HARDBODY News & Updates

This weekend an East Coast NPC show will honor Jessica Rohm, Bethany Wagner, Erin Riley and Carlo Filippone for reaching IFBB pro status. All four hail out of New Jersey where the 2008 NPC Xcalibur show will be held. Today a local newspaper highlighted the event and some good-will the promoters are doing for the school.

BRIDGEWATER: Bodybuilding competition is Saturday at high school
By SUSAN LOYER, STAFF WRITER

The 4th annual 2008 NPC Xcalibur Bodybuilding and Figure Championships will be held Saturday at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, 600 Garretson Road.

The event, a national qualifier, will begin with weigh ins at 10 a.m. Prejudging will be at 1 p.m., with the show beginning at 6. Registration may be done at the weigh-ins.

In the past, the event has raised money for the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center, as well as an individual who was stricken with cancer at a young age, said Jessica Rohm, a Bridgewater-Raritan High School teacher, who will be judging the event. Rohm also will be presented an award acknowledging her accomplishments and contributions to the sport.

This year, in appreciation to Bridgewater-Raritan High School for their generosity in allowing the organization to use their school, a portion of the proceeds from the show will be donated to the Project Graduation Fund, a community-based tradition intended to prevent hazardous and harmful activities often associated with high school graduation celebrations, she said.

A check presentation will be held at 7 p.m. in the school gym.

Project Graduation is an all-night, alcohol-free and drug-free celebration held every year for the graduating class. Each year, a committee made up of parents hosts various fund raisers throughout the year to support the project. The group depends largely on the community to help support its efforts.

Anyone interested in contributing to Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s Project Graduation can call Lynne Bray at (908) 500-8810 or e-mail her at zkbray@aol.com.

Props to the promoters of this show for doing something positive for their area. More promoters need to take note on various was to get good PR and bring attention to their events.

Those who are competing at the JR. USA and JR. Nationals figure may breathe a sigh of relief but watch out USAs. Top NPC competitor, Erin “the cat trapper” Heath has informed me that she’s put her competition plans on hold until this year’s USAs in Las Vegas. Erin was narrowly missed her pro card in 2007 and will be a threat for one this year. Fans will have to wait until July to see her on stage but if you’re attending the Emerald Cup you can catch up with her at the Muscle Milk Booth, where she will be working.

FRIDAY, MAY 2 – MANDATORY CHECK-IN FOR ALL COMPETITORS!!
NO WEIGH-INS/CHECK-INS ON SATURDAY!!
All check-ins, meetings and competitions take place at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh - 4141 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
• 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Mandatory Check-in/Weigh-in for ALL competitors.
• Competitors are NOT permitted to check-in/weigh-in on Saturday.

SATURDAY, MAY 3 – PREJUDGING - ALL COMPETITORS
• 8:00 AM - Competitor Meeting for NPC and IFBB Fitness and Figure competitors.
• 9:00 AM - Prejudging begins for Fitness and Figure.
• 11:00 AM - Competitor Meeting for Bodybuilders.
• Noon - Prejudging begins for Bodybuilders.
(Prejudging will begin at Noon or at the end of the Fitness/Figure Prejudging)

SATURDAY, MAY 3 – FINALS – ALL DIVISIONS
• 6:00 PM - Meeting for all competitors.
• 6:30 PM - Finals begins.

HOST HOTEL
• Holiday Inn Select University @ 412-682-6200 and ask for “NPC Competition” rate.
HOTEL IS FULL AT THIS TIME!
• Alternate hotels in the area: Hampton Inn at 412-681-1000 or Best Western at 412- 683-6100

IFBB Pro Figure Competitor List:
• Catherine Andersen
• Teresa Anthony
• Huong Arcinas
• Tivisay Briceno
• Heather Mae French
• Amy Fry
• Heather Green
• Donna Louise Jones
• Bernadette Galvan
• Shannon Meteraud
• Melissa Montanaro-Griffin
• Hazal Nelson
• Melissa Pearo
• Nicole Pitcher-Scott
• Rosa-Maria Romero
• Brenda Marie Smith
• Tammy Strome
• Laura Sutter
• Briana Tindell
• Nicole Wilkins

The NPC Sacramento Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure along with the IFBB Pro Figure date has been set for Saturday, November 1, 2008. The show will start at 10am with the finals beginning at 6:30pm. Visit NPCsacshow.com for more information.

It’s been awhile since we last saw her on stage but that’s all set to change in May. Halcyon Duarte has her sights set on returning the the figure stage at the 2008 NPC JR USA. Halcy has appeared in Muscle & Fitness Hers, Oxygen and IRONMAN. She graced the cover of M&F hers for the JAN/FEB 2006 issue. I’m looking forward to seeing her return to the stage. Best of luck Halcy and we’ll see you in Charleston.

The IFBBPro.com website issued a notice on March20, 2008. The letter began with:

You are advised that the competition “B&A International Bodybuilding Classic 2008″, which is being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on July 27, 2008 is not sanctioned by the National Physique Committee of the USA (NPC), the IFBB’s National Affiliate in the United States of America.

Visit IFBBpro.com to view the letter in its entirety.

The 2008 IFBB NY Pro Fitness Classic will be held in conjunction with the National Qualifying NPC New York Metropolitan Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships on Saturday, April 12, 2008. Last year Tracey Greenwood took top honors at this show. I spoke with Trixy yesterday and she informed that she won’t be back to defend her title. Thus far, thirteen IFBB pros have confirmed that they will be after the title. Three competitors will qualify for the 2008 Fitness Olympia at this show. There are a few veterans as well as a couple rookie debuts taking place in the Big Apple.

This list is not the official list but it will give you an idea of the field as we know it to date. I’ll be updating this with an official list but for now this is your field…

• Maggie Blanchard
• Myriam Capes
• Nicole Duncan
• Kendra Elias
• Heidi Fletcher
• Oksana Grishina
• Donna Louise Jones
• Michele Mayberry
• Lisa McCormick
• Tami Ough
• Bethany Wagner
• Trish Warren
• Nicole Wilkins

The next three IFBB female pros will be featured on FLEXonline.com following the NPC Jr. USA. The top two figure as well as the overall fitness winner will be featured on the site. This is the first of many additions to the FLEX website that will showcase the women. The “PRO-files” will feature not only photos from the photo shoot with LIFT Studios but also a closer look at the winners.
Props to FLEXonline.com for stepping up to showcase the women who work hard to achieve IFBB pro status.

I had a chance to speak with Arnold Amateur Competitor Jenn Jackson about her Arnold Prep last week.

While the interview did not go as expected, Jen gave us something to report nonetheless. As we head into the Flu season here in the Midwest, she told us that she came down with a nasty case of it that has completely thrown her final week prep “out of whack”.

Jen told me that, “…I really regret having to pull out of the Arnold, but there is just no way it’s going to happen. I’ve been battling this thing for the past few days and I’ve just not been able to shake it. I tried to stick with it and stay in the gym, but I finally had to give way and let my body get some rest.

My diet, workouts and cardio had to be put on hold so I could get over this. I’m still feeling pretty bad and I’m just not willing to put on the stage what I feel would be a less than 100% package.
It’s extremely disappointing after much hard work and preparation over the past 10 weeks. I wish everyone good luck and will be thinking about you all this weekend.”

I asked her what her competitive plans hold as she’s spent so much time prepping for this show. She’s not sure right now and is just focused on getting better but she told us that she’ll definitely be making an appearance at NPC Jr USA’s.

Get well Jen and we’ll look to seeing you rock the stage in May.

The NPC IRONMAN Figure took place last weekend in conjunction with the IRONMAN Pro. This year’s field was lacking in total competitors and the quality of the physiques were not what we’ve come to expect from this show. The winner receives a photoshoot with IRONMAN magazine and this is a tremendous opportunity for women to get published. Danielle Edmonds ended up victorious but she was not at her best. Last year she was runner-up to the eventual overall winner, Catherine Anderson, at the NPC USA. It could be because this show is very early in the year and a non-national qualifier as to why the numbers were down. If the show sticks around for another year, it is my hope that more women enter and they come in with better conditioning.

A new feature I am starting this year to display the photos is a slideshow. This is the first of many in 2008. Take a look at the competitors from this show here.

**Overall Winner
Danielle Edmonds

Figure Class A
1. Jennifer Kline
2. Shawna Kondo
3. Lisa Sandercock
4. Kathryn Payton
5. Debbie Bell
NP. Kelly Mac
NP. Kimberly McGarry
NP. Lilia Sandozequi

Figure Class B
1. Ana Tigre
2. Selma McPherson
3. Bernadette Marturano

Figure Class C
1. Danielle Edmonds**
2. Hanna Fox
3. Delinia Lewis
4. Kristie Tatum
5. Dore Madere

Figure Class D
1. Lisa Lynn-Calhoun

Anyone who is competing in the Arnold Amateur event or looking to support someone competing can find a detailed list of events on the GETBIG.com Message board. It’s an extensive list of the events for Fitness, Figure and Bodybuilding for the entire weekend.

It’s that time of year again when the competitive figure, fitness and bodybuilding season begins. The 2008 IRONMAN PRO and Fit Expo kicked off today and it looks to be another great year. Check out all the photos and coverage from the event on bodybuilding.com. My favorite shot from today is of BSN nurse and Muscle & Fitness Hers cover model, Amanda Carrier.

Amanda shows off her gunz at the Fit Expo.

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the weekend.

HARDBODY approved hair and makeup artist, Laurie St.Michael has some opening still available for the Pro and Amateur portions of the competitions. If you’re competing in fitness or figure and in need of someone to take good care of you and do a great job. Laurie is your girl. I’ve used her for photoshoots in the past and she’s worked with a number of NPC and IFBB comeptitors.

Laurie can be reached at: (479)616-0922 or via email: Lstmichael@hotmail.com.Tell her HARDBODY sent ya.

Those of you wondering who will be competing in the amateur portions of the Arnold Classic weekend can now check them out on the Arnold web site. Visit: http://arnoldclassicamateurbodybuilding.com/competitors.html

There will be updates to this list. We were just informed that one of the individuals on the list to compete is now expecting another child. Who might that be? Hmmmmm… We’ll keep ya posted

I’m pleased to announce Hardbody.com will be a sponsor for the 2008 NPC JR. USA in Charleston, South Carolina. The two overall figure winners and overall fitness winner will be featured on hardbody.com and receive a photo shoot with LIFT Studios. This is a great opportunity for the female competitors to get some added exposure. I’m working on a couple more things to sweeten this deal for the winners.

We’re pleased to be part of the NPC Jr. USA and would encourage every nationally qualified NPC Figure competitor to consider competing in this show. Tres Bennett does a great job promoting this event and takes great care of all the competitors.

Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

HardBody Interviews Lenay Hernandez, NPC Figure Competitor
Class B winner & Overall Figure Champion of the 2007 Gold Cup
By: Rick Lohre, Hardbody.com Contributor

HB.com – What got you interested in competing in Figure?
L.H. - The thought crossed my mind in 2004 but with many obstacles in the way I was unable to pursue my dream. I spoke to IFBB Pro Paola Almerico at the gym about my interest and we arranged to meet that week on a Sunday afternoon…I had a decision to make.

I looked up to her and how far she has gotten in the sport and how much knowledge she had gained . Someone told me “It has always been your dream to compete, now is the time”.

HB.com – How did the meeting go?
L.H. – Paola was determined to help make my dreams come true. We decided on the 2007 Gold cup which will get me nationally qualified if I placed top three, with only two months and two weeks we started working hard. I have to thank both Paola and her husband Nelson for their support.

HB.com – How did preparations begin?
L.H. – Paola helped me at the gym with my weights, the posing and the make up. Nelson did my nutrition and body fat They worked as a team, the best team I have ever met.

HB.com – So how did it go?
L.H. –October 27th, 2007 was a night that I will never forget!! We had a goal of top three. Friday night I did not sleep because I wanted this so much; this was my “DREAM”.

During pre-judging my heart was beating as fast as it ever has when I stepped on that stage with my class. I was in the first call out in both the one piece and the two piece. At the night show they called the top 5 out, my heart stopped when they called out second place and it wasn’t my name, I broke into tears knowing that I more than exceeded my goals!!

Not only had I placed first, now I was going for the overall. Thinking back, Paola’s first show was on that same stage in 2005 where she won her class and the overall. As I stood on stage awaiting the judges final tally, they called Paola out to hand the trophy to the overall winner…..it was me.

I hugged her as hard as I could (she is my idol, my friend, my trainer and I look up to her in so many ways). We both cried and hugged, my trainer was giving me the trophy she once received on that same stage two years ago, and it was incredible. I cannot even begin to imagine how I felt and feel till this day, I never thought I would take the overall title.

HB.com – What are your plans now?
L.H. – My future plans are to continue competing, I have the passion and love for it. Hopefully one day I will be on stage with her.

Ever year at the NPC Nationals, NPC officials meet to discuss future shows, show dates, rules and scheduling. I had a chance to speak with many of the NPC promoters, judges and Jim Manion (the president of the NPC) about the 2008 season. I learned of a few changes that would be taking place next year in NPC Fitness & Figure. I gained further insight when sharing a shuttle with long-time photographer/man-in-the-know J.M. Manion (not to be mistaken for his dad the president) and industry man Kenny Kassel. We chatted about a number of things but most importantly were the changes in NPC fitness and figure for 2008. The list below are official changes to the NPC starting in 2008. A big thanks to JM for helping me sort through all the changes and additions.

OFFICIAL CHANGES FOR NPC FITNESS & FIGURE BEGINNING IN 2008

NPC Junior USA Championships:
• NPC Junior USA Fitness Championships - Overall Winner Earns IFBB Pro card (3 Height Classes)
• NPC Junior USA Figure Championships - Top 2 in the Overall Comparison Earn IFBB Pro cards (6 Height Classes)

NPC Junior National Championships:
• NPC Junior National Fitness Championships - Height Class Winners Earn IFBB Pro cards (3 Height Classes)
• NPC Junior National Figure Championships - Top 4 in the Overall Comparison Earn IFBB Pro cards (6 Height Classes)

NPC Masters National Figure Championships:
• Overall Winner Earns IFBB Pro card

NPC USA Championships:
• NPC USA Figure Championships - Height Class Winners Earn IFBB Pro cards (6 Height Classes)

IFBB North American Championships:
• IFBB North American Open Figure Championships - Top 2 in the Overall Comparison Earn IFBB Pro cards (6 Height Classes)
• IFBB North American Masters Figure Championships - Overall Winner Earns IFBB Pro card

NPC Team Universe Championships & National Fitness Championships:
• NPC Team Universe Figure Championships - Top 2 in Each Height Class Earn IFBB Pro cards (6 Height Classes)
• NPC National Fitness Championships - Top 2 in Each Height Class Earn IFBB Pro cards (3 Height Classes)

NPC National Championships:
• NPC National Figure Championships - Height Class Winners Earn IFBB Pro cards (6 Height Classes)

NEW HEIGHT CLASSES FOR WOMEN’S FIGURE NATIONALS AND CONTESTS WITH SIX HEIGHT CLASSES:
• Up to 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”

All other classes remain the same:
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”

For all national qualifying figure events – the top five (5) are eligible for the JUNIOR USA, TEEN COLLEGIATE MASTERS NATIONALS and TEAM UNIVERSE FIGURE CHAMPIONSHIPS and the top three (3) are eligible for the JUNIOR NATIONAL, USA and NATIONAL FIGURE CHAMPIONSHIPS. Eligibility is good for two (2) years. Promoters can elect number of classes for their figure contests. ONLY THOSE FIGURE CONTESTS HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH A NATIONAL QUALIFYING BODYBUILDING CONTEST WILL BE NATIONAL QUALIFIERS.

The Front Split will no longer be a mandatory move in the fitness routines.

As you can see there are a number of changes in fitness and figure. I’m happy to see the height classes modified, typically the shortest and tallest classes had more competitors than others. This will even the classes out and make the judging a bit more manageable.

Fitness competitors should be stoked, the overall winner will now turn pro at Junior USAs as well as the class winners (3) turning pro at Junior Nationals. Also note that the National Fitness Championships will be held with Team Universe in New York. There was “Team Universe Fitness Championships” where the top two turned pro until now. Confusing? No more fitness at the end of the year with NPC Nationals - it is moving to Team U. Essentially nothing has changed with Team Universe except it is being called something else.

Figure competitors take note that there is now a “Team Universe Figure Championships” as well as “National Figure Championships”. That means the there will be figure added to NPC Nationals in Atlanta next year, where six women will turn pro (each class winner). There will still be figure with Team Universe where the top two will turn pro in each class. A pro card will be awarded to the Masters Overall Figure winner. This is worth noting because the first IFBB Figure Masters show is slated for the Atlantic City contest in ‘08. Please note that some of the above pro cards were awarded in ‘07 the NPC office thought it should be included with the changes otherwise people would think that pro card was no longer available.

If you have questions, comments or any thoughts on these changes feel free to post them or you can email me… isaac @ hardbody.com

 A recent release from the Arnold Classic Directors Bob Lorimer and Mike Davies announces the opening of the event to Europe, Asia, Canada and USA amateur athletes. 

More to come on Hardbody about several of the athletes from Europe that will be making the trip.  Check back for more information….

Press Release from Arnold Classic Website 

The 2008 Arnold Amateur IFBB International Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships will come to the annual Arnold Sports Festival in 2008 with an international focus and an expanded schedule.

In a precedent setting move, the event will be open to IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilders) Amateur Competitors throughout Europe, Asia, Canada and USA’s NPC (National Physique Committee) - the governing body for amateurs in the America. Amateur athletes will compete in men’s and women’s bodybuilding, women’s fitness, and women’s figure.

“The Arnold Sports Festival is proud to announce this historic collaboration between Rafael Santonja, President of the International IFBB, Jim Manion, President of the NPC, and Classic Productions,” said Jim Lorimer, producer of the Arnold Sports Festival.

Rafael Santonja added, “The IFBB is most pleased to further our relationship with the Arnold Sports Festival. The inception of this competition will create a premiere opportunity for amateur athletes around the world.”

Bob Lorimer, a co-director of the event with the Fitness Factory’s Mike Davies commented, “We are thrilled to once again allow top amateur athletes an opportunity to compete on the legendary Veterans Memorial stage in Columbus, Ohio where every icon of the sport has competed. This opens our competition to international exposure and broadens the scope of the entire Sports Festival,” added Lorimer. “The level of competition will increase and it will advance the sport.”

2007 was the inaugural year for the Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Competition. The event was a huge success welcoming the best amateurs in the sports of bodybuilding, fitness, and figure from across North America. The 2008 addition of a world-wide range of top level IFBB athletes will introduce a great new competitive and prestigious dimension to the Arnold Sports Festival.

This morning’s competition kicks off with the NPC Fitness routines in Dallas. Last night, thirty four women took the stage in showed off weeks of hard work in their one piece suits. The standout of the show will likely come from the tall class in a couple of ways. The physique rounds will go to Tanya Merryman, she has amazing lines, killer calves and just an all-around rock’n body.

Tanya Merryman at NPC Fitness Nationals.

Watch out for Jo Merriner in the routine rounds. Jo is one of the taller women on stage and while still lacking the overall muscle needed to do well in the physique rounds, she’s come a long way in a few years. She will have the crowd in awe with her crazy strength moves. Anyone attending the show this morning or tonight - watch for her routine. She’s recently worked with IFBB Pro Fitness competitor on her routine and will take an already solid performance up a notch.

Jo Merriner from Colorado all smiles during prejudging.

We’ll keep you posted on how the routines go this morning. I’m covering the show this weekend for FLEX Magazine, so look for more coverage on FLEXonline.com throughout the weekend.

The Courier Journal in Louisville, Kentucky wrote a nice article on last weekend’s show. Along with the article is a two minute video and a few photos. It’s nice to see a newspaper provide coverage and focus on the hard work and dedication it takes to compete. It looks like promoter Brent Jones is doing a great job with this show. The article mentions that Brent competed in the NPC, which can be significant. I’ve noticed that when former competitors become promoters more often than not the athletes are treated very well. All the feedback I’ve heard from this show reinforces that notion.

You can check out all the coverage from this show on the Courier Journal website.

NPC competitor photo on the Courier Journal website.