HARDBODY Fit Female News & Events

I caught up with the reigning Ms. Figure Olympia, Jenn Gates this week and she assured me she’s ready to defend her title. Seven weeks from today we’ll be in Las Vegas to see her do exactly that. We haven’t seen Jenn on the competitive stage all year but don’t mistaken that for her slacking.

Jenn on a photo shoot after winning Ms. Figure Olympia.

Can anyone challenge Jenn for the Ms. Figure Olympia crown? Zivile Raudoniene was considered by many to be the biggest threat but she recently decided not to enter this year. Mary Elizabeth Lado hung up her posing suit and clear heels after last year’s Olympia so she’s out of the picture. Jenny Lynn? Maybe but I think we’ve seen her best already and others are passing her by. Wait… There is a little lady from California who is tired of being the bridesmaid. Yes, Gina Aliotti will be looking to take the crown from Jenn this year. She was second last year at the Olympia and second to Zivile this year at the Figure International. There’s a number of other women who could be compared to her in that top callout like… Felicia Romero, Kristal Richardson, Teresa Anthony, Amy Fry, Sonia Gonzales or Nicole Wilkins-Lee.
Does all this concern Gates? Nope. She tells me she only has a couple more pounds to shed and she’ll be ready. I made the mistake (once and only once) of counting Jenn out of a show and ended up eating my words. If you’re the gambling type, one thing I wouldn’t do and that’s bet against Gates.

Jenn Gates in winning form.

Don’t miss Jenn and the others on stage in Las Vegas. Get your Olympia tickets here. What do you think…Will Jenn repeat as the Figure Olympia champ?

If you haven’t seen the January 2009 issue of FLEX magazine, you’re missing out on some kick ass shots of the current Ms. Figure Olympia Champ, Jennifer Gates. Here’s a look behind the scenes on the shoot with photographer Pavel Ythjall. Great work.

Ms. Figure Olympia Jennifer Gates

“Just Jenn” is a new feature to Hardbody.com. This section will provide insight, tips, pointers and more with current Ms. Figure Olympia Jennifer Gates. Jennifer still considers herself a newbie on the pro scene but her rise to the top didn’t happen overnight. Learn some of the things that helped make her one of the best figure competitors in the pro ranks. If you have a question for Jenn or would like her opinion on anything related to the fitness/figure industry you may do so on here or through her website, jenngates.com.

Hardbody.com Reader: I’m not a teenager any more and curious if you have any tips on how I can help my skin for a competition. I know diet and training but are there any products you’ve used that might help?

Jenn: YES! I was just talking about this topic with a friend of mine. The best advice I can give you is to drink plenty of water and watch your diet. Try not to let your weight fluctuate from show to show. I also like to pamper myself with facials and massages. Also, don’t over do it with the tanning. There is one product I use the last couple weeks before competitions and photoshoots though. I use a product called Ab-Solution Plus and it definitely helps tighten up my skin, especially those stubborn areas around my abs and butt. Don’t rely on this to create any miracles but I do think it works.