Interview with Photographer Marc Thyssen

Photographers are a major part of this industry. Being a part of magazines and paysites are some of the ways of creating your own brand. Just training and competing isn't enough to be a top name in this industry. The photographers can make a major difference in how your career pans out.

Marc Thyssen is quickly becoming one of the top photographers in the business today. His huge FitHeat project during last year's Olympia was unbelievable in nay aspects. Next weekend, during the NPC USAs, he plans to take it up a notch with Fitness Supermodel Weekend at the Moorea Beach Pool at Mandalay Bay. It's a two-day event (Saturday July 30th and Saturday July 31th) with some of the biggest names in the business, including Adela Garcia, Nicole Wilkins, Felicia Romero, and Christine Pomponio-Pate, among others (Talent subject to change, of course). Marc was gracious enough to take time out of his busy prep for this event to conduct an interview with FitGems.

Marc Thyssen himself
Photo credit: Steve Beyer Productions

FitGems Nation: May you begin by telling us a little bit about yourself?
Marc Thyssen: I love travel and have been to 37 countries, visited the majority on my own too. Exotic places, people, food and culture inspire me. As does embracing diversity in every form, which comes from my parents as my mother was born in Madras, India & my father in the South of Holland. Music has been very important to me as my work as a DJ has enabled me to live & travel around the world. Photography also is now playing an important role for me especially in the USA.

FitGems: You’re from Austraila. How did you you find your way to the United States?
Marc: Had visited a few times for holidays but only in 2007 did I take on the challenge to move over to Vegas and try my hand at making a business and life here. With no work organized, no family here or friends it wasn’t easy. But I’m not someone who gives up easily & I think the USA is the place to make your mark in this world in many fields especially mine. America is such an inspiring place.

FitGems: How did you get into photography in the first place?
Marc: My love for travel first inspired me to take photos since my first trip to Europe at 19. My Dutch born father’s love for travel inspired me wanting to travel from a early age. With time I had the confidence and courage to change focus from landscape to focus on people as subjects.

FitGems: How did you get interested in FITNESS photography?
Marc: I had my first Fitness photo shoots with a couple of models, Christina Lindley & Elaine Seth in Miami back in 2003. From my work and the models compliments on it, I knew that it was an area I had a talent for. I remember shooting film back then and using a totally manual camera too.

FitGems: How long have you been in photography?
Marc: Professionally I’ve been shooting since those first shoots in Miami in 2003, so 8 years. But shooting in total for over 15 years. I’ve only been living in the USA since 2007, so 4 years in the USA.

FitGems: In your honest opinion, what’s the most satisfying thing about being a photographer?
Marc: Making people smile. Creating a work of art with a bare minimum of computer manipulation. Too many photographers go to far these days and their subjects look little like the models they shot. That’s not my style, I look to Master Photographers for inspiration and even a guy like David LaChapelle who used to heavily edit his images & has used much less Photoshop in recent years. Australian Photographer Russell James is an inspiring guy, for his work, style and more.

FitGems: Last year during the 2010 Olympia weekend, you hosted a Superstar event of epic proportions with some of the biggest names in the industry (Monica Brant, Christine Pomponio-Pate, Heather Mae French, Myriam Capes, Mindi O’Brien, Krissy Chin, only to name a few) called FitHeat. How in the world were you able to pull off such a major event, and what inspired you to create FitHeat?
Marc: It wasn’t easy. But I know that Vegas is the place to provide a crossover market for the Fitness arena. Here in Vegas people, regular people live in the gym to look great at a pool. So why not capitalize on that and show them athletes at a pool, who are at the top of the sport in the World! Athletes that can inspire all of us.

FitGems: With the success of FitHeat 2010, will we see a repeat of FitHeat during this year’s Olympia?
Marc: Yes, Planet Muscle will again be partner on it too.

Christine Pomponio-Pate (left) and Monica Brant (right) at 2010 FitHeat event. Christine is scheduled to be part of next weekend's Fitness Supermodel Weekend (Photo credit: GUIDENG)

FitGems: Next weekend (during the NPC USAs in Las Vegas), you are hosting a Fitness Supermodel WEEKEND, with a major line-up that includes NINE competitors from past/present Olympias! For those attending, what can people expect from this event?
Marc: It will be again be at Moorea beach, like last years FitHeat, however the pace will be more relaxed with shooting over two days. Expect more interaction between the athletes and the crowd, giveaways and autograph signings. This event will also be filmed for DVD and it will be a surprise where the photos will be featured. Cant reveal that yet! Last years FitHeat was too hectic for me, I was too busy to really enjoy it!

FitGems: From everyone you’ve photographed, who has been your absolute favorite competitor/model to shoot with thus far in your career?
Marc: Hard for me to pick an absolute favorite but shooting Christine Pomponio, at FitHeat last year then again later in the evening one on one was a lot of fun & something I had been looking forward to for a long time. And that Christine drove all the way down just for it & didn’t compete in 2010 but looked like she should’ve been on the Olympia stage when we shot is a credit to her.

FitGems: How important do you feel is social media in the fitness industry, from a photographer’s standpoint?
Marc: Very important, unless you are already a Master Photographer like Annie Leibovitz and have a job shooting for Vanity fair, Nat Geo, SI and the like. For us mere mortals it’s a great way to get out there and get our work seen by many people. I always dreamed of shooting for Nat Geo but then again I am my own boss and I shoot the most beautiful women in the World. Not so bad hey?

FitGems: In addition to photography, you also have a knack for being a DJ. How did that come up?
Marc: Was my first part time job in High school and something I stuck with through completing college and studying abroad in London when I was 24. Not many 24 year olds are blessed enough to study in London whilst DJing to support themselves after already DJing Spain for 2 months the same year. Little wonder I kept to DJing for years afterwards and then onto running nightclubs in Melbourne, Australia after completing my Business degree. But when I hit 30 I knew I wanted something else to be my primary focus, and voila, Photography. And now, event planning also :)

FitGems: What advice would you give to others that would like to do photography one day?
Marc: Practice, shoot nature & still life until you are confident with your camera in manual mode, Then find your niche, network and strive for what you dream and believe will make you most happy in Photography.

FitGems: How can people contact you for more about your work (Twitter, email, website, Facebook, etc.)?
Marc: www.marcthyssen.com (Official Website)
http://twitter.com/marc_thyssen (Twitter)
http://www.facebook.com/MarcThyssenPhotography (Facebook)

For more about Marc's Fitness Supermodel Weekend, you can check out this link on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120789771346244. Again, thank you Marc for taking the time to do an interview with us!

Fit Model TV: The Fitness Model Media Blog

There are sites all around that support the female competitors in terms of competition, sponsorships, financial advice, etc. But there are VERY few sites that have to do with the modeling side of the industry. For many, modeling is a major part of their career.

New blog Fit Model TV, created by dallas3, hopes to spread the news about fitness photographers and fitness models, as well as when competitors do modeling as well. Already, the blog has featured work from photographers such as David Ford, Isaac Hinds, Marc Thyssen, and more, along with videos and photos of models/competitors such as Monica Brant, Ava Cowan, Alicia Harris, Mandy Blank, and the Vitrix Model Team, among others.

You can view modeling contests, get info on photographers, see modeling photos/videos, and more! This site is just starting, but from what is on there so far, it is looking to become one of the top sites in this industry, especially in terms of size and importance to the models, athletes, and photographers.

To visit Fit Model TV, go to http://fitmodeltv.wordpress.com. 

Vitrix Model Team Online Model Search

Yesterday (January 15), the Vitrix Model Team opened up their voting for their first-ever online model search contest. There are 61 hopefuls competing in the January contest, ranging from fitness models to IFBB competitors.

To view bios, pictures, and video of all the competitors for this month, click here and vote for your favorites. You can vote once every 24 hours until February 15th. This is going to be done every month, so you can click here to enter future contests. Monthly winners receive a free photo shoot as well as makeup, hair styling, and a wardrobe styling consultation. Images from the shoot will then be featured on the Vitrix Model Team website (www.vitrixmodelteam.com) along with any video captured and/or blogs provided by the winner at the discretion of the hosting company. The winner/winners are also awarded a trip to Las Vegas including economy air fare and accommodations for two nights in Las Vegas for the scheduled photo shoot. In addition, all monthly winners will have an opportunity to be considered for membership on The Vitrix Model Team which includes an endorsement contract with Nutrex Research.

For those thinking about entering for next month or any month in 2011, please do so. This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the top emerging female groups in the fitness world today. Good luck to everyone in this month's contests and to others that will be entering next month and in the months ahead!

The NEW Bodysport.com

12 years ago, Terry Goodlad had a dream and created Bodysport. With the help, support, and friendship of many people such as Ana Tigre, Kevin Myles, Liza Hughes, and many, MANY others, Bodysport has grown and developed into one of the best fitness news sites around for fans and competitors of fitness, figure, and bikini. But now, Bodysport has evolved into something bigger than just a fitness news site. It's not a women's fitness online magazine. More content, more contest footage, more opportunities, same positive Bodysport attitude and respect.

Here's what Terry mentioned in regards to the new site:

The off-season is a time for everyone to make improvements and we are no exception. This year begins the 12th year Bodysport.com has been online and times have certainly changed since that day we first went online yet as much as things are different, our enthusiasm for sharing the news and so much more is still the same or even stronger.



This is the new look for Bodysport.com. We are not just a fitness news site any longer. We are an online Women’s Fitness Magazine and while this initial launch presents the bare minimum of content right now, it won’t remain this way for long. Expect daily updates and often times we will have frequent updates throughout the day.



Some cool things you will find on Bodysport:



* The Weather module. If you want your local weather or weather for any place you may travel to or are simply curious about just type in the name of the city and click go.
* Twitter News. We follow the tweets of many of the fitness industry’s top stars as well as many women’s magazines and will be posting our own breaking news tweets as well as re-tweeting others that you need to know about. This will be an on-going activity all day long so check back often.
* Competitors Section. While we want to meet the needs of all women interested in the fitness lifestyle we also want to meet the needs of those women who compete. Articles, videos, and interviews will be posted daily throughout the site so let us know what you want to see and what interests you most.
* You can search keywords now to find articles you may be interested in. On the bottom of each page is a search box. Type in a name, a topic, anything of interest and if its on the site a list of articles related to your search appear.
* Popular articles. Found on the home page this module displays the articles being viewed most frequently.
* Log in. You are not required to Log in to View Bodysport.com at this point but member registration will be required later on to view the site.
* Share links. If you have a personal website you want us to post on our links page then send us an email bodysportads@me.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it



I hope you enjoy the new site and I want to thank you for your loyalty to Bodysport.com.

It's awesome to see this already great site evolve into something like this. Despite Bodysport existing for a little over a decade, I have a feeling this is only the beginning for the site and its creators.

Visit the NEW Bodysport at http://www.bodysport.com.

New Elite: Wendy Fortino

(Photo courtesy of Muscular Development)

One of the rising new faces of figure, Wendy Fortino is fastly becoming a top name in NPC figure and, if 2009 was any indication, is well on her way to becoming an IFBB figure competitor. From what she has told me in the past, she is aiming to have a Monica Brant-like physique (as Monica is (like many competitors) her role model. Judging by what she has brought to the table so far in regional competitions, she's on the right track. Speaking of the word "track", she actually competing in track and field prior to getting involved in fitness and figure competitions. Believe it or now, she was RIPPED then...without touching a single weight! Don't believe me, I'd go check out this Kriv Studios blog post and see for yourself.

In every competition she's entered in prior to her first major NPC National show (The USAs, where she placed 6th in Figure Class A), she has won her class, as well as the overall title on more than one occasion. Something tells me a pro card is imminent in the future of Miss Fortino. :)

I can see it now..."It's WAY better than regular figure physiques...It's Wendy's" LOL...sorry, had to throw that in there. I believe her next competition will be the 2010 Jr. USAs.

For more on Wendy, check her out on MySpace, Facebook, Hardfitness, and a slew of other sites.

New Elite: Carla Gutierrez

What's the New Elite? I just find female bodybuilders, fitness, and figure competitors that I feel will be the next big thing in this industry. I'm kicking it off with a Canadian who has all the tools to make it in the IFBB figure if and WHEN she becomes a pro. I'm talking about the Canadian Chica, Carla Gutierrez!




(Picture courtesy of TwixPix)

In such a short amount of time, Carla is looked upon as one of the top figure competitors in Canada and future IFBB figure pro. She's also an accomplished model in various publications, including Playboy.

In addition to being a figure competitor, She is also on HerBicepsCam, and it has been told that she blows the roof off the place. In 2009, she entered her first National competition and placed third in her class, which is a great debut for anyone who enters their first National competition. Look for this Latina Canadian to make more waves in the coming years as she aims to become an IFBB Figure Pro.

She is on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and FitGems Nation. You can also visit her upcoming website at http://www.carlitagutierrez.com/.


If there's a star in the making that you want me to spotlight in the future, Twit me (http://twitter.com/fitgemsnation) or Email me (admin@fitgemsnation.net) a suggestion, and I'll feature them here on this blog.

Another IFBB Pro in Wrestling?!

Apparently Zivile Raudoniene isn't the only IFBB pro competitor looking to be a part of the wrestling business. From what I've gather through various wrestling news websites, it looks like IFBB Pro Bikini competitor Kristal Lashley (formerly Kristal Marshall) will be returning to her wrestling roots, only this time joining the TNA roster.

(TNA's Newest Knockout?)

She was part of Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling (TNA)'s biggest pay-per-view of the year, Bound for Glory this past weekend, when her husband MMA Star "The Boss" Bobby Lashley took on and defeated Samoa Joe. She was also on last night's TNA iMPACT broadcast during the Matt Morgan vs Scott Steiner match. She is set to become a permanent character in the weeks to come, possibly being the manager of her husband.

So now, both major wrestling companies have an IFBB competitor a piece, one being a top figure champion and one that could make history in the pro bikini division. It will be interesting to see how this could affect the divisions in terms of marketing, promotion, and exposure, not to mention the ladies themselves. Best of luck to both of them in their respective compaines!! :)

Rock Star Fitness Weekend on October 10th

Jenny Lynn and Trish Warren, the Texas Twosome, are at it again! Both ladies are holding another Rock Star Fitness Weekend, beginning on October 10th. Check out the flyer below for more details:

FitGem of the Week and Photo of the Week

On the main site, we're going to honor a competitor/model from any federation in any division each week with a special page for them. This page will be called "FitGem of the Week" and will honor the great athletes in the female physique world. They can either be competing now, have competed in the past, or will be competing in the future. This is especially good for up-and-coming competitors. They can come from any federation and division.

She will be featured on the site for a week beginning on Sunday and will go the rest of the week, with a new one chosen the following Sunday, unless noted. If you would like to be nominated or if you like to nominate someone, send me an email with the following information:

• Name
• Recent Photo
• Website (if one is available)
• MySpace/Facebook page (if one is available)
• Mini-Biography about Nominee
• Length of Career
• Contest History
• Favorite Competitor(s)
• Best Lifts
• One Unknown Fact about Nominee
• Best Accomplishment So Far
• Future Goals
  

You can view how your page will look here. She's the first (and right now, only) FitGem of the Week.

In addition to this, you can also submit a photo to be featured as the FitGems Photo of the Week. Send me an email with the photo and your photo might be posted on the front page! It can be any competitor, including yourself, but I do ask for no nudity or porn, or anything that might be viewed as offensive.

Anyone can submit a nomination or a photo: competitors, fans, promoters, photographers, industry experts...whoever! Keep supporting the great athletes of this sport, and to all the ladies involved, keep up the good work! We are all proud of you and support you in your journeys!

Moinca Carlson's Going Informercial

Most people know Monica Carlson as the female winner of NBC's American Gladiators. She was pretty fit during season one. For season two, when she became a Gladiator (going by the name of Jet), she went from being fit to ripped in months!

I'm happy to say that she's maintain her American Gladiator physique...maybe even improve it! These days, she looks like she could go on a fitness/figure stage and hold her own easy. Probably one of the ways she's keeping in great shape is this:







I might have to try this out and see how it works. It looks like it will give you a heck of a workout! If anyone has tried this product, please comment below on why you would or would not recommend this product.

A Meeting of the (FitGems) Minds

A while back, I interviewed NPC Figure Competitor Jenn Jackson, who has supported the FitGems Nation since day one. She represents the future of the IFBB, in my honest opinion. I was hoping one day, we would meet face-to-face. Apparently, fate came a-knocking on my door this weekend, cause guess who I met...


(Jenn-12 wks out from Jr. Nationals)

Words can't express how beautiful she is in person. I kid you not.

Good grief, we talked about a LOT of stuff, including things I didn't fully understand until I heard it from someone who's a part of this industry. Some of us fans seem to take the ladies for granted, and don't truly understand what they go through on a daily basis to maintain their bodies and be able to present themselves. We both had things we are currently working on, and we were able to help each other out. You'll hear and see more about it in the weeks ahead.

In addition to being a beautiful person on the inside and out, she can be pretty hilarious. As she was showing me her up-and-coming website (which is a project I'm taking up), she noticed that the mousepad at the hotel business center had the apperance of a cookie. When you're dieting for a show (which she is, as she's getting ready for this year's Jr. Nationals 12 weeks from now), a cookie is the last thing you want to see. As a curiotisy of the hotel, they give cookies. She took the cookies, and immediately gave them to her boyfriend to put in his bag.

Oh yeah, sorry guys, she's taken! HAHAHA!!! I got to actually talk to Tom this time. I've seen him play college basketball a couple of times, and all I can say is this guy is going places should he become a pro. He's cool as well and is very supportive of Jenn. Every competitor needs some kind of support system, whether it be a site, or people coming to their shows and cheering them on, or fans just coming to them and telling them "Thanks for all you're doing. You're an inspiration to many people." I wish them both nothing but the best and a good, long relationship.


(Jenn and Tom)

As mentioned so much was talked about and discussed from nutrition, the difference of posing sexy and skanky, why flexing in figure really isn't neccesary, and her praises to many of her friends of this business. She evened talked a tad about one of her workouts she's currently doing to prepare for the Jr. Nationals. I could go on and on and on, but all I have to say it, as of this weekend, I have a completely newfound respect for every woman who dedicated their lives to this industry. I've always had respect for it, but now meeting someone who's involved in it, I respect it now more than ever before.

I had planned to do a small video interview, but my batteries went dead on me, and my backup battereis were no count. Gotta love technology, right?! LOL. Instead I sent her the questions I was going to ask for the video and she sent me the following answers:

1. Name and profession: Jenn Jackson, National Level NPC Figure Competitor Profession: GSM
2. One unknown fact about you: I'm a HUGE basketball fan :)
3. What you're getting ready for: Jr. Nationals.. 12 weeks out :)
4. Your thoughts on community sites (such as Siouxcountry and FitGems Nation for instance): I think it's great what the community sites are doing for the sport. To have such classy and professional sites for a womens sport such as ours is really wonderful. The fitness industry is growing more and more all the time, yet still a small nitch group. The sites almost provide a sort of "home away from home". A comfortable place to go where other people understand what it is you do every day :)
5. Future Goals: Oh my..To become an IFBB Pro of course :)

They said your first experience is the best. All I can say is thank you to Jenn and Tom for a visit that I will never forget. You made my weekend. Get that pro card, Jenn!!! :-)

(The FitGems PosterGirl (Jenn) and the FitGems Founder (that's me) FINALLY meet)

Black History Spotlight for February 28,2009-Kenyatta Parham

Kenyatta Parham is a up-and-coming figure competitor from North Carolina that could very well be a pro competitor within the next couple of years. In 2007, she placed second in the Elite Muscle Classic in North Carolina. Last year, she placed fifth at the NPC Jr. USA and competed in the NPC USAs. She will be looking to attain her pro card once again in 2009. In the meantime, she is doing one heck of a job being one of the moderators at Siouxcountry as KP Diva. So when you get the chance, stop by and say hi. Big things are in her future, no doubt.

You can also check her out at her MySpace page.

Well...that's it. With thie being the end of February, Kenyatta concludes the Black History Spotlights. for the FitGems Nation blog/website. I like to thank each and everyone of you that took a little time everyday to check this historical feature out. I'm aware that I didn't get every single black competitor on here, and I apoligize for that. However, just because you were not on the list doesn't mean that you're not important. You are doing something most people can't do; dedicate your lives to live healther lives and displaying that in physique contests. All of you (black, white, red, yellow, and everyone in between) should be commended for everything you've done and are doing for this sport.

Have a great weekend everyone! Thanks for joining me on this special look at Black History in the world of the female physique. :-)

To check all of them out again, click here to view the entire list.

Black History Spotlight for February 26, 2009-Saryn Muldrow

I'm not gonna front...I just about forgot about this competitor, and if it wasn't for my man AirHarp (go to Siouxcountry and find his posts. He's awesome), I would have completely forgot about her. Thanks man!



Saryn Muldrow is one of the top fitness competitors of all time. She was born in LA in 1964 and has been living in Denmark since age 11. She competed in the bodybuilding and fitness industry for an unbelievable 19 years. During that time, she would go on to win the the Danish, European, and World championships and the Miss universe titles. However, her claim to fame was when she won the Miss Fitness Olympia title in 1996. She called it a career in 1999 after breaking her arm and never regaining the strength needed to compete to the best of her ability. She is now a highly-skilled painter, which was something she started to take seriously in 2002. Her paintings are truly amazing, much like her career. I bet you she will wind up on the IFBB Hall of Fame in a very short amount of time.

For more on the legendary Saryn, click here to view her official website translated in English. For those that want to see her website in her native language, click here.

Black History Spotlight for February 25, 2009-Alexis Ellis

Alexis Ellis is a New Yorker-turned-Californian born of Dominican decent. Due to her heritage, she enjoys love, life, among everything else. Before her fitness/figure days, she was a heartbeat away from making her own history by becoming "Honor Recruit" in the Los Angeles Sheriff Dept, something no other female at that time was able to get. However, during the 10th week of training, she would tear her calf muscle and her shin would shatter her Tibia. She would return the following week to attempt to finish, but the pain was too much, and thus her dream of becoming Sheriff Deputy came to an end. She then focused on improving her health and physique and became a figure competitor. She ended up earning a pro card at the 2005 NPC Nationals, and competed with the pros a year later at the California Pro show. She is also Co-Owner of Gourmet Fitness Food, a healthy food delivery service, alongside her husband. I'm unaware of hercompetition plans as of now, but one wouldn't count Alexis out of the spotlight just yet.

For more on Alexis, go to her website at http://www.alexisellis.com.

Black History Spotlight for February 24, 2009-Monique Hayes

Bio from HDPhysiques:

Monique Hayes is a multi-talented competitor. She earned a scholarship to The Ohio State University. where she became one of the best triple jumpers in the country. She now resides in Atlanta, GA and is a fitness trainer, motivator, bodybuilder and world record power-lifter. She is one of the ATL's premier female fitness professionals. She helps prepare clients for bodybuilding and fitness shows as well as personal training and health and fitness regimens. She enjoys the challenge of creating effective workout routines that fit in with a person's unique lifestyle, schedule, and needs. In addition to what she does, she is also a mother, which according to her is The most important title that she could hold in life.

You can read and check out more of Monique here.

Black History Spotlight for February 23, 2009-Cassandra Floyd

Believe it or not, Cassandra Floyd has been competing for quite some time now. Her first competition was in 1989, where she competed in the NPC Midsouth Bodybuilding contest. She entered her first national show in 1991, where she competed in the Jr. USAs. She placed thrid in the lightweight division. At that time, she felt like she was too small to compete with the big girls, so she started to compete in different divisions, such as the NGA (National Gym Association) and the WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation). She would win titles from those divisions before returning to the NPC after not being recognized as a top bodybuilder or model. All the hard work would pay off in 2008, as she earned her IFBB pro card, and will now be competing with the best the world has to offer.

For more on Cassandra, go to http://www.cassandrafloyd.com. (WARNING: This site is intended for adults ONLY!)

Black History Spotlight for February 21, 2009-MJ Fox

MJ Fox has been competitng for quite a while now, with her winning her pro card in 2008. She entered the national competitions in 2008, competitng in the Jr Nationals, Jr USAs, and Team Universe, where she would end up earning her ticket to compete in the IFBB. She was planning on doing the Arnold Amateur, but obviously with her being a pro now, that's off the cards. She will instead be focusing on the Jacksonville Pro, which will mark her pro debut.

For more on MJ, check out her BodySpace profile and MySpace page. I'm not aware of her having an official website as of yet.

Black History Spotlight for February 19, 2009-Alicia Marie

Alicia Marie has made more mainstream headlines than most IFBB pro competitors have their entier careers, and she's not competed in a pro contest yet! She has appeared in many television shows and print ads, including being on the MTV show MADE, HBO's Chat Zone”, Jergens Firming Body Lotion “You Bet Your Bottom” national ad campaign, Curel Body lotion national advertisements, and Eggbeaters “0% Fat” national campaign, among other things. She is also the first Ms. Muscle & Fitness Magazine in history, as well as becoming an IFBB pro a few months ago. Look for Alice to be around for quite some time, either on stage, on print, or on your television screens.

For more on Alicia, go to her website at http://www.aliciamarie.com/.

Sharing a TenSpot with...Jennifer Jackson

Jenn Jackson has only been competitng for a couple of years, and already she is among the top stars in the NPC by fanbase. Her physique is killer, but the thing that seems to attract people more then anything else is her eyes. She is arguably the greatest supporter for the FitGems nation, as she is the Figure Moderator on the site. Under the guidance of top IFBB superstar Julie Lohre as well as Jenn's desire to be among the best in the world, you can expect nothing but great things in the future of Miss Jackson.




FitGems: State your name and profession (fitness/figure/female bodybuilding/other).
Jennifer Jackson: My name is Jenn Jackson and I’m a National Level Figure Competitor. However for my real job I’m a GSM for an Automotive Group.

FitGems: How many years have you competed?
Jenn: This is my 2nd year.

FitGems: What are/were your best lifts in the gym (that you are most proud of)?
Jenn: N/A

FitGems: What would you do to make sure the sport of figure got the respect it deserves, despite some people thinking it’s nothing more than NPC/IFBB’s version of a bikini contest as opposed to a physique contest?
Jenn: Well, this may not be the most popular answer.. but it’s mine.. So here it goes. “Some People” are unfortunately becoming more accurate in their thinking that the NPC is leaning more toward “bikini contest” looks. What would I do? I would reward the girls with great physique’s. There is a place for female bodybuilders and it’s in women’s bodybuilding. I have the absolute most respect for those athletes. Truly. Especially the ones with incredible bodies that still maintain femininity. It’s amazing. Now figure to me.. and this is just my 2 cents.. should be the female athlete that isn’t a bodybuilder but also isn’t a bikini model. Somewhat muscular.. yet fit.. with femininity. In regards to the sport of figure as well.. I would like to see more magazines featuring “real world” workouts of figure athletes. Not the photo shoots that show the tiniest tops and shortest shorts with the “all american” girl next door looks.Those are okay, but put some girls really working out… sweating and working hard like they do.. then of course add a couple of “done up” pics. Again, like I said just my 2 cents. I really commend anyone who has the courage to step on stage… everyone works hard and deserves their moment to shine! :-)

FitGems: What (if anything) would you change about your profession?
Jenn: N/A

FitGems: Although it isn’t much, do you like the positive mainstream exposure of female muscle so far?
Jenn: Yes, I think it is getting better all the time. With supporters like bodybuilding.com doing broadcasts, which is wonderful by the way… maybe some of the tv networks will get with the program. It’s sad they will put those rediculous “eating contests” on national television, yet not televise the Olympia or Arnold.

FitGems: Who do you look up to the most for your inspiration?
Jenn: I really look up to Julie Lohre. She encouraged me to get started in all this and to keep working toward my goal, even when it gets frustrating. “It’s only a matter of time” She is an incredible person in and out of the sport.

FitGems: Your goal is obviously to become a pro one day. What does becoming a pro mean to you?
Jenn: Yes, Definitely!! What I’m looking forward to most about turning pro is the extra space backstage.. Not 150 or so girls, but maybe 60 including fitness. Ha. Kidding.. No not really :-) Honestly, it will mean the world to me. I will have set another goal/high standard for myself and achieved it. The IFBB is truly the best of the best of the best.

FitGems: If there was any celebrity that would be a perfect fit in a fitness/figure/female bodybuilding competition, if giving time to be able to condition themselves?
Jenn: I think Carrie Underwood.. I’m not a huge celebrity follower.. Only the IFBB Pro’s.. :-)

FitGems: What are your future plans in the female muscle industry?
Jenn: To turn pro baby! :-)
Then after that.. a new goal.


Best of luck to you, Jenn. You're gonna be a great pro when the time arrives. :-)

To learn more about Jenn, her website (http://www.jennjackson.com) will be up very soon. Until then, you can visit the FitGems site to get your Jenn Jackson fix.