Hardbody – Female Sports, Health and Fitness

The “mainstream media” may never get it right when it comes to reporting on physique competitions. The public perception still remains that of women with muscles are bodybuilders. Does it matter how competitors are described? To some it does, others not so much.

An article appeared in El Paso Times and reads “Bodybuilder Josie Zamora earns her pro card”. Josie Zamora took home top honors in the Figure division at the 2010 NPC JR NATIONALS. I think it’s a much more compelling story that Josie is a Middle School teacher and not that she’s a “bodybuilder” but props to Josie for the story.

Josie Zamora takes home a pro card and the overall title in Chicago.

Josie shares in the article that she’ll waste no time in making her pro debut. She has her sights set on the New York Pro Figure contest which will take place next weekend.

She also took the opportunity to make the story more than just about herself.

“As a Hispanic woman, there’s this image of being obese, curvaceous, not caring about diet,” said Zamora, who is 5-foot-2 and weighs 115 pounds. “People think of El Paso as an obese city. I want to create a positive image for Hispanic women and El Paso.”

– Read the entire story here.

The 2010 NPC Jr Nationals is in the books and it was another great display of hardbodies. I was front and center capturing all the action for NPC NEWS. I ended up with over 6,000 images featuring bikini, bodybuilding, figure,and fitness! If you’re interested in purchasing prints from the show, check them out here. Congrats to everyone who competed and achieved their goals.

Look for candids and behind-the-scenes photos from J.M. Manion in future issues of NPC NEWS magazine.

Over the weekend, I was front and center photographing the 2010 NPC Jr. Nationals. This show marked the first pro qualifier for the women of the NPC and it brought out over 270 women. Check out the hundreds of photos captured throughout the weekend.

I’ll be posting the photos for purchase as well. If you were a competitor and didn’t get the photo order form, email me to request one. Check back for more Jr Nationals’ updates throughout the day.

We’re tweeting live from the 2010 NPC Jr. Nationals. I’ll do my best to keep you posted live via twitter as well as photographing the action as the “official NPC” show photographer. Look for the photos to be posted late tonight and also check out bodybuilding.com for more coverage through out the weekend.

I’ll be tweeting under Hardbodynews and if you’re not on Twitter, you can stay on this page and refresh for the live call-outs and get our thoughts on the events as they happen today.

One other way to stay tapped in is to follow everyone using the #jrnat tag for the event. Visit this web site to view a collection of people chiming in via twitter.

Last night a number of ladies checked in for the 2010 NPC Jr. Nationals. This is the first pro qualifier of the year and it is certainly not short on numbers. Follow along here throughout the day or for the fastest updates follow us on twitter.com. Those of you tweeting from the event use #jrnat to help organize the conversation.

There are 24 fitness competitors and each class is evenly matched. Look for Tracy Winters from Oklahoma to put on a kick ass routine in the A class. She’ll battle against the likes of Paula Williams-Gulman and Sandra Augustin. Michelle Yeager, Cinzia Clapp and Lishia Dean are familiar names in the B class. The C class has Heather Skaar (pronounced “score”), Stacy Wright and Tamee Marie who are looking for that elusive pro card.

Women’s Bodybuilding doesn’t have the biggest numbers but with no pro card on the line, many ladies sit this one out. I think it’s a mistake to overlook this show and get your feet wet on the national level. More female bodybuilders should consider this show despite no pro card being offered. You can be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pound. Take your pick. Keep an eye on Marina Lopez from Aurora, Colorado. She used to compete in figure and has a great physique. This isn’t the final breakdown but before check-in it looked like 20 women will compete in the Bodybuilding division.

The bikini numbers are up and each class if fairly evenly numbered with about 10-15 in each class. The Bikini D Class will be the biggest (5′4″ – 5′5″) with about 20 women in the class. It also has a few “names” who have competed before. Holly Huizinga, Jessica Jessie, Rebecca Staggs, Nicole Guerrero and Brandy Leaver. This could be thee class to watch but you never know. Keep an eye on Ali Rosen in the “E” Class. She has some sass to her. The tall class 5′7″ and over looks to be the lame duck of the group. Nothing against the women who entered but there looks to only be 3 or 4 women in the class.

Figure numbers are up from year’s past and classes are stacked. I don’t know where all the women will check-in at with their height but the taller classes could have 35-45 women in their classes. This is going to be a helluva show to kick the year off. There are a number of women who have more than held their own on the national stage before and many more who have rocked their local shows. The figure division will once again take front and center as the talk of the show. At least it will be from my vantage point.

The host hotel is great. The only complaint I have is charging $18.00 for a plain baked potato and a chicken breast at the hotel restaurant. There is a “clean” menu but it certainly isn’t cheap no matter what you order. Aside from that everything is pretty awesome. I had a chance to chat with head judge Sandy Williamson and she stated once again regarding bikini… If you want to know what the judges are looking for, check out her video and follow what she said after the 2010 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro show. The advice is for NPC and IFBB Bikini competitors alike.

Today’s Schedule: Friday, June 18, 2010
24 hours Microwave Room Delta B
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Final Weigh-in/Check-In (Men &Women)
2 pm – Fitness Classes Mandatory Meeting
3 pm – Women’s Bodybuilding Mandatory Meeting
Time TBA – Figure, Bikini Mandatory Meeting
3:30 pm -  Doors open to public
4 pm – Prejudging Begins
Fitness Routines / Women’s Bodybuilding / Figure / Bikini (in that order)

The NPC/IFBB competitive season is about to heat up. A number of regional NPC shows have taken place across the country and a we’ve seen a few promising new stars in the IFBB ranks. Next weekend the NPC JR. Nationals will kick off the national level competition and a few women will move on to the pro ranks. Along with this show brings out hordes of “photographers”. Some of them are good and others are nothing more than men (and sometimes women) with cameras. Many of these “photographers” will pay women to shoot and it may seem tempting but think twice before doing so. I can’t count the number of times women have told me they thought it was a good idea at the time but then years later look back and wish they hadn’t.

The Jr. Nationals is often a breeding ground for these types of characters who call themselves photographers and/or videographers. You will see them lurking around the hotel escalators or outside the competitor’s meeting waiting to strike. If you’re not familiar with someone’s work and their web site, DON’T SHOOT. While a couple hundred bucks may seem like a great idea when you’re trying to pay for competition costs, think about the long term. If you’re cool with being part of a member’s only site that typically caters to those with muscle fetishes then cool. I don’t care what you do and that’s your choice. Remember, it’s YOUR choice to shoot with someone. No one is holding a gun to your head and don’t be afraid to say no. Yes, it’s flattering to have someone wanting to take your photo but don’t let your ego get in the way. The photos and video last forever in this digital age.

Typically, not always, the best photographers are not going to be paying you to shoot at a show. More often than not it’s the other way around. If you want quality portfolio images from a professional photographer you’ll likely pay them to shoot you. Again, I’m NOT saying ALL photographers who pay you to shoot are bad. There are a handful who are good and they’ll compensate you for your time/images but remember they will likely end up on a member’s only site. There are guys who pose as photographers but are nothing more than fans of female muscle. These are the “creepers” and the ones to stay away from. There’s a difference between a fan and a creeper photographer. Those of you attending the show in Chicago next weekend will see them lurking around. Trust your gut.

There’s also a character who likes to have women book his shoots. She’ll approach you in an unassuming, friendly manner and ask your schedule/availability and then tell you she’d like to book a shoot with you. Only it’s not with her but with her photographer boss. I refer to this as the Taco Bell / Little Taco scenario. When you’re hungry and had a few drinks a drive through Taco Bell seems like a great idea. Those little tacos are awesome and taste great or so you had yourself to believe. Until the next day when you come to your senses and have a gut ache wondering why you did it.

Shooting when in your best shape is a good idea but don’t wake up and wish you hadn’t.

Pam Betz is the leading lady when it comes to the NPC Jr. Nationals. She helps organize everything related to this fantastic event in Chicago. I spoke with Pam yesterday and she told me there has been a record number of entries for the women. The women will be competing in bikini, figure, fitness and bodybuilding on June 18 and 19th.

As of last night there were still some rooms available at the host hotel but when I called they informed me that it was VERY limited. If you haven’t booked for the host hotel, do so today or you’ll be looking for some place else to stay. The host hotel is attached to the venue and just minutes away from Chicago’s O’Hare airport. If you’re planning to attend make certain you fly into O’Hare and not any other Chicago airport or you will find yourself in a cab for a looooong time. I made the mistake once, but won’t do it again.

Visit npcjrnationals.com for more information.

The 2010 NPC Jr. National Championships is right around the corner and will officially kick off the National scene of the NPC. I’ll be in attendance and serving as the official NPC photographer. J.M. Manion will be shooting the overall winner’s on Sunday, the day after the event. The following information is related to the shoot with the overall winners. Please plan accordingly.

Information related to the NPC NEWS photo shoot with J.M. Manion:
The following Athlete’s are required to participate in The NPC NEWS Photo Shoot with J.M. Manion On Sunday, June 20 At The Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel From 8:30 a.m. to approximately 12 Noon:
• MEN’S OVERALL WINNER
• WOMEN’S OVERALL WINNER
• THE 3 FITNESS HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS
• THE 4 FIGURE HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS THAT QUALIFIED FOR THE IFBB
• THE 4 BIKINI HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS THAT QUALIFIED FOR THE IFBB

- Only The 5 Overall Winners Are To Bring Their Overall Trophies.
- The Men’s & Women’s Overall Winners Are To Bring Their Posing Suit & Posing Oil.
- The Bikini, Figure & Fitness Class Winners That Qualified For The IFBB Are To Bring Their 2-Piece Competition Suits Along With At Least 1 Other 2-Piece Bikini.
There Is Also An Opportunity To Do Individual Photo Shoots That Afternoon For The NPC News So The More Bikini’s Brought The Better.

Tentative Schedule As Follows;
8:30 a.m. – Photograph The NPC News Cover Featuring The 5 Overall Winners Only (Men’s & Women’s Bodybuilding; Bikini, Fitness & Figure)
Immediately Following Will Be Individual Photos Of The Men’s & Women’s Bodybuilding Overall Winners

10 a.m. – Arrival Of All Other Bikini, Fitness & Figure Class Winners That Qualified For The IFBB For Group Photos
* All Women Please Arrive With Hair & Make-up Done*
All Competitors Please Plan Accordingly With Your Travel Plans.

When I posted the “Best in Show” photo from JR USA, the response was overwhelmingly positive. I received numerous emails and texts from women asking who’s booty it was. In fact, the only negative comment I heard was from a guy who thought it was disrespectful but later apologized and said he overreacted. I posted that image as motivation and inspiration for the number of women who visit this site and that is exactly how it was received. If you take offense to a good butt then you’re in the wrong industry. Nothing wrong with being proud of a fit booty and inspiring others to get their asses in shape as well.

We’ll be posting the occasional booty shot here to help inspire you to work yours just a bit harder for your next competition. This time around one of the best booties in the show belonged to Sonya Vecchiarelli. Sonya took home top honors in the Bikini A class as well as an IFBB Bikini Pro card. She rocked more than just a fit booty, see the photos here.

Sonya waits her turn to go center-stage.

Congrats Sonya and welcome to the pros.

Cookie, Cookie, Cookie starts with C! Chicago starts with C. Hey why not enjoy cookies in Chicago? That’s exactly what NPC competitor Shelley Hillesheim decided to do at the 2009 NPC JR Nationals.

Shelley enjoying a cookie or six.

Shelley learned everything she knows about cookies from the C-monster himself.

Sometimes listening to everyone but yourself can cause you to go a little batty. During my conversation with newly crowned IFBB Bikini Pro Jennifer Celeste, it became apparent to me that she fell victim to this. Jennifer competed a couple weeks ago in the NPC California State show and failed to make the top 5 in her class. I wasn’t there but from the looks of her photos you could tell she wasn’t at her best. When I asked her about it in Chicago she said, “ya that pretty much sucked.” So she went with what worked in the past, came in a few pounds lighter, wore a different suit and you could see her confidence level soar. She rocked the stage and was definitely a stand out in the show.

Lesson here: your confidence level translates on stage. If you’re off your game it will show on stage. Do ya thang and do what works for you.

Over the weekend I snapped several thousand contest photos at the 2009 NPC JR Nationals. The fitness routines are always my favorite to capture and this weekend was no different. Check out the photos from all the classes, here on bodybuilding.com. If you’re looking to order prints from the competition, you can do so by contacting the official photographer of the event J.M. Manion.

A moment in time during a fitness routine.

The scores have been tabulated and now we wait for the results of the 2009 NPC Jr. Nationals. Who will leave the NPC ranks and join the elite group in the IFBB? We’ll find out in a few hours. If you haven’t been following the live action you can do so by viewing the twitter feed box on the right or follow the tweets at www.twitter.com/hardbodynews.

I had my happy ass planted in the press pit, photographing for bodybuilding.com and this is how I saw things shake out. Keep in mind these are only MY OPINIONS and not those of the NPC or the judges. I mostly agreed with the callouts and there was only one class that really left me baffled.

Flying high at the NPC JR. Nationals.

Here’s a look outside the host hotel at the NPC Jr. Nationals. This definitely isn’t good for the competitors hair or tan. Luckily most competitors are staying inside the host hotel which is connected to the venue. Note the stop or lack there of by this cabbie. lol

It does put a bit of a damper on the outdoor photo shoots but hey whaddya do? Not much when Mother Nature decide she wants to take a leak.

If the check-in is any indication of what’s to come for tonight’s competition in Chicago, it is going to be kick ass show. There were a number of very beautiful women who had their game faces on. It’s time to get this party started! Here’s the breakdown for today’s events. Follow the action live on our twitter account at www.twitter.com/hardbodynews or just hit refresh and check out the box on the right hand side.

Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel and Grand ABCD Ballroom

9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Final Weigh-in/Check-In (Men &Women) United A/B
3 p.m. Fitness, Figure, Bikini Mandatory Meeting Ballroom
3:30 p.m. Women’s Bodybuilding Mandatory Meeting Ballroom

Please note: Report times will be confirmed at weigh/check-ins on Friday

3:30 p.m. Doors open to public
4 p.m. Fabulous Female Friday – Prejudging Ballroom

Today will feature the women with the Fitness Routines, Women’s Bodybuilding, Figure and Bikini.

Imagine if you will… NPC figure competitors Ana Tigre, Terri Turner and Candice Houston were a musical group in the 70s. If they were it might look a little like the Arabesque’s performance of Friday Night.

I have to agree with Arabesque when they say, “Every night should be a Friday night”. Especially one like tonight that will go down in Chicago’s Regency O’Hare.

Friday night
Wrong or right
Dim the light we’re out of sight
Friday night
Wrong or right
Hold me tight with all your might
Friday night is alright
Every night should be a Friday night

I caught up with IFBB Figure Pro, Alicia Harris for a shoot in her hometown of Chicago. She’s still in great shape after her pro debut last month at the California Pro. Here’s a couple quick shots from our afternoon.

Alicia Harris isn’t always “smiley”.

Alicia Harris  in Chicago.

If you’re in Chicago for the NPC JR Nationals, stop by the Labrada Nutrition booth and say hell to Alicia. Mention HARDBODY.com and she might have a special gift for ya.

Schedule of events for this afternoon.

Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel
24 hours Microwave Room Delta B
24 hours ProTan – Appointment Only Malpensa
9-8 p.m. Promoter’s Office Grand Reg Office
6-7 p.m. Weigh-in (Men) United A/B
7-8 p.m. Weigh-in/Check-In (All Women) United A/B

Hotel is clean, easy to get to ($9 cab ride or free shuttle) and super convenient. It’s muggy, overcast and humid in the Windy City but all good. Ran into Performance Ready coach and IFBB Fitness pro, Carla Sanchez who was taking elevator rides with her son and delivering some food to her team of hotties.

I’m off to get in a few photo shoots and then check out the check-in. Stay tuned for continual updates throughout the weekend. If you’re at the show say hello. I’m the guy NOT carrying a gallon jug.

Team Tight Curves will be representing in full force this weekend at the NPC Jr. Nationals. Stop by their booth as they will be accepting applications to become members of the team there.

Team Members slated to be in the Windy City:
Pam Soper
Jennifer Marchetta
Heather frey
Candice houston
Arrin crain
Kim currie
Babette mulford
Jena robertson
Alyssa stroud
Ana tigre
Jamie Baird
Jaime Meade
Cheryl brown
Ashley cooper
Lori pavesi
Jeanne Nimmer
Elizabeth earhart
Marieann newman
Karin kimura
Judy weichman
Kat holmes
Jessica lawrence
Becky Youngberg
Terri turner
Deanna Rabosky
Wendy gardnert
Amanda Victoria Lorimer
Tara Green
Emily Nicholson
Ann Titone
Kelli Horn
Soleivi hernandez
Amber Foss
Christina Watson

This Friday, the NPC JR. Nationals will kick off with the ladies. The breakdown for the various categories are in courtesy of J.M. Manion and the NPC NEWS. It looks like it will be one helluva show for the women.

• Bikini – 48
• Bodybuilding – 17 (Note: Only 1 competitor in HW class)
• Figure - 157
• Fitness – 22

Total - 244

The 2009 NPC Jr. Nationals will take place next weekend in Chicago, IL. The ladies will kick things off next Friday with their prejudging at 4pm. Promoter Pam Betz tells me she expects close to 400 competitors total with about 250-60 of those being female competitors. This is one of my favorite events of the year to attend and photograph. The venue and host hotel are connected which makes it easy to get back and forth without a hassle. Pam and her team do a tremendous job of making sure everything runs smoothly and are always easy to work with.

For more information visit: npcjrnationals.com

How many of you will be in attendance next weekend? Ones to watch? I know a few hardbody faithful will be there. We’ll be profiling a few next week.

The NPC Jr. Nationals has been a launch pad for a number of competitors over the years. Recognize the three women in this photo?

Meriza & Jenn are all smiles while Huong contemplates some chicken wings.

Meriza Deguzman, Jenn Gates and Huong Arcinas battled their way through the amateur ranks and eventually all reached IFBB Pro status. This shot was taken at the 2007 JR Nationals where Jenn went on to win the overall crown. As most of you are well aware, she’s the reigning Ms. Figure Olympia. Might we see another future star emerge from this year’s contest? We’ll find out in a couple weeks.

If you plan to attend the NPC JR Nationals contest please take note of this announcement from J.M. Manion:

NOTICE TO ALL 2009 NPC JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS COMPETITORS
The Following Athlete’s Are Required To Participate In The NPC NEWS Photo Shoot With J.M. Manion On Sunday, June 21 At The Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel From 8:30 a.m. To Approximately 12 Noon:

· MEN’S OVERALL WINNER
· WOMEN’S OVERALL WINNER
· THE 3 FITNESS HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS
· THE 4 FIGURE HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS THAT QUALIFIED FOR THE IFBB
· THE 4 BIKINI HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS THAT QUALIFIED FOR THE IFBB

Only The 5 Overall Winners Are To Bring Their Overall Trophies.

The Men’s & Women’s Overall Winners Are To Bring Their Posing Suit & Posing Oil.

The Bikini, Figure & Fitness Winners Are To Bring Their 2-Piece Competition Suits Along With Any Other 2-Piece Bikinis.

There is also an opportunity to do individual photo shoots that afternoon for NPC NEWS so the more bikinis you bring the better.

All Competitors Please Plan Accordingly With Your Travel Plans.

Julie Ann Kulla joined the ranks of the IFBB by winning the 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals overall figure title. She hails out of Minnesooooooota. Yes you have to do your worst FARGO impersonation when you say Minnesota. This little china doll works as a graphic designer and you’ll probably see some of her work at the Olympia. Julie Ann works with one of the biggest trade show booth companies. I had the chance to chat with her after her win at Jr. Nationals and she is a pleasure to be around. We spoke a bit more at the NPC USAs where we did a quick shoot. Despite the stupid hot temperatures, we were able to get a few good shots. Julie Ann is a a natural in front of the camera, takes direction well and isn’t afraid to turn on “the look”. She’ll be making her pro debut at this year’s NY PRO Figure contest, which is held in conjunction with the Team Universe. Don’t be surprised if you see her qualifying for the Olympia her first time out.

Julie Ann Kulla has her sights set on her pro debut.

She’s the daughter of a NFL coach. She knows what it’s like to be around greatness. She is Betsy McNally Harris – new IFBB Fitness pro. I’ve known Betsy for a few years now and she has come a long way in her routines and physique. Betsy put it all together in Chicago and when I saw her at check-in I didn’t recognize her. She had never been in the condition she was for this show and she looked like a ghost of her Jr. USA physique. I caught up with Betsy and asked her to share a bit more about herself…

Betsy showing off her strength in Chicago.

How many years have you been competing?
I have been competing in fitness since 2003 but I was a competitive gymnast for 12 years.

What changed for you in Chicago that you were able to put it all together?
Honestly, I got a divorce, new job, new trainer and was motivated by people who literally told me I couldn’t do it. I eliminated 80 percent of the stress in my life, moved into a cracker box of a studio apartment and focused on training.

I removed all the negative influences in my life and replaced them with positive people. I changed trainers and my new trainer (Michael Fuelner) made a huge difference; his nutrition plan rocked. He updated it often and held me accountable. He believed in me and saw how my body responded to different foods.

I also live in Chicago so everything was easy and I friends and clients there to support me.

How did you get involved with Jen Hendershott’s camps and are you still active in them?
YES! I still work for and am very active in Phat Camp!!

I am actually moving from Chicago to North Carolina to work full time with Phat Camp. I am nutrtion coordinator for our Live Phat program!

I used to live in Columbus where Jen and I hooked up initially because I needed advice on how to compete. She helped me with diet, choreography and we became fast friends. She hired me onto her staff and I have traveled the country doing Phat Camps with her. She is not only a great motivator but one of my best dearest friends and I am so lucky to have her as a boss and a friend.

How was it growing up with a father who is one of the top coaches in the NFL?
GROWING UP WITH JIM MCNALLY??? Haha. It was an honor. I learned a lot about professional sports, how to train, be disciplined, set goals… football was like religion in my family… no Sunday at church – we were at the stadium. I had a few rough Monday mornings at school when our team lost but for the most part there were a ton of perks…. meeting players, attending VIP events, traveling to super bowls and big playoff games… Its amazing how stressful of a job being a coach in the NFL is. I am proud of his accomplishments, 3 Super Bowls and 4 NFL teams and 30 years later, he finally retired a couple of months ago. His influence in pro sports definitely inspired me to be a Pro in mine;)

Decided when you pro debut will be?
Pro Debut? Hmmm..that is yet to be determined. I know I am not ready to jump up there with the Hendershotts, Kim Kleins and Adela’s of the fitness world yet. There are a few areas the judges told me to work on and that is my main priority. I will probably do a smaller pro show in early 2009, although my dream would be to compete with Hendershott at the Arnold one day. I would love to hang out with her backstage for the first time!!

Betsy getting her lift on at the 08 Jr. Nationals.

Thanks Betsy and all the best in the future. Tell Jim I’ll get him those photos one day.

Another 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals is in the books. We managed to avoid extreme heat and the gnarly locusts. Those who attended last year’s event know what I’m referring to with the fugly little creatures. Check out the review on bodybuilding.com.

I had a chance to meet up with Khristy Poteat at the 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals, where she was competing in Figure. She’s a super sweet girl that has an All-American, buff Barbiedoll look. Khristy was looking to improve on her Charleston showing (the Jr USA) and present a slightly different look. She definitely accomplished that goal. At the JR USAs Khristy was very well conditioned, however the look was too hard and she appeared too muscular for figure. Thursday night she told me she was coming in a bit softer and had worked on her posing. I could tell in her face that she wasn’t as hard as when I saw her in Charleston. It was a good thing for her and when she took the stage it was a much, much better look. Her posing was good this time and the softened look was in line with what the judges are rewarding. Despite not placing as high as she would have liked she was in good spirits after the show. What’s next for her? She hasn’t decided but she has a great physique and you can see her on the cover of the current Southern Muscle Plus issue. Congratulations on the cover Khristy!

Khristy showin not only her cover but also her eye catching smile.

Check out all the photos from the NPC Jr. Nationals on bodybuilding.com. A few of the backstage photos from the show. This show is one of the best to be able to go in and out of the press pit and get good backstage photos during the night show. Everyone is a little more laid back and relaxed at the evening events.

Mary having some fun before going on stage.

Nita Marquez smiling for the camera backstage.

The six overall figure winners backstage.

A look from behind the stage during a posing routine.

Catherine Holland stood out at the 2008 NPC JR USA, where she won her class in figure but missed snagging a pro card. I felt she could of have turned pro there without much argument. She proved my sentiments to be correct when she took the stage at last weekend’s 2008 NPC Jr Nationals and not only one her class but also nabbed one of the four IFBB Figure pro cards. Catherine has a very sexy physique and quite confidence on stage. I had the opportunity to shoot with her the day after the show and saw another side to he bag of tricks… her mad modeling skills. Catherine knows how to work the camera and this isn’t something everyone is good at. It takes practice and skills to be a good model and it was clear she wasn’t a rookie to the lense. Don’t be surprised if you see Catherine in a number of publications strutting her stuff in the months ahead.

Catherine Holland shows off her hard work.

Catherine was kind enough to share a bit more about herself with HARDBODY.com. She’ll be taking the rest of the year off from competing as the Jr Nationals marked her third show of the year. This Oregonian (for now – she’ll be moving soon) will be absent from the pro stage in 2008 but it watch for her to light it up in her debut next year.

You’ve competed in 11 NPC shows, how did you get your start in figure:
I was inspired by another young woman at my gym that trained for Figure competitions. After being an athlete for years and always looking for new outlets of fitness, I decided to take my training to the next level and compete in Figure. Having always been naturally inclined to watching what I eat and eating healthfully, competing was a natural fit!  In addition to this, I loved the toned look of the Figure athlete and I felt my physique had the potential to be a good match for the sport. I was so inspired and empowered by taking my physique to levels of conditioning I never thought possible, that I knew this was something I would doing for awhile.

Favorite past time when not lifting weights or cooking chicken:
Traveling and visiting new places, walks to Starbucks and golfing with my boyfriend, quality time with friends and family.

What’s your favorite supplement:
I am currently an ON/ABB Reps and Sets Sponsored Athlete, so I use a lot of their Whey Gold Standard Caramel Toffee Fudge Flavor and Diet Turbo Teas…SO good!

Guilty pleasure:
Massages and Adam’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory!

Catherine points to the bizarre hat and gloves that were on our shoot location.

Congratulations to all the winners at tonight’s NPC JR Nationals contest. Below is a flash report of the winners for the women:

The six new female pros (there’s one more but missed the photo)

Fitness -
Short Class: Stefanie Irick and overall champion
Medium: Melissa Frederick
Tall: Betsy McNally Harris

Figure –
A Class – Sue Upson and new IFBB Pro
B Class – Julie Kulla and new IFBB Pro & Overall winner
C Class – Teresa Gillian and new IFBB Pro
D Class – Terri Turner
E Class – Catherine Hollan and new IFBB Pro
F Class – Jennifer Martin

Female Bodybuilding –
Middleweight – Heather Bayer
Light Heavyweight – Justine Dohring
Heavyweight – Amber Defrancesco and Overall Winner

Congrats to all! Today the vast majority of the women looked better than on Friday night. Most likely it was because they had some carbs. Ladies talk to the judges and get feedback. Many of the women I saw compete at JR USAs who competed here looked much better.