.She just sent me this: "Anita - Thank you so much for taking the time to cover the Ironman in Syracuse http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2006npcironmanclsc.htm
. It's people like you that keep this industry alive! I am so happy about my placing at Jrs. I was 4th in my enormous class of 47. I feel fortunate & blessed, and I am looking forward to working on my stage presence so I can knock 'em dead in NY!!! Take care and thank you. You ROCK!!!"No Michele you Rock. 47 girls in one class Wow! Good luck in NY.
2006-06-06 - Maybe I'm behind on this but did you know the Toronto Pro was cancled? Wow!
| Only 17 More Days Until The FAME: Fitness And Model Expo And The FAME World Championships. |
2006-06-01 - It is coming so fast! Only 17 more days. Here are some FAME World Championships important details: If you are competing June 16th - 18th at the FAME World Championships please check http://www.fameworldtour.com/competitors/schedule/athletefloorplan.asp for updates on the event.
This is your responsibility to check back regularly as this information page as it will give you everything you need to know regarding the FAME World Championships. Please make sure to read thoroughly so you are aware of all details pertaining to this exciting weekend.
Here are a few more things for FAME members and even no-FAME members, chekc these out. FAME Pro Challenge: Competing athletes square off against each other and talk some serious trash, all in good fun of course. These top notch athletes have trained long and hard and shown incredible levels of discipline and dedication. Now, as we draw close to the must-see event of the year, sit back and take in the challenges that will lead to the greatest show of the year. We invite all FAME Pros to get on board and post your challenge!
FAME 2006 Tickets:
Sell FAME Tickets = More $$$$ in your pocket.
How would you like to earn money? Well now you can! All you have to do is call 1-877-WOW-FAME and tell us that you want your very own Ticket Code. FAME will provide you with a link that you can post on your website, send out in email blasts, post on forums and share with your family and friends. Every time you reach certain ticket goals when tickets are purchased for FAME: Fitness And Model Expo (FAME 2006) and FAME Pro Shows using your code, we'll give you CASH! Here's How it Works:
Pro Show Tickets
10% of all tickets sold through this promotion will go towards the Cash Prize Purse for the Pro Divisions at the FAME World Championships(There are only 500 seats available for each show. So urge everyone to get their tickets now!) Here's what's in it for YOU:
After selling You will earn
15 tickets $75
20 tickets $100
25 tickets $125
30 tickets $150
50 tickets + $250
Expo Tickets
10% of all ticket sales through this promotion will go towards prizes offered in the Advanced and Open divisions at the FAME World Championships. Here's what's in it for YOU:
After selling You will earn
20 tickets $35
30 tickets $70
40 tickets $100
50 tickets + $150
So earn a little cash for yourself! Remember tickets are going fast as so call us at 877-WOW-FAME today for your ticket code! Call FAME now!
2006-06-01 - New at FAME. The FAME team is proud to introduce their FAME clothing line, FAME Performance Wear! Come check out the FAME booth at the FAME: Fitness And Model Expo and see all the exciting styles that we have to offer. Be at the Fitness And Model Expo held June 16th to 18th at the International Centre in Toronto.
| It's Official The Montreal Pro Is On! |
2006-06-01 - It's official you're the first to have the scoop...
http://www.montrealproclassic.com/
2006-05-30 - Dear Friends, I know this is a day late but this was sent to me by a military vet, my friend, and President of the IFPA Jim Bell. So, please, understand what ever your political views are I respect them but this is not about Republicans and Democrats or if you like President Buss or not. I am forwarding this to you as an appreciation for the sacrifices of our American Heroes that voluntarily place themselves in harms way to protect us, our families, our country & our way of life. Curtis and I always go out of our way to walk up to all members of America's Military and we thank them for their service. When Curtis was coaching in Canada last Fall we meet the Universities Volleyball coach who we found out was with the Canadian forces in Afganistan, we shook his hand and thanked him for his help and service. He dropped to his knees sitting on the steps we were talking and began to cry – he told us that no one, not even a Canadian has ever thanked him and to hear it from two Americans he was to say the least - speech less. So, when you read the below remember no one can predict when that Military rep you thanked and meet today, may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice tomorrow for you.And Curtis and I are not ashamed ot say that when we read this we both cried.
A Simple Thank You.
Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
"No," he responded.
"Heading out?" I asked.
"No. I'm escorting a soldier home."
"Going to pick him up?"
"No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I'm taking him home to his family."
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, "Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do."
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United State s Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.
So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do. Stuart Margel, Washington, D.C.
| Weightlifting Case Study With FREE Udo's Choice® Oil Blend |
2006-05-11 - Diane Robert, Project Manager for an International Natural Weightlifting Case Study sponsored by FLORA Health contacted me to invite natural powerlifters, Olympic weightlifters, strongmen and other strength athletes to submit an _Expression of Interest to participate in this exciting project.
Need some mroe info? Here you go. In collaboration with FLORA Health, RobertUniverse.com, the official website of Leo Robert, former Mr. Universe Pro, is conducting a 36-Week International Natural Weightlifting Case Study to measure the effects of essential fatty acids on weightlifting performance, health & general well-being. The source of EFA's used in the study is Udo's Choice® Oil Blend, which was formulated by Dr. Udo Erasmus, internationally recognized authority on the subject of fats and human health.
The Case study is seeking serious-minded candidates who match the criteria for this Study.
Participants of the Study will receive free cases of Udo's Choice® Oil Blend. To find out more about Udo's Oil, please view the following link: http://www.udoerasmus.com/products/pdf_files/Udos_Choice_Oil_Blend.pdf
We ask that participants remain on the same weight training, diet and supplementation program throughout the 36 weeks of the trial. Note: Allowances are made for competitive athletes providing they are able to maintain the same core exercises during the trial. We also recognize that competitive athletes need to adjust the intensity of their workouts as they approach competition. Each participant will be required to submit three photos to be used on our website and must be prepared to log their performance in the gym, daily oil intake, supplementation and complete the necessary questionnaires. Participants will be issued their own username and password to gain access to a special section of our website to complete the forms electronically. Each participant will be featured on our website where the study will be followed from beginning to end.
To submit an "Expression of Interest," please visit the Case Study Information Centre on their website www.RobertUniverse.com or contact Diane, Project Manager directly.
Links for Study:
http://www.robertuniverse.com/strength athletes.htm
www.RobertUniverse.com
| FAME Ahletes On The Howard Stern Show |
2006-05-11 - FAME athletes Ashley Harrison and Deanna Garraway were selected by FAME Media Group and "The Howard Stern Show" to appear on the #1 radio program in the world!
Ashley and Deanna will be heard by over four million listeners via Sirius Satellite Radio on Thursday, June 8th beginning at 8:30a.m. These two lovely ladies will be promoting FAME and talking about two of the biggest, most exciting fitness events of the summer - FAME: Fitness And Model Expo (FAME 2006), taking place June 16-18 in Toronto, and FAME Fallsview Fury, August 19th in beautiful Niagara Falls!
| Hello Muscle Update Readers! |
2006-05-11 - Hello everyone! The season has begun. Another Powerlifting and Bodybuilding competition season is upon us. It was great seeing all my friends, and some of my fans at the APF Bench Wars. I'm also attending IFBB Pro and MsucleTech athlete Jeramy Freeman's Ironman Classic coming up, May 27th...I'm just helping out, handing out some trophies and taking pics for Bodybuilding.com.
I can't tell you how motivated I am for Bench competitions. It feels like forever since I competed. I am back to training without any pain from my shoulder surgery. Soon i'll be hitting the 300 bench mark and then beyond.
About Women's Professional bodybuilding the nly show's left for an IFBB Pro woman is the August Europa and Atlantic City show in September. Wow! Why become a IFBB pro? Oh well. I might be at the Europa show, I'm thinking about doing the "Muscletech" Bench Press contest. We'll see how traing goes in the next 4 weeks, and then i'll decide.
| HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Bodybuildiers Help Kids With Cancer |
2006-04-27 - Do you know Sébastien Cossette? Some of you do, his nickname is "Da Freak." Well, Da Freak is traying to help raise money for Leucan. Those of you who don't know what Leucan is, it's a non-profit organization which helps kids with cancer. Founded in 1978, it promotes greater well-being and healing among children with cancer and provides support for their families.Cool!
Myself and my friends from across the border in Canada and Vinkomorph.com are asking you to plunge your healthy hand into your wallet and shell out a little to help some not-so-strong-nor-healthy kid feel better.
As most of you know, chemotherapy makes hair fall out. So on June 11th, Sébastien is going to take up the "Shaved Head Challenge" organized by Leucan. He, along with hundreds of other fund-raisers, are going to have his head completely shaved as he remits all the money he will have gathered to Leucan. I'm going to help but my hair is not leaving my head.
I know everyone's short on money since it was tax time and things are just tight all over, trust me money's not growing on trees for me, but you don't have to give up much to help. You can spare $1 or maybe $100, it doesn't matter - even you BB.com. What counts is supporting the cause.
All the money collected, every last penny, will be given entirely to Leucan.
With all that is going on in Bodybuilding here's good time to help improve the perception of bodybuilding and its community in the public's mind! Whether you're a fan, an athlete, a trainer, a gym owner, etc. it doesn't matter. Get involved!You can donate thru Paypal or send a check to the order of Drako Medias at this adress :
Sébastien Cossette – Leucan
Drako Medias
262, 80ième Rue Est
Charlesbourg, Qc
Canada
G1H 1A7
An income tax receipt will be issued
for donations of 15$ or more.
Anyone who contributes will have their name mentionned in the right column on vinkomorph.com. Of course, businesses can jump in too! We'll put up the logo of any business who donates 100$ or more to Leucan thru Sébastien. Drako Medias already gave Seb 100$ for Leucan. Who's next?
HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
Send this link to your friends:
http://www.vinkomorf.com/4leucan
| First Place At The APF Bench Wars |
2006-04-27 - I recently had my comeback to bench competition and won 1st place in the 165 sub-masters with a 260 bench this was done at the APF Bench Wars held this past April 15th, 2006 in Lake George, New York. Possibly thinking about doing the APF Nationals in Vegas this June...
| Maryland Terrapin TE Vernon Davis Signs With EAS |
2006-04-26 - Potential draftee Vernon Davis, who at 6-3, 254 pounds was a powerhouse tight end at Maryland, can say he's one of the 4.3 guys heading into the April 29 draft.The former Terrapin ran the 40 in 4.38, three-hundredths of a second faster than his time in college. The time is believed by many to be a combine record for a tight end. Davis also recorded a vertical leap of 42 inches and bench pressed 225-33 times.
A physical specimen in college, Davis holds Maryland football tight end records for bench press (460), power clean (355), vertical jump (40), squat (685) and 40-yard dash time (4.41).
Better get to work you college hopefuls.
Davis has been using NFL-certified EAS brand supplements during his training joining a growing number of recent draft picks that are also on the EAS roster like Ronnie Brown of the Miami Dolphins and Carlos Rogers of the Washington Redskins. These are just a few who are of the 1,200 NFL players EAS reports as users of its products.
Football players are turning to supplements and special training programs while preparing for a football on alll lelvels becuase football is based exclusively on strength and speed.
Some info was from Scripps Howard News Service, Maryland Football, and EAS.
2006-04-12 - I just signed a contract with ALLMAX and am very excited to be a part of their team! They have some amazing products. I love their ALLWhey Protein, in one scoop it has a whopping 42 grams of protein, instead of only 20 something with others. And the NOK2 does work! Click here http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/all/all.htm to check them out! Need some supplement/diet programs and workout programs? Drop me an email for rates on different programs.
2006-04-08 - Are you interested in getting some FREE stuff? Sure, you should be. Sign up for FREE stuff from FAME Media Group. When you sign up you can receive a free FAME Web site; a free FAME Agency profile, cool!(www.theFAMEagency.com)
The profile specializes in representing fit talent for tv, movies, print and tradeshow work. Also, FREE representation by The FAME Agency; free FAME newsletter updates; and a free FAME email box! Sign up at www.FAMEworldtour.com
| Bodybuilding.com National Fitness Model Search Championships |
2006-03-31 - Are you interested in following in Christina's footsteps to competitive success? Get in on the action as Bodybuilding.com hosts the National Fitness Model Search Championships next Friday, April 7 in Boise, Idaho. In addition to the thrill of victory, the overall winner will be featured in FAME Fitness & Lifestyle Magazine and will receive FREE air travel and hotel accommodations for the FAME World Championships in June.
Registration for the Bodybuilding.com National Fitness Model Search Championships is limited. Get all the details on this spectacular at www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2006boisexpo.htm event and REGISTER NOW at www.fameworldtour.com/register!
| FAME Fitness Competitor Standout! |
2006-03-30 - Here is FAME Competitor Christina Tucci who was promoted as Bodybuilding.com's Fitness Competitor of the Week!
http://www.bodybuilders.com/fitness.htm
| Panatta's Longest Work Out |
2006-03-29 - I heard from Robbert-Jan van Heeckeren form the Netherlands regarding Panatta's Longest Work Out and he had this to say about it's outcome;"Dear Anita, Here is allot more information over Panatta's Longest Work Out Ever. On the 6/7 of may, Thijs Althof, Aad Althof and Robbert-Jan van Heeckeren are going to give a try for the longest work-out in history of bodybuilding and fitness. They will settle this record at Strada Sports in the town Vorden(Netherlands). There will be traint with dumbbells, barbells and they cardio. All this in the trent of bodybuilding. We will try to settle a record of 24 hours, but we are going for more of course. At the moment we got a coach: Leon Averdijk. And a medical staff: Melle Steringa. Also Peter Bartelds will control the logbook. So our staff exists with 6 people. Every hour we have 5 min.of rest, the NBBF will controle the rules, we can get 5 min. of time extra for injurries every 5 hours, we must stay in the room/gym where we do the attempt, all in style of fitness/bodybuilding, every hour there must be two adult people sign in the official recordbook (logbook) for every rule, the athlets to.
Well, guys that's cool, but when are you going t do this this is the second annoucement we heard, common do it already. Like the NIKE add say's just do it! How long are you going to train to train?Anyway, we'll look forward to hearing about the outcome, and hopefully no one get's hurt.
| Training At The Compound: 'Back In The Saddle Again - Part One.' |
2006-03-29 - Training At The Compound: 'Back In The Saddle Again - Part One.' is up, check it out at http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/ramsey24.htm
This new piece is about Curtis and I traing for the APF Bench Wars commming up this April 15th. We are training with the Metal Militia after a long 2 year layoff due to various reasons that were out of our control. Learn more about it right here. http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/ramsey24.htm
| An Interview With Top Fitness Coach And Camp Host, Cathy Savage! |
2006-03-29 - An Interview With Top Fitness Coach And Camp Host, Cathy Savage! http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/ramsey25.htm
Learn more about Cathy and Camp Savage. Cathy is doing something really great for competitors, if you're ever in teh Boston area look her up and tell her Anita sent you.
2006-03-29 - Here is fitness model and FAME competitor Blake Berkhout. He just sent me this link on his new web site http://evolutionmedia.ca/clients/blake/index.php
Blake also informs me that soon his web site will be blakeberkhout.com, it is a work in progress he say's. Nice Blake, know lift some more iron you look a little small.
| WNSO Competitor Anna Kocis |
2006-03-29 - WNSO competitor, Anna Kocis is getting ready for FAME Central (April 15th in Toronto) and FAME Worlds (June 16th-18th). Anna is a fitness competitor and fitness model. Here is her web site: www.annakocis.com
2006-03-29 - I just heard from a Cathy Savage faithful, Toneka Pires. She said this about the article and Cathy's camp. "Hi Anita, I just wanted to let you know that you did an awesome job on the article written about Savage Choreography Prep Camp! Great job!
Thanks Toneka, Have you been to a Savage camp? "I have. In fact I have gone to every single camp since Cathy started. The camps get better and better every year! We were all so proud to read such a great article!
You are so very welcome Toneka and to all the rest of the Savage girls, keep strutin and pumpin that iron!
| FAME Muscle Pro Paul Luis Signed By Allmax Nutrition |
2006-03-26 - Please join me in extending our congrats to FAME Muscle Pro Paul Luis, who was recently signed on as a sponsored athlete by FAME World Tour Platinum Sponsor Allmax Nutrition. Watch for Paul's photo and bio, coming soon to www.allmaxnutrition.com.
| Hot Bodz Clothing Model Search Winners |
2006-02-24 - My buddy Tim Reilly from Hot Bodz Clothing Company just dropped me aline on the Hot Bodz Model winners for 2006.
The models are Tony Metcalf and Rob Kreider. Each model received $250 cash and wardrobe of Hot Bodz clothing as well as feature positions in Hot Bodz seasonal brochures, magazine advertisements and website as well as receiving all the latest Hot Bodz fashions throughout the year.
who ar ethese two? well, both individuals are highly involved in the bodybuilding industry. Tony Metcalf owns two Discount Nutrition Center's and a Mixed Martial Arts - No Hold's Barred Promotion Company (Knuckle Up) and Rob Kreider owns a top Personal Training Facility (RK Bodies). Both are national level competitors and represent and promote Hot Bodz respectively in their day to day activities as well as industry events.
I always tell you people to check out web sites as most always do a model search of some kind or a top model contest. Hot Bodz received quite a few submissions. "What separated Tony and Rob from the other models was their "stand-up" attitudes, willing to work with us unconditionally as well as being very reliable and positive individuals." Tim adds abnout his new models.
Go to www.hotbodz.com and get ready for the 2007 contest. Hey Tim, need any hard body type women? I'm available. Wow 2007, time sure flies when you're having fun.
| Women's IFBB Qualifier Info |
2006-02-16 - A Note From IFBB Pro-
Betty Pariso;
"To all the IFBB FBB:
Finally some good news...I have been working hard trying to increase the Qualifying spots for the Olympia. As you know we have so few opportunities to Qualify with the lack of shows. We all need to thank Jim Manion and Tony Blinn (IFBB legal advisor) for thier ability to make changes and support the Pro FBB. As an example, at this years Ms. Interantionl if the top 5 are already Qualified, we will possible be picking up 6,7,& 8 spots to Qualify for the Ms Olympia. At the Smaller shows we also will be picking up additional spots if some are already Qualified. We are still working out a few details, but will have the official letter ASAP. For the IFBB to make these changes for us is a BIG DEAL!!!" Betty Pariso"
If you think so Betty. What about MORE money at Pro Shows for women and more qualifers at the NPC level?
| Vinkomorf.com Supports The Troops |
2006-02-08 - I love these guys, and anyone who does things like this, especially Canadians! Vinkomorph.com sent 20 Vinkomorf Calendars from their headquarters in Quebec, Canada, for the Canadian and US troops posted in Iraq."Wether you agree or not with what goes on there, one fact remains: thousands of your relatives, friends and neighbours are there because they were told to. Whatever the case, we're pretty sure they miss home, especially during the holiday seasons."
Stated well by Simon co-owner of Vinkomorph. Curtis and I always "thank" ALL military for there service and support, they keep us FREE and SAFE!
2006-02-08 - CAMP SAVAGE located in Boston had women from all over the country attend this years camp. Cathy has many sponsors also helping out for Camp Savage: Oxygen Magazine, Sylvia Tremblay Designs, MaggieFit.com, Passion Fruit Designs, Dave Follansbee: NPC District Chairman, Ibezawear! Now that’s how you do camps. Look for an upcoming interview right here at Bodybuilding.com that I’m doing with Cathy.
| Win A Photo Shoot With Iron Man Magazine's Michael Neveux |
2006-02-08 - Are you an unknown bodybuilding star? Win a photo shoot with Iron Man Magazine's Michael Neveux, bodybuilding's #1 photographer. Submit your best photo and let Iron Man Graphic Muscle discover and publicize you.
That is way cool! I did it all on my own, so someone lucky person is going to get help from one of the best out there in taking pics of hard bodies; Michael Neveus. You Don;t know who he is?,p>Well, Michael Neveus has helped make hundreds of bodybuilders famous with his fabulous photography. This contest is for one guy and one gal. Contest deadline is March 24, 2006. Winners will be personally selected by Iron Man editors on March 31, 2006.
What Will You Need To Get Started?Go to Graphic Muscle.com and reply to the contest thread and upload 1-2 images of yourself based on the following image criteria all by March 24. Make sure to include your full name and that your email address is current. You may also send in photos to the following address:
Win A Photo Shoot With Iron Man Magazine
Iron Man Magazine
1701 Ives Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93033
If mailing photos, please include contact information. Photos cannot be returned.
Image Criteria:Only JPEG or GIF file formats will be accepted. Images must be sized so that the longest (or widest) dimension is 600 pixels. Images must be 72 dpi. NO nudity. Full body shot in swimsuit or posing trunks. You must over 18 years of age.
| 24 Hour Workout Record Attempt |
2006-01-24 - On May 6th, This Althof, Aad Althof and Robbert-Jan van Heeckeren (all from Europe)are going to try for the longest work-out in history. They will settle this record at Strada Sports in the town Vorden (The Netherlands). They will exercise with dumbbells, barbells, cardio and other equipments. All this will be done in the style of bodybuilding. They want to set a record of 24 hours, but they're hoping for more.
It’s the first time that this will be tried. These men have been working for over a year now designing and planning for this event with the help from Julliette Bergman (miss Olympia 2001-2003) who is in the NBBF( Netherlands Bodybuilding Federation). Interesting stuff. It seems that they have press intrest in the recordattempt. Good luck!
| Bodybuilding.com Presents The FAME Fitness & Model Search Championships |
2006-01-24 - Bodybuilding.com presents the FAME Fitness & Model Search Championships on April 7th in Boise, Idaho.
You've heard of FAME? The largest competition of its kind, the FAME Fitness & Model Search welcomes males and females ages 18 and up to the stage, in a showdown evaluating physique, beauty, poise, confidence & style! Fitness models are judged individually during three rounds of clothing – swimwear, sportswear & evening wear in their quest to represent the ultimate combination of athleticism & fashion!
For more info contact Lisa Hughes, Talent Representative, The FAME Agency, 6021 Yonge Street,Suite 316, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M2M 3W2 or go to www.FAMEworldtour.com and email Lisa lhughes@famemediagroup.com
(866) 817-7770
| Get Your Bodybuilding.com Gym Gear Now! |
2006-01-20 - I want to thank Ryan and Bodybuilding.com for the awesome T-shirts and dance pants! You will definitely want to get your gym wear right hear to show off that “Swoll? look you been getting from all that iron pumping. To Get your BB.com stuff go to the Store for all your gym wear. The key element to Bodybuilding.com Gym wear is quality, design, and comfort. Get some now!
| Critiques, Analysis And Some Reviews... |
2006-01-20 - I really like to critique, analyze and review bodybuilding/weightlifting-related subjects, i.e.; videos, books, supplements, and other similar products that we should be looking at. Frequently I get asked for advice, as to whether there are any good bodybuilding books or videos available. So, that is why I have taken it upon myself to investigating some specific unknown materials that are topnotch must have items for any true hard-core muscle head. I want to bring the best ones to you, to help make your iron dreams come true. And believe me there is allot of really good bodybuilding books, videos, supplements and other items that we don’t know about. Why? Well, maybe because we are so consigned to the current bodybuilding media, like Big Brother, they only show us what they want us to see. But, I look for items that the media doesn’t have there hands into, real bodybuilding items, from real hardcore no-holds bared bodybuilding kinsmen that offer us things that will advance us into new muscle and strength gains. Not this mainstream fluff stuff that we always see.
All these training articles are great but what about the products available to us? The Bodybuilder NEEDS MORE! Not these adverts reviewing MuscleTech products (there, I gave them a plug). Who cares? I don’t.
If you are a company or individual that has something that the bodybuilding/fitness world needs, then contact us here at Bodybuilding.com for your industry review and we’ll see if you STACK up to the standards we expect as muscle heads. Here are a few, for starters, that will peak your bodybuilding interests.
'The Iron Goddess' Has New Instructional Videos
The sub title for 2000 Ms. Olympia Andrulla’s Blanchette’s new video Quest for Perfection reads: “Your Journey Begins Here…? And how true it is. Female bodybuilders offer so much more to bodybuilding then just our sexy bodies, like our male counter parts we are experts in exercise technique, designing training routines, posing, off season bulking diets and contest prep information. For women bodybuilders, especially a beginner, whom do you turn to for help? Another man? Another male bodybuilder? Of course, most do. Unfortunately, many men do not realize that the female physique does not respond or react the same way as a man's. It is very important if having a man help a female that he really understands how the female physique works. One of my Muscle Update readers is getting ready to do some shows out in California and the diet here PT has her on, I mean everyone who knows anything about contest dieting for women knows you don’t put women on CARBS. They just don’t work well for us. And that’s one of the great things that Andrulla points out in the video, “carbs do not work well for women.? Andrulla takes you on a journey to physique betterment, both men and women; amateur or veteran can benefit from this 1-hour tape.
The video goes through Andrulla’s weekly training regiment and exercises she prefers for maximizing shape and size and is planed out nicely. While narrating she goes through her special exercises. Andrulla explains that there must be a strong emphasis on the importance mental preparation for training and building your physique. She also outlines a fantastic 9-day split routine, that quite frankly, if I where competing again I would implement. She goes through her special exercises while narrating while the exercises are being performed. Andrulla explains with a strong emphasis on the importance mental preparation for training and building your physique. In this video she explains why the need for a training journal, proper nutrition, cardio, and supplementation for off-season bulking and contest prep. This informative 1-hour tape can benefit both men and women. Quests for Perfection takes a step beyond the traditional ‘posing videos’ that are offered of female bodybuilders, how boring these posing videos are becoming. Andrulla saw a need for informative exercise teaching that is nonexistent in woman’s bodybuilding. Learn the secrets that made pro bodybuilder and Ms. Olympia Andrulla Blanchette one of the greatest female bodybuilders of all time and one of the best to come out of the UK! There is much to learn from this video no matter what level you are at.
If I have one piece of advice for Andrulla, don’t leave us hanging, we want more. After watching the tapes, I wanted more. Ms. Olympia has so much to offer male and female bodybuilders in the way of updated information you don’t read or hear in the magazines. So get this tape and see how 1-hour can change your whole bodybuilding training in such a short time. The video can be ordered directly online, via a secured interface and using all the major credit cards. VHS PAL and NTSC. US$40. Go to www.andrulla.com
CHECK this book out. Manifesto of Mass by James Stettler. Out of all the books I’ve read on training and bodybuilding this is by far my favorite. And I’ve read several. There is an old saying, “If you think you know everything then you don’t.? I’m always reading. I read books on research and I also read philosophy and Law books. Variety, it’s the spice of life, isn’t it? This is a great book for beginners and advanced alike. No matter what level you are at, you will learn something from each chapter. For those that maybe view themselves as advanced and know-it-all you will find something you forgot or simply thought you new but didn’t, trust me on this. There are some things those Brits know that we don’t here in the colonies. And it makes you wonder when they grow them as big a Doz. Oh sorry, Dorian, I mean. Manifesto of Mass is an excellent presentation to bodybuilding, nutrition, supplementation, weight training and the “over? the edge topics that most places are afraid to talk about. Stettler is honest, unbiased, and will tell you exactly how it is. Manifesto of Mass will put everything you could possibly want to know about bodybuilding into perspective.
The reading is not overly complex or scientific. That’s what is so enjoyable about reading Manifesto of Mass it is so easy to understand and very motivational. I couldn’t put the book down till I was done reading it. Though it may be geared a little more for the beginner I see it as a fantastic, if not exceptional tool for the veteran bodybuilder. There is chapter devoted to a specialized way to pack on the pounds via a specific workout routine that for HIT fanatics will make you drool. That’s all I’m going to say about that. Well, let’s put it this way, if you are a one set to failure person this is a must workout, I’ve never heard of it before but the Brits are using it with “massive? results. No pun intended. There are chapters on proper bodybuilding nutrition something we forget about and that so little info is available to us regarding diets, i.e. bulking and pre-contest. Do you know what supplements to take? Sure you don’t, most of us are left asking the question and then experimenting with the vast array that is available to us. There is a chapter on what should be taken for maximum growth and it’s so simple. My thoughts as I read it; “Duh! I knew that why haven’t I been doing it?? It is a little known factor that to get big you need proper caloric intake with proteins, carbs and fats. And given the importance of diet in Bodybuilding there are relatively few books around which focus on the subject with proper direction on how to maximize individual potential for gaining mass and strength.
Personally, I learned something new, and something’s that I already new and started doing again, which by the time you’re reading this has increased my lean body weight, strength levels and overall well being to improved standards. One simple vitamin supplement that I started taking has aided in my recovery after workouts tremendously. There is a chapter on steroids. Sorry, for you ‘natural’ bodybuilders, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pick this up and read it. You, of all bodybuilders, need this info so you can see the “real? behind AS. James leaves nothing out! Manifesto of Mass is a valuable addition to someone that has already learned the basics or for a refresher, you never know, you might learn something.
Manifesto of Mass presents a great deal of information on ways to maximize your natural training. It has an excellent framework for the beginnings of bodybuilding and weightlifting. Manifesto of Mass is a must read for all levels of bodybuilders. This small book covers all aspects of natural training including the best exercises, diet and supplementation. Questions and answers on what takes place inside our muscles when we train and even the process of digestion are covered. To get you Manifesto of Mass book go to: www.Area9.net
NOW for some BIG training info. Elite Training from the West Side.
You’ve heard of them. That bunch of bad ass powerlifters at Westside Barbell Club. A host of them bench press over 600 and squat in the nine hundreds. So, you think because you’re a bodybuilder you don’t need this information? Ha Ha. Yes, that’s me laughing at you. This training will maximize your look on stage tremendously. Yeah, but I’m a “Natural? athlete, and I believe that “over training? exists. But I do need a better program for training then I have something for you; The Westside Barbell Seminar video series. You want to get bigger and stronger? I mean really strong, while staying injury free, and put everyone to shame with the huge totals and max weight’s you'll be putting up in the Bench and Squat? Interested? Hell yeah! Everyone reading this who lifts is interested in all the above and more. So, if your answer is yes, then these tapes are a must for your training library. You do not have to be a competitive powerlifter to benefit from these tapes either. I’m a retired competitive NPC female bodybuilder and these exercises and special movements are taking me places my old bodybuilding training couldn’t.
Think you have a big bench? Think you squat correctly? Think again. After reviewing the Westside Barbell Seminar Video Series tapes from Elite Fitness Systems by Dave Tate all I have to say is Wow! These tapes will show you what you’re doing wrong and what you should be doing to become the best. But, ONLY the dedicated individual willing to try the different in ultimate training will excel in new levels of size and strength. Trust me, take my advice and purchase this video set. I told a Bodybuilding friend about these tapes and that he should check them out, his response was; "I'll leave the powerlifting and big weights to you and your husband. I'll stick to my way of training." He doesn't know what he's missing. Bigger hamstrings! Thicker upper body! What bodybuilder doesn't want those attributes?
At present after performing the many unorthodox exercises prescribed in the video my squat technique has changed for the better and my weight has increased dramatically in only a few short weeks. My hamstrings have a sweep I wish I had when I was competing. Don't believe me; try doing five sets of 15 reps with Pull Troughs. Don't know what a Pull Through is? Get the tapes and find out. You should because if you don’t have a reverse hyper or a Glute-Ham Raise machine, and most gyms don’t, Pull Through’s are probably the next best hamstring exercise available. I don’t even do lying leg curls anymore. Those are things of the past. In the short time we (my husband and I) started doing the exercises in the videos prescribed by Dave Tate and Louie Simmons, We've been approached by a dozen or more asking us what and why we're doing what we're doing. If you don’t want to get big and strong then don’t ask.
This seminar video pack contains three videos (over 6 hours!), covering the entire Westside Barbell Seminar LIVE. Also included is a seminar manual complete with notes, articles and pictures of many of the special exercises performed by there "elite" lifters that are benching 700 plus pounds. For a limited time Elite Fitness Systems is also including a 45-minute video interview with the "man" himself, Louie Simmons. That video in itself will make you open your eyes to the lifting community and how back wards we have become and how degenerative we’ve become in our training. Louie tells it like it is. Which is a breath of fresh air in this weightlifting world of lies and backward ideas. It’s great.
The Westside Strength Seminar has become one of the fastest growing and most popular strength seminars in the country. This is because the information presented in the seminar works. Many attendants have put up to 100 pounds on their lifts in the first year after applying the information presented in the seminar. All aspects of the Westside System are covered from the beginner to the Elite athlete. The video set includes three tapes (over 6 hours!) a seminar manual and a bonus interview tape with Louie Simmons.
Again, you do not have to be a competitive powerlifter to benefit from these tapes but if you are a powerlifter these tapes are a must. And if you think you have to be using “gear? to get the max benefits from these special exercises and this way of training, don’t even bother getting the tapes. Trainers, bodybuilders, general fitness enthusiasts, sport coaches, athletes of all kinds, and even fitness competitors will benefit from the training secrets involved in these tapes. If you are not afraid to be different, and want to become a standout in your next competition or just being the best in the gym you train at then go to the Bodybuilding.com Store and ask for the tapes. Tell Dave, Anita sent you.
Casey Viator’s Total Fitness. There’s probably not a bodybuilder alive who hasn’t heard of the youngest bodybuilder to win the Mr. America. If you don’t know who I’m talking about then you need to get this book and read about one of histories thickest bodybuilders and true followers of High Intensity Training before Mike “Heavy Duty? Mentzer came along. I’m talking about Casey Viator.
Each page Casey discusses his years of knowledge, experience and his commitment to his physique development and the direct result of the discipline he learned from bodybuilding. He also discusses his reasons for basics in bodybuilding, exercise techniques, and supplements and nutrition. Casey Viator’s Total Fitness is a resource tool for bodybuilding. In fact, browsing through the table of contents you’ll notice that it’s actually set up as a step by step program broken down into chapters. Each chapter is easy to read and understand, even for beginning bodybuilders, with plenty of motivational photographs. Everything is organized logically so it’s easy to find the topics you want to read about again.
The beginning and advanced routines and training splits are complete and well described, with an endorsement on High Intensity Training (HIT). The information and descriptions of the routines and exercises are invaluable. In fact, from the high school student wanting to start an exercise program to advanced bodybuilders planning to enter their first competition overall, Casey Viator’s Total Fitness is a very complete book. An absolute must for every bodybuilder’s library. Leave it to Casey to do something completely unique in the realm of bodybuilding again. While the 100 plus page book is some years out of Casey’s training diary and life experiences, it’s much more than a how-to-workout book. On almost every page you’ll find a recollection of training with Author Jones, Arnold, and a competition. As for the workouts, every one is a detailed snapshot of the way Casey trained to get his look, from all-out muscle-building sessions he used during his day’s in Florida at the Nautilus center, and the “Colorado Experiment.? He lists exact weights, reps and sets for almost every session. Are you a H.I.T. fan? If so, then this book will become your training “manual? that you will cherish and return to for all your muscle gains. A must for all bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts.
One Of My FAVORITE supplement lines. MG Development. After a 1-Month cycle of MG Development System we where convinced something was definitely going on.
MG Development understands what the hardcore bodybuilder needs and that is the fastest results in performance and absorption rate. This is why MGF-2 has the Highest Protein efficiency ratio #4 on the market. MG Development is one of the only sports nutrition supplement companies to include a time-released portion of concentrated whey protein to promote a rapid, yet partially prolonged, absorption rate. This effect will help prevent muscle catabolism for high stress workouts. MG Development has a total anabolic bodybuilding system for you. MG Development took form as a potent combination of products to make the ultimate in personalized total bodybuilding supplement systems today and those are MGF-1, MGF-2, MGF-3, and Nitro-Surge. The MG Development system can be found at Bodybuilding.com’s super store. Go to www.bodybuilding.com/store/mg/mg.htm
2006-01-20 - There are two kinds of people. Real Bodybuilders and wanna be individuals who haven’t walked the walk but act like they think they have. If you're not 100% hard core, get the F$%& out now. There is no room for you in my domain. Only a handful can be in my world. So, if you're serious about bodybuilding, then you have to understand that training, and eating is a way of life, a philosophy, a do or die attitude that focuses on everything in your world. We all want to grow. For me, its all about nutrition, supplementation and training. Nutrition is the only tool that can compensate for the abuse I put my body through.
Here is one simple way to maximize your mutation…Protein and more protein. Protein overloading is the key to the next mutation. Some so-called experts, who are not considered experts to me, say that .8 or 1.0 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight is good for gains. I say only if you don’t want to mutate. Take a prescribed 1.2 up to 1.8 g per pound of bodyweight so for a 275-pound baby mutant he needs 550 grams of protein to become a Bio Freak!
To aid in the absorption of protein uptake and assimilation massive amounts of “Glutamine? for muscle assimilation. Also, up your caloric intake on a weekly basis.
Do not ease up on cardio. Some say to back off on cardio when bulking or trying to gain weight and size, I do not. Maintain at least 3-times a day or 20 minutes every day that you train.,p>Some peope cannot afford to get to Mutant status. Save your money and Do it ALL OUT for one Month. Yep, get all your supplements for one month of saturation. o to the Bodybuilding.com store and get everything for one month of all out hard core balls to the walls training, supplementation, and nutrition for one month and watch the thing in the mirror change.
| Another Note On Women's Bodybuilding |
2006-01-20 - Well, a few FLEX issues back I read a comment by another reader titled “Unfetching Females.? Well, Female BBers are not trying to be men and his comment about “He’s the only one that has the “Balls? to say anything. Damn what tree has he been sleeping under? Individuals say something almost in every issue of a magazine.OK, yes, there are a few women bodybuilders and a few is all it takes to make it bad for all but I know a lot of women that are not on Steroids that have facial hair. My mother-in-law for one, she's a Sicilian. Sorry Mom. Recently, I saw a 16-year-old check out girl in the grocery store and she had a mustache. Was she on steroids? No! But, from ALL your remarks and stereo types she is. Arnold’s wife Marria Shriver, talk about a deep scratchy voice. Wow, she must be on drugs. Though, at times I bash magazines, and the NPC, IFBB and now Bob Chic for not being pro female bodybuilder, I’m justified because they think they’re doing women’s bodybuilding right. I think that it's wrong that some girls are jumping into porn too. But, again, when the above industry won’t pay you, doesn't want you around, some girls just see money and that's it – they don’t see the long picture. It is wrong that the very industry that we support through being members in (the NPC and IFBB), buying supplements and joining gyms doesn’t support us.
To Ms. Bryant, be thankful that FLEX was kind enough to place your pic and letter in their magazine, good pub for you, and they like bad pub for women bodybuilders. But, I'm sorry you’re so angry at being part of the sister’s of iron. Maybe you shouldn't do it anymore if you're going to be so bitter at the group you belong to. And to all the men who control the industry shows, and don’t like us, then drop us. After a year tell me how your books look? To FLEX I’m still dissatisfied with all your so-called efforts to call yourself the #1 bodybuilding magazine. There was a time you used to put female bodybuilders on your covers, and even as center folds - dare you to do it again? You won’t. Because you care too much about the few negative letters you get instead of the large numbers of women who do compete in BBing and who are BBers in the NPC and IFBB. We are the ones buying the magazines, supplements and joining gyms not your fat triple chin McGouph.
Free speech is taken to far, especially when free speech hurts people. Then I’m sorry it’s not FREE and if you cannot tell the difference then you don’t deserve to be FREE. Giving individuals who would rather hurt with words is like the media all over the country, giving out wrong and bad news. Just because a few have problems with their own images and are stuck in the 18th century, should you?
| Valentine's Day Is Comming! |
2006-01-20 - I hope that all of you are enjoying the New Year so far and you’re sticking to those resolutions as we all should make this the year the BEST! This last month found me with many new individuals coming aboard for competition prep training as the upcoming competitive season is about to begin. As soon as the weather permits I will be holding outdoor boot camps early in the morning. Hey, don’t forget to visit www.anitaramsey.com. My Members Lounge will be featuring some nice "Be My Valentine" pictures. Please go to www.anitaramsey.com and click on Members for more information. I am gearing up for a my return to the platform too. The APF Bench Press Wars. More info to come on that and my training.
| To Be Or Not To Be..Mainstream.... |
2006-01-18 - I just finished reading Chics article about bodybuilding and the mainstream theme. Which, over the years, I've stated Bodybuilding is and should NOT be a mainstream thing, trying to do this over the years has destroyed bodybuilding. And going mainstream would kill bodybuilding even Chics style of bodybuilding. Even though Bob gives several real logical points to this view check out the "poll" numbers, people still feel bodybuilding should be "mainstream". Give me a break you dumb dumbs!
Bodybuiding is a cult and it should stay that way. Push it that way and watch it grow. Stop trying to push it into peoples homes that are FAT, Weak and do nothing but sit on there buts watching "who's the Biggest Loser" and playing XBox. That's your mainstream. People that do not workout and never ever will.
And though Chic is a serious Male shovinist, He should relize that if he backed female bodybuilders on ALL levels then bodybuilding would be a good thing - even his MASSive bodybuilding. You're not HELPING the "mainstram" attitude with your degrading remarks about the female bodybuilder. Bob, look at my pics and tell me how manly I look. I still enjoyed your article though.
| Workout At The Metal Militia Compound |
2006-01-09 - Its 2006. Wow, how time sure passes. Well, like the rest of you out there around the world who are embarking on your 2006 New Years resolutions, I did the same. But, mine is not going to last only a couple months like so many of you. Nope. Im on the road to bigger and better things for 2006 and beyond. First things first, I started my workouts to get ready for my Bench Press meets. I, well, the husband and I, drove up to the Metal Militia camp (Adarondack Barbell) and put our bench shirts on for the first time in two years. But, before I get into my work out and numbers; I got to tell you what Bill The King of Bench Crawford did. He only pressed up an easy 750. Thats not all, Sabastian Burns cranked up an easy 630 only 3 months after doing a full meet. If you havent seen Burns in person, hes about 57 and around 275 and thick as hell! One other fantastic girl who lifts in the 117 class was there lifting too, Janet Farone, also had pec surgery after tearing hers two years ago she cranked out an easy 240.
OK, now my numbers. Like always they videotape workouts to see flaws and good points. Well, even though the shirt needs to be fixed, taken in and adjusted I did two easy reps with 200. Not to bad for not having my shirt on and for finally being 100% after shoulder surgery. Then I did rack lockouts strip set style. That was intense and hard. Curtis did and easy 2 reps with 500 after not being in his shirt also for almost two years. Bills assessment for our possible meet numbers in April: Anita 240 and Curtis a possible 600. All weights acceptable for us to go after. Ill keep you updated on our Friday Workouts at the Metal militia compound.
2006-01-09 - Below is a copy of an email received by one of FitnessMedias.com female athletes, and it was been forwarded to other Fitnessmedias.com athletes and I would like to do the same to everyone reading this.
It's up to you decide what you want to do with it, there's no obligation at all of course. I will always support the Military, now matter what others say or do, just like I support ALL of bodybuilding competitors unlike Chic. OK, plug's over. Subject: Support Troops in Iraq. Here is the message that was sent to us. Please read and do what you can.
Good afternoon, I am a soldier in Iraq, I was hoping to ask your agency and or some of your models to consider forwarding (donating) signed pictures, poster, calendars, etc. to our guys and gals here in country. We receive all kinds of support from the folks back home. I just had the idea that your group might consider such a request. A signed Photo would mean a lot and provide our soldiers a great conversation starter as well as a few minutes of escape from daily activities we face during our daily activities. Some may even consider the item as a precious remembrance of their time spent here. Never know what individuals hold as Special Soldiers have been hanging Posters since WWI. We here are no different and would really enjoy the visual reminders of home. I am SGM Richard Adams. I work with the Civil Affairs Community and I will be happy to distribute any and all items sent. Our group does the daily interaction with the people of Iraq throughout the entire country. Our efforts are intended to assist in the rebuilding Of the country. We go into communities as friends but as you know by all the bad news on TV, all are targets. Please consider this request. If not desirable, no worries, and thanks for your consideration. Thank You. If do-able: address to: SGM Rich Adams, 322 Civil Affairs BDE, APO AE 09342 (IRAQ)
Well, again, I hope some of you athletes out there can do something.
| The 2006 Vinkomorf.com Calendar |
2006-01-05 - Vinkomorf.com, FitnessMedias.com's magazine, has just launched the second edition of their calendar featuring various athletes, including strongman Hugo Girard! For more details about the making of the calendar, you can check this link: http://www.vinkomorf.com/_/calendar.html
For ordering info, check out this link: http://www.vinkomorf.com/_/calendar2006.html
And if you would like to have a chance to be on the 2007 edition that's wher to sign up too. I already didand so should you!
| Arnold Classic Booth Work Contact 'MELISSA JOHNSON'" |
2006-01-05 - It seems that 'MELISSA JOHNSON's agent is working hard to provide work to some of you out there for the Arnold.
So, you must Please forward your best 2 photos to Melissa so that she can submit them to the companies she's in contact with.
Thanks MELISSA, that's what we need in this sport helpers NOT attitudes like the so-called IFBB spokesperson Bob Chickerello...What is he speaking for the IFBB, as to really get rifd of the msucle girls or is he just jealous because he cannot comein hard enough to place top 10 in an IFBB show. Sorry, got carried away.
Again, send pics to 'MELISSA JOHNSON'" at johnson4990@sbcglobal.net
This will be really helpful to know which booth can be assigned to you.
Also, understand these companies will pay for your time there, but cannot pay for your travel nor hosting.
This is GREAT if you can get there at a booth it's good experience (I did back in 1999 worked for HOP. Now they have "fitness" and figure girls working there booth - Powerlifting traitors).
Even if all the money you make working at the Arnold goes to cover part of your traveling and hotei this opportunity is unique. I'm still waiting for Bodybulding.com to ask me, what's up Ryan?
| Powerhouse Mogel And Co-Owner Dies |
2006-01-05 - Norm Dabish passes away. He had a heart attack. He will be missed by family and friends and all of us who enjoyed the Haard-Core Gym image he implied for Powerhouse Gyms.
| Wow! Can You Believe This? |
2005-12-26 - Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan being sought for murder charges in the death of their live-in assistant, 28-year-old Melissa James! The report has it that the young lady was bound and gagged and found in the trunk of Kellys Jaguar, which had been driven out into the desert and set afire. First, what in the hecvk are you doing with a live-in? And is that a live-in maid? Two able bodied fintess professionals needa live-in? OK, what ever. Regardless, Wow! Not good! I hope this is what it could seem. I hope they did not do anything bad.
2005-12-26 - Christams is over, well for 2005 it is. And it will soon be 2006. Ready for a new year? Ready to get started in a career in the fitness industry? A new jump start into the competition maybe is in store for you in 2006? What ever your plans are I hope you get everything you need right here at Bodybuilding.com.
| Christmas Time And New Adventures |
2005-12-10 - Hi everyone! Yes, I'm alive, just busy as well most people I try and get ahold of are too. We just left Canada and are back in the good old USofA and it feels good to be home. No offense, we loved the town we were in and the people too. But, it's not the same. It's definately cheaper back here.
Well, I have allot on my plate. Check this out: I'm doing two interviews, one is with one of the owners of the NEW women's Bodybuilding organization (Exclusive from Muslce Update). It'll soon be right here at Bodybuilding.com and I might have an OK with MuscleMag International too.
Now, other stuff. I've been off from training for almost a month, feels longer, but got back into it today and feel great. If I can swing it I would like to do the APF Bench Wars in February 2006. We'll see.Don't forget to check out my new web site www.anitaramsey.com and my VIP section, as awell as "Behind the Iron", my own Personal Training business that is doing very well-I should say. Give to Toys for Tots, when you have the chance too. See you in a few days with more news and lots of Updates.
| The First Man To Bench 900lbs & 1,000lbs |
2005-12-10 - Yes, it's Gene Rychlak. I'm noting this becasue he deserves the cudos. I recently read in a magazine that they made a big deal over someone else trying 1,000 and only getting 900 something. That's BIG numbers but this individual was not the first man to do it. Gene was.On Sunday November 21,2004 at the IPA Nationals in Shamokin Dam, Pa. Big Gene Bench Pressed 1,005lbs to become the first and only man to ever Bench over 1,000lbs I've met BIG Gene, actually he's always been the head ref at each bench meet I've done. Gene also won the 2004 Arnold Classic SuperHeavyweight Bench Press Competition. GENE RYCHLAK was also inducted into the YORK BARBELL HALL OF FAME.
| FAME Halloween Mayhem Rocked! |
2005-11-11 - FAME Halloween Mayhem had close to 100 competitors taking the stage with a packed auduiance which could make Hamilton, Ontario, Canada the city hot spot for FAME competition!
FAME would like to send out a big welcome to the newest FAME Pros: Chantele DiCaire- Fitness, Shannon Leroux- Figure, Rob Muir- Fitness Model male, Martine Gauthier- Fitness Model female, Michelle Morrison- Overall Bodybuilding female and Renaldo Gairy- Overall Bodybuilding male. And of course congratulations go out to FAME Fitness Model Pro, Maggie Diubaldo who earned the win in the much anticipated Fitness Model Pro (female) division. Look for the full show story soon by logging onto www.FAMEworldtour.com
| INCREDIBLE DISCOUNTS On NESTA PROGRAMS. |
2005-11-11 - You might want to take advantage now on these specials offered by NESTA. These certification prices WILL NOT continue after the first of the year! They are on sale only till December 31, 2005. here they are.
Life Coaching Certification Regular $749 - Sale Price $399
Life Coach & Personal Trainer Certification Regular $1,108 -Sale Price $699
Sports Hypnosis (Mental Fitness) Regular $199 -
Sale Price $89
Water Fitness Certification Regular $199 -
Sale Price $79
Sport Yoga VHS Format Regular $349 -
Close Out $99
Spencer Pilates VHS Format Regular $249 -
Close Out $99
SAQ - Speed, Agility & Quickness VHS Format Regular $249 - Close Out $99
Fit Phone Coach Regular $79 -
Sale Price $39
Certified Online Personal Trainer - Regular $119 -
Sale Price $39
Biomechanics Specialist Certification - Regular $199 -
Sale Price $99
Holistic Stress Management Specialist - Regular $199 -
Sale Price $99
Mental Skills Training Specialist - Regular $75 -
Sale Price $39
Lifestyle & Weight Management Specialist - Regular $75 - Sale Price $39
Weight Room Specialist - Regular $75 -
Sale Price $39
Mind - Body Fitness Specialist - Regular $75 -
Sale Price $39
there is also a Military, Police & Firefighter Discount of 25% on Popular Programs
| A New Bodybuilding Organization For Women |
2005-11-11 - I said it needed to be done and someone took the initiative and did it.
The New Women's Physique International (WPI) was created and designed by athletes for the athletes. It is the main objective and goal of this new organization to become the leader in the women's bodybuilding and fitness industry by making necessary changes improving and enhancing amateur and professional Fitness, Figure, Female Bodybuilding, and Fitness Model Search competitions.
Ok, though I feel there is enough out there right now for figure, fitness anda model search s@#t, it seems that maybe they say that WPI will not allow any management firms and or sponsors being associated in any way with the judging process on panel.
WPI welcomes any and all athletes with the desire and passion to take their competitive careers to the next level. Professional status may be obtained within WPI by placing top two in each class of a professional qualifying show, for all three divisions. Any female that has already earned their Pro card in any current competitive organizations (IFBB For Example) or similar federations will be automatically granted their Professional status in WPI.
It seems they have already got there first show ready (WPI Presents the Musclemag International and Bodybuilding.com's Women's Physique International's Extravaganza) to be held in Las Vegas October of 2006.
Coming soon will be an interview by me with the new owners of the WPI, look for it soon in an upcoming issue of Bodybuilding.com.
| Check Out PhysiquePhoto.com |
2005-10-19 - There is a new photography directory available for people who want to check various bodybuilding competitions and it's called PhysiquePhoto.com.
PhysiquePhoto.com provides you with thousands of photos from hundreds of bodybuilding, figure and fitness competitions. If you're a competitor you canorder the photos directly from the photographer by simply filling out an order form found which is found in each competition's gallery. Currently, PhysiquePhoto.com only has the Canadian Championship as of yet, but they'll be adding more! So, check this NEW picture place out when you can.
| Yaxeni Crowned Ms. Olympia |
2005-10-19 - Congratulations to Yaxeni on being crowned Ms. Olympia 2005. She is a favorite of mine even though it does look like she trimmed down a bit, doing what the IFBB wants for this year. I also want to say congads to all the other muscle girls who showed their muscle in Las Vegas in wake of all the mylay that was preceded them before this years competition. I wish I would have been able to make it to an Olympia but, as ussual Im too busy training people, doiung school work and many other things and besides we still have two more weeks of football left in the season.
| Ronnie Coleman Wins His Eigth Olympia Title |
2005-10-19 - Yep, there you have it. The doors were seriously closed on all the talk that was done over how a Pro bodybuilder should look ot win hte Olympia. He should look like BIG Ron Coleman. Stop regressing in time and leap forward you dummies. HUG and FREAKY is todays and tommorrows bodybuilders. You want sleek and small go to the natural organizations. Enough Said!
| Sponsorship Opportunities |
2005-10-19 - Remember, Buff Chicks is always looking to sponsor up-and-coming female athletes in the following sports: Fitness Bodybuilding Applications for other sports will also be reviewed but the above categories will receive preference. Buff Chicks makes cash sponsorships up to $250. Sponsorship recipients may apply multiple times; they are eligible to receive up to a total of $1,000 per year. Sponsored Chicks will also receive Buff Chicks apparel to wear at their competitions/events (or anywhere else they choose).Sponsorships are awarded monthly (depending on availability of qualified applicants).Deadline to apply: last day of each month. If interested, please go to Buffchicks.com and print out the application and get it in ASAP.
| New IFPA Bodybuilding Instructor Certification |
2005-10-19 - The IFPA Bodybuilding Instructor Certification uses the most in-depth texts on bodybuilding ever presented: Maximize your strength and muscle definition by applying the latest breakthroughs in scientific research to your training with Serious Strength Training; Optimal Muscle Training is a unique book and DVD training package that will show you how to achieve the highest level of muscle function.
This course will provide in depth knowledge of the science and practice of strength training for all levels: beginners through World-Champion. Regardless of whether you are interested in unlocking the secrets of optimal muscle training for yourself, or you are a fitness professional interested in gaining the most current, in depth knowledge and skill to design the most effective, safest and serious strength training programs ever created for maximizing your clients muscular gains; the IFPA Certified Bodybuilding Instructor course is a must have program for you!
This is the ONLY course that covers the practical as well as the scientific processes of gaining more muscle strength, size and definition. Go to www.ifpa-fitness.com and enroll now!
| Here's What's New At The FAME Fitness And Model Expo |
2005-10-19 - want to see a sneak peek at what you can expect at FAME 2006!
A New Venue - FAME is changing locations! The international event will still take place in Toronto, but now at the renowned International Centre! The IC is only; three minutes from Pearson International Airport; right at the crossroads of the six major highways; and only fifteen minutes from downtown. The move will make it easier for the many travelers attending from all over the world!
Here are some of the other many features. Free Parking- No longer downtown means you can say goodbye to parking fees. Everyone can enjoy easy, free parking for the event! Reduced Fees- Save money on everything including FAME entrance tickets, stage tickets, athlete entry fees, even hotel rates! Free Access to FAME Stage Events- All amateur competitions will be held on open stages right inside the exhibit area which means everyone with a General Admission ticket can watch all the action happening during FAME exhibit hours!
In addition to all the fabulous FAME competitions you already enjoy, catch exciting new fitness events, including; powerlifting, gymnastics, tumbling, yoga, pilates, track & field, running, obstacle challenges, sport aerobics, skip rope, and more! How about a Full Certification Program? The Certified Personal Trainers Network (CPTN) is holding their official certification courses and recertification courses at FAME 2006. You can get your CEC's right on site! Stay tuned for more updates about FAME 2006 comming up soon.
| Vote For STRANGE CONDITION |
2005-08-24 - An old buddy sent me some news and would like our help with a HUGE favor. Jas Kasten, (his dad-Rick Kasten-is NPC Head Judge/National Judge), and his band, STRANGE CONDITION, have made it to the top 4 in a battle of the bands contest. Sems the winner plays with 38 Special and Firehouse at the Budweiser Event Center. cool! Now all voting is done online. The voting goes until this Friday the 26th. Better hurry up. So, your vote for this band would be greatly appreciated. Please click on their link below to hear a few songs.
Please Help Strange Condition win a spot to play at the Budweiser Event center by voting at http://www.1079thebear.com/battlevoting.html
It only takes a few seconds to sign up and vote. Thanks for the support Jeff Taylor, NPC Colorado Chairman & LifeSports Fitness Equipment & Promotion (www.jefftaylor.com)
www.strangeconditionmusic.com
CONTACT THE BAND DIRECTLY:
Jas Kasten
970-506-6048
| Tradagy Fannie Barrios Passed Away |
2005-08-15 - Female IFBB Pro bodybuilder Fannie Barrios passed away during the early hours of August 7th, 2005 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It is reported she was striken by a blood clot or aneurysm that resulted in a stroke. She was only 41 years of age.
| Figure Competitor Erica Davidson Turnes Pro |
2005-08-12 - Erica Davidson turned pro in New York on August 6th. Congrads Erica, you can see pics of her at www.ericadavidson.com which is another Fitnessmedias.com web site.
| Amanda Savell Becomes A Pro |
2005-08-07 - Amanda Savell won her class and is now officially a pro! She will be making my pro debut in New York so wish her luck. cehck out the interview with Amanda http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/schultz64.htm
She cna be visited at here web site at www.amandasavell.com
| Sportlab's Fitness Model Search |
2005-08-07 - Sportlab's Fitness Model Search is brand-new venue for women and men to showcase a healthy, athletic, and attractive lifestyle. Go to http://www.sportlabsales.com/sportlabmodelsearch/who.html for details. Bodybuilding.cmo is a sponsor of this great event too.
The Sportlab Fitness Model Searches are open to any female or male, 18 years or older, from anywhere in the world. If you are a competitive athlete, you are invited to participate; if you're not well as long as you look like you can then you can too.
Get discovered as the next Girl or Guy of Sportlab.There will be thousands of dollars in prizes and gifts. The judging panel will consist of physique competitors, industry reps, photographers, and talent scouts.
There are two contests, the Women's Fitness Model Search for women (see the Stratford '05 results for a sample of what to expect) and the first-ever Men's Model Search. Both competitions will be strictly limited to a maximum of 75 competitors in each enter early online to ensure YOUR spot!
Top-3 winners in each contest will receive:
1st place:
$1000 CASH!!!
Free photo shoot and a photo gallery on Girls of Sportlab or Guys of Sportlab.
Promotional video featuring you! (See Stacey-Lynn Mlinarevic's "8-Pack" -- Stacey-Lynn won the Stratford '05 Fitness Model Search.)
Discounts on all Sportlab supplements.
The $150 gift package outlined for all competitors below.
...and more to be announced!
2nd place:
$500 worth of Sportlab supplements!
Free photo shoot and a photo gallery on Girls of Sportlab or Guys of Sportlab.
Discounts on all Sportlab supplements.
The $150 gift package outlined for all competitors below.
...and more to be announced!
3rd place:
$250 worth of Sportlab supplements!
Free photo shoot and a photo gallery on Girls of Sportlab or Guys of Sportlab.
Discounts on all Sportlab supplements.
The $150 gift package outlined for all competitors below
...and more to be announced!
All competitors will receive:
A gift package worth more than $150 including a full-size bottle of ThermoBlaze, a Sportlab shirt, and much more!
Enter and be the next SportLab Model!
| My New Web Site "AnitaRamsey.com" |
2005-08-04 - PRESS RELEASE: I want to thank Simon and the rest of the crew at Fitnessmedias.com for designing and putting my very first personal web site up. There is a Gallery section, a new VIP section too. Also, I have a special articles section and my very own One-on-One Personal Training area: "Behind The Iron." Not to mention a links page for all my friends.
I will be offically launching my website as one of the offical sponsors of the 2005 New Brunswick Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships. Check it out I'm at www.anitaramsey.com
| The Sole Pro Card To One Female Bodybuilder And Six New Figure Pros |
2005-08-02 - Amanda's Vegas win! Amanda Dunbar won the LightHeavyweights & Overall at the 2005 NPC USA. Also, heavyweight competitor Heather Policky made a return to the stage to win the heavies at the USA. And that's not all. A fellow competitor Robin "Ripped" Parker won the LHW class & the Overall at the Master's Nationals to win her IFBB Pro card Great Job to all that competed at the USA.
| Melissa Dettwiller Wins The 2005 NPC Louisiana State Bodybuilding Championships |
2005-07-21 - On July 9, 2005 Melissa won the Louisiana State Bodybuilding Show and earned the title Ms. Louisiana 2005. But, that's not all this gilr's been up to. she's trying to get into Playboy and also while she's doing all this found time to do some hunanitarian work by donating one of her videos to help raise money for the Tsunami fund and the video helped raise $5,000! You cna see the Video as it's posted for download on the Diana The Valkyrie web site.
| Dave Fallansbee New NPC Main State Chairman |
2005-07-21 - Dave Follansbee has just become the NPC Chairman for the state of Maine. He took over the states of Massachusetts and New Hampshire when David Berman passed away this spring, and now Dave has three states under his responsibility. Not to mention Dave is also the USPF Regional Chaiman for almost all of New England too! That's a lot fo shows and meets to promote. Good luck Dave.
| Behind The Iron One-On-One Training With Anita Ramsey |
2005-07-21 - Wow! Has my Personal Training business "Behind The Iron" has taken off here in Canada. I am working with so many people that I have a long witing list and the students haven't even arrived yet. Well, before that happens I am getting ready to open my very own PT Studio and might even have to look for an assistant to take on some of the work load. And I am finally getting my very own Web Site and it's being done by some great people up here, FitnessMedias.com
What was so pleasent when I contacted them about doing my site for me here in Canada was that they knew who I was. Oh Canada! I'll keep you posted when things open up.
| We Need This To Stop. Please Help Your Letters Are Needed! |
2005-07-13 - My friends I know we, female bodybuilders and female bodybuilding is always under attack and viewed badly in the fitness arena BUT, there is a point where the whole thing, and I mean the attacks upon us a women with "any" muscle has to stop. This letter and has come to my attention and I would like for all to help
Hello everyone! I trust this e-mail finds you all in good health. As you all have now heard, the once prestigious Ms. Olympia finals has been relegated to a side show at the Olympia Expo. We are asking you to send e-mails informing your fans, family, friends, pro men bodybuilders, etc., asking them to write to each of the individuals listed below, voicing your outrage over the way the professional women bodybuilders are being treated. We have suffered many indignities over the years, yet we still remain professional, and continue to compete under less than ideal circumstances, and for very little prize money. They say we don't sell tickets, that no one wants to see us, yet we sold out the City Center Theater in NY!!! Wayne DeMilia made a statement to that effect in Flex Magazine, which is why he removed the other two divisions from the lineup the following year. So, those of us who attend the shows hear the difference in the reaction of the crowd when the female bodybuilders come onstage. I am in no way trying to take anything away from the other divisions (I have quite a few friends in both divisions). I am just stating a fact. So, I will encourage all the divisions, the amateur athletes, fans, family, friends, etc. to send an e-mail to each of the individuals below regarding this latest outrage. I do appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to to this. Thank you all in advance.
David Pecker: dpecker@amilink.com
Vince Scalisi: vscalisi@weiderpub.com
Peter McGough: PMcGough@flexmagazine.com
| Melissa DettwiIler Competing In The 2005 Louisiana State Bodybuilding Championships |
2005-07-07 - Melissa DettwiIler is doing the 2005 Louisiana State Bodybuilding Championships in Lafayette LA - July 9th. Thats this weekend. Good Luck Melissa, sometimes after doing a National show they dont like competitors going back down in the ranks so hope all goes well, because you dont want that show to take away from your 2nd place in the Women's Open Light Heavy Class at the Jr. Nationals because to place so well at your very first NPC National level show is something to ride on. Also Melissa will be doing the USA too. 2005 USA Bodybuilding Championships are again in sunny and HOT Las Vegas, NV - July 29-30, 2005. Go to http://www.musclecontest.com for contest info and www.MelissaDettwiller.com or www.BuffDoll.com to check out Melissa.
| Help Our Military - They Deserve It! |
2005-07-07 - To all of you who are not serving in the military, please consider the following recommendation: When you meet or see a member of our Military branches, please take the time to greet them and simply say; Thank you for your service.
This simple act costs you nothing, but will mean a great deal to the soldier, sailor, airman or marine, who may be a little confused right now on whether we in the civilian community, support the sacrifices they are making for us.
If you would like to do more, please go to
www.soldierride.com or www.americasupportsyou.mil. I did and I am also getting my free Dog Tags for supporting the troops.
Remember, we sometimes forget the reason why we are such a FREE country. The members of our Military are willing to put themselves in harms way and stand on a wall and swear to us that no one is going to hurt you tonightnot on my watch and they are willing to die keeping their oath. The warrior you have an opportunity to help today, may be called upon, to make the ultimate sacrifice for you tomorrow. Also, thnaks to Ryan, Will and all the rest of Bodybuilding.com for letting me be paert of the largest bodybuilding web site around.
| Brittany Thorsch And Makeup At The USA's |
2005-07-07 - Brittany Thorsch is offering her make up services at the USA's Vegas. I know sometimes we are so frazilled that it would be great to have someone else do our makeup before a show so contact Brittany at Email: britt_thorsch@hotmail.com
| Don't Forget About The Sponsorship Opportunities At Buff Chicks |
2005-07-07 - Buff Chicks is looking to sponsor up-and-coming female athletes in the following sports:Fitness, and Bodybuilding. you can get an application for other sports on a reviewed basis. Buff Chicks offers cash sponsorships up to $250. Sponsorship recipients may apply multiple times; they are eligible to receive up to a total of $1,000 per year. Money for a female fitness or bodybuilder competitor is much needed and also sponsored Buff Chicks will also receive Buff Chicks apparel to wear at their competitions/events.
Sponsorships are awarded monthly (depending on availability of qualified applicants). There is also a Deadline to apply: last day of each month. So, you should be interest, especially when I get many emails from allot of you asking about how to get sponsorships. Her is one you need to apply to though. Please Email your resume, photos and sponsorship application but go to Buffchicks.com to get the application.
2005-07-03 - Have you read the latest from our resident IFBB Pro undercover regarding the so-called new "gut" rule. Give me a break? Have you seen the recent FLEX magazine with Lenda Murray's commments on women's bodybuilding? She's talking like Lenda herself is not a BIG girl. And to think I gave her cudo's once or twice. FYI, the Show of Strength is cancled because of big mess up with the Olympia, money and AMI. Seems even show promoters are getting shafted lately with the "new age" NPC/IFBB.
So much going on in the NPC/IFBB. Anyone know anything about NABBA? Either that or competitors better stop being self centerd and take control of this sport. Were's that union?! Anyone have any information?
| Buff Chick N. "A Female Humanoid Who Exhibits... |
2005-07-03 - Buff Chick n. "A female humanoid who exhibits a healthy and robust form, typically attained by vigorous exercise and sensible dietary strictures. Also known as a 'hardbody.'"
I love that intro on there web site. OK, have any of you heard of Buff Chicks? I mean the company dummies? I didn't and I'm pretty resourceful. Well, Buff Chicks has been around since 1999;Buff Chicks is a very selective company that sponsors some of the brightest up-and-coming fitness and bodybuilding talent around.
Do you think you have what it takes? To be a "sponsored" Buff Chicks? Well, it seems that maybe you can be as Buff Chicks is always looking to sponsor up-and-coming female athletes in the following sports: Fitness and Bodybuilding. But, also, applications for other sports will also be reviewed but still gviing preference to the above categories.
What kind of sponsorships? Monitary type ones, that's what. Buff Chicks makes cash sponsorships up to $250. Sponsorship recipients may apply multiple times too. And that's Great. You are eligible to receive up to a total of $1,000 for a year. You will also get Buff Chicks apparel to wear at competitions, events or anywhere else the Buff chicks logo can and will be seen. Sponsorships are awarded monthly. Hey, everyone can use a little extra getting ready for the next show.
Most recent Buff Chick and model for the Buff Chick Logo is Amy Peters who just recived her IFBB Pro card. Nice! How to apply for a sponsorship? Well, first you must go to buffchicks.com and there is a deadline to apply: the last day of each month.
Are you interested? I am. So, get over to Buffchicks.com and apply now! Tell them Muscle Update sent you.
| Melissa Dettwiller Placed 2nd Heavyweights At The 2005 Southern Classic Bodybuilding |
2005-06-16 - Melissa placed 2nd in the women's open heavyweight division at the 2005 Southern Classic Bodybuilding Show. She missed the middles by 1 pound. I did that at the 1991 Jr. Nationals weighed in as the smallest heavyweight. Melissa still beat 3 of the big girls though! Melissa has also told Muscle Update that she has a shoot with Muscle Elegance scheduled with Denise Masino for July 26th & 27th in Las Vegas! So stay tuned! Looks like it's going to get pretty wild! Melissa is also getting ready for the NPC Jr. National Bodybuilding Championships in Chicago, IL - June 17, 2005 which is coming up and the 2005 USA Bodybuilding Championships, always in Las Vegas, NV on July 29-30.
Check out Buff Dolls web site at www.MelissaDettwiller.com
www.BuffDoll.com
| Bethany Moves To Greener Pastures |
2005-06-14 - I guess IFBB fitness pro Bethany Howlett has bid farewell to the IFBB and competed in FAME World Professional Fitness Championships on June 11th in Toronto, Canada. Bethany feelt FAME offers her much more in the way of self promotion than she ever had in the IFBB. And that could be right, FAME events do allot of promoting of all there athletes, the IFBB is all into themselves and that's teh organization and some of it's people too. Good luck Bethany.
| Fitness Competitor Teri Mooney Update |
2005-06-14 - It seems that Teri Mooney injured her foot while performing her routine at the IFBB Emerald Cup Pro Fitness Championships and was told upon a doctors visit that she has a Lis Franc fracture on her left food which is a fracture and dislocation of the bones that are integral in maintaining the shape and function of your entire foot. She also has a fracture of her 2nd metatarsal.
Well, that will require pins and plates to repair her foot and then all that will all have to be surgically removed again in about 9 months.
Teris injury most likely brought her competitive fitness career to an end. We wish you a fast and speedy recovery Terri.
| New! Bodybuilding Instructor Certification |
2005-06-14 - The IFPA Bodybuilding Instructor Certification uses the most in-depth texts on bodybuilding ever presented: Maximize your strength and muscle definition by applying the latest breakthroughs in scientific research to your training with Serious Strength Training; Optimal Muscle Training is a unique book and DVD training package that will show you how to achieve the highest level of muscle function.
This course will provide in depth knowledge of the science and practice of strength training for all levels: beginners through World-Champion. Regardless of whether you are interested in unlocking the secrets of optimal muscle training for yourself, or you are a fitness professional interested in gaining the most current, in depth knowledge and skill to design the most effective, safest and serious strength training programs ever created for maximizing your clients muscular gains; the IFPA Certified Bodybuilding Instructor course is a must have program for you! This is the course specifically for getting bodybuilders prepared for shows; this is the ONLY course that covers the practical as well as the scientific processes of gaining more muscle strength, size and definition.
This course is designed to be of tremendous benefit, not only for elite level professionals, but for the recreational bodybuilder who is just starting-out.
Go to www.ifpa-fitness.com and enroll now! I did!
2005-06-14 - I know this might be late, but some of you might not be aware as was I. Paul "Quadzilla" Demayo passed away on June 5th, 2005.
I remember those big freaking legs. He will be missed.
| What's New With Figure Competitor Amy Peters |
2005-05-13 - Here's whats new with Figure competitor Amy Peters. "I'm currently preparing for Jr nationals, which is 5wks away. Then I'll be doing USA's and Figure Nationals. I've done alot of updating to
my website lately. New photos are up in my E-shop, a new gallery, my superstar clients is up as well as many updates, both in my free area and the members part of my site. I'm still working hard on my cookbook, developing a protein brownie with the supplement company I work for,
Flexstar."
Now that's being busy. Great Amy, that's what promoting ourselves means;work and diligence. Amy is also training several competitors for upcoming local shows, as well as Jr Nationals, Bodyrock and USA's, as well as making a DVD about herself, as a Figure competitor.
Thanks Amy we'll talk soon and get another interview with you in June or July!
| Bodybuilding Loses Two Champions! |
2005-05-13 - Within the past few weeks, bodybuilding has lossed two. Masters Olympia champ Don Youngblood and Mr. USA Charles Durr have both passed away due to heart related issues. Durr passed away on May 2nd while Don passed away on May 8th. Both will both be greatly missed.
2005-05-12 - Janet Harris took fourth place out of seven Heavyweight Women and Ron Harris took second place out of thirteen Heavyweight men. Congrads to both!
| Sorry About The Lack Of Updates... |
2005-05-08 - I wanted to apologize for the lack of updates over the past couple months because of all the surgeries Ive had this past year and with moving its been difficult to say the least.
Most importantly, I just wanted to quickly let you all know too that I have been working my butt off (literally) to get my physique and strength back to normal so to get some new photos up and get ready for another bench meet.
2005-05-08 - Tera Scotti is getting ready for her first full season as a Pro. She is scheduled to compete in the Pittsburgh Pro, Eastern Seaboard Invitational, California Pro, and Toronto Pro. 5 Shows in 4 weeks. Wow! Now thats hustling.
| The MONICA BRANT F.E.M. Camp |
2005-05-08 - Also, LADIES!!! The MONICA BRANT F.E.M. Camp is coming to Los Angeles, CA. on September 2-4. 2005. So, for those of you who are interested in competing, modeling, and being more involved in the Fitness Industry than plan to come! I will have more details soon...
2005-05-08 - The Vibe Tribe is the brand new entertaining trio of IFBB fitness Pros led by Kelly Ryan, Tanji Johnson, and Nicole Rollolazo.
These three performers wowed the crowd in their debut performance at the NPC Emerald Cup this year and are quickly becoming the new guest posing smash hit for next years season with well known NPC promoters such as Californias own Jon Lindsay booking them in advance for shows as far out as next May. If Jons booking them, then you know they are good, he only gets the best.
They do a blend of hip hop styles and their unique twist on fitness by combining all three of the womens dance abilities with high flying tumbling and unique fitness moves that will surely make you move in your seat. Book them for your upcoming 2005 shows. For bookings please contact: Kellyryan98@aol.com
| CONGRATULATIONS To The TrueBodies Physique Athlete Of The Year: Round Two Winner! |
2005-04-29 - CONGRATULATIONS Melissa Dettwiller the Round Two winner of the TrueBodies Physique Athlete of the Year contest.
Melissa is fairly new to the physique industry scene but, as my husband would say Wow! nice package.
Melissa won the following:
$200 cash (courtesy TrueBodies.com).
$100 cash (courtesy IronBodybuilding.com)
TrueBodies T-shirt .
8.5lb. tub of Lana's Egg Whites.
Lana's Egg Whites Cookbook.
Lana's Egg Whites "Stay Hard" T-shirt.
All-Star Protein (MakAttack Fitness).
Lean Elite fat burner (MakAttack Fitness).
IronBodybuilding.com T-shirt
Free Comp Card Design by: SeloraMediaGroup.com
Winners photo on cover of TrueBodies.com and Lana's Egg Whites.
Nice.
See Mel at an upcoming Bodybuilding.com interview and you can see her at her newly launched web site www.MelissaDettwiller.com done by Issac Hinds.
| Trading Spouses Is Looking For Bodybuilder Families |
2005-03-03 - Fox Televisions Trading Spouses is currently seeking bodybuilders and their family to participate in the reality show that highlights various cultures and lifestyles of families across America. Families must consist of two parents and at least one child over the age of six. Families chosen for the show receive compensation up to $50,000.00.
Nice money to make a fool of yourself. I know of many bodybuilding couples that can participate, if you know of anyone pass this on.
Please call Alexis Diamond, Casting Associate, Fox Television/Rocket Science Laboratories, LLC. T: 323.802.0586; F: 323.802.0599 and Shell give you more details about the show. But, again, if you know any other families who may be interested, please pass this information along and if they decide to participate make sure you get a % for a finders fee.
| Announcing The NEW IFPA University East & IFPA University West |
2005-03-02 - Amazing Break through Fitness Training Programs, the Truth on Nutrition Science, the FACTS on supplementation, the world's best Faculty providing you the world's best Advice on fitness, health, nutrition, sports conditioning, and exercise motivation. You must learn for yourself How much this knowledge will Protect your Life and the Lives of everyone around You. Discover what you don't know that will hurt you and those you care about. You will Love the knowledge you gain and the Secrets you will learn. Your Problem is trying to get through all the hype and misinformation and THIS is the Only Solution. This is the Only way to get the Truth - to get the Facts and You will HATE it if you miss this Amazing opportunity.
The IFPA University East, Tampa, FL - July 28, 29 & 30, 2005 , and the IFPA University West, held in Las Vegas, NV - September 8, 9 &10, 2005 are teh workshops and seminars that will aid you in practical and scientific info for all your training needs.
The IFPA will also have BARGAINS on Personal Trainer, Group Fitness and 27 other Fitness Industry Certification and Free Gifts. For more information Call Today (800) 785 - 1924 or go to the IFPA website Now at www.ifpa-fitness.com.
2005-03-02 - The casting department of DRAGONE Company, that's Franco Dragone was the groundbreaking director of Le Cirque du Soleil, O and MYSTERE, two of the best shows presented in Vegas I hear. Well, it seems he's now rehearsing his new show LE REVE which will open in the new Steve Wynn's resort in April 2005 in Las Vegas and he's URGENTLY looking for a female character.
Here are more details about what they're looking for: This woman will be acting as an icon, some kind of a James Bond Girl figure.(She will be part of a group of other characters who are already in rehearsal).She must be tall and beautiful (preferably 5'10" or more).Between 18 and 30 years old and very athletic and very fit. She must have knowledge of combat sports or martial arts (we will ask her to do some combat scenes but not REAL combat, more acting than fighting). She must be able to swim and be comfortable in the water.
Photo and resume should be sent to me by email only at genevieve.nihon@dragone.be
The contract will be for 2 years. There will be 2 shows a day, 5 times a week.The fees are subject to negotiation with Production Department, a first proposition will be made depending on level of experience, background, etc...The rates are the ones who can usually get for Vegas shows.
As this request is VERY URGENT (the show starts in April). Again send Resume and photos to genevieve.nihon@dragone.be
Go to www.dragone.be
| Help The Big Man Out And Help Us Fight The Mainstream Media |
2005-02-25 - Tell your friends about this and post a link to this page every message board that you can find! The link to promote is: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/supportarnold.htm
| Arnold Fitness Weekend Coming Soon |
2005-02-25 - Yes its time again for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his business associate James Lorimer to start yet another Arnold Fitness Weekend this March 4-6, 2005 in same old place, Columbus, Ohio.
The Greater Columbus Convention Center and nearby Veterans Memorial Auditorium will provide the venues for 21 competitions, events, including eight Olympic sports. The Arnold Fitness Weekend's 600-booth EXPO 2005 is a fitness enthusiast's version of the Mall of America. Bodybuilding.com will be there. Stop by and ask them were Anita is.
2005-02-05 - Editor JP Erickson was posed the same question I asked Gene X on his take with this 20% bull - how's your take on it? "Hi Anita The one point everyone seems to agree on is how do you measure 20%? No one seems to have an answer. Even worse, the whole situation seems demoralizing for the competitors. The people at the top simply do not give them a great deal of support as shown by the confusion this has caused. Rather than include the competitors in major decisions like this and work with them to make improvements, it appears they are just cut out of the process and have little or no say in the direction things are going. If the idea is to improve things, both parties should sit down together and come up with some constructive ideas and goals and a plan to reach those goals. In my opinion, one party simply dictating terms to the other does not seem like the best way to move forward."
No kidding. I forgot about that. If there is a rep for the women in the IFBB why wasnt she involved? Why even have the position if they the NPC/IFBB are not going to even care what the women have to say. Im not surprised either that the womens rep didnt say or do anything to help the matter any.
| F3:Food For Fuel Program For Personal Trainers |
2005-02-04 - Certified Personal Trainers are being asked to participate as volunteers in the presentation by assisting with the recording of body assessments of the students (birthdate, height, weight, blood pressure, skinfolds) and demonstrations of band tubing exercises which are given out as part of the "healthy bag".
All trainers will receive an official video copy of the event. Trainers will be given the opportunity to be part of the follow-up procedure with students at the schools by visiting the schools with the athletes as well as any employment possibilities that will be created with the schools on a consulting basis through IFPA.
All expenses (amenities) for the event will be provided. Earn CEU's for participation.
Who to Contact? Please contact Stacey Mahtani at the IFPA for further information by calling (800)785-1924 Ext. 22 or Greg Raleigh, F3, 1301 15th Street, N.W., #425, Washington, D.C. 20005. He can be reached at (202)332-5503 or Fax (202)332-5529.
| Melissa: An Upcoming Star |
2005-02-03 - My buddy,JP Erickson dropped me a line and told me about an up and coming bodybuilding star. So, Id like to pass on the name of this starlet that you should keep an eye on. Her name is Melissa Dettwiller (www.melissadettwiller.com).
Melissa just might have that look they are looking for with there 20% thing,and she is becoming a fan favorite. JP also went on to saty; "In front of the camera, shes one of the best models Ive ever worked with, and I think most of the photographers shes shot with would echo my thoughts." Well, we'll hav eot see how she fares in upcoming shows, she has our kudos here at Muscle Update and look for an upcoming interview with pictures of her right here at Bodybuilding.com.
| No More Mrs. Terminator Model Search |
2005-02-03 - Unfortunately, I just found out that there wont be another Ms. Terminator contest at this years Arnold. Mikayla is going to school, so she has closed down her website and doesnt have time to organize the contest or to pursue modeling.
No offense Mikayla, but if you start something finish it. I'm doing my Masters, working full time, training people, training myself and still have time to write. Don't make excuses people, just do it! And don't stop. Maybe I am going to have to get something started to help out you girls.
2005-02-03 - I read that someone overheard another telling ex-Miss Olympia Kim, whos now doing Fintess, that she was too small. Go figure, and then she'll put on a little more size for 2005 and get smacked down because she's not 20% smaller. That's wack!
| Radiant Pro Show Is A Winner |
2005-01-28 - Now, sometime ago I noted about Raye Hollitt putting on her show for womens strength. Well, were done and what a show I heard it was. The first annual Radiant Pro Women's Strength Show was a success. The contestants ranged from fitness, bodybuilding, powerlifting and figure.
The event was held in the El Portal Theater in North Hollywood. Most of the events involved bodyweight or a percentage of it and the events included: Dip (with bodyweight), Dumbbell Walk (with bodyweight), EZ Curls (with 50% of bodyweight), Rope Climb (bodyweight), Chin-Ups (bodyweight), Bench Press (bodyweight), Traveling Rings (bodyweight) and the Keg Lift (this was the one event that had a fixed weight for all competitors - a benefit to the bigger/stronger girls). Sounds almost like the Womens Strength Extravaganza which I competed in way back in 1995.
Well the Overall winner was new IFBB pro Collette Nelson gaining a check for $4,500, 2nd place went to Cynthia Bridges - $2,750, then 3rd Annie Rivieccio - $1,500, 4th place Mari Asp - $750, 5th Shelly Howard - $250, and 6th place Karla Ray - $250.
2005-01-28 - One of my conversations with GenX Magazine."Hi, you should remember me, Anita. Well, I would like to ask you a couple questions for Muscle Update and the answers I hope will be "no holds" bared on this very interesting 20% thing. So, what's your unbiased opinion on that 20% remark? To me and I am sure others it is kind of stupid to ask or say "we want you all to be 20% less muscular? Because I dont know about you but how do you tell if someone is 20% less? You are a business person and still an advocate for women' bodybuilding so tell us whats on your mind?"
Hi Anita, As far as the 20% thing, I think it's not well thought out. Since there isn't a real way to measure the 20% and a starting point to judge that from, it seems vague but with an exact figure in there. I think if they want to curtail the muscularity (and certainly they can do whatever they please), then there are better ways of addressing that issue. As a rule, I think it's not smart, and I would wish that they would have also consulted with the women's rep as when I heard about it and asked her, she had no idea about it. If they are going to have these reps, they should have been told first at least, if not consulted beforehand. Hope that helps Anita!
As I have seen it, over the time I've competed, they did this twice before just never used a number or % to chisel us down. Girls dont listen to them you should all come in big hard and ripped, then who they going to give it too? The one in the lineup who didnt diet or workout?
| Pro Hormones Banned. Check Out The Alternatives! |
2005-01-28 - With the new ban on our supplements again the all famous Clayton South from right here at Bodybuilding.com has complied a list of pro-hormone alternatives for all of us, check them out at http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/south101.htm
2005-01-21 - I decided to ask Bonny Priest what she has planed for 2005 and she was gracious enough to give us her plans. "As for an update, there's not much to even say. A lot of people don't know, but the Ms. International is invitation only. You've got the write a formal letter w/pics requesting an invitation to compete in the show. This past year has been a long one. I've never done three shows in one year and between working 10 hours a day, doing cardio, dieting, and working out, it really took a toll on me. I decided not to put in for the invitation at all. I'll try again for the show in 2006. I'm also going to skip the New York Women's Professional. I've heard that the Jan Tana is still a maybe, but as for my current plans, I think I'm going to stick with the Europa Super Show & possible the Bulk Nutrition/Charlotte Pro. They are only a couple of weeks a part. What's sad is that even if I would happen to qualify for the Ms. O again, no one knows if they are even going to have it. I guess we'll just have to play it by ear for a while. I don't think I'll be attending any of the shows even to watch. I know it sounds silly, but it makes me crazy to go to a show I can't compete in. Anyway, I don't really have any plans. I just want to do normal stuff for a while. I'll start dieting in June for the show in September."
That's very interesting, that will be twice they've tried to shut down the Mrs. Olympia. Wow! Well, anything else Bonny? "My website will be updated soon. I'm finally having a section added to sell 8x10's. After that, I think we're going to give the site a new look and possibly make a pay section on there as well."
You make sure you tell me when the new stuff is done on your site. Thanks for telling the Muscle Update raders whats up for the TEXAS TITAN.
| Here We Go Again. AMI Is Messing With Womens Bodybuilding |
2004-12-18 - It has been brought to my understanding that there is a new order by AMI and Pecker (I love that name), well it seems Pecker is being a pecker. All women competitors are to drop 20% of their muscularity. That's bodybuilding, figure and fitness girl's, all of them. What the HELL does that mean? Can anyone tell me? 20%! OK, then what if you only drop 13.5% then you've lost your placing? How does one know 20% of their body muscle? Shrinkage is on again. This is exactly what I said in my editorial in MuscleMag International. And the dummy girls will do what these idiots running the so-called bodybuilding world and destroy their physiques and get mentally screwed too. Wow! New name. Same stuff. Nothing can ever be certain and stable with these dummies.
| A Christmas Poem From One Of Our Service Men |
2004-12-10 - 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."
This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan. The following is his request. I personally think it is reasonable.....
"PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our US service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed."
This was sent to me by the IFPA President Jim Bell, and I couldn't help but feel the words in all our services brothers and sisters helping us stay safe from those who don't like us. Thanks bunches!
2004-12-09 - Time is running out on our Preorder sale for the IFPA Bodybuilding Instructor Certification. You must order before December 15th and save $200!
Also for the entire month of December all IFPA Distance Learning Certifications(excluding Personal Fitness Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor) are 20% off and all Continuing Education Courses are 10% off!
Go to www.ifpa-fitness.com now and join in the festivities!
2004-12-04 - Remember, New Years resolutions are right around the corner and someone has to help all those people get back in shape after the holiday indulgences!
You know, when you think about it, Santa could really benefit from a good diet and exercise programbut we dont want him too be to skinny do we? He has to be fat and jolly. So in the spirit of giving, throughout the month of December the IFPA will be giving 20% off all Distance Learning Certifications (with the exception of Personal Fitness Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor). Hey, they gotta pay the elves. And a 10% off all Continuing Education Programs (CEU).
Visit their website now at www.ifpa-fitness.com or call them at 800-785-1924.
Also, the IFPA is now offering a Certified Bodybuilding Instructor program. Its new. The only one of its kind. With record numbers of individuals jumping into bodybuilding, fitness and figure competitions this is the ultimate in getting the best results. Are you a fitness professional interested in gaining the most current, in depth knowledge and skill to design the most effective, safest and serious bodybuilding programs ever created? Then the IFPA Certified Bodybuilding Instructor course is a must have for you!
This is not only the BEST course ever prepared specifically for bodybuilders; this is the ONLY course that covers the practical as well as the scientific processes of gaining more muscle strength, size and definition. This course, offered by the IFPA, is designed to be of tremendous benefit, not only for elite level professionals, but for the recreational bodybuilder who is just starting-out. This course will provide in depth knowledge of the science and practice of strength training for all levels: beginners through World-Champion. This is not only the BEST course ever prepared specifically for bodybuilders; this is the ONLY course that covers the practical as well as the scientific processes of gaining more muscle strength, size and definition. This course is designed to be of tremendous benefit, not only for elite level professionals, but for the recreational bodybuilder who is just starting-out.
The IFPA Certified Bodybuilding Instructor course is scheduled for release on December 15th, 2004. The certification includes the two textbooks: Serious Strength Training, 2nd Edition, 2003; Tudor O. Bompa, Phd; Mauro Dipasquale, M.D. and Lorenzo J. Cornacchia. Optimal Muscle Training, 2004, Dr. Ken Kinakin, the DVD Video: Optimal Muscle Training, 2004, Dr. Kinakin, IFPA Certified Bodybuilding Instructor Workbook (Specifically designed to enhance your study and maximize your learning experience). IFPA Certified Bodybuilding Instructor Exams has two Parts: Part I: Multiple Choice; Part II Short Answer/Essay). Upon successfully passing the exams you will receive an IFPA Certified Bodybuilding Instructor Diploma (suitable for framing-so display it with pride), an IFPA Certified Bodybuilding Instructor Wallet Card, and two year membership into the IFPA will all rights and privileges including subscription to FitBits, FitNews and more.
Call the IFPA today about the new Bodybuilding Certifications and if you act NOW they are offering a discount if you get it before December 15th so call (800) 785-1924 and become an IFPA Bodybuilding Certified instructor now! I did!
2004-11-26 - Yes, Andrulla "The IronGoddess" is going back to Europe.. She will be in London by December..."I can be contacted via Dowe Dynamics Gym to set up one-on-one training sessions, etc.0207 281 2267" Say's the British Muscle Girl. She will be focused very much on doing her art , and Reiki. Good luck back in England Andrulla, we'll miss you.
| Workout With 7 Time Mr. Olympia |
2004-11-25 - 2nd Annual Workout Weekend with 7 X Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman. Join Ronnie February 25 - 27, 2005 for a fun filled weekend with 7x Mr. Olympia. Learn about Ronnie's training routine, diet, and contest preparation. This is an opportunity You DON'T WANT TO MISS. Go to Mr. Olympia's web site for details.
| King Is On The Cover Of FLEX With Our Bob Chic |
2004-11-25 - King has renewed his contract with Weider Publications. Damn, I've bene trying to get an interview for a couple years now. Oh, well. Congrads King.
| Congratulations To Renea Sassenhagen |
2004-11-25 - Congratulations are at hand for Renea Sassenhagen for her great comeback into the world of competitive bodybuilding competition. She did her off-season training and comp diet all in 16 weeks! Wow. She decided to come back after almost a two year layoff from bodybuilding - she get's my "Comback of the Year" award.
| 2004 FAME Model Expo: Get Discovered! |
2004-11-09 - I know timing is tight, but for all yoiu fitness girls and models out there get your tickets and go to California. Fitness America Pageant, Ms. Bikini America, Musclemania World and Model America all will be held next weekend in Anaheim, California - across from Disneyland. For schedules, entry forms, tickets, hotel and other
information, visit www.fameexpo.com, www.fitnessamerica.com and/or www.musclemania.com or call (626) 292-2200.
2004-11-03 - Seems the new show Trading Spouces by Fox television is looking for a Female Body builder. You must be legally married and have children over the age of six. Do you fit this description? Then call Kenny Scott of Rocket Science Labs Casting Assistant at(323) 802-0500 ext.609.
Do though check out this person to make sure he's on the up and up. Good luck.
2004-11-02 - Ok, how many of you already know the outcome of the Olympia? Yep, Ron Coleman won, and deceivingly so. What you consider bodybuilding and what others consider bodybuilding is all good in our own eyes, but I'm sorry no one can touch Ron. Not yet anyway. I saw it on Pay Per View and I want to say, I totally enjoyed the new "Challenge Round" But some of my associates did not. Here's what Ron Harris had to say about it. "As for the Challenge Round, overall I say it was a bad idea. They basically threw out the point totals from the prejudging and started the men out with the points of their placings.: Ronnie had 6 as he was in first, and Gunter had one point as he was in sixth. The only place that ended up changing was that Gustavo Badell moved from fourth to third, and Dexter slipped from third to fourth - which I thought was ludicrous. They had already been compared in the same poses earlier in the day, so why should the judges suddenly decide that Gustavo was better than Dexter?"
Well, Ron is right on the points stuff, but this "round" was fun and exciting, something different from the old boring stuff.
Regarding old and boring why is it almost all the bodybu8ilders with these HUGE physiques, even "the Blade" is huge, don't think he isn't. But they all come out posing to SLOW music? Put me to sleep. So boring.
Also, did any of you know that Muscular Development was doing a Freakazoid contest? Yep, way cool. And it was decided that the MD Freakazoid award was given to Markus Ruhl, who earned an extra ten thousand dollars to his fifth place." Next to Ronnie, Ruhl was the next big dude on stage.
2004-11-02 - Lenda what where you thinking? So sorry Girl. Seems Iris got her title though I do not care for her loks here physique was outstanding, she came in on the dot. She look sgreat physically. A well deserved win. But, there is no clear winner this year (sounds like something we're going to here for the President election. They didn't do an overall, we have a lightweight and heavyweight winner. Not good. Another blunder by the IFBB.
| What Direction Are They Heading? |
2004-10-29 - The moving of the Flex-n-Femme column to the web and not in the print version of Flex Magazine had a lot of people talking.
| New Magazine Coming Soon For 2005 |
2004-10-29 - The Masino's - Denise and Robert - were on hand at teh GNC Show in Atlanta shooting for their new magazine which they describe as a sort of "female muscle Maxim." The magazine should debut in January 2005.
| Give MuscleMag & Bob Kennedy Cudos |
2004-10-29 - Along the lines of print coverage for the women, MuscleMag has been doing nicely of late. IFBB Pros Christine Roth and Joanna Thomas were featured in the recent months, and Robert Kennedy has another shoot lined up with Roth at the Olympia. Make sure to let them know your appreciation for their increased support of the women's side of things. No not you "don't like Female muscle" idiots, your voice is not needed.
| Olympia On Hollows Eve Weekend |
2004-10-29 - That's this weekend. Actually it started tonight with women's bodybuilding and fitness. Hey, did you hear Lenda Murray is going for a record 9 wins? Yep, she didn't retire after all, she's in, from what my sources say. Good luck Lenda, hopefully Bergman isn't judging you.
| Check Out The New Exercise Of The Week Articles @ BB.com |
2004-10-29 - Bodybuilding.com has added a new item to it's already HUGE data base, it's the Exercise of the Week. Go and see what you should be doing and how to do it right.
2004-09-30 - It seems that on September 10, 2004 it was announced the pending sale of BOSS, Bob O'Leary Sports Science, to Dynamic Health Products, Inc. So, long time friend of the supplement world Bob O'Leary also announced his retirement.
"This is a bitter-sweet experience for me and my partner and wife, Linda O'Leary. We have enjoyed working with everyone over the years and with the help of our employees, vendors and customers building BOSS into a first-class distributor. It is with gratitude to all these fine people that Linda and I prepare for the next stage of our lives as we retire. Thanks again. It has been my honor and pleasure to work with all of you. And as always, Bob O'Leary and BOSS thank you for your business and loyalty.
Bob O'Leary & Linda O'Leary"
I hope Bob has fun in his new adventure. And like always with good things being sold, let's hope this new company doesn't break up a good thing.
| Ron Harris Places Top Five At The NPC MA State & NPC Northeast Tournament |
2004-09-30 - My big buddy Ron Harris got third place in the MA State heavyweights, and fourth place in the Northeast Tournament of Champions.
"I want to say that although I would have loved to win, I am very happy with the way it all turned out. I reached my goal of improving on my previous best at the 2002 New England, and I lost to some very good men who were all quite a big larger than me." Hey Ron, you and I have been in this business long enough to know that what counts the most is doing better then that last show and improving on yourself. Yeah, I know, it's still nice to win but you're always a winner to your family, friends, fans and espcially your "Daily Pump" readers. Congrads!
| FLEX Magazine Drops Flex-n-Femme |
2004-09-30 - I recieved this intereting news update from George Legeros of femuscle.org that FLEX and most likely it was AMI Pecker who did this but long time IFBB Womens hisorian Steve Wennerstrom's 4 pages for women bodybuilders has been dropped from FLEX. George goes on to say..."It's just my opinion but Steve Wennerstrom IS THE FORMOST HISTORIAN of female bodybuilding and bodybuilding in general and losing him in mainstream print has to be considered the biggest and deadliest blow thrown against womens bodybuilding." Well, this could be true, maybe not BUT I've said it many a times something is about to happen in the bodybuilding community, not only to women's bodybuilding but men's too. Be prepared people. They already cancled the Jan Tanna. What's next? For the rest of this info go to http://www.femuscle.org and scroll to the middle of the page.
| Send Your Get Wells To Marianna Komlos |
2004-08-27 - Some of you might not be aware but BC Bodybuilding champion, and WWF magazine cover girl has cancer. She's been battling it for a few years now, and I have to say she's one tuff cookie.
Even if you don't know Marianna please send her a get well soon card, send it to: Marianna Komlos 3303-938 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 3A7.
Get Well Marianna, keep fighting!
| Be Careful About Canceling Photo Shoots |
2004-08-27 - I'm flipping through the new MMI November 2004 issue, since there is a little thing on page 24 I sent in. Well, I notice a little letter from a fan wanting more of bodybuilder Christine Roth. The editors note that they would have liked but she canceled at the last minute when they had her booked for THREE training shoots with a top photographer. Well, I don't know Christine's reason for canceling esspecaily last minute, as I once told the NPC Southern States promoter I would be there for the next years show but could not do a guest posing as a serious illness came over me and my physique was not up to par. He then got very mad at me, and I told him, the ads said "Guest Apperance" not "Guest posings." But, that didn't matter he took me off the last few ads. So, I called him and told him I had, well, lets just say it had too with a baby thing. And he never ever appologized or ask me to come and hand out trophies like I wanted to do. So, if Christine's cancelation at the last minute was serious then I hope the Musclemag Editors understand that and ask her agian.
| I Think Wayne D Is Going To Do Something |
2004-08-27 - I might not like Wayne DeMilia and most bodybuilders didn't, but, I hope he does another organization and goes against the Weiders, it's way over due. I think what the IFBB, Ben, Joe, and Pecker (God growing up with that name must had been hell!) are being pricks to all promoters because they got more money for the bodybuilders, them asking for more money for already done agreements on sanction fees. Get a clue you so-called "business" people, they LEGALLY cannot do that. Take them to court. Don't be afraid of BIG Brother, they need a little kick between the legs. Greedy little people aren't they? Like they don't have enough money already.
| The IFBB Playing With Promoters: What Gives? |
2004-08-25 - It seems the IFBB with its new restructuring has decided that when the winnings are too high they will increase the IFBB sanction fees. Check this out.
The GNC Show of Strength prize money has been lowered for ALL athletes. According to Tammy Simpson: "Prize money had to be reduced by $18,000 due to an increase in sanction fees that the IFBB decided to charge us. It is unfortunate that all other Open shows pay a total of $22,000 for the same 4 events we are doing and yet the IFBB decided that since we were giving away so much prize money to the competitors they would increase our sanction to $40,000" Wow! Greedy little B$&*%&%! Oh well, I've always said they are in control and someone needs to step up and do another bodybuilding orghanization. That will never happen.
| Another Gets Sponsorship! |
2004-08-25 - CARLA SANCHEZ signs with iSatori Technologies makers of Lean System 7 www.leansystem7.com and MetaCEL. In addition to appearances and ads it seems Carla will also have a regular column in Real Solutions magazine www.realsolutionsmag.com.
| Allison Bookless Signs With LegalGear |
2004-08-23 - IFBB pro Allison Bookless signs with LegalGear, which announced the signing of Allison (Ally) Bookless, an IFBB Professional Athlete, as their spokesperson. Say's Ally: "I'm stoked to be part of the LegalGear team and look forward to making them proud on stage and off," states Ally Bookless. "It's tough getting sponsorships in this competitive industry; I feel fortunate to say I'm officially a sponsored athlete,"
Allison Bookless is
currently residing in Columbus, Ohio, Ally Bookless is a graduate of Ohio State University and works as a firefighter & paramedic. Ally is also an IFBB fitness model. For more information on Ally, please visit: www.allybookless.com.
| Watch Out For This Person! |
2004-08-14 - I recently recived an email from fellow Bodybuilding.com writer Alissa Carpio, Alissa is the current NPC Body Rock Monica Brant Fitness Champion and is the Owner and Webmaster of Fit Figures and www.fitfigures.net. Her site highlights female physique athletes by featuring interviews, profiles, and articles, as well as contest coverage. But, that's not all Alissa's site also contains a huge bodybuilding and fitness directory of over 400 links and competitor resources. Fit Figures offers full website design and administration services to female physique competitors and models.
OK, now here's the deal. This perosn with this email address has already rampaged over Curtis, myslef and know Alissa Carpio. Here is the email I recived from Alissa Carpio.
"Hey Anita, I recently received this email from an anonymous guy in ref to my newest training article on BB.com:"
"Heavy and hard", "Adding mass safely", what on earth are you talking about, you're a woman. A totally hot woman,no doubt, but what on earth do you know about hard training? Stick to the fitness bullshit."
"So I did an internet search on his email (mychelchacedave@aol.com ), and saw your piece about how he bashed Curtis in your latest Muscle Update. I'm glad I'm not the only one, and that you put that out there about this guy. He's a real ass and it's easy to talk shit when you're hiding behind a computer. Just thought I'd pass that along to you, and thanks for exposing this jerk!"
Well, I am just guessing but I bet we are not the only three that have heard from this individual. So watch out, do not play his game and reply to him. That's what his kind wants. They are of need of help. They are disturbed indivudals and we must feel sorry for them.
| My Buddy Colette Wins The Team U. Heavyweights |
2004-08-14 - Congrads Colette! Good luck at the North America in a couple weeks. I just hope you are not destined to always win the heavyweights everywhere you go. It's not a bad thing, it's actually a great marketing tool. But, you have paid your dues in this sport and you would make a great pro. Good luck.
| Ron Harris 8 Weeks From The Stage |
2004-08-14 - Fellow writer Ron Harris is 8 weeks out from competition. How about all of you? Got any shows coming up? Drop me a note and tell me about it.
| Would You Like A Certification In Bodybuilding Contest Prep? |
2004-08-07 - As I am IFPA certified, the IFPA is working together with me and many other top bodybuilders on making a certification for Contest Prep. So, for all you certified Bodybuilders/Trainers out there Please go to the IFPA web site and take the new poll question: What level of interest would you have in a Certified Bodybuilding Instructor Program? New Poll Question: www.ifpa-fitness.com Scroll down on the right hand side for poll question.
| The IFPA Fitness By The Bay Conference |
2004-08-07 - Also, for your FYI. The IFPA is putting on a HUGE conference August 15th in Tampa. The IFPA Fitness By the Bay Conference which is now less than 3 weeks away. For those of you that have not yet registered WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? Call today (800) 785-1924 or register online at www.ifpa-fitness.com.
The conference has been developed to increase knowledge, skills, abilities and your profit potential. The conference is about making changes, changes that will result in improvements. You need the best tools available to help you build a successful PT career, and the conference is filled with those tools.
www.ifpa-fitness.com
| Talked With 2xUSA Heavyweight Champ |
2004-08-03 - Just heard from 2xUSA Heavyweight Champ Colette Nelson. Here's how it went.
Hey Girl,It's Anita. How's prep for the Team Universe going? And did you like the little thing in the Aug. issue of MMI about you and Dave? Did you recognize the pic? It was at Jerremy Freeman's Ironman Classic. Tell, Dave our prayers are with him and we think of the both of you often.
Anita thanks so much. I was actually writing you an article on my decision to COMPETE for the Team U-- all the trials and tribulations that go with that decision. I am 10# smaller-- it hurts. I was competing consistently at 153#-- now, I am going to be lucky to weigh in at 143#. I might even be a damn light-heavyweight if I do the N. American. I am dying right now. I still have some fat on my ass and I am at 147# so, you see what I mean. Yes- The photo was great. It was such a surprise to see us in there. Cool just the same. Anyway I will send you the article after the Team U. Plus- Maybe, just maybe I can win the overall and turn Pro.
Colette I hope you do turn pro. You and Dave are over due, because you've both paid your dues. I'll be chearing for you. Talk to you after Team U.
Anyone else out there preping for the Team U. drop me a line and tell us what's going on with your prep?
| The Price Of Steel Is Going Up |
2004-08-03 - Did you know this? The price of steel is going up. I didn't until I got this message from DAve Tate from Elite fitness Systems (Dave and EFS sell strength equipment umong other stuff).
Read this: From Dave Tate. "We have just been informed that the price of steel has increased again and that our prices for all steel related items (all equipment and chains) will have to increase.This will be the second time since January that we have been hit with these increases. This is due to the shortage of steel in the US and it does not look like there will be a break in the near future. I have been told that there may be more increases
to come before the end of the year. The steel increase will be affecting the pricing and manufacturing of all equipment companies. The reason for this email is to let all of you know who may be on the fence that the price increase will not go into effect until Thursday. This way we can give you Tuesday August 3 and Wednesday August 4th to still place your order before the price increase. On Thursday August 5th all equipment prices will increase by 10%."
Now noithing against ANY equipment manufacturer but when you buy a piece of equipment it depreciates immeadiately. Worse then buying furniture. Oh well. Better buy your gym equipement and home gym stuff NOW!
| Oh My God! A 1,000 Pound Bench Press Is Coming! |
2004-07-23 - Big Gene Rychlack did an "incredible" 965 pound bench press at the IPA Worlds last week. I just got the results. Can you beleive that? That is wild. They all talk about Ryan Kennely, doing big weights in training, but so what. What matters is what you do on the day of competition for white lights. Go Gene! Curtis and I are rooting for you.
| Comments About Forum Comments |
2004-07-21 - Recently I noted that there are some good forums to go to. Now, I don't get into forum chats because of what I am about to mention. Take forinstance the Bodybuilding.com "picture galleries." I know this is not a forum but comments can be made about pictures. Ok, here we go. They are listed galleries such as pro female bodybuilders, and pro male bodybuilders. The one thing I cannot stand are people that just want to "hurt" you for no reason but to make themselves feel good. I'm talking about some that made comments in the Pro Female Bodybuilders gallery. These are pictures of female bodybuiulders. If you do not like female bodybuilders then do not go there. It is that simple, you simpleton.
But, no, those who feel better putting us down have to go there and make comments about how us muscle girls look. The best is that we look like men. I see normal men all the time and I am far from being a man. Or we're jacked on this or that. Or teh best comment is that we're ugly.
Sorry, but you are the UGLY people and if this was my world you would be taken from the face of the earth. People that attack others because of looks and different beliefs attacked our country. You are no different and do not belong in bodybuilding or any iron sport if you cannot treat ALL with respect. Period!
| Jorge "Chic" Betancourt Get's 4th Place |
2004-07-20 - Remember some time back I did a short interview right here at Muscle Update with Jorge? Well, Jorge "Chic" Betancourt went from not even making the top fifteen at the Nationals last November (because a new baby can do that to you)to a fourth place finish in the middleweights at the USA. From what my buddy Ron Harris pointed out, Jorge has already photo shoots with Irv Gelb for Musclemag, as well as Weider photographers for both Flex and Muscle and Fitness. Thanks for the info Ron.
I have always said it is better to get things out of bodybuilding then winning that first-place trophy, getting more exposure and sponsors then the next person is big time winning. That was my focus the last two years of my bodybuilding career. Try it, it's more rewarding.
| MMI Article On Getting Sponosrs |
2004-07-20 - Soon MMI will have an article I rewrote on getting things like sponsors and photo shoots. I'll keep you posted on what issue it's in. Also, go to my personal page at www.bodybuilding.com/fun/ramsey.htm and read the "Bodybuilding Promo" article, it will get you started. I see so many bodybuilders, fitness and figure girls asking for sponsors on there web sites but that is not the way to get anything, you have to go to them and ask. You have to work for it. Yeah, I know, bummer.
| Stop Rushing And Proof Read Things Anita |
2004-07-20 - My bad. I got to stop rushing through things. It is ok I went to college, as a jock! Pool cleaning 101 anyone?
| Interesting Things Happening In The Bodyuilding Community |
2004-07-16 - Do you know that the IFBB announced that Wayne DeMilia will no longer be part of or affiliated with the IFBB? Jim Manion head of the NPC is now holds the seat Wayne once did. Now, I've never liked Wayne but what's up with that? What's going on? Can Jim do all that work? Be President of the NPC and also be named Vic chairman as well as judging director for the IFBB? Also, did you here that old Ben Weider is working deals with David Pecker (what a name) for the Olympia? Some think all this is for the better. But, I say something deaper is going on, and the bodybuilding world is going to be shook up soon. Let's wait and see.
| Did you Know The Stars And Strips Cannot Be Waved? |
2004-07-16 - I know this is not bodybuilding related but I would like to know if any of you know or care that the IOC Headman instructed that ALL USA athletes upon winning an event in Athens cannot run around waving the Stars and Strips! Did you hear that? The Olympics are about countries battling other contries for the Gold, if we cannot wave our flag no one else can either! I don't care if you are anti-American or not, that is not right.
2004-07-16 - Since I am a past overall winner of one of the top NPC Regional shows in the country, the NPC Southern States, I am telling all of you that if you're prepping for a show then go do the Southern States it's a GREAT show. Last years winners for bodybuilding where Stephanie Kessler and Robert Benavente. Who will win in 2004?
2004-07-16 - I do not get involved in these places as they sometimes can be filled with really mean spireted people, the best forums out there for bodybuilders are, of course, right here at Bodybuilding.com, GetBig.com, and MuscleMayhem. Though I do not understand why those at GetBig.com and the Mayhem forums do not get along - at all. But, those are the top bodybuidling forums around. Check them out, but be prepared to spar.
| Sad News. Joe Gold Has Passed Away. |
2004-07-14 - I was fortunate enough to meet Joe and talk to him several times when I lived in California, during the days when Curtis and I were friends with the late Don Ross. We would train at the old World Gym on Main Street that is now gone. Joe didn't allow music to be played or weights to be dropped.
This is a press release photographer Irv Gelb forwarded to Ron Harris from Arnold.Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Joe Gold of World's Gym
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Joe Gold, founder of Gold's Gym and World's Gym:
"I am deeply saddened to learn of Joe Gold's death. Joe was a trusted friend and father figure and was instrumental in my training during my days as a bodybuilder. Gold's Gym was not only a training facility but it became a home to me. Joe was an inspiration to many and his death is felt deeply in the entire health and fitness community. "In 1968 when I came to America, Gold's Gym was the gym where I first went to work out. Joe looked after me and encouraged me, and his dry sense of humor was a daily feature of the gym. "Joe Gold was a bodybuilding legend, a pioneer, but above all, deep in his heart, he was a bodybuilding fan. The world will be the poorer for his loss. I will miss him as a dear friend of 36 years."
Born in Los Angeles in 1922, Joe Gold was a true bodybuilder whose love of the sport led him to create the modern gym chain operation, which included Gold's Gym and World's Gym. Gold joined the Navy during World War II and was injured during the Battle of Leyte, which took place in the Philippines in 1944. After the war, he joined the merchant marines and sailed around the world for the next 30 years. With every voyage he took a set of weights with him and built a great physique. In 1965, he opened the first Gold's Gym in Venice Beach, welding most of the equipment himself and designing unique machines that were beneficial to the serious competitive bodybuilder. He called it "the first gym made specifically for bodybuilders." Joe sold Gold's Gym in 1970 and resumed his career as a merchant marine. In 1977 Joe decided to open a new gym and so World's Gym was established. Today it is a global franchise, famous throughout the world, and even toward the end of his life, Joe could still be found at the front desk of the Marina Del Rey headquarters.
The later comments are from my bud Ron Harris, thanks Ron for the news, even though it's not good news at all.
| Interesting People Hide Behind The KeyBoard |
2004-07-11 - An individual with the email Mychelchacedave@aol.com on July 10, 2004 5:08 PM sent to Curtis this following message; "you need to do shoulder presses for delts, jackass! not pussy ass front raises." But, this person didn't put a name, no phone number, address or no place where they live. It's funny to see all these people that hide behind the internet/forums and Email/keyboards.
When you work as a collegiate strength and conditioning coach and football coach for over 15 years, been an industry writer for MMI, Ironman, NB&F and many other fitness/bodybuilding magazines for over 8 years then you can email with "stupid" shallow remarks. Other wise, keep relishing in your own wolred of nothing and being a no body. You only make yourself look childish. That is all this person and people like that are. I would love to see this individual say that to Curtis' face and see how much a better athlete they are to him and he's 40 years old.
I guess all us who write for Bodybuilding.com have to put up with these attitudes from small people.
2004-07-11 - My buddy Ron Harris is about 10 weeks away from his show and is looking pretty good, very hard. I hope he can maintain and keep full (and get ripped) all the way up to prejudging. I'll keep you all updated on his progress the closer he gets.
I'm also helping a young lady prep for her second NPC show, a lightweight competitor from Texas, and I'm having her do the Figure too. She's got very nice lines. I'll introduce her to you all after her show. My friend and fellow muscle and 2xUSA Heavyweight champ Colette Nelson, who is Mrs. David Palumbo by now is doing the Team Universe. Now that's a change of pace for her. I'll see if I can get some updates on that progress. Another muscle girl that is doing the Team Universe is being preped by my bud Larry Maples of MG Development. I even have info on Amy Peters doing the Figure Nationals, and Mari Asp is prepping for the Ray Holitt Strength Show.
What show's are you getting ready for?
| You Girls Out There Are Wacked! |
2004-07-09 - Ok, here we go. I did an article to help the female readers here at Bodybuilding.com, it's at www.bodybuilding.com/fun/ramsey13.htm and Will was kind enough to add a poll at the end of the artilce (will, do not do that again).
Know, you have to read the poll results, so go to: www.bodybuilding.com/fun/pollresults.php
Question? Did any of you girls actually read my article? Or was it a bunch of guys doing the poll? Because that is a bunch of excuses that I just told you not to do. So, you don't want to get big. Well, sorry, if it was that easy I'd be "F"in huge! You people make me laugh. Get a life!
But, to those who emailed me saying they "wish they had someone like me around there gym" I say "Thanks!" for the comps. Keep pumping ladies and you'll always look better then those who did the poll.
2004-07-07 - The following story was sent to me by Dr. Bob Simons, IFPA Faculty Instructor.
Kellen Winslow Jr. knew what he had to do. After holding up the honorary No. 1 jersey of the Cleveland Browns while posing with NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Winslow took an extraordinary step. When the flash bulbs had stopped popping, Winslow leaned in and whispered into the commissioner's ear. He wanted just a moment at the microphone, to address the assembled crowd at Madison Square Garden and the millions of fans around the nation.
Looking jittery for the first time in his life, Winslow stepped to the podium and spoke: "I'd like to thank the Browns for selecting me today. It truly is the greatest day of my life," he announced. "Like every other athlete in this building, I've always known that I'd have to sacrifice a lot to get where I am today. To reach this moment, I knew I'd have to give everything I had. And until yesterday, I thought I had."
The throng at MSG grew silent as Winslow spoke. "But yesterday, we were all taught what the meaning of sacrifice really is. Yesterday, we were reminded that the games we play don't really amount to much, and that there really are more important things going on in our lives." As Winslow continued, Tagliabue discreetly ordered the Detroit Lions' draft clock stopped. For the next several moments, the wheeling and dealing was halted, the war room phones went silent, and the NFL nation stared intently at the stoic young man at the podium. "On the greatest day of my football career," Winslow continued, "I cannot stop thinking about the worst day of my career. "Last November, my Miami Hurricanes were beaten by Tennessee. I was upset. And I said some things that I've never really understood until yesterday. People always compare football to war, and that day, I believed I knew what war was." A single tear emerged from the corner of Winslow's eye, desperately hanging on and refusing to cascade down the tight end's burning right cheek. "I screamed and I called myself a soldier," he stammered. "And I said I wanted to kill my opponents because they wanted to kill me. I said I was at war." Another extended pause. The tear struggled to maintain its grip.
"Well yesterday I finally realized what a soldier was. And I finally understood what killing really means. Now I know what war really is. And today, as I stare up at that No. 40 Cardinals jersey, my only wish is that I could have known Pat Tillman. I wish I knew the man who actually understood the meaning of the word 'sacrifice.' Someone who was actually willing to give it his all. Someone who knew what was worth fighting for, and who had the courage to actually fight for it." The tear gave way, picking up momentum and leading several others on its descent to the podium below. "Today I apologize to Pat Tillman. And to every soldier who is risking his life for me. And to every family that has to live with the sacrifice made by their loved ones. Today, we will all celebrate the great achievements of our careers, but we'll also finally have some perspective, and some understanding of how lucky we are to be playing games instead of fighting in real wars. God bless you, Pat Tillman, and thank you for the lesson you've taught us." In the standing ovation that followed, no one noticed a visibly moved Eli Manning slipping through the crowds and embracing Winslow as he left the stage. And the crowd once again fell silent as Manning approached the podium.
"I, too, want to apologize. To everyone. Pat Tillman gave up a multimillion-dollar career to die for our country, and I've been up here acting like a spoiled brat, upset about which team was going to be paying me tens of millions of dollars for the rest of my life. I'm sorry, San Diego. And I'm sorry for not understanding how good I have it. I'm sorry, Pat."
Jack L. Hecker is the author of this story. Jack sent this story to Dr. Bob, who sent it to me and I in turn am passing it along to you in the hopes it will have meaning for you.
I know Muscle Update is not a forum for political or patriotic beliefs. This story is used to illustrate the meaning of sacrifice.
| Just 3 weeks to go! Already over 200 competitors! |
2004-07-02 - I'm talking about the 2004 NPC GNC TEEN, COLLEGIATE AND MASTERS NATIONAL BODYBUILDING CHAMPIONSHIPS which has now expanded into add the NPC ABB - OPTIMUM NUTRITION COLLEGIATE AND MASTERS NATIONAL FIGURE CHAMPIONSHIPS
and the NPC TEEN FITNESS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.
All that is great, but have you ever noticed that the NPC doesn't promo this contest very well. This show in my opinon can be huge show. Now, many teenage boys are always doing this show but teenage and colligiate women? Nope, not many. Why? Again, this show should be our grass rtoots for bodybuilding and put in the right hands can be a huge show. They nee dot market more to high schools and colleges, if they don't know how they should call me, I know what to do. So, to all you teen and colliage girls out there get to this show now!
The show is Friday and Saturday, July 23/24. Thursday, July 22, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Optional Early Weigh-In/Check-In with Friday, July 23, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Late Weigh-In/Check-In. The Host Hotel and Contest Venue is at teh Sheraton - Station Square
Pittsburgh, PA call 412-261-2000.
Tickets will be available at the door:
Friday - Prejudging - $15 - General Seating
Saturday - Prejudging - $15 - General Seating
Friday and Saturday - Prejudging - $20 - General Seating
Saturday - Finals - $30 - Reserved Seating
Contact Gary Udit at gudit@earthlink.net or 412-481-9129
for more information.
| The EBay For Bodybuilders & Fitness People |
2004-06-19 - I just heard from Robert of the new Physique Shop, which is the EBay for Bodybuilders, Fitness adn Figure comeptitors. This is brand new and a very good idea, as I know for a fact that many fans of us Muscle Heads like having our old workout ooutfits, pictures and other memorbilia. It doesn't cost much at all to post your stuff. Go to
www.physiqueshop.com Tell Robert Anita sent you and keep doing it, give it a try, we all have fans so lets give them something and make them fight over it!
| Conversation Between Ron Harris And Myself |
2004-06-16 - Ron: Now that Janet has her ISSA certification, she is constantly challenging my authority.
Me: Just tell her that certifications don't mean "squat!" Curtis new a guy who was CSCS and he didn't even know how to do a Power Clean, he asked Curtis to show his client how to do Power Cleans. And this so called CSCS PT still had clients. Wow! Can you beleive that? The cerification I have I would never ever abide by. On there video it shows the spotter holding onto the bar and or the person on every exercise -I don't thnk so. And the form on some of there exercises, terrible. Didn't Janet say that the ISSA guys said Leg Extensions where bad? If so, how come an ISSA founding member by the name of Platz does them and why do Theripists have knee op people do them? Keep challanging her! Miss you guys, Curtis say's Hi.
Ron: Not only does ISSA say you shouldn't do leg extensions, they also say you should only squat inside a power rack AND with a spotter on each side of the bar! They also say rotator cuff exercises HURT the cuffs instead of strengthening them. On their video Fred Hatfield makes a lot of sarcastic remarks about bodybuilders being stupid and looking so good because of
steroids and genetics. He is very anti-steroid these days.
Hmm - wasn't this the same guy who wrote for bodybuilding mags for years,basically founded his career on that rep, and also used to juice hardcore as a 5-6. 270-pound powerlifter? UGH!!!!! I can't stand hypocrites. Miss you guys too, hope your shoulder isn't hurting too bad now.
Me: Yeah, Hatfield did his 1,000 pound squat at 255 with no drugs, yeah right! Hypocrites, all of them. I don't like that. We, my know stuff but WE never, ever act like we know everything or put down others for if they choose to do drugs or what ever style of lifting they want to do. People all ways have to find something to attack.
This holds true ot all that ahve aceritifcation. Make sure you don't take your certification literal. It's a trap. Good lcuk to all and when you attack female bodybuilders, those who don't raw bench press and use bench shirts,or do drugs, bodybuild, powerlift, ect. Remember not to be a hypocrite. Be good!
2004-06-16 - This is Lori's third annual Femalemuscle Live event. They are expecting several hundred guests with local and national media coverage. At the last party VH1 had a film crew and many national magazines were also present. The primary purpose of this event is to promote female bodybuilding. If you are a female bodybuilder that reads this site you can participate in any way you choose. You can do a posing routine (please let Lori know in advance so she can allocate time), promote your web site, hand out literature, sell products, all in a comfortable atmosphere with friends and fans. When? Date: Friday, July 23rd Place? Luahn Lounge (corner of E.13th St. and 5th Ave.) New York City. Time? Starts at 6:00p.m.
Again Lori and FemaleMuscle.com will have ample photographic and video coverage and will provide you with copies of your photographs and video. This is the only event of its kind in New York City, the media capital of the world. So, come and support female bodybuilding and meet some hard bodies. Party with us and have a guaranteed great weekend.
Please RSVP to Femalemuscle.com as soon as possible. Once they know who is attending they will promote on femalemuscle.com. As of today Heather Foster, Lauren Powers, Helen von Mott, and Gabrielle Nicander are confirmed as performers.
Keep July 23 weekend free. The event is only 5 weeks away.
Again see Lori Victoria Braun at www.femalemuscle.com and please RSVP to adam@nycg.com Tell them Anita Ramsey @ Muscle Update sent you.
| My Friends At Elite Fitness Are Having An Equipment Sale |
2004-06-11 - Great offer for all those interested in getting extras in your home gym or maybe your own facility. Elite fitness Systems is having a 4-day sale so you can get a deal on all of there best selling equipment. This equipment includes Power Racks, Glute Ham Raises, Benches, Back Raises, Fat Bars, Safety Squat Bars, Texas Squat Bars, Metal Gear and much more. This is a limited time offer so act now.
Visit www.elitefts.com anytime before Monday June 14 to take advantage of this great
offer.
Here is just some of the great Equipment for sale:
Combo Power Rack Save $66.00
Competition Power Bench save $60.00
Deluxe Glute Ham Raise save $50.00
Deluxe Power Rack save $50.00
Glute Ham Raise- save $50.00
Mono Style Squat Stand save $150.00
Professional 45 Degree Back Raise save $50.00
Professional Bench Rack B3 save $100.00
R2 Combo Rack save $100.00
Barbells
1500lb Safety Squat Bar save $25.00
Fat Bar save $25.00
Texas Squat Bar save $50.00
Metal Gear
Metal IPF Bench Shirt save $44.00
Metal IPF Dead Lift Suit save $22.00
Metal IPF Squat Suit save $18.00
Metal IPF Squat V-Type save $21.00
Metal IPF Viking Squatter save $10.00
Metal IPF Viking V-Type Squatter save $10.00
Metal Pro Bench Shirt save $30.00
Metal Pro Briefs save $20.00
Metal Pro Dead Lift Suit save $20.00
Metal Pro Squat Suit save $20.00
Accessories
Box Squat Box save $20.00
Dragging Sled save $20.00
Shoulder Horn save $5.00
Weight Releasers save $10.00
Flex Bands
All Flex Band orders will include the Training with Bands manual. Direct link to our sales page:
http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?cid=183
2004-06-03 - I heard recently from Lana of Lana's Egg Whites, that her son is out of the woods, stable for now and at home...That's great news. Our prayers are with you two.
| Denise Masino's NOC Posing Fun |
2004-06-03 - It seems from Denise that, as she put it; "The NOC went ok, considering the fact that everything in the world of professional bodybuilding is so transitional." Yeah, that's an understatment. Denise went on to say, "I had a relatively good time with the crazy skit Wayne DeMilia put together. Not exactly what I wanted to do but it was his show.Except for lots of last minute changes on the shows open and the unnecessary confusion that goes along with that kind of indecisiveness, it was a good time and lots of laughs." I know what happened is not what the great Muscle Elegance lady had in mind for her NOC performance. Next time. We hope, right Denise?
2004-06-03 - Hey, I'm done with my shouler surgery. Had a torn superspinatous, and torn Labrum (did I spell those right?), with a couple rocks too. No not the ones in my head. I'm rehabing quite quickly. Not trying to it's just happening that way. Hope to be back in the gym lifting some cold iron soon. But, not soon enough. I'll keep you all posted.
| Do This Show Now! The NPC Mile High Natural Championships |
2004-05-16 - This MAY 22 if you are wanting to doa show there are still not too many athletes have entered so far; only 30 Bodybuilders + 9 High School and 13 Figure! This year's NPC Mile High has 4 height classes in Figure and is the first national qualifier of '04! ENTER! Figure competitors may enter next Friday, May 21, at Check-In at the Host Hotel. BODYBUILDERS MUST GET ENTRY IN BY NEXT TUESDAY.
There also Drug Free for Life Weight Classes and High School Division. High School , that's cool, for all you teenage wannabes do a show instead of acting like you're a bodybuilder do a show. Jeff Taylor is the only promoter I know that does "high school" divisions.
Check-In and Weigh-In is FRIDAY NIGHT 6-8 p.m. at the Fairfield Inn at Colorado Blvd. just north of I-25!(Call for $59/night rates: 303.661.2223.)TICKETS: Call 303.282.9999 for visa/mastercard orders, or pick up at the MaxMuscle/Thornton at 120th and Colorado.GUEST POSER: Tricky Jackson--3X Team Universe Champ!QUESTIONS: Call Co-Promoter IFBB Figure Pro Chaundra Tangi at 303.929.0626. There is still time to enter!
2004-05-15 - First of all, circle the date and make the time. When? May 28 - 30 Where? Downtown Toronto, ON (next to the SkyDome & CN Tower - right in the Toronto Entertainment District. Why Come to FAME Canada?
Get Discovered! Be Featured in Magazines! On TV! On Film! Kick Start your Fitness Model Career! Meet the 'BigWigs' of the Industry! Meet Robert Kennedy! Future of Fitness Photo Shoots - on site! Be selected for Oxygen, American Health & Fitness, Musclemag, Beyond Fitness, Natural Fitness & Muscle, UMM, Apollo Male Model, Teeze, Pure Power, and Fitness Trainer. Tons of Exhibitors! Door Prizes! On Site Challenges! Get Discovered / Network!: Bring your Comp Cards! Bios! Resumes! Pics! This is a great opportunity for you to be seen and get your name out! Chat with the industry's best - including Elite Athlete Management, Publishers and Editors of the Major Magazines, Legacy Films, FAME Fitness Model Agency... Plus several companies are looking to Sponsor and Endorse those with Fit Physiques!
Promotion Opportunities: If you have any 'catchy' stories or pictures that you think we can help you to promote prior to FAME Canada, please let us know. Or contact your local media yourself and see if you can get some promotion for your self as you gear up for FAME Canada. Then use our expertise for to get the most out of your exposure. Or pass along media contacts who we can contact on your behalf. If any of this interests you, please send an email to: media@wnso.com Or if you recently been or will be featured in the media, let us know!
Do You Have a Web site? Or Database? If so, would it be too much to ask (or beg) if you can please post some information about FAME Canada on your home page or 'news' section?
Only 14 Exhibit Booths Left! (327 are already gone!) Wow, it's been a long journey, and we're almost nearing the end. Only a handful of booths remaining, so if you would like to be a part of 'The Only Event of Its Kind', that has everything and anything to do with Physique, Beauty, Health, Nutrition, Fitness, Modeling, and Confidence, do not hesitate to contact us to book your spot: corporate@wnso.com
Exciting New Product Launches at FAME FAME Canada After Party!! Tickets On Sale Now: Only $15/day or $40/wkend - includes access to workshops, seminars, free samples, stage competitions, mini challenges, discounts, photo shoots, 'fame' opportunities, door prizes, and much much more!
To reserve your seats now tix@wnso.com or call 416 994-8665. Tickets will also be available at the door. Travelling In? Host Hotel - Holiday Inn on King - call 1800 263 6364. Special room rate code; FMUSC Cheap Airfare - Total Vacations - 888 282 3783 - Code: WNSO
| A Word With The Newest Member Of BB.com Bob Cich. |
2004-05-10 - First Bob, thanks for talking with us. Ok, ehre we go. I heard you signed with BB.com, and youre going to make some changes. You're not going to fitness size us are you? Can you tell us some of the big things you have in mind to BB.com?
BC: No, I'm not going fitness on you! LOL...The changes I've implemented are on the business end with BB.com. They have to do with expanding the company with Athletes, starting a new "womens" site (sister site, if you will...)that will cater to women looking to gain knowledge from weight loss to exercise, clothing, articles, etc. We've also acquired Athletes.com and will be working on that for the next few months. This site will cater to all athletes of various sports and the need to get bigger, stronger, and faster with increased knowledge of supplements, training, techniques, etc. I'm also working behind the scenes with regard to advertising, design, coordinating the athletes for appearances, photo shoots, etc. generally were bringing BB.com up to specs as an industry leader in the world of BB and Fitness.
Hows things going with the Union ideas? It was and still is a good idea but wouldn't you agree bodybuilding has too many individual egos to be like the NBA, or NFL Players Union?
BC: As for the "union" ideas, were still working on getting the athletes to understand that together were much stronger than as individuals. As of this present state, there are many changes in the works in the IFBB that will greatly determine the future of professional BB and our lively hoods. By the time this gets printed, the changes will be made public knowledge, As of
this time I cannot comment further on any details as nothing is carved in stone. What I can say is, that we (the athletes) should take a greater interest in preserving our ability to dictate our own future and not just wait around for the powers that be to tell us what and where we are going to be next. This may mean that we need to take control of our own destiny and "take the bull by the horns"...without the athletes, there is no IFBB, pro division, or anything else for that matter. You need bodybuilders in the world of bodybuilding.
Also heard that Shawn is talking to the feds about other BBers, is that true or rumor?
BC: As for Shawn talking to the "feds", yes, Shawn himself has stated that he talked with the DEA as they wanted to ask him some questions...as did some 20 other athletes. If the DEA showed up at my house and wanted to ask me any questions, I would also oblige as I have nothing to hide, and know very little of anyone else's going on's. Just because the DEA asks you some questions, doesn't mean that you are "ratting out" anyone, or that you even have any knowledge of anything. For the record, Shawn was never issued a subpoena, which 12-15 other athletes were at the Arnold.
Ok, back to more easy things. I read that you think benching is dangerous? Common that wasn't written by you that was ghost written right? Any exercise done wrong is dangerous, and even if done properly it can still hurt you.
BC: No one has ever "ghost written" any article by myself. Any article that has my name on it is quarantined to have been written by me. Yes, I have advocated for many years now that the bench press is over-rated, and that the risks greatly outweigh the benefits. It is an exercise that was made up in the late 1800's and has ended more careers in Bodybuilding than every other exercises combined. Many of my friends (both pro and amateur) have suffered pec tears from the "big bench". Talk to any pro BB, and I'll guarantee you get a similar response to mine. The bench is an outdated exercise, along with many of the other "cornerstone exercises" of BB. Everything else in the industry has grown by leaps and bounds from supplements to equipment to nutrition, yet, the "meatheads" in the gym are still stuck in the last century with the "what 'ya bench" mentality and won't figure it out until it's too late. I'm not saying to never bench press, far from it.... Just be aware that the bigger and heavier the bench, the more risk of tearing a pec. If it doesn't happen at 500 lbs....maybe it's at 510 lbs.
Actually, more injusries are from doing bench raw and wrong, not the wqeight. But, ok. Are you permanently in Caly? Do you still have family back in Rochester?
BC: Yes, I've been in California for almost 3 years now taking advantage of the weather and opportunities that bring people here. I still have sisters Sandra Lynn and Pauline Rochester as well as a lifetime of good friends. My brother Joe lives in Seattle, WA and my parents and Grandma live in Ft. Myers FLA.
Didn't you used to train at the old Samsons gym in Rochester? Tell us what it was like?
BC: Yes, I trained at Samsons Gym (owned by Jim Rockell) for all of my years in Rochester.
I started in 1980 at 14 years old and trained there until I moved to Venice, CA. in 2001. Samsons was an awesome place to train and produced some great BB'ers over the years. It had that feel, that smell, that something special that sets a gym apart from all the others. It had an atmosphere for training and sweating and growing...and for making champions. I don't know of another gym that has produced more Pro BBers and National contenders in a twenty-five year span than Samsons Gym. It will always be "my gym" no matter where I go from here.
Are you still doing movies and commercials?
BC: I've been very busy with commercials and movies...getting my feet wet and trying to secure roles other than a Bodybuilder in a gym. Part of it involves scaling down in weight for these roles, as the camera seems to add 10 lbs. per every 25 lbs. over 175. Basically, you just take up too much space on camera! I did a few short films last year along with a low budget film called "Demonsat the door". Many people seen the commercials I shot last year with ESPN and
Stuart Scott and the GMC truck commercial as well. I, (along with my girlfriend Brenda Kelly) both have small roles in the upcoming movie "DODGEBALL" staring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn set for release this month (June).Were both heading out to OHIO to start filming our next movie titled "Close Encounters of the 4th Kind" this next month. I have 2 roles I'll be playing...one as a NFL football player, and the other as a Hell's Angel biker type (that should be fun!) I'm also an Associate Producer on the film, lending my expertise behind the camera as well as in front of it.
That's cool Bob so what's next for you, show wise?
BC: Show wise, I'm thinking about the GNC show in the fall or maybe the European tour after the Olympia...depends on the acting and what roles come up. I'm trying to balance the Pro BB career with the Pro acting career, and it's a tough juggle. I have to keep fairly lean for movies while trying to then increase size for competition. I have no regrets though, as I have to look toward the future and at some point make a decision as to compete or not. For now I'll keep doing both as I still have the fire burning for getting under the lights, and mastering the art of acting.
| Model Search: "WANNA BE A LIP SERVICE MODEL? |
2004-05-10 - Do you live in the LA area? Train over at Venice maybe? Ok, most of us girls that workout like wearing our slut/gothic wear so give Lip Service a call but you must be at least 18 years of age. Again, have to live in the Los Angeles area.
Women must be near a size 5 and be at least 55 and 510 tall. IMPORTANT: You MUST attach a recent photo of yourself to your e-mail submission to be considered! E-mails without photos will not be considered and will be immediately deleted! Got that?! OK, If you're still interested then send your information and photos to BRYN@LIP-SERVICE.COM
2004-05-09 - Big Gene Rychalck hit 925 and just missed 950 at the APF Kumite Classic in Pittsburgh. Go for it Gene, no matter what anyone says about your accomplishement(s), it's fantastic and keep going towards the future. I hope you're the first to crack 1,000! I would love to witness that one.
2004-05-09 - Again, I apologize to anyone out there that is offended or takes my comments personal. I do wehn I read all the stuff written and said about female bodybuilders. So I understand. But, just remember, understand me and my sisters of iron too, it's not the female bodybuilder hurting competitive women's bodybulding, it's others doing it for us. Be good to one another.
2004-05-08 - This is an Editorial.
Isn't This The 21st Century? Here we go again. Another year, the same old stuff. I recently interviewed a male BBer and was dumb founded by his comments on female bodybuilding and their not being a market for it. I also read another article on us dying in the current issue of MMI. Hmmm! We are always at battle with the very own industry we are part of. Battle over what? Well, Mrs. Olympia Rachel McLish, whos muscles, even at her time, was seen unacceptable too but she said it best; As to the femininity vs-muscularity controversy Im bored with the whole thing. If you understand what bodybuilding is, you shouldnt have to worry about questions of that sort.
Do you think you know "real" Bodybuilding? Most dont. Most think Bodybuilding is supposed to be a healthy fit thing, its not. Bodybuilding is a competitive thing and for those who just watch and do not compete you do not understand. People are confusing things or they make them right for their morals or wants. Not the whole, but only their own.
So, with that, lets talk about Womens bodybuilding dying. Every year it seems like womens bodybuilding is dying. Womens bodybuilding has been dying since its conception and died i don't remember how many times when I started competing back in 1988. And it doesnt matter if record numbers come out to compete in the USA or Nationals; the female side of bodybuilding is dying. Also every year were looking like she-males. OK, lets please clear this one up. Have you ever seen a transvestite or she-male? They look like regular normal women that could do a swim suite issue for MMI or MD and actually one, a she-male, did a full spread in Maxim magazine once. Betcha didnt know that!
Then, every year, our industry magazines publish letters at least one an issue from individuals who cannot handle muscle on women - any muscle. There are those in this industry that cannot handle Ronnie Colemans size and his accomplishments and the great leap hes done in bodybuilding either or the likes of Dorian Yates size.
Im not done. About every 4-5 years the NPC/IFBB screws with the women competitors and what we, as female bodybuilders, should look like. Smaller, not so muscular, not so hard, hard but healthy looking, oh and lets not forget the best one of all, Make sure my hair and face makeup looks good. Im sorry Ive seen some faces on these Fitness and Figure competitors and they are not pretty but theyre not being told they look like men, tight jaws and all that.
Do you know or care how many girls the NPC/IFBB have made girls quit the sport because of the constant changing of rules. You think you're helping? Youre not.
OK, it is said we should be more feminine, then what should all us women look like? How would you like for us too look? How would you like for me to look? Should I have bigger boobs? But not all men like big boobs? So, what would be the ideal size? A B, C or DD? What about my ass? Should it be rounder, or flatter? How? Are my legs too long? Im 54 should I be taller? Shorter? Im a blond, should I be a brunet? Maybe a red head? Ok, since i'm too look a certian way I want ALL men to look like Ronnie Coleman, Dorian Yates or my husband whos 510 286.
We have men writing in the industry magazines that are fat, skinny or never lifted an iron plate in their lives telling us women bbers how we should look as bodybuilders. But we, as women, are supposed to look a certain way for men. Were not hurting ourselves all this negative talk is.
Does anyone get the point? The point is No one can please anyone, this is Bodybuilding. Let us be bodybuilders and we should be allowed to explore the same, the same boundaries, the same in everything.
So, if everyone wants to call me and my fellow muscle girls names, call us tuff for hanging around and enduring all this hurtful mental abuse that is constantly being thrown at us. I hope I didnt offend or upset any of you Im mad and when you here the same stuff year after year for over a decade it gets kinda old.
I appreciate individuals like Ryan here at BB.com who was kind enough to let me do this column here at BB.com, the greatest site around. I still feel more leaders in the industry are needed. More individuals who can see past the "mainstream" because mainstream doesn't understand lifting weights nor do they even like big muscle men. Majority or not. Bodybuilding is a CULT a special "clique". All of it.
So, to all reading this be leaders and make a change. Give it a try, please.
| Denise Masino & Muscle Elegance |
2004-05-07 - Denise is one of my favorite girls on the stage today. A business woman and comeptitor that stands tall in the very industry that she competes in and treats us female bodybuilders with contention. She is a women, strong, pure and tuff with one hard bod. I had the chance to talk with Denise, or should I say, Denise graced me and the Muscle Update readers with a moment of her very busy life to tell us some things.
1) Rumor has it you're going to do something "bad" at the NOC. Can you give us a taste? I also understand you have your own section too. Can you tell us how to get into those seats?
DM: Bad? Since when is giving a ticket buying audience an entertaining show to remember bad? Naughty maybe, but definitely not Bad. Anybody interested in sitting in my section can email me at support@denisemasino.com or call our office to order tickets at 239-482-6479. We don't have that many tickets left, so people interested should call ASAP.
2) You must be growing BIG?! I see you in all the magazines. How's things going with Muscle Elegance magazine?
DM: Muscle Elegance Magazine is still fighting the good fight. We have come a long way in the short 7 years since we launched the magazine. Our constant attention to fresh, new and progressive layouts and reporting on the sport of women's bodybuilding has given us a mainstream appeal that has opened up broader newsstand distribution. That combined with the feedback and support of the real fans of women's bodybuilding have allowed us to enjoy a level of success most thought impossible. Being a niche magazine has it's fair share of challenges but we are always working to improve our presentation and our reach.
3) Why have you steered from a Playboy format to a more Penthouse image and with all the girl/girl soft porn stuff?
DM: When was the last time you saw a Penthouse? I don't think we are anything like Penthouse actually. The magazine and our product line as a whole is simply put, consumer driven. The customer dictates the direction most products go in. Our job is to create a product that the fans want to buy. By presenting female bodybuilders and female athletes in a strong, uninhibited, physically fit, emotionally, intellectually, unabashed, unapologetic and sexually independent way, we are showing the world and the adoring fans of strong women how empowering bodybuilding can really be. I think it's about time!
4) Do you think maybe all that might hurt us as female bodybuilders?
DM: Even though I believe I have already answered this with my previous answer, I will add that women's bodybuilding needed to be redefined. There are lots of things that have hurt the image of female bodybuilding but I don't think Muscle Elegance is one of them.
5) Let's talk about women's Bodybuilding. I read somewhere that you and your hubby wish you could buy the women's side of BBing. Or maybe it was just our husband, I think I saw it in MD. Why not? Or do your own thing to help give the girls more avenues as competitive bodybuilders?
DM: I think what you are referring to is an article written by John Romano on the 2003 Olympia in MD. In the piece, he editorialized what he feels is wrong with women's bodybuilding and the people who control it. In the article he points out that during the last 10 years most of the magazines and people in our industry have felt that women's bodybuilding does not have a strong audience worth going after. He further points out that Muscle Elegance Magazine has been very successful because it gives the fans and audience what they want. As I understand it, John made a rhetorical suggestion that "The Masino's" should take over women's bodybuilding, they seem to be the only people that know how to corral an audience for these muscular women. Let me say that John never interviewed Robert nor myself for that article. As far as doing more, we are doing more to promote women's bodybuilding then anybody in the industry with our magazine, videos, Internet sites and appearances.
6) Okay, back to more easy things. How long do you see yourself still competing? You look great even better than when you first started - that's what I see anyway. What's next after the NOC, show wise?
DM: I don't have a time table on competing. And thanks for the compliment. I feel great, and as always, I love what bodybuilding does for me. The NOC is one of many guest posing appearances I have scheduled for the rest of this year. It is my way of helping to promote the women's end of the show and supporting Wayne's efforts to keep the women involved in the Night of Champions. My next competition is going to be the Ms. Olympia this year.
7) With all this work is it hard to get serious training and dieting in? Tell us what's it like for a typical day with Denise Masino.
DM: How much space and time do you want to give me for this interview? Robert and I have spent many long hours working on Muscle Elegance Projects and yes, sometimes getting it all in is very difficult. In the past, I have been forced to put my competition prep on the back burner so that the magazine and our promotional work could take center stage. Last year marked the first year in many, that I was able to focus more attention to training and dieting for competitions and it paid off. It is almost impossible to fill you in on the amount of work and the level of responsibilities we have in this labor of love we call Muscle Elegance. We have learned almost everything there is to know about the photography, modeling, publishing, printing and newsstand distribution business. Video production, acting, editing and marketing. Website development, design as well as other areas of multi media. And if you can believe it, that's just part of what we do. I haven't even talked about Bodybuilding, training, appearances, interviews and contests. Hell, I didn't even talk about product fulfillment! Let's just say that a day in the life of Denise Masino is jammed and never boring!
8) Thanks bunches Denise and hope to see you some time soon, and if you ever do a lingerie only issue I'd would love to be in ME. If I ask nicely can I get you to send me an autographed 8 x 10 of you on the coach with the glasses and black top, a recent pic on your site - my husbands a big fan.
DM: Anita, you will be the first lady I call if we decide to do a PJ's only Muscle Elegance.
It would be a pleasure to send you and your husband an 8 x 10, just let me know where to send it and how to make it out. Please thank your husband for being a fan. And thank you for the interview.All the best Denise.
www.muscleelegancemag.com & www.denisemasino.com.
| Wendy Lindquist Wins Ms. Terminator 2004 |
2004-05-06 - My bud JP, has told me the winners of the Ms. Terminator 2004 contest, and here they are. Twenty-four-year-old Canadian Wendy Lindquist walked away with the inaugural Ms. Terminator title, along with $500 cash and a Mak Attack outfit courtesy of course sponsor Laura Mak. Narrowly edging out runner-up Nikki Warner.
Splitting the remaining $500 in cash prizes were Nikki Warner second, Christina Comparato third, Mindi O'Brien fourth, Jamie Stevens fifth, Carina Dupree sixth and Carol Ponce and Jessica O'Neal tied for seventh. To see photos of all the winners go to:www.milehighmodel.com/newmhm/contest/finalresults.htm
Wendy won the title by entering the Mikayla Miles Buff Babe Search at the 2004 Arnold Classic. Almost 200 women entered the contest. The final verdict came on a combination of fan voting and votes from a judging panel.
this contest. This was a huge success so look for another Ms. Terminator in 2005.
Look for the next Mikayla Miles Buff Babe Search at the 2005 Arnold Classic.
| Soon All Our supplements Will Be Taken Away From Us |
2004-05-05 - Have you noticed that little people that don't workout are trying to take things from us?
A matter that needs your urgent attention again is another bill before congress that threatens our legal right to use nutritional supplements.
The ~Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2003~ or Senate Bill 722 was written to amend the "Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994" or
DSHEA. If passed into law, SB 722 will restrict your freedom to use nutritional supplements, potentially cripple the nutritional supplement industry, and endanger your health and that of your clients.
The bill was created in a reaction to fears about ephedra and was brought
forth by Richard Durbin (D-Il) and co-sponsored by Hillary Clinton (D-NY),Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Charles Schumer (D-NY). A companion versionis in the House of Representatives, titled the "Dietary Supplement Access
and Awareness Act" (H.R. 3377). The intent of H.R. 3377 is to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to dietary supplements and is sponsored by Susan A. Davis (CA-53).
Please take just a few moments to block SB 722. Go to www.citizens.org click on TAKE ACTION on the main page. Type in your name, address and zip code and a letter will be sent to your representatives. It takes 30
seconds. If you have a few more minutes write a personal letter. And if you live in California, New York, or Illinois contact the sponsors of this bill and educate them about the safety of supplements and how your clients
rely on them to be well. Call the Senate switchboard number at (202)224-3121, or go to www.senate.gov to contact Richard Durbin (D-Il),Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Charles Schumer(D-NY).
Back in 1994 over two million people wrote letters in support of DSHEA and that same type of response is needed now to protect it.
So, do you think together we can stop this bill? I don't think so, it didn't stop them from taking the Ephedra away. Hey is it just me or is only Democrates that are doing this?
| NESTA & Aqualogix are creating a Water Fitness Instructor Certification |
2004-05-01 - NESTA is looking for a qualified male & female model for their videos and manual. Candidates must have water fitness experience (or significant dry land training). The shoot will take place in Orange County or San Diego,CA in May, 2004. The selected candidate will receive a FREE Aqualogix Fitness Instructor Business Kit and Supplies. In addition, they will receive $750 in NESTA programs of their choice. Qualified candidates must submit a 5-10 minute demo video and resume. Contact info is found here. http://www.nestacertified.com/nesta-contact.html
2004-05-01 - Coming soon to Muscle Update are interviews with Bob Chic, Heather Lee and Elena NPC National level middleweights so keep looking for them.
| IPA Masters Lifter Buster Godden |
2004-04-28 - I would like to introduce you all to a very good acquaintance of mine, his name is Buster Godden. Buster is a Masters lifter in the IPA and a member of the Metal Militia family. How would I describe Buster? Hmmm, I would call Buster the father of the Metal Militia, the one who always brings the fun to the after meet party. For shits he has supplied me with his workout, and some history.
Buster is a 50-year-old Regional Shopping Center Manager. He started lifting in 2000 to help my son Travis get ready for competition. Buster was a former APA world Record holder, in the 198 Jr.s class with a record 475lb bench press. He then set a couple of APA Pennsylvania records in 2001. Then his first IPA World Record in December of 2002 in the Masters 45 to 49 year old SHW, the record is 480lbs. So, working together with his son Travis got Buster enthusiastic to compete again. But, something bad came into Busters life, his son Travis was killed in auto accident. They both had started a quest together to bench 600. Buster tells me he is much more focused on the 600 for the both of them now. It will get done! Buster says. Since Traviss death Buster has competed twice. We, Curtis and I first met Buster at Nazareth Barbell Nov. 1st 2003 when he nailed the IPA Master 50 54 year old SHW world record at 500lbs. Then he competed at the IPA Sr. Nationals in the 50 54 year old 308-class setting the world record at 500 just missing 520.
At the present time of this Buster was training for the Mark Rexford Memorial Meet, which Curtis and I also did which was at Bill Crawfords Adirondack Barbell on 12-2-03.
Here is a Buster workout: My last shirt work out was as follows:
Close grip warm ups: 135x10, 135x8, 225x8, 275x6, 315x3, and 365x1
Shirt on: 405x2, 450x1, 480x1, and 520x1
Work load with shirt on: 405x4, 430x 3, 455x3, miss at 475
Raw board presses: 6 board 3x405, 3x425, 3x455, miss 475 5 boards: 405x3, 405x3.
Press downs 20x150x3
My last raw workout was:
Standard grip: 10x135, 6x225, 3x275, 3x315, 3x365, and 2x405
Board Presses: 4 boards 3x275, 3x315, 3x365, 3x405, and 3x420
3 boards 3x315, 3x365, 3x405, miss at 420
Single arm pushdowns 10x150x3
Support work is as follows: Tuesdays is shoulder, back, lats, and biceps. For shoulders I do military presses, shrugs, upright rows, lateral raises. For lats I do pull downs two arm and one arm from the side. For back I do long pulls and set backwards in the peck machine pinching my shoulder together. For biceps I rotate two arm and single arm preacher curls. Wednesday is leg day. For legs I do seated leg presses, leg curls, leg extensions, ham strings, inner and outer adductors and just started for the first time ever dead lifting two weeks ago. I am training to dead lift at the First Annual Candyazz Classic in February 2004.
If you want to talk about a working out or just bullshit with Buster he can be reached at godden@westpa.net
Curtis and I still owe Buster a workout visit, and we apologize Buster that we cannot make it to your meet, the Travis Godden Memorial. Please forgive us. But, you and Carl better be prepared when we come down for a workout because Im brining the plastic butt this time.
| Bill Crawford 3x Bodyweight Bench |
2004-04-28 - Multiple World record holder, Metal Militia man and recent 802 bencher at the 2004 Arnold Classic in the 275's has dropped weight and is going 242's and has already tripled his bodyweight at only 240! Wow, that's interesting since last time I talked to Bill he told us he was going to retire after the Arnold. Yeah, right, we new better Bill , it's in your blood you can't stop. Keep going, can't wait to do another Saturday Militia workout with the rest of the crew.
| WPO Bench Bash & Powerlifting At The 2004 Arnold Classic |
2004-04-28 - I know it's been a while but with all the bodybuilding and fitness/figure coverage that the Arnold gets I thought some of you might find it interesting to see what the other big boys and girls do at the Arnold. Check it out at: butwww.ironasylumgym.com/Arnold2004/wpo.html
| Janet's Debut As A Bodybuilder |
2004-04-27 - I would like all of you here to wish my very good acqaintance Janet Harris, wife of writer Ron Harris, luck and lots of fun in her debute as a bodybuilder which will take place on May 3rd. Janet used to do figure shows, even though Janet is more then capable of still competing in Figure esspecailly with a physique like this, it's nice to see her do something else which just might be better for her. Janet has been dieting for several weeks and let's hope Ron has got her ready for her manditory poses. Good luck Janet and you better let us know how the show goes and give us an interview.
2004-03-30 - That's right Fat Ooops, nope. I mean PHAT Muscle? This is news when you get a new item in the fitness/bodybuilding industry. PhatMuscle Headquarters is at www.phatmuscle.com/index.html PhatMuscle is fitness with street look that will enhance your physique as well as give you that urban vibe. What's urban vibe? I don't know but I do know this, along with BB.com clothing, HOP, and FBX PhatMuscle gear is the best fitness clothing you should be wearing when hiting the iron. PhatMuscle also signed IFBB pro Dexter Jackson to endorse thier line of apparel. You all know who Dexter is, I call him the new FLEX Wheeler, even though there was only one FLEX Wheeler. Dexter is one of the top ten bodybuilders in the IFBB. Constructing a line of clothing that will make us muscle heads want it is hard to do, and I think PhatMuscle did a good one, but enough with the non-fitness girls wearing Hardcore workout gear - either a bodybuilder(male or female) or a TOP Fitness/Figure girl like either Kelly Ryan or Monica Brant. go it your Phat Muscle Gear now!
| The 2004 Muscle Update Supplement Review |
2004-03-28 - Want To Change Your Body? Then Change Your Supplements.
Want muscle size? A hard bod? Strength gains? Eat, sleep, and live bodybuilding, or should I say bodybuilding.com! Most neive individuals think that if they take streiods theyll be like Ronnie or Tom Prince. Not! If that was true many of us would be HUGE. What know one wants to hear is it takes dedication, HARD Core training, time, eating lots of the right foods, lots of protein, and supplementation.
So, I decided to give you this; Muscle Updates 2004 Supplement Review. With 18 years of weight training, 12 years of competitive bodybuilding, 12 years of one-on-one training individuals from all walks of life all under my belt, and with putting almost every supplement that has been or is on the market down my gullet, I thought it was time for the Anita Ramseys Muscle Update supplement review. I will post those certain supplements that have made the grade for aiding in the development of strength, muscle, and the recovery from intense weight training.
Ok, now, before I say this, remember, they always say this stuff to protect theyre asses from those sue crazy idiots out.
First lets get into the good stuff; the pro-hormone and non-pro hormones. Nu-Nitro-8 by Nutec Performance Labs contains all the right anabolic stacks that accelerate muscle building with out taking a needle. I got harder and experience some increase in strength while only doing one bottle of Nu-Nitro-8, combine that with NUTECs Nulean Caps which are ephedra free. These two products together helped me increase protein synthesis, drop water weight and even increase my energy levels while increasing my strength levels a very nice plus. I used them to get my IPA WR Bench Press. The only thing I have to say is maybe for you guys out there take more then the regular dosage, as I did the regular acquired does and it worked great for me. A Great combo. Want Creatine? With all the products out there it can be confusing, especially with everyone on the MuscleTech bandwagon. Ive found IDS Sports Creatine Titrate, and Creatine Titrate Crystal are the best creatine supplements on the market. I also used the above combo and IDS Creatine products to nail my comp bench press World Record. Both Titrate and Titrate Crystal both dissolve easily in water (I use warm water it helps creatine assimilate quicker into the blood stream). For all you girls out there, who need a creatine supplement, Creatine Titrate Crystal is the best as it is fortified with Calcium and Folic Acid, some extra added goodies that we need as ladies. I also do not get that awful water retention from taking IDS Sports creatine products like I did from so many other creatine mixtures. You know that bloated water caked body. Yuck! Another favorite, and probably yours, is IDS Sports Kranker. Wow! I loved the ephedra based product, it did wonders when I was competing, and the ephedra-FREE Kranker is maybe not as potent but still a top of the line fat burner and energy booster. Now again, on the back of the Kranker it says just take one! Well, forgive me for being a more is better American but I take 3-a day, spread out through the course of the day, usually one in the morning, one at noon and the other around 6pm.
There are many Whey only products, but only two have found superior through my sensitive taste buds and what I like about Optimum Nutritions 100% Whey and Eclipse Bulk Whey is that they both dont give me any stomach problems. Thats a major plus when taking high doses of protein, so in my opinion these two Whey protein mixes are the only real whey protein complex mixes that can help anyone gain. Now talking protein combination mixtures the only one thats tops is MG Developments MG-2. MG Development understands that athletes, bodybuilders and extreme fitness competitors need the fastest results in performance and absorption rate. This is why MGF-2 has the highest protein efficiency ratio of #4 on the market. Absorption is the key to keeping muscle size while dieting. Hydrolyzed Whey is 40% smaller than any other type of Whey protein available, which means smaller peptides are absorbed preferentially by the intestines, forcing more Nitrogen and Amino Acids to the bloodstream faster then before. The result is for the body to enhance cellular uptake to maximize protein synthesis. MG Development is one of the only sports nutrition supplement companies to include a time-released portion of concentrated whey protein to promote a rapid and prolonged absorption rate. This effect aids in the prevention of muscle catabolism during high intensity workouts. MGF-2 is also the highest nitrogen retention formula available. MGF-2 is 68% better then EGG White and 97% better than soy protein. MGF-2 has no aspartame, no sucralose, and no lactose, which helps on less water retention. Optimum Nutritions After MAX: After Max is a great post-workout, thats after workout recovery drink. It has a one-to-one combination of protein and carbs (40 grams each) and also gives you a good smack of 5 grams of Glutamine with each serving. If there is a draw back to adding After Max to your training regiment it would be the 5 grams of simple sugars that it contains. Its ok with me, Im not a freak on eating like so many whos its are out there, but I wouldnt recommend it if you are prepping for a Bodybuilding show, maybe off-season YES, but not comp dieting.
Lets get into some pre-workout stimulators. ISS Blast taken an hour prior to training will kick your butt into high gear. More focus and more weight. Remember Ultimate Orange? ISS Blast is the new Ultimate Orange. I looked long and far for a substitute and found ISS Blast. But, I wish they never discontinued Ultimate Orange, I wonder why? Try this for a4 weeks. Combine one scoop of IDS Creatine Crystal with one package of ISS Blast prior to your workouts. Wow! Thats for four weeks every time you workout.
If you are looking for a weight gainers and or MRPs the best are MHP Up Your Ass oh excuse me Up Your MassThats it! Dorian Yates ProPeptide MBF and any of the great flavors of Lebrada MRPs. So, if you need a change from MetRx and EAS crap, then you are ready for the above products for max nutrient delivery. The following supplements are nothing different or special, but if you havent trained on any of them or a combination of them yet, then start. Cytodyne Technologies main Cytodyne product is the Bomb! Even though I am a firm believer that MuscleTech products are crap, I will give Acetobolane II by (MuscleTech) a thumbs up. But, thats the only product I give thumbs up thats made by Muscle Tech. Acetobolone and Acetobolone II are both a step down from Cytodyne but cycle it for 8 weeks and it does give a nice kick to the training and strength gains. And then of course, high doses of Glutamine caps I prefer mine to be by Eclipse.
Some other REALLY GREAT products NOT available here in the US are Musashi, theyre only in Australia, and Team Biohazard UK theyre in England. Musashi products are pure Amino Acids in powder form and are very expensive and probably the best supplements I have ever used and or taken. Some of there stuff is, well, lets just say, if you can get past the taste of swallowing shredded Styrofoam you will make huge gains off their Aminos. Now Team Biohazard UK and their Raverger 5, Beef flavored Glutamine (yep, beef flavored) and Amino caps are top grade European supplements that deliver max results. The only problem, like Musashi, Team Biohazard UK products are, in my book, superior to some US made products, but if you can pay the price for shipping then do it and reap the rewards.
Bodybuilding.com has everything your body needs for size, strength, and building lean muscles but make a change and try these products combined with your intense training its plain English, your body will change!
| Are You Ready For Spring? What Are You Doing? Steroids And Other Stuff. |
2004-03-28 - Are you ready for spring? I am. Enough with the snow already.
Ron and Janet Harris are the only bodybuilders from all the bodybuilders that I know who read this column that have told me about what contest they are going to do and they are going to send me updates on their progress. So, whats up with the rest of you? I, myself, and others in the industry write articles to help you all get exposure, to get noticed in a world with all this muscle. Then none of you do anything, and you wonder why you didnt get your picture in the magazine or the gym you train at doesnt even know who you are or what youve accomplished. Unless you have been in all the magazines and live in Buffalo where no one knows anything about bodybuilding. Western New York is very strange. Need to move. OK, enough of that.
Heres something, get the April 2004 issue of the Ironman magazine and go to page 164 see Curtis write up on why hes hardcore! Steve Holman of Ironman wanted him to write his feelings on what, why and his dislikes of bodybuilding and what, being hardcore means to him. Some of you will like it. Also, get the new June 2004 issue of MMI, and turn to pages 23 and 250.
And whats all this talk about Steroids? Dont you just love all this talk about steroids in sports? When did they wake up, yesterday? Steroids have been in sports since the 70s and are even in some of our Olympic hopefuls. All the talk makes me laugh, then makes me angry. They, the media, and everyone else who is anti-what ever have no clue. Let me enlighten you. Its not Steriods that do damage; its the Sports industry, and the media.
Dont believe me? Heres a sample of what Im talking about. Im reading my husbands Scouting Digest its a magazine on the new football players profiled in the NFL draft. Offensive Center 64 285 Hes too small, he needs to be 300 when he comes to camp, says one scout. Then there is another one, Defensive lineman 62 312, Hes undersized and to small to play in the middle says one NFC Scout. Almost every page was like that. So, when did 64 285, and 62 312 become small? Did I miss something? I now that the NFL players are BIG, but this is done on all levels of the NCAA college too, even small college division III.
When you are told you are too small every time in the sport you want to play in, 99% of us will do what we need to do to be what they want. Curtis got it back in 1982, when Colgate recruited him after watching him on tape and then saw him in person and said youre too small too his face. No wonder he did gear when he got to college. Its the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLBThey tell our kids and us: you are not big enough to play here or you're too small or youre undersized! So, my advice to all is too listen and watch and youll understand who the real culprit is. Rather then listening to the media bull on subjects they know nothing about.
| THE REVO2LUTION IS COMING |
2004-03-28 - I heard from IFBB pro Jeramy Freeman and he was so excited to share with me what he's been up to lately. It seems he is expanding his company to LA. The REVO2LUTION camp is a combination of all the best that the Fitness has to offer combined with self-improvement and motivational techniques that will train your body and your mind to achieve more. It also seems as Jeramyy is going back in the gym. He's training for the Toronto Pro.
Jeramy's show, The Ironman Classic, will be held June 5, 2004 at Henninger High School, 600 Robinson Street, Syracuse, NY. Gunther Schlierkamp will be guest posing!
| Ms. Terminator 2004 Voting Has Started |
2004-03-24 - The voting has begun for Ms. Terminator 2004, that's what JP Erickson. Because of the large amount of entrants, there will be three rounds of voting, each lasting one week. From each round, the top five will advance to the final round of voting. Wow, that's allot of people. Then from that the final round of voting will determine who the winners are and which contestant will walk away with the overall win and the title of Ms. Terminator 2004. Go to the following link to see the first round contestants and for details on voting www.milehighmodel.com/newmhm/contest.htm
Some of the prizes include $1,000 cash and aMak Attack outfit courtesy of Laura Mak. Now the money is nice but I've bene trying ot get some Mak outfits, love her pants.
If you missed out this year don't worry, Mikayla is already planning on doing Ms. Terminator 2005 at next years Arnold.
| The Golden Boy Of Bodybuilding Returns To The Stage |
2004-03-21 - BB.com: First I want to start off by saying congratulations on the new addition to your family? Didn't your new addition come right during your comeback into bodybuilding, tell us what happened? We want the full story?
JB. Well, let's see. Where do I begin? In 2001 I decided I wanted to make a comeback. I had never really stoped training but I did stop taking drugs. I decided to give myself one or two years to make a comeback. In January of 2001 I started training with a goal in mind again. Due to muscle memory, I started seeing results immediately. Ron Harris was pushing me really hard to compete in 2002 but I thought it was just too soon. Instead, I decided to give myself one more year for more refining. In February of 2003 my wife and I found out she was pregnant. Unfortunately the due date was around the time the Nationals were to be held in Miami Beach. At this point 12 years had passed since I last stepped on a competitive stage and with this burning desire to come back, I just wasn't going to let having a baby get in my way. You need to remember, I was the "Teen Wonder Boy" and nothing stands in my way (so I thought.) Anyway, I spoke with some of my closest friends, which included Peter Potter. They all thought it was a crazy idea. As usual, I didn't see it that way. Once I make up my mind to do something it is pretty hard to sway me otherwise. Being aware that my wife's due date was some time in September or October, I figured I could plan everything including sleeping in the hospital if I have to. Sean Alexander Betancourt was born September 26, 2003. That's when I started breaking down mentally. I recall people asking me what was I going to do once the baby was born? Well, that's simple. Ill just sleep in the other room where I wont hear a thing. Big mistake. To make a long story short, I averaged 3 to 4 hours of sleep a night during the last 7 weeks prior to the show. The result of the show says it all. Believe it or not that's the first time I have ever lost.
BB.com: I remember you when you first came into the scene, some might not know about the Betancourt story give us a brief background on your beginnings in bodybuilding. JB. Well, I started experimenting with weights when I was 9 but I didn't really get serious till I was about 14. My father always did some type of training and I thought it was cool and manly. I remember clearly opening up one of my fathers dresser draws and finding a bodybuilding magazine. On the cover there was a black and white photo of this big dude. I didn't know it at the time but now in retrospect, I realize it was Arnold. In the 8th grade was when I started training more consistently. Clearly it was for getting the attention of girls. We had what we called an early bird class weight training which started at 6:30am in the morning. The PE teacher had asked some of the kids if would like to attend a new class. About 6 of us signed up. My mom was already dropping me off way early at school so it worked out perfectly for me. I clearly remember the first day of class. There were three other kids in the room along with one bench and one bar. We pumped iron for an hour every morning and then I walk around school with my long hair, gold chains and my chest pumped up. I was hooked. Six months later I joined a local gym called Miami Court Club. There, I met these two power lifters named Albert and Sergio. They took an interest in me. When they heard I was walking an hour and half every day to get to the gym, Albert asked, You really want to work out?
I answered, "absolutely." Then he replied: Well you won't have to walk anymore. Sergio and I will pick you up after school at your house at 4:00pm. These guys were heaven sent. Since they both had state records in power lifting, they were always trying to encourage me to become a power lifter. I had no intentions of doing that. I did all the power lifting moves from the very beginning but my real interest was bodybuilding and achieving the most symmetrical shape possible. Right before my sixteenth birthday, a Gold's Gym opened in Miami. That was the big thing in town. Guess what I did? I asked my mom to get me a membership for my birthday and she did. This gym was fantastic at the time. It had all types of equipment just like the ones I was use to seeing in the magazines. If I'm going to get big its going to have to be here. A few months after that I was convinced by the owner of the gym to compete in the Teenage Southern States. I dieted for 3 weeks and I won my class and the Most Promising Award. I was so mentally pumped that as soon as I walked out with my trophy, I was asking about the next contest. When I got back to the gym everyone had heard the news and congratulated me on my success. I was walking on cloud nine as they say. The next show was The Gold Coast. It was in 6 months. I entered it and I won my class and the overall at 16. This was turning out way better then I thought. Due to my easy success's, I thought that maybe I could do this a bit longer and see what transpires. Little by little I started to take it more and more serious. I was getting hooked on the feeling it gave me. I started looking up information on other shows to find out when and where they would be held. I discovered the "Teen USA" in a local bodybuilding newspaper and the show was to be held right here in Florida the following year. I figured since I had won two other shows without any real effort why not train hard and see what happens in this one. I won my class and the most promising award again. Dennis Newman was 19 at the time and beat me for the overall by 3 points. By this time I new bodybuilding was going to be a part of my life. Some way some how I was going to make it my career. I soon got sponsored by American Muscle, the TV show, and then I was appearing on they're TV show on a regular basis. This helped to create the Teen Wonder Boy fan club, which is a name Peter Potter came up with for a Flex Magazine article. When I got back to the gym, I heard I had lost the overall by a few points. I didn't have any illusions that I'd win the overall but when I heard I almost had, it gave me more motivation to train, especially when I heard Dennis was two years older at 19 and a heavy weight and I was only a lightweight. My promoter at the time informed me of an even bigger show called the "Teen Nationals." He said that if I was to train really hard for the following year, I might be able to pull this one off. That was the hardest year I've ever trained. I lifted everything and anything that got in my way. In the end, the result paid off. I won my class and went off and won the overall by three points. I now felt legitimately the The Teenage Wonder Boy. In 1991 I did the Southern States Open Class as a teenager and I won the overall there as well. Lots of doors opened up after that show. I was the only one in history to ever win the overall open class as a teenager. That propelled me quickly. I had to start traveling and doing seminars along with guest posing.
BB.com: You had a very promising career, why did you stop?
Well, I figured after all my achievements I wasn't really banking any real money. My career looked promising but not enough mula. Somebody once told me that it you weren't making it by 20 then your best bet was to get out and do something else. With that in mind, I opened up my own business. I had sacrificed a lot. I was putting my health at risk and for what? To make a few bucks? I concentrated on my business and with time became financially secure and without sacrificing my health. Yes, there are a few people out there who make money in this game but sacrificing my health for a trophy didn't make sense to me. Another factor in my decision to drop out was a slight tear I experienced on my left pec while I was preparing for the USA back in 1992. I underwent surgery right away but I was out of commission for a while. The following year 6 weeks before the USA, hurricane Andrew came and literally blew South Florida off the map. The city was torn apart and believe it or not the three gyms I trained at all had their roofs blown off. Then in 1994, when I was 22 and training again for the USA, incidentally for the 3rd time, I broke up with my girlfriend and that was the end of it. The idea of being picked up by a company never appealed to me. I had seen too many companies over working athletes without proper compensation. You know how these companies are. You get hurt and they drop you in an instant and Its not like you have a million dollars in the bank to back you up either.
BB.com: Tell us about your business venture and your line of supplements what got you started in that? I've wanted to start this line for several years but didn't really have the time to do the research. Together with my wife, we decided to focus and make the time. My supplement line is called Betancourt Nutrition. Our first product was Ripped Juice Extreme with ephedra. Being that it is a time tested efficient fat burner we decided to include it in the Ripped Juice Extreme formula. I know how the hard-core love ephedra, But being that the government sees it a different way, Ripped Juice has been reformulated and now we have Ripped Juice Ephedra Free. We just introduced a brand new product called Creatine and Joint Support formula. I realized how I was already loading up on creatine and then supplementing with Glucosamine and Chondroitin for my joints. I thought, lets mix them up, add some L. Glutamine to enhance recovery and that's how we came up with our new product. I've been having tremendous results with it. Shortly due out this year too is our whey protein powders and also a flavored L-Glutamine formula. I want to bring quality products that appeal to the specific needs of those who weight train and make them affordable to all and with kick ass flavor. Right now we have 4 large distributors and our products are number one in South Florida. We're working on having the whole line completed by the end of this year. You can visit my site at www.betancourtnutrition.com.
BB.com: What's your Height & Weight especially in the off-season and competition? I'm 55 and my current weight is just above 200 but you have to remember I have a 28-inch waist when I compete. My competition weight will still be 176.
BB.com: Where are you based and call home? JB. My gym is in Coral Gables, FL and home for now is in South Beach.
BB.com: What did you want to be when you were a child? Where did you grow up? When I was a child I wanted to be a doctor but by the time the 5th Grade came around I new school wasn't for me. I knew I was going to end up working for myself. I just was never good at taking orders from others.
BB.com: Did you always want to be a bodybuilder? Not really but when I did my first show I was hooked immediately. The adrenaline I got on stage for winning was addicting. I knew the discipline and self-confidence I acquired by winning could also be redirected for other uses.
BB.com: What is the most impressive thing you do in the gym? What's your favorite body part to train? I no longer lift heavy but I believe I had a gym world record. When I was 20 I did a 490 bench press at 193. I was also very strong at squatting but when I was 19 my knees took their toll. You have to remember that I had a power lifting background so strength was in me from the very beginning.
BB.com: So, What's next for you? Running two businesses and spending time with my family is what I live for but competing again is not out of the question. I still receive emails and letters from fans around the world with encouragement to see more of me. That said, and combined with the knowledge that I'd like to see that chapter finished makes me keep those options open for me...only time will tell.
| Bench America II Going Wrong Way |
2004-03-21 - Gene Rychlack the first man to Bench Press 900 pounds is sad to hear the direction Bench America has taken and he will not attend. He is not the only one to decline attending Bench America II. Many of last years participants feel the same way. Why? Well, due to the restrictions and penalties being imposed by the organizer(s) because of gear and that each participant needs to qualify from only certain Federations now. Bench America has lost its way, once noted to be the first and only place to show case the BEST benchers period. No federations, note same rules, and a lets make it happen go get em attitude. A place where federations, qualifying, and gear use was not an issue but was just an accumulation of the best benchers, period! Now it has lost its roots if you will.
This is, in my opinion, no longer a meet for the best benchers in the World to be. It is now become a place where the meet director has felt to change, change the direction of this meet. Again, the meet organizer has chosen to be a member of the talkers, making Bench America a qualifying meet, drug tested, and categories for single ply and double ply only type crap. I guess some little people complained about this that and the other, like it has always been in powerlifting and instead of the meet director telling these talkers to get a life he agreed to their demands. Then again, I feel this is my assumption as the meet director is a little man, with a big bench, but he probably didnt like having all those big people around him with those 750-800 plus bench presses. It is Gene's opinion that because of these restrictions none of the Big Benchers will be in attendance. I agree. The show will NOT be a true representation of the Best Benchers in America.
| Phat Muscle Gear Goes Online |
2004-03-21 - I want to thank the mackers of PhatMuscle Gear for there awesome addition to Bodybuilding wear! You will definately want to order these clothes via www.phatmuscle.com for very trendy gym wear.
| Define Hardcore in Your Own Words Article Contest |
2004-03-21 - Define Hardcore in Your Own Words contest sponsored by Muscle Update and Me. Send me in 500 words how you are hardcore and define hardcore in your own words with a small picture of yourself. For example: I would have to say that hardcore, in gym terms, is an attitude. It's not screaming after each rep or throwing your 40-pound dumbbells on the floor, nor is it someone who holds the bar for you when your benching and yelling its all you either or its not someone who doesnt train legs. It's not being an asshole to other guys and girls in the gym who are smaller than you are either. Get the idea? The winner will recieve a Pair of Metal Wrist wraps, a House of Pain Fanny Pack and some other surprises from me. The Deadline for this contest is the end of April 2004, so send me how you are hardcore!
| Lana of Lannaseggwhites Son Is In The Hospital |
2004-03-21 - Please say a prayer for Lana of Lananseggwhites son as he is in the hospital fighting for his LIFE. Lana is very distrought, and is hanging on a thread livin in the hospital with her son on a cot. So, please, drop her a line and give her and her son your support. Things will be ok Lanan. Curtis, myself and all at Muscle Update will say a prayer for you and your son. Forgive me too.
| Update On The 2004 Mrs. Terminator Contest |
2004-03-18 - Ok, remember, the 2004 Mrs. Terminator contest? Well, JP has told me that they were just swamped with entries. Over 200. Wow!But, like always, it seems some of you wannabe's didn't leave valid contact info, so you've been droped. It seems that the contest was a hit and they had some amazing entrants, from complete unknowns who dropped by the booth to various pro and booth girls who came over on their breaks. Mikayla is gathering the photos and as soon as she's done completing the update with the images online, then the voting will begin to pick the winners. This was such a success that JP has inforemd me that Mikayla has already started making plans to do this contest again for the 2005 Arnold. As soon as I hear back with the timetable from JP & Mikayla, I'll do an update on the winner(s).
| IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Donna Logue Steps In The Ring... |
2004-03-17 - Mark May 14th on your calendars becasue IFBB pro bodybuilder Donna Logue from Edmonton, Canada will be stepping in the ring against a fighter who has gone toe to toe with Laila Ali, Muhammad Ali's daughter. Donna will be battling 30 year old, 170 pound Crystal Archand at the Chateau Lacombe in Edmonton. Donna probably get's paid more boxing then she does posing for the IFBB.
| MG Development Likes Heavy Metal |
2004-03-08 - Larry Maples the CEO of MG Development products has taken a leap in an interesting direction, when other companies are signing big bodybuilders, Larry, and MG Development has hooked up as sponsors for big bands like God Smack and Matt Sorum's new band Velvet Revolver. Way cool Larry. MG Development has some of the best supplements around, and
I've used many. MG can be found right here at the BB.com store. Try the MGF-2, the best protein around bar none!
| Femalemuscle.com denied Access At Arnold. Read On, There's More! |
2004-03-06 - As loyal viewers and subscribers of femalemucle.com, you all know that they, Femalemuscle.com has promoted the Arnold Classic every year. They always receive thousands of emails praising them for their extensive photo coverage. Also, during Arnolds campaign for governor, femalemuscle.com strongly defended Arnold when allegations arose regarding sexual harassment against women.
The payback for this support is that Femalemsucle.com was shut out and denied press passes and access. Why? Arnold says no more free photographs of the women and men who trained so hard for their fans. The women dont get any coverage as is, and without femalemucle.com at the Arnold, there will be no significant photographic coverage of the women competitors at one of the largest bodybuilding sites for female bodybuilders on the planet. But, this doesnt make sense. Or does it?
The male bodybuilder winner in the Arnold Classic in 2004 will receive "a $100,000 check, a trophy, a Hummer (worth $116,343) and a $20,000 watch. The Strongman competition winner will receive $65,000 in cash as well as a Hummer worth $60,000." According to a Jim Lorimer interview, total prize money for all female winners is only $50,000. Sounds like a rip off to me.
Fans from around the world are being denied complete and immediate Internet coverage. Ive always said there must be new leadership in the female bodybuilding world.
Update! As of writing this, Femalemuscle.com readers have responded with outstanding resolve by emailing the Arnold Classic office and demanding Femalemuscle.com get their access. They did! But, after this I truly think Lori CEO of Femalemsucle.com should rethink her dealings with the NPC/IFBB, and with that I will be scheduling a meeting with her sometime soon after the Arnold to talk about this and new leadership in female bodybuilding.
I guess for those FEW that think womens bodybuilding doesnt have the following should find another excuse for their dribble.
| IFBB Pro Betty Pariso Is New Women's Rep |
2004-02-28 - It seems that IFBB Pro bodybuilder Betty Pariso has obtained enough signatures from female pro bodybuilders to become the first women's representative. That means that at the IFBB meeting at the Arnold Classic this March have a voice. Betty's agenda should be to see how she can help change women's bodybuilding with the lack of prize money. You see, last October @ the Olympia the total prize money for the Ms Olympia was $50,000 for the women, compared to $400,000 and a car for the men. I feel they, the IFBB, need's to give women's bodybuilding to someone else. good luck Betty, you're going to need it talking to good ol' Wayne.
2004-02-26 - Ok, a while back I introduced you all to little Evil, a new addition to the iron game. Well, she's in the record books now. Last weekend, at the IPA CandyAzz Classic little Evil benched 55 pounds at a bodyweight of 50 pounds. You go girl!
| Happy Valentines Day To All From Muscle Update |
2004-02-14 - Happy Hearts Day! I woke up wth two dozen yellow roses next to the bed and breakfast in bed, and since this is our first date anniversary, being togehter 13 years, I got a pair of diamond earings too. Wow! Any other female bodybuilders have men like that?
So, to all of you out there have a great day, be kind to one another and don't forget to have a nice day. Love and kisses, yours in Muscle and Power-Anita
2004-02-07 - Do you have what it takes to be Ms. Terminator 2004? Find out at the 2004 Arnold Classic by entering the Mikayla Miles Buff Babe Search. This is a contest open to all physique competitors and buff babes.
The Mikayla Miles Buff Babe Search will take place for the duration of the Arnold Classic Expo, March 5-7, in Columbus. Up for grabs: The title Ms. Terminator 2004 and $500 in cash!Additionally, some of the entrants will receive photoshoots that will see them earn money for their time in front of the camera.
Registration is free and contestants can enter at the Mikayla Miles booth in the Arnold Classic Expo hall. So make sure you are looking good. Get over to the booth, flex, show your stuff and you just might be in the running for the Ms. Terminator 2004 title.
You can also contact my buddy JP Erickson at AthleticWomenMagazine@telus.net for further information.
| British Muscle Girl Launches New Website |
2004-02-07 - One of my British Muscle girl friends has launched her NEW web site, and you got to check it out. Go to www.joannathomas.com and make sure you are over 18 to see some of the content.
My girl Joanna is sexy and full of muscle. Watch for an upcoming interview on Joanna's new look and her assault on the bodybuidling world that will be right here at Bodybuilding.com
2004-01-27 - I never like to tell news like this, but in just the last week two IFBB professional bodybuilders have past away. Sonny Schmidt from Australia, one of the best pros of the early to mid 1990's, and the 1995 Masters Mr. Olympia winner. Sonny was fifty years old and had cancer.
The other IFBB pro was of New Jersey's Derrick Whitsett, and he was only 36 years old. Us at Bodybuilding.com and Muscle Update send our prayers and thoughts to all oftheir family.
| American Idol Bodybuilding Style |
2004-01-21 - This is the funniest thing I've read. Ron Harris said he was watching part one of the "American Idol" premiere and thought how funny it would be if bodybuilding was judged the same way that everyone would come out one at a time in front of the judges, hit their best poses, and then wait for the assessment. Now if you don't laugh you have no sense of humor.
Randy Jackson: "Dawg, you're not right for this. You should think about golf or something."
Paula Abdul (who always tries to say something nice): "I liked your posing suit, and your hair is really cute."
Simon: "You are without doubt the worst bodybuilder I have ever seen. I have known twigs with more muscle than you, and it looks like your idea of a diet is one dozen Krispy Kremes a day instead of three. Simply awful."
That's just plain funny!
| Titus On The Rampage Again! |
2004-01-17 - You want gossip? Read this thread. Titus vs. Kamali is over, now it looks like Titus vs. Harris has begun.
Now I got to say, I've already talked to my friend Ron about this and told him one thing and one thing only: Stay away from these BBing forums, the people are horriblly mean and all act like they are better then thou. Like I've said before on so many different occasions so many in the BBing world show us what and who they really are. Oh well, so is life, you cannot please everybody and who wants to? Be cool Ron, don't sweat it. Let them wine and talk that's all their lives are all about.
Board URL: Click Here
Forum: Gossip, General Discussions and QuestionsTopic: Public apology to Craig Titus
The topic is located at:
Click Here
| Lindsay And The Inferno Is Working Hard |
2004-01-17 - Recently heard form Lindsay who got top five at Middle weights at the 2003 Nationals. It seems that the girl is very busy. "I am so sorry for not getting these questions back to you. I have been so busy with my lawsuit from my car accident. It is now turning into a million dollar lawsuit I may have to go to court and I have soooo much paper work to fill out. I have also been working on my new website and time has gotten away from me. Ill tell you about it in the interview. I will get these done in the next couple of days this month is slamming for me in the PT business, I am working 7 days a week. Please forgive me for forgetting about the questions. Things are so crazy..." That's OK Lindsay we all get busy and that's a good thing, sometimes.
Stay tuned for her new interview coming to Bodybuilding.com.
| IPA Rexroads Memorial Powerlifting Championships And The Months Up To It. |
2004-01-14 -
Yep, it happened, I BOMBED on my 2nd and 3rd attempts. Got my opener of 200, but that IPA expanding on my 148 sub-masters World record eluded me this day. Oh yeah, I am the IPA 148 sub-masters World record holder in the bench with my 215. After the meet, I was browsing through the IPA web site and noticed the womens records and checked again. Low and behold I was wrong it wasnt 225 but only 200. So, I contacted IPA President Mark Chiallet and asked him whats up and was given the new World record of 215. Cool Hugh! I hold the IPA 148 sub-masters World Record Bench.
Ok, quickly, as you all know I am an "experienced" ex-bodybuilder with over a decades worth of competitive performance behind me. I have won numerous titles, and placed top ten in all NPC National events that Ive participated in. But, getting involved in the sport of Powerlifting and bench press competitions has been far more fun and exciting then winning the 98 NPC Southern States overall. Now I am entering the world of competitive powerlifting and currently focusing on bench press only meets.
I did my first bench press meet at the 2nd annual USPF ECC Bench & Dead this past summer and though I got the weight up, I BOMBED out, Scratched, RED lightedno lifts where good! Needless to say not a good daybue. And for those of you who are not familiar with competition benching and how one bombs out well, you have to pause the bar on your chest, no touch and go stuff, and you are given a press command and then a rack command upon completing the lift. I forgot to pause on my opener. Then my second attempt I went up in weight, got it up, but lifted my butt off the bench too. Nope, cant do that either your body must be on the bench. I did everything wrong on my 3rd attempt. So, thus all RED lights. It sucked. Again, if youre not familiar with a competitive bench press meet you have rules, and must listen to the commands of the head referee and you are allowed three tries or attempts, and a possible 4th thats it.
So, I went back to the drawing board to fix those stupid mistakes and I focused on doing another Bench Press meet. I did the IPA HALLOWEEN BENCH/DEAD BASH that was held Saturday, November 1st, 2003. Curtis Schultz, my husband, ended up as my workout partner as he too wanted to get back into the saddle since he hadnt done a meet since 1995. We wanted to compete together. Curtis was there for me when I did my bodybuilding competitions and I was there when he did his Powerlifting meets and I am here to tell you, bodybuilding has its thing but powerlifting has true camaraderie. Though, like bodybuilding, once you step onto the platform powerlifting is an individual sport. But, the fellowship is like that of football players or other team sports, a brotherhood and sisterhood.
On Saturday, November 1st lifting started at 11 AM and ended at 4 PM. The event site was held at NAZARETH BARBELL Club in Allentown, PA. Big Mike Miller and Deb Ames place. I competed in the sub-masters 148-pound class. I opened up with 190 got it! Then my 2nd attempt was an easy 200 done. The 3rd and last attempt an easy 215 got it! Was I happy! Oh boy was I. So happy I jumped up and gave Bill Crawford a big hug and grabbed Curtis and flung myself all over him. I was extremely happy. But, though I thought I was done for the day, I was immediately told to calm down and get focused because Youre going for a 4th attempt screamed Bill. This was, at the time, I thought, the 148 sub-masters IPA World record @ 225. Metal Militias Bill Crawford got me ready and again, set me up for the lift. The weight went down and then something happened. I dont know what, but the command for me to press was given I didnt move, the bar sat on my chest for a good 2 seconds Curtis said later, and then I heard the command again and Curtis screaming Move! The bar went up fast and an inch away from lock out - I missed it. But, no worries, I still got 1st place in my class.
Curtis did the 275-pound class sub-masters. Again, he hasnt benched wide grip and heavy since 1998 when he tore his right pectoral. So, needless to say I was very nervous for him. But, that wasnt needed as he smoked each attempt. Curtis opened with 405 easy. His 2nd attempt was 425 and that went up easy. Then his 3rd he wanted to just get that 450 that was a inch away form lock out when we visited Bill Crawford two weeks prior to doing this meet. Well, he not only nailed it, the bar went up so fast like he had nothing on it. Everyone there was telling him he had 500 easy. The meet director Mike Miller told Curtis to go for it. But, Curtis was OK with 450 for now. Our other Freaks of Iron member, Joe, did very well for his first time in a meet. Actually he did very well, getting a 325 bench to win the 242 Jr. Division. Were all happy with our numbers and celebrated in true powerlifting style. After the meet we hung out with many of the Metal Militia. Then at home we, the Freaks of Iron, got together and had dinner (cooked by Chef Curtis), toasted our victory with a great glass of Chianti, and then inked our bench weight inside our bench-shirts.
We then talked it over, and we all decided to get those bigger numbers before the Holidays and before the end of 2003. So, we decided to enter the IPA Rexroads Memorial at Bill Crawfords place in Glenn Falls, New York on December 20th. I couldnt stand not locking out 225 and Curtis wanted an official 500 bench press before his 40th birthday, which was December 23rd so we had to prepare for another meet which was only weeks away.
The best in bench technique and bench training is by far Bill Crawford the man behind the Metal Militia compound where the baddest bench pressers flourish. I bench Metal Militia. Benching Militia style is as follows; very important is your set up, and getting that good arch going. After you are tucked in tight and snug take the bar off the rack. Then descend in what we call a bodybuilding style bench press. Go down as far as the shirt will let you. Then immediately bend the bar bringing your elbows in close to your sides descend and touch your middle to upper ab, pause the bar, and then on the press command exploded to the start position by driving your elbows back into a rolling lock out motion. Bang! Youre locked out.
Meet day, its December 20th and at weigh-ins we meet Captain Kirk Kawroski who is coaching a freaky strong acquaintance of mine, Julie Scalon who did an incredible 401 bench press while still squatting 555 and deadlifting 500. Julie only weighed in @ 162. Freaky Bitch! Yep, I know, I said the same thing, Wow! Ok more on Julie and the other Metal Militia women later. Here we go, though the meet was a full meet there was also a bench only section for us bench only individuals. I weighed in the day before (Friday) at 144.4 and was then instructed by Sabastian Burns and Bill Crawford to drink lots of Gatorade. We did. I felt so full the next day it was incredible but upon waking and looking the mirror I could have done a lowly local NPC show and placed top five, I was looking pretty hard. Now, I didnt weigh myself so thats just a how I felt statement. I was in the first flight of lifters and made my opener of 200. Did it easy, so I knew it was going to happen today. I had it in me. But, prior to doing my next attempt Bill comes over and sayss to me, Anita everything has to be prefect or it wont go! Boy was he right. The bar was loaded to 225. Ammonia cappopped and inhaled. The setup was flawless and the ascent up was pure determination. It was inches away, inches. I just couldnt get that last little push to lock out the same went for my 3rd attempt with 225 just wouldnt go.
Like I previously said if things are not perfectin the groovethe lift wont go. Im ok, and Ill get that weight and more especially with some training visits to the Metal Militias compound. It was nice too because everyone in the Metal Militia family knew I was going for a new World Record and all where behind me. Now some notes on the meet and my fellow Metal militia girls. Again, the girl of the meet had to be Julie Scalon with here 401 bench that was just amazing. Dont get me wrong squatting a whopping 555 is pretty damn scary too. It was way cool when Carl Seeker told her to get on the bench as all who make record are to do in the IPA and Metal Militia. I want to d that so bad. I want o be told to get atop that bench more then receiving that damned IFBB pro card. It was on to her bench where her new bench coach Smiley set her under 275 - which ties the open record. Ok, even better was Faraone benching an awesome 285 pr. She gave 305 one hell of a ride as well, and this was done at 118 lbs.
Yes people, for real, 285 at only 118 pounds. Sandi CandyAzz, mother of little Evil who I wrote about earlier, was on hand to go for her 300, but she opted for a solid 285 and decided to go for that 300 another day. Then there was Amy and Cassy. Cassy "Tall Girl" Seymour impressed the hell out of me with her 710 total in a full meet. Why was I impressed? Because Cassy is 63 weighing 165. She did the full meet squatting 260benching 170deadlifting 275. Thats one long pull. Amy did the full meet also totaling 715 @ 132.5
with a 280 squat 205 bench and a 230 dead lift.
www.ironasylumgym.com/rex.html
I was a little disappointed not to see Deb Ames or Jenny. But, maybe at the IPA Womens Worlds on May 1st Ill see them, as competitors, cheering them on to victory right next to me. After the meet we where told to get ready quick and to get back to the gym for some drinks and fun. At the hotel we saw Captain Kirk and Julie and let them ride over with us. That was cool having the squat master Captain Kirk in the car. We spent several hours at a quite little bar, which seemed filled with powerlifters, drinking, laughing and getting loudit was a great time. Cant wait to do it again. I have more fun competing and socializing with the people in powerlifting then I had all those years competing in bodybuilding shows. The camaraderie in the sport is outstanding...nothing like bodybuilding.
Also Id like to send out a big Thank You! to Ryan at Bodybuilding.com, FBX, House of Pain, Inzer, Diana the Valkrye, Karins Extreme Power Wear, MG Development, and Eclipse for all your support - I couldnt have done it without these great places and people behind me. Oh, yeah, you too Curtis! Until next time folks, as my husband says give me one more rep!
| HOP Ceo Does 451 At WABDL In Vegas |
2004-01-14 - My pal over at House of Pain Ironwear did the WABDL in Vegas and did a Masters bench 451# in the 198's at the WABDL
World's in Vegas. Also giving our buddy Rick a new meet PR too. And I know how that feels. Great job Rick
maybe someday we'll get together for some board pressing or speed work with some chains. Put Some Attitude in Your Workout! House of Pain.
| IPA World Record Prepare To Be Made! |
2003-12-16 - Well, it's time. I hope I'm ready. I've done everything I can in this short time, so i'm going to give hell to that 225 and get me an IPA World Recorde lift on Saturday Dec. 20th...We, Curtis and I, and the other Freaks of Iron members, are leaving Friday morning early for the 5 1/2 hour drive up to Glens Falls, NY. We are all attending the The Mark Rexroad Memorial. Like I said its an IPA three lift meet (bench only lifting welcomed which we are doing). Bill is using the money from the meet to set Mark's daughter Nova up with a trust fund, she is only four years old. This meet means a lot to the Billl C. and the Metal Militia family so its expected that all will be at this event!
| We Have A Winner In The Guess Who's Back This Is Contest. |
2003-12-15 - We have a winner in the Guess who's Back This Is Contest. It's Eric of St.Peters, Mo. Congrads Eric on telling us that it was Janet Harris' back we where looking at. Your Inzer wrist wraps are on the way. Happy Holidays!
| I'm One Of The Newest Dark Models Agency & Black Witches |
2003-12-11 - I've been added as a Dark Models Agency & Black Witches model. Check me out at DarknessOfFear.com
2003-12-09 - Can you guess who's back this is? Send me your answers to rampages@mindspring.com and the first one wins a prize. Hint, this person competed in figure shows and will do her first BBing show next year.
| Interview Of Mike Miller A Must Read! |
2003-12-08 - You guys need to check out this great interview by Curtis Dennis Jr. a fellow BB.com writer and his interview on a big friend of mine Mike "Mule " Miller, just go to http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/dennis71.htm
2003-12-04 - Sad News from the Publishers of CURL MAGAZINE.
"Friends, Colleagues and Subscribers, after considerable thought and discussion, Bay Area Fitness Consultants has decided to cease publication of Curl Magazine, effective immediately. We are very much regrettable for this decision. Given a busy medical practice, fitness consulting, and family obligations (expecting twins), it is difficult for me to remain at the helm of our beloved publication. Our dedicated staff members, who also have similar obligations, have decided to close the publication rather than having to find another editor, supporter, and financier..."
Personally, I never saw a hard copy of the magazine but the website never seemed to be updated, I was wondering when something like this was going to happen. It's just like Irony magazine, don't do a publication unless you have the time and effort to do all editorial, and most importantly get advertising to pay for the magazine upkeep. I've often wanted to publish a magazine, a "real" bodybuilding magazine, one that only has male and female bodybuilders in it, that means ALL bodybuilders, NPC, natural organizations and even some pros but no fitness, no figure and no T&A girls... Oh well, we'll keep our eyes open for the next magazine that comes on the scene.
| Cool New Rules for NPC Womens Bodybuilding |
2003-12-04 - NEW WEIGHT CLASSES FOR WOMENS BODYBUILDING:
The new weight classes for womens bodybuilding with four (4) classes are: Lightweight - Up to and including 115
Middleweight - Over 115 and up to and including 125
Light Heavyweight - Over 125 and up to and including 140
Heavyweight - Over 140
For all womens bodybuilding contests with three (3) classes: Lightweight - Up to and including 125
Middleweight - Over 125 and up to and including 140
Heavyweight - Over 140
For all womens bodybuilding contests with two (2) classes: Lightweight - Up to and including 125 & Heavyweight - Over 125
Finally, womens mandatory poses will now include the Front and Back lat spread. Way Cool! Get back girls!
| Happy Thanksgiving To All At BB.com! |
2003-11-26 - I know it's Thanksgiving and of course ALL those Holiday parties coming up over the next few weeks. Yes, it's going to wreak havoc with our normal eating habits and workouts. And if you're like my bud Ron Harris those of you who have kids they're coming home for school vacation. That's enough to wreak havok on everything.
So, take it from me, unless you are doing the Excaliber this December 6th, then indulge yourself. Eat and you can still workout, just do extra cardio and clean up the diet after the holiday season. There is no need to beat yourself up if you can't adhere 100% to your workouts and eating schedule. Happy Thanksgiving to all at BB.com!
| Introducing "Evil" Kerrigan McCaslin, Age 7 |
2003-11-24 - Ok, now, we all love to lift and bodybuild or powerlift. We all started when we where in our early teens or mid twenties. Some of us in bodybuilding always say, "I want to give something back to the sport!" Well, if you are like me, I don't just want to give back to the sport but I'm into getting the next generation of girls interested in lifting and bodybuilding. With that in mind I want to introduce you to Kerrigan McCaslin, age 7.

Kerri has been active in gymnastics for 3 years. She has always had an interest in training. She enjoys being in the gym and the "gym atmospere" in general. For Christmas last year, Sandi "Canyazz" (Kerri's Mom who is also a competitive powerlifter) bought her a toy bench with the plastic weights that you fill with water or sand. "She immediately started working on an arch and she put tape on the bar because she thought that it compromised her grip. Well before long, she wanted to practice her arch on the competition bench, one thing led to another, and she started testing her strength.
She has a particualar interest in benching, so with a meet coming up in February of 2004, so Sandi decided it would be a kick if she compted in a denim bench shirt.
Doug and Karin Klein of Karins Extreme Powerwear thought this was such a cool idea. Karin took her measurements and came up with an awesome single denim, bright purple shirt. Kerri helped me figure out the flair (she wanted a skull, and her nicname "Evil" on it). Evil! So, cool!
Here is a sample Workout of her first shirt workout:
Thursday, Nov 20, 2003
bodyweight - 43 lbs
warmup with 5 lb dumbell presses - 3 sets of 10
25 x 5 for 3 sets
30 x 5 for 3 sets
35 x 3 for 2 sets
40 x 2 for 1 set
45 x 1 for 1 set
50 x 1 for 1 set (needed a little assistance getting the bar back, but it flew up)
45 x 1 for 1 set (we dropped back down so she could use the competition bar...she handled it very well, I think her stabilizers are getting stronger)
We stopped there, but I think next week I will add some close grip pushups to strengthen her tris a bit more. Anyhow she did great, I think she will be able to open with the bar at the very least in February." Thanks Sandi for telling us about your daughter and you can tell her she's my fan - I want an autographed pic.
That's what this is all about people, not who wins the "O" or if CT and King Kamali are fighting agian, this little girl is what this sport and the sport of lifting is all about.
| A 900 Pound Bench And A 1050 Pound Squat... Wow! |
2003-11-21 - Here are a couple pics of one of my Metal Militia buddies Mike Miller squatting 1050 and Gene Rychlack doing the NEW bench pressing record 900 pounds, both are IPA World record lifts.
The photos are courtesy of Scott DePanfilis and Bodytech Strength Magazine. They cover the strength sports on-line with photos and shock-wave movie files. Very cool. If any of you would like to see Gene's bench you can down-load Gene's swf.file of his 900 bench at BodyTechUSA.com It's really wild to watch.
| It's Been Done... A 900 Pound Bench! |
2003-11-18 - At the 2003 IPA Nationals this past weekend Gene Rychlak, Jr. at 340 lbs. benched 900lbs!!!
| IPA Halloween Bench Press Meet Pictures |
2003-11-18 - Want to see some fun pictures from the bench meet I did? Go to:
www.ironasylumgym.com/hbd
2003-11-17 - Annie wins the heavyweights and overall at the Nationals. That's cool! I competed against Annie for the first time way back when we both did the 1991 Jr. Nationals.
Cudos to you Annie for sticking to it. I give you credit girl, congrats.
Full results for the show are here.
| Compete One Last Time Before 2004! |
2003-11-13 - Didnt place well at your last show, maybe you havent done a show in 2003 yet, either way, you need to get on stage or hit the platform to show your face, physique and strength before 2003 comes to an end.
If your a Bodybuilder, or maybe you just call yourself one but havent really taken the plunge to qualify as an official bodybuilder yet, then, you still have time. There is always the last NPC show for the year held in Sunny California by my old buddy John Lindsay www.lindsayproductions.com/, the Max Muscle and Pinnacle 2003 World Wide NPC Excalibur Bodybuilding and Figure Championships. This is a National Qualifier show and is on December 6, 2003 formally the Ironamn/Ironmaiden.
Think its stupid to compete so fast? Maybe youll be called a trophy chaser? No, not really, but if youve been eating clean and not too far off form the mark then why not hit the stage, you have 4 weeks of cardio and make shifting your diet. How hard is it to put together a quick posing routine? You can do it. Ron Harris did. I have to say I didn't really "get ready" for that last show I did, which is why my conditioning was not up to snuff. I stayed pretty lean after the April and May shows I did, and kept my diet about 80% clean all summer. Around the third week of August I cut out almost all the junk and cheat meals for the show Sept 28. But I was still eating things like fruit that I normally wouldn't before a contest. I also limited my cardio to no more than 20-25 minutes, 3-4 times a week, to see how much fuller I would be without the usual psycho volume I usually do.
OK, you arent into getting into a speedo or swim suite just right now, but how about showing me and others just how strong you think you are. Are you game? Or are you a talker? I have tons of talker sin the gym I train at, they all think they are the best at a bodybuilding and powertraining, but the only thing theyve done is maybe a small INBF or NGA Natural show. Wow! Heart be still. Sorry, no belittling those organizations but its rather demeaning for some one like thats done the NPC National qualifiers and pro qualifiers to be second fiddle to all this Buffalo Natural stuff, Eeeek!
Sorry, off the beaten path. But really, are you strong? Think you got bench? Then Ill see you at IPA Mark Rexroad Memorial Full Power & Bench Press Meet presented by the Metal Militia and Adirondack Barbell. Ill be there and so will my Freaks of Iron Bench Club. You can do it, you have 6 weeks to start learning the real way to bench, on commands with a pause.
This meet is December 20, 2003, real close to Christmas on a time that we like to spend with our families. But, this meet is something special as a 4-year-old child benefits from this meet who won't be spending this or any Christmas with her dad. So please, if you only do one meet this year, make it The Mark Rexroad Memorial Meet all meet funds will go to this little girls future. For meet info, email Bill Crawford
| The 2003 NPC Nationals Are Just Next Week |
2003-11-12 - The NPC Nationals is only a few days away. So, who do think is going to get one of the few pro cards left for women? Who is your leading contender?
| Rychlak Benches A New Record 885!!! |
2003-11-12 - Gene Rychlak - 2003, November 8th, APF Steel City Classic - 785lb Bench Press @ SHW - first attempt
Gene Rychlak - 2003, November 8th, APF Steel City Classic - 840lb Bench Press @ SHW - second attempt
Gene Rychlak - 2003, November 8th, APF Steel City Classic - 885lb Bench Press @ SHW - third attempt
| Almost Locked Out An IPA World Record Bench Press |
2003-11-10 - I am an "experienced" bodybuilder with over a decades worth of training and competitive performance. I have won numerous titles, lost a few, and placed top ten in all National events Ive participated in. But, this past summer I competed in my first USPF Bench Press meet and got the weight up BUT BOMBED out, Scratched, RED lighted!!!
How does one get the weight but bomb? Well, you have to pause the bar on your chest, no touch and go stuff, and I forgot pause on my opener. Then my second attempt I went up in weight, got it up but lifted my butt off the bench. Nope, cant do that either your body must be on the bench. I did everything wrong on my 3rd attempt. So, thus all RED lights. It sucked.
If youre not familiar with a competitive bench press meet you have rules, and must listen to the commands of the head referee and you are allowed three tries or attempts thats it.
So, I went back to the drawing board to fix those stupid mistakes like lifting my ass off the bench, which I've never done in my life. And I did another Bench Press meet.
I just finished doing the IPA HALLOWEEN BENCH/DEAD BASH that was held this past Saturday, November 1st, 2003. Curtis Schultz who is my husband and workout partner, worked out together for this meet. We wanted to compete together. Curtis was there for me when I did my bodybuilding competitions and I was there when he did his Powerlifting meets and I am here to tell you, bodybuilding has its thing but powerlifting has true camaraderie. Though, like bodybuilding, once you step onto the platform powerlifting is an individual sport. But, the fellowship is like that of football players or other team sports, a brotherhood and sisterhood.
On Saturday, November 1st lifting started at 11 AM and ended at 4 PM. The event site was held at NAZARETH BARBELL Club in Allentown, PA. Big Mike Miller and Deb Ames place. I competed in the sub-masters 148-pound class. I opened up with 190 got it! Then my 2nd attempt was an easy 200 done. The 3rd and last attempt an easy 215 got it! Was I happy! But, I was told to calm down and get focused because Youre going for a 4th attempt. Which was the 148 sub-masters IPA World record @ 225. Metal Militias Bill Crawford got me ready and set me up. The weight went down and then something happened. I dont know what, but the command for me to press was given I didnt move, the bar sat on my chest, and then I heard it again and Curtis screamed Move!
The bar went up, and an inch away from lock out I missed it. But, no worries I still got 1st place in my class. Curtis did the sub-masters 275-pound class. Again, he hasnt benched wide grip and heavy since 1998 when he tore his right pectoral. So, needless to say I was very nervous for him. But, that wasnt needed as he smoked each attempt. Curtis opened with 405 easy. His 2nd attempt was 425 and that went up easy. Then his 3rd he wanted to just get 450. Well, he not only nailed it, the bar went up so fast like he had nothing on it. Everyone there was telling him he had 500 easy.
At an IPA meet it is the meet directors discretion if someone can do a 4th attempt if it isnt a World record attempt, and even Mike Miller told Curtis to go for it. But, Curtis was OK with that for now. Our other lifting partner, Joe, did very well for his first time in a meet. Actually he did very well, getting a 325 bench to win the 242 Jr. Division. Were all happy with our numbers and celebrated in true powerlifting style. After the meet we hung out with ALL the Metal Militia. At home we all got together and had dinner, toasted our victory, and inked our bench weight inside our bench-shirts.
After talking it over, Curtis and I are doing another bench meet at Bill Crawfords place in Glenn Falls, New York on December 20th. I couldnt stand not locking out 225 and Curtis wants 500 before his birthday. A big thank you to Bodybuilding.com, House of Pain Ironwear, Inzer, Diana the Valkrye, and MG Development for all your support.
| Dave Palumbo Proposes To Collette Nelson |
2003-11-06 - COLETTE NELSON had gone on a gondola ride at the Venetian
in Vegas at the "O" with her boyfriend DAVE PALUMBO when Dave proposed to her. That's great, I hope those two have lots of happy days ahead of them.
| They Think Ephedra Is Bad For Us |
2003-10-28 - It seems that a proposed ban on Ephedra has been passed in the State of California and my home state of New York. This is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2004. Illinois has banned the shipment of any product that contains Ephedra. That's OK, so now the stuff you have makes you a criminal. Is that the bomb or what? I have a supplement that is now illegal to have. I'm a druggy.
So, find out who these so-called politicians are who passed this ban and vote them out of office regardless if they are your favorite Dem or Rep.
Now, if you are like me and like using some of these products I suggest you stock up on your favorite Ephedra based fat burners before the above dates. So, go to the BB.com store right now and get some Kranker from IDS, or any other product.
The fact is that virtually every clinical study has shown no serious adverse effects with responsible ephedra use.
But, alcohol, and aspirin can kill. Yep! Aspirin. If I put a bottle of old fashion D-Ball in front of you and a bottle of aspirin and you took the whole bottle of each which one would kill you? If you said D-Ball, you go to the back of the line. Also, I hate to say this but I also found out that some meats can KILL. That's right, tainted meat kills about 600 people every year in the US alone.
So, since we live in a free country, you better stop complaining about your Dem. or Rep. party and come to grips with what freedom, individual rights, and responsibility to your country and freedoms mean.
| The Olympic Powerlifting Vision |
2003-10-28 - I perdict that Powerlifting will be in the Olympics before bodybuilding. THE OLYMPIC POWERLIFTING VISION will be held on Saturday, November 8th, 2003 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The meet is presented by CRAIN'S MUSCLE WORLD, and the AAU.
www.olympicpowerliftingvision.com
| Ron Harris At The Olympia |
2003-10-28 - For a fun first hand inside look at teh Olympia weekend check out my buddy Ron Harris's article http://www.ronharrismuscle.com/blog/blog_insert.asp?id=351
2003-10-27 - Getting ready for this bench press meet has been occupying my time and strength and because of the meet is this Nov. 1st I was unable to attend this years "O" so please check out my friends from GeneX and their Ms. O report here.
| Hard Bod Girl Meets Buff Boy! |
2003-10-23 - Are you a Toranto Canada native? Or maybe somewhere near by? Not going to the Olympia? Then here is where you need to be. World Natural Sports & Single in the City are proud to present: Adrenaline.
Adrenaline is the a fitness Networking Party & Singles Event where you can meet other fit minded individuals, athletes, FAME founders, event judges, and other industry specialists all at a hot party!
Is this cool? I love this idea. Bob Bonham of Strong & Shapely used to put on cahmpions Day, way back in the day (I've been to a couple of those.) More groups and organizations should do this. This is perfect for anyone who is into fitness, members of the WNSO or those looking to make new friends and meet other people in the industry.
For details this event is November 29, 2003 9:00 pm - Toronto, Ontario @ the Swallow Lounge 292 College St. So, register in Advance: Online: Click Here Or call: 905 469 9166
2003-10-23 - So, who do you think will be the next Mrs. Olympia? That's easy. Lenda Murray, if she shows up. That will be answered at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on this Frida, October 25.
As we are all aware last year Lenda Murray made a comeback and won a seventh Ms Olympia title, breaking Cory Everson's record and making her officially the greatest female bodybuilder ever. Now, there was a rumor that that she was going WWE and would skip the 2004 Olympia, it seems she will be on onstage in Las Vegas to defend her crown.
Here are a few of the other top canidates: Iris Kyle, last year's runner-up, Yaxeni Oriquen aka 'The Yaxenator', who took fourth last year, Betty Viana, she has a great genetic structure, Denmarks Helle Nielsen who came out of nowhere to win the heavyweight class at the Jan Tana. Then there is Juliette Bergmann and Cathy LeFrancois, and Denise Masino.
Though it, the Olympia is supposed to be the top crown for bodybuilding, for women I personally don't find it apealling or worth the time when the winnings are only $10,000 for Mrs. Olympia. Doesn't the Mr. Olympia winner get 110,000 plus a car? Big difference. Hell, women athlets get better treatement from the NCAA.
Oh, well, I wish all the girls lots of luck and keep tight and flex hard to all of you girls.
| Betty's Letter, GNC Messed Up And The Rest Of The Going Ons |
2003-10-17 - I would love to have all of you read Betty's letter for her push as the IFBB Women's bodybuilding rep but it's a big long letter. This letter will wake some people up, we hope, and some are already taking notice. I recently received a note from Bill Dobbins and this is what he has to say about Betty's letter and even GNC... "No disrespect to Betty we appreciate all her efforts on behalf of the sport but GNC DID know that female bodybuilding was being dropped from the Show of Strength. I TOLD THEM months ago and warned their PR person there would be repercussions. If they are getting bad publicity because of this it should teach them to pay more attention to which events they associate their name with. Hopefully, they will make up for this error in the future by supporting Betty and other promoters staging female physique contests."
Well, Bill, GNC won't make up for this so called errror, they knew what they where doing. As do all the rest of anti-female bodybuilders do.
| Colette Talking Nationals With Me |
2003-10-07 - Hey Colette, how's the Nationals prep going? "Well, Anita, I am hanging in there. I need to get serious about my diet though. I mean that is the story of my life. I am serious but, I hate it. I eat everything I am supposed too just too much. It is always the same story. You must SUFFER to be the best." Yeah, I know, Curtis caught me once dipping into some honey when I was prepping for the Jr. Nationals. I wanted something sweet. So, if you're not ready are you still going to the Nationals? "I will be there-hopefully ready for National's. If not, I won't compete. It is as simple as that.I am going to give it my best shot." Colette, you'll do just fine. Keep it tight and make sure you suffer!
If any of you would like to wish Colette luck you can see her at www.colettenelson.com
| IFBB Pro Troy Alves Launches A New Line Of Tee Shirts |
2003-10-06 - NPC USA Champ and now IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Troy Alves, his wife Tara, along with his partner and friend Dominic Current and wife Evelyn, have launched a new line of clothing. Not only are they nice clothes but they also represent something much bigger.
Each of the company's founders are of different ethnic backgrounds and share the message of setting aside all our differences to achieve. The line is small right now but they have a big message with new stuff coming soon.
"As One" Sportswear can only be found at www.asonesports.com.
| Do you Like Lifting? Wanted! |
2003-10-03 - My buddy and powerlifting friend Dave Tate of Elite fitness has a great job offer for a Customer Service Representative.
This is an entry level position available, in London, Ohio, for a reliable individual with excellent communication skills. Must like working with people, fast learner and willing to take on numerous responsibilities as company grows. Position assumes M-F responsibilities from 9am 5pm. Advancement opportunities are numerous. Dont miss out on this rare opportunity to grow with Elite Fitness Systems and be apart of the team that provides the best quality, service and fitness products in the industry.
Call Dave for more information and to set up your exclusive interview. Dave and the rest of the gang at Elite fitness look forward to hearing from you.
| Jim Manion And Striated Glutes Do Not Mix! |
2003-10-02 - Have you seen the new Ironman? The November 2003 issue? Well, I always like reading the little news bites from Ruth and Lonnie T, on the bodybuilding community. In Ruth Silverman's "Pump & Circumstance" she added a comment refereed by a ripped female heavyweight and what she heard form another judge that "Jim Manion and striated glutes do not mix. No kidding. But, it's OK for the guys. I learned to it's like that with Jim Rochelle too, he doesn't like the "ultra ripped drug look" as he put it to me back at the 95 Jr. USA on my 8th placing when Tory Masonis and I where the only ones with ripped quads on stage.
Now I'm not attacking Jim Manion or Jim R., but it isn't right what the NPC and IFBB do to us women bodybuilders. It's a shame we have archaic thinking in the bodybuilding community. I'm glad for places on the Web like BB.com that give female bodybuilders a place to shine and feel welcome.
| Ron Harris Get's 2nd At 2003 NPC Mass/NH |
2003-09-30 -
My buddy and resident Bodybuilding.com writer, and of course, big time industry writer decided to do the NPC Mass/NH this past weekend and placed 2nd in the heavyweights at both shows.
Ron wanted to come in bigger and fuller then the smaller light-heavyweight look he offered at the Orange County and New England. Though, Curtis, myself and Janet (Ron's wife) told him not to, he did it anyway, bodybuilders are so hard headed. But, things worked out fine and though he was not as hard as he was, he did pull a 2nd place out of five in the class. Now Ron stop dieting and get BIG!
View his articles. More awesome articles coming very soon!
| Jan Tana Explains Trophy Problem |
2003-09-30 - I recieved a reply to a question I asked Jan Tana about the trophy situation and this was her reply.
"A box of our trophies were lost by the shipping company and did not arrive before the show. We had to use a couple of trophies for presentation purposes. The trophies were never recovered by the shipping company so we had to reorder and ship them to the competitors. This was explained to the competitors at the show and they all understood it. Their use to be a check given to each girl of the top three. Since they divided the girls up into 3 classes the winner of each class gets money.Then the overall winner wins extra money for winning overall. The girls also understood this. Hope this clears up any questions you have but if you have any other questions I would be happy to answer them for you. We do accept sponsorship money for the athletes, so if you are interested in sponsoring prize money for the 2004 Jan Tana Classic please let me know. Jan Tana"
Thanks Jan Tana for explaining the situation, next time get those trophies a long time in advance.
| Max Muscle Store For Sale |
2003-09-28 - MAX MUSCLE STORE FOR SALE: Richard Dragon, owner of the Max Muscle/Thornton, Colorado store is selling due to his 11 year old daughter, Crystal, being diagnosed with Leukemia. They will be relocating to Memphis, TN so that she can be near St.Jude's Hospital. Our prayers and thoughts here at Muscle Update go out to Richard and his daughter Crystal. Please contact Richard with serious inquiries only at: TheDragonKnight2003@msn.com
2003-09-23 - Lets get started. You're prepping for the Nationals tell us where you are right now with your training and diet? Are you still training heavy? Give us a break down of a week of training for The Beast!
Where do I begin? As far as my training goes, I train heavy all yr. round, even while dieting, don't get me wrong, heavy to me means doing a Max of 6-8 reps, so if I cant get more then 6 reps I go lighter, and if I get more then 8 I go heavier. Of course my poundage's in the off season and pre contest do differ, but that is because of my strength levels, its only natural to be a bit weaker when dieting. as of right now i m splitting up my training twice a day into sub and major muscle groups. for instance i would train body parts such as Calves, hamstrings, ABS, tri's or BI's in the morning and at night do shoulders, chest, back or legs. the break down is 2 days on 1 day off, i do not do a specific body part at on a specific day. So if its training day, whatever is next in the rotation is the body part I perform. Right now this is how my split looks. day 1 hamstrings and ABS, at night, back, day 2 Calves and tri's, at night, chest. day 3 off, day 4 ABS, at night legs, day 5 Biceps and calves, at night shoulders. day 6 off, day 7 rotate back to day 1 I will start doing cardio about 5 weeks out from the show, on an empty stomach in the morning
As far as my diet goes, I started 12 weeks out, as of right now I am doing high's and low's meaning. Two days high, which are days higher in carbs and fats, and two days low which are days lower in carbs and fats and as I get closer to the show calories start to drop lower.
Are you planning on being in the Heavies or Super heavies? Where are you looking at being this year?
I plan to come in around 230-235 which would leave me in the super's but if I m 230 a week and a half from the show I probably drop down to the heavies. As of right now i would say i would be a heavy weight come November.
What got you started in the iron game? Did you play any sports in high school?
I use to play a lot of sport when I was younger, mainly baseball, I played for my high school team. But that wasn't the reason for me becoming a bodybuilder. At the age of 16 my friend had paid for my gym membership and would pick me up everyday after school, I had no choice but to train, since he had paid my way I felt obligated and after a year of training I gained 30 pounds. I went from 125 to155. Hey that might not seem like much but that small taste of growth got me hungry so I kept at it and every year. I would improve and this off season I reached 276 pounds wit ABS, not bad for a 24yr at 5'8" Next year I plan to be around the 290 range
"The Beast" OK how did you get the nickname?
One day at the gym I was doing legs and was squatting 6 plates on each side all the way down, with no wraps or belt, for reps. Some guy seen me and goes your are an F*cking beast. As I was leaving the gym the people at the counter said, Hey beast I heard u were doing six plates like nothing. Every time I went to this gym, people kept on calling me beast. The name just stuck, personally i don't think I am a beast at this point and time, but eventually I know, I will live up to the name. lol
You train at the Gold's Gym Venice of the East Coast, Strong and Shapely Gym. How do you like the atmosphere there?
Training at Strong and Shapely, Gold's, and steel of the East cost. their hard core atmosphere, Has taught me the values of a true champion. No one is there to pamper you, no one bothers you, just you and the weights. Its like entering a cast iron jungle, where either you eat or be eaten. these qualities embedded in me at an early age will make me into the best bodybuilder I can be.
Every bodybuilders goal is too turn pro, what are you going to do if the dream happens at the Nationals?
Turning pro, will mean starting all over again. I will be at the bottom of the professional rankings and have to earn my way to the top. Its going to be a lot of work, but through determination, desire and dedication anything is possible. So when I eventually turn pro, I will go back to the drawing board and create that beast I envision myself being one day.
Thanks for the talk BEAST
Well, thanks guys I can use all the exposure I can get.
| Give Me Your Trophy Back! |
2003-09-19 - Here's a note on what's going on in the pro ranks for women's bodybuilding that some of you might be interested in. Curtis received a note from IFBB Pro Beth Roberts today regarding an interview they are doing together and she metioned the following.
"You know I did the Night of Champions and took 4th. I placed 2nd in the Jan Tana
and didn't win any money for second, didn't qualify
for the Olympia, and I had to hand back my trophy
because there was not enough trophy's to go around.
That would be a topic to discuss..."
No kidding it's a topic to discuss. What, Jan Tana doesn't have enough money for trophies? You don't ask someone to hand a trophy back. What the heck is going on?
| A Must Read For All Involved In Bodybuilding |
2003-09-13 - My good friend and fellow muscle protagonist Lisa Bavington has come up with some outstanding numbers that will open some of your eyes to why female bodybuilders are so discouraged and distraught to the position of the bodybuilding community towards them. This is a must read even for show promoters and those of you that are anti-female muscle. We, female bodybuilders, only want and deserve fairness. Female "Pro" Bodybuilding is the only place women are discriminated against and treated badly. At least the NPC isn't to mean to the female bodybuilder where female bodybuilders turn out in record numbers.
Read this and send me your comments.
www.lisabavington.net/08142003/msrepresentation.htm
| Have You Heard Of BeYond The Brawn? |
2003-09-13 - Beyond the Brawn is supposed to be a documentary on female bodybuilding that is currently in production and is likely to be screened on HBO. Wow! I didn't know, did you? It seems the producer of the documentary, Kara Dusenbury, is putting on her own bodybuilding show in New York City to take place today September 14th in New York City. For more information and tickets, go to www.keroseneproductions.net
| Same Ol Same Ol, Get A Different Line |
2003-09-10 - Well, we all assumed it was GNC that eliminated women's bodybuilding from the Show of Strength. Well it seems it was the wannabe promoters of the show.
It seems that Basic Media Productions, who are the promoters of the 2003 GNC Show of Strength, eliminated Women's Bodybuilding from the schedule of events because they say there was poor attendance and fan interest in last year's event which resulted in a financial loss for the show.
Yeah, right. Stand in front of the door with a counter and count the number of individuals who watch women's bodybuilding show compared to the number who watch fitness or the now T&A Figure shows. Trust me, your comments on the old adage that there are no interests or ticket buyers would be put to rest real quick.
So why doesn't the REAL IFBB puppets do this? Because they don't want to be caught in a lie that's why. Also, if GNC is pro women's bodybuilding why don't they pull their sponsorship untill the promoters put women's bodybuilding back in the show?
| 26 Days To Go For Ron Harris! |
2003-09-02 - Y
ep, our buddy and true muscle head Ron Harris is going for it. He has sent in his entry form for the NPC Massachusetts State and on its on its way to promoter Dave Follansbee. Ron say's he's looking forward to it, as he puts it, "because it will be a fun show without the usual pressure." Ron should come in big and full. He is around 222 right now.
This is going to be a very fun show, as Curtis and I will be there to support Ron, and Dave Palumbo is guest posing. A Sunday bodybuilding Show. I still can't get over that. Back wards New Englanders. And once the show is done it will be Ron, Janet, Me, Curtis and Big Dave P all out on the town after we eat lots of food first. Please wish Ron luck, by going to his web site and tell him you're a BB.com / Muscle Update reader wishing him luck on stage.
2003-09-02 - At the gym we train at, the owner was kind enough to allow a whole team of local Western New York Olympic Weightlifters call Steel Mill their new home. Upon their first day of training in the gym, people started complaining that they where to cocky, too loud (dropping weights), and they made the gym crowded (back room still under construction).
What I'm getting at is that these people are getting ready for the Olympics people, the OLYMPICS. We should be shaking their hands, helping them get funds to travel, and recognizing them for what they are trying to do. They are trying to win Gold for our country in the Olympics and here are these idiot complaining about the way they lift and that they are crowding up the gym.
Personally, Curtis and I immediately introduced ourselves and offered help in any way we can to support our Team USA athletes.
To our members and any of you out their that have these Olympic hopefuls in your gym, help them out instead of complaining about them. They're representing our country in the Olympics, dummies!
| Collette Doing The Nationals |
2003-08-29 - Heard from my girl Collette. She's getting ready for the Nationals and she had this to say..."Hey you two. Well I am hating dieting right now. I have 10 weeks. It is time to get serious. I am ready to press on to National's. I just don't know why I keep doing this? I must love the abuse." We all do just a little Collette, keep pressing through.
| MD Looks Like A Playboy Magazine |
2003-08-29 - Ok, I pick up the October 2003 issue of MD, and does the shot of cut up Lee Priest make me look? Nope. The big boobs on the bottom of the cover. Open up every issue of a MD and it's like a bodybuilding issue of Playboy magazine. Huge boobs and muscle guys, yep that's bodybuilding? I'm flipping through and I don't even see a female fitness competitor or a figure competitor, just HUGE Boobs of girls that have nothing to do with fitness, muscle building or competitive bodybuilding.
Large magazine? Yes, very big magazine. Bigger then FLEX. But, the on going comments and battle between FLEX and MD is by far interesting. Since a few years ago they, MD was an "All" natural magazine and now, I don't quite now what category to out them in. Do you?
Then you have in this issue comments by John Romano regarding FLEX and Peter McGough. Yes, I do agree with John on the point that Mont Blanc and David Pecker (what a name) are and will destroy FLEX and M&F which where true "bodybuilding" publications.
Why did Weider sell to someone who has nothing to do with Bodybuilding? Money of course. Does Joe Care? Nope!
John say's he'd hate to see FLEX destroyed in front of Joe. Joe could care, if he did he wouldn't have sold out. Bodybuilding folks is in for a change and it's coming real quick.
What is the change? I have no idea, but if you look around, watch the direction the industry is heading, and listen too then you'll see what I'm talking about. Wow! This is very interesting stuff.
| Two of The Strongest Female Benchers Alive |
2003-08-29 - I just heard from World Cahmp Souiz-x who just did the USAPL bench press nationals and became the new 114-pound Champ with an American Record of 220 pounds. Another notable 114-pound Bencher is Janet Faraone. Janet is a bencher, and what a bench presser she is. One strong girl, and a member of the Metal Malitia. She opened with 245lbs at teh recent IPA Worlds which was a 5lb meet PR, breaking her previous IPA record of 240lb Bench Press she did on August 10, 2002. Then Janet went right to 267.2 and missed it on the first attempt, then took her third with the same weight and got it. She even went for a fourth attempt of 272.2 but missed it. Her 267.2lbs Bench Press was done at a bodyweight of 113lbs, surpassing long standing Russian champion Svetla Nikolaenko's previous record of 265.7. This new record lift is the heaviest bench press in the history of the world for any 114lb woman.
But, to me both of these two 114-pounders are the strongest female benchers around. Taking into consideration all lifts recorded in all other federations and sanctioned meets.
Now, thats incredible!
| FITNESS OUT OF THE TEAM UNIVERSE |
2003-08-24 - FITNESS OUT OF THE TEAM UNIVERSE
The NPC has announced that, beginning in 2004, there will be no fitness competition at the Team Universe. The event will consist of only Men's and Women's Bodybuilding and Figure.
| Sizemore. I Want A Name Like That. |
2003-08-23 - While watching and covering the IPA Worlds the weekend of August 8-10 I had a chance to meet one of my favorite women powerlifters and the strongest womens bencher. Im not talking bodyweight with the lift, because there are some girls with outstanding benches but Karen Sizemore has a 450-competition bench. And Im sorry I dont care what the other numbers are, a 450 pound bench press is allot of weight. Shes the real deal, a great person and wonderful individual.
Anita: Tell me how you got started in Powerlifting?Karen: Anita OK, short version: I have actually been lifting (not powerlifting) on and off for forever. I started way back in High School (1982 graduate) as I trained for my sports. At that time almost no women were allowed in our high school weight room unless they thought you were strong (yeah, I got in!). Later, I thought I would like to be a bodybuilder but I never made it to a place where a muscle even remotely showed (stupid diets!). It was during that training that I would always hear, You are so strong. You should power lift. So, I entered my first bench meet and won (1995). At that time I saw folks doing a full powerlifting meet (squat, bench, and deadlift) and thought I can do that too. I have been addicted ever since.
Anita: Where you always athletic growing up?
Karen: Well, as I stated above, I began lifting to be better in my sport. I threw the shot and discus. I also played field hockey. I played in various summer programs as I grew up, so yes, I was always athletic. In fact, I won the whole 4th grade class (boys and girls) arm wrestling tournament (I can believe I remember that) and I was the first woman at Miami University to take wrestling class. Was I outstanding at any sport? I wish! But, NO. I think I just got lucky and got the farm girl strength gene from my dad. Heck my last name is Sizemore; didn't folks get named by their appearance back then? (hehehe).
Anita: Your Mom goes to all your meets, thats nice. Was it always like that?
Karen: Oh my mother is great! She has been my biggest supporter and has come to every one of my meets (even after she proclaims she will never do it again because she has to deal with my moody self). When I was younger she went to all my contests (and my brothers) too. She is the real sports nut of the family and could rattle off almost any persons statistics in almost any sport. I am really lucky! And best yet, she's not one of those mothers that would be caught dead in a shirt that reads Powerlifting Mom. LOL
Anita: No, but her bumper sticker reads My daughter benches more then you! So, you are the official heaviest bencher with a 450 comp, how does it feel having achieved that mark?
Karen: Anita, it feels really good to know I currently have the biggest official bench. However, I am of course not satisfied and certainly want a bigger bench number. I am really proud that I did it in a full meet after a 600 squat. I keep telling myself records are meant to be broken so I try not to think about it too much and just try and keep focusing on that 500. Mostly it feels surreal, as I can't believe that I have achieved something such as that.
Anita: You told Curtis about the idiots writing to you and telling you, you don't have the biggest bench that Darling does how's that make you feel?
Karen: Anita LOL, I can't believe that those folks have nothing better to do than to online message me to tell me something such as that. I usually just respond with an OK or don't respond at all (I hit cancel). I refuse to debate it. I believe that anyone can enter a sanctioned powerlifting meet and break my record if they choose to do so and are capable. Should that happen, I will just have to keep training hard in order to reclaim the title.
Anita: Karen thanks for talking with me and I hope we get to bench together sometime soon.
Karen: Anita thanks for the interview opportunity! We will.
2003-08-23 - I always go to Ron H's web site to read his "Daily Pump", and we are in constant emailing/talking back and forth, me Ron and Curtis are that is.
Ron was nice enough to plug the new USPF New York web site, here's what he had to say about it.
"Little plug here for Curtis Schulz and Anita Ramsey's new web site, www.uspfnewyork.com. Curt is now the New York Chairman for the United States Powerlifting Federation, and the site has all kinds of cool and very helpful support for powerlifters. These two are really riding me hard to start bench-pressing again, but I am standing firm on my stance not to. I get great results from dumbbells and Hammer Strength machines, and I never really liked the flat barbell press. Maybe I am still traumatized by the shoulder injuries I suffered from that exercise way back in 1986-1987 when I was always trying to max out and be a big teenage stud. But please guys, give me a little credit. I just started deadlifting from the floor again, and squatting regularly. Two out of three powerlifts ain't bad! If I had a weak chest I might think about it, but chest has never been a problem from day one. Curtis and Anita are so into the bench press they actually have a little club that meets twice a week at their gym to work on the bench. All you bench press lovers and powerlifters should definitely check the site out."
Check it out at www.uspfnewyork.com
| Soon to Come IPA Worlds Update |
2003-08-20 - I recently attended the IPA Worlds Powerlifting meet with Curtis to watch not compete and we saw some old friends, made new ones, and well, saw some great lifting going on. And I could be a new addition ot the Chicks of the Metal Malitia. Had dinner with DAve Tat eof EFS and Louie Simmons, you know who Louie is? Westside king Louie that is. Check the articles section in the next couple weeks it will be up soon with pics.
| Did You Know That Mrs. O Lenda Got Covers? |
2003-08-04 - Did you know that Lenda Murray got her picture on magazine covers in the late 90's? Wow! I didn't know that. She was just one of the women that inspired me to take up bodybuilding. I know, everyone who has a brain knows when I was talking about Lenda NOT getting a cover shot that I was referring to NOW!
She won the Olympia 7 times and deserved a cover shot NOW!!! Right after winning the Olympia for a SEVENTH time.
So, to the idiot that sent me an email telling me about the TWO covers Lenda did get back in the 90's I thank you. NOT!
What is it with you people?! Lenda deserved more the TWO covers back in the 90's and surely deserves more NOW, that's 2003, for you who can't understand what people talk about. She is tops in womens bodybuilding and ranks as one of the BEST in "Bodybuilding" period!
| Lisa Bavington Is Getting The Call To Be The Womens IFBB Representative. |
2003-08-01 - I've talked with Lisa Bavington on several occasions and also with Lisa Aukland, and recently with all the moves and things the IFBB pro Division, oh yeah, isn't that Wayne Dimilia's area? Well, all the IFBB pro division power hungry crap that the athletes are going to 'hopefully' make some noise.
Lisa Aukland, has sent this too me..."I am lobbying Lisa Bavington (IFBB Pro BB) to be the womens IFBB representative. We need to make some changes that would be a win-win situation for the IFBB and women bodybuilders." We already know that someone is lobbying Shawn Ray, well, no offense to Shawn but was he at the meeting Chic had? No, didn't think so.
I'd prefer if someone would take the IFBB Pro division to court or have Weider taken to court for discrimination of women. I am not a pro, nor do I care to be one anymore. But, if I where I would nominate Lisa Bavington too!
2003-07-31 - Seven Time Mrs. Olympia Lenda Murray has called it quits for good, and could be in the WWE soon.
It seems that our top iron lady has stepped down from the bodybuilding realm to go after something more worth while. When you win the Olympia seven times and don't even get a cover shot, yeah, it's time to do something else that will appreciate all your hard work and muscles more.
Good luck Lenda and keep in touch with the little people because the big ones never cared!
2003-07-29 - Tell me that women's bodybuilding is dying. Tell me that women don't like to have muscle and get big. There where 26 women in the heavyweight class alone! Get a life, Wayne, Jim and all the rest of you idiots that say women don't want muscle.
And on that note, Colette Nelson, missed that 3rd times a charm by getting second in the heavies, and Lindsay Mulinazzi, who was interviewed right here at BB.com got 2nd in the lightweights. She's better as a bodybuilder.
Big Dave Palumbo got 2nd in the Super heavies, and I wish I was there because unless Dave was off no one can beat him, he's shredded and looks a hundred times better then I've ever seen him.
2003-07-29 - I recieved this today from a friend, this is the reply he got from MMI about using certain pics for an add
Anita,
Hey there. Well, I spoke to MMI and they did not want to use a "female" (said it was more of a guy mag) nor did they want to use another photo of another strongman guy (said straps did not show well) I sent in to replace yours and the other one I sent in. (photo I sent was too small) Anyway, I don't want to start any crap here between you and them as I do not know how well you know them, but that is what I was told. They now have one photo of a set of my straps at about 5X5 inches. Any thoughts? I did get your other photos and I am playing when them now to add them to the web site. I went with their recommendation on the photos for the FitMart review as I was not paying and they were creating the add. I did not like that, but wasn't sure what to do."
Well, if that isn't the stupidest thing I've ever heard. It's a guy magazine so we don't want to use a "Female" model. Did I miss something or has MMI just turned Gay?
| Female Bodybuilders Only - I Like The Way That Sounds |
2003-07-28 - I have to admit, if it wasnt for the Internet and people like JT of www.fbbo.com and my real good buddy Andy at Andys Muscle Goddesses female bodybuilders would NOT have any media outlets to show them for the great women we all are. I guess I should thank the magazines but I'm sure they'll soon only be doing TA pics in the magazines with non-fitness/figure girls.
Female Bodybuilders Only is a site about the female bodybuilder. JT has been a fan of female bodybuilding for a long time. And like so many other MEN he respects what we women sacrifice to excel at this sport. We train just as intense, probably more intense then the men. I challenge any male bodybuilder to go head to head with a female bodybuilder. Watch out! We have to diet harder too.
So why this site? Well, Ill let JT say it: Truth be told, in recent years, women's bodybuilding has been taking a beating. People (myself included) who appreciate the beauty, strength and them as role models of these women have allowed the sport to become the proverbial "red headed step child." This must change!
Are you a fan? Then let all my sisters know about it. And just as important, let the show promoters know it by contacting them directly and going to the shows. Exactly JT, because WE do bring in money their just afraid to admit it. And make a ruckus when these ladies hit the stage! You bet JT, I do, because we all need to cheer for each other. So, check out my buddy JT with Female Bodybuilders Only (I like that).
| IFBB Pro Lisa Auklands Comments On The State Of Female Bodybuilding |
2003-07-25 - See the article written by Lisa for Universal Matters. A publication put out by Universal Nutrition. It's in the March 2003 Issue #24. Lisa and several of my fellow female bodybuilders are starting to make it be known that what the industry is doing is "WRONG" to us, other women, and to the industry itself. Hear that Joe Weider, FLEX, MMI, MD and all the rest of you so-called bodybuilding magazines?
2003-07-25 - Below are links to the interview that IFBB pro Lisa Bavington did with Herizons magazine. If enough of us girls start bitching out loud more, we can change things or at least put some pressure on the industry to make changes for women bodybuilders or else!
Pic #1
Pic #2
Pic #3
For those who like it the way it is, that's fine with me, we all have our opinions. But, just a short few years ago we, female bodybuilders where on the covers of magazines, given decent pay, treated with respect. But, now, the so-called bodybuilding industry thinks they can do better using us as a stigma then for good. It is better for women to get into strongwomen competitions or womens powerlifting then bodybuilding, why? Well, at least if you win something worthy of being noted you'll get your cover on Powerlifting USA like Sioux-z did when she won the Worlds.
Did Lenda Murray get a cover shot on FLEX or any other mag for winning 7 Olympia titles? Nope!
2003-07-23 - My good buddies Dave and Colette are off to the USA's this weekend. Curtis and I wish them all the luck in the World, and hope these NPC idiot judges give them their deserving pro cards this time. Bodybuilding.com will be there, as a sponsor for the Kelly Ryan and Titus After Party festivities. Oh my God I promo'd a Titus event. I hope someone else has an After Party too so he can get upset with him or her for holding a party too. I think King should start hosting parties. Don't you?
| Direct Link to Anita's page |
2003-07-17 - My buddy Ron did me a favor and all you Muscle Update readers too. Go to this link for a better viewing...
Click Here
Or go to this link: Click Here
| World Champ Going To Bench Press Nationals Next |
2003-07-17 - In August World Champ Sioux-z is doing the USAPL Bench Press Nationals and going after a 220 press. That's great considering she's only 114. I will keep you posted on how she does. Feel free to visit Sioux-z at her site: http://www.siouxzhartwig.com
Hopefully, I'll do better too as I'm prepping for my next Bench meet this Sunday, I'll be 14 weeks out from the IPA Halloween Bench Press Championships. And I'm getting my shirt sponsored by Karin Extreme Wear...Scot Mendelson used her shirt to bench that 875.
| "Gym Etiquette" Article Review |
2003-07-17 - I was flipping through the issue of Curl Magazine, a so-called Hard Core Women's Training magazine, and read an article by a so-called hard-core Curl Magazine writer...And these two comments where in her "Gym Etiquette" article.
"Whos Counting? And as any real bully knows, words can be even more effective (and annoying if youre on the receiving end) than sticks and stones. The worst words of allHow many sets do you have left?" This question is enemy number one in the gym, as it is usually used as a euphemism for "hurry up." It is rude and disruptive. If you want to use a piece of equipment, either wait patiently or go on to something else.
Keep your voice down. Theres no doubt that listening to music while working out can be a great motivator and energy-booster. But keep in mind that while youre singing along to the music in your headphones, the other gym members are hearing only your voicea cappella. Save the singing for the showers. The acoustics are better there anyway."
Well, I don't think she knows a thing because asking someone how many sets they have left is NOT RUDE! It is polite as some male individuals feel it is ok to monopolize equipment while talking for hours to there buddies. I don't want to wait patiently for them to get done talking. She can, I came to workout. Yeah, tell me something else hard-core Curl Magazine. Get real lifters to write for you.
| When Will Bodybuilders See? |
2003-07-17 - I was reading Ron Avidan's news, and I just love when he posts stuff by Titus. Check this out. "I've been receiving quite a few e-mails from fans asking my thoughts on the new IFBB rules concerning the conduct of its athletes. My honest opinion is this; I truly believe that this notion will clean up the reputation of our sport and allow for more mainstream media to become involved with the competitions. The rules will also prevent certain athlete's from insinuating that judges are taking bribes, or that the contests are fixed because of sponsors... Over time, the credibility of the IFBB would've been lost and there would no fans watching our shows anymore if these rules were not put into effect, bravo."
Bravo? Titus, don't you get it? The NPC/IFBB can not do that. It is direct violation of our constitutional rights. They can get sued for doing it. Why are bodybuilders so afraid to speak their minds? I get told so much stuff by male and female bodybuilders behind close doors but when they get in front of an IFBB or NPC official they are so nice and polite. Grow up people and wake up, we control the bodybuilding world NOT the promoters, or Joe, or Wayne, or Jim. Picture this. If there were no bodybuilders would there be a NPC or IFBB?
View the full article on GetBig by clicking here.
| The 2003 Ironman Classic: The Grass Roots of Bodybuilding Shows |
2003-07-15 - Excuse me sir these people want to sit in their seats! Exclaimed little Jonathan Whitehouse, son of womens open middleweight and overall champ Cynthia Whitehouse, to promoter IFBB Pro Jeramy B-52 Freeman as he was kneeling in front of a couples seat who were standing by waiting while Jeramy talked with Curtis and I. The roar of laughter between all of us was so loud that everyone in the audience leaped from their seats to see what the commotion was.
And if that wasnt enough, when a fuse blew during the show the Ironman Classic staff took the stage and started hurling T-shirts and shaker cups into the audience. We felt like we were at an Arena football game. Then there was Kim, Jeramys gracious and very pretty wife, and her entourage who where all wearing little black skirts, black knotted up t-shirts and healed boot outfits that the Atlanta Falcon Cheerleaders would envy. And when I told Jeramy I liked the little outfits his wifes team where wearing, he agreed with a boyish grin and laugh.
Thats what the Ironman Classic was all about, a fun show filled with personality and very tuff competition filling the stage with all the open competitors vying to qualify for National competition.
Shows like The Ironman Classic, The Caveman Classic, The Emerald Cup, The Southern States, and others like them, these are the grass roots of the NPC where USA and National champs are produced who then go on to become our future pros. Once again, for its seventh year the scene was set at Henninger High school, Syracuse, New York for the 2003 Ironman Classic.
Who was in the audience? Hmmm... lets see. There was IFBB pro George Farah, IFBB Pro Jeramy Freeman, me of course, the 98 NPC Southern States Heavyweight and overall champ, fifth place Nationals Heavyweight Sabastian Zona, a big hairy powerlifter named Curtis Schultz, and oh yea, the guest posers, top NPC Super HW competitor Dave Palumbo and 2xUSA Heavyweight champ Colette Nelson.
Now, Im jumping the gun here, but if you havent seen Dave and Colette do their posing routine then youre missing something extraordinary. And of course most of you havent heard about this routine because our magazines forget about the grass roots of the bodybuilding world. What are the grass roots? That would be all the local and regional shows that saturate the country. Back to Dave and Colette, they have choreographed the sexiest entertaining routine Ive seen since Tony and Maros 91 Jr. Nationals mixed pairs routine. Dave, looked as though he was ready to do battle for the USA that evening, ripped, full and just damn FREAKY!!! And Colette, well, Ive herd rumors of Colette prowess on the stage and Im here to tell you she is one sexy gal with moves that would make a man scream for more I did but Im partial to nicely built female bodybuilders Im married to one, Anita. Colettes physique has pro written all over it. And boy is she wide! If they dont give both of these two athletes pro cards this year it will be plain Bull!
Overall winners who are now qualified for national competition are Womens Middleweight Cynthia Whitehouse and Mens Middleweight Bob Hopper. Now, regarding the figure competition. Guess who won? NPC Zone Chairman and head judge at the show Jim Rockells daughter. Wow, you wouldnt have guessed that one. But, we do give kudos to Mr. Rockell as he did call the mens open overall correct. It was a tuff call between the light heavy and the middleweight.
Oh well, thats life in the NPC, get used to it if you join and compete on stage. If it wasnt for people like Jeramy and Kim Freeman and their idea of how a competitor should be treated NPC shows would be very boring, because sometimes they are, and they, at times, are very dissatisfying because of some of the bad calls. But, when youre treated like a winner at the Ironman Classic no mater where you placed it makes all that prepping and possible disappointments worth while. If there is anything we would like Jeramy to add to next yeas show is another big TV screen, one wasnt enough.
So, before I give you the info on how to enter the 2004 Ironman Classic, we want to thank Jeramy and Kim again for giving us the VIP treatment and for giving all your competitors a fantastic evening. Looking for a show in 2004? If you are, and you wanna do a national qualifier and you live somewhere on the East Coast then the Ironman Classic in Syracuse, New York is your show. Especially if you live in New York. For more information contact Well Rounded Health & Fitness @ (315) 885-1100. Be there, we will and well be ready for another fun and exciting evening of muscle, entertainment and fun.
2003-07-15 - Ron Harris is one of the best. He reminds me so much of Don "The Ripper" Ross, and you don't know how much.
I thought some of you would like this, I did. I sent Ron a couple studio pics that I took this past Friday just to see if he liked them, as I value his opinion as a bodybuilder and friend. Well, this is what he did here.
Thanks Big guy.
| IFBB Announces Rule Changes! What Rules? |
2003-07-14 - Oh yeah, the rules they feel like changing and making on the wim. It seems that ol' Wayne got upset with Paul Dillet's comments in MD because as of Sunday, June 22, 2003 -
IFBB Rule Changes IFBB Pro division official Rob Wilkins reported to Pro Muscle Online that a meeting was held in New York to discuss several proposed rule changes. The meeting included several key IFBB officials including Wayne DeMilia and Jim Manion. The following rules were approved and are effective immediately:
Public comments - (including, but not limited to, those made via print publications, websites, public gatherings or other public forums) by registered IFBB athletes or officials made against other athletes or officials, the IFBB or the sport in general, which are deemed personal, abusive, slanderous, libelous or prejudicial to the good image of the sport, are contrary to the IFBB Code of Ethics and will result in disciplinary measures being taken by the Pro Division against the person responsible for the comments.
Taken from Pro Muscle Online... Wow, can any of you believe this? This is what bodybuilding gets into. The true picture of a big power struggle, and they have the bodybuidlers wrapped aroudn their fingers. What a crock. Damn I wish I was a pro, I'd love to do battle with Wayne and the other idiots who think thay are Gods.
| John Inzer Is Sueing Karin's |
2003-07-13 - This lawsuit has been going on for over a year; it seems that John Inzer, of Inzer Advance Designs decided to sue Karin's Bench Shirts after her patent ran out. That was nice of Inzer, what a looser. Sounds like Weider going after Bob Kennedy because he was threatened by Oxygen. KARIN'S is a small company; bigger stronger ones always attack good people, especially when they do well. No one wants to help anyone, anymore in this world, what a sad time.
2003-07-13 - SCOT MENDELSON HITS 875.23 IN VENICE BEACH CALIFORNIA on the 12TH OF JULY, HE WAS WEARING HIS SIGNATURE SHIRT FROM KARIN'S XTREME POWERWEAR!
| Anthony Clark In Tragic Car Accident. |
2003-07-13 - This was taken from the Tennessean.com..."Howard Christopher Davies, 48, of Middlesex, England, was killed when a pickup truck spun out of control on Briley Parkway, crossed the median, and then slammed head-on into his car about 9 a.m. yesterday, Metro police said. Davies' wife, Beverly, 39, was a passenger in the Pontiac Aztek in which they were traveling, and was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She was in stable condition last night, police said.
The driver of the Dodge Ram truck, Anthony W. Clark, 36, of Houston, Texas, was in critical condition at Vanderbilt. Police said they did not know why Clark lost control of his truck. His blood will be tested for alcohol and drug content, but there were no signs of alcohol involvement at the scene, police said.
Charges relating to the crash are pending the outcome of the investigation and Clark's recovery, police said." Wow!
2003-07-10 - Sioux-z won the Womens World Championship at 114 lbs. in Chicago this past weekend! Her lifts were 363 lbs. in the squat; 214 lbs. in the benchpress and an awesome 369 lb. deadlift for a new American Record total of 948 lbs. and a World Title! Her title is the first for the USA Women in 7 years! GREAT job Sioux-z.
| There Is A New Sheriff In Town |
2003-07-09 - Bodybuilding.com contributor, industry writer, strength coach, football coach, powerlifter, and my husband Curtis Schultz was just appointed as the new USPF (United States Powerlifting Federation) New York State Chairman. He is already planing a NY State Collegiate & High School Bench Press Championships for late spring of 2004. Also a new Official Web site for the USPF New York will be up at the end of the month. I'll keep you posted.
| Did You Know It's Been Done? |
2003-07-08 - Did you know? Did you know that Bench Presser Scott Mendelson broke the 800-pound barrier this past June at the APF Seniors with a 365.5 kg (805) Bench Press?
| Are You Tired of The Same Old Bodybuilding Magazines? |
2003-07-05 - This is the intro to the new so-called "Hard-Core Muscle" magazine ..Have any of you seen it? Hardcore? Yeah right. Looks like all the other magazines... it has muscle guys, talks about drugs and has tons of non-fitness models. Wow! Really different guys. They claim to cater to the hardcore bodybuilder. Who are they kidding? I love this quote: "When you get right down to it, a bodybuilder is just a person sure they might be super-freaky, men of steel with vascularity a-plenty and biceps bulging, but when they leave the gym they jump into the SUV, get on the cell phone and make plans to go see the latest Spielberg flick, hopefully the training paid off and they go accompanied by a little something special." Yeah, a "bodybuilder" by their definition can ONLY be a MAN! Would someone PLEASE make a magazine that has ALL bodybuilders in it, male, female and only the Fitness girls that compete.
2003-07-04 - This is not some news I'm excited about mentioning. I have some sad news to report that many of you may already know about. But, Superheavyweight national-level bodybuilder Scott Klein, from Illinois passed away this past May. BIG Scott was only thirty years old. Thirty! That's not right and if anyone tells me it's because the man upstairs has a plan I'll scream. Muscle Update, BB.com, my husband and myself send our deepest sincere appologies to his family and friends.
| Happy 4th Of July! Gunter at 355! |
2003-07-04 - Make sure you all drive safely tonight and eat lots of food. Had a call yesterday from friend and MG Development (see BB.com Store) owner Larry Maples, he tells me about his visit with BIG or should I say "Massive" Gunter at the NPC 2003 Colorado States. He reported Gunter at 355, hard! Larry also went on to say that after seeing Cutler, Ronnie and now Gunter he predicts if Gunter comes in the way he should he'll BLOW everyone off the stage and Gunter will be the new Mr. Olympia. I told him he's wrong, they always give the current Mr. "O" the title no matter who looks what. But, it looks lik I'll be there to see what really happens, as we're looking on going to our first Olympia. It better be better then the Arnold.
| IDS Sports Has New Product Soon To Be Released |
2003-07-03 - Heard from Nick at IDS today, and here's what he had to say: "Just wanted you to know, have the first scoop per say. We will be coming out with a new class of product which actually binds with the isoenzymes which are responsible for the "First Pass Metabolism" of drugs, including steroids and prohormones. The product we will be selling will end up increasing blood testosterone levels in prohormone or steroid users 3-5 times while they use their normal doses. They can also cut their daily dose in half and still get more testosterone in their bloodstream than they would have at twice the does!"
So, after I heard this, I had to ask what is the name of the product? And will it be sold with the rest of IDS products @ BB.com? And too my conformation and delite here was Nicks response. "We will be releasing all that information in the next week or so. It will definitely be sold at BB.com, you may want to mention it to them as well. The retail should be less than $40! Nick IDS."
That is great for all of us.
2003-07-03 - Can you believe the IFBB made a Pro Division for this? And they are giving out Pro cards at Jr. USA and National events? What kind of stupidity is that? Let's make new Figure pro's on the lower division NPC national shows, but let's keep the women's BBers down to the barest minimum. I'm talking with a couple BIG well known female pros in the next few weeks and we are going to talk about all this stuff going on, and what we can do about it. I have a solution, that I am already working on, and I can't wait to hear Wayn Demillia and Joe and brother Ben bitch and scold the girls for jumping ship.
| Eclipse 2000 Model Search |
2003-07-03 - They're looking for male or female bodybuilders, fitness models & athletes of any experience. I am back with Body Talk again writing for them so they'll be a little something form me in each Body Talk issue. That's another reason Eclipse is proud to give Bodybuilding & Fitness models the break they've been dreaming of. They sometimes use their models in National magazine ad's such as MuscleMag & Flex. They've also used these models on our BodyTalk magazine cover, which goes to thousands of gyms & stores across the country.
If you are interested, you can e-mail Eclipse the images or send your high quality photos or slides to:
Jim Rainey
C/O BodyTalk
P.O. Box 79
Scranton, PA 18508
| Talking With "The Freak" Dave Palumbo... |
2003-07-03 - Dave, are you doing the USA or Nationals this year?
I'm planning on doing the USA (hopefully, I will not need to do the NATIONALS); however, you know how things go? I'm ready to do as many shows as it takes to turn PRO. If that means doing the USA and NATIONALS, then I guess I'll be in both shows.
What is your current off-season weight and what are you looking on weighing on stage this year?
I'm holding about 275-280 off season pounds. I'm very lean, however, and i don't intend to go above 280 this off season. My waist is the smallest its been and i feel good at this bodyweight. I will probably weigh (at the USA) about the same as i did at last year's NATIONALS where i placed 2nd (260lbs).
Since you started this new magazine, has it been hard to stay focused and in the gym? For some that are not aware of RXMuscle what is the main format and how can one get a subscription?
I balance my life pretty well. The gym has its place but so does my intellectual pursuits. I write my articles for various magazines (MUSCULAR DEVELOPMENT and RX MUSCLE) at night and i train during the day (my workouts are short: 35-45 minutes).
RX MUSCLE is a hard core view of the TRUTH in bodybuilding. We don't hold back anything-- just tell it like it is. We talk about drug issues, new supplements, advanced training routines, and we interview interesting personalities. We are even doing reviews of all the hard core gyms throughout the country. You can subscribe to Rx MUSCLE at www.RxMuscle.com . As of now, RX MUSCLE is not on the newsstand.
Do, you have time to train people for shows? If so, how does someone get in contact with you?
I actually do a lot of show preparation for top IFBB pros, top NATIONAL NPC competitors, beginner regional bodybuilders, and regular people trying to slim down and tone up. I can be reached at HUGE285@aol.com or through my website at www.DavePalumbo.com.
| New Show In Town... Muscle Madness National Championships |
2003-07-03 - The 2003 Muscle Madness National Championships takes place on November 15, 2003, in Crystal Lake, Illinois. They are looking for you, to come and be their next Champion. It's open to all athletes. So, if you would like to compete you can get an entry form, by visiting www.MuscleMadness.com and request an entry form on the site. If you need additional information, please let Vestee, the Contest Director know, he's available for all your questions.
| Talking With 2x USA Champ Colette Nelson |
2003-07-03 -
AR: Hey Colette. How's the 2x USA Champ doing? Get me an issue of RXMuscle as soon as you can. Do you live near Boston? We sometimes travel over to visit with Ron Harris. Well, good luck at the USA,. I would assume you're getting ready for number 3? Hope it's 3x and overall this time. A 3x winner will be a first for anyone - man or woman.
Colette: Hey Anita, it's nice to hear from you. Thanks so much for writing. You are one of my favorites. What is on the plate for you?
AR: On my plate? Colette, I'm done with competing in bodybuilding. I still lift and actually I'm doing my first sanctioned bench press meet in a few weeks. Going to go for the APF NY state bench record in 148. We'll see. I have my husband and Dave Tate from Elite Fitness (Louie Simmons disciple) helping me. So, how's things over at RXMuscle?
Colette: Let me tell you. We are in the process of cleaning up the whole Subscription problem with the magazine. Basically -- Dave's secretary was stealing from him and ran off with all the files and information. I will get you out a magazine as soon as I can. I am so sorry about the delay---you would have had it much sooner------if this didn't happen.
AR: No problem, if you can't get me one before the Ironman bring one with you. Sorry to hear that about Dave, my husband and I can relate had a old man that we hired for a business we had literally steal everything we created. So, is life, we learn.
Colette: Anita- I will work on it for you.
AR: Hey, how about giving the readers a taste of what Colette is up to? And when we come over to the Ironman Classic this June, Curtis and I will sit down with you and do a full blown interview, OK?
Colette: I would love to sit down for an interview. Totally------I will do a little write up tomorrow and send it your way. Thanks so much. You can steal some pics from my site-------just let me know so I can give the photographers credit. Wow, I can't wait. How exciting. I have lot's to talk about------trust me. My life never stops------that is a promise. I will be there-----with Dave---- hopefully------near contest shape at Jeremy's show. I hate dieting-------I always say-------I am a fat person in a bodybuilder's body. But-----I like to see what I can do with my body------so, here we go, 11 weeks.
AR: I caught that interview you did with Andrulla. That was very nice. Funny we see things like that on the net but not in the magazines.
Colette: Thanks for your compliment on Andrulla's interview--she is awesome. She has a great soul.
AR: I feel the same way, she's so down to earth. Let's talk about you. Do the guest posings interfere with contest prep?
Colette: Yes--All the guest posing, life drama, etc. All interfering with my dialing in--trust me.
I hate to diet. So, I have lot's to talk about.
| Show Of Strength To Include Fitness And Figure, But NOT Female Bodybuilding! |
2003-07-03 - Go figure! No pun intended...
The following is an excerpt from Editor of FemFLex.com Tre Scott.
"Greetings, friends of women's bodybuilding: As you all know by now, GNC has decided to exclude women's bodybuilding from their show this November. They have decided to replace it with figure. Their plan is to hold a Friday evening show with only the figure & fitness competitions and they feel that show can be successful (read: economically viable). Not only is it an insult not to include the bodybuilders in the program, but that will also translate into a drastically smaller audience for the show, as evidenced by the recent Women's Night of Champions in New York City. If not for the FBBers, that venue would've been less than half full. Those of you who attended can verify that the vast majority of the house - by far - had paid to see the bodybuilders, not the fitness & figure portions. Another poignant example was at the 2001 Olympia prejudging - the Ms. O and Fitness O judging was held simultaneously in separate rooms and the Ms. O crowd was at least 5 times (conservative estimate) as large as the crowd watching the Fitness O."
Well, well, isn't that news? Not! These idiots in the so-called industry dont get it, they are not making money by doing all this fitness and figure stuff. They are loosing money for not using female bodybuilders to the fullest. We would and DO PULL as much revenue as the men. The lies about people not going to see us, or they can't get the money for us are pure lies. I challenge geek Wayne Demillia, Jim Manian and Joe "Not in Bodybuilding Anymore" Weider to a sit down fireside chat on how they are discriminatory to Female BBers and how much legal water they are in. Bodybuilding is all about seeing big bodies, bodies built to the max, that is what the term bodybuilding means NOT this fitness bikini Zane physique crap. They give men drugs to become women and its ok for men to become so huge they die from all the chemicals they take but women are not allowed to have any muscles larger then specified by a bunch of geeks. That makes sense. GNC Sucks anyway go to online stores like BB.com or even a different supplement vitamin store rather then GNC, they're over priced and the service is bad. So, boycott GNC, it's easy.
| Talking With The STRONGEST Female Powerlifter Who Ever Lived! |
2003-07-03 - Tell, us about your lifting at the Arnold? What was it like?
Wow, what a rush! My goal was just to squat 700 or more in front of the crowd and national/world judges. I tell you what, I almost blew it! I had a terrible warm-up. No one else warms up very much, I got way behind on time. I was rushed and my last warm-up, 665 lbs, crushed me! My coach was drilling me, why did you miss it? Technique? Strength? I couldn't answer his questions. I think I had my first ever panic attack; my eyes were hazy, my heart-rate was elevated and I couldn't catch my breath. I had just minutes to re-wrap and do my first attempt in front of everyone. I managed to pass the lift and the rest of the day just got better and better! Once the first squat was under my belt, I had a chance to cool down. That is when I came over the peak of my roller coaster ride and everything was downhill from there.
Each squat got easier and easier. I felt my fourth attempt squat was my best, 744 lbs. I couldn't believe it, I had no idea I would squat that much. Good thing my coach, Rick Hussey, did. He calls all of my attempts. I have no idea what is on the bar, unless the announcer says it, which does not bother me. Next, on the bench press, I out lifted myself by 16 lbs from my last meet. I ended up with a 374 lb bench, and it flew up. The day was still going great! Finally, on the deadlift, I out lifted my best deadlift by 12 lbs. I had trouble in training and didn't expect much, but it all came together. I pulled a 617 lb deadlift.
These lifts broke the 1700 lb total barrier. I totaled 1736 lbs. I was a happy woman!
The next day two things occurred to me. I walked in to watch the heavyweights lift and there were thousands of people watching. I said to Rick, "Wow, there are so many people watching." He stated I lifted in front of just as many people the day before. I had no idea, because the stage lights were so bright. The other thing that occurred to me that day, I couldn't stop thinking of it, "Now, I have to out do myself...."
You use to compete in BBing, why the switch to powerlifting?
I love to look like a bodybuilder. I love the supportive audience at shows. I was actually alternating powerlifting and bodybuilding. Then Rick and I realized that world powerlifting records were with-in reach. I had to master powerlifting, everything else had to go. But some day...
When you're ready let's talk. OK. Rick? Do you train by yourself or do you have partners?
Rick and I own Big Iron Gym in Omaha, NE. Rick trains over 30 powerlifters. Everyone trains in groups. I make sure I train with the group of guys that are stronger than me. I chase them, but I talk smack like they are chasing me. It is very important that we squat together. When you have a handful of guys (and one girl) squating 700+, 800+ you need 5 quality spotters and one person to run the monolift. Not to mention, pulling your suit straps up. Team training is very important for powerlifting.
Are there any outside influences that help you to accomplish your great lifts?
Rick. He never lets me think I am the best; I can always be better. He sets no upper limits. He trains to set records and smash barriers. He trains me to go where no woman has gone before.
Well, you're already on your way for that. What are your current records?
I hold 6 WPC World Records. In the 198 lb weight class: 635 squat, 1566 total. In the 198+ lb weight class: 749.5 squat, 407.7 bench, 633.8 deadlift and 1774.8 total.
So, you're heading to the WPC Worlds, what are the numbers you're hoping on getting there?
My primary goals in this sport: Squat 800 lbs, Total 1800 lbs. My secondary goals: Bench 450 lbs, Deadlift 650 lbs. Thank goodness world's is close by, Calgary, Canada.
800 Squat!!! Wow, you just made my husband wince. That would be something to see. Go for it Becca. Tell us about your new website?
www.beccaswanson.com I am currently selling pictures. I am working on training videos. And I plan on selling recommended workouts to hit a certain lift. I hired a powerlifting fan to build my website, Scott DePanfilis, owner of www.bodytechusa.com. Here are some pictures from Senior Nationals, June 7. Anything else, let me know! Thanks sooooo much! Becca
Thanks Becca for giving us a heads up on your progress and next event. And thanks for taking the time to talk with us. Maybe someday I'll be benching next to you at the Arnold, that's my goal.
Getting hold of REAL anabolic steroid information is not easy, and that is why we can fully recommend Mick Hart's Layman's Guides to Steroids, as they WILL give you the very best introduction to steroids available anywhere today.

- Advertisement -
Related Articles From Around Bodybuilding.com
Exclusive Bodybuilding.com Interviews with Pros!
Popular Message Boards
Back to the Bodybuilders' Content Main Page.