2009 Arnold Blog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 2009

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Arnold Fitness Fashion Show will put the year’s hottest fashion, sports and casual wear on display when the annual event once again turns the Arnold EXPO stage into a New York-style runway.

More than 85 male and female models ages 5 to 75, some from as far away as New Zealand, Australia and Canada, will take part in the Arnold Fitness Fashion Show, Sunday, March 8, noon-1pm, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

“We will again showcase the hottest and newest stuff in fitness and casual clothes,” said event coordinator Jen Hendershott. “We really try to have fun with this event, and feature many people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to take part in the Arnold Sports Festival,” she added.

Many of the models have overcome adversity to take part in the Arnold Fitness Fashion Show, Hendershott said. “One of the things we do is select models that have compelling stories. We have a couple of cancer survivors who are tremendously strong individuals, and we are proud to showcase them in our event,” she said.

Admission to the Fitness Fashion Show is included in a $10 daily ticket to the Arnold Fitness EXPO. Tickets are available at the door or from Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com/arnold.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 2009

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Beginning youth fencers and their role models, US women fencers who won Olympic gold and silver in Beijing last August, will be among thousands of spectators at a first ever FIE Satellite World Cup men’s epee tournament to be held in the US, all at the Arnold Fencing Classic March 7-8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Hyatt Regency Hotel.

New this year will be the FIE Satellite World Cup for Senior Men’s Epee. The FIE or Federation Internationale D’Escrime is the world’s sanctioning organization for the sport of fencing. “This will be the first time in fencing history that such an event will be held in the United States” said Julia Richey, event director. “The best fencers in the world will be here to try to improve their standings in the year round competition that determines the national teams for the Olympics” she added.

The Regional Youth Circuit competition is for fencers’ age 7-14 that will compete using the three types of weapons: epee, foil, and sabre. “Fencing is a wonderful sport for people of all ages and abilities,” said Richey, who is also a former member of the Russian National Team and owner of the Royal Arts Fencing Academy.

The youth participants will also assist with the opening and closing ceremonies of the FIE Satellite World Cup, that is expected to be attended by Gov. Schwarzenegger and other celebrities and VIPSs. To award their efforts, the youth fencer with the best performance and academic credentials will be awarded a $2000 college scholarship presented by the Columbus Rotary and Arnold Sports Festival.

Presenting awards to the youth competitors of the Arnold Fencing Classic will be the 2008 United States Olympic Medalists Mariel Zagunis and Sada Jacobson. Together with Rebecca Ward the three swept the medals in the women’s sabre individual event at the Olympics in Beijing. Zagunis won gold medals in the 2008 and 2004 Olympics. Jacobson won the silver medal in 2008 and the bronze medal in 2004.

A $10 daily ticket to the Arnold Fitness Expo includes access to fencing. Tickets are available at the door or from Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold. For more information visit www.arnoldfencingclassic.com or www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 2009

COLUMBUS, OHIO – More than 4,500 competitors are expected at the Arnold Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships as part of the Arnold Sports Festival, March 6-8 at the Veterans Memorial North Hall.

“The spirit, energy and enthusiasm of our competitors is unmatched,” said event chairman Brian Hallam, President of US Spirit. “They are athletic, exuberant, and incredibly entertaining.”

Individual and stunt teams compete on Friday, March 6. On Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8, cheerleading teams will compete in high school, junior high, youth, elementary, studio, recreation, college and open divisions. Divisions are divided according to size and level. This is an open competition; no pre-qualifying is necessary. The top dance teams also will perform on the Arnold
Fitness EXPO Sunday afternoon at 3 pm.

Teams will compete for prize money, jackets, trophies, medals, grand champion awards and national champion banners. To reward the best individual cheerleader, a $2000 scholarship will be presented by the Columbus Rotary and Arnold Sports Festival.

Special guest performances by the boy band ‘V Factory’ from Los Angeles will take place Saturday and Sunday during select award ceremonies. The five young males will sing and dance with a combination of edgy urban pop and electrifying hip-hop dance moves.

Admission to Arnold Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships is included in a $10 daily ticket to the Arnold Fitness EXPO. Tickets are available at the door or from Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com/arnold. This event is presented by U.S. Spirit. Call 1-800-469-7878 or go to us-spirit.com or www.arnoldsportsfestival.com for more information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 2009

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The 2009 Arnold Armwrestling Challenge will be the ‘Mecca of Muscle’ as it welcomes the world’s top male and female athletes in arm sports as a part of the Arnold Sports Festival March 6-8.

Each year the titans of arm sports gather inside the Greater Columbus Convention Center on the centerpiece Arnold EXPO stage for two days of armsport action. The preliminary round is Friday, March 6, 10:30am-noon and the thrilling final round is Saturday, March 7, 9-10am.

Denise Wattles, Executive Director of United States Armwrestling commented, “The Arnold is the premiere arm sport event in the world. Athletes will compete from Bulgaria, Romania, Canada, Sweden, and USA including many world champions.”

Returning 2008 Arnold Armwrestling Champions include: RJ Molinere, George Iszakouits, Richard Lupkes, Margie Ciaccio, and Joyce King. They will be joined by the top finishers from nine different international qualifiers that are held in the U.S., Great Britain, Canada and Poland in advance of the event.

Admission to the Arnold Armwrestling Challenge is included in a $10 daily ticket to the Arnold Fitness EXPO. Tickets are available at the door or from Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com/arnold.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 2009

COLUMBUS, OHIO – More than 860 students from across Ohio will converge at the Arnold Sports Festival on Friday, March 6 for the third annual Ohio National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) State Tournament being held this year at the Ohio Expo Center’s Lausche Building.

The tournament, which will feature 36 teams of 16-24 archers, will serve as a season-ending championship for many competitors who have participated in archery as a part of their school program, during and after school, throughout the year. Students in grades 4-12 will compete for individual and team awards. The first place team in each division advances to the NASP National
Championships.

“This will again be a great experience for the schools and students involved,” said Kevin Dixon, coordinator for the Ohio NASP tournament and shooting sports coordinator for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. “The kids are very excited and will enjoy meeting students from other NASP participating schools all over Ohio. They enjoy coming together and competing in a large event like this.”

Dixon started working with the program in 2003 when he attended a NASP archery instructor training in Kentucky. The Ohio Division of Wildlife implemented the program in April 2004. Ohio currently has 307 NASP trained schools. The program is growing nationwide, too, with 48 states boasting more than 5,000 schools now participating in the program.

“Archery is a great sport that almost everyone can participate in – it is a lifelong skill,” Dixon said. “The lessons learned through this program include higher self esteem, improved confidence, social skills, respect, patience, and many more. Kids love NASP because it is an independent sport but at the same time they are an important part of the group.”

For more information, visit www.ohionasp.com and www.arnoldsportsfestival.com. Admission to the Arnold Archery Competition is included in a $10 daily ticket to the Arnold Fitness EXPO. Tickets are available at the door or from Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com/arnold.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 2009

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Helping adults to feel better, move better, and be better is the focus of the 3rd Arnold Active Aging Festival March 6, 2009 in the Hyatt Regency Ballroom at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

“Fitness is not a goal for its own sake, but rather a means to achieve your life goals,” said Jim Lorimer, co-producer of the Arnold Sports Festival. “Fitness enables you to play more golf or tennis, or play more with your grandchildren, or travel,” he added.  Fitness lets you maintain your independence and quality of life.”

“The Active Aging Festival will focus on doing activities, rather than listening to speeches,” said Mike Lorz, event chairman. “Each topic will follow a ‘tell-show-do’ approach, with a brief presentation, followed by a teacher demonstration, and audience participation led by professionals,” he added. “This is a great opportunity to improve #1—you!”

Expert presenters will include Scott Sonnon, “Flow Coach” of the Internet; Deborah Redder, designer of the SilverSneakers™ program; David Zid, creator of Delay the Disease: Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease; and Frank Forencich, author of The Exuberant Animal and Play as if Your Life Depends on It.

Sonnon, who will emcee the program, has been a leader of the wellness revolution for more than 10 years. Chiropractors and medical doctors have evaluated his Ageless Mobility™ program and say his approach helps fight osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and nerve impingement and tendonitis. Redder is designer and choreographer of the SilverSneakers® Group Exercise Program, which
offers an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and a socially-oriented group exercise program that allows older adults to take greater control of their health. Members receive a free fitness center membership and access to conditioning classes and equipment.

Zid has been an accredited trainer in Columbus for 11 years, and currently leads three weekly exercise classes for 180 individuals with Parkinson’s. He will tailor his presentation to persons with Parkinson’s and other diseases, and their caregivers, and will lead a demonstration with 60 of his regular students.

Forencich is creator of The Exuberant Animal: the Power of Health, Play and Joyful Movement, and Play as if Your Life Depends on It: Functional Exercise and Living for Homo Sapiens. Exuberant Animal is a health philosophy that promotes health, vitality and physical happiness by combining the study of human performance with play-based movement training. Participants will learn how to transform their bodies through a multi- disciplinary approach that is invigorating, liberating and life-changing.

Other ideas and activities featured at the 3rd Arnold Active Aging festival will include Start Your Engines, Yoga to Feel Better, Exercise to Move Better, Stepping Out, Adult Nutrition, Growing Stronger, Playing Games (like archery, dancing, fencing, table tennis, race walking, and games using balls, stretch bands, and more), Travel When and Where You Want, Economic Freedom
and Wealth Retention, Safety and Security and Exhibitor booths.

Group Package Benefits include ticket discounts, curbside drop-off at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and free parking and shuttle service for group drivers. Call (614) 443-3529 for further information.

Admission to the Arnold Active Aging Festival is included in a $10 daily ticket to the Arnold Fitness EXPO. Tickets are available at the door or from Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com/arnold.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January, 2009

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Casual walkers, health-oriented walkers, power walkers and speed walkers all are encouraged to participate in the Inaugural Arnold 5K Racewalk, the newest Olympic sport to be added to the 2009 Arnold Sports Festival.

“While in its purest form, racewalking incorporates a specific technique, the Inaugural Arnold 5K Racewalk will not be a judged event. The only rule is ‘no running,’” says event director Dr. Phil Heit, who also heads up the New Albany Walking Classic, the nation’s largest walking-only event.

In the Olympics, racewalkers are required to have contact with the ground at all times, the lead foot must strike the ground with the forward knee in a locked position, and it must remain locked until the vertical plane of the body passes the knee.

The new event features 9 age divisions, from under 11 to 70+. Awards will be given to the top three persons in each age division, and the top three males and females overall. The registration fee is $30 and $35 day of the race.

The Arnold 5K Racewalk is produced by Victory Man Racing. Information is available at 614-795-0249, or at www.runwildracing.com. The event begins at 8:30 am, Sunday, March 8 in front of the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Spectators are welcome, and the outdoor portion of the event is free. Admission to the Arnold Fitness EXPO is $10 per day. Tickets are available at the door or from Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com/arnold. For more information, visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  January 2009

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The 2009 Arnold 5K Pump and Run, which tests overall fitness by measuring both strength and endurance,  continues to be the most popular and largest race of its kind in the United States and will attract a record field of 750 for this year’s event on Sunday, March 8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Athletes from 30 states, up from 25 states in 2008, and two other countries will participate in this year’s 5K Pump and Run. Competitors bench press a pre-determined percentage of their body weight. Each lift (up to a max of 30) reduces their 5-kilometer run time by 30 seconds. In 2008, winner Matt Quinlet, of West Virginia, ran a 16:43 time for the 5k after benching his body weight 30 times for a net time, reducing his net run time to 1:43. Michigan’s Lisa Veneziano won the women’s race for a fourth-straight year with a net time of 3:17 (18:17 5k, 30 reps).

The Arnold 5K Pump and Run has 10 age / gender divisions. Depending on age, men must bench press 60-100 percent of their weight, and women 40-70 percent of their weight. U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors oversee the bench press and inspire lifters to their maximum.

“Combining lifting and running tests overall fitness, gauging speed, endurance, and strength,” said Matt McGowan, event director. “We are looking forward to producing our largest and most exciting event yet.”

Weigh-in and bench press begin at 7am Sunday March 8. The 5K run-only event begins at 9:30 am at the north end of the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The running portion of the Pump and Run begins at 10:30 am. Spectators are welcome and the outdoor portion of the event is free. Admission to the “pump” portion of the Arnold 5K Pump and Run is included in the $10 daily ticket to the Arnold Fitness Expo, set for March 6-8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Tickets are available at the door or from Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold

Registration for the 5K Pump and Run is closed, but applications are still being accepted for a companion 5-kilometer race, and the Arnold 5K Racewalk, also held on March 8, 2009. For more information and to enter the 5k race, visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com and www.runohio.com. For information about the 5K racewalk, visit
www.runwildracing.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 2009

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The 2009 Arnold Fitness EXPO offers an array of sports competition,
entertainment, and shopping March 6-8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC).
From committed fitness enthusiasts to elite athletes, casual sports fans to those seeking to shed
their couch potato status, it’s a perfect time to get in out of the cold and get inspired to shape up.
The daily $10 Arnold Fitness EXPO ticket allows access to the EXPO’s 700 international
exhibitor booths that tout the biggest names in fitness merchandise — the latest in fitness apparel,
footwear, training tools, and supplements. In addition EXPO visitors experience live on-stage
talent and sport competitions in more than 30 events including table tennis, youth dancesport,
fencing, martial arts, powerlifting, and gymnastics.

The 2009 Arnold Fitness EXPO is the centerpiece of the Arnold Sports Festival which is
expected to attract 170,000 fitness enthusiasts in 2009. EXPO events are held at the GCCC, the
Franklin County Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Nationwide Arena and the Lausche Building at
the Ohio Expo Center. Frequent free shuttle buses will transport visitors among the four venues.
Other Sports Festival events have additional tickets.

Arnold Sports Festival Co-Producer Jim Lorimer said, “Sports entertainment, competition and
life-long fitness are the focus of each day. Just $10-a-day is an entertainment bargain.” He said,
“The EXPO offers seminars and demonstrations, professional athletes and trainers: inspiration
for youngsters in sports such as gymnastics and martial arts, and opportunities galore for
everyone to improve their health and strength.”

Among EXPO highlights are personal appearances by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger,
elite athletes and Olympic contenders. The Arnold Fitness EXPO stage will feature Prejudging
for the Ms. International, Fitness International, and Figure International professional
competitions. Other highlights include the Arnold Classic Armwrestling Challenge, the Arnold
Strongman Contest, and the Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding Finals.

Arnold Fitness EXPO hours are 10:30am-6pm Friday, 9am-6pm Saturday, and 10am-4pm
Sunday. The all-inclusive $10 EXPO ticket (accompanied children 10 and under are free) may be
purchased at the door or through Ticketmaster 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com/arnold.
No strollers are permitted.

Buy an Arnold Sports Festival VIP package before February 7, 2009, and be registered for a chance to be of the three VIPs who will have their photo taken with Arnold.

A VIP ticket includes:

Men’s and Women’s Finals events for Friday and Saturday evening

Men’s Prejudging Saturday afternoon

3 Arnold EXPO tickets (One for each day)

The Arnold Training Seminar Sunday morning

Amateur events on Thursday and Friday

New this year, Arnold’s Party with the Pros on Saturday evening.

Martial Arts Registration Simplified

Martial Artists ready to compete in the Arnold Martial Arts Festival will find it easier to find the registration forms, rules and divisions for each discipline and for the workshops and seminars scheduled for the AMAF hotel at our revised Web site, arnoldmartialarts.com.

Dayana Cadeau - Gymnast to Bodybuilder Champion

Ever since Dayana Cadeau set her sights on winning bodybuilder contests, her two role models have been the most successful female bodybuilders of all time, Cory Everson, six-time Ms Olympia (1984-89) and Lenda Murray, eight-time Ms. Olympia (1990-1995 and 2002-03.)

Since entering her first competition 15 years ago, Cadeau has been among the best 27 times. She has won four first place weight division titles (Ms Olympia, the Ms International and Jan Tana). Since 2006, she has four second place finishes in the Ms International and Ms Olympia contests, missing the big prize by as little as one point!

This year she is focused on winning, and promises her fans she will walk onto the stage at Veterans Memorial in her best shape ever!

[More Info]

Party With The Pros

The Arnold Party With The Pros will erupt Saturday evening, March 7, 2009, at the LC Pavilion, 405 Neil Avenue, across from Nationwide Arena in the Arena District. “Fire & Ice” is the central theme of the evening featuring fire eating performers, live music & entertainment, and an awesome array of athletes from 17 sports permeating every room at LC Pavilion and the adjoining House of Crave. In-house screens will rebroadcast the 2009 Arnold Classic, highlight show-stopping star arrivals and live entertainers including the Terminator, Conan, the amazing Bubble Man, High-Jinks Stilt Walkers, Frank Zane & the Dave Bott Band, and Divide.

[More Info]

The Arnold is approaching rapidly. Who will win is the question many people are starting to wonder. To help you make a prediction check out the past Arnold Classic Results:

For more information on the upcoming Arnold click here