Monthly Archives: January 2011
Justin Lovato – 290 pounds today
Here is my second entry for my blog at Getbig.com as I am getting ready for the contests.
Checking in again, I am about 18 weeks out from the NPC California bodybuilding contestl and 26 weeks out from the NPC USA’s. My weight seems to be floating between 288 to 291 pounds. February 1st is when the prep really starts and I will begin doing cardio throughout the week.
My goal throughout this prep is to keep my food intake high while doing more cardio (walking, stair mill). I believe if my calories stay on the high end and I do more cardio, I will then keep a lot more size, be harder and have a much denser look for the contest.
I wrote my diet up and my calorie intake is right around 4,400 a day. Also, I’m not going to be training quads for about a month! Why? Well they are a very strong point for me now, almost too big (in comparison to my upper body).
So I believe if I take the muscle group(s) that need more work and hit them twice a week instead of training quads, I really think they will respond. Quads require a lot of nutrition and recovery time. I believe this will allow all the nutrition to go to “weaker points” instead of my quads.
I think then my “weak points” will grow rather quickly! Time will tell. We took a video of my shoulder workout and will try post it up soon. I am ready to Rock and Roll!!!
2011 Vitrix Model Team – Getbig Approved
The 2011 Vitrix Model Team is searching for a new model – ok, one cute sultry Vitrix Vixen who can spice up the pages of the Vitrix Model Team, and have a chance to join the six current Vitrix Models. Here is your chance to vote on which model you would like to see more of, at the link below:
Please Vote
As many Getbigger’s already know, the pictures on the site are quite sexy, and borderline provacative that keeps bringing the men back to check it out. All to keep bringing attention to Vitrix, Nutrex’s male libido and performance enhancer.
So go ahead, and enjoy the pics of Cat Holland, Danny J, Erica Fruest, Larrisa Reis, Prudence Moe, Elena Machin, and sometimes Ana Tigre.
BSN sold for $144 million to Glanbia
The rumors started swirling in December. BSN had finally entered into an agreement with another company to purchase them. There were a few companies looking to purchase BSN, because of their continued growth and great products, but when we heard that Glanbia was emerging as the front runner, it got interesting. Because Glanbia, in our industry, is a known company, being the owners of Optimum Nutrition and American Body Boduilding products, and because they have given these two companies great support and leeway into building the brands into what they are.
By January 1st, everything looked to be in order, but no one except the dealmakers knew when the final acquisition date would take place, or if there would be snags. This morning, everything was complete. BSN was purchased for $144 million dollars, debt free.
In a conference call to BSN employees today at 9am Eastern time, Hugh McGuire, CEO of Glanbia, spoke of the purchase and how they intend to keep continuing making BSN a household name and the great brand they are.
In a conference call to Optimum and ABB employees an hour later, they were told that the acquisition was complete. The companies would stay separate for now, and all business was the same as usual. For Glanbia, this is a great move – BSN, along with Optimum and ABB, are three great supplement brands that are continuing to grow.
Here is one of the press releases that was found on the internet regarding the purchase.
Irish cheese and nutritional ingredients maker Glanbia (ISE:GL9) on Wednesday said it had bought US sector player Bio-Engineered Supplements and Nutrition (BSN) for USD144m (EUR107m), in line with its strategy to grow in the sports nutrition sector. Glanbia has financed the deal with existing debt facilities and expects the acquisition to increase its earnings in 2011. BSN employs 140 people and sells its products through 40,000 retail stores in the US as well as in 90 countries globally. It booked net revenues of USD135.4m and an adjusted EBIT of USD16.3m in 2009. Its gross assets stood at USD30.5m at the end of December 2009. Country: , USA Sector: Pharmaceuticals, Food/Beverages/Tobacco Target: Bio-Engineered Supplements & Nutrition Inc (BSN) Buyer: Glanbia Plc Deal size in USD: 144m Type: Corporate acquisition Financing: Existing resources, Debt Status: Closed
2011 Bodybuilding.com Los Angeles Fitness Expo
The Los Angeles Fit Expo kicks the season off next weekend. This is always a great expo and a way to get motivated and inspired for the year. Lonnie Teper is also hosting the first NPC Naturally competition, which will be held in conjunction with the Fit Expo. Bodybuilding.com will choose a new male and female spokesmodel at the event and the competition is fierce this year. We’ll be there all weekend, will you?
When:
January 29-30, 2011
Where:
The Los Angeles Convention Center
Event Info:
www.thefitexpo.com
The 2011 Bodybuilding.com Los Angeles Fitness Expo, California’s largest health and fitness weekend, returns Saturday and Sunday, January 29-30 to the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street, West Hall. Attendees will find over 250 exhibits offering the latest in fitness, diet, nutrition, strength and wellness products and services.
The Los Angeles Fitness Expo also offers free admission to 15 major competitions.
Special Guest Appearances At The Los Angeles Fitness Expo:
Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, Jay Cutler, Phil Collen (Def Leppard Lead Guitarist/Muay Thai Kickboxer), Jean Carrillo (World Champion Muay Thai Trainer), Herb Dean (Renowned MMA Referee & Fighter), Bad Kitty Sassy Fitness, Paul Daniels, Chady Dunmore, Eric The Trainer’s Sumo Challenge, Carmen Electra, Chris Faildo (The Hawaiian Hurricane), Lou Ferrigno, Sherry Goggin (Ms. Fitness America), Odd Haugen (Strongman Champion), Roland Kickinger, Amanda Latona, Alicia Marie, Scot Mendelson (Powerlifting World Champion), Lonnie Teper, Seb Zewdie, and many more.
Ticket Information:
Your ticket includes admission into the giant exhibition floor filled with the best cutting edge companies displaying, promoting and selling fitness, health and well-being products and services. Your admission ticket also includes FREE admission to all THIRTEEN different competitions taking place on The Los Angeles Fitness Expo floor! Don’t forget to check out the FREE seminars, demonstrations and celebrity autograph sessions and grab all the FREE samples. Many of our exhibitors are offering super-cool products at discounted prices so be prepared for the shopping action. It’s non-stop fun for the entire family and it is ONLY $20 a day!
Saturday: $20
Sunday: $20
Weekend Package: Saturday & Sunday: $30
Kids tickets, 12 and under, will be $10 a day at the door only.
Kids 6 and under are free.
Los Angeles Fitness Expo Show Hours:
Events in West Hall A/B
Saturday January 29, 2011 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday January 30, 2011 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
PBW Announces Changes for 2011
When “Pro Bodybuilding Weekly” returns on January 24th for the start of another year of bodybuilding talk radio, keep an eye (and an ear) out for some big changes.
For starters, long time co-host and “athletes rep” Bob Cicherillo will not be returning for PBW’s 7th season. A series of contractual changes in the life of Cicherillo have forced him to turn his attention to some new projects and some exciting new opportunities. Rest assured, Bob has big plans! — So, the big question: Who’s gonna fill Bob’s big Size 13 shoes in the broadcast booth?
Well, as it turns out, those shoes are so big, the search for a new co-host led to NOT ONE, but TWO of the bodybuilding community’s most knowledgable and influential personalities, giving way to a new 3-man format.
Joining Dan in PBW’s new “3 Man Booth” is long time IFBB Pro League official Lee Thompson. When it comes to “inside scoop” it’s hard to get any closer to the action. In addition to his annual seat at the Olympia judges table, Lee’s candid insight and understanding of all aspects of the sport is in a league of its own. Lee’s addition to the show ensures that PBW will continue to deliver the latest IFBB/NPC news….straight from the source.
But MOVE OVER, there’s still another seat to fill in the new 3-Man format. And that spot goes to one of the most recognized experts in the field. Regarded as one of the original “Gurus”, Chad Nicholls brings more than 2 decades of experience to the show.
When it comes to understanding ALL elements of bodybuilding, Chad covers all the bases. His advisory services have been sought out by some of the most iconic men to ever step on a bodybuilding stage. HIs ability to assess a physique and breakdown a lineup are only the beginning. Also a long time NPC Chairman, Chad’s popularity and personal history in the sport are the source of some of the greatest bodybuilding stories ever told.
Presented once again by MuscleTech, PBW’s 2011 schedule gets underway on Monday January 24th at 8pm ET. For more information, visit www.BodybuildingRadio.com
Team BSN® Welcomes IFBB Roelly Winklaar
BSN® is pleased to announce the latest addition to its elite roster of athletes, IFBB pro and 2010 New York Pro Champion Roelly Winklaar! 2010 saw Roelly emerge from relative anonymity to take the IFBB by storm in his rookie season, making a splash with a strong debut at the Arnold Classic before taking the top honors in New York and finishing the year with his first trip to the Olympia stage.
Along the way, Roelly’s mix of size, conditioning and an undeniably freaky aesthetic made a lot of people around the sport take notice, and BSN® was no exception. With his immense promise and relentless dedication to improve and take his physique to even greater heights, Roelly will make an excellent ambassador for the world leader in nutritional supplementation for years to come.
A native of Curacao who now resides in the Netherlands, Egberton Rulove “Roelly” Etienne-Winklaar first came to national prominence in the US with his overall win at the 2009 NPC Arnold Amateur Championships, displaying a rare combination of massive size and shredded conditioning that heralded big things to come. The dominant win set him up for his big 2010, highlighted by his top-three finish at the Australia Pro Grand Prix and stunning victory at the prestigious New York Pro. With a passion for competition and some valuable Mr. Olympia experience now under his belt, the future looks very bright for Roelly in 2011.
Roelly will make his onstage debut as a Team BSN® athlete at the 2011 Arnold Classic in March, looking to capture the title at the same venue where he earned his pro card and subsequently made his pro debut. Joining him this year will be new BSN® teammate Dennis Wolf, and the duo will present a formidable threat to the rest of the deep field expected at this year’s event – so it should be a Classic in every sense of the word!
Once again, BSN® welcomes Roelly as the newest member of Team BSN®, and we look forward to watching him continue to climb his way up the IFBB pecking order and back to the Olympia stage in 2011!
2011 Arnold Classic Competitor Blogs
Our sister site, Hardbody.com has been bringing us a number of competitor blogs as they gear up for the 2011 Arnold Classic Weekend, including the Bikini International, Figure International, and Fitness International. Here are some of the blogs as they get ready.
Included are:
Updates to the 2011 Arnold Classic Competitor List
Two new names were added to the 2011 Arnold Classic. Congratulations to Fouad Abiad, and Sergey Shelestov on being invited, while Marius Graatrud has dropped out. Here is the latest list of competitors to the 2011 Arnold Classic.
1. Fouad Abiad
2. Evan Centopani
3. Toney Freeman
4. Dexter Jackson
5. Johnnie Jackson
6. Victor Martinez
7. Essa Obaid
8. Ben Pakulski
9. Robert Piotrkowicz
10 .Ronny Rockel
11. Sergey Shelestov
12. Branch Warren
13. Roelly Winklaar
14. Dennis Wolf
In the 2011 Ms. International, Klaudia Larson has dropped out of the Ms. International. Here is the current list.
1. Betty Adkins
2. Rita Maria Bello
3. Dayana Cadeau
4. Tina Chandler
5. Maria del Carmen Gomez
6. Sarah Hayes
7. Iris Kyle
8. Debi Laszewski
9. Cathy LeFrancois
10. Yaxeni Oriquen Garcia
11. Jeannie Paparone
12. Alina Popa
13. Antoinette Thompson
14. Isabelle Turell
There have been no changes to the 2011 Bikini International, 2011 Figure International or the 2011 Fitness International from the competitor lists.
Are You Tough Enough? WWE Wants YOU!
The WWE and the USA Network are bringing back the hit reality competition, Tough Enough. Casting producers are currently searching the globe for hardbody men and women to cast on the show. This is your chance to be the next WWE super star. One lucky competitor will earn a contract with the WWE. See complete details below.
Are you TOUGH ENOUGH to be the next WWE SUPERSTAR?
WWE and the USA Network are bringing back the hit reality competition show Tough Enough! One competitor will earn a WWE contract and be the next WWE Superstar!!!
Casting Producers are searching the world to find extraordinary men and women with the following qualities:
• CHARISMA
• PERSONALITY
• ATHLETICISM
• AGILITY
• STAMINA
• STRENGTH
And an INTENSE DESIRE to be the next WWE Superstar!If you believe you have what it takes to not only earn the contract, but excel in World Wrestling Entertainment…
Email: ToughEnoughCasting@shedmediaus.com with your name, age, city and state, phone numbers, a current photo of you, and a brief paragraph about you and why you think you can make it in the WWE.
Meet Justin Lovato – Training for the NPC California
My name is Justin Lovato. I am an NPC National level competitor and truly believe to be a up and comer for this sport. In 2010, I took 3rd at the NPC California and 2nd at the NPC West Coast classic in my class. If you look at the pictures in the picture gallery on Getbig, you can see a huge difference between the two show and they were only a month apart. The first contest, at the NPC California, I was shredded, but flat. At the West Coast Classic, I wanted to see how full I could possibly get (experimenting) and learned a lot.
Afterwards, in the off season, I stayed very clean with my eating habits and also started to train again ‘old school’ like I was used to, and had great results. I am currently sitting at around 290+ pounds with some abs still showing. I have been at this weight before but usually kind of sloppy, never in this great of shape. I started my prep for the NPC California contest on January 1st and I am very excited.
My goal is to run threw this contest, and show up insane looking, with all eyes on me. I want to own this show! I feel it is important for me to do my best and win this contest do to the fact that my main goal is getting and winning the NPC USA’s this year. I feel if I clean up at the California or do extremely well, I will get some respect and get a good look from the judges at the USA’s.
I know I still have much to improve on and that’s what makes this sport so amazing. The journey to continue and push yourself beyond limits you never thought was possible. I am working with GETBIG.com and will be posting every few weeks on my prep and how it’s going. I am pumped for this year!
Toney Freeman Statement regarding his Sweden Trip
Toney Freeman, decided to respond to what happened when we went to Sweden. Here, in his own words, is what occured, and why he felt that Sweden, and the police in Sundsvall have their own agenda.
To all my fans out there, all around the world.
As we close out 2010, I wanted to take a little time out to talk to you from my heart. There is so much out there that is misunderstood and misquoted. So here’s the truth. Two weeks ago, I was invited to Sweden, along with other major bodybuilders to a fitness expo in Gothenburg, Sweden, I had just completed a successful four-day tour in Denmark, so 1 got there early, to meet the fans and Sundsvall was one of my stops.
You can imagine how shocked I was. Right in the middle of an in-store signing, about 10 police officers walked in and asked for me to come with them to the station. There was no warning, and I could not think why the police would want me. I thought it was a practical joke. But right there in front of my confused fans, I was escorted to a police van. Some paparazzi were there, as well as a TV crew.
When I got to the police station, I was told I was suspected of abusing drugs. I could not understand why. I had hardly been in Sweden a few hours and had no history as a drug user. I could not maintain my status as a competitive athlete and professional if I was addicted to narcotics.
The police said that because I was extraordinarily muscular, it was likely I had used steroids. They did not allow me to call a lawyer, the US embassy or call my family. Instead they interrogated me and forced me to provide a urine sample and told me the urine tests would be back in 3 weeks.They asked me to tell them if I had used certain anabolic steroids. I advised them that I take my health seriously and that if they had any official queries, I could authorize my doctor to provide them with a medical report. They did not ask for this, A few hours later, the police let me go without charge. I was not remanded into custody or asked to report to the police station.
I was shocked to find the story on the news. Henrik Blusi, the local police inspector was giving a biased account. Although most civil matters are private unless a crime is proven, Mr. Blusi could not wait to go on camera. Ile was using the media to push his agenda. He apparently told the media that it is immoral for bodybuilders to be used in advertising in Sweden. He also said “Bodybuilders are not welcome in Sundsvall”. As a result, many US professional bodybuilders scheduled to appear in Gothenburg cancelled. This could also affect Sweden’s relations with the fitness community as no one wants to be treated like I was.
Disgusted by the police harassment and shocked at the way the matter was handled, I returned to Stockholm and decided to cancel my tour and return to the United States.
Friends, I respect the Swedish people, and their government. I can understand the need to educate people and deal with the harm that all drug abuse is doing to our communities. However, my experience shows that the focus for some Swedish law enforcement right now is to humiliate, not to rehabilitate. Does Sweden condone victimization of any group of people? Is it ethical for an officer of the law to go on public record making allegations before any evidence has been found? I believe it is waste of the Swedish taxpayer’s money to finance this witch hunt.
Right now, in Sweden, anyone who looks muscular, who wears dreadlocks, tattoos and piercings can be forced to go to the police station, provide a urine or blood sample and be interrogated without an attorney. You might even have the police using you as an example and humiliate you on TV. Attached separately are links to cases showing how the Swedish police’s “war on bodybuilders” has played out. You decide for yourselves.
Folks. I am angry and disappointed, but I am not broken. 2011 will see many great things from me to you, so I invite you to keep an open mind and stay in touch with me. I will see you on the road and thank all of you who sent me those encouraging Tweets and Facebook messages. I also want to thank all my sponsors, supporters, friends and my wife and family for a great year and for your hard work for me, 1 wish you all happy holidays and a X-tra special 2011. Live your dreams and stay healthy and focused.
Peace,
Toney Freeman