Bodybuilding show adds crowd-pleasing favorites for 2008
INBF state championship event set for Poughkeepsie on Saturday
October 23, 2008
By Pete Colaizzo
Poughkeepsie Journal
The International Natural Bodybuilding Federation New York State Bodybuilding and Figure Championships is opening eyes - literally and figuratively - in the sport. The eighth annual event returns to Poughkeepsie High School on Saturday afternoon and evening.
Under the direction of promoter Matt Johnson, who owns the House of Nutrition in the Arlington section of the Town of Poughkeepsie near Vassar College, the INBF state championship has garnered national attention. What started out as a relatively small bodybuilding show has grown into an all-day event, encompassing every aspect of the sport.
This year's championships will offer pro cards to the overall bodybuilding champion and the overall women's figure champion. In addition, there are many divisions and age categories that welcome any and all bodybuilders or fitness enthusiasts onto the stage.
Johnson noted that last year's show eclipsed the 100 competitor mark, and this year's event could exceed that as well. "We're gathering the attention of national sponsors,'' he said. Among the big-ticket sponsors expected on board: Met-Rx, DSN, Gaspari Nutrition and Species Nutrition.
'Sanctioned bikini contest'
Always looking for a new twist on the event, Johnson has added a women's category called "best body.'' This INBF-sanctioned division amounts to what Johnson calls a "sanctioned bikini contest,'' sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It will be the first time this division will be contested in the Poughkeepsie show.
"The difference between women's figure competition and women's best body is that women's figure has a degree of muscularity that is preferred and there is an actual scoring round of a women's muscularity. Women's best body does not have that requirement, nor does it have that round of judging. It basically is a bikini contest, but it is within a sanctioned event that does offer a pro division as well for contestants that excel in this category.''
Along with the competition in all the divisions, Johnson also strives to bring an entertainment aspect to the show. This year, the show will offer Cirque De Soleil and strength/acrobat performer Adam Vasquez of Las Vegas. "I'm a huge Circ fan,'' Johnson said. "I think they are amazing.''
Additionally, World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) world champion Jim Cordova of New York City will be the guest poser. Met-Rx is bringing a bodybuilding giant, 320-pound Desmond Miller. Species Nutrition is bringing along celebrity bodybuilder Dave Palumbo.
Competitive categories for men include: teenage bodybuilding; masters (over-40, over-50, over-60) bodybuilding; novice (lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight); men's open (lightweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight). The overall men's open winner will earn the pro card and an impressive crystal tower with the show's logo inscribed in it.
Competitive categories for women include: figure (short, medium, tall), figure masters (over-40), bodybuilding and best body.
Pre-judging starts at 1 p.m. The evening show begins at 7 p.m. Admission for the day portion of the show is $10. Evening admission is $20. For more information, call the House of Nutrition at 845-471-7712.