2008 Arnold Blog

An awesome opportunity arose for our Bodybuilding.com readers today in the form of Dorian Yates, Dexter Jackson and Melvin Anthony.

Dorian Yates:

Yates, the six times Mr. Olympia allowed us exclusive access to his hotel room in Columbus three days out from the 2008 Arnold Classic to give us an insight into a judge’s perspective. We filmed, interviewed and photographed Yates as he gave us the lowdown on the judging criteria that he has practiced for the IFBB over the years. Dorian judged at the Arnold Classic last year as well as the Olympia and knows all to well what an athlete needs to do to look his best.

Dexter & Melvin:

MuscleTech were also kind enough to invite us to Dexter Jackson and Melvin Anthony’s room with the obviously well respected Yates in company. Dexter gave us some gems on how he plans on taking out the Arnold title and what he has done to fulfill his title as the sharpest “Blade” in the draw. Dorian voiced that Jackson will come in predictably ripped but needs a few more pounds on his side to make this one a landslide. Jackson responded that he a few pounds of prime beef have conveniently stuck around to prove that his new found hunger is will ravish his competition on Saturday night.

Melvin shared that he had always wanted to come in as grainy as Dorian did to reign supreme in the 90’s, now he believes that he has finally found a formula that will reign supreme on Saturday night. Weighing in a whopping 13Ibs heavier than last year, the Marvelous one was quite content knowing that a lot of media attention has been placed on Dexter and Heath so he can come in from the back door and sneak away with the spoils.

Check out the pics!

I caught up with IFBB fitness pro, Tracey Greenwood a couple days out from the Fitness International. Tracey is no stranger to this show and is looking to break into the top three. She’s not revealing what her routine is going to be (shocker) but she’s certain to bring her strength and energy to the stage.

How’s your Arnold Prep been going?
Overall it has been great, an occasional bump in the FLU road but I am more than ready!

Did you do anything different for this show vs. The Olympia?
I focused on really trying to come in smaller in my upper body.

What’s the biggest challenge while getting ready for a show?
Juggling teaching and training. So many of the students are sick and still come to class.  It was very hard to remain healthy.

Will you be doing the Wonderwoman/Spiderwoman routine at the Arnold?
Nope!  I have a brand new routine. You will have to wait and see……

What’s your routine going to have?
Flaming swords (HA) just kidding.  

You haven’t been partying with your crazy uncle and mooning anyone lately have you?
No, I try to stay away from the family while training. They are trouble!!

Do you enjoy lifting heavy or do you train lighter and higher reps?
Oh Isaac…..I LOVE lifting heavy weight but there is NO way I can unless I want to be on stage with Iris!

Hmmm… Perhaps we’ll see Tracey on stage as a bodybuilder?

Who motivates you?
I get all of my inspiration from the Lord.  He is the only man I need in my life.

What’s your goal for the 2008 season?
Well, how I would love to break the top 3 in a big show… but staying injury free is most important and being an inspiration to up and comers.

When will we see you on stage after the Arnold?
Maybe the Europa and definitely Atlantic City and Olympia

Do you feel like you can surpass Hendershott and Klien, the two favorites in the show?
Well, if there is one thing I have learned after 8 years in this sport is NEVER say NEVER.  I train for myself. To look and perform the best I can….let the chips fall where they may.

Do you pay attention to what the critics say online?
I never go on the boards!  I do not even know what they are saying.  WHY WHAT ARE THEY SAYING????  haha just kidding….don’t care!

You haven’t injured your thumb have you?
Not today

How do you stay motivated after competing for a number of years?
It is difficult but I have a deep passion for this sport so it keeps me going.  

As a veteran do you feel you have an advantage over some of the rookies?
I do not think anyone has advantage over anyone.  

Where can fans find out more info about you?
www.traceygreenwood.com

Any one you’d like to thank?
JM Manion, Mike Davies, Kevin Creegan

Good luck Tracey! See ya in Columbus.
Can’t wait to see ya

Julie Palmer ended 2007 with a win at the West Palm Beach show and is gunning for more in ‘08. She’s consistently in the top 6 of every show she enters and this weekend should be no different. Her physique holds it’s own with the best and her routines have improved every year. Two days out from the Fitness International she let’s us know a bit of what’s crack’n in the land of Palmer.

How’s your Arnold Prep been going?
It is going great. I am really excited to get on stage again. I look the best I have looked and my routines are improved even more this time around.

Did you do anything different for this show vs. The Olympia?
I just continued to really work on improving my routines and making them cleaner and more precise.

How about the West Palm Beach - anything different from that?
Miss 2x champ!  

What’s the biggest challenge while getting ready for a show?
The biggest challenge for me is trying to make sure I get everything done that needs to be done.  

Will you be bringing a car to the Arnold stage?
No car this time but maybe a few balls.

What type of diet do you follow the last week of a show?
I follow the diet I am on the week prior to the show. I do not change anything going into the show regarding my diet. If I need to change anything I actually may eat just a little bit more so I don’t go flat the day of the show. I am a busy body every day so I just try to stick to my normal routine.  

Who motivates you?
I think my biggest motivation comes from myself. I do not want to fail at anything that I attempt to do.   I have always been a perfectionist and I am motivated by trying to be better every time that I step on the stage. My peers also motivate me because I know that I am a role model for many other women out there and I try to lead by example and show them that if you give 100% and believe in yourself than anything is possible no matter what your goals are.

What do you do when you’re not training or eating chicken?
Hmm.. I am probably eating Chicken.. Just kidding. I work as a trainer for The Fitness Factory, work as a RN at Nationwide Childrens Hospital and do all the administrative work for The Fitness Factory.  

You’ve been open about enjoying to diet because it forces you to eat and stick to a plan. Do you still struggle with eating?
Yes I do, I dread the week of a show because I know the following weeks mean that I have to deal with my “off-season”. I know that I probably eat cleaner than most people do in their off-season but for me it is a battle. I like structure and knowing that their is a show in so many weeks.  

When will we see you on stage after the Arnold?
That is a good question. I have a guest performance in New Jersey in May.  I love competing but I have not discussed any shows with Mike yet. Maybe Atlantic City?? And then of course the Olympia for sure.

Do you still get nervous before going on stage?
Yes at times, mostly before the routine rounds.  

What’s your favorite part about competing in fitness?
I love getting ready for shows. I love watching my body change from week to week. I love the challenge of trying to be a better athlete.

Do you have any advice for the rookies, considering you’re now a veteran to this sport?
I would tell them to have fun more than anything. This is a hobby and a passion.  Enjoy every minute of it.

Where will you be working during the Olympia weekend?
I will be at the GNC Pro Performance booth.

Where can fans find out more info about you?
julie@juliepalmer.com

Any one you’d like to thank?
Mike Davies and his boys Daryian and Trent for being my biggest support team and believing in me.  Jenny Borda, my gymnastics instructor who has helped me a ton and also to all of my clients and friends at Metro Fitness.

Good luck Julie! See ya in Columbus