Thursday, December 29, 2011

Spotlight Interview: IFBB Pro Karly Woodle






Since winning her Pro card very early in he competing career, Karly Woodle has continued to improve with each show. She looked great this year competing at both the St. Louis Pro and the Phoenix Pro. As you will read, she knows what improvements she needs to make, and will no doubt make them. In my opinion Karly will one day be on stage at the Olympia.

Q: Were you athletic at all growing up?
A: Not really. I was a tomboy but I was rather clumsy. I think I fell of the monkey bars a few times and broke some bones.

Q: How did you start with weight training?
A: I kinda worked out on my own, but was never able to put on muscle. I found out later on t was my nutrition habits, I didn't know how to eat right. So when I met my trainer she said I had a good genetic structure to compete. So, I was kind of bored and it was something new.

Q: How long were you seriously training before you competed?
A: About a year and a half before I first got on stage.

Q: When you first started competing, did you ever think it would get to where it is now?
A: Not really. I didn't know what it was about, that it was a sport in and of itself. It was like "that looks fun, lets get on stage". I am still trying to figure out all the ins and outs of the game.

Q: Not knowing what it was about, and having done it, what was the biggest surprise about it?
A: I didn't realize your body could get that lean. It's a mental game more than a physical game. I thought it was day in and out go to the gym and eat right. There is so much more of a mental challenge to it. I think that's what a lot of people don't understand. It kind of makes it more fun.

Q: You won your Pro card at the 2009 Jr. Nationals. What went through your mind when you realized you were getting it?
A: I was really excited. It was my third show ever. I had no idea, no expectations. I had never done a National show and didn't know what it would be like. It was overwhelming.

Q: Did you think going in, that you had a shot?
A: I guess I didn't really know. I was kinda doing it because it was a fun thing, which it still is, but you put more stress on yourself knowing who you are against. At that show I was doing it just to do it.

Q: Your first Pro show, did you feel you belonged or have to convince yourself?
A: I kinda had to convince myself because there was pressure to take it up a notch. I over dieted for that show, had more stress in my life than I should have. There was more pressure definitely.

Q: For a competitor, what is the difference between amateur shows and Pro shows?
A: There is less girls. There is a level of competition at amateur shows because there are so many more girls, they are nice girls. Pro shows, we are already there, at the level we wanna be at, so it seems everyone is more friendly.

Q: This year you did the St. Louis and Phoenix Pro shows. Where you happy with how you did?
A: I think I am still trying to Figure out the right formula for the best look on stage. At St. Louis I was happier, but I carried more muscle and they weren't looking for as much. I was told to bring it down. My conditioning could have been better and I wanna work on that this year.

Q: That leads to my next question. Besides conditioning, for 2012 what improvements do you want to make?
A: I want to bring my legs down a bit, and basically bring them in That's kind of my Achilles heel you could say. My quad sweeps are too big. So to get that physique they are looking fro now, that Y shape, I wanna bring my legs down and be more conditioned.

Q: You mentioned carrying more muscle. With that being said, would you or have you considered Physique?
A: I briefly thought about it, but I wanna wear heels on stage. If they could wear heels I might try haha.

Q: For a competitor does being a Pro carry more responsibility?
A: I think in a way it does because everyone who competes, people are looking up to you. its something people cant or wont do. So as a Pro you have gone above and beyond. So at that point its better to carry yourself with more dignity. The more you got out there the more personality you have. You see that with Nicole Wilkins and Erin Stern, people know who they are. Like celebrities, they are more likely to carry themselves in a more respectable way.

Q: Can you give a brief example of your training routine?
A: Mine ha stayed pretty much the same. I do a three day split. Back and biceps, and then you have chest, shoulders and triceps, and leg days. My leg days have dropped off a bit, so its mainly hamstrings and a lot of plyometrics, so they don't grow anymore. Trying to stay heavier on shoulders and get those developed.

Q: I was told to ask you this. Someone said they always notice your shoulders and delts, so can you give her an example of your shoulder workout?
A: They get attention? haha. I usually do a military press or smith press with 40 or 50 pounds, front raises with plates, pushdowns for triceps, lateral raise, rear delts. I usually do it in a circuit. Sometimes I do two shoulder days. Heavier the first day. Whatever it takes to get it all dialed in.

Q: When you are at the gym, do you get a lot of unwanted attention?
A: You know what? I have been at the same gym for so long, I got to know everyone, and all that stuff out of the way early on. I find when you are getting ready for a show, dieted down, tired and hungry, and don't wanna talk, that's when people wanna talk, and say "whens your show" or "what are you eating". That's the only time I say "Please don't talk to me."

Q: In public, do you dress down, or show it off, or whatever you feel like that day?
A: I just do whatever I feel like. Sometimes you wanna show it off. But regular clothes or not, people can see your shape. They will make a comment, positive or negative, its their opinion. I have tried to cover up so they don't say things, but they still do. So you gotta wear what you want to and who cares what they think.

Q: Is the Olympia the ultimate goal?
A: Yeah it would be. I think more so, just getting my name out there. The Olympia is almost a crap shoot to get into, cause you have to win or be 2nd place. So it would be ideal, but if I can be a positive role model, that does more for me.

Q: Before we finish, anyone you wanna thank?
A: Definitely my trainer Patty. I was a skinny little girl when I met her, so this is all her doing. My sponsors Serious Nutrition Solutions. I started with them in August and they have great products and helped at the end of the year. My family and friends, the ones who do support me.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Spotlight Interview: Charmaine Tweet





You may look at Charmaine Tweet's 0-2 MMA record and think she isn't anything special. However if you think that, then you are thinking wrong. Because that means you are not familiar with all the things Charmaine has achieved in the sport of kickboxing. She jumped into MMA by taking on Ronda Rousey in her first fight and then Anna Barrone in her second, which was a fight were an injury no doubt played a part in the finish of the fight. As Charmaine continues to improve on the ground and combines that with her excellent stand-up, she is definitely someone to keep an eye on as she will be a tough opponent for anyone.

Q: Before MMA, you were a very accomplished kickboxer. What got you started in that?
A: It started when I was 14 or 15 years old. I was really involved in fitness. Once I stopped growing in 6th grade, I stopped growing upwards, but kept growing outwards. So I got involved with aerobics and did videos at my house. One of the videos was the "Sugar" Ray Leonard boxing video. I was doing the shadow boxing and thought "it would be fun to punch something other than the air". I was always interested but at that time female boxing wasn't big so I never got into it in high school. When I lived in Milwaukee my husband met Duke Roufus and they said I should come check out the gym. I walked in and talked with his business partner and told him I wanted to box. They said "sure,, but you have the build for a kick boxer, would you like to do that to", and I said "sure why not?". The rest is history.

Q: Competing in a combat sport, not something every girl does, were friends and family skeptical at first?
A: Yeah a little bit. Not so much my friends. I lived a long way from home at that time so I didn't see a lot of my friends and family from back home. My parents didn't know what I was doing till they watched a video of one of my fights. My husband and friends in the States were completely behind me. So I never got any flack for doing it.

Q: People may not know just how accomplished you are. Is there anything from that sport you are most proud of?
A: Winning the World Championships in Thailand. Winning it where the sport originated was my big accomplishment. I loved that, it was a cool feeling.

Q: You have since started MMA. What made you move to MMA?
A: I went to a WEC show in Edmonton and saw Duke again. He looked at me and said "What are you doing? You have been doing amateur long enough, get into MMA and make money doing what you love". I love Muay Thai but it would barely cover training expenses to fight professionally there. I still want to if the opportunity comes up, but I started MMA to make cash at it. I am a mom with two kids and work a full time job. It gets expensive.

Q: What was the biggest adjustment for you?
A: Being taken to the ground. I am a big girl so its a long way to fall haha. Just the ground game, changing up my stance and moving a little differently.

Q: Are you at the point where you are comfortable on the ground?
A: Yeah I am comfortable on the ground. I don't know how comfortable I am going there. I would rather keep it up, but I know better what to do now, more than when I fought Ronda. That was an amateur mistake I made there.

Q: That leads to my next question. In June you lost by armbar to Ronda Rousey. But seeing as how she has done that to everyone, does it make it less painful for you?
A: Yeah exactly. When I saw Julia Budd lost quicker than I did I was like, "I guess I didn't do so bad, I lasted longer than a more accomplished fighter did". And not a lot of girls can say they fought Ronda Rousey in her first fight.

Q: Was it a conscious decision to fight someone like her for your first fight, or did you consider someone maybe a little less accomplished?
A: We had tried to get so many people to fight me. My husband would know more than I did cause he went through a list we had and kept getting turned down and down, and finally her name came up and she took it. If no one else was gonna do it, I had to jump into the deep end.

Q: There is a lot of talk right now about whether she or Sarah Kaufman should get to fight Miesha Tate. Do you have an opinion or do you not really care?
A: I don't really have an opinion to be honest. I think if she wants to fight Cyborg, she should go for Cyborg now if she thinks she is ready. That's a fight I would like to see.

Q: After that you lost to Anna Barrone. Did you underestimate her?
A: I don't know about that. I am pretty sure I broke my hand on the first punch, the first jab. Then she came with a big overhand right and clipped me right on my sweet spot. I tried to grab and clinch, and with the broken hand I couldn't hold her. I was talking to my coaches and Rob said "you looked fine" and people said "how in the hell did she get out of Char's clinch". There are grown men who cant get out of my clinch. I think if I had the cahnce to lock it on, things would have ended differently. But props to Anna, she came in hard and fast and clipped me.

Q: From those first two fights, what do you feel you need to most improve? Would it be the ground?
A: No! You know what? if you look at those fights, I don't think I threw a single kick. Where I had been training was mostly a Jiu-Jitsu school, I left there shortly after I fought Ronda, but trained for a year and a half, and every time we sparred, they wouldn't let me kicks. So it got drilled into my head, as soon as I put on MMA gloves "don't kick, don't kick, don't kick". I think I need to bring the kicks back. I have a hard kick. My ground game can always use work. Everyones ground game can use work. But bring my legs back to being a big advantage.

Q: With that kickboxing pedigree are people going to keep trying to avoid standing with you?
A: Oh yeah! Unless its another striker, cause strikers love to strike. But as much as possible people will try and take me to the ground.

Q: The casual fan doesn't necessarily follow kickboxing. Do you think they could look at your record and not know what you have done in kickboxing, and maybe not give you the respect you deserve?
A: Its possible I would say. But I haven't accomplished a whole lot in MMA. So time to change that.

Q: Is there anyone right now you would like to fight.
A: I would love to rematch Ronda in about a year. But I am just looking to fight, I don't care who it is.

Q: With Strikeforce staying on Showtime, and more people covering Women's MMA, do you see it growing at a steady rate?
A: Oh definitely. I mean, there are more women even in kickboxing than when Is tarted. The more coverage there is, the more younger people are saying "I can do this". Hopefully we can grow to have a nice 155 pound division.

Q: Say three years from now, where do you see yourself in the sport?
A: Three years from now I will be 38 years old. I plan on fighting into my 40's, but I am not sure. It's hard to say. It depends on my body. But I would like to see me with a Strikeforce contract.

Q: So is Strikeforce the Ultimate goal?
A: Yeah, it seems to be the pinnacle of women's MMA. I wanna be the champion of the most elite women's division there is.

Q: Before we finish anyone you want to thank or mention?
A: First I want to thank my husband Kord. He is the one who works his butt off to find me fights. Working full time I don't have the time. So big thanks to him. My trainers, Chi Chi, Ron Gonzales, Rob Rennebohm, all the guys who spar with me, my kids for putting up with me during weight cuts. And big thanks to my youngest who got a DJ mixer for Christmas so is mixing up my next song for me. And also I am fighting February 24th in Medicine Hat on a Hard Knocks card against Marcella Wineberger.

WBFF Pro Sharon Polsky Interview








Q: First, Sharon, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A; My name is Sharon Polsky and I was born in raised in Long Beach California. I have been an athlete all of my life, including nationally ranked swimmer and equestrian; and a classically trained dancer. I also spent most of my young life running away from 2 older brothers that loved to pick on me, as most brothers do. So I guess you can say I am a triple threat; swimmer, dancer and runner (by necessity)

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: When I was 14 I started working out in the gym with my 2 older brothers, cause of course everything they did I wanted to do as well. Then when I was 16 I taught my first step aerobics class and although I was a terrible instructor at that time, I was hooked and never looked back.

Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: Training was never easy for me, in fact to this day I have to work harder then anybody else for the very small gains that I get; but I think that is what I love about the challenge of it.

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: Well, the reason I decided to compete for the first time was actually to promote my business. I started competing in fitness routines with the Ms. Fitness Organization (which no longer exists) and I was the first person to introduce a Pole Acrobatics routine as my fitness routine. At the time I owned a Pole Acrobatic studio and really wanted to change the perception of pole and show people that it was fitness and not something trashy. Well I accomplished that and then some. With that Pole Acrobatic routine I was Ms. Fitness Southern California multiple times and ranked 5th in the U.S. and 10th in the World. Now I don't compete in fitness routines anymore but still love it.

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: My family and friends will never support me competing not because they don't want to but because they just don't understand it. They don't understand why I eat the way I do or exercise the way I do; but I am lucky because they don't undermine my goals either. My family and friends are all very goal oriented so they will never try to derail mine.

Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: Actually competing was what I expected and then some. It is the most amazing sisterhood I have ever experienced in my life. I have met life long friends in this industry.

Q: Can you share your contest history.
A: 2011 Rankings:
*WBFF - Fitness Atlantic. Fitness Model Masters - Champion
(Ms. Fitness USA and Worlds Postponed for 2011)
*WBFF - Central US Championships - Awarded Pro Card
*WBFF - World Championships - Awarded the Monica Brant Award
2010 Rankings:
*Ms. Fitness USA Finals - 2010/2011 - 6th Place
*Fitness America - Southern California - 2010 - Champion Open Fitness
2009 Rankings:
*Ms. Fitness USA Finals - 2009/2010 - 5th Place
*Ms. Fitness World Finals - 2009/2010 - 10th Place
*Ms. Fitness Southern California - Champion
2008 Rankings:
*Fitness America Finals - Classic - 2008 - Champion
*Bikini America - Southern California - 2008 Champion Classic Bikini
*Fitness America - Southern California - 2008 - Champion Open Fitness

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: My abs, back and triceps are by far my best and most naturally muscular body parts.

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train?
A: I love training legs because those are the ones that I have changed the most.

Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I actually train hard and eat clean year round, so I don't really take an off season like most competitors. I start my competition prep about 12 weeks out from my first show and then the cutting is cumulative for the rest of the show and I really use diet limitations and functional training for that.

Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: Many times it is negative. They think I compete because I want people to look at me but I don't its because I want to inspire people.

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: I am most sick of people saying to me, "oooh I want a body like that". I used to tell people how they can achieve it and then they would say "OMG I had no idea everything you have to do to get this".

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: People say to me all the time that I must have great genetics. I have horrible genetics, minimal muscle memory and a rare neurological condition; so this is achieved by hard work, dedication and a healthy diet.

Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: Worse part about training is the time that it takes to get what I want but it is well worth it.

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: I am actually an old school bodybuilding fan.

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Chips and Salsa with Margaritas

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: You have to get a reputable coach, not a trainer. There is so much more that goes into competing then just working out and diet.

Q: Do you think its becoming more common for women to use the weights as opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: Nope not for the mainstream population. Go walk into any health club in January and you will see women on cardio and men in the weight room.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I love doing anything outdoors; skiing, rockclimbing, hiking, boating...

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Sharon Polsky.
A: I get up at 6 am every morning and eat a great breakfast, I go to my fitness studio and work most of the day with clients. I do get some time in their for a workout and a couple of meals, and then I am back home from work at 7 pm for a couple more meals. I love what I do so I wouldn't have this any other way

Q: Describe Sharon Polsky in five words.
A: Fun, Feisty, Cute, Sexy, Loyal, Dedicated

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I am a professional acrobat and still perform in nightclubs, events and parties all over the world.

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I will continue to compete with the WBFF as a Pro Diva Fitness Model

Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: You can visit me any time at www.sharonpolsky.com or please find me on Facebook and send me a friend request I really like to interact with people.

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they getting in Sharon Polsky the athlete and competitor?
A: I really need sponsors to help me get to World Championships and the European Championships this year so please email me at sharonpolsky@gmail.com. You will not be disappointed.

Q: Sharon, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

2011 Real Women Awards

These awards are done not just by me. To make sure they are impartial, I have both media members and competitors/fighters help make the nominees. For most awards pro and amateur goes by what you intered 2011 as. So if you won a pro card or turned pro in 2011, you still are in the amateur catagories here, except in the 2012 Is Their Year catagory. We have added some catagories including Woman of the Year, which is for you to vote on any female or competitor you want. There are no nominees. This is being treated as our biggest award. Also their are are the COurage Awards. Those are not voted on by fans, so therefor, not listed on this ballot. The Fitness Industry one is the Leslie Wartman Courage Award and the MMA one is now called the Mighty Mia Hayes Courage Award. For the voters favorite catagories, simply vote whoever you want, there are no nominees. For Competitors Favorite and Fighters Favorite, you must have competed or fought and send either the name of a show you did or date of a fight. Since Phsyique is a new division, the only Physique Award is Physique Competitor of the Year. You can vote for one catagory or all of them, but you can only email once so include them all teh first time. Anyone who votes from teh same email address more than once will not have any of their votes count. Obviously, there is nothing that can be done if someone has multiple email addresses. Voting ends at 11:59PM on January 20th. Send votes to elway78@netzero.com

BLOG AWARDS
1. Cover Model of the Year
A. Chazz Anderson
B. Gail Aerbach
C. Susie Bell
D. Michelle Blank
E. Fleur De Kine
F. Ashley Hawkins
G. Jordan McDonald
H. Michelle Ould
I. Maria Rita Penteado
J. Brea Sharron
K. Erika Shingary
L. Casandra Walker

2. Best Spotlight Interview
A. Jackie Hoppe
B. Sarah Maloy
C. Jordan McDonald
D. Melody Melo
E. Michelle Ould

3. Best Interview- MMA
A. Tamikka Brents
B. Kristin DeWitt
C. Sarah Maloy
D. Jordan McDonald
E. Lacey Schuckman

4. Best Interview- Bikini
A. Jennifer Chapman
B. Kelli Green
C. Christy Merritt
D. Heather Nappi
E. Khay Rosemond

5. Best Interview- Fitness
A. Michelle Blank
B. Shannon Goering
C. Ilona Kovacs
D. Cicely Kyle
E. Jennifer Nash

6. Best Interview- Figure
A. Lindsay Forster
B. Beth Polisson
C. Lisa Mathern
D. Rachael Novello
E. Christina Rico

7. Best Interview- Bodybuilding
A. Jennifer Abrams
B. Amanda Alger
C. Natalie Rae Ariel
D. Suzanne Germano
E. Lisa Neil

FITNESS INDUSTRY AWARDS

1. Best Organization
A. IFBB
B. IFPA
C. NABBA
D. NPC
E. WBFF

2. Supplement Company of the Year
A. Dymatize
B. Gaspari
C. LaBrada
D. Optimum Nutrition
E. Species

3. Trainer of the Year
A. P.J. Braun
B. Shannon Dey
C. Erik Ledin
D. Kim Oddo
E. Jack Titone

4. Industry Website of the Year
A. Fitgems Nation
B. Muscle Girlz Live
C. Muscular Development
D. RX Muscle
E. Sioux Country

5. Best Competitor Website
A. Debbie Bramwell
B. Kristi Bruce
C. Mandy Henderson
D. Tanji Johnson
E. Kris Murrell

6. Weiferd Watts Memorial Award(Photgrapher of the Year)
A. Jeff Binns
B. Mike Eckstut
C. Danny Fittro
D. Isaac Hinds
E. Dan Ray

7. Best Blogger/Writer
A. Gail Auerbach
B. Melissa Cunningham
C. Diane Mueller
D. Pauline Nordin
E. Christopher Ray (C-Ray)

8. Fitness Model of the Year( not who does the most or makes the most. Just whose modelling pictures look the best)
A. Ava Cowen
B. Amanda Folstad-Ptak
C. Larissa Reis
D. Viviana Soldano
E. Stacy Wright


MMA AWARDS

1. Reporter of the Year
A. Ariel Helwani
B. Loretta Hunt
C. Marq Piocos
D. Cheryl Ragsdale
E. Robert Sargent

2. Trainer/Gym of the Year
A. American Kickboxing Academy
B. American Top Team
C. Extreme Couture
D. Greg Jackson/Mike Winklejohn
E. Keith Florian

3. Best Ref
A. Herb Dean
B. John McCarthy
C. Dan Miragliotta
D. Josh Rosenthall
E. Kim Winslow

4. Matchmaker of the Year
A. Sam Caplan
B. Rich Chou
C. Nichole Long
D. Shigeru Saeki
E. Sam Wilson

5. Promotion of the Year
A. Bellator
B. Jewels
C. NAAFS
D. Strikeforce
E. Tuff-n-Uff

6. Best Website/Blog
A. MMA Rising
B. Real Women and Men's MMA
C. Sherdog
D. WMMA Today
E. Wombat Sports

7. Best Fighter Website
A. Sarah Kaufman
B. Tara LaRosa
C. Jocelyn and Jillian Lybarger
D. Roxanne Modafferi
E. Miesha Tate

8. Best Blogger/Writer
A. Katrina Belcher
B. Roxanne Modafferi
C. Lacey Neher
D. Tim Peterson
E. Marq Piocos

9. Best Nickname
A. Sarah D'Alelio "The Monster"
B. Jessica Eye "Evil"
C. Megumi Fuji "Mega Megu"
D. Rebecca Gruitza "The Trainwrecka"
E. Chris Santos "Cyborg"

10. Biggest Box Office Draw
A. Marloes Coenen
B. Megumi Fuji
C. Sarah Kaufman
D. Chris Cyborg
E. Miesha Tate

11. Breakout Amateur Fighter of the Year
A. Jordan Nicole Gaza
B. Jillian Lybarger
C. Lalani Malley
D. Taylor Stratford
E. Tecia Torres

12. Breakout Pro Fighter of the Year
A. Aisling Daly
B. Sara McMann
C. Amanda Nunes
D. Ronda Rousey
E. Patricia Vidonic

13. 2012 Is Their Year Amateur
A. Jordan Nicole Gaza
B. Jillian Lybarger
C. Jordan McDonald
D. Taylor Stratford
E. Tecia Torres

14. 2012 Is Their Year Pro
A. Jessica Aguilar
B. Aisling Daly
C. Jessica Eye
D. Sara McMann
E. Ronda Rousey

15. Most Improved Fighter
A. Jessica Aguilar
B. Alexis Davis
C. Carla Esparza
D. Amanda Nunes
E. Miesha Tate

16. Most Underrated Fighter
A. Alexis Davis
B. Jessica Eye
C. Michelle Ould
D. Lacey Schuckman
E. Kaitlin Young

17. Best Representitive for the Sport
A. Jessica Aguilar
B. Andria Caplan
C. Roxanne Modafferi
D. Jessica Philippus
E. Lacey Schuckman

18. Voters Favorite Amateur Fighter

19. Voters Favorite Pro Fighter

20. Fighters Favorite Amateur Fighter

21. Fighters Favorite Pro Fighter

22. Submission of the year
A. Sheila Bird over Kim Couture by Leg Scissor Choke 7-9-11
B. Marloes Coenen over Liza Carmouche by Triangle Choke 3-5-11
C. Sara McMann over Raquel Pa'Aluhi by Armlock 8-27-11
D. Ronda Rousey over Julia Budd by Armbar 11-18-11
E. Miesha Tate over Marloes Coenen by Arm Triangle Choke 7-30-11

23. Knockout of the Year
A. Heather Clark over April Coutino 1-7-11
B. Sheila Gaff over Hanna Sillen 2-26-11
C. Holly Holm over Jan Finney 9-9-11
D. Amanda Nunes over Julia Budd 1-7-11
E. Cat Zingano over Takayo Hashi 5-14-11

24. Fight of the Year
A. Jessica Aguilar vs Carla Esparza 6-25-11
B. Alexis Davis vs Amanda Nunes 9-10-11
C. Jessica Eye vs Casey Noland 9-24-11
D. Sara McMann vs Raquel Pa'Aluhi 8-27-11
E. Cat Zingano vs Takayo Hashi 5-14-11

25. Amateur Fighter of the Year
A. Ashley Cummins
B. Jordan Nicole Gaza
C. Jillian Lybarger
D. Lalani Malley
E. Taylor Stratford

26. Pro Fighter of the Year
A. Jessica Aguilar
B. Megumi Fuji
C. Sara McMann
D. Ronda Rousey
E. Miesha Tate

PHYSIQUE AWARDS

1. Physique Competitor of the Year
A. Dana Linn Bailey
B. Melissa Di Bernardo
C. Tracy Bodner
D. Jillian Reville
E. Jill Rudison

BIKINI AWARDS

1. Best Stage Presence
A. Jaime Baird
B. Amanda Latona
C. Nathalia Melo
D. Nicole Nagrani
E. Heather Nappi

2. Breakout Competitor of the Year
A. Jennifer Andrews
B. Jaime Baird
C. Vanessa Campbell
D. Heather Nappi
E. Skye Taylor

3. Most Inspirational
A. Vanessa Campbell
B. Sonia Gonzalez
C. Nicole Nagrani
D. India Paulino
E. Whitney Wiser

4. Most Underrated Amateur
A. Angelique Costa
B. Trasy Rincan
C. Khay Rosemond
D. Brea Sharron
E. Rebecca Staggs

5. Most Underrated Pro
A. Jennifer Andrews
B. Jaime Baird
C. Missy Coles
D. Chady Dunmore
E. Nathalia Melo

6. Most Improved Amateur
A. Angelique Costa
B. Heather Nappi
C. Khay Rosemond
D. Rebecca Staggs
E. Skye Taylor

7. Most Improved Pro
A. Vanessa Campbell
B. Missy Coles
C. Dianna Dahlgren
D. Amanda Latona
E. Nicole Nagrani

8. 2012 Is Their Year Amateur
A. Angelique Costa
B. Brea Sharron
C. Mishon Shore
D. Rebecca Staggs
E. Jessica True

9. 2012 Is Their Year Pro
A. Jaime Baird
B. Nathalia Melo
C. Christy Merritt
D. India Paulino
E. Skye Taylor

10. Best Representitive for the Sport
A. Laura Cessna
B. Amanda Latona
C. Nathalia Melo
D. Nicole Nagrani
E. Rebecca Staggs

11. Voters Favorite Amateur

12. Voters Favorite Pro

13. Competitors Favorite Amateur

14. Competitors Favorite Pro

15. Amateur Competitor of the Year
A. Diana Graham
B. Ruthie Harrison
C. Heather Nappi
D. Jennifer Rankin
E. Skye Taylor

16. Pro Competitor of the Year
A. Jaime Baird
B. Dianna Dahlgren
C. Sonia Gonzalez
D. Nathalia Melo
E. Nicole Nagrani

FITNESS AWARDS

1. Best Routines
A. Jodi Boam
B. Myriam Capes
C. Adela Garcia
D. Oksana Grishina
E. Tanji Johnson

2. Breakout Competitor of the Year
A. Michelle Blank
B. Jodi Boam
C. Myrian Capes
D. Tina Durkin
E. Stacy Wright

3. Most Inspirational
A. Debbie Fowler
B. Adela Garcia
C. Tanji Johnson
D. Mindi O'Brien
E. Kayde Puckett

4. Most Underrated Amateur
A. Lisha Dean
B. Lena Mishin
C. Babette Mulford
D. Viko Newman
E. Paula Williams-Gulman

5. Most Underrated Pro
A. Nicole Duncan
B. Oksana Grishina
C. Victoria Larvie
D. Kizzy Vaines
E. Stacy Wright

6. Most Improved Amateur
A. Jodi Boam
B. Lena Mishin
C. Viko Newman
D. Amy Peterson
E. Paula Williams-Gulman

7. Most Improved Pro
A. Michelle Blank
B. Tina Durkin
C. Ryall Graber-Vasani
D. Camala Rodrgiuez
D. Trish Warren

8. 2012 Is Their Year Amateur
A. Cicely Kyle
B. Meredith Miller
C. Lena Mishin
D. Babette Mulford
E. Niko Newman

9. 2012 Is Their Year Pro
A. Michelle Blank
B. Tina Durkin
C. Oksana Grishina
D. Tanji Johnson
E. Paula Williams-Gulman

10. Best Representitive for the Sport
A. Michelle Blank
B. Debbie Fowler
C. Tanji Johnson
D. Adela Garcia
E. Viko Newman

11. Voters Favorite Amateur

12. Voters Favorite Pro

13. Competitors Favorite Amateur

14. Competitors Favorite Pro

15. Amateur Competitor of the Year
A. Jodi Boam
B. Lisha Dean
C. Amy Peterson
D. Sheri Vucick
E. Paula Williams-Gulman

16. Pro COmpetitor of the Year
A. Michelle Blank
B. Adela Garcia
C. Tanji Johnson
D. Camala Rodriguez
E. Trish Warren


FIGURE AWARDS

1. Best Stage Presence
A. Ava Cowen
B. Larissa Reis
C. Erin Stern
D. Ann Titone
E. Nicole Wilkins

2. Breakout Competitor of the Year
A. Shelly Albetta
B. Alicia Harris
C. Candice Keene
D. Sue Knott
E. Karly Woodle

3. Most Inspirational Competitor
A. Tara Hollingsworth
B. Katherynne Ramirez
C. Mikala Soto
D. Erin Stern
E. Nicole Wilkins

4. Most Underrated Amateur
A. Betsy Albetta-Digiovani
B. Michelle Beck
C. Roxie Beckles
D. Beth Polisson
E. Carolyn Sessa

5. Most Underrated Pro
A. Holly Beck
B. Krissy Chin
C. Heahter Dees
D. Katherynne Ramirez
E. Felicia Romero

6. Most Improved Amateur
A. Shelly Albetta
B. Michelle Beck
C. Wendy Fortino
D. Ila Reed
E. Lisa Zisa

7. Most Improved Pro
A. Cheryl Brown
B. Ava Cowen
C. Alicia Harris
D. Candice Keene
E. Ann Titone

8. 2012 Is Their Year Amateur
A. Betsy Albetta-Digiovani
B. Michelle Beck
C. Allison Moyer
D. Beth Polisson
E. Carolyn Sessa

9. 2012 Is Their Year Pro
A. Ava Cowen
B. Heather Dees
C. Aicia Harris
D. Ann Titone
E. Karly Woodle

10.Best Representitive for the Sport
A. Ava Cowen
B. Heather Dees
C. Alicia Harris
D. Erin Stern
E. Nicole Wilkins

11. Voters Favorite Amateur

12. Voters Favorite Pro

13. Competitors Favorite Amateur

14. Competitors Favorite Pro

15. Amatuer Competitor of the Year
A. Fleur De Kine
B. Allison Frahn
C. Wendy Fortino
D. Heather Grace
E. Sue Knott

16. Pro Competitor of the Year
A. Teresa Anthony
B. Ava Cowen
C. Candice Keene
D. Erin Stern
E. Nicole Wilkins


BODYBUILDING AWARDS

1. Best Poser
A. Sheila Bleck
B. Debbie Bramwell
C. Michelle Brent
D. Tina Chandler
E. Alina Popa

2. Breakout Competitor of the Year
A. Tarna Alderman
B. Amanda Alger
C. Cynthia Colon
D. Monique Jones
E. Kira Neuman

3. Most Inspirational
A. Michelle Brent
B. Suzanne Germano
C. Mah-Ann Mendoza
D. Helle Nielsen
E. Melody Spetko

4. Most Underrated Amateur
A. Michelle Brent
B. Amanda Folstad-Ptak
C. Sherri Gray
D. Kira Neuman
E. Aleesha Young

5. Most Underrated Pro
A. Nicole Ball
B. Tina Chandler
C. Claire O'Connell
D. Jeannie Paparone
E. Kim Perez

6. Most Improved Amateur
A. Gail Auerbach
B. Michelle Cummings
C. Judy Gallard
D. Kira Neuman
E. Alyssa Stroud

7. Most Improved Pro
A. Sheila Bleck
B. Brigita Brezovac
C. Monique Jones
D. Kim Perez
E. Alina Popa

8. 2012 Is Their Year Amateur
A. Tarna Alderman
B. Sherri Gray
C. Kira Neuman
D. Maria Rita Penteado
E. Alyssa Stroud

9. 2012 Is Their Year Pro
A. Nicole Ball
B. Michelle Cummings
C. Monique Jones
D. Kimmie Morgan
E. Yaxeni Oriquen

10. Best Representitive for the Sport
A. Nicole Ball
B. Debbie Bramwell
C. Michelle Brent
D. Yaxeni Oriquen
E. Alina Popa

11. Voters Favorite Amateur

12. Voters Favorite Pro

13. Competitors Favorite Amateur

14. Voters Favorite Pro

15. Amateur Competitor of the Year
A. Laura Bosiacq
B. Michelle Cummings
C. Judy Gallard
D. Suzanne Germano
E. Kira Neuman

16. Pro Competitor of the Year
A. Brigita Brezovac
B. Iris Kyle
C. Debbie Laszewski
D. Helle Nielsen
E. Alina Popa


Woman of the Year:

Monday, December 12, 2011

Tammy Wine Interview





Q: First, Tammy, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: Thank you, I'm honored to do the interview.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself.
A: I was born and raised in California but have been living in Virginia for the last 13 years. I have 4 siblings, 3 brothers and 1 sister. I am a single mom, I have a 16 year old son and a 6 year old daughter.

Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or anything?
A: I was never very athletic or played any sports. I have always loved to exercise.

Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: I have been in and out of the gym for years but I finally got serious about it 2
years ago when I was going through a tough time in my life.

Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started to see results?
A: I actually picked it up fast and my trainer even incorporated some mma into my training since I like watching it and I was surprised I caught on so fast. Probably within weeks I started to see and feel results. I felt stronger and felt better about myself.

Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: I wanted to take my training to the next level and see how far I can push myself.

Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: They all support me and always say how they admire my discipline.

Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: The main thing that surprised me was how supportive all the competitors are of one another.

Q: Can you share your contest history.
A:
*Oct 29th 2011 - OCB Yorton Cup (6th place - Bikini Open)
*Nov 12th 2011 - NPC Mid Atlantic Grand Prix (1st place Bikini Masters Class A)

Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: Back

Q: Do you have a part you most like to train or favorite exercise.
A: I love to do lat pulldowns.


Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it for contest prep?
A: I train full body twice a week with a trainer and cardio/abs at least 3 times a week.
For contest prep I do cardio 5x twice a day, 6th day is only once. I train full body 3x a week. My diet off season is more carbs, a few cheat meals a week. I'm eating more to gain fuller muscles. During contest prep I start to eat more protein, no cheat meals, fewer carbs and I go from 1 gallon of water to eventually drinking 2.5 gallons.

Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time, what is the most common reaction?
A: "How do you do it." I actually get a lot of positive reactions because they are amazed at the discipline I have. I just tell them its a lifestyle change.

Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you are most sick of hearing?
A: "How can you get on stage and be judged?"

Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the one thing you wish people understood?
A: That we are obsessed with looking good, coincided or we starve ourselves.

Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: The best part is seeing how far I can push my body and seeing the results in the mirror.
The worst part is the amount of training I have to do to prep for a comp can take me away from my family.

Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: I have always loved Monica Brant and have followed her since the 90's.

Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Pizza

Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: Don't be afraid to hit the weights, you won't get bulky. You can't just do cardio.

Q: Do you think its becoming more common for women to use the weights as opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: Yes more women are using weights and its becoming more common for women to compete.

Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I love the outdoors so love to go for a bike ride or a good hike.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Tammy Wine.
A: Wake up & take supplements.
Eat breakfast & get daughter ready for school.
Head to work (8-4pm)
Eat every 2.5 hours
Workout after work
At home spend time with daughter, get her ready for bed.
Prep and pack meals for the next day
Go to bed.

Q: Describe Tammy Wine in five words.
A: Patient, non-judgmental, loyal, caring, hardworking

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I do have my insecurities.

Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I am doing the NPC Max Muscle April 28th.

Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are
A: they getting in Tammy Wine the athlete and competitor?
Yes I am and they can reach me at twright1975@gmail.com or thru Facebook. You are getting someone that works hard to be her best and always has time to help others and I just want to inspire others to believe in themselves and to love themselves and to know the sky is the limit!!

Q: Tammy, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words before you go?
A: Your welcome it's been my pleasure. I just want to say no matter how tough it gets DON'T give up!!

Diane's Diary by Diane Mueller








“Home for the Holidays” is a phrase that so many people embrace and is a phrase that can take on many different meanings for so many families. I’m sure over time, that phrase will take on many different meanings in my own life, but for now, I’d like to share an inspiring story with you that has changed the way I view the holidays. This is the story of a wonderful young man that I am proud to call my nephew and my godson, Ray Ort.

I was very proud of Ray when he chose to enlist in the United States Navy in 2007. He chose the Navy over the other branches of the military, because he had a dream becoming a member of the elite team of Navy SEALs. This is a very lofty goal, as many candidates begin the training process, but very few complete the training. Candidates for the Navy SEALs program are put through some of the most mentally challenging and physically demanding training in the world. Navy SEALs work in small teams and perform some of the most dangerous missions to ensure national security. So as you can imagine, and rightfully so, Navy SEALs are among the most highly skilled and most respected individuals within the armed forces. Given the prestige of these individuals, what red-blooded young man wouldn’t want to be on this team? Ray was hooked. He was all-in and ready to begin this rigorous training.
The year was now 2009 and Ray was busily mastering the steps necessary to become a SEAL. He had already completed all of the submarine requirements and was keeping his fitness at a peak level, so he would be ready to go to Navy dive school. His lifestyle was pretty routine for a 20 year-old in the military; his days were mainly filled with physical fitness, in addition to his daily work within the Navy. He was also preparing himself for the next step in the SEAL program, Explosive Ordinance Disposal. Things were going well for Ray, as his dreams were slowly becoming reality. With entry into dive school on the horizon, Ray underwent a battery of tests and more comprehensive physical screenings than he had been through previously, but that wasn’t of any concern to Ray, as far as he or anyone knew, he was the picture of perfect health.

On August 25th, 2009, Ray received the most devastating news of his young life. The Naval medical team notified him that the tests reflected a positive diagnosis of Hodgkin Lymphoma, a form of cancer that originates from the white blood cells. Rather than moving forward in the SEAL program, his future now was to consist of chemotherapy and many other cancer treatments. His dream had been crushed in a moment’s notice. Naturally, Ray became very depressed. He couldn’t stand to think about or hear about cancer. His bright future suddenly looked very bleak and he couldn’t understand why this was happening to him. The shock was almost unbearable. Why had God chosen to infect him with this terrible disease? It just didn’t make sense. He was a mild mannered, polite young man, living an honorable life, serving his country. Why was the future he dreamed of being taken away from him? Was he going to die in the prime of his life? These were the thoughts that haunted him and drove him to seclude himself from everything and everyone. Well, almost everyone, that is. Thankfully he had his loving fiancée, Brittny, with him. Brittny was more than just his girlfriend, she was his best friend and his soul mate, and it was her love and support that helped Ray to slowly come out of his depression. Within a week of his diagnosis, Ray was ready to begin fighting this disease that threatened to kill him. He decided the best way to defeat this enemy was to be proactive by learning as much about the disease as he could. Drawing on the mental strength that he had learned in the Navy, Ray knew he had the best odds of overcoming this challenge by maintaining his physical fitness and staying positive. He continued to work at his job in the Navy as much as he could around his chemotherapy sessions. He was determined to keep his life as upbeat and normal as he could while he fought his cancer. In September, the cancer treatments began with a treatment called, ABVD.
ABVD is the primary and initial chemotherapy regimen used in the treatment of Hodgkin Lymphoma. Each cycle consists of two doses of chemotherapy, one dose on day one and the other dose generally administered on day 15 of the cycle. Ray went through 8 cycles of ABVD, but his cancer persisted. In July of 2010, he underwent two cycles of another treatment called ICE. ICE is a combination regimen of chemotherapy, which is used when the disease becomes progressive or recurrent, when the ABVD has proven to be ineffective. Rays cancer had progressed from stage I to stage III.

Brittny remained Ray’s primary support throughout all the cancer treatments he had endured at the Naval Medical Hospital. She was his rock and his one true love. Ray knew this was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and to create a family with. While still undergoing treatments, they decided to plan their wedding. They chose a wedding date of August 21st, 2010. As they continued to plan for their future, they discovered that this was also a positive outlet for their energies and emotions. After all, this disease affected more than just Ray. This was emotionally challenging for Brittny too, who had to watch the love of her life struggle and suffer through cancer treatments. All of this was so much for the young lovers to endure, but through it all, it helped make them stronger and more loving as a couple. Ray and Brittny knew, more than most couples, how short life could threaten to be.

With Ray’s cancer spreading and not responding to the aggressive treatments they were administering, his doctor proposed a stem cell transplant. This was a risky procedure, but it was the procedure that gave him the best chance at curing his cancer. Ray and Brittny were completely onboard with the stem cell transplant. They were anxious for this nightmare to be over so they could move on with their lives as husband and wife. Ray requested to come home to Wisconsin to have the stem cell transplant, with the hopes that his family would be able to help support him through this difficult process. The Navy obliged and on August 5th, Ray was transferred to the care of UW Madison Hospital. The initial preparations for the transplant were delayed, however, as Ray and Brittny had a very important event scheduled on August 21st; their wedding. It was important to them for Ray to be strong enough to be able to enjoy the happiest day of his life, the day his best friend would become his wife. UW hospital granted their request and gave them their blessing for a happy union on Saturday, but wanted Ray back in Madison on Monday to begin the preparations for the transplant.
The best chance for the procedure to be successful was for Ray to be his own donor for the stem cells. The process begins with a small dose of chemotherapy to prepare his body for a stem cell harvest. Eight days later, the doctors attempted to harvest his stem cells. The harvest was successful, but they weren’t able to collect enough stem cells, so they would need to do the procedure again. They would continue to do the procedure until enough stem cells were collected to complete the transplant. With each harvest, they harvested fewer and fewer stem cells. The doctors completed a total of five stem cell harvests by November 17th and they still hadn’t collected enough to complete the transplant, so they administered a medication to try to make his stem cells more productive. They also began looking for a donor for him, because time was of the essence to get the transplant completed. Fortunately, the doctors were able to harvest enough of Ray’s stem cells to complete the procedure and the date of Tuesday, December 7th was set as the official transplant date. Ray needed to report to the hospital the day before, however, to prepare his body for the transplant.

Basically what happens during the transplant is this: large doses of chemotherapy is administered to the patient to kill all the cancer cells and white blood cells in the body, then the harvested stem cells are transplanted into the patient’s bone marrow, and the waiting game begins for those stem cells to regenerate themselves to a satisfactory level of white blood cells. The patient is in a very vulnerable state at this time, as they have zero immune system while they wait for the body to begin healing itself, so special precautions must be observed whenever contact with the patient is made. All visitors and medical staff must sanitize their hands before entering the patient’s room, the patient can only eat foods that are fully cooked, the patient can’t have any plants in the room as they may have bacteria on them, the patient must wear a protective mask over their nose and mouth whenever they leave their room, as their room is a germ-free zone due to special air cleaning filtration systems used for ventilation.
The stem cell transplant was an awful procedure for Ray to endure and it was difficult to watch him go through it. He was in a great deal of pain and his level of discomfort continued to increase before it went down. Eventually he was placed on a morphine drip and spent the majority of his days under sedation as the pain was too great to bear. His mouth was filled with sores and his tongue was so swollen he could barely swallow. He was unable to eat and would choke while trying to swallow a mouthful of water, so he needed to be fed intravenously. Brittny stayed by his side this entire time. She slept on a tiny mattress wedged between his bed and the wall. She lived in his room with him and rarely left on her own. As his aunt, I did as much to help keep him comfortable as I could, bringing him fuzzy blankets to make him feel cozy, bringing him clothes to keep him comfortable, and anything else we could think of to make him feel more at home. The one thing that weighed heavily on both of them was Christmas. Ray and Brittny both loved Christmas. They loved everything about it; the decorations, the music, the Christmas cartoons and just the whole spirit of the holiday. I brought a few decorations in for them to hang around their room, a mini-stereo so they could listen to music and some holiday cartoons to help brighten their spirits. But something still seemed to be missing. Even though they had decorations and stockings hanging on the wall, they were still missing a Christmas tree. I struggled to figure think of a solution, as they weren’t allowed to have a real tree or plant in the room because of the bacteria, when it dawned on me. When my grandmother died many years ago, the one thing I kept as a memorial of her was a ceramic Christmas tree that she always had setting out on the desk in the family room. I was fascinated with this tree as child, so it seemed like a logical choice for me to keep. I brought in that tree on my next visit and set it up in a corner so they could enjoy it and have their own little holiday tree. It seemed as though I was destined to have that tree. What makes it additionally special was that grandma was able to help brighten their gloomy little room and provide them a little holiday peace. That ceramic tree will always hold an extra special place in my heart now.
As the days passed by, Ray slowly began to regenerate his white blood cells. As those counts began to rise, his pain level began to decrease. Ray was a gentleman through this entire procedure. Even on his worst days, he was gracious and thankful for every visitor and for every item brought to make him more comfortable. It brought tears of pride to my eyes as I sat there watching him lie in his bed in agony, yet when the nursing staff or doctors from the hospital entered his room, he had perfect manners and was thankful for everything they did to help make him as comfortable as possible. It’s one thing to be polite during your regular life, but it’s completely another thing to maintain those same mannerisms when you are in agonizing pain and at the lowest point in your life. Everyone that met Ray while he was in the hospital was shocked when they learned he was only 21 years old. The nursing staff continually said he was extremely mature and pleasant for his age. I never tired of hearing that. It made my heart smile every time someone complimented me about his mannerisms.
From the moment Ray was admitted to the hospital, his goal was to be home before Christmas. He couldn’t bear the thought of spending Christmas in his dreary hospital room. As I watched him slowly deteriorating, I remember thinking, there was no way he would be well enough to come home in time. After all, Christmas was only 18 days from the date of his original admittance and going through that entire procedure within 18 days seemed like he would need a miracle. But then again, Christmas is the time for miracles and God was listening. God knew Ray wasn’t asking for much. He went through a year of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant with more courage than anyone I have ever known. He wasn’t looking for sympathy or anyone to blame. He faced this disease head-on, like a man. His dream of becoming a SEAL had vanished and still, he wasn’t bitter. Even when the majority of his family failed to support him, or visit him, while he was in the hospital, he wasn’t angry. Ray is a simple, loving and forgiving man. He doesn’t for ask much in life, just to be loved. And Ray didn’t ask much from God while he was suffering in the hospital, only that he be well enough to come home in time to spend Christmas with his new bride who never left his side. Ray’s Christmas wish was granted. He recovered and was released from the hospital on December 20th. He made it home in plenty of time for Christmas. Thankfully, Ray and Brittny were able to share the blessing of life together on Christmas Day. This will always be a Christmas miracle for our family.
Ray continued to recover at home, taking precautions to stay well rested and to prevent illness. He was still at high-risk while at home due to his decreased immune system, so he continued to take immune deficiency drugs to help keep him healthy. On April 1st, 2011, three and a half months after the procedure, Ray was well enough to go back to the Navy on limited duty, with restrictions on his work abilities. Because he still had signs of cancer, he was placed in a Medical Advisement Board, which is a process where the military determines if he is fit to continue serving. The process that can take 6 months to a year to complete. Due to the length of time Ray was under medical treatment, he was found unfit to continue serving in the Navy and was medically retired. On October 24th, Ray was officially out of the Navy and on his way home to begin the next chapter in his life.
Now that Ray is home from the military, his goal is to readjust to life as a civilian and to get back into excellent physical condition. He would like to get back into mixed martial arts fighting. He had just begun training for MMA when he was diagnosed with cancer, so that had been put on the backburner. He is also planning to go back to school for mechanics, as he would love to open his own shop one day. In the meantime, he is enjoying life and being healthy. His outlook on life is simple: Enjoy every day of life and take nothing for granted. Life is filled with opportunities that anyone can achieve and never let anything stand in the way of your dreams. If you have a passion within you, make it happen. And don’t forget to stop and help someone else in need along the way. Your life will be more fulfilled for it.
Ray would like to thank the people who were supportive of him and helped him through his cancer: beginning with his wonderful wife, Brittny Ort, his family- especially his aunt Diane Mueller, his chain of command and brothers in the Navy: Christopher Brant, Cory Hottinger, Devin Englehart, Philip Henson, Richard Orbek, Kenny Wheeler and Kollin Galliano.
I would like to thank The United States Navy for discovering this terrible disease and for providing Ray the excellent medical attention that he needed. And thank you to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospital for the excellent care they provided Ray and for performing his life saving stem cell transplant. UW Hospital is a state of the art facility and the medical staff is all top-notch. Everyone was wonderful there, from the doctors to the nursing staff and aides. Thank you for saving my nephew’s life. My family will always owe a debt of gratitude for allowing him to continue to live in our lives.
As always, thank you to my sponsors: 911Strong.com and Big Rig Supplements for your continued support of me personal and my bodybuilding goals. You have opened doors for me that I never dreamed possible. And thank you to my mentor and coach, Jennifer Abrams (www.jenniferabrams.net) for your guidance and support, and for making me believe that even the sky is NOT the limit. And a special thank you to my friends at Steeltribe Muscle Gear Apparel. The Tribe is some most genuine and inspirational people I’ve had the privilege of meeting in the fitness industry.




Sunday, December 11, 2011

Spotlight Interview: Melody Melo




Melody Melo started powerlifting at the age of 12. It took her no time at all to realize she loved it...... and that she was damn good at it. To this day she continues to show how good she is at it, posting some amazing lifts and competition wins. Her newest goal is to compete in Physique. Her goal is to turn pro while still a teenage (she is 18). While that is a challenging goal and one that will not be easy, Melody has proven she can do the work and it would be very hard to bet against her.

Q: First, for those who may not be familiar, can you talk about how you got started in powerlifting?
A: I got started at age 12. My parents both did it. I took after my mother. My was the trainer for both of us. I went to one of her meets and as soon as she was done I said "I want to get involved in this". So ever since then I have been powerlfiting. It was different, especially for my age when I started.

Q: At that young age, did you have a lot of friends who were confused by your desire to work so hard at this?
A: Actually I did. I still do to this day. I always tell them if they are my true friend they will understand why I do this and the reason. It's something I love to do and I will never stop. So if you are a true friend you will stick by me.

Q: Did you lose friends over it?
A: I did, but I always kept good friends close to me. I have a certain amount of friends I keep close to me and they understand why I do this.

Q: Not just the age, but did you run into many people who said powerlifting was a "man" sport?
A: Oh of course. Going through high school I got negative comments and feedback. But I was raised to just push that aside and do what I love to do. If I had listened to that in eight and ninth grade I wouldn't be as successful as I am today. A lot of people say it's a man sport, but any woman can do what men do. It doesn't faze me when I hear that.

Q: A lot of people may not know just how much you have accomplished. For those people can you share some of your best lifts or achievements?
A: Of course. I started at age 12. I did my first meet at age 13. I would do all the local meets in New York. I probably did over meets. I have won every meet. First place in every single one. My record is at age 17 I deadlifted 500 pounds, I do where a suit, cause I sumo deadlift. I have not benched or squatted in a meet yet, but my records in the gym are I benched 350 and squatted 475 with the suit I wear to deadlift. So every competition I do, I go in with a positive energy. I have done three Pros vs Joe's with RX Muscle. I won in Chicago, and the one before that I won the one max deadlift challenge. I came in third in the rep competition in all three events. I did a strong woman competition at age 16 and came in third against top national competitors. Now that I am older and gained muscle maturity I want to get into Physique and am working on that now.

Q: What made you decide to compete and why physique over bodybuilding?
A: What made me decide to compete is, like any competitor in powerlifting or strong man, or anything, you can only do it for so long. Powerliftingtakes a toll on your body after so many years. I decided to do physique because I am only 5'1" an it's hard for me to gain so much weight and hold the right amount of mass. So my coach Stan Edffering who is known as the White Rhino, I was with him in Chicago over the weekend. I always wanted to do bodybuilding, but in reality I cant keep up with these women. me being my height and the muscle mass I have, physique is my best goal and a lot of people agree with that. Honestly, its more fun, with the posing, rather than Figure. Anyone who competes I respect, but I love the posing, routines and muscle mass.

Q: Are there any competitors you look up to?
A: Oh yes! I look up to Gina Stone. She is a physique competitor. I am very close to her. She has helped me out. And Dana Linn Bailey, who has her own line, Flag Nor Fail. Those are the two main girls I look up to and want to be on stage with.

Q: For you, what are the main differences in training for that and for the stage?
A: Its funny because I just started a diet so I will ease into it. With powerlifting, I can eat often, eat what I want and train how I want, focus on strength, rather than high rep and less weight. Training for physique is so much harder than getting ready for a meet. Because I can hold as much fat as I want and be as strong as I want, there are no limits. In physique you have to watch what you eat and how you train. So right now I focus on physique training.

Q: When do you want to be ready to compete?
A: Like I said, I started dieting when I got back from Chicago. I will do it for ten weeks. Dan wants me to do a show in may or April. its my first time dieting so I don't know what my body will look like. If he likes how I turn out or has to add something, we will. So I am dieting to see how my body looks. So maybe in spring time.

Q: If you were to look in a mirror right now, what improvements would you say you want to improve on your physique before you get on stage?
A: I have a lot, but my main ones are abs and build my delts, give them more shape. I have to stay off the body fat and have my body shape itself, bring out more definition pose more and get used to this lifestyle.

Q: I have seen some of your posing videos. Do you think people realize how hard it is to learn posing?
A: I will tell you what. When I was powerlifting I never thought of hitting a pose. It takes a lot out of you. People think is just posing. You have to hold them, hit it right, hit the muscle the judges want to see and hold the pose, hold the breath, squeeze, its hard, it takes a toll on your body. I have so much respect for people who can hold those poses on stage. I am prepping myself for that mentally and physically.

Q: You just started doing webcams on Her Biceps. Why did you start doing that?
A: When I do my webcam on Her Biceps, I keep it to a limit. I talk about my training, my strength, and do posing. Its to get my name out and show progress. I don't go on as often as others. I go on when I feel I am looking my best. It lets people know what you accomplished.


Q: You have some projects coming up, do you want to talk about that?
A: Yes I would love to. I am sponsored by SciLabs Nutrition. We just sponsored a new athlete, Eric Lilliebridge, he is a 21 year old powerlifter. He has a record 800 pound deadlift at age 18. I am working with him. We are doing a booth in March at the All natural show in Ohio and traveling all over. I have my own show coming out in January called Iron Princess show. Its about my lifestyle, how I train, interviews, training with people, traveling. I also work with Gas Face films. My producer and manager Rony is going to get all that together. I have my website launching. It will be linked with my online show. It will be unique, about me, my training and stuff. I will be getting ready for the Arnold's, and getting ready to compete as a physique competitor. That's my main focus now I do want to get my pro card as a teenager. I have two years for that. I have a fitness expo in Arizona January 7th. i will be a special guest with Eric. Doing demos, posing routine, and my own display table handing out supplements. My agenda is tight, but physique and diet come first.

Q: Before we finish, anyone you want to thank?
A: My family and friends, SciLabs Nutrition, RX Muscle, Species Nutrition, Iron Mulisha, Silks Athletics, Iron Asylum, Gas Face Films, Rony Orta, Eric Lilliebridge, my coach Stan Edffering and Dave Palumbo.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Spotlight Interview: Tamara Ashton





Tamara Ashton is easily one of my favorite people in the fitness industry. Looking past her beauty and physique, you will find a nice and funny person. At Jr. nationals this year, things beyond her control caused her physique to not be what she wanted, however I still think she should have been placed higher, and you can bet that 2012 will be a big year for Tamara.

Q: Can you start out by talking about how you got started in the gym?
A: Well I got started in the gym, first I used to do kickboxing and Muay Thai just so I could get fit, cause I didn't know what in the heck I was doing. In June of 2008 I hired a trainer and she gave me a diet, I was injured and couldn't weight train at all. When I got cleared medically my trainer showed me how to do stuff. After I few months I was like "Wow", saw the results and one of my good friends, IFBB Pro Carin Hawkins really motivated me to train. I told her I was interested in at least trying one show and she sent me in the right direction and I have been hooked ever since.

Q: That sort of leads me to my next question. A lot of people say after the first show that they fell in love and kept doing it. Was that how you felt?
A: Yes it was.

Q: When you look back to when you first started, would you ever have imagined you would be where you are now?
A: Absolutely not! I had no idea I could accomplish or even look the way I look on stage. It blows my mind what we are able to do with our bodies if we are determined and push hard and work out.

Q: That first show, before you got on stage, were you nervous at all?
A: I was totally nervous. I had never even been to a Bodybuilding show. I had no idea what the heck I was doing. I remember talking to the girls backstage and was like "Oh God what do we do". It was totally nerve racking.

Q: You did Jr. nationals this year. I have told you I thought you deserved a better placing, but you weren't happy with how you looked. What weren't you happy with?
A: I was holding a ton of water. Had been having some health issues and I think it made my body hold the water. When you look watery on stage, you look fat on stage, even though I had eleven percent body fat at the most.

Q: When you are on stage, and not happy like that, is it hard to keep a smile on your face?
A: At the end, when they do call outs it is. You are thinking to yourself "I worked hard, pushed myself, did all I needed to do". In my case even my coach said "You kicked your butt in the gym, it was never a matter of you didn't do cardio, didn't do workouts, didn't do diets. Your body was fighting You". So for me, in my head I said "I just need to practice posing and stage presentation. So that's what I focused on at that point.

Q: Even though it was as he said, your body fighting you, is there anything you can look back on and say "Maybe if I did this different"?
A: I am gonna guess and say maybe if I stayed on my birth control pills, that maybe my body wouldn't have fought me, which is funny because most girls are not on birth control when they compete, but everyone is different.

Q: You mentioned to me you would be better at Team Universe. Is Team U still the plan?
A: I'm not sure. I believe I need to re-qualify and do a Regional show. Because I live in California I wanna do USA's cause it's really close and then figure out what other National show I wanna do.

Q: Physique wise, anything you want to improve for 2012?
A: I want to cap off my shoulders better, make them rounder. And bring down my legs a little. I am very fortunate to be able to put on muscle very easily, especially my legs, so I need to bring those down a little bit.

Q: Would you ever consider Physique or are you happy with Figure?
A: I've thought about Physique, but I really do like Figure better and think my lines and body proportion are better for Figure.

Q: Safe to say a Pro card is the ultimate goal?
A: Yes definitely.

Q: If for some reason that never happened, are you satisfied with all you accomplished?
A: Yeah I think so. I pushed myself harder than I ever did. If you asked me three years ago if I would be competing I would have said no. So I am happy with all I have accomplished thus far.

Q: You also do photo shoots, is there anything specific you like about doing that?
A: I love creating the art and getting to see the final pictures. Its a piece of artwork but also proof that this is what I looked like one day haha. When you are fifty years old you can say "This is what I used to look like" haha.

Q: On stage or in front of the camera, do you have a preference?
A: No I love them both.

Q: Obviously you are attractive and look great. At the gym, do you get a lot of unwanted attention at the gym?
A: Actually nobody talks to me at the gym haha. The only people that say hi are the people who work there and see me every day. No one else talks to me.

Q: Do you think its an intimidation thing?
A: That's what I have been told by other friends. SO I guess they are intimidated. I'm not sure why cause I am a very nice person, but that's ok.

Q: You always seem to have a great sense of humor. Is that accurate?
A: Very accurate.

Q: Sometimes people are intimidated by competitors, do you feel your attitude makes you more popular with people?
A: Its possible. I am not really sure. Life is short and bad things happen all the time, so you gotta enjoy life and laugh while you can.

Q: Before we finish anyone you want to thank or mention?
A: I want to thank my family and friends. My sponsors NorCal Bodybuilding, Lana's Egg whites and Quest Bar.