Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Celebrity Spotlight-Brittany Beede (WWE's Jamie Keyes)

I've just realized that I've not done a Celebrity Muscle/Spotlight in quite some time. I can't think of a better way to bring this part of the blog back than to talk about someone who's gaining fans left and right ever since popping up on TV and ESPECIALLY after her first ever company photoshoot. The woman I'm talking about is the beautiful Jamie Keyes!

(Photo from WWE.com)

Many people have seen this beautiful woman on the second season of WWE NXT (on SyFy every Tuesday at 10/9 Central), yet there are those that are not too familiar with her yet. Here's a background on who Jamie is:

Jamie's real name is Brittany Beede and she’s a model from Sarasota, Florida. Keyes worked briefly with TNA last year, accompanying Kevin Nash to the ring at December’s Final Resolution pay-per-view. By briefly, I mean one night.

She was set to work with women’s wrestling promotion Wrestleicious filmed some promo footage for them, but then WWE came a-calling, and the rest is history.

For now, in addition to working as the NXT ring announcer, she is also the ring announcer for Flordia Championship Wrestling (FCW). As of this writing, she currently has one match under her belt, and that was a FCW Divas Tournament match where she lost to former WWE Diva Savannah (real name Angela Fong).

In the month she's been on WWE TV, Jamie has been gaining fans after fans after fans, and it's easy to see why. Recently WWE.com released her first photoshoot for the company, and needless to say, people were in awe of it. And one of the first things people notice was...her toned physique. Almost immediately, people were drawn by how fit Jamie is. Not even competed in a WWE ring yet, and there are some out there (okay, a LOT out there) that see a good deal of Beth Phoenix in her. As a matter of fact, not since Beth has a Diva been talked about THIS much in terms of their physique...NO ONE. To say there's a lot of promise for this individual is an understatement.

I get the feeling we might be seeing more of Jamie beyond NXT and FCW ring announcing sooner rather than later. But for the time being, if you are in Florida, enjoy her on FCW, and for those with the SyFy channel, enjoy her on NXT on Tuesday nights!

You can view Jamie's first WWE photoshoot here.You can follow Jamie via Twitter at http://twitter.com/britter1231. For more on Divas 411, my site dedicated to support women's wrestling, go to http://www.divas411.com.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Figure Original to Compete in Bikini?

Over the weekend, checking my Twitter out, a particular tweet from Isaac Hinds on his Hardbody News Twitter caught my attention. This was posted on June 25th:

One of the original IFBB Figure Pros is coming back to compete in Bikini. She was top five in the Figure Olympia years ago. Guess who...

Needless to say this news sparked my interest. Kinda ironic since one of the first bikini pros (Stacey Oster-Thompson) is joining the figure rankings soon. And yes, Isaac (and Sioux) happened to break the news on that as well! I took a guess on it, and was...wrong. I think now...I might have a clue who's doing it, but I'm going to hold out until it's revealed, either by Isaac or by whoever happens to guess it correctly. 

If you think you know who it is, send Isaac a Twitter reply to http://twitter.com/hardbodynews.


EDIT: Isaac has revealed the identity of the new bikini competitor. It's former top-5 place Figure Olympia finisher Dina Al-Sabah. Dina will be making her pro bikini debut at the IFBB Tampa Pro.

Song of the Week-DJ Khaled "All I Do Is Win" feat. Ludacris, Rick Ross, T-Pain & Snoop Dogg

What can I say...

All I do is win win win no matter what
Got money on mind I can never get enough
And everytime I step up in the building
Everybody hands go up...

And they stay there
And they say there yeah
And they stay there
Up down, up down
'Cause all I do is win win win
And if you goin' in put your hands in the air.. 


MAKE THEM SAY THERE!!

Friday, June 25, 2010

FitGems Nation Remembers Michael Jackson

I can't believe this weekend marks one year since the death of arguably the greatest entertainer who ever lived. For those that don't know what I'm talking about, I'm talking about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The minute he did, it felt like the world stopped. I mean people couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe it. But yes, he left this world a year ago, and with that he left a piece of Americana that can never be duplicated again. Hell, he left a piece of this WORLD that can never be duplicated again. Whether you loved him or hated him, believed in the accusations or not, the world never had anyone like Michael Jackson, and it will be a long, LONG time before anyone like him or his talent comes along again. 

My question to all of you is...What is your favorite MJ songs? What are you favorite MJ videos? Favorite MJ moments? Exactly what were you doing when you heard of Michael's death? How has he influenced you? How is he STILL influencing you?

We haven't forgotten...and we will never forget. On behalf of FitGems Nation, thank you Michael for everything you gave for your fans and for members of this industry who you still influence today.  Thanks for everything...

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

New Elite: Tracey MacDonald


Tracey is without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most ripped and conditioned competitors in all of Canada right now. She's been a personal favorite of mine for quite some time, and for some people (including yours truly), it's only a matter of time before she joins the IFBB rankings. Which division will it happen in is a bit of a mystery right now because basically, she's done it all in the sport, except for getting that pro card.

While I call her a "New Elite", truth is Tracy has been competing off and on for nearly a decade now, being in fitness and figure since 2000, in the Canadian BodyBuilding Federation (CBBF) and also in a few NPC competitions. She's gradually improved on her physique (which I've always been a fan of) year after year after year. But it was the year 2007, at the CBBF Nationals Fitness and Figure Championships that made message boards and fans all over the world (not just Canada) take notice. She came in with a look and physique that defied logic, even for Canadian standards, which definitely saw her fanbase grow tremendously. She would get a bit softer (I know, I know, some of you are going "BOO!! LOL.) in 2009, as she would win the Open Class Short and Masters (Over 35) Figure, as well as capture Open class Figure Overall Title at the Muscle Beach Championships.She would go on to place 7th in the CBBF Figure Nationals in the Masters class.

With her insane physique, many people were wondering and hoping that Tracey would give bodybuilding a shot. She finally did in 2010, as she competed in bodybuilding for the first...and possible last time. Why last time, you ask? Well, she placed very well, and even won best poser. But she felt like she would have to possibly do things she would later regret in order to be a top bodybuilder, and she decided that it wasn't what she wanted. I 100% respect her decision in that. She shouldn't risk Instead, she's returning to her roots in fitness, hoping her more muscular frame will be more accepted by the judges.

Regardless of what the judges think of her physique, Tracey is a winner in my book and in many others as well. This proud Canadian native now SoCal resident is definitely "Fit 2 a T" and will remain that way as long as possible.

For more on Tracey, you can follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/fit2atworld, join her fan club on Yahoo (http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/fit_2_a_t/) created by yours truly, follow her and her California business on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fit-2-a-T-Personal-Training/78266751763?ref=ts), and of course, don't forget to check out her website at http://www.fit2atworld.com.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Arnold 2011 VIP Packages & Regular Tickets On Sale Soon!

The news was released today that the 2011 Arnold VIP Package was going to be one of epic proportions. Here's the press release about it, from the main Arnold Sports website (http://arnoldsportsfestival.com/bulletins/articles/ASFNews12):

The Arnold Sports Festival is proud to announce several exclusive Weekend experiences that will only be offered to Arnold VIPs.

They include a Meet & Greet with competing International Federation of Body Building professionals, entry into a raffle to win lunch and photo with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, entry into a raffle to win two Arnold VIP Ticket Packages to the 2012 Arnold Sports Festival, early entry to the Arnold Fitness EXPO, and a commemorative Arnold VIP Gift Tote and VIP Credential.

The new Arnold VIP Ticket Package exclusive features are in addition to premium seating and/or admission to nearly all Weekend events, including the 23rd Annual Arnold Classic and all other professional International Federation of Body Building events held during the Arnold Sports Festival, set for March 3-6, 2011 in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

“Arnold VIP Ticket Package buyers are the most dedicated attendees at the Arnold Sports Festival and we are proud to offer some very special enhancements to reward VIP ticket holders for their loyalty,” said Arnold Sports Festival co-producer Jim Lorimer. “We are excited to offer the Meet and Greet with IFBB professional athletes and early admission each day to the Arnold Fitness EXPO, among other exclusive offerings. These changes will provide a world-class experience for our most dedicated attendees.”

Arnold VIP Ticket Packages will cost just $350 each again in 2011 and are available via pre-sale beginning June 23 at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold. Use pre-sale code FACE. All other tickets to the 2011 Arnold Sports Festival go on sale June 28.

The Meet & Greet with IFBB Professionals will be held the evening of Thursday, March 3 at Veterans Memorial and will feature appearances by professional men’s and women’s bodybuilders, fitness, figure and bikini athletes such as Kai Greene, Phil Heath, Iris Kyle, Adela Garcia and Nicole Wilkins-Lee. (All IFBB athletes competing at the Arnold Classic and related professional events will be invited to the Meet & Greet.)

VIP ticket holders will also be invited to enter the Arnold Fitness EXPO 30 minutes before doors open to the general public on Friday, March 4; Saturday, March 5; and Sunday, March 6.

The Arnold VIP Ticket Packages will include the following 12 tickets:

* Reserved seating for the 23rd Annual Arnold Classic, Bikini International and Arnold Strongman Classic Finals on Saturday, March 5 at Veterans Memorial

* Reserved seating for the Ms. International, Fitness International and Figure International Finals on Friday, March 4 at Veterans Memorial

* Reserved seating for the Arnold Classic and Bikini International Prejudging on Saturday, March 5 at Veterans Memorial

* Admission to the Meet & Greet With IFBB Professional Athletes on Thursday, March 3 at Veterans Memorial

* Admission to the Arnold Party With The Pros – the Official Arnold After-Party – on Saturday, March 5 at the LC Pavilion

* Admission to the Arnold Amateur IFBB Fitness, Figure and Bikini Prejudging on Thursday, March 3 at Veterans Memorial

* Admission to the Arnold Amateur IFBB Men’s and Women’s Bodybuilding Prejudging on Friday, March 4 at Veterans Memorial

* Three days admission to the Arnold Fitness EXPO and all events included with Daily EXPO ticket. Arnold Fitness EXPO admission includes entrance 30 minutes before doors open to general public.

* Admission to the Ask Arnold Training Seminar on Sunday, March 6 at Veterans Memorial

* One ticket that is redeemable for a commemorative VIP Tote Bag that will include a Special VIP credential.


Presale for the VIP Package, as well as tickets for separate parts of the Arnold 2011, will begin on June 23rd, which is this Wednesday. For more on what events will be on presale this Wednesday, go here:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/j4w9k7

One more piece of advice, I've been told that if you want a good hotel within good walking distance of the Columbus Convention Center, it's best to go on and book your hotel NOW, or else you will be walking farther or need to catch a cab. Just some advice, that's all.

Have a great weekend, everyone, and to those competing at the Jr. Nationals in Chi-town this weekend, GOOD LUCK!! :)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Major Change in IFBB Figure

Pro figure competitors, say goodbye to the one-piece swimsuit round! Yesterday, Isaac Hinds broke the news on Hardbody News. For those that haven't heard about it, here's the press release on it:


FROM: IFBB Professional League
TO: ALL FIGURE COMPETITORS
DATE: Tuesday, June 15, 2010

SUBJECT: RULE CHANGE

Please be advised that starting with the 2010 Houston Pro Figure competition and all Pro Figure competitions after the 2010 Figure Olympia, there will only be one round in IFBB Pro Figure – the Two-Piece Swimsuit.



This is MAJOR news, as now pro figure competitors basically have a one and done deal. Bring it to win it, and you've got one chance to do it in. Some people have question the point of a one-piece in the first place. Now it looks like it will be a thing of the past. For those that for some reason stink in the one-piece round yet are pretty darn decent in the two-piece round, your chances of improving your ranks have went up a bit. :)

Personally I like the move for a few reasons. First, it's will be cheaper to do a show, as you won't have to get two suits. Second, with the addition of bikini and subtracting of the one piece and mandatory routine rounds in fitness, pro shows should (emphasis on SHOULD) even out in terms of time. Third, it forces those who slid by a bit in the two-piece round and let themselves shine in the one-piece round to step their game up and bring their absolute best, as NOTHING will be hidden from this point forward.

I know there are other reasons out there, but thosw were some that came out of my head. I wouldn't be surprised if this change in the pro figure division redefines the division to a certain extent. What are your thoughts on it. Should the one-piece have remained? Did the IFBB make the right move? Voice your opinions below.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Song of the Week-Kool and the Gang "Celebration"

Over the weekend, FitGems Nation hit the 500 member mark! Never would I think that I would have 500 members on a site. Never. With that being said, Song of the Week for this week is perfect for this occasion. It's by Kool and the Gang, and it's called "Celebration". Plus the World Cup is going on and for Boston fans, you're one game away from another NBA title. That calls for SOME celebration, doesn't it?! :) And oh yeah...the Jr. Nationals are this weekend, meaning that we will have some new IFBB pros crowned this weekend! :)

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

What do YOU want me to write about on FitGems Nation?

I'm thankful that many of you take the time to read on things and opinions I have to say on some parts in the industry. So as my way of saying thanks, I'm going to give the power to you. What is it that YOU want me to write about? WHO is is that you want me to write about? It is a certain show? A certain competitor? My views on today's figure standard? My thoughts on whether or not a bikini division should exist in the IFBB? Should another federation step up and challenge the IFBB for supremacy? I want to hear your ideas. I'm open to any and all ideas and suggestions.

You can either send me a Twit (http://twitter.com/fitgemsnation), email me (admin@fitgemsnation.net), leave a comment via the Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/FitGems-Nation/172803974346?ref=ts), or leave a comment below.

Once again, thank you everyone for all the support! :)

Monday, June 7, 2010

Song of the Week-Art of Dying "Get Thru This"

The main chorus should speak to every physique competitor out there, regardless whether your fitness, figure, bikini, women's bodybuilding, whatever. Definitely some deep lyrics in there.

If I can get through this
I can get through anything
If I can make it through this
I can get through anything
I promise you


Saturday, June 5, 2010

So You Want to Compete?! by Lizzy Ostro

I am now 8 weeks out from my first national bikini competition, and this is where the nerves really start to heat up! Of course, making sure my body is in peak condition is of high importance, but it’s the minor details that are stressing me out the most!

The Suit: $50 - $1,000 Depending on how much money you have at your disposal and how much you’re willing to shell out for a top quality suit, finding a suit that flatters your figure, and a color that brings out your best features can be a daunting task. Bikinis are basically made in a few different styles, but every girl’s body is different. I am a flat-chest, long torso, long leg kind of girl. Straight on I’m kind of boxy, but if I turn to the side, you will see my lovely lady lump. Yep, I’ve got a booty. Needless to say, finding just the right suit can be difficult, but that’s why we have tailors 

The Tanning: $50-$150 To the innocent bystander, we all look like we got into a fight with a puddle of mud. In reality, it’s one of the sacrifices we give to look great on stage. The extravagant tan looks just plain ridiculous in broad daylight, and is by no means an attractive look. However, when you step under the extremely bright lights of the stage, you look like you belong, and it brings out your figure to the fullest. I won’t even get into what your skin starts to look like about a week after the competition (think Michael Jackson going from black to white), but it’s just a part of competing. Bending over so your tanning expert can make sure you have no lines on stage is a totally different story in itself, but I will just preface by saying that you must feel completely comfortable being naked and in awkward positions. Moving on….

The Hotel: Up to $500 Again this depends on how much you’re willing to spend and how long you’re staying in that city. Some go for luxury, some are okay as long as there is a clean floor to sleep on. The big thing that is an absolute MUST for any competitor staying at a hotel is the refrigerator. If you are able to pull off a microwave as well, then you’re just plain lucky. All of that pre-cooked chicken and asparagus has to go somewhere, after all. Find a few girlfriends to share the room with to cut down on costs, and obviously to rub your bikini bite on you. Hey, someone’s gotta do it. You will become closer to these people than you ever thought possible, that’s for sure.

The Hair: $50 - $100 This is a pretty crucial part of the process. You want to look dazzling on stage, and a good hairdo can bring this out. Some girls prefer to just keep it simple, and some girls go all out with crazy curls and updo’s. I have redunkulously (yeah I said redunkulous) long hair, so I like to go with long, flowy curls. It looks best on me, and most importantly, I feel most comfortable in it.

The Makeup: 50- $150 This is one gift I am thankful for. Although I couldn’t do someone else’s makeup to save my life, I am able to do my own pretty well. Stage makeup is completely different than your every day make up or even your “night on the town” makeup. You are on stage with bright lights and you need to shine. This equates to putting on pounds of makeup. In regular light, some might mistake you for a clown, or worse, Lady GaGa, but on stage, you will look amazing. My best advice: Become really good friends with a make-up artist (if they do hair as well, that’s icing on the cake, but don’t eat the cake until after the competition) and make them follow you around to your competitions.

The Nails $40-$60 I made the mistake of showing up to a competition without my nails done once (gasp!). I didn’t think anyone would notice, but after placing 5th and not being happy about that, I talked to the judges. “Your hands and toes didn’t match and weren’t done.” I guess they noticed. Although to me that seems like a stupid reason (there were other reasons too, mind you) to make someone place lower, I realized that overall stage presence is a big deal. Do whatever you can to look great on stage, this means shelling out a few extra dollars to get yo’ nails did!

The Shoes $20-$40 This is the cheapest part of competing. It’s also the most fun because it’s an excuse to wear 5-6 inch clear stripper heels and not be considered, well, a stripper. Not that there’s anything wrong with strippers, but you actually get to be considered classy while wearing them. Double score!

The Entry Fees $200ish This is fun. Not only do you pay an entry fee, but you pay a fee to the organization you’re competing with. They always get you somehow!! Such is life…

The Travel Accomodations $Varies This can be really cheap or really expensive. It all depends where you’re coming from and how you’re getting there. If you are only a few hours away and can drive, that’s your best bet. Not only is it usually cheaper to drive (unless you are like me and drive a big diesel truck that gets negative 6 miles to the gallon) but it’s easier to pack! Bringing protein powder and 5 pounds of pre-cooked, pre-bagged chicken can cause quite the back-up at airport security. If you can drive, do it. If not, freeze your chicken, then pack it right before your flight. It will thaw out some on the flight, but won’t spoil (hopefully.)

Posing $ 1.5 bajillion Posing coaches are expensive. If you can find a friend/former competitor or anyone that knows a thing or two about posing, you are better off doing that. Posing coaches are a great tool, and stage presence/posing is extremely important in overall scoring. If you have the extra funds, go for it, if not, get a mirror, log on to You Tube, start doing your daily chores in your heels, and practice, practice, practice!!

As you can see, all of those additional components of competing (read: stresses) that I mentioned had nothing to do with dieting or training. The dieting and training are essentially the least stressful. Sure, they are tough and must be on point, but when you know what you’re doing, it’s just a matter of doing it. Getting everything coordinated is quite the task in itself.

I’m not trying to scare anyone off from competing. As pricey and stressful as it is, the rewards of competing outweigh them immensely. Your confidence, resilience and overall outlook on life change with competing. It has been the greatest influence on my life and I wouldn’t trade those experiences and future experiences for anything in the world!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Sharing a TenSpot with...Natalie Rae Ariel

I've been following Natalie's career for quite some time. Something tells me she's going to be special when the time's right. Natalie Rae Ariel is a proud crossover, formerly competing in figure and now a bodybuilder aiming to be an IFBB Pro. I'm very fortunate to be able to get an interview with her as prepares for what could be a major year for her in 2010.

Photos were provided by Natalie herself. 



FitGems Nation: State your name and profession (fitness/figure/female bodybuilding/bikini/other).
Natalie Rae Ariel: Natalie Rae Ariel, Bodybuilder (& Cook County Correctional Officer)

FitGems: When did you first start competing?
Natalie: December, 2005 was my very first FIGURE show. October, 2009 was my first BB show.

FitGems: You used to compete in figure before bodybuilding. What did you like about figure, and what made you make the change to bodybuilding?
Natalie: What I liked about Figure is the look that was rewarded back then. Valerie Waugaman won the Overall at Jr. National’s in 2005. That was the VERY FIRST show I had EVER attended. I wanted to look like her and compete on that stage. I remember going home after that show making a commitment to myself that I would accomplish that. Davana Medina, Jenny Lynn, Monica Brant…their physiques were why I started working out that year. So I researched everything I could about the NPC and the diet and training and did my first show. I was hooked. After doing 3 shows and then Jr. National’s in 2006, I hired Elena Seiple. She taught me a lot, bring me into (2007) Jr. USA’s & Jr. National’s at MY BEST to that date. I was gaining more and more muscle the harder I trained and the better I ate. The reason I made the switch to bodybuilding was because, in 2008, when I took the year off from competing to focus on my ‘other’ career, Figure took a turn. The judging was worse than I had ever seen, NOT consistent, NO set criteria. They were rewarding ‘less muscle’ and ‘less hardness’. I had worked my butt off to gain the muscle I had in those past 3 years that I was not about to sacrifice any of it just to place well in figure. I did not want to look like the ‘new’ standard. So, with the help and guidance of Nate Wolfe we set out for ultimate condition, knowing I would not be the biggest (being 5’7” is rough) on stage. Prepping for Bodybuilding was harder than I thought it would be, but I know I have found MY place.

FitGems: Although you’re enjoying much success in bodybuilding now, what is one thing you miss about the sport, and is there anything that would make you return to it one day?
Natalie: I do not miss anything about COMPETING in Figure. What I do miss about the Figure Division itself, is the old “standard”, if you can even call it that.lol What I mean is, more muscle used to be rewarded. I cannot say if I will EVER make the switch back. I believe God has a plan for each and every one of us. If that is in His plans for me, then so be it. I will say this…I REFUSE to LOSE all of the HARD earned muscle that took me so LONG to gain, just to place well in Figure!

FitGems: During your figure days, you produced some of the best biceps the sport of figure has ever seen. May you share with us how during your figure days you were able to develop your famous arms?
Natalie: “famous arms”, hardly, BUT THANK YOU for the compliment. Back in 2005, when I first started to work out, I worked out in a bedroom that I made into a home gym. I started out using the Body for Life plan then just made up my own workouts after I read The Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding. Well, when all you have is a bench and some dumbbells, there is not a lot of variety. I did a lot of curls, a lot of different ways. They just responded well and are probably one of strongest body parts today, in terms of how much weight I can use with them.



FitGems: What is your strategy when you head to the gym? Is it mostly weight-training, mostly cardio, a balanced mixture of the two, or something else? How has that changed from your figure days?
Natalie: NOTHING has changed.lol I despised cardio then and I despise it now.lol I have LOVED the IRON from day 1, which is why I know bodybuilding was the right move  My strategy is always to TRAIN FROM THE HEART & TRAIN WITH A VISION(my vision of what I want to look like). My weight training is INTENSE and then there is CARDIO. Offseason, my strategy is weight-training and keeping to a stricter diet so that I do NOT have to do cardio!

FitGems: I was told that your nickname was the “A-Train”. May you share with us how you got that name?
Natalie: Joe Bayer from HDPhysiques, actually. He is good at making up some nicknames that stick! lol The A is from ARIEL and honestly…I don’t even know where the “train” came from…Joe???????lol


FitGems: What (if anything) would you change about any of the IFBB divisions?
Natalie: IMO, the addition of another class would produce more competitors. Like the 202 and under for Men. Like a 140 and under would be PERFECT!

FitGems: Which competitors (past and/or present) do you look up to the most for your inspiration?
Natalie: I look up to Elena Seiple because I learned SO much from her when she was my Nutritionist in 2006 and 2007. There are many who inspire me physique wise, but I will say that Angela Salvagno, Britt Miller, Kris Murrell, & Nicole Ball…what they bring to the stage, entire package wise, INSPIRES me! Last but NOT least…my fiancé Nate Wolfe. I look up to him the most because he has taught me more than I could have ever imagined someone could, about DETERMINATION, COURAGE, BELIEF, DISCIPLINE, and LOVE. I have seen him diet for a show and we have also dieted together for a show…he AMAZES me with his SELFLESSNESS!

FitGems: What are your future plans heading into 2010 and beyond?
Natalie: If all goes as planned, I will be competing at USA’s and North American’s in 2010. BEYOND….only God knows the answer to that, but I do know that I will continue to compete as long as I am physically able to, because my heart is in this sport for a very long time!

Once again, FitGems Nation would like to thank Natalie for taking the time to do this interview. For more on Natalie, visit her website at http://www.natalieraeariel.com, and for those that have Facebook, add her under NATALIE RAE ARIEL.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Poll Results for April-May 2010 and New Poll for Summer (June-August) 2010

Thanks to everyone that voted on the poll that was supposed to have been just for April, however I decided to give the poll another month of voting. I asked you How do you feel about IFBB Pro Bikini, with its first couple of shows in the books? 59% of you said that it's a great addition to the IFBB (which I agree with entirely),while 41% of you said that it's just another T and A division for the IFBB. I'm very surprised no one chose the option of "I need to see the rest of this year's shows to make an opinion". I can only assume that either you like the new division or you hate the new division. All I can say that the division is here, and it will be here for quite some time. Deal with it. :)

Now, onto a new poll, which I'm PURPOSELY extending until the end of August, because I really want to get your opinion on this one. The poll question for Summer of 2010 is...

Should IFBB follow the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and NASCAR, and adopt an All-Star Weekend? Yes, No, or Maybe?


Some of you might be scratching your heads on this one, but it will make a bit more sense with a post I'll be doing about it within the coming days. I think you mike like what I have in store for you. 

Song of the Week-Saliva "Time to Shine"

We're kicking off the Songs of the Week for June with a kick-ass tune by Saliva called "Time to Shine". I wouldn't be surprised if this was on some of your iPods or MP3 Players during your workouts.