2009 Arnold Blog

LIFT Studios Launches HARDBODY NEWS Text Messaging Service
Female bodybuilding, fitness and figure news, gossip and NPC & IFBB Pro contest results delivered directly to your phone, within seconds of them happening.

DENVER, Colorado, February 27, 2008 – LIFT Studios (www.liftstudios.com) announced today that it has launched HARDBODY NEWS (www.hardbodynews.com), a new text messaging service for female bodybuilding, fitness and figure fans. HARDBODY News, like Muscle Phone (www.musclephone.com) for the men’s side of things, alerts subscribers of the latest industry news, gossip and NPC & IFBB contest results.

“Muscle Phone broke new ground for bodybuilding fans and it was time to provide a version for the women’s side of things. Those who sign up for the service will receive the 2008 Ms. International as well as the Fitness & Figure International results via text message immediately after they are announced,” said Isaac Hinds, Owner of LIFT Studios and Creator of Muscle Phone. “Fans of the female side of the industry no longer have to be glued to their computers or rely on friends for the latest NPC & IFBB contest results or industry news and gossip. Strategic partnerships have been formed with the IFBB Professional League, Pro Bodybuilding Weekly, Sprayflex, Getbig.com, Hardbody.com with more to come,” Hinds goes on to say.

Fans can access HARDBODY News, by texting the word HARDBODY to 64274 or visit www.hardbodynews.com, standard text messaging rates may apply. There is no charge for subscribing however standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your text message plan.Currently the subscription is not available outside of the United States but plans are being made to expand globally.

About LIFT Studios
LIFT Studios provides branding, consulting, design, interactive, marketing, mobile content, photography and video services. Founded by Isaac Hinds, LIFT is located in Denver, Colorado, with an emphasis on Sports, Fitness & Health-related clients. LIFT currently works with the top competitors in the bodybuilding, fitness and figure world. Adela Garcia, Monica Brant, Oksana Grishina, Dina Al-Sabah and Phil Heath to name a few. Isaac’s photographs have appeared in IRONMAN, FLEX, Planet Muscle, NPC NEWS, Oxygen and many other publications.

Media Contact:
Isaac Hinds
Ph: 303.908.3998
Isaac@liftstudios.com or Info@hardbodynews.com
www.liftstudios.com
www.hardbodynews.com

Friday, February 29, 2008

Live throughout the weekend - Expo Booth Cam. Live streaming video. This live booth cam will be on during the entire Arnold Classic Weekend for your viewing pleasure! See Jamie Eason, Bob Cicherillo, and the entire BB.com booth crew in action!

7:00 p.m. EST - Fitness, Figure, Women’s Finals. Live webcast. Video replay will also be available approximately 1 hour after the end of the event. Co-hosted by Nancy Di Nino.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Live throughout the weekend - Expo Booth Cam. Live streaming video. This live booth cam will be on during the entire Arnold Classic Weekend for your viewing pleasure! See Jamie Eason, Bob Cicherillo, and the entire BB.com booth crew in action!

12:00 p.m. Noon EST - Men’s Pre-judging. Live webcast. Video replay will also be available approximately 1 hour after the end of the event. Co-hosted by Bob Cicherillo & Dan Solomon.

6:30 p.m. EST - Men’s Finals Pre-Show. Live webcast. Video replay will also be available approximately 1 hour after the end of the event. Co-hosted by Bob Cicherillo & Dan Solomon.

7:00 p.m. EST - Men’s Finals. Live webcast. Video replay will also be available approximately 1 hour after the end of the event. Co-hosted by Bob Cicherillo & Dan Solomon.

Get The Schedule:
www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2008ac_wcschedule.htm

Catch the LIVE show right here starting Friday evening:
webcast.bodybuilding.com/fitshow/2008arnold/sm/2008arnold_sm.html

Julie will be taking the fitness stage in two days for her Arnold debut. I caught up with Julie for an interview to get an idea how her off-season has gone and what we can expect to see in Columbus. The interview is currently featured on the FLEXONLINE.com.

Check it out here. Good Luck Julie!

Debbie has been on this stage before and is looking to bring her best presentation to date. She’s taken some time off to improve and streamline her look. This former bodybuilder has been able to make the transition to figure and will be strutting her stuff in Columbus this weekend.

How’s your Arnold Prep been going?
Hey Isaac, Overall my prep since the New Year has been going really well!  I have been very focused and had a great off-season.

You’re no stranger to this stage. How will this year be different from years past?
I always try to present something different and improve with each show. For my physique, wanted to bring up the shoulders, and ensure awesome conditioning.  Also, focused on the stage ‘presentation’ of my physique.

You once carried a great deal more muscle than you do now. Was it hard to trim down the muscle to compete in figure?
Really Isaac, I wasn’t more muscular. I had competed Nationally as a lightweight bodybuilder over 5 years ago…In Canada, that was under 114lbs. But my look is much more complete and streamlined, especially my legs. Muscularity it is about the same… just different look. Changing that look has taken time…and the style of training has been VERY different.

How’s the weather been up there in Canada?
Today…cool, maybe 30 degrees… last week, had a Chinook blow our way, and it was sunny and close to 60 degrees.

Last I talked to you, you were sunning yourself on a beach. Do you find it difficult to get workouts and your meals in while traveling?
If I have a competition on the horizon, I try to plan a holiday around it, or travel to places that I can plan my meals, and can still workout. It is a bit challenging…Jamaican jerk chicken-can’t really replace a plain chicken breast.

Who motivates you?
I am a very self motivated person. I always try to out-do myself, and bring out my best package to stage.

How do you continue to bring your best for a show each year?
Focus, dedication, consistency…and a LOT of hard work!

Do you still get nervous before going on stage?
YES!

Do you pay attention to what the critics say online?
I definitely read it when I am browsing the net, but I don’t let it change my focus.

Ahhh, a competitor who admits to reading the boards! Thanks for your honesty.

Will you be at any booths or roaming the expo halls when not competing?
Saturday and Sunday afternoon I will be at The Fitness Factory Booth.

Where will you be headed after the show? Pizza, Beer - what’s on the D Leung menu?
HMMMMM…. So many decisions! Can’t go wrong with a little Nutella. Oh…and could use a Crown… or Jim

What is your goal for this show?
I am confident that I will be bringing and presenting my best package to date.  I am working hard for that top 6 finish!

Where can fans find out more info about you?
Isaac I NEED YOU to revamp my site !! (www.debleung.com) I do a few updates also on  www.myspace.com/debbieleung, FACEBOOK, as well as picture updates on my trainer’s site www.mikedaviesfitness.com

Good luck Debbie! See ya in Columbus.
Thanks Isaac for the interview. I am really looking forward  to the whole weekend of events!!

I was at the Grand Opening for the MAX MUSCLE Denver, where Phil Heath stopped by and said hello. Gunter and Kim were the special guests but a few visitors got an added treat when the IRONMAN champ showed up.

Check out the video interview with Phil on FLEXONLINE.com.

Interview number three in the series… Paola took the time to answer a few questions before she left the sunny skies of Florida for the Columbus cold. She has the luxury of already qualifying for the Olympia and have some fun with her Arnold debut. Paola turned pro last year at the NPC JR USA contest and ended the year with a birth to the big dance at the West Palm Beach show. She’s a stunning woman with loads of potential in the industry, on and off stage. Check out what she had to say…

How’s your Arnold Prep been going?
It’s been going very well. I have been training intensely and have made significant gains in my quads, calves, and delts. I think I am bringing my best package yet.

Santa was a little late but came through with the invite non-the-less. How did you hear about being invited?
Actually, I saw it on Hardbody.com

Had you been dieting in hopes of getting an invite?
Yes. Based on my track record, Olympia qualification, and feedback from fellow IFBB Pro competitors, I felt I had a good chance of being invited. That said, when one gets the news, you really take your game to the next level because it becomes real!!  What an honor!!

You’re already qualified for the Olympia, do you feel like there is less pressure on you when competing this year?
No!! When one is invited to the Arnold or qualifies for the Olympia, there’s more pressure. The expectations are high. You must bring your very best because you’re competing against the very best.  Although we are compared to others and I enjoy friendly competition, the reality is one is competing against oneself. My goal is to improve my physique with each show and that’s not easy.  

You went from winning the JR USA overall title to qualifying for the Olympia in 2008. What do you attribute to your success?
Isaac, the feedback I keep getting from many I respect in the industry is that I have a athletic yet feminine physique. Also, I am told my physique is very symmetrical physique.

Did you get a chance to enjoy your holidays or were you eating throughout them?
I tried to be good but I did enjoy good food and wine.  Remember, I come from a big Italian family.  It’s VERY tough to resist my family’s homemade cooking   The main thing is that I only cheated a few times but it was worth it!!!

Do you workout solo or with a workout partner?
I sometimes workout alone but lately I have been working out with IFBB Pro Cindy Sharp during the week and with IFBB Pro Kristal Richardson on the weekends. They have both been good friends and great workout partners.

Who motivates you?
To inspire and motivate others to be their best.  Also to see if I can top my last performance in every way.  I really like challenges and enjoy being on stage.

Do you still get nervous before going on stage?
Although I do enjoy being on stage, I  get nervous or get butterflies when the show first starts but then relax when I am on stage.  I do try to have fun.  If the sport is not fun when you’re on stage, then why compete?  

Do you pay attention to what the critics say online?
I am open to all feedback and if it makes sense, I learn and apply it to make my physique and performance better.  

Who’s your toughest critic?
That’s easy…ME!!

Will you be at any booths or roaming the expo halls when not competing?
I will be roaming the expo halls on Saturday. I am really looking forward to meeting a lot of people and seeing my friends.

Where will you be headed after the show? Pizza, Beer, what do you dine on?
I have yet decided but most likely it will be ITALIAN food!!  Surprised? I am looking forward to having some pasta, red wine, and hot bread with butter and some kind of chocolate dessert.  

What’s your diet like the last week of the show?
I carb deplete on tilapia and Asparagus and then load on mostly chicken and rice.  Of course, it’s MUCH more complicated that than but I won’t bore you with the details. You know the process.  It’s tough but worth it.

You husband is very into the shows. Do you feel having a supportive is a benefit to you or does it stress you out?
Remember, most husbands are fans and their wives have someone else as their trainer. My husband is my trainer and a student of the sport. It’s definitely a benefit because he knows exactly how to dial me in and does not miss any details.  At the same time, he gives me time and space when I need it.

What is your goal for this show?
Top 5!!  

Where can fans find out more info about you?
My new website is www.physicaltransformations.com It is up and running but there will be a lot more content incorporated over the next few weeks.

Any one you’d like to thank?
My father and mother:  Francesco and Adriana Cristino. They’re are my #1 fans. Even though they don’t live in the United States anymore, they’re hanging on to every little thing that happens to me from the moment I started competing.  I want them to know I love them with all my heart and that I could not do it without them.  I want to thank them for giving me the opportunity for living the American Dream.

Thanks Paola, We’ll see you in Columbus!

Stacy was kind enough to take a minute to answer a few questions. She’s jose’n for a carb and a glass of wine but hey only a few more days to go before she’s rock’n it on the fitness stage again. Stacy has some of the freakiest flexibility in the biz and fans will be treated to another version of it on Friday.

How’s your Arnold Prep been going?
So far, my prep is going well!  My state of mind is completely different now than it has been for any other show…and that’s a good thing!

Did you do anything different for this show vs. The Olympia and West Palm Beach?
My close friend “guru” Mike Cox (owner of Xtreme Nutrition) did tweak quite a few things from the last two shows. It’s a secret, but at the same token, I am a work in progress.

Last time I talked to you, you were a little under the weather. Did you kick that cold’s ass and did it set you back in your training?
“Hell to the yeah!” I was able to get rid of that friggin’ cold! That’s one of the interesting things about Jersey…the weather’s been 65 degrees one week, and a snow storm within a 5 day period. I have learned the importance of rest when your body needs it.  So, I really didn’t get too thrown off with my training.

What’s the biggest challenge while getting ready for a show?
The biggest challenge would be adjusting my new work schedule so as not to get behind in my meals throughout the day.

Any insight on what we’ll be seeing from you in terms of your routine?
Hmmmm, my routine is different from what I’m used to performing. It’s got some of my trademark moves, but I feel that my choreographer was able to figure something out that works well with me and my presentation.

We can expect to see your freaky flexibility arm move right?
Of course! I’ve gotten some slack about my “arm move.” But, the way I look at it is that everyone has something that makes them an individual.  If I were to get rid of my signature moves, that would be like asking Jenny H. to “tone down” the excitement & energy she’s know for in her routines.  It’s a matter of developing a more well rounded presentation. And, it’s possible to keep my moves in while kicking it up a notch. There’s no such thing as not having anything left to improve upon, in my opinion.

Do you enjoy lifting heavy or do you train lighter and higher reps?
I pretty much have an unconventional way of training.  I am really into shocking my body so as not to plateau or become board.

What type of diet do you follow the last week of a show?
The last week of my show????? Uuuuugghhh, somebody please give me some flavor!!! That just about sums it up!  Oh yeah, a glass of wine would be nice too!

Who motivates you?
There are so many things that motivate me, that I don’t know where to start. One of the main things is the strength and drive of my father.  He’s battling a terrible disease as we speak, and I feel that he epitomizes strength and determination.  Additionally, I feel as though I have not even come close to reaching my pinnacle.  

What’s your goal for the 2008 season?
My goal so far, is to present my most complete package at the Arnold (and of course, still have fun). And, it’d be nice to crack the top 10 at the Olympia. It’s my 11th consecutive qualification, and I’ve only placed top 10 once.

When will we see you on stage after the Arnold?
Hmmm, it depends on how fat my “backyard” gets!  Just kiddin!! I’m not exactly sure, but I definitely need some time to recover and enjoy life.

You’ve been on the Arnold Stage before, any advice for the rookies?
Have fun!!!! Don’t be discouraged and just realize that even receiving an invitation, is a major accomplishment in itself!

Do you still get nervous before going on stage?
I get excited before I go on stage. I’ve been performing since I was 6 yrs old, and alway look forward to it.

What’s your favorite part about competing in fitness?
Setting my own personal goals, achieving them….and having my glass(es) of wine & Jack w/ Diet Coke afterward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do you pay attention to what the critics say online?
In the beginning yeah, I did. But, what it boils down to, is your own sense of self appreciation and how you look when staring at your own reflection.  I have not allowed the industry to change the person I am and will always stay true to myself.

Will we see you compete in Figure?
I haven’t done a figure competition, but I’d probably do a bodybuilding show before I retire.

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

Any one you’d like to thank?
I have a long list. Here it goes! I definitely wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for God; my parents (Frank & LaVerne); my grandmother; Mike for kicking my butt & being a true friend; Kevin…I love you to no end and couldn’t be happier; Carrie for being my best friend & always being there; Dino & Nicole from Extreme Fitness for giving me a place to call home;  CJ (I’d be competing w/ fig leaves…if it weren’t for her helping me!) & John Kemper (for encouraging me way back in ‘97 to continue), Alicia from the Gymnastics Academy for giving me a kick a$$ routine; Lloyd for being a dear friend; and anyone else I may have not had enough room to include….I love you guys!!

Good luck Stacy! See ya in Columbus
Thanx for everything & I hope to put on a good show!!!

Here’s part two of my Arnold women’s predictions, and this one focuses on the figure division. How will history be made here? Oh it’s not important…I mean, we are just crowning a BRAND NEW FIGURE INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION! No biggie, LOL. But in all seriousness, this could shape up and shake up the entire figure world depending on who emerges as champion. For different reasons, Monica Brant, Amanda Savell, Valerie Waugaman won’t be competing for this opportunity. Before we take a look at the contenders, for those who want to know why the current champ, Mary Lado, decided not to defend her title. It’s simple: she wanted a break and come back better than ever on her quest to become Figure Olympia champion. The only other Figure International champion, Jenny Lynn, has got her mindset on becoming the only other three-time Figure Olympia champion. With that being said, let’s take a look at those who have this opportunity knocking-sorry, I meant banging-on their doorstep:

Sonia Adcock
As some of you know, I kinda gave Sonia a hard time on my earlier blogs. And…I’m gonna still do that, but not as harshly. In fact, I’m gonna complement her on some things first. Number one, she has an exotic look about her that I can’t quite put my finger on. She’s pretty darn vascular, I’ll give her that as well. Her upper body is good. But her lower body leaves much to be desired, or at least to me. In pictures, it looks like she has very thin calves, which doesn’t flow well with the rest of her body. She seems to have that “it factor” that is hard to explain and even harder to find, so I’ll leave it at that. Who knows? We could be in for one hell of a shocker on Friday; you just never know in this sport. If Gina or Jennifer doesn’t win this Friday (BTW, that’s a BIG if), I’ll go with Sonia to take the title.

Gina Aliotti
In all honesty, it very well could take someone to be absolutely perfect in order to beat Gina. She’s been a pro for two years and has become arguably one of figure’s elite athletes.  Bikini look…screw that! She comes in dryer than most competitors, looking like a lightweight bodybuilder most times. Most people thought she should have won the Figure Olympia title last year (including yours truly). Most people have her to win the Figure International. If the winner was up to the fans, she’d have it with ease. And who knows? She might win her first big title. But you know how fickle and stupid most judges are. Despite their thoughts, Gina’s been on a short yet incredible ride as a figure pro, winning contests and putting other top stars on notice. Give her two years minimum, and she will hold one or both of the top titles in figure. With the “usual suspects” out, Gina’s got the biggest opportunity of her life at Columbus to change the sport of figure forever and for the better. God knows this sport needs a top, athletic-looking, "ain’t afraid to push her body to the limit" representative.

Paola Almerico
I’m not too familiar with her, but from what I’ve seen of her so far, she could be a force in the figure game for quite a while. Great lines and her South American beauty has made her a fan favorite in her short career. She placed in the top ten in every contest she participated in last year and has improved in her placings in each contest. She has placed as high at third in the Palm Beach Pro. She’s already heading to the Olympia this year, but that doesn’t mean that she’ll take this show lightly, a nope-nope. In fact, I see her making a memorable Arnold debut.

Catherine Andersen
Again, don’t know too much about her. However she’s making a bold statement as she will be making her pro debut at the Arnold. Her amateur days were very good to her as she won her pro card at the USAs by winning the overall title. Prior to that, she won the overall at the 2006 NPC Wisconsin, a fourth-place finish at the 2006 NPC USA (4th), runner-up at the 2006 IFBB North American (2nd) in 2006, Catherine and also had a third-place finish at the 2007 NPC Junior Nationals and a sixth-place finish at the 2007 NPC Nationals. Will she be as successful during her pro career like she was during her amateur career. We could get a good answer, as her pro journey begins at one of the biggest stages: The Arnold.

Natalie Benson
She’s not been a pro for a while, but she is fastly becoming a favorite in figure. Her look suits her a lot. Not many people can pull off the short hair look, but Natalie nearly nails it down to a science. She’s Halle Berry with muscles. Her physique is very impressive, which was obvious during the Olympia as she gained a TON of fans after the O…not a surprise to me. She was a favorite during her days in the NPC. She’s entering her first Arnold with a great fanbase and a (from what I’ve heard) a package that could be her best yet. She’s got a big future ahead of her.

Amy Fry
This person is gonna tower over the rest…and I mean that literally. At 5’9, she’s one of the tallest figure competitors in the entire IFBB, and probably the tallest among the Arnold competitors. This will be her first trip to the Arnold stage, and will be a sight due to her height. If the winner was based on that alone, she would be champion hands-down. But it’s not; it’s about the total package…or it’s supposed to be about that. Nethertheless, Amy could have a great showing at the Arnold.

Bernadette Galvan
She doesn’t compete a lot, but when she does, it’s usually at the right contest at the right time. She’s won only one contest, and that proved to be her biggest win to date: the 2005 NPC USA, where she won her class. She will now be entering her first Arnold looking to make a name for herself. Don’t expect her to appear in every show under the sun in 2008, but do expect her to become a force in pro figure in years to come, starting with the Arnold this Friday.

Jennifer Gates
Gotta be biased on this competitor; Jennifer’s my pick to win the Figure International title. She’s not a full-year pro just yet, but look at her accomplishments from June of last year to now: won her class and the overall title at the Jr. Nationals, qualified for her first Olympia by placing third in her first pro contest (the New York Pro), won her first pro contest (the Motor City Pro) a few weeks later, then went on to place fourth at the Olympia. No one in this sport has had that big of a debut year…no one. If you can find me someone And from the looks of things, this is only the beginning for the pediatric nurse and mother of two. From talking to her personally, she wants a major title. And it’s gonna take someone at goddess level to stop Jennifer. In other words, you other ladies out there better be on your A, B, and C games ‘cause I have a gut feeling that Jenn’s gonna bring it, baby!!!

Deborah Leung
One of Canada’s hottest figure competitors would nothing more than to become that country’s first figure competitor to win the Figure International title, and be the first Canadian to win an Arnold Classic title in history. She is among one of the most muscular competitors out there, which (sadly) could be bad news. She’s got a great fan base outside of Canada for posing and flexing her muscles wherever she goes. She has experience and veteran status, so basically all she can do it hit those quarter-turns with authority and hope the stars are on her side on Leap Day.

Juliana Malacarne
WOW!!! That was my very reaction to when I first saw pictures of the Brazilian beauty. She is by far the most popular international figure competitor in the world, with muscle women only dream about. She has muscles on top of muscles most of the time. Of course, with the idiotic nature of the United States judges (DAMN YOU MORONS!!!), her surreal physique has not been awarded too nicely by them and has been unjustly been given lower placings that what they should be.  From what has been said though, expect a smaller more streamlined version of Juliana this Friday. While this may anger many people, I will say this…if she doesn’t loose her tightness and the judges actually uses their eyes and award her properly, I won’t mind a smaller Juliana.

Kristal Richardson
Blink, and you would have missed her journey to pro status. I did. Her entire amateur consisted of two events: The San Francisco Steel Rose Championships (where she won the overall title) and IFBB North American Championships (where she won her height class and earned a pro card in the process) She has a nice rookie year in ’07, getting top-five finishes at the Europa Super Show and the Jan Tana Classic. She could have a nice Arnold debut as well. Don’t expect her pro career to be a quick as her amateur career, though…at least I hope not! LOL.

Chastity Slone
She’s been a pro since 2004, and has competed in a good deal on contests as of the last couple of years including two Figure Olympias and two Figure Internationals. This will mark her third contest, where she would love to have a repeat of her first Figure International, where she placed fifth and qualified for the Olympia that year. With her looks, physique, and cool demeanor, I don’t see why Chastity can’t give the frontrunners a run for their money.

Brenda Marie Smith
This is her first Arnold, but she’s going to have something in common with Jenny Hendershott and Latisha Wilder: A home field advantage. Her physique comes from competing in track and field in high school. I don’t think those abilities will come in handy on stage, but she will more than likely find a way to leap past some of the competitors and make a name for herself in the figure world.  Expect her to come in looking great for her hometown of Columbus.

Briana Tindall
In every event Briana competes in, she seems to improve and improve and improve and is getting better and better with each passing contest. Her first Arnold last year has a good amount of people comment about her impressive glutes. With each passing contest, she’s improved her overall balance. Many people are calling her a future star in the making, and this Arnold might provide her with the breakthrough moment she needs to jumpstart her pro career.

Latisha Wilder
A major hometown favorite; Latisha will be representing some of the shorties out there at only 5’1. Despite her size, she has one of the best balances bodies in all of figure. And on top of all that, she’s just downright gorgeous! She’s sorely overlooked at many of the contests for some reason or another, but for some reason the Arnold has been good to her. In two of her three Arnold appearances, she has went on to qualify for the Olympia. I have a feeling the Arnold will once again shine a deserving light in the face of Latisha. And with her friends and family cheering her on every step of the way, it will be all the more satisfying.

Nicole Wilkins
This will be first pro contest, yet she’s done something no one else has ever done, and quite possible no one else will ever do for a long time: she won the overall title for both fitness AND figure in one event. Basically she had a choice in whether she would start her pro career as a figure or a fitness competitor. She decided to place her Arnold bid for figure and will compete in fitness later on this year. Personal I think if anyone can steal the show, it will be Nicole. I mean she’s already got a historic feat in her fitness/figure career, why not add another one to her list?

Choosing the top six and the wildcards was not an easy task. I’m well aware that this is her first Arnold, and I’m well aware that everyone is assuming Gina’s got this. But I’m going to go against the grain, and pick the only competitor that can match (dare I say surpass) Gina in terms of momentum: Jennifer Gates. Yeah, I’m choosing the rookie, so what? If she wins, don’t say I didn’t give you fair warning.

1. Jennifer Gates
2. Gina Aliotti
3. Sonia Adcock
4. Latisha Wilder
5. Paola Almerico
6. Natalie Benson

Wildcards: Juliana Malacarne, Deborah Leung, Nicole Wilkins

Like I said, picking the top six for figure was not easy, and Friday night could go either way. It will be beyond interesting to see what happends with the judging of things.

I’ll cover the Ms. International hopefully by Thursday night!

I caught up with IFBB Fitness Pro, Tanya Merryman days out from her debuts. She tells me on top of training for her first pro show, she has a new full-time job (she was promoted the week before NPC Nationals), 2 kids and a daycare that is close this week. Tanya goes on to tell me she hasn’t slept much and is on a roller coaster of emotions.

Tanya asks, “Can anyone tell me if throwing up will make it all go away?”

I don’t know if hurling will make the stress go away but Tanya will be making her pro debut this weekend on one of the biggest stages a pro can make. Tanya shares why she decided to compete in the NPC over other organizations, why she loves fitness and more.

How’s your Arnold Prep been going?
Crazy, nonstop trying to juggle my new job 45min away, my first pro-show, and two kids (2 and 10yrs old), and running to see my routine coach 30 minutes away. It has been an 8-week journey for me getting ready for the Arnold.

Do you feel you’ve had time to improve since turning pro at NPC Nationals?
Yes, My injuries are so MUCH better and my routine has increased in difficulty due to less injuries.  I can actually do the splits now, but we kept some modifications in since I was still babying my hamstring up
until last week.

Last we spoke you were in the mountains and weren’t expecting an Arnold invite. How did you hear of the news you were invited?
Everyone was sending me text messages and congratulating me.  I was shocked!!

What’s the biggest challenge while getting ready for a show?
Juggling my day job, my home-life, and trying to fit in enough training time.

You were known for your routines back in the day, will you be bringing that to the Arnold stage?
I have a lot that I want to accomplish in my routines, so I still have a ways to go and consider this a challenging comeback for me. I can assure you that I will only get better with each competition and I want to try different things with my routine. That is what excites and challenges me and I have so many ideas for my next routines. This routine is different from my themed-routines many years ago, but it shows my athleticism, and the music keeps me going to the very end.

What made you decide to compete in the NPC and now the IFBB after competing in another organization for years?
I had a baby and re-married in 2005 and I feel complete with my family and work life, so it was time to do something that I have always wanted to do and be able to take what I’ve learned from the past and comeback to the stage that I love.

You have some of the best calves of any woman to step on a competitive stage. Is it genetic or how did you build them?
Thank you, I have come to realize that God gave me a strong set of wheels because he knew I would take the longest, hardest route of getting to the top. I keep them in shape because I train or teach fitness classes every day.  

When will we see you on stage after the Arnold?
Let’s hope I get through the Arnold, I have no idea about next week. I never even thought I would get my pro card 2 months ago, I was planning on being an amateur for another year!

Do you still get nervous before going on stage?
I would like to throw up on this question. I am the most nervous girl backstage. Competing Fitness
routines is the scariest thing in the world (scarier then divorce, child birth, job stress, and landing on your head in gymnastics a bazillion times). The trick is turning that energy into a fabulous routine…we shall see.

What’s your favorite part about competing in fitness?
Fitness empowers you in all aspects of life. It stays with you and pushes you on the toughest,
darkest days. I have been through some rough times and I can honestly say that what I achieved on that stage stays inside of me and tells me to never give up on anything I do in business, personal, and otherwise.

Do you pay attention to what the critics say online?
Just give me their names and social security numbers and no one will get hurt… Can you explain why Paris Hilton is so famous?? I am the girl with the really big calves, and if I can help another girl out who is like me and was always ashamed of her body then it doesn’t matter what people say after that.

Will you be at any booths or roaming the expo halls when not competing?
I will be at the BODYSPORT booth on Saturday, please come by and say hi.

What is your goal for this show?
If I can sleep the night before then it is all good from there.

Where can fans find out more info about you?
www.TanyaM.com or come see me at www.Crunch.com where I can take you through a great workout in one of my classes.

Any one you’d like to thank?
Everyone who has been supporting me with their emails and kind words…it all helps me keep my head up as I make my way to the stage.

Good luck Tanya! See ya in Columbus

To the Arnold Sports Festival/Arnold Classic!!

Can you feel the excitement??

This will be my 2nd Arnold Classic and I can’t wait!!!  I went last year and I had an awesome time!!

I will be sharing my experiences from the Arnold, which starts on Friday.  Although the Arnold Classic is the Center Stage of this weekend, there are plenty other things to participate in this weekend.  There is the Expo, Ms. International (Women’s BBing), Fitness International, Figure International, Arnold Amateur, and an MMA Event.

The following events are also taking place:

• 5k Pump and Run
• Active Aging
• Armwrestling
• Archery
• Bench Press
• Boxing
• Cheerleading & Dance Team
• Cycling
• DanceSport
• Fencing
• Grappling
• Gymnastics
• Powerlifting  
• Strongman  
• Strength Summit  
• Table Tennis  
• Weightlifting
• Wrestling  

If you are going, you can check out my Arnold Sports Festival Checklist thread:

forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=7505841

Hope everyone has an awesome time!!!!  I know I will.

Make sure you come prepared for the cold this weekend. The temperatures don’t look like they will be on the warm side. Here’s the forecast for the week ahead.

Wed Feb 27
Few Snow Showers
23°/16°

Thu Feb 28
Partly Cloudy
27°/25°

Fri Feb 29
Rain / Snow Showers
40°/24°

Sat Mar 1
Partly Cloudy
32°/27°

Sun Mar 2
Partly Cloudy
43°/38°

Mon Mar 3
Showers
50°/35°

The hunt is still on for the second season of American Gladiators. Competitors and Gladiator hopefuls will get a chance to try out this weekend in Columbus.

EVENT:
The Arnold Classic

LOCATION:
The Greater Columbus Convention Center
400 North High St.
Columbus, OH 43215

DATES:
Friday 2/29, Saturday 3/1 & Sunday 3/2

American Gladiators have a booth set up all day Friday, Saturday & Sunday at the Arnold Classic Fitness Expo. They’re inviting everyone to come and meet one of our producers for a chance to appear on "American Gladiators", season 2.

NOTE: SHOW UP WITH A COMPLETED APPLICATION, WHICH CAN DOWNLOADED AT NBC.COM/CASTING