IFBB Pro BETHENY JORDAN

Betheny Jordan has been a great friend to this page and we are so very proud of her for winning her class at the 2012 NPC USA Championships and turning professional. That's right folks, she is now to be known as IFBB Bikini Pro, Betheny Jordan!!!

Zlata - FigureBikni, August Cover

First and foremost, a big congrats to all the ladies that competed in the 2012 NPC USA Championships in Las Vegas, NV. Alectra Kelley (July Cover) placed Top 5 in her class, further making the point that she will go pro in the very near future. Other notables included Alma Villanueva, Vegas native Carolina Granados, Christina Profancik, Candice Perfect - who we know has made the big time b/c she's taken to ignoring our little blog. And of course... this month's cover ZLATA SUSHCHIK - who looked amazing!

The Women, just like The Men, need to understand that the Judges are only human. If they were computers, then they'd always reward aethetics, balance, symmetry - all the things they're supposed to; however, they're only human. Sometimes, in distant part of the world ... politics come into play - it's not only undeniable, it's unmanageable. The national stage is a real war zone - there's Teams, there's sponsors (the real major to the real minor), there's big name coaches and gurus, there's local favorites and outsider-unknowns; there are so many variables at play, that a less than stellar placing shouldn't mean much. A great placing, however, should mean something (especially to the ladies with only their physique to do the talking). Congrats Alectra! :)

As far as the upcoming month, I plan on working on pages for Alectra, Zlata, and Holland Canter. I'm eager to get these pages packed full of people, because these ladies deserve to be promoted. I'd also like to plug my two columns, Becca's Johnson's Becca's Corner and John Nolan Sr.'s Nolan Knows Best.

2012 NPC USA's

The Alaska Four are in sunny Las Vegas competing in the 2012 NPC USA's. As of just a few moments ago, I was informed that Alectra Kelley made first call-outs! Tomorrow (Sunday) I'll be updating the audience with placings for Alectra, Candice Perfect, Paola Terry, and other friends of the page like Christina Profancik, Carolina Granados, and others! Placings, reactions, and future plans.

I'm hoping we'll have plenty of photos and videos to post! I'm very proud of all the ladies. And I want to stress this... placings are largely POLITICALLY-BASED! I'm proud of the girls well or not so well, because if I AM WORKING TO PROMOTE YOU - YOU'RE THE BEST. Case closed.

4 New Videos from 2 Great Stars

We're proud to announce that two more great champions have submitted their videos to the StrengthAddicts/FigureBikini audience. Please be sure these great clips. Paola Terry, one of the champions of The Alaska Four (a highly talented pool of Alaskan Bikini Stars you should all keep your eyes on), submitted two greeting videos - on in English & one in Spanish. Paola is of Peruvian desecent and lives in Anchorage, AL.

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Carolina Granados has been a longtime friend to our sites and is a great champion in her own right. She's competed both in Figure & Bikini and continues to be a threat on whatever stage she steps on. This Las Vegas local, always brings a stellar look - and she, like Paola, will be mixing it up at this year's NPC USA Championships.

Robin Harris - On Her Way!

Name: Robin Fountain Harris
Age: 33
Ht: 5'5.5"
Wt (contest/regular) contest:133/regular: 138-140
Hometown: Birmingham Alabama

Christian Duque: When and why did you first start weight-training? Also what are your favorite and least favorite bodyparts to train?

Robin Harris I began training with weights as a sophomore in high school. I was a track star and loved working out! I didnt start competing until 2009, after giving birth to my second child. I've always loved training legs but have had to back off because they tend to overpower my upper body. I also love training my back and shoulders!!! There are so many small muscles in the back that pop out with proper and wholistic training!! I don't really have a least favorite body part....chest maybe!?! I'm always confused about how to train chest appropriately as a woman. ironically, weight training actually makes me feel more feminine. I believe that strength is beautiful!!

Christian Duque: Talk about what made you decide to compete, notable shows, and, of course, your recent win. How does it feel to make it to the top? how do you stay hungry?

Robin Harris: As a child, I would watch the fitness america shows on television. it was at that time, I decided I want to be a fitness icon! It wasn't until I was 30 years old, a former d1 college hurdler, mom and wife (at that time) with a masters degree that god placed the opportunity in my path to compete! It's been a whirlwind from that point forward!!

I've won my class in several shows but when I placed fourth at Europa Orlando in 2011, I knew I could fare well on the national level! I competed at the Wings of Strength, Tim Gardner Extravaganza last weekend and won Overall and Masters Figure!! This wet my appetite and fueled my desire to prep even harder for USA's and north americans to pursue a pro card.

Christian Duque: How does it feel to be on top? "on top" is a relative term!!

Robin Harris: I'm extremely humbled and grateful to receive so much attention and to do well on stage and in modeling. however, I strive for excellence in all areas. as I climb to excellence, I become more and more thankful for my countless blessings. I do recognize, however, that there's always someone out there who is just as good and/or better than me. It is my joy to pay my dues, little by little, as I receive life's lessons...even the hard ones!!

How do I stay hungry??? I think I am the type of athlete who is self motivated. it is my goal to improve each time I compete. Having said that, the hunger comes from within. body building is not necessarily about winning or losing shows. It's about your personal journey and growing with each and every opportunity. complacency will destroy the will of man.

Christian Duque: Please take this opportunity to give kudos to those that have helped you along the way, and thank you for appearing on FigureBikini.com.

Robin Harris: My mom is my number one fan. She has always believed in me!! My stepdad has been my truth! He has taught me that if I work hard and passionately, it always pays... and that we are to pay it forward! My two children are my wings...my angel wings and the reason I am who I am today! My best friend and constant support, Brock Murphy...the welcome committee, the cheerleader from afar, the prayer warrior, and my sense of reason and sanity! most of all, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior who supplies us with every need and the desires of our hearts!!

2012 Team Universe - Overall Champion

A big thank you to Amber Leon - 2012 Team Universe, Overall Fitness Champion and NEW IFBB Pro for taking the time to appear on FigureBikini.com! A h-u-g-e congratulations to you Amber and everyone in your camp! Thanks Again!!!

Name: Amber Leon
Age: 28 yrs old
Ht: 5'4 3/4 (give or take a little lol)
Contest wt 120lbs/Regular wt ~130lbs
Hometown: Originally from Madera CA but live in Seattle WA now

"I started becoming increasingly interested in weight lifting in college. The gym became a place I could go to for 'me time'. I have always been drawn to the athletic look and aspired to have the physique of some of the ladies I'd see in the gym. When I first began I would head to the gym blind with no plan or solid idea of what to train but as time went on and I learned a thing or two about programs I began to see results. Lifting became an integral part of who I am. This passion led me to change my career plan after college to pursue my passion for nutrition and fitness. If I had to pick a favorite training day(s) I guess I would go with back and shoulders. My most dreaded training body part would have to be chest and abs; bench press is my nemesis! Leg days are in between just depends on my mood and what time of the day I am hitting them.

I had toyed with the idea competing a few times but felt completely overwhelmed at the prospect training to do so. I remember thinking there is no way I can look like the women in magazines or flipping around onstage. I almost had this idea that whatever it was that these ladies were doing it was out of my grasp. It wasn't until my husband and I moved to Seattle that everything seemed to fall into place. One of the first items of business was joining a gym and about a month after joining I was approached by a trainer who had competed in Fitness with Tanji Johnson's Save Fitness Team. After hearing about the team and the training/dieting she did I figured why not give it a shot so she passed along my information to Tanji. From there, there was pretty much no turning back. After I had a phone interview with Tanji I was elated to start down this path. My first show was an eye opener and although I did well I let the stress and anxiety of backstage overwhelm me. The second show was more enjoyable but I was still letting the pressure to do well get the best of me. After my first two shows I took a year off for numerous reasons. March marked the start of my season where I took first in fitness tall and the overall in fitness at the Vancouver USA Natural and Tanji Johnson Fitness Classic. Two weeks later I was back onstage at the Emerald Cup where I placed first in fitness tall.

After the two wins I decided the next step was heading to Team Universe for my first national show. Being that it was my first national show I made peace with the idea of being content with a top five placing. It was this thinking that kept me relaxed over the weekend and I found that I wasn't putting so much pressure on myself; I just had fun with it! It feels absolutely incredible to say that I not only one my fitness class but I also won the fitness overall title. When they called my number I was in shock and stunned wondering if they called the right number. It was more than I had expected and was/is still such a surreal experience. I feel very honored and humbled by my win as I competed against incredibly talented ladies. Watching videos and following the pro's keeps me hungry. The level of talent is unreal at this level and the women have stunning physiques. I look at pictures from my shows and compare those to the top pro's which brings me back to reality and the work I need to put in. The adrenaline rush from stepping is a constant reminder of my love for performing. Although I don't always enjoy the prep I love to see the changes my physique goes through and the challenge of bringing a better total package to each show.

First and foremost I owe the most gratitude to my husband. He has been my pillar of strength since I began this journey a year and a half ago. Without his constant support and encouragement I would not have held it together, especially after the first two shows. Also, Tanji Johnson and the rest of my Save Fitness coaches and sisters who have mentored and supported me. I am so blessed to be part of such an amazing and uplifting group of women (and now men). Without my nutritionist Michael Keck, whom I absolutely adore, I would not have been ready step on stage. He provided constant support throughout this process with an unwavering positivity that got me through the toughest times during my diet prep. Of course my family and friends have also been incredible supporters throughout my journey. It was through their love and encouragement that I found strength. Thank you to all those who have been along for the ride in making this dream come true!!!"

Amber

Zahira Landestoy - Her Stock Is Soaring

Name: Zahira Karina Landestoy
Age: 32
Ht: 5'4"
W(Contest/Regular): 125/135
Hometown: Melbourne, FL

Christian Duque: When and why did you first start weight-training? Also what are you favorite and least favorite bodyparts to train?

Zahira Landestoy: I started weight training in college, but have been working out since I was a little girl, with my dad who is also an athlete and truly my main inspiration. My favorite body parts to train are shoulders, back, legs, glutes and abs. Less than favorite (since I love to train them all) are chest and arms..

Christian Duque: Talk about what made you decide to compete, notable shows, and of course your recent win. How does it feel to make it to the top? How do you stay hungry?

Zahira Landestoy: Although, I have always worked out, I had never reached my fitness goals, which is what made me decide to train for an actual show. Once I did the first show, I fell in love with the whole aspect of bodybuilding as a competitive sport. Some of the more notable shows I have done were the Ft. Lauderdale Cup 2010 where I competed in the Bikini division (2nd place); Southern States 2011 where I competed in the Figure division (1st place) and then most recently at the Anna Level Championships (6/12) where I took 1st place and the Overall title for the WPD (Womens Physique Division). I just returned from NJ where I competed in the Team Universe National Show in Physique where I was trying to attain my Pro Card, but came in at 11th place.. So now going back to the drawing board, strategizing, getting back up and trying again before the year is up. Very exciting times!

It is very humbling to have reached the level that I have in such a short period of time, considering the citizenship setback (last year after qualifying for figure at Southern States, I found out you had to be a US citizen to participate in a National show-so I applied and trained hard while I waited..). I acknowledge that God has blessed me genetically and that my body is an instrument that I must use to minister health and vitality to people by inspiring them to live healthier lives in a holistic way. I look forward to influencing many people as I continue to get more exposure.

I stay hungry because I see the positive impact I have every single day on the people around me and/or friends and family that are inspired to be healthier by what I do. Sometimes we don't think we are having any influence or making any impact in the lives of those around us, but when we are doing positive things, we can rest assured that we are planting seeds. I also stay hungry because this has been a dream of mine, to grace the covers of several magazines, since I was a little girl. Its very important to me, especially because I'm a teacher, for little boys and girls to have positive roles and images that they can identify with on the magazines, so that they too can feel like they are "beautiful" according to societal standards of beauty.

Christian Duque: Kudos - a time to thank all those from workout buddies to coaches to friends and. family.

Zahira Landestoy: I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through whom all things are possible. I thank my parents, my brothers, and my entire family for being so supportive of me always. I thank my Coach Don Long and his wife Sarah Long, for the immeasurable amount of support, faith in me and guidance they have provided this year as they prepped me for my contests. I thank Erik Johnson for being my trainer who got me started in the wonderful world of BB. I thank my students and clients for inspiring me each and every day to never quit. I thank my gym families (anytime fitness/sunbay fitness ) and all of those that have supported me along the way.

Thank you to my sponsor, Nathan Schwartz, CEO of Shape Shifters Fitness, for helping make my dreams a reality.And thank you so much for the great opportunity!

I thank God for His provision of always bringing the right people in my path, and in HIS perfect timing.

Links of Interest

http://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=269379163133467
http://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=269379163133467
http://www.modelmayhem.com/1865118

Short n Sweet with Zlata Sushchik

Make sure to watch this video. Zlata checks and soon we'll have an interview up with her. I've been super busy with Bar Prep, but I assure you all, we'll have the interview up soon.

Please make sure to leave comments on Facebook and Twitter - and by all means - SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT ZLATA SUSHCHIK!!!

Zlata - A Name to Know

Something's happening in Alaska, especially in NPC Bikini, with huge stars like Alectra Kelley, Paola Terry, Candice Perfect, and of course... Zlata Sushchik, who will be doing an interview with StrengthAddicts/FigureBikini in the near future.

What I find incredibly promising about Zlata (as well as the other great stars mentioned), is that she's a young woman that understand the value of hard work. It's not easy making it in the fitness industy. Whereas the Men are divided into divisions, the Women are divided into five! And while that factor alone may prove troublesome to the Pros, it's even more of an issue for NPC Stars that are winning shows but not earning any prize money to show for it. This is an expensive sport, one that requires almost complete dedication to training, nutrition, and supplementation. Most sports have an off-season, even bodybuilding has one. But the Men that compete in Physique - and the women of Figure & Bikini, they seldom venture off their diet or training for more than a few days. There are literally hundreds - if not thousands - of women trying to place, trying to get noticed. This is serious work - and women like Zlata Sushchik are on their way to the top.

Zlata - and many of the women mentioned and/or reading this article - started competing in their teen years. When their friends may (or may not...) have been out partying and getting smashed, they were in the gym 5x a week and eating clean year-round. This is not meant to dissuade ladies in their 20's, 30's, or even in the Masters from competing. But it should serve a wake-up call to those ladies (like Men in bodybuilding and physique) that just plan to show up at a show for fun. Zlata and many of the ladies of her generation take the stage very seriously. They work hard to do battle - they're going there just for fun.

Alectra

Alectra Kelley is the July cover for FigureBikini.com. We've been covering her rise in fitness industry since she won the 2012 NPC Teen Nationls. She's a hard working young woman, that gives her all in the gym. She puts special emphasis on her diet and supplementation, and she's defintely the kind of person that values the fans and strives to maintain a good rapport with them.

The videos below give you a glimpse into who this great champion really is. The first video is a brief into; the second video, Alectra discusses her future plans.

Figure Star Prepares for Team Universe

This contest prep has been the smoothest prep I’ve ever experienced. This is my third year competing and I feel like I now know what to expect as far as plateaus and exhaustion so I was definitely better prepared mentally for this season. The first show I did this year was a warm up show 11 weeks into my prep and I competed in bikini… My placement was not good and my critique was to “tighten up” my butt…needless to say my heart is in figure and I do not plan on competing in bikini class ever again. My next show was 13 weeks in at the Southeastern Gold’s Classic which was a national qualifier. I went into the show knowing I would not be at my peak, and I did not carb up at all. I took first in my height class out of seven women and scored 2nd in overall. I was really happy with the results from that show and it gave me the boost I need to keep pushing hard towards Team Universe.

In 2 weeks I will be competing at Team Universe which will be my first national show where I have competed in the women’s class. I’m currently working with Greg Hasberry who has me on a very strict diet that is extremely low carb and my protein sources are all from chicken or tilapia. We do plan on carbing me up for this show so I can come in looking as good as possible. Two weeks after Team Universe I will be going to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to compete at Teen Nationals for the second year. I’m really hoping to take overall this time, and I plan on working my butt off to get it!

Also I will be attending Auburn University at the start of the fall semester to get my degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. I’m really looking forward to the journey ahead of me and I hope everyone reading will continue to push towards their goals no matter how big they are. Consistency is key and you can achieve anything if you put the time and effort into it.

Larry & Becca Review Nuts N More

Top ranked NPC Bodybuilding Champion LARRY NERI and his beautiful girlfriend, Becca Johnson of Becca's Corner, reviewed the entire line of Nuts N More products. This is a great video that will be of invaluable importance to all of you that compete, because there's finally a product that tastes good and won't sabotage your contest prep. In fact, run the macros by your coach and you'll be happy to know that he/she will be quite pleased with its virtually carb-free, high protein, and quality fats profile. Further, it's priced reasonably and delivery is lighting fast.

Remember... that the macros for store-bought "natural" peanut butters aren't significantly differnt that the other processed butters. They all have hidden sugars and bad fats. If you're getting ready for a show, you've spent so much money on training, supplements, your suit, your tan, to throw that all away on a $2 jar of peanut butter. With Nuts N More you'll not only satisfy your fix, but it's going to help you get leaner, harder, and closer to that sought after peak. It should be a no-brainer.

Be sure to watch this amazing video, and if you haven't done so already, join Larry's Athlete's Page and the Becca's Corner's Page (both on Facebook).