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Muscle & Fitness and Muscle & Fitness Hers magazines are holding an open casting call.
Where: Western States Police & Fire Games
When: Saturday, June 13, 2009
Where: Hyatt Hotel Lobby
24500 Town Center Drive
Valencia, CA 91355
Time: 1pm-5pm
If you can’t make it to the casting, please email your photos to mfmodels@muscleandfitness.com. Tell Hardbody.com sent ya!
The trio of Michelle Musto, Elle Gusevski-Berg and Kristal Richardson won the relay division of the Danskin Mini triathalon on Sunday. Seventeen other teams made the trip to Miami and the Tight Curves team left them all in the dust. Congrats to the ladies of Team Tight Curves.
My trip to South Carolina started at 1:15 on a red eye flight to Charleston. It’s been quite the adventure along the way and I’ll write all about it this evening. Here’s a little taste of my trip so far…
As of this morning, Andrea Watson has officially signed with FMG Management Group (FMG). While FMG manages some of the top pros in the industry they saw a “wow” factor in Andrea, similarly to fellow Floridian Erin Stern. Despite being a rookie and still an amateur, they see her potential and now exclusively manage Andrea. Congratulations to Andrea and FMG on the new relationship.
To contact Andrea Watson for all appearances, photo shoots, video shoots, product endorsements, advertising & modeling, please contact:
Fitness Management Group (FMG)
P.O. Box 293
Presto, PA 15142-0293
Phone: (412) 257-4555
Fax: (412) 257-1337
FitnessDivasProductions@verizon.net
Tomorrow 152 NPC competitors will take the stage at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh, PA. J.M. Manion tells me there are over 60 figure competitors and 18 bikini competitors set to turn it out when prejudging begins in the morning. The IFBB Pro Men’s show will start the day off at 9am.
I had a fantastic meal with the world’s top bodybuilders, IFBB judges and industry peeps. NPC President, Jim Manion played host to the star studded crowd at Brushettas. The meal was fantastic and if you’re in Pittsburgh definitely check this place out if you haven’t already. I enjoyed chatting with judges Linda Wood Hoyt, Ropeman and Vicki Gates over dinner. They shared similar views as I do on the bikini division. What’s that? Give it time to develop and remember the judges can only judge what is on stage. As more women enter, the better the competition will become. Sandi Williamson is also in attendance and will be head judge for the women’s NPC events.
The host hotel is a block away, which makes it nice to sleep in a bit and walk to the venue. The funniest part of the entire evening was a shuttle bus taking the group back to the hotel and bottomed out. Turns out having Toney Freeman, Dennis Wolf, Kai Green, Rich Gaspari and a few other people is too much to handle going over a curb. Once we got out of the bus, the driver was able to proceed without any problems. A little much weight for the little bus to handle.
Stay tuned for more updates throughout the weekend.
This came from the FDA this morning, but more news coming soon.
Dietary Supplements Linked to One Death; Pose Risk of Liver Injury
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products by Iovate Health Sciences Inc., of Oakville, Ontario and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. of Blasdell, N.Y. Some Hydroxycut products are associated with a number of serious liver injuries. Iovate has agreed to recall Hydroxycut products from the market.
The FDA has received 23 reports of serious health problems ranging from jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, an indicator of potential liver injury, to liver damage requiring liver transplant. One death due to liver failure has been reported to the FDA. Other health problems reported include seizures; cardiovascular disorders; and rhabdomyolysis, a type of muscle damage that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure.
Liver injury, although rare, was reported by patients at the doses of Hydroxycut recommended on the bottle. Symptoms of liver injury include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and brown urine. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, excessive fatigue, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, itching, and loss of appetite.
“The FDA urges consumers to discontinue use of Hydroxycut products in order to avoid any undue risk. Adverse events are rare, but exist. Consumers should consult a physician or other health care professional if they are experiencing symptoms possibly associated with these products,” said Linda Katz, M.D., interim chief medical officer of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
Hydroxycut products are dietary supplements that are marketed for weight-loss, as fat burners, as energy-enhancers, as low carb diet aids, and for water loss under the Iovate and MuscleTech brand names. The list of products being recalled by Iovate currently includes:
Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
Hydroxycut 24
Hydroxycut Carb Control
Hydroxycut Natural
Although the FDA has not received reports of serious liver-related adverse reactions for all Hydroxycut products, Iovate has agreed to recall all the products listed above. Hydroxycut Cleanse and Hoodia products are not affected by the recall. Consumers who have any of the products involved in the recall are advised to stop using them and to return them to the place of purchase. The agency has not yet determined which ingredients, dosages, or other health-related factors may be associated with risks related to these Hydroxycut products. The products contain a variety of ingredients and herbal extracts.
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There are many other fat-burners available if you’re looking for an alternative.
Hardbody.com is off to Pittsburgh where we’ll be covering the action at the 2009 NPC Pittsburgh Championships. I’m told the women’s side of things should be a great event with a number of top competitors from across the USA have making the trip.
Follow along on our twitter account at: twitter.com/hardbodynews for news and updates as it happens live from PA.
Today’s shot of the day is one of Nicole Wilkins-Lee. Nicole got a sneak peak at one a Muscle & Fitness Hers photo during our shoot last night. She’s featured in the Hers’ story titled, “The Doctor Is IN”.
Speaking of doctors, a few may need to be called when the next FLEX magazine hits the stands on the 27th. Nicole received more exciting news from FLEX magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Allan Donnelly, when he showed her the new issue. Can you guess which one made the cover? We previewed them here earlier…
If you or someone you know is a breast cancer survivor, this is your chance to inspire other women. Under Armour is looking for three strong women to be part of the “Power in Pink”.
Under Armour® Power In Pink honors, inspires, and supports women fighting breast cancer. We need your help.
3 strong women to tell us how your active lifestyle, your attitude, and your spirit helped your body fight breast cancer. Tell us your story, and win a chance to inspire others. The chosen survivors will get an all expense paid trip to Baltimore for a 2-day photo shoot and interview session. Photos and videotaped stories will be used for Power in Pink in-store visuals, magazine ads, website, and/or other promotional materials.
Visit the web site for more information.
IFBB Fitness Pro Tracey Greenwood is becoming a one woman comedy act lately. Last week she was trapped on her roof, read more here. This week she nearly lopped her finger off while opening a can of tuna. Yes, I know, it’s not funny and I’m sure it hurt like hell. Despite needing five stitches in her pinky, she assures me the injury will not force her into retirement.
What will Greenwood do next week? Stay tuned.
Thirty five women, well 38 if you count the three who came later, made the trip to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park today. The women were dressed in workout attire and had their game faces on. Why? They were hoping to make the team of 12 for the new Lingerie Football League. While the producers tell me they usually get hundreds of women for this event they were very pleased with the quality of women who came out. If you think this is some powder puff event, you are mistaken. These women were running, jumping, tackling and kicking the crap out of each other during the tryouts. A number of NPC and IFBB competitors came out. Seventh place finisher at the Figure International, Heather Mae French was representing in full strength. IFBB Fitness Pro, Jesse Palmer made a strong showing just weeks out from the Orlando Pro Fitness event. Kristal Marshall who placed second in her class at the inagural NPC Bikini contest busted a few heads, literally. Lindsey Svetits who you saw on here months ago turned a few heads with her passing abilities.
Tomorrow I will be shooting the chosen few in the studio. While the names haven’t officially been released I can tell you the NPC & IFBB has a strong chance of having representation in the league. The local media was on hand to capture all the action. If you’re in Denver make sure you tune in to Channel 7, ABC affiliate for an amusing feature. There will be some behind the scenes footage from tomorrow’s shoot up in the coming days as well.
New IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Peter Putnam and his wife Jessica are organizing a great event to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Check out the press release on the event:
On Saturday, March 21, 2009 The Rush Fitness Complex is hosting the 2nd Annual Weider Superstar Seminar and the first annual “Lift for Life” bodyweight bench press competition to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The competition is being held in conjunction with the 2nd annual Weider Superstar Seminar that is returning again this year to Knoxville. The event is from 12-4 pm at The Rush Fitness Complex located in the Walker Springs Plaza. The “Lift for Life” bodyweight bench pressing competition will begin at 2pm. There is no fee for the seminar.
Weider publications is a publisher of health and fitness magazines including Flex, Muscle & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness Hers, and Shape among others. The event will be covered and featured by Weider and video on Flexonline. The seminar will consist of a men’s portion and a women’s portion that will cover topics training, competing, and general health and fitness questions.
Individuals attending the seminar will have the opportunity to meet and talk with athletes such as Mr. Olympia, IFBB Pro Dexter Jackson, Bodybuilding Champion IFBB Pro Dennis James, IFBB Figure Pro and cover model Jessica Putnam, IFBB Fitness Pro and fitness model Julie Lohre, and FLEX Bikini Model Winner and Weider athlete Kathleen Tesori, as well as Knoxville’s only IFBB Professional Bodybuilder, IFBB Pro Peter Putnam. Also attending will be Jen Widerstrom who stars as Phoenix on television’s American Gladiators. Putnam is the organizer of the event.
Contestants entering the bodyweight bench press competition will be competing to see how many times they can lift their own body weight in the bench press. Trophies will be awarded to the top male and top female lifters. Those in attendance will also be able to challenge Jen Widestrom (Phoenix) in the “Gladiator Charity Challenge” to a jousting match. Entry to compete is $25.00 for each event. All proceeds from both events and t-shirt sells will be donated to MDA.
*Athletes also signing merch to be auctioned.
The money raised at this event will be used to provide the following services and assistance for families in the Greater East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia area served by the local MDA offices.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency- a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans.
For additional inquires and if you wish to consider donating please contact: peter@peterputnam.com
For directions and information on The Rush Fitness Complex: www.therush247.com
JUST ADDED: Bodybuilding.com Model Search to be held from 4-5pm on March 21st. Here’s your chance to break into the fitness industry. Go from being an unknown to viewed by 5.8 million people a day on the supersite of Bodybuilding.com’s main page. For more info send inquires to: physiquepros@hotmail.com More details to come on the Supersite about this event to following shortly!
**Posing Clinic** There will also be a private posing clinic on Sunday, March 22nd from 10am-12pm with IFBB Pros Jessica Putnam and Julie Lohre. Cost is $100. Spaces are limited so please send an e-mail to physiquepros@hotmail.com to reserve a spot.
Those of you in Canada are in luck, the rest of you not so much… at least not yet. Inside Fitness Magazine is a popular fitness magazine available in Canada and published by Terry Frendo. Terry is one of the good guys in the fitness industry who knows his stuff and puts out a quality publication. I’m happy to share that I’ll be helping Terry out with some USA coverage for his magazine. The current issue, with Trish Stratus on the cover, features “THE HINDS REPORT”. The column will focus mainly on NPC & IFBB contest coverage from the states. If you’re in Canada pick up the mag and let me know what you think.
The defending Figure International Champ, Gina Aliotti has just released her own DVD. You can see Gina training, cooking, posing and more on this DVD. Those interested in purchasing the DVD can so in the store section of her web site.
Check out a preview of what you’ll see on the DVD…
I caught up with Russian superstar Oksana Grishina last weekend in Las Vegas as she prepares for her return to the Arnold stage. Oksana made her Arnold debut last year but placed out of the top six. Known for her incredible routine, she is back and ready to redeem herself. Some people think that because her routine is slower paced it isn’t as difficult. I disagree on that sentiment and would challenge anyone to perform the routine she does. Her moves are precise and the years of gymnastic training is obvious. She assures me she will have a different routine at the Arnold and has worked on improving her physique. Oksana’s English has greatly improved and she’s able to communicate very well now. Here are a couple photos from Saturday’s shoot.
Well, after a very close vote…. by a tiny little hair, (okay, a landslide), I want to wish congratulations to a rival photographer and good friend, Isaac Hinds, on winning the 2008 Photographer of the Year from Bodybuilding.com! His pictures last year were some of his best ever, and also very creative!
You can also check out the other winners from 2008 Bodybuilding.com Site awards here, featuring 30 catagories.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2008siteawards.htm
Denver’s Ring Of Fire (a mma event - like the UFC but much smaller) is gaining popularity with each event. I photographed the event and in between fights I spotted a number of NPC competitors as well as a couple IFBB pros in the house. NPC figure competitors Sara Hurrle and Jaime Meade were ring side enjoying their first live fights. Hurrle has been practicing gymnastics from time to time with fitness routine legend, Carol Semple. Hurrle will be making the switch to fitness next year. Meade has her sights set on Jr. USAs or Jr. Nationals for her next figure show. She place third her class at the 08 USAs and Jr. Nationals. Former NPC competitor Brooke Paulin was in the house with her husband. Brooke has taken some time off to have a baby and is considering competing again. Brooke took third in fitness at the 2005 Team Universe. NPC Figure competitor Brooke Hougue is living in Colorado again. She placed 5th in her class at the 2007 NPC USAs. Shelley Hillesheim took the national NPC level stage by storm in 2008. She was a ring girl for this event and looked great. Joining her in the ring was IFBB Figure Pro Liza Kampstra. Liza and Shelley could be seen posing for photos throughout the night. Bronco’s NFL running back Andrea Hall was in attendance and Kampstra seized the moment to get a photo with him.
I chatted with NPC Fitness competitor Rachel Patton a bit and she tells me NPC Jr. Nationals is her next competition. She’ll be competing in fitness again, looking to improve on her 4th place finish and leave Chitown with a pro card. IFBB Figure Pro Heather Mae French was in attendance just weeks out from the Arnold Classic. Heather looked like she could step on stage that night and one smart competitor who doesn’t fluff up in the “off-season”. I’m sure there were a few more npc females in the house that I missed. As you can see Colorado is becoming a hot spot for top notch NPC and IFBB competitors.
IFBB Fitness pro and top fitness model, Mandy Blank has announced on her web site she is making a comeback to the competitive stage. You might recall she popped up on TMZ.com a few months ago where she was caught checking herself out. Hey why not? You’ve undoubtedly seen her numerous times in the fitness magazines. She’s graced a number of covers and placed as high as 6th at the Ms. Olympia Fitness (1999). Why would she be returning to the stage now? She shares on her web site…
To all the “MANDY BLANK” Fan’s out there.
First of all let me thank you for the love and support that you have shown me since I first stepped on stage.
If you guys could see the emails and letters I get on a daily basis it would blow your mind. To think that I could positively influence so many people to live a healthy lifestyle means more to me that any accolade I could ever receive.
Based primarily on this, I’ve made a decision and I want to let you guys in on a little secret, I’m going to break out the routines, dust of the food scale and turn up the heat, yep that’s right I’m getting back on stage, but in the famous words of LL COOL J, don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years.
For all of my fans that keep asking if I’m ever going to compete again here it is, my gift back to you, for being loyal all these years and standing by me since the beginning.
I have an absolute Love for being on stage and Telling my story, well that is just what I was made to do, to entertain and with a little luck, to INSPIRE.
I just want to thank All my Fans, Friends and Family for all of your support, without you I could never live this dream. My love and eternal gratitude to all of you.
All My Love,
Mandy.
AKA- “BLANKSTA-GIRL”
Recently she’s been the leading lady for MuscleTech’s Hydroxycut Max!
No word on when or where Mandy will be making her comeback. Stay tuned for more updates.
Here’s the rules and regulations you’ve all been waiting for from regarding the NPC Bikini Rules.
NPC MEMBERSHIP
* Each competitor must be a member of the NPC.
SANCTIONING A BIKINI DIVISION EVENT
* A NPC BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS must be run along with another NPC division i.e. Bodybuilding, fitness or figure contest.
CONTEST ENTRIES
* All height classes and awards must be awarded as advertised on the entry form.
* Height classes may not be combined on the day of the show and this cannot be advertised as a possibility.
AWARDS
* Cash awards are not permitted.
CHECK-INS
* BIKINI Division competitors will be checked in and measured the same as Fitness and Figure competitors.
HEIGHT CLASSES – For Pro qualifying event
* Up to and including 5’1”
* Over 5’1” and up to and including 5’2-1/2”
* Over 5’2-1/2” and up to and including 5’4”
* Over 5’4” and up to and including 5’5-1/2
* Over 5’5-1/2” and up to and including 5’7”
* Over 5’7”
If promoter chooses to do fewer height classes:
For all contests with two (2) classes:
* Up to and including 5’4”
* Over 5’4”
For all contests with three (3) classes:
* Up to and including 5’4”
* Over 5’4” and up to and including 5’6”
* Over 5’6”
For all contests with four (4) classes:
* Up to and including 5’2”
* Over 5’2” and up to and including 5’4”
* Over 5’4” and up to and including 5’6”
* Over 5’6”
COMPETITOR RULES
* National level contests do not permit competitors to crossover into Bodybuilding, Fitness or Figure at the same event. All other competitions are permitted to have crossovers at the discretion of the promoter with district chairperson approval.
* Competitors will compete in a two-piece suit. The bottom of the suit must be v-shaped. No thongs are permitted. Competitors can compete in an off the rack suit. All swimsuits must be in good taste.
* Competitors must wear high heels.
* Competitors may wear jewelry.
COMPETITION JUDGING
Presentation
* Competitors will walk onstage alone and perform their Model Walk (personal preference)
* The Model Walk consists of the following:
Walk to the center of the stage, stop and do a front stance then a full turn and do a rear stance then turn to the front again in front of the judges and then proceed to the side of the stage.
Comparison Round, Two-Piece Swimsuit
* Competitors will be judged wearing a two-piece swimsuit and heels.
* The competitors will be brought out in a group and directed to do a full front and rear stance.
* Judges will have the opportunity to compare competitors against each other in half turns. (No side judging permitted, front and back only.)
* Judges will be scoring competitors on the following items:
o Balance and Shape
o Overall physical appearance including complexion, skin tone, poise and overall presentation.
QUALIFYING FOR NATIONAL LEVEL EVENTS
* For the year 2009 only, there will be no qualification necessary to enter National Bikini competitions.
* The following placings will qualify competitors for one year for the NPC national level Bikini contests:
Top 5 places in each class at National Qualifying events only.
* The NPC national level contests are listed below:
* JUNIOR USA BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIP
* JUNIOR NATIONAL BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS
* USA BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS
* TEAM UNIVERSE BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS
* IFBB NORTH AMERICAN BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS
* NATIONAL BIKINI CHAMPIONSHIPS
QUALIFYING FOR IFBB PRO STATUS
* The following placings at selected national level events will qualify competitors to turn professional and compete in the IFBB Pro Bikini Contests.
* USA CHAMPIONSHIPS – Height class winners earn IFBB Pro Card (6 height classes)
* NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – Height class winners earn IFBB Pro Card (6 height classes)
* JUNIOR USA CHAMPIONSHIPS – top 2 in the Overall Comparison earn IFBB Pro Cards – (6 height classes)
* JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - top four (4) in the Overall Comparison earn IFBB Pro Cards (6 height classes)
* IFBB NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Top two (2) in Overall Comparison earn IFBB Pro Cards (6 height classes)
* TEAM UNIVERSE CHAMPIONSHIPS – Top two (2) in each height class earn their IFBB pro Card (6 height classes)
Many people have asked me what happened to Gale Ellie at the NPC Nationals. She was considered a favorite in her class going into the contest and all was well with her at the check-in on Thursday night. Unfortunately, Gale fell ill at the contest and was only able to do her model turns in the one piece round. She didn’t make it out for the comparison round or the two piece. I spoke with her backstage after prejudging and she was doing well. Gale tells me she will be back next year to compete and doesn’t want to hang up her heels just yet. She felt like her body was run down and overly stressed but is okay. She’s considering the NPC JR USA for her next contest but she has to have the chat with the man of the house, Dexter Jackson before she knows for sure.
I’m sure we’ll see Gale back on stage at some point in 2009.
A little birdie informed me that one of the first IFBB Fitness Pros will be making a comeback in 2009. She hasn’t competed for years but stay tuned for more details. 
Congratulations to Cynthia and Todd Satalowich! Baby Titan Bailey Satalowich was born early this morning. Titan weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 19 1/2 inches. Todd is the Western Regional Manager of BSN and is a veteran to the fitness industry on and off stage. We wish them the very best and lots of sleepless nights.
Props to Denver’s NBC Affiliate for the story of a female bodybuilder and one that is painted in a positive light.
Exercise has many benefits, one of them being there’s no age limit. No matter how old you are, working out is usually possible and it can make you feel younger. Need proof?
Look no farther than Centennial where Sharon Smith can be found lifting weights daily.
“To me bodybuilding is an art form,” says Smith, “it’s actually sculpting your body and for me sculpting my body is an artistic expression.”
The mother of two doesn’t lift the small stuff, so put away those 5 pounders. Instead, Sharon’s pushing the heavy dumbbells in preparation for an upcoming competition.
“I feel the best I’ve felt in my whole life,” Smith says with a smile. “I’m in better condition than I’ve ever been, and I’m 60. So 60 is the new 40.”
Oh, did I forget to mention she turned 60 this year?
“It was kind of my goal to show older women, anyone older, that they can do whatever they want if they put the energy in to do it.”
Sharon has always been fit and works as a trainer at three different gyms in the Centennial and Littleton area. Her business, along with substitute teaching, has taken a back seat this year when she decided to take her bodybuilding up a notch and muscle her way into competition.
“I’ve very much surprised myself,” says Sharon. “I’ve done more than I thought I would do as far as defining my body. I’ve become physically strong and it’s really improved my health, energy levels, outlook, and motivation.”
Speaking of surprises, Sharon is getting used to turning heads whenever she’s working out.
“People first think, ‘Wow you’re in really great condition.’ Then when I tell them how old I am, it’s a double shock. Sixty doesn’t compute. It doesn’t computer with me either really.”
It just goes to show anything can be done… at any age.
“I hope that it will inspire women to say, ‘You know I can do this, I can change my body and have a better quality of life.’ So I’m hoping to inspire other people to do that and maybe I can help them.”
Can you believe this woman is 60 years old? Congrats on the success Sharon!
The Los Angeles Fitness Expo is proud to announce we will be hosting a two day open casting call for the popular ABC hit reality show, WIPEOUT!An incredible ten million viewers made WIPEOUT! a huge sensation and the second most popular TV show of the summer of 2008. WIPEOUT! returns this upcoming summer and YOU can be part of the fun!
The world famous reality television producer Endemol USA (that brought you Fear Factor, and Deal or no Deal as well as Wipeout) will be on site at the Los Angeles Fitness Expo on January 24 and 25 looking for dynamic men & women to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a $50,000 prize!
In each episode, 24 contestants of all ages, shapes and sizes compete to win $50,000 while conquering the world’s largest obstacle course featuring - “Dizzy Dummy,” the “Dirty Balls” and “The Dreadmill” - which will has contestants jumping hurdles on a 40-foot long treadmill at warp speed.
If you meet the following requirements, then come out to the Los Angeles Convention Center for The Los Angeles Fitness Expo and meet the WIPEOUT! casting directors for your chance to make it on the show:
* Men and women over 18 years of age and older and legal residents of the U.S.
* Must be able to swim.
* Must currently live in California.
* Fun, strong-willed, outgoing, and a great sense of humor.Please note that all casting call contestants must purchase an admission ticket to the Los Angeles Fitness Expo.
I ran across this press release today. It seems more and more video game companies are getting into the mix of making their entertainment product more interactive and geared towards health and fitness.
Electronic Arts has announced EA Sports Active, available in spring 2009. The product is aimed at women seeking a simple and inexpensive way to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
The game supports two players and thus lets family or friends get fit together through a wide variety of interactive activities. Users will get a virtual trainer and a real time feedback on workout, such as calories burned. Furthermore, the fitness regimen targets the upper and lower body as well as cardio.
Nintendo’s own fitness product for Wii seems to offer a not so rigorous workout, offering more of an Eastern attitude. EA Sports, however, appears to be stepping up the action with a more strenuous program.
Peter Moore, president of EA Sports, told the media: “EA Sports Active costs less than a gym membership; it provides a variety of exercises unlike a one-dimensional in-home fitness contraption, and it delivers an interactive experience that you don’t get from a DVD.”
The game will include a set of leg straps that house the nunchuk in order to track leg movements, and a resistance band for upper body training. In developing the game, EA Sports received help from fitness expert Bob Greene, Oprah’s personal trainer.
It’s pretty clear that the game will be targeting a mostly female audience, though there are plans for more games that will cover both sexes and all ages and cultures.
In addition, EA Sports Active takes some inspiration from Wii Sports, with boxing and tennis mini-games, featuring a 30 Day Challenge mode to help reach specified weigh loss goals. Even if analysts do not think Wii Fit can be outsold by another game, it really seems like EA could make it a blockbuster with its first ever fitness game.
Stop by bodybuilding.com tomorrow for a live Q&A session with super trainers, Kim Oddo and Hany Rambod. The two will be on a live video chat answering all your questions. For more information visit bodybuilding.com.
Celeste Gonzalez is a perfect example of a woman who often finds more success off stage than on. Despite being in the dreaded tied for 16th position she continues to sport a smile and a winning attitude. Celeste shares, “I’m changing my body and I know I need more time to start seeing results. But I enjoyed it very much competing! I’m happy when I compete and try always to do better.” This striking beauty from Spain is very photogentic and publications are starting to take notice. Celeste is featured on the current cover of Sport Life Magazine, an honor she received by winning a cover model contest.
Congratulations on the cover Celeste! We hope to see you back in the United States again in 2009.
There’s been talk for months about a possible bikini division being added to the NPC and IFBB. I have confirmed that there will be a bikini division in the NPC next year. There will not be a bikini division in the IFBB, at least not yet. When the word “bikini contest” is mentioned many people think Hooters or your local bar holding a contest. This is not what this division will be like. This is not a division for women to think they don’t have to diet or train. The women will still need to show muscularity but not at the level of a fitness or figure competitor. It will take more than a fake breasts and a wink to win the bikini contest in the NPC. A complaint often mentioned with female competitors is that they don’t have the genetics or ability to get as muscular as the top figure and fitness competitors. This division is intended to cater to those types of women as well as others who simply like to work out and enjoy competing. Those of you wondering what type of physiques will be rewarded I am told to look at the FLEX bikini model search that was held at the Olympia. The women who won this contest were in shape, had muscle but not as much as a figure competitor.
IFBB Fitness Pro Shannon Dey was in attendance at the Kentucky Muscle show over the weekend for her magazine, Southern Muscle Plus. I had a few minutes to catch up with Shannon and during the course of our conversation she let me in on some exciting news. Mark your calendars for October 10, 2009 for a female only event that will showcase fitness and figure only. The venue is still be determined but the event will be held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
The West Palm Beach show followed this model and was a hit with the fans and competitors. When promoter John Organ passed away earlier this year the event was dropped from the scheduled. This new event featuring only the women could continue what John started.
Stay tuned for more details regarding this event but it looks like Florida will have 4 pro shows in 2009, three which will feature pro figure and two with pro fitness.
Bare Essentials, a web magazine that coins itself as “The Ultimate Action Magazine for Women offers readers the chance to be a part of the action and help preserve our wild heritage!” interviewed Pavell about his work in the fitness industry. The interview focuses around what makes a good model.
A few points Pavell mentions in the interview:
• “On my shoots the model is the star and so it should be!”
• “Needless to say the model must be in the shape requested for that particular shoot. That is essential and really goes without saying.”
• “True art is created when that positive vibe translates over to the whole team and everyone from the runner, the assistants, to the photographer, model and art director works together in harmony.”
- - Read the full interview by downloading the PDF here.
