My Ideal Arnold Amateur Physique list

Earlier, I gave my take on the pros that I would choose to be in the Arnold Classic Physique competiton. Click here to see the pro list I created. Now here are the amateurs I would choose if there were to be an Arnold Amateur Physique contest (all photos are free and belong to their respective original placements):

Tracy Bodner

Sherrie Carnicle

Lindsay Cope

Diana Tinnelle

Ann Titone

Angela Kirkland

Vanessa Adams

Lori Steele

Amanda Swallow

Rachelle Cannon

Nikki Warner

Mavi Gioia

Natalie Ariel

Andrea Swanson

Holly Nicholson

Melissa Detwiller

Ali Huston

Ann Caliri

Grace Rivera


Danielle Rouleau

Jenn Jackson

Barbara Fletcher

Jennifer DeJoya

Jodi Miller

Jamie Reed

Just like the pros, this was not an easy task to pick 25 people. So, if you have anymore to add, please do so under the comments. Who knows? Maybe there will be a physique division in the future? This post, along with the other two post about a physique division are just thoughts, and not reality...yet.

A Fitting Review-"HDPhysiques"

HDPhysiques may be among the youngest of the paysites, but this site is home to many of the industry’s top favorite competitors. Doug Smith and Joe are quickly becoming big names in the industry, as they have more then proven that they know how to choose their stars and they know how to showcase the women’s physiques to their ultimate potential.
There are too many good women on there to highlight (and the list is growing daily by quantity and quality), so I’ll highlight some of the best on the site…to me, that is. Opinions may vary.

I’ll start with Lindsay Cope, aka The Beast. In my honest opinion, there may not be a figure woman on Earth that is as strong as Lindsay. She lifts more for a warm-up then most can lift in a lifetime. Plus she’s downright beautiful to boot. Yes, a woman with the strength of Hercules and the beauty of a Barbie doll. Practically perfect, if you ask me.

Another person with inhuman strength is my personal favorite competitor on the site, Natalie Ariel, aka “The A-Train”. She doesn’t just look strong…she IS strong. Her size, strength and conditioning is almost unrivaled in figure. With the new guidelines in figure, she decided to give bodybuilding a try. Her bodybuilding debut is unknown as of yet, but if her HDPhysiques footage as a figure competitor is any indication, then the world of women’s bodybuilding has gain one hell of a star on their hands.

Someone else who is a HDP favorite is Heather Armbrust. Heather is pound-for-pound one of the best-built female bodybuilders in the sport, with arguably THE BEST set of legs of ANY competitor in the IFBB. Other than her own site, HDPhysiques is the ONLY site where you will see the unrivaled sheer intensity of her legs.

Perhaps their biggest star on HDPhysiques is the person that most fans would love to see figure be centered around these days, and that’s Valerie “Siren” Waugaman, a.k.a. V-Dub a.k.a. The Green Goddess, a.k.a., The Regal One. Joe sees Val as THE perfect figure competitor, and when you take a good look at her, can you blame him? She has natural beauty, sexy charisma, and incredible genetics, things you are just born with. No disrespect to the figure competitors reading this right now, but when her conditioning is on, you might as well be fighting for second place. HDPhysiques took footage of her during the 2007 Arnold Classic and looked PHENOMINAL!!! Why she didn’t win that year is STILL a mystery to me and to others. The judges (to put it nicely) flat out didn’t make the right decision that year. Sorry, Val should have won the Ms. Figure International title in 2007. The video clips and pictures on HDPhysiques are proof positive.

In addition to displaying several top stars, they have Fun Flexes and Bonus Flexes, and features such as Biceps Week, Quad Week, and Calves Week, which are nothing short of amazing. They also cover a few contests as well. As I mentioned earlier, they are growing by quality and quantity, and I recommend any competitor or model out there to try and get a shoot with these guys.

The motto of HDPhysiques is “Hi-Def bodies in Hi-Def video”. High definition technology was made for the female muscle industry, and Joe and Doug are the first to display the ladies in the way they were meant to be displayed. To established and aspiring stars, arrange a shoot with them. To fans and supporters, join the site and see for yourself why HD is the new “black” in the female muscle industry.

SOMETHING BIG IS COMING...

A partership is brewing between one of the top paysites of female muscle and myself. I can't give you all the details yet as they remain to be finalized, but trust me when I say that this is gonna be one incredible partnership that will hopefully further the female muscle industry.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED...

Sharing a TenSpot with...2008 Fitness Olympia Champion Jenny Hendershott!

Here's the first of three exclusive interviews for FitGems. The first one is with the new Fitness Olympia Champion Jenny Hendershott!

Jenny Hendershott once again rose to the top of the fitness division becoming Miss Fitness Olympia for the second time in her career. Jenny has competed in nine consecutive Olympias, and has placed in the top five at each of them, not to mentioned that she's been in the top ten in each pro contest she's participated so far. Personally, I have no doubt in my mind that she is gonna go down as one of the top fitness performers in IFBB history.




FitGems: How does it feel to be the NEW Fitness Olympia Champion?
Jenny Hendershott: It feels amazing to win this show once but then to win it twice. WOW. I forgot what it was like to win! Now I remember how awesome it is.

FitGems: What was your mindset coming into Vegas this time as opposed to last year?
Jenny: Personally I think what happens at home prior to a show plays a part in what you bring to a show. Everything impacts the way you perform. I have been through a lot like other athletes and in the past it has impacted my physique and performance. I didn't do too many things different but I did have a VERY peaceful prep prior to this show. My life is good and I am in a good place with God. When you have Him on your team you are unstoppable. (Amen to that, sister. Amen to that.)

FitGems: This is your ninth Olympia appearance. I know your first win is always the best win, but where does this win rank in your career?
Jenny: I would say this is definitely one of the highlights of my career. I can't rank them cause they are all so amazing and I am so grateful.

FitGems: You arguably have the most entertaining routines in all of fitness. How are you able to possess that much energy…in particular this weekend with an untimely passing of Steve Stone on Friday hours before the finals?
Jenny: You know I always have been a high energy person. I was the only girl of 5 children I ran circles around my brothers with my ambition and energy. Friday was so unreal. It was such an amazing day of competition for me and so sad for the industry. When we got to the night show everyone was crying and so sad, the fitness girls gathered in the dressing room and we talked. I told them we have to do this for Steve, he would not want us to not do this. We had shared a prayer in his honor and we knew the fans who paid to see us did not know what was going on so we had to keep our commitment . The girls did an awesome job. I was proud of them. (God Bless you all for having the hearts to perform during a tragedy...)

FitGems: With the possibility of a fitness/figure reality show coming to television in 2009, do you think that this could help expand the fitness numbers?
Jenny: I do I think the industry/fans and the general public need to be exposed to this industry and they also need to see we are real people with real jobs, with real issues , and we have to work really hard. We have a good balanced life, we would be great role models. I think if the right people are chosen for the show it will be great for the industry.

FitGems: What would YOU do to increase the fitness numbers in both the NPC and IFBB?
Jenny: What am I currently doing? Well I am doing a couple things. I am creating my own NPC show for fitness, figure etc,,,so putting more shows out there. Second I am using my connections in cheerleading to get more girls involved. There are lots of jen hendershott's out there we just have to find them and get them involved. Third, I think that changes that are coming out in 09 will help bring more athletes into the sport.

FitGems: Of all the routines you’ve done in the Olympia so far, which is by far your favorite?
Jenny: I loved the playboy bunny routine, it flowed , had good balance etc.... But when I think of the Banana routine, I laugh so hard, I can not believe I did that. I loved it. (That was hilarious!!!)

FitGems: Do you see yourself braking Susie Curry’s Olympia record?
Jenny: Wow isn't that like 5 Olympia titles? Not sure I never thought of that but I don't think so.

FitGems: With your long and successful stay in the IFBB, can we officially call you an icon, or do you feel it is too early for you to claim that title?
Jenny: No, I will take icon. I have done a lot more then compete in this sport. I feel I have won what there is to win and I feel there are NOT many girls that can call them self that . So I will take that title! (Okay...fitness icon, it is!)

FitGems: What’s next for you now that you are back on top in the fitness division?
Jenny: Honestly, I am enjoying this moment and not thinking whats next. I am preparing my camp schedule and working with clients closely so they are priority right now. Ask me again in December! (We'll be waiting for your name to be on the Arnold invite, Jenny! :) )

Hope you enjoyed what the Fitness Olympia champion had to say. Interviews with the reiging Ms. Olympia and new Ms. Fitness Olympia to follow within the next few days.

Special Editions of "Sharing a TenSpot": Coming Soon!

Hey there!

I'd thought I'd give you all the heads up on something. Over the next several days, HOPEFULLY (hopefully being the key term here), I'll be posting three special "Sharing a TenSpot" interviews. You're probably asking yourself...why are these three interview gonna be special? These interview are from ALL THREE FEMALE OLYMPIA CHAMPIONS!!! The first one I will post is one I did with this year's Fitness Olympia Champion Jenny Hendershott. Trust me, for those that have not read or seen any of Jenny's interviews, you're in for a treat. She tells it like it is and holds nothing back. So be checking for it withing the next few days for these EXCLUSIVE interviews.

Also thank you to everyone for voting on arguably the most one-sided question of all time...or at least on this blog. I asked Should there be more female muscle coverage on TV? and practically all of you voted Yes. Only three people voted No.

This month's question is about this year's Olympia. Whether you attended, watched it on webcast, went to messages boards to catch updates, whatever..., I have this question for you: On a scale from 1 (awful) to 10 (awesome), how would you rank this year's Olympia? 10 being awesome and 1 being awful. I doubt this poll will be as one-sided as the last one.

Take care and thanks!

Jennifer Gates is the NEW Figure Olympia Champion!!!!!!!!!!!

Behold the queen...the queen of queens. Jennifer Gates, in only her SECOND Olympia appearance, pulled off the biggest win in her career and became the newest Figure Olympia champion! I've been a fan of hers LONG before she became an IFBB pro, and something told me in my gut that she was gonna be a big star. I have that sixth sense about things. Long story short, I couldn't be more proud of Jenn. Second place honors for a second year in a row go to the very beautiful Gina Aliotti. The current Figure International looked like she was gonna be the second woman ever to win both the Arnold and Olympia Figure titles, but that was not meant to be...not this year, at least. Gina is one of those competitors that gets better and better with age (although she seems perfect already). She's gonna be Figure Olympia champion very soon; don't you worry about that. Third place went to someone that flew out of my radar in predictions, as well as many others. I'm talking about Zivile Raudoniene. Yep, shocking isn't it?! Not to those that saw the comparison pics with Jenn and Gina, and those that were at the Olympia. Personally, I think it's cool to see international stars get some love in the IFBB, and with her thrid place finish, we are at the least guaranteed at one person not from the States to be a part of the biggest muscle show in the world. Jenny Lynn, the woman who dominated the figure scene ever since the creation of the sport, placed fourth. Compared to the other ladies, she didn't seem like herself. I wasn't there, so I can't judged. She looked great, but it seemes like the others looked better. She'll be back to try and recapture the title she lost. Mary Lado returned to her old roots and bounced back big time looking incredible to get a fifth place finish. It will be interesting to see if she puts in an Arnold invite and attempts to regain the Figure International title next year from Gina. Rounding out the top six is Sonia Adcock. She has proven time and time again that she has a certain "it" factor that makes her a top figure competitor. Her new bangs and overall new look will definitely put her in the running with Jenn and Gina in the months and years to come.

Here were the predictions I made prior to the show:

1. Jennifer Gates
2. Gina Aliotti
3. Jenny Lynn
4. Felicia Romero
5. Mary Lado
6. Sonia Adcock

And the actual top six:

1. Jennifer Gates (take that, experts!!)
2. Gina Aliotti
3. Zivile Raudoniene
4. Jenny Lynn
5. Mary Lado
6. Sonia Adcock

Sometime this week, I'll give my thoughts on the entire Olympia. Congrats to each competitor who was a part of one unforgettable weekend!

Iris Kyle retains her Ms. Olympia title!

If there's one thing that women's bodybuilding fans should know by now...never bet against Iris at the Olympia. I'll admit; going into this contest, I'd thought she was gonna lose her title, especially after this year's Arnold disaster. But like I said in the Ms. Olympia predictions, a good champion knows how to bounce back from defeat and adversity, and Iris did just that, as she captured her fourth Olympia title and keeping her dominace in the women's bodybuilding division in tact. Betty Adkins qualifed just two weeks ago, yet she found the combination to get the runner-up spot and has put the FBB division on notice. Current Ms. International Champion Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia placed third and Lisa Aukland placed fourth. Dayana Cadeau found herself in the same spot as current Fitness International Champion Kim Scheideler. After placing in the runner-up position for so long, she found herself BACK some spots, as she ended up with a fifth place finish. Rounding up the top six was Cathy LeFrancois, who had some cool pre-show shots on Siouxcountry's board. Shocker of the night for FBB was that Heather Armbrust, who many viewed to win this year's title before the Olympia began, didn't make top callouts nor the top six. We'll have to wait and see the results to see where she placed.

Here were my predictions for the show:

1. Heather Armbrust
2. Dayana Cadeau
3. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia
4. Iris Kyle
5. Betty Pariso
6. Lisa Aukland

Here's the actual top six:

1. Iris Kyle
2. Betty Adkins
3. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia
4. Lisa Aukland
5. Dayana Cadeau
6. Cathy LeFrancois

Congrats to the female bodybuilding competitors this year!

Jenny Hendershott Wins the 2008 Fitness Olympia!

In stunning fashion, Jenny Hendershott won her second Fitness Olympia title with her hard physique and amazing routine (for those who were able to see it live and those who were LUCKY to catch the show through the Bodybuilding.com webcast...which I'll discuss AFTER the Olympia). Tracey Greenwood is inching closer and closer to that brass ring, as she took the runner-up spot with one rock hard body and incredbile routine. Kim Scheideler brought one rocking body as always, but moved a step BACK from her ultimate dream instead of forward, as she placed third. Julie Palmer was fourth with her powerful physique and routine. Tanji Johnson placed fifth, and was in great form despite this contest being her only contest this year. And Regiane DaSilva definitely earned the title of "Most Improved Fitness Competitor" as she placed sixth, a far cry from her 13th place finish last year.

Side note: My thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery go out to Julie Lohre. During the prejudging, she tore her ACL, which prevented her to compete for the finals. Hope you get better soon, girl!

Here were my earlier predictions:

1. Kim Scheideler
2. Jenny Hendershott
3. Tracey Greenwood
4. Julie Lohre
5. Julie Palmer
6. Erin Riley

And the actual top six:

1. Jenny Hendershott
2. Tracey Greenwood
3. Kim Scheidler
4. Julie Palmer
5. Tanji Johnson
6. Regiane DaSilva

Congrats to all the fitness competitors!!!

My 10 Ten list for the Olympia...PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!!!

I wasn't gonna do this. I was gonna attempt to see what faith has in store for the ladies at the Olympia. But instead, I'm gonna throw myself in the frying pane and list my top ten for the Ms., Fitness, and Figure Olympia. Keep in mind...this is based on what I've seen so far this year...so DON'T THREATEN ME WITH CHUCK NORRRIS BEATING INVITATIONALS, OKAY?!?!?!

Whew...okay...back to reality, C-Ray. Posture...posture....okay, I'm ready. Here's the list:

Ms. Olympia:

1. Heather Armbrust
2. Dayana Cadeau
3. Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia
4. Iris Kyle
5. Betty Pariso
6. Lisa Aukland
7. Nicole Ball
8. Cathy LeFrancois
9. Debbie Bramwell
10. Brenda Raganot

Fitness Olympia:

1. Kim Scheideler
2. Jenny Hendershott
3. Tracey Greenwood
4. Julie Lohre
5. Julie Palmer
6. Erin Riley
7. Tanji Johnson
8. Heidi Fletcher
9. Trish Warren
10. Regaine De Silva

Figure Olympia:

1. Jennifer Gates
2. Gina Aliotti
3. Jenny Lynn
4. Felicia Romero
5. Mary Lado
6. Sonia Adcock
7. Amy Fry
8. Jessica Paxson-Putnam
9. Julie Ann Kulla
10. Jana Awad

There's my list. Again...please don't kill me...not until after the Olympia. Thank you.

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.