Hardbody – Female Sports, Health and Fitness

IFBB Figure Pro Kathleen Tesori shares her thoughts on her Jacksonville Pro experience.

Improvements and Judging
I made my own prediction on how I would do after pre-judging.  After getting feedback, checking out the physiques backstage and thinking about my own performance I placed myself about 10th and ended up taking 13th. So as for me the judges were spot on and I was just fine with my placing. I improved two placings from the Phoenix show and this show had a much deeper line up.

I have a fair share of improvements to make… My legs and glutes needed to come in a bit tighter, my suit bottoms were big (every detail counts when competition is tight) and my posing was awkward and stiff.

I made major improvements from the Phoenix Pro and felt like I created an “awe” factor in the crowd so I completed two of my goals while at the show. I met many new competitors and got to hang with my friends which is MY favorite part about competing. Meeting the competitors and making a personal connections makes following the sport that much better!

For me following the sport of bikini and figure is like having a fantasy football team or something! I cannot wait to see what happens at the Olympia this year.

Cheat Meal
The night after the show I went to the Cheesecake Factory. For some this is normal but for me this was my first time. I had a few bites of two different flavors of cheesecakes (Red Velvet & Adams Peanut Butter) and they were both delicious. I have always hated cheesecake but both flavors were yummy. I returned home on Sunday, after a 12 hour travel day, I went out for some clean sushi but included a bottle of Saki!!!  I also ate a whole can of my favorite corn!

That is all she wrote for me – I see the weeks after competing as a “clean slate “ a “fresh start”. It is like completing a cleanse and I do not want to see all my hard work go down the drain in a few days.

Transition
Slow and steady… I am doing almost the same amount of cardio this week as I was doing just before the show. Each week I will keep adjusting the cardio sessions down until I get to my normal routine.  This helps my body adjust and allows me to keep the competition look.

This week I am doing two hard workout days and two days of fun classes. Each week I will add a workout back in until I get to my normal routine.  I like to get right back into the gym after a show.  I may not jump back into training right away but like to keep some type of routine going.  I am drinking tons of water and electrolytes to help my body recover from my water depletion.  I am staying pretty clean this week and each week will slowly add new items to my diet.

Post Competition Skin
I finally found a way to get the tanner off using www.bodybuilding.com. Baby oil, a bath and bath gloves are the magical ingredients!  The tanner does not come completely off but it gets to a color that is much better than not using the above ingredients. Wish I would have known about the baby oil trick sooner.

Hope you have enjoyed my journals.

Make it a great day!
Kat
www.kathleentesori.com

The Jacksonville Pro/Am is in the books and I was there to photograph it all.  Tracey Greenwood received a standing ovation after she announced her retirement and performed an impressive fitness routine. Dexter Jackson and Gale Elie promoted a first-class event and one that I’d recommend to all competitors. Bob Chic did a bang up job as the emcee and kept things moving along. Kai Greene gave fans a sneak peak at what he’s bringing to the Mr. Olympia contest next month.

Check out stage and candid photos on bodybuilding.com from the weekend.

Olympia bound Jessica Jessie at checkin.

Follow all the action from tonight’s Jacksonville Pro Finals. Keep in mind that I am photographing the show while tweeting, which means I may misspell some things. I’ll do the best I can to keep ya updated. I’ll be tweeting under BBcomContests and Hardbodynews. If you’re not on Twitter, you can stay on this page and refresh for the live call-outs and get our thoughts on the events as they happen today.

Think you got what it takes to predict the top five IN EXACT ORDER for the Jacksonville Pro Figure? Enter your top five in the comments field below. If anyone correctly predicts all five IN EXACT ORDER when the finals are read tomorrow night, you’ll win $100. You MUST WRITE BEFORE tonight at 7pm EST. Once prejudging begins your entry will NOT count.

Competitor List:
* Teresa Anthony
* Elisha Archibold
* Holly Beck
* Susanne Bock
* Tivisay Briceno
* Vivian Alejandra Casarubbia
* Nicole Coleman
* Taylor Condren
* Ava Cowan
* Michelle Craven
* LaVonda Ezell
* Brandie Gardner
* Alicia Harris
* Jennifer Hernandez
* Catherine Howard
* Sara Hurrle
* Ines Jimenez
* Candice John
* Candice Keene
* Danielle Kifer
* Petra Metrl
* Jennifer Migliacci
* Joanne Murphy
* Emily Nicholson
* Ann Pratt
* Katherynne Ramirez
* Mikaila Soto
* Gennifer Strobo
* Kathleen Tesori
* Stacey Thompson
* Kimmy Trowbridge
* Sue Upson
* Rosalind Vanterpool
* Christina Vargas
* Josie Zamora

I caught up with one swimsuit cover model and IFBB Pro, Jessica Paxson-Putnam to get the scoop on why she’s switching to bikini. Jessica is one of a few women who have decided to hang up their figure suits and give the new bikini division a try. Here’s what she had to say…

You’ll be competing in Jacksonville again this year but in bikini – why?
I have been competing in figure since ‘04 and have loved every minute of it, but when I heard about the new bikini division I couldn’t help but get excited. I have watched from the sidelines and I like what I have seen! I was ready for a change and just wanted to try something fresh, new, and exciting!

Has it been easier to prep for bikini vs figure?
Honestly, for me it hasn’t been. I’ve still had to diet and train just as hard. Getting in shape doesn’t come easy for me, so prepping for bikini really wasn’t easier at all.

What have you changed in your prep – training/nutrition wise?
My trainer (Mike Davies) and I have added more boot camp workouts, running, plyos, sprints etc.., which has been really fun for me. When I prep for figure I can’t do a lot of high intensity cardio because I worry about losing muscle in my legs. In bikini they are looking for a more overall toned physique, so I didn’t have to worry about that when I was prepping. As far as diet goes, I have done a more protein/fat/veggie diet. That seems to work best for me.

You received an invite to compete in the Figure International but opted to not to compete. Will you look to compete in the Figure International next year or submit for a bikini invite?
I guess that will depend on how I fare in bikini . I would love to stick with the bikini division because I am having so much fun with my training and am happy with how my physique is looking. If I do well, I would love to submit for a bikini invite to the Arnold.

What’s one thing you bring to bikini that other women don’t?
Oh wow, well… I don’t want to sound pretentious, especially since I haven’t even stepped on the bikini stage, but I will say that I am very happy with my presentation and stage presence. I have a dance/cheerleading/gymnastics background… so I am a performer. I love being on stage and I feel like that shows.

Which bikini competitor stands out to you and is the direction you like?
I think all of the top women (who have qualified for the Olympia) are great! I love Nathalia’s sass on stage and think Dianna Dahlgren has a beautiful, marketable look.

How long have you been sponsored by Optimum?
I have been blessed to have been sponsored by Optimum Nutrition and American Bodybuilding since 2005 when I turned pro.

Favorite ON product?
I am LOVING the new Platinum Hydrowhey!

When the results are announced at the Jacksonville Pro, where will Jessica Paxson-Putnam read?
Well, of course I would love to be the WINNER! . Nobody trains for second place , but we will see

Thanks Jess. See ya in Florida.

The 2010 IFBB Jacksonville Pro Bikini contest has a very competitive field. Michelle Adams will return to the stage for the first time in a number of years. She’s another cross-over from the figure division. Bianca Binno, the Penelope Cruz look-alike, will make her pro debut at this event. Late entrant, Sonya Vecchiarelli will also step on the pro stage for the first time. Last weekend’s USA winner Ali Rosen is competing as well. Eighteen women will take the stage this weekend in hopes of securing a qualification to the 2010 Olympia.

For more information on this show visit, dexterjacksonclassic.com.

The 2010 IFBB Jacksonville Pro is shaping up to be one of the toughest figure competitions of the year. For more information on this show visit, dexterjacksonclassic.com. Who do you think will win the show?

The next stop for the IFBB Pro ladies will be Jacksonville, Florida where IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Dexter “The Blade” Jackson puts on his promoter hat. This contest is shaping up to be a very competitive line-up in the figure and bikini division. It’s one of the last chances to get an Olympia qualification. There will be over 30 IFBB Pro Figure competitors and 10 more in the bikini division. The top five in the figure should be a very impressive group.

A few story lines to watch in this event. Ava Cowan, Sara Hurrle and Joanne Murphy will be making their IFBB Pro debuts. Stacey Thompson is making the switch from bikini to Figure. Michelle Adams will be back on stage for the first time in years but not as a figure competitor. She’ll be testing the water in the bikini division. Dina Al-Sabah is back looking to improve upon her Tampa showing. Bianca Binno will be making her pro debut. Jessica Paxson-Putnam will be making the switch from figure to bikini for this competition.

Here’s the unofficial competitor list as of today.

JACKSONVILLE PRO FIGURE
Teresa Anthony
Elisha Archibold
Holly Beck
Susanne Bock
Tivisay Briceno
Vivian Alejandra Casarubbia
Nicole Coleman
Taylor Condren
Ava Cowan
Michelle Craven
Brandie Gardner
Alicia Harris
Jennifer Hernandez
Catherine Holland
Sara Hurrle
Ines Jimenez
Candice Keene
Danielle Kifer
Petra Mertl
Jennifer Migliacci
Joanne Murphy
Emily Nicholson
Ann Pratt
Katherynne Ramirez
Mikaila Soto
Gennifer Strobo
Kathleen Tesori
Stacey Thompson
Kimmy Trowbridge
Sue Upson
Christina Vargas
Josie Zamora

JACKSONVILLE PRO BIKINI
Michelle Adams
Dina Al-Sabah
Jaime Baird
Bianca Binno
Diana Fields
Safiya Johnson
Amanda Marinelli
Dayna Maleton
Jessica Paxson-Putnam

This show is held next weekend in Jacksonville, Florida. Prejudging will take place on Friday August 6th and the finals are Saturday, August 7th.
Visit: dexterjacksonclassic.com for more information.

Looking for what the scene is like backstage? Check out some of the photos on SiouxCountry.com from the Jacksonville Pro.

Backstage in Jacksonville with a few figure pros.

Check out photos of all the IFBB Pro Figure competitors from the Jacksonville Pro. Money Mark Mason was in attendance and captured the action.

Congratulations to Jessica Paxson-Putnam for the victory. She came in looking her best and was noticeably tighter in her glutes/hamstrings than she’s ever been. Erin Stern continues to find comfort on the figure stage and displays one of the most athletic physiques in the industry. Jenny Lynn is still searching for the combination that worked for her a couple years ago but has yet to put it all together. She’ll look to come out on top next week in Dallas. Krissy Chin made her way into fourth with a new, fuller look to her physique. Look for Krissy to try her hand at an Olympia qualification again at an upcoming event.

Congratulations to Jessica Paxson-Putman for winning the 2009 IFBB Jacksonville Pro Figure competition. Second place went to Erin Stern and third place to Jenny Lynn. Only the top three were announced on stage, but here are the complete results.

1- Jessica Putman
2- Erin Stern
3- Jenny Lynn
4- Krissy Chin
5- Siobhan Tewari
6- Tinamarie Bloomfield
7- Alicia Harris
8- Marcy Porter
9- Tivisay Briceno
10- Petra Mertl
11- Sue Upson
12- DJ Wallis
13- Amanda Marinelli
14- Melody Clere
15- Karen Mullarkey
16- Alana Hernandez
16- Amy Stephens
17- Tesse Wood-Thomes
18- Jacqui Jarrett
18- Starling Steele
18- Sandra Simons
18- Sabrina Taylor-Gibson
18- Michelle Theison

“Money Mark” Mason was in Jacksonville covering the figure action and passed a few photos along. These photos are from the Jacksonville Pro Figure Prejudging. It looks like the top three will go to Jessica Paxson-Putnam, Erin Stern and Jenny Lynn. What order they fall is a coin flip. Many I spoke to felt that Jenny Lynn should be out of the top three when it came to the two-piece round. Comments were that Jessica looked great and was a bit softer than some of the other competitors. Those I spoke to felt that Jessica would prevail and come out the champ. The most consistent feedback I received was that Erin Stern looked her best and everyone I spoke to was very impressed. The top three spots qualify for the Figure Olympia. One of our favorite hardbody competitors, Alicia Harris wasn’t called out in the top comparisons at first but found her way into what seems to be the 4th place position. We’ll find out who comes out on top at the Saturday night finals.

Erin Stern, Jessica Paxson, Jenny Lynn

What appears to be the top three from the back.

Erin, Jess & Jenny in the quarter turn.

Check back for results and more news from Jacksonville. Follow us on TWITTER @Hardbodynews.

The prejudging for the IFBB Jacksonville Pro Figure will take place tonight at 6pm EST. Check back here for updates from the event. I caught up with Erin Stern who tells me she is ready to rock. Erin has steadily moved her way up in the placings and cracked the top 5 at the Orlando Pro. Krissy Chin makes her way back to the stage and shared that she’d never felt better. Working under the watchful eye of Kim Oddo, she said her body is where it needs to be. Can Jenny Lynn return to the winner’s circle again? What about Jessica Paxson-Putnam… Will she qualify for the Olympia again? Alicia Harris made more than a few people take notice in California and could be on pace to qualify here is she toned down the muscle. Might there be a surprise that no one is expecting to do well in this show? We’ll find out this evening as it all goes down in Jacksonsville.

This is the last and final list for the Jacksonville Pro Figure contest. The competition will go down this weekend in Jacksonville, Florida. You still have time to cast your votes for the TOP FIVE IN EXACT ORDER and win. See the previous post for details, you can leave your guesses here or on the other post.
The new additions to the line up are, Tina Marie Bloomfield, Karen Mularkey, Jessica Putnam & Michelle Theison.

Tina Marie Bloomfield
Tivisay Briceno
Krissy Chin
Melody Clere
M.J. Fox
Alicia Harris
Alana Hernandez
Jacqui Jarrett
Candice Keene
Jenny Lynn
Amanda Marinelli
Petra Mertl
Karen Mularkey
Marcy Porter
Jessica Putnam
Sandra Simons
Amy Stephens
Erin Stern
Sabrina Taylor-Gibson
Michelle Theison
Siobhan Tewari
Sue Upson
Julie (DJ) Wallis
Tessa Wood-Thomas

Here’s a look at your IFBB Jacksonville Pro Figure competitor list. Post your predictions in the comments field below. If anyone correctly predicts the TOP FIVE in exact order we’ll hook you up with a sweet goody box of supplements. You have until Friday at noon to cast your votes. I believe Jessica Paxson-Putnam is doing this show but I don’t see her name on the competitor list.

Tivisay Briceno
Krissy Chin
Melody Clere
M.J. Fox
Alicia Harris
Alana Hernandez
Jacqui Jarrett
Candice Keene
Jenny Lynn
Amanda Marinelli
Petra Mertl
Marcy Porter
Sandra Simons
Amy Stephens
Erin Stern
Sabrina Taylor-Gibson
Siobhan Tewari
Sue Upson
Julie (DJ) Wallis
Tessa Wood-Thomas

The 2009 IFBB Jacksonville Pro Figure will take place on August 1, 2009. It will be the first pro figure event since Memorial Day weekend and sure to be a competitive line-up. As of today here is the official competitor list:

Tivisay Briceno
Krissy Chin
Melody Clete
Alicia Harris
Alana Hernandez
Jacqui Jarrett
Kandice Keene
Jenny Lynn
Amanda Merinelli
Petra Metrl
Sandra Simmons
Amy Stephen
Erin Stern
Sabrina Taylor-Gibson
Siobhan Tewari
DJ Wallis
Tessa Wood-Thomes
I know there will be a few more names added to this list so check back for a complete list as the competition nears closer. Can Jenny Lynn, the past Ms. Figure Olympia, return to the top spot or will some one be able to beat her? Valerie Waugaman defeated her at the Colorado Pro show…Anything is possible.

Andrea Watson has been unbeatable in every figure contest she has entered. She won not only the A Class but also the Overall in each NPC show she competed in. Keep in mind, she been a figure competitor for less than a year and she’s already a pro.

Can she follow the footsteps of last year’s JR USA overall winner (Lenay Hernandez) and qualify for the Olympia her first time on a pro stage? Definitely.

Does she have the potential to go into her first pro show and win? Absolutely.

Some will say she has no chance with the likes of Jenny Lynn and Jessica Paxson-Putnam in the mix for the Jacksonville Pro. I beg to differ. Andrea is the one woman who has turned pro this year that I feel can go into the Pro ranks and immediately shake things up.

Watson gets twitty with it.

NPC Bikini competitor, Jessica Anderson is one to watch! This Florida beauty is one for one in NPC bikini competitions and looking for win number two this weekend in Orlando. I caught up with her as she heads into this weekend’s events and she shares a bit about herself.

Hardbody Jessica Anderson backstage after her win.

Reside:
Jacksonville, FL

Occupation:
US Navy Corpsman

Number of times competing?
Only once so far! I won my division in Women’s tall Bikini and went on to win overall in women’s bikini in the Jacksonville Physique sponsored by Dexter Jackson and Premier Physiques.

How often do you work out?
It really depends on what I’m training for and what my goals are. Usually about 3-4 times a day if I’m about to compete. But when I’m not doing a show, around twice a day. Cardio in the AM and I lift in the PM.

What’s your favorite body part to train?
My arms.

Do you take long walks on the beach?
Haha, how about a long run on the beach?

Let me get back to you on that.

Have you ever been fishing in the dark?
Actually YES I honestly can say I have! My parents own a house off a canal next to the Gulf of Mexico. So before I joined the Navy back in High school,my friend and I would sit on the dock and sometimes have fishing contests to see who catch the most fish!

What made you decide to compete in NPC Bikini?
Well, honestly I started out wanting to compete in Figure. But after Dexter and Gale suggested competing in Bikini I thought “why not!?” I think eventually I will consider crossing over into to wonderful world of Figure because I truly admire the athleticism behind it and not to mention that level of muscularity is so beautiful to me. But I have plenty of time to cross that road! I’m excited to compete in Bikini because it’s new, fun, and something I’ve never done before! What more could you ask for?

Check back next week to see photos from our photo shoot in Florida!

Props to Tony Blinn who continues to promote the female competitors on IFBBpro.com. There is now a figure 2-piece feature from the Jacksonvillle Pro. Check out the gallery and see the variety of physiques that took the stage last weekend.

Figure two-piece feature.

Photographer, Mark Mason delivers photos of each competitor from the Jacksonville Pro. You can check out the One-Piece Round images on IFBBpro.com.

Flex magazine’s Allan Donnelly caught up with Mary Lado after her victory in Florida. Check out the interview and individual photos of each competitor courtesy of Mark Mason on FLEXonline.com.

Mary Lado shines in Florida.

Congratulations to IFBB Figure Pro Krissy Chin! Last night Krissy not only placed fourth at the Jacksonville Pro Figure contest (her highest placing in the pro ranks) but she also won the best presentation award. The award was presented by Bodywell co-founder, Tom Richardson. Props to Tight Curves for continuing to support and encourage the women in the industry.

Krissy will be taking the stage again at the New York Pro.

Here are the complete results from the 2008 IFBB Jacksonville Pro figure contest.

1- Mary Elizabeth Lado
2- Jessica Paxson-Putnam
3- Kristal Richardson
4- Krissy Chin
5- Jane Awad
6- Kristi Tauti
7- Elisha Archibold
8- Marcy Porter
9 – Allison Jones-Williams
10- Andrea Dumon
10- Kristin Gomez
12- Jessica Lyons
13- Claire Parmley
14- Melissa Montanaro-Griffin
15- Melissa Pearo
16- Tivisay Briceno
17- Christine Wan
—————————
18- Thais Cabrices Werner
18- Becky Clawson
18- Sherma Del Tergo
18- Patricia Mello
18- Petra Mertl
18- Susanne Niederhauser
18- Larissa Reis
18- Stephanie Togrul-Tulin
18- Irina Veselova
18- Tessa Wood

Congratulations to Mary Elizabeth Lado on her return to the winner’s circle. After a disappointing finish at the 2007 Figure Olympia, Mary found the winning combination at the Jacksonville Pro. Mary’s win puts her back on the Olympia stage in September. Joining her will be blonde beauty Jessica Paxson-Putnam who finished second and in third was Florida rising star, Kristal Richardson. All three are now qualified to compete at the biggest figure competition of the year, the Olympia. Congratulations! We’ll see ya in Vegas. Check back for full results and more info here on hardbody.com.

Mary Lado back to her winning ways in Florida.

The finals at the Jacksonville Pro are set to begin in a few minutes. Who will come out on top? Stay tuned for all the action in rainy Florida.

If you’re not online and want to get the result sent directly to your phone via text message just type the work MUSCLE to 88222. You won’t have to call your friends or stay glued to your computer to find out the results. MusclePhone.com will take care of that for ya.

Below are photos courtesy of Mark Mason from last night’s prejudging.

Jane Awad, Mary Lado, Jessica Paxson-Putnam & Kristal Richardson.

Jessica Paxson-Putnam looking for another win.

Mary Lado hopes to find victory in Jacksonville.

Krissy Chin was making quarter turns as an amateur one year ago. Now she’s an IFBB Pro, sponsored by ALRi, featured in their ads and battling it out for an Olympia spot this weekend in Jacksonville. I checked in with Krissy late last night and she tells me she felt great and hopes to make the top five. Early reports online didn’t mention Krissy in the call outs, however she was in the second call-out for the first round and was in the top call out for the second round. She has a great chance at cracking the top five in this show which would be a great accomplishment for anyone.

This photo was taken last weekend in Las Vegas where Krissy was one week out from the show and a bit carb depleted. It was only 100+ degrees out and in that kinda heat it’s hard to get any decent shots without the model’s hair sticking to the their neck or their makeup melting off. My pal Clayton aka “The Chuck” lent a hand as the “reflector dude” on the shoot.

Krissy chin has her sights set on an Olympia qualification.

We’ll find out tonight where Krissy finished and look for her new web site KrissyChin.com to be launched in the coming days.

The top three at the IFBB Jacksonville Pro Figure look to be Mary Lado, Jessica Paxson-Putnam and Jane Awad. All three of these women have yet to qualify for the Olympia but based on the way prejudging went to night it looks like they will at this show. The old Mary Lado is back and should take top honors tomorrow night. Don’t count Kristal Richardson out for a top three spot either. Kristal is also looking for an Olympia birth and could slip into the top three. These are not final results, the final and actual results will come tomorrow night at the evening show. This is only my guess based on the call-outs, the end result could be different. We’ll have to wait and see…

Houston Pro Fitness Champion Trixie Greenwood checked in and gave me the skinny on what’s happening in Florida. Her direct flight was canceled this morning due to the plane’s door being broken. No truth to the rumor that she tried to kick it in when they asked her to close up the smelly chicken and asparagus container. Ms. Fitness Olympia, who Trixie so elquontley referred to as her “crippled puerto rico friend”, Adela Garcia’s flight was also delayed due to weather. The weather is rainy and humid in Jacksonville. The Houston champ was waiting for Adela’s luggage to arrive when I spoke to her.

The prejudging for the show begins in a few minutes. Check back for more on the show later tonight.

This weekend IFBB Figure Pro, Kristal Richardson will take the stage for the second time in 2008. Her first outing was at the Figure International where she was 10th. Kristal continues to refine and streamline her physique with hopes of nabbing an Olympia birth. She tells me she is feeling good and is ready to take the stage. Best Wishes Kristal!

Kristal Richardson stretching in the gym.

Flex Magazine’s Senior Writer, Allan Donnelly caught up with two of the biggest names in this weekend’s show, Mary Lado and Jessica Paxson-Putnam. The two figure competitors have wins under their belts however it will be their first time on stage in 2008. How will they fair with the refined look that Figure has taken this year? I wouldn’t bet against them this weekend. Read their interviews on FLEXONLINE.com.