Natural RAG – JUICY GOSSIP MUSCLEMANIA Federation
January 2014
International CELEBRATING NATURAL, DRUG-TESTED COMPETITORS
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JOHN GORMAN Q&A WITH AN A-LIST PREP COACH
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ALEX ELLIS Can Queen Bee Keep This Up?
WELLNESS (My Story) SHANAZ IYER WNBF FIGURE PRO
THE WINNERS
Moody Mays Cunningham McGill Johnson
NANBF
St. Louis Gateway Naturals Chasing the Stage...The Story Behind the Journey A SERIES BY LIZ KAMPSCHROEDER
Natural Magazine International (NMI) Natural Mag is a celebration of natural athletes who not only take their fitness seriously, but who also take that next step and get on stage. There are many amazing competitors not getting the recognition they deserve, and we are changing that.
NMI features interviews with the biggest names in natural competition, as well as newcomers on the rise. We also bring you contest coverage and highlights, workout tips, competitor spotlights, motivational inspiration, and much more. Natural Magazine International was launched February 1, 2013. It is a monthly, digital publication, and is available by subscription and per issue. Order at www.natural-mag.com.
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Natural Magazine International
January 2014 Page 1
What Are They Saying?
“I am glad you are taking charge of this. We need new blood that is aware of contemporary natural Bodybuilding, and that you certainly do have.” -Alberto Nunez [3DMuscleJourney]
“I love your magazine!” -Tracy Rabbitt [2011 & 2012 WNBF World Ms. Fit Body Overall Champion] “Thanks for promoting the natural athlete. I Love reading the interviews and getting a glimpse of the lives of the other athletes. Keep the issues coming.” -William Long [2012 PNBA/INBA Mr. Natural Men’s Physique Olympia]
“Thank you for all of your contributions to natural competitors! It is something that is greatly needed in this industry. There are great athletes out there who do not get recognition or attention because they are not in the money making, non-natural world! You rock!” -Chrissy Zmijewski [2012 IFPA Yorton Cup Overall Figure Champion] “Congratulations on such a great idea for natural bodybuilders to get some of the credit that we deserve. Keep up the good work. You are appreciated.” -Clarence McGill [WNBF World Overall Champion] “Thanks for putting me on the cover! That was awesome.” -John Hansen [First Mr. Natural Olympia and Two Time Natural Mr. Universe] “Great job on the magazine! I love it.”
-Nancy Andrews [WNBF/INBF Contest Promoter & Women’s Bodybuilding Living Legend]
“You're doing good things. Thank you for promoting the natural athlete....I applaud you for that.” - Kiyoshi Moody [4x PNBA/INBA Mr. Natural Olympia]
“Great job! Impressive. I believe you're providing an invaluable service to all who love true Bodybuilding. Thank you.” - Rachel McLish [First Ever IFBB Ms. Olympia] “I appreciate all you do!” www.natural-mag.com
-Rich Fitter [Drug Free Athletes Coalition] Natural Magazine International
January 2014 Page 2
NATURAL MAG COVER STORY
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January 2014
COVER PHOTO BY CHINGA MOALUSI
Alex Ellis SIX STRAIGHT WINS!
Can Queen Bee Keep This Up? World Pro Figure Champion discusses which titles she plans to defend, finding her home within the DFAC, taking her physique from razor sharp with an xframe, to a full and balanced hour-glass, how she got so darned good at her stage presentation, and the art of the selfie. By Ben Yosef www.natural-mag.com
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NATURAL MAG
JANUARY 2014
COVER PHOTO BY CHINGA MOALUSI
FEATURES
State Of Grace: Chasing the Stage… The Story Behind the Journey By Liz Kampschroeder p.55
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By Shanaz Iyer p.64
Natural RAG – JUICY GOSSIP: MUSCLEMANIA Federation With Natural Pro Law Payne p.58
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WELLNESS (My Story)
THE BIGGEST WINNERS
CHAMPIONSHIPS EDITION Moody, Mays, Cunningham, McGill, Johnson p.47
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JOHN GORMAN Q&A WITH AN A-LIST PREP COACH p.39 January 2014 Page 4
CONTENTS
JANUARY 2014
6 Staff & Contributors 10 Letter From The Editor 14 Chrissy’s Corner
14
“Will Reaching This Year’s Goal Make You Happy? By Chrissy Zmijewski 20 Competitor Spotlights Jay C. Johnson, Terry Wosmek,
20
Brandon Stewart
27 Partner Up! Figure Competitors Christi Shaw & Jennifer Smith
32 Around The Industry Fun Photos From All Over The Scene 54 NMI Quick Hit (Quick Q&A with Natural Athletes) Mathew Park, Michael Lipowsky, & Tyler Yasuda
73 NMI Movements Hammer Strength Unilateral Seated Row
Chrissy’s Corner
Competitor Spotlights
27
Partner Up!
54
32
NMI Quick Hit
Around The Industry
79 Food Translating with Charina! “Sweet Potato Tart”
97 Competition Highlights NANBF St. Louis Gateway Naturals
118 Next Month’s Featured Competitions www.natural-mag.com
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Competition Highlights
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NMI Movements
79 Food Translating
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With Charina!
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This Month’s Contributors Ben Yosef | Publisher / Editor-inChief | Editorial Director Ben is a photographer, contest prep coach, fitness consultant, nutrition advisor, and lifetime-natural bodybuilder. He is also the creator of the MD-7 Training System, and President of MiBoLife The Fitness Company. Drop Ben a line at ben@natural-mag.com.
Chinga Moalusi | Contributing Photographer Chinga is a photographer, entrepreneur, natural bodybuilder, model, and PROBODY Solutions sponsored athlete. Chinga’s photography has been used in numerous ads such as Gillette, and in Men’s Health Magazine. Contact him at chingamoalusi@gmail.com. Kevin Richardson | Contributing Photographer Kevin is a professional photographer, internationally acclaimed health and fitness writer, drug-free natural Bodybuilding champion, and creator of Naturally Intense High Intensity Training. Kevin's passion for photography is matched only by his passion for the sport of natural Bodybuilding. Contact Kevin at www.naturallyintense.net.
Marlena Soultaire | Associate Editor / Social Media Manager / Photo Shoot Manager Marlena is a lifelong fitness enthusiast. She has a degree in Marketing, a background in dance, and has worked as a personal trainer. She has been a flight attendant for six years. Connect with her on Twitter/Instagram @marlenasoul or marlena@natural-mag.com.
Elise Firestone | Photo Shoot – Hair & Makeup Artist Elise is well sought out in the industry and was published in several magazines as a feature model and writer. Her makeup artistry work has also been published in several magazines on stands today. Contact her at elisefirestone@gmail.com.
Shanaz Iyer| Contributing Writer Shanaz, is an ex high school Mathematics teacher. She is a WNBF Figure and Fit Body Pro. She owns "Lookin Snazzy" Fitness and Nutrition consulting, helping people achieve their weight loss goals. She also is coaching Figure and Bikini competitors with their contest prep nutrition and posing. She can be reached at shanaz72@yahoo.ca.
This Month’s Contributors John Gorman | Contributing Editor John is a contest prep coach, sponsored NRG-X athlete and supplement designer, bodybuilder, powerlifters, proud father of two boys, and along with his fiancé, Leslie Franklin, is the owner of Team Gorman Physique Transformations. John can be reached by email at john@team-gorman.net. Chrissy Zmijewski | Contributing Editor “Chrissy’s Corner” Chrissy is a professional Bodybuilding and Figure competitor with the IFPA, as well as an author and fitness model. She specializes in fitness, nutrition, and contest prep coaching with her international business, Goddess Athlete. She can be reached at chrissy@goddessathlete.com.
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Liz Kampschroeder| Contributing Editor “Chasing The Stage”
Liz is an IFPA Figure Pro, owner of DaisyChick Designs (custom competition suits), and Coowner of NerG Unlimited (contest prep). Liz is also a judge in the NANBF/IFPA organization. She is a monthly fitness contributor for FOX4News Kansas City, and an author of the fitness column for EA Bride Magazine. Contact her at daisy1chick@gmail.com. Charina Fargesen | Contributing Editor “Food Translating with Charina!” Charina is a high-end kitchen designer and a mother of three children. She is a professional Figure competitor and the author of the cookbook, Charina's Guide to a Svelte Body, featuring healthy and clean gourmet cooking. Contact Charina at Charinaf@hotmail.com with subject: Food Translating with Charina.
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January 2014 Page 9
Letter From The Editor Hey all you NatMaggers! Welcome to 2014! I hope everyone survived the holiday eats and treats, and are already on track to achieve your 2014 health fitness goals. The prospects for this year are so incredibly exciting, I can hardly sit still. First, I would like to welcome our new bouncing baby magazine! On this first day of the year, at, approximately 9am Eastern Standard Time, MiBoLife Publishing gave birth to NATURAL GAINZ Magazine. Now NATURALMAG has a sibling! Whereas NATURALMAG celebrates natural, drug-tested competitors, NATURAL GAINZ focuses on the way HARDCORE, steroid-free bodybuilders eat, train, and live. These magazines are the perfect compliment to each other! To celebrate the release of GAINZ, we are offering it at half price! [subscriptions only] Log on to www.natural-gainz.ecwid.com and order today! In last month's issue we featured a report called "Who Runs The Show?“, comparing six natural organizations. We chose five people to judge these federations within six different categories. On page 36, we listed the combined scores, and the final placings. There is an incorrect score for the INBF/WNBF "History" category. The correct score should be 5 instead of 15. The error occurred while manually transferring data from a spreadsheet into the magazine. Thankfully, this does not affect the outcome of the results. All other scores, tallies, and placings are correct. In dealing with subject matter that is fairy delicate and sensitive, I really wanted this report to come off without a hitch. My apology for the mistake.
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Letter From The Editor We are operating with a skeleton crew over here. Although we have many wonderful writers, contributors, and photographers, there are basically two people who are doing the editing work that six or more people would do at other magazines. And it must be stated, if it were not for Associate Editor, Marlena Soultaire, this magazine would not be possible. All that being said, as a result of our uber-tight staff, there have been some editing oversights. After each issue is released, I always go back and read through everything. To be honest, I cringe every time I see a typo or grammatical error. It literally makes me nauseas. Not to mention, it reduces the overall quality of this publication. Because of the sheer size of the December issue, being our year-end issue and all, there were a record number of typos and mistakes.
So, it's time for us to grow. Please welcome William Molinar, our new Copy Editor. He will be joining the team beginning with the February issue. Apparently, six eyes are better than four. Well, at least we will have someone new to blame! Just kidding, Will. We are super happy to have you! Enough from me! I hope you enjoy the first issue of NATURALMAG in 2014. And be sure to check out NATURAL GAINZ!
ben yosef editor-in-chief
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January 2014 Page 11
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COLUMN
C
hrissy’s orner
By Chrissy Zmijewski
Chrissy is a professional Bodybuilding and Figure competitor with the IFPA, as well as an author and fitness model. She specializes in fitness, nutrition, and contest prep coaching with her international business, Goddess Athlete.
A
s the New Year is upon us, many will use this time to set goals for themselves. You may be setting a new goal in bodybuilding or setting a goal for yourself and your physique for the first time. Many use bodybuilding as a way to set a goal Terrie McBee for themselves Melissa Johnson and test their ability to meet it by competing Stephanie Casella on stage. They want to lose fat, look “toned” or muscular, or become a www.natural-mag.com
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professional competitor. One of the questions that I ask my clients when we set new goals is the reason behind setting this goal for themselves. What is the “why” behind the goal? Most often, people state that reaching these goals will make them happier, more confident, or more satisfied with life. This is common among most people who set goals in any area of their life and was a response I might have even given years ago. It is a common thought that achieving these goals or looking hot leads to happiness. Is this really the case? Does sculpting the figure of a cover model, getting a pro card or even winning a World Championship make you happy? Science and psychology have actually studied this relationship and it seems that the “why” behind these goals (to be happier) may not be met by accomplishing them. It may be that time and energy needs to be devoted elsewhere to truly increase your daily levels and experience of happiness.
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COMPETITOR SPOTLIGHT
Jay C. Johnson Age: 31.
Marital Status: Married.
Children: Yes! One 13 year old, Kendall Johnson.
Occupation: District manager for Game Stop, Asheville, NC. Over 17 locations.
Competitor Status: I Competed with SNBF, earning my PRO card. I am currently with the WNBF, after earning my PRO status back in 2011. Depending on the class breakdown, I am usually a lightweight or short men class. www.natural-mag.com
Photos by Ken Snow
What comes to mind? Natural Mag – “Celebrating and rewarding recognition for NATURAL EXCELLENCE!” Being Natural – “Respecting the gift that is my body, genetics, and physique that were god-given to me, and pushing my mental and physical limits by achieving GREATNESS with the tools I have!” Taking Your Physique To The Stage – “Bringing my BEST to the stage with a BIG SMILE and presenting myself with a UNIQUE edge that no one else on stage has!”
Natural Magazine International
I am self taught! I’ve never used a coach of any kind and do NOT have a trainer. I typically like to Train alone without a partner of any sort. That’s just how I work best for some reason.
COMPETITOR SPOTLIGHT
2013 IFPA Pro Bowl
Competitive Highlights Photo By Matt Shepley
2013 IFPA Yorton Cup World Championship- Pro Bikini 9th 2013 IFPA Pro Global CupPro Bikini- 6th 2013 NPC Iron Viking- Short Bikini- 1st 2013 IFPA Pro Bowl-Pro Bikini- 3rd 2013 NPC Upper MidwestBikini Class B- 4th 2012 NANBF Northern States Classic- Bikini Class B - 1st, Bikini Overall, Pro Card Winner
2014 COMPETITION PLANS:
“I’m looking forward to 2014! I have some ideas up my sleeve regarding shows. I know I want to stay in the natural categories, and may try a show in the PNBA.” www.natural-mag.com
2013 IFPA Yorton Cup
Natural Magazine International
To keep myself in shape, I’m an avid triathlete. I enjoy physical challenges. These types of events allow me to focus on performance training and not just appearance. I like to feel and be strong and that just happens to allow me to look strong too. It’s an added bonus!“ January 2014 Page 23
MOTIVATION
How important is having a training partner? “For me, a training partner is key. I find that my workout intensity is always greater when I train with someone. Bodybuilding can be a solitary sport. I am grateful to have found people who share the same passion, that I can train with!” - Christi www.natural-mag.com
Free Bar Squats
Side Lateral Raises
“It's so amazing to have that person there that supports you, not just physically through your workouts and training, but also mentally. Our minds are what give up first, and having that person that encourages you to push harder and not give up can make a workout.” Photos by Ben Yosef Natural Magazine International
- Jennifer January 2014 Page 28
MOTIVATION
“2014 will be the year I find my 'home'. I plan to cross compete between multiple federations to include INBF, NPC and OCB, and really figure out which organization my aesthetic fits best in.”
“My competition plans are not yet set for 2014. I am looking at potentially starting the season off in May at an OCB show (TBD)”
- Christi
- Jennifer Photo by Ben Yosef
NMI www.natural-mag.com
Natural Magazine International
January 2014 Page 30
FUN PHOTOS FROM ALL OVER THE SCENE!
Around The Industry
2013 DFAC World Finals
Pool Party - Back (LtoR): Vicky McCann, Mark Claxton,David Kaye, Nicole Weeks, Charina Fargesen. Front: Lawrence King.
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January 2014 Page 32
NMI MOVEMENTS
THE
EXECUTION
Keeping the writs tucked, pull the handle back, while keeping your back arched and head up.
Unilateral Seated Row
Photos By Ben Yosef
A.
B.
An arched back will cause the lower lats to meet the contraction quite nicely.
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C. Keeping the head up will compliment the effect of the arched back. Natural Magazine International
January 2014 Page 75
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Natural Mag is available in digital format by subscription and per issue.
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*PRINT the issue if you choose. *VIEW NMI content offline. No internet connection required.
$9.99 per issue. $39.99 for annual subscription. One issue per month. Natural Magazine International
January 2014 Page 78
COLUMN
Food Translating
With Charina!
Prep time: 35 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Bake in Oven Each serving is about 125 calories 3g fat 21 carbs 0.4g sugar 3.6g protein All the kids are home for the holiday, and they all miss good old home cooking. So here I am in my kitchen, brain storming what to make them that's yummy and healthy. Cranberries are in season, and Japanese Yams are always around. What does one to do but to use all of the above!!! Happy New Year everyone!!! Lots of hugs and kisses. www.natural-mag.com
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January 2014 Page 79
FEATURE
ALEXELLIS Can Queen Bee Keep This Up?
master of this self-portrait. I, on the other hand, couldn’t take a decent photo of myself to save my life. When did you discover that you had a knack for this? And, do you have any tips for the neophyte, would-be selfie phtotogs?
“I love selfies! It's all about the lighting and angle.”
“I have tons of selfies. It's a little ridiculous.” Alex: [laughs] I love selfies! It's all about the lighting and angle. I have tons of selfies. It's a little ridiculous. I get made fun of for taking so many. It's a joke now, I take selfies with everyone, everywhere.
Ben: Alex, you are, without a doubt, THE total package competitor. You have set the bar extremely high, not only for yourself, but for every competitor you will face. Do you feel that you can keep this up, and www.natural-mag.com
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