Athletes ready to strut their stuff on stage
by Matt Long
What better way to begin your post-high school life than compete in a bodybuilding contest?
That’s what Folsom’s Alexander Cosentini is doing. The 2009 Folsom High graduate will be one of many who will compete in Saturday’s Drug-Free Mr./Ms. California Extravaganza at Folsom Middle School, one of three Folsom residents signed up to participate. Kelly Carlson and Maria Tyler will join Cosentini in the show, along with several out-of-town athletes. Carlson will compete in the women’s open class, as well as the women’s bodybuilding category, while Tyler will be in the Masters division competing in the open class along with the figure competition.
For someone who once did whatever he could to avoid lifting weights, Cosentini now enjoys it.
“I used to be one of those kids who was on the computer all day and my dad told me that real men lift weights,” Cosentini said. “I took that to heart and tried it and liked it. When I played football I tried to do anything to avoid it, but now I’m glad I got into it.”
The 6-foot, 2-inch, 158-pound 18-year-old is looking forward to his first competition. After training hard for the last six months, he’s ready to show off his body.
Read the full story here.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Big Muscles - Not As Easy As It Looks
As Americans, we are constantly looking for a quick fix. Building Big Muscles is no exception. We continually seek the easiest and quickest way to obtain the best results. However, in the case of true bodybuilding, quick and easy are not parts of the workout regiment. While that might be discouraging to some, future muscle men and woman take heart, with the right training and good technique that ripped body might be closer than you think.
First things first, take some time to learn from the pros. Pick-up a good workout book from your local bookstore or library and find out what works for professionals. In addition, consider hiring the expertise of a trainer. They can get you started on a solid workout program, targeted to meet your specific goals in building Big Muscles.
Keep in mind that old adage, “RomeWasn’t Built in a Day,” as you are starting your Big Muscles program. Consider targeting specific areas. Perhaps you want rock hard abs. Take some time on exercises that will work this area. If you are looking to firm up all over, start with a basic program to get everything in good general condition, then build-up specific parts as you start to see results.
Make the commitment to go the extra mile. Building a great body with Big Muscles is a lot of hard work. It is not something that comes quickly or easily, but if you go into a program with realistic expectation of results, you will be pleasantly surprised at how you will begin to see progress. With that being said, you need to start out with a solid program and make the time to do it on a regular basis. Once a week is not going to cut it. A solid fitness program requires a minimum of four days a week.
Anyone who has started an exercise program can tell you that the first week is the easiest. The third and fourth weeks are when the true test begins. When things get tough and you think you are not making progress keep telling yourself “I will stay the course.” Also, remember that everyone hits plateaus in their workout programs. Keeping this in mind at the onset will help you through those difficult times. Another thing to consider is that even if you are not seeing results outwardly, there are immense changes taking place inside. Think about starting your program with a body fat reading. When things seem to be leveling out, go in for another reading. There is a good chance you have seen a decrease in this area even if it does not show yet.
First things first, take some time to learn from the pros. Pick-up a good workout book from your local bookstore or library and find out what works for professionals. In addition, consider hiring the expertise of a trainer. They can get you started on a solid workout program, targeted to meet your specific goals in building Big Muscles.
Keep in mind that old adage, “RomeWasn’t Built in a Day,” as you are starting your Big Muscles program. Consider targeting specific areas. Perhaps you want rock hard abs. Take some time on exercises that will work this area. If you are looking to firm up all over, start with a basic program to get everything in good general condition, then build-up specific parts as you start to see results.
Make the commitment to go the extra mile. Building a great body with Big Muscles is a lot of hard work. It is not something that comes quickly or easily, but if you go into a program with realistic expectation of results, you will be pleasantly surprised at how you will begin to see progress. With that being said, you need to start out with a solid program and make the time to do it on a regular basis. Once a week is not going to cut it. A solid fitness program requires a minimum of four days a week.
Anyone who has started an exercise program can tell you that the first week is the easiest. The third and fourth weeks are when the true test begins. When things get tough and you think you are not making progress keep telling yourself “I will stay the course.” Also, remember that everyone hits plateaus in their workout programs. Keeping this in mind at the onset will help you through those difficult times. Another thing to consider is that even if you are not seeing results outwardly, there are immense changes taking place inside. Think about starting your program with a body fat reading. When things seem to be leveling out, go in for another reading. There is a good chance you have seen a decrease in this area even if it does not show yet.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Body Beautiful
BRISBANE: In a former life, buff Brisbane body builder Vicky Thomas was unfit, out of shape and struggling for motivation.
While the 37-year-old wasn’t fat, she wasn’t a lean, mean muscle machine either.
But in a decade of dedication, Ms Thomas hoisted herself to the top of the Australian body building arena and then moved on to conquer the world in New York.
Ms Thomas was last month crowned Ms Fitbody at the International Natural BodyBuilding Federation (INBF) titles in America, a totally drug-free competition.
“It was a great thrill to win,” Ms Thomas said.
“It made all the commitment worthwhile and now I want to win more international titles next year.”
The heady heights of world acclaim are a long way from the day Ms Thomas took the first step toward changing her body image and turned her life around with a gym membership 10 years ago.
“I started going to my local gym to lose weight and tone up. I decided to try my first figure contest less than six months ago and in that short amount of time I have won two Australian titles and a world title,” she said.
“It’s a lot easier to lose fat than people think.
“There’s no trick to it it’s just consistency.
“There has to be a deficit in the amount of calories you put into your body and the amount you burn off through exercise.”
The next goal on Ms Thomas’ agenda is the World Championships in 2009 but to achieve her ambition she needs some financial support.
“I aim to compete at the World Championships again in 2009 and am eagerly seeking sponsors to help further my competition career.”
While the 37-year-old wasn’t fat, she wasn’t a lean, mean muscle machine either.
But in a decade of dedication, Ms Thomas hoisted herself to the top of the Australian body building arena and then moved on to conquer the world in New York.
Ms Thomas was last month crowned Ms Fitbody at the International Natural BodyBuilding Federation (INBF) titles in America, a totally drug-free competition.
“It was a great thrill to win,” Ms Thomas said.
“It made all the commitment worthwhile and now I want to win more international titles next year.”
The heady heights of world acclaim are a long way from the day Ms Thomas took the first step toward changing her body image and turned her life around with a gym membership 10 years ago.
“I started going to my local gym to lose weight and tone up. I decided to try my first figure contest less than six months ago and in that short amount of time I have won two Australian titles and a world title,” she said.
“It’s a lot easier to lose fat than people think.
“There’s no trick to it it’s just consistency.
“There has to be a deficit in the amount of calories you put into your body and the amount you burn off through exercise.”
The next goal on Ms Thomas’ agenda is the World Championships in 2009 but to achieve her ambition she needs some financial support.
“I aim to compete at the World Championships again in 2009 and am eagerly seeking sponsors to help further my competition career.”
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Barack Obama To Get Body-Building Help From Arnold Schwarzenegger
Barack Obama to get body-building help from Arnold Schwarzenegger
By Tom Leonard
Last Updated: 12:01am GMT 24/11/2008
Barack Obama: mainly free weights, 50lb overhead dumbbell extensions, 80lb calf rises, 45-minute gym sessions six days a week. Michelle Obama: cross-training, a mix of strength and cardio exercises usually involving weights, treadmill and stair-stepper, 90-minute sessions three times a week.
The President-Elect gyms six times a week
How do we know? Because the intimidating details of the First Couple-Elect's workout schedules have been dug out by an admiring US media and relayed to a similarly impressed nation.
I worry that the consensus among American and European fans about the Obamas' wonderfulness may not survive the increasingly lurid revelations about their devotion to the gym.
In London, such behaviour would generally be regarded as borderline sociopathic. A British politician need only be photographed on a bicycle to denote a man of action.
Over here, a newspaper can report that Obama has a resting pulse of 60 and not feel that it needs to tell readers whether that is good or bad. Few need to be told what such gym-honed body adjectives as "ripped", "pumped" and "buffed" mean either.
And now Arnold Schwarzenegger has revealed that he and Obama have been talking serious weights and possible job opportunities.
The California governor and former bodybuilding champion's jibes during the campaign about "scrawny" Obama seem to have struck home. Arnie says the President-Elect intends to build a huge gym in the White House and wants his help in "bulking up".
No more skinny Mr Nice Guy, just two ripped dudes with troops to pull out and bad guys still to nail in Afghanistan. The boys on the weights machines may be whooping, but it sounds ominous.
By Tom Leonard
Last Updated: 12:01am GMT 24/11/2008
Barack Obama: mainly free weights, 50lb overhead dumbbell extensions, 80lb calf rises, 45-minute gym sessions six days a week. Michelle Obama: cross-training, a mix of strength and cardio exercises usually involving weights, treadmill and stair-stepper, 90-minute sessions three times a week.
The President-Elect gyms six times a week
How do we know? Because the intimidating details of the First Couple-Elect's workout schedules have been dug out by an admiring US media and relayed to a similarly impressed nation.
I worry that the consensus among American and European fans about the Obamas' wonderfulness may not survive the increasingly lurid revelations about their devotion to the gym.
In London, such behaviour would generally be regarded as borderline sociopathic. A British politician need only be photographed on a bicycle to denote a man of action.
Over here, a newspaper can report that Obama has a resting pulse of 60 and not feel that it needs to tell readers whether that is good or bad. Few need to be told what such gym-honed body adjectives as "ripped", "pumped" and "buffed" mean either.
And now Arnold Schwarzenegger has revealed that he and Obama have been talking serious weights and possible job opportunities.
The California governor and former bodybuilding champion's jibes during the campaign about "scrawny" Obama seem to have struck home. Arnie says the President-Elect intends to build a huge gym in the White House and wants his help in "bulking up".
No more skinny Mr Nice Guy, just two ripped dudes with troops to pull out and bad guys still to nail in Afghanistan. The boys on the weights machines may be whooping, but it sounds ominous.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Aurora Resident Wins 1st Place In Bodybuilding
Stephanie Spencer, 26, was the overall Women's Figure winner of the 2008 NPC Cyto Charge Rocky Mountian Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Competition "The Rocky", put on by The Rocky Mountain National Physique Committee competition on Nov. 15, 2008 at East High School in Denver .
NPC is the largest and most prestigious amateur body building, fitness and figure organization in the USA . It also is the only avenue to the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding) - the ultimate in professional bodybuilding, fitness and figure competitions. Colorado is the home to 10 IFBB pros!
Spencer was among 41competitors from six area states to present her amazing physique with specific poses and great stage presents in the 1 piece and the 2 piece suite rounds.
Spencer prepared for the meet with two first place wins earlier this year. She won first place in her height class in the figure competition at the Axis Labs Northern Colorado Bodybuilding, Fitness Show at the Boulder Theatre in April 5. She also won first place in the overall inMarch at the Mountain States Peak Performance Competition at Grandview High School in Aurora.
She has been working out for about two years at Ambrust Pro Gym, Arvada, and the Colorado Athletic Club, downtown Denver.
A new civil engineer, Spencer is a 2008 honors graduate of the University of Colorado-Denver. At graduation, Spencer won top student awards from both the Colorado Engineering Council and the American Society of Civil Engineers. She is employed as a Stuctural Engineer TITLE at MWH Global company name, Denver.
Wish Stephanie well at the NCP in Las Vegas next June!
Cheering for her at her competitions are her parents, her mother and stepfather Cathy and Joe Kandalec of Denver and her boyfriend Scott Reed.
NPC is the largest and most prestigious amateur body building, fitness and figure organization in the USA . It also is the only avenue to the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding) - the ultimate in professional bodybuilding, fitness and figure competitions. Colorado is the home to 10 IFBB pros!
Spencer was among 41competitors from six area states to present her amazing physique with specific poses and great stage presents in the 1 piece and the 2 piece suite rounds.
Spencer prepared for the meet with two first place wins earlier this year. She won first place in her height class in the figure competition at the Axis Labs Northern Colorado Bodybuilding, Fitness Show at the Boulder Theatre in April 5. She also won first place in the overall inMarch at the Mountain States Peak Performance Competition at Grandview High School in Aurora.
She has been working out for about two years at Ambrust Pro Gym, Arvada, and the Colorado Athletic Club, downtown Denver.
A new civil engineer, Spencer is a 2008 honors graduate of the University of Colorado-Denver. At graduation, Spencer won top student awards from both the Colorado Engineering Council and the American Society of Civil Engineers. She is employed as a Stuctural Engineer TITLE at MWH Global company name, Denver.
Wish Stephanie well at the NCP in Las Vegas next June!
Cheering for her at her competitions are her parents, her mother and stepfather Cathy and Joe Kandalec of Denver and her boyfriend Scott Reed.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
John Hansen a Natural for Bodybuilding Hall of Fame
On November 8th, Mr. Natural Olympia and host of NaturalBodybuildingRadio.com John Hansen was inducted into the Natural Bodybuilding Hall of Fame. It was the first such event to induct members, and was held on the night of the Natural Olympia Championships. Both events took place in San Francisco. John Hansen is an Optimum Nutrition (ON) Athlete and regularly appears at the company’s booth during major bodybuilding events.
“I am happy to announce that Denny Kakos, president of the INBA, and his wife Diana selected me to be among the first inductees to the Natural Bodybuilding Hall of Fame,” John Hansen said in a statement. “The fact that this honor occurred on the night of the Natural Olympia competition makes it all the more special to me.” John Hansen won the Mr. Natural Olympia Professional title in 1998, and was twice crowned Natural Mr. Universe (1992 and 1996).
“I am happy to announce that Denny Kakos, president of the INBA, and his wife Diana selected me to be among the first inductees to the Natural Bodybuilding Hall of Fame,” John Hansen said in a statement. “The fact that this honor occurred on the night of the Natural Olympia competition makes it all the more special to me.” John Hansen won the Mr. Natural Olympia Professional title in 1998, and was twice crowned Natural Mr. Universe (1992 and 1996).
Saturday, November 15, 2008
A Tribute to Extraordinary Courage
...a tribute to extraordinary courage
Documentary -CHANDAN SARMAH
Mr Manipur Kh. Pradipkumar Singh
Based on a true story, Aribam Syam Sarma’s Mr Manipur is a tribute to Kh. Pradipkumar Singh — a household name in the state — who has won a bodybuilding title and is living a life of dignity despite being diagnosed with HIV eight years ago.
The 22-minute documentary begins with a few close and mid-close shots of a muscleman doing various exercises in the gym, followed by night shots of a bodybuilding competition.
Soon, the results are out announcing Pradipkumar as the winner.
Sarma then goes on to unravel the extraordinary story behind the seemingly ordinary feat.
Newspaper clippings scroll to reveal that Pradipkumar is HIV positive, a fact corroborated by the champion himself at a gathering of eminent personalities: “I am a HIV-positive person and I came to know that in 2000. Since then I am undergoing anti-retroviral therapy. I appeal to the persons with HIV to accept their status.….”
He is made brand ambassador of the Manipur AIDS Control Society and is conferred the honour by the Manipur health minister at a glittering function.
The director’s use of interviews instead of background narration to enlighten the viewers has made the documentary interesting. His drug addiction, contracting the dreaded disease and then going on to win two championships in Pradipkumar’s own passionate but restrained words have lent the documentary a personal touch.
So have his parents’ interviews.
Equally impressive is his doctor’s statement about the process of treatment and his unmatched mental courage and conviction to recover from the disease.
In another interview, he comes across a “miracle man” who has become an inspiration to people living with HIV.
The documentary has been selected for the prestigious 7th MIAAC Film Festival in New York to be held under the auspices of the Indo-American Arts Council from November 5.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
