that happened with Dave & Colette, his former girlfriend, that I didn’t ask about & feel that is his business anyway. Dave said that he was totally revamping the entire Muscle Girls Inc. Again, since it is Dave’s show it is his call. I do want to thank Colette & Krissy for inviting so many of the athletes we manage to be on the show during their time there. We all appreciated them for that.

I thought the idea of pairing the 2 multi-Olympia & multi-International champions was great because of their status in the sport but also because they are friends & have a natural rapport with each other. It was also great for me since they are 2 of the stars of my Iron Sirens Comic Books which will have commercials running during the program & should boost awareness of the ongoing series. The only hold up was since it was the holidays to try to connect with Adela, who was out of the country at the time, & Jenny since we all had busy schedules. Once Adela, Jenny & I all connected they were excited about the project & immediately said yes. I relayed the news to Dave & next thing I know he & John Romano are asking for photos of Adela & Jenny & quotes from everybody. It’s kind of on the fast track now & will be starting next month. So tune in because I’m sure it’s going to be fun! I want to personally thank Dave & John for approaching us to use Adela & Jenny & look forward working with them & Jeff The Producer for a successful show.

When I spoke with Adela she shared her enthusiasm as well. She said, “It’s going to be fun brother. I’m looking forward to it.” One thing is for sure, you can count on Adela to provide a little comedy. Jenny Lynn shared on the RXmuscle forums, “Adela and I have been friends and competed together for 10 years now and are super excited about hosting this show together!! Listen each week and if anyone has any ideas for athletes you want us to interview or subjects you’d like us to cover…..let us know and we’ll try to make it happen.”

The contracts are in and the shuffling appears to be over for the 2010 Arnold. When the dust settled, five women had their names scratched from the lists but three more were added. Confused? Don’t be. Those who withdrew from the competition… Kristal Richardson, Tracey Greenwood, Jen Hendershott, Jessica Paxson and Heather Armbrust. Those who have been added… Cristiana Casoni in Figure, Bethany Wagner in Fitness and Antoinette Thompson in Bodybuilding. Bethany and Antoinette were added over the weekend and were the two I eluded to in a previous post.

Unless something changes before the March contest, these are your official lists for the 2010 Arnold.

Fitness International:
Myriam Capes
Regiane Da Silva
Nicole Duncan
Tina Durkin
Allison Ethier
Adela Garcia
Oksana Grishina
Tanji Johnson
Julie Palmer
Kayde Puckett
Camala Rodriguez
Sylvia Tremblay
Kizzy Vaines
Bethany Wagner
Trish Warren

Figure International:
Monica Brant
Cristiana Casoni
Krissy Chin
Alicia Harris
Candice Houston
Heather Mae French
Monica Mark-Escalante
Angela Mraz
Larissa Reis
Felicia Romero
Rosa-Maria Romero
Sherlyn Roy
Mindi Smith
Erin Stern
Kristi Tauti
Kim Tilden
Andrea Watson
Latisha Wilder
Nicole Wilkins Lee

Ms. International:
Lisa Aukland
Dayana Cadeau
Iris Kyle
Debi Laszewski
Zoa Linsey
Mah-Ann Mendoza
Yaxeni Oriquen Garcia
Jeannie Paparone
Betty Pariso
Alina Popa
Brenda Raganot
Elena Shportun-Willemer
Antoinette Thompson
Dena Westerfield

IFBB Figure Pro Rosa-Maria Romero posted on her Facebook wall, “It’s official… NEW ZEALAND PRO FIGURE March 20th!!!!! Contact Moe Moussawi for more information. $10,000 prize money & top 3 qualify for Olympia.” This would put the show two weeks after the 2010 Arnold. I believe this contest will also have a pro bikini competition.** Once I have more details from Moe and the IFBB Pro League office I will share them with you all. If anyone would like to sponsor HARDBODY to cover this show, we’re totally willing to accept.

Also note worthy related to Rosa… she recently signed with Nutrigenics, joining Ms. Figure Olympia Nicole Wilkins-Lee, rising star Mindi Smith and Raechelle Chase.

** Rosa reports, “Pro Bikini has just been added with a total prize money of $3,500.”

We should have a complete list of who is competing at the 2010 Arnold on Monday. Look for an additional female bodybuilder and another fitness competitor to be added to the line-up from what is currently public.

IFBB Pro Heather Armbrust is one of the top female bodybuilders in the game today. She’s considered by many to be the biggest threat to beating current Ms. Olympia and Ms. International, Iris Kyle. Unfortunately the remtach with have to wait until the Olympia stage in September. Heather has withdrawn her name from the 2010 Arnold competition due to an injury.

I caught up with Heather after the news was made public. When asked if she was ok and if the injury is career ending she shared, “It’s a minor set back. Actually, there are a few but I will deal with them and get them back to normal. I am tough and train through things that I never mention but it’s a mixture of pains and personal”.

Does this mean the end of her career though? “NO! I’m not done where would you get that? I am going to compete at the Olympia for sure. I want that title,” shared the clearly disappointed but anxious competitor.

Heather went on to say, “I apologize and thank everyone for their support. With the mixture of all that is going on, I just want them to understand that I’m doing what is best for the sport and to make a better me when I do step on stage so my supporters will be proud when I do get my win.”

We’ll see Heather back on stage this fall at the 2010 Ms. Olympia competition.

Check out some past training footage of Heather recently posted on Bodybuilding.com.

See more training clips with Heather on Bodybuilding.com.

Thanks to Ms. Fitness Olympia Adela Garcia for bringing this to my attention.

From: IFBB Professional League
To: All Fitness Athletes
Date: January 14, 2010

SUBJECT: PROPS

IFBB Pro Rule 21.7.5 allows the use of props during the Fitness Routine round.

All competitors using props must notify the Head Judge at the Official Athlete’s Meeting.

Props that leave material onstage that presents a safety hazard and/or requires the stage to be cleaned or repaired before further use are prohibited.

Any item discarded during the routine must be removed by the competitor before exiting the stage without causing any delay in the competition.

A competitor must enter and exit the stage and perform the routine without the assistance or involvement of any other person or persons.

Jim Manion
Chairman
IFBB Professional League

IFBB Figure Pro Gen “monkeybutt” Strobo is no stranger to a competitive scene. She steadily improved her physique as an amateur figure competitor in the NPC and achieve IFBB pro status last spring. She took a few months off to add muscle and in her pro debut qualified for the Ms. Figure Olympia. Apparently needing another challenge Strobo decided to enter the Walt Disney World Marathon last week. She didn’t train for it specifically like most people do. Nope she jumped in to show her support for fellow family members. Her husband Rob alerted me her accomplishment via twitter. Her pace was 11:49 with a finish time of 05:09:51. It pains me to think about walking 26.2 miles much less run it. Congratulations Gen!

Monkeybutt strides to a successful finish.

Capital Style, an Ohio women’s magazine, recently profiled IFBB Fitness Pro Julie Palmer. The article has some expected silliness from a non-industry writer but laced with some interesting insight. Meredith Heagney, the author of the article, writes, “Fitness competitors aren’t bodybuilders. They’re more like bikini models who could take down most men in an arm-wrestling match. The ideal look is lean yet muscular, showing both strength and femininity. Julie, for example, has a tiny, sculpted waist, bulging shoulders and powerful quadriceps. She finishes the look with a massive smile and French-tipped nails.”

One thing I didn’t know about Julie was, “For four hours a week, Julie works as a registered nurse at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Nursing is “a total escape” from fitness, she says, but another way to help people be healthy.”  I enjoy hearing how pros are doing more than focusing on their next meal and I think the fans do as well.

Julie Palmer has her sights set on the Fitness International crown.
Photo from Will Shilling, Capital Style magazine.

The article talks about her relationship with Mike Davies and how he told her she had no business being on stage after her first show. Heagney writes, “The world of fitness is a competitive and self-absorbed one, and Julie was picked on by other women Mike trained. She started to feel like he was the only one who understood her. Romance bloomed.”

I chuckled reading Jen Hendershott’s comment in the article. “There is nobody that probably works harder than she does,” Hendershott said. “I would even say she works harder than me.” WHAT? Get outta here! Someone working harder than Hendershott?

I don’t believe it. Relax, I’m kidding.

Julie is preparing for the Fitness International in March. Will her day come and she wears the Arnold crown? We’ll find out in a few weeks. Check out more photos of Julie on the Capital Style web site.

The Arnold Classic invites were announced last month, right before Christmas. A number of women were elated when Santa arrive early while others were left pondering why they’d been put on the naughty list. It’s not an easy task to make it on the invited list and several very good girls didn’t make the short list. Since that time there’s been some shuffling and it isn’t done yet.

First we learned that Kristal Richardson wouldn’t be able to compete due to her hernia surgery late last year. She will compete this year however the recovery is taking longer than expected. We then learned that Tracey Greenwood was out and will go under the knife for a knee surgery. Next up was Jen Hendershott who cited nagging injuries and personal issues. Earlier this week we learned that Jessica Paxson withdrew her name due to personal issues.

I’ve learned a fifth invited pro intends to withdraw her name from the list before the contracts are due this Friday. Look for more information on this soon.

A few people have asked me why so many women are opting out. My response – Life Happens. Injuries are unfortunate and never planned, especially to Fitness competitors. Sometimes life throws you a curveball and lives are affected. At the end of the day the pros are no different than you or I. They face many of the challenges we do and often times more. It’s unfortunate that we won’t see some of the industry’s best on stage but right behind them are other hungry, willing and accepting competitors worthy of a spot and a chance at the title.

Such is the case with the Figure International. Twitter followers of ArnoldSports learned that Cristina Casoni of Milan, Italy was added to the invited list. The Arnold committee could have easily added another U.S. competitor however they added an International Figure competitor. Those who complain that the event doesn’t invite enough International competitors might want to reconsider. Congratulations to Cristina for getting the invite.

I’ll post the final competitor lists this weekend once all the contracts are in and we know who will be on stage in Columbus.

IFBB Figure Pro Jessica Paxson Putnam posted on her facebook minutes ago, “Thank you to all my family, friends, & supporters. I appreciate the emails, posts, & tesxts….I’ve withdrawn from The Arnold for personal reasons. Thank you.”

This would have been Jessica’s first trip to the Figure International stage.

Jess becomes the fourth invited competitor to opt out of the 2010 Arnold.

Some of you may know her as Kim Lyons the IFBB Fitness Pro. Many more know her as a trainer on the hit tv show The Biggest Loser. Always a very friendly woman to be around Kim is taking her glowing personality and hardbody to QVC. She’ll be promoting her “Gym in a Bag”. According the maker’s web site (flexsolate.com) the product is the only Grip-Free workout system in the world. Included in the Bag is a workout DVD with Kim as your trainer.

Kim Lyons’ Gym in a Bag.
Gym in a Bag image via flexsolate.com

The site goes on to say, “You also receive a free-standing flip chart with more than 40 illustrated exercises demonstrated by Kim Lyons.  The Gym In A Bag comes with four resistance bands each with four different level of resistance, custom hooks on the ends of each band for easy use during exercise, one set of ankle cuffs, one set of Grip-Free cuffs, one door attachment, one collapsible foam padded steel bar, and one carry bag with padded shoulder strap for easy transportation AND the whole thing fits into any suitcase.”

Kim shared via Facebook her thoughts around the QVC appearance.

Couldn’t sleep last night! Super nervous about going on QVC with my new Gym in a Bag grip free resistance band product! I need all of your support on this one! It’s an awesome product. I’ll post the website as soon as it’s up this weekend so you can check it out. Be sure to watch QVC in the 8EST hour on this coming wed…, 1-13. Kicking off the New Year with a bang!

Good luck Kim and congratulations on the continued success. Fans can follow Kim on her twitter account.

Mark your calendars for February 26, 2011 for the Ultimate Nurtrition’s FLEX Pro Bodybuilding & Figure Championships. While the competitive season for 2010 has yet to begin, there are already plans for a new show in Los Angeles for 2011. Unfortunately, the IRONMAN Pro will not kick off the year as it has in years past. The event never had a pro figure or fitness portion to it but it did have a NPC Figure event for a number of years. Now fans of men’s bodybuilding and pro figure can see the competition return to Southern California. Props to the people at AMI & supplement company Ultimate Nutrition for bringing things back to SoCal. This event will most likely be 1-2 weeks before the Arnold and a chance to see some top names compete before the Arnold Classic.

In its first year, the FLEX Pro will feature men’s bodybuilding and professional figure events. The total prize money for the event will be $40,000.

Since taking over the Olympia in 2004, AMI Chairman, President and CEO David Pecker has continually pledged to support the sport of bodybuilding, and the FLEX Pro — along with the increased prize money at the 2009 Olympia — is further proof of that commitment.

This past year, the total prize money for Olympia Weekend was raised to an all-time high. According to FLEX Editor-in-Chief Allan Donnelly, keeping competitive bodybuilding in Southern California — specifically the Los Angles area — was a top priority.

“In a lot of ways, Southern California as the birthplace of bodybuilding,” Donnelly said. “Los Angeles has an incredibly passionate fan base, and bodybuilding fans come here from all parts of the world to experience and be a part of that history. Thanks to Ultimate Nutrition and their commitment to the sport, we are able to continue that tradition.”

WHAT: Ultimate Nutrition’s FLEX Pro Bodybuilding and Figure Championships
WHEN: February 26, 2011
WHERE: Los Angeles, California

Visit FLEXONLINE.com for updates related to this event.

IFBB Pro Tracey Greenwood has been a consistent top six competitor for several years. Along the way she’s collected a few titles and held her own in the Olympia and Fitness International (Arnold) stages. She’s been competing without a break and unfortunately she’ll be forced to take one now.

FLEXonline reports on Greenwood’s injury.

FLEXonline.com reports that due to a tear in her medial collateral ligament (MCL) she will have to pull out of this year’s event. When I spoke to Tracey around Christmas she was contemplating competing despite the injury. She listened to the advices of a few people who encouraged her to get the surgery now rather than later. It’s worth noting that she is not retiring and she will be back on stage this year. It’s not a career ending injury and if all goes as planned you’ll see Tracey back to training 100% in five to six weeks.

Tracey said, “Don’t put me out to pasture just yet Isaac I’ve got a few more shows in me before I retire.”

Read more on FLEXonline.com.

Two-time Ms. Fitness International Champion, Jen Hendershott informed me that she will NOT be on stage competing for her third title this year. Stay tuned for more information on why fitness fans won’t be seeing her on stage and if this means retirement.

Good news for bikini competitors in Canada. The following note was posted on http://www.cbbf.ca.

The CBBF is very excited to announce that an additional IFBB Professional League card will be provided at the 2010 CBBF Natural Physique Championships, being held in Laval, QC and promoted by our good friend Joe Spinello.

At our 2009 AGM it was unanimously passed that an IFBB Pro card be provided to the overall Body Fitness (FIGURE) champion and the overall FITNESS champion. After conversations with the promoter and the CBBF executive the additional IFBB Pro card will be provided to the overall BIKINI champion.

However, it will be up to the provincial associations to determine whether the bikini athletes may enter this event, as some do have qualifying events for bikini athletes.

The bikini division, as of yet, is not an IFBB Amateur Worlds category, so this division is being added to the Natural Physique Championships to provide the opportunity for athletes who are entering this sport to participate for an IFBB Pro card.

I’m not totally clear on how it all works in Canada but with an additional pro card being awarded more women will have the opportunity to become an IFBB Pro.

The next time you see Nathalia Moreira on a competitive stage it won’t be the NPC. She competed and won the overall bikini title at the NPC Ft. Lauderdale show in October. Due to her current citizenship Nathalia is unable to enter a national level NPC event. Nathalia petitioned the IFBB Professional League office to receive her IFBB Pro card because of her citizenship situation. The IFBB Pro League office contacted the IFBB Brazilian representatives and everything was approved. After careful consideration, IFBB Professional League Chairman Jim Manion granted Nathalia IFBB Pro League status.

Nathalia goes koo-koo over the news of her IFBB Pro Card!
 

When I asked Nathalia how she felt about the news she enthuastically shared, “Are you kidding me?! This is the best Christmas gift! I can’t tell you how happy I am to be an IFBB Pro.” Nathalia has her sights set on the Orlando IFBB Europa Show of Champions as her pro debut in the new bikini division. She’ll then pack her bags and compete in the IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Bikini event in May. 

Pick up the newest FLEX magazine to read more about this rising star in the bikini division. You can also see a few photos of Nathalia currently featured on FLEXonline.com.

The folks at Gaspari Nutrition are showing a little love to the Figure division by way of their sponsored athlete, Ava Cowan. Gaspari Nutrition shares:

THE SPORT OF FIGURE featuring Ava Cowan, new IFBB Figure Pro. On January 4, 2010, a four part mini-series will document Ava’s diet, training and preparation leading into the her return to the sport’s biggest stages at NPC Eastern USA in New York City followed by the NPC Nationals inHollywood, FL.  At the Nationals, Ava earned her IFBB Pro status by dominating the Figure C class of 35 women.

For more information about Ava, visit ava.gasparinutrition.com.

The following notice was posted on the IFBB Professional League’s web site from Chairman, Jim Manion. All IFBB Pros should take note.

From: IFBB Professional League
To: All IFBB Professional League Members
Date: December 22, 2009

SUBJECT: NON-SANCTIONED EVENTS

All members are reminded of Pro Rule 1.5, which prohibits participation in events that are not sanctioned by the Pro League.

Any Member, whether Athlete, Judge or Official, who participates in a competition not approved or sanctioned by the Pro League may be fined, suspended, or expelled. Participation includes, but is not limited to, competing, guest posing, giving a seminar, judging, officiating, promoting, endorsing or otherwise taking part in any capacity whatsoever in a non-approved or non-sanctioned competition. An Athlete under a sponsorship contract may represent his or her sponsor at a display booth, regardless of whether or not the competition is sanctioned by the Pro League. However, the Athlete may not otherwise participate in the competition.

Each member is solely responsible for ensuring that any event at which that member is guest posing or otherwise participating is in fact sanctioned by the Pro League.

For events outside of the continental USA, members are advised to contact the Pro League office to confirm whether or not the event is properly sanctioned. This will eliminate any possible future action that the Pro League may have to take against the athlete for guest posing or otherwise participating in a non-sanctioned event.

Jim Manion
Chairman
IFBB Professional League

The list for the 2010 Figure International was released today and on that list was one of the top IFBB Pros in the game today, Kristal Richardson. Kristal finished her 2009 season with a win at the Ft. Lauderdale Cup. Shortly after her win she had surgery to remove a hernia. When I spoke to her this afternoon she told me the doctor hasn’t cleared her to compete just yet. She was in good spirits despite being bummed about not being able to compete in the prestigious event. Kristal’s management, FMG, released this statement.

Kristal Richardson was accepted to compete in the 2010 IFBB Figure International but found out today due to complications from her recent navel/hernia surgery she will need to pull out of the competition. Kristal hopes to be recovered to compete in the 2010 IFBB Europa Florida Pro Figure.

We hope you recover soon and look forward to seeing you back on stage soon.

Those of you who visit our site regularly have read about the Lingerie Football League (LFL). A few NPC/IFBB competitors have been participants of the league and experienced mixed reviews. It appears nine women could face legal action for defamatory online comments towards the league.

From TheSmokingGun.com:

The Lingerie Football League, where bikini-clad women grapple on the gridiron, is threatening legal action against a group of former players who have complained that the league has reneged on promises to pay the medical bills for women injured during practices and games. In a December 10 letter, a lawyer for the league warned nine ex-players that “evidence gathered” showed that the women had “participated in the posting” of false information online (apparently on Facebook and MySpace pages). The letter, a copy of which you’ll find below, is the latest heavy-handed tactic employed by the struggling 10-team league, which launched about three months ago with the laughable assertion that it was “one of television’s biggest commercial properties.” According to several former players, league founder Mitchell Mortaza and his deputies have repeatedly threatened legal action when players have complained (or simply inquired) about health coverage and wages.

The women listed in the legal document:
Theresa Skylar Vanel
Aleina Mackey
Dana Shurr
Randi Dicker
Yanina Beccaria
Heidi Olson Cooper
Melissa Teixeira
Lindsay Gillen
Tricia Montoya

Most of the women appear to be part of the Chicago Bliss team however one woman is a NPC Bikini competitor and was part of the Denver Dream. We’ll see how this story unfolds and hopefully everyone can come to terms over the disagreements. It’s also worth noting on the site how the women were compensated. It’s not your average “professional athlete” compensation contract.

A notice to all IFBB Pro League Members were issued a reminder today. All IFBB Pro League Membership applications are due by January 15, 2010. Any memberships not received by that date are subject to a $400.00 membership fee. Get your application in before that date to avoid paying the added fee.

News via IFBBpro.com.

Congratulations to all the winners of the 2009 Bodybuilding.com Site Awards. Adela Garcia, Nicole Wilkins-Lee and Heather Armbrust were the top female winners in this year’s contest. Next year we’ll have to convince them to add a Pro Bikini portion to the site awards. Speaking of Bikini, the 2009 NPC Nationals Overall Bikini Winner Jessica Anderson aka “MsMotoMaverick” won “Photo Gallery of the Year”. Check it out, she’s represent’n Jug Nation in a few of the shots. I’m also honored to say I was awarded “Photographer of the Year”. Thanks Bodybuilding.com!

What Are The Site Awards?
To show our appreciation to our many contributors all over the world, we started the Bodybuilding.com Site Awards. We have chosen a select 34 categories ranging from Writer of the Year to Pro of the year. It is our pleasure to present to you the 2009 Bodybuilding.com Site Award Winners!

How Were They Chosen?
Over the course of the last month we selected a group of nominees for a variety of categories. The top choices were then selected by industry experts based on quality as it relates to each unique category. This was a very difficult process because so many are deserving of these awards. Unfortunately there can only be one.

There’s been some confusion around a story posted on the Arnold Classic web site regarding the Ms. Figure International. Despite what was posted (which will soon be changed) there will NOT be three rounds to the figure. Everything will be as it was last year for the Figure competition. There are still two rounds – a one and two piece. Again, nothing has changed.

If you’re a fan inquiring about the IFBB Pro League rules and competitions or an IFBB Pro League member, the source for accurate and current information is always IFBBpro.com. There are different rules for the amateur division in the IFBB. Amateur competitors in the United States don’t need to worry about that as the NPC is the amateur division of the IFBB. Any rule changes or additions to the IFBB Pro League will be posted on IFBBpro.com. 

Thanks to J.M. Manion for confirming and clearing up the confusion.

IFBB Figure Pro, Erin Stern is finishing her rookie season on another high note. She completed the 2008 competitive season by winning the Overall Figure title at the NPC Nationals. She went on to compete in the ‘09 Arnold, notched a few top five placings, finished in the top six at the Olympia and was named Female Rookie of the Year by FLEX Magazine.

Next month Erin will travel to Los Angeles along with four other women in hopes of winning the Bodybuilding.com Spokesmodel Search. Last year’s winner was Allison Either.

Top NPC Figure competitor, Alexandra Porshnikoff also found her name on the final list. She was runner-up to Ava Cowan at the 2009 NPC Figure Nationals. Danny-J, Mindy Karuk and Jaquelyn Kay round out the women’s finalists.

View the finalist profiles as well as the men and more information on the contest here. Congratulations!

IFBB Figure Pro Gina Aliotti is one of the top figure competitors in the figure game today. Despite being only 25 she’s accomplished more than most figure pros will in a life-time. She earned her IFBB Pro status by winning her class at the NPC USAs in 2005. Gina immediately put her name on the map in her pro debut at the 2006 Colorado Pro/Am. She placed 6th at that show, a show I felt she could and should have been placed higher at. Since the 2007 Arnold (Figure International) Gina hasn’t placed lower than second in any show she’s competed in. She’s become a force to be reckoned with in the pro ranks.

The G-Force will be stepping away from the Figure International in 2010 though. Why would she do that?

Gina will be focusing her attention on things away from the stage for a bit. The most exciting news in Gina’s life is her upcoming wedding. She’ll be traveling to Los Cabos, Mexico in March for her destination wedding. Her and her husband will stay there for their honeymoon. So while many of us are freezing in Columbus, Ohio for the Arnold. Gina will be packing her bags for sunny beaches. Gina will still be competing as Gina Aliotti, so don’t worry about trying to figure out a new name for when she returns to the stage.

Despite not competing in the Arnold she isn’t retiring. She’s never been busier in her life. In addition to planning her destination wedding, Gina’s business has been booming. Her newly launched web site (ginaaliotti.net) is taking off and she’s training/coaching women on and offline. Gina is a NPC Judge in California and if often at the mic with Lonnie Teper, emceeing Southern California shows. When I spoke with her today she informed me she’s releasing a 2010 calendar coming out as well. Ya, bored is definitely not a word in Gina’s vocabulary.

Gina’s management company FMG issued a press release which you can find on FLEXonline.com. When I asked Gina what show she’d be doing next she said, “I want to commit and follow through so not saying what show that will be yet but I will be back.”