New Elite: Ava Cowan

Last weekend, the NPC crowned several new IFBB Pros. Of everyone that became a pro, perhaps there was no name bigger in any division than the one of Ava Cowan. Ava is one of the most recognizable competitors in IFBB Figure, and she hasn't even stepped on a IFBB stage yet. Her participation in various federations prior to the IFBB, as well as her many television appearances, have made her quite the star these days.

At the beginning of her career, she competed in the NPC in hopes of becoming an IFBB Pro, and things didn't go as she hoped and things just...well, erupted, to put it nicely. She then decided to go to the FAME organization, and things began to click for her. She took over FAME and the Fitness Universe organization like it was no big deal. She also went on to be in several television appearances, including MTV's Made and Lifetimes The Balancing Act.

Earlier this year, Ava revealed that she was planning on reentering the NPC again after putting her demons aside. She didn't have a long stay in the NPC thought, but for great reason. Within a matter of literally a couple of contests, she won her pro card and fulfilled her dream of becoming an IFBB Figure Pro. With her dominance in every federation she's ever been a part of so far, it's only a matter of time before she brings that kind of drive and determination to the IFBB. Look for Ava to shine bright in 2010 and beyond, and possible go down as one of the top figure competitors of all time.

Song of the Week-Pitbull "Shut It Down"

This Song of the Week was requested by Stacy via email, and it's becoming a big track across the States. It's from Pitbull, and it's called "Shut it Down". I think it's hard to find a song by Pitbull that you CAN'T groove to in the gym.




Don't forget to either Twit me or email me YOUR choice for Song of the Week. You have two more chances to have your song chosen as Song of the Week. Next month, I'm hoping to have a special treat for all of you regarding the Songs of the Week for December.

Song of the Week-Fabulous Ft. Ne-Yo "Make Me Better"

This week's Song of the Week comes from NPC Bikini competitor Rebecca Staggs via Twitter. The song is by F-a-b-o-l-o-u-s featuring Ne-Yo, titled "Make Me Better." I could see this song being a part of the cool-down process after a grueling workout for the ladies. Thanks for the suggestion, Rebecca!




Next week, I'll have another Song of the Week chosen by you, the readers. So remember to Twit or e-mail me your song suggestions for the entire month of November!

Zivile's FCW Name Is...

Well, as announced on Diva Dirt today, the wrestling name for IFBB Figure Pro Zivile Raudoniene will be Aksana, at least that's what it will be for her in Flordia Championship Wrestling (FCW), which is World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)'s developmental territory. I prefer this name than her previous name, Olga. That screamed EPIC FAIL!! But I can definitely live with Aksana.

Here's her profile pic curteousy of FCW's official website:

From what I've gathered, she's supposed to make her FCW debut sometime next month. There are a few pics out from the taping right now, but since the show hasn't aired yet, I won't actually post a pic from the tapings. I can though give you the link to some pics I found of her FCW debut if you click here for them. I think she looks great, and if you were to have told me a few months ago that the current IFBB Figure International champion would be heading to the biggest sports-entertainment company on Earth (WWE), I would have though you were crazy. But now, it seems like Zivile is well on her way to being a television star.

I'm pulling for Aksana to do well in FCW and eventually WWE. I hope she follows the paths of other fitness stars such as Trish Stratus, Torrie Wilson, and Lisa Maria Varon (Victoria in WWE, currently Tara in TNA) and become a big star in wrestling.

From the FitGems Nation...Kick some a$$, Aksana!!!! :)

Poll Results for October and New Poll for November

Thanks to everyone that answered the October Poll of the Month. I asked last month, With the elimination of the 45 second mandatories and one-piece swimsuit round, will this help or hurt the fitness division? 50% of you said that it was too early to tell at this point (which I agree), 33% said that this would help the division, while 16% said that this would hurt the division. I think we'll get a better grasp of the changes during the 2010 season.

This month's question has to do with something I blogged earlier, regarding having a Arnold selection show. Check out the link to see what I'm talking about.

My question for you is: Would YOU like to see an Arnold Classic Selection Show in the future? Yes or No?

New Elite: Natalie Ariel

Nataile Rae Ariel began her career in the fitness industry as a figure competitor. In 2006, she competed at the Jr. Nationals. The following year, under the direction of new IFBB Pro Elena Seiple, she made an amazing transformation on her body, and many people began to notice, especially Joe Bayer of HDPhysiques. He saw a star and arrange an awesome photo/video shoot that has made her among the most popular models on the site. She is not only built like a tank, but she's very strong as well. She isn't called the "A-Train" for nothing. Her strength and ability to grow muscle fast, as well as the new figure guidelines, played a key role in her switch to bodybuilding.

Many were anticipating her arrival in the bodybuilding world, and she did not disappoint whatsoever. She made her bodybuilding debut at the 2009 NPC Western Michigan and won the middleweight class and overall women's bodybuilding title. Apparently, Natalie made the right decision in crossing over from figure to bodybuilding. Next up for her is the 2009 Ironman in Chicago this Saturday. If this keeps up, look for her to do some serious damage in the IFBB when (not if) she earns her pro card in the years (by that I mean, two, three at the most) to come.

For more on Natalie, visit her website at http://www.natalieraeariel.com/.

Fitting Review: Hardbody News

Okay, okay...

Some of you are probably going to be thinking, why the deuce is this moron promoting a blog other than his own. Long story short, it's my blog, and I'll promote whatever I damn well please, that's all! >:)

I kid, I kid!!! LOL... :)

The real reason I'm doing this blog is because this is arguably my favorite of the blogs I read every day. The founder of Hardbody News is the one and only Issac Hinds. I've not met the guy yet (hopefully that will change sooner than later), but he (more times than not) knows what he's talking about. What I like about him is that he doesn't beat around the bush about things; he says what he thinks and feels and lets it be the end of it. If you don't like it, too bad, so sad. Am I saying he's right all the time? Hell to the N-O! But go back and check some of his blog posts and compare his predictions to the actual results of contests. Heck, Hardbody News was the first site that actually shed light on the new bikini division for the NPC and IFBB.

On his blog, he interviews competitors, promotes contests, and post up-to-date pictures and coverage of events that are happening right now. Since he's also a photographer, he also shares his work on his blog as well. Yes, he wears quite a bit of hats in the industry.

If you want to understand the ever-changing things about the fitness industry, your best bet would be for you to check out Hardbody News. Click on the logo below to check out his site:

The direct link is http://www.hardbody.com/news. You can also follow Hardbody News on Twitter.

Song of the Week-Skillet "Hero"

As mentioned earlier, for all of November, the Song of the Week would be chosen by YOU, the readers, supporters, and followers of FitGems. IFBB Pro Angela Mraz chose this song via Twitter. The song is called "Hero" by Skillet, and it's a great song for the gym.



Remember, Twit me, email me, or leave a comment below of a song that you want to be featured as Song of the Week.