2009 Arnold Blog

I had the privilege to talk to Bethany for a few seconds and ask her about the upcoming Fitness International.

Here is what she had to say;

“After just missing the Olympia in 2008, I have really worked hard in the off season to prepare for 2009. We (my trainer & I) changed up some of my conditioning and I teamed up with a new choreographer to put on a really good show for the fans!!!

I am excited to be competing in my 3rd Fitness International and I feel confident that I will bring my best yet!"

Jessica Clay has already traversed more sports than most of us could fathom! Before she reached the age of 5 years she had already begun studying gymnastic and ballet. Jessica was inspired by the lifelong fitness commitment of both her parents including top level tennis competition and running.

Jessica went on to study gymnastics for 15 years, became a Ohio high school state track champion, competed in numerous triathlons, and won five amateur fitness competitions at the national level.

Jessica had the unusual success of earning her pro card in two divisions at the 2008 at the Team Universe competition in New York - Fitness and Figure. She beat out all the competition with the First Place Champion title in Fitness and the 2nd Place Champion title in Figure.

Jessica Clay’s amateur fitness career has included some of the nation’s top competitions. She won significant competitor titles at top tier events including the 2008 NPC Junior Nationals, 3rd Place; the 2007 NPC National Championship 4th Place; the 2006 NPC Arnold Amateur Fitness 4th Place; the 2006 NPC National Championships 6th place; and the 2004 NPC Junior Nationals 3rd Place.

Fans of the Arnold Sports Festival recall Jessica as a competitor in numerous Arnold 5K Pump & Runs, a 2007 award presenter, and a favorite booth personality at the Arnold Fitness EXPO from 2004 through 2008.

“I believe my background as a lifelong athlete has prepared me to be disciplined and to train. I love my time in the gym,” said Clay. “I have trained with Mike Davies of the Fitness Factory since 2004 and have learned so much from him. My biggest challenge is to remember to eat.”

Jessica Clay has to be disciplined. She is Vice President and Creative Director of Clay Creative where she works with her father; an Event Marketing Director for non-profit charitable fitness events; President of B.AB.E., a women’s network designed to empower and educate other women to elevate their lives; and President of 2ECOChicsEarthwear, an organic clothing line that launches in 2009.

Jill Tanowitz, a NET JETS Financial Analyst and top-flight amateur competitor is Clay’s longtime friend and training partner. “Jessica and I are friends and we are able to be very honest with each other. Sometimes I will check on her just to make sure she is taking the time to eat because she gets so busy. We can review where we are and say this is what I think you might need to work on. It’s a very supportive friendship,” said Tanowitz.

“My suit is being made and I am very excited to compete at this level on the Arnold stage. I will have about 20 family and friends in the audience to cheer me on,” Clay added

Clay is sure to win the hearts of every Fitness International fan.

For more information click here.

I am VERY excited to be apart of the Bodybuilding.com team this year at the Arnold. Not only will I be at the Bodybuilding.com booth all weekend, but I will also be competing in the 2009 Arnold Amateur Fitness competition being held Thursday night at 7pm on March 4th at the Veteran’s Memorial. Fitness events are up first and it is the routines so you don’t want to miss that. After it is the figure gals, the new bikini division, and then the fitness physique round.

My training and dieting are going really well for me this year. My routine is finished, now I just have to rep it out. I am so pumped to be apart of the Arnold event again this year. Cannot wait to see you all on March 4th and then all weekend at the Arnold Expo with Bodybuilding.com.

See you soon,

A.

We are getting closer and closer to the Arnold, and those competing in this major event are hard at work hoping to make a statement on the first big female competition of 2009. I was fortunate and honored to interview the reigning Fitness Olympia champion and 2005 Fitness International champion, Jenny Hendershott!

http://www.fitgemsnation.net/page/fitgems-nation-exclusive

Hello everyone!

I’ve taken the time to create a page dedicated to the women competing in the Arnold Classic on my website, FitGems Nation (http://www.fitgemsnation.net)

It’s not completed, but it’s a little something for the female stars out there. Just trying to show them some love, too. Here’s the direct link to the Arnold page:

http://www.fitgemsnation.net/page/arnold-classic-2009

Hope you enjoy it, and good luck to everyone (male and female) at the Arnold!

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!  =)

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!

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!!!