Tracy’s Journal

The National Physique Committee (NPC)  is eliminating the one piece posing suit round for both figure and fitness contests beginning in 2009.  The change is expected to take place *after* the National Figure championships in Atlanta later this month, and will be officially announced later in the year.

With NPC figure eliminated from the Ironman contest in California in late January, we can expect to see “one-piece free” shows beginning in late February 2009.  Visit NPCschedule.com later this month for the 2009 amateur schedule.

While the one piece suit allowed for a different and appealing way to showcase outstanding figure lines on stage, most competitors will likely appreciate the elimination of the expense for one piece suits during an economic recession.  One piece suits typically cost more than two piece suits because of the increased surface area, and the cost of crystals or stones to cover that additional cloth.

Ben Weider, who with his brother Joe brought bodybuilding into the international spotlight by organizing professional competitions like Mr. Olympia and by grooming stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger, died Friday in Montreal. He was 85.

For me as a long time body builder, starting out in Canada in 1985, it is a sad day of hearing about the death of Ben Weider.  But it also brings fond memories of how much body building has given back to me.  I truly love the sport…it has taught me through dedication, discipline, patience and alot of hard work - physically and mentally  you can achieve anything.  I plan on training till I’m also 85 or older!

I’m looking forward to sharing with you my thoughts on the bodybuilding world, news, training tips and whatever else comes to mind.