By Lisa White

A resurrection has been taking place in the Jacksonville area and not of the biblical sorts. For years the sport of bodybuilding in this area had become a dying breed leaving athletes with few, if any venues to compete. There has been a change in the times though and the JAX PHYSIQUE BODYBUILDING, FITNESS, FIGURE & BIKINI NPC COMPETITION is the reason. Bringing these changes about are co-promoter John Mier of the Jax Physique alongside co-promoter IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Dexter Jackson. This duo has invested time and created strategies to bring bodybuilding to new heights in the Jacksonville area. Owner of Space Coast Barbell and promoter of the NPC Atlantic Coast Classic Joe DeGiovine digs in on the history of John Mier's own training philosophy and hard work which has led to the culmination of a dynamic show.

John Mier's background in the bodybuilding industry began fourteen years ago when he was working the front desk of Body Club; which was owned by Gene Schlossburg. Under Gene's tutelage he learned to do the basic walk-through with new clients and absorbed information from every book and magazine he could get his hands on. From the Arnold Encyclopedia to Flex magazine, John studied and learned something from every form of material. He not only learned his way around the gym but he learned how to sculpt his body to compete in numerous bodybuilding shows. From competing and earning his certification as a Personal Trainer he was able to build his client base and over time become the training partner of IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Dexter Jackson.

John explains nearly two and a half years ago Dexter was six weeks out from the Arnold Classic and his training partner Gabe Lopez could no longer train with him. John was asked if he could help spot Dexter during a squat exercise and became training partners soon after. This simple move of helping spot a fellow competitor led to a partnership not only in the gym but for the Jax Physique competitive stages. Over lunch John and Dexter both agreed they should "bring it back" since both had competed in the show years before. They didn't talk about it for a while and then decided to do it.

They received permission from NPC Central Florida District Chairman Pete Fancher to promote the show. It was a level two show which was open to the six surrounding counties. This year the Jax Physique is a level three show and will be open to competitors in the entire Central Florida District.

John and Dexter have plans to create a better show every year which this year included moving to a new venue. The Jax Physique had been held at the Times Union Theater, and although it was a good venue the parking was a problematic and competitors often got lost downtown. John and Dexter decided to move the competition and both promoters could not be more pleased.
At one week out there are 37 pre-registered athletes for the April 3, 2010 event and the hopes are to reach 50 or 60. Throughout all the changes John has been grateful for the support the show has been receiving. He also lays much of the credit to Gail Elie, Dexter's girlfriend, and states she is the "backbone" in their successes due to her help with organizing the show. His wife Jana has also been of great help and plans to sing the National Anthem for the upcoming show. Besides these two ladies aiding in this event, Tricky Jackson will be the guest poser. For his fans, this is an opportunity to see Tricky in the flesh.

For anyone who would like to compete or would like to support the athletes; more information can be found at www.JaxPhysique.com and www.PremierPhysiques.com. Ticket prices will be $15 for pre-judging, $35 for the night show and VIP tickets are available for $45 which includes both shows with seats in the first six rows during the evening.

We would like to thank Joe DeGiovine and John Mier for taking time out of their busy schedules to do this interview and would like to wish the athletes, judges and volunteers the best at the Jax Physique.