When Bobby Ashhurst first competed at the '07 Model America, you knew there was something special about the guy.  He only placed 27th out of 52 competitors, so the judges weren't convinced.  But, with each subsequent competition including a jab at Musclemania Universe, you knew Bobby was ready to be discovered.  He's college educated, a successful athlete and real estate broker.  This month, Bobby took heed of his family and friends encouragement and left the comfort of home and job for a two week chance in Hollywood.  The adventure is best described in his own words.

“Be ready when opportunity comes…Luck is

For years, the Fitness Universe Tour have been broadcast on ESPN International and other foreign language sports networks.  So, it was only natural that the recent Musclemania America Championships was Webcast Live from Las Vegas.  All 25 hours of competition were available to fitness, model and natural bodybuilding fans worldwide.  The multi-camera, network quality broadcast was seen by over 20,000 fans in the North America, Latin America and as far away as China, India, Kenya, Tibet, Egypt, Israel, Germany, Norway and 138 other countries!  Hosted live by Fitness America Pageant Champion Lindsay Messina and Model Texas Finalist Aaron Zamprano, the webcast audience was able

An amazing line-up of Musclemania natural superstars strutted into Las Vegas at the MM World.  But with MM legends like Morris Mendez, Ulisses Jr. and others taking a leave from competition, a fresh, new line-up of stars crashed the show and stoled the stage.               

One of the favorites was Rob Terry, a massive and symmetrical 6'4", 275, professional wrestler who towered over the MM Pro line-up  The Welsh powerhouse has been bodybuilding since he was 13 and won the British Championships at just 16 years old.  But even with his amazing stature, Rob was knocked down a few notches (8th Place) by an amazing new MM Pro World Champion Dickens Lambert who had won all of the natural Canadian competitions before qualifying at the MM New York and then straight to the MM Pro World.  The 5'8", 190 lbs. high school teacher delivered a complete package of lean, full muscle with great condition, elegant symmetry and classic posing.

Also making his MM Pro debut was Marine Corps. Sgt. Donald Mitchan who just started competing 18 months ago.  He qualified by winning the MM Universe six months earlier and got to work to take on the Pros.  "I stated training for Las Vegas the day after the Miami show," Donald said.  "My contest prep was great!  I was in the same good condition that I was in Miami but with 12 more pounds of muscle."  The added size with the same muscle quality was enough to capture Second Place beating some established MM Pros.

Following his MM Pro Universe victory in Miami, Florida star David Lovelace has really improved his symmetry and size over the past year.  Since his first show at the 2003 MM Atlantic, David has been a fan favorite and really charges up an audience.  At 5'10", 200 lbs., he took Third Place and was his biggest ever in Las Vegas.

Probably one of the biggest pre-show hypes came from Antwaun Smith's camp.  Flying high following his win at the MM Universe HW & Overall, you could see the disappointment in his face when he was announced in Fourth Place.  The Las Vegas electrician has amazing symmetry but his conditioning was off when compared to Lambert, Mitchan and Lovelace.  Under the tutelage of his uncle, former IFBB Pro Kevin Levrone, Antwaun had the benefit of years of top tier competitive experience.  Plus, half of his 90 second posing routine was wasted walking up the aisle through the audience as if he was a boxer entering the ring, velvet robe, hootie and all.  It did not impress the judges and resulted in one of the lowest posing scores among the MM Pros.

Taking Fifth Place was William Simpson, a popular San Francisco personal trainer who always brings his aesthetic and crowd pleasure physique to the stage.  And, "Out of Africa" was  Paul Mwangale who earned his MM Pro status at MM Atlantic.  He trains in his Kenyan homeland and is an inspiration to all African bodybuilders.  The new MM Europe Champion and extremely animated Anthony Bessala of France took home Seventh Place in his MM Pro debut.  But, unfortunately, a disappointed Hugh Ross dropped from the Top 3 into Ninth Place.  The veteran natural champion has incredible muscle density but faced a whole new cadre of MM Pros.  Always a class act, Hugh brings stature and integrity wherever he competes.

Musclemania bodybuilders earning Professional Division status in Las Vegas and now qualify to compete at the MM Universe in Miami include Dewayne Malone, Genaro Alvarado, Nick Navarro, Richard Cory and Adam Plese.

He hadn't competed for 15 years, but Genaro Alvarado has never quit training.  So, when he competed at the recent Musclemania World Championships, everyone back home in Michoacan, Mexico was surprised when they heard he had won.  "The whole town was watching the webcast, so everyone knew and celebrated after the show," said Genaro.

The 35 year old dental laboratory technician  has been training since he was 13 years old.   He explains, "I am the youngest of 7 brothers and all of us were into lifting weights and few of my brothers competed.  So, I was always around bodybuilders and bodybuilding."  At 5'5", 175 lbs., Genaro has

A dynamic group of competitors crashed the Musclemania stage in Las Vegas and bringing to the show a new look of bodybuilders to the line-up.  Winning the MM Pro World was Canadian sensation, Dickens Lambert (right), a 28 year old high school teacher from Montreal.  Already the winner of all major Canadian natural competition, he qualified just 4 weeks earlier at MM New York with his sights set on the MM Pro World.  In jubilation, Dickens said, “It was a great experience.  I didn’t think it would be so amazing, yet it truly was.”

In the MM World Division, a former Mexican Junior Champion returned from a 15 year absence to crush his competition.  Genaro Alvarado (left) has been a lifetime natural bodybuilder and never competed outside of his country.  But the 37 year old father three brought to the stage incredible shape, symmetry and classic posing reminiscent of Bob Paris, Frank Zane & Arnold Schwarzenegger.  At just 5’5”, 175 lbs., Genaro cast an image of someone a foot taller and 100 lbs. bigger!  His win has already generated incredible interest among natural Mexican bodybuilders who now feel more confident that drug free lifting has a promising and fruitful future for them.

Winning the MM America Division was Texas personal trainer DeWayne Malone (center).  The MW Class Winner was loaded with muscle, ripped to the bone and captured the eye of everyone and earning a perfect score from 5 of the 7 judges.  The 31 year old married father of four children says, “I have dedicated my life to natural bodybuilding and I love being on stage.”  And, now DeWayne will now move on to the MM Pro ranks and challenge the best natural bodybuilders in the world.  Miami, here he comes!

With each passing season, the Model World Tour gets more competitive with new and ever more impressive sports models walking the runway.  But at the recent Model America Championships in Las Vegas, how ironic was it when local favorite Alex Castro (center) captured the title for second straight time!  The 27 year old Chippendales dancer immigrated from Cuba ten years ago and just became an American citizen.  He has appeared in numerous magazines, advertisements and some commercials.  At 5’11”, 185 lbs., Alex was a competitive soccer player for many years become focusing on weight training and developing his whole body.

Runner-up Kyle Clark (second left) is a civil engineer and former US Army Captain.  He’s also a local fitness hero who enjoys modeling and acting but says he gets his rush from bull riding, racing cars, sky diving, ice hockey and, “Anything that give’s me an adrenaline rush!”

Taking Third Place was Greek sports model Grigorios Panselinas who at 6’2”, 215 lbs. was a striking image on stage.  The former track athlete has his BS in nutrition and food science and desires to be one of the most successful fitness model.  Currently residing in New York, Grigorios free lances with many agencies.

It was a surprising disappointment for Matus Valent who won the 2006 Model America held at Universal Studios Hollywood but had to settle for Fourth Place in Las Vegas.  Already an incredibly successful fitness & fitness model, the all around jock has his Masters Degree in Physical Education and played for the Slovakian Junior National Volleyball Team.  Since immigrating to the US 7 years ago, Matus has graced the cover and appeared in nearly 100 sports & fitness magazines worldwide.

Rounding out the Top 5 Finalists was Southern California native, Andre Benson.
The former semi-pro football player for the Avengers has been competing in the Model World Tour for 3 years and says that, “Every season, I find myself getting physically better.”  At 6’, 200 lbs, the 32 year old father of two sets of twins and a 17 year old daughter says training and competing is a challenge.  However, Andre also says that, “I am told by many people that I should give up due to having a big family, but I am here to win it for US!”

The 2010 Model World Tour begins in April at the Model Atlantic Championships at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut along.  Along with 50 other shows worldwide, the Tour leads to the Model Universe in Miami in June and Model America in Las Vegas in November.

You knew something special was in store for the audience when Korean natural model and bodybuilding sensation Chul Soon Hwang took the stage.  His costume and attitude caught everyone’s attention but once the garb came off and he strutted his physique, they went crazy.  Perfectly symmetrical, incredibly ripped and with a stage presence and performance enough to make the Pros envious, Chul showed that Asian bodybuilders were just as prominent in the sport as their American counterparts.  His routine earned a perfect score in the Posing Round from the judges.  The 26 year old stage performer never competed in any competition until the new Musclemania Korea Championships was held in

Like a Mayan King showing his physique to the Gods, Honduran bodybuilder Jhonny Vasquez presented an outstanding routine at the Musclemania World Championships.  The Hollywood style stage lighting helped the 5’8”, 170 lbs. the college student and personal trainer with his routine presentation.  He easily won the Posing Round but placed fourth in the MW Class.

Jhonny says it’s a financial challenge for him to come to Musclemania shows, but explains, “I save all year to be part of this competition.  I feel that if I am training hard, eating clean and making sacrifices to create the kind of body I want, then why compete at a second rate show?”  He lives

There's nothing like beach bodies and a bevy of these tight physiques were in action at recent competed at Musclemania California.   Held in Hermosa Beach, the competition featured many new competitors including US Marine Corps. SStg Xavisus Gayden, a lean and mean, military trained natural bodybuilder.  Taking home the title, Xavisus has competed in only two competitions, but at 6', 200 lbs. his physique has the maturity of a more advanced lifter.  Winning the MW Class was Chris Albert, a Ph.D political science professor from Santa Barbara who won his class at the '09 MM Orange County.  James Martinez is a big, beefy and symmetrical bodybuilder who may have won the HW Class if he had been in better condition.  The US Air Force Airman from Albuquerque would be a threat if he continues his diet and prepares for MM America.  Another top tier competitor was Ben Serrtuchi from San Diego who started bodybuilding following many years as a gymnast and amateur boxer.  The 5'7", 170 lbs. US Navy Petty Officer has a complete package of size, shape and condition.  The biggest physique in the show was HW Thayer Hill, a 27 year old corporate exercise science manager.  At 5'8", 205 lbs., he has been competing as a Musclemania bodybuilder since winning the 2001 MM Delta Teenage Division and numerous other titles since.  With small bones and joints, Thayer always carries an illusion of 30 lbs. more than his actual weight, but was at least 10 lbs. off his mark this time.  Next season, the MM California Tour will host shows in San Diego, Orange County, two in Los Angeles, Santa Cruz and Sacramento.  Event Schedules will be finalized and posted soon.

Hidden in the hills of Transylvania, Viorel Ristea has been training his physique for years.  The 5'10", 210 lbs. athlete has always been a champion for natural bodybuilding in his native Romania.  As a former Soviet satellite, the country is known for its hard core athletic training programs.  And, Viorel has been a beneficiary its advance training methods.  He was a Top 5 Finalist in both the '07 Musclemania World and '09 Musclemania Universe.  But, in his most recent competition in Miami, many of the judges and audience felt that if Viorel had been in the same condition for the Prejudging as he was in the Finals, the contest would have been his.  "I was really disappointed because I thought I had a

Old World Europe brought some amazing modern bodies in force to the recent Musclemania Europe held in Milan, Italy.  Many of the continent's most impressive natural bodybuilders shattered expectations with amazing physiques like France's Anthony Bessala.  Winning the Men's Open Division, the towering 6'2" government clerk dominated the competition with size, symmetry and condition.  Anthony was '09 MM Universe LHW Top 5 Finalist. He's originally from the Ivory Coast in Africa, Bessala, has been lifting for just 5 years and won nearly every natural European competition.  Natural sports fitness athletes and bodybuilders from Greece, Cyprus, England, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain,

You could say that his popularity is only surpassed by the length of his dreads.  And in a recent edition of REPS! magazine, MM Pro Ulisses showed why his physique sets international standards among natural bodybuilding.  The 29 year old New Yorker recently moved to London, England, to open a new personal training studio and be closer to his family.  At 5'10", 215 lbs., Ulisses never breaches 5% body fat even in the off-season, so preparing for competition isn't ever anything more than adjusting his water, lowering carbs and intensifying his workouts.  He explains, "Bodybuilding is a year round lifestyle for me.  I just have to stay in shape."  For Ulisses, that means a diet heavy on extra lean meat, turkey, fish,

The recent Musclemania Universe hosted some incredible first timers with surprising results.  Truly the biggest natural bodybuilding show ever to hit South Beach delivered on its marketing hype.  And, most notable was the Open Men's Heavyweight Class where a dozen 200 lbs. plus bodybuilders wooed the audience.  Winning the class was first time Musclemania bodybuilder, Antwaun Smith , a dominating 5'11", 215 lbs. heavyweight.  The Las Vegas electrical contractor competed in a few untested shows before attempting his first natural competition.  Under the tutelage of his uncle, former IFBB Pro Kevin Levrone, Antwaun learned from childhood about bodybuilding training and dieting.  "I used to

Cutting into the Top 5 among the Musclemania Pros for the first time, Kevin Love brought an aesthetic, 6'2", 215 lbs. physique to the MM stage and world class posing routine.  Presenting a Trojan warrior theme at the Finals, he earned the highest score helping to  push himself into his best placing since becoming a MM Pro at MM Florida six years ago.  The 32 year old former collegiate basketball player and US Air Force military policeman feels that he got a fair shake by the MM judges.  Kevin explains, "This is the first time competing as a Pro that I thought the Pre-Judging was done fairly.  They clearly took their time and did various comparisons.  Even though I got 4th place, I was happy with being fairly

As expected, the heralded Musclemania Professionals were geared to rock the house at MM Universe.  And, everyone expected 2x Champion Jeffrey Beckham to sweep the title again.  With his dominating 6'2", 230 lbs. physique, it would take an equally massive or uniquely shaped bodybuilder to knock Jeff off his throne.  And, this would be the year where Jeff met his match from an unsuspecting foe.  Going to head-to-head was David Lovelace who weighed 30 lbs. lighter but was ripped, symmetrical and packed a powerful physique.  The Ft. Lauderdale personal trainer did not crack the Top 5 at the '08 MM Pro World in Las Vegas, but brought to Miami a completely new look.  "I followed a

When Kenyan bodybuilding star Paul Mwangale asked for permission from Musclemania to compete at the recent Atlantic show, the initial response wasn't what he wanted to hear.  So, he appealed to the local promoter, Brian Cannone, and explained that he would be in the US around the time of the competition and explained, "I will be honored to compete on the Musclemania, again."  So, how could you say "no" to Paul who was a Top 5 Finalist at the 2007 Musclemania Universe in Miami and wanted to win this time.  But this time, the body was different and so were the results.  The 32 year old, Kenyan gym owner easily won over the more established, New England competitors

Cruising by a public housing project in Brooklyn, New York, you usually see kids outside on the swing sets and jungle gyms.  And, on the basketball courts, there's always a pick-up game among the local hoopsters.  But, you also regularly catch John Jackson using the exercise bars to do one arm pull-ups, dips, push-ups, sit-ups and other calisthenics.  Without any formal training, guidance or fancy gym equipment, the 22 year old maintenance worker has developed a shockingly massive, symmetrical and powerful physique but which has never competed or even seen a bodybuilding competition.  "I've been lifting since I was 19 and really enjoy the pump
and how it feels when I'm training," explains

After winning the '08 Musclemania Pro World, Morris Mendez has been hitting the gym but without any focus on future competitions.  Recognized around the world as the preeminent natural bodybuilder, Morris has appeared on magazine covers, articles, commercials and advertising campaigns.  But the 5'10", 220 lbs. superstar isn't letting on what will be his next competitive move.  "I'm just training hard and working on my physique.  I still think I have room for improvement," admits Morris.  He is a strategist when it comes to planning his competition plans, so we'll just have to wait until he feels his physique is ready again and the timing is right.  Despite not being ready for competition, he will be

In high school he says he was a "fat boy!" But things began to change for new MM Pro Bill Simpson in his senior year. "I never played any sports, but I decided to loose weight for graduation and began to lift weights," says Bill. "I lost 6' in my waistline in six months." After graduation, Bill keep training in local gyms and soon friends and other members witnessed his transformation from bulky to lean. "I would get questions whether I had thought about competing in bodybuilding competitions," Bill remembers. "My answer was always that I enjoyed working out and that if I competed in a bodybuilding competition it would suddenly become ‘work’. But after some self analysis, I realized that the reason I had not

Upon his return to the Philippines, '08 MM Universe Champion Derrick Ternida (photo-left) was hailed a national hero!  Recently at the Philippine Sports Writers Association Annual Awards Night he was a recipient of the Sportsman of the Year Award along with World Boxing Champion Nonito Donaire (photo-right).  Derrick has been competing on the Musclemania World Tour for over 5 years laying claim to the '06 MM Superbody LW Class and the '08 MM Universe MW and Overall title.  At 5'5", 175 lbs., he has improved his physique in each subsequent year and is regarded as the senior spokesman for the sport of bodybuilding in the Philippines.  He tours the country giving seminars, exhibitions, television appearances about natural nutrition and healthy lifestyles.  Joining Derrick in hailing the Musclemania banner in the Philippines are veteran Rey Pancho and rising stars Alejo Manuel, Mark Banzon, Gerald Pagan and Ronnie Singson all of whom will be competing at Musclemania World in Las Vegas in November.

Two Musclemania Pros with the biggest fan followings are Ulisses Jr. and Syed Fazli , yet neither bodybuilder have appeared on stage in years.  Ulisses won the '04 MM Universe in Miami and Syed a Top 5 Finalist at the '07 MM Universe and since then both have pursued their commercial careers.  Syed said recently, "I have been training but only to keep my body in shape - not adding more size."  The 30 year old personal trainer who is a fitness star in his native Malaysia has appeared in numerous television commercials and dozens of print advertising campaigns in the past year.  "It is really satisfying that all the training and hard work is really paying off.  When I started lifting in my early 20's, it was only a dream that I make a living with my bodybuilding," Syed confessed.  For the past few years, Ulisses has focused on his personal training business and toured around the world with crooner Harry Connick, Jr.  "Having an opportunity to work in a professional entertainment environment was really cool and gave me a chance to learn the ropes about marketing yourself and developing business relationships," Ulisses explained.  Late last year, he relocated his family from New York City where he lived his entire life to London, England.  "My wife's entire family is from England and wanted to move home.  Plus, we felt it was a good place to raise our son and to go to school."  Since moving, Ulisses has been working on opening his own personal training studio in London which will be ready in April.  He said, "Having my own gym will help me train and get back into competition.  I am already weighing 210 lbs. and really want to return to Musclemania with a completely new body.  I am dying to get back.  I am so motivated!"  As for Syed, he said, "If the commercial jobs slow down, I will start training heavy again and return to the stage."  

They may be first timers and novices to the natural bodybuilding scene, but many new Musclemania Juniors are training to shake up competitions this season.  Since Junior stars Larry Camacho ('08 MM America Junior Champ) and Yumon Eaton ('08 MM Universe Junior Champ) are now moving up to the Open Divisions, a new line-up of Juniors will be vying for top honors on the Musclemania World Tour.  At last year's MM Universe, a bevy of new bodybuilders stormed the Junior Division including Aaron Neifeld , Charley Montriel , Dustin Elliott , Jonathan Irizarry ('08 MM Universe Junior LW Champ), Fernando Villeriano and Alan Valdez (photo R-L).  All 22-and-under, these impressive bodybuilders have been training all year to return to Miami aiming to take home the gold.  Dustin is a Miami college student and New Mexico high school student Fernando both hope to compete with 10 lbs. more muscle by June.  Jonathan won three local Texas shows last year and is training hard to win the overall MM Universe title.   Alan competed at the '08 Model America Championships and surprised everyone by taking 2nd Place and beating over 60 other sports models all of whom were older, too.  Throughout the season, we will introduce new juniors whom will surprise the Musclemania World Tour and natural bodybuilding scene. 

Training for bodybuilding isn't much different than playing soccer, football, wrestling or boxing, at least according to Jose Ibarra.  His attitude all comes from his father's influence.  "He always pushed me to be better and want more from myself," Jose explains.  In his early years playing sports, his father was always a motivating force.  So, when Jose picked up his first set of weights in the 9th grade, his competitive ethic just carried over.

The US Army Specialist is now currently deployed in Iraq as a lead gunner for a personal security detachment.  Jose says, "My job consists of taking high ranking officials to their destination safely.  We also run countless missions and serve as a quick reaction task force.  Meaning we go out if something happens in order to secure the area."  As expected, the active military career creates demands and challenges upon Jose dissimilar to civilian bodybuilders.   He reflects, "Well, working out while deployed gets rough at times. For example, I'm on a 24 hour QRF shift right now so I had to wake at 4 AM to train before my shift.  Luckily I still get to sleep on shift.  During mission times I work out before when i have more energy. The hardest thing is being prepared so I don't interrupt my eating schedule.  I constantly have food on me or in the cooler. I never miss a meal or a workout!  It just takes extra effort.

This month, Jose completes his second 15 month deployment and will return to Texas.  He says, "I'm definitely looking forward to training state side again."  The 5'9", 175 lbs. soldier has vast knowledge and experience about training which has helped him develop an incredible natural physique.  "I love to train!, Jose asserts.  "I don't know where I'd be without it.  It keeps me sane I guess.  I cycle different workouts and like to incorporate new things to keep my body from stagnating towards one type of training.  Right now I cycle 3 different programs.  I try to keep things simple. I change the variables each week. Meaning rest time, rep tempo, weight, and rep range will all be different. I like to throw in super sets and giant sets on my high rep weeks. I do dead lifts on heavy training weeks. I tend to stick to drop sets and yo-yo's when I train with higher weight. For clarification a "yo-yo" is a drop set, but on the last set you jump back up the your starting weight.  I like to stay in the sweet spots when I train to keep constant tension on the muscle."

Jose has developed a physique of extreme muscle maturity and attests much of his condition to sound nutrition.  "I believe that nutrition is the key to success," Jose confirms.  "It can take awhile to get it right.  I've made the mistake of lowering my calories too low a few times and taking to much off.  I eat 6 meals a day every 3 hours on off days. On training days I like to eat 3,200 calories between 9 meals. I have a fast metabolism, so my calories consists of 48% protein, 36% carbs and 16% fat. On off days I lower that to 2,700 calories.  I'm also really active on my down time out here (in Iraq).  I like to stick to the basic supplements. I take whey protein, BCAA's, glutamine and creatine.

When he returns back to the US, Jose will begin preparing for Musclemania Universe in Miami.  He says, "I want to win big shows.  Musclemania has the greatest physiques and its a honor to compete against these guys.  I have a long road set out in front of me. There are many remarkable physiques out there."  But, Jose's ambitions go beyond competitive bodybuilding.  "My ambitions are to pursue a modeling career.  It's always been a dream of mine to appear in a magazine.  I don't think I can rest until I complete that mission."  No doubt, Jose will rely on his father's influence in these competitive and commercial ambitions, too.

It was well deserved partying after the Musclemania World in Las Vegas for Morris Mendez (1st) and Hugh Ross (2nd) who cruised the town with champagne and fitness ladies in tow.  For Morris it was his first competition since the '05 MM World, but he trained all year to take home the world's #1 natural title.  And, although is was Hugh's second MM World runner-up finish in as many years, he was just as elated with his performance.  Morris brought to the show his classic shape, symmetry and presentation while Hugh was massive and ripped like no one else on stage.  Both MM Pros have set their sights on MM Universe in June where they want to take out Jeff Beckham who has won the show two times straight!  Taller and bigger than Morris and Hugh, Jeff (6'1", 235 lbs.) feels he has the upper edge on both.  But, Morris (5'10", 205 lbs.) and Hugh (5'11", 210 lbs.) brings to the stage unparalleled physiques.  In the weeks ahead, more MM Pros will be featured including New England sensation Germaine Morgan, first timers Bill Simpson of San Francisco, Victor Montoya of Honduras, Bradley Aubrey of Florida and other great new natural stars.

When the urinalysis drug test results were reported following the recent Musclemania World and America Championships in Las Vegas , a quick analysis showed a surprisingly high number of international competitors had tested positive. It was almost as if some were completely naive that Musclemania World Tour events are promoted as natural, drug free shows or just chose to ignore the rules and cheated their way to the show.  Consider that all of the positive tests were competitors from outside North America including every member of Team China !

With the most impressive natural bodybuilders ever seen on one stage, the recent Musclemania America & World Championships was a spectacle of muscle mass, incredible shape and diced condition.  Sweeping the MM Pro World was Morris Mendez who's been out of site for three years.  The 39 year old youth counselor delivered a complete package and was able to beat 2007  MM Pro World winner Ricardo Plata of Columbia who was in his best form ever.  The MM America Champion was Las Vegas local natural hero Carl Matthew Jr., a heavyweight who's won many other natural and non-tested shows but was never able to conquer the Musclemania title.  Close behind was an imposing Adrain Childers of Colorado who at 6'2", 230 lbs. has an amazing future in natural bodybuilding.  Following the show, he said, "I should have been heavier and promise to rise in Miami (MM Universe) weighing close to 250!"  In the LHW Class Korean veteran bodybuilding veteran Son Young Joo narrowly beat out Rod Stanley.  But in one of the most competitive races in the show was MW Class star and San Francisco native Bill Simpson who surprised everyone with incredible shape and muscle maturity.  He beat Texas star DeWayne Malone who was packed with muscle but needing more diet and Moses Ajala who had his usually amazing muscle quality.  Following the Athletes Meeting, Bill asked what it took to become a Musclemania Pro and now he has the answer.  Probably one of the most improved bodybuilders was Victor Montoya of Honduras who competed 5 lbs. heavier and with better condition that at MM Universe earlier in the season.  The 5'6", 160 lbs. personal trainer posed like a champion and earned the title and with it MM Pro status.  Two amazing Juniors were equally impressive but in different ways.  Winner Larry Camacho competed 10 lbs. heavier than last year and spellbound the audience with classic shape and posing.  But dominating in height and structure was Junior Runner-Up and Novice HW Champ Nick Del Toro, a Houston area college student who at 6'3", 220 lbs. could crush his competition at MM Universe in June.  The show was probably the best Musclemania America & World  seen in years and more reports, profiles and photos will be posted in the days ahead.

 Two of the most improved natural bodybuilders in Las Vegas were MM America Junior Champ Larry Camacho and MM World LW Champ Victor Montoya who both were disappointed with recent contest placings but have returned with amazing improvements.   Larry last competed at the '07 MM World placing 3rd and Victor at the '08 MM Universe placing 2nd.  But with an added 10 lbs. and 5 lbs., respectively, and with even better conditioning, there was no doubt who should have won this time.  Larry is a 21 year old college student in Long Beach, CA, who at 19 years old first competed in 2006.  But he will take a sabbatical of sorts from serious bodybuilding training when he  

With many of the East Coast's most impressive athletes, the recent Fitness New York Championships couldn't have been more exciting!  There was a bunch of new bodies who'd never competed including Novice's Greg Rossi and Derek Gibson , two amazing Philly musclemen trained by Mr. Pennsylvania Joe Patton .  He won the LHW Class with classic shape and full muscle bellies.  HW Class winner Anthony Ferguson came all the way from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with a massive and symmetrical physique.  And Junior Champ Pean Saliasi , a local Queens college student, impressed the audience with his 200+ lbs. body.  Next week, a full Musclemania New York report will be posted with behind-the-scenes photos and results.

We recently heard from Musclemania Pros Syed Fazli (left) and Ade Rai, Asia's most successful natural bodybuilders.  Syed last competed at the 2007 MM Pro Superbody and Ade hasn't seen a Musclemania stage since winning the 2000 MM Pro World.  Over the past year, Syed has been busy appearing in numerous Malaysian television commercials and advertising campaigns.  The 5'8", 210 lbs. star is one of the country's most prolific athletic successes stories.   Ade is legendary in his native Indonesia as a television fitness star. Ade owns a chain of health clubs, sports nutrition, athletic sportswear and equipment companies.  But due to chronic training injuries, he says, "I think my competition days are over.  It's up to the younger guys to pick-up where I left off."  Ade has always been a role model for Indonesian bodybuilders while promoting natural health and fitness.  Syed says, "I'll be back soon.  Its exciting and interesting being part of the television industry, but I really miss competing."  Like Ade, Syed credits bodybuilding for his current high tide.  He says, "None of these other things would be happening if it wasn't for my training."  Hopefully, we will see Syed competing on the MM stage again soon and welcome Ade as a special guest.

The recent Musclemania Texas may have featured some impressive natural physiques, but first time competitor Tyler Dean posed with a swagger reminiscent of a veteran ace.  The 29 year old pharmaceutical salesman had developed such an impressive off-season physique that his gym buddies finally convince him to diet, tan and hit the posing dais.  The former collegiate wrestler easily won both the Novice and Open Men's Divisions with his 5'7", 175 lbs. physique.  "Fitness has taught me so much about discipline, setting goals, perseverance, dedication and believing in myself," said Tyler.  He says he wants to work on his symmetry and come into Musclemania America in Las Vegas  

Since winning the recent Musclemania Universe, Derrick Ternida has been ecstatic.  "Its been a dream for me," he recently wrote.  "I have been training every year to reach this goal in my career.  Its been so tough for my wife and I, always seeking sponsors for my training, supplements and travel to America."  Every year since 2003, Derrick made the long journey from the Philippines winning his weight class twice. Now with his newly earned Musclemania Pro status, Derrick has returned home a national Filipino hero.  "When I got home, the Municipality of Taytay, Rizal, honored me with an award for outstanding citizenship for making the people of Taytay proud after winning the MMU.  And, the Rizal Provincial Governor Casimiro A. Ynares III, MD approved a resolution congratulating me on my Musclemania victory."  For American bodybuilders, receiving civic honors for winning bodybuilding competitions is more than unusual.  But for many international competitors, bodybuilding is an avenue for them to set their career paths.  Derrick explains, "I want to change things here  in the Philippines so that  my countrymen can excel in sports like bodybuilding - not just boxing. I want to promote the sport in the Philippines. I've become a sensation because I came home with a world class level title in the USA.  Now I must continue to earn the respect of my fellow sportsmen."

He had never visited America, but that did not stop 19 year old Jiri Borkovec from storming over the Junior Division competition at the '07 Musclemania Universe in Miami.  At 5'10", 185 lbs., the Czech national had already won the National and European Junior Championships before taken on the world's best.  "I've had been training since 13 years old and wanted to wait until I was ready and confident," said Jiri.  But since last year's show, he's been training so he can return next year and move into the Men's Open Division.  Jiri explains, "I have the muscle condition, but now I am just focusing on size, size, size.  My goal is 95 kg (209 lbs.), so I am waiting for two years.  I want to win the overall title and become a

Two former Pakistan National Champions came to make their mark at MM Universe.  Ashfaq Butt, a mammoth 6'2", 226 lbs. South Asian bodybuilder won the HW Class, and Shoaib Zahor, a legendary Paki who is known for his incredible shape.  Ashfaq beat out an awe inspiring line-up of 200+ pounders to earn his MM Pro card.  But Shoaib narrowly missed being a LW Class Top 5 Finalist due to water retention resulting from the long 17,000 mile flight from Islabadad to Miami.  This was Ashfaq's second foray on the Musclemania World Tour having placed last year in Hollywood.  He said he was determined to returned home to train, increase his muscle mass and bring back to Musclemania a new physique.  "I was so impressed last year that I knew I what I had to do to win, especially working on my calves and hamstrings.  The American judges want symmetry, so it was my priority for the past six months," explained Ashfaq.  Both bodybuilders train at Shoaib's gym in Lahore, Pakistan, where many of the country's best bodybuilders can be found training in large home gyms, sport clubs and a burgeoning commercial fitness centers.  Now that Ashfaq has earned MM Pro status, he professed that, "It has been such a personal, financial and professional sacrifice. It means so much to have earned this level in my career.  It it would be such an honor and want my family and country to be proud, too."  Both Ashfaq and Shoaib have six month stays on their US visas and will remain in the US and compete at MM World in Las Vegas in November.  Says Shoaib, "I don't plan on returning home without a first place trophy this time."  

It was an intense show in Miami where MM Pro Universe Champion Jeff Beckham was the dominate victor.  The 6'1", 225 lbs., 27 year old, Queens, New York, personal trainer was bigger than his less than stellar shape at the '07 MM Pro World but you know he felt good about himself and had no problem telling the audience so during his posing routine.  "Nobody trains harder than me . . . Nobody!," he rapped.  "Just this morning I wrestled and alligator, tussled with a whale, handcuffed thunder and put lighting in jail.  I murdered a rock, injured a stone, and hospitalized a brink.  I'm so ill I make medicine sick!  You Pros better battle for Number Two cause Number One - I got this title on lock down son!"  Yes, the guy

Having never even seen a bodybuilding competition before, Floridian personal trainer Marcus Major had to be convinced by his buddies to diet and prepare for MM Universe.  The 26 year old former prep four sport letterman says he always had great genetics.  "In high school, I would lift weights after football practice just because I liked doing it," said Marcus.  "The coaches and other guys thought I was using steroids because I was always muscular, but I did not even know what the stuff was."  And, when Marcus signed up for the Novice HW Class at the MM Universe, his high school weight lifting foundation almost paid off big time.  Following the Prejudging, he had the highest score - so high that Marcus could

Nearly 500 natural bodybuilders, fitness, bikini, figure and model competitors from around the world all focused on Miami, Florida, for the recent Universe Weekend.  The largest audiences ever attended plus many industry leaders exhibited created a jammed venue. Then, over 400 fitness fans crashed the After Party at Mansion's in South Beach with everything being wrapped on Sunday afternoon at the Beach & Pool Party at Shore Club. The incredible response to the 10th anniversary show featured some of the hottest stars and bevy of new Musclemaniacs including New York HW Jeff Beckham, 1st Pro, Mr. Pakistan Asfaq Butt 1st HW Open, Chilean sensation Juan Pablo Salgado 3rd HW Open, Florida Junior Powerlifting Champion Yumon Eaton 1st Junior HW and many others.  The Universe Weekend was a spectacular experience and plans are already being made to expand the show next year. Complete results are posted and the Gallery will be updated soon.

For years, New Yorker Ahmed Rhodes has been training everyday after work.  As a UPS driver, he's always attracting attention walking into businesses to drop-off and pick-up packages and getting comments and questions about his impressive 5'11", 200 lbs. physique.  He says, "I try to model here and there when I can. But, I'm a simple man.".  It was Ahmed's friends that have finally convinced him to compete at Musclemania Universe.   At 37 years of age, Ahmed says, "I have never entered anything like this before. I was told it is a lot of fun and there are a whole lot of sexy in shape women from around the world that show up at this show."   The Bronx native has taken on life's challenges and made it

It's been over a year and a half since anyone has seen MM Pro David Whittaker on stage, but the California bodybuilding scene has been talking a lot about him lately.  Rumor has it that the 6'3" giant has packed on some serious size weighing nearly 250 lbs. with just 4% body fat!  The scuttlebutt is that David is holding off before returning to the posing dias until he can completely overwhelm everyone, even juiceheads.  During his last competitive season, he won both the MM Pro Universe and MM Pro World.  But there's a lot of new bodies on the MM Pro stage and David will have to deal with some fresh new muscle.  And, will he be able to take on the incredibly popular and shape of Morris Mendez and the sheer

Since moving to Ft. Lauderdale two years ago, MM Pro David Lovelace has amped his game plan.  The 5'10", 195 lbs. life time natural bodybuilder won MM Pro status last year at MM Universe and has layed low the entire year to make his debut.  But his training has been consistent ever since his first competition.  "I love training, but I keep it balanced with martial arts and lots of basketball," explained David.  The 31 year old Bally's personal trainer has gained 30 lbs. of muscle over the past 5 years. "I only gain about 5-7 lbs. of muscle every year, but I stay in shape all season . . . never getting more than 10 lbs. out of shape."  And, David says he's been training this year especially hard out to take down Jeff Beckham and Jermaine Morgan at MM

After a sensational inaugural performance on the Musclemania World Tour, Team India is preparing a squad of 10 bodybuilders for MM Universe.  With just 4 bodybuilders at the '07 MM World, they still able to captured the BW Class title and 3 other Top 5 placings including Krishna Murthy (photo) and aim to become Team Champions in Miami.  Lead by Indian Body Building Federation President Madhav Pujari, over 30 officials, trainers, coaches and supporters will also make up the Indian delegation.  The organization recently held a special selection competition in New Delhi at which over 300 bodybuilders competed to be a member of  Musclemania Team India at MM Universe.  The delegation will leave from New Delhi, Mombai and Calcutta and reandeaux at Miami International Airport.  And, for most of these bodybuilders, the two-day, 15,000 mile trip will an experience of a lifetime.  Says Murthy, "To be able to compete in Hollywood and now Miami is a dream that most of us Indian bodybuilders will never realize.  I am most blessed and thankful for this wonderful opportunity and wish to represent my country with honor."

At the recent Musclemania Atlantic, Jeff Beckham took the stage and challenged fellow MM Pro's Morris Mendez and Hugh Ross to a posedown - "any time, any place"!  The six foot, 240 lbs. New Yorker lost to the veteran Ross at last year's MM World in Hollywood and has sworn never to loose again.  The contest was Ross' first as a MM Pro following his win at the '05 MM Atlantic.  Mendez hasn't competed since the '05 MM World on the heals of his big win at the '05 MM Superbody in Miami.  Although he claims he will be bigger than ever at the upcoming MM Universe in Miami (he's promising a lean 230 lbs.), Beckham still won't be able to face Mendez and Ross since both have chosen to wait it out.   As

He's competed at Musclemania Atlantic for the past three years and won the Junior Division last year. But, last weekend, Jermaine Morgan surprised everyone with a physique that was beyond his 20 years. At 5'7", 185 lbs., the Connecticut bodybuilder won his weight class and overall title beating seasoned natural bodybuilders including regional favorites like Bennett Streets and Domino Tanco. Jermaine said he gained 10 lbs. of muscle from last year which he attributed to lucky circumstances. "I was laid off from my job, so for the past 5 months all I've been doing is train twice a day, eat seven meals and lots of sleep. And, dam it worked big time!" On Sunday, the day after the show, Jermaine was

When Lazo Freeman first competed at Musclemania Universe in Miami, you would think that the guy had been hitting weights for years.  But the 27 years old chemical engineer got started because of a magazine advertisement.  "Actually, I've been training for almost four years.  I had the Superman/Clark Kent syndrome, or the ugly duck fable.  Back in 2004, I was a fat unhealthy geek, studying chemical engineering at London's top university UCL. Sick and tired of how I looked, I wanted to look like the guys in Musclemania, really.  So, I entered and won the EAS Body For Life Challenge Transformation.  I took up bodybuilding and personal training seriously to help others achieve their fitness goals, too, and eventually compete and won a few UK shows.  So, after developing the kind of body I was finally proud of, I decided it was time to take it stateside (USA) and entered my first Musclemania show as a Novice Heavyweight.  What a dream come true!  The perpetration, overcoming the trail and tribulation and mental challenge before the show, then flying over to Miami, meeting all the other awesome competitors, making friends and then actually wining my division.  I had a fantastic time!  My next step is to become a MM Pro at the MM World in Hollywood in November.  I will be putting on size to compete at 220 pounds. But in the mean time, I have registered my own charity to raise money for treatment for disfigured kids, the "Charity for the Impaired".  It feels like I have been given so much as a British Iraqi and its time for me to contribute back."  Lazo has made a life changing physical transition, academic progression and, now, public service.  And, no doubt, there will be more ambitions and achievements in his athletic, professional and personal life.

Like most bodybuilding competitions, you always see a variety of good talent but only a couple outstanding bodies that causes the audience to gasp.  At last year's Musclemania New York, there was such a bodybuilder who's humble demeanor was in stark contradiction to his enormous and balanced physique.  Mackenzi Philippeaux had trained in Haiti for all of his 32 years and was in Brooklyn, New York, visiting relatives when he saw an advertisement for the show.  "I said to myself, 'It's time to get your ass into shape'", said Mackenzi.  The 5'5", 165 lbs., trainer has been training since he was 16 years old as an outlet to the incredible poverty in which he lived.  He explains, "My family lives on $150 per month.  Can you

When MM Pro Tommy Alston hit the MM World stage last November, he was undoubtedly in the best shape of his life.  Bigger, more symmetrical and conditioned.  The man was on his game, but placing third behind Ricardo Plata and High Ross was not.  Tommy had layed low for a year, developed more mass, especially in his arms, and really had the best physique of his life.  On any other day, he could have won the show.  Yes, the guy left California disappointed and rightly so.  But since then, he hasn't lost his zeal to make an even better appearance the next time he takes the stage.  Tommy explains it best.  "After placing third, I decided to give my body a much needed rest. For the first time in

From the madness of the gym to the demands of the ring, massive MM Heavyweight Champion Rob Terry (photo, second right) continues to tear up his competition while training with the WWE in Georgia.  The 6'4", 280 lbs. behemoth has amazed bodybuilding audiences since he first competed at 17 years of age and all the while remaining drug-free.  His commitment to natural bodybuilding has helped Rob create an incredibly athletic yet massively developed physique and in condition all year long.  He hopes to move from WWE's training league to their top tier, televised show line-up.  Move over John Cena, because a new creation will soon storm the ring!  More news about Big Rob as he reports it.

The upcoming Musclemania Atlantic in East Haven, CT, will mark its 10th Anniversary as New England's spring time classic of natural bodybuilding.  Over the years, some of the world's best natural stars were first introduced to the competitive world of bodybuilding including Morris Mendez, Ulisses Jr., Jeffrey Beckham, David Lovelace and many others.  And, this year's show will host a bevy of drug-free physiques wanting to make their mark on the sport including Bennett Streets, Domingo Tanco and Max Nicholas.  Many of the Musclemania competitors will be priming themselves for Musclemania Universe in Miami in June, so expect to see some amazing physiques!  Promoter Brian Cannone promises another sold-out show which will feature a fitness expo with many local fitness exhibitors and the Ms. Bikini, Fitness, Figure and Model Atlantic competitions with over 150 beautiful ladies.  So, mark your calendar for April 25.

Now in its 6th Season, the Fitness Mexico Tour expands this year with six exciting shows held throughout the country!  Because of popular demand, Musclemania, Ms. Bikini, Figure and Model Mexico shows have grown with big shows in Mexico, Latino and Prestige and now welcome new regional events in Aguacalientes, Chihuahua, Cancun and Juarez.  This is especially good news for beginning competitors who want some first time experience but still desire national publicity.  The Fitness Mexico Tour was the career starting point of Angel Rangel, Ricardo Delgado, Siena Cano and so many other Mexican stars.  Of course, the shows are open to all Latin competitors

Since competing at '05 Musclemania World in Hollywood, Heavyweight Class Winner James Kohler has been on a mission to make his bodybuilding career one of his life's challenges. Absent from the MM Pro scene since the show, he has been pursuing many commercial opportunities including self publishing his own book, " Muscle Rx, Your Prescription for the Ultimate Physique." In the softbound book, James shows you how to learn more and stay motivated while achieving your ultimate physique most efficiently. The 6'4", 250 lbs. natural giant explains how to increase your mental strength and set goals effectively.  James says that, "You  can take the

One of Iraq's most prominent bodybuilders was preparing for Musclemania Universe when he was injured in a car bomb last month. Firas Gerges owns a local Baghdad gym and was making the 10 minute walk on a path from his home to work when the explosion occurred causing extensive physical damage and sending 28 people to the hospital. Firas was hit by glass and metal fragments in his chest, shoulder and legs and is now recovering at home.  "It would have been my first competition outside of Iraq," Firas said referring to his plans to compete in Miami.  The 27 year old former Mr. Iraq is married with two children started training as a teenager with his

Two of the best natural Musclemania bodybuilders on the world stage are Shoaib Zahoor of Pakistan and Rob Terry of Wales.  With a height difference of nearly a foot, both athletes have a long, popular and respected competitive careers.  Most recently, Shoaib won the '06 MM Britain MW Class and is preparing for MM Universe in Miami.  Rob dominated the '06 MM World HW Class at Universal Studios in Hollywood.  Shoaib has been training for over 20 years and owns a popular Lahore fitness center while Rob has competed since 17 years of age and won every British junior division competition entered.  At 5'6", 180 lbs., Shoaib explains that he has most recently been training for symmetry.  "Like

Well he hasn't competed since 1999, but American Gladiator Alex Castro, has struck gold as "Militia" on the new NBC television show.  He's competed only once at the Musclemania Superbody and was a Top 5 Finalist in the Heavyweight Class.  But, as the 6'2", 240 lbs. athlete put it, "I enjoy eating too much to go through that diet again."  Alex continued, "Bodybuilding is very popular in Cuba.  I started lifting when I was just 14 years old and by the time I came to the US, I weighed 250 lbs. and was in good condition."  The former Musclemania bodybuilder immigrated from Cuba ten years ago and was hired as a bartender and bar dancer at popular Mango's Tropical Cafe in South Beach,

He started training at 15 years old and just 18 months later Juri Borkovec won the '05 Czech National Junior Championships.  Then, two years later, the 5'10", 190 lbs. natural bodybuilder came to America and won the '07 Musclemania Superbody in Miami.  "It was my first time competing in America, so I really trained harder than ever for the contest.  I did not know what to expect, but I wanted to win," said Juri.  And, win big time he did!  At 21 years of age, Juri was in top condition for the show and swept Junior HW Division competitors like Brandon Bass (Texas) and stomped LW Division winner Alvin Viernes (Hawaii).  Bodybuilding is just one of many other athletic pastimes for Juri which also include

It was his first time competing at a Musclemania show, so Illinois natural bodybuilder Habideen Olaniran did not know what to expect.   But by night's end, the 20 year old college student had won his class and the overall title! At 5'9", 182 lbs., Habideen has been training for just 3 years but has consistently increased his lean muscle mass by 15 lbs. every year. In the off-season, he maintains a lean diet but admits a lot of his gains are luck. "I really eat junk in the off-season because I can't afford the usual bodybuilder's diet - you know, eggs, chicken breast, tuna and stuff. Burger King keeps me full and its cheap," admits Habideen.  "As much as possible, I take protein shakes, creatine and other supplements. But closer to a show I just

When you look at the arms of Angelo Rossi you realize that this guy's really in love with competing.  For that past two years, this Italian Musclemania fanatic has literally tatoo each Musclemania competition he has competed on a different part of his arms including Musclemania Universe, Italy, World and Las Vegas.  Angelo is fanatical about Musclemania shows and says, "These shows are like nothing else we have in Europe.  I feel like a king when I compete at Musclemania!"  The 27 year old personal trainer speaks no English but when he competes in the US, Angelo is expressive with his energy, excitement and enthusiasm for the sport of natural bodybuilding . . . and, of course, all

He trains among humble surroundings and has made incredible financial and personally sacrifices to become the world's best natural bodybuilder.  Columbia's Ricardo Plata (photo left with '06 MM Champ Nick Jones) has been weight training since a teenager but the 35 year old lifetime natural bodybuilder has only been competing in the past 10 years.  "I started competing in some NABBA, IFBB and WABBA, shows but they wasn't the kind of shows I liked.  I won my weight class at the Columbian and South American Championships, but when I learned that Musclemania was for drug free bodybuilders, I knew it was for me," said Ricardo.   The 5'7", 190 lbs. personal training is a local legend and has a bevy of

For nearly 20 years, California bodybuilder Danny Hester has been competing in Musclemania and NPC shows and is always a class favorite.  And at the recent Musclemania World, he returned to the stage weighing 161 lbs. and thanks to his dense, mature muscle development and small bone structure, he had the appearance of a bodybuilder 25 lbs. heavier.  The 38 year old fitness equipment designer was a state ranked high school wrestler and began bodybuilding on a whim when he was just 19.  His three brothers were all jocks, too, so staying athletic after high school, through college and beyond was a big influence on Danny.  He won virtually every bodybuilding show he entered for many years and is still respected as one

"I trained so hard for this show and then this?  I am so disappointed."  That was Marie Brandon's response after learning that she would be the only Women's Division competitor at Musclemania World.  But, she took it like the veteran she is and presented herself in classic fashion for the audience.  "I wasn't going to let it get me down," she said after posing.  The 5'5", 128 fitness professional soon learned that nearly all of the female competitors at the annual Hollywood based show appear in the Ms. Bikini, Fitness, Model and newly added Figure Divisions. Actually, over 250 ladies competed in the other categories.  But Marie was an impressive bodybuilder nonetheless with great muscle development, symmetry and condition.  This lady was

The first ever Musclemania Las Vegas show was held recently and featured some of the desert kingdom's best natural bodybuilders.  Staged at University of Nevada Las Vegas, ironically the winner was the school's Fitness Director who had not competed for 4 years.  At 6'3", 220 lbs., Jay Souza is an impressive competitor and who easily took the title but says he doesn't plan on competing again for a year or two.  "My wife and I would like to have some kids, so that will take me out of the scene for a while," said Jay.  "But when I do come back, it will be straight to the Musclemania World.  That's my next step."  Prior to the competition, some of the fitness, bikini, model and bodybuilding participants appeared at the Media Session which took

When he stripped down to weigh-in at Musclemania New York, all heads turned in amazement.  Here was this 5'4", 170 lbs. freak who no one had ever seen on the natural muscle scene and gives a whole new description to the word "massive".  But in his native Haiti, Mackenzi Philippeaux is legendary having won all of the country's national titles.  On vacation in New York, he decided to jump into MM New York after prodding by one of his friends without a diet or even depleting his water.  "While I am here, I wanted to compete as much as possible and when I learn that Musclemania was in town, I couldn't pass up the show.  Back home in Haiti, I see the show on ESPN all the time.  So, I was pretty excited," explained Mackenzi.  He went on

You saw him at the 2005 & 2006 Musclemania Canada and 2005 World, but with all the hype and ballyhoo about this new bodybuilder, he never even won his weight class.  Matt Tsinkorang probably has some of the best genetics and natural muscle development seen in years.  But, in every show he competed, he was never ever able to get into contest condition.  "I was holding water, too much and I did not know why," said the former Canadian high school football player.  But his life and body have changed dramatically since last year.  Matt explained, "I started a real estate investment company and it is paying off better than I ever dreamed in the first year.  Before, I was missing that financial security, but now I have the resources I need to eat

One of the newest Musclemania stars is upstate New York's Matt Franco , a 23 year old natural bodybuilder who says bodybuilding was a sport meant to be for him.  The Musclemania Saratoga Champion says, "Growing up with parents who promoted a healthy lifestyle and being fit has made the dedication to the sport of bodybuilding easy for me."  The 5'7", 165 lbs. runs his own personal training company, but his full time job is as a nuclear medicine technologist.  Matt says, "Having two very demanding jobs has posed challenges with finding time for bodybuilding, but in the end, we all find time to pursue what we love to do.  I love forward to more Musclemania events and earning

One of Canada's hottest new bodybuilders really isn't so new. At 37 years of age, Kane Sumabat has always had an incredibly developed physique. At 5'10", 185 lbs., he maintains a very lean musculature with just 5% body fat year-round but has never competed. Well, that's about to change at Musclemania Canada when Kane straps on his first set of posing trunks and shows what 25 years of weight training can do for a body. The Toronto personal trainer regularly does one arm pull-ups with ease, walking hand stands and a variety of other calisthenics and acrobatic moves. But, since his teen years, Kane's athletic forte has been martial arts which he claims to keep him limber and loose and his muscles lean and tone.  We will see Kane ready to

In his Musclemania Pro debut, Columbian muscle man *Ricardo Plata* surprised everyone by grabbing 2nd Place at the Superbody Championships in Miami.  Amazingly, for the past 15 years, the 5'6", 190 lbs. store clerk has lived in a small mountain town and trained in his own home
gym.  But, as Ricardo says, "Living away from the big gyms allows me to be creative with my training without the influence of other guys in the gym.  I have learned what work's best for my body by trail and error."
But according to him, food is what really makes a difference living away from the city.  "I grow most of my own vegetables and meat - well, it's simply the best.  My chicken, beef and turkey are all day fresh

For the past 6 years, Malaysia's Syed Fazli has improved his physique and progressed through the Musclemania ranks to become one of the world's most impressive natural professionals.  The 32 year old personal trainer recently competed at MM Superbody in Miami which was disappointed for him.  First time MM Pros Jeff Beckham (1st, USA), Ricardo Plata (2nd, Columbia) and Lajos Konya (3rd, Hungary) forced Syed into 4th Place. "I trained for 2 years and wanted to come home as a Top 3 Finalist," Syed said.  "I was 10 lbs. heavier and with my best symmetry ever, so perhaps it was my condition which lost it for me."  At 200 lbs. on stage, Syed has easily become Asia's most symmetrical, classic bodybuilders. 

He may be just 5'6" and weighs 160 lbs., but the ferocity of this kid's amazing. Houston lifter Chris Darby is an academic, athlete and entrepreneur.  He started competing at the 2005 Musclemania Texas and didn't know what he was doing.  He symmetry was non-existent, conditioning looked like he was on a Twinky diet and posed to Superman theme, cap, mask and all.  Well, he heard the criticism and in one year turned himself around 180 degrees!  The 20 year old University of Houston student trained for symmetry and not just size, kept a monitored diet all year and presented a whole new routine at the 2006 Musclemania Texas . . . and won!  He caught the eye of various sponsors and is

He first competed at the 2003 Musclemania Delta and easily won the Junior Division.  At 6'2", 200 lbs., Carey Addison was more than imposing at the New Orleans area show.  But with that like his high school football, basketball and baseball achievements, the 20 year old had the discipline to train his body for shape and composition.   Kerry explains that, "Lifting for bodybuilding is a lot different than for active sports.  The weights, intensity, regimen and especially the diet was really new for me."  But after winning the 2005 MM Delta Open Mens HW Class, Kerry hasn't been seen on stage again.  "After I have finished school, it took a while to get settled into the right job.  Plus, with the

Weighing in over 250 lbs., he's bigger than any other Musclemania Pro and at 6'4", he dominated the '06 MM World Heavyweight Class.  Rob Terry has been training since he was 15 years of age and was winning every major junior level bodybuilding competition in his native Wales, England and around Europe.  But it wasn't until he started competing at Musclemania in America that people really took notice of this amazing muscle man.  "I always enjoy training and competing, but the UK shows were too easy.  By the time I was 17 years old, I was beating all the junior guys," Rob said recently.  Now, following his big win at the Musclemania World, the 26 year old bank officer is following his dreams and

Like President Bush, he's hellbent and on a war path.  But like a seasoned diplomat, MM Pro Jason Powell is also calculating in his approach to win the Musclemania Superbody Pro.  "I have layed low for a couple of years to get my diet down and plan my strategy, but I am now so far ahead of my game plan - in shape, symmetrical and ready to take on anyone!," Jason said.  He will be competing weighing over 220 lbs., that's 30 lbs. more than in 2005.  The 28 year old personal trainer is the #1 natural bodybuilder in the State of Texas.   But Jason was always skilled and athletic, a high school jock and seasoned US Air Force commando.  He explained, "Sports and training have always been in my psyche

There he stood, back stage at Musclemania Atlantic - big, symmetrical, ripped and a bit aloof to the hustle and bustle around him.  You could hear the other guys muttering, "Who's is that guy?"  But, soon, there would be no doubt that this "guy" was going to win anything he wanted at the show.  Jeff Beckham may have won a lot of local New York City natural shows, but had never stepped foot on a Musclemania stage.  This would be his first and he wanted to be ready.  "I had won a bunch of shows and really knew that this would be the top of my amateur career," he said after winning the Men's HW and overall title at the show.  Jeff is a 24 year old personal trainer from Brooklyn,

He started competing at the 2000 Musclemania Canada and dominated the LW Class competition.  Since then, Greg Doucette has moved up to the MW Class and won virtually every Canadian natural bodybuilding competition.  The high school school teacher and wrestling coach is also a Canadian National Powerlifting Champion with best lifts like 636 lbs. squat, 507 lbs. bench and 661 lbs. deadlift while under 180 lbs. bodyweight. Currently, Greg is weighing 188 lbs. at 9% bodyfat and is training for his return to Musclemania Superbody at 175 lbs.  Say's Greg, "I still want to earn the right to become a MM Pro.  The average Joe does not understand bodybuilding and some guys here think I

The reasons for lifting weights and enduring disciplined diets are as varied as there are serious bodybuilders.  Many train for physical endurance, ensuring a healthy body and love the intensity of a grueling work out.  Others are more narcissistic and want the attention and satisfaction of public acceptance and glowing recognition.  In the instance of Musclemania Pro Philip Ricardo, he trains for the lore of becoming the world's best natural competitive bodybuilder all the while