Lightweight Charlie Norman Preps for the NPC Florida State
Having competed for five years now bodybuilder Charlie Norman believes is bringing to the August 22, Orlando Florida NPC Florida State competition. Norman takes time out from his busy schedule to chat with us about his history, motivations and plans for the future.
.... Following 10 years of weight training without ever entering a contest, Minerva Gonzalez of Tampa heeded some advice from her son: " . . . you're 40 now . . . it's now or never!"
.....Gonzalez took the challenge to heart. "I've been working out very hard for four hours a day," she said. The effort made 2000 a memorable one for her.
.....At 5'1" tall and 116 1/4 pounds, Gonzalez was selected first by all judges in the Coast-To-Coast Championships open lightweight class and for the Women's Division overall.
.....Two months earlier, in her contest debut, Gonzalez was a unanimous choice in the Tampa Bay Classic Novice Division lightweight class . . . and for the overall.
.....The Coast-To-Coast Men's Division went to 175 1/2 pound middleweight Alexis Rhigas, 25, of Boynton Beach.
.....The Coast-To-Coast Championships, an NPC steriod-tested event, was presented by Debbie and Vance Milton of Crescent Fitness Center in Dade City and John Schleicher's Superior Sports Productions at the University of South Florida's Special Events Center, Tampa.
Minerva, shown in the photo from the 2008 All South Championships, now prepares for the August 29 Florida State Championships and was our guest 1 week out to discuss her success in the sport as a Masters competitor.
The Menacing of Dennis James Continues!
Congratulations to Dennis James on winning his second pro show in as many weeks as he repeated his Tampa Pro top place finish on Aug. 15 at the Dallas Super Show. Congratulations also in the open to Bill Wilmore (2), and Big Joel Stubbs. Tricky Jackson did it! Tricky took home his first pro victory in Dallas followed by Charles Dixon (2), and Kris Dim after some months out of the sport recovering from heart surgery.
Adela showed her ability to not only bring a polished physique to the stage, perform exceptionally well yet again in fitness over Nicole Duncan (2), & Mariam Capes (3). Jenny Lynn wowed the crowd and took top honors in figure followed by Krissy Chin, and Meriza Deguzman. Congratulations to all the athletes who participated.
Hot Bodies Moms with American Body Plus & Ed & Betty Pariso
We at American Body Plus were happy to be a part of the Europa Hot Model & Hot Mom contest, which went off well with the some excellent model bodies taking home $6400 in prize money! Check out gallery for the photo coverage.
JM's First Super Show Met With An Award
DALLAS SUPER SHOW PHOTO GALLERIES (OVER 4000 IMAGES)
Everything has gone perfectly on the trip to Dallas as I'd expected. While Rob is covering the Coastal USA in Georgia I'm in Dallas riding buses from the Five Star Hotel back and forth to the convention center with the likes of Mariam Capes, Adela Garcia and Bob Chic.
As for the competition points that most stuck out in my mind I'd have to say I was impressed with Adela's 45 second fitness routine, Mariam Capes and Fitnic Nicole Duncan are likewise looking very good and among the top call outs. Krissy Chin's hard work has certainly paid off with her top callouts. Jenny Lynn looks even better than the Jacksonville Pro. On the men's side in the 2002 and Open we have seen many of these men competing over the last several weeks in Jacksonville and at the Tampa Pro. While some aren't as hard and conditioned as they might have appeared in prior shows others are better and the addition of some new faces to the roster and callouts is a welcome change to those of us sitting in press row. With three Olympia qualifications up for grabs the guys are motivated to bring their A-game, but sometimes with your diet, exercise regime, jet lag, and fate it doesn't turnn out like you would want. Regardless, it is amazing to see so many fit physiques on one stage. It is easy to forget how special all these ladies and gentlemen are until of course we look in the mirror and make the comparisons, lol.
Saturday is going to be a full day of action at the Dallas Convention Center starting with 8:30 NPC prejudging of about 170 NPC competitors. I've also got an stage photoshoot for the Model Search and Hot Mom's contest at noon that will keep me busy leading up to the Pro Finals at 2:30pm and NPC Finals at 7:30pm.
Super Show Frivolity Begins
Online Editor John Hawley
Arrived in Dallas at 8:30am from Jacksonville, Florida. Fifty dollar taxi ride with a really cool Nigerian fella that I could relate with wherein we commiserated about how good we have it in America even with the stressful pursuit of happiness pitfalls. Arrived at Hyatt Regency host hotel next to the Dallas Convention Center, which is an awesome facility. Check flash batteries and still camera battery charges. Video camera was charged before the trip. Heading down to get our American Body Plus Press Credentials and cover the pro-men weigh-ins at 11am. Took a few shots from the hotel room window on the sixteenth floor overlooking downtown Dallas and the convention center. Will upload candids after pro-ladies check in from one pm till about two here at the Cumberland Room. NPC checkin is at the Convention Center at 3pm. We might miss that while uploading photos of the pros. Then the pro prejudging begins at 6:30 Friday (tonight).
Famed NPC News Editor, Photographer and FMG Management Icon JM Manion with IFBB Pro Jessica Paxson Putman who is in Dallas supporting husband Peter as he competes in the 202 Men's Bodybuilding Class. JM noted he would rather be in a picture with Jessica than Peter for some reason.
Even the Head Judges in Texas are good to look at! Jen Cook is one of the many prides of Texas.
Alicia's Smiles Are Contagious!
Sue Getting Down to Business with Terry Godlad
Dennis the Menace James with Legendary Charles Glass
This Is What It Is All About!
Press Release
American Body Plus Magazine
8-12-2009 FMG Signs Their First IFBB Bikini Pro
Bikini Pro Jaime Baird made history today being the first NPC/IFBB Bikini Athlete to be signed by the prestegious FMG management group.
Jaime earned her IFBB Pro status just two short weeks ago at the NPC USA Championships in Las Vegas, NV. It's a dream come true for Jaime who has become one of the most popular NPC Bikini Athletes and one who is truly loved and admired by her fellow NPC/IFBB Athletes.
Jaime is now a member of the elite group of athletes that FMG represents and joins fellow NPC Superstar Andrea Watson who was also signed by FMG earlier in the year.
This prestegious honor could not happen to a more deserving athlete and a truly genuine person with a heart filled with love for the sport and her fellow NPC/IFBB Athletes.
Jaime began competing in the NPC just two years ago and is a Team Bombshell Athlete.
"What an exciting day! I am so thrilled to have been invited to join the FMG family. I have admired so many of the FMG athletes during my competitive journey, and I am overwhelmed and humbled by the opportunity to now be associated with such women. I am so grateful for this opportunity and for the many blessings I have been bestowed over the last few months" (Jaime Baird).
According to FMG, "We've had Jaime Baird on our radar since she convincingly won the 2009 NPC Pittsburgh Bikini Championships & have followed her progress through the NPC USA Bikini Championships. We knew it was just a matter of time for her to qualify for the IFBB Professional League after winning her class at the 2009 NPC Jr. National Bikini Championships. Jaime is an accomplished model & we feel she will be a great IFBB Bikini Pro. We are very happy that Jaime has accepted our offer to be the first Bikini competitor signed to our roster of IFBB Pro athlete's. We are looking forward to working with her & Bombshell Fitness to further progress her career."
IFBB Tampa Pro & Tim Gardner NPC Extravaganza!
Tim Gardner's NPC Extravaganza Prejudging ran quickly and efficiently on Friday evening at the lovely Grand Hyatt Ballroom. The Saturday event was spectacular at the Tampa Bay Performing Art Center. Congratulations to Betty Pariso for making history as the first lady over 50 to win a major IFBB contest. Also, big pros to first place winners Dennis the Menace James, the Open Bodybuilding Champion and the Giant Killer Dennis James the 202 & Under Champion!
Check out the sample photo galleries. Over 4500 images.
2009 IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Tampa Pro Results
Female Bodybuilding
1. Betty Pariso (USA)
2. Gale Frankie (USA)
3. Tina Chandler (USA)
4. Nicole Ball (Canada)
5. Klaudia Larson (Sweden)
6. Angela Salvagno (USA)
7. Myriam Bustamante (Mexico)
8. Beverly DiRenzo (USA)
9. Carmen Knights (United Kingdom)
10. Irene Andersen (Sweden)
11. Jena Mackey (Bahamas)
12. Maryse Manios (France)
13. Aurelia Grozajova (Slovakia)
14. Nicole Acker (South Africa)
15. Elizabeth Meza Gomez (Mexico) Best Poser - Beverly DiRenzo
Men’s 202 and Under Bodybuilding 1. David Henry (USA)
2. John Hodgson (England)
3. Lee Powell (United Kingdom)
4. Steve Namat (Hungary)
5. Tricky Jackson (USA)
6. Rod Ketchens (USA)
7. Jeffrey Long (USA)
8. Nathan Wonsley (USA)
9. Jocelyn Jean (USA)
10. Anthony Finocchiaro (USA)
11. Roland Huff (USA)
Men’s Open Bodybuilding
1. Dennis James (Germany)
2. Fouad Abiad (Canada)
3. Ben Pakulski (Canada)
4. Bill Wilmore (USA)
5. Ben White (USA)
6. Tarek Elsetouhi (Germany)
7. Leo Ingram (USA)
8. Johnnie Jackson (USA)
9. Frank McGrath (Canada)
10. Marcus Haley (USA)
11. Craig Richardson (USA)
12. Joel Stubbs (Bahamas)
13. Lionel Brown (USA)
14. Clarence DeVis (Belgium)
15. Robert Piotrowicz (Poland)
16. Eddie Abbew (United Kingdom)
17. Grigori Atoyan (USA)
18. Mike Debenham (New Zealand)
18. Omar Deckard (USA)
18. Alfonso Del Rio (Spain)
18. Clarence DeVis (Belgium)
18. DeShaun Grimez (USA)
18. Mike Horn (USA)
18. Jari Mentula (Finland)
18. Jonathan Rowe (USA)
18. Yans Salaks (Russia)
18. Fadi ZaaZaa (Lebanon)
DNF - Fedel Clarke (Jamaica) Best Poser - Markus Haley (USA)
Tim did the introductions of each athlete recognizing their country of origin. Then former Mr Olympia Chris Dickerson was recognized and graced the audience and athletes with a few words.
Next up was Tim's introduction of the title sponsors Pro Bodybuilding Weekly's Bob & Dan. They commenced to give an overview of events leading up to this year's show and the build up to the Olympia on the men's side of the aisle. There was smack talking amongst some of the athletes (some in fun & some serious). There were various questions posed the athletes by audience members as well. Marcus Haley noted the significance of this show considering earlier in the day he had a consultation with his mother's doctors who advised him as he said to "pull the plug." Emotions ran high with joviality and somber realities of the significance of each athletes presence at this event.
Then Tim introduced Dave Palumbo who in extraordinary fashion commenced to interview many of the lady competitors. First time competitors and seasoned veterans like Betty all had their hands on the microphone. From the local Direnzo to the Anderson imports snippets of their stories were revealed. From mention of new borne babes to grandmotherly pride the essence of what female bodybuilding is really all about was made clear.
IFBB Tampa Pro Bodybuilding & Tim Gardner NPC Extravaganza Athletes Meeting
The 2009 IFBB PRO BODYBUILDING WEEKLY CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE NOW!
American Body Plus will cover all the action from Friday's August 7 midday weigh-ins till the winners are announced on Saturday night!
Tim and Brandie Gardner are joined by Sici Weinstock in a discussion of the Tampa Pro and NPC Fitness Extravaganza along with highlighting the accomplishments of Sici this season.
Our team at the Tampa Pro will include Publishing Editor, writer, and photographer Rob Rosetti, Online Editor, writer, videographer, and photographer John Hawley, and master photographer Ian Ware.
NPC Judge & Promoter of the Masters, Teen, Collegiate Nationals & IFBB North Americans Gary Udit
With over 25 years in the sport and nearly as many years judging, and promoting top IFBB and NPC competitions around the world Gary Udit has a message. Get involved in the sport. The August 28-29 IFBB North Americans is one such opportunity coming up with athletes from around the continent competing for the priviledge to become an IFBB Professional athlete. Thanks to our forum partner at Siouxcountry.com and SiouxcountryRadio.com for participating in promoting this interview with Gary Udit.
If you haven't heard of the successes of the Bombshell Fitness Team this year, well you must not have been paying attention to the buzz amongst the mainstream muscle press, the NPC News, Hardbody.com, or following the tweets of all those tweetering bombshell fitness sisters, lol. Seriously though, Three members of their team based out of Daytona, Beach Florida that includes athletes from Coast to Coast has indeed found tremendous success at the NPC local, regional, and national level. The latest bombshell this year to join the ranks of the IFBB is Jaime Baird who took home the pride and joy of winning her class at the NPC USA's in Vegas. Bombshells Andrea Watson and Gennifer Strobo made their transitions to the high order of physque sports at the Jr. USAs only a few weeks past.
There continue to be opportunities to train with and become a bombshell with more team camps scheduled. Team Bombshell is a principle underwriter of American Body Plus and for that and the successes they are providing athletes in the NPC and IFBB we encourage you to contact them today for your opportunity to meet new friends that will support you in your own journey to achieve your dreams on stage and beyond.
In partnership with UK based Reeds Exhibitions (UFC Fan Expo) Ed & Betty Pariso maintain controlling interest and launch the "Bodybuilding.com Sports & Supplement EXPO."
From the start this Chicago based Expo will prove to be comparable to Olympia excellence and offer opportunities for everyone in the sport and fitness industry. Betty Pariso proves again and again that you can be a successful star athlete, business woman (principle business: owner of airplane parts distribution company)and give back to the sport and industry she loves with the most pro show opportunities being under her leadership.
WAY TO GO BETTY & ED!!
Current Shows for 2010 Now Include:
EUROPA Show of Champions Sports & Supplement EXP
Orlando, Florida
Orlando County Convention Center
April 16-17, 2010
EUROPA Battle of Champions Sports & Supplement EXPO
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford Convention Center
July 23-25, 2010
EUROPA Super Show Sports & Supplement EXPO
Dallas, Texas
Dallas Convention Center
August 13-14, 2010
Bodybuilding.com Sports & Supplement EXPO
Chicago, Illinois
August 27-28 2010
Four hundred and sixty seven competitors are set to compete at the NPC USAs in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 17-18. That is more than one hundred competitors as compared to last year converging on Vegas. This has been a consistent theme throughout the 2009 calendar season where bodybuilding, fitness, figure, and bikini competitors have demonstrated that a bad economy won't keep them away. In fact, maybe this is an example of the tough people shining in difficult times. Certainly it is a testament to the competence of the NPC leadership in being able to generate increased interest in participating in shows such as the USAs. We here at American Body Plus wish all the athletes the best where competing in Vegas and elsewhere at shows around the country such as approximately one hundred athletes at the Space Coast Classic in Melbourne, Florida. As Vegas can be sweltering this time of year and the numbers of athletes backstage are way up please use precautions athletes. Make sure you have extra water on hand in your gym bag and although such will be provided at the show promotion please take care to prepare yourself and not expect others to do it for you and and have a great show.
Be sure to keep up to date with the latest NPC USA's show coverage as it happens at:
BODYBUILDING TOP CALL OUTS: LIGHTWEIGHT;
Marc Bennett -
Travis Rogers -
Jimmy Nguyen -
Michael Manibog -
Tony Boone; WELTERWEIGHT;
Eddie Foster -
Luis Santa -
Daniel Rocha -
Anthony Marmon; MIDDLEWEIGHT:Shavis Higa - Malachi Walker - Daryl Gee - Neko Roberson; LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: Braden Ray - Tamer El-Guindy - Chulsey Graham - Peter Ciccone - Matthew Lowden - Shawn Crump; HEAVYWEIGHT: Fred Smalls - Lee Banks - Mark Alvisi - Vladimir Sizov, SUPERHEAVYWEIGHT; Chad LaCount - Keith Williams - Grigori Atoyan
- Drew Jemmot - Robert Burneika - Jerome Ferguson
BIKINI TOP CALL OUTS:
Class A; Angela Harrell - Michele DAngona - Alicia Meza;
Class B; 1st - Jacquelyn Geringer - Donnalene Campbell - Clare Cui - Michelle Gullet - Sheya Solano;
Class C; 1st - Andrea Taylor - Kristal Marshall - Toby Tokunga - Kelly Willis;
Class D 1st - Tisha Des Marteau - Kat Holmes - Amanda Latona - Mary Jarmolowich;
Class E 1st - Jamie Baird - Maysa Quy - Dianne Dahlgreen - Natallie Pennington Class F 1st - Monique Minton - Rhiannon Genov - Trendy Scheer - Tricia Montoya
The NPC Southeastern USA held in Orlando, Florida on October 17 this year is one of the most prestigious and has some of the highest levels of competition in the Southeast each year. Guest posers are no exception with Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson appearing this year, which will be oh so close to the Olympia. This was Erin Sterns' Nationals qualifier, the only show she did aside from Nationals prior to turning pro.
Who puts this all together and does it while competing himself and judging NPC shows around the state? Chris Eaddy is the man and we are grateful for his taking some time with his friend Brandie Gardner to share a bit of the history and what we have in store this year at the NPC Southeastern USA's.
There is a lot of potential "behind" some of the ladies who have won in NPC bikini competitions leading up to this one. If shows are won from behind, who is your pick to win in bikini shows the remainder of this year?
Pictured above:
-Keva Matovina, Bikini A-Class Winner Southern States
-Monique Minton Overall NPC USA Expo
-Jaime Baird, Bikini E-Class Winner Jr Nationals
-Jessica Lawrence Overall Eastern Seaboard
-Shay Monroe, Bikini D-Class Winner Jr National
NPC Promoter Joe Lyons Talks 2009 NPC Space Coast Classic!
Steeped in tradition the NPC Space Coast Classic dates back decades but was missing from the schedule in recent years. It's Back! Joe Lyons picked up the torch, put an awesome plan into action with a first class venue, host hotel, expeditors, and sponsors to support the athletes and fans. Guest posers include IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Evan Centopani and National Level Competitor P.J. Braun. Check out the website for more details on this terrifice event to be held Saturday, July 18th in Melbourne, Florida. www.NPCSpaceCoastClassic.com
Clementine Cordero shares with us in this video her motivations and thoughts about prepping for and competing in NPC bikini.
Teddy Schaffer shared about his experience and motivation after six years of regular bodybuilding competition.
In this video clip an Ancient City Classic Competitor shares her experience as a first time figure competitor comparing it to her 12 year history as a runner. She finds many benefits to figure training and preparation that she considers of significant advantage over long distant running.
Gale Elie interviews IFBB Pro Melody Clere about her pro-debut at the upcoming Dexter Jackson Classic, Jacksonville Men's Pro Under 202 & Pro Figure. This was shot at the 2009 Ancient City Classic held Saturday night July 18.
Kelly McEntee, a bikini fit mother took top honors at the NPC Ancient City Classic and will seek her next victory at the Dexter Jackson Classic and Jacksonville Pro. We had the good fortune to shoot with Kelly on Sunday morning after her win and will be providing exclusive shoot footage after the DJC Jacksonville Pro.
Congratulations to all the Winners at NPC Teen Collegiate Masters Nationals!
Mr Olympia Dexter Jackson talks some basketball (Celtics vs Lakers) smack with Deke Warner at the judges table during prejudging at the Ancient City Classic.
Featured interview with Gene Schlossberg, the 79 year young promoter of his 11th Annual Ancient City Classic. Gene is the patriarch of bodybuilding competitions having competed his first time in 1949 and more than 50 years later still competes, actively operates World Gym locations in St. Augustine, Florida and works out typically five days per week. Gene is role model to live by.
Ancient City Classic Schedule of Events Weigh in Friday,
6-8 pm. at World Gym St. Augustine
Pre-Judging at 10 am Saturday, Evening Show at 7 pm
Venue: Pedro Menendez High School
600 SR 206 West, St. Augustine, Florida
For entry forms, tickets and host hotel info visit
Brian Watson let the cat out of the bag that his fit wife IFBB Pro Figure Competitor had to be rushed to the hospital Wednesday evening for emergency appendix surgery.
Andrea is doing well. We spoke with Andrea briefly Thursday. She noted she felt sick at her stomach Wednesday morning. Like the trooper she is Andrea toughed out her work day and though had difficulty with the pain in getting home did so. Brian took her to the ER where she sat till they took her in at 11pm did a ct scan. The next thing Andrea knows the surgeon came in and said to her surprise that she was going into surgery. About 3am, Thursday morning they took the hobbit in for surgery.
Andrea is recovery well. She let them know, "I've got to get back on stage!" They went in with three small nicks. So scaring will be minimal. Recovery time is expected to be 5 or 6 weeks. In her doped up state she said sadly, "I'm going to miss my debut." I explained, no you can't miss your own debut, lol. It will be postponed.
Andrea is in good spirits and happy to hear so many people are thinking of her and have her in their prayers. She will be out of the hospital she believes either tonight (yea, right) or tomorrow.
Lee Banks gets pumped on July 8, two and a half weeks prior to competing at the NPC USA's in Vegas. We got a chance to shoot with Lee as he contemplates having brought up his legs and everything he can think of to qualify for his very own pro-card.
One hundred competitors showed up for Deke Warners' NPC Mid Florida on a hot Orlando evening and presented their equally hot bodies to the thunderous applause. American Body Plus was there and are providing video from the evening show. Click here for photography in the PREJUDGING GALLERY or in the EVENING GALLERY.
