As a teenager, Alexandre M. Carneiro could not feed his athletic needs by playing high school volleyball. Although it is an interesting sport that takes a good amount of stamina to excel in, the rotating and spikes just didn’t cut the mustard for him. No, the young man needed something a bit more hardcore.

“I always watched action movies starring Sylvester Stallone, Arnold, Jean Claude Van Damme and always admired those bodies,” remembered Carneiro. “But living in Santiago de Chile was a struggle as the culture there is very narrow minded and bodybuilding was the last thing people socially accepted.”

Originally born in Brasilia, Brazil, Carneiro was raised in Rome, Italy and moved to Chile for nine years of his life. Not willing to accept the hand that he was dealt, the fledging bodybuilder moved to the United States to attend college. “It was only then that I was truly able to express my potential for the sport of bodybuilding and build my name up in the industry.”

Four years of continuos hard work and struggle paid off for Carneiro when he placed first in both the Open and Novice categories in the 2010 NPC Axis Labs Northern Colorado Bodybuilding Championships.

In addition to being a competitive bodybuilder, Carneiro is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and an international model and fitness professional.

“I have big plans for my future and one day hope to make it big,” he concluded.

Judging by what he has accomplished in such a short period of time, only a fool would doubt him.

For more information, please visit his personal website at www.alexcarneiro.com.

‘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?

The television set in the Brooklyn home housing the Vale family was similar to many others with adolescent boys growing up in them. Each Saturday morning, the then-World Wrestling Federation broadcasts exploded with cartoon character-like heroes such as The Ultimate Warrior and Lex Luger. As a young child, David Vale took notice to the huge biceps being shown during the battles in the squared circle and wondered to himself, “Wow. I want to be just like them.”

With the guidance of his older brother, Vale later began working out in a gym and had formed himself quite a physique by the age of 19. Needing a push to take the next step, Vale’s brother once again came to his aid. “He made me do that first show,” recalled Vale, 35. “With me being real shy and never doing anything in front of an audience, it was a huge step for me.”

Taking a break during a training session at Richie’s Gym in his hometown of Brooklyn, Vale thought back on the other inspirations that brought bodybuilding into his life. “At first, it was Arnold Schwarzenegger,” he said. “But as I got more into bodybuilding, I started watching guys like Rich Gaspari and Kevin Levrone. They were the ones who really made me want to compete more.”

In his latest show, Vale felt the taste of the winner’s circle for the first time by taking the top spot in the 2010 NPC Atlantic States novice lightweight category. As he basked in the light of victory, he couldn’t help but think back on the six separate occasions when he finished as a runner-up.

But the humble Vale wouldn’t let on. Just another special trait that he possesses.

‘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?

“I love pushing my body to the limit and training as hard as I possibly can,” the 31-year-old said. “I love the results that come with hard work and the inspiration I provide to others. Working out is may passion, my love and my life.”

Going back to her childhood, Karlin has always been into athletics. Soccer, swimming and ice skating were the humble beginnings that eventually led to being named All-State in field hockey and lacrosse and an All-American in high school field hockey. “It was during high school when I was 16 that I first started weight training,” said Karlin. Her first trainer, Steve Hess, went on to become the strength and conditioning coach of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, a position he still holds today.

After being recruited by several Division 1 colleges for both field hockey and lacrosse, Karlin played lacrosse her freshman year. “Initially my time spent in the gym was with the intent of being the best athlete I could posibly be on the playing field,” she recalled. “Quickly though, I realized that weight training and the accompanying fitness lifestyle was my true passion.” Karlin eventually transferred to Santa Clara University, where she graduated with honors and was awarded both Magna Cum Larder and Phi Betta Kappa and received a B.S. in Psychology.

After college, Karlin’s love of the gym and weight training only intensified. “Hardly a day has gone by in the past 16 years that I haven’t stepped foot in a gym,” she says matter of factly. Although she had laid the foundation for quite some time, Karlin did not begin competing until 2008.

Before turning pro, she was a top-level national NPC competitor and donned the posing suit four times her first year on the circuit. This year, Karlin competed in the Arnold Classic Amateur Invitational and professional debut at the WBFF World Championships, an organization run by Paul Dillet. “I was thrilled to be part of a federation founded by a bodybuilder where the athletes have more individuality,” she said. “I am very proud of my hard work and level of conditioning and feel that as an athlete I am more appreciated and valued by the WBBF. I am thankful that I have found a home with them and confident that I will continue to make then federation proud.”

Karlin’s trainer and friends gave her the nickname ‘Supergirl’ because of her strong work ethic in an out of the gym. “I tend to bring a unique look to the figure stage and no matter where I place, it’s evident that the work went into my preparation,” she said.

Operating her own business as a personal trainer and competing may be one of her loves, but Karlin’s four-year-old daughter is her life. “She is why I wake up and breathe in and out everyday,” she says proudly. “My love for her could get me through the toughest of days and I would do anything for her. She is my greatest inspiration and biggest fan. She already knows how to perform quarter turns and has her own clear heels!”

A future champion herself, no doubt.

Contest History:

Colorado Mountain States Bodybuilding and Figure Championships (2008)

Northern Kentucky Bodybuilding and figure Championships (2008)

U.S.A Championships (2008)

National Championships (2008)

Arnold Classic Amateur Invitational (2009)

WBFF World Championships (2009)

Photos by Simon Lau

“I’m out here to win today,” he said. “Winning is all well and fine but this is my last competition.”

Coming out ahead is something that is important to Russo, but what he has already endured in life pales in comparison to posing on stage. A three-time cancer survivor, the 60-year-old Long Islander knows a thing or two about winning an uphill battle.

Beginning in 1991, Russo went through a 16-year journey that did not always appear to have a happy ending. “I had three different cancers, they weren’t all the same,” he recalled. “The last one, the lung cancer, was the toughest because I had to go through chemo. But each and every time I kept going back to the gym, kept exercising as much as possible and I wasn’t going to take this lying down.”

Crediting what he called his “team,” Russo gave a lot of admiration to his doctors, nurses, friends and family, especially his wife Wende. “[She] was great about everything,” he said. “She helped me a lot. You can’t do it alone. You need support, and with that support you can battle and fortunately for me I’m standing here today.”

Incredibly, Russo started training for his first show the day he began chemotherapy. 23 months after his surgery, Russo was competing in the 2007 NPC Eastern USA. While that may seem like quite an accomplishment, being clean from any cancer eclipses that. “I’m almost at my five-year benchmark,” Russo said with a deserved smile.

Russo went on to compete in the Masters 50 Plus and 60 Plus divisions and although he may not have left with a trophy under his arm, he received the loudest ovation of the day at the outdoor show when he was given the Survivor Award.

In addition to being an inspiration to us all, Russo is also a certified personal trainer and author. He penned his memoirs of the battles that he won, entitled “Three Strikes You’re In.” The book is available on Amazon.com as well as www.rustyrussobooks.com.

Be sure to visit his official website, www.rustyrusso.com.

I`m a certified personal trainer, training men and women of all ages.  I will train you in your own home or at the gym of your choice.  Also certified in nutrition,  I offer a great weight loss program that won`t leave you starving.  A buddy system, where two people can train during the same session for a discounted price,  is available.  Want to bulk up those muscles or just tone them?  I can help.  Results are guaranteed.  With my training and nutrition program you will feel healthier,  look better and have a more positive general attitude.

(From Rusty Russo’s website)

A chance meeting with George Farah in March has made an impact on the 6’1″, 245-pound Steiger. Competing in his first show at the NPC Mr. Buffalo promoted by Joe Lazzaro, Steiger took home an armful of trophies, including the Heavyweight Novice, Overall Novice, Open heavyweight and Overall.

IFBB pro Farah, who recovered from three gunshot wounds during a 1997 attempted robbery, was the guest poser at the show. The two met and ran into each other at the Pittsburgh Pro, where Farah placed fifth in the 202 division. “He told me that he wanted to make me a pro,” remembered Steiger. “His words were, ‘I promise.’”

In addition to being a competitive bodybuilder, Farah is a respected writer and guru within the industry and – lucky enough for Steiger – just happens to reside near him in Rochester, New York. The two made arrangements to begin working together in 2010.

In June, Steiger needed to make more room on his shelf after dominating at the Rochester Bodybuilding Championships, a national qualifier. He won the Super Heavyweight Open, Most Muscular and Overall.

Steiger has intentions on competing in the USAs or Nationals next year and figures that with the help of Farah, the sky’s the limit. “George has really taught me what it takes to do this the right and healthy way and people may be shocked that proper diet has everything to do with it but that is the true secret,” he said.

Keeping good company all around, Steiger’s girlfriend Amie Francisco won the NGA figure competition at the Rochester contest.

If Farah’s promise comes true, the Steiger Realty (www.steigerrealty.com) will have one less person on the payroll.

This is part of a continuing series provided exclusively by MuscleSport Mag entitled, “This is Your Magazine,” where we profile the up-and-coming and everyday athlete. If you would like to see yourself profiled here, please send your story and photo to joe@musclesportmag.com.

In 1996, Rhoden needed to sit out a year after injuring his back squatting over 500 pounds. Six years later, his father became gravely ill and subsequently passed away from lung cancer. Rhoden put his career on hold and made his comeback seven years later.

Earlier this year, Rhoden placed first at the NPC Delaware Open and used that as a springboard for the IFBB North American. At 34 years of age, he has earned his pro card by taking the heavyweight and overall in Cleveland.

The top five in each division at the IFBB North American were as follows:

OPEN MEN – HEAVYWEIGHT

1- Shawn Rhoden

2 – Miguel Garcia

3 – Dan Decker

4 – Mark Antonek

5 – Sammy Nagib

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

1- Chuck Lyons

2- Benjamin Muniz

3 – Jose Reyes

4 – Prince Fontenot

5 – Jonathan Johnson

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

1 – Hand Groden

2 – Jason Fuller

3 – Derek Suto

WELTERWEIGHT

1 – Dr. Victor Prisk

2 – Bill Moschelle

3 – Shelby Starnes

4 – Jamie Bonaccorso

5 – Kyle Kubousek

LIGHTWEIGHT

1 – Scott Kivisto

2 – Kelly Pedford

3 – James Segert

4 – Arturo Gomez

5 – Wayne Hugart

BANTAMWEIGHT

1 – Franz Lopez

2 – Asuncion Lopez

3 – Mark Teasley

4 – Rafael Campazuno

IFBB OVERALL FIGURE CHAMPION – Silvania Salvanti

The 6’4″, nearly 300-pound giant finished in the winner’s circle at two shows last year, the NPC Atlantic States and Junior Nationals. In his first shot at a pro card, Allen finished ninth at the ’08 USAs and the ’09 Nationals. He did bounce back by taking the overall at the PDI Night of the Champions but could not follow that up in Vegas just four short weeks ago.

Now Allen faces a panel of judges that can make or break his career. How many more chances will he get? He has been competing for over 10 years and the pressure may start to take its toll on Allen, if it hasn’t already. He has the size to make it happen. His conditioning and symmetry will have to be on for him to be named overall champion and turn professional.

Stateside, Brown has placed 10th at the 2007 IFBB Montreal Pro Classic, 6th at the IFBB Santa Susanna Bodybuilding and Figure Contest, 17th at the 2008 IFBB Iron Man Pro and 17th at the 2008 IFBB Europa Super Show.

On May 30, Allen weighed 295 pounds and was looking huge without that puffiness that some bodybuilders are still sporting eight weeks out from a show. The Garden State native felt that he was giving back at the event. “I just wanted to come out here and show that I’m one of New Jersey’s finest and mingle with the fans and show some support,” he said. He was unquestionably the largest person there and deservedly received a lot of attention. He was cordial and friendly and had a lot of fun with the youngsters that were in attendance, something that can go a long way in ensuring that the next generation of bodybuilding fans will be represented.

This weekend, Allen will be looking to earn his pro card and faces a line-up of over 500 competitors in Las Vegas. He seemed to be on his way in 2008 when he took the overall at both the NPC Atlantic States and Junior Nationals but apparently hit a wall after that. Allen finished ninth in his two next shows, the USAs and Nationals, and missed out on two chances of walking out with his pro card.

Afterwards Allen did admit that he may have been “burnt out” and was going through some personal issues that affected his preparation and performance. He then went on a new nutritional program and won the PDI Night of the Champions at a ripped 286 pounds.

Allen listened to some of the recommendations of the judges to fill out his frame and went away from the keto diet. He felt that he was depleted at the two main shows in ’08 and is more comfortable filling out, saying on one of his recent MDTV videos, “A big man like me has to start eating like a big man.”

The video was filmed nine days out of the USAs and Allen looked incredible. As he said, “I’ve never felt this good. I’m 290 pounds dry and we didn’t cut the sodium yet or the water.” Allen has been competing for 10 years and has the experience to take it to the next level. He will walk on that stage in Nevada competing in the Super Heavyweight division and more than likely will be the largest man there. He will stand out and receive a great ovation and hopefully the judges will agree with the fans.

2009 NPC USA CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE

Thursday, July 23rd:
6:30pm @ the Weigh-Ins – Men’s Bodybuilding

8:00pm @ the Weigh-Ins – Women’s Bodybuilding, Figure, Fitness, Bikini

Friday, July 24th:
9:00am @ the Final Weigh-Ins/Check-Ins

4:30pm @ the Prejudging Men’s Bodybuilding & Bikini
MD PLAY BY PLAY with Shawn, Flex, Team MD Members & We Welcome Our On-Line Community!!!