Hardbody – Female Sports, Health and Fitness

Check out what the 2009 Figure International champ, Ziville Raudoniene has been up to recently. Her wrestling name is “Aksana” and it looks like she’s finding her way in the entertainment sector of the world. Ziville, errk Aksana, is part of the Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) which serves as developmental training grounds to become a WWE Diva.

Thanks to FMG’s Facebook for the link.

Double check your eggs before eating.

Eggs May be Linked to Salmonella Outbreak
On-farm egg testing and a records review for Salmonella by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has led to a multistate egg recall by Wright County Egg based in Galt, IA.

The recall may be associated with a Salmonella outbreak that is the subject of an ongoing trace back investigation by FDA.

In a statement going into the weekend, the Iowa company said it was recalling specific Julian dates of shell eggs produced by its farms for possible Salmonella contamination.

Eggs affected by the recall were distributed to food wholesalers, distribution centers, and foodservice companies in California, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. These companies distribute nationwide.

Eggs are packaged under the following brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms, and Kemps.

The recalled eggs are packed in varying sizes of cartons (6-egg cartons, dozen egg cartons, 18-egg cartons) with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946. Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P-1946 223.

Complete story here.

Props to IFBB Bikini Pro Nicole Moneer Guerrero for the recent exposure in the Chicago Sun Times. I never would have guessed Nicole was 37 – pretty awesome. She has the physique and look of an early 20-something. Follow Nicole on twitter @nmoneerguerrero. Congrats on the exposure Nicole and good luck in Dallas.

BIKINI FIT: NICOLE GOES PRO FOR SHOW
When it comes to being fit, Nicole Moneer Guerrero is it.

She is a certified personal trainer at Lifetime Fitness in Schaumburg, a fitness model, a spokesmodel and more.

The former Luvabull won her International Federation of Body-Builders pro card in July and will make her IFBB pro debut Saturday in the women’s pro bikini category at the Europa Super Show in Dallas.

Not that she lacks for experience. She has the 2009 Ms. Bikini Classic Universe title, among others, to her credit.

”Challenge yourself,” she told Quick Hits during a recent visit to the gym, where she demonstrated one-armed pushups, among other exercise (watching was enough to wear out yours truly).

The soon-to-be 38-year-old definitely follows her own advice.

Naturally.

”I’ve been lifting weights for over 17 years, but I’m not big and bulky,” she said.

A quick glance showed she was correct.

Working out appears to be Guerrero’s fountain of youth.

”I tell all of my 20-year-old friends and clients and people I know that it gets better in your 30s,” she said. ”I’m definitely mentally stronger now. Nothing can stop me.”

And physically?

”I’ve had a few things stop me physically,” she said. ”But for the most part, I push through it.”

Source: Sun Times.

This Sunday, Muscle & Fitness Hers will be holding a Superstar Camp. There was an overwhelming response when the camp was announced and enrollment has since been closed. I’ve received a few emails asking for details about the event. Ask and you shall receive ladies. Here’s the skinny on the event and remember you must already be registered for the event.

What: Muscle & Fitness Hers Superstar Camp

When: August 1, 2010

Where: Flamingo Gold’s Gym, Las Vegas
3750 East Flamingo RoadLas Vegas, NV 89121
(702) 451-4222
MAP LINK

Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m.

What to Bring: Water and snacks. The camp is providing the training and nutrition information.

What to wear: Dress to train and workout.

Who will be there:
• Weider Group Senior Science Editor Jim Stoppani
• IFBB/NPC judges Steve Weinberger and Lee Thompson
• Trainer Kim Oddo
• Figure Olympia Nicole Wilkins Lee
• Fitness Olympia Adela Garcia
• IFBB Figure Pro Heather Mae French
• IFBB Bikini Pro Amanda Latona
• IFBB Figure Pro Stacey Oster-Thompson

What to expect:
There will be 6 stations – 3 training (upper body, Lower body, plyometrics)
1 nutrition/supplementation
1 posing/presentation
1 beauty/prep.

Cost: Free!

This will be a great event. Follow Muscle and Fitness Hers on twitter and you might get a glimpse of what’s happening in Vegas.

Davana Medina was slated make her return to the IFBB stage this weekend but fans will have to wait. I’m told that due to personal circumstances Davana Medina has withdrawn from Hartford show. She will be making a decision as to where her IFBB Pro Bikini debut will take place. Check back to see where she’ll end up next.

I had her pegged as a top three contender. Who will move into that spot? We’ll see when prejudging takes place on Friday.

The IFBB said farewell to the 45-second routine and black catsuit at the 2009 Olympia. Little did fans know that it would also be the last time they saw IFBB Fitness Pro Tracey Greenwood compete. Tracey has decided to call it a career and move on to the next chapter of her life. She was always one of the fiercest competitors with the most impressive strength moves.

I asked, Why retire now?

Tracey said, “Why not? This is the right decision for me. I am at complete peace with it! I could not have asked for a better 10+ years in the NPC/IFBB”. I asked if she had any regrets in her highly decorated career and she said, “ZERO. I accomplished everything I wanted to in this sport plus I was one of the best in the world for many years. I made some very good friends and I even have a God daughter because of this sport!! I am the God daughter to Shannon Meteraud’s youngest daughter, Chesney Bennett.”

Tracey isn’t your average competitor. Sure she can pull of some amazing strength moves on stage but I find her off-stage accomplishments even more impressive. Tracey has a PhD is Physiology and teaches anatomy & physiology, cardiovascular physiology, metabolic biochemistry, exercise testing & prescription at Eastern University. She was recently promoted and tenured at the university. She’s co-authoring two textbooks and continues to have published articles in her field. Wait, there’s more. She’s involved in rescuing dogs and promotes three NPC shows. Oh ya and you might see her emceeing, expediting and judging at NPC shows, sometimes all in the same day.

What advice does Dr. Greenwood have for aspiring competitors? “JUST DO IT. Don’t think you can’t or you aren’t good enough. If I can do it so can you!”

Congratulations Tracey on a successful fitness career. Tracey’s management, FMG, released the following press release regarding her announcement.

FMG PRESS RELEASE
July 20, 2010 - For those of you in attendance at the 2009 IFBB Fitness Olympia, you unknowingly saw the last competition of IFBB Fitness icon Tracey Greenwood. After a long and wildly successful fitness career in both the NPC and IFBB, Tracey has decided she will be retiring from competition due to lingering injuries and just moving on in life in general. Yes, Tracey had thought about retirement previously and honestly we laughed it off and told her that she still had her best in her and not to retire. That was in 2008 when she won the IFBB Houston Pro Fitness, IFBB Atlantic City Pro Fitness, won the IFBB Europa Super Show Pro Fitness for the second time and finished second at the IFBB Fitness Olympia. That same year she was voted the FLEX Magazine Women’s Athlete Of The Year. Glad you listened to us Tracey! In 2009 Tracey started off the year placing third at the IFBB Fitness International, won the Atlantic City again and unbeknownst at the time, finished her career in third place at the IFBB Fitness Olympia.

This doesn’t mean you won’t still see Tracey. She is an expediter at almost every major NPC national competition, along with all the competitions in the NPC New York-Metropolitan district, is doing her share of emcee work, is a personal trainer and continues to promote both the NPC Tracey Greenwood Classic and NPC Deleware States.

Although now retired, rest assured that at 41 years old, Tracey’s physique can still stand right up there with any IFBB Pro Fitness competitor old or new. And in the end, she’ll always be “Trixie” to us!

The 2010 Fitness Olympia will be significantly different. There will be a few names missing from the usual top five. One of the top contenders will be sitting out this year’s event but with good reason. Julie Palmer is expecting her first child and will have to obviously pass on this year’s event. Does this mean we’ve seen Julie on stage for the last time?

Julie Palmer has solidified herself as a top contender in any show she enters. She took home top honors at the Phoenix Pro show and was the runner-up at the 2010 Fitness International. She had her sights set on the Olympia title but that will have to wait a bit.

I caught up with the new momma-to-be to find out her thoughts. Julie shared, “Both Mike and I are very excited that we have been blessed. I am due in January and hoping to be back on stage by next August for the Europa and qualify for the 2011 Olympia after the baby. Fitness means a lot and I have no desire to step away from the sport after the baby. I look forward to cheering on all the ladies this year at the Olympia and of course the Arnold next year.”

Congratulations Mike and Julie!

Anyone catch this last night? Host, Bryant Gumbel covers the world of female bodybuilders for HBO’s Real Sports. Collette is very articulate and represents the female bodybuilders well from the looks of this HBO promo. If anyone caught the episode, post your thoughts in the comments field below.

Earlier in the month, I speculated that 3x Figure Olympia Champion Davana Medina was eyeing a return to the competitive stage. There’s no need to speculate any longer as her management, FMG, confirmed with me today that she is coming back. I had a chance to speak with Davana at the Team Universe contest and she hasn’t changed a bit since her days on stage, except a little less muscular. She’s teamed up with fellow Olympia Champion, Adela Garcia for her new bikini training.

3x Figure Olympia Champ Davana Medina and her manager, J.M. Manion.

The following press release was issued today.

FMG PRESS RELEASE
July 14, 2010 – Anybody who was at the 2010 NPC Team Universe Championships this past weekend in N.J. had an opportunity to see Figure pioneer & the only 3-time IFBB Figure Olympia champion Davana Medina enjoying the competition. Those that saw her realized she wasn’t just here as a spectator, she was hear to do some research. Everybody was asking her about those rumors of her comeback to competition. Davana didn’t let on then but we are here to confirm the rumors that Davana Medina is returning to the IFBB & will be making her return competing in the 2010 IFBB Europa Show Of Champions Pro Bikini in Hartford on July 23rd & 24th. And she has re-signed with FMG who had the great pleasure of managing Davana Medina’s entire NPC & IFBB career starting in 2001 until her retirement. Davana is also the first former FMG athlete that we have re-signed to work with.

Former FMG athlete & another IFBB Figure pioneer Jaime Franklin reconnected Davana with us at the 2009 Arnold Fitness Weekend. Initially we thought she might return in Figure but after lengthy discussions with Davana the new IFBB Bikini division seemed to be the perfect fit of what she was looking to accomplish.

Next was getting Davana a trainer to help her get on stage in 2010 to qualify for the inaugural 2010 IFBB Bikini Olympia. That trainer turned out to be her old friend, FMG athlete & 4-time IFBB Fitness Olympia champion Adela Garcia.

Adela stated, “I am honored and excited to be working with Davana as we go way back. Davana is an extremely hard working athlete & when she puts her mind into a goal, she goes after it all the way. When I was told about Davana returning to compete I reached out to her & ever since Davana & I have been talking about her returning into competition. I knew she wanted to compete again & once I knew she was game, I told her “Girl, I am your girl & we are in it to Win it”. You have 2 Olympia Champions mentality & all you create is fire to Win. Davana will step on that Bikini Olympia stage ready and O.F.F. Challenge is ecstatic to have her on board. Thank you so much for the great opportunity to be part of your new journey Davana. Thank you FMG for trusting me to bring her ready to do some damage.”

Look out because Davana Medina is back to rock IFBB Bikini the way she did IFBB Figure in the last decade!

To contact Davana Medina for appearances, endorsements, interviews & modeling, contact FMG at fitnessdivasproductions@verizon.net or via Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fitness-Management-Group.

While waiting to board my flight out of Newark, I caught up with three new IFBB Pros. The NPC Team Universe overall bikini Champ Nicole Nigrani, her mom Kristen Nigrani and Joanne Murphy. Joanne and Kristen both turned pro in the Figure Division. Nicole shares when her first pro show will be and who she is gunning for. She’s the youngest IFBB Bikini pro at age 18 but don’t let that fool ya, she already has one year under her belt in an accelerated medical college. The cool thing that has never happened before was she turned pro on the same stage and night as her mom. Check it out.

The Figure One-Piece made its last stand at the New York Pro Figure. The following announcement was released today on IFBBpro.com.

From: IFBB Professional League
To: ALL IFBB FIGURE COMPETITORS
Date: Monday, July 12, 2010

Subject: IMMEDIATE ELIMINATION OF 1-PIECE SWIMSUIT ROUND IN PRO FIGURE

At the IFBB New York City Pro Figure on Friday July 9th, several members of the IFBB Professional League Pro Committee were on hand, including Chairman Jim Manion. A meeting was called that included a quorum to discuss the immediate elimination of the 1-Piece Swimsuit Round in the IFBB Pro Figure. This will take effect starting with the 2010 IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships on July 17th. This was originally proposed to take effect at the 2010 IFBB Houston Pro Figure as stated on Advisory Notice from Tuesday, June 15th. All IFBB Pro Figure competitions from this date forward will only consist of one (1) round, the 2-Piece Swimsuit. This includes the 2010 Figure Olympia.

Please note there is no figure at this weekend’s Tampa Pro show, so the first show it will be implemented will be the Europa Super Show in Hartford.

IFBB Fitness Pro Marnie Holley exchanged wedding vows with NPC Bodybuilder Jerome Ferguson over the weekend. The couple tied the knot during the annual Muscle Beach contest on July 4th. Ron Avidan was there to capture their wedding day. Can you believe Ron skipped out before the cake was served?

Congrats Marnie and Jerome! See more photos from the wedding on bodybuilding.com.

Jerome and Marnie on their wedding day.

Bodysport.com reported over the weekend that Monica Brant is leaving the IFBB for another organization. Terry Goodlad (owner of bodysport.com) calls it, “one of the most shocking fitness industry news developments in the history of women’s physique sports”. I wouldn’t go that far. Surprising? Perhaps to some but to those in the industry, it isn’t all that shocking.

Monica Brant is considered an icon in the fitness industry by many women and rightfully so. She’s inspired countless women to compete and has found more success off stage than on. She is the 1998 Fitness Olympia champ and has competed in over a dozen IFBB Figure shows. She came up short in her quest for a figure title and many people felt she should have a couple of Figure wins under her belt. I would agree with her winning at least one Arnold and I had her winning the 2005 San Francisco Pro. That’s the nature of the competing in a subjective arena. You win some you loose some and not everyone is going to agree. I’d argue that Monica actually gained MORE fans by NOT winning.

It’s no secret that Monica hasn’t been happy with her placings in the IFBB. She publicly commented, numerous times, that it wasn’t about where she placed and she she did it (competed) for the fans. Monica hadn’t qualified for the 2010 Figure Olympia and it she found herself out of the top 6 at the 2010 Figure International. Frustrated? Likely, as would any competitor who has been in the top ranks for years and now finds themselves on the outside looking in.

Which would leave some wondering if you compete for the fans, why compete in another organization that has little to no attention in the United States? Why compete in a Canadian organization with no shows in the USA? The Figure International (the Arnold) & Figure Olympia are the two biggest shows with the best physiques in the world in front of a number of fans. My guess is we’ll see her tied into their marketing and promotion much like they’ve used Jennifer Nicole Lee in hopes of capitalizing off her name. It’s likely this is more of a business decision that just wanting to compete in a new organization. Adding a “name” competitor is an attempt to add credibility. Understandably so as would any organization trying to gain credibility.

Do I think her leaving is a big deal? No, I don’t. If it had happened in 2003 or 2005 to compete in another organization then I would probably have a different opinion. Does she have a great physique for a woman approaching 40? Absolutely but let’s not forget she’s competing against women in their 20s and early 30s and there comes a point in time when you’re body isn’t what it used to be. Can she still compete? Sure, that’s her right as it is any woman at any age but you also have to be realistic and know you may not place as well as you once did.

Is her leaving the IFBB news? Certainly as Monica is still one of the biggest names in the fitness industry.

Did the IFBB push her out? No. It’s the age old story of when does a competitor call it a career on stage? How long does one stick around and continue to compete? That’s up to the competitor to decide however there is a time in every competitor’s career to know when to hang it up. Is it time for Monica to hang it up? She obviously doesn’t feel it is and that’s her prerogative.

Do I think it was a well executed announcement? Not at all. Public Relations 101 tells you that you don’t make a big announcement over a holiday weekend. Her web site still reads IFBB Pro Athlete and Cover Model. Could she have gotten more exposure if the announcement was planned better? Yes but I’m writing about it so some would argue that it did the job despite the poorly planned timing. Fair enough, I’d say but those of you looking to announce major things should do it in the middle of the week and never around a holiday.

Will it mean the end of the IFBB? Hardly. There are more competitors than ever competing in NPC Figure (the IFBB’s amateur organization) and the competition in the IFBB continues to get more and more difficult. Will others leave in hopes of greener pastures? Sure. There will always be competitors unhappy with their placings and think that a show with cool marketing and big promises will open up more doors. I say go for it. If you want to compete in one of the alphabet organizations that has little to no criteria in order to be considered a “pro” then knock yourself out. It’s an ego driven industry and if you need to place well to feel part of something and that defines your worth, then by all means do it.

At the end of the day Monica will still continue to hold her camps and make her living away stage. She’s one of the few women who “gets it” when it comes to making a business out of the exposure that from competing. Had she gotten the same amount of exposure had she chosen not to compete in the IFBB? I highly doubt it but no one will ever know for certain. I don’t feel she needs to compete in order to continue to run a successful business and I wish her all the best. I’ve worked with Monica on a number of projects over the years from photographing her first F.E.M. Camp in LA to redesigning her web site years ago. I’ve seen the impact she’s had on women’s lives and know she will continue to be an influence in the years to come. If competing in another organization makes her happy, so be it and I wish her all the best.

A couple little birdies are chirp’n that the first Figure Olympia champ, Davana Medina is returning to the IFBB stage but this time in the bikini division. Davana won the Figure Olympia in 2003, 2004 and 2005. She stepped away from the stage and has since become a proud mother.

Stay tuned for more info on Davana’s return to competition and if/when it might be…

**Update: I checked with the IFBB office and Davana is NOT registered for 2010. Hmmm. She could still send in her IFBB dues but will she and decided to compete?

Davana Medina – photo by Brian Moss.

The “mainstream media” may never get it right when it comes to reporting on physique competitions. The public perception still remains that of women with muscles are bodybuilders. Does it matter how competitors are described? To some it does, others not so much.

An article appeared in El Paso Times and reads “Bodybuilder Josie Zamora earns her pro card”. Josie Zamora took home top honors in the Figure division at the 2010 NPC JR NATIONALS. I think it’s a much more compelling story that Josie is a Middle School teacher and not that she’s a “bodybuilder” but props to Josie for the story.

Josie Zamora takes home a pro card and the overall title in Chicago.

Josie shares in the article that she’ll waste no time in making her pro debut. She has her sights set on the New York Pro Figure contest which will take place next weekend.

She also took the opportunity to make the story more than just about herself.

“As a Hispanic woman, there’s this image of being obese, curvaceous, not caring about diet,” said Zamora, who is 5-foot-2 and weighs 115 pounds. “People think of El Paso as an obese city. I want to create a positive image for Hispanic women and El Paso.”

– Read the entire story here.

It’s official… Dina Al-Sabah will return to the IFBB stage however this time it will be in the bikini division. She’s one of five competitors currently on the IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championship competitor list for the Bikini division. Dina is the 2003 Jan Tana Figure Champion and placed 5th at the 2003 Figure Olympia. Her last time on stage was the 2006 Sacramento Pro but she’s been staying in shape.

How will she fare in the new bikini division? Only time will tell but if she looks anything like this IRONMAN magazine cover, she’ll more than hold her own in Tampa.

Stay tuned as we bring you more with Dina as she prepares for the Tampa competition.

The following Advisory Notice was issued by the IFBB Professional League today.

FROM: IFBB Professional League
TO: ALL FIGURE COMPETITORS
DATE: Tuesday, June 15, 2010

SUBJECT: RULE CHANGE

Please be advised that starting with the 2010 Houston Pro Figure competition and all Pro Figure competitions after the 2010 Figure Olympia, there will only be one round in IFBB Pro Figure – the Two-Piece Swimsuit.

Thanks to Tony Blinn from IFBBpro.com for the heads up.

The supplement industry is big business. According to Consumer Reports magazine sports-nutrition sales are at $2.7 billion. That’s BILLION. The July issue of Consumer Reports Magazine investigates 15 different protein drinks and their findings are misleading. They claim, “Some protein drinks can even pose health risks, including exposure to potentially harmful heavy metals, if consumed frequently. All drinks in our tests had at least one sample containing one or more of the following contaminants: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Those metals can have toxic effects on several organs in the body.”

You read that and you think holy crap I shouldn’t drink protein drinks. Well, not so fast. Cytosport, the maker of Muscle Milk, conducted their own third party tests and dispelled the magazine’s findings. Read their full report here.

One of the leading lawyers in the supplement industry, Rick Collins also comments about the report on his web site. Once you read these two articles you can see how results and stories can be skewed to fit the publisher’s agenda.

Optimum Nutrition responded to the findings as well. Check out their take on the story here.

Props to Cytosport & Optimum for meeting the report head on. I’d like to see other supplement companies step up and combat stories like this when they are published. Hiding and not addressing the issue only helps fuel the agenda of others against the sport-supplement industry.

The Dallas Morning News is reporting that Amanda Jo Earhart Savells’ family has filed a federal lawsuit. Their lawsuit is aimed at the people who supplied Dave Jacobs, Amanda’s one time boyfriend and eventual murder, with steroids. The Earhart’s feel “roid rage” was to blame in the death of their daughter. Authorities determined that Jacobs had killed her and then turned the gun on himself. Dave Jacobs was connected to one of the biggest steroid busts in U.S. history. He had been cooperating with federal authorities and given probation in exchange for assistance in the case.

The article says, “Kathy and Gary Earhart of Plano filed a federal suit in Marshall, Texas, on June 4 against Lei Jin, whom the petition describes as a Chinese citizen in Shanghai with a residence in Wisconsin, and GeneScience Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., also in Shanghai.”

The lawsuit also lists fifty “John Doe” corporations and businesses as alleged co-conspirators. The Morning News goes on to quote Amanda’s father (Gary Earhart) saying, “I used to run fitness centers. I’ve seen guys go crazy” on steroids. “The worst thing about steroids is that they work. They also work on you mentally.”

I can’t even imagine what if feels like to be in the Earhart’s shoes. No one should have to experience the death of their child much less the way they did. That said, I don’t see how they will prevail in this lawsuit. The problem, in my opinion, is not the substance but the person taking them. Dave Jacobs was a man who had issues and the one to blame, not the people who may have manufactured a steroid he may have taken. He’s certainly not the first and won’t be the last person to take steroids. You don’t read headlines about them killing someone and then themselves.

IFBB Figure Pro and rising star in the fitness modeling world, Kathleen Tesori will be doing something a bit different this weekend. Kat will appearing on MTV’s Bully Beatdown as the show’s ring card girl. Kat has been part of the show since it’s inception. The taping begins today in Salt Lake City, Utah. Season three taping begins today in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Kat on the set of MTV’s Bully Beatdown. Photo by MTV.com

If you’re interested in appearing on the show and in Salt Lake City area check out how you can attend FREE! Visit www.ocatv.com for info on show days and times.

THIS IS AN MTV CASTED SHOW, YOU MUST APPEAR TO BE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 25 TO ATTEND.

THIS SHOW TAPES IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH.

MTV Bully Beatdown is one of the most unique and entertaining shows on television. MTV has gone across the country finding everyday people who have been harassed, threatened, and in many cases beaten up by a ‘bully’ of some sort. Our MTV host (mixed martial arts master Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller) has then gone to each of these bullies and offered them a simple challenge; instead of bullying a normal person, fight a professional MMA fighter in an MMA sanctioned fight for 3 rounds…for $10,000. The catch is that every round they lose, their winnings go to the people they’ve been bullying. How great is this?

AND YOU CAN BE RINGSIDE FOR THE FIGHTS! Don’t miss this incredible chance to be part of this intimate, nationally televised audience and watch a bully beatdown live.

THIS SHOW IS STANDING ROOM ONLY AND ALL TICKETS ARE FREE!
The taping will take place in a converted warehouse at:
404 W 700 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

There is free street parking.

You’ll be seeing a lot more of Kathleen on and offstage. She’s featured in the FLEX swimsuit issue and has been working on her new web site, kathleentesori.com. Kat will likely make a return to the figure stage later this summer.

Those of you looking beyond the 2010 Olympia competition schedule take note. The 2010 Sacramento Pro has made a couple changes to its schedule. The event will be dropping the IFBB Pro Figure comeptition and adding IFBB Pro Bikini to its November 6th date. Here’s how the women’s IFBB Pro shows look for the second half of the competitive season.

IFBB PRO FIGURE:
Houston Pro – October 23, 2010
Border States Pro – October 30, 2010
Kentucky Pro – November 13, 2010
Ft. Lauderdale Pro – November 20, 2010

IFBB PRO BIKINI:
Houston Pro – October 23, 2010
Sacramento Pro – November 6, 2010
Ft. Lauderdale Pro – November 20, 2010

IFBB PRO FITNESS:
Ft. Lauderdale Pro – November 20, 2010

Each of these events will qualify women for the 2011 Olympia. As you can see this is the largest collection of pro shows held after the Olympia.

Well here’s something interesting. The newly crowned Miss USA competed as a NPC Bikini competitor last month!

Rima Fakih won the bikini short class on April 24, 2010 at the 2010 Flint/Mid-Michigan Bodybuilding, Bikini, Figure and Fitness Championships. She ended up losing the overall crown to Elizabeth Weller.

The cool part about this is now Rima has a platform to tell millions about eating healthy, working out and how she got her bikini body. She recently appeared on Regis and Kelly where she talked about eating her egg whites and oatmeal in the morning. PROPS RIMA!

Thanks Pam for the assist.

Those of you who visit Hardbody.com followed Erin’s journey as she headed into the 2010 Figure International. She finished in the runner-up position but a few weeks later secured her first pro win. Shortly after her win at the Orlando Pro Erin sign a two-year endorsement contract with Dymatize Nutrition. Erin will be the leading lady for the popular supplement company and joins UFC Heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar and IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Andy Haman on their athlete roster.

Congratulations Erin on a job well done. The track star turned figure competitor has positioned herself as the biggest threat to Nicole Wilkins-Lee’s Olympia title. Look for Erin in new Dymatize ads and on stage at the 2010 Figure Olympia.

The following is a press release from Erin’s management company…

FMG PRESS RELEASE
May 18, 2010 – This year is turning out to be a good one for Erin Stern & we’re not even half way through it.  In March she placed 2^nd at the Arnold Classic in the IFBB Figure International.  Then in April she scored her first IFBB pro victory at the 2010 IFBB Europa Show Of Champions Pro Figure.  It was here that the seeds were laid for what was to come next – a 2 year endorsement contract with Dymatize Nutrition.  A Dymatize Nutrition representative had the chance to speak with Erin during the expo prior to the finals where she was announced as the overall champion.  In less than a week following the Europa negotiations were completed, a few days later the official contract arrived & then Erin was being whisked down to Dymatize Nutrition headquarters in Texas for a photo shoot with them.

As Erin stated, “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work for such a great company. I have used their products for years & feel it has helped my performance on the track & on the stage!!”

This endorsement contract is significant as Erin will be the featured female athlete of Dymatize Nutrition.  She will be joining the other 2 Team Dymatize members, UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar & IFBB Pro Andy Haman.

You can visit Erin’s official Team Dymatize page here. FMG would like to give a shout out to photographer Chris Zimmerman for his assistance in helping to get FMG & Dymatize together.  Many Thanks from both FMG & Erin!

Erin’s contract represents the 5^th major supplement company endorsement contract that FMG has secured for its athlete’s in 2010.

Erin’s next competition will be the 2010 IFBB Figure Olympia.

To contact Erin Stern for appearances, interviews or photo shoots, please contact FMG via e-mail at fitnessdivasproductions@verizon.net or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fitness-Management-Group/148019286572

IFBB Fitness Pro Jen Hendershott spoke to a group of high school seniors last night. The Mansfield News Journal has a nice article about Jen’s visit and her talk. She shared the importance of balance and living each day to its fullest.

Jen with a recognition award she received last night.

“You have to live your life; live it today,” said Hendershott, who now makes her home in Burlington, N.C., with her husband Brian. “Do not let one person, not one, tell you you can’t, you won’t, you’re fat, you’re ugly, you’re lazy, you’re stupid, what were you thinking? Do not let one person who says that to you stop you. When people put you down, it’s to make them feel better.

“I encourage all of you to learn a lesson from me. Take anything negative anyone said to you and stick it in your pocket for the next 20 years. It will open doors for you, make your dreams come true, and you can conquer the world with that.”

– Read the Full Story here.

Ladies take note… There’s been a couple changes to the IFBB Pro League schedule. The Ft. Lauderdale Cup has moved to November 20, 2010. The event will feature fitness, figure and bikini in Fort Lauderdale. This was one of the best events I attended last year and highly recommend it. The venue is great, hotel is awesome and it’s a chance to qualify for the 2011 Olympia.

The IFBB Houston Pro Figure & Bikini will take place on October 23, 2010. This will be the first chance for women to qualify for the 2011 Olympia contest.

Jon Lindsay’s 2010 Border States Pro Figure will be held one week later in San Diego, California. Mark your calendars for October 30, 2010. The following week is the Sacramento Pro Figure. This is a great opportunity to compete in a few contest within the same time frame.

For the complete schedule visit IFBBpro.com.

If you’ve read the current issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers, you may have seen mention of this story. I wrote about a possible return of IFBB Fitness Champ Mia Finnegan in my “Twist & Turns” column. A few people have contacted me and asked if it’s all talk or if she is really going to get back on stage. I followed up with Mia… so what’s the scoop?

Longtime industry insider, Lonnie Teper put me in touch with Mia at the 2010 Arnold Classic and I had a chance to speak with her for a couple of hours. It was the first time I had met Mia and it was cool to chat with one of the pioneers of fitness. Mia has an extensive background in gymnastics and a resume full of impressive accomplishments. Mia brought her gymnastic skill set to the 1995 Fitness Olympia and left the first ever fitness champ in the IFBB.

Mia Finnegan at the 2010 Arnold Expo. Looking great at age 43!

Three kids and fifteen years later, the original Fitness Olympia champ is back. She confirmed with me that she will be competing in the 2010 Fitness Olympia at the age of 43. Mia says she’s never felt better and in the shape of her life. It’s a full-time job with children at ages 10, 7 and 4 so why come back now? When I asked her, she mentioned it’s something she wants to do and is physically able so why not? Hey can’t argue with that. As a past Olympia champion, Mia is pre-qualified to compete in the fitness portion of the Olympia. This holds true for all Olympia champs in their respective discipline. She couldn’t come back and compete in the Figure Olympia unless she qualified to do so.

Mia confirmed with me that she is coming back and she will be competing on the 2010 Fitness Olympia stage. When asked if she was certain of the comeback she shared, “Yee ha, rock-n-roll. Suit, music and routine moves selected, just putting it all together.” In case you doubt her commitment she knew exactly how many days it was until the show. Mia went also shared that she will be competing in the 2010 Europa Connecticut show. The event doesn’t have fitness so she will be competing in the figure division for the first time in her IFBB career. Why compete in figure before the Fitness Olympia? “It’s just as a warm up to the Fitness Olympia as I have not been on stage in 14 years,” Mia shared. She last competed in the 1996 Fitness Olympia where she finished in the runner-up position.

It will be interesting to see how she fairs against today’s pros. Can the original champ hang with the likes of Adela Garcia and Jen Hendershott? We’ll find out in September when Mia returns.

IFBB Bikini Pro Tianna Ta improved her posing and came in a bit leaner for last weekend’s Pittsburgh Pro Bikini show and it paid off. Tianna beat out Shelsea Montes by one point to land in fourth place. This may not seem like a big deal until you look at who placed ahead of her. Nathalia Melo, Sonia Gonzales and Jaime Baird took the top three spots but were already qualified for the inaugural Bikini Olympia. According to IFBB Pro Rule 4.6.4, she qualifies for the Olympia. When I spoke with Tony Blinn from the IFBB Pro League office and J.M. Manion, they both confirmed that she’s qualified. Congratulations Tianna on the Olympia qualification in your pro debut.

Tianna Ta at the Pittsburgh Pro Bikini show.

Keep your eye out for Tianna in an upcoming issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers. Tianna also recently signed with BSN as one of their sponsored athletes. Looks like 2010 is starting off well for Ms. Ta.

Denver’s popular FM Sport’s Radio station, 104.3 The Fan, recently held the “Fan 2010 Fan Babe Bracket Championships”. An online contest where fans voted for their favorite women. Some of the round winners were Marisa Miller, Alyssa Milano, Elisabeth Shue, Tina Fey, Kim Kardashian, Natalie Portma and Jamie Eason. Jamie went on to defeat Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model Marissa Miller in the finals. Not too shabby of a victory.

Click here to listen to the radio interview. The guys seem to be drool over themselves the entire interview. Towards the end of the interview Jamie gives a shout out to yours truly. Thanks Jamie and congrats!

There’s been some confusion in with a few folks regarding the NPC Fitness routines and the mandatory moves. Worry no more fitness competitors, the NPC has put out the official word to clear the air.

NPC FITNESS COMPETITORS – PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE NO LONGER MANDATORY MOVES REQUIRED IN YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE STARTING IN 2010.

- THE NPC NATIONAL OFFICE, 4/15/2010

Note – Remember the 45-second routine was removed last year and there are currently no manandatory moves in the Pro division. It’s a logical step to remove them from the amateur division. This doesn’t mean the routines will be any less entertaining or difficult. One look at the routines from the Orlando Pro will show you that they’re as strong as ever in the pros. NPC competitors will still need to show show strength and flexibility in their routines and not just dance around.

Earlier this week we learned that the creator of the Arnold Classic jackets and a friend to many in the industry, Tony Nowak passed away. Jessica Cherwick, Tony Nowak’s niece, shared the following information regarding Tony’s Funeral.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. I have confirmed the funeral services, they will be held on Saturday April 17th at 12:30 in the afternoon at St. Monica’s Church in Santa Monica, California. The following link is a map quest map of the location, if you are able to make it out. If you are unable to come, I kindly ask you do not send anything to the church as it is tightly booked and we may be unable to retrieve said items.

Please send to:
Maria Barrie
18068 Bluesail Drive
Pacific Palisades, Ca. 9027