This past weekend, I had the privilege of spending time at the East Coast Mecca...Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym in Syosset, New York. Steve Weinberger and Bev Francis welcomed fit females from all over the country to their facility for a weekend-long Bombshell Camp and a NPC (National Physique Committee) Seminar. Both were tremendously successful, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be a coach/speaker as these two events.
NPC Seminar
Team Gaspari was in the house for the NPC Seminar. Joe Volgey, Erik Ramirez and Doug Peaney dropped by with the latest mesh Gaspari bags filled with samples of some of my favorite products—MyoFusion Pro, SuperPump Max & Phenorex—for the over 150 women in attendance.
The seminar’s goal was to educate individuals on the experience of competing in the NPC & IFBB, share what the judges are looking for in each of the female divisions, give a crash course on posing and provide a little guidance on marketing yourself in the fitness industry. These topics were covered over three hours by some of the best in the business: NPC District Chairman of New York & New England Steve Weinberger, Bombshell Fitness Founder & IFBB Pro Shannon Dey, Muscular Development Senior Editor Sean Andros, 6-time Fitness Olympia Champion Adela Garcia and Bikini Olympia Champion Nicole Nagrani. Many other NPC/IFBB judges, athletes and leaders were in attendance to show support and answer questions.
My topic for the seminar was “Why Compete?” To me, this is one of the most important questions we must ask ourselves before we begin our journey to the stage. From my experience and that of others, I’ve found that how connected we are to “why” determines just how far we will go in our competitive careers and just how much they will enjoy the experience...
It’s the WHY that gets you out of bed for morning cardio or out the door for the gym when the process starts to wear on you. It’s the WHY that keeps you eating slimy fish and out of the cookie jar. It’s the WHY that allows you to experience triumph whether or not you receive a trophy. It’s the WHY that will keep you pushing toward your best today and everyday,
Bombshell Camp workaholics
Bombshell Camp hosted about fifty new and veteran NPC/IFBB athletes from all over the country. It was three-intense days of training, crazy cardio, plyometrics, “how-to” talks and posing sessions coached by Bombshell Founder Shannon Dey and a collection of her regional IFBB Pro coaches.
I’ve been attending these camps for about five years now, and each time, I leave with my motivation kicked up a few notches. This particular weekend, I was particularly moved by Marinel Pena. Not only was this her first experience with Bombshell training, this was her first time in a gym…EVER.
To say the least, it takes a lot of courage to get your gym initiation at a camp that challenges the will of gym veterans. That said, Marinel did not display an ounce of intimidation and her effort reflected that of a champion.
With all of her heart, she sprinted, jumped, curled, squatted, pressed, lunged, pushed, etc. She even smiled while gritting her teeth. I loved seeing it. She reminded me of one of my WHYs—to help other women realize their strength. She definitely accessed hers this weekend.
As a result of Marinel's relentless effort and self-belief, she was given the Team Gaspari “Hardest WORKER” award for the camp weekend. Congratulations, Marinel—keep pushing toward your best!
Jaime Baird
IFBB Bikini Pro
Twitter: @JaimeBaird
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ifbbjaimebaird
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Jaime Baird can be contacted for appearances through www.fmg-fitnessmanagementgroup.com