“Basically, I love your message.”

That one line could have been enough for us to welcome fitness model Heather Leff into the MuscleSport Mag family, but we were sold the minute our eyes fell on the pictures she included in her initial e-mail to us.

That message was just the beginning of what has now become a working relationship, with the addition of Leff as one of our staff writers. Starting with the Summer 2011 edition of our online magazine, the 34-year-old Malvern, Pennsylvania native will be the head writer covering women’s bodybuilding, fitness, figure and bikini. But first things first.

Upon discovering our website and the “This Is Your Magazine” section, Leff knew that she was a good fit. “Why not reach out to the ones that truly represent what I’m about?” she asked no one in particular. “And once I saw your site, I knew that you were one of those companies.”

Although she began working out at the age of 16, Leff considers her ‘training’ to have commenced in her mid-20s. But she was far from your average young lady in the gym. “At first I bought into the light weight/high rep philosophy,” she recalled. “Then it clicked that the only way I’d see my muscles grow was to switch up my game and move heavier weight.”

Waking up at 5:00 AM six days a week to train is hardly an inconvenience for Leff. As a matter of fact, she treats it as if it were a second job. “Just saying I’ve made the gym a lifestyle isn’t an option,” she says rather convincingly. “I walk the walk.” She treats her diet the same way and quipped, “That’s all part of the deal. Can’t walk that walk without both feet in.”

Personal tragedy plays a part in Leff’s commitment to being healthy and fit. In 2008, she sadly lost an older brother to addiction and confided, “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him and the choices he made. That’s my motivation for only turning to positive things that make me feel good and are good for me.”

Asked when she knew that she had something special going, Leff told us, “I knew when I was voted into second place in this year’s Bodybuilding.com BodySpace spokesmodel semifinals. The response was overwhelming and it gave me the drive to make an impact.”

Leff has made such drastic gains that many people just assumed that she was a competitor, which she finds hard to believe. “Coming from the mindset where you never think you’re ‘enough’ is a difficult self-perception to shatter,” she said regarding her decision to wait until the time is right to enter her first show. “When I really think about it, I know I could do it. Part of my charm is being an overachieving perfectionist. So we’ll see what the future has in store.”

The one thing that we do know about the future is that MuscleSport Mag is a better product with Leff now on board.

Be sure to check out Heather Leff’s interview with Fit Over Fat.com:

http://www.fitoverfat.com/heather-leff-interview/

http://www.fitoverfat.com/wp-content/uploads/heatherworkout.pdf

Her Bodybuilding.com BodySpace page:

http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/zephyr893/

Her interview on Cut and Jacked.com:

http://www.cutandjacked.com/interview-with-HeatherLeff

And follow her on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/#!/hleffer

‘This is Your Magazine’ is merely one of the reasons why MuscleSport Mag is far and wide better than any other publication out there. What other media outlet features the up and coming athlete, the same as if he or she was a professional in their industry? This is the place to get your face and story out there, and who knows what opportunities may arise from that type of exposure?

On hand were baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, John Balik from Iron Man magazine, Muscle Beach Director Joe Wheatley, IFBB Pro Jerome “Hollywood” Ferguson, co-founder of Muscle Beach Relna Brewer, fitness model Brenda Kelly, Eric the Trainer and many more.

http://blip.tv/file/3264486

Worldwide Reward System For All Who Are BodyProud -

A QUICK OVERVIEW

In the past, physique competitors, from their first show onwards, have always competed in standard event “Categories” such as Bodybuilding, Figure, Fitness, Fitness Model, Muscle Model and Swimsuit Model. However, it was often ‘guesswork’ on which category was most suited to them and sometimes their physique, passion and talents were better suited for something else. Additionally, each category often shows a wide variance in physique-types amongst competitors; between organizations; within sponsorship print ads; and even among individuals themselves who train differently from show to show… So there was obviously a lot of confusion.

What type of physique is ideal for what category?
What category does my physique best exemplify?
What type of athlete am I?!?

This also, understandably, pushed people to enter multiple categories in an effort to “find themselves”, and obviously left a big question mark for both the audience and media!! Plus winning required that competitors had to excel in all aspects of each round within that category, thus eliminating those great posers or performers who still ‘wowed’ the judges yet weren’t at their peak in all other areas.

As of January 2010, this has all changed. The Worldwide Point Reward System for all who are Body Proud was born to provide the industry with standardization and clarity. Not only does it reward people for their competition history (regardless of organization affiliation), it also highlights those who have garnered themselves media exposure, performed philanthropic work, and/or reached new levels of personal growth, amongst other things.

Quite simply, this new system has taken the guess work out and replaced it with opportunity… Opportunity to promote these individuals as actual Role Models. Opportunity for competitors to use their passion, skills, goals and personal bliss as their guide in making contest choices. Opportunity to win awards – and points – based on exceptional elements that they portray on stage at any time. Opportunity to do what they enjoy and allow their success to earn a specific type of athletic categorytitle, such as “Fitness, Muscle or Swimsuit Model; and/or Bodybuilding, Fitness or Figure Athlete”. Opportunity to continue to climb up the ranks in their accomplished category and compete in Elite Level Shows in an attempt to turn Pro, become a Body Proud Role Model and/or win exceptional rewards.

There are 2 types of shows: “Open Concept Shows” which are open to everyone (all levels, all ages, including those facing physical challenges and consists of 5 different Rounds); and “Elite Level Show” (only open to Elite and Pro Level Athletes and consist of the original categories). Check the Event Schedule to determine the type(s) of show per location.

Open Level Shows consists of 3 of the 5 different Realms which make up 5 optional Rounds of competition:

The Realms are: “Body As Art”; “Performance” and “Transformation”

The Body As Art Realm s heavily focused on the physique, as the name implies. Competitors have 2 options, a swimsuit modelling round and a posing round, either live or online. These rounds are open to all body proud individuals who display a lean, healthy physique with any amount of musculature and/or tone. It’s now the job of the judges to place such competitors into various groupings to determine who shall be Nominated and/or presented as a Finalist or Winner based on single elements, such as “Best Poser”, “Best Muscle Art Tattoos”, “Best Stage Presence”, “Most Symmetrical”, “Most Muscular”, “Best Lines”, “Most Captivating” etc. Each Award also corresponds to a set Point Score within the Body Proud Worldwide Point Reward System. Once a competitor earns a set amount of points, from the required realms, they move up the tier to become known as an Elite Level Athlete, a FAME Pro, a Body Proud Role Model, and finally a WNSO Pro

The Posing Round consists of all the same poses that Bodybuilders and Figure Athletes perform. However, this Round is also open to Fitness Competitors, as well as models, and anyone who wants to flash their muscles as a way to earn more points.

The Performance Realm consists of 3 options, all which are not based on physique-readiness:
Fitness Fashion Evening Wear Modelling, Themewear Modelling (which includes the opportunity to perform a skit based on the theme) and Performance Routines (which include bodybuilder type artistic routines; high energy dance; cheerleading and gymnastics; martial arts, etc). These rounds are again open, meaning that everyone can participate, regardless of physique style, level and/or past experience. Some examples of Awards are: “Most Entertaining”, “Most Alluring”, “Most Creative”, “Best Display of Musculature”, “Best Strength Displays”… Like the Physique Realm, additional Awards may be presented, based on what strikes the judges as sensational and worthy of credit.

See Competition Regulations Here

The Transformation Realm consists of the Body Proud Showcase and does not involve any type of judging at all. Rather it’s about the story and the “spotlight”. Everyone has a story. And everyone’s story should be heard.

The Body Proud Showcase provides the opportunity for everyone (competitors, athletes, Pros and newcomers to scene) to get up on stage, as part of the FAME Family, and share with us their goals, triumphs, transformations, past obstacles and personal history. The purpose is multi-fold: to inspire others to start their journey to become body proud; to attract media attention; to purposefully use the stage to face fears; deal with your past; encourage your own personal growth and reach out to others. And, the great news is that the Worldwide Point Reward System for all who are Body Proud rewards every single person for getting up on stage and sharing their story, no matter where they are in their journey. The Body Proud Showcase is about inspiring the planet to change. Together we can unite the world through fitness!

We highly encourage everyone to participate in some way – either as a presenter or spectator. Either way, you will be moved. The Body Proud Showcase is life changing.

Once competitors earn enough points in all required realms their status changes from that as a ‘competitor’ to that as an ‘athlete’ or ‘model’ because at that point their physique and performance skills are representative of that category.

As a designated “Athlete” and “Model” competitors are eligible to compete in any of the rounds of the Open Level Show as well as in the larger, designated full scale “Elite Level Shows” shows once they earn enough points from their required realms. These full scale shows have actual categories, rather than single rounds. So, for example, a Fitness Model would compete in the Swimsuit Round as well as the Themewear and/or Fitness Fashion Evening Wear Round. A Bodybuilder or Figure Athlete would compete in the Symmetry, Posing & Routine Round. A Fitness Athlete would compete in the Symmetry and Routine Rounds.

Those recognized as a FAME Pro can then go on to become a WNSO Pro. Only those who win the Overalls at a Pro Show, and who score enough points in all realms, are designated the honorable title of WNSO Pro. It’s not easy to come by and means a lot to those who earn it.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER 2 REALMS?

Publicity and Living Body Proud. Click here for more info.

Participating in all Realms ensure that all those who are being hailed an “Ambassador”, “Elite Athlete”, “FAME Pro” and “WNSO Pro” are properly representative of an overall healthy, positive fitness lifestyle. These people, regardless of placing in a contest are seen as HEROES, and as such, they must embody those qualities that are beneficial for others to emulate. For this reason, everyone must earn points in Living Body Proud (which includes philanthropic and educational Rounds); Publicity (media, exposure & professional image); Competition (Body as Art and/or performance which can be either via online and live events).

Points are earned by each individual who starts, continues and triumphs in their journey to become their most body proud. Points are given out in all Realms: Living Body Proud (living a healthy, active, positive lifestyle); Competition – “Body As Art” & “Performance” (physique competitions, from any recognized organization); Publicity (media, exposure); These points act as a personal motivator. Once an individual earns a set point score, from all necessary realms, they also earn corresponding Rewards and Status Titles.

Learn About the Point Distribution Here
Awards (ie. trophies / prizes) are given out at the FAME World Tour events based on the attributes displayed in each Round. Whenever there is a competitor who exemplifies the designated attributes as per the award description, that Award is handed out on stage. Similar to major Hollywood Events, each award is presented to only one person. However, should there be multiple individuals who qualify for it, then all those individuals are called out on stage as either Nominees &/or Finalists. Nominees are all those who could potentially win the Award. Finalists are only those who are in the running to receive the top placing, meaning that it’s not a clear-cut winner. Thus, the Award recipient earns the most Points followed by any Finalists and then the Nominees. There is never one set number of Finalists and Nominees possible, meaning that everyone who is deserving to be included is given that recognition. As such, all Awards received are based on merit. Recipients know, that regardless of how many other individuals compete alongside them, they are only given an Award when they are worthy.

Plus, within each round and each show, there is the opportunity for one person to scoop up a multitude of awards. Exciting!

In addition, all competitors receive an authentic certificate of Recognition (as well as corresponding Points) for having competed in a show. These certificates are presented on stage so that each competitor is certified and recognized for their triumphs and commitment to self.

Rewards are distributed to individuals whose point distribution and tabulation reaches a set level. Rewards include, and are not limited to, becoming a Muscles Making A Difference Everywhere (MMADE) spokesperson for the charity or demographic of their choice (see the example of FAME Pro Malachi Smith, a FAME Pro who received a VIP endorsement trip in East Africa); free entry fees, flights &/or hotel to designated FAME Championships events; products from sponsors; VIP vacation travel complete with celebrity treatment; tickets to the FAME Awards Gala; professional photoshoots; magazine cover tries, and more.

For more information, visit www.bodyproud.org

Photo: The FAME Northeast Championships 1/10/10 at the Philadelphia Sports Extravaganza

Source: http://www.bodyproud.org/forum/topics/2315605:Topic:238685

“I always loved the game of soccer and was named the PAC-10 Player of the Week when I was a freshman at the University of Oregon,” the 21-year-old said. “The following year, I transferred to the University of Missouri.” The life-altering injury occurred that season and Zaler again transferred, but this time it was back to her hometown of Scottsdale at Arizona State University, where she is currently in her last year and working towards a BS in Exercise and Wellness.

“I am using both my personal experience, as well as education and passion for fitness to help others reach their goals – whether it be sports performance, weight loss or general fitness training.”

In addition to being a student, Zaler is also a certified personal trainer, fitness model and figure competitor. If that isn’t enough, she also took on the task of writing a nutritional cookbook entitled “The EZ Whey – Clean Eats That Taste Like Cheats!”

“I have now taken my love for cooking and combined it with my love for fitness to create my own fitness/clean eating recipe book,” Zaler says proudly. “I have taken my drive, determination, work ethic, dedication, discipline and motivation that I learned being an elite athlete and am now applying that towards making a name for myself in the fitness industry.”

The thing that separates this system from the others is that Zaler actually cooks with whey protein in many of her recipes. “Being a figure athlete, I came up with most of my recipes when I was in contest prep,” she recalls. “I needed to find a way to be more creative and make dieting more enjoyable.”

After posting some of her recipes on the various fitness forums online, Zaler received such a positive response that she decided to put them together in a cookbook. “My book can target many different audiences, including people who are trying to lose weight, people who just want to maintain a healthy lifestyle or even people who are preparing for a contest,” she said. “And all of my recipes are diabetic-friendly, as I use no sugar in nay of them.”

Especially with the holiday season upon us, eating properly becomes not just a job, but an adventure. Take the mystery out of it by following a clean and healthy diet that merely tastes like you’re cheating. “We all know that after the holidays and at the start of the new year everybody has weight loss and health goals they set for themselves,” Zaler commented. “My book is a great tool that can be utilized and allow people to truly enjoy what they are eating while still reaching their fitness goals.”

For more info or to order your copy of The EZ Whey, please visit www.theEZWhey.com. You can contact Emily at ezwheycookbook@gmail.com. You can also follow the latest news and updates at twitter.com/theezwhey and facebook: ezwheycookbook

Top photo by Jeph DeLorme

Photo by Mike Byerly

Over a decade ago, at the age of 30, Honnor was a new mother to a beautiful baby boy when she first noticed something odd was happening. Her symptoms started out minor but over time increased in crippling severity. She first noticed that she was unable to flex her finger. Due to many contributing factors, her symptoms worsened, her mobility weakened and relentless pain forced her to seek medical help.

During a visit with her family doctor, Honnor received the devastating news. “My doctor was emotional when she told me I had rheumatoid arthritis.” Honnor remembers that day vividly. “At that moment I didn’t fully understand her emotion or the ramifications of such a devastating illness until I looked it up. I was stunned.”

She was told with absolute certainty she would be confined to a wheelchair within five years and her career would end within two. As she listened to her doctor, the news became more devastating, when she was told the life expectancy for someone with RA is dramatically shortened. Her doctor prescribed a cocktail of medications that would not be a cure but would help her manage her illness and support her with her pain. Her world was crashing around her.

Unlike other forms of arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of joints, attacks muscle and other body organs. Instead of guarding the body against infection and preventing harm, the body’s immune system attacks itself.

For the first two years she trudged on without the use of conventional medicine and coping with indescribable and excruciating pain, as her immune system savagely attacked her body until it was unable to naturally heal its self. A naturally private person, Honnor didn’t want to burden her friends and family with the details of her illness so she bore the brunt of it alone.

Often so weak from the pain, she was unable to pull herself out of bed. “I would have to roll out of bed and pull myself up on my elbows on the bedside table. It felt as though I was standing on broken shards of glass in my feet.” She remembers vividly having to use her teeth to tear at the Velcro tabs of her son’s diapers because the pain in her hands was unbearable.

Over the next eight years, her body’s immune system viciously attacked her joints and other body tissue. Honnor did not believe she was born with this illness so there should be a cure. She left no stone unturned. Her answers came in the form of a World-Class Medical treatment centre called Sanoviv.

After devastating side affects from the medication, of which were liver, kidney and heart complications she left Vancouver in a wheelchair to be admitted to Sanoviv Medical Institute in Mexico. Working with an entire team of medical professionals over a course of two years and two in patient treatment programs. Honnor now believes they have found the root cause of her illness. The suspect: a root canal.

Her goal, after her initial treatment at Sanoviv, was to compete at the FAME Canadian Nationals in March 2009, but it seemed RA was standing in her way. Honnor wasn’t going to let the illness defeat her as it had in the past. She set a new goal for October 2009.

Over the course of the next months, on a specific functional medicine plan which was closely monitored, Honnor worked to ready her body for the competition.  Paying close attention to fatigue, pain and unstable joints, Honnor splinted and braced while strengthening her healing body with various forms of daily exercise, including 20 minutes a day on the Stairmaster and 30- 45 minutes of treadmill cardiovascular endurance. Four days a week, she worked a different muscle group, creating alternative systems and methods to accommodate her special needs while paying particular attention to her abdominal muscles. Most days, it was all she could do as a workout then she would have to rest.

Honnor’s hard work and dedication paid off, when she showed she was Body Proud at the FAME Canadian Nationals, when she took home the first place Fitness Model Physically Challenged and the Most Inspirational Athlete awards.

In November, she also competed at the FAME International Championships where she won the first place samurai trophies for FAME Fitness Model Masters and FAME Fitness Model Physically Challenged. Way to go Honnor, you showed the world that even after suffering the effects of a devastating illness like Rheumatoid Arthritis, it is possible to be Body Proud.

Copyright © 2009 Allison Atwater

About the Author: Allison Atwater is a freelance writer and fiction writer.  She writes for many online publications. She lives in Surrey BC, with her husband and two young sons. Her website is www.flatwater-publishing.com.

Photos: www.kcgunnphoto.com

For more information, please visit Honnor’s personal website, www.honnormoore.com.

Source: http://www.bodyproud.org/forum/topics/results-fame-international

The right move would be to pre-order your tickets and there is a simple, online system to do so. Just go to the following:

http://www.eventbee.com/event/register?eid=61632

Prices are as follows:

Friday, November 6:  Pre-judging, BodyProud Showcase at the W Hotel – $25

Saturday, November 7: Judging at the War Memorial, Grandstand Seating (General Admission) – $20, VIP Reserved Floor Seating – $25

Saturday, November 7: Finals at the War Memorial, Grandstand Seating (General Admission) – $25, VIP Reserved Floor Seating – $40

Saturday, November 7: Full Day VIP Pass – $55

Weekend Pass (Includes Friday and Saturday) – $70

SPECIAL DISCOUNT TICKET PACKAGES

Judging 10-Pack Special – $170

Finals, Reserved 10-Pack Special – $270

WHO CAN COMPETE?:
* International Athletes from all organizations
* Novice, Advanced & Pro - Details
* Juniors
Masters & Senior Athletes

DIVISIONS:
Swimsuit Model Search
Fitness Model Search
Muscle Model Search
Figure – Physique
Figure – Posing & Routine
Natural Bodybuilding
Fitness
Fit Duos
Power Dance
Physically Challenged

On Tuesday May 12 at 1:00 PM Eastern time, MuscleSport Radio will feature NPC figure competitor and fitness model Alli Moyer. Not one to mince words, Moyer can certainly back it up and is absolutely stunning in appearance.

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes. 

Please feel free to join us and give us your opinion, ask Alli a question or make a comment. Our call-in number is 347-884-8157.

UPCOMING GUESTS

May 19 – Former NFL player Bill Romanowski

May 26 – Former WWF superstar Lanny Poffo

By Leigh Penman - Top NPC figure competitor and fitness model Alli Moyer has been an athlete all of her life. A competitive athlete in track, field and cross country throughout her high school and college years she decided to turn to weightlifting when she was 18 in order to add some shape to her 5’ 6 ½” , 110-115 lb frame. However, what really turned her into the fierce figure competitor she is today was a life event that may have destroyed a less resilient person. Here, in her own words, is her story…..

“The desire to add some shape to my body was what brought me into the gym, but what kept me in the gym was probably one of the worst moments of my life. At the age of 19 I was raped, by someone I knew and trusted. I still struggle to really explain with clarity where my mind went after that rape. I became very withdrawn, I became very secluded, and I began to drink – A LOT. I had a lot of anger and hostility inside me – just a lot of negative energy rolling around beneath the surface, and nowhere to go with it. So I drank. I used to take rum in diet coke bottles into class (if I went to class). I drank every day and every night. I was slowly becoming the worst version of myself that I had ever seen.

“Finally, at the request of my friends I went to see a counselor. Slowly, I began refocusing on myself and trying to get back on track with school. But my self esteem was still shot. I walked with my head down. I cried continually, and I remember feeling like a very weak person. At the time, I had kind of lapsed in the gym. I was still going but I was inconsistent and I was barely working out while I was there.”

It was at this point in time that one of those ‘life changing events’ happened…in a grocery store….

“While I was in a grocery store, I saw a copy of ‘Oxygen’ magazine. Inside was a feature on abs, and the featured ab model was Tara Scotti. I remember staring at those photos for what seemed like an eternity. It wasn’t even her physique; it was the dominance in her stance and the look of pure confidence in her eyes. Something inside me moved, and I decided I wanted what she had.”

And, that was the moment that changed Alli’s life…it was the moment when the gym literally became her savior…

“I can honestly say that the gym really did save me. All the negativity I was feeling about myself, my life and what had happened to me was just fuel for the fire. Lifting allowed me to harness that anger and use it. Although I was thicker and bigger than I had ever been, I was feeling more confident. I felt secure in my body. I felt strong, powerful, and safe. My self esteem slowly began to return. I started to walk with my head up again.

“By the age of 20 I did my first NABBA show and was hooked. I set my sights on competing in the NPC and at the age of 23 I did my first NPC show and won the overall and qualified for the nationals. I have never looked back. With 7 years of solid lifting under my belt I just now feel I am beginning to mould the physique I have wanted for so long.”

The reason for this article is to provide a source of inspiration to all those who may be going through a challenging time in their life. It also serves as a powerful reminder that, despite what some media circles would have you believe, bodybuilding is a positive sport. It does not just change your physical body, it can be truly life transforming. Alli is just one example of this; there are many others whose lives have benefited from adopting a bodybuilding lifestyle. However, this is Alli’s story, so I will leave the final words to her…

“What I love about lifting, about bodybuilding, is that the sport never ends. I love that your greatest competition can be yourself – that each and every day you set foot in the gym you are challenging yourself to be better than the day before. I truly love to lift and I am sure, without a doubt, I will lift long after I cease to compete. Any love I have of the stage, stems from my genuine love and respect for the gym and the sport of bodybuilding. For me, the sport of bodybuilding is what happens day to day in the gym, in the kitchen, in the mental struggle we go through as athletes.

“The sport of bodybuilding changed my life. In a sense it saved me, and I am eternally grateful!”

Leigh Penman began her writing career in 1980 when she started her own weekly music column in a Scottish newspaper. From there she went on to writing for all the major music publications in the UK at that time, including ‘Record Mirror’, ‘Sounds’, ‘New Musical Express’ and ‘Number One’. Her work included interview such celebrities as Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner and David Bowie.

The late 80’s saw her moving into writing for nutrition companies and eventually bodybuilding magazines. She rapidly gained a reputation as being one of the top female writers on the bodybuilding scene and was a contributing editor on ‘Muscle & Co’, ‘Bodybuilding Monthly’, ‘Strength Athlete’, ‘Health & Fitness’ and ‘Fit Body’. She was also a major contributor to the Arnold endorsed magazine ‘Bodypower’ –where she went on to establish the position of ‘Show business Editor’. In addition to this she held the position of Ladies Editor for ‘Physiques International’

In between all this she has written for Personal Development magazines and organizations –including Tony Robbins UK division. Has collaborated on book projects with Leslie Kenton –the original Raw Food and female empowerment guru – and written for computer magazines…..and now she is with Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness magazine, Bodybuilding.com, RX muscle.com, Species Nutrition and of course musclesportmag.com!

She is a certified personal trainer, hypnotherapist and has been working out since the age of 15.