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Check out this image of Dianna Dahlgren in the newest Muscle & Fitness issue. Double-D shows how to look fit and sexy. Nice job Dianna!
Dianna provides our weekly modeling tip of the week. Look for Dianna on stage later this month at the MuscleContest Pro Bikini show.
Thanks to Andrea Wilson for the assist on the image.
Monique is without a doubt one of the top fitness models in the industry today. She proves it once again with her newest layout in FLEX magazine. The magazine is in stores now. Congratulations Monique.
Monique Minton in the newest FLEX.
Check out Monique’s HARDBODY column, “MMA with MOMO” and you’ll see she’s more than just a talented model.
Congratulations to Brooklyn Decker for being named the 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Model. It’s one of the most celebrated magazine covers and last year’s issue reportedly sold over 4 million copies. The website devoted to the new Swimsuit Issue is pretty bad ass. It has a ton of behind-the-scenes videos, interviews and more. Some of the photo shoot locations are amazing. Props to Sports Illustrated for going all out on their promotion and marketing the crap out of this issue. I wonder what their budget is… hmmm.
2010 Sports Illustrated Issue.
Yes, the Cover Model works out. Check out a couple of Brooklyn’s tweets regarding working out and running on a treadmill.
“Anyone run on a treadmill w/a tv? It’s the WORST! I get nauseas & if I turn it off, it’s just my reflection bouncing on the screen. Grr.”“This playlist definitely got me through my workout today.. I really don’t know how people exercise without iPods.. without it, Im useless.”
I remember getting the 25th Anniversary issue (1989) with Kathy Ireland on the cover and thinking how cool it would be to photograph the women in it. While I’m not shooting the cover of Sports Illustrated, I’m pretty fortunate to shoot some of the fittest women in the world.
Keep your eye out for the FLEX swimsuit issue in the coming months. It’ll feature some of the top hardbody ladies in the fitness industry.
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.
There’s no question Monica Brant is an icon in the fitness industry. She’s graced numerous covers and one of the most recognizable names in the biz. Mo is featured on yet another cover this month, by way of South Africa’s Fitness Magazine. She had some interesting things to say in this interview that I hadn’t heard mentioned before.
Monica on the cover of fitness magazine in South Africa.
When asked what challenges she’s faced in her career Monica mentions competing in Fitness without a gymnastic or dance background. She goes on to say, “The biggest challenge I have faced since switching to Figure has to do with the politics in the industry that I feel affect me competitively. However, I am blessed with much and I am thankful that I haven’t ever had to wonder if I was winning because of me or some other political reason. I suppose overcoming the challenges has been based on the knowledge that the competitions aren’t the end-all for me and I don’t compete to be approved of.”
Monica mentions her and Scott (her husband) are “tossing the idea around about opening a studio where I can host workshops, train clients and be available for more fans to come in and work with me one on one.” She goes on to say, “We also hope to have children some day.”
Check out the online version of fitness magazine for the complete interview.
IFBB Bikini Pro Monique Minton finds herself on yet another cover. The newest cover added to her resume is the February 2010 issue of Muscle & Fitness. She does have the share the cover with rapper 50 cent but I she’s not complaining about that. The issue hits shelves this week. Congrats Monique.
Chicago-based Playboy Enterprises announced Tuesday it will outsource all Playboy magazine functions excluding the editorial product and cut about 25 jobs, moves it hopes restore the magazine — expected to lose about $8 million this year — to profitability in late 2011.
American Media Inc., the nation’s fourth-largest consumer magazine publisher, will assume responsibility for production, circulation, advertising sales, marketing and other support services of both Playboy magazine and the company’s other domestic publications, according to a release from Playboy.
“Our goal is to focus our resources on what we do best, which is to create compelling content,” Playboy Enterprises CEO Scott Flanders said in the release. “At the same time, we were looking to partner with companies who can manage the operations of the magazine more effectively than we can as a stand-alone publisher.
“By joining forces with American Media, we will be able to significantly reduce our cost structure and leverage the economies of scale related to manufacturing, distribution and marketing that are available to this large, multi-title publisher.”
Under terms of the contract, AMI will be paid negotiated fees to perform functions currently done by Playboy Enterprises, with incentives to increase both advertising and circulation revenue.
Playboy magazine is expected to lose approximately $8 million in 2009, but reduce that loss to approximately $5 million in 2010 before reaching profitability in late 2011, the release said. The company also said that the agreement will result in a fourth-quarter restructuring charge of about $2 million due to the elimination of about 25 positions, some of which will be transferred to new job openings at AMI.
The companies will begin working together immediately with a goal of completing the transition by March 2010.
NPC Figure competitor, Kathleen Tesori is featured in the newest Muscle & Fitness Hers demonstrating a kettle bell workout. Pick up the Nov/Dec issue to see the entire article.
Kathleen is heading to Hollywood today. Well, let me clarify. Hollywood, Florida for the NPC Nationals where she will compete in her first national figure competition. She’s been training under the watchful eye of IFBB Figure Pro Felicia Romero for this contest. Good luck Kathleen.
ESPN The Magazine takes a bold step with their next issue where they, “take it off in body”. Their web site says, “ESPN The Magazine will show some skin and examine the world’s sexiest athletes in a way we’ve never seen before for our upcoming BODY issue in October.”
The BODY issue will go on sale this Friday with a variety of covers, two of which can be seen below. The women slated to be in the magazine are Serena Williams (Tennis), Christina Kim (LPGA), Gina Carano (MMA), Claire Bevilacqua (Surfing), Jessica Mendoza (Softball).
Gina Carano ESPN cover.
Serena Williams ESPN cover.
This issue has been getting quite a bit of publicity. I occasionally look at this magazine but will check out this issue. It’s reminds of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in that it gets a lot of coverage based on the photography and subjects shown. Maybe next year we can see a pro fitness, figure or bikini competitor in it.
A couple months ago we showed you the behind-the-scenes video from a photo shoot with Andrea Taylor, if you missed it check it out here. The newest issue of IRONMAN Magazine (November 2009) features a full page photo from that shoot and highlights Andrea as one of Lonnie Teper’s Rising Stars. Andrea was fun to work with and don’t be surprised if you see more of her in the coming months.
NPC Bikini competitor Andrea Taylor
Photo by Isaac Hinds/Liftstudios.com
As you may or may not know, I have a monthly column (thanks to the good folks at WEIDER Publications) with Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine. I feel fortunate to give the fitness & figure women some ink in a quality, credible magazine. The magazine is printed every other month and the current issue features IFBB Figure Pro, Alicia Harris. Check out the contents of the new issue here.
Alicia Harris on the Sept/Oct 20009 Issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers
The Angle:
I receive a number of emails every week from women pitching their stories to me in hopes of getting in the magazine as well as featured on here. I’m not trying to sound rude but most of what I receive never makes it to either. Why? I don’t think the readers would find it interesting. I have to consider the audience, not so much here but more so for the magazine. Around 95 percent of what I include in my column is based on an interesting story line or angle. The other five percent is contest results. The stories are usually from conversations I have with women at shows or notice what they’re doing online. If you don’t compete and/or you’re not active online, chances are you won’t be in my column. That’s not the case with every magazine or writer’s column but generally speaking it is for mine. I’m less likely to include something in the magazine then I would be to share it here. That’s not to say it’s not a good story or worthy of being in print however the space in a magazine is limited and also time sensitive.
Example: Did you know IFBB Figure Pro Teresa Anthony is a contracting officer for NASA?
Timing:
Timing is as important as the story itself. If you feel you have an interesting story, think about the timing of when you share it. If your goal is to get into a magazine you’ll need to plan in advance. When I submit my column it is done 2-3 months in advance of when it actually hits the newsstand.
Example: If you’re holding a camp don’t tell magazine writers 3 weeks before you have it because there won’t be enough time to write about it.
It’s a challenge to write things that aren’t old news and played out online. If you’ve already told your story online that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If the story angle is interesting enough it will get covered. Many times stories break online first and they’re covered more in depth in print.
Pick up the current issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers you’ll get a feel for what I’m talking about on page 88. My column is called “Twist & Turns” and you’ll see the various stories that I thought had interesting angles and timed it to coincide with the Olympia.
Timing the right angle to pitch is essential magazine exposure.
Here’s your chance at some BIG time exposure. Last year’s winners were Allison Ethier and Sean Harley.
One lucky man and woman will grace the cover of Iron Man Magazine and appear in a feature spread; receive national exposure through Bodybuilding.com, with exclusive site placement and campaigns; represent Bodybuilding.com and the BodySpace community at the 2010 Arnold Expo in Columbus, Ohio and the 2010 Olympia Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada; plus much, much more!
Click here to learn more about the contest and how to enter. Good luck everyone who enters!
IFBB Figure Pro Nicole Wilkins-Lee continues to ride the wave of success. The new issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers (July/August) features the Michigan cutie. Check out parts of the feature on the HERS web site and for the full feature pick up the current issue of the magazine. While you’re at it flip to the “Twist & Turns” section of the magazine to see more industry news, results and announcements by yours truly.
The newest issue of IRONMAN magazine features Ms. Figure Olympia Jenn Gates and IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Moe El Moussawi. This is Jenn’s second cover, her first being Muscle & Fitness Hers. Congrats!
WOW! What can you say about the June 2009 issue of FLEX magazine? HOT? Ya, smoke’n hot. Here’s a sneak peak of the two cover choices. One of these two will be the cover that hits newstands.
On cover one you have IFBB Pros Felicia Romero and Nicole Wilkins-Lee with NPC competitor Monique Minton. The second cover you have Monique heating it up solo. Tough call as I like both covers. I have my favorite, what about you? If you’ve signed up for the FLEX magazine newsletter you’re one of the first people to see the new cover choices and can cast your vote. It’s free and simple to do, click here to be on the list to help choose the next cover of FLEX magazine.
What do you think Hardbody readers? Which cover do you want to see on newstands in the coming weeks?
I’m a little late on this one since there is a new issue out but thanks to IRONMAN Magazine’s Ruth Silverman for the Hardbody.com plug.
Ruth writes, “Is that a camera in your hand or?… Isaac Hinds has made Hardbody.com a go-to site for news of the ladies’ sports. Better take your vitamins, Isaac. Bikini’s comin’.”
Ruth knows I’m always happy to see her and looking forward to some friendly banter this weekend in Columbus.
Ruth makes a few predictions on her blog. Will she be right? We’ll see soon. She’s usually spot on with the women’s bodybuilding. PS – Ruth your Canadian friend to the North should read Hardbody more so she knows the one-piece still exists in the Pros and it’s only gone in the NPC. 
Congrats to NPC competitor and rising fitness model star, Monique Minton on her first cover. Monique is featured on the new Muscle & Fitness Hers cover which hit stands today. Those of you attending the Arnold Classic this week can stop by the BSN booth and meet the cover model. Congrats Monique!
Check out the April 2009 issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine on shelves now. Bruce Lee is featured on the cover and on the inside is a great piece with IFBB Pro Julie Ann Kulla. One year ago she wasn’t even a pro and now she’s gracing the pages of Muscle & Fitness. We’ll be seeing Julie Ann back on stage at some point this year.
Oh and the lead-in photo to the article was snapped by yours truly. It was a hot ass day in Vegas when we shot but Julie Ann was great to work with and fun to photograph. Congrats Julie Ann!
Here’s a first look at a few photos you won’t see in the newest issue of FLEX magazine. FLEX once again features one of the leading ladies in the IFBB. Check out these behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot with Meriza DeGuzman and photographer, Pavell Ythjall. You can see the full feature and all the hot shots in the March 2009 issue of FLEX magazine. Props to everyone involved, nice work.
Trish Stratus got her start as a Fitness Model and parlayed her modeling success into bigger ventures, most notably the WWE. Still in top shape Trish is featured on the current cover of INSIDE FITNESS magazine. INSIDE FITNESS is a Canadian fitness magazine published by Terry Frendo. Terry is doing a great job of putting out solid content with clean design.
If you’re in the Toronto area Tuesday, January 27, 2009 you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet Trish Stratus. Check it out and if you go send us your photo from the event. We’ll post it up here on hardbody.
Trish’s newest venture is Stratusphere Yoga, a yoga studio that offers multiple classes on a daily basis. A big shout out to all our Canadian visitors. Facebookers you can find the Inside Fitness Magazine group here.
Lots happening in the world of Momo in 2009, don’t look for her to tap out any time soon.
IFBB Figure Pro Desha Rodriquez has a nice little profile in the newest FLEX magazine. Pick up your copy of the February 2009 issue to read more about this Florida momma.
Congrats to Jessica Paxson-Putnam on another magazine cover, this time a publication from South Africa.
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.
Props to FLEXonline.com and photographer Pavell Ythjall for this behind the scenes look at “The Girls Are Back” photo shoot. This shoot was done shortly after Jennifer Gates won the Figure Olympia title this year. The photos are featured in the newest FLEX magazine, in stores this Monday.
Here’s a sneak peak at a couple of the shots you won’t see in the magazine. This is a look at a Figure Olympia champ like you’ve never seen before. Great work on all who were involved and props to FLEX magazine for featuring the best in the Figure world. Check back Monday as we’ll be posting more Behind The Scenes images as well as a look at the new issue of FLEX magazine.
Alicia Marie continues to find success on and off the stage. She reached IFBB Pro status earlier this year, signed with BSN, appeared on MTV’s MADE and now she is the feature of The South magazine.
Laura Clark of The South magazine writes,
On paper, Alicia Marie amazes, but in person, she astounds. Bright and incredibly energetic, it instantly comes as no surprise that fans and colleagues alike view her as a kind of super woman. She is proof that brawn, beauty and brains can come together flawlessly. She is the embodiment of the whole package—a strong, muscular body, with an intellect to match.
This isn’t the last we’ll see of Alicia. She’s part of the reality show featuring fitness and figure women that is set to begin filming soon. Props to Alicia for her continued success.
This is a very special post for me. Why? I am pleased to say it is my first cover. No, it’s not me on the cover, which I’m sure we’re all thankful for, but rather a photo I took. I’ve had many other photos published over the years but to have your photo make the cover is a huge honor. Like many other things, you always remember your first.
It was also an honor to be part of this cover because it showcases UFC heavyweights, Randy Couture and Brock Lesnar. Their November 15th fight is being billed as the “Biggest fight in mixed martial arts history“. Pavell Ythjall photographed Randy and I photographed Brock for the cover as well as their training. It is with that, I’m ecstatic to provide a first look at the December 2008 issue of FLEX Magazine.
Randy Couture and Brock Lesnar square off in Vegas next week!
Those of you wondering what any of this has to do with fitness or figure, don’t fret. This isn’t a post just to toot my horn. FLEX magazine continues to feature the women and in this issue the featured profile is Mary Elizabeth Lado. Pavell Ythjall and FLEX were kind enough to provide “behind the scenes” photos from the shoot.
A look behind the scenes from the shoot.
Make up artist Rachel Hoke lends a hand on the shoot.
Mary Lado takes a break on the shoot.
Props to FLEX magazine for their continued support of the women in the industry. FLEX subscribers may have already received their copy of the magazine. Those looking for it on the newsstand should be able to find it next week.
Props to Lonnie Teper at IRONMAN magazine for promoting the women in his Rising Stars section of the magazine. The December issue features two people you’ve seen here. Mendi Sakamoto and Alicia Harris are both featured with full page photos.
The November/December 2008 issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers hits news stands this week. I happy to announce the latest issue has a new column by yours truly. The two page spread highlights a variety of photos and news with NPC/IFBB women. Props to Chris Hoebrecker and the people at Weider Publications for the opportunity to feature these women. It’s an honor and privilege to contribute something in print.
Thank you ladies for your continual hardwork and we’ll do the best we can to showcase your accomplishments.
Felicia Romero and Lenay Hernandez both found success this season. Lenay went from competing in her first NPC National show to the Olympia stage, in less than 12 months. Felicia found herself on the cover of industry magazines, landing a supplement contract and competing in the Olympia. The two women are featured in the “West Coast Muscle” column of MuscleMag. The December issue should be hitting the stands in the coming weeks but here’s a sneak peak.
