Tanji Johnson Wins the 2013 Fitness International!!!

It took a decade to do it, but Tanji Johnson can finally say that she won one of the "big ones" in the fitness division.  At the 2013 Fitness International, Tanji beat out nine other competitors in a small but deep line-up to claim her first Fitness International title and put herself as one of the elites in the sport.

Tanji is finally champion after 10 tries
Photo credit: Bodybuilding.com

It wasn't easy for Tanji to win this contest, though. Oksana Grishina, showcased an impressive physique and once again stole the show with a insane routine inspired by The Joker. Her time at the top is coming very soon. Bethany Cisternino brought together an amazing physique (as usual from this rising star) and a solid routine that nabbed her third place. Maybe the most impressive showing overall has to go to Trish Warren for one simple reason: this was her first contest since the 2011 Fitness International and the first since having her first baby. She returned to competition pretty much like she never left, and was just a bit shy from getting an Olympia qualification spot (top 3 at the Arnold are qualified for the Olympia). But for her to return on stage is a victory in itself, and placing in the top 4 is icing on the cake. Regaine DaSilva placed 5th with her trademark hardness (yet not too hard) and her performance. Regiane remains one of the top international competitors in fitness, and it's only a matter of time before she takes it to the next level. Rounding out the top six was Ryall Graber-Vasani, who was first callout in the physique round, and combining with her routine round, put her in the six-place spot. 

What are your thoughts about the fitness placings? Agree? Disagree? Did a new era of fitness begin at the Arnold? Sound off in the comments below and on our Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/fitgemsnation). 

FULL RESULTS:

1. Tanji Johnson

2. Oksana Grishina

3. Bethany Cisternino

4. Trish Warren

5. Regiane DaSilva

6. Ryall Graber-Vasani

7. Kizzy Vaines

8. Nicole Duncan

9. Fiona Harris

10. Amanda Hatfield

Top 6 Awards Presentation (including Tanji's speech): (from NPCNewsOnline)


Tanji's photoshoot and interview after her win (from NPCNewsOnline)

Adela Garcia to Sit Out 2013 Fitness International

DOMINATION. That would be the key word used to describe Adela Garcia in the IFBB Fitness Division. Very few have had a presence in the industry quite like Adela has. Since 2010, she has won the Fitness International championship. In total, she has won 5 Arnold titles, with her win this year breaking the record of most Fitness International titles, which was previously held by Susie Curry at four. Today, Adela announced that she would sit out the 2013 Fitness International, making way for a new champion to be crowned in 2013.

Adela Garcia, 3X Defending Fitness International Champion, will sit out 2013 Arnold.
Photo credit: RxMuscle

Here's her official statement via her Facebook page:

After returning to the stage in 2009 I haven’t formally taken a break from the competition arena. I feel that it is time to give my body some rest and take a step back- and prepare myself mentally and physically for the 2013 Fitness Olympia. I have talked to my family, my manager Fitness Management Group (FMG), my trainer Mike Davies's Fitness Factory, and my sponsor GNC Live Well and we have decided to take off from the 2013 Fitness International. It was a hard decision for me as I love competing at the Arnold Sports Festival - but after doing 4 shows I feel that I need this break to get back in focus.  

I will be training hard this coming year and be back on stage at the 2013 Fitness Olympia where I will reach to join the legacies of Lenda Murray, Ronnie Coleman, and Lee Haney! 

Although I won’t be competing in Ohio, I will be in attendance representing my Sponsor GNC and showing my support for the contest. 

Thank you all for the amazing love and support!!!

Adela has more then earned this break. As mentioned before, she has been a domination force in the fitness division for quite some time. Champions deserve a break just like everyone else.

With this news, a new champion will emerge for the fitness side of the Arnold. Should Oksana Grishina, Tina Durkin, Myriam Capes, and Tanji Johnson have Fitness International invites (and quite honestly, I don't see why they won't), those four will no doubt be in everyone's favorites to win the Fitness International title next year. Maybe it could be someone who people have put under the radar. Regardless, this news today has further made the Arnold more interesting to watch come 2013.

We at Fitness Athletes Network wish Adela best of luck in her break and training in the coming year, hoping to add to her already-impressive resume as elite fitness champion!

2013 IFBB Fitness Schedule

Released last week, here's the 2013 IFBB Fitness Schedule:



FITNESS INTERNATIONAL
March 1-2 – Columbus, Ohio
Promoter: Jim Lormier
Contact: 614-431-2600 or slorenz@arnoldexpo.com
Info: www.arnoldsportsfestival.com

FIBO POWER GERMANY
April 13 – Cologne, Germany
Promoter: Jens Thieme
Contact: jens.thieme@reedexpo.de

ARNOLD CLASSIC BRASIL
April 26-27 – Rio deJaneiro, Brasil
Promoter: Rafael Santonja and Bob Lorimer
Info: www.arnoldclassicbrasil.com

TORONTO PRO SUPERSHOW
May 31-June 1 – Toronto, Canada
Promoter: Ron Hache
Contact: 705-561-0775 or ronhache@unitz.ca
Info: www.TorontoProSupershow.com

FITNESS OLYMPIA
September 27-28 – Las Vegas, Nevada
Promoter: Robin Chang
Contact Info: 866-676-2007 or rchang@weiderpub.com
Info: www.mrolympia.com

ARNOLD CLASSIC EUROPE
October 12-13 – Madrid, Spain
Promoter: Monica Ortega
Contact Info: 346-738-88752 or info@ifbbevents.com
Info: www.arnoldclassiceurope.es

FORT LAUDERDALE CUP
October 18 – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Promoter: Kristen Nagrani/Shannon Dey
Contact: 386-334-0429 or 386-214-3927 or fitgirlproductions@hotmail.com
Info: www.ftlauderdalecup.com

As of now, if you want to qualify for the 2013 Fitness Olympia, you will have to travel outside the United States in order to compete. While this is a great opportunity for international competitors, the American fitness competitors look like they could be getting the short end of the stick. However, that doesn't mean U.S. competitors are completely out of luck. There could be some promoters that could add fitness to their shows in 2013. Should another fitness show be added, we will let you know. 

Start your planning now, ladies and good luck to you in 2013! 

IFBB Flex Pro Next Weekend

Next weekend (February 18th), two weeks before the Arnold, the IFBB Flex Pro will take place in Saint Monica, California, which will showcase the fitness divison. Minus a couple of names, nearly ALL the competitors will step on the Arnold stage, which makes this contest a big one. Depending on what happend at the Flex Pro, this could very well be an indicator for how the Arnold could end up. This will also be the first contest under the new rules and regulations that the IFBB laid out last year, which includes only the winner getting an Olympia invite as opposed to the top three in past years.

Here's the loaded line-up for next weekend's event:

Adela Garcia
Allison Ethier
Bethany Cisternino
Camala Rodriquez
Jodi Boam
Michele Mayberry
Myriam Capes
Oksana Grishina
Paula Gulman-Williams
Sheri Vucick
Tanji Johnson

For more info, visit their website at http://www.flexprochampionships.com/.

Mindi O'Brien Retires from Fitness

Fitness lost one of its top competitors today, as Mindi O'Brien announced via Youtube today that she is retiring from fitness competition. It sucks to leave a sport or anything you love for so long due to an injury. She's had a great career spanning 14 years, with great routines and what some people call one of the best physiques in fitness history, capped off by her trademark arms that would give any female bodybuilder a run for their money. Some of her highlights include competing in 6 straight Fitness Olympias (although she was qualified for 7, but skipped out of this year's show due to injury) and 5 straight Arnold Classics. She would finish her career at the first-ever Arnold Classic Europe, placing 6th.

Photo credit: RxMuscle.com

Here's a video of Mindi during her trip to Spain (including her fitness routine and posing round) and announcing her retirement from fitness:

What does the future hold for her? We're unsure, but we think she will stick around in the fitness industry in some form or capacity. We over at Save Women's Fitness Now congratulate Mindi on an incredible journey, and we wish her the best of luck in the next chapter of her life!

Tanji Johnson Wins Arnold Classic Europe Fitness

Photo credit: Rx Muscle

History was made this weekend at the first-ever Arnold Classic Europe took place. Tanji Johnson, one of the top competitors in fitness and according to many a future Fitness Olympia and/or Fitness International champion, will forever be in the history books as the first-ever Arnold Classic Europe Fitness champion. Bethany Cisternino took 2nd, Regiane DeSilva took 3rd place. Here are the full results as well as scorecard for this historic event:

1. Tanji Johnson
2. Bethany Cisternino
3. Regiane DeSilva
4. Myriam Capes
5. Tina Durkin
6. Mindi O'Brien
7. Diana Monteiro
8. Kayde Puckett

Photo cradit: IFBBPro.com

Congrats to Tanji on the win, and to everyone that competed at the Arnold Classic Europe! You all made history this weekend!

NPC Fitness Spotlight for October 2011: Amanda Hatfield

This month's NPC Fitness Spotlight belongs to someon who has returned to the scene after being away from the fitness scene since 2004, Amanda Hatfield!

Photo credit: Fitness Rx

Looking at the picture above, some of you think you might have seen her before. If you were following this sport around 2004-2005, chances are you have. She used to go by the name Amanda Swallow. She was ALL OVER the paysites with her explosive biceps and overall muscularity. She was doing exceptionally well during her first run, then out of nowhere, she disappered, not to be seen until now.

With a new name in Amanda Hatfield, she didn't waste any time in making a name for herself in the fitness division. In her first show back from a five-year hiatus, she won first place at the NPC Julie Palmer Ultimate Showdown this past June in Toledo, Ohio and qualifying to compete in Fitness Nationals at Team Universe, where she claimed fifth in the short class. She recently competed in the North Americans, where she won her class and ALMOST won her pro card that night as well. She did more than just win her class at the NAs, she she restored her status as one of the division’s top contenders, and she's currently on Kriv Studios and HDPhysiques, with her biceps as impressive as ever. Expect more sites to feature her and quite possibly a pro card in the VERY near future. I think I can speak for everyone when I say...WELCOME BACK AMANDA!!!

Photo credit: Fitness Rx

COMPETITION HISTORY (as Amanda Hatfield)

1st Place Short Class-North Americans 2011
5th Place Short Class-Team Universe 2011
1st Place-Julie Palmer Ultimate Showdown

IFBB Fitness Spotlight for October 2011: Kayde Puckett

This month's IFBB Fitness Spotlight belongs to one of the newer competitors in IFBB, Kayde Puckett!

Photo credit: Muscular Development

Kayde is from Northern Virginia, now residing in North Carolina! While her parents wanted her to do dancing and piano, she wanted to do martial arts when she was little. Her parents decided to let her do martial arts, and from there was the beginning of what would be the start of a great fitness career ahead of her. It was during her martial arts days that led her to discover weight training. She began to pick up weights at age 14 ana hasn't looked back since. That and her martial arts training (which she continued through college) paved the way for her to become a fitness competitor.

When she moved to Raleigh, I was unable to find a martial arts school that would fit her needs. It turned out to be a blessing in disquise as she focues more on weight training anf found fitness in the process. When she saw her first fitness show, she was instantly hooked. She began to train for fitness in April 2008, and a year after that, at the NPC Team Universe in 2009, she won the overall fitness title and her pro card, and she's now an IFBB Pro.

Kayde will be making history this month as she will participate in the first-ever Arnold Classic Europe. With her successful track record, the sky's the limit for what she can accomplish in the IFBB fitness division.

Photo credit: Lift Studios/Isaac Hinds

COMPETITION HISTORY:

10th Place - Europa Show of Champions, Orlando, FL (April, 2010)
8th Place - NY Pro Fitness Classic, New York, NY (April, 2010)
14th Place - Fitness International, Columbus, OH (March, 2010) - Pro Debut
7th Place - IFBB World Championships, Como, Italy (October, 2009)
1st Place Tall Class and Overall (Earned IFBB Pro Card) - NPC Team Universe and National Fitness Championships, New York, NY (September 2009)
3rd Place - NPC Jr. Nat's, Chicago, IL (June 2009)
4th Place - NPC Jr. USA's, Charleston, SC (May 2009)
1st Place - Carolina Clash, Kannapolis, NC (Oct 2008)
2nd Place - SC Excalibur, Charleston, SC (Aug 2008)

For more on Kayde, visit her website at http://www.kaydepuckett.com/.

New Olympia Qualifications for 2012 and Beyond

For those unaware, the 2012 Olympia is aiming to be more elite with some new changes. Here's the official IFBB Advisory Notice on Olympia qualifications, beginning next year:

Photo credit: IFBB Pro

When you stop to think about it, it's a great way to make the Olympia more special then it already is. Yes, this does mean there will be LESS competitors on the Olympia stage from this point forward, but the Olympia is supposed to represent the absolute BEST of this industry, right? I have no problem with it. Besides, For those divisions that might lack a few competitors, invites could be issued. So placing in the top 3 in ANY competition is still important, as it can do a long way in possibly seeing yourself on the Olympia stage beginning next year and the years to come. Also, there's men's and women's physique that's going to be part of the Olympia soon. The rest of this year's shows are NOT affected by this rule. This will take place at the start of the 2012 season.

I'll admit, when I first heard about these changes, I wasn't too keen on them in terms of women's fitness is concerned, as there are not as many shows for fitness as there are for figure and bikini. But after reading this, my worries died down...for now, at least. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how much this will truly affect women's fitness.

What are YOUR thoughts on the new Olympia qualifications? Do you think this will positively or negatively affect women's fitness? Post your thoughts below or send a Tweet to us at SaveFitnessNow.

NPC Fitness Spotlight for September 2011: Babette Mulford

The NPC Fitness Spotlight for September 2011 belongs to Babette Mulford!

Photo credit: FitnessRx

Babette is an NPC Fitness Competitor from Iowa. She was, as most competitors were back in their days as a child, and active person, doing water ski, soccer, track, flaggirl, and cheerleading, among other things. Prior to becoming a fitness competitor, she competed in figure and bodybuilding. In fact, she started out as a bodybuilder (as it was the only thing offered for her at the time), then she went into fitness, then did figure for a while (as well as a few marathons) and now she's back home in fitness. Her journey started when she was part of a dance team and danced at an intermission of an area bodybuilding competition. She stayed after the intermission and totally fell in love with the sport. Her love has transformed into a lifestyle that has seen her place very well in several competitions, as she strives to one day become an IFBB Fitness Pro.

Photo credit: FitnessRx

COMPETITION HISTORY
2011 IFBB North American Championships 3rd
2011 NPC Team Universe & National Fitness Championships 6th
2010 NPC Junior USA Championships 1st
2010 NPC Team Universe & National Fitness Championships 4th
2010 NPC Junior National Championships 3rd
2009 NPC Team Universe 6th
2009 IFBB North American Championships 3rd
2009 NPC Junior National Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships 5th
2008 NPC Junior National Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships 5th
2007 NPC National Championships 8th
2007 NPC Junior Nationals Bodybuilding, Fitness And Figure Contest 4th

You can learn more about Babette in an interview she did with Jason Adams of Promoting Real Women at http://promotingwomen.blogspot.com/2010/12/babette-mulford-interview.html.

IFBB Fitness Spotlight for September 2011: Adela Garcia

With the Olympia this month, the IFBB Fitness Spotlight for September 2011 was a no-brainer. This month's IFBB Spotlight goes to one of the most successful IFBB fitness champions in history: Adela Garcia!

Photo credit: Muscular Development

Adela is arguably THE top fitness competitor in the world today, and for good reason. She's competed (AND WON) many titles, including multiple Fitness Internationals and Fitness Olympias.She was born in Cabrera, Dominican Republic and raised in San Juan Puerto Rico along with two older brothers. For those wondering, yes, she was a tomboy. Growing up active, she tried anything and everything you could think of in sports, including volleyball, softball, and basketball. This wasn't a sport, but there was a time that she (along with her brothers) putting forks in electrical outlets to see if they could see their skeletons!! Crazy, huh?! Despite all of that, there was one sport she never officially participated in, and it's the main sport that is credited a lot for fitness competitions: gymnastics.  She wanted to take gymnastics classes, but financial issues kept her from doing so. So what did she do? She tried cartwheels and back-walkovers at home and kept myself busy playing games with my two brothers.

At the age of 17, she was introduced to weight training. In college, she joined the Army’s ROTC program,  After being in the ROTC for a couple of years, she decided to take a trip throughout the states to learn English. While I visited California, I remember a couple of people suggesting that I try to compete in a fitness show. She was a bit skeptical because she did not have any type of dance background to compete. She declined that time and moved back to Puerto Rico in 1995. During that time, she taught aerobics classes and did some personal training at the gym on a military base. It was there where she saw a poster for the NPC Armed Forces Fitness Championships in North Carolina. She entered that contest and ended up placing second and was immediately hooked from that point on. She would compete in more local and nationals shows until 1999, where she took the overall fitness title at th 1999 USA Fitness Championship and earned my IFBB pro card. And the rest, as they say, is history.

There have been many great fitness competitors to come and go, but Adela has proven time and time again that she's among the all-time greats, and she hopes to cement her place in history at the 2001 Olympia, as she will be looking to win her 6th Fitness Olympia title, a feat no other fitness competitor has ever accomplished. When you think of fitness, bottom line, there's no one who solidifies the sport more than Adela Garcia.

Photo credit: Fitness Rx

COMPETITION HISTORY:

2011
Arnold Classic-first place

2010
Fitness Olympia-first place
Arnold Classic-first place

2009
Fitness Olympia-first place
Europa Super Show-third place

2007
Fitness Olympia-first place
Houston Pro Figure-third place
Arnold Classic-third place

2006
Fitness Olympia-first place
Arnold Classic-first place

2005
Sacramento Pro Fitness-first place
Fitness Olympia-third place
Arnold Classic-second place

2004
Fitness Olympia-first place
Arnold Classic-first place

2003
IFBB New York City Pro Fitness-Overall
IFBB Fitness International-second place

2002
IFBB GNC Show Of Strength Fitness-second place
IFBB Fitness Olympia-fourth place
IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Fitness-Overall
IFBB Atlantic States Pro Fitness-Overall
IFBB New York City Pro Fitness-Overall
IFBB Fitness International-fourth place

2001
IFBB Fitness Olympia-fourth place
IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Fitness-third place
IFBB Fitness International-third place

2000
IFBB Jan Tana Classic Pro Fitness-second place
IFBB Fitness Olympia-fifth place
IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Fitness-fifth place
IFBB Atlantic City Pro Fitness-sixth place
IFBB Fitness International-eighth place

1999
NPC USA Fitness Championships-Overall (IFBB Professional Qualifier)

1998
NPC Junior National Fitness Championships-second place short class
IFBB North American Fitness Championships-sixth place short class
NPC National Fitness Championships-eighth place short class
NPC USA Fitness Championships-ninth place short class

1996
NPC Pennsylvania Fitness Championships-fourth place
NPC National Fitness Championships-twelfth place

1995
NPC Europa Sports Fitness Championships-second place

For more on Adela, visit her website at http://www.adelafitness.com.  

NPC Fitness Spotlight for August 2011: Alissa Carpio

This month's NPC Fitness Spotlight belongs to Alissa Carpio!

Photo credit: Fitness Rx

Alissa has been a certified personal trainer since 2002. A year after she became a personal trainer, she decided to enter the world of physique competitions. She has went on to compete in fitness, figure, and bodybuilding. She has placed in the top 5 at five national competitions, including a win at the 2010 Jr. USAs in Fitness. Her main goal is to one day earn her pro card in fitness.

In addition to fitness competitions and personal training, she's also a freelance writer for health, fitness, pregnancy, and babies. You can view some of her work on Bodybuilding.com, MAX Sports & Fitness, Pampers.com, Bodysport.com, Fitness & Physique, and Faith and Fitness.

Photo credit: Fitness Rx

COMPETITION HISTORY:
2011 Team Universe, Fitness 6th Place, Class C
2010 NPC Junior, Fitness Tall Class (2nd)
2008 Junior Nationals, Fitness Class C (4th)
2008 Junior USA, Fitness Class C (1st)
2008 NPC Pittsburgh, Fitness (3rd)
2007 NPC National Fitness Championship, 6th Tall
2007 NPC Maryland Grand Prix, Overall Women's Bodybuilding
2006 NPC Team Universe Championship, 8th - Fitness Tall
2005 NPC National Fitness Championship, 3rd Tall
2005 OCB Battle of Blacksburg, 1st - Women's Novice, 2nd - Open
2005 NPC Junior USA Championship, 1st - Fitness Tall
2005 NPC Pittsburgh Championship, 1st - Fitness Tall
2004 NPC VA/DC State Championship, Overall Fitness
2004 NPC Bethany Howlett Classic, Overall Fitness
2004 NPC Tournament of Champions, 1st - Figure Tall
2004 NPC BodyRock & Monica Brant, Overall Fitness

For more on Alissa, visit her website at http://www.alissa.net/.

IFBB Fitness Spotlight for August 2011: Trish Warren

This month's IFBB Fitness Spotlight goes to one half of the arguably THE top IFBB couple in the game today and a future mother, Trish Warren!

Photo credit: FLEX Online

Trish would describe herself as the "small town country girl with dreams as big as the Texas sky". She was on a cheerleading scholarship, which she did for a couple of year, and then decided to enter fitness competitions. She joined a small gym and hired a trainer and began my journey to being a top fitness star. That gym would be the very place she would met a man named Branch Warren. Little did anyone expect what would go down after that for BOTH Trish and Branch.

Trish would go on to win her very first competition, the Ronnie Coleman Classic in 1999, and from that point on, she was hooked. She would win her pro card in 2002 at NPC Nationals, and from there on she would go on to compete in many events, including the Arnold and Olympia. Along the way, she has refined her routines and her physique to be one of the best in the world. In fact, Trish is currently the number THREE fitness competitor on the planet, right behind Adela Garcia and Tanji Johnson. Her journey to being THE best will have to take a backseat, though, and for VERY good reason. Announced last month (July), Trish and Branch are expecting their first child together!! Congrats to the Warren family! I have no doubt in my mind that when the time's right, Trish will return to the stage and pick up right where she left off; aiming to win the Fitness Olympia and/or Fitness International title and prove to the world that she is the best.

Photo credit: Muscular Development

COMPETITION HISTORY:
1999 Ronnie Coleman Classic 1st
2002 Jr. Nationals 1st and Overall
2002 Nationals Earned Pro Card
2008 NY Pro Fitness 2nd (qualifed for 1st Olympia)
2008 Houston Pro 10th
2008 Fitness Olympia 9th
2009 Arnold Classic Fitness International 7th
2009 NY Pro Fitness 2nd
2009 Fitness Olympia 10th
2010 Arnold Classic Fitness International 4th
2010 New York Pro Fitness 2nd
2010 Fitness Olympia 3rd
2011 Arnold Classic Fitness International 3rd

For more on Trish, visit her website at http://www.trishwarrenfitness.com

Cheerleading competitions for potential fitness competitors?

This has been brought up a few times, so I'd thought I'd bring it up here. How many of you have looked into high school/college cheerleading competitions to recruit potential fitness competitors? The numbers have increased in cheerleading big time, and weight-training has become more of a staple for cheerleading than ever before. From what I've seen personally, some cheerleaders wouldn't look out of place whatsoever in a fitness show. What are YOUR thoughts on looking at cheerleading competitions for potential fitness competitors?

Trish Warren to Sit Out 2011 Olympia

Congrats to Trish on having a baby!
Photo credit: GMV Bodybuilding

Earlier today, Isaac Hinds mentioned that a top Fitness Olympia competitor would be sitting out this year. It's not been confirmed that Trish Warren will NOT be a part of the 2011 Fitness Olympia, and for good reason...she's having a baby! Big congrats to Trish and her hubby Branch on their upcoming bundle of joy.

You can read the full story on Hardbody News.

No doubt Trish will be missed on the Olympia stage this year, and no doubt the fitness top 6 will experience a shake-up as well. In my honest opinion, she was going to be a major favorite, right behind Tanji Johnson, to take Adela Garcia's title this year. It will be a while before we see Trish on stage again, but knowing her she'll return sooner than later.

On behalf of everyone at Save Women's Fitness Now, congrats to the Warren family!

Jenny Worth Returns to Her Roots This Weekend!

For those attending the NPC Southern States Championships this weekend (July 8-9) are in for one heck of a treat. Jenny Worth will be guest performing at the show! For the first time since having her child, she will be back on stage to perform a fitness routine.

According to Jenny, she's doing it for the love of the sport that's made her a star in the first place, women's fitness, and with this performance, she hopes to put women's fitness back on the map and hope to get people talking about Jenny again. During her interview with FitGems Nation earlier this year, she mentioned that she wouldn't mind returning to compete when she felt the time was right. Could this guest appearance be the beginning of a comeback for the 2001 Fitness International champion? I wouldn't put it past her, as many people have said that she's among the best to never win the Fitness Olympia title. That will remain to be see whether she returns to competition, but it will be great for those attending the Southern States to see an IFBB Fitness legend on stage.

The show will start at 7PM Eastern time, with her appearance taking place around 9pm July 8th. Below is the location of the show and where and who to contact for tickets and more information about the Southern States:
WAR MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
800 NE 8th Street
FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
TICKETS AND INFO: contact
PETER W. POTTER, USA SPORTS PROMOTIONS OF FL
phone: 954.763.2718 - email: usasports@juno.com

We wish Jenny the best of luck in her return to the stage and hopes this could lead to bigger things in the future! For more on Jenny, visit her website at http://www.jennyworthfitness.com and visit her Yahoo fan club at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jenny_worth, and "like" Jenny Worth Fitness on Facebook.

IFBB Fitness Spotlight for July 2011: Myriam Capes

This month's fitness spotlight belongs to the highest ranking fitness competitor in Canada, Myriam "Mimi" Capes!

Photo credit: Flex Online

Myriam is a IFBB Fitness Pro from Canada. She began her fitness career at the tender age of 17. Before becoming a fitness star, she was a gymnast. Mimi would obtained her pro card in 2006. Her first year as a pro, she would qualify to compete in the 2007 Fitness Olympia. She would finish 18th of 19th in the competition. While that's near the bottom of the list, being able to compete in the Olympia in your first year as a pro is an accomplishment in an accomplishment in itself.

In her first year, she brought am impressive physique to the stage, but it was obvious things were gonna have to change a bit in order to make a major impact in IFBB Fitness. The following year, she refined her physique to a more streamlined, judge-pleasing look, and her routines became more and more entertaining. She also went from blonde to jet black hair, which took a lot of people by surprise at the time, but from what I've heard, she made the right choice. In 2009, things began to take shape for her as she returned to the Olympia and placed 6th, a FAR cry from 18th place. She would follow that up with her first Arnold in 2010, placing 8th at the Fitness International. Her 4th place finish at this past Olympia, along with her 5th place finish as this year's Arnold makes her the highest ranking Canadian fitness competitor of all time. Many feel it's only a matter of time before she nabbed her first pro fitness win, and it wouldn't surprise anyone if she becomes a future Fitness Olympia and/or Fitness International champion. She has the routine, physique, personality, and drive to make it happen.

Photo credit: Flex Online

COMPETITION HISTORY

2011 IFBB Toronto Pro Super Show-2nd
2011 IFBB Fitness International-5th
2010 IFBB Olympia-4th
2010 IFBB Europa Super Show-2nd
2010 IFBB Europa Show of Champions-3rd
2010 IFBB Fitness International-8th
2009 IFBB Olympia-6th
2009 IFBB Europa Super Show & Supplement Expo-2nd
2009 IFBB Europa Show of Champions-2nd
2009 IFBB New York Pro Fitness-5th
2008 IFBB Atlantic City Pro-4th
2008 IFBB 15th Annual Sports/Fitness Weekend & Europa IFBB Super Show-7th
2008 IFBB Houston Pro Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Contest-13th
2008 IFBB New York Pro Fitness-9th
2007 IFBB Olympia-18th
2007 IFBB Santa Susanna Bodybuilding And Figure Contest-2nd
2007 IFBB Europa Super Show-NP

To visit her website, check it out at http://www.myriamcapes.ca/.

Tonya Burkhardt to do "24 Hours of Booty"

Photo credit: IFBB Pro

I got this email from Tonya Burkhardt, and I wanted to share this with all of you. Please help out Tonya however you can.

I accepted the challenge once again of participating in 24 Hours of Booty. 24 Hours of Booty conducts annual 24 hour cycling events, which increase public awareness and support for cancer research and programs, while raising funds to support the LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION and local cancer organizations. I rode 123 miles last year and am still planning on riding post surgery and rehab this year.

I am asking you to help by supporting my fundraising efforts with a donation. Your tax-deductible gift will make a real difference in the cancer community. It is faster and easier than ever to support me as a 24 Hours of Booty participant - you can make your donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. If you would prefer, you can also send your tax-deductible contribution to the address listed below.

Any amount you can give, great or small, helps in the fight against cancer. I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress! Thank you so much!

Click here to visit Tonya's personal page.

NPC Fitness Spotlight for June 2011: Lishia Dean

This month's NPC Fitness Spotlight belongs to Lishia Dean!

Photo credit: Fitness Rx Magazine

Lishia Dean is a fitness competitor from Greensboro, North Carolina. She's been part of the fitness industry most of her life, whether it be competing, or being a personal trainer, or being a powerlifter. Somehow, someway, Lishia has seemingly always dedicated her life to fitness.

Her journey began when she took a group exercise class for a PE course at Western Carolina University. She became certified to teach and was promoted to the Coordinator and went on to be certified in Personal Training. After graduating college, she started to do some powerlifting, and did pretty well for herself, as she reached a deadlift max of 370lbs raw at a weight of 139lbs in 2004. So yes, she's one of those competitors who really IS as strong as she looks. That same year , she decided to compete in her first fitness competition, the Elite Muscle Classic, and would win the Overall there. Two weeks later, she was part of the NPC Nationals in Dallas, TX. From that point forward, she's been competing in NPC Fitness hoping to one day get her pro card.

Her personal journey to one day be part of the IFBB has allowed her to help many people along the way. She was a Wellness Director at the YMCAs for a number of years in NC and FL, as well as venturing out as far as Canada and Australia. With her dance background, she has been able to help choreograph routines for many competitors, pro and amateur. With her accomplishments thus far, it seems like the next logical thing for her is to finally get that pro card and take her talents to the pro stage.

Photo credit: Muscular Development

COMPETITIVE HISTORY:

2011
Jr. USAs: Fitness Class B (2nd)

2010
Team Universe: Fitness Medium (3rd)
Jr National Championships: Fitness Class B (4th)

2008
Team Universe: Fitness: Medium (3rd)
Junior Nationals Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships: Fitness: Class B (2nd)
Junior USA: Fitness Class B (4th)

2007
National Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships: Fitness Class B (3rd)
Team Universe Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships: Fitness Class B (5th)
Junior National Bodybuilding, Figure & Fitness Championships: Fitness Class B (3rd)

2004
National Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championship: Fitness: Medium (10th)

For more on Lishia, go to her website at http://www.lishiadean.com/.

IFBB Fitness Spotlight for June 2011: Nicole Duncan

This month's IFBB Fitness Spotlight goes to all-around Southern girl Nicole Duncan!

Photo credit: Arnold Sports Festival website

Energetic, amazing, innovative. Those words come to mind when one thinks of Nicole Duncan. Nicole is one of the most energetic fitness competitors on the scene today, and one of the most talented as well. A Georgia girl through and through, she She became the 2006 NPC National Fitness Champion, which catapulted her to the rankings of the IFBB.

Ever since she won her pro card, she has climbed steadily into the top of the IFBB Fitness division. She has a great physique, but what she's best known for is her amazing energy during her routines. In fact, shortly after the passing of Michael Jackson in 2009 (may he Rest in Peace), she decided to incorporate a few of MJ's moves into her routine, and from everyone I've talked to, there were showstoppers.

Earlier this year, I actually had the chance to see Nicole in person during Wrestlemania 27. She was about a week or so out from competing at the New York Pro Fitness at the time. She was very sweet to everyone and yet made sure no one got out of line (hey, wrestling fans aren't the most gentle people on Earth. I should know. I'm one of them. LOL).

Truly one of the leader's in today's women's fitness division, this former Atlanta Falcon cheerleader is doing her best to entertain the crowd through her fitness routines, and it shows. Look for her to continue her path to becoming one of the best in IFBB women's fitness history.

Photo credit: Fitness Rx Magazine

COMPETITIVE HISTORY:

2011 IFBB New York Pro Fitness-8th
2011 IFBB Fitness International-10th
2010 IFBB Fort Lauderdale Pro Fitness-2nd
2010 IFBB Fitness Olympia-9th
2010 IFBB Europa Show of Champions Fitness-8th
2010 IFBB Fitness International-10th
2009 IFBB Ft. Lauderdale Pro Fitness-2nd
2009 IFBB Fitness Olympia-8th
2009 IFBB Atlantic City Fitness-4th
2009 IFBB Europa Super Show Fitness-3rd
2009 IFBB Fitness International-14th
2008 IFBB Fitness Olympia-11th
2008 IFBB Europa IFBB Super Show Fitness-3rd
2008 IFBB Houston Pro Fitness-5th
2008 IFBB New York Pro Fitness-4th
2007 IFBB Palm Beach Pro/Am Fitness-7th
2007 IFBB Europa Super Show Fitness-10th
2007 IFBB New York Pro Fitness-7th

For more on Nicole, visit her website at http://www.fitnicole.com, and follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/FitNicInc.