Jason Adams Industry Blog

I have written about Zoa Linsey already. Well I have decided to do it again. It is my blog and I can do what I want LOL.

As everyone surely knows Zoa just competed at the Ms. Olympia. Many may know of her injury. Zoa had a herniated disk. She could not even pump up beforehand and was in pain. Yet she still went out there with a smile on her face and looked incredible.

Afterwards Zoa said she hoped she didn't let anyone down. Zoa, are you crazy? Let anyone down? NEVER. In fact I expect I speak for everyone when I say how proud we are of you. You were on the biggest stage in the sport, and you BELONGED there, and you will be back there. Will you win? Well I do not have my crystal ball handy. But does it matter? When you went into the gym the first time, did you say " I am going to be Ms. Olympia"? Somehow I doubt it. You started training because you enjoyed it. Something tells me you still enjoy it. And that is what it should be about. You wanted to be fit and healthy I imagine. Well you achieved that, so you already achieved what you set out to achieve, and everything from here on in is icing on the cake. No one can ever be disappointed with what you do competing wise from here on out.

There are a lot of amazing people in the industry, and some..... well not so nice people. I have heard so many people say so many things, but no one ever says anything bad about Zoa. Zoa makes you proud to be a part of the sport. Zoa is a role model, not just for a person who wants to train and/or compete, but just because of the person she is. I know from experience with the encouragement she has given me. Zoa is proof that a muscular woman is a beautiful woman, Zoa is proof of what hard work can produce, Zoa is proof that good things happen to good people. Let's be honest, we can look at Zoa, and you are blind to not think she is a beautiful woman. But that is not why I am a Zoa Linsey fan. Eventually if you get to know her, that beauty becomes the last thing on your mind. Because you are too busy respecting her for the bodybuilder she is and even more importantly for the woman she is.

Before the Olympia, everyone asked who I picked to win. I said Zoa. And I wasn't wrong. Zoa did win. Zoa won because she got on stage when most wouldn't have been able to. Zoa won because she was on stage with the Elite, making her one of the elite. Zoa won because she is Zoa Linsey. You don't need to be on stage with a check or a trophy to be a winner. A trophy doesn't make you great, you make you great, and Zoa you made yourself great, and so many people are so proud of you.

Zoa thank you for being a role model and an inspiration to me and so many other men and women.

Sharing a TenSpot with...Monica Escalante (Olympia Edition)

As you all know, the Olympia is this weekend! The best in men's bodybuilding, women's bodybuilding, fitness, figure, and bikini will step on stage to decide who is truly the best of the best. One of those ladies will be Monica Escalante. Making her Figure Olympia debut, she's had quite a ride in the IFBB this year, debuting at the Phoenix Pro, competing in her first Figure International and sharing the stage with her idol Monica Brant in what was probably her last IFBB competition (Brant is now a WBFF Pro, for those that don't know) and placed in the top six at the Europa Show of Champions and Europa Super Show (the show that got her to the Olympia). Monica was very gracious enough to take some time mere days from the Olympia to do this interview with us.

Monica qualified for the Olympia at the 2010 Europa Super Show in Dallas
Photo credit: Muscular Development

FitGems Nation: Thank you very much for taking this time out of your Olympia prep to do this interview! Monica Mark-Escalante: You are welcome.

FitGems Nation: In a few days, you will be competing in your very first Olympia ! How does it feel to step on the stage that many competitors strive to be a part of, but only a few get that opportunity to do so?
Monica: It feels incredible. I only dreamed of one day stepping on the Olympia stage a little less than 10 years ago, and now my dream has become a reality. I feel privileged and honored to compete at the Olympia alongside the best women in the world.

FitGems Nation: This year was your first year to compete as a pro. What competition was your favorite to compete in this year (not including the upcoming Olympia )?
Monica: I would have to say the Arnold . The show was an amazing experience. Truly, however, all of the shows have been a great experience because of the camaraderie amongst the pros.

FitGems Nation: When you found out that you were heading to the Olympia , if you can recall, what was the first thing that popped into your head?
Monica:I truly don’t remember…that’s how shocked I was.

FitGems Nation: You are one of the most muscular figure competitors, but regardless of muscle, it seems to flow well with you. How do you maintain your muscularity yet keep it to IFBB standards?
Monica: Over the last year, I have actually been working to lose a little bit of muscle. I have adapted my training so as not to add (or even keep) all of my muscle.

FitGems Nation:I think many people loved your look at both Europas you competed in (Battle of Champions in Hartford and Super Show in Dallas ). Which look do you plan to bring to your first-ever Olympia ?
Monica: My goal is to bring in a slightly less muscular package than I had at those 2 shows. I hope to bring in similar conditioning as I had in both shows, but a little less muscle mass.

FitGems Nation: Has anything changed in prep between your last competition and the O?
Monica:Not really. Since the Europa in Connecticut , my goal has been to become a little less muscular and maintain conditioning.

FitGems Nation: Where would you love to place in your first Olympia , and what would you be content with?
Monica:Well of course my goal is to one day win, but I would be content with a top 6 finish my first time out. I know it’s difficult because the women at this level are all amazing.

FitGems Nation: If you could have the Olympia anywhere else BESIDES Las Vegas , where would it be at?
Monica:I grew up in San Diego and my family all lives there, so that would be ideal. But who can go wrong with Vegas? Vegas is great.

FitGems Nation: Any final words for your fans and supporters out there before the Olympia?
Monica: Much thanks for your support. I have been working hard to finish up my website, which should be up and running in the next few weeks. The cover page is up, but more is coming soon. My website is www.monfit.com.

How will Monica fare in her first Olympia competition?

Once again, Monica, thank you for taking the time out of your Olympia prep to do this interview with us! We at FitGems Nation wish you the best of luck this weekend at the Olympia!! :)

Jason Adams Industry Blog

Well it is that time of the year. The biggest time in the industry. Olympia is upon us. A gathering of the elite in Bodybuilding, Fitness, Figure, and Bikini. So that made it clear to me, this is what I should write about.

I am not going to the Olympia, but will be living there next year so can go every year. Sure I would like to go. I could see Danny J (my trainer) as she is working the EST booth. And I could meet, see, and hang out with many of the friends I have made in the Fitness Industry. But what I would really like to see is Zoa Linsey on stage. On my own fan page I have made it Zoa Linsey week. A couple have said I should not show favoritism. Maybe that's true, but really I do not care, it is my page after all. I am not doing this to downplay any other competitor, I do it to support Zoa. Zoa is someone I really admire and look up to. For me personally with my own training, I believed I was a bodybuilder when Zoa said I was.

I remember the first time I ever saw Zoa. It was a picture on a website, and actually was just a leg shot. I was amazed. Then I saw another picture which was fully body, but with her head turned. Her physique was just amazing to me. I right then said that is the best physique I have ever seen. Then I looked more, and at the risk of looking like a dork, I found her to be a very beautiful woman. I was from that day a Zoa Linsey fan. Since then I have met and talked to Zoa. That physique and beauty I mentioned is really just a tiny part of who Zoa Linsey is. There is so much more that makes her amazing. She is a sweet woman who truly appreciates the support she receives. The inner beauty of Zoa is what really sets her apart.

There are so many amazing women in this industry. Each of us has our favorites for whatever reason. You know who the important ones in my life are if you know me. And Zoa is one of them. Zoa is someone I think everyone who is newer to training can look up to. Her dedication, hard work, attitude, and love for what she does is admirable to say the least. I have met some great women and men in the industry, and to be honest some very stuck up people. Zoa is one of the ones who qualify in the great part.

Zoa, I am honored to know you and am so happy for and proud of you. You are now preparing to be on the biggest stage of them all, and you earned and deserve it. Regardless of placing, you will shine on that stage. This is YOUR moment. So go on that stage, give it your best shot, be proud of yourself, and most of all have fun and enjoy every minute of it.

"M2-NRG" with Jenny Worth; SAT SEPT 18th @ 10:00AM (and also every Wednesday and Saturday)

For those in the California area, if you want to get a great workout in with a top IFBB legend, come down to Long Beach tomorrow for a new workout class called M2-NRG, by M2 Fitness Pros. Below is the description:

RESERVE YOUR SPOTS!! Come kick up the HEAT with Fitness Champ Jenny Worth in this HEART PUMPING, super Fat Blasting, High NRG... A TOTAL Strengthening Body Weight & Core conditioning workout that will leave you SUPERCHARGED... it's 100% effective and 100% Kick-ass... AND it's on us!!!

And for those that want to do this every week, you can join Jenny and FEEL THE HEAT with "M2-NRG"
every Wednesday morning at 5AM and Saturday morning at 10am @ the M2 Studio in Downtown's LB. For more info, go to http://www.m2fitnesspros.com/events/event/show?id=3114248%3AEvent%3A2190.

Join legendary IFBB star Jenny Worth in SoCal for an awesome workout
brought to you by M2 Fitness Pros!

WBFF to Have Biggest Weekend Yet This Coming Weekend

We all know that the Olympia is fast approaching (next weekend, to be exact), but before that happens, all eyes will be on the World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (WBFF) World Championships. This event could very well be the turning point for the WBFF for one major reason...Monica Brant. The biggest icon in this sport's history will be making her WBFF figure debut this weekend, after leaving the IFBB after competing in that organization for 16 years.

Monica Brant to make her WBFF debut this weekend
Photo credit: RxMuscle.com

For those that followed Monica throughout her career (and let's be honest, who hasn't?!), Monica always comes with the physique that many fans in IFBB would LOVE to see be rewarded, as opposed to the soft look that is awarded in IFBB figure today. Throughout her entire career, she has won only one IFBB title, and that was the 1998 Fitness Olympia title. She would be close to winning a few figure championships, but would always loose to people whose physiques were not deemed championship quality (other people's words, not mine). Monica could have quit a while back, but instead, she kept at it for the fans, knowing that she would never win an IFBB title.

In the summertime, she shook the figure world by announcing that she was leaving the IFBB for the WBFF. People couldn't believe what they were hearing, and people reacted with excitement, while some didn't feel it was the right move. Mo felt like this was a business decision, as she felt the WBFF could do wonders for her career. A change of scenery, if you will. There are those that feel her physique would be well suited for the WBFF, as in their Figure division, tighter, more muscular looks are rewarded. Look no further than Monica's competition this weekend for proof of that: Emily Stirling.

Emily Stirling: Arguably THE face of WBFF Figure
Photo credit: WBFF

Emily has been viewed by many WBFF fans to be the face of the WBFF Figure division, and it's clear to see why. She has amazing conditioning and muscularity that is popular with figure fans yet it not to the extreme of bodybuilding. Her leg development is among some of the best in figure, regardless of federation. For those that don't know Emily Stirling, she's competing in the WBFF since it's inception in 2007 winning the overall title that year then placed second to Diana Chaloux the following year. Last year, the WBFF launched their pro figure division and Stirling, the organization's first figure pro ever, won her second World Championship title. That time, though she did it as a pro figure competitor. With these accomplishments, it's no wonder why many consider Emily to be WBFF's First Lady.

It's no secret that the IFBB/NPC is the biggest and best physique federation in the world, but you would have to be a complete lunatic to ignore how big this weekend is for not only the WBFF, but for the entire muscle world as well. All eyes will be on the WBFF to see if they can deliver. Monica has been said to be in the shape and condition she wants to be. No doubt Emily will be in the best in her career. And what about the rest of the ladies who will be competing? It's obvious that they will all be stepping up their game to stand besides an icon such as Monica.

I will be doing my best to get coverage of this event, as this will no doubt be a turning point for the WBFF and for figure in general, regardless of federation. To Monica, Emily, and everyone competing in the WBFF World Championships this weekend, FitGems Nation wishes you all best of luck and can't wait to see what the WBFF can do! IFBB, you're not the only dog in the yard anymore!!! :)

Fitness Stars Invade WWE; A Change in the Air?!

Are we looking at the return of fitness muscle in WWE?
From Left to Right: Kaitlyn (Celeste Bonin), Aksana (Zivile Raudoniene), Jamie (Brittany Beede)
Photo credit: WWE.com

As some of you know, I happen to be a big fan of wrestling, especially WWE. One of their big things happens to be their Divas, the names for their female wrestlers, or more appropriately, their female entertainers. For the most part, the Divas are seemingly fit, but not in the realm of fitness/figure competitors, at least not since the days of Trish Stratus, Chyna, and Torrie Wilson. The closest to that kind of physique right now is Beth Phoenix...at least until this past Tuesday.

This past Tuesday was the season premiere of WWE NXT, and this season's an all-Divas season. I mentioned earlier on this blog that Aksana (Zivile Raudoniene) and Jamie (Brittany Beede) are two fitness stars that are a part of the cast this season, and as broken first by Isaac Hinds, we would find out that ANOTHER fitness star would join the NXT rankings.

Before NXT even began, WWE NXT was down one Diva (Aolesia) due to some outside complications that surfaced before the season began. So they teased a new Diva coming in for Pro Vickie Guerrero. That diva would be Kaitlyn, but for us, we know her by the name of Celeste Bonin.

Celeste's a former NPC figure competitor who was contemplating going to bodybuilding, but obviously that is out the window now with her being in the WWE. Her look alone has definitely caught the eye of WWE fans, collectively known as the WWE Universe.

This article is not about how well they did (For those interested in THAT, go to my NXT column on Diva-Fiva.com. WARNING: I get a bit personal and carried away a bit when I do wrestling talk.). Rather, this article is about how it seems like the winds of change are fast approaching WWE, and possibly mainstream entertainment. Let's be honest, things are not the same anymore. Thin is not in when it comes to what people LIKE to see. It seems like those with a bit of meat on their bones are being more praised. No, I'm not saying that female bodybuilding is becoming the norm. That could be some time, as I don't think the mainstream is quite ready for that yet. But there are those seemingly willing to give those in figure/fitness/bikini a chance to showcase themselves in the mainstream eye.

I might be jumping the gun a bit, but there's a good chance that these three ladies in this aricle might be going something more than they realize. They might holding the keys to the future of entertainment, possibly the future of what women's aspire to be. Maybe not wreslter, but fit yet feminine women who can do anything they can put their minds into. The Original American Gladiators did it in the 1980s. Kiana Tom did it in the mid-1990s into early 2000s. These three (regardless on how long they last in the competition) just might be the start of something big in the world of mainstream entertainment. Only time will tell whether these three help make a difference by just being on TV, but if their past achievements are of any indication...I wouldn't bet again any of these ladies and the influences they can bring in in the short-term and long-term.

Jason Adams Industry Blog

Well, it has been awhile since my last blog. BUt that has been with reason. I have been very busy of late. Trying to get several things going. So what I am writing about here may be a bit self serving and if so, accept my apologies. I often get emails, messages, etc, asking for help with ideas for sponsors or booth work and the accompanying things. It sparked my interest in maybe doing that as.... well I guess a profession. Recently I was blessed......twice. Two women I think so highly of have shown the trust in me to hire me as their manager. THey are Figure competitor Carreen Berry and Bodybuilder Sheena Hunter. I am happy these two women have that trust in me, because I feel both women are going to be names in this industry and I want to make that happen. Both are beautiful women, with great physiques, and are some of the nicest women you will meet.

Now a lot of people get into such a business in order to make money. Well those who know me, know I am not about money and the agreement I ahve with these women will reflect that. My goal is to help them and thats my only concern. Often you here people say "This is a selfsih sport". Yes, at times that can be true, but take a closer look at it, and really, it's not so selfish. Yes the training and prep process can be about "me,me,me". BUt step away from teh training and the prep process, and I find it to be anything but selfish. I find it to be full of supportive and encourgaing people. How many times do you hear someone say the best thing about competing is meeting great friends? You hear or read that often.

So what I am saying is, as selfish as you may think the sport is, if you look around, you can also find some of the most amazing people in it. People you can trust and people who will help you as much as they possibly can. I am lucky, I found the most amazing person I know, Danny J Johnson as my trainer, and she helps me in more ways than you can imagine. Also I ahve found two amazing clients in Sheena and Carreen.

So Sheena and Carreen, you have my word, I am going to work as hard as I can for you and together the three of us will do great things.

Jamie Keyes...From Ring Announcer to Wrestler!

I mentioned earlier about Aksana (Zivile Raudoniene) becoming a Rookie Diva for the third season of NXT, as she's a fan favorite in the industry. How can that get even better?! How about adding ANOTHER favorite of FitGems Nation to the list. This heart just about stopped when Jamie Keyes (real name Brittany Beede) was announced as a Rookie Diva for NXT.

Photo Credit: WWE.com

The following she's gathered has been one of the most impressive I've seen for someone new to wrestling since Trish Stratus. As we all know, she didn't have real training in a WWE ring until later on in her career, and...well, we know all about that, don't we?! :) But when Jamie was announced as a wrestler for the new season, searches for her went through the roof! Her fansite JamieKeyes.com reached more hits in one setting than any other time in the site's short history, and things will only continue to grow for the site. Twitter searches went up, message board posts went up, her fan page on Facebook went up tremendously after the big announcement.  Words and phrases such as "Amazon goddess" "action figure" "muscular bombshell" "muscular" "fit cutie", and others have been describing Jamie over the web since the huge announcement. My personal favorite is "fitness fashionista". Her athletic background and insane physique has made her a "pre-season" favorite, if you will. Regardless of what happens to Jamie during NXT Season 3, we at FitGems Nation believe that Jamie will have all the "Keyes" needed to be successful whether it's WWE or outside of WWE. Good luck on NXT, Jamie!! :)

For those that want what I mentioned earlier about Jamie, go to http://fitgems.blogspot.com/2010/06/celebrity-spotlight-brittany-beede-wwes.html, approved by Jamie herself.

Aksana is Now TV Bound!!

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Tonight on the season two finale of WWE NXT, World Wrestling Entertainment announced that there will be a third season of NXT, but this time...it will be an all-Diva season (minus two male Pros). And it's with great pleasure that I announce that one of those Rookie Divas is former Figure International Champion Zivile Raudoniene, aka Aksana!!


Yep, the former IFBB figure star will be a Rookie Diva, looking to become WWE's next Breakout Diva. Her pro will be the Bizzaro One...Goldust. Man...is that going to be a trip, or what?!?! :)


Aksana will be joining another FitGems Nation favorite, Jamie Keyes, along with Maxine, AJ Lee, Naomi Night, and Aloisia (who's heads and shoulders above all the other Divas Literally...at 6 foot 9!!!) to form the first ladies-only Rookie group for NXT. One of these ladies will go on to win NXT and will (I believe) earn the right to take on the Women's Champion at the PPV of their choosing. The buzz is crazy right now, and I have no doubt in my mind that all six ladies will be on Raw or Smackdown once this is over. How far will Aksana go in this competiton could possibly be up to you. After next week, I'll let you all know how the voting process will be.

You can catch Aksana, as well as the other Rookie Divas, on WWE NXT beginning next Tuesday at 10PM Eastern/9PM Central on SyFy.

Best of luck to you, Aksana!!! :)