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