Hardbody – Female Sports, Health and Fitness

Bodysport.com reported over the weekend that Monica Brant is leaving the IFBB for another organization. Terry Goodlad (owner of bodysport.com) calls it, “one of the most shocking fitness industry news developments in the history of women’s physique sports”. I wouldn’t go that far. Surprising? Perhaps to some but to those in the industry, it isn’t all that shocking.

Monica Brant is considered an icon in the fitness industry by many women and rightfully so. She’s inspired countless women to compete and has found more success off stage than on. She is the 1998 Fitness Olympia champ and has competed in over a dozen IFBB Figure shows. She came up short in her quest for a figure title and many people felt she should have a couple of Figure wins under her belt. I would agree with her winning at least one Arnold and I had her winning the 2005 San Francisco Pro. That’s the nature of the competing in a subjective arena. You win some you loose some and not everyone is going to agree. I’d argue that Monica actually gained MORE fans by NOT winning.

It’s no secret that Monica hasn’t been happy with her placings in the IFBB. She publicly commented, numerous times, that it wasn’t about where she placed and she she did it (competed) for the fans. Monica hadn’t qualified for the 2010 Figure Olympia and it she found herself out of the top 6 at the 2010 Figure International. Frustrated? Likely, as would any competitor who has been in the top ranks for years and now finds themselves on the outside looking in.

Which would leave some wondering if you compete for the fans, why compete in another organization that has little to no attention in the United States? Why compete in a Canadian organization with no shows in the USA? The Figure International (the Arnold) & Figure Olympia are the two biggest shows with the best physiques in the world in front of a number of fans. My guess is we’ll see her tied into their marketing and promotion much like they’ve used Jennifer Nicole Lee in hopes of capitalizing off her name. It’s likely this is more of a business decision that just wanting to compete in a new organization. Adding a “name” competitor is an attempt to add credibility. Understandably so as would any organization trying to gain credibility.

Do I think her leaving is a big deal? No, I don’t. If it had happened in 2003 or 2005 to compete in another organization then I would probably have a different opinion. Does she have a great physique for a woman approaching 40? Absolutely but let’s not forget she’s competing against women in their 20s and early 30s and there comes a point in time when you’re body isn’t what it used to be. Can she still compete? Sure, that’s her right as it is any woman at any age but you also have to be realistic and know you may not place as well as you once did.

Is her leaving the IFBB news? Certainly as Monica is still one of the biggest names in the fitness industry.

Did the IFBB push her out? No. It’s the age old story of when does a competitor call it a career on stage? How long does one stick around and continue to compete? That’s up to the competitor to decide however there is a time in every competitor’s career to know when to hang it up. Is it time for Monica to hang it up? She obviously doesn’t feel it is and that’s her prerogative.

Do I think it was a well executed announcement? Not at all. Public Relations 101 tells you that you don’t make a big announcement over a holiday weekend. Her web site still reads IFBB Pro Athlete and Cover Model. Could she have gotten more exposure if the announcement was planned better? Yes but I’m writing about it so some would argue that it did the job despite the poorly planned timing. Fair enough, I’d say but those of you looking to announce major things should do it in the middle of the week and never around a holiday.

Will it mean the end of the IFBB? Hardly. There are more competitors than ever competing in NPC Figure (the IFBB’s amateur organization) and the competition in the IFBB continues to get more and more difficult. Will others leave in hopes of greener pastures? Sure. There will always be competitors unhappy with their placings and think that a show with cool marketing and big promises will open up more doors. I say go for it. If you want to compete in one of the alphabet organizations that has little to no criteria in order to be considered a “pro” then knock yourself out. It’s an ego driven industry and if you need to place well to feel part of something and that defines your worth, then by all means do it.

At the end of the day Monica will still continue to hold her camps and make her living away stage. She’s one of the few women who “gets it” when it comes to making a business out of the exposure that from competing. Had she gotten the same amount of exposure had she chosen not to compete in the IFBB? I highly doubt it but no one will ever know for certain. I don’t feel she needs to compete in order to continue to run a successful business and I wish her all the best. I’ve worked with Monica on a number of projects over the years from photographing her first F.E.M. Camp in LA to redesigning her web site years ago. I’ve seen the impact she’s had on women’s lives and know she will continue to be an influence in the years to come. If competing in another organization makes her happy, so be it and I wish her all the best.

Wooooo did things heat up in the Mile High City today! The 2010 NPC Mile High took place in Englewood, Colorado and there were some hardbody hotties not only onstage but also in the audience. Lindsey Morrison took the overall bikini title and deservedly so. I’ll be shooting with Lindsey in my Denver studio tomorrow so check back for photos and a profile on her this week.

Sara Hurrle returned to the figure stage and picked up where she left off. She won the 2007 NPC Colorado Pro/Am Overall Figure title and the 2008 NPC California Figure Overall crown. She took last year off but was better than ever as she took not only her class but also the overall. She gave a shout out to her friends and trainer Kim Oddo. The win was well deserved and it was a pleasant change to hear a crowd roar with cheers and not boos when the winner was announced.

Sara Hurrle with her hardware after the show.( iPhone image)

There were a number of IFBB Pros in attendance as well. Denver has become a mecca for the Hardbody women in the NPC & IFBB. Tanji Johnson was the guest poser and had a great turn out for her free posing seminar after the check-in on Friday night. Tanji told me the response she received from the women in Denver was great. Carol Semple was in attendance and is promoter her own show this fall in Loveland, Colorado. The Fitness Olympia champ is staying in great shape and still working out every day. Carla Sanchez celebrated her 40th birthday on Friday and was in attendance supporting a couple of her Performance Ready competitors. Camala Rodriquez was in attendance and had her swagger on. Look for Camala to take the stage again at the Dallas Europa and then head to her first Fitness Olympia in September. She tells me she is bringing a new routine to Dallas. Fellow IFBB Fitness Pro Bridgette Murray was in the audience cheering on a friend and client along with NPC Fitness competitor Lauren Niehaus. Look for Lauren on stage later this summer and Bridgette at the Ft. Lauderdale Cup. She’s staying in great shape and looked better than ever.

Lauren and Bridgette chill’n before the show. (iPhone image)

IFBB Bikini Pro Sonya Vecchiarelli was on hand to help with trophies and help out a couple clients. Sonya will be working the ISS Research booth at the NPC Jr. Nationals and look for her to make her pro debut at the Jacksonville Classic in August. Chaundra Tanji was cheering on a couple clients and tried her hand at emceeing the bikini division. She let the crowd know that Tanji would be the one to beat at the Olympia this year. We’ll see what Adela and the other ladies have to say about that come September. IFBB Figure Pro Heather Mae French made an appearance fresh off her California Pro Figure title. Her 12 year old daughter, Autumn, is now taller than her. Yes you read that right, Heather Mae has a 12 year old daughter.

A great show by promoter Jeff Taylor and if you’re thinking about making a move… Denver is one of the places to be for all things fitness, figure and bikini.

Time to represent ladies – Muscle and Fitness Hers wants to hear from you!

Starting this month, M&F Hers will be polling loyal Hardbody.com visitors on all things fitness – training, nutrition, relationships and more. The results will run in future issues of the magazine.

Also, M&F Hers will run a few anonymous quotes/comments from our Hardbody.com audience. So if you want to expand, send me an email to hardbodynews@gmail.com. Remember, all responses will be anonymous.

The first poll to appear in a future issue of M&F HERS…

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Sun-Times Media Wire

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.

The current Fitness Olympia champion, Adela Garcia had a glow about her last night at the NPC National competitor check-in. Adela is usually a very happy, upbeat person to begin with but there was something different about her. She couldn’t stop smiling no matter what the conversation. A shiny gem, gracing her left hand, caught my attention which prompted me to ask… Adela what is that?! Like a kid in a candy store she enthusiastically responded with, “sorry to crush your dreams Isaac but I am now engaged.” Ahhhh Adela. You have to love her as she’s always got a joke or three.

Last Monday Adela went to get her hair styled at a friend’s house when she was told to go into a room different than usual. When she went entered the room her boyfriend of nearly two years, Trent Calavan had a ring surrounded by a heart of rose petals waiting for her. It was then he popped the question and the fitness champ graciously accepted his offer in marriage.

Adela all smiles when showing her engagement ring.

Adela and Trent met in a Texas gym and she tells me he didn’t really know who she was. The two were scheduled to go on a group date for their first outing but Trent canceled. The move prompted Adela to txt and ask him what was up with the dis. They ended up hitting a sushi place and as they say, the rest is history. No date has been set for the wedding but it’s obvious Adela couldn’t be happier.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Trent and he is a solid guy. Congratulations to the happy couple and all the best in your years ahead.

I sat in on the annual NPC National meeting and there wasn’t too much news to note. The official notes will be released by the NPC soon but a couple things did come from the meeting. Sitting in on the meeting I was reminded of why the NPC is the best organization for physique competitors. The room was full of promoters from across the United States who are passionate about health and fitness. NPC competitor numbers are up and shows on all levels are doing better than ever. It is the only organization where the winners can move on to compete in the IFBB Pro League, at least in the United States.

HARDBODY NOTES:

Next year, Team Universe event will move to July 9-10 and will NOT be held at the Tribecca Performing Arts Center. The promoters are looking out for the competitors and have their best interests at heart. The cost of hotels in Manhattan has made it way too expensive for many. The 2010 Team Universe event will move to Hackensack, New Jersey. Those unfamiliar with the area should note that it’s not far from La Guardia airport. Look for this to be the new time of year and location for this event in 2011 and 2012.

As most of you are already aware the 2010 NPC JR USAs will move to Houston, Texas and be held August 28th.

The 2010 NPC Nationals will move back to Atlanta and be held on October 15-16th. The Nationals will go back to November in 2011 & 2012. The 2011 event is slated to take place in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Pam Betz noted that the Nationals will rotate between Atlanta and Ft. Lauderdale in the years ahead.

The NPC USA contest promoted by Jon Lindsay will not change. Look for it to be held in the same venue and the same weekend for the year’s ahead. Next year it will be held in Las Vegas on July 30-31.

The NPC JR Nationals will be held in June at at the same venue as usual. Don’t look for this to move any time soon. Like most of the NPC National events, if it’s not broke don’t try to fix it.

The bikini division continues to improve and the only news of note to the district chairmen was regarding the suits. There is no set suit standard however competitors will need to make sure the suit covers their bottom and NOT be a thong. There were some complaints that the bikini suits (the bottoms in particular) were getting smaller and smaller. If you’re a bikini competitor or train bikini competitors, use common sense. Don’t try to get away with something too small.

Look for another fantastic year in 2010.

Fans can now interact with IFBB Figure Olympia winner, Nicole Wilkins-Lee on the Muscle & Fitness Hers’ forums. A dedicated thread devoted to your questions to Nicole has been set up on the site. Nicole will also be having her own column in M&F Hers starting in the March/April issue. Check it out, post your comments, ask your questions and interact with the champ.

You may want to ask her for her Super Bowl picks. She and Fitness Olympia champ, Adela Garcia, were the only ones to predict a win for the Yankees when asked by FLEXonline.com.

I received official word from the NPC that the original women’s bodybuilding heavyweight class winner and overall winner, Michele Pome has been disqualified from this year’s Team Universe.  As a result of this disqualification all competitors move up one placing in the heavyweight class. Unfortunately, there is NO overall winner declared at this contest. This also results in no female bodybuilder being eligible for IFBB Pro status from this contest.

Revised Heavyweight Class results from the 2009 NPC Team Universe.
1. Theresa Hendricks
2. Alisa Allen
3. Yasha
4. Olivia Garner Terry
5. Lee Ann Scelof
6. Jessica Work
7. Audrey Turner
8. Michelle Morrison
9. Kim Amato
10. Cicely Brown
11. Shawna Mendelson
12. Tracey Hess

This is THEE place to be this Saturday night in Las Vegas, Nevada. There are three things I can count on this Saturday night… Photographing the Olympia competition, hitting the Olympia Gala for some food right after the show and the FLEX after party. I guess you could say four if you count me going on video to tell Lonnie Teper he should stick to predicting the men’s contests and leave the women to me, but more on that later.

Check out the details of the party.

OFFICIAL FLEX BIKINI MODEL AFTER PARTY
Do it right in Sin City at the biggest and best post-Olympia blowout

With over 100 bikini beauties signed on to compete, the 2009 FLEX Bikini Model Search Championships – presented by Amazon.com and brought to you by Ed Hardy- will undoubtedly be bigger and better than ever. So it seemed only fitting that the Official FLEX Bikini Model Search After Party would  be the biggest and best post-Olympia bash in Sin City!

Located on the 64th floor of the ultra-swanky The Hotel at Mandalay Bay, MIX Lounge will play host to the official FLEX Bikini Model Search after party, presented by promoter extraordinaire Jason Dihr. Hundreds of models, athletes and celebrities in the bodybuilding industry are expected to turn out for this can’t-miss event! Rub elbows with the elite, and – if you’re lucky – you just may have your picture taken with one of our beautiful FLEX Bikini Models and appear in an upcoming issue of FLEX magazine!

But that’s not all! Supplement giant ALR Industries pumps the volume up another decibel by hosting their post-Olympia blowout at MIX Lounge as well.

This is without a doubt one you won’t want to miss, as the FLEX Bikini Models turn the heat up to unbearable levels at MIX Lounge in Las Vegas on Saturday night!

A limited number of tickets to this exclusive event will be available. Stop by the FLEX booth at the Olympia Expo for more information.

WHAT: The Official FLEX Bikini Model Search After Party
WHERE: MIX Lounge, at The Hotel
WHEN: Saturday, September 26
TIME: 11 pm to close
WHO: FLEX Bikini Models, IFBB Pro Athletes and More!
FOR TICKETS: Stop by the FLEX booth at the Olympia Expo

NPC Promoter, Dr. Gary Udit posted the following news on Siouxcountry.com.

Thanks go to NPC President Jim Manion for changing the rule to address this situation that arose at the 2008 IFBB NORTH AMERICA in the Men’s Division and the 2009 NPC MASTERS NATIONALS in the Women’s Bodybuilding Division.

The athletes are still permitted to win the Overall titles of the second Division they compete in but the pro card will go to the second placing competitor in the Overall judging.

Rule for events where one competitor could win two pro cards due to crossovers.
(NPC Masters Nationals and IFBB North American Championships)

When an event that is a pro-qualifier, such as the NPC MASTERS NATIONALS and the IFBB NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, has the possibility of the same competitor winning two Divisions, and also two pro cards, the pro card that is awarded last in the Schedule of Events will be awarded to the second-highest placing in the Overall judging of the last judged Division.

For example, at the NPC MASTERS NATIONALS, if a competitor wins the Overall of the Mens Over 50 Division he is awarded an IFBB pro card. If the same competitor wins the Overall of the Mens Over 40 Division, the pro card in the Mens Over 40 Division, which is judged after the Mens Over 50 Division, will go to the second highest placing competitor in the Overall judging of the Mens Over 40 Division.

I’m glad to see this recent change and props to the NPC for taking action on it.

Tonight the actions gets roll’n in Vegas. The early check-in for the female competitors takes place tonight at Embassy Suites. There is an additional check-in Friday morning from 9 – 10:30am at the same place.

Embassy Suites, Las Vegas
4315 Swenson St., Las Vegas, Nevada 89119

8:00-9:30pm
Early weigh-in women bb
Early height-check for Figure
Early height-check for Bikini

Stay updated via TWITTER @ Hardbodynews

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.

Kristal, Elle and Michell with their awards.

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…

Taking the swine flu precaution to a new level.

Andrea Watson packs up after another victory.

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.

—

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”.

Nicole shows a peak at one of her newest published pics.

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.

Greenwood’s injured pinky.

What will Greenwood do next week? Stay tuned.

Lingerie Bowl coming soon to a city near you.

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.

Current Inside Fitness magazine.

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.

The new Gina Aliotti DVD.

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.

Oksana is on track for a strong Arnold showing.

Oksana shows off her current conditioning.

Check back in a few days for the video interview I did with Oksana along with more info on what she has been up to, what she’s been eating and what she has in store for the year.

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