2008 Arnold Blog

The Arnold Sports Festival was all I dreamed it would be: an expo as crowded as the seventh lair of hell, a funky cocktail of free stuff to get totally wired, and -to my delight- a 4th place finish in the B class of the Arnold Amateur Figure!  I’ll strike next at the Ronnie Coleman Classic in April.

When I got lost on my way back to the dressing room (despite the near hand-holding of some very handsome, large escort), I had my own crew of 17-year-old fans that took cell phone pictures with me.  What’s a girl to expect from running around a conference center in a near thong?

I learned that out trophies have a wire piece in the middle that holds the whole thing together.

I’ve also learned how to spell the word “amateur.” When I glanced down at the crack that would have severed my bronze statue’s feet from the rest of her perfectly sculpted body, I noticed I had a trophy for the “Arnold Amatuer.” I googled it just to be sure, and breathed a sigh of relief.

As we know, expos are a great time to make connections, in addition to competing or enjoying free caffeine-spiked goodies.  While at the Arnold, I met up with two men - one a best-selling fitness author and the other a prominent lawyer- who are writing a novel fitness and transformation book for men.  The authors learned about my writing through a new fitness marketing site, www.fittron.com, and recruited me to help edit and add to the nutrition tidbits in the book.  It’s an exciting opportunity–I’m looking forward to telling you all the details when it’s about to the hit the presses!

Two of my professors at Baylor also presented at the strength training summit, which is a conference held in conjunction with the sports festival put on by www.strengthpro.com.   All three of us took the same flight back to Waco, and I had the chance to pick their brains a little.    Dr. Willoughby is a stellar muscle researcher; this work significantly influences the recommendations for practical aspects of training and supplement formulations; he also does a significant amount of supplement testing.

Starting this month, I am going to review his studies on my blog and deliver practical, do-it-now tips based on Willoughby’s research.  The first blog, which is set to be posted this week, will review the Novedex XT trial done at Baylor University.  I have been perusing the forums and will address specific concerns I have seen there, including the effects of an increase of DHT, what an aromatase inhibitor does, etc.  Stay tuned!

One of my dearest friends in the biz and a straight shoot’n New Yorker, Tara Scotti shares her first encounter with 2008 Ms. Figure International Champ Gina Aliotti. It’s a rather amusing account of how she came to meet Gina. Tara then breaks down how she saw the Figure show go down. As a figure pro herself she gives you a unique perspective as she’s  "been there - done that".

2008 Arnold Recap - "Who’s Gina?"
By IFBB Figure Pro, Tara Scotti
Before I give my opinion on the Figure results for the 2008 Arnold, I wanted to preface it with the first time I actually met Gina Aliotti, the 2008 Figure International Champion.

September 23, 2006 in Anaheim California was the site of the 2006 Tournament of Champions. It was the last show of the year before the Olympia. I was coming along very nicely in my prep for the Olympia, so I decided last minute to enter the show. It was the first show of my career that my boyfriend (now husband) could not make the trip, so I was a little nervous. I woke up the morning of pre-judging, went to Jan Tana’s room to get my color, then my hair and makeup right after. When I got back to the room, I was looking at myself in the mirror in awe. Yes, I was sweating myself. Every once in a while a competitor has that moment when the pre-contest prep is going just as planned, your tan is the perfect shade, your hair is beautiful, your skin is glowing and all the planets and stars are lined up perfectly. This is what we strive for. This is when we want to step on stage. Only one other time in my career, the 2005 Olympia did I peak like this. Even though I did not place well at that contest, it was the best condition to date for me. Now here in Anaheim I at least matched that condition; maybe surpassed it. I was ecstatic. I headed over to the venue for pre judging alone in my usual get up, a Juicy Couture jump suit and a NY Yankee hat. I normally don’t talk much backstage, I just listen to my IPod and mostly keep to myself. I just want to see what the other girls look like. Even though we all play it cool backstage and greet each other warmly with smiles and kisses, we still want to size each other up. It’s the nature of competition. Anyway, it’s about 25 minutes to show time and most of the girls are warming up backstage and already in their suits. Of the 22 girls competing, I sized up 17 or 18 of them. Now I was feeling very confident. So I went outside to call my boyfriend.

The phone call went something very similar to this:
ME " Hey Babe, I am about to win my 2nd pro show”
HIM “Wow, that’s a pretty bold statement”
ME “Babe, trust me. I am peaking like I did at last year’s Olympia, and I saw almost all the girls backstage, I am not losing this show!! "
HIM “Simmer down cowboy. What about Gina Aliotti? "
ME "Who’s Gina?”
HIM “Gina Allioti, my sources in Anaheim tell me Gina is looking really good."
ME: "Who the f**k is Gina Allioti, and who the f**k are your sources?”
HIM: (laughing) Babe relax. You competed against her a few months ago in Colorado. You placed ahead of her. You don’t remember her? "
ME: "I have no idea who you are talking about. And if I already beat her, why would I lose to her now?"
HIM: “Gina is one of the new girls. She is very young, very pretty, has a great physique, flowing lines. If this kid can get her conditioning down, forget it, lights out. She is the future of Figure babe. It is what it is. Just relax. Just do your little thing on stage, and let the cards fall where they fall. You’re going to do fine, you always do.
ME: " Jesus, by the way you are talking, you sound like you are the president of her fan club. Why don’t we just break up and you can start dating her yourself."
HIM: “You know what, that’s not a bad idea. See if you can get me her number when you talk to her."
ME: (CLICK)

This jerk is trying to take the wind out of my sails. So I hung up on him and turned my phone off. So now I went from confident to shaky. My mind is starting to race. Who the f**k are his sources? Probably that nut case Isaac Hinds. Wait till I see him.

So now I am heading back to the dressing room area and there she is. I obviously didn’t see her before. I recognized her from the Colorado Pro Show a few months back. She is one of the newer girls I really didn’t know. I think I was even introduced to her for a quick minute, but there were so many new girls rising up in the figure world about this time, I just did not know who was who. She was exactly the way Dominic described her. Great lines, great symmetry, and to top it off, she was pretty. Why did this bitch have to be pretty? Why did she have to be so young? I mean this girl was born the same year I was listening to Madonna records in my bedroom back in Queens, NY. If Dominic attempted to take the wind out of my sails, seeing this Gina chick backstage did the trick. I went from confident, to shaky, to defeated. All in a 10 minute time period.

During prejudging, Gina and I were called out in first call outs in both rounds. We were also positioned next to each other. I knew the judges had us 1 and 2. Actually, I also knew the judges specifically had her 1 and me 2. While we were standing back in line watching the rest of the call outs, we were both smiling. Only her smile was sincere and mine was fake. She was genuinely happy that she is going to win her first pro show, and I was not happy I was being denied my 2nd pro victory. I knew I would be retiring soon and it would have been a great way to go out. So now I was figuring out a way to overcome this. Maybe after prejudging I could sneak into her hotel room and poor ex lax in her water. Or maybe I can invite her to lunch, kidnap her, keep her locked up in my car trunk until the show is over. She can’t win the show if she doesn’t show up to the finals, right? Ok, calm down people, I only had these thoughts for like 30, 45 seconds tops. I am standing on a stage under blaring lights, dripping orange paint off my body, I am dehydrated, and I haven’t had any water or real food in my system. Cut me a little slack. I still cant believe I have to call Dominic and tell him Gina won, and I took 2nd. I hate when he is right and I am wrong.

The finals came and Gina Aliotti won her first IFBB Pro Figure Competition deservingly. I took 2nd place and 3rd place went to another new girl I did not know, Sonia Adcock, who coincidently, was competing in her pro debut. Gina turned out to be a sweetheart. She is very nice and we always have time to chat when we run into each other.

Now onto the Arnold Figure…

Arnold Figure
As I sat in for the Figure pre-judging, you could tell there was a little more excitement in the air from previous years.  With Monica, Valerie, Jenny and Mary not in the lineup, this was definitely going to be a top 6 unlike any of the last 4 years.It was wide open at this point. I was very surprised at some of the call outs.  For the most part, the judging seemed consistent, except for a couple of surprises.

Actual Top 10
Gina Aliotti
Jennifer Gates
Amy Fry
Chasity Sloan
Sonia Adcock
Paola Almerico
Latisha Wilder          
Catherine Anderson  
Natalie Benson                                  
Krystal Richardson

Tara’s Top 10
Gina Aliotti
Jennifer Gates
Chasity Sloan
Amy Fry
Paola Almerico
Catherine Anderson
Juliana Malacarne
Sonia Adcock
Krystal Richardson                              
Latisha Wilder

Gina Aliotti has a perfect balance of muscularity and symmetry for the Figure division. Gina is THE girl to beat right now in Figure. I can’t wait to see her on the Olympia stage this year. At 23 years old, she has not yet peaked. I can only imagine Gina at her best.

This was the first time I ever laid eyes on Jennifer Gates. I was very impressed. She was put together well. Her suits looked great, overall very complete package.

I had Chasity Sloan in 3rd. Chasity is a seasoned competitor. I have been competing with Chasity since my pro debut in NY in 2004.  Chasity continued to improve over the last couple of years and I think she is at her best or near best right now.

I think the biggest surprise was the judges placed Juliana Malacarne 12th. That’s a bigger mystery to me then the tattoo’s on Lee Priests face. Juliana was the most conditioned girl on stage in Columbus and probably the most improved competitor in the last year. The judges asked her to lose some of the muscle and she did. She is still a little bit too muscular for Figure, but not enough to have her out of the top 10. This girl has crazy genetics.  If she tones it down a little bit more, she will be a top 5 competitor on the smaller shows.

I have been reading a lot about Sonia Adcock and her winning ways lately. I was looking forward to seeing her and I was expecting to be very impressed. I have to be honest; I wasn’t seeing what the judges were seeing. I did not like the cut of her 1 piece suit; it made her midsection look blocky. So I found myself mostly staring at her midsection while she was doing her quarter turns. I think she needs her suit redesigned because she did look better in the 2 piece.  But I also would like to see her with a bit more conditioned. She is very pretty; I just think she can improve significantly.

Latisha wilder is one of my favorite competitors. Like Chasity, I been on stage more times with Latisha than anyone else I think. I was always neck in neck with her. Her beating me a few times and I beating her a couple times.  This was the least conditioned I ever saw Latisha, so I had her lower than the 7th place the judges had her. Latisha has so much poise when she is on stage, it clearly shows. She walks, and does her quarter turns with a coolness that no one else has.  Her skin is perfect, she is very pretty, and is always a threat when she competes.
        
I think it was a great Figure show overall, and with the new faces, this could be the best version of the Figure Olympia to date. Stay tuned.

I am very happy to announce I have placed 3rd. at the Arnold’s Classic in Ohio  I greatly appreciate all of the ongoing encouragement and support from my family and friends on this allready joyous occasion.

The women’s show took place last night and there were a few surpsises. Let’s start with the women’s bodybuilding…

The biggest news hit fans when defending champ, Iris Kyle failed to make the top six. Iris finished in seventh place when the dust cleared. You may be wondering why the defending champ fell so far down in the placings. It was obvious when I shot the prejudging that there were more than a couple indications Iris could and should be knocked down in the judging. Why? Well, despite her being called out in the top 3-5 at the prejudging, the judges felt they needed to send a message. What message? I spoke with a couple judges after the show and they informed me that Iris was out of the top six because of the marks on her physique. If you look at the photos, pay attention to her shoulders and her buttocks… You’ll see what I am talking about.

Congrats to Yaxeni for winning the Ms. International. When I saw her at prejudging, I had her pegged as the champ. She looked great and brought the physique we have grown to love when she brings it. She was in excellent condition and brought great symmetry combined with just enough mass, to the stage.

As predicted, Gina Aliotti walked away with victory in the Figure International. I’m a huge fan of Gina’s and she never looked better than she did last night. She presented a balanced physique with just enough hardness to reign supreme. Jennifer Gates showed that a competitor can change drastically in three weeks. I had a sneak peak at what Jen was looking like before the show and I thought she was behind in her prep. I ate my words of predicting her fourth and knew when I saw her at the check-in Thursday that she was ready. Jenn presented a very balanced physique and look amazing. You can see her on the next issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers in a couple weeks. Paola Almerico grabbed a top six placing which was a tremendous accomplishment from her. The most overlooked competitor had to be Juliana Malacarne. I know the judges probably thought she was still too muscular but overall, she is still the most balanced competitor on the figure stage. She has it all from top to bottom when it comes to rock’n the figure stage. Amy Fry landed in third, as I predicted, and looked great. She towered over her competition but showed why she is one of the best competitors in the biz today by bringing a balanced physique to the stage.

Fitness super star Kim Schiedler rocked the stage in Columbus. I hope I spelled her last name right as her father corrected me a couple times backstage on her name. Those who aren’t aware, Kim has had a number of personal issues to deal with while prepping for this show. I won’t go into great detail but long story short, she is getting a divorce and dealing with the stress attached to that. Kim’s physique was much improved from the Olympia and you could tell she was much happier. Her routine was reflective of where she’s at in her personal life, check out the webcast to see it. Jen Hen was in second and I love Jen but I honestly wasn’t that impressed with what she brought this time around. She looked good in the physique rounds and her routine was funny and full of high energy but had too much dancing and booty shaking for my liking. I’d like to see more strength moves and less dancing out of her, but it was still fun to watch and photograph. The biggest gift in the show was given to Julie Palmer in my opinion. I love Jules as a person and this no knock on her but she was not a top three competitor in this show, at least from my vantage point. Her physique was good in prejudging and she placed well in those rounds. I thought her routine had too much set up and was a little hoaky. I didn’t feel as though her routine was that good and I would have her out of the top ten when it came to the routine rounds, but I’m not a judge and making those calls. The judges liked what they saw and placed her high in the routines. Julie Lohre has never looked better and brought a great routine and physique to the stage. She should have been second in my opinion but again I’m not a judge. Oksana was highly favored by many going into this show and while she performed a great routine her physique looked the worst I’ve seen from her since hitting the pro show. Her waist is a little too wide and it looked like she was overdieted. I’d like to see her add some size to her shoulders and improver her lats to give the illusion of a smaller waist.

I’m off to the expo to do some more videos with some of the IFBB’s hottest women. Check back for more info, photos and videos through out the weekend.

The Preliminary results from all 3 of the Ms International contests (Ms. Int’l, Figure Int’l, Fitness Int’l) are now available on our 2008 Arnold Results Page:

http://contest.bodybuilding.com/results/2542

Female Bodybuilding:

1 - Yaxeni Oriquen
2 - Dayana Cadeau
3 - Lisa Aukland
4 - Betty Pariso
5 - Brenda Raganot
6 - Cathy LeFrancois

Figure:

1 - Gina Aliotti
2 - Jennifer Gates
3 - Amy Fry
4 - Chastity Slone
5 - Sonia Adcock
6 - Paola Almerico

Fitness:

1 - Kimberly Klein
2 - Jen Hendershott
3 - Julie Palmer
4 - Julie Lohre
5 - Tracey Greenwood
6 - Regiane Da Silva

A heartfelt congratulations to IFBB Figure Pro Gina Aliotti and IFBB Fitness Pro Kim Klein for winning their respective Figure International and Fitness International contests!  =)

We’re sitting backstage at the Arnold Classic and lots of awesome people keep walking by including Arnold (yes, himself), Jen Hendershott, Nicole Wilkins, Krystal Richardson, Gina Aliotti, and all the IFBB figure and fitness professionals, Dave Palumbo, Dan Solomon, Travis Chapman, Russ DeLuca, Ron Avidan, Kyla McGrath, Bob Cicherillo - it’s a veritable namefest!

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!!

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!