2010 Iron Man Blog

The 2009 ProFight Supplements Los Angeles Fitness Expo™ presented by Gaspari Nutrition and Bodybuilding.com, California’s largest health and fitness weekend, returns Saturday and Sunday, January 24-25 to the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street, South Halls G & H.

Now in its sixth year, attendees will find more competitions, demonstrations, seminars and fitness exhibits then ever before. The weekend offers something for everyone from weekend workout devotees to those who make their career out of being in shape. Exhibits will offer the latest in fitness, diet, nutrition, strength and wellness products and services with tons of free samples and giveaways.

The ProFight Supplements Los Angeles Fitness Expo also offers 10 major competitions, including three all-new contests introduced this year:

Wardance Entertainment presents the AMERICAN STREET DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP V “Take it to the Floor,” where the best street dancers in the world will come to battle in Locking, Popping, BBoying and Hip-Hop competitions. ASDC will take place on Sunday January 25th.

THE GRACIE KIDS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. This is the first event of its kind and based on the success of the 2008 US Nationals, which featured hundreds of Jiu Jitsu and grappling competitors from as far away as New Zealand, it is sure to be a big hit.
The inaugural FITEXPO SUMO GRAND PRIX, an International Sumo tournament. Event host, Troy Collins, President & Trustee of the United States Sumo Federation, brings his world-class competitors to the ProFight Supplements Los Angeles Fitness Expo stage in one of the oldest and most revered sports in the world.

Expo attendees will cheer on competitors participating in returning contests including Gaspari Nutrition All American Strongman Challenge, The Acid Zapper Scot Mendelson Pro Bench Press Classic, The Gracie US Nationals and Con-Cret USPF American Cup Powerlifting Championship.

IRON MAN Magazine will present The 20th Annual IFBB IRON MAN Pro Bodybuilding Finals, Saturday, January 24th at 8:00 PM. The IRON MAN Pro is the leading professional bodybuilding event on the West Coast and the only professional show in California, the Mecca of the sport. (Separate ticket required).

The Gladiator Challenge, pioneers in live MMA events, will return with REVOLUTION, 14 live MMA cage fights featuring some of the hottest fighters and biggest stars in mixed martial arts. This event will be held on Sunday, January 25 at 1:00 PM. (Separate ticket required).

Several contests offering cash prizes are open to participation by ProFight Supplements Los Angeles Fitness Expo attendees. The Fittest Couple Contest offers $1,500 in cash and the Champion Nutrition Maxreps 4 Cash Contest offers four unique competitions with $2,000 up for grabs to individuals who can curl a 65 lb. barbell and bench press, pull up, or push up the most times.

Throughout the weekend, many leading fitness professionals will be presenting educational seminars and interactive demonstrations on subjects such as proper nutrition and dieting, exercise philosophies, making health and fitness your business and many more.

Speakers to date include: Jay Cutler, two-time Mr. Olympia, and Dexter Jackson, 2008 Mr. Olympia, both courtesy of FLEX; Dawn Harper, US athlete who brought home the gold medal for the 100 Meter Hurdle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics; Herb Dean, UFC celebrity referee; Brenda Kelly, international cover model and fitness writer; Roland Kickinger, renowned bodybuilder, fitness coach and star of the highly-anticipated Terminator 4 set for release in spring 2009 and Dr. Del Millers, nutritionist/author/personal fitness consultant with his popular cooking demos and more.

Explosive MMA demonstrations will include: Greg Jackson, creator of the Jackson Fighting System and Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine demonstrating the teacher/student relationship that has won them both glory in their chosen sport; Erik Bryant, Nick Papadakis, Brian Alagao and Roan Kalani Grimm from Smash League bring MMA to the next level with full contact weapon fight demos; KNOCKOUT Promotions offering hands on information on how to be the next MMA champion with techniques, defense, mental strength, nutrition and suggestions in cross training and MMA Worldwide and TapouT Magazine featuring live “Pro Practice,” an inside look at the world of mixed martial arts including fighters from southern California’s top gyms demonstrating how these school train the amazing fighters they are known for.

Other demonstrations include Shin’s Martial Arts Performance Team featuring kids 7-16 years old practicing traditional martial arts combined with high energy acrobatic skills and the Fitness Revolution Fashion Show showing workout wear you can wear out.

Up to the challenge? Reality shows hit the The ProFight Supplements Los Angles Fitness Expo both days with open casting calls for two hit ABC reality shows, WIPEOUT! and I Survived a Japanese Game Show. To learn more about the shows, view episodes and learn about requirements click Here.

The ProFight Supplements Los Angeles Fitness Expo sponsors are ProFight Supplements, Bodybuilding.com, Gaspari Nutrition, Champion Nutrition, Con-Cret, FLEX, Muscle & Fitness, SAN, Subway, GNC, Muscle Milk, BSN, Musclemag, NPC News, LA Health News, MMA Worldwide, TapouT, Oxygen, Powerlift USA, IRON MAN, IronMind, Westside Today, Home-Gym, Coast-to-Coast Media and GetBig.

Adult admission tickets are $15 per day or $20 for the full weekend, children 12 years and under are $5 per day and children under six are free. Show hours are Saturday, 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM and Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Plenty of parking is available. For more information on ticketing, exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities call (818) 545-0290 or visit www.thefitexpo.com

Your friends at The Los Angeles Fitness Expo

The Los Angeles Fitness Expo
January 24-25, 2009
Los Angeles Convention Center

Boise, ID – January 07, 2009 – Bodybuilding.com, the Internet’s most-visited bodybuilding and fitness site and largest retailer of nutritional supplements, is once again offering a free all-access webcast double-header featuring the 2009 Iron Man Pro and the 21st Arnold Classic.

Bodybuilding.com will broadcast live on-stage and backstage coverage for both events. Viewers will enjoy pre-show coverage, interviews with pros, in-depth profiles, exclusive offers from the Bodybuilding.com store, contest blogs, and more!

The IFBB Iron Man Pro is the biggest and longest-running IFBB professional bodybuilding event on the West Coast (now in their 20th year) and the only pro show in Los Angeles, the Mecca of bodybuilding. The top 3 finalists will qualify to compete in the next Mr. Olympia.

The Arnold Classic is an annual bodybuilding, fitness and figure competition (named after Arnold Schwarzenegger). It is the most lucrative competition in bodybuilding, with a number of large prizes plus bragging rights for the year. Branch Warren, Victor Martinez and more will be battling it out to take the title home.

The 2009 Iron Man Pro will be webcast live Saturday, January 24th from the L.A. Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA.  Pre-judging will start at 10:30 am PST, and the Men’s Final/Women’s Figure Final will start at 8:00 pm PST. For more Iron Man Pro competition information click here.

The 21st Arnold Classic will be webcast live from Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium in Columbus, Ohio. You can watch the Ms. International, Ms. Fitness International and Ms. Figure International at 7:00 pm EST on Friday, March 6th. Tune in the next day, Saturday, March 7th at 12:00 am EST for men’s pre-judging and again at 7:00 pm EST for the Men’s Finals. For more Arnold Classic competition information click here.

“The Iron Man Pro and the Arnold Classic are two of my favorite events. I’m very excited that we are able to webcast them live on the Internet for free, so that fans from all around the world can experience them”, says Bodybuilding.com CEO Ryan DeLuca.

Bodybuilding.com offers more than 8,500 health and fitness supplements & accessories to help people achieve their fitness goals. They offer more than 25,000 pages of FREE bodybuilding & fitness information, including more than 12,000 articles (written by 525+ writers), video & audio segments, and new content added daily.

For more information: http://www.bodybuilding.com
Contact: Crystal Matthews
Email: crystal@bodybuilding.com
Phone: 208.472.9311

(Los Angeles, Calif….October 14, 2008) Mixed Martial Arts is back at California’s largest fitness event, The Los Angeles Fitness Expo, presented by Gaspari Nutrition and BodyBuilding.com, Saturday and Sunday, January 24-25 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street, South Halls G & H. The Expo will feature two full days of MMA seminars and interactive demonstrations where attendees can learn from the best in the sport up close and personal. The latest in fight gear and clothing will be featured on the exhibit floor. Live cage fights, which were so popular at last year’s Expo, are also slated during the weekend.

“Mixed martial arts competitors are true athletes that employ the training and nutrition principals of strength, power and fitness, the cornerstone of Los Angeles Fitness Expo. We’re are excited to have the biggest names in the sport teaching and signing autographs at our show,” said Erin Ferries, Executive Director, The Los Angeles Fitness Expo.

The Gladiator Challenge, pioneers in live MMA events, return to present REVOLUTION, 12 live MMA cage fights featuring some of the hottest fighters and biggest stars in mixed martial arts. This event will be held on Sunday, January 25 from 1 - 4 PM.

Tedd Williams, The Gladiator Challenge promoter, stated, “It’s great to be back at the Los Angeles Fitness Expo, bringing the best of the sport up close and personal to the city of Angels.”

The Los Angeles Fitness Expo’s complimentary MMA seminar track will be hosted by celebrity referee Herb Dean, featuring many of today’s top fighters and coaches. Up-to-the-minute updates on fighter appearances are available at www.thefitexpo.com

New 2009 Los Angeles Fitness Expo events include:

• Wardance Entertainment presents the AMERICAN STREET DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS where the best street dancers in the world will come to battle in Locking, Popping, BBoying and Hip-Hop competitions. ASDC will take place on Sunday January 25th. Master street dance classes will also be offered.

• THE GRACIE KIDS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS.This is the first event of its kind and based on the success of the 2008 US Nationals, which featured hundreds of Jiu Jitsu and grappling competitors from as far away as New Zealand, it is sure to be a big hit.

• The inaugural FITEXPO SUMO GRAND PRIX, an International Sumo tournament. Event host, Troy Collins, President & Trustee of the United States Sumo Federation brings his world-class competitors to the Los Angeles Fitness Expo stage in one of the oldest and most revered sports in the world.

Expo attendees will also cheer on competitors participating in returning contests including:

The Iron Man Pro XX, All American Strongman Challenge, The Scot Mendelson Pro Bench Press Classic and USPF American Cup Powerlifting.

The Los Angeles Fitness Expo offers something for everyBODY! Attendees will find over 250 exhibits offering the newest in fitness, diet, nutrition, strength and wellness products and services. During both days of the Expo, many leading fitness professionals will be presenting educational seminars and demonstrations on subjects such as proper nutrition and dieting, exercise philosophies, making health and fitness your business and many more.

Adult admission tickets are $15 per day or $20 for the full weekend, children 12 years and under are $5 per day and children under six are free. Show hours are Saturday, 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM and Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Tickets for REVOLUTION are sold separately. Plenty of parking is available. For more information on ticketing, exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities call (818) 545-0290 or visit www.thefitexpo.com

PR Contacts:

Monica Gillen
(714) 271-4081
mcatg@earthlink.net

Mary Anderson-Harris
(818) 729-9291
aharrism@pacbell.net

LT’s new video of the IRONMAN pro is posted. Check out what Lonnie has to say as he dusts of his ball and looks at the contest.

The 2008 Iron Man Pro had over 18,000 attendees, this year is going to be even bigger and better. There are going to be more events, more prizes, more people and more fun. This is California’s largest fitness expo, so its something you don’t want to miss.

For more information check out the Official Website

Reserve your tickets today!

The NPC IRONMAN Figure took place last weekend in conjunction with the IRONMAN Pro. This year’s field was lacking in total competitors and the quality of the physiques were not what we’ve come to expect from this show. The winner receives a photo shoot with IRONMAN magazine and this is a tremendous opportunity for women to get published. Danielle Edmonds ended up victorious but she was not at her best. Last year she was runner-up to the eventual overall winner, Catherine Anderson, at the NPC USA. It could be because this show is very early in the year and a non-national qualifier as to why the numbers were down. If the show sticks around for another year, it is my hope that more women enter and they come in with better conditioning.

A new feature I am starting this year to display the photos is a slideshow. This is the first of many in 2008. Take a look at the competitors from this show here.

**Overall Winner
Danielle Edmonds

Figure Class A
1. Jennifer Kline
2. Shawna Kondo
3. Lisa Sandercock
4. Kathryn Payton
5. Debbie Bell
NP. Kelly Mac
NP. Kimberly McGarry
NP. Lilia Sandozequi

Figure Class B
1. Ana Tigre
2. Selma McPherson
3. Bernadette Marturano

Figure Class C
1. Danielle Edmonds**
2. Hanna Fox
3. Delinia Lewis
4. Kristie Tatum
5. Dore Madere

Figure Class D
1. Lisa Lynn-Calhoun

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.

Just got back to the host hotel from the 2008 Iron Man that was held at the LA Convention Center.

We got so much content, but with teh lack of sleep, i can only give you a preview of what to expect tomorrow and in the next few days.

Here is a preview from Kris Gethin (our Editor-In-Chief):

The finals proved to be quite a shock for most, as the athletes were jumbled up as much as a lottery from the earlier prejudging. Most notable was the switch of placing between Silvio from top three into fourth. Silvio was obviously quite emotional with the decision as he seemed to be very upset backstage with reigning Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler comforting him. I couldn’t complain too much with any of the final decisions, and in all, the judges did a very well, getting the crowds approval on most occasions. Here is a preview of what is to come:

1st Phil Heath
The dictionary’s new word for bodybuilding has to be changed to Phil Heath.  Just when we thought he couldn’t look any better, his added tan and oil only accentuated this awesome physique which soon will be hard to find spoils. His once overpowering arms were treated like a B rated movie due to the fact that his now massive legs take over the new blockbuster role at the box office. I see a new direction in bodybuilding with Phil, and that future looks very, very bright.

> View all pics here http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2008im_pics.htm.

2nd Gustavo Badell
Posing to what seemed to be a tribute to his new sponsors ,Weider, Gustavo brought the house down to his adoring fans with the jingles of Puerto Rican as his backdrop. Looking notably tighter this evening, his symmetry looked better as his condition improved to display zipper like oblique’s.   Always paying attention to detail such as tan, hair, posing and presentation, Gustavo is a true professional on stage which all adds up to his continued run of podium finishes.

> View all pics here http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2008im_pics.htm.

3rd Mo El Massouwi
Mo had the best placing to date and I am sure he will improve on this, but as far as condition goes I couldn’t see much at fault. His back will reap the awards of added thickness, especially when compared to someone who wants to expose such small flaws. I personally would’ve given this placing to Silvio but I have no problem seeing Mo represent the great country of New Zealand at the Olympia.

> View all pics here http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2008im_pics.htm.

The full top ten will be posted tomorrow.

We shot over 8 hours of video that will be added to teh site over the next few days.

Full scorecards will be avalable soon.

The NPC Figure contest webcast video will be ready in the next 24 hours.

Thousands more photos coming in the next 48 hours also.

The video of Wolf and THe Goat will be coming soon!

WW

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.

If you’re looking for the entire collection of our 2008 Iron Man Pro/FitExpo Weekend coverage, look no further than our 2008 Iron Man Pro Main Page:

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

From the live webcast (during the competitions) to webcast replays (after the shows are over), and hundreds of weekend photos (already available) to full contest results (available just minutes after the show), our 2008 Iron Man Pro Main Page will have it all!

Check it out here! 

I received this press release and photos that were taken last week for IRONMAN competitor Paul Baker…

IFBB Paul Baker Joins the Muscleology Team
Muscleology, the maker of Lipoburn tm, Redtest tm, DPXCuts tm, Myofiber tm and Nitro-Pro tm, announced today that IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, Paul Baker has joined their promotional marketing team.  Paul became a professional bodybuilder in 2001 after his win of the Mr. Caribbean and last competed in the 2004 IFBB Ironman.  His training is now focused on representing Muscleology as he competes in the 2008 IFBB Ironman in Los Angeles, California on February 16, 2008. According to Muscleology President, Mush Hussain, “Paul is a great choice to join our team.  He brings years of training and knowledge about sports nutrition, combined with a strong dedication and commitment to helping others achieve their nutrition goals”.  “I want to work with a company that is growing and Muscleology is the right partner” states Paul.  He joins NPC Competitor Mark Alvisi, who is already part of Team Muscleology.

Muscleology earlier this year, launched Nitro-Pro, which is one of the most advanced high performance whey protein matrix on the market today.  Muscleology is on target to the expansion of additional distribution locations and Paul’s involvement is key in accomplishing this strategy.

About Muscleology
Muscleology is a company that is dedicated to providing the most useful information on training, nutrition and cutting-edge supplementation. Their efforts surpass current industry standards and as a result, they remain among the "premier" source on the information highway for athletes of the 21st century. This is achieved through excellent service, continued research, quality products, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards and dedication of excellence in the industry. For more information contact www.muscleology.com

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.

*******************************
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
*******************************
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

*******************************
COMPETITORS
*******************************

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

There is a great deal of buzz around Phil Heath, as well there should the guy looks sic with about 12-15lbs of added muscle since last year. Gustavo Badell is always confident with himself and seems to be dialing it in for the how. Silvio "I ain’t no ankle biter" Samuel is in great condition ever show he’s in. What about Toney Freeman - he is the defending champ. You can’t rule him out or David Henry who placed second in this contest just a couple years ago. Every year there is a dark horse that doesn’t get much buzz and comes in and shocks people. Will it be Kin Kamali? Nahhh, I don’t think so but Ron "yogi" Avidan may speak differently. Troy Alves - there’s a guy who was expected to win the show a couple years ago and hasn’t received much in terms of faith from the fans. Johnnie Jackson is a legit threat to the top five. Don’t forget about Desmond Miller - this guy has some big wheels. The question with Desmond is his waistline and how is that looking. Will Armin Scholtz step up and shock everyone?

Whaddya think who will be the dark horse that no one is considering?

Yes, folks, as Vanessa Williams would say, we saved the best for last…

Check out these 6 new, recently unearthed, previously top-secret QuickTime video clips from behind the scenes at the 2007 Iron Man Pro!

Watch as Bodybuilding.com’s Russ DeLuca gets amorous, Lonnie Teper sneak in a few hugs, and several guys get rubbed down with oil…  LOL

Behind The Curtain @ the 2007 Iron Man
Jay Cutler, Downstairs in the Pump-up Room
LT & Jamie Eason Backstage; Russ DeLuca & the Smooching
Downstairs, Oiling and Pumping-Up
Expo Craziness
Toney Freeman w/ Trophy, Getting Dressed

Tip: right-click on these video links and save them to your desktop for easier viewing.

This ‘Thank You’ message was sent out from TheFitExpo.com just a few days ago, and posted here with permission:

"This past weekend brought beautiful weather and the biggest and best FitExpo yet!  Thousands of fitness fans made the scene  coming to Pasadena to enjoy the exhibitors, contest, demos, and seminars.

Our congratulations to all the winners of the different competitions and thanks to all who made the trip to be on hand.  Complete video and pic coverage of the event will be available soon at thefitexpo.com.

Look for an announcement soon on next year’s date and location.

Thanks,

The TheFitExpo Team"