My Rant

For quite some time I have wanted to address some things. With nothing to do tonight, it seems the perfect time.

* First I want to address people who guy on my fan page or others and make negative comments towards the girls. This does not happen only on my page, it happens on lots of pages and profiles. Why do people feel this is acceptable? Listen, not everyone likes muscular women. Not everyone finds them attractive. Everyone has a preference. Some like blondes, some like brunette's, so are leg men, some are chest men, but believe it or not, some men like muscular women. You are within your rights to not find muscle attractive on a woman, but just because you don't that doesn't mean you speak for everyone. If you do not have something positive to say, don't say anything at all. How hard is that?

* Next is the "she looks like a man" comments. When did muscle become gender specific? Why can't a woman be muscular if she wants? If you are a man and skinny does that mean you look like a woman? Me personally I think some of the most beautiful women I have ever met happen to be bodybuilders. There are a couple body parts that differentiate a man from a woman, we all know what they are, and the size of ones biceps are not one of those body parts.

* One thing I have seen a few times that upsets me is when a bodybuilder says a bikini competitor doesn't train as hard because she isn't squatting huge weight or something along those lines. That's crap. If you are stronger and more muscular, you can lift more. So while you are curling fifty pounds it doesn't mean you are working harder than the girl curling twenty pound dumbbells. Everyone works hard, we just go about it in different ways. You can't complain female bodybuilders are unfairly stereotyped and then turn around and unfairly stereotype someone like a bikini competitor.

* Making people afraid to train or start working out. One comment is "not everyone can do what we do". Bull!!!! We lift weights, do cardio and diet. ANYONE can do it. They just have to want to and be willing to put in the work. Or this one, "I leg pressed more than the guy at the gym today. Made him look bad". Ummm, no, you didn't make him look bad, you mad him look like someone who hasn't been training as long as you, that doesn't make him look bad. Or, "I hate the newbees are in the gym taking up the equipment". Is it your gym? Do you own the equipment? Were you not new once? Would you have continued training if more experienced people made you feel so unwelcome? Then these same people will make fun of someone who is out of shape. Well why the hell would hey want to go to the gym just to be made fun of and looked down on? How about giving them some encouragement, if you have a free second and they are using equipment wrong, show them how to do it correctly.

* People who call themselves role models or say people look up to them. You do not decide that, others decide that. Winning a pro card or some big show does not automatically shoot you into role model status. Hate to break it to you, but people usually look up to competitors who have a great attitude, and thinking you are better than everyone else is not a great attitude.

* Metabolic damage. A cause that is very important to me. I hear often from girls who have it and are embarrassed to tell people. Don't be embarrassed. Easier said than done, I realize this, but the more we educate people, the more we can help others avoid it. Ladies, please take care of yourself. No show or pro card is worth your health. I am no expert, but to learn more, read sites and blogs such as my trainer Danny-J of the Sweaty Betties, or Angie Gooding or Tamara Ashton.

* Lack of coverage for women in the sport. Read a bodybuilding magazine from post Olympia. There was very little about the female divisions. It was all about the men. In my mind the best physique on the Olympia stage this year belonged to Erin Stern. But all the magazines and sites are Phil Heath this and Kai Greene that. What about the amazing story of what Iris Kyle is accomplishing? Luckily we have great sites like Sioux Country and Fitgems giving women the attention and credit they deserve. So I ask you to support the women by visiting sites like those listed.

The fitness industry is an amazing industry. I get to be a little part of it and when I finally get on stage I get to be more of a part of it. I consider myself lucky. I think there are ways to make it better. Support those who support the women in the sport, don't make people scared to go to the gym, encourage them to go to the gym, be modest and appreciative, don't look down upon people who don't train how you train, these are just some of the things that can help. Does any of this stuff mean anything coming from me? I don't know, but I wanted to say it anyway. I want this sport and industry to thrive, I want female competitors to get respect for their hard work and to be seen in a positive light. When I was 300 pounds and wanted to go from overweight to a bodybuilding stage, it was women who helped. If I asked a guy for help, I got nothing, if I asked a female, I often got more help than I even asked for. I am a man and my trainer s female (Danny-J) and my posing coach is female (Michelle Brent). Women like them and so many people deserve respect, and that is my goal, and with sites like the earlier mentioned Sioux Country and Fitgems, hopefully they will get some respect.

Andrea Banford Interview

Photo Credits:
Photos 1-3: David Aboody
Photos 4-5: Twix Pix

After getting a job at a gym and learning about training and diet, Andrea Banford made her bikini debut in 2009 and did quite well. Then she took some time off. She returned in 2012 on the figure stage and has now decided bikini is her best fit and will be on that stage in 2013 with a goal of qualifying for Nationals. Andrea is the kind of person I can really root for, and so should others. She has a great attitude and the right attitude to do well.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: I started working at a gym when I was nineteen. It was an old school bodybuilders gym. I had no prior experience. My boss was an old school bodybuilder as well and started teaching me everything he knew. I started getting interested in it and researching it. After my shift I would go on-line and read how to train and eat properly. It really stuck with me since then. It has been about six years now.

Q: What led you to compete?
A: After I was lifting about nine months I met a local trainer and she prompted me that I would do good in a bikini competition. I started training for it about sixteen weeks out. It was in 2009 for a FAME show. I placed second.

Q: People who don't follow the sport may not understand bikini is fitness and not some T&A thing, did you have to explain that to people?
A: Yeah I did have to explain it to a lot of people. Especially my family, they didn't understand why I was training so hard. No one understood unless they were in the gym. They thought I was gonna prance around in a little bikini on stage. After they saw my physique develop into a healthy physique they started to understand, especially when I stepped on stage and they saw my hard work.

Q: Was that first show what you expected?
A: I wasn't sure what to expect. When I stepped on stage I was very nervous and didn't think I would be that nervous. Being on stage was very nerve racking. I learned that the girls backstage are very helpful and you meet a lot of new people and develop friendships. It is a great industry to get into and make connections with people that are like-minded.

Q: In May you came back and did the Western Canadians, why did you decide to come back?
A: After my first show I went through a little post-show blues and ended up not training for a half a year to a year. I realized it was a passion of mine and wanted to get back in the gym. About six months out from the May show I set the goal and met a new coach and we worked together on an off-season plan for me. I saw my body develop even better than it was in 2009. We decided enter that show and do figure. In my three year break I had gained a little muscle and wanted to try that category out.

Q: In any way was being on stage in figure different for you from bikini?
A: Figure was different for me. There is not as much attitude in the posing. The posing is a little bit rigid. I had to practice every day to get those poses correctly and hit them on spot on stage, as I was again nervous for that show. The big difference in the two shows is the posing.

Q: Why are you switching back to bikini?
A: I decided the way my body is and develops, it is more the bikini body. I have the smaller waist and bigger hips and have a hard time getting lean in my lower half. I definitely think my body is suited for bikini.

Q: Is there any difference in how you train now for bikini as opposed to figure?
A: Yes, instead of body part isolations, I do more circuit-style training. Not as much cardio as for figure. The training is more circuit-style, which I like and it's a great sweat.

Q: When do you plan to compete next?
A: I am going to shoot for the Western Canadians in May 2013 and hopefully qualify for the B.C.'s in June.

Q: If you were to look in a mirror, where do you need to be better by then?
A: I want to have more glute development. Definitely my shoulders and triceps are my weak point, so improve on those areas.

Q: So the plan is to be more active now with competing?
A: Definitely, I would love to qualify for the B.C.'s and with each show I do, I will get better and hopefully qualify for B.C.'s and my ultimate goal of Nationals.

Q: In the gym training, do you get the stares and attention from people?
A: I do get the stares from other girls. I do get a lot of questions, once I start leaning out, people are interested in what I am doing and training for. Once I am in my prep I start getting asked what I am doing and people are interested.

Q: Does it ever get annoying?
A: It gets annoying if I am in the middle of a set and have my headphones in. Other than that I don't mind answering questions or having a quick conversation. Usually in the gym it is my time to get in there and get my work done.

Q: If you could spend one day training with someone you have never trained with, who would it be?
A: Dana Linn Bailey. I think she would be a great training partner.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: My coach Breanne Seward and my friends and family for supporting me while I train hard and diet and am a little bit distant.

IFBB Pro Melissa Di Bernardo Interview

Photo Credits:
Photos 1-2: Dan Ray
Photos 3-5: RX Muscle


An athlete all her life, Melissa Di Bernardo took weightlifting and working out to the next level when she first stepped on stage in 2005. From then on she continued to look better and better each time she stepped on a bodybuilding stage. In 2011 she made a wise move and switched to the then new physique division and immediately won her pro card at Nationals. Since then she has done very well on the pro stage including a couple months ago an impressive fifth place finish at the Tampa Pro. On a side note, getting Melissa to do this interview for me is very special because when I myself started bodybuilding, Melissa is the first competitor I became a "fan" of.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: I have been playing sports all my life. I started with gymnastics when I was real young, toddler age. I competed from a toddler till high school. In between there I started playing soccer and in high school I was running track. My senior year I didn't run track so I started going to the gym. My boyfriend in high school was into the gym and let me tag along. Through college I was rowing crew for my college and was training through that. When I graduated I started going to a local gym and a couple people said I should compete. I wasn't ready to give up partying and eating crappy food. Finally I decided I was ready to do it. In 2005 I did my first show and the rest is history.

Q: A lot of girls I interview say that after competing it becomes an addiction for them, was that the case with you?
A: I guess you could say that.The very first show I did, I had no business being on stage, I was not ready. I was not in shape and came in fourth out of four girls. It was more saying "let me see what I can do" that first show. When i saw what I should look like, I was pissed at myself and said I was never gonna let that happen. I continued to diet and did another show four months later and won. I guess you could say it was a typical Melissa temper tantrum that got me going.

Q: You recently switched to physique, what was the reason for that?
A: There was personal reasons, physical reasons, quite a few. From the physical stand-point, I just didn't want to get any bigger than I had gotten for bodybuilding. I knew that if I wanted to turn pro I would have to take things to another level that I wasn't prepared to do and didn't want to do. They introduced physique and I couldn't turn down the opportunity to not have to qualify for a National show. I was already dieted down, so lets down-size and loose some of the muscle and try Nationals. From a personal stand-point, my decision to switch really came from a personal side. Being a female and doing bodybuilding, you get the masculine comments. Anyone in the sport is familiar with that. I also work a generally stereotypical masculine job in law enforcement. That coupled with being a bodybuilder, felt like I was losing some sense of femininity. I know people would argue and say that comes from inside, but I was tired of being just one of the guys. I felt like down-sizing would bring back a little of that feminine side of me. That was a big part of it for me.

Q: For physique have you made any drastic changes diet or training wise?
A: Well, when I down-sized, the training differences were drastic. I was doing all circuit-style training. I stopped doing heavy compound exercises. One thing I needed to bring down was my legs, getting my quads down for physique. P.J. (Braun) and I had an image in our heads of what I should look like, it was figure plus, with a little more muscle. I got that and brought that to the pro stage this year and the feedback was to bring my legs up. We went to far in the opposite direction, so my training now, especially this off-season, I have gone back to my bodybuilding style training. Heavy, lots of deadlifts, squats, everything that helped me get dense and muscular for bodybuilding. No more circuits or plyos, back to training like when I was bodybuilding.

Q: You won your pro card at 2011 Nationals, did you ever expect you would actually get it so soon after making the switch?
A: Not at all! In fact, I remember down-sizing and thinking this is the division where I belong, but it would be a long road to turn pro. I figured I would have to put my time in just like trying to turn pro as a bodybuilder or when I was doing figure. When we got backstage and were all checked in and ready for pre-judging, I saw there were almost fifty girls in my class, I turned to my friend Jennie Verde, she won our class, and said "we never stood in a class with this many girls when we did figure, how in the hell are we supposed to stand-out in a class of fifty girls for this?" I was shocked, I was concerned backstage. It was a huge surprise.

Q: When you first realized you were a pro, do you remember what went through your head?
A: It was funny. I don't remember what went through my head, but it didn't sink in. I love the sport and it is a big part of my life, but I knew nothing would change for me. I knew I was gonna get on that plane, fly back to New York and get up to go to work, where no one knows about the status of an IFBB pro. I knew not much would change in that respect. It took awhile to sink in, not till I got on stage at the New York pro for my debut, then it was "well damn, I'm a pro", it took seeing that image of IFBB professional league on the wall with me in front of it. Honestly, it didn't sink in till that first pro show.

Q: Was that first time on a pro stage any different for you?
A: I chose to make my pro debut in New York because that is where I started my NPC journey. The first NPC show was the Atlantic States and I have done that a couple times and Eastern USA's, both as a bodybuilder and figure. So to go back there and make my debut as a pro was unbelievable. I had friends around me, family, it was unbelievable. There is nothing comparable to a New York crowd, New York loves bodybuilders. It was very sentimental. I walked off stage after pre-judge and went to a corner and cried a little bit, cheesy as that sounds, I was just over-whelmed with emotion.

Q: If you had turned pro as a bodybuilder, without the weight classes you would have been one of the smaller girls, does physique help you to compete on a more even playing field.
A: Yeah, absolutely. I feel like I belong in physique. I didn't feel like I belonged in bodybuilding. I love being able to train to grow and stuff, but I knew I was always going to be out-sized on a bodybuilding stage. I worried and thought about "lets say I do turn pro, then what?" As much as I respect the top pro female bodybuilders, I love their physiques, I admire them, but it isn't what I aspire to be, as much as I respect the look, Iris Kyle is amazing, but I knew I would never get to that level. With physique I belong.

Q: Most recently was the Tampa Pro, you took fifth, how did you feel about what you brought to the stage?
A: I feel it was the best look I had all year. For New York, earlier in the year they were rewarding smaller packages, the girls were truly figure with a little more muscle, so we down-sized me even a little more. I wasn't entirely confident with how I looked then and my feedback after New York and seeing that they gave a little more muscle, I went back to the drawing-board and went back to the old bodybuilding style training that puts muscle on me. I came to Tampa with a good look, I was happy with my conditioning, I was sharp, I was on, so considering the short time, I was very happy with how P.J. and I pulled things together for Tampa. Especially because mentally at that point, I was shot, I didn't even know if I would make it to the stage, I felt like I was being dragged. So I was really happy. P.J. is a magician.

Q; Do you know when you want to be on stage next?
A: Yeah, I had thought of taking 2013 off because I was really burnt from 2011 and this season. But I have gotten my off-season together and making the progress that I want, so I really am looking at New York again, I cant pass that up and possibly Orlando if my off-season keeps going well.That is what I am looking at at this point.

Q: As compared to Tampa, is there somewhere specific you want to be better?
A: In general, I could put on a little more muscle. I think i down-sized and they were still trying to put together the look they wanted as far as how much muscle and conditioning for physique. I think that as it progressed they did want a little more muscle and I had fallen behind going with that smaller look. So I am trying to put back on some of the muscle I took off. Definitely bring my legs back up and my glutes. I didn't train legs at all for like seven weeks before New York. I was just doing interval stuff on the step-mill and it showed on stage. My quads were really small. I am under that squat-rack and my quads and glutes will be better. Also trying to widen my back, I have to bring up my back width.

Q: When you are in the gym, do you get any of the unwanted attention or stares?
A: I am pretty oblivious when I am in the gym. I feel like if I don't make eye contact they can not see me. If I do get unwanted or negative stares, I don't notice, I am doing my thing. When people do come up and talk to me, I get positive feedback. Even my off-season, which makes me happy, cause we all struggle with not being in contest shape, at least I do.

Q: If you could spend one day training with any one person that you have never trained with who would it be?
A: Dorian Yates.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: First of all, Species Nutrition and Dave Palumbo for keeping me afloat and supporting and believing in me since 2008. I owe Dave and that company quite a bit, they are very good to me. Also, Matt Johnson and House of Nutrition in Poughkeepsie, he has been a huge help and support, especially since I turned pro, and all the guys at that store, they are great. If I need an ego boost I can go in there and they cheer me up. Of course my coach, P.J. Braun, we have had a roller-coaster from bodybuilding to physique and bringing different looks. One client named him the chess master and it is accurate, he is a great coach and friend. Tammy Patnode and Tiani Norman for being great friends, it is tough to find in this sport.

Rocktagon XXII Report

Here is my play by play for Rocktagon XXII from Wednesday November 21st.

1. Amateur Light Heavyweight (3x3x3 Rounds)
John Strout (0-1) vs Jevon Walker (0-1)

RD 1: Leg kick by Walker and two more, but one lands low stopping the action. They resume and Walker lands a leg kick. Strout shoots and they clinch. Knee to the body by Walker. They separate and quickly clinch up again. Takedown by Walker into guard. Strout tries for an armbar but can't get it. Walker stands and lets him up. Takedown by Strout. Strout gets his back and gets a rear naked for the tap.

Result: John Strout by Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:33 of Round 1

2. Amateur Welterweight (3x3x3 Rounds)

Brian Porterfield (0-0) vs Chad Hennie (0-4)

RD 1: They trade leg kicks. They clinch and move to the cage. Porterfield looks for a guillotine. Knee to the body by Porterfield. Knee to the leg by Porterfield and another. They trade knees to the lg. Takedown by Porterfield while still trying for the guillotine. Body shots by Hennie. Hennie escapes and gets side control. Body shots by Hennie. Head shots by Hennie. More body shots by Hennie. Knee to the body by Hennie. Hennie gets mount and lands head shots.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Hennie

RD 2: Leg kick by Hennie. Cross by Porterfield. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the body by Hennie. Knee to the body by Porterfield. Knee to the body by Hennie. Hennie looks for a guillotine. Knee to the leg by Porterfield and another. Porterfield escapes the guillotine and they separate. Hook by Porterfield. Takedown by Hennie into side control. Porterfield doing good at avoiding damage.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Hennie

RD 3: Porterfield lands hard punches. They clinch on the cage and drop down with Hennie in side control. Knees to the body by Hennie. Punch to the head by Hennie. Porterfield doing well avoiding damage. The ref stands them. Leg kick by Porterfield and another. They trade leg kicks. They clinch and Porterfield gets a takedown into side control. Body shots by Porterfield.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Porterfield
My score card: 29-28 Hennie

Result: Chad Hennie by Split Decision (30-27/28-29/30-27)

3. Amateur Bantamweight (3x3x3 Rounds)
Nico Persaliano (0-0) vs Jon Reeves (0-0)

RD 1: Leg kick by Reeves. Jab by Reeves. Push kick by Reeves. Leg kick by Persaliano. Jab by Persaliano. Reeves drops him with a hook but he is up quick. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Reeves. They separate and Persaliano lands a leg kick. Reeves drops him with a leg kick and gets in half guard. Body shots by Reeves. More hard body shots by Reeves. Reeves looks for a guillotine. Body shots by Persaliano.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Reeves

RD 2: Leg kick by Persaliano. Two hooks by Reeves. Leg kick by Reeves. Leg kick by Persaliano. Reeves lands several hard punches and has Persaliano backing up. They clinch on the cage. Knees to the body by Reeves. Persaliano tries for a takedown. Body shots by Reeves. They drop down and Reeves has his back landing head shots. Persaliano gets half guard. Body shots by Reeves. Head shots by Reeves. Persaliano rolls and gets on top in guard. Body shots by Reeves from the bottom.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Reeves

RD 3: Jab by Reeves. Reeves lands hard punches against the cage. Persaliano is backing away. Hard knee to the body by Reeves hurts him and they clinch on the cage. Foot stomp by Persaliano. They drop down with Persaliano on top in guard. Head shots from the bottom by Reeves. Sweep by Reeves and he gets mount. Reeves lands head shots till the ref stops it.

Result: Jon Reeves by TKO at 1:51 of Round 3

4. Amateur Welterweight (3x3x3 Rounds)
Uriah Karkow (0-0) vs Josh Belle (0-0)

RD 1: Leg kick by Belle. Jab by Karkow. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the leg by Karkow. Two knees to the body by Belle. Takedown by Karkow into half guard. Belle gets full guard. Head shots from the bottom by Belle. Karkow stands and lets him up. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the leg by Belle. Knee to the body by Belle. They separate. Leg kick by Belle. Body kick by Karkow. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Karkow. Knee to the body by Belle. Takedown by Belle but Karkow lands on top in side control.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Karkow

RD 2: Cross by Belle. Hook by Belle. Hook by Karkow. They clinch and trade knees. They separate. Body kick by Belle. Takedown by Karkow into guard. Belle does well avoiding damage. Belle looks for a guillotine but can't get it. Belle tries for an arm but the round ends.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Belle

RD 3: Jab to the body by Belle. Hard hook by Belle. They clinch in the center. Knee to the body by Belle. They separate. Cross by Belle. Knee to the body by Belle. Clinch on the cage but quickly separate. Cross by Belle. They clinch and move to the cage. Takedown by Belle but Karkow is on top in half guard. Punch to the head by Karkow. Belle gets full guard. The ref stands them. Hard hook by Belle. Belle lands hard punches on the cage. Hook by Belle.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Belle
My score card: 29-28 Belle

Result: Uriah Karkow by Split Decision (29-28/28-29/29-28)

5. Amateur Light Heavyweight (3x3x3 Rounds)
Anthony Morales (0-0) vs Ray Hollis (0-0)

RD 1: Cross by Hollis. Jab by Morales. Hook by Hollis. Leg kick by Hollis. They trade punches. Hard hook by Hollis. Morales is cut by his eye. Leg kick by Hollis. Hard hook by Hollis. Morales is bleeding pretty bad. Leg kick by Hollis. Hook by Hollis. Body kick by Hollis. Hook by Hollis. Cross by Hollis. They trade punches. Jab by Morales. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the leg by Morales. Knee to the body by Morales. Knee to the leg by Morales.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Hollis

RD 2: Jab by Morales. Hook by Hollis. They trade punches. Hook by Hollis. Hollis looks tired. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the leg by Morales. Takedown by Morales into mount. Sweep by Hollis to get on top in guard. Body shots from the bottom by Morales. Head shots by Hollis. Hollis postures up and lands hard head shots. Hammer fists to the body by Hollis. Head shots by Hollis till the ref stops it.

Result: Ray Hollis by TKO at 2:46 of Round 2

6. Amateur Middleweight (3x3x3 Rounds)
David Kithcart (1-0) vs Timothy Beanblossom (0-0)

RD 1: They trade punches. Body kick by Kithcart. Push kick by Beanblossom. Kithcart catches a kick and takes him down. Beanblossom scrambles and gets on top in half guard. Body shots by Beanblossom. Head shots by Beanblossom. Body shots by Beanblossom. More body shots by Beanblossom. Beanblossom is bleeding from the nose. Beanblossom gets mount and lands a punch to the head. More head shots by Beanblossom. Body shots by Beanblossom.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Beanblossom

RD 2: Leg kick by Kithcart. They clinch and move to the cage. Knees to the body by Beanblossom. Takedown by Beanblossom into half guard. Body shots by Beanblossom. Head shots by Beanblossom. The ref stands them. Slam by Beanblossom into half guard. Kithcart gets full guard. Body shots by Beanblossom. Beanblossom gets side control and lands head shots.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Beanblossom

RD 3: Push kick by Beanblossom. Leg kick by Beanblossom. Jab by Kithcart. Jab by Beanblossom. They clinch but quickly separate. Hook by Beanblossom. They clinch in the center. Knee to the body by Beanblossom. They move to the cage. Slam by Beanblossom into side control. Beanblossom gets mount. Body shots by Beanblossom. Sweep by Kithcart into guard. The ref stands them. They clinch on the cage. Body shots by Beanblossom.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Beanblossom
My score card: 30-27 Beanblossom

Result: Timothy Beanblossom by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-27)

7. Amateur Welterweight (3x3x3 Rounds)
Chad Rothgeb (0-1) vs Tony DiSantis (0-0)

RD 1: DiSantis catches a kick and pushes him to the cage and lands punches. They clinch on the cage. Body shots by DiSantis. Punch to the leg by DiSantis. Rothgeb tries for a guillotine but can't get it. Body shots by DiSantis. Knee to the body by Rothgeb. Knee to the leg by DiSantis. DiSantis tries for a takedown but Rothgeb holds the cage and gets a warning from the ref. DiSantis tries again and gets the takedown and lands punches till the ref stops it.

Result: Tony DiSantis by TKO at 2:07 of Round 1

8. Amateur Middleweight (3x3x3 Rounds)
Steve Chapple (2-2) vs Brady House (1-1)

RD 1: Leg kick by Chapple. They clinch and move to the cage. Body shots by House. Foot stomp by House. Knee to the body by Chapple. Takedown by Chapple into side control. House gets half guard. Body shots by Chapple. Punch to the head by Chapple. Sweep by House to get on top in half guard. Head shots by House. Chapple works his way up. Clinch on cage. Punch to the body by Chapple. Takedown by House.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Chapple

RD 2: Cross by House. They clinch against the cage. Body shots by Chapple. Chapple gets a guillotine and gets the tap.

Result: Steve Chapple by Tapout (Guillotine) at :35 of Round 2

9. Amateur Heavyweight (3x3x3 Rounds)
Tyree Johnson (2-5) vs Daniel Sutcliff (1-5-1)

RD 1: On the touch of gloves Sutcliff throws a punch. They clinch and Johnson gets a takedown into guard. Head shots from the bottom by Sutcliff. Body shots by Johnson. Head shots from the bottom by Sutcliff. Head shots by Johnson. Johnson moves to half guard. Johnson tries for a key lock but Sutcliff fights it. Johnson is still trying for it but Sutcliff escapes. Johnson gets his back and looks for a rear naked. Sutcliff escapes and gets mount and lands punches.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Johnson

RD 2: Jab by Sutcliff. Hook by Johnson. Johnson catches a kick and they clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Sutcliff. They separate. Sutcliff lands punches against the cage. Hook by Johnson. They clinch on the cage. Sutcliff hooks a guillotine and drops down with it and gets the tap.

Result: Daniel Sutcliff by Tapout (Guillotine) at 1:35 of Round 2

10. Amateur Welterweight (3x3x3 Rounds)
Curt Harper (2-2) vs Joe Callari (3-5)

RD 1: Jab by Callari. Jab by Harper. They trade hooks. Leg kick by Callari. Jab by Callari. They trade punches. Jab to the body by Callari. Hook by Harper. Leg kick by Callari. Jab to the body by Callari. Callari shoots in and gets a nice takedown into half guard, but they are up quick.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Callari

RD 2: Leg kick by Callari. Jab to the body by Callari. Hook and cross by Callari. Nice leg kick by Callari. Jab by Callari and another. Hook by Callari. A leg kick by Callari hurts him and Young verbally submits.

Result: Joe Callari by Verbal Submission at 1:16 of Round 2

11. Amateur Light Heavyweight (3x3x3 Rounds)
Matt Comer (3-0) vs Mike Garcher (4-3-0-1)

RD 1: They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the leg by Comer. Foot stomp by Comer. Knee to the leg by Comer. Foot stomp by Comer. Two knees to the leg by Comer. Knee to the body by Comer. Knee to the body by Comer. The ref separates them. They clinch and move to the cage. Knee to the leg by Comer. Knee to the body by Comer. Knee to the leg by Comer. More knees to the leg by Comer. Comer takes him down but they are right back up still clinched on the cage. Knee to the body by Comer.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Comer

RD 2: Leg kick by Garcher. They clinch against the cage. Knee to the body by Comer. Punches to the head by Garcher. Foot stomp by Garcher. Knees to the leg by Comer. Knee to the leg by Garcher. They separate. Hook and uppercut by Comer. They clinch and move to the cage. Punch to the head by Garcher. They trade knees to the body and then separate. Comer drops him with punches and lands more till the ref stops it.

Result: Matt Comer by TKO at 2:55 of Round 2

12. Amateur Lightweight Title (3x3x3 Rounds)
Nick Foxhuber (4-0) vs Daniel Coffman (4-1)

RD 1: Leg kick by Coffman. They clinch on the cage. Knee to the body by Coffman. Knee to the leg by Foxhuber. Knee to the leg by Foxhuber. Foot stomp by Foxhuber. Takedown by Foxhuber into side control. Knees to the body by Foxhuber. Foxhuber gets mount and then his back. Foxhuber looks for a rear naked. Coffman fights it and hangs on till the bell.
I scored RD 1: 10-9 Foxhuber

RD 2: Leg kick by Coffman. Push kick by Coffman. Jab and cross by Foxhuber. Takedown by Coffman into guard. Body shots by Coffman. Foxhuber escapes and gets Coffman's back and looks for a rear naked. Foxhuber lands head shots. Foxhuber is trying hard for the rear naked. He lets the rear naked attempt go and lands head shots. Foxhuber tries for the rear naked again. Coffman lands punches backwards to the head. Coffman gets half guard. Foxhuber stands and drops down punches.
I scored RD 2: 10-9 Foxhuber

RD 3: Push kick by Coffman. They trade hard punches. Leg kick by Foxhuber. They clinch but quickly separate. Takedown by Coffman but Foxhuber goes for an armbar. Coffman escapes and lands punches to the head and is now on top even though Coffman still has his ankle. Foxhuber pulls the ankle out. Head shots from the bottom by Coffman.
I scored RD 3: 10-9 Coffman
My score card: 29-29 Foxhuber

Result: Nick Foxhuber by Unanimous Decision (30-27/30-27/30-2&)

Submission of the Night: Steve Chapple

KO of the Night: Matt Comer

Fight of the Night: Nick Foxhuber vs Daniel Coffman

IFBB Pro Asha Hadley Interview

Photo Credits:
Photo 2: LM Photography
Photos 3-5: RX Muscle


In sports, you sometimes hear the word phenom. In the fitness industry, that word could very well apply to Asha Hadley. Asha looked amazing in her very fist show and has progressed with each and she won her IFBB pro card at Nationals, just a couple shows into her competitive career. With that goal now achieved, she moves on to the next, which is to qualify for the Olympia. Considering how fast she is progressing, it should be yet another goal she achieves in no time at all.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: I've been working out since high school. I did a weight training class in high school. I continued training for exercise purposes all through college and after college, I've always been in the gym. I didn't start training to compete until a year or year and a half ago.

Q: What led you to compete?
A: In college I got interested in competing but never really had resources to get into training to compete and learning all you need to know. About two years ago I was introduced to the gym that I train at now. The trainer kinda specializes in contest prep and sports specific training. Seeing people in there that had competed, I kind of just fell into it and saw the opportunity to take my workouts to another level and finally compete like I have always wanted to.

Q: A lot of the girls I interview say that after that first show competing becomes an addiction, was that the case for you?
A: Yeah! I have to say that I felt that. My first show was very stressful but immediately after it was like a euphoric feeling, I couldn't wait till my next show. I really really loved it. I always heard you either love it or hate it after your first show, I was fortunate enough to like it.

Q: You started with figure but switched to physique, was there a specific reason you made the switch?
A: I started in figure and in my training I was trying to get leaner to do better. I ended up putting on more muscle. I was told physique would be a better fit for me. I wasn't too upset with that because I like the look of the physique girls, I like the posing. I fell into it I guess you could say.

Q: Was the posing hard to learn at all?
A: No, the only thing that isn't natural for me and I still need to improve on is the actual routine. I am not an artistic and creative person, I would rather stand there and be told what pose to do. The whole routine to music and choreography is probably my least favorite part of it.

Q: At USA's you took third, in that situation do you walk away frustrated to come so close or more excited knowing you are so close to that pro card?
A: Right after the show I have to say I was frustrated and disappointed because I am very competitive. But then, I had a talk with my coach and my husband and remembered saying before the show that I would be happy with second call-outs. That was my second physique show. In retrospect it was pretty amazing to take third in only my second physique show. Now I am happy, but at the time I was pretty pissed haha.

Q: After USA's where there any improvements you felt you needed for Nationals?
A: Yeah, immediately after USA's, I saw I needed to get a little leaner. I did a lot of comparisons of my show photos to the people that won. I always do comparisons of myself and the pro physique athletes. I saw that I needed to work on my triceps, my calves, and I needed to get bigger and leaner.

Q: At Nationals you looked more confident and sure of yourself, is that accurate?
A: Yeah, I definitely felt more comfortable. I guess because I mentally grew into the aspect of being a physique athlete. At USA's I had just switched to physique two weeks earlier. I was just thrown in there and hadn't mastered the poses and things like that. By the time Nationals came I was better with my poses and more confident on stage.

Q: When they do call-outs and you realize you have a shot at your pro card, do you get nervous or excited or neither?
A: It's a combination I think. I feel nervous, I don't feel super confident that I have it until I have the trophy. Even after pre-judging I was reluctant to say that I was gonna be number one. I don't like to be over-confident, I like to be realistic.

Q: When you first realized you were now a pro, what went through your head?
A: I was relieved, very happy. I immediately started thinking about what I have to do next and improve on. There are things to improve on and to better yourself.

Q: Some people compete many years and don't get a pro card, has it sunk in how much you have accomplished in such a short time?
A: Yeah, I think about it frequently. I feel very blessed to have competed only a year and gotten something that people are still competing and started before me and still haven't got yet. I feel fortunate. Sometimes I kinda feel bad if that makes sense. I don't know if it is just what I am meant to do and that is why I have accomplished what I have accomplished in a short time. I don't take it for granted at all, I feel very fortunate to have made it to the pros.

Q: Do you know when you want to make your pro debut?
A: I just got my IFBB packet in the mail yesterday. I think the Europa in Orlando will be my first show in April.

Q: Where do you want to be better for the pro stage?
A: I think that I need to work on my lower abs, it is always an issue with me. Maybe more work on my hamstrings. Of course, the posing, my posing wasn't the best, but is something I want to work on to feel more confident about.

Q: You reached the pro card goal, so is there a new goal?
A: Qualify for Olympia, that is the next big goal. Other than that, just do well in the pros.

Q: In the gym, not a common physique and not many women train that hard, do you get a lot of the stares and attention?
A: I do. It is something that I don't know if it bothers other girls, but sometimes it bothers me. I sometimes hear negative comments, that is one of the things that bother me. I get the attention and am used to it, and sometimes people compliment me on my physique. The more muscular female physique is not accepted in society, not like the figure girl or bikini girl, everyone likes those girls. People think bodybuilders or physique girls are disgusting and that really bothers me. People are entitled to their opinions, but I am happy with what I do and have accomplished.

Q: If you could spend one day training with one person you have never trained with, who would it be?
A: It would be Arnold, but Arnold in the 70's when he used to compete.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: My husband for putting up with my crazy schedule. Of course my trainer Randy Scoates.

IFBB Pro Kira Neuman Interview

Photo Credits:
Photos 1-2: Mike Eckstut/Her Biceps
Photos 3-5: RX Muscle


Kira Neuman is someone I have called perpetually underrated. Many times she has competed and I felt deserved better. In fact, after 2011 and finishing eighth at North Americans, Kira questioned whether she wanted to compete anymore, whether it was worth it. But still she competed this year, at Nationals. Kira brought her best package yet to the stage and can no longer be called underrated because she was awarded her pro card.

Q: In 2011 at North Americans you took eighth place, after that did you start to doubt yourself and whether a pro card would ever be possible?
A: Oh yeah! After that I was pretty disappointed and wasn't sure if I was gonna compete this year. I was like "Oh my gosh, seriously? Why am I wasting all this time and money?" So, I didn't think it was a possibility.

Q: With your prep for Nationals, at any point did you reach a point where you thought you had a shot?
A: Yes! This was the first year that I actually thought there was a chance. I felt weird, really confident about it. So this is the first time I thought I may have had a shot.

Q: When you are feeling confident like that, does it make the prep any easier or make your work harder?
A: It made it so much easier because it made it worth it. It gave me a whole new perspective on it.

Q: Did you do anything different with this prep?
A: I did less cardio and had more food.

Q: Physique wise, from North Americans in 2011 till this show, where were you better?
A: I was smaller this year. It made it easier for me to get in shape.

Q: Going into a show feeling that confident, does it become hard to not get over-confident?
A: Yeah, but I know I still have to work just as hard. Someone else is working just as hard if not harder. I get confident but it makes you want to work and do the work even more.

Q: One thing I noticed was the little things like make-up, hair, tan, a suit color that really worked for you, did you make a conscious effort to improve those things?
A: Yeah! It was suggested to me that I change those things and make them better. And my friend was there to help me.

Q: People who are not hard-core fans may not realize, but those things really plays a role in judging doesn't it?
A: Oh yeah! Even for the female bodybuilders it can make a huge difference.

Q:: When they do call-outs and you realize you have a shot, are you more excited or nervous?
A: I think I was more excited. There again, there was six of us in call-outs, so I was in the middle with Karen Choat, so it could have gone either way. I had no idea. When I saw who was in my weight class, I was like "I have no shot". I really didn't think I was gonna do very well, I thought maybe top five.

Q: When you realized that moment "o.k., now I am a pro", do you remember what went through your head?
A: Exactly that. I was like "Oh my gosh, I am a pro". When they called Karen's name for second place, I realized it and walked to the center of the stage and was like "I'm a pro". I instantly started crying.

Q: I've interviewed people and they have said it takes a week to sink in, did you experience that?
A: It is still slowly sinking in. Little things like people asking if I am a professional bodybuilder or people calling me that, like my clients, little things referring to it.

Q: When you won it, there seemed to be a lot of other competitors genuinely excited for you, does that make it more special?
A: Oh yeah, because I would be genuinely happy for the other girls to. I want to see them all do well and be happy where they place and not think they have to place number one. I am like that with my clients to, you don't have to place number one to be the best you can be. I form friendships with these girls, so to see them happy for me is awesome. I would give them the same support. It means a lot.

Q: Does the pro card carry any extra responsibility as to how you represent yourself?
A: Oh yeah! I said the other day "if I am gonna be a pro I better look like a pro". It has given me more motivation in the gym the last couple weeks, it has made me want to make improvements and better myself and my clients.

Q: The new schedule came out and there are not a lot of pro bodybuilding shows next year....
A: There's four, and two of them you can't just enter.

Q: Is that frustrating?
A: No, because I just turned pro, so nothing will rain on my parade at this point. I know that even as a pro bodybuilder I am gonna be one of the smaller girls. I am totally fine with that. I will try and make improvements and gain some size, but ultimately, I just wanna compete. I wanna be on stage with those girls, the ones I have admired and still do. I cant do more than two or three shows a year anyway, I will over-extend myself. I think if I were a veteran pro it would be frustrating.

Q: With so few shows, this question is easier, but do you know when you want to compete next?
A: I am actually signing my papers right now for my pro card and that is one of the questions, what show I want to do. I just put the one in Chicago and the one in Tampa. I put both of them down and whichever I actually do, I will do. I would like to do both but we will see, it is expensive.

Q: Where do you need to improve for the pro stage?
A: Honestly, my legs, I need size. I need size from top to bottom. i will do my best to do that and keep my symmetry.

Q: With so few shows, and you saying you are one of the smaller girls, would you ever consider physique?
A: Yes! In order to compete, absolutely. However, since I got my pro card in bodybuilding, I am gonna compete as a bodybuilder first and foremost. I feel very honored for the judges to feel I deserve it so to not do it would be a slap in the face to switch right away.

Q: Is there anyone you have not gotten to compete with that you look forward to finally being on stage with as a pro?
A: Oh my gosh, there is a lot of them. There is not just one. They are all amazing to me, they have different physiques that I admire. There isn't one particular girl.

Q: Do you expect to be more nervous for the first pro show?
A: Probably! Until I get through the first one. That is also my fun time, where I feel relaxed, so I don't think I will be that nervous. Just have fun with it.

Q: Would you seek out advice from someone who has done it?
A: I don't see why not. It is probably typically the same as far as how things go. It seems a lot more relaxed cause you already made it there. That is how it is for me, I have made it where I want to go and now just keep improving.

Q: You reached the pro card goal, so is there a new goal you want to reach?
A: I would love to make it to the Olympia or Arnold's at some point, that would be amazing.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: Definitely my girlfriend, she is always so supportive of me. Also, Lisa Perry, she does my make-up and is amazing.

IFBB Pro Toni West Interview

When Toni West first stepped on a bodybuilding stage, it was about motivation. At that show she was the only female bodybuilder on the stage that day. She progressed, improved and competed more times and then in 2009 she won her WNBF pro card. Toni then stepped on stage at Nationals recently, in the physique division, a division that will allow her to compete and be successful in the NPC/IFBB. At Nationals, Toni won her class, won the overall and was awarded an IFBB pro card. Not bad for a girl who just wanted some motivation.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: I got started in bodybuilding at the age of twenty. I have always been an athlete, always been in competitive organized sports since the age of seven. I was playing soccer in college and had a hamstring pull that I could not overcome. I was doing strength training with coaches and getting rehab done. Instead of being at practice I would be in the conditioning room. Once I got to where I could play again I pulled it again. I felt it was a done deal, that I couldn't play soccer. I stayed on the strength training program with the team and saw changes in my body. I liked what I saw and started reading some magazines and joined a gym that was owned by a bodybuilder. He said "you've got a great natural physique, your body is built for bodybuilding". I didn't even know what bodybuilding was or what competitions were like. I was just happy lifting and being strong. He gave me diet, a basic bodybuilder diet, then my body changed more. I looked more lean and muscular so I stayed with it. When my husband and I decided to have a baby I thought I should do a show. People thought I was a bodybuilder and I never competed, so I didn't consider myself a bodybuilder till I did my first show. I did that in 2003, I was the only entrant, I got the trophy and everything. It was just motivation to get something off my bucket list.

Q: Doing your first show and being the only girl, did you enjoy itor walk away disappointed?
A: It felt a little bit weird. That first show was strict motivation, I didn't care who showed up. For the second show I was curious to know what I looked like compared to other bodybuilders. It was just the point of doing a show, dieting, and everyone was so proud of me. There were figure girls, it wasn't the "Toni Solo Show". It was extra motivation for the next show. But I go to the next show and am compared to other people, it is a whole new ballgame. Now I know what to work on and what judges are looking for.

Q: Female bodybuilders are still not accepted by many in society, when you started adding muscle did any family or friends react negatively?
A: I actually un-build my body. I am usually the smallest I ever am on stage. I don't get to bulky, I am a natural competitor. I don't look that much off. People can't figure me out, they don't know if I do fitness or figure or swim or a gymnast, they know I am more than a regular gym goer but they can't put their finger on it. Once I say I am a competitive bodybuilder, then all of a sudden they think I look big, before they admired my physique, but once I say bodybuilder they think "oh, she's huge, she's on steroids", they think it is something that it's not. So for me the biggest part, is people can tell when I get close to a show. They can see more muscle on me. I have shrunken down in size, but I look more lean and bigger to people but I have lost ten pounds. It is conflicting to people to understand what I look like off-season is just a little more muscular than normal people. I don't look like a typical bodybuilder in the IFBB, but reality is I am the biggest person or female they have seen. At my gym, I am the only bodybuilder they have seen up close so they think I am pretty big.

Q: In 2009 you won your WNBF pro card, what did it mean to you to become a pro bodybuilder?
A: Well, it was kind of a whirl wind. In 2009 I did six shows actually. It started with winning the NPC Natural Lakewood in Lakewood, Ohio. I had been doing bodybuilding for motivation, I wasn't concerned with getting a pro card. It was something I liked to do, I didn't have forward thinking. In 2009 I was told there was a natural bodybuilding show, I did it and won. I figured I should do Team Universe, maybe take natural bodybuilding to the next level. I was invited to compete with the INBF, I did two shows and won my pro card. One I was invited to and the second was close to where my parents lived so they got to see me compete, it was the only reason I did the show. It happened to be a pro qualifier, so I kind of by accident and my own motivation, turned pro. It was great, and I was ready for the next level but didn't understand yet what I wanted in the industry or for myself as a bodybuilder. 2009 was a big year, I did six shows and it was exhausting. After that I needed to focus on what I wanted to do. Being involved in the industry is important, I don't have to compete every six weeks to do that.

Q: After doing some shows in 2010 you took some time off, was there a reason for that?
A: In 2010 I did two in the spring and one in the fall and then my sister was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. My life and the realness of why I am on this earth, it became evident that there was more to life than doing a show. It takes a lot of energy and focus and prep to do a show, with the added stress of a sibling having a serious health issue, it was more than I cared to deal with. In 2011 I had committed to a show in November and worked towards that. It was a good show, I did improve upon my last year, but the focus wasn't there. My sister and I did a stem cell transplant and I had health issues on my own. It was down time but I was always in the gym. But the stress and focus level was too much to deal with.

Q: For this year you obviously switched to physique, my guess is because you felt it was perfect for your size to compete in the NPC?
A: Yeah, when it came out, when the first inkling of physique came out, I was asked to do it. The timing was bad with everything my sister was going through. I was told "you can go to Nationals, just pay for your NPC card and you can step on a National stage", because we did not have a regional pre-qualification requirement the first year. People were turning pro just doing one show. That would have been ideal, but I did not have that focus time. I kept looking into it, then they started pro shows and it was a crap shoot of who was winning. At the pro level they let bodybuilders and figure girls come in, you just had to be a pro. Not only did they have a handful of girls who had won a National show the year before, but they had a mix of bodybuilders and figure girls thinking they were muscular. This past year, what has won shows has been all over the place. I watched it, and I never really fit into any mold, but didn't know if I would be too muscled and would have to give up everything I had worked hard for with my natural federation. I weighed a lot of options and after reading about it, online on NPC News Online, and they say "the following should not be a description of physique, it should not be, ripped, shredded, peeled, dieted, dried, hard, vascular, massive, think etc.". Those are all the things am told I am not for bodybuilding. So maybe I was a perfect fit, but couldn't see what it was looking like from the pro stage. I entered and won. So I am not the only one who thinks I split the difference and will be successful in physique.

Q: For physique, did you do anything different with prep?
A: No, I didn't do a single thing different. Year after year I look to improve upon my last showing and last prep. Last year I only had eleven weeks prep and a lot of influences that kept me from focusing. I was happy with how I looked and had improved. So at sixteen weeks from November 10th I started a prep for some show. I was not sure what show or federation, but knew I was doing a show. I did the exact same diet, only difference was the length of time, which translated to an extra five pounds off. I needed that for natural bodybuilding or NPC bodybuilding or physique. I never switch my training, it is always heavy and up to the show and I eat, which people think is crazy. My contest diet is two-thousand calories, which some people think it's celery and water and ice cubes. I eat food, very clean, very consistent, and my training is consistent. It only gets better with the length of diet.

Q: To me, you continued your trend of being the best conditioned girl on stage, do you agree and is it something you work for?
A: I appreciate that. Was I the best conditioned? I don't know. I was the best conditioned I have ever been, that is for sure. At three weeks out I looked so much better than last year. I was excited I had made the improvements. Even backstage you don't know what people look like and it is hard to judge. You never know till they flex. I look totally different when I flex. A photographer said I have camouflaged muscle. I don't look as muscular till I flex. Conditioning is something that every time I come off with that as a critique, but who doesn't? You can tell Jay Cutler "your conditioning could be better or has been better". That is why people do bodybuilding, to make improvements. If you are great all the time, maybe you are Iris Kyle and unbeatable, but she has even had times where she doesn't look the best she has ever looked. My conditioning was spot on and my muscle size for Class C was really good. There were girls who were more muscular and some less muscular with good shape.

Q: What went through your head when you won the overall?
A: Nothing haha. When I won my class, the top two got pro cards. So when they called places I was like "please don't call me third". When they didn't call me third, my heart leapt to my throat and I knew I won my pro card. When they called me overall, it happened so fast, I couldn't believe it. I was in a total daze. Even backstage I was like "did that happen? It happened so fast". The moment passes you by. I was out of my mind happy.

Q: Did it sink in yet?
A: No! I talk to people at the gym, you get away from people who know how important a pro card is, they don't understand. They ask if you won money or prizes. No, I got a trophy. I have people who think I am on another level and say "call Kai Greene and see if he can come to the gym" haha. Just cause I have a pro card doesn't mean Kai Greene's cell phone number is in my phone haha. I haven't seen a schedule for next year. I don't mean to offend anyone but I don't feel like a pro till I compete on a pro stage. That is when I feel validated as a pro. Right now, I have a National Championship, I have a title and need to use it.

Q: Do you know when you want to compete next?
A: Well, two days after the show I got an email that they added physique to the Olympia. It is a goal, to qualify. Till I see the list of pro shows, I have a life, a family, thimgs I don't want to miss. I need fifteen to sixteen weeks to prep for a show. I am not in a hurry but don't want to do the last show before the Olympia to try and qualify, I want to try and get a spring or summer show in at minimum and see from there.

Q: Were do you want to improve for the next one?
A: There is always things. I feel my posing is always something I can work on. People tend to neglect it and I fall into that category somewhat. Not practicing or remembering how long to hold poses. Everything starts to hurt when you flex a long time on stage. I had a tricep cramp after a minute. Conditioning for posing is a key aspect, I don't like to cramp. I was happy with my physique so it is figuring how to get there again.

Q: When someone accuses you of not being natural are you insulted or take it as a compliment?
A: It depends. I am trying to not label myself as a natural because I don't want to bring a negative light to people who are not natural. I am proud I have built my body and am natural but I don't discredit anyone who is not. I take a whey protein isolate, my supplement list is short. I don't have a list of borderline things. I take it as a compliment because they don't understand that it can be done naturally. They think I am big because I use enhancements. At the same time, the minute I say I am natural they say I am not and discredit my work ethic. It is disheartening. I can't pee in a cup for everyone. It is a losing battle. I am not gonna be drug tested in this division so it doesn't even matter. It has taken me a long time and I will always be natural.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: My husband and family for their support, I couldn't do it without them. I am told by my mom that I need to thank her for the genetics. My suit sponsor Terry Benedetto of Fabulous Fitwear, my sponsor About Time Protein, they are so supportive and have great tasting protein. A bunch of local supporters, Alexander of Athletic Club, L.A. Fitness and my local GNC. It takes a village to raise a bodybuilder.

Kara Jennings Interview

While still relatively new to competing, Kara Jennings has already made a good impression. In 2012 she won the overall at the NPC Southern Indiana and then went on to look even better at Jr. Nationals, Kara will no doubt continue to improve and definitely has the right attitude to go as far as she wants.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: I have always been pretty active and interested in health and fitness. About two and a half years into my marriage I went through a rough spot and depression, I got down to ninety-seven pounds, which is unhealthy for my frame. I was basically skin and bones. After going through that I found health and happiness through lifting weights and started incorporating more protein into my diet and not being so afraid of fats. That was one of my big things with my depression. I wasn't anorexic or bulimic, but it was definitely some type of eating disorder.

Q: What lead you to compete?
A: Once I started in the gym and putting on some muscle, I put on about tend pounds of muscle very quickly. The people I lifted with said "You should compete, you should try bikini" because of the amount of muscle I put on in such a short time. I tossed it around and I competed the first time in June 2011.

Q: Did you have to explain to people that bikini was actually fitness and not some T&A thing?
A: Yes! I definitely had to explain that it isn't a Hooters contest or some beach bikini contest. It is an NPC organized event. You don't go up there and shake your butt, you go up there and pose and it is all very professional.

Q: In March you won the overall at the Southern Indiana, when you won that, what went through your head?
A: It is a hard feeling to explain. I was definitely over-whelmed and very proud of my accomplishments and sticking through those last weeks of training. Very happy with myself.

Q: Did you feel going in that it was a realistic possibility?
A: Yes I did. I usually go in pretty confident in my competitions so far. That is part of it, bringing your best package and being prepared, win or lose.

Q: After that, you did Jr. Nationals, after winning the overall at a show, do you have to remember to not get complacent and keep improving?
A: Yes, I knew the competition at Jr. Nationals would be very tough and that I might not even make it in the middle. I knew that coming from a small state a d small local shows, I would be up against a good running of girls. I just went in with my best package. It's always gonna be trial and error. I knew it would be totally different. I wasn't disappointed with Jr. Nationals, it wasn't more or less than I expected.

Q: Was being on stage any different for you at a National show?
A: The number of girls is a lot larger, and it makes you more nervous. You aren't up there is long and everything is more rushed for a National show.

Q: Do you know when you want to compete next?
A: I am going to start training January 1st for the Arnold's the first weekend of March. Then definitely Jr. Nationals again in June.

Q: Where do you want at be better at for the Arnold's?
A: I definitely want to develop my shoulders a little more and build my glute-ham tie-in.

Q: Are you happy with bikini or would you ever consider figure?
A: I have many people at the gym that suggest I love to figure. My reasons for not wanting to are, for one, my husband thinks it is a little too much muscle and too lean and fro my point of view, the diet is too strenuous. Personally I think bikini is figure, you're just not flexing. That I what it has become.

Q: Is the goal a pro card, or is it more a case of if it happens it happens?
A: When I got into this it was all for fun. I still enjoy it the process, the training, the diet and prep. I guess my ultimate goal would be to get a pro card, but it's not the top thin on my list. I am just enjoying the ride.

Q: Does fitness modeling interest you?
A: To an extent. My husband is very protective. I have done a few photo shoots, but as far as anything risque, there is a line I know not to cross haha.

Q: At the gym, do you get any of the stares or attention?
A: I do. Some people ask for help and embrace my physique. I typically stay with some of the older women. I get some glares, but it is what it is.

Q: If you could spend a day training with someone you have never trained with, who would it be?
A: Jamie Eason. She's not hardcore but I have met her a few times at the Arnold's and she is very down to earth. It would be great to be with her in the gym one on one. She is one of the people I look up to.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: I would like to thank Top Secret Nutrition, I am sponsored by them. All my friends and family and fitness followers who believe in me and inspire me to keep going.

Angie Gooding Interview

Angie Gooding is someone that some of you may know or remember from her competing days. Now, Angie spends her time warning or helping to educate people on potential dangers of competing, things she herself battled, such as body image issues and eating disorders. These are things that are not limited to competitors or former competitors, and Angie makes it a point to clarify that and to point out that she isn't doing this only for the former competitor, but anyone from any walk of life. There are many issues that a new competitor may not be aware of that can arise from competing, issues that now are finally being discussed, and it is people like Angie who can and will help by taking an active role in educating people.

Q: Can you talk about how you got started in the gym?
A: I have always been athletic. In high school I took weight training classes and another in college but to be honest, I didn't get started hardcore until I had my second child. I dabbled into it after I had my daughter, hired a trainer after she was born and learned some stuff. People took me under their wing to show me some things, but I didn't take it seriously until after my second child was born. I hired another trainer and figured since I was hiring a trainer, I was gonna take it extremely seriously. I decided to search out a show in the area and set that as my goal. We hit it really hard and I really loved what I was doing. Being able to control my body and make it do the things I wanted it to do. It got addicting at that point, in a good way. Being able to go to the gym was my two hours away from being a mom, which I love doing, but it is nice to have a break. It became a huge part of my life at that point. I saw changes and wanted to know more. I started reading and trying different things and different foods and my body responded very well. It was a progression and got more serious as time went on.

Q: You mentioned addiction, a lot of girls say being on stage becomes an addiction, was that the case with you?
A: Being on stage to me, to be honest Jason, I didn't like being on stage like that. I just posted on my facebook page that I would rather be on stage giving a speech or being in a play or a musical performance than on stage as a figure competitor. It was not addicting to me in that way. My pro show I did, I was backstage thinking "what am I doing?", and because I felt like that I was teetery on stage. I was not addicted to the stage itself, just positively it was more interesting, I was learning, I was engrossed by the process rather than the goal of being on stage.

Q: SO would you say competing was more just something to look towards?
A: Yes, it definitely did. I am very goal oriented and I like being challenged. I think it was more the process I enjoyed then the demonstration of what I accomplished.

Q: Recently you told me you struggled with body image problems, for those who don't understand, can you explain that?
A: Sure! A lot of my story is told on my blog page. In a nutshell, I have always expected a lot of myself, being perfect or close to perfect as possible in most areas of my life. Even though I enjoyed the process of going through the exercises and doing the competing, it became something that amped each time I competed or reached a new goal. After a while, it no longer was healthy. The goals became more and more stringent and definite and harsh. It no longer was fun for me. I started analyzing my biceps and how they are in comparison to my triceps. Because I was thinking so narrowly, my world became narrow as well. Instead of thinking of the big picture, I thought more narrowly and it affected other parts of my life. As I analyzed my body so significantly, I stopped thinking about things I cared about like reading good books, keeping in touch with good friends, having meaning conversations with my children. I didn't like that part but at the same time, I was so embedded in this competition phase, I didn't realize there was a way out of that. Body image was more about me putting that first instead of anything else and it became more of an obsession than it should have been.

Q: Were your eating disorder problems a result of that?
A: What I learned is that there are women that struggle with eating disorders and it is the root issue. For me, competing in that obsessive mental state was the trigger for the eating disorder. Once I changed my lifestyle to be more balanced, I stopped struggling as hard and the disorder subsided. I was fortunate to deal with that competitive obsessiveness as the issue rather than the eating disorder. It is not that uncommon in this industry. The pressure of thinking so rigidly about food and exercise, and not that it is always bad, but a lot of people start thinking so narrowly. A lot of women are affected by that and it can grow into disordered eating and lead to eating disorder, a full-blown eating disorder.

Q: When you are on a site like Facebook and see someone posting about their six hours of cardio and the way they are eating, is it hard to bite your tongue?
A: It is! I wonder what their drive is, why are they doing that? What are they trying to prove? There is a difference between wanting to go on stage and prove something to yourself or to set an example of living a balance life and then there is the obsessive behavior or repeatedly beating themselves up and over exercising, under-eating, living that lifestyle that is destructive. An outside person isn't going to know which one it is. It is an industry that unless you know the person, it is hard to know how deeply embedded those issues are. So I approach with caution because a lot may have good coaches and trainers and may have trainers who don't know what they are doing. I just hope they do research before they decided who to hire or make decisions about how to exercise and eat.

Q: Do you regret ever competing?
A: No, I don't regret doing it. I learned a lot, was introduced to an industry that has a lot to offer, but also offers a lot of destructive habits. That is not to say there are women or men who don't prove a lot to themselves by doing a handful of shows. I don't have any anger towards competing., for me it's not right. I know that I can not go back and be healthy doing so, but that doesn't mean that others cant. There are issues women and men can face. When you are on stage you are being judged very subjectively, by a panel of judges that see through their own lenses and based on appearance rather than an ability, on genetics rather than on a skill. Not to say it doesn't take skill to get there, you need to know how to do these things, but the way you are judged leads to a body image issue. There needs to be more work done in the industry to communicate those issues so they can go in without starting a destructive behavior.

Q: Each year we see a lot of new girls compete for the first time, for a girl new to competing, can you give some possible warning signs that they could be dealing with these issues?
A: I think the first is the way she needs to prioritize her life, that this is for most people, a hobby. I don't say that as degrading, I say that as a way to look at it in a balanced way. Until you are being paid or get sponsorships, it is an activity to challenge yourself and have fun. If you start seeing it a different way and base your behavior on your shows, that is a warning sign. I think that watching your energy level is an issue. If you wake up in the middle of the night and are unable to go to sleep again, that is an issue. I am not a therapist or doctor so I have to walk this line carefully. Being under the care of a good coach is important. Other signs, make sure you are not losing your period, not losing more hair than you normally do, not pulling away from your friends, and there is a fine line there, doing a show is intense work, but if you hide things from your friends, that is an issue to be aware of. Can you explain it to friends in a way you believe rather than hide it because you don't know how to explain it.

Q: I am often contacted by girls dealing with things such as metabolic damage who say they are too embarrassed to tell people, what would you say to them?
A: I would say to not be embarrassed and find the help that you need. I would go to a medical professional first, not a coach. There are medical professionals out there who do specialize in sport medicine and metabolic damage. I think a coach is great for prep for a show but metabolic damage needs to be done by a healing professional. Awareness is being created by pages like yours and Siouxcountry, people are talking and that is awesome. It isn't just happening in the bodybuilding world, it is happening with chronic dieters. You don't have to be a bodybuilder to have metabolic damage. Women who have dieted for thirty years are also struggling. This issue is gonna be one that is really important to talk about.

Q: You still train people, if someone comes to you and says they want to compete, do you steer them in another direction?
A: I used to train competitors and no longer do. I refer them elsewhere. It isn't that I don't believe in it, I am just focusing in another way and want to help women.

Q: Along with my trainer Danny-J are one of the women involved with Inspiration and Perspiration, a great idea, can you tell people about that?
A: It is a weekend event, a workshop. We focus on issues that matter to women in the fitness and health industry. I talk about body image and relationships with food, Danny talks about diet and stress management and affirmation and woman named Bex from Bexlife who is a yoga professional who talks about spirituality. It is about wellness in a safe environment. We exercise, talk, have seminars. Women learn about overall health rather than just looking good in a bathing suit. We bond and become friends. Friendships have grown and it is exciting to see.

Q: Can you tell people where to find your blog and what is on there?
A: It can be found on www.angiegooding.com and they can find my Facebook page, Angie Gooding Body Image Specialist. I have an online coaching program, it is holistic, about enjoying exercise, finding peace with food, loving your body and manging stress. Lose are elements I find women struggle with. I set it up so each phase is four weeks long. The women come to me with fitness burn-out and want to reach the goals they want. I emphasize athletic ability, finding peace with food, and thinking positive rather than losing weight or making sure to sculpt your body. They focus on the positive things rather than needing to lose two inches from their waist. I am not holding them to a specific weight loss goal. Some women are thankful to have found this.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: First, my clients and Danny for being a huge inspiration to me. She has been a confidant and encouraged me to keep going. Also, my husband, he is a huge advocate in this process. My therapist has helped me learn a lot. Also I want to clarify that all the things I do are very common sense rather than therapeutic. It is getting back to the basics of enjoying life and feeling good.