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.
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.
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.
Candice Perfect has been on the cover of FigureBikini.com and has been one of our biggest friends and supporters. She is a hardworking athlete that's literally taken the NPC World by storm! She's a member of Ingrid Romero's Team Edge and she's on her way to an IFBB Pro Card in no time.
Please, if you haven't done so already, cast your vote for our good friend - Candice Perfect - as she battles win a great contest offered through Flex Online!
Name: Taralin "Gold" Age: 32 Height: 5 feet exactly! (lol) Contest Wt: 111 Regular Wt: 120 Hometown: Simi Valley, CA
When/why I started training:
I was deployed to Iraq while serving in the Army and decided in 2006 I wanted to achieve all my dreams because you never know when you will lose out on living every previous moment in life; so I followed my dream to become a fitness model & competitor:)
My competition Diet:
Below is a typical day of my competition diet 2-3 months out -
7 AM - 3 egg whites/1 tsp PB/ 1/4cup oatmeal
10 AM - 4 oz. lean ground turkey/ 1 cup veggies (broccoli, green beans)
12 noon - 4 oz. tilapia, 1/4 cup brown rice, 10 Asparagus
3 PM - 3 egg whites
5 PM - (pre workout meal) 1 can tuna/ 3 oz. Sweet potato
6-830 PM - workout
830 PM - 3 oz. chicken/ 1 cup veggies
Go to bed & do it all over again!
Love it!
I'd love to thank -
My husband & best friend (without him it would be difficult)
My coaches Ingrid Romero & Joe Discuillo (Team Edge!!) - I truly am driven because of them and their support
Of course all my Team Edge girls! (Candice Perfect, Heather Donahue, Jasmin Rodriguez, Becky Padilla, Michelle Ulibarri, Tiffany Taitt & any other beautiful ladies I forgot you are ALL beautiful!!)
Lastly my sponsor, Matt owner & operator of Nutrishop Thousand Oaks, CA - the place to get all your high quality supplements!!
I love each and every one of you all and am blessed to have you all in my life :)
My plans for 2012 -
I plan on continuing to raise the roof with Team Edge and compete in Jon Lindsays NPC - Culver City, CA 7/21/12.
Hopefully to continue to model with amazing Fitness photographers & graze even one fitness magazine soon - what an honor that would be!
Lastly just to LIVE life to the fullest and never give up on my continuous dream to be the best and healthiest I can be! I wanna spread the motivation! Life is beautiful!!!
Rising NPC Bikini Star and Team Edge member, Candice Perfect, launched her Facebook Athlete's page this week. Like her stellar competitive career, the page jumped to above 100 members in a question of hours. There's no question that this super talented, well connected, and unquestionably hardworker will go pro in a matter of months! If you seen her photos on FigureBikini.com, you can tell she dresses/acts professionally on-and-off the stage. And her association with Ingrid Romero's Team Edge is relationship made in heaven, as Candice continues to climb the ranks and Team Edge continues to grow!
But it's really important to keep repeating this message to you all - I do so AT LEAST once a month. And that message is, PROMOTE YOURSELVES! I understand that getting a website is hard work and a big investment.
Many athletes, in fact, end up giving up on their dot coms because they cost too much and bring in too little; however, when you're talking about Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace - they're free and they are sites where most people congregate. So not only are they free, but they're more effective than paying for your own site.
That having been said, whether or not you plan on ever developing a webpage -- make the $6 investment and register your own NAME-DOT-COM. No one cares about DOT NET, DOT ORG, DOT U.S., etc. It started out as a DOT COM world in the 90's and IT WILL ALWAYS BE A DOT COM WORLD!
If you're a physique athlete and you don't register your own name dot com, some opportunist assbag will, and years down the road when you want it, they'll gladly sell it to your for $5,000. And worse, that whole time, all those months or years you don't show an interest in it, that person may use your name to sell legal weed or sex aides, it happens all the friggin time. YOUR NAME DOT COM is a blank page with sex ads and get rich quick schemes. You may never decide to build a website - but SECURE your name. Your name is your brand and your brand is your money, it's your future, it's your legacy. Am I getting the point across here?
Also... everyone is jumping ship from MYSPACE because Facebook and Twitter rule, but out of 200 social media sites; Myspace is still at a strong #4 (FB - 1, Twitter - 2). You DO NOT want to abandon Myspace; #4 in the world is still better than Flckr, Tublr, Orkut, Badoo, Friendster, it's still big.
Let's say you spend 1hr a day on social media promotion (something you should do). Spend 30 minutes on Facebook, 20 minutes on Twitter, and 10 minutes on Myspace. Even if you think you're all alone there, update your profile page, reach out to people, keep yourself active there. Because in 2003 Myspace was #1, and if you think their shareholders are content with being #4, you better think again. When (and it's very likely) Myspace reclaims the #1 spot, all those 10minute days you put in are going to mean the world, when all these folks start comin back. BE A STRATEGIST, you can't afford not to. It's your name, your brand, YOUR MONEY!
Vlogging is also a great, easy way to use YouTube.com to market yourself. You can tape yourself, do supplement reviews (like this one I just did), or have someone tape you in gym.
Don't think of the judges as scores; they're people, and you should try to talk to them.
One of the most frequently discussed aspects of competitive physique sports is the judging. What's the criteria? Why did the competitors place this way? Were there lighting issues? Why didn't this person get called out? I mean the questions can go on for hours, for days; when you have someone that's worked twelve or sixteen weeks for one show, you get bet your bottom dollar that questions will abound!
But while many people are plagued with uncertainty, they don't know what to do about it. Sure you can mope around, your inner circle can lift your spirits, and you can re-think everything you did and what you think went wrong, but at the end of the day - only the judges can tell you why you got the scores and/or call-outs you got. No magazine, website, training guru, or posing expert can get into the minds of the judges on that day and tell you why you got the placing you got. So in this post I ask the champions how they approach the judges.
What works for them might not work for you, but it's worth a try! Remember, the judges are under no obligation to explain their scoring to you - in a just and fair world, every athlete should get that out of respect, but there just isn't the time nor the resources for that.
Remember, the early bird gets the worm. You need to be as proactive with understanding what the judges want, as with your training, nutrition, MARKETING, and supplementation. You bear a HUGE part in whether or not you're successful in the fitness industry. OK, so let's see what the champs have to say - and a big thank you to them for participating!
"I always email the judges within a few days of the show. I attach my show photos, my name, placing and competitor number to make it easy on them when they go through results. I always thank them in advance for taking the time to review my photos and entertain feedback- if they respond I always send a follow up email thanking them again for their critique."
Allison Moyer
"The best way to approach the judges for feedback is always in a professional manner. So take the time to write a nicely composed short email with your name, contestant number, which division and class you were in, and any specific questions you might have. Make sure to attach professional pictures from the show to the email so that they can refer to them. Judges look at hundreds of physiques and can't be expected to remember yours specifically. Include picture of a front, back, and side pose if possible. Also include your phone number just in case they would rather call you. Always be appreciative and accepting of the criticism they give you... after all, your goal should be to improve for next time. I would request feedback within a week of the show so that the judges still have their notes and the show is fresh in their minds. I definitely would not approach any judges AT the show or even over the phone. Sending via email provides them all the information they need and they can respond within their own time frame and not feel rushed. Remember to thank them after they reply!"
Candice Perfect
"I think most of the judges are happy to give you feedback right after the show. Emailing with pictures is always a good idea too.
At some of the shows I've done the judges actually encourage you to approach them after the show."
Shala Singer
"I will always wait until the photos are released on muscular development and then send an email to the judge with photos attached. At events, there are so many competitors, so a week later, they'll need photos to refresh their memory. I don't usually talk to the judges at the event because there is so much going on. They've had a long day and expecting them to provide immediate feedback in a crowded atmosphere may be difficult. An email gives them time to think about the critique and allows them to respond in a time frame that is convenient for them. I've had great luck receiving feedback via email! The judges I've spoken with are very helpful and always want athletes to succeed.
Janessa Mitchell
"Always the week after via email w your stage shots attached. Ask for positive as well as neg so you can work on both Thank them for being a part of the night and your experience there. They will almost always reply to you.
I feel the night of the show they as well as YOU are both mentally and physically exhausted and wouldn't be able to absorb what they tell you. Get some rest and some food and email them with a clear head."
Danae Zaitz
So there you have it folks! The champions seem to have reached a clear consensus. Email is the best way to break the ice, you want to include photos, and you want to include contact information. Manners are huge - don't forget your please & thank you (lol, but seriously!). Also, keep your ear out for judges that want you to approach them after the show, as in Shala's case. Thanks again to the champions -- OUT of 22 approached only 5 REPLIED - that's kind of pitiful, but this advice you're getting is akin to what foods people use to carb up or where to get the best suits. Again, it may not seem like much to you, but this page (not to toot my own horn) is giving you the tools you need to succeed. I'm not about making a message board full of photos and trash talk to get a bunch of schmoes off. This page is for the champions, by the champions, and with a few words here and there from yours truly.
I am currently preparing for my next show which is in 13 days!I will be competing at the Jon Lindsay Amateur Grand Prix in Culver City, California on April 14th!I am super excited and feel confident with the physique I’ll be bringing to the stage this time.With the help of my amazing coaches from Team EDGE, Ingrid Romero andJoe DiScuillo, I’ve made several modifications to my workout routine and diet.Ingrid and Joe have worked with me to pinpoint certain things about my physique that I need to work on in order to be a better competitor in the world of fitness.Although I know it will take time before I achieve my ideal shape, I’m on the right track and have begun to make progress!
Candice training hard.
Modifications to my workouts have been focused on adding more muscle in the glute, hamstring, lat, and upper chest areas.I am pretty lean naturally, which presents a problem when trying to appear curvy and shapely.Working on building muscle in my lat area has helped give more of a tapered look to my back area, which in turn has made my waist appear smaller.My coaches have also incorporated many glute and hamstring focused exercises into my workouts which have really helped me isolate those areas and begin to add curves in places that were previously lacking.They have also incorporated plyometric movements, which I really hadn’t done much of before.
There haven’t been many modifications to my diet.My coaches have me on a well balanced nutrition plan that is different everyday so I don’t get bored.Really the only change that I’ve made regarding my nutrition is more conscious timing of my carbohydrates around my workouts.I know when I’m going to workout so I make a deliberate choice of what to eat before and after, including what kind of carbs and how many.I’ve achieved good results while using this method and would definitely recommend it.
TEAM EDGE all the way!
Another interesting update on me is that I recently had the opportunity to shoot with photographer, Noel Daganta.I had an awesome time and learned a lot about posing.It’s always amazing to me how a good photographer can capture a beautiful raw image that needs no, or minimal editing.I hope to shoot with Noel again in the near future!During my next visit to California I will be shooting with photographers Harry from LHGFX, and Chaz with Chaz Photographics.I have a lot to look forward to in the next couple of weeks!
Most of the women on this site are known for training hard, eating lean, and maintaining an almost ironclad discipline - year round. But what do the ladies do to unwind? What's a time when they just chill out? I didn't want to ask about food or drink however - as that's kind of generic in fitness-based interviews. So I asked the next best thing - "what's your favorite tv show?"
Before sharing the responses with you, I must say that some of the champions were a bit lazy for this one - we got a whopping 2 Responses. One lady seemed to have a bit of an attitude, a couple were out of town, a few were busy, some were ill, and so on.. Big thanks Candice Perfect and Kaeli Rivera, who I'm sure both had things to do, but they participated. Your input is greatly appreciated and won't be forgotten. :)
"I don't watch television that often, but when I do I have several shows that I can't resist! I usually wait until they are out on DVD and I can watch all of the episodes in a row. My favorites are House, The Office, Desperate Housewives, and Gossip Girl. I have watched every episode of all these shows... except for the current season since I'm waiting for them to come out on DVD! My favorite character from House is of course, House himself! I don't have a favorite character from The Office; I mostly like the interaction between all characters. Desperate Housewives and Gossip Girl are my guilty pleasures :). Depending on the drama du jour, my favorite character preference may change each season or episode."
Candice Perfect
"My favorite TV show is by far Man v Food... or anything with Adam Richman, so Man v Food Nation and Amazing Eats are included too! Everyone asks how I can watch those food shows, isn't it torture to see food you can't eat? While I may drool over the food they show sometimes, it isn't as hard as people would think to watch food shows. It's living vicariously through the TV, it's the closest I can get without tempting myself too to the point that I might cave in. I also really love watching the food challenges, too.
I always look forward to Wednesday nights on the Travel Channel because I know there's a new episode of my favorite show on and I can just sit down for 30 minutes and quietly indulge in all of my cravings, without having to cheat on my diet."
"I first began training in September 2011 when my friend, Jessica Fulton, made the suggestion to me. Because of my busy school and work schedule I had been inactive for a couple years and was starting to feel the effects, both physically and mentally. I didn’t realize it at the time but the lack of physical engagement was very hard on me since I had always been involved in athletics from the time I was 5 years old. I did gymnastics for 10 years and had been active in cheerleading, cross-country running, and track and field but had never lifted weights.Jessica had competed in bodybuilding shows before and was experienced in the gym so she began working with me on reaching my fitness goals. Within the first two months she helped me go from 26% body fat to 18%.
At first I started working out with the simple intention of getting back in shape, but after I saw the transformation I began considering competing in a bodybuilding show. I began doing a lot of research on everything from diet and workouts, to show preparation. I started customizing my own workouts and monitoring my diet—basically training and dieting as though I were preparing for a show. After another 2 ½ months I had gone from 18% body fat to 9%.
My workouts are always different since I get bored easily. I train legs every 4-6 days and schedule other individual body part workouts around my leg schedule. I have regular individual training days for shoulders and back where I also incorporate biceps, triceps, abs and some chest. Most of my workouts are supersets or circuits. My cardio is also varied and I do everything from Stairmaster to cycling, to inclined sprints. I try to take 2 days off every 6-8 days.
My diet consists mostly of lean protein, good fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. I obtain most of my protein from chicken, tofu, or ahi tuna. My primary fat sources are avocado, nuts, and salmon. I don’t skimp on the fruits or vegetables since I love them and would rather work harder in the gym than feel deprived. I also eat a lot of dairy such as cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and feta and goat cheese.
I competed in my first show in January 2012 at the NPC Iron Man Magazine Naturally Bodybuilding, Figure and Bikini Championships where I took 4th place in Bikini Class A. It was such a great experience and so much fun! I plan on competing in several more shows this year, although I haven’t decided which ones yet. I would absolutely love to earn my IFBB Pro Card, and am working on obtaining my NASM Personal Training Certificate.
I would like to thank my friend Jessica Fulton for getting me involved in such a great sport and encouraging me to compete. Also, my boyfriend, Daniel, for always supporting me in everything I decide to do. Additionally, I am grateful for all the help from my bodybuilder and powerlifter friends, especially Chad and Hank. I would like to thank my sponsors for their continued support and encouragement in my bodybuilding endeavors: Sunrise Sun Spa, Alaska Bagel Restaurant, Dan Stears Photography, and Valentina Chepiga for stage presence coaching!
And I'm super excited to announce that I have joined Ingrid Romero's Team Edge out of Los Angeles! I'll be working with her to continually improve in future shows!"
Candice Perfect
Editor's Notes
What's a placing? It's nothing more than the order in which a group of judges chooses to number a pool of competitors. Placings in subjective sports can be pure and utter madness, especially with newer divisions like Bikini where the judges still aren't sure what they're looking for. Politics also play a role - no matter in what show, what organization, and/or with whomever is competing. I think placings can either be icing on the cake - or wholly irrelevant. Still, it's nice to win, place, and/or be recognized by your peers.
I don't feature anyone but champions, and Candice is just that! She's worked with the best (as her feature outlines) and she's got the determination to continue working towards her goals - no matter what. I have all the confidence in the world that she'll win shows in 2012 & beyond, but what's more important - is that I know she'll do something with her name and likeness.
Marketing is very important for a physique competitor - it's as integral as healthy eating, sound training, and proper supplementation. I always stress to everyone on this page, that to a certain extent - you have be your own publicist, webmaster, executive assistant, etc. The photographers need to know who you are, the supplement companies need to know you want work, and the clients that need your guidance (personal training, diet plans, etc) - they need to be able to find you on facebook, twitter, etc. Also, do interviews and take up offers to be featured - whether paid or not - it's exposure. You can never be talked about enough - ever!
I know that Candice is keen to the fact that her work offstage is as important as on-stage and as important as in the gym. To me, a champion involves so much more than taking home a plastic trophy.
When I think of a champion, I think of Candice Perfect.
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