2008 Iron Man Blog

I flew out to LA from Houston on Valentine’s Day, checked into the hotel adjacent to the Convention Center and waited anxiously for my boyfriend (Rich) to meet me there to have our Valentine’s dinner.  Come to find out, when I checked into the hotel they made a mistake and were supposed to have a “special” room reserved for me.  Instead they told me that the room was not ready and gave me a different room than what was planned.  Well, unfortunately, that ruined my boyfriend’s sweet surprise to have flowers, balloons and a gift bag full of goodies waiting for me.

He was pretty bummed when I sent him a text and didn’t mention anything about the surprise waiting in my room. Instead, one of the bell boys came up and delivered everything to me, but at that point it was no longer a surprise.  My man is the sweetest though!  The flowers were orchids, which are my all time favorite, the balloons were giant and kid-like, just like me, and the goodies inside, well, some were personal and some were cute clothes, like the pants I’m wearing in these pictures.  He did so good!!

For dinner that night, his label got us reservations at Craft in Century City.  It is a beautiful fine dining restaurant but without the stuffy atmosphere.  We got to see Nick from the All American Rejects while we were there.  He is on the same music label as my boyfriend, so that was really cool.  The food there was incredible! It is served a la carte and family style.  We even had dessert, which was a giant gourmet peanut butter cup with peanut butter ice cream.  When we left they sent us home with carrot and cranberry apple muffins in take home bags for breakfast the next morning.  It was awesome!  I knew I’d need to do a few extra plyos the following week to be in the shape I wanted for the Arnold, but it was worth it!  Definitely go check it out!

The next morning we headed over to the expo at the Convention Center, where I was surprised to see that even at a larger venue this year the hall was fairly full.  There were lots of vendors and a large area set up for American Gladiator auditions.  I thought it was lucky that the boybuilding.com booth was close to the end where we could see the stage and close to the area where the auditions were being held.  I got to see tons and tons of people try and run obstacles on the slick floor and do pull-ups until they were blue in the face.

My buddy Valerie Waugaman, better known as the personality Siren on American Gladiators, was there to motivate and cheer everyone on.  It was great to see her and hear all the cool things she has been up to.  I expect big things, so keep your eye on her.  She is a very determined and ambitious person, not to mention super fun!

The following day at the expo I got to watch the World’s Fittest Couple competition, which was really impressive.  They performed amazing routines demonstrating strength and flexibility.  I do well just to walk in high heels and not trip and fall.  I also got to see my friend Amanda Harris, better known as Barbie Barbell.  She was at the All American EFX booth.  We chatted a little while about our plans to work out together and to do a photo shoot at the Arnold a few weeks away in Columbus, OH.

Another big highlight of my weekend was that I got to see my friend, Callie Marunde and her beautiful baby girl that resembled her daddy, Strongman Jesse Marunde, who sadly passed away last year.  He is terribly missed but I was very happy to see Callie doing so well and to hear that she was preparing to compete in Poland on behalf of the US this year.  Please take a look at her website:

www.marunde-muscle.com

and offer your support and encouragement.  There is an awesome community of people there. I plan to poke my head in on occasion and say hello as well.

The last day at the expo was not quite as busy as the two days prior, so I got to play a little bit and be a part of the Power Plate demonstration.  This machine vibrates at a super quick pace which makes for an unstable platform in which to perform your exercises.  Aside from feeling a bit funny at first, it really seems to force you to engage more muscles and your stabilizers to complete the exercises.

The entire trip was a great time.  I have gone two years in a row now and at the rate it is growing I have no doubt that there will be more and more people attending year after year, including me!

Last Sunday, ten couples took the stage in hopes of becoming The 2008 Fittest Couple. The couples posed, flexed and performed a routine to showcase why they are worthy of the title. In the end only one couple would reign supreme at The Fit Expo’s annual contest. The first place couple would received $2,500 cash and a photo shoot with IRONMAN Magazine’s top photographer, Mike Neveux.

Judges for the competition were IRON MAN photographer MERV, former fitness-model Brenda Kelly and last year’s female half of the fittest couple winner. There were a number of worthy couples but in the end the routine of Dena Weiner and Rado Pagac put them in the winner’s circle. The two were beyond elated when their names were announced. Look for their photos in an upcoming issue of IRONMAN magazine.

Dena and Rado showing their strength and flexibility.

The winning couple got a leg up over their competition.

I just got back from the Fit Expo in Los Angeles and WOW I had a blast!

I got to meet many of my friends from MySpace that live in California and that was great that they took the time to come by and see me at the EFX Nutrition booth. I got to spend some time with my sweet friend over at Bodybuilding.com, Jamie Eason.

Me and BodySpace Member Charla!

If you have never met her, you need to! She is one of the prettiest models in the business and has the best personality you could ever imagine, her beauty is much more than skin deep! I got to spend some time with bodybuilding legend Flex Wheeler and he is a super sweet guy too. Flex is responsible for me coming on board with EFX Nutrition and now I get to work with Flex and that is awesome!

Me and Texas State NPC Chairman Lee Thompson!

I saw many of my friends from the NPC in Texas at the Expo as well and they all came by to wish me well, I feel like I am part of the family already! I also got to see my good friend Dave Palumbo who I met at the Arnold 2 years ago. He just finished an article on me and it will be coming out in the very next Muscular Development Magazine. Thank you Dave:>)!!!

Me and Ms. Fitness Olympia Adela Garcia!

I was also interviewed by Iron Man Magazine and I will be coming out in a future issue with them too. Overall the LA Fit Expo was a great success and I look forward to next year’s show!

peace,

**BB**

Im in Phil Heaths seminar. This is what he is saying.

"I know that I had to give up basketball when sometimes I would try to dribble the ball between my legs and it would always hit my calfs."

He dieted mainly on tuna on his first show. He used to eat oats straight out of the tub, no water, nothing.
The day before his first show he had to sleep in his car because his friends were having a party upstairs (on college campus)and he couldnt sleep. He had to use his cell phone as his wake up alarm, but more of his friends kept calling to wish him good luck in his show, thus he didnt have any sleep. He said that due to this he looked bad but ended up winning the show.

He loves sweets so he makes sure that he doesnt have them in the house.

His competitive career has been focused on each day as he cannot predict the next. He told his step son who plays games four hours a day to dedicate this amount of time to his school. He was having trouble with certain subjects so once applied he passed his exams. Phil does the same, dedicates time to his weaknesses to become a winner

Over the past couple of years he has realized that if he wanted something that he hadnt had before, he had to do something he didnt do before, thus he began to eat clean throughout the offseason.

His biggest challenges were to be honest with himself. He shot picks of himself in his bedroom to be objective with himself on a consistant basis.

His is an internet junkie when it comes to learning about nutrition, training, anatomy etc so he knows that he is more educated than everyone else and keeps improving.

He said that everyone trains hard, diets hard but Phils focuses more on consistancy. He doesnt want to get to the end of the year and know that he missed a meal, supplement, workout or cardio session.

He writes all of his articles that are seen published in FLEX magazine.

He did an hour and half of cardio this morning and 30 mins of weights

He said he is going to come in bigger and fuller in the back and chest for the Arnold. He will continue to keep his sodium very low, carbs will remain low.

Video clips are starting to trickle in from our crew on the ground in Los Angeles, and are already available here on Bodybuilding.com.

There are currently 6 video clips available from this morning, so check ‘em out here:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2008ironmanpro_vids.htm

Keep checking back throughout the day for even more videos as the weekend continues both at the Iron Man Pro and the Los Angeles FitExpo! 

Keep checking back throughout the weekend to see all the coverage from the Fit Expo and various events. My favorite shot of the day was of Amanda Carrier, a cover model, who was working the BSN booth. SMOKEN HOT and showing off her gunz here.

It’s been an eventful day 1 of the IRONMAN / FIT EXPO. Ron Avidan and I started the day off by visiting GOLD’s GYM VENICE where Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler was putting on a camp and sporting his MUSCLE TECH apparel. Jay was looking huge and lean. We did a video with Gold’s gym that you’ll see here later featuring them as the GYM OF THE MONTH. Lots of other industry people were seen in the gym before heading to the FIREHOUSE. We made the short walk over to the famous eatery and joined a number of people for lunch. The weather is absolutely perfect with temperatures in the upper-60s. Dining at the firehouse was Ron Avidan, Kris Gethin, Kevin Horton, Bob Chic, Lee Thompson, Dan Solomon, Larry Pepe and myself. A few people dined on the "Bob Bowl" but I opted for the bodybuilder’s breakfast which was 8 eggwhites, 3 whole grain pancakes and a buffalo patty. DELICIOUS! If you’re in Venice, definitely check out GOLD’s GYM and stop by the firehouse. Check out some of the video footage from the meal later here on bodybuilding.com.

Ron and I then made our way to the LA convention center to pick up Big Will from Bodybuilding.com. The traffic in LA blows goat balls to say the least. I could never live in LA but must admit the sunshine is nice. We picked up Will and headed to the host hotel where we saw a number of industry people checking in and heading over to the venue. The rooms are spacious and the internet speeds seem to be pretty decent. When you travel to a number of shows there are a few things that are important… A good internet connection, good water pressure in the shower and a comfortable bed. Everything else is pretty much eh, whatever. We grabbed our camera and video gear and headed over to the venue. The walk is only a couple of blocks from the hotel which is awesome.

The hall in which the EXPO is in is MASSIVE. There is an octagon set up, tons of booths, a stage where performances will be taking place and lots to do. There were tons of people through the halls and many booths said they already had to get more samples and supplies sent in for the rest of the weekend. The show venue for the IRONMAN looks like it will be pretty sweet with it’s signature stage lighting looking great. The show will be webcasted here on bodybuilding.com at 10 a.m.

The athlete weigh-in went pretty smoothly with Lonnie "the swami" Teper at the mic. Swami’s best line of the day came when Dave Palumbo chimed in from the audience and asked him, "What did I miss"? Lonnie responded with, "Your pro card." OUCH! The Swami showing no love to Jumbo Palumbo. A couple competitors rolled in late… Desmond Miller and Silvio Samuel. Silvio was sporting all white attire and looked like he had just gotten in from the Bahamas. Sil looked great from the preview he showed the crowd. Toney Freeman weighed in at the heaviest weight of 290lbs. Toney hasn’t shown anyone what he’s looking like and he could be dangerous. Phil Heath seemed tired and out of it, which means he’s ready to rumble and is in great condition. Ron, Kris, Will and I made our way around the expo and did a few interviews and took a number of photos.

When the day’s events were over we headed back to the hotel which was jam packed with people. Siren and Wolf from American Gladiators where in the hotel lobby. We had a WOLF OFF to see who had the best wolf cry and Valerie "siren" Waugaman had the best. Check out some of the videos we got from the hotel. Ron and I also learned that "The Experts" are HUGE in Japan. A big shout out to all our Japan fans! Lonnie, Ron and I made our way down to a dive restaurant called, "The Pantry" which had some awesome food. We interviewed a few guys from "MAX REP" who were delusional and picked King Kamali as their favorite to win the show. I’m not sure what these guys are smoking but holy smokes no chance. We did a few more video interviews in the restaurant and then proceeded back to the hotel. We managed to do an interview with a homeless man pushing a wheel-chair and when LT asked him who he had winning the IRONMAN he responded with, KING KAMALI. What the hell is going on with all the Kamali love? We ran into Dennis James who was comedic as always and a group of Japanese women thought LT was stalking them. Again more amusing videos will be posted.

I grabbed a drink with Bodybuilding.com’s man in the Advertising department, Paul and we chatted a little biz. It’s now 1:30am LA time and I need to hit the hay. It’s a big morning tomorrow and lots more to come here on bodybuilding.com. Thanks for checking out the site and check back for continual updates throughout the weekend.

Hi everybody!

The Iron Man in LA is here and I have the honor to be a guest speaker at The FitExpo at PROPTA’s seminar: "Women Only."  The seminar is going to include myself (Marika Johansson), Adela Garcia, Tanji Johnson and Sherry Goggin. Women will be able to ask questions and get info about different levels of training and diet.

I will be at PROPTA’s booth and from time to time at Bodybuilding.com’s booth also during the weekend, signing and selling pictures and my DVD "Cinderella Story."  Check out PROPTA at www.propta.com.

This is going to be a great event with one of the toughest fields we have seen in many years in the IFBB Men’s Pro division.

So welcome to the 2008 FITEXPO AND THE IRONMAN PRO IN LOS ANGELES, ALL THIS WEEKEND!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
LOS ANGELES FITEXPO
FEBRUARY 15th-17th, 2008

Guests and appearance times are subject to change
Posting as of 2-13-08
______________________

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH

SHOW HOURS: 3:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M.

3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Gaspari Nutrition’s All-American Strongman Challenge

3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Scot Mendelson Pro Classic Weigh-In

3:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. The Gracie US Nationals Weigh-In

4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. The 2008 Iron Man Pro XIX Press Conference & Weigh-In

5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Iron Man Presents “Meet The Pros”

5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. MMA: Coach Fred George and Mixed Martial Artists:

Olivier Gruner, Ben Jones and Erik Paulson

Courtesy of MMA Worldwide, Inc.

6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. inFITnity Performance Group Presents: Expert martial art demo team for tae kwon do , capoiera, XMA , tricksters, professional dancers, break dancers, acrobatics and, gymnastics for an electic mix of entertainment.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH

SHOW HOURS: 10:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M.

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The 2008 Iron Man Pro XIX Men’s Competition (Judging) * separate ticket purchase is required for entry

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. American Gladiator Try-Outs

10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. The Gracie US Nationals

10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Con-Cret USPF American Cup

10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. MMA: Ken Yasuda and former IFL stars tentatively scheduled to appear: Dave Phillips, George Castro, Jason Palacios & Tom Howard and Hosted by Herb Dean

11:00 a.m.-11:15 p.m. Shin’s Martial Arts Performance Team

11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Operation Fitness Teen Strength and Fitness Challenge

11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Sumo Wrestling Demo with Troy Collins

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. NPC Women’s Figure Competition (Judging)
NOTE: there is a charge for the event this year
* Only open to Iron Man Pro XIX ticket holders—you can purchase a ticket onsite

12:00 pm.-12:45 p.m. Ben B. Won, L.A.C. Seminar “Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine” (courtesy of The Eleanor Group)

12:00 p.m.-12:45 p.m. Dr. Robert Goldman “Anti-Aging Seminar”

12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. MMA: MMA Celebrity Fighter Randy Couture Appearance and Seminar (courtesy of MMA Worldwide Inc.) Hosted by: Herb Dean (Randy Couture autograph signing at the MMA Worldwide, Inc. Exhibitor Booth #737 at 2:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.)

12:15 p.m.-12:25 p.m. Fitness Divas Dance Troupe Performance

12:15 p.m-1:00 p.m. Strongmen Competitors–Odd Haugen, Mark Phillipi, David Ostlund and Brian Shaw Seminar “Staying Strong With the World’s Strongest Men”

12:45 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Healthy Living with Cathy Silvers Lifestyle Coach
and Raw Vegan Chef Seminar/Demo (courtesy of Granola Gourmet)

1:00 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Robby Robinson Seminar “Success is in the Detail”
(courtesy of PTA)

1:00-3:00 p.m. Scot Mendelson Pro Classic

1:00-3:00 p.m. American Gladiator Autograph Signing at the
Headblade Inc. Exhibitor Booth

1:15-2:00 p.m. Dr. David Saadat Seminar “Plastic Surgery 2008”
(courtesy of The Eleanor Group)

1:15 p.m.-2:00 p.m. USC’S Headcoach Chris Carlisle Seminar “Training the Explosive Athlete”

1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. The FitExpo’s MaxReps 4 Cash Bicep Curl Attendee Competition Hosted by: Roland Kickinger, Bodybuilder/Actor/Producer

1:45p.m.-2:45 p.m. MMA: Javier “Showtime” Vazquez and Jon “War Machine” Koppenhaver Seminar/Demo “Making it in MMA!” Hosted by Herb Dean

2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Mike Torchia Seminar “Fitness is a Family Affair”

2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. MMA Fighter Randy Couture Autograph Signing at the MMA Exhibitor Booth # 737

2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Mark Faulkner Seminar “TBD” (courtesy of Con-Cret)
2:30 p.m.-3:15 pm. Dr. Tom Deters Seminar “Bodyfat Control”

2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Heather Loundsbury Seminar “Optimal Health Through Combined Eastern and Western Nutrition (courtesy of The Eleanor Group

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Brenda Kelly’s “Timeless Fitness” Seminar with Panel Guests: Timea Majorova, Pax Beale, Kenny Kassel and
Cynthia & Jordan Bridges-Satalowich (courtesy of Bodybuilding.com and Natural Muscle Magazine)

3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. NBC presents “The American Gladiators Meet-N-Greet” with Wolf (Don Yates), Mayhem (Romeo Williams) and Justice (Justice Smith), Stealth (Tanji Johnson), Venom (Beth Horn) and Militia (Alex Castro)

3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. MMA Fighter Keith Jardine Autograph Signing at the MMA Worldwide, Inc. Exhibitor Booth #737

3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. MMA: The Pits, John Hackleman with MMA Fighters Glover Teixeira and Scott LIghty, Hosted by Herb Dean

3:15-4:00 p.m. Dr. Del Millers Seminar/Demo “DEL-icious 10 Minute Meals”

3:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Kit Rich Seminar/Demo “Pilates Plus:
Pilates Plus a Whole Lot More!” (courtesy of The Eleanor Group)

3:45 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Dr. Nick Delgado Seminar “Sexual Healing: A Five Step Plan To Restore Longevity, Intimacy and Quality of Life”

3:45 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Kenny Kassel Seminar “How to Parlay Your Fitness Package into a Career in Entertainment”

4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. Dennis “The Menace” James “Bodybuilding Seminar” (courtesy of Weider Publications, Inc.)

4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Gaspari Nutrition’s All-American Strongman Challenge

4:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Power Plate Fitness Demonstration

4:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m. Kevin Lawrence Seminar “The Miracle of Protein:
Protein Use Pre and Post Workout (courtesy of BNRG)

4:45 p.m.-6:00 p.m. MMA: Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine and Hosted by Herb Dean

5:00 p.m.-5:45 p.m. Jerry Brainum Seminar “Sports Nutrition: Fact vs. Fiction”

5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. FitExpo MaxReps 4 Cash Bench Press Attendee Competition Hosted by: Roland Kickinger, Bodybuilder/Actor/Producer

5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Adela Friedmansky, Tanji Johnson and Marika
Johansson Seminar “For Women Only!” (courtesy of PTA)

5:30 p.m. (doors open) Gladiator Challenge Presents “Evolution” MMA Live Event! (separate ticket purchase is required for entry)

6:30 p.m. Iron Man Pro XIX Men’s and NPC Women’s Figure Finals
*Open to Iron Pro XIX ticket holders—you can purchase a ticket onsite

7:00 p.m. (fight starts) Gladiator Challenge Presents “Evolution” MMA Live Event! *separate ticket purchase is required for entry

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH

SHOW HOURS: 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. American Gladiator “Try-Outs”

10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The Gracie US Nationals

10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Con-Cret USPF American Cup

11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Gaspari Nutrition’s All-American Strongman Challenge

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. FitExpo’s MaxReps 4 Cash Push-Up Attendee Competition Hosted by: Roland Kickinger, Bodybuilder/Actor/Producer

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. MMA: The Pits, John Hackleman with fighters Glover Teixeira and Scott LIghty, Hosted by Herb Dean

12:00 p.m.-12:45 p.m. Layla Fayyad Seminar “Flawless Skin from the Best of Nature and Science” (courtesy of The Eleanor Group)

12:00 p.m.-12:45 p.m. Isaac Hinds Seminar “Branding, Marketing & Self-Promotion in the Fitness Industry”

12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Michael Walczak, M.D. Seminar “Anti-Aging and Nutrition Presented by The Legend!” (courtesy of PTA)

12:45-1:30 p.m. King Kamali Bodybuilding Seminar “Making an Impact”

1:00 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Venus Ramos, M.D. Seminar “Ask the Doc: Rehab & Prevention of Common Injuries in the Active Adult”

1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. NBC presents “The American Gladiators Meet-N-Greet” with Wolf “Don Yates”, Mayhem (Romeo Williams), Justice (Justice Smith), Stealth (Tanji Johnson), Venom (Beth Horn) and Militia (Alex Castro).

1:15 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Azra Mitra Layeghi, R.N., MSN Seminar “Beauty Without a Knife” (courtesy of The Eleanor Group)

1:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m. MMA: Greg Jackson & Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine. Hosted by Herb Dean

1:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Power Plate Fitness Demonstration

2:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m. Fitness Divas Dance Routine

2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Phil Heath Seminar “Going the Distance With the Gift”

2:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Healthy Living with Cathy Silvers Lifestyle Coach
and Raw Vegan Chef Seminar/Demo (courtesy of Granola Gourmet)

2:15 p.m. -3:15 p.m. The FitExpo’s MaxReps 4 Cash Pull-Up Attendee Competition. Hosted by: Roland Kickinger, Bodybuilder/Actor/Producer

2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Darren Levine presents “Krav Maga” Demonstration with Marcus Kowal

2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Johnny Ray Carino Seminar/Demo “Carino Massage” (courtesy of The Eleanor Group)

3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Mike Torchia Seminar “Pet Obesity and What to do About It”

3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler Seminar “Getting to the Top and Staying There” (courtesy of Weider Publications, Inc.)

3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. MMA Fighter Keith Jardine Autograph Signing at the MMA Worldwide, Inc. Exhibitor Booth #737

3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. MMA: Knockout Productions Present: Antonio McKee, Savant Young, Brett Cooper, Tracy Hess & Cobb Whitehorse

3:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m. The Los Angeles Fit Expo’s 2008 Fittest Couple Contest

Guests and appearance times are subject to change
Posting as of 2-13-08

Source: http://thefitexpo.com/schedule.asp

Official Web Site: www.ironmanpro.com

PRESS CONFERENCE/MEN’S WEIGH-IN
Friday, Feb. 15 (4 p.m.) - West Hall A. One of the most exciting events every year! Meet with Iron Man
publisher John Balik and Lonnie Teper, the most accomplished emcee in bodybuilding, as they introduce
and weigh in all its pro competitors. All industry and mainstream press, VIP guests and Expo attendees are
invited to participate. Get a sneak peek at these amazing bodies and see if you can predict who will win the IRON MAN Pro XIX title.

MEET THE PROS
Friday, Feb. 15 (5 p.m.) - West Hall A. We’ve asked the competitors to stick around in the Main Stage to
mingle and meet attendees, so take this opportunity to wish your favorite athlete good luck and grab a photo or two with them as well!

IFBB IRON MAN PRO BODYBUILDING COMPETITION (JUDGING)
Saturday, Feb. 16 (10 a.m.) - West Hall B.  The IFBB Iron Man Pro bodybuilding contest, now in its 19th
year, is the longest-running IFBB professional bodybuilding event on the West Coast. The TOP FIVE finishers will qualify to compete in the ‘08 Mr. Olympia . Total prize money is $30,000.  Competitor list includes Toney Freeman, Gustavo Badell, Phil Heath, Silvio Samuel, Desmond Miller, Will Haris, Troy Alves, Johnnie Jackson, Eddie Abbew, and many others.

NPC IRON MAN FIGURE COMPETITION
Saturday, Feb. 16 (12 p.m.) - West Hall B.  Featuring the world’s hottest, fittest female bodies on one stage!  This has been an extremely popular event over the years. The overall winner will receive a photo shoot with Iron Man Magazine’s celebrated photographer, Michael Neveux, and  will be featured in Iron Man Magazine.

IFBB IRON MAN PRO BODYBUILDING & NPC FIGURE (FINALS)
Saturday, Feb. 16 (6:30 p.m.) - West Hall B. The Finals event features individual posing followed by the exciting posedown of the top 5 to determine the ultimate Iron Man Pro Champion who will take home $15,000.  

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: REG PARK
Since 1998 we have paid tribute to those who have devoted a lifetime commitment to bodybuilding such as Mickey Hargitay, Vince Gironda, Joe Weider, Jim Manion, Bill Bearl and Jack LaLanne.  This year the Peary & Mabel Rader Award for Lifetime Achievement will be posthumously awarded to Reg Park.

Reg Park was one of the all-time greatest bodybuilding superstars. He left an impression on the iron game that will live forever. He was larger than life and a real champion’s champion. He passed away on November 22, 2007, of advanced skin cancer.  At a special tribute held in his honor on December 16, 2007, at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica, California, more than 200 of his friends and admirers gathered to
celebrate his fabulous life and times in a private party hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver.

Reg was the first man to win three Mr. Universe titles, and he did that at seven-year intervals—’51, ‘58 and ‘65.  He also had a successful career in movies, starring in five films as Hercules.  An amazing Renaissance man, he owned five gyms in South Africa and was a contest promoter extraordinaire, holding events all over that country.  He also published a highly respected bodybuilding magazine, the Reg Park Journal.  He trained many champion athletes and bodybuilders and greatly influenced Arnold as a mentor and inspirational motivating force.

Reg first came to the attention of the bodybuilding world in 1950, when he competed against Steve Reeves
in the Mr. Universe contest.  He lost by a half point, and many thought he should have won because he had
greater muscle density and muscularity than Reeves.  He returned to win the title the next year, and his legendary career skyrocketed.  He was considered the world’s greatest bodybuilder by most fans and authorities at that time and for many years thereafter.

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SHOW SCHEDULE
******************************
Press Conference/Men’s Weigh-in, Friday, Feb. 15  at 4 p.m. (West Hall A)
Meet the Pros, Friday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. (West Hall A)
Men’s Judging:  Saturday, Feb. 16 at 10:00 a.m. (West Hall B)
Figure Judging:  Saturday, Feb. 16 at 12 noon (West Hall B)
Finals: Saturday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. (West Hall B)
FitExpo Hours: Fri/Sat/Sun, Feb. 15, 16, 17 (West Hall A)

*Schedule subject to change. Check www.ironmanpro.com for updates.

*******************************
TICKETS
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Judging + FREE Saturday Expo ($40)
Finals + FREE Saturday Expo ($70, $50)
*VIP Package ($125) includes Judging/Finals + 3-Day
Expo pass, BEST CENTER SEATING and the 2008 IRON MAN Pro DVD.

Call to order 800-447-0008 (24/7) or online www.ironmanpro.com. All seats are assigned.

Tickets also available at:
Max Muscle Venice
259 Hampton Dr, #A, Venice, CA 90291
Tel: 310-581-9885

IRON MAN BOX OFFICE
Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall
Friday, Feb. 15 - 3pm to 7pm
Saturday, Feb. 16 - 9am to 8pm

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COMPETITORS
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MEN
Toney Freeman
Gustavo Badell
Phil Heath
Silvio Samuel
Desmond Miller
Troy Alves
Johnnie Jackson
Eddie Abbew
Khalid Almohsinawi
Ray Arde
Paul Baker
Troy Brown
Rodney Davis
Omar Deckard
Alfonso del Rio
Moe Elmoussawi
Deshaun Grimez
David Henry
Rusty Jeffers
King Kamali
Vincent Liu
JoJo Ntiforo
Sergey Ogorodnikov
Gian Enrico Pica
Armin Scholz
Jimmy Canyon
Ken Jones
Will Harris
Mehmet Yildirim
Dragan Paunovic
Neset Icli
Nathan Wonsley

FIGURE
Debbie Bell
Lynette Brooks
Danelle Edmonds
Laurie Eldredge
Hannah Fox
Danitza Freigher
Holly Humphreys
Jennifer Kline
Delinia Lewis
Lisa Lynn-Calhoun
Dore Madere
Kimberly McGarry
MaryAnn Pangelinan
Kathryn Payton
Kristina Perez
Alma Ramirez
Venus Ramos
Ana Tigre
Lorenn Uscilowski
Soumaya Wilmore
Lucinda Witte

A new podcast audio interview by Dan Gastelu has just been published, with Iron Man Magazine’s John Balik and TheFitExpo’s Mark Missioreck.  If you want to hear some great Iron Man Pro predictions and get a sneak preview of this year’s Iron Man Pro, tune in now to listen!

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/balikpodcast.htm

Iron Man Magazine’s John Balik in his youth.

Enjoy! 

AMERICAN GLADIATORS at The Los Angeles Fit Expo! Try-Outs and Appearances Scheduled!

American Gladiators at TheFitExpo
The AMERICAN GLADIATORS In Person
at The Los Angeles FitExpo on
SATURDAY and SUNDAY

Come and meet the stars of television’s hottest show, NBC’s smash hit THE AMERICAN GLADIATORS!

TEST YOURSELF BY TRYING OUT TO BECOME A CONTESTANT!

CONTESTANT TRY-OUTS 10AM TO 4PM SATURDAY AND SUNDAY at The Los Angeles FitExpo, HALL A Los Angeles Convention Center You must be a Los Angeles FitExpo ticket holder to try-out.

Click below for details, rules and regs and GOOD LUCK!

CLICK: NBC-AMERICAN GLADIATORS

NBC’s American Gladiators Storm The 2008 Los Angeles FitExpo™ Looking for Worthy Opponents for Season Two

(Los Angeles, Calif…January 31, 2008)  Tryouts for season two of NBC’s hit series, American Gladiators, will be held at California’s largest and best-known fitness event, The Los Angeles FitExpo, Saturday, February 16 and Sunday February 17 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street, West Hall A.  

“While our event attracts all levels of fitness enthusiasts from beginners to professionals, we certainly have our share of the world’s strongest, fastest and most competitive weekend warriors,” said Erin Ferries, Executive Director, The Los Angeles FitExpo. “American Gladiators’ focus on strength and health is right in line with the philosophy of FitExpo.  We look forward to seeing FitExpo attendees on the show next season!”

Several American Gladiators stars will appear at The Los Angeles FitExpo, signing autographs and speaking at the Expo seminar series. Confirmed to date are “Titan” Mike O’Hearn, “Mayhem” Romeo Williams and “Justice” Justice Smith.

To audition for American Gladiators, you must come in workout attire and appropriate footwear. You will be tested on your physical ability in areas such as strength, speed, balance and agility. It is suggested that you bring a workout towel and water as well as a non-returnable photo of yourself with a completed Application. Time is limited and there is no guarantee that everyone will be seen - so come early Tryouts will be held 10 AM – 4 PM Saturday and Sunday, February 16 & 17. American Gladiators audition application and other information can be found at www.nbc.com/casting

The Los Angeles FitExpo sponsors are Bodybuilding.com, Gaspari Nutrition, Iron Man, Home-Gym.com, Subway, GNC, Prolab, Muscle Milk, Flex, Muscle & Fitness and Con-Cret. Media sponsors include Musclemag, Oxygen Magazine, Powerlifting USA, NPC News, and LA Health News.

The Los Angeles FitExpo adult admission tickets are $10 per day or $20 for all three days. Children 12 years and under are $5 per day and under 6 are free. Tickets are available in advance through the FitExpo website, www.thefitexpo.com or at the door. Show hours are Friday, 3 – 7 PM, Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM and Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM. On Friday, students with ID are admitted free. Discount coupons are available at participating Los Angeles area Subway, GNC and 24 Hour Fitness locations. Plenty of parking is available. For more information on attending or exhibiting, call (818) 545-0290 or visit www.thefitexpo.com

About “American Gladiators”: Hulk Hogan (“Hogan Knows Best”) and Laila Ali (“Dancing with the Stars”) host "American Gladiators," the iconic competition series, which returns with a fresh modern reinvention for the 21st century. Using splashy twists including special effects, water skills and the latest technology, the classic games will be upgraded with even higher thrills, impact, energy and spectacle!

Celebrating the everyday, true American heroes — weekend warriors who excel and take pride in their physical fitness — 24 contenders will go up against the show’s Gladiators, charismatic and eclectic warriors — in the ultimate David & Goliath battle. As in MGM’s traditional "American Gladiators" franchise, everyday amateur athletes compete against the Gladiators in contests of physical strength and endurance. The series will include such classic events as Joust, The Wall, Hang Tough and the Eliminator along with two brand-new events including Earthquake and Hit & Run. The 12 new Gladiators (six men and six women) are action-adventure stars ready to takedown the everyday challengers with hard knocks and explosive attitudes.

Thanks,

Your friends at The Los Angeles FitExpo

"California’s Largest Fitness Expo is working ’round the clock to deliver an amazing weekend for YOU on February 15 to 17, 2008 at the world famous Los Angeles Convention Center.

Check out the latest advertisement and this year we are proud to add several new major competitions including “Evolution”, a 15 cage fight event to be held LIVE! Saturday February 16th, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

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The “MAIN EVENT” will feature U.S. HWT sensation Chase Gormley, (Currently 4 - 0) who is set for a collision course with Brazilian Native & HWT Champion Marcelo “The Cat” De’Galvao (Currently 5-1). Order tickets soon & receive a FREE EVENT T-SHIRT. Every ticket for “Evolution” includes FREE admission to The Los Angeles FitExpo. So come early and show us your Fight ticket and you are in the FitExpo for FREE!

Evolution tickets are very limited, so log on to http://www.gladiatorchallenge.com and get them while you can!  For full details on all the competitions, activities, exhibits and seminars at The Los Angeles FitExpo, click: www.thefitexpo.com

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Here’s the latest full page advertisement: look for it in national fitness and bodybuilding magazines and CLICK HERE to visit the official FitExpo site for the latest updates on the event. Thanks for your continued support.

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You are invited to join the fun of California’s Number One Fitness Expo as TheFitExpo comes to The Los Angeles Convention Center on February 15-17, 2008. We have tons more space than previous years and we’re expanding with new events (11 major competitions are set), lots more exhibitors, and a great program of free speakers and seminars. Spread the word and bring your friends and help us keep on growing!

TheFitExpo’s line-up of guest speakers and seminars is something we’re most proud of. Along with the fun of watching many of the world’s greatest athletes compete, wandering through the exhibit hall (and grabbing tons of free gifts), and maybe even trying to win some cash yourself in our Fittest Couple Contest or MaxReps competitions ($4500 CASH is there for you to win) we want attendees to have the opportunity to learn from superstar experts in training, nutrition, life extension, and overall well-being. All the classes are FREE to anyone attending The Los Angeles FitExpo, and we already have 20 classes set.

We’re happy to announce that Two-Time Mr. Olympia JAY CUTLER returns to headline a special seminar called “Getting To The Top and Staying There”. Other speakers include USC’s Head Strength and Conditioning Coach CHRIS CARLISLE, former Editor in Chief of Muscle and Fitness, DR. TOM DETERS, IFBB Pro Rookie of the Year PHIL “The Gift” HEATH, one of the world’s leading experts in childhood obesity MICHAEL TORCHIA, and from television, The IFL Sabres Headcoach KEN YASUDA.

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Returning to TheFitExpo are two of our most popular speakers, DR. DEL MILLERS, who shows us how to cook up great nutrition filled meals in ten minutes and actor ROLAND KICKINGER who will speak on his new mentoring program. You’ll meet TROY COLLINS, President of The US Sumo Federation, HERB DEAN, Mixed Martial Artist and referee, and DARREN LEVIN, founder of the Krav Maga Association of America.

And that’s just the start…

Visit www.thefitexpo.com for the full run-down of speakers, events and competitions. We’re working round the clock to bring Los Angeles a fantastic weekend like no other! Get motivated, get inspired, get going to The Los Angeles FitExpo: only 50 days to go!

Are you competing at The Los Angeles FitExpo 2008? We’re looking for great competitors who are media friendly, know how to speak in front of the cameras, and have good human interest stories that would interest press. If that’s YOU please contact us at: info@thefitexpo.com and we’ll get back to you. Make sure to tell us which town or city you live in. Thanks and good luck!”

Thanks,

Your friends at The Los Angeles FitExpo 2008
February 15-18, 2008
The Los Angeles Convention Center

Editor’s Note: Don’t miss BB.com’s 2008 Iron Man Coverage.

National Fitness Productions and Iron Man Magazine are proud to announce that the 2008 FitExpo, held February 15-17, will relocate to the world famous Los Angeles Convention Center to allow for continued growth both in the size and scope of the 4th year event event, which has become California’s largest and best known fitness weekend.

With the change in venue comes a new name for the weekend to reflect its location and premiere importance in the fitness field. The event will be known as The Los Angeles FitExpo. Now housed in Southern California’s most prestigious venue, The Los Angeles FitExpo will capitalize on its previous success and more fully present to the world the fact that Los Angeles is truly the center of fitness, health, diet, strength sport, and life extension. Erin Ferries, Executive Director of The Los Angeles FitExpo and John Balik of Iron Man Magazine stated, "We thank all of our previous sponsors, exhibitors and 12,000 attendees that made the 2007 event a cornerstone upon which we can now pump up 2008 to monstrous proportions."

Many of the world’s greatest bodybuilders will compete at the 19th annual Iron Man Pro, the biggest professional bodybuilding contest on the West Coast and the only pro show in Los Angeles, the mecca of the sport. A live webcast of the contest will be provided by Bodybuilding.com.

Other contests held during The Los Angles FitExpo 2008 include the NPC Women’s Figure Competition (the world’s loveliest & fittest women on-stage), the All-American Strongman Challenge (the world’s strongest men vie for $10,000 in cash prizes in a series of contests), the Fittest Couple Contest ($2500 and a national magazine photo layout go to the winners), the Scot Mendelson Bench Press Classic, the USPF American Cup Powerlifting, the Fit Expo Benchpress and Deadlift Challenge, and the MaxReps Competitions (offering attendees the chance to win cash in a series of strength competitions). The 2008 edition is also proud to welcome the premiere of new major events including EVOLUTION, a 15 MMA Cage Fight Card from Gladiator Challenge on Saturday night, The Operation Fitness “Teen Strength and Fitness Challenge”, and The Gracie FitExpo Nationals hosted by the legendary Gracie Family of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fame.

The Los Angeles FitExpo will feature over 200 Exhibits offering the latest in cutting edge fitness and health products and services. Vendors are coming from around the world to participate with tons of free samples and giveaways available. The Los Angeles FitExpo 2008 is also pleased to offerattendees a full array of complimentary seminars and demonstrations covering all aspects of fitness, health, strength sport, and nutrition.

From fitness pro to those just getting started: The Los Angeles FitExpo has it all. At $10 a day it is the best bargain around! CLICK HERE TO GO TO www.thefitexpo.com.

PUT YOUR PASSION TO WORK FOR YOU!

We’re looking for a marketing professional (one to two years experience) to join TheFitExpo team (and our parent company that runs all sorts of events nationwide). Candidates should be innovative, energetic and knowledgeable about on-line campaigns and street level promotions. Office is in Glendale, California and prospective applicants must live in the Los Angeles area. Benefits/pension, great place to work as company interacts with most Hollywood studios and fitness businesses. Send your resume to gary@thefitexpo.com.

TheFitExpo Weekend Pumps Up to The Los Angeles Convention Center in 2008

National Fitness Productions and Iron Man Magazine today announced that the 2008 FitExpo will relocate to The Los Angeles Convention  Center to continue to allow for growth both in the size and scope of the  event, which has become California’s largest and best known fitness weekend.  The 2008 dates will be February 15-17.

Erin Ferries of National Fitness Productions said "After four years of huge growing crowds and overlapping special events we really needed to go to a larger venue for our weekend. The move to The Los Angeles Convention Center allows us exactly what we need to expand and add additional programming and competitions."

John Balik of Iron Man Magazine noted "The Pasadena Center has been a gracious host for TheFitExpo these past four years. Judging by the overflowing crowds, particularly on Saturday, it’s been clear that Southern California fitness enthusiasts are looking to us to allow our sold out expo floor and stage  presentations to grow."

With the change in venue comes a new name for the weekend to reflect its location more accurately. The event will now be known as The Los Angeles FitExpo.

Many of the world’s greatest bodybuilders will compete at the 19th annual IRONMAN PRO, the biggest professional bodybuilding contest on the West Coast and the only pro show in Los Angeles, the mecca of the sport.

Other contests held at the Expo include the Gaspari Nutrition Women’s Figure Competition (the world’s loveliest & fittest women on-stage), the MET-Rx All American Strongman Challenge (the world’s strongest men vie for $10,000 in cash prizes in a series of contests), the Scot Mendelson Bench Press Classic, the NxLabs Fittest Couple Contest ($2500 and a national magazine photo layout go to the winners) and the VPX MaxReps Competitions (offering attendees the chance to win cash in a series of strength competitions).

The Los Angeles FitExpo will feature 200 Exhibits offering the latest in cutting edge fitness and health products and services. Vendors are coming from around the world to participate with tons of free samples and giveaways available.

Throughout the weekend attendees can take part in a full array of complimentary seminars and demonstrations covering all aspects of fitness and nutrition.