Dare to Jump on Stage at the 2010 NPC Ancient City Classic

by Lisa White

When it comes to fitness there are vast reasons people use for not exercising. Their joints ache, too tired, not enough time in the day and a hundred others. Many never think exercise may be the fountain of youth, but in the case of Gene Schlossberg he's proving them wrong. He's truly a testament that exercise is the fountain of youth since he's been in the bodybuilding circuit since 1949. Gene has reveled in his roles as bodybuilder, owner of two World Gym's and promoter of NPC Ancient City Classic for the eleventh year, as well as, co-promoter of the NPC All South. As a gym owner in St. Augustine, Florida, Gene has seen the evolution of the standard gym and has stayed current with the times. His World Gym on US Hwy 1 is 25,000 feet while the beach side express gym also offers 24 hour service for those who don't keep regular hours.

With all of this under his belt you'd think Gene would slow down but not a chance. For months Gene has been planning it and over the coming weeks he and his team of staff and volunteers will put the finishing touches on the setup of his Level II NPC Ancient City Classic bodybuilding show. This show is open to surrounding counties for bodybuilding and statewide for figure and bikini and Schlossberg likes it that way. He and his team have maintained this level show because he believes it's important to have them to build confidence especially for beginners and first timers. NPC competitor Mike Ives can attest to this as one of his fondest memories in bodybuilding came from the 2004 Ancient City Classic.

The venue is the Pedro Menendez High School Performing Arts Center and holds 540 spectators and regularly sells out. He also stated Alisa Hostettler and her crew from Hot Spot will be there providing spray tanning for competitors on Friday and Saturday. He gives "big props" to Alisa for her professionalism and great job she does for the athletes. For those wanting to compete in the event weigh-ins are on May 14, 2010 from 6-8pm and May 15, 2010 from 8-10am with prejudging beginning at 10:00am. The evening show is on May 15, 2010 at 7:00pm and usually ends around 10:00pm. Beacher's Lodge is the host hotel and is very accommodating for family and friends. The hotel is serving generosity up as it's giving discounts for those participating in the event. Family and friends who have come to support the athletes will have more than enough to do in the oldest and most mystical city in the nation. Ancient City competitors also are invited to take advantage of complimentary use of Gene’s World Gym while in town so that they don’t have to break their routine, but still enjoy everything this weekend has to offer.

With his 80th birthday last November he has seen many new athletes begin their careers; including promoter John Mier when he was an aspiring rock star. Now, John is not only a promoter for the NPC Jax Physique but is "one of the best trainers in Northeast Florida" states Schlossburg. He also admits promoting this show is a way for him to work with the new athletes and to enjoy the camaraderie of the judges and competitors. Enjoyment comes in all forms and Gene is hoping the NPC Ancient City Classic is nothing but. As for Gene answering the question is he competing again? Not at this time, but he admits if he can find a show with an "over-the-hill" division he'll be the first in line. And, why shouldn't he? His long history of talking the talk and walking the walk has paved a solid road for athletes to follow. For those who don't believe he practices what he preaches he can be found training five days a week for an hour or hour and a half at one of his gyms. If you still don't believe him; he'd love for you to come by and test him. As a matter of fact, he dares you to.

BodybuildingFitnessFigure.com would like to thank Gene Schlossberg and Michael Ives for this year’s interview. We also extend our best wishes to Gene, his team and the competitors in the upcoming event. For more information on the NPC Ancient City Classic please contact Gene at www.ancientcityclassic.com or at 904-829-3443.