Global Gossip

Last night Nov 20 while training I saw a massive guy walk in the front door and as he had to turn to get thru the door I realized it was the 2009 British Champion who earned his Pro card this year after a long 9 years.  This year Zack was right on with his victory that pushed him into the Pro circuit.  It’s hard to appear massive in Venice with many guys weighing in the 280 and 300lb are these days.  However, Zack really stood out as was he not only massive but in good condition.  When I had the chance Zack and I spoke and this guys is so humble and down to earth it took me for a surprise.  When he learned I had just gotten out of the hospital he was very concerned with how I was doing.  He told him at the Pro level things are not just about mass so now he wants to add more detail and polish to his body.  He might look at doing the 2010 Europe and try to qualify for the Mr. O.  Zack if you come in like the British show I’m sure you’ll be on stage with Jay at the 2010 Mr. Olympia.

Trying here at Gold’s Venice you get the opportunity to see many talented athletes.  Armen Pogosyan from Russia is one guy that I’m sure you’ll see more in the near future.  I met Armen when I was in the hospital he stop by to give me some support along with Julien Greaux and Johnny DeBeer.  After I was back at Golds I found out that Armen tried his luck at the California Fitness Model contest and took a respected 2nd place.  So now this weekend he’s in Vegas competing in the Fitness Universe, where I’m sure he’ll do well.

What really impressed me was this guys background with all his education and experience.  He moved to the East coast about 5 years ago from Russia where he first received his B.S and Masters degree in Physical Education.  While in Russia he was also a Assistant Professor.  He first competed in Muay Thai where he was 2 time National Champion of Russia, then he competed in both kickboxing and arm wrestling.  Below I have listed a few of his past achievements.

• Fitness Model America, second place, Hermosa beach CA, October 2009
• National Thai-Boxing Champion of Uzbekistan, June1998
• National Thai-Boxing Champion of Uzbekistan, June 1997                        
• Second Place, National Thai-Boxing Championship of Uzbekistan, June 1999
• Third Place, National Kick-Boxing Championship of Uzbekistan, July 1999
• Third Place, National Arm-Wrestling Championship of Uzbekistan, May 2003
                                                              
• Member of National Thai-Boxing Team of Uzbekistan, 1996-2002
• Trained with the National Boxing and Arm-Wrestling Teams of Uzbekistan
• Trained with National Water Polo Team of Uzbekistan
• Competed in Uzbekistan Power Lifting Championship
• Competed in National Arm-Wrestling Championship of Kazakhstan
Armen has a wealth of knowledge and he is open to learn new things.  He has opened his own very successful personal training company and you can check out his Website: BodyEffectLA.com  Good luck in Vegas Armen

While walking into the Mecca of training, Gold’s Gym in Venice famous photographer Robert Reiff was doing a shoot with a new face to the US.  After Robert was finished I had the opportunity to speak with David Hoffman, a 29 year old bodybuilder from Koblenz Germany.  David, who like most bodybuilders I met from Europe was very polite and friendly.  Maybe some top guys here should take a few lesions.  David who has been here to train before said he’s been training for about 14 years and is now sponsored by Universal Nutrition.  In 2008 he place 5th at the World Championship but went on to win the overall at the German Nationals.  This year as a super heavy he made 4th place at the World Championship in Qatar.  With great shape and structure David should go far in the sport.

For Immediate Release
Email: jennylynnfitness@yahoo.com
Web site: www.jennylynnfitness.com

12-Time IFBB Pro Figure Champion, Jenny Lynn, retires!

Dallas, Texas – 10/30/2009 - After 10 years competing, IFBB Pro Figure Icon, Jenny Lynn has decided to retire.  She captured the very first pro figure contest in history, the 2003 Figure International. Jenny went on to win a total of 12 shows, the most of any other Professional Figure competitor, including two Figure Olympia’s and three Figure International’s throughout her eight year pro career.

Jenny is very thankful for her time spent on stage, largely because of the career she’s had the opportunity to create from it. “I have had an awesome career that I am very proud of. But, there comes a time in every athlete’s life when it’s time to step down. After 10 years competing and 31 contests later…it’s time. I’m not really sad to stop competing because honestly, the greatest success in my career has come from helping other people achieve their fitness and physique goals. I will continue to be involved in the fitness industry sharing my knowledge and experience and coaching competitors to follow in my foot steps”, says Jenny.

With the competition stage behind her and far more available time, Jenny has several projects she’s working on. She recently filmed a new training DVD prior to the Olympia with her workout partner, Trish Warren. The DVD will be for sale on our websites by December 2009. Jenny and Trish also created an apparel company that offers fun, trendy tanks, t-shirts and hats in addition to top quality active wear.

Jenny will focus a lot of her attention now on contest prep coaching and sharing her knowledge with up and coming competitors around the world. In addition to working with competitors, Jenny also conducts a 12-Week Transformation Challenge on her website. Anyone can join January 1st-April 30th, 2010. The client who makes the biggest changes to their physique in their 12-weeks wins an all expense paid trip to come train with Jenny in Dallas, Texas for a weekend. This will be her 4th year offering her very successful Transformation Challenge. Jenny says, “its been without question, the most rewarding part of my career far beyond any contest win!”

Jenny is also working on coordinating several seminars across the US for 2010 and is working on e-books and workouts that will be downloadable from her website in the next couple months as well.  And lastly, Jenny is now offering in-home personal training where clients have the opportunity to either live with Jenny or have her stay with them for a period of time to learn first-hand everything involved in achieving their goals and leading a healthy lifestyle!!!

To enlist Jenny’s help in achieving your own fitness and physique goals go to:
www.jennylynnfitness.com

Last night I had the honor of attending the weeding of both my business partner and great friend Peter Mikhail.  It was a beautiful ceremony in Dana Point with a great fun filled reception at the Westin Hotel. A lot of people from the fitness industry were there but two of my favorites were my co-host of instructionalfitness, Sherlyn Roy and Mike O’hearn.  Sherlyn did the Ms.Olympia as her first year as a pro and will compete again in another week.  Sherlyns boyfriend Mike O’hearn was part of the wedding party and Mike had just finished some photo shoots the day before.  When you get to know Mike he is very down to earth and a caring friend.  Peter, came up with the ideal of our company instructionalfitness.com after he hired me to help him in his recovery from overcoming cancer.  This guy is no quitter and it shows in all aspects of his life.  His beautiful new bride Mikela, who is a successful Attorney is so down to earth and a giving person.  We wish them many happy wonderful years to come.

If you’ve been at Golds Venice within the past two years then I’m sure you have seen another hugh European making the gym his new home.  For 18 years Aiman Faour lived in Germany where he owned a gym, however he was born in Lebanon where he still owns a gym.  Aiman hits about 315 0r 330 in the off season and moves some heavy Iron, yet when he starts his contest diet his strength still is there.  I’ve trained with Aiman since my old partner Armin Scholtz( who was 360 lb) went back to Germany, and Aiman loves to bust his ass in the gym as he’s always pushing himself to the limit.  In the past we have worked with Charles Glass, then Val( trained Mike Mentzer ) but now Aiman has started working with Robert Sherman, who use to be Charles Glass training partner.  Robert has trained Will Harris, Silvio and now for the past 6 weeks Aiman.  With one week out from the Pro Sacramento Aiman is looking tight at 276lb.  We will see if this new edition to his team will make a difference on stage. Best of luck next week Aiman.

This is a repost from IntenseMuscle, another board I am currently a moderator for (Female Forums); The interviewer is a fellow competitor,   and friend Brandon Morrison; Brandon is interviewing Heather and her husband Dylan Armbrust immediately after her 2nd place IFBB OLYMPIA placing this year.  
This is at Dylan and Heather’s gym in Wheatridge, Colorado; its also my gym and its outstanding.  Heather, Phil Heath, Heather Mae French, all current and active members.  Congratulations to Heather and excellent job Brandon!

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