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Tony Blinn who heads up the IFBB Pro League web site has posted a new feature. This time around he highlights the accomplishments of the reigning Ms. Figure Olympia, Jenny Lynn. Check out the profile on the ifbbpro.com web site that went up today.
IFBB Fitness Pro, Tracey aka Trixie Greenwood or as her students are required to address her, Dr. Greenwood tells me she is going to be at the NPC JR USA this weekend. Thrilling stuff right? There is always something happening in her life and she filled me in on her latest adventures. Yes, besides making the trip down to Charleston. Yesterday the east coast was hit by heavy rain storms and Dr. G wrecked her car. Yup, straight up BOOM! The front 1/4 panel is now sitting in the back seat of her car. When the good doc returned home she was greeted by a missing door. Turns out the winds were so strong that the door blew off the house and is still MIA. If you happen to see a door in your area, it might be Trixie’s. She says despite it all she is still in a good mood. What’s next for T? She’s planning on competing at the Houston Pro Fitness show the first weekend of July.
Our fitness friend to the north, Mindi O’Brien was planning on competing at the Houston Pro Fitness contest however she’s had a change of plans. Mindi informed me that she has a torn medial head of the gastroc. She recently found out that it was torn before the Arnold and since it wasn’t treated, it progressively got worse. She’s currently dealing with intense physio and may possibly be put in a cast (although that is a last resort). Provided everything goes well she will be competing at the 2008 Europa Supershow. I asked Mindi if she wanted me to keep her injury on the down low and she said, “I’m not on the down low…shit happens and just have to deal with it. I tend to work harder when things like this happen.” It is great when competitors are brutally honest about these types of things. So many competitors are fighting injuries and afraid if people know about it that somehow it will hurt their chances of placing well. I applaud Mindi for being upfront and it’s people like her that are an inspiration to others. Someone out there reading this may be going through a similar injury and perhaps Mindi can help them fight through it or visa versa.
Take care of that injury and we’ll see you in Dallas qualifying for the Olympia.
Click on over to FLEXonline.com to see the extended coverage to the newest issue to hit shelves, the 13th annual FLEX swimsuit issue. The swimsuit issue hits shelves this week and there are some smoken hot photos in the issue. There are more behind-the-scenes photos as well as a PDF of more photos not run in the mag. Check it out - it’s worth a look.
I am sorting through thousands of photos from various shoots over the past year and ran across some that I hadn’t published yet. In honor of tonight’s season two American Gladiators, here’s a peek at Jamie Reed from last year’s NPC USA contest. “Fury” was looking hot as ever the day after she competed in the figure portion of the show. Little did we know our little pole vaulter would launch herself onto NBC months later. Enjoy…
She did some damage in the pro ranks of the IFBB of figure but has been absent from the stage as of late. I caught up with Ms. Jennifer Searles while I was in New York this past weekend. Jennifer looks great and is keeping herself plenty busy despite being away from the figure stage. Find out if she will return to the figure stage again and what she’s focused on now…
HB: You’re still in the big apple right… What are you doing with yourself?
I am still here in NYC and am in school getting a second degree in Nutrition and Food Science so I can obtain my Registered Dietician License. I then plan on continuing forward to get a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition. I have so much school ahead of me it’s mind-numbing. I’m also privately training clients and several fitness/figure competitors for upcoming shows this season and working as a trainer at Equinox Fitness on Wall St.
HB: Are you going to pull a Jordan and say you’re retired but return later?
Honestly, I don’t see it happening. I accomplished some really cool things as a pro-winning a title, competing and placing in the top 10 in 2 Olympias. I’m happy with that and am so ready to continue on through the next chapters of my life. I still am involved in the sport with coaching and all though.
HB: What did you enjoy the most about competing and how did you get into it to start with?
The meal after the show… Lol! No seriously the meal after the show. And the sense of satisfaction that it gave me to work so hard toward a goal and reach it. No one can ever that away from you… All of the hard work. I got into competing as a result of people always telling me I should try it. I had always heard that I had good genetics and would do well. I never listened until I moved to New York and was going on audition after audition for acting and seeing that I needed to step up my game physically. I began working out religiously to improve my image and fell in love with the gym. I then thought, hmmm…. I miss the competition I used to get with my figure skating. Maybe I’ll try one show. That was it!
HB: What advice would you give the women reading this in regards to competing and making it fun?
Don’t put pressure on yourself to win a trophy. Just make small goals along the way in your prep and be satisfied and proud when you reach each goal. Ultimately, this should be done for yourself and nothing else. Get into a race with yourself and the process is so much deeper and more rewarding. Which makes it a ton more fun! Trophies and placings are bonus 
HB: We’ve all seen your photos. What everyone wants to know is how did you make that booty talk and how do u maintain it?
LOL! lunges/squats/genetics… First off, thanks for the kudos and for noticing Mister Isaac lol! I figure skated for 10 yrs, so a lot of my musculature comes from that, in addition, I’ve always had a full set o’ glutes, sooooo… The base was there. To maintain I always made sure to include movements that targeted those areas such as reverse lunges, step-ups, high footed leg presses. And diet. Diet is so important if you want the fruits of your labors to be seen. If I have too much fat covering the muscle, I have a big blob of a butt. Not so cute! Now that I’m not competing anymore, the focus has shifted from building to shaping. I make sure I train all compound movements in a high (20-25) rep range and I eat very clean throughout the week and have small treats on the weekends. I’ve learned that cheating big is too hard on me and that a little can go a long way with satisfaction.
I was critical of the first season as I thought the producers did a poor job of playing up the Gladiators. They failed to tell their stories and why they were worthy of Gladiator status. The show was also a mediocre production in my opinion however the new commercials and marketing looks to have changed for season 2. The new commercials do a good job of playing up the Gladiators being larger than life, there is mention of some of their competitive history - IE Titan 4x Mr. Natural Universe. The show airs tonight on NBC and we’ll see if it is an improvement from last season. Below is the graphic from their myspace page where IFBB Figure Pro, Val Waugaman is front and center.
HEY FRIENDS!
As I hope you’ve heard by now, the “NEW” American Gladiators (Season 2) premieres tonight, Monday, May 12, on NBC at 8pm.
In case you don’t know, I unfortunately missed the first 5 episode tapings due to an injury I sustained to my shoulder at the first rehearsal. I couldn’t even move my arm for two days. Fortunately, I was able to overcome my injury due to extreme personal focus and your continued inspiration. The doctors told me that even football players with the same injury have not recuperated as fast as I did. The injury was thought to be a tear in my muscle, but it turned out to be an actual hairline fracture of one of my bones. With all-out drive and determination I was able to work through the pain in order to take my place as the premier “Hang Tough” Gladiator. Come check out the various new extreme, heart-pounding, crazy events starting tonight on NBC at 8pm.
It’s Bigger…WAAAAY Bigger!
Come join in the fun of cheering on your favorite Gladiators!
And…
DREAM BIG!
Val
Today is “National Family Fitness Day”. This morning on Fox News’ FOX & FRIENDS, Christie Brinkley showed how Dance Dance Revolution can help keep you and your kids fit. There’s a growing trend of trying to get kids fit through the use of video games. Anything that helps keep people fit is never a bad thing and if it means the use of video games to do it, I don’t see that as a bad thing.
I’m in the Big Apple for the NY PRO Bodybuilding contest this weekend. My flight was delayed a bit due to stormy weather but all is well now. I’m going to meet up with one of my favorite figure divas, former champ and now retired competitor Tara Scotti. Tara and her husband Dominic are two of the coolest people you’ll ever meet. I’ll let ya know what’s up with Tara and why she’s been slacking on her “Tara Talks” since the innagural piece after the Arnold Classic. Below is a shot from my hotel room which overlooks ground zero. Still an eerie vibe around it but I’ve grown to love Manhattan.
The women’s pro bodybuilding is back and the action starts with the 202 and Under Men’s class tomorrow at 11am EST. I’ll be blogging over at bodybuilding.com as well as here throughout the weekend.
Women’s Competitor List as of yesterday:
1. Fabi Antoine, Belgium
2. Mercedes Bazemore, USA
3. Debbie Bramwell, USA
4. Sarah Bridges, USA
5. Kim Buck, USA
6. Maria Calo, USA
7. Giusy Caputo, Italy
8. Tina Chandler, USA
9. Angela Debatin, USA
10. Heather Foster, USA
11. Aurelia Grozajova, Slovakia
12. Rosemary Jennings, USA
13. Debi Laszewski, USA
14. Cathy LeFrancois, USA
15. Elizabeth Gomez Meza, Mexico
16. Colette Nelson, USA
17. Jeannie Paparone, USA
18. Annie Rivieccio, USA
19. Saskia Salemink, Netherlands
20. Antoinette Thompson, USA
21. Dena Westerfield, USA
Teresa qualified for the IFBB Figure Olympia in her pro debut. When she took the Pittsburgh Pro stage you couldn’t help but notice she has something special. A little bit of sexy, sassy attitude on stage… The kind that draws you in and is a positive attribute. I had a chance to shoot with her in between the prejudging and the finals and we managed to dodge the rain as well as a few odd characters who gawked in the neighborhood. I’ll post more photos from this shoot in the weeks to come and you may just see a few photos from this shoot in the magazines. I’ll keep you posted on if/when they run but enjoy these two in the mean time. Keep your eye on this rookie she owns the stage like a seasoned pro.
The next season of American Gladiators will air on Monday, May 12th. One of the competitors in the mix is Denver Colorado Police officer and figure competitor, Abbe Dorn. Dorn, 28, is part of Carla Sanchez’s Performance Ready Team and calls Colorado home. Abbe recently returned to Denver after a grueling filming for the new season. Look for an interview with Abbe and report from her Gladiator party in the coming weeks.
Five other contenders have ties to Colorado as reported by The Denver Post today.
A few of the Gladiators will soon have their own action figures. We’re working on getting a few bigger images of the figures but here is a glimpse at the SIREN figure. I’m told Siren may be in New York this weekend for an upcoming event. If she happens to stop by the NY Pro show, I’ll get an update for you.
Check out what Mike Davies, one of the top trainers, is holding in the Seattle area next month. This would be worth checking out if you’re interested in learning from one of the best in the biz.
When: June 6-8, 2008
Where: LA Fitness
550 106th Avenue NE Suite 215
Bellevue, WA 98004
Cost: $300
Package Includes:
• 4 Training Sessions
• Posing Seminar
• Bootcamp
• Cardiovascular Training
• Open Q&A
Contact: Shannon Gill or Mike Davies for more info and let them know HARDBODY sent ya.
Meet IFBB Pros Julie Palmer and Sandy Grant at this event as well.
Earlier in the year, I reported that IFBB Pro fitness competitor Shannon Dey was going to be in a Geico commercial. Well, it’s out kids and she is strutting her stuff. The commercial is around the Geico Powersports Insurance they offer. Her dialogue was limited to a grunt at the end but hey, still cool stuff.
Last night, Jamie Eason was on the BRAVO tv show WORKOUT. The episode had some major drama. WHAT? Drama on a reality tv show? Whodda thunk it. Jamie was referred to as a fitness model who came in to work out with one of the trainers. The gym owner’s assistant (Lisa) commented, “I didn’t like her boobs, they look manufactured.” Shortly after she says that Jamie’s boyfriend says, “That’s my girlfriend and she had cancer.” The assistant realized what she had done and remarks, “I felt like the lowest piece of crap on earth.”
Lisa apologized and felt bad over a couple of lame jokes. Jamie’s trainer (Peeler) was bothered by the comments and brought it up with the owner, Jackie. The episode ends with Peeler getting fired told to take his client elsewhere. He calls Jackie a “worthless human body.” The episode ends with that drama. Jackie didn’t want to discuss it with him because she didn’t make the comments and wasn’t an issue she felt like discussing. What will happen next? You’ll have to tune in next week to BRAVO and catch the fallout.
Cab rides always tend to be an interesting affair. My cab ride from the airport to hotel for the Pittsburgh show was a special treat. My cab driver repeatedly informed me that he was “the original”. I’ll give him credit for being original in regards to having a key board in his passenger seat. Yes, the man played tunes and banged the keys while driving me to my destination. He didn’t stop there, he belted out a variety of off-key songs while he attempt to hit the right keys. I didn’t know whether to laugh or yell at this character. I had the added treat of being stuck in rush hour traffic with this cat. Below is the photo I took while he sporting his pimp shades and knocked a few notes.
I chatted with super star trainer, Kim Oddo last weekend and he informed me of an upcoming seminar he iss putting on with fellow trainer, Hany Rambod. Kim has successfully trained a number of competitors in the NPC and IFBB ranks. Check out the information on this seminar and it is well worth attending.
HANY RAMBOD & KIM ODDO present Championship Series Seminar
“To become a champion, learn from the trainers of champions!”
WHEN: Saturday, June 7, 2008
6:30am - 5pm
WHERE: Body By O Fitness Facility
42225 Remington Ave. Suite 24A
Temecula, CA
Space is limited to the first 25 applicants!
Call for Reservations: 951-695-8805 or email tinayoung@bodybyo.com
Tell em Hardbody sent ya.
Last weekend, IFBB Pro Figure competitor Jennifer Gates was in Pittsburgh working her sponsor’s booth. Jen made the most of her trip and did a photo shoot with J.M. Manion. J.M. mixed things up a bit and paid homage to the movie Underworld. Check out a couple photos of Jen courtesy of J.M.
I caught up with one of Canada’s top IFBB pros, Debbie Leung, and she shared some interesting info with me. Debbie has been keeping active by playing in a woman’s Australian Football Club. Th Calagary “Kookaburras” is described as “a fun, social club for women aimed at introducing them to a new sport and a chance to meet new people. Deb was recently profiled by the team…
Player Profile - Debbie “Muscles” Leung
How did you get involved with the Kookaburras?
I saw a poster for the club at my gym, and figured I would give it a go.
What sports have you played in the past?
I have tried MANY. Most recently —for the past 8 years, I have been competing in physique sports, and for the past 4 years, competing as a professional figure athlete in the same organization as Arnold Schwarzenegger. Past sports included soccer, track and field, one season of skeleton, and have my yellow belt in judo
What do you do for a day job?
I am a physical therapist, and am certified to also practice acupuncture. I also train a few clients for physique competitions, as well as health and wellness training.
What footy activities are you most looking forward to in 2008?
I LOVE trying new things, and learning new skills. Since this is my first season, I’m looking forward to having fun and playing a new game… and praying I don’t get hurt:)
Suggest a name for one of our intra-club teams.
The Calgary Terminators
Sounds like Deb is having fun up in Canada and she promises to keep me posted on how the season goes.
Holy smokes! 127 contestants have entered round two of the FLEXonline Bikini Model Search. There are a few familiar faces as well as a number of fresh faces. You may vote as many times as you wish for the next two weeks. Cast your vote today.
Who do you like? Any hardbody.com visitors in the mix? Good luck to all the women who entered.
WARNING - clicking on the link to this contest may result in excessive time staring at your computer screen.
