2008 Arnold Blog

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

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!!!

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

I caught up with Sonia Adcock at the Fit Expo last weekend and whoooo daddy does she look good. Watch out Arnold competitors, this is the best we’ve seen her. Sonia is now with GNC and was at the Fit Expo working their booth. Fans will be able to see her on stage in one week and she’ll also be working the GNC booth at the Arnold Expo. Don’t forget, she is also the new villain in the IRON SIRENS comic book.

Check out her video here.

WHOA Gina! Gina Aliotti is definitely one of the favorites to take the 2008 Figure International title. Check out the interview with Gina on her sponsor’s website. Here is a photo of Gina 10 weeks out from the Arnold. Gina doesn’t stray from her diet too much in her off-season and as you can see looks great! Watch out for her in a few weeks, she could be your next Arnold Figure Champ.

This great video interview just came in of über-lovely fitness model, Jamie Eason at the Bodybuilding.com booth during the 2007 Arnold Expo!  Hear Jamie’s thoughts about Bodybuilding.com…  Thanks, Jamie!

Video courtesy of Dean Marini of Image Video in Canton, Ohio.

Having problems with the video?  Click here for the downloadable Windows Media version.

Travis Chapman and the gang, including the lovely Jamie Eason (!), have produced yet another stunning episode of The Fit Show, capturing highlights from the 2007 Arnold Classic, Sports Festival, and Expo!

Check it out!

http://webcast.bodybuilding.com/fitshow/fitshow/episode54/fsi_4everfit.htm