FigureRX Contest Preview: Arnold Amateur NPC Women's Bodybuilding
FigureRX Online Magazine Volume 3
February 8, 2008
The Official 2008 Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding Preview
The quality and depth at the Arnold Amateur competition in its second year is so good that it almost resembles a national level show, and is perhaps on par with major national qualifiers like the Emerald Cup and the Europa. Women's bodybuilding is no exception, especially in the highly competitive lightweight class. For this preview we couldn't decide on a single spotlight competitor so we have two. The first is veteran superstar Carrie Simmons and the second is impressive newcomer Maryann Glascock from Virginia.

FigureRX 2008 impact athlete Shona Pryce, one of only two bodybuilders selected for the honor, was planning to compete but will instead be focusing on what we think will be a very impressive national debut at the USA Championships in July. One of our overriding philosophies at FigureRX is that we support athletes with elite physiques and the ability to balance their "superhero" daily lives, and in the course of the pursuit of excellence sometimes the best of the best find themselves somewhere in between figure and bodybuilding. Shona is a rising star, and we supported her as a figure competitor, and we're glad that she has found a home in bodybuilding.

Three "impact athletes" are featured in Volume 3 of FigureRX online magazine, including Shona, and for the latest issue please go here.
NPC IFBB Figure Bodybuilding Official Arnold Shona Pryce Riviera Beach Florida
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FigureRX Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding Spotlight Athlete Carrie Simmons

Our first spotlight athlete for women's bodybuilding is Carrie Ann Simmons from Philadelphia, a multi-talented competitor who placed third in the middleweight division at Junior Nationals last year and who has a very impressive background. We think that Carrie Ann is representative of where women's bodybuilding might be headed, or has been headed over the past couple of years. She has the total package, including good muscle size, excellent symmetry, and movie star good looks.

To see Carrie Ann's spotlight interview please pan down or go here.

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NPC IFBB Bodybuilding Official Arnold Carrie Anne Simmons Philadelphia Pennsylvania

NPC IFBB Lightweight Bodybuilding Arnold Amateur Preview
The lightweight class at this event is stacked with 15 competitors, including Lisa Janusz who will be making a notable comeback. Lisa hails from just north of Columbus and has been working with Mike Davies, so we know she will be ready to impress. She is a fierce competitor who has been known in the past for her bicep peaks and her etched abdominals.

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NPC IFBB Bodybuilding Official Arnold Comeback Lisa Janusz Lewis Center Ohio

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Normally we would not have two spotlight athletes for this event, but Virginia student Maryann Glascock has really impressed us as well and we think she has a great future at the national level in this sport. Her major strengths at such a young age include her symmetry, striated delts and her incredible upper body genetic structure, with a very tiny waist. Maryann's upper body is already at the top among lightweights at the national amateur level and with her work ethic we expect her to be able to bring her legs up to match.

To see Maryann's spotlight interview please pan down or go here.

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NPC IFBB Bodybuilding Official Arnold Maryann Mary Ann Glascock Fairfax Station Virginia Joanne Stewart New Zealand
Showing how much international competitors add to this event, New Zealander Joanne Stewart will be competing and it will be an honor to see her in person on stage. Joanne has a true pro style physique, which reminds us of some of the classic photo shoots in Women's Physique World magazine. She is rock solid and symmetrical all over, but we really like her arm and shoulder vascularity, as well as her glute and hamstring development and separation. Joanne has an excellent shot at the overall title at the Arnold and we hope to see her on the pro stage sometime soon.

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NPC IFBB Bodybuilding Official Arnold Antoinette Gast APO, AE United Kingdom
Antoinette Gast had been competing in the less well known United States armed forces bodybuilding system, but in 2007 she stepped on stage at the NPC Atlantic States and took the lightweight title. She has national level aspirations and at top five here is a definite possibility for her. Texan Karen Jones will have some of the best, if not the best, legs on stage. Her teardrops and quad sweep are stunning and as long as her legs do not push her physique slightly off balance we think she can challenge for the lightweight title as well.

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NPC IFBB Bodybuilding Official Arnold Karen Jones Fort Ft. Worth Texas


NPC IFBB Middleweight Bodybuilding Arnold Amateur Preview
The results in the middleweight division will largely depend on the direction of the judging panel because the best physiques will be very different, and it is interesting to note that the international contingent of judges will outnumber the judges from the USA by 7 to 5. However, the two head judges will be popular favorites Jim Rockell and Gary Udit, from New York and Pennsylania, respectively.

We obviously expect our spotlight athlete Carrie Ann Simmons to battle hard for this title, but Tammy Jackson has the muscle to stand with her and presents a different style of physique, especially if she comes in hard as nails. Tammy is a West Virginia girl with a nursing degree who moved to California to pursue bodybuilding, and she won the California State bodybuilding championship last year.

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NPC IFBB Bodybuilding Official Arnold Tammy Jackson Fresno California
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-------The FigureRX Exclusive Back Stage area is now open. For more details please go HERE.
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Christy Resendes is known as one of the most beautiful, marketable and natural amateur female bodybuilders, and we expect her to come in at least as well as she did at Team Universe last year when she took 3rd as a heavyweight. Christy's quads and glutes are always standout. Check out this video showing her combo of beauty, back and biceps by going here.

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NPC IFBB Bodybuilding Official Arnold Christy Resendes Fairhaven Massachusetts
Alicia St. Germaine has been training since age 16 and competing for four years, and she looks better than ever at age 38. Her biggest strengths are her biceps and quads, body parts that had a great foundation from her years as a champion water skiier. In 2005 Alicia won the Light-heavies division at Junior Nationals.

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NPC IFBB Bodybuilding Official Arnold Alicia St. Germaine Harrison Township Michigan
There are several additional contenders for the top five in this class and you can see them below. We have heard that Alisha Morrow is coming in at her best ever by far and we're looking forward to seeing her on stage. We recommend taking a look at some video from 2006 here so you can measure her improvements.

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NPC IFBB Bodybuilding Official Arnold Colleen Brock Lakewood Ohio Alisha Morrow Peoria Illinois Holly Nicholson Las Vegas Nevada Ayeda Silent Clayton Delaware

NPC IFBB Heavyweight Bodybuilding Arnold Amateur Preview
There are only four competitors in the heavyweight division, and we expect Canadian Mary Lynne Mackenzie to battle Ohio native Marcia Ferguson. Competing as a heavyweight takes a tremendous commitment over many, many years and we would imagine that many of the top athletes have chosen to use the off season to make improvements and to keep their powder dry until a pro card is on the line. But Mary Lynne wil benefit from the publicity surrounding this event and she may be able to utilize it as a springboard later in the year. Marcia is a very impressive athlete in her own right, looking incredible for being in her 50's, and she won the heavyweight division here at the Arnold last year.

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NPC IFBB Bodybuilding Official Arnold Mary Lynn Marylynn Mackenzie Niagara Falls Ontario Canada

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NPC IFBB Bodybuilding Official Arnold Marcia Ferguson Middletown Ohio
To see the rest of the competitors please be sure to visit Scott's Bodybuilding Blog, which you can access from the FigureRX favorites links page.
Glenda Bozett Northport New York Millie Cleveland Smiths Parish Bermuda Ellen Ferra Elizabethtown Pennsylvania Dee Lazard Houston Texas Genevieve Moreno Eugene Oregon Penny Ruff Hiram Georgia Lori Snyder DuBois Pennsylvania Ebony Thomas Lansing Illinois Carrie Walend Lorain Ohio Fie Ottosen Loesburg Virginia Evy Rustad Oslo Norway

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2008 Arnold Amateur Women's Bodybuilding - Spotlight Athlete Interview
CARRIE ANN SIMMONS
February 7, 2008
official interview Arnold 2008 Carrie Ann Simmons NPC
FigureRX Online Magazine
Volume 3

CarrieAnn's Fast Facts:
Name – Carrie Ann Simmons
Height – 5'4”
Weight – 127 lbs contest/ 150 lbs off season
Birthday – April 15, 1972
Home town – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hair / Eyes – Both dk brown
Favorite music – rock, metal, some rap
Favorite diet food – egg whites
Favorite cheat food – Mexican
Current occupation – graphic designer
Athletic background – kickboxing, fitness
Latest news – prepping for the Arnold
Web site – www.carrie-simmons.com

We see that you grew up in Quantico before moving to Philadelphia. Does that mean you are from a military family? Tell us a little bit about your background including what is was like to go to high school and college in Philadelphia.

Yes I am from a huge military family. All branches represented! High school was ok, I was a major nerd. College was more fun because Philly is a big college town.

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You also have a very artistic background. What kind of graphic design do you do and how long have you been doing it? Does your artistic training help with your posing on stage?

I went to the performing arts high school in Philadelphia and majored in instrumental music and visual design. I play violin and saxophone. I've been working in design since 1992. I started with traditional print and moved into new media (web etc.) in 1994. I can't say it helps with posing, probably more with picking suits!

What made you switch from fitness competitions to bodybuilding a few years ago?

The judges hated my routine and I didn't want to get smaller to compete in Figure.

Last year you really elevated your placings in bodybuilding, including a 3rd place finish among the middleweights at Junior Nationals. What kind of improvements did you make, and do you feel that the judging or direction of the sport changed at all?

I feel the judging has changed a little. I just try to keep my physique shapely and balanced. I know I'm never going to be one of the biggest or hardest girls ever, I just strive to have a pleasing look.

When do you usually train and how often during the week? How much cardio do you do before a show? Where do you work out and who do you work out with?

I lift five days a week. Cardio depends on how fat I am! I split my time between two gyms: SuperFit in Conshohocken, PA and the Training Center in Delaware. In Pennsylvania I train with two great guys, Jarod and Matt. Down in Delaware there's a whole crew that includes Big Al Fortney, Andy, Shane, Betsy and Taura.

What is your training philosophy (heavy or light, cardio, lifting)? Any particular body parts that you consider to be strengths, or weaknesses?

Go HEAVY or go home! Strengths, not sure that I have any. Weaknesses … DEFINITELY my calves. They are non existent!

Where do you find the best training and diet advice? Is there anyone in particular who you would like to thank, such as a sponsor, significant other, etc?

Big Al Fortney who is a top National level super heavyweight from Delaware. He's been helping me with my diet, lifting and mainly giving me the drive to want to compete again.

How did you decided to compete at the Arnold? When you are all done what will be on the menu for the rest of the weekend? What do you think your next steps will be after the Arnold?

I decided to do the Arnold because it's the Arnold!!!!!!! I get a chance to be on stage at arguably the BEST Bodybuilding show in the world. I'll be taking in the sites once I am done competing and hanging out in the Cage with the folks from Universal. I'm not sure what I'll do after the Arnold. I would like to do Junior Nationals again and possibly the North Americans.

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Are you an Eagles fan? If so, where did you go to watch those NFC championship games where Donovan and the gang came oh so close to the Super Bowl?

Nope, I like the Cowboys!!!!!

We think that you are extremely marketable and would provide an excellent example for female bodybuilding in prime time. Your kickboxing background also indicates that you like to hit. Have you thought about trying out for American Gladiators?

I have thought about it, but there is NO WAY my work schedule would allow for the time it takes for the try outs!!

Thank you Carrie Ann, we will see you on stage!

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2008 Arnold Amateur Women's Bodybuilding - Spotlight Athlete Interview
MARYANN GLASCOCK
February 14, 2008
official interview Arnold 2008 MaryAnn Glascock NPC
FigureRX Online Magazine
Volume 3

Maryann's Fast Facts:
Name – Maryann Glascock
Height – 5'4-1/2”
Weight – 125 lbs contest/ 145 lbs off season
Birthday – November 11th, 1984
Home town – Fairfax Station, Virginia
Hair / Eyes – Blonde/ Brown
Favorite music – mostly hip-hop
Favorite diet food – All natural peanut butter!
Favorite cheat food – I like everything!!!!!
Current occupation –Student
Athletic background – I danced for several years- ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop - and I loved it.

Please tell us a little bit about your background, such as where you grew up, other athletics, when you began weight training, and how you became interested in competing in bodybuilding.

I grew up in Winchester, Virginia. I was never very interested in team sports, and I didn't really consider myself to be an athletic person. I started lifting with my boyfriend about three years ago, and I instantly became addicted!

What is your academic and professional background? What is your current occupation and how long have you been doing it?

I am currently a full-time student completing a Bachelor's degree in Life Science. I'm also working to receive certification in Phlebotomy, which I'll have in May. My ultimate plan is to be a Physician Assistant.

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What is your competition history, and how did you decided to compete at the Arnold? What are your next steps after the Arnold?

The Arnold will be my third competition. I first did the Bodyrock in 2006, and my second show was the VA/DC State and Clash of the Champions in 2007, in which I won the lightweight and overall titles.

When do you usually train and how often during the week? How much cardio do you do before a show? Where do you work out and who do you work out with?

It really varies according to my schedule, which is always changing….but if I'm prepping for a contest, I pretty much live in the gym! I train at the Gold's Gym in Lakeridge, VA .... and I usually work out alone.

What is your training philosophy (heavy or light, cardio, lifting)? Any particular body parts that you consider to be strengths, or weaknesses?

I really love to lift heavy, and I have to force myself to do cardio .... I just get bored.

Where do you find the best training and diet advice? Is there anyone in particular who you would like to thank, such as a sponsor, significant other, etc?

I do a lot of research and reading, and I just try to learn as much as I can from other people. I love trying new things, learning about my body and what works best with it.

You are very young, what are your long term goals in the sport?

I just want to continue to improve and grow, being the best I can be. We'll see where it takes me!

Thanks Maryann!!

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Here she is two weeks out ....

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She is lookin' great!

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Women's Bodybuilding, Fitness, & Figure...