From FAME owners Jeff Kippel & Mindy Blackstein:

Hello Body Proud & FAME Athletes!

As the final season for the 2009 FAME World Tour is now upon us, there are many exciting developments we have to share.

Plus, check FAME News for regular updates.  Just log into the Body Proud Community and look at the top left of any page. 

4. Assistance -  Register today for any of the upcoming FAME World Tour events, but make only a small financial commitment now and pay the rest later.  See details on FAME Payment Plan.

Promote yourself to media@BodyProud.org.

If you believe you can be an asset to the FAME Team and/or aid in Inspiring Body Proud please submit a professional letter and resume to apply@BodyProud.org

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Register for a FAME Camp today.

Physique Events —- FAME:  Fitness.  Athletes.  Models.  Entertainment.
The FAME World Tour begins Season 2 of its 2009 Series in the USA, then immediately touches down in Europe,  Canada and ends with a bang with the Grand Finale event back in the USA,  the FAME International Championships during the weekend of Nov 6 & 7.  Already confirmed are athletes from USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Africa….  You should join as well!

Experience the Excitement! 
Get your Tickets Today &/or Register to Compete.

(Vienna, VA): Natural Bodybuilding Champion David J. Grogan will be the Master of Ceremonies at the USBF Northern Virginia Natural Battlefield Classic Bodybuilding and Ms. USBF Figure Championships.

This contest will take place on August 22, 2009 at Oakton High School in Vienna, VA and is sanctioned by the United States Bodybuilding Federation (USBF). 

The USBF was founded in Baltimore, Maryland at the end of 1999 as a result of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) dropping its physique program. Former AAU Maryland State Physique Chairperson, Brian N. Washington, founded the USBF to address his vision for the future of natural bodybuilding.

For more information:

USBF Northern Virginia Natural Battlefield Classic Bodybuilding and Ms. USBF Figure Championships
August 22, 2009
Oakton High School
2900 Sutton Rd
Vienna, VA 22181

Contact information: Kevin Roberson - roberson04@aol.com
Robert Williams - rhalliswilliams@yahoo.com
Contest Website - www.wix.com/battlefield/bf2
USBF Website - www.usbf.net

AS SHE stood on the podium, her muscular frame glistening in the spotlights, a ten-year fight against a potentially killer bug was finally sealed.

Jo Brown, who had only entered the Miss Scotland bodybuilding event for “an experience”, was voted the most toned woman in the contest.

It signifies a dramatic turnaround from when a dodgy bit of mince from a Greenock hotel almost killed her a decade ago.

She was rushed to hospital with E. coli, put in isolation and by her own admission, “thought I was a goner”.

Her weight dropped to less than five stone, and once released from hospital she battled to get her bulk up, but nothing worked.

However, a heavy programme of weightlifting, which intensified in January, has led to her virtually doubling her weight in muscle, and taking the crown in one of the National Amateur Bodybuilding Association’s most envied titles.

“I remember spitting out the beef at the time, and before I knew I was screaming with stomach pains and vomiting,” said the 37-year-old Livingston mother-of-three.

“In hospital I actually called in the nurse and asked if I was going to die that night, I’d pretty much accepted my time was up.”

But she hung in and emerged from isolation to embark on a struggle with weight that has lasted nearly ten years.

“I’d tried everything to put weight on, but I just couldn’t do it,” said the Morrisons supermarket worker. “I was tired all the time and had trouble walking – my immune system was completely shattered.

“Then I saw an old friend who’d been bodybuilding and I couldn’t believe the difference in her, so I started.”

She built it up to such an extent that she was on a six-month diet of only turkey, broccoli, fish and protein supplements leading up to the competition last month.

But it paid off as she walked away with the Miss Toned Scotland 2009 accolade.

“Preparation was a nightmare,” she added. “I had to abandon my social life and turn things down left, right and centre. It got to the stage that if I went out to meet friends, I’d carry broccoli and turkey in my handbag and ask restaurants to heat it up for me. When I was at work I was surrounded by food the whole time that I just couldn’t touch.”

With the support of her husband and three children at the event she saw off stiff competition from experienced participants.

“I only wanted to go to the event to experience it, to see what it was like, and then maybe work towards some other targets, so I was shocked when I won,” she added.

“After it I went out for a Chinese and a few drinks and it felt great.

“That’s me for the year now, I need to aim towards a tougher category now, which could take me two years to build up to.”

Source - http://news.scotsman.com

NaturalBodybuildingEvents.com provides the most comprehensive and up to date list of Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Contests and Results from those organizations which actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. Also provides information on Natural Organizations, Seminars, Trainers and Competitor Resources

GUWAHATI: In 2002, he won a battle against death with a big lump in his heart. Seven years down the line, he has won a match of muscles with his
perfectly toned abs. Meet the Mr Universe 2009 and the man with a big heart Mahadev Deka.

The 40-year old engineer from Assam on Saturday night clinched the title in the bantam weight category for India at the 2009 Musclemania Superbody world championship at Florida in the US.

“Mahadev called me from Florida on Sunday morning immediately after winning the title. This is the happiest moment in our lives. We are waiting for him to reach home,” said his wife Nayana, a fitness freak herself.

In 2008, he won the Musclemania at Miami and picked up the runners-up trophy. Though he had to make-do with a tight budget for his diet, Deka is the first from the state to win this prestigious world body building championship.

Mahadev underwent an open heart surgery in August 2002 after which he developed a lump in his chest. Doctors advised an open-heart surgery to get it removed. He rested for barely three months. Soon his love for the sport took him back to his favourite place, the gym.

Deka is an assistant engineer with the public health department of the state government. He took his first training from Monohar Ich in Kolkata in 1992 and went on to win won the bronze in that year’s Bharar Kumar Championship held at Bangalore.

He has won the Mr Assam title for seven years since 1992. He was also Mr North-East four times and Senior Mr India twice in a row. His first international exposure was at the Mr World championship 2005 in Germany and managed a semi-final berth.

Deka’s daily diet includes 20 egg whites, a chicken, fruit juice, little rice, lot of green vegetables and allotted supplements.

Source - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

NaturalBodybuildingEvents.com provides the most comprehensive and up to date list of Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Contests and Results from those organizations which actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. Also provides information on Natural Organizations, Seminars, Trainers and Competitor Resources

Already known to China as a small nation packing a mighty punch when it comes to athleticism following the 2008 Olympics, The Bahamas stands a great chance of earning yet another medal when Paul “Mighty Mouse” Wilson faces off during the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

At 5-feet 2-inches tall and 152 pounds, Wilson is a 26 year-old bodybuilding champion in the lightweight amateur division and the local federation executives believe he has a “good chance” of bringing back a medal.  He started the sport nine years ago while in high school and spent the last eight years dominating his division. 

Among the titles he’s accumulated are the reigning Central American Caribbean champion gold medalist, the reigning national lightweight champion, and the two time champion of the Southern States Body Building Competition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  While representing The Bahamas for the past eight years, the man they call Mighty Mouse earned one gold, two silvers, and one bronze medal at four of those competitions.
 In 2006, he placed 17th out of 71 competitors at the World Championships held in the Czech Republic.  “I’ve been doing this sport since I was a teenager,” Wilson reflects.  “In fact, I entered my first competition the day after I graduated Faith Temple Christian High School.  I became a certified fitness instructor in Nevada and now I’m one of the personal fitness instructors at Mystikal Fitness, where I also train. All in all, I am more than ready to compete.”

Another thing that Wilson is ready to do is to bring more attention to the sport and he’s determined to get the financial backing he needs to reach his goals. “I think that body building in The Bahamas is being stunted because of the downturn in the economy and the stigmatism that goes along with the sport,” he noted.    
“It does take a lot of money to stick to the proper diet, the vitamins, supplements and gym membership but a the same time, Bahamians have not only proven to be successful in the sport, but also are serious when it comes to abusing their bodies with steroids. I’m proud to say that we (The Bahamas) don’t have anyone known for drug abuse at these competitions,” he said proudly.
As for his pending competition, Wilson is ready to make the nation proud on his first trip to Asia. “I’m excited about going to Chinese Taipei,” he says. “I’ve seen some of the top notch athletes at other competitions and I’m ready. I’ve faced off against some of them before and I know the caliber of athletes on that level.  Overall, I’m motivated to compete and bring what I’ve got to the forefront.”

Source - www.jonesbahamas.com

NaturalBodybuildingEvents.com provides the most comprehensive and up to date list of Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Contests and Results from those organizations which actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. Also provides information on Natural Organizations, Seminars, Trainers and Competitor Resources

After Stephen Merchent finishes up at his day job with Brad Moss Drywall, he spends evenings at Body Works Gym working on building, toning and honing his body, mostly for fun but also for competition.

“I got into bodybuilding because I have been weight-training since I was 14 years old for wrestling,” Merchent explained. “Now that wrestling is over, I needed another activity to keep me busy.”

On June 13, Merchent competed for the first time in the Lightweight Men’s Division at the Chico Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness Contest.

For his on-stage routine, Merchent did 15 poses, including eight mandatory poses: the front double biceps, the front lat spread, side chest, side triceps, rear lat spread, rear double biceps, abdominals, and lastly, the most muscular.

“My favorite pose is the side triceps pose,” Merchent noted. “It shows off your triceps muscle from the side, but also you have to flex every other in your body, so the whole picture looks good but the main focus is the triceps.”

Merchent took second place in his division and brought home a trophy, which currently resides at Body Works Gym.

Merchent noted his “breakfast of champions” usually includes four to five whole large eggs, 2/3 cup oatmeal with maple syrup, a piece of multigrain bread, and coffee.

To prepare for the contest, Merchent enrolled the help of veteran Willits bodybuilder Angela Higginbotham, who has been a personal trainer for the past 15 years.

Higginbotham was named both Ms.

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USA and Ms. California twice, and competed in many natural bodybuilding contests across the county between 1993 and 1996.
For the last three months Higginbotham has helped Merchant refine his poses and routine, and aided him in preparing for the contest. Higginbotham said she gave Merchent advice, told him what to expect, and helped tweak things so the music flowed with the routine.

Higginbotham noted she would videotape Merchent once a week and have him review the tapes, enabling him to see how he displayed his muscles and how he could do so to the best advantage to the judges.

“I’m extremely proud of him,” Higginbotham said. “He did a wonderful job and gave a very professional show on stage. He did everything I told him [she laughed] and he looked very polished throughout.”

For those who want to start bodybuilding, Merchent offers the following advice:

“Read. Find out as much as you can about all aspects of bodybuilding and try to make up your mind as to how you want to go. Are you doing it for fun or because you want to be a pro?”

Merchent adds that he plans to compete in more contests, though probably not until fall.

Source - http://www.willitsnews.com/ci_12697574

Gabriela DeSilva could look forward to spokesmodeling, travel and the spotlight if she impresses judges at her first body building competition.

The 25-year-old Fishkill resident plans to compete at a fitness competition in Poughkeepsie organized by the International Natural Bodybuilding Fitness & Federation in October.

“I’m going out there as a personal goal. It should be fun,” DeSilva said.

She was scheduled to compete in Manhattan June 27.

“I ended up not competing because the tanning stuff they put on my body burned me. It was horrible. I was all ready to go,” she said.

Most bodybuilders don’t compete for money but do it for the challenge and to get their physique in excellent shape.

However, there is some money to be made eventually depending on success.

If DeSilva wins a national amateur event, she is allowed to compete on a professional level. If she wins a professional national event, she could find herself in photography studios posing for fitness supplement advertisements, calendars and more.

The lucky ones become fitness celebrities and that fame often leads to entrepreneurial opportunities such as fitness centers and personal training, maybe even Hollywood. Think of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Kim Koelbel, a trainer and nutritionist at the Millbrook Training Center, spent three years doing competitions in the 1990s, winning titles such as Ms. Fitness Eastern States Champion and Ms. Fitness USA New Jersey Champion.

As a result, Koelbel got the attention of Pump Magazine, HotSkins Fitness Wear, Pinnacle Supplement Advertising, Muscle Mag Publications and Powertek Ab Roller.

“If you win a national competition you will be splattered all over the place,” said Koelbel, 42, of Pleasant Valley. “If they like you and your look, you will get work. Can you make a living? A select few will, but it’s good to have a degree in the field.”

The International Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation’s Web site boasts it has 5,000 competitors and 35 events per year.

DeSilva will flex in a bathing suit, focusing in the figure competition.

(2 of 2)

For two years, the Westchester County native and former art teacher has been in training, working out five times a week for three hours each session. She said she wasn’t ready to compete until recently.

“There’s so much more than getting up there in a swimsuit and posing,” DeSilva explained.

Koelbel, a former United States Natural Bodybuilding Association head judge, elaborated.

“You have to walk across the stage in a six-inch heel and look fabulous - hair, makeup, tan. You have to have a suit made,” she said.

Koelbel competed in fitness, which meant doing a gymnastics routine, an evening gown and/or bikini round and a public speaking segment.

“For us, it was music, timing, choreography, learning all the tricks because you are judged on all of that,” the Maryland native said.

DeSilva’s boyfriend -a bodybuilder -piqued her interest. Now she’s quit her day job to attend Dutchess Community College for a degree in fitness and wellness.

As far as making any commitments to fitness competitions, DeSilva said she’ll wait and see how her first event goes.

“The dieting process is not fun at all but the day of going on stage is really exciting,” she said. “We’ll see how I do.”

For two years, the Westchester County native and former art teacher has been in training, working out five times a week for three hours each session. She said she wasn’t ready to compete until recently.

“There’s so much more than getting up there in a swimsuit and posing,” DeSilva explained.

Koelbel, a former United States Natural Bodybuilding Association head judge, elaborated.

“You have to walk across the stage in a six-inch heel and look fabulous - hair, makeup, tan. You have to have a suit made,” she said.

Koelbel competed in fitness, which meant doing a gymnastics routine, an evening gown and/or bikini round and a public speaking segment.

“For us, it was music, timing, choreography, learning all the tricks because you are judged on all of that,” the Maryland native said.

DeSilva’s boyfriend -a bodybuilder -piqued her interest. Now she’s quit her day job to attend Dutchess Community College for a degree in fitness and wellness.

As far as making any commitments to fitness competitions, DeSilva said she’ll wait and see how her first event goes.

“The dieting process is not fun at all but the day of going on stage is really exciting,” she said. “We’ll see how I do.”

Source - www.poughkeepsiejournal.com

There’s the old saying, if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen….These days, heat is the least of Tim Durning’s concerns. He recently bought the Crosscreek Grille in Tallahassee and in this down economy, many wonder why?

“I didn’t plan that part.”

Durning has been an executive chef for 23 years so it’s no surprise that he’s behind the grille at Crosscreek. But while food is his job, his passion is in the gym.

Everyday from 2-4, you can find Tim at the gym. He’s 45 years old and already won two masters competitions this year beating guys half his age. He leads a manic schedule, but when you’re training for nationals, it’s what you have to do.

“It’s a dream to set foot on the stage. If you could have seen me eight years ago, before that. There was no hope at that time.”

Eight years ago, Tim Durning was addicted to drugs and alcohol. His life was in shambles and he was on a downward spiral.

“There’s a saying, you can only keep what you have by giving it away.”

So Tim kept his new life, by giving away his old one. And in doing so, he went from 160 pounds to this:

Tim is a perfectionist. Every meal needs to look perfect, every set has to be perfect. Because that’s what you do when you know that one mis-step is all it takes to lose everything.

“I’m completely blessed. I can’t believe I’m here right now. I can’t believe I’m talking to you right now. I’d been in my skin the whole time, I know how bad it was. I know how good it is now.”

And he knows how good it will be if he wins nationals on July 15th. Tim says his drive is evidence of a mis-spent youth. And it’s that drive that keeps him alive, and striving for perfection at the restaurant…and in the gym.

Tim won the Masters Over 40 Class at the Shannon Dey Classic in Panama City held on May 15 through May 16.

He most recently competed in the Steele World Bodybuilding championships on May 30, 2009 in Mobile, AL. He won the Masters Over 40 class, the Open Light Heavy Weight Class and won both the Overall Masters and the Overall Bodybuilding Championship.

Source - www.wctv.tv

The sole inductee into the U.S. Natural Bodybuilding Hall of Fame for 2009 is Jim Evans. The induction ceremony took place Saturday June 6, 2009 in Albuquerque, NM during the finals  portion of the OCB Natural Southwest Bodybuilding & Figure Classic.

About Jim Evans

James (Jim) M. Evans is a 41-year veteran of the health and fitness industry and internationally recognized fitness consultant.  He was born on June 15, 1945, in Riverdale, Maryland.

As a varsity wrestler and world-class powerlifter at Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus and president of the OSU Weightlifting Club in the early 60’s, Evans became exposed early on to the illicit use of anabolic steroids among athletes and became strongly opposed to them from both a health and moral perspective.  Years later, when two 14-year-old youngsters, both members of one of his gyms in Minnesota, became involved with steroids, he knew that he had to take an active stand against steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. 

Jim has been published in dozens of magazines and newspapers over the years including Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness, Fitness & Physique, Men’s Exercise, Ironman, Best Body, Exercise for Men Only, Alliance Report on Healthcare Marketing & Strategy, Successful Retirement, Strength & Health, Under the Sun, Economic Community, and many more.  His editorials have appeared in the San Diego Business Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Des Moines Register, St. Paul Pioneer Press, and others.  His fitness column – “Senior Health & Fitness” – is published in more than 750 markets across the country every month (since 1992), and for seven years he was host of the popular radio talk show “Forever Young” on San Diego’s KCBQ 1170 AM focusing on issues of health, fitness, and quality of life for older adults.

Evans joins fellow inductees Chet Yorton, Chuck Buser and Paul Jacobson, who were inducted in 2008. Profiles for Yorton, Buser and Jacobson can be found online at NaturalBodybuildingHallofFame.com. Nominations for 2010 inductions are being accepted through December 31, 2009. NaturalBodybuildingHallofFame.com for details about submitting nominations.

ANNUAL OCB AWARDS

By Nicole Weeks

At the end of the competition season the OCB asks for nominations for the Annual OCB Awards. The OCB Awards recognize notable athletes, as well as folks behind the scenes who have helped make the OCB more successful. A group of peers have voted, and the 2009 recipients (from the 2008 season) are:

Rookie of the Year - Jill Vadala

The Rookie of the Year award recognizes a first-year competitor who is likely to experience great success in the sport in the future. And any Figure Pro planning out her competition season this year is looking in her rearview mirror for Jill Vadala of Virginia. Jill began her competition career in April 2008 as a novice overall champ and finished off the year achieving the highest title the OCB offers: Yorton Cup National Figure Champion (and she become an IFPA Figure Pro in the process). We look forward to seeing Jill on the pro stage and congratulate her as our Rookie of the Year.

Grand Master - Butch Paradis

The Grand Master award recognizes a Grand Masters (Age 50 or Over) competitor whose physique inspires and impresses onlookers and seems to defy the aging processes. You would never suspect that Connecticut’s Butch Paradis is 52-years old. We had to look at his driver’s license to make sure he was eligible to compete in the Grand Masters 50+ division. Butch has been working out since he was 10-years old, competed in powerlifting in the Marines Corps in 1974, and started bodybuilding in the 1980’s. That lifelong commitment to fitness shows because Butch looks incredible!

Most Improved - Theresa Evans

The Most Improved award recognizes a competitor who showed exceptional improvement from the previous year. Theresa Evans from Connecticut presented herself well in 2007, but she needed improvements in her conditioning and upper-lower symmetry. When she returned to the stage in 2008 with tight conditioning, more defined abs, and sexier shapely legs she literally inched her way to top with a 2^nd place finish in Rhode Island, a 1^st place finish in the tall class in New Jersey, and finally an overall win in New York in October that qualified her for an IFPA Figure Pro card. We eagerly anticipate her pro debut.

Iron Man/Iron Woman - Richard Herskovitz

The Iron Man/Iron Woman award recognizes the competitor who competed in the largest number of OCB competitions during the year. Maryland’s Richard Herskovitz competed five times in 2008, more than any other competitor, so he’s picking up the OCB Iron Man award… probably on the way to his next show!

Service - Nicole Weeks

The Service award recognizes an individual who dedicated his/her time to the sport of natural physique development and went above and beyond the call of duty. Even though she couldn’t compete last year due to some medical issues, Florida’s Nicole Weeks just couldn’t stay away from the natural bodybuilding scene. Volunteering as a judge, expeditor, emcee, and contributor to Fitness & Physique Magazine, Nicole Weeks receives this year’s OCB Service Award. In 2009 she added contest promoter to that list while planning her return to the pro stage.

Judge of the Year - Muskee Books

The Judge of the Year is Maryland’s Muskee Books. He dedicated his time to judging four competitions in 2008, answering the call to jump in at the last second for one of them. Muskee’s scoring accuracy was in the upper half of the judging panel consistently. After the competitions are over, Muskee stays to answer questions from competitors and provide valuable feedback to aid their improvement in future events.

Promoter of the Year - James Carron

The OCB recognizes James Carron of Massachusetts as the Promoter of the Year. James promotes the OCB Cape Cod Natural and IFPA Gaspari Nutrition Pro Classic each October. Competitors look forward to receiving bags stuffed with goodies, a large comfortable venue, and a well-organized staff of volunteers. This past year James, who owns Cape Cod Nutrition Center and TopSupplementsOnline.com, became the benefactor of the Natural Physique Forum when the OCB message board needed a new home. James Carron is known for being a generous and caring guy, and that is evidenced by how much he gives back to the sport he loves so much.

The Buser - Saiid Tejan-Kamara

The Buser award recognizes a competitor who has outstanding physique symmetry. It was named after Chuck Buser, who many feel was the epitome of muscular symmetry during the infancy of the natural bodybuilding movement. This year’s Buser award goes to Delaware’s Saiid Tejan-Kamara, who also clinched the overall title at the 2008 OCB Yorton Cup National Championship, thereby making him eligible for IFPA Pro competition. Saiid’s physique has exceptional balance, impressive size, and deep muscle bellies that equate to an amazing full and shapely appearance from top to bottom.

Inspiration - Aram Hamparian

The Inspiration award recognizes a competitor who overcame difficult obstacles and whose actions and determination are inspiring.  Onstage New York’s Aram Hamparian is very impressive. His awesome conditioning and good size are evident. His struggles haven’t been as apparent. Aram has overcome a few bouts with muscle wasting diseases. He has also survived stomach cancer, Wegeman’s disease, and a history of drugs and alcohol. He doesn’t talk about these issues much. He would rather deflect the attention away from himself and use his negative experiences to help others as an addictions counselor. Aram, you are an inspiration and we look forward to seeing you on stage again very soon!

The Sullivan - Neal Grossman

The Sullivan is a sportsmanship award that recognizes an individual who displayed excellent sportsmanship and demonstrated kind, caring and selfless acts during the year. While most competitors backstage focus on getting ready to go out, Maryland’s Neal Grossman can be found helping others. Whether it’s helping put tanner on, or helping others perfect their poses to best display themselves on stage, Neal is known for being friendly and positive. His sportsmanship and encouragement to others have earned him the Sully Award for this year.

MVP of the Year - Kareem “Reemo” Petteway

The Most Valuable Person of the Year award recognizes an individual who contributed to the growth, betterment and spirit of the OCB and the sport of natural physique. This year’s MVP of the Year is Maryland’s Kareem “Reemo” Petteway. Whether it’s collaborating on new drug testing guidelines, fielding email and phone call questions from promoters and competitors, promoting competitions, writing articles for Fitness & Physique Magazine, or judging, Reemo is always working on something. The OCB wouldn’t be the same without Reemo. Oh, and he also managed to compete a few times too with two 2^nd place pro finishes and an overall pro title!

Eligibility criteria for all Annual OCB Awards and procedures for making nominations for next year’s awards can be found on www.theOCBwebsite.com.

Fitness profile: Michael Coe
Pike Township, PA - Age: 22.

Occupation: Criminal justice student at Kutztown University.

When and why you began to exercise: Exercise was always a big part of my life. I started out being a state-caliber runner in high school and going to college to run track at Kutztown. I was sure my life would follow in the direction of running until that dream ended after my first year due to injury.

I was lost with that gap in my life. I constantly looked for another physical activity to fill the void track left behind. I started to go to the gym just to keep myself busy around the time I would normally have track practice. I immediately began to see results from just playing around with no real structure. After I started to get my confidence back, I started taking the weight training seriously, focusing on the bodybuilding aspect of weight training.

I rarely miss a day, and when I do, I make it up the next day with a double workout. It has become addicting.

I plan to enter my first natural bodybuilding competition in the fall.

Type you do: I weight train five days a week. I do a split routine with one body part per workout. I hit that specific muscle with all I’ve got, then give it a full week to rest before working it again. I’ve found that for me, this is the best routine and gives me the greatest gains compared to all the other routines I’ve tried.

I have two phases of working out, offseason and pre-contest. Offseason is mainly focused on heavier, compound movements with fewer reps to build mass with shape.

Pre-contest is focused on lower weight with higher reps using detailed oriented movements to shape the muscle, while combining cardio sessions of close to an hour to shed extra pounds to give myself a tight, dry look, or cut as most people say.

Diet is extremely important with the two phases.

During the offseason, I take in more calories, loading up on protein and carbohydrates, while in the pre-contest portion, I take in fewer calories, dropping the carbs and upping the protein.

I stay away from simple sugars and snacking all year round.

Hardest hurdle to overcome: Ever since I started running, I have always had lower-back troubles and have had to take medication to ease the tension and pain after runs.

I have to watch my form extremely closely to make sure I don’t put unnecessary pressure on my lower back to avoid injury. I must also be choosy on the exercises I do to avoid excess stress on that area, which sometimes isn’t always desirable.

Biggest exercise achievement: Learning to deal with my lower-back problems and finding ways to strengthen that area to be able to now dead lift over 400 pounds. This took quite a lot of work, but anything can be accomplished with the right attitude.

How exercise helps you: I enjoy exercise not only for how it makes me feel now, but how I want to feel as I begin to age. I hope to stay healthy and consistent so I can continue to be active in my later years.

Tips to others: Listen to your body. Never try and rush things. This is something I try and do sometimes with using too much weight that I am not ready for. Take your time and be patient. Health doesn’t happen overnight.

Source - www.readingeagle.com

NaturalBodybuildingEvents.com provides the most comprehensive and up to date list of Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Contests and Results from those organizations which actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. Also provides information on Natural Organizations, Seminars, Trainers and Competitor Resources

TONED, taut and terrific; Rockhampton bodybuilder Brenda Ryan thinks having a hard body is no soft option.

The 37-year-old undergoes an intensive training regime everyday to keep her body in top shape.

And all the tough work paid off for the fit mum when she took the stage in the novice division of the figure category at the Australian Natural Bodybuilding competition on the Gold Coast last weekend.

It was only Brenda’s second body building contest and even though she didn’t take out a place, the experience she gained was invaluable.

“I was really happy with how I looked on the day and that was my main goal,” she said.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I guess it’s just pushing my body that bit further.”

Brenda said people envisioned “big muscly girls” when she mentioned her bodybuilding hobby, but claimed it was not what the competitions were about.

“It’s pretty amazing because everyone is getting tanned and doing their make-up but you are also trying to pump up as well.

“But it’s more about being lean and getting down to the lowest body fat percentage so the muscle you have is more defined.”

The accountant graduate who is starting a personal training course is planning on competing in the state titles in September for the International Natural Bodybuilding Association.

She said she aimed to build more muscle for the competition and had been lifting heavier weights to define her shoulders and arms.

To prepare Brenda said she would have to stick to a diet consisting of egg whites, green vegetables, tuna and chicken.

Source -  www.themorningbulletin.com.au

NaturalBodybuildingEvents.com provides the most comprehensive and up to date list of Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Contests and Results from those organizations which actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. Also provides information on Natural Organizations, Seminars, Trainers and Competitor Resources

AARON Moore has made rapid progress in bodybuilding.

The former local recently competed in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) Championships in Sydney and tasted success.

In front of nine judges, four of them women, along with a large audience Moore competed in two classes: The Mr Sydney Novice and Bantam Weight Divisions.

Months of hard working and training paid off when he was judged winner in both sections.

Moore said he was thrilled to have been successful.

“I originally just wanted to learn to eat healthier and it was a just a bonus to win,” he said.

He was then required to return to the stage to compete against the heavyweights for the overall prize.

Unfortunately he was unsuccessful, but the roaring crowd support ensured his name will remain in the spotlight.

The 25-year-old works as a personal trainer in Sydney and has always been interested in health and fitness.

Moore said he became involved in bodybuilding after attending a personal training session earlier this year.

“It was aimed at pursuing your goals and I set myself the challenge of competing at the championships,” he said.

“The reason behind that decision was because it’s difficult to get up there and stand in front of a lot of people in just your underwear.”

Moore said he followed a strict training and dietary program for three months before the event.

“Each morning I had to get up at 5am and go for a one and a half hour walk as well as doing weights training four days a week,” he said.

“I had to eat the same thing each day which basically consisted of oats, egg white and kangaroo meat because it’s low in fat and has no carbohydrates.

“I was allowed a cheat meal every four days, like a sandwich, to get some carbs into me.”

Moore said it was a difficult lifestyle to maintain.

“It involved sacrificing a lot and I had to plan it around work which wasn’t always easy,” he said.

“My social side suffered a bit too because I wasn’t allowed to drink when I went out with mates.

“It was mentally and physically draining and in the days leading up to the competition I had low energy, was tired and got some headaches.

“On many days I just felt like staying in bed but I persevered through the ups and downs and I’m glad I did.

“I can now pass that inspiration on to my clients.”

Moore said he is considering participating in more bodybuilding events in the future.

“It’s a great thing to do but I would probably just do it once a year from now on though,” he said.

“It was a great confidence booster and I received loads of compliments at the gym which was good.”

Moore said it was important for everyone to pursue their goals.

“If you have a big goal in life you will do whatever it takes to get there,” he said.

“There will be ups and downs but once achieved it will all be worth it and you will feel amazing.”

Source - www.begadistrictnews.com.au

NaturalBodybuildingEvents.com provides the most comprehensive and up to date list of Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Contests and Results from those organizations which actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. Also provides information on Natural Organizations, Seminars, Trainers and Competitor Resources

ALFORD bodybuilder Craig Nicol has been crowned teenage Scottish champion.

The 17-year-old former Alford Academy pupil who is studying fitness, health and exercise at college in Aberdeen, won the Under 20s category in the British Natural Bodybuilding Foundation ( BNBF) competition held in front of 600 people at the SECC in Glasgow.This was the first time Craig had entered a bodybuilding competition and this week he was still celebrating his success. He has been training and eating a strict diet for the past two and a half years. He had planned on competing in the BNBF Scottish Championships for about a year.

Source - www.deesidepiper.co.uk/sport/Craig39s-building-on-success.5382631.jp

NaturalBodybuildingEvents.com provides the most comprehensive and up to date list of Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Contests and Results from those organizations which actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. Also provides information on Natural Organizations, Seminars, Trainers and Competitor Resources

Godfrey Onyac a bodybuilder from West London has just returned to the UK after competing and winning the heavyweight title at the INBF Championships- an international competition for natural bodybuilder that took place in Barbados on June 20^th.

Ugandan born Godfrey played for the Wycombe Wanderers Under 15’s team as a teenager but his football career was short lived after he was injured with a broken ankle. He was then influenced by a fellow gym goer to get involved with weight training and after gaining sponsorship from leading sports nutrition specialists LA Muscle began competing in bodybuilding competitions in 2005.  His first competition was the BNBF Southern qualifier and he placed 3rd in the Novice category.   He then placed 1^st in the NPA Southern qualifier and the same again at the NPA British Finals 2005.

In 2008 Godfrey competed in the INBF in New York, USA where he placed 2nd in the Heavyweights category so it’s needless to say that he was over the moon with his result this year!

To see Godfrey’s exclusive interview visit LA Muscle TV- No.1 Channel for Health & Fitness www.lamuscle.tv/player/lydiabaileyshows/1

NaturalBodybuildingEvents.com provides the most comprehensive and up to date list of Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Contests and Results from those organizations which actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. Also provides information on Natural Organizations, Seminars, Trainers and Competitor Resources

You think you’re time poor?

A chat with Jenny Forster will sort you out.

Not only does Jenny manage three jobs and two kids, she’s a champion bodybuilder.

Not bad for a 43-year-old.

Jenny has always been climbing the walls and doing the hard yards. In the past couple of years, she has tackled the Pomona King of the Mountain race and various mountain-climbing adventures, until an Achilles heel problem took its toll.

So for the past six months, Jenny has switched fields into bodybuilding as a personal trainer working out of Nambour’s PCYC, as well as some accounting work and mind-body balancing work.

“I took (the bodybuilding) up six months ago and began the journey,” Jenny said.

“I tried body-sculpting - but there was too much pageantry about it.

“It was more about how you look on the day - the hair, the nails. It was not me at all - going from running up mountains to five-inch heels.”

Not long after, Jenny met a champion bodybuilder who pointed her in the right direction, which in turn helped her to reach and voice a home truth about her motivations.

“All women have body-image issues at one level or another, whether intense or minor - I am no different,” she said.

“Although physically fit, I never liked looking at myself.

“I found myself capable of great praise for others and everything around me, but not in (my own) physicality.”

But after only a few months, Jenny has a different outlook.

“Now I have a really good relationship with my image, body, food, everything - I understand how things work now,” she said.

It was all about balance, in exercise and in diet, not to mention wanting to win, and having a strict regimen of time management to ensure she could give proper attention to children Alex, 12, and Issy, 10.

“Something a lot of people do is train, but eat badly,” Jenny said.

“You may as well not do the first if you’re not going to do the second - and vice versa.

“Another thing for me was to prove I could do this. I wanted to win - not just have a dabble at it.

“I wanted to give 100% and for the reward to be equal to that.”

That also meant scheduling a regular early morning training session before the kids woke up.

“I do it while the kids are still sleeping - but it’s still 10 hours a week - then preparing food and having it packed ready in the fridge, and keep earphones on while at the gym so I couldn’t be interrupted,” Jenny said.

So far that tough schedule is working. In May, Jenny took out two major prizes in the Asia-Pacific and the international natural bodybuilding profession’s awards.

Source - www.thedaily.com.au

NaturalBodybuildingEvents.com provides the most comprehensive and up to date list of Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Contests and Results from those organizations which actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. Also provides information on Natural Organizations, Seminars, Trainers and Competitor Resources

Muhlenberg has hired Mike Kocsis, a former ranked Division I wrestler and one of the top natural bodybuilders in the world, as its new head wrestling coach. He replaces Tom Schleicher, who retired in March after 13 seasons at Muhlenberg. Kocsis is a 1993 graduate of Central Connecticut State, where he was a  four-year starter and two-time East Coast Conference champion. He qualified for the NCAA Division I Championships three times and was ranked as high as 12th in the nation. Kocsis also enjoyed a stellar scholastic career for a Phillipsburg High School wrestling team that won four group state titles and was voted the No. 1 team in New Jersey three times. He finished his career with a record of 90-11 and was a three-time district champion, placing third in the state meet as a senior.

After graduating college, Kocsis spent one year as an assistant coach at Central Connecticut, one at Franklin (N.J.) High School and three at Phillipsburg High School.

Since 2000, Kocsis has been owner and director of Unlimited Changes Personal Fitness and Performance Center in Easton, Pa. Among the wrestlers he mentored there are Kellen Russell, a two-time Big Ten champion at the University of Michigan, and Jon Gregory, a 2008 Division III All-American at Ithaca College.

Kocsis has also enjoyed great success as a natural bodybuilder. In his first professional competition, he placed fourth in the 2002 World Natural Bodybuilding Federation Pro Natural Mr. Universe contest, and he finished second the following year. He won the World Natural Sports Organization Mr. Natural USA title and placed in the top six at the world championships three straight years from 2005 to 2007.

A certified personal fitness trainer, Kocsis has had articles published nationally and performs speaking engagements, seminars and camps and clinics for groups all over the country. He was the cover model for FAME Fitness Lifestyle Magazine in February 2007.

Kocsis takes over a Muhlenberg program that has produced a Division III All-American in six of the last nine years.

Source - www.muhlenberg.edu

NaturalBodybuildingEvents.com provides the most comprehensive and up to date list of Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Contests and Results from those organizations which actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. Also provides information on Natural Organizations, Seminars, Trainers and Competitor Resources

Just a few weeks after he dove into the ocean of competition, Josh Quigley has traversed the English Channel of accomplishment.

Displaying the skills and body-building sculpting to which he has dedicated himself for several months, the former Bartlesville High Bruin football warrior seized first place last weekend in an Arkansas showing contest.

He emerged as the champion in the “tall” category in the novice division of the North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation (NANBF) showdown in Bentonville.

Quigley also placed second overall in the open division.

“I was definitely more confident in my routine and in the poses and in my body,” said the 145-pound Quigley, who experienced his first engagement in front of the judges during a Tulsa meet earlier this month.

Quigley said he may not go to any more competitions this year, but is considering stepping up next year to try to get his pro card.

Quigley, who works at the Family Life Center at the First Baptist Church in Bartlesville, said he wants to encourage others — particularly young people — to “stay healthy without drugs.”

Beginning next month, he will begin a training program revolving around nutrition, cardio-vascular exercise and weight or resistance training.

The training, which will take place on Mondays during lunch hour, will be more formal starting in August, he added.

For more information, contact the Family Life Center at 336-6172.

Source - www.examiner-enterprise.com

NaturalBodybuildingEvents.com provides the most comprehensive and up to date list of Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Contests and Results from those organizations which actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. Also provides information on Natural Organizations, Seminars, Trainers and Competitor Resources

Commentary by 2nd Lt./ Mark Lazane
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

6/26/2009 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. — Like many Americans, I struggle at times with the motivation to exercise. Try as I might to stay focused, I often seem to find something else to do.

Don’t get me wrong: once I am actually exercising, it feels great.

It’s getting to that point that is difficult to me.

Perhaps fate was at work when I was given the opportunity to interview some Hurlburt Field personnel who do not struggle with motivation as mightily as I do.

The majority of the individuals that I spoke with were fresh from the Supernatural Bodybuilding and Fitness competition, held at Niceville High School June 13, where several Hurlburt Field personnel, simply put, rocked the competition.

One individual had just recently returned from the national military powerlifting championships, in Killeen, Texas, where he was named the “Outstanding Lifter” for the lightweight division.

I was able to interview Airman 1st Class Ryan Baker, 1 SOLRS, Staff Sgt. Bobby Harrison, 505th Training Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Larient Jones, 1 SOCES, Mrs. Brenda Shropshire and Mrs. Lisa Pizzo, both military spouses.

I came away extremely impressed with the attitudes and determination of the contestants. The thing that stood out to me the most was how much the competitors have all embraced the theory of fitness.

Long ago, they accepted the notion that being fit doesn’t simply mean passing the physical fitness test once a year. They have internalized the idea of fitness to a point that it is simply a part of what they do on a daily basis.

“I’ve had ice cream and peanut butter cups from time to time, but you can’t live that way,” said Brenda Shropshire, though many people, including myself, would love to test the theory to prove her wrong.

Mrs. Shropshire should know how to diet, however, as she can officially be called the reigning women’s bodybuilding champion of the Emerald Coast Classic event.

Unfortunately, she cannot defend her title at the same event next year. She is banned from competing at amateur events now that she has won and received her professional card.

I am sure she considers it a small price to pay, however, as she attempts to compete for money and prizes not available to her at the local amateur events.
Mrs. Shropshire’s dieting taboos are difficult for even some of the competitors to follow.

“Junk food is my vice,” says Tech. Sgt. Larient Jones, 1 SOCES, a phrase with which many people can sympathize. “I love junk food.”

However, where most people stop being like him is probably at the point where Sergeant Jones talks about placing third place in the military division at the event, his first competition.

The athletes I interviewed recently should receive accolades not because they are up-and-coming champions, or because each and every one of them could squash our heads in their python-sized biceps should they so desire.

They should be commended because they are applying concepts preached long and hard to all Air Force personnel, and achieving great results. And they are doing it the right way.

“It’s all natural,” says John Proctor, Aderholt Fitness Center fitness director.”It doesn’t have to be all these other things like when you see Hulk Hogan and those guys. They competitors simply work hard and they get great results.”

So, for those who struggle to find the motivation to push yourself out of bed, close the fridge, or reverse-squat yourself off the couch, I present to you the Hurlburt bodybuilding and fitness (and powerlifting) champions. I am sure they would not mind if they were your motivation.

May they inspire you to achieve greater fitness goals in your own life. I know they have inspired me.

 Source - http://www2.hurlburt.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123156070

NaturalBodybuildingEvents.com provides the most comprehensive and up to date list of Natural Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Contests and Results from those organizations which actively promote a drug-free lifestyle. Also provides information on Natural Organizations, Seminars, Trainers and Competitor Resources

A CHAFFORD mum is through to the finals of a major bodybuilding competition.

Fitness enthusiast Keri Graham nearly won the Southern heat of the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation figure competition.

She was placed second in the event held at Bognor Regis. And her finishing position means she’s booked her place in the finals in the autumn.

Keri, a dance teacher who’s lived in the borough for more than 10 years, had only trained for the event for three weeks before entering.

Her second place came as a big surprise to the 39-year-old mum.

She said: “I was beaten by Debbie Francis, but she’s been competing for a long time and I only decided to take part three weeks ago.

“I train at Ballantynes heath and fitness centre at Chafford Hundred and have always kept myself fit — usually training about three or four times a week. But once I made up my mind and decided to enter the competition I had to change this and I trained every day.

“I stepped up my training and cut out the carbs. It was all about training to keep muscle and lose any fat,” she said.

Keri teaches at primary schools for Dancemode which is based in South Ockendon.

Her favourite style of dance is street, and the dancing workouts have obviously helped the woman pose and go through the exhaustive routine needed to score hightly in the competition.

She’s now through to the British finals in October in Glasgow.

Keri was supported on her big day in Bognor by husband Gary and son Callum, eight, a pupil at Tudor Court as well as best friend Sarah Hutchinson.

Source - www.thurrockgazette.co.uk