Body By Ian

Evan is reflecting about the finals at the Arnold. Plus, lots of video from the Arnold.

Evan talks the final moments before the Arnold & some footage at the Arnold. He has a great reflections through this whole process.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Seminar Part One

Arnold Schwarzenegger Seminar Part Two

Arnold Schwarzenegger says why he returned to the Olympia stage in 1980 after his "retirement" in 1975

Arnold Schwarzenegger Seminar Part 4: More Franco and Weider Stories

Arnold Schwarzenegger Seminar Part 5

You can Arnold had fun at this seminar. He made fun of myself & told some great stories.

Photo courtesy by MD

Bikini Final Callout and Awards at the Arnold Classic 2012

The girls look good but some controversial. I didn't see Sonja winning this show or Nicole dropping to 3rd or even Melo getting 5th. India could've won the show to me. Nicole the reigning Olympia champ being 3rd is mind blowing. The whole bikini show was controversial.

Photo courtesy by MD

Very impressive lifts & they had a good time. The crowd loved it & I'd have loved it to if I was there.

Here's how we saw the 2012 Arnold Pre-Judging as it progressed

The Way Chad Sees It

This year’s Arnold had a strong field of 14 competitors, including the highly anticipated return of Branch Warren after his 2011 leg injury. The Flex Pro 2 weeks prior marked the official start of the 2012 bodybuilding season. In that short time several of the competitors have made adjustments in trying to peak for the Arnold. Let’s do a rundown of each athlete in order of appearance:

Ben White

– In terms of conditioning this is the best we’ve seen of Ben. However, his glutes are soft and he could be drier.

Evan Centopani

– Evan definitely added size since the Arnold last year. His improvements in size are especially noticeable throughout his back. His conditioning is good but right now not at 100%, though we’ll see if it sharpens up as he poses in the prejudging. His glutes and hams are both hard.

Mathias Bothoff

– This 6’1” policeman is a tall athlete with long muscle bellies. At this height, he lacks size; he really needs bigger legs. However, his upper body is in good shape – he shows a good crispness to the muscle. He lacks overall depth/maturity to his muscles.

Lionel Beyeke

– Just coming off his win at the Flex Pro, his conditioning might actually be improved from 2 weeks ago, but he’s flat. Due to this, his conditioning does not pop out. His structure great! However, just a little smaller than at Flex Pro 2 wks ago. As he poses u can see him come alive. This is a phenomenal athlete right here. He’s also drier than at Flex Pro but not quite same level of fullness.

Dexter Jackson

- Not the biggest or hardest we've seen him but this combination is good, especially with his structure. His glutes are hard but not the razor sharp condition we're used to seeing. Overall, he needs to be drier. However, this is an improved Dexter from his last couple of shows.

Eduardo Correa

– He’s not as sharp as 2 weeks ago at the Flex Pro but he is bigger and fuller and in great shape; great conditioning. This package is probably a better combination for here. Crazy conditioning! You can tell he sacrificed a little razor sharpness to get bigger and add size but this is a good combination for this show. One of the best conditioned athletes in this show. He still needs overall leg size from the front. He also needs thickness to match upper body. Good from sides and back.

Gustavo Badell

- For not competing for 2 yrs this is a good showing for first show back in the game. His conditioning is good but definitely not the best we've seen fro him. His legs are down a little but you can tell he added size overall. He has some good dryness and as he poses he continues to get better so it will improve as PJ goes on. He’s brought a tight midsection this time, which was a critique of his in the past.

Branch Warren

– This is a better version than we saw last year; you can see a small imbalance with quad but not enough to hurt him here. In fact, it’s remarkable how balanced it is in this short period of time! His size is good. He has a good hardness and dryness to skin right off the bat. His glutes are hard, lower back is tight, hams are good. However, his upper back could be a little harder. By far, the most impressive guy so far! Everybody who doubted he'd be a front runner just got a surprise.

Fouad Abiad

– Looks fuller than at his 3^rd place win at the Flex Pro. Good conditioning, sharp glutes, dry and tight through his lower back. This could be the best we've seen him; best combination of size/fullness along with conditioning.

Brandon Curry

- Genetically one of best guys in line up. He possesses an eye appealing physique. Unfortunately his conditioning is a little off. He still lacks the dryness and finished look on stage

Ben Pakulski

- 10% harder than when he took 2^nd at the Flex Pro 2 weeks prior. He has freaky quads. His glutes are shredded and his calves/hams are nuts. This is the best we've seen him. His midsection is down, nice and tight which is key for Ben. Should be in the mix for top 5.

Michael Kefilianos

- Overall he’s got good conditioning but not the finished dry look he's had in the past. He needs more depth and detail to the muscle that give him the 3D appearance on stage. His back looks good but his hams and quads from the side are a little weak. Overall a good showing.

Shawn Rhoden

– 4^th Place at Flex Pro but seems to have improved since then. Structurally beautiful physique. His conditioning not 100% but better than 2 wks ago but he’s within about 15% of where he needs to be. His glutes are hard from side and his hams are detailed. He’s harder from back than front.

Dennis Wolf

- Conditioning is very good. His glutes are sharp from the side but could be a little harder. He’s dry. Showing lots of sharpness in his quads. His back improved tremendously in thickness. This could be his best combo of size/conditioning. One of the best we've seen so far.

Chad's Summary

Once the line up started and the first callout occurred, Evan was starting to flatten out; his conditioning was starting to go a bit. He had a hardness but not a fullness. Branch may have faded also just a tiny bit. Wolf seemed to be getting harder, though, as he posed.
As the prejudge went on, it seemed obvious that Wolf and Branch would be #1 and 2. As he battled for 3^rd, Evan started coming alive after posing. However, Dexter was fading as they posed.
The battle for 3-6 will be fierce tonight on stage!

All great points by Chad. I know many people were surprised at few folks. The crowd wanted to see Branch & he gave them a show.

In a surprising yet pleasing outcome, we have a new Ms International Bikini winner: Sonia Gonzales, ex Figure Champion. Second was India Paulino who took her class at the 2011 Jr Nationals. Nicole Nigrani dropped from winning the 2011 Ms International Bikini to 3^rd place. 4^th was a refreshing placement of Jaime Baird – Glad to see her making it up the ranks. Another surprise was seeing last year’s 2^nd place winner Nathalia Mello dropped to 5^th place. Bringing up 6^th place was Juliana Danieli.

Congratulations to all these beautiful ladies and new Ms International Bikini, Sonia Gonzales.

Photo courtesy by Flexonline

Congrats to Sonja Gonzales for getting back her title. I can't believe Nicole Nigrani came in 3rd. She just won this last year. India surprised me with coming in 2nd & Nathalia went to 5th. That was crazy.

Branch Warren Wins Arnold Classic for Second Year in a Row at Arnold Sports Festival 2012

COLUMBUS, OH – Branch Warren of the United States won the Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition at the Arnold Sports Festival 2012. A check for $130,000 was presented by Gerard Dente of MHP, a trophy presented by Tim Bentley of GNC, and a Tony Nowak Original jacket and congratulations from Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Branch Warren won the Most Entertaining Posing Award and a $10,000 check presented by Dr. Steven Hertzler, Todd Jewell and Rick Ricart, and a medallion presented by Twinlab, EAS and Ricart.com. Branch Warren of the United States also was awarded the Most Muscular Man Trophy presented by Dave Reisman of Gold’s Gym.

Dennis Wolf of Germany finished second. He received $75,000 presented by Rich Gaspari of Gaspari Nutrition and an Arnold Classic medallion presented by Jay Jacobson of Optimum Nutrition.

Evan Centopani of the United States placed third and was awarded $50,000 presented by Eric Schwartz of Animal Universal Nutrition and a medallion by Dean Donlon of Bodybuilding.com.

Other major prizes awarded in the Arnold Classic were:

4^th place: Ben Pakulski of Canada received $30,000 presented by Nick Dodson of Michelob ULTRA and a medallion presented by Brian Yersky of MET-Rx.
5^th place: Dexter Jackson of the United States received $15,000 presented by Dave Reisman of Gold’s Gym and a medallion presented by Mustafa Hashimi of Vitamin Shoppe.
6^th place: Lionel Beyeke of France received $10,000, presented by Chris Mackenzie of bpi Sports and a medallion by Amanda Latona of BSN.

A total of 14 bodybuilders competed in the March 3 competition

The Arnold Schwarzenegger Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Robert Kennedy by Schwarzenegger. Accepting the award on behalf of Mr. Kennedy was his wife, Tosca Reno. In 1974 Kennedy started his first magazine, MuscleMag International. The magazine is still in publication 35 years later. In addition to MuscleMag International, Kennedy has also written 53 books, including several New York Times bestsellers. Robert Kennedy Publishing has published over 53 books with titles emphasizing fitness, health, lifestyle and nutrition. Kennedy is married to fitness writer Tosca Reno, the author of the best-selling book series The Eat-Clean Diet. Kennedy and Reno, along with their five children, live in the Caledon Hills of Ontario just north of Toronto.

Interview with runner up Dennis Wolf!

Dennis doesn't know what to do. He has brought up some improvements to his body. He's heading to the Olympia. He has brought his back but the judges think it can be better.

Photo courtesy by MD

Arnold Classic 2012 Wrap Up with Coleman, Levrone, Ray and More!

I like the way Ronnie talks smack. Kevin likes the way Branch looked & Shawn had Wolf winning it. Branch fought for this title. Kevin thinks that Wolf should be 10-12 lbs heavier so his back can stand with the boys with the detailed & thick back. Evan is making his climb to the top. Pak Man surprised everyone. Dexter was a tad off. He wasn't as sharp as he could've been. Beyeke was better than he was at the Flex Pro but he still needs some more conditioning. Can Branch go knock Heath at the O?

Pre-Judging Individual Posing Video

Look at all of the athletes pose. You can see how some of them were getting harder & drier posing while others were fading away. Plus, you can hear the camera shutter many pics & the crowd going nuts for their favorite guy(s).

Pre-Judging Callouts Video

I love this!! The fans let you know who they love!!! In the 1st callout, the crowd loves Branch & Evan. I'm glad the judges moved them around & you see how guys were getting harder & drier posing while others were fading away. The 2nd callout could've been better. The 3rd callout was lackluster. 4th & 5th callouts were awesome!!!

Pre-Judging Wrap Up with Dan Solomon and Bob Cicherillo

Branch made a statement just by being here. Wolf & Evan were pretty much even. Maybe Wolf is a slight ahead of Evan. Pak Man brought & pushed Dexter out for the 4th place. Dexter wasn't as sharp as he should've been.

Pre-Judging Wrap Up with Shawn Ray, Kevin Levrone and Flex Wheeler

Branch was pushed by Wolf & Evan. Wolf's X frame was huge in this show. Evan made his improvements. Pak Man brought his "A" game. Dexter didn't bring the right package. To me, he's tired. He competed a lot all of last year & he had no rest.

Evan Centopani Interview After Pre-Judging!

Evan felt great. He was more confident at this go around. He felt he belong on that stage.

Photo courtesy by MD

Branch Warren Interview after the victory!

Great video & interview. Branch is a man who can recover like no other. Now, he's on his way to the Aussie Pro then the Olympia. That's his only goal right now.

Click Here for Stage Photos of Branch Warren

IFBB Pro Bodybuilding
1. Branch Warren
2. Dennis Wolf
3. Evan Centopani
4. Ben Pakulski
5. Dexter Jackson
6. Lionel Beyeke

Most Entertaining Poser:
1. Branch Warren

Most Muscular Award
1. Branch Warren

IFBB Pro Bikini
1. Sonia Gonzales

2. India Paulino

3. Nicole Nagrani

4. Jaime Baird

5. Nathalia Melo

6. Juliana Danieli

Photo courtesy by MD

Arnold Classic 2012 Paparazzi Pics! So Far!!!

Evan Centopani 2 Days Out from the Arnold Classic 2012!

Bob talks with Evan about last year's Arnold to this year prep to the Arnold. Better condition, improvements to chest, back & quads? Plus, 5-6 lbs more of muscle. He has a great shot of winning it. He wants to stand next to Branch as the last two men on stage & of course win it. Evan is very selective on picking his shows.

Photo courtesy by MD

Evan trains back in this video & reflects on his prep to the Arnold.

Dennis Wolf Trains Shoulders & Tris One Week Out

A short but sweet video of the Big Bad Wolf killing delts & tri's plus a little ab work as well. He's looking really good. I wanna see how his lower half can match his upper half especially when he turns to the back.

Photo courtesy by MD

Evan Centopani Torches Biceps 2.5 Weeks Out from the 2012 Arnold Classic

Evan starts with one arm cable curls to pump up the arms. Next is alternate db curls. Oh yeah, Evan said try not training arms if you're hitting your major muscles heavy. They'd get recruited during a heavy chest or back day. It seems a lot of faith is working for Evan. Things happen for a reason.

Photo courtesy by MD

Evan Centopani says he has "no expectations" going into the 2012 Arnold Classic

Evan talks about his 2011 Arnold showing & he doesn't care about beating anyone in particular. He has no expectations. He's just having fun. He trains to win!! He talks about he needs to display better posing & also better color. He talks about big changes from last year to this years Arnold. Especially having a new home & a baby. He has great support from his gym, Gold's Gym New Haven. Also, he talks about having a great support team with MD & Universal.

Photo courtesy by MD

Evan is going through a brutal leg workout & he talks having balance in your life, dealing with stress, getting rid of or managing your fears & bodybuilding isn't about just talking drugs or a magic pill. It's about the hard work & dedication to what you do will get you further in life.

Dexter Jackson Shoulder Workout 2 Weeks Out from ASC

Dexter starts with single side raises. They pyramid up on your set, 3-5 sets & heavy. Next is hammer strength shoulder press, 4-5 heavy sets. Next is front raises with 45 lb plate, 4-5 sets heavy.

Photo courtesy by MD

Evan Centopani Trains Chest 2.5 Weeks Out from the 2012 Arnold Classic

Evan is starting a pre-exhaust with two iso movements then pressing. He starts with pec deck. He like doing the pre-exhaust to add lot of blood in the muscle. Next is flat db flyes. In the off-season, he'll do 50% of this workouts with pre-exhaust &the other 50% is pressing movements first. Next is flat bench press, he did 365 lbs. Next is hammer strength incline press. I like the machine!!! A good training partner challenges you to be better than you are. Lots of forced reps Evan did. During the workout, Evan decides to eat an apple but he eats the whole apple including the seeds. Next is dips. Evan hits some poses for the fans to see.

Photo courtesy by MD