Lori strikes a seductive pose...

A slice of Mountain State pride as tall class figure competitor Lori Staats admirably rounds out a splendid new West Virginia edition of Sisters In Arms on the studio. Last fall, Lori joined fitness pal Stacy Wright on Olympia weekend, and the two bright stars teamed up to illuminate the shadowy scenes with great physiques and signature moves during a nighttime photoshoot.

On her website, Lori reveals growing up painfully shy especially when performing in front of large crowds, a struggle that prevented her from participating in most organized sports during school. Fortunately, the 38-year-old has never been shy about training in the gym, having dedicating over fifteen years to sculpting her statuesque 5-foot-7, 130-pound frame.

...but Stacy's biceps steal the show.

Even better, falling in love with figure ultimately helped Lori overcome her daunting stage fright. She broke onto the contest scene five years ago, has been a nationally ranked competitor the last two, and a successful fitness model along the way. Away from the spotlight, she works as a hairdresser and owns a beauty salon back in northwestern Millwood along the Ohio river bank.

Meanwhile, in news from Stacy’s corner, our fair-haired cherub from Charleston plans to reveal the winner of her unique fitness routine sponsorship contest later today. Subsequently, the selfless NPC fan favorite will generously lend her established expertise in gymnastics and cheerleading to help choreograph a new routine for the lucky chosen competitor. Canadian pro and suit designer Sylvia Tremblay is pitching in to provide costumes. Check in with my Twitter feed in the top right corner for an announcement on the big winner.

Pretty Pumped: Candice looks to continue her success at the Arnold as a pro in the upcoming Figure International.

Candice Houston already knows what it’s like to win on the Arnold stage. Last time through Columbus two years ago, she came away the overall champ as an amateur, beginning a decisive rise up the NPC ladder that led to a figure pro card last summer.

Today, she’s five weeks away from returning to Ohio’s capital, this time selected as one of the premier IFBB pros competing in her first Figure International. Only the best of the best are invited to this exclusive party, and the top six women each earn a spot in this year’s Olympia.

Always a strong finisher throughout her career, expect Candice to rebound from her 14th place debut at the Houston Pro when she takes the stage at the Arnold Classic on March 6th. Adjusting to life at the pro level and having had the offseason to tweak her physique and presentation, she’s a good bet to make the top ten — or better.

Candice was all smiles during this highlight from her shoot last July and with good reason. The bubbly Las Vegas personal trainer was fresh from a pro card win at the USAs in her hometown on that same weekend.

Critical Edge: Bodybuilder Janet Kaufman will be one of the judges at the 2010 Emerald Cup. Here she is posing at the '08 Nationals.

Longtime bodybuilder Janet Kaufman has flexed her physique under intense scrutiny for over twenty years, no doubt gaining plenty of knowledge as to what the men and women in the judges pit are looking for. Come springtime at this year’s Emerald Cup, the 43-year-old national-level competitor will join the critics in the first row, using her highly trained eyes to break down the action on stage.

Speaking of on stage, Janet heads into the new season after having a pro card narrowly elude her with second place finishes at the Masters Nationals and Nationals last year. The 5-foot-3 middleweight also won her class at the Masters in ‘07 and ‘08 and should be a serious contender should she compete again at this year’s show, slated for July 23rd back in Pittsburgh.

Here’s a highlight of Janet from her shoot in Atlanta during the 2008 Nationals, showing off one of the most dramatically sliced and shredded lower bodies in the sport. Some steel beams would bend against the strength in those legs.

Back to Emerald Cup news. Janet will travel across the Evergreen State from her home in Lewiston, Idaho to be at the April 16th show. This year, the popular regional event shifts to Snoqualmie, Washington — home of scenic tourist site, Snoqualmie Falls — just a short distance from downtown Seattle.

Show Time: Danny J is in Los Angeles competing at the Bodyspace Spokesmodel finals. Vote for her today!

Superstar Las Vegas personal trainer Danny J will be working the crowd tomorrow at the Los Angeles Fitness Expo, but today is your chance to push our reigning desert diva closer to the grand prize covered in last week’s blockbuster interview on the blog.

Here’s the scoop. For one full day, beginning today at 9am Pacific time and lasting until the same time tomorrow, fans are asked to vote for their favorites one more time in the Bodyspace Spokesmodel search.

This is pretty important. According to the rules, if it comes down to a tiebreaker — very likely considering this exemplary cast of strikingly accomplished and stunningly fit females — the model receiving the most votes today will win the contest.

Last night, following another busy day of appearances, a nervous but excited Danny graciously took a moment to share some details of her big adventure unfolding this weekend in the City of Angels.

She had just finished a photoshoot with a pair of fitness beauties from the dazzling quintet facing off together, IFBB figure pro Erin Stern and 28-year-old WNSO pro Mindy Karuk from Canada. Danny succinctly sized up the competition. “Both girls look incredible and are also nice so it will be a hard one,” she said.

The other finalists are Washington State grad Jaquelyn Kay, a 26-year-old personal trainer from Virginia Beach; and Alexandra Porshnikoff, a 36-year-old national-level competitor from San Francisco. “We will all be working the booth at the expo until about 1pm,” Danny explained about Saturday’s show, “so please come by and say hi and get pictures.”

During the contest, a panel of judges will also be asking the women questions and at the end, “we will all go out to a song of our choice with pictures from our photoshoot posted behind us,” Danny said. “I want a huge cheering section going DA-NEE JAY, DA-NEE JAY!!”

Danny’s parents have come out to the west coast to see the show. No doubt, they will be leading the crowd in the raucous chant for their amazing young daughter.

Have you voted for her yet?

DA-NEE JAY!! DAN-EE JAY!!

Changing Times: Sherrie is excited about a move into the bikini division this year.

One move is paying off and another likely soon will as the competitive season gets going for Sherrie Carnicle. The Western Illinois University graduate and longtime personal trainer recently relocated from Minnesota to Arizona and runs her own fitness center down in the arid environs of Scottsdale.

Sherrie also shared news earlier this month of an impending move from the figure division to the bikini division, a promising shift that many supporters seem to agree could have the fetchingly fit blonde holding a pro card before very long. Indeed, Sherrie hasn’t even stepped on stage in the new category, yet loyal fans in the FitGems contest voted to nominate her for a bikini award.

It’s certainly difficult to bet against someone with this impressive of an athletic background. “I took up weightlifting and sports such as track, volleyball, soccer, and cheerleading at the age of 14,” Sherrie writes on her personal trainer bio page, “and was bench pressing more than my bodyweight within the first year.”

Best of luck to the ambitious fitness mom and inspiring role model as she joins the bikini ranks.

Meanwhile, lets take a look back at some excellent footage of Sherrie posing during her time as a figure hardbody. If competitors like her can bring this level of muscle in a smoother package, the subsequent aesthetic curves would set a worthy precedent in bikini’s second season.

Bikini Royale: Danny J flashes a covergirl smile fit for a fitness model princess.

Some dreams really do come true. The charming and affable Danny J was on the radar when I mentioned her in an earlier post, now the flight of fancy becomes a reality as this striking 28-year-old personal trainer from Las Vegas comes in for a landing on the studio.

Even during the chill of winter, this bikini competitor’s debut comes at a magical time. Out in the milder climes of the Southwest, things are really heating up for our latest, prettiest new face.

That’s largely due to the excitement surrounding the Bodyspace Spokesmodel search that Danny has spent the last several months competing in. Ultimately, supporting fans came out in droves to help her earn enough votes to make it to the finals of the contest set to take place at the Los Angeles Fitness Expo on Saturday, January 23rd.

Consistently maintaining a profile page as well as a terrific blog throughout her fitness journey, the highly accomplished desert diva — who holds a Bachelors degree in Physical Education and a Masters in Health Promotion and Exercise Science — has been an enthusiastic member of the popular fitness forum.

Thanks to a dedicated effort, strong reputation and tremendous popularity, she’ll share the spotlight next weekend with four more lovely luminaries — IFBB pro Erin Stern and former Oxygen cover girl Jaquelyn Kay among them — looking to become the next fresh face of women’s health and fitness.

Crunch Time: Danny J heads to the LA Fitness Expo looking to win the Bodyspace Spokesmodel finals. Are those abs worthy? You bet!

The final announcement promises to be anxious and exhilarating. Along with the prestige and opportunities of being new spokesmodel comes a glossy cover shot on Ironman magazine. It could be a watershed moment for the winner, something to help launch their career toward the ranks of fitness icons like Jamie Eason.

As the new season approaches, I recently caught up with Danny for an inside glimpse into the former figure turned bikini girl’s future plans on the competitive stage. We also looked back to examine some of memorable highlights so far in her athletic young life, which blossomed in gymnastics and took off — quite literally — when she worked as an acrobat for a performance team at SeaWorld in San Diego, California.

Of course, I asked what it would mean to her to win the spokesmodel contest coming up shortly. Not surprisingly, Danny says winning would be a dream come true but modestly admits she’s the underdog.

One thing is certain, as reigning Figure Olympia champ Nicole Wilkins-Lee recently proved, never underestimate the underdog — and dreams often do come true.

Dean: I know you have experience in gymnastics. Were you always pretty competitive growing up? Did you play any other sports or even have strength challenges like armwrestling matches in school?

Danny J: “I could say I was competitive but I wasn’t a big ‘sports person.’ Gymnastics was it. I thought gymnastics was the only ‘worthy’ sport (probably just because I sucked at the others). I was, however, very competitive in school and with my grades. As far as armwrestling…no. I just don’t get that.”

Air & Water Showstopper: The 5-foot-4, 115-pound athlete literally soared as a former acrobat at SeaWorld San Diego.

Dean: A very unique and intriguing athletic dimension about you is that you once worked as an acrobat at SeaWorld in San Diego. Could you give us a little overview and describe some of the tricks you performed and how it must have felt to be able to do them?

Danny J: “Oh my god! SeaWorld was an incredible experience. The show was Cirque de La Mer. So, a bit like Cirque Du Soleil style. My favorite tricks were jumping off the Russian swing, which is a giant swing set, where two people are pushing you as hard as they can and you fly off 20-40 feet in the air like you are flying. You land in water, but believe me and my bruises, water is not the softest landing. Still it was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. AND I was lucky enough to get paid to do it!”

Dean: Just curious, with a gymnastic and acrobatic background to your credit, have you ever thought about putting together a routine and trying out in fitness competitions? I think you’d be very good at it!

Danny J: “I actually really have considered doing fitness. I agree I think I would be good at it, and I coached gymnastics for 10 years, so I always critique the routines. The problems I had in recent years, were my jobs. I work an evening shift, and most gymnastics gyms are only open when I am also working. I just could never coordinate!”

Dean: Once again, hearty congratulations on earning a well-deserved trip to compete in the final round of the Bodyspace Spokesmodel search at the LA Fit Expo. As one of the “final five” facing an elite group of women — among them an IFBB figure pro and a former Oxygen covergirl — where would winning this contest rank within your own already splendid inventory of achievements?

Danny J: “Wow! Well, yes, I am competing against some amazing physiques and beautiful women. I feel a little bit the underdog, and winning this contest would actually be a dream and goal come true. It has been one of my goals just to be able to WORK at the Bodybuilding.com booth for an expo, so winning this contest would mean more to me right now, than even turning pro.”

Sweet Dreams: Will Danny J be the next new face of fitness? We hope so.

Dean: Having tried it last season, how do you feel about the new bikini division? Are you going to stick with it or go back to figure?

Danny J: “Bikini vs Figure… Hmmm. I have mixed feelings. You see, I LOVE the leanness and ripped look of figure, but I like the SASS and personality of bikini. I’m still taking some time to decide. I had a hard time (mentally) softening up for bikini. I like to have a harder physique, but I had a lot more fun, too. So…we shall see what 2010 brings.”

Dean: Which shows do you plan on competing at in 2010? What are some improvements you’ve made to your physique or overall presentation this off season that you think will really stand out on stage this year?

Danny J: “Honestly, I haven’t decided what shows, which division, and IF I will compete or not in 2010. I have a personal goal to see 30 countries before I’m 30, and I’m running out of time! I may decide to spend my travel money this year on something other than shows. I also have spent most of my off season growing my training business. So I’ve been in more of a maintenance mode, than making any drastic physique changes.”

Dean: Besides your website, are there any other fitness-related items that I can help you plug or anything else going on in your life that you’d like to share?

Sky High: Things are looking up for this primetime green-eyed blonde from Las Vegas.

Danny J: “Danny J Fitness is my site for personal training. I am currently doing some group trainings and I also do online coaching and training. I am probably one of the most ‘invested’ trainers you will meet, and what I mean by that, is that I make your goals MY goals. We do it together. If I don’t have an answer, I find it.

“I am also writing for examiner.com so please find me in Las Vegas and subscribe to my articles. Keep an eye out in Max Muscle stores as well, as I have been a featured contributing writer in September and December and more to come.”

Dean: Danny, thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with me. I’m very honored and delighted to have you as one of our latest star models on the studio. Best of luck at the Bodyspace finals and on stage this season!

Danny J: “Thank you so much for taking the time to let others get to know me. I want readers to know that I LOVE meeting new people and am one of the most approachable people you will ever meet. So please say hi at the expos or feel free to email me at training@dannyjfitness.com. I always write back.”

Bodybuilder Kortney Olson.

Already blessed with knockout good looks, you might think the signature initials stamped boldly over the right shoulder of the stunningly luminous 28-year-old Kortney Olson were meant merely as a flashy personal declaration, a confident wink to her considerable feminine pulchritude.

It’s only when you look closer at the steely frame of this free-spirited, hardcore 5-foot-7, 160-pound physique model — her thickly muscled legs owing as much to pumping heavy iron as to growing up in the rugged, mountainous terrain of Northwest California — that the tattoo takes on significantly more intimidating connotations.

Dramatically, the symbol of duplicity is fitting considering that lurking beneath KO’s sweet exterior skulks a shadowy figure that haunts the corners of her new website.

KO strikes a pose with a smile.

Inside are stories (perhaps true, perhaps exaggerated, who knows) of “The Enforcer,” Kortney’s gorgeous and merciless alter ego. This diabolical doppelganger makes a point of viciously punishing hapless victims with her hulking power while cruelly tormenting them with her fierce, titillating sexuality. Told in graphic detail, the tales are violent, lewd, riotously fetishistic and sometimes bizarrely funny.

And that’s just in the free area. Paying customers get a great deal more. Come to think of it, maybe KO really stands for keep out (the kiddies, that is). But anyway, back to our PG-rated blog.

Posing during her photoshoot in Las Vegas over this past summer, Kortney looks positively angelic. Playing more the role of plucky princess than femme fatale, she’s a spellbinding vision of health with only a dash of irreverence. Perhaps she only gets sinister behind closed doors.

Showing off the guns in Sin City.

Glowing in quixotic streaks of sunlight pouring down from the hotel roof at the USAs, a playfully raffish Kortney gives us an effortless lift and carry demonstration with guest star Abby Marie, followed by a mixed armwrestling tour de force — note KO’s dancing, quivering shoulder muscles during this highlight — against ace photographer Danny Fittro.

Looking back over this post, I quashed an earlier headline and went instead with The Tale of Two Kortneys, which sounds more cinematic and befitting of this burlesque underground entertainer. She’s radiant with energy and skill, confidence and covergirl appeal.

But questions remain. Who is this fascinating young woman? Is KO rough or refined, menacing or charming, gentle or deadly? Assuredly, she’s as strong and mysterious, as beautiful and inscrutable a muscle maiden to come around in a long time.

Still can’t quite figure her out? Maybe that’s the point.

L.A. Story: Look for Jennifer DeJoya to be a contender at the California Pro this spring.

Desire, determination and a sheer love of competing paid off for Jennifer DeJoya when she earned her figure pro card at the ‘08 Nationals. After a pair of top ten finishes to highlight a very respectable first year on the pro stage, she looks to gain even more ground in her sophomore season.

For starters, the Los Angeles native plans on returning to the California Pro on May 29th, site of her IFBB debut last spring. According to her blog, she’ll follow that up with stops at shows in Hartford, Connecticut (Europa Battle of Champions in July) and Dallas, Texas (Europa Super Show in August).

But things could get interesting in a hurry if she improves enough from what was previously a season-best, seventh-place finish in her home state. If Jennifer can make the top three at the Cal — certainly a possibility for this consistent, tremendously conditioned competitor — she’ll qualify for her first Olympia.

Flexing is a Breeze: Fair-haired figgie Jill Rudison cools off during her photoshoot.

It’s always fun to talk about the showbiz side of fitness and physique competitions, dotted with shimmering sequins and razzle-dazzle. But for Jill Rudison, a pretty and talented regional-level figure girl from Los Angeles, the bright lights of Hollywood actually represent a significant part of her world.

In fact, when Jill isn’t working out or slipping on a new pair of heels for a contest — and she looked excellent at the recent Excalibur — this ambitious and creative 31-year-old works as a freelance production manager and talent coordinator on a variety of movies and television shows.

Not to be overlooked, the tall and shapely blonde has star-quality in front of the camera as well. Posing in a cute white top and sporty black shorts splashed and trimmed in pink, Jill’s wiry, athletic 5-foot-6 frame features great abs and steely legs as you’ll see in this highlight from her contest-ready debut at the ‘08 Excalibur.

Introducing curvy figure competitor and personal trainer Emily Hilgemann.

As I sit here quaffing an eggnog with a dash of nutmeg, the glow of festive lights twinkling just left of my monitor, here’s hoping everyone out there is having an equally enjoyable holiday. Undoubtedly, a glimpse of NPC figure competitor Emily Hilgemann on our blog today should add to the cheer.

This striking 29-year-old brunette beauty from Oceanside, California — discovered this fall at the Border States Classic in San Diego, where she competed in the tall class — envelops the lens with a cool, sexy stage presence in a brilliant new fitness magazine-worthy photo set along the scenic So-Cal coast.

Although not yet nationally ranked in figure circles, Emily remains a highly accomplished personal trainer for an exclusive health club located in the posh, seaside resort city of Carlsbad. From time to time, she’s even had a few celebrities pass through the gym doors seeking her expertise.

California Dreamgirl: Emily shows off her great biceps and abs on the beach.

Photographed in subtle off-season condition and sporty attire, Emily’s strapping frame is highlighted by a superior upperbody which flows beautifully into a dreamy, athletic midriff. A former soccer player at her alma mater, Central Washington University, where she graduated with a degree in exercise science, Emily is a fetching and charismatic model showcasing lovely feminine muscle. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of her.