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.

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!!

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...

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.

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!! :)

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.

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! :)

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! :)

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