SEPT 2011
JANUARY 2012
PLUS: MORE OF YOUR UPCOMING ATHLETES: JOHN LEE LEHA LONG JENNIFER BRENT AMANDA QUINLAN
RANDY TINER FOCUSED & DETERMINED IN MEMORY OF MARVIN MEINSTEIN
Hello Readers: We here at Pose Down Magazine hope that everyone had a safe and happy The Central Texasholiday! Showdown was a comWe certainly hoped that youI stuffed your belly and plete success. Bob and are planning received all the things you wanted the New Year. next years ventures with a fewfor surprise But now it’s time toStay starttuned your new goals,Down new diannoucements. to Pose ets, newwe training regiments and pick a new show to once finalize our plans. compete in for 2012. Pose Down is gearing up for 2012 andthe getting ready to head to I have distinct pleasure of Columbus revisting Ohio Inwith March, to kick theinnew the Arnold a friend of off mine thisseason issueatNancy Di Classic 2012. This year looks to be bigger and Nino. Please read her updated news and better than ever in the IFBB and the NPC in general. For ventures. those of you who don’t compete, get out there and support your local NPC shows. I want to extend a special thank you to NPC Georgia, NPC Michigan and NPC Texas for supporting Posed Down Magazine and a very special thanks to IFBB Pro Roc and Gina Shabazz.
HALL OF FAME TEXAS METRO FLEX FT WORTH TX I wish all the best luck and if you are in the Colum-
bus area the first week in the March come out and celebrate the kickoff of the season. Remember NPC competitors you could put an IFBB in front of your name with hard work and perseverance going forward. So I say this to you “Keep your eye on the prize until next month.”
COPYRIGHT
All content included in this publication, including but not limited to, text, graphics and images, is, unless otherwise noted, copyrighted under United States law and protected by worldwide copyright laws and treaty provisions. The compilation (meaning the collection, arrangement and assembly) of all content in this publication is the exclusive property of Pose Down Muscle and Figure Magazine LLC and protected by United States and international copyright laws. No use, including the reproduction, modification, distribution, transmission, republication, display or performance, of the content in this publication is permitted without Pose Down’s written permission. LIMITS OF LIABILITY This Publication is provided by Pose Down Muscle and Figure LLC on an “as is” basis. Pose Down makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the content written in articles and columns of the publication or the information, content or materials included in this publication. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Pose Down disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to, interviews, photos, written content of articles and perspective views of its columnist.
Cover Picture: Randy Tiner Stephen Frazier Photo By: Prince Harrison Ray Rojas Editor In Chief : Bob Johnson Editorial /Director/Designer: Laura Johnson Publication Interest: Aaron Fletcher Photographers: Dan Ray Michael Price Contributing Column Writer Kay Simms Pose Down Magazine accepts photos from individual athletes with the understanding that each athlete own the rights to photos submitted…….
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CENTRAL TEXAS SHOWDOWN OCTOBER 20, 2012 WACO TEXAS
CentralTexasShowdown.com
NEW LOOK - NEW CITY NEW CONVENTION CENTER BIGGER EVENT CENTRAL TEXAS SHOWDOWN OCTOBER 20, 2012 WACO TEXAS WACO CONVENTION CENTER MEN AND WOMENS - BODYBUILDING WHEELCHAIR BODYBUILDING FITNESS FIGURE BIKINI MENS PHYSIQUE WOMENS PHYSQUE POWER LIFTING STRONGMAN CROSS FIT
Don’t miss this year’s event!!!!!
Guest Poser Roc Shabazz
METRO FLEX GYM FT WORTH
Kay’s Bio
NUTRITION WITH KAY
Kay Simms, M.S., CSCS, HFI My Health Philosophy: Good health is a blessing not to be taken for granted. I love sharing my passion for fitness and wellness with others. The greatest reward I could ask for is seeing my clients succeed and change their lives. The combination of proper resistance training, cardiovascular training, and nutrition provide the formula for success!! Hard work is not an option, it is MANDATORY! I enjoy utilizing the science of my exercise physiology degree background to evaluate and address every client’s individual needs. My goal is to serve every client with energy, passion, and commitment every day to lead them to happier, healthier lives. Changing lives is what I do every day through fitness, nutrition, and mental training. Clients feel better as they work toward and achieve their goals. Whether improved body composition, daily functioning, or sports performance is the goal, I address all aspects training required to achieve it. Nutrition is a key aspect of reaching health/fitness goals. Whole, clean foods are the ticket to success. I myself must live a gluten-free/lactose-free diet; thus helping others identify unknown food allergies/intolerances has become a passion of mine raising quality of life for many and increasing awareness of keeping foods “back to basics” as much as possible. Experience in cardiac rehabilitation research and living a gluten/lactose-free diet enhances my ability to serve a more diverse clientele with compassion and care. Competitive collegiate tennis and figure competition experience provides a further level of performance training for those with competitive goals. Whatever the need, the client will be served 110%! Certifications/Education/Background: Certified NSCA- CSCS, ACSM- Health/Fitness Specialist 2 ½ years cardiac rehabilitation research-Baylor Hospital, Dallas- 8 published articles 4 years NCAA Division 1-AA tennis player Specialties include: Weight loss Special Populations-including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia Nutrition-including gluten- and lactose free diets and other food intolerances/allergies Body sculpting Performance training Contact Info: Kay Simms, M.S., CSCS, HFI Professional Trainer/Director of Training www.jessejamesfit.com http://kay.jessejamesfit.com kay@jessejamesfit.com 972-207-9800
The Awesome Avocado Avocados have developed a bad rap over the years. Being high in fat-almost 85% of its calories come from fat, fat-phobia kicks in at the thought of eating them However, this fruit is a nutrient powerhouse that is a great addition to a healthy diet. Considering all the awesome health benefits and rich flavor avocados have to offer, make sure to add avocado to your next grocery list! Awesome Avocado Facts: • Dozens of varieties exist, but Hass is the most poppuoar variety in the U.S. 95% of avocados sold in U.S. come from California, original home of the Hass avocado. • Avocados being rich in both fat and vitamins and minerals. This makes for the perfect marriage for optimal nutrient absorption and utilization in the body when avocado in consumed. Avocado also helps absorb nutrients from other foods consumed with it, such as spinach in a salad. • An avocado that is ripe and ready to eat will be slightly soft, without dark soft spots or cracks. Also, if it has a slight neck rather than being rounded at the top, it may have better flavor due to longer tree ripening. • Avocados are not recommended by many to cook with, due to potential destruction of nutrients when exposed to high eat. Research is still needed in this area. Awesome Avocado Health Benefits: • High in carotonoid antioxidants, serving as an anti-inflammatory • High in oleic acid, which helps the digestive tract create molecules to carry fats to help fat-soluble nutrients be absorbed, decreasing risk for heart disease • High in Omega-3 ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) • Low in carbohydrates: only 2 g sugar per cup • High in fiber: 8 g per cup, which helps maintain blood sugar levels • High in vitamins B6, K, C, B5 • Contains more potassium than banana
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Some easy ways to add avocado into your day include adding to salad, smoothies, use as sandwich spread instead of mayo, and dipping raw veggies into mashed avocado. Below are some great recipes to highlight this awesome food: 15-Minute Halibut with Avocado Salsa Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: • 6 medium cloves garlic, pressed • 1/4 cup minced scallion • 1-2 tsp finely minced jalapeno pepper • 3 TBS chopped fresh cilantro • 8 cherry tomatoes, quartered • 1 medium ripe but firm avocado, diced into 1/4-inch cubes • 1/4 cup + 1 TBS fresh lemon juice • 4 6 oz halibut steaks or fillets • salt and black pepper to taste Directions: 1. Press garlic and let sit for 5 minutes to bring out its health-promoting properties. 2. Mix together garlic, scallions, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, tomatoes, avocado, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. 3. Heat 2 inches of water in the bottom of a steamer and let it come to a boil. 4. Rub halibut with 1TBS lemon juice and season with a little salt and black pepper. Place in steamer and steam 10 minutes for every inch of thickness. (e.g., 5 minutes if it is 1/2-inch thick) 5. Place fish on plate, and top with salsa. Serves 4 Stuffed Avocados Ingredients: • 2 medium avocados, halved and pits removed • 1 cup prepared seafood, tuna or chicken salad: TTo assemble, top each avocado half with 1/4 cup f the salad.
Grilled Chicken Salad With Avocado and Mango Prep: 15 minutes; Cook: 8 minutes Directions: • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice • 2 tablespoons mango chutney • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce • 3/4 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger • 4 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken-breast halves • Cooking spray • 8 cups mixed salad greens • 1 cup diced peeled mango • 3/4 cup diced peeled avocado Directions: 1. Prepare grill. 2. Combine oil, juice, chutney, soy sauce, and ginger in a small bowl. Place chicken on large plate; spoon 2 tablespoons oil mixture over chicken, reserving the rest for the salad. Turn chicken to coat, and let stand 5 minutes. 3. Place chicken on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 4 minutes on each side or until chicken is done, brushing with oil mixture from plate before turning. Slice chicken crosswise into strips. 4. Arrange greens, mango, and avocado on 4 serving plates. Arrange chicken over greens. Drizzle reserved dressing over salads
Holiday Vegetable and Hass Avocado Sauté Recipe Ingredients • 1 1/2 Tbsp. avocado oil or olive oil • 2 tsp. finely chopped garlic • 1/2 large shallot, finely chopped • 1/2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves • 3 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and sliced 1/4-inch thick • 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares • 1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel • 1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice • 1 ripe, Fresh Hass Avocado, seeded, peeled and cut into chunks Instructions 1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, shallot and thyme, sauté for 3 minutes. 2. Mix in zucchini, bell pepper and lemon peel, stir and cook for 2 minutes. Lower heat and cover, cooking for 3 minutes. 3. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice with avocado. Add to skillet and gently mix. Cook for 2 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Chicken Stuffed Avocados INGREDIENTS: 2 medium avocados 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 2 cooked boneless chicken breasts 2 medium tomatoes 4 scallions or green onions 1 cup lettuce 12 pimiento-stuffed green olives 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese PREPARATION: Peel the avocados. Slice in half and remove the pits. Sprinkle with lime juice. Remove the skin from the chicken and chop into 1/2-inch pieces. Chop the tomatoes into 1/4-inch pieces. Remove the skin from the scal¬lions and chop into 1/4-inch pieces. Tear the lettuce into 1/2-inch pieces. Cut the olives into quarters. Combine all the ingredients except the avocados and cheese in a medium-sized bowl. Place 1/4 of the mixture into each avocado half. Sprinkle the cheese on top. Serves 4. www.posedownmag.com
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John Lee
6’1” 200lbs (contest weight), 215lbs (off season weight) Asian American -Born in Beijing, China, on March 23, 1981. Currently 30 years old. -Only child. -Immigrated to the US in late 1991 after the Tiannenman Square incident in China gave my dad a chance to stay permanently in the US (who was studying overseas here at the time of the incident for his PhD in Neurology) -Grew up in China playing soccer, ran track, did high and long jumps, and also studied martial arts. Played every sport offered at a very young age. -Was the tallest kid in elementary school in Beijing! haha -Parents are the only family I have close by. The rest are all still living in China. I’ve seen them a total of 2 times in the past 20 years. -From a series of immune shot responses, I received mixed test results for tuberculosis. At the time (and maybe still is today), this was a very dangerous disease. To be safe rather than sorry, the doctor ordered me to stay on medication for 1 year, which significantly boosted my appetite while slowing down my metabolism. As a result, I gained weight quickly in the first year of immigrating to the United States. Even after the medication was stopped a year later, I did not recover. By 8th grade, I had ballooned to 5’8” 185lbs. -First day in class in the USA, I knew two sentences that my dad taught me to get ready for the first day of school: “I don’t understand”, and “Can I use the bathroom”. Armed with these two sentences, I started my journey here in the US. -After ballooning to 185lbs, I felt helpless. Went from all-star in China to fat boy in Texas. Had no friends and English was only passable at this point. Don’t think girls ever spoke to me unless it was absolutely necessary. One day, dad came home with a pair of 15lb dumbbells and showed me a couple of moves on the mattress. For whatever odd reason, I started that day and NEVER LOOKED BACK. I still remember it today. I was in my parent’s bedroom on their bed doing chest presses and dumbbell flyes on the mattress everyday after school. I was addicted so fast. Some things are just meant to be. -When I was 18, I finally got into the college I had always wanted to, University of Texas in Austin. By this point, I was a lean mean 160lbs at 6 foot tall. Thought I was a bad ass until I stepped into Gregory Gym on UT campus for the first time. I was so overwhelmed. This was literally the second time I had ever stepped into a real gym, and so many people were in better shape. I knew then that what I wanted was so much more than what I had.
JOHN LEE
-Didn’t have time to go to the gym during the day while in college, so I went at night. Most days, I worked out at 11PM because the gym closed at 1AM. Then it started closing at 2AM and I stayed longer! I made it to the gym regardless of circumstances and obstacles. I simply made it work. Even at 11PM I found the strength to keep going. That first year, I gained 15lbs. Second year, another 15. Third, 20. Fourth year another 15. It was crazy. I grew like a sponge. When it was all said and done, I left Austin weighing in at 235lbs. I also grew another inch in height in those years. Blessed, I guess. -My first real job started at 24 Hour Fitness, where I began my journey as a trainer. I was 22 at the time. Now, at 30, looking back, I have grown so much as a trainer it’s incredible. This journey really did start with one small step. I couldn’t be happier with my choices. Throughout the years, I was the sponsored athlete for 3 different supplement companies, been featured in over 13 ads, and rose through the ranks at my day job from trainer to manager. -When I had the opportunity to help build a 12,000 sq ft gym from scratch in West Texas, I took it. Moved out of Austin and saw the construction of the gym from mud to finished building. Helped pick out the layout, the equipment, and the nutrition products. When the gym finished building, I became it’s first fitness director. Hired the trainers and managed them for 2 years before I decided to move on. -Moved to Dallas in the mid 2000s and decided to be an independent trainer. Was blessed with clients all the way from LA to Miami. -Grew up practicing mixed martial arts from an early age. Also played competitive table tennis growing up. Right now, my main sports consist of kick-boxing, racketball, table tennis, and basketball. -At the age of 30, I finally took to the stage as a competitor. Never had a coach, a nutritionist, a consultant, or a trainer. Did it on my own training my body for the last 12 years and became very efficient from cooking to lifting. After taking 7th place at the 2011 Lone Star Classic, I won the Europa Super Show in 2011 right here in Dallas, TX, which was possibly the biggest show in the South. Took 1st place in Men’s Physique Tall Class and became a national level competitor. -My dream is to build a business empire across a multitude of industries with the focus on changing people’s lives for the better. I plan to do so by using fitness as both a bridge and a cornerstone to reach the masses. The goal is to lead by example, show people that a healthy balance can be achieved between work and play, and that great successes can be achieved by doing the right things.
Leha Long is an NPC national level Bikini competitor, Team Bombshell athlete, fitness model and writer. Leha began competing, fitness modeling, and writing only two years ago. She has always been active, but two years ago is when she realized that fitness and eating healthy was her passion. Leha likes a challenge, so she decided to enter a bikini contest and from there on out it’s been nonstop! She has competed in eight competitions, and she placed 5th in her very first national show in September 2011. She is a fitness model and writer for FitnessX.com magazine and Aboutmuscle.com. Tye Sheets Pierpont Leha was featured as the athlete of the week on Bodybuilding.com, one of Atlanta’s most fit women in the Get Fit magazine, and she was featured in January 2012’s issue of Oxygen magazine in the Future of Fitness section. She’s been on a few radio shows to inspire others to live healthy lives no matter what age you are and to follow your dreams! Leha has several goals for 2012 which is to earn her pro-card, to continue writing and inspiring her readers, to finish her Specialist degree, and to keep modeling. Besides fitness you may catch her on a few television shows such as, Drop Dead Diva, Necessary Roughness, and Single Ladies. You may also see her on the big screen in Tyler Perry’s new movie, Good Deeds, which premieres in February 2012. She also enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with her family and friends. Check out more about Leha at her official website at www.lehahealthandfitness.wordpress.com, and you can follow Fitness model-Leha on Facebook for more fitness information.
LEHA LONG
www.posedownmag.com
Hello, my name is Amanda Quinlan and I am 36 yrs young. I am a National level Figure competitor who has been competing since Nov 06’. I have done 14 competitions, 10 of them were Pro Qualifiers always placing in the top 15 and several times in the top 5. I love competing! I love winning but more than anything showing off all my hard work. I’m addicted to the process and changing my body to fit a certain image. I was turned on to competing by an ex boyfriend whoBy frequented Tye Sheets Pierpont the competitions. Once I saw how the ladies looked I knew instantly that is how I wanted to look and then the addiction began. I grew up in North Georgia on a small farm with horses and Great Danes. My parents have been breeding and showing Great Danes for over 40 yrs. I followed in their footsteps and have been showing dogs since I was 9. I have traveled the United States and been on TV showing dogs. I love animals and the unconditional love they give you. My job couldn’t be any perfect for me! I am a personal trainer and nutrition coach. I am very passionate about helping others reach their fitness goals. I take pride in giving to others as others have given to me. There isn’t much better in life than having people thank you for making a difference in their lives, helping them lose weight to feel pride in themselves, or improving their health so that they can function better in their lives. But more importantly I just enjoy life and appreciate everything it has to offer. I feel blessed everyday for the people in my life. I am comfortable in my own skin and have a lot of confidence. I wear my emotions on my sleeve and am very sensitive to hurtful people. I am very generous and love doing things for other people and being the shoulder that someone needs to lean on or the listening ear for someone to talk to. I love to laugh and make others laugh. I am very intelligent, hard working, and work for things I want. I surround myself with great company, and these wonderful people who are in my life have made a huge impact on me and reflect who I am. I am a firm believer in KARMA and what goes around comes around. I believe we are the architects of our own fate and it is important to seize control of your karma -- and the effects of your actions. By no means am I perfect, but I try to improve myself as a person learning from every mistake I make. I believe what you give is what you get back. Be a good person and do to others as you would like done to yourself. I’m true to myself but set high goals that seem to others as unattainable. Being mediocre is not good enough for me, it’s not an option. I strive to be the best person I can be everyday. I never settle.
AMANDA QUINLAN
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FOCUSED & DETERMINED
#1 How did you get started in bodybuilding, and when ? Well when I lived in Dallas a friend of mine who was a trainer started competing a few years ago, so I started going to a few shows to watch. While I was watching I remember always thinking I would love to look like that and get on stage. But I didn’t think that was something I could really ever do, because I had one arm, and I was intimidated and scared maybe. So I moved to Houston and quit watching the shows and following the sport altogether. I wasn’t doing anything productive with my life, actually I was doing all I could to destroy myself. In January of 2009 I went to jail again, yes I’ve been to jail many times, When I got out I said that was enough, I was done with drinking and bars. I was finally tired of who I was and what I was doing to my family. I got myself and family back in church and got my life right with God and I haven’t drank since! I joined La fitness in march of 2009 and started working out again everyday. In January 2010 I started thinking about competing again and I was still talking with my friend from Dallas who was encouraging me. In April 2010 something changed in me I was certain that I wanted to compete and wasn’t scared or intimidated anymore. In May I made the choice that I was definitely going to compete. I decided I would do the Heart of Texas as my first show since I had seen it before. I contacted Prince Harrison and he guided me through everything and he also did all my contest prep. #2 How did you lose your arm? I lost my left arm in a motorcycle accident in may 1999. A truck struck me in the left shoulder and my arm was sliced off clean. The asked me about prosthetics but Ive never been interested in one...
#3 What do you do to keep your pec’s, delts and lats balanced ? Are there any exercises you cant do? I don’t have my shoulder blade on the left side, however I am able to move and squeeze my left pec. When the arm was amputated they pulled muscle off the arm and stuffed it into the hole that was there. So I have a little extra muscle over there, but when I work out I move the left side as though I had two arms and I squeeze and get the blood flowing. I don’t really have any issues with any workouts I have adjusted a lot of movements so that I do not aggravate my lower back. The left side of my lower back will try to activate because of my balance issues. So I am always conscious of my lower back and make sure I am working the intended muscle group I’m targeting without inflaming my lower back muscle. Also I am unable to the traditional squats that everyone does so I use other machines to get my squats in ex..hack squat machines. But other than I pretty much do anything and everything with a few adjustments maybe.
#4 Tell me about your work ethic’s and how it keeps you focused. I have to say my work ethic started with my decision that bodybuilding is what I am meant to do. I want and expect to be the best. I want to show others (disabled or not) that anything is possible with hard work and a willingness to sacrifice. Bodybuilding has done so much for my confidence, I no longer walk around in public afraid to make eye contact cause I don’t want to see who is looking at me or talking about me. When you see amputees or someone with a deformity out in public most of the time they look at the ground, have zero self esteem and are just scared to death. Hopefully by putting myself on stage to be seen by everyone and getting into great shape I can show someone who struggles with these things that they don’t have to be like that. They do not have to watch others live life and sit on the sidelines because life has knocked them down. I want to show them that they too can get up, take a chance, get out of their comfort zone and give themselves the opportunity to start a new path, a brighter path. I have received a lot of appreciation and encouragement on you tube and FB from deaf people and many disabled and that’s what keeps me focused. When you know you have so many people behind you its not hard to go to the gym twice a day, sick, tired or hurt, you do what it takes because you don’t want to let those people down. I also have people that have chosen to sponsor me and give me their time and effort so I also owe it to them to do what is necessary to be at my best all the time. Lastly I want my family to be proud of me. After my accident I caused everyone a lot of disappointment with the way I lived my life, the things I did, being in and out of jail. I want them to be able to say they are proud of me and really mean it. I want my brothers and sisters and my daughter to be able to look up to me. So this is where my work ethic comes from and how I stay focused on where I’m at and where I’m going! #5 What was your first show you did and was it everything you dreamed about? My first show was Sept 10th 2010 the Heart of Texas in Dallas which got 2nd place. It wasn’t what I thought it would be it was much better! I was very uncertain of how it was gonna go, but once I got over my nerves, all my posing practice with Shielahe Brown paid off and hearing my family there and the crowd made it pretty awesome experience that I wont forget! #6 How many shows and what shows have you competed in ? I have done 2 shows in 2010 placed 2nd in both, the Heart of Texas and the Central Texas Showdown.
#7 How has the body building world excepted you ? I was a little skeptical of how the competitors would receive me. For whatever reason I thought I would be looked as a joke or whatever but it wasn’t that way. The crowd cheered me on and the other competitors were very complimentary and helpful. I made friends I still talk to today! Overall the bodybuilding community has been very supportive and has given so much encouragement and I’m so grateful! There have been some that aren’t that into what I’m doing for whatever reason. But most of them appreciate and respect what I’ve done and doing! I just cant say enough about how supportive and encouraging they have been! #8 Do you have any one helping you with diet and training? I do have trainers and a nutritionist that works with me. Optimum Fitness does my nutrition for me I cant imagine trying to do any of this on my own. I also have trainers that have without question aided me in my growth. Teaching me the proper ways to lift and hit the targeted muscles, we had to fix all of my bad habits!! My trainers are Greg Corrier and Miguel Frank, both have been in the industry for years and have competed so they know what it takes to get to where I wanna go! #9 what does your family think about all of this? They are very supportive and happy to see my life change! They might have been a little skeptical that I would actually do it at first, knowing the problems I had with my confidence and what not. But they ALL have came to both my shows and they ALL plan on going to Ohio for the Arnold Classic as well! #10 Any one you would like to thank or acknowledge in any way I have many people to thank for where I’m at today! First I wanna thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ without whom I would not be here! I want to thank all my sponsors who have believed and invested in me, Labrada Nutrition, Prince Harrison with Optimum Fitness, my posing coach IFBB Pro Sheilahe Brown, trainers Miguel Frank and Greg Corriere, my spray tan specialist Lisa Nobles w/ Organic Tan, my massage and stretching therapist Abbey Lillian with Functionally Fit, my chiropractor Dr. Tyler Moore with C.O.R.E. Also Bob and Laura Johnson for their friendship and the opportunity to be part of their great magazine! My family for spending the money and traveling to the shows and supporting me! I would like too acknowledge 2 friends of mine JD Mkcown who in the few months I’ve known him has taught me a great deal and continues to push me to be better everyday! And Emmanuel Ekortarh who encouraged me and guided me when I first decided this is what I wanted to do and having him backstage with me at my first show was great!
JENNIFER BRENT
Hi I’m a resident of Georgia and have competed in the NPC figure division since 2009...I have been consistently training for 6 years and have made fitness my life...I am 37 years old and a mother of one..I work professionally as a nurse and although I was part of the medical field I was like most in the medical field...telling patients what they need to do to lead a healthy lifestyle but not doing it myself...I have to admit that I’ve never been “overweight” but I was slowly inching up to what would be considered overweight by medical standards...my height of 5’9’ had me thinking and most folks says it was ok to be 175lbs because I was tall...well there are some tall obese women...and I was not going there...my journey as I said started 6 years ago when I saw an African American woman on the treadmill running and her body looked like the women you saw in the magazines...I say African American because I was not used to seeing that look in magazines on women of color nor seeing a well built body in person...i’m not saying these women of color didn’t exist, it was just a rarity for me..when I say women of color they weren’t usually in fitness magazines and they dang sure weren’t regular everyday women...well I hired a trainer with my tax refund monies and I was off to a new me...I thought I knew everything until I got my butt handed to me...I went from enjoying the gym to oh boy I got to meet this trainer again...but with good nutritional guidance and no longer running to the fast food restaurant after my workouts, I was noticing changes...I started pushing myself harder and harder...I learned so much from my trainer that I became addicted to the iron...after 4 years of consistent training, I entered my 1st figure competition...I was so nervous but I loved how I had transformed my body...although I placed 6th, I knew this was just the beginning and I was motivated to compete again...even though I was walking away empty handed, I was more determined to build a better physique...regardless of how I placed...one thing no one would say is that my body was not on point...that being said, figure was more than just having a body...I was blessed to befriend Monique Hayes an IFBB fbb and with her guidance, I was schooled...lol..I put away my red lipstick and changed up my look so that nothing would be a distraction from my body...I practiced my poses and even changed my diet somewhat, so I could soften up...I was able to finally feel what others felt...victory...I entered the Georgia..promoter Kenneth ‘Doc’ Neely... this show for the first time held both figure and bikini...I just wanted a trophy is what I told Monique and that day in July, I won 4...I entered the figure open tall class and master 35 and over tall class...God had truly showed me how awesome He truly is...I placed 1st in the open tall and won the overall...I placed 1st in the master tall and won the overall...I was so happy because I truly had not won anything in my life..I mean I was never an athlete..I was just a skinny kid running, jumping, and playing on the streets of Brooklyn in NYC...after that win, it qualified me for the NPC Nationals...but Mo wanted me to enter the Coastal promoted by Ty ‘Ropeman’ Feldman..I took 1st in my open class and 2nd in the masters...I was just so freaking happy because for each show I walked away empty handed, I now had a trophy for each show I had entered since 2009...
Fast forward to Nov. 2011...Miami, Fl..South Beach...I was walking amongst 100s of women who felt what is was like to qualify to be in this show...I was nervous but I prayed because I believe I am made in His image and if I am made in His image...He looks awesome...lol..there were over 30 women in my class and as I waited for my number to be called by the judges, I was thinking how honored I was to be where many wish they could be...although I didn’t place, the experience was like no other...I got to meet and take pictures with those I saw in the magazines...I met Erin Stern, Nicole Wilkins, Jay Cutler, Chris Cormier, and Charles Glass...I saw many other but I didn’t have my camera at the time...my bad...lol... I’m back in the gym and hoping to make more improvements for the upcoming season...I am also guiding others who are interested in acquiring a higher level of health and wellness...
IN MEMORY OF MARVIN MEINSTEIN Pose Down is deeply sadden to announce the passing of Marvin Meinstein Monday afternoon, Jan. 2, 2012, during his 66th year. Marvin began promoting in 1981 with the Metroplex Classic. This was pre- NPC. In 1982 The Lone Star Classic began. He has promoted almost 100 shows from 1981 to 2001 and also helped many athletes achieve their goals. He had trained athletes how to pose in the famous Sweat Box in Ft. Worth, TX. Pictures of the Sweat Box and some the athletes he has assisted can be seen on YouTube. Bob and I would like to state that Marvin was somebody who was well respected within this sport. We were blessed to have Marvin as an inductee into the Texas Bodybuilding Hall Of Fame. He will be missed! (Bob and Laura Johnson) Read what Marvin’s friends had to say about him: “I had my first experience in Marvin’s “sweat box” in the winter of 1995. I still have the video from the posing session. I didn’t quite know what to think of Marvin, or the sweat box, or his house, after I left that night. Bt that visit marked the beginning of an incredible journey that I have been on over the last seventeen years of my life. One of the most interesting things that I have learned about bodybuilding is that many people affiliated with bodybuilding don’t look like they would have anything to do with bodybuilding. Marvin fit into this category. I got a kick out of his posing demonstrations. His technique was excellent, however, his physique was not. Marvin once made me a post-posing session meal consisting of Twinkies, ice cream, and chocolate syrup. He told me that I needed it because “I was a growing boy”. I ate it and it was good. Marvin had a passion for bodybuilding, which I shared. He showed me posing videos of Ronnie Schweyer, Mark Hanlon, Branch Warren, Ronnie Coleman, and many others. I learned from those videos. And I learned to respect those competitors who came before me. I had not seen Marvin as often as I would have liked over the last couple of years. However, I was fortunate to have gotten to visit with him at a couple of shows during the past year. When I had heard that he had passed, it really hit me hard. Marvin was my mentor and my friend. Thinking about Marvin made me nostalgic for all of the experiences that bodybuilding had brought into my life. Thank you, Marvin, for teaching me how to be a bodybuilder. In many respects, I grew up in your sweat box. You were hard on me, and you threw things at me, but I knew that’s how you showed you cared. Shalom, my friend”.
Jeff Dwelle
“Marvin was one of the first to make an impact on my long time interest in bodybuilding! What a great mentor, posing coach and all around wonderful man he was! He will truly be missed!!!!” Catherine Zidell
Marvin Meinstein continued: Marvin was my mentor when I began promoting/sponsoring NPC shows. We met in 1990 and I sponsored and helped promote his shows through 2001 when I became the promoter of the NPC Lone Star Classic, a show Marvin created. He was an excellent posing coach and promoter. But most of all he was a good and kind friend who gave so much to so many people including athletes, promoters and others. He was loved by his friends, family and many in the bodybuilding/fitness community. Ed and Betty Pariso met because of Marvin and the rest is history. He will be missed by me and many others. Prince Harrison Optimum Fitness www.optimumfitness.com “Marvin was a fine man and one of the first to welcome me into my roll as Texas State Chairman. He will be missed and is more than deserving of entry into the NPC Texas State Bodybuilding Hall of Fame.” Lee Thompson “So sorry to hear about this. Marvin did so much behind the scenes for NPC and he always brought a smile to everyone’s face. He continuously made me laugh so hard that I had to sit down & not make an “accident”! Not only was he a hard worker, he genuinely believed in our sport. I wish his family and friends my condolences. “ Jen Cook
I remember when Marvin called Texas Bodybuilding Gym in Houston to talk to me in 1983, the first year I competed. I didn’t compete in the Lone Star Classic that year, but attended the show. I competed a number of times in his shows and even did a posing session/photo shoot in the infamous “sweat box”. Marvin was a wonderful man and a great asset to NPC Texas bodybuilders. He will definitely be missed! Dave Goodin
Marvin Meinstein 1945- 2012