1. Margie Martin
2. Helle Trevino
3. Debi Laszewski
4. Yaxeni Oriquen
5. Alana Shipp
6. Aleesha Young
7. Isabelle Turell
8. Rita Bello
9. Lisa Cross
10. Christine Envall
11. Shawna Strong
12. Virginia Sanchez
13. Monique Jones
14. Irene Andersen
15. Gillian Kovack

Anoush Belian, from Jerusalem, on Saturday became the first Palestinian female bodybuilder to participate and win an Israeli competition. Belian won the Miss Fitness category in the competition organized by the National Amateur Bodybuilders Association (NABBA) in Israel.

Palestinian Anoush Belian stands backstage during a bodybuilding competition in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Palestinian Anoush Belian (L) prepares backstage for a bodybuilding competition in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Palestinian bodybuilder Anoush Belian prepares food at her home in the Armenian quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City.

Palestinian bodybuilder Anoush Belian (L) stands next to her mother Renee at their home in the Armenian quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City.

Palestinian bodybuilder Anoush Belian walks to her gym in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Palestinian bodybuilder Anoush Belian drinks during a training session in a gym in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Palestinian Anoush Belian (C) stands on stage during a bodybuilding competition in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Palestinian Anoush Belian poses on stage during a bodybuilding competition in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Palestinian Anoush Belian (R) is congratulated by her coach Basil Saed after winning a bodybuilding competition in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Courtesy of: The Globe And Mail

Alexandra Howard sits in the basement of a Hamilton convention centre eating whitefish out of a Ziploc bag. The makeshift dressing room is packed with dozens of tanned and taut women touching up makeup or pumping resistance bands.

Soon Howard, a 29-year-old from Burlington, Ont., will step on stage in five-inch heels and a custom purple bikini, flexing for a panel of judges at the GNC Live Well Henderson Thorne Natural Classic. The competition, her first, comes after months of juggling intense training along with parenting her three-year-old son and a stressful career as a research co-ordinator at a clinical-trials site.

Bodybuilding grandmother Mary Dinner competing in the master bikini and figure competition at the Henderson Thorne Natural Classic, pumps up her muscles backstage before the start of the master bikini and figure competition. on Saturday, July 12, 2015 in Hamilton.

“I always wanted to compete, but I was fixated on the realistic barriers that made it impossible,” says Howard, taking the last bite of her precompetition meal. “Then I decided I wanted to be more of a ‘yes’ person.”

Considered the least bulky of the three women’s bodybuilding categories, the bikini class emphasizes muscle tone and symmetry, but also some level of softness. And as women’s competitive bodybuilding expands its reach across the country, organizers say the bikini category is seeing the biggest spike in participation. It’s the most natural place for rookies to be initiated into the sport.

“We’ve seen an increase of 20 to 30 per cent participation year over year in the bikini category,” says Ron Hache, president of the Ontario Physique Association, the governing body in the province. He says the growth has led the OPA to add new height and age classes, including a grandmaster category for women 45 and older. Georgina Dunnington, chairperson of the Canadian Bodybuilding Federation, says she’s seen similar growth across the country. Eighty per cent of the 500 athletes competing at last year’s nationals were women, she says, including 160 in the bikini division.

Lori Cook suddenly grows five inches taller after putting on her heels, towering over her 11-year-old daughter, Olivia, who visits her mom backstage at the GNC Live Well Henderson Thorne Natural Classic.Henderson Thorne Natural Classic in Hamilton on Saturday July 12, 2015. Their was a large contingent of moms including Cook showing off their hard earned hard bodies.

Organizers say the trend is being driven by women over 30, many of them finding their way into the sport through friends at the gym. With the same intensity of people hooked on marathon running or CrossFit, accolytes say what starts as a curiosity can become an all-consuming task, with early-morning workouts and militant nutrition regimes wedged into their roles as moms, business owners and partners.

“I get up at 4 a.m. to train, then I go home and wake my daughter for school,” says Lori Cook, 37, a single mother who also competed in the bikini category in Hamilton on July 11. “After work I’ll hit the gym again. It’s been a real grind.”

Cook gives her daughter, Olivia, a hug while she waits to be judged. “I think my mom is awesome,” the 11-year-old says.

The sport has also ditched the shoulder wiggles and flirtatious gimmicks that kept it from being taken seriously when it was first introduced in 2009. While it may seem odd considering the skimpy attire, the women who compete say what keeps them in it is the challenge – as well as empowerment born from new-found strength.

Amy Koop, 30, number 67, centre, competes in the physique Open category on stage at the Henderson Thorne Natural Classic on Saturday, July 12, 2015 in Hamilton. The trend is for women, juggling kids and jobs to enter the world of bodybuilding. Glenn Lowson photo for The Globe and Mail

“The sport is attracting more serious athletes now,” says Pamela Knight, 43, a Pilates studio owner who entered the sport last year. “The OPA recently removed certain poses so it’s not an oversexualized flirt show. Judges want to see a strong body without the extras. The sport has really evolved.”

Serious competitors hire a coach a minimum of six months before competition and hit the gym for 90 minutes five or six days a week. They focus on their quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, back, chest, deltoids and abs depending on the day, followed by cardio. As the time before competition narrows from months to weeks, athletes add posing classes, where they learn to move in heels to a routine that best highlights their muscle tone and symmetry and showcases their stage presence and positive attitude.

Top athletes can compete for a living through magazine contracts and sponsorships, but most competitors pay their costs out of pocket. Trainers cost a minimum of $1,000 for a few months. There are also membership dues ($100 to join the OPA) and registration fees ($125 to enter each category in a contest), as well as the cost of being fitted for a custom bikini, which could range from $300 to $1,000 for one made with Swarovski crystals.

Coaches put their athletes on a carefully monitored energy-boosting, “clean-eating” food plan based on their body-fat percentage, existing conditioning and lifestyle.

The trend lately is that women, juggling kids and jobs and everything else in life are entering the world of bodybuilding. The case was clear at the Henderson Thorne Natural Classic Saturday, July 12, 2015. in Hamilton where there were a large contingent of mature women showing off their hard earned hard bodies.

“Preparing and measuring meals takes hours every week,” says Howard, whose friend inspired her to compete. She holds up her bag of fish. “The portions are small, everything is weighed, we cook with little salt or sauce.” Her post-competition agenda includes gorging on burgers, fries, waffles and homemade peanut-butter cheesecake.

Silvia Yoo and Antwane Hamlett, owners of Fitlife Athletics in Toronto, say there are many reasons athletes decide to commit to this lifestyle.

“Some people just want a challenge – competing is something to cross off their bucket list,” says Yoo. Social media is also a big influence. “You see others posting photos of their prep and competition day online and you want to make it a challenge for yourself, too.”

For Knight, who placed third in the bikini masters contest in Hamilton, it was personal. “I’ve been struggling with self-esteem for a long time. The training, the nutrition, the posing, the consistency and the discipline keep me feeling strong and solid emotionally, physically and mentally,” she said. “My self-worth has really improved; it takes a lot of confidence to get judged on stage in a bikini.”

She’s also here to show her 10-year-old son that gender roles don’t have to be rigid. “What is a woman? What does a woman look like? I want to change what people think a woman should be and show them that we can be strong, athletic and sexy.”

Mature women, juggling kids and jobs are entering the world of bodybuilding. The case was clear at the Henderson Thorne Natural Classic in Hamilton on Saturday July 12, 2015, where there were a large contingent of moms showing off their hard earned hard bodies.

For all the glitz and glory, there can be a dark side to competitive bodybuilding. Steroid use, extreme dieting and excessive exercising can put competitors at risk for serious health complications, including heart attacks. There are two categories in the OPA, natural and open, and the natural is the only one that tests for banned substances. Women who lack proper guidance and coaching can experience other health issues.

“Their hormones could be thrown off balance,” says Yoo. “Women can end up without a period for many years. Their metabolism can slow down and they can experience excessive weight gain postshow. It can also be hard psychologically to return to a body that is higher in body fat during the off season.”

But competitors say they’re out to prove that a fit physique is fabulous. “Who wants to be skinny and frail and starve themselves?” says two-time grandmaster figure competitor Mary Dinner, 52. A grandmother of six, the Brantford, Ont.-based personal trainer started competing two years ago. “I want to look feminine and muscular, fit and athletic at the same time. I want to inspire others. My family thinks grandma rocks.”

Courtesy of: The Globe and Mail
Glenn Lowson photo for The Globe and Mail

We have just learned that the First Lady of Physique, Dana Linn Bailey has announced that she WILL NOT be competing at the 2015 Olympia. With only weeks to go until the big show, the announcement comes as quite a shock to her fans who were looking forward to DLB regaining the Ms. O title.

Muscular Development reports that it was not an easy decision for Dana Linn. DLB had to consider what was best for her family, their businesses, their employees, and their future plans. Dana Linn and husband Rob juggle several businesses that include their Flag Nor Fail clothing line, Warhouse Gym, an auto shop – Speed Warhouse, their Onward supplement line and a new venture Run Everything Labs.

Fans need to understand that competitors do have a life outside the stage. While this is certainly bad news for those of us wanting to see Dana Linn regain her Ms. Olympia title, it is certainly an understandable decision. Dana Linn is running on all cylinders, on and off the stage. We wish her and Rob the best in all of their ventures and will keep our fingers crossed that DLB returns in 2016 to take her title back.

#TBT to the Arnold Classic 2003, more specifically, the Expo! For those of you that have experienced the Arnold Expo, you know it’s crazy….well more like INSANE! From mild to wild, you’ll see it at the Expo.

The Arnold Expo is THE place to be for the BEST in Female Muscle on the planet. Women from all walks of strength and muscle sports show up in droves, flexing, posing and showing just how strong they are. If you are one of those guys that is easily intimidated by a strong woman….you WILL be intimidated. Or conversely, if you absolutely LOVE Female Muscle….the Expo is going to be your nirvana.

Here’s a few of our favorite shots from 2003. Who can forget the timeless Annie Rivieccio, the massive arms of Elena Seiple, or the amazing physique of IFBB Pro Cathy Priest? What about the IFBB’s very popular newcomer Sarah Dunlap? For you amazon fans, 6’3 Mikayla Miles could be seen towering over nearly everyone in the crowd, being careful not to trample anyone with her size 16 feet. Cindy Leister was there with her women’s magazine Irony Mag. Heavyweight bodybuilder and former police officer turned Wild Kat, Cathy Connors worked the Irony Mag booth. A much smaller Gabrielle Nicander was on hand to flex and pose for fans. And who can forget Canadian National competitor Carmen Unger?

There were so many more and our at age, we just can’t remember them all. But here are a few pictures to jog your memory.

Valerie won her IFBB Pro card at Nationals in 2014. Taking almost a full year to prepare for her first Pro show, Valerie stepped on the 2015 IFBB Texas Pro stage with an impressive physique. Placing 3rd out of 32 is makes quite a statement, Valerie is for real.

We came across this video of Valerie that we are sure will motivate you as much as it did us.

1. Mikaila Soto
2. Billie Cavalier
3. Roxanne Edwards
4. Dany Garcia
5. Klaudia Larson
6. Jessica Bowman
7. Loana Muttoni
8. Jennifer Robinson
9. Jillian Reville
10. Zoa Linsey
11. Marnie Holley
12. Reshanna Boswell
13. Anne Luise Freitas
14. Marthe Sundby
15. Paloma Parra
16. Tracy Hess
16. Dolly Lazarre
16. Jill Livoti
16. Jody May
16. Miava Nelson
16. Linda Simnick
16. Stacy Simons McDowell
16. Tina Trigvero
16. Irina Veselova

1. Joan Smith
2. Shanique Grant
3. Swann De La Rosa
4. Andrea Cantone
5. Brittany Campbell
6. Cydney Gillon
7. Bruna Miyagui
8. Diana Schnaidt
9. Agnese Russo
10. Audreana Cornelissen
11. Angela Doucette
12. Linda Andrew
13. Maggie Corso
14. Vanessa Jacobs
15. Mandie Bender
16. Melanie Noel

Physical fitness trainer Nontanutda Ammart hasn’t let fame get the better of her.

In less than three years, the 33-year-old has catapulted from a run-of-the-mill gym instructor to one of the most sought-after trainers by Thai film stars, celebrities and the rich and famous. All with the desire to have a figure that would be the envy of many.

Nontanutda, who is better known by her nickname Cherry, has an Instagram following of close to 30,000. Here one can feast their eyes on a string of photos of her celebrity clientele, including actress Araya “Chompoo” Hargate and talk show host Patcharasri “Kalamare” Benjamas, who only seem too willing to show off their well-toned figures and six-packs to the camera. The photos might drive her popularity and demand, but Cherry is adamant to remain grounded by accepting clients from all walks of life.

Besides being a freelance physical fitness instructor for most of her life, she is also a devoted national athlete who has made a name for herself in bodybuilding.

Juggling both her passions with professionalism, she claims that what motivates her most is the drive to encourage the public to pay more attention to their health. Despite their age, a leaner and more attractive figure is possible if one pays attention more to what they eat, Cherry said.

Dressed in casual gym gear and slight make-up when Muse caught up with her at The Lab, a new concept fitness training gym, Cherry’s down-to-earth, candid personality made chatting with her a treat. She easily opened up about her popularity and the need for women to not starve themselves to become thin.

“When I began in this industry, I wanted to get popular enough to promote the sport of physique fitness,” began Cherry. “It was never all about me. The experience of being in front of the camera is all too daunting for me. I am a people person so I enjoy giving interviews to the media, but when it comes to television I sort of shy away.

“I find Thai women too skinny nowadays. My philosophy is simple. Going to the gym five times a week or for that matter starving yourself will not make you fit and firm. The weight you lose in this manner is only detrimental to your health.

“I promote having a balanced lifestyle. While hitting the gym is important, but it will not benefit you to overdo it. It is more important to keep a balanced diet and nutrition. We largely put on weight because of what we eat. If you can manage this and have a proper training regime everything else pretty much falls into place.

Ronda Rousey’s most satisfying takedown has arrived. Introducing the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Breakfast Sandwich with egg, cheese, and sausage between sweet Cinnamon French Toast. Only at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s.

On August 6, 2010 Olympian Ronda Rousey made her MMA debut as an amateur for Combat Fight League’s Ground Zero. Her first opponent was Hayden Munoz. Don’t blink and make sure to follow this girl. She’s for real.

How prophetic these words came to be.

On Oxygen’s upcoming reality show, Pretty. Strong., you’ll get to meet the women of the Legends Football League, the fastest-growing, all-female American football organization. More specifically, you’ll get to meet eight of the ladies (and their various coaches and side kicks) from the league’s two-time reigning champions, the Chicago Bliss.

If the trailer is any indication of what’s to come — and, uh, that’s typically what trailers are — the show will feature lots more of the women’s lives off the field (~rElAtIoNsHiP~ drama), as well as tons of yelling from their hardass of a coach. He’s already a lovably gruff cartoon of a man — I’m into it! In fact, I’m ready to hang with all of these badasses who make it their business to bust heads on the field! The only thing is: I just wish their outfits looked less like sexy Halloween costumes and more like, I don’t know, football uniforms? Like, is it even safe to be running around so enthusiastically in such a teeny-tiny bikini? The girls need support! (I am talking about their boobs, because ouch.)

The show premieres on Tuesday, October 6, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Oxygen.

Courtesy of: Cosmopolitan

Brooke Ence has been competing in CrossFit since 2010, but in 2015 she finally got her shot to compete at the CrossFit Games. Here’s a look at how she got there.

From a bikini competitor at the 2012 Ronnie Coleman Classic to IFBB Figure Pro, Jessica Morgan Canty is an up and coming competitor to keep your eye on. Winning her IFBB Pro card at Nationals in 2013, Jessica has burst on to the Pro scene with several Top 5 finishes.

Let’s Throwback Thursday to early 2004 and the days of the New York Muscle Club.

Held in Manhattan, the New York Muscle Club featured top level competitors in a private setting. There were no judges or photographers in the way, and the competitors were not up on a stage 40 feet. away. No, this was a small room, with no more than 35 ticket holders, where competitors flexed, posed and put on exhibitions of strength. The only barrier to the competitors were the ominous security guards, strictly there for the protection of the women and for the discretion of the audience.

The events were sponsored by Diana the Valkyrie. Tickets for the roughly 2 hour show, sold for $50 in advance and $60 at the door. A bargain for the quality of muscle present at the shows; Elena Seiple, Colette Guimond, Annie Rivieccio, Lauren Powers, Monica Martin, Sheilahe Brown, Michelle Ivers (Brent), and Kathy Connors to name a few.

Sadly the events did not last long but what great memories the audience must have.

In the past, we’ve seen some MMA fighters fight crime. Just last year, a male MMA fighter beat up not one, not two, but three guys at once after they attempted to rob the gas station that he was working at. And now, we have another video of a female MMA fighter thwarting a would-be robber.

Earlier this week, Brazilian fighter Monique Bastos was on her way to the gym to work out when two men approached her and stole her cell phone. One of the men took it and made off with it. But Bastos was able to catch the other man, knock him down, and put him into a “triangle choke,” which basically involves wrapping your legs around a person’s head and choking them out.

It must have hurt, too, because as you can see in the clip above, the guy was crying and begging for Bastos to let him go. According to Uproxx, he was even calling for his dad, his mom, and Jesus while he was stuck in the “triangle”:

“Dad, Dad, I’m going to my dad. Call the police, father. Help! Help! Help, Jesus. Please, I did not rob. Why would I do this? Help. Help. Look at my wallet. Help. Help. Sir, help me. Please don’t show my card. This was the first time. She’s choking me. Where’s my mom? Aie, Aie, Aie. Help! Help! Please, I need my wallet. No, I did not rob anything, no.”

Yikes. Well then. Maybe this will teach him not to steal cell phones?

Amazingly, Bastos later revealed that this is the second time that she has had to do something like this after someone tried to take her cell phone off her. When will these guys learn?