2009 NATIONAL CHAMPION KRIS MURRELL PLUS:
YOUR FAVORITE COLUMN WRITERS JOE LEAHY SARAH LONG DECEMBER 2009 STEVE KUCLO
EDITORIAL
Cover page photo: Kris Murrell Photo By: Mark Mason Editor in Chief: Bob Johnson Editorial Director/Graphic Designer: Laura Johnson Publication Interest: Aaron Fletcher We mark the end of 2009 with a past Cover Highlight and and also our December Highlight, Kris Murrell. We congratulate Kris for her win at Nationals and wish her the very best for the future.
Photography: Mark Mason Kevin Martin Wendy Martin Dan Ray Photography
Happy Holidays to all of our column writers, photographers, athletes, supporters and Pose Down Family. We wish you the best for 2010.
Contributing Writers: Angela Dillenberg Michael Bell Senior Writer
Make sure to come back and check the great athletes, stories, and events in the upcoming year!
Contributing Column Writers Sara Long - “Recipe Corner” Joe Leahy - Blue Collar Bodybuilding Steve Kuclo - “The Wolverine” Prince Fontenot- “Talking Candidly” Photos submitted by column writers/athletes monthly Pose Down Magazine accepts photos from individual athletes with the understanding that each athlete own the rights to photos submitted.......
www.posedownmag.com Laura@posedownmag.com Bob@posedownmag.com posedownmagazine@yahoo.com For advertising questions go to: www.mbell971@yahoo.com PosedownAdvertising@gmail.com
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MARCH 4-7, 2010
A four-day event showcasing 18,000 athletes competing in 44 sports & non-stop fitness entertainment! 22nd Arnold Classic Q Active Living Festival Q Amateur Fitness, Figure & Bikini Q Amateur Men’s & Women’s Bodybuilding Amateur Strongman Q Archery Q Armwrestling Q Art At The Arnold Q Bench Press Q Boxing Q Cheerleading & Dance Q CrossFit DanceSport–Youth/Senior Q EXPO (March 5-7) Q Fencing Q Figure International Q Figure Skating Q Fitness International Fitness Training Seminar Q Grappling/Jiu Jitsu Q Gymnastics Q Judo Q Karate Q Martial Arts Festival Q Ms. International Party With The Pros Q Powerlifting Q Pump and Run (5K Run/Walk) Q Skateboarding Q Sports Photography Strength Training Summit Q Strongman Classic Q Table Tennis Q Tae Kwon Do Q Weightlifting Q Wrestling TICKETS: $10 daily EXPO, Individual Event and VIP Tickets ON SALE NOW @ Ticketmaster.com/arnold or phone 800-745-3000 WEEKEND INFORMATION: www.arnoldsportsfestival.com Veterans Memorial Q Greater Columbus Convention Center Q Nationwide Arena Q Dispatch Ice Haus Q LC Pavilion Q Columbus, Ohio USA
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TRAINING ARMS WITH EMILY NICHOLSON
Today’s arm work out: TRICEPS 4 x 15 Bar dips with my own body weight, superset with 4 x 10 2 hand kickbacks, 10-12 lbs each hand 3 x 15 Reverse grip push downs 50-60 lbs 4 x 10 Close grip overhead cable extensions superset 55-70 lbs 4 x 6 Heavy push downs 75-80 lbs BICEPS 4 x 10 machine preacher curls 35lbs, superset with 4 x 6 D-bell hammer curls 20-25 lbs 3 x 15 Supinated concentration curls 12 lbs 6 x 3 Heavy straight bar curl 40-50 lbs Tip 1 I’ve discovered over the years that you don’t need to always use heavy weight to get results. I like to change up every workout so that my body has to constantly adapt. I go heavy and light throughout my workouts. I can really feel the exercise and the muscles working when I use lighter weights. I can get that extra squeeze on every rep. Tip 2 Form is really important too in avoiding injuries and working the muscles you intend on working. Having a trainer watch you perform your reps and correct your form if you start to cheat will make every effort you make count. Tip 3 Get enough rest to help your muscles recover. Sleep and diet are just as important as the work you put in at the gym to transform your body. Make sure to get protein and simple carbs in right after your work outs for optimal gains.
Preacher Curls: using barbell 4 total sets (3 warm-up sets followed by 1 work drop set) * Work set: 55 lbs x as many reps as possible to failure, followed by 2 forced reps and then 2 negative -only reps * Immediately drop to 45 lbs. x as many reps as possible to failure, followed by 2 forced reps and then 2 negative -only reps * Immediately drop to 35 lbs. x as many reps as possible to failure, followed by 2 forced reps and then 2 negative -only reps * Immediately drop to 25 lbs. x as many reps as possible to failure, followed by 2 forced reps and then 2 negative -only reps Alternate Dumb bell Curls:1 “ running the rack” work out set * I start off with 15 lbs dbells as many reps as possible. * Immediately go up to 20 lbs as many as possible * Immediately go up to 25 lbs as many as possible * Immediately go up to 30 lbs as many as possible * Immediately go up to 35 lbs as many as possible * Immediately go up to 40 lbs as many as possible * Then I go back down on wt. 35,30,25,20 then 15 lbs. by then biceps are spent. This is only part of my bicep workout, I do constantly change it up and incorporate cable and bands....change is good and keeps the muscles guessing. As of current I am working biceps with chest so chest workout comes first then I proceed with bi’s which consist of Barbell curls, seated Incline Dumb bell curls and alt. preacher cable curls.
BICEP WORKOUT WITH BENI LOPEZ
Like I stated above change is good and keeps the muscle guessing and everyone is different we all come in different shapes and sizes some of us have long biceps others short biceps so developing one biceps depends on your plan of action here are my tips. When working biceps or ant parts of your body make sure you have a plan of action before you start. Identify your weaknesses and work that first. If it’s chest, back or what have you in this case were talking about biceps so, If MASS is what your going for then choose mass builders then go the distance. * When preforming barbell curls make sure you minimize cheating, keep elbows back, keep chest up pinch shoulder blades together and use full range of motion...all the way down all the way up. * remember cheats are fine if done at the end of a set like the last one or two reps. * Change the tempo of the lift. * Squeeze at the top, give a lil twist to the wrist at the top of a bicep movement. Remember have a plan of action when you step foot into the gym, log your sets and reps so that next time you go back to the gym you have what you’ve done on hand and CHALLENGE YOURSELF for the next workout by you increasing the wt, or up the reps but challenge yourself.
RECIPE CORNER WITH SARAH LONG Gingered Beef Stew 1 ½ lb boneless lean beef steak, cut in 1inch cubes ½ cup sliced scallions 4 large carrots, sliced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce ½ tsp. crushed red pepper 3 tbsp. cornstarch 3 tbsp. cold water ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped 2 cups frozen sugar snap peas and green beans, thawed Cooked Jasmine rice In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine beef, carrots, scallions and garlic. Combine 1 ½ cups water, soy sauce, ginger, and crushed red pepper, pour over mixture in cooker. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 9-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. In a small bow combine cornstarch and 3 tbsp cold water; stir into meat mixture along with bell pepper. Cover, cook 20-30 minutes more, or until thickened, stirring once. Stir in sugar snap peas and green beans. Serve with Jasmine Rice.
Nutrition Facts per serving: makes 6 servings 350 calories, 29 g protein, 35 g carbs, 10 g fat
BLUE COLLAR BODYBUILDING
What’s up iron warriors and welcome to another inspiring column of Blue Collar Bodybuilding. I sure hope everyone is enjoying my monthly column as much as I am. I want to thank my supporters who have taken the time to check out www.posedownmag.com also thank you to my friends and supporters who have signed the posedownmag guest book. Lets fill that book up! I hope everyone is enjoying the off-season in terms of the competitive bodybuilding season and still working hard at your jobs and careers. Yes, work is the season that never comes to an end but our jobs allow us to enjoy our hobby of the iron game and allow us to look deep into ourselves to muster up the courage to continue to push forward in hopes of an overall victory. This leads me to this months column which is once again about leadership and the qualities we as Blue Collar Bodybuilder need to work on everyday to continue to strive for excellence. A few of the leadership traits that I have gone over are as follows: enthusiasm, initiative, loyalty, courage and endurance. Feel free to look back at September’s issue of Posedownmag if you need a refresher. Here a few leadership qualities that if you work on daily will not only help you at work they will help make you a champion in all area’s of your life. Ask yourself this question. Do you think the past Mr. Olympia champions had leadership qualities such as these listed below? I know after you read the list you will without a sandow or shadow of a doubt say, YES!!! BEARING: Bearing is the way you conduct yourself on a daily basis. You should work to reflect confidence, competence, and control. Are you in control of your actions and attitude? Do you reflect a champions mind set and stick to a daily game plan? Do you eat your required meals, sleep the required amounts, and finish all your required workouts or do you decide to head to the bar for the football game? You need to make the right choices that a professional would make. If you do this you will find your attendance in the gym as well as at work will improve and you will be what people call a leader and a go to person. Stay focused on you goals and reflect positive bearing. DECISIVENESS: Decisiveness means that you can make a decision without delay. Don’t sit around and think about cardio. Do it! Get it done and then reflect on your efforts. Delay causes worry and stress. Don’t raise your muscle wasting cortisol levels by worry. Get er’ done as they say. A champion has days that he or she doesn’t want to go to work on low carbs and then do a second cardio session but you know it must be done so stop the delaying and get to work. Act as if you have your own personal drill sergeant yelling at you. Would you delay then, NO! KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge means knowing about the art or science you are working at. Don’t waste your time spinning your wheels. Seek out someone who has the experience in the sport to help get you on the fast track to success. Personally I used to run for my cardio but I was always losing size in my legs and coming up short of winning a show. Once I talked to a friend who had amazing legs and had won several local shows he had me walk at an incline on the treadmill instead of run. Yes, it was very hard to break the habit of running but I wanted to win. Low and behold it worked. I kept the hard earned size in my legs and won my first overall title. Seek out knowledge and don’t be afraid to ask. Remember the leadership trait Courage? Ask and you shall receive.
JOE LEAHY
TACT: Tact means that you can handle yourself and deal with people in a manner that will keep you in good standing. If you loose a show do you go back to the drawing board to fix your weakness or do you blame the judging panel? It is hard to hear the truth but don’t slam your fifth place trophy and blame politics. Think logically and not emotionally. I was at a show and I saw a competitor break his trophy and this also happen to be witnessed by the head promoter and judging panel. All I can say is this guy better go to another state to compete. Be polite and reflect calmness. You can always scream and yell in your car...:) Well my friends this brings this months column to an end. Stay tuned for more leadership traits that you can incorporate into your training and daily life. I hope everyone has a very joyous Holiday Season. Be sure to get some rest and recovery time for your body and also some time with the family and friends and let them know you care about them! Take time to remember all the men and women who are over seas that will miss another Holiday fighting for our freedom. A special thanks to Force Recon Sgt. Jake Brannan, and Marine Sgt. Major Lesle Cummings for not only being a friend but protecting our Country. Also thank you to all military branches, law enforcement, fire, and medical agencies across the country who will be working threw the Holiday. OHHH RAHHH!!! Check out www.ironjoeleahy.com and sign my guest book. Until then keep reppin’ strong!
Which body part do you enjoy training the most? Shoulders and Biceps If you only had one exercise to do what would it be? Squats Stats: Squats 230lbs max 4 reps Bicep Curls 45lbs max 100 reps Describe your personality: I am a very focused, determined and goal driven person. Favorite Hobbies: Being with my family, traveling and reading Favorite Diet Foods: Turkey Breast and Salad Favorite Cheat Foods: Pizza, nachos and shrimp Favorite Movies: Beaches and Pursuit of Happiness
Name: Nicole Cooper Birthday: November 15th Birthplace: Paris, TX Current Residence: Arlington, TX Marital Status: Married Height: 5’1 ½’’ Weight: 98lbs (contest), 105lbs (off season) Occupation: Accounts Receivable Supervisor
What made you want to compete? I didn’t plan to compete in the beginning. My goal was to get in shape. I turned 40 in 2009 and I really wanted to prove to myself that I could be healthier and look better at 40 than I did in my 20’s and 30’s. My trainer thought that I should consider competing. She felt that I would do well in the Bikini division. At first I wasn’t so sure, but once I started seeing the changes in my body I decided that I wanted to take it to the next level. What’s the best part of competing for you? The best part of competing is having all of my hard work and dedication recognized. It’s also very fulfilling knowing that my 8 year old daughter gets a chance to see her mom set goals and accomplish them. What do you like most about the bodybuilding/fitness lifestyle? The feeling of confidence it gives me. I like the way my body changes. I also like how structured it is. I am a creature of habit, so structure works well for me. What are your competition goals? I want to compete for as long as my body will allow and see where it takes me. I am taking it one competition at a time. I plan to compete in the Jr. Nationals held in June 2010 in Chicago, IL.
Contest History: 2009 Central Texas Showdown: Overall Bikini, 1st place Bikini class A and 2nd place Bikini Masters 2009 Texas State Championship: 1st place Bikini Masters and 2nd place Bikini class A
CHAMPION SERIES
KAYDE PUCKETT
Kayde Puckett jump into the fitness industry in 2008 at the South Carolina Excalibur where she placed 2nd. After that she took the Overall title at the ‘08 Carolina Clash. 2009 has proven to be another successful year for Kayde except this time she is succeeding on the National stage. She placed 4th at the Jr. USA’s and then 3rd at Jr. Nationals. Next up for her was the Team Universe in September. One of her goals was to turn pro a year after her first show and that’s exactly what she did! Kayde beat a total of 31 fitness competitors and not only won her pro card but also the overall title! Mrs. Puckett began her competitive career in martial arts. She says “I grew up training and competing in martial arts. I also started weight training at age 14. I was hooked from the first time I stepped foot in a gym. Lifting has always been a big passion of mine. There was a while there where I would see the women on the cover of Oxygen and think “I want to look like that!” Then, one day in the airport, I overheard a girl saying she was a fitness competitor. I started talking to her about it, and she suggested I join Bodyspace. On there, I gathered a ton of information and got started training for my first show. I loved every minute of it and can’t get enough. I truly believe it was a path I was lead down for a long time. All the blessings just kept falling into place!” Good thing for the fitness industry the woman at the airport encouraged Kayde to look into it further. This up and coming fitness star is currently working on bringing a better physique to her first pro show which is yet to be determined. She tells us “I am working on bringing a totally different package to the pro stage. My back and shoulders are very wide and they tend to overpower the rest of my body. I’m working on balancing that out and bringing up my legs. I also upped the difficulty of my routine quite a bit, but I don’t want to share all my secrets! It will definitely be a Kayde no one has seen before.” When she’s not working hard at perfecting her body she is trying to perfect others bodies. Kayde works as a personal trainer in Raleigh, North Carolina at Personally Fit Individualized Training Facility. You can check out more of the newest IFFB Pro at www.kaydepuckett.com. This 28 year old has a very bright future a head of her and we are honored to have her as this months CHAMPION!
Photos turned in to Pose Down by Kayde Puckett Taken By: Michael Eckstut and Jeff Binns
This months cover story goes to our first time repeat cover athlete. Kris Murrell also graced our cover in the May of 2008 issue. That issue we met and got to know the NPC competitor that was Kris Murell, this time is different because we are getting visiting the 2009 Overall National Champion and newest IFBB Pro Kris Murrell. She stepped on stage in Orlando Florida at the toughest amateur show in the country and won it hands down. There was never a doubt, she was that good! Not only was her physique the best on stage that night she had to be one of the most attractive National Champions the bodybuilding industry has seen in a long time! After her championship win Posedown Magazine had the opportunity to visit with her. PD: First of all Kris, congratulations on hitting your mark and winning the overall at Nationals! You looked amazing! How are you feeling right now? KM: Well....it kind of feels like a birthday, just another day. Then I start to think about the next time I’m going to step on stage and the ladies I’ll be standing next to and it freaks me out a little. Exciting, nervous, anxious, scared…you name it and I’ve felt it. PD: Who are you looking forward to sharing a stage with? I know if I had just turn pro I would have a list of people that I would want to compete against? KM: Are you kidding? Every time I think about the women I’ll be standing next to scares the s**t out of me! Every one brings something different to the table and I’m fortunate to even be able to step on stage with any of them. PD: What did you think about this years heavyweight class? I thought the top 4 looked really good and if things go well for these ladies the sport of female bodybuilding looks bright. KM: I’m EXTREMELY excited about the talent that is on the rise. I didn’t really know some of the ladies until this show and I can proudly say that they are amazing! Beautiful women, inside and out! PD: What was the main difference in this contest prep and the ones in the past? KM: I’ve realized that quality of life has a huge effect on all aspects of attaining one’s goals. I’m living in a city that I adore and working for an AMAZING company (Europa Sports Products). My job is very important to me and for the first time I feel like I have a future with a promising career. That set aside, learning how my body responds and reacts to different components (i.e. Training and diet) and being able to communicate with my trainer (Tony Racanelli) has helped. Something I did add this year was EXTENSIVE posing with Big Will Harris. He kicked my butt twice a week. And trust me when I say “kicked” is an understatement.
KRIS MURRELL 2009 OVERALL NATIONAL CHAMPION BY: MIKE BELL
KRIS MURRELL PD: Who helped you with your nutrition this past year? Did they help you all year or just for your prep? KM: I’ve worked with Tony Racanelli for 6 years. He is amazing! His approach is mental, physical, and emotional. He doesn’t just throw you a diet and leave you to figure things out. He’s mentored me from the very beginning and I wouldn’t be the person I am now if it wasn’t for him….and that’s personally and as a competitor. I stated before that Will Harris, IFBB Pro also helped in my prep. He put me through grueling posing sessions twice a week. For those of you who doubt or are unsure of how much posing is crucial, trust me……POSE-POSE-POSE- and then POSE AGAIN!!!! PD: That’s great advice. Did your training style change up any, more intensity or a different split? KM: Funny that you mention, I did change my routine towards the end. I started hitting each body part twice a week. I’ve always struggled with my lower so I ended up hitting my glutes almost every day or every other day. My lower still isn’t where it needs to be but I did manage to bring a different package. PD: For 99% of the female competitors out there glutes are their arch nemesis? Would you mind sharing some of the exercises you used over the last few months? KM: I have to laugh at this one due to the fact that mine are still a work in progress. I’m constantly getting beat up over my condition primarily in that area. I will say that consistently hitting exercises that focus on the back of the leg 3-4 times a week definitely helped with improvement. (i.e. single leg hyper extensions, lunges w/ various feet placements, plyos, abduction/adduction) PD: What about cardio how much did you do this year compared to years previous? KM: We really didn’t change up my cardio that much from previous yrs. PD: What Percentage do you feel you were at on stage this year? A few “experts” felt you were still only at 90% condition wise. KM: I would agree with that! You’re right EVERYONE seems to be an “expert” in this industry. I know I have work to do and still need to improve. I’ve stated before, when we stop improving is when we should stop competing. I can assure you this, the next time I’m on stage, my pro debut, I’ll be that much closer.
PD: Have you and Tony talked about what you might do in order to bring you in a little tighter next time, maybe more cardio, or a longer diet? KM: I’ve never maximized my off season. In the past, I’ve never really incorporated cardio and my eating habits were terrible. …and I don’t mean bad food. My goal is to NOT have an off season. PD: We don’t hear a lot about the female side of dieting, give us a brief description of your contest diet i.e. did you carb cycle, go low carb, low fat etc. KM: It was pretty simple. It’s basically a carb rotation which varied every 3-4 weeks, depending on how I looked. PD: What have you learned over the years about your body and different diet plans? Every single person is different so it’s always interesting to hear how different people react to different diets. KM: That is so true. Everybody responds differently to everything! I personally don’t do well with the no carb – high fat diet. I’m not saying that it doesn’t work but it’s just not a good fit for me. To be honest, up until last year, I never really asked questions nor noticed how my body responded. I just went with what I was told. That was my mistake. My advice for anyone is to ask questions and even ask about what questions to ask. PD: What are your plans for next year? KM: If I had a penny for every time I was asked that question, I could retire already. Who knows, I might tap into professional kite flying. LOL! All jokes aside, I want to talk with my bosses first. My job is first priority and I want their blessing. PD: Do you think you are ready for the pro stage or do you need to add something to your physique? KM: I have some areas I need to “add” a little more. It’s mostly my conditioning though. I believe once I nail that, the lacking areas will pop more. PD: What changes, if anything, in your life now that you have your pro card? KM: That’s a good question. As you’re asking me this it’s only been a week. All I know is that no matter what happens, I want to be a good representative of this sport. PD: Are you currently representing a supplement company? I would think with the combination of your physique and your beauty you would have companies calling? KM: As an employee of Europa Sports Products, we represent and support almost ALL supplement companies. PD: Is there anyone you would like to thank? KM: The fans and supporters who make it to the shows! We all know that female bodybuilding doesn’t get the recognition that we deserve. Sure we can talk about it on the forums, emails, websites, etc….. but the true support that gauges our success for the future comes from those who make the trips and buy tickets. PD: Very well put, I have a feeling there will be a few extra fans in attendance at the next show you decide to compete at. I am speaking for all of the fans out there we can’t wait to see you on stage again.
U M S KRI
L L E RR
What ‘s up guys. I am finally back in town from a two week hiatus. After Nationals I traveled to Michigan to spend Thanksgiving with my family and friends. I guess the question everyone is wanting to know is “What happen to Steve?” I think instead of asking “what happened?” I want to say “Next time I need to….” I live and learn about myself with every show I do and I learned a lot about my body with this show. Next year I need more time to prepare for this caliber of a show. I pushed really hard the second half of my diet and just didn’t have time to fill back out. About eight weeks out Art Atwood and myself got together and went over some things. We both felt I was a little behind where I needed to be. I wanted to be the best conditioned guy in my class so I decided to take things to the extreme. Art is a genius when it comes to diet and nutrition so I took his advice. Genetically I have thicker skin and some baby fat on me but we pushed everything to the max! I did a few keto runs for a couple of weeks and it definitely pulled the fat off but I just didn’t have enough time to fill back out. 10 days after the show I am fuller and feel I look better than I did on stage. I am disappointed in the placing but not in my condition. I was just too damn depleted, I needed a few more days to fill out, I live and learn. This year I started cleaning up my diet at 16 weeks and really kicked into high gear at 12 weeks, next year I am going to start dieting hardcore at 16 weeks which will give me an extra four weeks to get into the condition I want to be in yet with the fullness and size that I had last year. As for next year I have yet to decide exactly what I am going to do. If I have a good rebound and bring up a few of my body I may throw my name into the field at the USA’s or I may wait and have a longer offseason and shoot for Nationals again next year. The judges told me I had the best shape on stage so I know I don’t need to make any major changes to my physique. I personally want to add a little more size and depth to my back, which can never have too much of either. I plan training hard for the next month and get everything that I can out of the rebound and the take the month of January a little easier to let my body rest and recover a little. I have to thank my parents, my wife Amy, the guys I work with, my training partner Greg McCoy along with the other guys at Metroflex in Plano, TX and finally my trainer Art Atwood. These people make my life truly great whether I win or lose a bodybuilding contest, so thank all of you for sticking with me through the last 4 months! I have to give big Cedric McMillan a big congrats. He looked amazing and was very worthy of the title. I think Art Atwood put it best when he said, “That guy could walk on the Olympia stage and place top 10 today.” Until next month read the best, train with the best, and be your best!
Alisa Allen has only been around the NPC for 2 short years but in that time she has made a huge impact. Like a lot of NPC athletes of today Alisa was a successful high school and college athlete that continued to train after completion of school to keep in shape. After watching a neighbor compete, Allen got the competition bug and jumped right in. She started out competing in figure but realized after Jr. Nationals in 08’ that her body was more suited for bodybuilding. So a few weeks after Jr. Nationals she entered her first bodybuilding contest. With the help of, who she calls the “Charles Glass of the South,” she is now a FUTURE star in the waiting. She says of IFBB Pro Roc Shabazz, “Even though he doesn’t know a set under 50 reps I’ve learned a lot.” I must say Roc must be doing something right because after only 3 months of switching to bodybuilding Alisa placed 2nd as a heavyweight at the Team Universe. She has decided to take off the entire year and focus on bringing up her delts and lower lats. She says about her current offseason “I spent the last year starving myself to get to 128 pounds to compete as a figure athlete only to be told I was still to muscular. Now since I am able to eat, my body has responded remarkably and I am 159 pounds and growing and still maintaining my conditioning, my abs are still well defined.” Everything that you have read about Alisa is impressive but what I am about to tell you will blow you away. In order to get all the facts straight I asked her to explain it in detail. She says “I have asthma and I had a severe asthma attack which made me lose consciousness. The doctors could not find a pulse or heartbeat. I basically had to be brought back to life. When they got my heartbeat back they inserted a breathing tube because I was unable to breath on my own. When I finally was able to breath on my own and came out of ICU I had a new perspective on life and what I was called to do.” It was then she decided to dedicate her life to becoming a school teacher and to fitness. When Alisa isn’t at the gym training she is usually at home spending time with her husband and two kids, Alexia and Seth or working on future books she hopes to get published. Alisa is a very well rounded girl with a tremendous physique and a great trainer in her corner. The Team Universe in 2010 will be very interesting!
THE FUTURE ALISA ALLEN Photos turned in to Pose Down by Alisa Allen Taken by: Harold Tyson Location for working out pic: Roc and Gina’s Gym
NEWS AND NOTES FROM NICK SCOTT Wheelchair Bodybuilding Camp & Wheelchair Dance Workshop December 7-10 will be the second Wheelchair Bodybuilding Camp in History—followed right after, on December 11, by a Wheelchair Ballroom Dancing Workshop! The Wheelchair Bodybuilding Camp will take place at the Shriners’ Hospital in Chicago, for six Shriners’ Hospitals for Children patients, and the Wheelchair Dance Workshop will have six to eight participants. Last year’s camp came about from an idea from Dr. Lawrence Vogel, Spinal Cord Injury Medical Director, and Sara J. Klaas, Director of Spinal Cord Injury Services. Sara contacted me to help run the camp and instantly I said, “YES!” And that’s how the first Wheelchair Bodybuilding Camp was born! The guys come from all over the United States; last year they came from Oklahoma, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois. We use the hospital as the home base, and the guys have daily workouts with me, outings to local fitness centers, massages from Advanced Physical Medicine students, nutrition training with SHC dieticians and more. The goal is to have them leave the camp with a healthier lifestyle and the ability to make better choices—and some of them may just end up becoming wheelchair bodybuilders! Now, with one camp under my belt, I have a better understanding of what the guys like and what they want to learn more about, so this year I’ll make the necessary adjustments. Last year I got The Burn Machine, a company specializing in the asymmetrical barbell system, to donate five speed bags, three cross-trainers and one ultimate burn machine to the hospital. On top of that, the camp participants are displayed with the units and me on the front page of The Burn Machine’s website at www.theburnmachine.com. How many camps make that happen! This year the guys are in for another dose of WCBB training and knowledge. One day I will expand the camp and hold it multiple times a year in different locations—it’s a great idea, but needs a lot of planning and funding to make it actually happen. It can and will be done, the question is when—and that just depends. At the wheelchair dance workshop following wheelchair bodybuilding camp, professional dancer and teacher Aubree Marchione will lead the workshop and I will be helping her out with the demonstrations. There will be six to eight wheelchair participants and they will have partners to team up with—they will be taught the different ballroom dances, how to lead and follow, and anything else Aubree has in mind. It will be an amazing time, and at the end Aubree and I will perform our routines for everybody. With both bodybuilding and dance, that week will be full of non-stop of excitement! Being a former Shriners’ patient, it is an honor to be able to do this and give back. I was once lost inside and the Shriners’ Hospital in Chicago opened my eyes to something greater. My goal is to show them that anything is possible. I want them to reach for the stars, because you never know when you are going to catch them.
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IFBB Professional Wheelchair Division August 13-14, 2010, in Dallas, Texas, at the Europa Supershow marks the first time in history that the IFBB Pro Wheelchair Division will be added to any bodybuilding show! It will also be the first time in history that a disabled sport will be competing on the same stage as another professional sport, allowing the competitors on the same stage time and treating them as equals. Wheelchair basketball is the #1 most popular sport for wheelchair athletes, but it is nowhere close in popularity to the NBA. Right now things are still being finalized; I am working with the promoter, the NPC President, the IFBB President, the UKBFF President, the SKKF President, the Polish Federation and so many others to make this possible. This is a HUGE step for the sport of wheelchair bodybuilding because it has never been done before. Wheelchair bodybuilders have been granted honorary IFBB Pro Cards but they were never officially IFBB Pros because there was never an IFBB Pro Wheelchair Division in which they could compete. Instead, they were allowed to compete year after year at Wheelchair Nationals. Wheelchair bodybuilders slowly stopped competing because they felt there was no point—the same guys kept winning and they couldn’t move to the next level. After years of promoting wheelchair bodybuilding, competing, and guest posing numerous times across the United States, I built a reputation, and many people now see and believe in my vision. It’s amazing to see how wheelchair bodybuilding has grown and unfolded as a sport over the years—to the point where I have just submitted the list of wheelchair bodybuilders that have earned and qualified for their IFBB Pro Cards, which is now being reviewed for approval for IFBB Pro Status! It has been hell getting it to this point and nobody will ever know how much effort I put in to make this happen, but I am just grateful to have come this far. I will talk more about this later, but for now, this should give you a taste of what is to come! And believe me—when you see some of the guys, it will be an eye opener!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT
OCT 16, 2010
www.CentralTexasShowdown.com