Michelle Neil At The 2007 NPC Nationals Las Vegas

Michelle Neil, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

GeneX captures Michelle Neil at the 2007 NPC's in Las Vegas.

Jennifer Sedia Wins Pro Card and The 2007 NPC USA's In Las Vegas

Photo by Gene X

Overall Winner

1. Jennifer Sedia
Earned Pro Card
1. Jennifer Sedia

Heavyweight
1. Michele Neil
2. Sheila Bleck
3. Julia Stamper
4. Candy Canary
5. Diane Solomons
6. Bettina Kadet
7. Joella Bernard
8. Kim Winn
9. Geri Deach
10. Gabriella Nicander
11. Bonnie Pappas
Christina Rhodes
12. Rose Kasallis
13. Cindy Johnson
14. Giulia Divina
16. Tammy Jackson
16. Brenda King
16. Yamlie Marero
16. Jody May
Robyn Mentgen

Light Heavyweight
1. Angela Salvano
3. Star Blaylock
3. Karen Choat
4. Beverly DiRenzo
5. Holly Geersen
6. Christine Sabo
7. Kimberely Ferrell
8. Gina Spengler
9. Diana Cook
10. Tina Zampa
11. Casey Daugherty
12. Theresa Hendricks
13. Shar Courtney
13. Courtney Shar
14. Roxanne Edwards
15. Akila Pervis
16. Diana Feather
16. Jennifer Benda
16. Julie Williams

Middleweight
1. Jennifer Sedia
2. Diana Tinnelle
3. Kelly Dobbins
4. Sally Taylor
5. Holly Robey
6. Hedi Bagwell
7. Rebecca Greaig

Lightweight
1. Galina Serdtsev
2. Beth Wachter
3. Tracy Witherspoon
4. Melinda Williamson
5. Tricia Travis
6. Sharon Garrett
7. Melissa Alvarado
9. Natalie Barnett

Jennifer Benda | Jenny Benda Before The NPC USA's

Jenny Benda, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

SBS Personality Jennifer Benda's captured in this photo taken by Gene X this week. She's also the focus of a popular video that SBS did, the first of a series. Visit her site at http://www.jenniferbenda.com

Here's the video:

Jaime Buffalari in Iraq - Posted By GeneX

Jaime Buffalari in Iraq, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Jamie Kocher-Buffalari NPC Bodybuilding

How did you get interested in bodybuilding/working out?

I've always been athletic, but bodybuilding started in the Marine Corps.

How was your first show like, any interesting experiences?

It was an NPC show, so I was very nervous there was more competetion then at the ABA shows, I did novice with another lady, when the announced the placing they gave me 2nd, well the crowd started to boo, and we did a front double bi for photos. Well a few seconds later they called us back out, they awarded the placing wrong, took her trophy and gave it to me... the crowd cheered. I felt bad for her, but great for myself. what a crappy mistake to make.

What are your future goals in this industry?

I would eventually like to go pro and look towards the Olympia

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

Still competing

Please tell us something special about you that most people wouldn’t know?

I'll get back to you on that one :)

Any additional notes? People you would like to thank?

My husband Eric, he got me into lifting, he was in Iraq for my 1st show, but his team was ambushed and he was injured, so he was sent home and actually made it to my 1st show. I would also like to thank my team, Danna, Rey, Taylor, Tony and Glenn, The Camp Pendleton Bodybuilding team. My friends, family, and fans. Pharmagenx- Cory and Brian.

Competition History:

-April 17th 2004 NPC Orange County 1st Novice
-May 1st 2004 ABA 1st Novice 1st Open
-June 26th 2004 ABA 1st Open
-September 24th 2004, Unlimited Women 7th

Diana Cook Is The Overall Winner Of The 2007 NPC Jr. Nationals

1 Diana Cook
Heavyweight-
1 Diana Cook
2 Kim Bergman
3 Angela Rayburn
4 Robyn Mentgen
5 Giulia Divina
6 Debbie Brock
7 Clarice Zimmer
8 Kelly Patrick
9 Yvonne Edmunds
Middleweight- view pics
1 Wanda Moore
2 Colleen Sgro
3 Carrie Ann Simmons
4 Jamie Terrill
Light-heavyweight
1 Tracey Toth
2 Judy Gaillard
3 Justine Dohring
4 Andrea Allaire
5 Anita Nelson
Lightweight-
1 Lori Steele -
2 Suzanne Germano
3 Sharon Garrett
4 Natalie Barnett

Robyn Mentgen FBB

Robyn Mentgen, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

This incredible photo is of Robyn Mentgen who placed 4th in the 2007 NPC Jr. Nationals. There's little information about her, but for Google references to a Robyn Mentgen who's working to help dogs. Perhaps that's the same person?

Tracy Beckham By GeneX

Tracy Beckham, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

The arresting photo's about Tracy Beckham. I don't know if she's related to the famoud soccer guy, but here's more about her from Andy Vogel:

Where and when were you born? Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; 11/11/1961

What is your profession? Certified Personal Trainer and Owner of Tracy Beckham’s Unique Physiques.

What kind of activities/sports did you do before you started lifting weights? This is on website – BIO area.

How and when did you get involved into lifting weights? I started lifting weights in 1985 in an “all female” gym just to get into better shape. As like most women, I was bottom heavy and wanted to balance out my shape. Lifting weights did that for me with amazing results and quickly. I joined Gold’s gym in Canada early 1986; hired Mr. Canada to train me and won my first show that year.

Was it a goal for you to compete in bodybuilding competitions right from the beginning or was it something that grew in your mind as time went on and you saw the progress in your body? I had the bodybuilding bug from the start, especially winning my first show.

What was your first competition and how did you place? 1986 Alberta Body Building Championships – 1st Middleweight

And which contest has been the biggest success for you yet? The 2004 Masters National Light Heavyweight Champion. I think each contest for me has been a stepping stone to a successful career.

Could you please add a history of all contests that you have entered so far?
Contest History:
2005 4th Masters National Light Heavyweight
2004 1st Masters National Light Heavyweight – over 35
2004 10th Junior Nationals – Light Heavyweight
2003 Overall, Masters Overall and Middleweight winner - Caveman Classics - National Qualifier
2002 1st Kentucky Bodybuilding Championships – Masters Overall
2002 2nd Kentucky Bodybuilding Championships – Heavyweight
1999 2nd Kentucky Bodybuilding Championships – Heavyweight
1996 2nd Battle of the Champions – Heavyweight
1996 Overall, and 1st Middleweight – Derby Classics Bodybuilding Championships
1987 4th IFBB Hawaiian International Championships (one of four on Canadian Team) - Heavyweight
1986 6th Western Canadian Championships – Middleweight
1986 1st Alberta Bodybuilding Championships – Middleweight

Please describe a typical day in the life of Tracy Beckham. I’m up at 6:30 am, as I personal train clients 6 days a week from 8 AM to 7:30 PM. I train between 4:30 and 7 PM depending on the day.

Please tell me something about your daily training routine. How often do you train in a week? I train 5 days a week in the off-season with maybe 3 days of light cardio a week.

What are the main differences when you train for a competition and in off-season? I train 6 days a week at contest time; more cardio at contest time – 5 days a week if needed.

Which bodypart is your best in your opinion? My Back and Delts

What is your favorite exercise in the gym and which one you don’t like so much? I love DB pullovers for Back; I don’t love doing biceps – such pain for a small muscle group!

Judging in Women’s Bodybuilding has always been criticised in one or the other way. Please tell me your honest thoughts about today’s judging in Women’s Bodybuilding. As an NPC body building, fitness/fiqure judge, I understand body building is about building muscle, etc. but females should not look like men and should try to maintain a feminine look from head to toe.

Please tell me about what else you are doing when you don’t work out (profession, hobbies, etc.) I enjoy movies, dinners out, dancing, travelling and spending time with friends.

What are your future plans for 2005/2006? I am competing in the 2005 NPC Masters National Body Building Championships July 23. I was the Light Heavyweight winner of this show last year and I am going back again, as the Overall winner can turn Pro!!

Please note:
Tracy does not do sessions or wrestling of any kind. Please don't ask!!

Jennifer Benda Becomes SBS Personality!

Female Bodybuilder Jennifer Benda's now an SBS Personality and joins a growing list of people on the Sports Business Simulations web portal from Kate Troescher to Ed Goines. Soon we'll have our first exclusively made videos of Ms. Benda as she prepares for the 2007 NPC USA's in Las Vegas. See Jennifer Benda's page on SBS.

Cindy Johnson Overall Winner - 2007 Emerald Cup Winners - GeneX

2007 NPC Emerald Cup, originally uploaded by SSCusp.

Bodybuilding
Overall: Cindy Johnson
Lightweight:
1. Kelly Dobbins
2. Genevieve Moreno
3. E.Q. Pruitt
4. Cindy Goodrich
5. Suzanne Moran
6. Gina Parise
Middleweight:
1. Cindy Johnson
2. Leann George
3. Marga Martin
4. Peggy Willis
5. Vicki Combest
Heavyweight:
1. Becky West
2. Shawna Walker
3. Teresa Knoll
4. Shawn Tan
5. Merry Harris
6. Susan Stone

Masters Bodybuilding
Overall: Janet Guenther
Over 50:
1. Janet Guenther
2. Denise Rathwick
3. Ann Gannon
4. Jeanne Morris
5) Sherry Chambers
Over 35:
1. Nancy Lublink
2. Heidi Young
3. Janice Cook
4. Teresa Maine
5. Diana Frankowiak

Fitness
Overall: Michelle Mayberry
Short
1) Chandra Young
2) Safiya Johnson
3) Genie Markwell
4) Mia Phillips
5) Haleina Desrosier
Tall
1) Michelle Mayberry
2) Vikko Newman
3) Erica Hamilton
4) Kolbie Best
5) Kristina Lum
6) Melissa Mitchell

Figure
Overall: Erin Heath
5'2" and under
1) Shelly Rego-Vega
2) Sherry Smith
3) Hong Arcedas
4) Claire Taubman
5) Julie Ann Lee
6. Tiffany Joe
7. Jessica Nabinger
8. Kari Keenan
9. Diana Kelly
10. Kimberly Lawson
11. Christine Moorman
12. Genevieve Moreno
13. Genie Markwell
14. Jen Turnbull
15. Heidi Riegsecker
16. Danielle Davis
17. Sherill Taduran
18. Melody Miles
19. Darlene Carrigan
20. Desiree Ponsness
5'2" - 5'3"
1) Gale Elie
2) Tara Chandler
3) Lisa Lattery
4) Nicole Weston
5) Sheila Bratten
6. Dion Blackburn
7. Mari Willhite
8. Kathy Fehringer
9. Karen Mayo
10. Kori Byers
5'3" - 5'4"
1) Erin Heath
2) Elsie Huxtable
3) Reagen Brenner
4) Vikko Newman
5) Susanna Backman
6. Ashli Liljenquist
7. Leah Bacon
8. Karla Coe-Specker
9. Allison Malone
10. Elisabeth Yu
5'4" - 5'5"
1) Karin Kimura
2) Austine Powell
3) Danyell Leavitt
4) Kimberly Agnew
5) Kris Isakson
6. Katheryn Stewart
7. Hope Bellar
8. Molly Gillespie
9. Stacy Leith
10. Atiya Olmstead
11. Dionne Burden
5'5" - 5'6"
1) Erica Hamilton
2) Ilona Maj
3) Kari Lege
4) Felicia O'Neal
5) Suzanna Barlas
6. Jodi Beard
7. Joanna Wilson
8. Sanne Moelgaard
9. Rose Fries
10. Amanda Smith
11. Nicole Christy
12. Nicole Shultz
13. Allyson Watts
14. Beth Markham
5'6" - 5'8"
1) Michelle Mayberry
2) Jeanne Nimmer
3) Angela Myers
4) Julie Alves
5) Tonia Francis
6. Linda Nelson
7. Jennifer Rogers
8. Tracy Royer
9. Kelly Weatherman
10. Sheila Salinas
11. Heather Skaar
12. Christine Moore
13. Stephanie Bishop
5'8" and over
1) Christine Aguilar
2) Mary Hallman
3) Mindy Shaneman
4) Emma Callaghan
5) Beth Lay
6. Erica Aydelotte
7. Shanna Tuthill
8. Ainsley Krone
9. Lauren Beckham
10. Nancy Novak
Masters Figure Overall: Tracy Chenault
Masters Figure Over 35
1) Tracy Chenault
2) Shannon O'Day
3) Heidi Hansen-Carlin
4) Heidi Young
5) Paula Williams-Gulman
6) Monica Varrasso
7) Evelynn Johnston
8) Sharyn Sullivan
9) Amy Weimer
10) Rhonda Downing
11) Catalina Illades
Masters Figure Over 40
1) Roberta Orth
2) Shawna Charboneau
3) Laura Kathryn
4) Lori Pliska
5) Lori Baggerly
6) Eileen Quenin
7) Diesta Goldsmith
8) Diane Green
9) Debra McMahon
10) Sherry Christopherso
Masters Figure Over 50
1) EQ Pruitt
2) Robin Gizzi
3) Kathryn Moore
4) Peggy Goldman
5) Staphanie Bonneau-Meece
6) Maureen O'Connell
7) Deanna Benson-Eder
8) Pattie Meyers

Collin Fischer Comparing Guns at Bay to Breakers 2007

Collin Fischer comparing guns at Bay to Breakers 2007, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

This is FBB Collin Fischer, apparently at one of the many parties along the route of the San Francisco Bay to Breakers run, which annually draws between 50,000 and 70,000 people. Her bio says she lives in New York, so she must have flown out for the event.

Here's more about her, from Andy's website:

"I have only done 3 shows I won the NPC New York City Championship Overall in 95, The NPC Atlantic States (Bev Francis) Overall in 96, and then 1st place middleweight in Dallas 97 Nationals. I have been holding out since then for an invitation to the Ms. International which I finally got this year, but l thought with only 7 weeks notice I was unable to participate. I wrote back to Mr. Demilia in hopes of an invitation for this next year but as yet have received no reply. I am currently pursuing my undergrad in Biology and perhaps a minor in Chemistry or Biochemistry at Queens College.

With regard to my training routine, I try to get to the gym at least 5 days a week (unless I have an exam in Organic Chem). Before a contest I often train 7 days a week. It would be rather difficult for me to give you an exact schedule because my strategy is one of constant change. Variety in ones routine is truly the key to success, once your muscles have adapted to something change comes slowly if it comes at all. I recommend changing the exercises each time you train a body part. I also believe strongly that one should train each and every body part with equal intensity (and love), this includes calves forearms neck and lower back which seem often to be overlooked by many enthusiasts. Further, I prefer to train quads ,and then hamstrings and hips with a day break from legs in between. Otherwise you will lose the intensity that these groups demand toward the end of your training session and these groups will lag behind the rest. Finally, it is very important to train hips consistently and properly, I often see many professional bodybuilders who seem to be deficient in these areas. THERE ARE FOUR WAYS TO TRAIN HIPS adduction, abduction, flexion, and extension, it is essential to perform each of these exercises regularly.

I am now bartending at a club called "Infinity" in Long Island City, New York on Thursday and Saturday nights."

Ms. Machine Shows Us How To Wii

The always funny Pro FBB Ms. Machine's into many things, one of them playing with Wii. In her blog , she explains that there are the "top five reasons" to play with your Wii:

5. How else are you going to get some pleasure if you are single?

4. Come on, I live in Philly, it is just too cold to go outside and play baseball. Not only that, but the last time I tried bowling in my thong, I got tossed out!!!???



3. Trust me you won’t go blind.

2. The pre contest diet and cardio is coming up and boxing is just more fun than the stairclimber.

1. Ha ha ha, this thing is sold out everywhere and I had the boys in the store put one aside for me!!!!! I just like to rub this in my guy friends’ faces! Sometimes being a girl helps :)

All of this playful exhibition with Wii caused Cindy Phillips to write.."what a lil cutie u are! Damn nice legs too girl :)"

We agree.

Speaking, er, writing of legs, here's a video of Ms.Machine showing us just how strong they are:

Heather Lee Trains To Be A Strong(er) Woman

Heather Lee's claim to fame is as a female bodybuilder. But lately, she's been training using strongman techniques. She reports on her blog:

Training has been going well....I am training Strongman Style again, and learning the techniques that I had never nailed before. 3 weeks ago I had a great workout with the Strongman crew I train with, doing a 110 pound farmers walk with a 600 pound tire flip medley. I was able to flip the tire on my own 3 times, and was spotted thru another 3 reps. Then I did a 110 pound sandbag load for sets of 15 reps on a platform to mimick the atlas stone event. The week prior I began to learn an axle clean and press, which I finally nailed the form on last week. I feel comfortable on the split stance and have learned the use my legs to make the weight pop....very different from bodybuilding style training which you want to use strict form with planted feet....but I am pretty happy with the progress....you can see some of the pics my good buddy X-tina was kind enough to take for me! :~)

Wow. This from a woman who reportedly once used her legs to lift nine people sitting on a couch, or over 1,000 pounds! How much stronger will she get? Who knows?

Jody May Celebrated On National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Professional Female Bodybuilder Jody May was celebrated on National Girls and Women in Sports Day by her alma mater Odessa College. She even got placed over my friend Gil Brandt of NFL.com and the Dallas Cowboys!

"Jody May is one of our own, a 1998 graduate of Odessa College with an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences. After Odessa College Jody went on to become a Professional bodybuilder were she competed in many bodybuilding and fitness competitions over the years. Some of her accomplishments include finishing 1st in the Ronnie Coleman Classic (national qualifier) in the novice heavyweight division in 2003. She also finished 1st in the Southwest USA (national qualifier) in the open heavyweight division and was the overall winner in 2004. Jody has since gone on and competed at the national bodybuilding championships were she finished 11th overall in the heavyweight division in 2004. Jody is currently working as a Physical Therapist Assistant and continuing to compete as a Professional Bodybuilder."