2008 Figure Olympia Predictions

The Figure Olympia will be entering its sixth year, and there have only been two champions thus far. Davana Medina reigned as champion for the first three years. Davana was going for a fourth title in 2006, but illness forced her to drop out, meaning a new champion would be crowned that weekend. That champ would be Jenny Lynn, who successfully defended her title last year. But that was last year, this is now, and the competition is tougher than anytime in the short history of figure. In this preview, I’ll choose five competitors that could best challenge Jenny (based on past performances from last year’s O ‘til now), highlight the champ, and choose a wildcard competitor (one that could shock some people).

Gina Aliotti




This woman is on everyone’s top three for the Figure Olympia, and this should be of no surprise considering what she has accomplished without reaching the age of 25 yet. She currently reigns as the 2008 Figure International Champion. I know there will never be another Monica Brant, but if I could choose someone who could be the next IFBB icon, it would be Gina. If she keeps this up, she will rank in win after win, photoshoot after photoshoot, recognition after recognition and become arguably THE female face of the entire IFBB, all before the age of 30. I’m not gonna lie, I thought Gina had the Figure O title won last year. Gina is what figure is all about, simple as that. The woman’s got perfect genetics for this sport. She can come hard or soft and still clean house. The way she carries herself on stage, you wouldn’t think that she’s in her early 20s. For the ones that aren’t Gina fans out there (and I’m really baffled at why there would be any body that wouldn’t be a fan of Gina, or at least respect her, assuming there are any out there), you wonder why Gina is held in high regards. She has “it”. I can’t make it any clearer. From this point in her career, the only way to go from here is up.

http://www.ginaaliotti.net/

Jenn Gates


As much as I love Gina and no disrespect to any other competitor out there competing at the O this year, Jenn is my personal favorite to win the Figure Olympia. She’s another person that I think is on all or most people’s top three list. And after the way she entered the IFBB, who wouldn’t be impressed by this figure enigma? Her rookie year is the stuff of legend. Her passion, determination, and drive are practically unrivaled in the sport, and besides the champ Jenny, Jenn could be the only other woman to match or even surpass Gina bodypart for bodypart, quarter turn for quarter turn. When her and Gina captured the top two spots at the Arnold, everyone thought that it was spot on. Now in only her second Olympia, Jenn will look to do what no mother has done before: win an Olympia title. How big would this win be? Let’s take Tanya Merryman for example. Before the Olympia, she was in the Fitness America Pageant. When she won the title, she not only became the first MOTHER to win a major fitness title, but she became THE face of the promotion for a long time, and still considered the greatest Fitness American champion, ever. Imagine Jenn pulling off such a feat, only on a much bigger stage. “Momma Olympia” may be born in Vegas in September.

http://www.jenngates.com/

Felicia Romero


Ever since the new figure guidelines have been put to place, one person has been considered the “poster girl” for these new guidelines. And that person is the beautiful Felicia Romero. And why not? She’s only won both contests that she entered in since the guidelines were created and enforced (California Pro and Houston Pro). Being on the cover of Flex Swimsuit 2008 Magazine has further Also she’s been a great spokesperson for the division, by defending the new rules and guidelines in message boards. But like most things “Actions speak louder than words” or in this case…her physique does most of the talking for her. And it has spoken for her quite well over the summer. Last year, she faced Jenny, Gina, and Jenn at the Olympia and fared worse that she had hoped. Something tells me that things are gonna be a tad bit different this time around. Who knows? With those three getting the most attention, Felicia could sneak right past them and score a huge upset. They say that the quiet ones are the ones that you need to watch out for.

http://www.feliciaromero.com/


Amy Fry


Her height ALONE will make her a serious threat to the title. At five foot nine, she will be the tallest competitor in the Figure Olympia, and quite possibly the tallest of ALL the female Olympia competitors period. She won the Pittsburgh Pro this year, the first figure contest under the new guidelines. She also placed third at her first Arnold Classic, only being Gina and Jenn. I don’t know too much about her, but from what I have seen from her, I think she could be a big threat to the Figure Olympia title much sooner rather than later.

http://www.amyfryfigurechic.com/


Mary Lado

In 2006, she became a figure icon when she won the Figure International title, when Jenny had to back out due to sickness. She retain her title in 2007, but placed almost out of the top ten at the Olympia. SAY WHAT?!?! Kinda took me by surprise myself. But from what was said, she didn’t bring her “A” game to the stage because of personal good things, not personally bad things. With her not deciding to defend her Figure International title this year, would the two-time Figure International champion be out of the Olympia. The answer would turn out to be no, and it came in the form of the 2008 Jacksonville Pro. She brought back the old Mary Lado. The one that won her two Figure International titles. The one that placed her in the top six in 2005 and 2006. The one that made her a champion in the first place. If she brings that Mary Lado to the Olympia next month, she could pull a 2008 USA Olympics Men’s Basketball team and become the Redeem Queen of figure.

http://www.marylado.com/






DEFENDING CHAMPION - Jenny Lynn


This woman is not the face of IFBB figure for nothing. Other than Davana Medina, Jenny Lynn is the first person that pops in your mind when one discusses IFBB figure. So far, she is the only woman to ever win both the Figure International and Figure Olympia titles, and is only a handful of people to win at both the Arnold Classic and the Olympia. Her physique has always been long and slender, with a great balance of muscularity. While she had the Arnold Classic down pat (she was champion for three consecutive years), it was the Olympia that gave her trouble for the longest. She placed third at the first Olympia (the lowest she’s ever placed for a figure contest, for your information) and for two years, she placed runner-up. In 2006, she came looking like a toned Hollywood starlet and finally won the big one. In 2007, she successfully defended her title. However, as good as Jenny is, I don’t see how she’s gonna win this one, despite having the entire year to prepare for this contest. I know she would want to tie Davana’s record of three Figure Olympia titles, but I think that there are others that would want the title more than Jenny wants to retain the title. I could be wrong, though. Jenny could come into the O and blow the competition out of the water and keep the rising youngsters from claiming something each and every figure competitor strives to achieve: Olympia immortality. Jenny better leave it all on the stage to leave Vegas the way she came in. Something tells me that she’s gonna show the world why she’s is figure personified.

http://www.jennylynnfitness.com/


WILDCARD - Sonia Adcock


With the high talent that is a part of this year’s Olympia, it was kinda hard to pick a wildcard for figure. After thinking it over for a few minutes, I decided to choose someone who I’ve somewhat criticized quite a bit last year: Sonia Adcock. I think the reason why I gave her some grief is because I’m not used to seeing “thin-like” calves. I guess it’s a pet peeve of mine, I don’t know. But I can say this about her, her upper body is very impressive. Not to mention she has an exotic look about her, which doesn’t hurt her at all. She has placed in the top six in every pro contest she’s entered, but in order for her to keep that streak going, she’s gonna need to bring her “A+” game to the city that never sleeps. There are times that she’s proven me wrong on more than one occasion; I don’t see this year being any different for her.

http://www.soniaadcock.net/

Ms. Olympia predictions to come shortly…

2008 Fitness Olympia Predictions

Well…it’s time for the biggest show of the year…the Olympia! Man, time goes by so fast. I don’t know the outcome of the Wrestlemania, Super Bowl, World Cup, Stanley Cup...you know what I mean; the biggest show for fans and competitors of muscle, but I do know this: the landscape could change completely in one weekend. I’ll start with the fitness side of the Olympia.

Due to Adela’s surgery with her knee earlier this summer, unfortunately she will not be able to defend her title this year, meaning a new champion will be crowned in Vegas. Based on their placings and performances this year, here are the ladies that I think will be in the top six for fitness (Side note: best of luck in your recovery, chica! You’re in the prayers of many!) :

Kim Scheideler

She’s on everyone’s top six list, and after proving the critics wrong and successfully defending her Fitness International title in March, who wouldn’t have her as a frontrunner for the biggest prize in fitness? Her routines are always top-notch, and her physique by many has been called the best in fitness today. For the last three years, she has placed second at the Fitness Olympia. If she plays her cards right and brings the physique and routines many fitness fans have come to know and love, she could very well be on her way to her very first Olympia title.



http://www.kimklein.com/



Jenny Hendershott

Much like Adela and Kim, Jenny is fitness personified. She has probably the most entertaining routines of any fitness competitor out there. Her physique has also been on key with her routines. She has tasted Olympia glory before as she won the contest back in 2005. Of course, she would love to be Fitness Olympia champion once again. It’s gonna be hard to stop Jenny when she gets going.



http://www.jennyh.com/



Julie Lohre

First Palmer, then Shipley-Childs, now Lohre. It’s seems like being a Julie in fitness does wonders to a career. All three of these ladies have placed in the top five at either the Arnold or Olympia at some point in their career, and all three of them hold some pro fitness championship. Julie has some creative routines as well as some crazy abs that are part of her overall physique. She made an impressive Olympia debut last year, and the way things are going for her, things are only gonna get better for this competitor.


http://www.julielohre.com/


Julie Palmer

She’s got a rock-hard physique and great stage presence with her routines, which were a key factor in placing third at the Fitness International last year, her highest placing to date at either the Arnold or Olympia. With Adela out, this could be the perfect opportunity for Palmer to step up to the plate and show the world that she’s belongs in the elite with Adela, Kim, and Jenny.



http://www.juliepalmer.com/

Tracey Greenwood

What can I say? This woman’s beyond incredible in more ways then one. Her routines are phenomenal. And her muscles…ohh…I’m gonna ask this in the most nicest of ways: Was she a bodybuilder in her past life? I mean, her muscularity and vascularity rival lightweight bodybuilders with ease. This year, she’s been on a roll winning the Houston Pro and the Europa shows, as well as placing in the top five at the Arnold. While all the focus will be on Jenny and Kim, don’t be surprised if Tracey finds the right combination of muscle and athleticism to shock the world and immortalizes her legacy forever on the grandest stage of them all.



http://www.traceygreenwood.com/

Erin Riley

Ladies and Gentlemen: I give you the winner for Breakout Fitness Star of 2008…if this was up to me. Her routines have blown people away as of late. And as far as her physique is concerned, she could give Kim and Tracey a run for their money. Joe from HD Physiques said that Erin has the hottest, most perfect, fitness physique he’s ever seen. And with so many great bodies in fitness, that’s quite the complement! Needless to say that Erin’s got a lot to gain at the Olympia. Look for her to establish herself as a major fitness player at this year’s extravaganza; mark my words.

http://www.erinrileyfitness.com/index.htm



WILDCARD: Heidi Fletcher

I’m choosing Heidi as my wildcard mainly because she has come out of her own as a fitness competitor. Her routines have always been crowd-pleasers. What has kept her from being in the ranks with Kim, Jenny, and Adela in the eyes of the judges and experts has been her physique. In 2007, she took her body to a whole different level. In many people’s eyes, if there was an award for Most Improved Pro Fitness Physique, she would have won it hands down. Apparently she has used 2008 to perfect her physique to go along with her entertaining routines, as she won her very first pro contest this year (2008 New York Pro). I see Heidi turning heads once again, and hopefully see her move up in the rankings at this year’s Olympia.

http://www.heidifletcher.com/

Next up: My predictions for the Figure Olympia

Custom Muscle Press Release

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FitGems...now more than just a blog

Well...I've been working on my blog, and once again, I thank everyone who has taken the time to read my thoughts on the industry and the ones that have made it possible. But now, I want to talk briefly about something I've start a few days ago. I've started a social network site on Wetpaint, to go along with this blog. I think this could be the beginning of something cool, as I've never taken on something this big before. I'm inviting everyone to this site: fellow competitors, models, photographers, fans, supporters, etc.

Here's the site:
http://fitgemssite.wetpaint.com/

If you would like to be a moderator, shoot me an email. Thanks!

P.S. I've also been on a personal quest to be healther. I've went from being 250 pounds at the beginning of the summer down to 236 pounds today. To say that I'm beyond stoked would be an understatement. Peace out!

My ideal Arnold Classic Physique competitor list (pro list)

Well, I’ve told you about my physique division proposal. Now let’s just say I was in the Arnold Classic committee, and I was in charge of picking 25 pro competitors for the inaugural physique competition. Who would I pick? Based on my blog post about my physique division thoughts, here are the 25 pros I would choose for the Arnold Classic Physique competition. Feel free to add others below on the comments.

Each of the pictures uses for this blog belong to their respective sites. Click pics to enlarge.

Davana Medina

Valerie Waugaman


Adela Garcia

Kim Klein

Juliana Malacarne


Beni Lopez


Heidi Fletcher

Karen Zaremba

Debbie Leung

Christine Pomponio-Pate

Stacy Simons


Mindi O’Brien

Shannon Meteraud


Macey Boudreau


Monica Brant-Peckham


Tracey Greenwood


Tara Scotti


Vicki Nixon


Dayana Caedeu


Amy Peters

Rosa-Marie Romero


Julie Shipley-Childs


Julie Palmer


Denise Masino

Claire Parmley

Well...there ya go. My "dream list" of competitors for the first pro physique competition. Trust me, this was not easy for me to nail the list down to 25. The amateur list won't be a cakewalk either, but I'll give it my best. Agree or disagree with the list? Leave a comment below, then. For those that were waiting for the pro list (all two of you, LOL), thanks for being patient.

Personal note: If anything was to actually come out of this, I would literally freak out.

IFBB/NPC physique division-my thoughts and proposal

There’s been some interesting talk going on for the last couple of years or so (and has been BUILDING ever since the figure mandate has been established…and actually been put to use) about the possibilities of a physique division? Wait a minute…yet another division for women?! Yes, and to me, this could be the most popular division of them all, if this was to actually come to light. Why? So many unique possibilities could come out of this division.

For one, it would give fitness/figure competitors (especially figure competitors) who are deemed too big for their division to showcase their hard-earned physiques without necessarily going the bodybuilding route, as well as bodybuilders who are deemed too small to compete in bodybuilding to compete in a division where they would be widely accepted without having to go to extreme measures to get the to the top tier of women’s bodybuilding.

Another thing, this could bring back some competitors out of retirement as this division would fit who they are. I mean, I know she has a family now, but someone like Davana Medina (who is surprisingly private regardless to her major success in the female muscle industry) would be a great fit for the physique division. She came in practically shredded in every Olympia she competed in, and guess what? Her look won her the first three Figure Olympia titles (and possibly a fourth one had she not gotten sick in 2006). And don’t even get me started on The Regal One! Valerie Waugaman (Siren on NBC’s American Gladiators) would be one of the main poster girls for this division. I mean, it’s been a year now, but I still can’t get over her look at the 2007 Arnold Classic. Everyone thought that she should have won the competition that year (including yours truly). However, when has the decision of the judges ever agreed with the decision of the fans?

…

Can’t think of any? None?!?!

…

Didn’t think so.

Anyways, this is truly something that I would love to see come to the ranks of the IFBB and NPC. Apparently, so do many of you, as last month’s poll showed a near-unanimous agreement to a possible physique/classic bodybuilding division. Although it seems like this is something many people want, like most things, everyone sees their own version/proposal of this division. Dave Palumbo has his vision of the current division, currently on the Muscular Development forum (http://forums.musculardevelopment.com/showthread.php?t=31531). IFBB Pro Lisa Aukland posted a proposal on the FeMuscle board from fellow bodybuilder Betty Pariso(http://femuscle.org/board/showthread.php?t=660). Both of these stars have one major thing I don’t possess, and that’s experience. They’ve seen what works in this industry and what doesn’t work. I have no problem with either of their proposals, as I think both of them would work. My version of a IFBB/NPC physique division would be somewhat of a combination of basic principles of women’s bodybuilding, fitness, and figure. Presentation (hair, makeup, style of suits) would be key as well as physique. BTW, the physique would be more judged on conditioning and flowing of muscle groups. Size would be fine as long as there was some form of balance. Also, since this would be physique, only two-pieces would be used. No thongs or over-the-top bikinis either. The physique should be the top priority.

Here’s my proposal:

There would be four rounds to judge (two preliminary rounds and two final rounds). The first preliminary round would be have each competitor do an introductory quarter-turn pose with heels, exactly like it’s done in fitness and figure. Make sure the muscles are as tense as you can get them. Hey, this IS a PHYSIQUE proposal, after all, right?!? Being hard would be preferred, but those who are soft can excel in this division without any problems. Anyways, after each competitor does their quarter turns by themselves, then they will go three, five or six at a time (depending on the number of competitors) at a time and do it side by side, for comparison reasons. After that is done, the competitors will do another three/five/six person comparison. But this time, posing will be involved.

Each of the competitors will do the following when called to do so (in this order):

• open-palmed bicep pose (one arm or both arms)
• tricep push (similar to NABBA)
• side chest (either FBB, NABBA, or whatever style you want to)
• back/lat pose (however you show off your back is up to you)
• back open-palmed double biceps pose
• legs/abs pose
• open-palmed double bicep pose
• Curtsey, then go back to your original spot.

No most musculars or closed fists poses.

Once that is finished, the judges will tally up the scores. The top ten or twelve scores will go on the finals, where it gets really interesting really quick. The finals would be a combination of fitness and women’s bodybuilding principles. Each competitor would perform a two-minute routine which displays their muscles to the best of their abilities. Heels are optional for the finals. If you happen to be skilled in muscle control (pec bouncing, bicep bouncing, quad shaking, etc.), this would be a good time to bring it out. It’s not required whatsoever, as not all competitors are skilled in this kind of flexing. You MUST incorporate all the preliminary poses in your routine. You miss one, you will be deducted points. For the final (and possibly most crucial) round, all the finalists will go all out at the same time in a one-minute, 30-second (yes, only 90 seconds) posedown to impress the judges (and really get the crowd riled up). All the rules are thrown out the window, just as long as you don’t hurt yourself or others in the process. The scoring would be like the other divisions with the winner being the person with the lowest score, ranging from a low as 5 points for each round to 50 points each round. The winner should have great muscle definition, femininity, and poise. Before a division such as this would exist, there should be some posing seminars that every competitor (pro and amateur) would need to attend to in order to learn how to pose correctly. As a matter of fact, that should be a pre-requisite to compete as a physique competitor. You don’t attend at least ONE seminar, you can’t compete in a physique contest, simply for the fact that you will be lost and will have no clue what the hell you’re doing.

Well, there you have it. If I was a member of the IFBB, this would be the proposal I would bring up at an official meeting. My proposal is simpler that it looks on paper. I wish there was video out there that would show exactly what I’m talking about. The best thing I can think of if you want a visual aid would be to look at some NABBA figure competitions. My proposal would not be the same as those competitions, but it would be somewhat similar.

Do you like my proposal? Do you hate it? Could this actually work? Leave a comment below; I would love to hear what you’ve got to say about this subject.

Side note: Can you believe that the Olympia is only a few weeks away? Man, time passes by so quickly!

Also, my best-wishes go out to Adela Garcia, who suffered a knee injury and will need surgery, thus making her unable to defend her Fitness Olympia title this year. Get better soon, chica. You’ll be better then ever the next time you compete!

Sharing a TenSpot with...Rosa-Marie Romero

G'day, mate!



This Sharing a TenSpot has got some international flavor as I interviewed Austraila's top IFBB figure competitor Rosa-Marie Romero. In a couple of contest last year, she put her own twists on the figure quarter-turns by adding some (I'm assuming) NABBA posing to them. 2007 seemed to be her year to compete as often as needed to get her name across, and I think she more then accomplished that. Now she is looking to do more than get her name across; she wants to establish herself as a force in the IFBB Figure division. And to be quite honest with you, I don't see anyone or anything that can stop her from become arguably the biggest Austrailan muscle star since the immortal AR-NOLD.

(From Muscular Developement)

FitGems: State your name and profession (fitness/figure/female bodybuilding/other).
Rosa-Marie Romero: Rosa-Maria Romero, IFBB Pro Figure & NPFC/IFBB Judge

FitGems: How many years have you competed?
Rosa: I lifted my first set of weights in April 2003 after the birth of my two boys Dylan & Jaime. I competed that same year for the first time in the WNSO/ANB Nationals and took out the Australian overall Title! I have not looked back since.

FitGems: What are your best lifts in the gym (that you are most proud of)?
Rosa: I don’t measure – sorry

FitGems: You have competed in both The U.S. and Australia. What differences (positive and/or negative) are noticeable in IFBB Australian figure and IFBB American figure?
Rosa: Competition in Australia is quite different to the States. The girls are a lot harder and muscular down under. I guess this look is preferred, but I love competing in the US. I have competed in 6 shows so far since turning Pro and let me assure you my best is yet to come! 2008 will be my year that is for sure. Right now I am looking my best ever and I am 6 weeks out of the New York Pro Figure. I can’t wait to get back on stage and show the judges exactly what this little ‘Aussie Gal’ has got!

FitGems: What (if anything) would you change about your profession?
Rosa: Nothing. I love what I do and I honestly cannot see myself ever letting go.

FitGems: Although it isn’t much, do you like the positive mainstream exposure of female muscle so far?
Rosa: Absolutely. Muscles are sexy. The more female exposure we get the better. I am extremely proud of my latest cover “Aussie Hardcore Muscle”. I am shown holding a barbell and my abs are quite intense in the shot. I think it’s healthy for women to train with weights and be proud of their body whatever their shape and size.

FitGems: Who do you look up to the most for your inspiration?
Rosa: I look up to my mum who has inspired and supported me since day one. Everything I know I learnt from her and I could never thank her enough – Thanks mum…..x

FitGems: You have never competed in either the Arnold or Olympia. Do you see yourself in one of both of those competitions in the near future?
Rosa: 100% yes. I will be competing in both those shows in the next year. Just wait and see!

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?
Rosa: I have never thought about this but it would great to see Cameron Diaz strutting her stuff on the Figure stage. Not only does she have the body but the personality to light up any stage.

FitGems: What are your future plans in the female muscle industry?
Rosa: 1. To qualify for the 2008 or 2009 Olympia
2. To compete at the 2009 Figure International
3. To continue inspiring others to lead a healthy lifestyle
4. Promote the sport world wide

Fans can reach Rosa at rose@fitrose.com or visit her website, www.fitrose.com.

Due to her being from Austraila, I have to end this blog entry this way: Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, OY OY OI! :)

My thoughts on the state of women's bodybuilding

Well…I’ve talked about my personal state on fitness and figure. Now it’s time for me to talk about the oldest and arguably the most prestige of the female muscle divisions: Women’s bodybuilding. I discovered this after I found out about women’s fitness. This category is basically a toss-up; either you love it or you don’t, plain and simple. I personally LOVE it. The dedication of these women to take their bodies and put it to unbelievable limits is unlike anything else in the world. You must be dedicated and motivated and be prepared to make sacrifices in order to achieve your ultimate goal. The sacrifices that are made differ for each female, but the ending result remains the same: to achieve the best possible physique you can, and by best I mean the body YOU want.

The first female bodybuilder I looked at and instantly loved was Cory Everson, which turned out to be one of the pioneers of the sport and someone that I believe 95% of all female competitors today (regardless of category) respect. Her and the first Olympia champion Rachel McLish put the sport on the map. Both are in their late 40s-early 50s now, and they continue to practice what they preach and look absolutely fantastic. For anyone that wants to look amazing long after their competition days are over, take their advice seriously. They know the sport like the back of their hand. I mean, they aren’t hall-of-famers for nothing, ya know.

Back in their prime, their bodies would be what most bodies of fitness/figure athletes are considered now. Boy, have times changed. As the sport got bigger, so did the bodies. What decreased though was the attendance of the Ms. Olympia competition. At one point, the physiques got so big, according to IFBB standards, that they was thinking about getting rid of the Ms. Olympia contest altogether. Ouch! But that didn’t happen; instead, it got moved to the Expo part of the show back in 2002-2003 (someone correct me on this, please), which is obviously a far cry from the main stage. But hey, having the show at a expo hall is better then not having the show at all, or at least that’s how I see it.

After the 2004 Olympia, a new rule was put into play: The 20% rule. This meant that the women had to decrease their muscularity by 20 percent. (This rule applied for female bodybuilding, fitness, and figure). This was supposedly created for safety reasons for the women. But…if that were the case, wouldn’t the men be applied this same rule as well? I know men and women are made differently, but still. Basically, most fans of the female muscle athletes saw this as IFBB’s way of saying to the fans, “We know you better than you know yourselves”. I’m just calling it like I see it; my words are not law, remember?!?

Anywho, according to what I’ve seen on the boards and judging from the competitions in the past, the support amongst the competitors of this sport has never been stronger. Every way they can, you see the competitors and fans finding simple ways to keep the sport alive. There are shirts made that say “Support Women’s Bodybuilding”. Some competitors have found ways to get on mainstream television to promote the sport, more mainstream than ever before. Colette Nelson, for example, has become quite the mainstream “leader”, sorta speak. She, along with Vicki Nixon, Sheri Owens, and Nicole Bass were part of the Montell Williams show on July 4. Colette also teamed with Jamie Reed, Lena Squarciafico, & Antonia Schmitt for “Flex and the City”, a parody of the widely popular series and movie “Sex and the City”. And most recently, Collette was part a very popular campaign video supporting Republican presidential nominee John McClain as she portrayed Incredbile McCain Girl, which also promoted the very successful summer movie “The Incredible Hulk”, which has close to 2 million hits so far on Youtube. Speaking of Youtube, this has seemed to become a female bodybuilder’s best friend. Female bodybuilding clips are among the most popular clips on the Internet video website. I’m not kidding; I can’t go to the top favorites section without seeing at least one FBB clip in the top 100. Yep, it looks to me like as long as there’s support from the true fans and women who are willing to go the distance, I don’t see women’s bodybuilding going away anytime soon.

I’ll end this blog with a great quote I saw on Siouxcountry’s board (a board that I’m begging you to join!). This is on side of his board, but I’d thought I’d share this with you as I thought this sums up my entire blog about this division (I’m just posting this, I take no credit for coming up with this at all):

Bodybuilding is an art

Of the body

Designed by

Yourself in time and it is

Beautiful because you are

Using your body as a sculpture

In a pure state of

Living for a

Dream from within and

Inside your heart and soul it is

Never to be compromised, because there is no

Greater feeling then that moment

Well, I’ve covered my state on all the current female muscle divisions (fitness, figure, and women’s bodybuilding). Coming soon: my proposal for a possible physique/classic bodybuilding division, and the women who I think would be perfect for it(some of the names might surprise you). One last thing: Thank you to everyone who has supported this blog. This means more to me than you know.

By the way, good luck to everyone competing at the NPC USAs this weekend!

Sharing a TenSpot with...Jennifer Gates

Ok...gotta be honest; if I had to root for just ONE figure competitor to win this year's Olympia out of everyone that's qualified so far...it would be none other than Jenn Gates. Why? She has this "it" factor that can't be explained. She's a hardworking mother and nurse who has big plans for the figure division. So far in the span of less than two years as a pro, she has placed third in her first contest, won a contest a month after that, placed fourth at the Olympia, and getting runner-up honors at the Figure International. Some even had her WINNING the Figure International and becoming Olympia champion in her first YEAR!!! How crazy is that?!?! Not that much if you how dedicated of a woman she it. As we speak, she's preparing for the Olympia in hopes of becoming the first mother to win the Olympia. This of course will be no easy feat, as the level of competition gets harder and harder each year. But if anyone can bring it home for the "shorties" and mommies everywhere, it's the Jenn-ster!

Here's a pic...

(photo from FTVideo)

Now on to the questions:

FitGems:State your name and profession (fitness/figure/female bodybuilding/other).
Jenn Gates: Jenn Gates, IFBB Pro, Figure

FitGems:How many years have you competed?
Jenn: 5 years in figure

FitGems:What is/was one heavy lift that you did or have done in the past that you are most proud of?
Jenn: Squat 120 lbs….back in the day. No need for big lifts anymore….most proud of my 3 a week 5 mile runs for the Arnold this year!!! Conditioning baby!!

FitGems:What made you choose your profession in the first place?
Jenn: I started in bodybuilding in 2001, won my first show….The overall for the Indiana. had no plans to do anything else with it….until I saw figure in 2002 and fell in love with the look!!!

FitGems: What (if anything) would you change about your profession?
Jenn: I would like to see figure athletes used in more mainstreamed areas…ie Television, Magazines (besides fitness type magazines)

FitGems: If you weren’t in figure, what would be the most likely thing you’d be doing right now that is NOT fitness or women’s bodybuilding?
Jenn: I’d probably be learning how to fight…kickboxing, sparring, boxing….or president of the PTA for my kid’s school.

FitGems: Who or whom do you look up to the most for your inspiration?
Jenn: First, my husband Derek and two kiddos Peyton and Adelyn, and my dad Dave…they all make me want to do better!!! Also, all of my fellow competitors. We all work hard…it takes so much discipline and determination.

FitGems: Career-wise, you are much like WWE superstar John Cena. By that, I mean that you’ve become such an elite star in what would take most people years to get to. Can you explain the success?
Jenn: I spent years as an amateur finding what works for me….I finally found it turned Pro and have been rewarded for it. I have worked just as hard as any figure competitor though. Now I am just tweeking it and perfecting it!!

FitGems: You look like someone who would a great fit in Hollywood. What would be your dream role if giving the opportunity one day?
Jenn: Any role that would costar with Matthew McConaughey or Brad Pitt…shh…or a role of a vampire heroine with my favorite Kate Bekinsale from Underworld!!

FitGems: What are your future plans in the female muscle industry?
Jenn: I have many dreams and goals. I want to motivate as many women as possible…especially mothers. Dreams do come true….you have to live them!! I hope to break more history in the IFBB and be the first MOM to win a big title….Olympia or Arnold!!!

Being the sweetheart she is, she told me thanks. I say, you're welcome. Give them hell at the Olympia, Jenn!!

For more of her, check out the following links:

Her website: http://www.jenngates.com/

Her MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/jenngatesfigure

Her Yahoo! fan club (created by me): http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/jen_gates/

"A Fitting Review"-Siouxcountry.com

Here's a new segment called "A Fitting Review" I know, how original, dumba$$. Anyways, what I do is review female muscle message boards, female competitor/model sites, DVD, etc. and so on that I like (or dislike) for one reason or another. Not that these are just OPINIONS. Whatever I say on here is not to be carved in stone, as I am a fan first, expert never. With that being said let's get started.


As most of you might know I’m a member of WAY too many message boards, and do my absolute best to be a positive supporter for the female muscle community. But if there was one board I could recommend to any pro competitor, amateur competitor, fan or someone who wants to learn and understand about the world of female muscle without being chastised for their believes, then I’d check out and join Siouxcountry’s board. Personally, I don’t think there’s another board out there that is as welcome or as positive as Sioux’s board. In less than six months, he has brought in more people in that length amount of time than others who’ve been in the game for years. As of this writing, he has over 1,800 members on his board (and still growing). That include pros and amateurs from many federations, judges, fans, promoters, and eight of the most beautiful (inside and out) moderators anyone can ask for? I know deep within my heart that all eight of them represent the pro elite of this business.

So what’s his secret? He’s honest. He loves the sport and the competitors and fans who contribute to the sport, as do I.

Ya know what…I could tell you how awesome this board is, but that wouldn’t do it justice. How about you check it out yourselves? Click on the banner below to visit the board. After checking it out, join it! Trust me...you won't be disappointed.





More "Fitting Reviews" to come!

Also thanks to all of you that voted on the thoughts of Trish and Gina facing off at Wrestlemaina 25. If if were up to most of you, that match will take place at the Showcase of the Immortals next year. This month's question is "Should there be a physique/classic female bodybuilding division in the IFBB/NPC?" I'll give my thoughts on this highly debated topic in the days to come.