Fitness for People the World Needs Most

Fitness for People the World Needs Most

By Anne B. McDonnell
April 2004

	Gonzaga University created a new fitness center with a unique blend of old and new structures.

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY RUDOLF FITNESS CENTER

Spokane, Wash.; 509 323-4200; www.gonzaga.edu

Gonzaga University, with its tradition of service-oriented education, is committed to "educating people the world needs most," says Joan Hatfield, director of the Kermit M. Rudolf Fitness Center. "The new on-campus fitness facility helps achieve that goal by developing the health and fitness of Gonzaga's students, faculty and staff," she says.

The 38,000-square-foot facility opened in March 2003, under the direction of the Athletic Department. The fitness center is located in the Martin Center, which also houses the Kennel, the basketball arena for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. (A new 6,000-seat arena is currently under construction, and will be attached to the Martin Center.)

The fitness center is an architectural blend of existing and new facilities, Hatfield explains. The 18,420-square-foot field house, previously a separate building, the 25-yard lap pool and the 2,400-square-foot locker room area were joined by an arched atrium with skylights. Walls of windows looking into the field house and pool now line the atrium, which also offers a lounge area with couches, tables and a juice bar.

The field house includes three basketball courts, an indoor running track and four racquetball courts. At the time of construction, two racquetball courts were converted into a 2,400-square-foot fitness studio, a 500-square-foot fitness studio and an intramural office. The field house is used for pick-up basketball games, intramural sports, some PE classes, and summer basketball and volleyball camps. As for the pool, in addition to lap swimming, it is used for water aerobics, water polo games and scuba diving classes.

Another new addition to the building is the 9,000-square-foot, two-level cardio and weight area, complete with a view of Lake Arthur, the Spokane River and the Spokane skyline. "The Gonzaga community enjoys the array of equipment, TVs and sound system, which are similar to those at high-quality, private fitness centers," says Hatfield. A bright red and blue color scheme reflects Gonzaga's school colors.

Four full-time staff members with master's degrees offer fitness assessments, nutritional counseling, personal training, health/fitness-related workshops, email fitness tips, and classes such as step, yoga, boot camp and stability ball conditioning classes. Says Hatfield, "The facility design, staffing and operations were carefully planned to meet the highest industry standards for facility supervision and safety. Remote cameras are located in all activity areas of the fitness center complex, and staff can monitor the entire facility from the front desk or the control desk located in the fitness area. We have an AED on the premises, and all full-time staff are trained to use it."

Membership to the fitness center is required for all undergraduate students, who each pay a $75 fee per semester. Graduate and law school students join on a voluntary basis, and pay a higher fee per semester. Faculty and staff are given complimentary memberships as part of their benefits package, and spouses of students, faculty and staff may join for a fee.

Gonzaga University created a new fitness center with a unique blend of old and new structures. The achieved goal is to offer fitness to "people the world needs most."

Facility Stats

• Date facility opened: March 2003
• Fitness facility size: 38,000 square feet
• Number of members: About 3,500 undergraduates, plus graduate and law students; faculty and staff receive complimentary memberships
• Strength equipment: Life Fitness and Hammer Strength machines; free weights
• Cardio equipment: Treadmills, stair steppers, elliptical trainers, cycles, rowing machine, arm ergometer

Sports Training Programs for Adventure & Motivation

Sports Training Programs for Adventure & Motivation

By Anne B. McDonnell
June 2001

	Fun is the name of the fitness game these days. By offering programs that appeal to a sport of your member's choice, you're likely to increase retention and even gain new prospects.

When summer days are sunny and warm, or winter days bring snow to the mountains, would your members rather play tennis, hike or ski outdoors, or perform two sets of 12 reps inside your club? If your answer is clearly the first, then offering sport-specific training in your facility can be a great way to keep your current members motivated and attract new members. Outdoor sports programs don't always have to take members away from your fitness center. Instead, you can combine in-club programs with outings. For instance, you can offer training programs within your facility, such as sport-specific strength classes, and then take a group of interested members outdoors to try out their new skills. These programs can help motivate your members by giving them specific goals, social interaction, challenges and a fun environment for working out.

Types of programs

Your sports training program can include almost any sport imaginable. Popular examples are running, golf, swimming, biking, hiking, climbing and skiing. Many other possibilities exist, of course. Marathon or triathlon training, snowboarding, surfing, inline skating, mountain biking, snow shoeing, volleyball, baseball, basketball, soccer and much more. Be creative, but make sure your members are interested. Before posting flyers about your new tree-climbing course, find out if any of your members would actually participate. An in-club or online survey, or casual conversations are a few ways to discover interest.

Instructors

Once you know that your members are interested in a particular sports program, find a qualified instructor. If you already have someone on staff, wonderful. Just make sure that they can do what they say they can. If you don't have someone, ask around at local sports groups, sporting goods stores or even among your members. They may have a sports skill, or know someone who does.

Safety

Safety is an important part of every program, but some sports carry more risks than others. Your program should have a written safety plan in place, and all instructors should be trained in the appropriate life-saving/injury skills. It also may be necessary to require participants to sign an additional waiver if they want to participant in one of your sports programs. Also, before sending a group off on an adventurous trip, provide them with a checklist of things to bring. Water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, food, and appropriate clothes and footwear are usually necessary.

Equipment

The initial cost of your program will depend on how much extra equipment you will need. If you offer a hiking program, then the only extra equipment you will need are hiking shoes, sunscreen and a water-bottle carrier, which can be provided by your members. If, however, you begin a climbing program, you will need thousands of dollars worth of ropes, shoes and maybe even an indoor wall. Most clubs either rent the equipment to members, or provide it as part of the program fee. Either way, make sure that your class doesn't end up costing more than it's worth. As far as non-sport-specific equipment, you may just need your weights, cardio equipment and some resistance bands. How to use your equipment to train appropriately for a specific sport is up to your qualified instructor.

Fees

To cover the extra costs of training your members in a specific skill, and then taking them outside to try out that new skill, you may want to charge a fee in addition to the regular club membership fee. The fee may also cover the cost of food during outings and/or such things as lift tickets and transportation.

Sample Programs

Rock Climbing: Vertical Endeavors Guided Adventures

Vertical Endeavors is an indoor rock climbing facility located within Life Time Fitness in Warrenville, Ill. Information on its website reads: "You've learned to climb indoors, now imagine the thrill of climbing outdoors on real rock!"

Vertical Endeavors Guided Adventures (V.E.G.A.) are year-round outdoor rock and ice climbing lessons, and guided trips for beginners to experienced climbers. Guides take participants on trips to the sea cliffs of the north shore of Lake Superior and to Devil's Tower in Wyoming. For ice climbing, adventurers go to Ouray, Colo. All programs are led by Vertical Endeavors guides who are professional members of the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA).

One of the guides, Patrick Mackin, director of instruction for Vertical Endeavors and a guide with the AMGA, says there is definitely an advantage to teaching members specific sports skills. "You're going to have more fun if you train sport-specific," he says. Some of the participants in his outdoor climbs have told him that their experience was "life changing." He also says that it is important that the climbs are tailored to each person's climbing ability, and he makes sure that he "provides the basis for what people need to perform climbs on their own," instead of just playing "tour guide."

V.E.G.A. is headquartered at Vertical Endeavors, which offers 18,000 square feet of climbing surfaces. The indoor facility allows Vertical Endeavors to teach its "ground school curriculum" with no worries about weather. The program provides all essential technical equipment, including helmet, harness and ropes. Upon registration, participants receive an orientation packet including a list of items to bring with them on the day of their course. All programs are guided by experienced climbers. Guides are certified in CPR, first aid and Wilderness First Responder.

The Vertical Endeavors program has terms and conditions for its participants, which is a must for any outdoor sports program. Among them, all of its participants must sign a liability waver, and anyone under 18 must have the form signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Having fun, learning a skill and getting exercise are the important outcomes for participants in this program. Says Mackin, "By the end of the day, they've had a serious workout."

For more information on this program: 630 836-0122; info@verticalendeavors.com; www.verticalendeavors.com

Triathlon Training: Athletic Club at Denver Place

Transitions, A Triathlon Training Class, at Athletic Club at Denver Place in Denver, Colo., is a training class that prepares participants for every aspect of a triathlon. Triathletes perform mini-triathlons each session, and workouts range from a 100-meter swim, 5-minute bike (on stationary bikes) and a 0.3-mile run, to an 800-meter swim, 40-minute bike and a 3-mile run. "The longest day is meant to simulate a sprint distance triathlon," says Melissa Mantak, a personal trainer and athletic staff member at Athletic Club at Denver Place, and one of the program's two coaches. "I use [this] as as a ?test' to track their progress."

The class meets one morning each week from 6:00 to 7:30 a.m., and runs in three, eight-week sessions starting in January and ending in June. Each class includes a mini-clinic on swimming, biking or running technique, nutrition information, strength training and transition training. "We actually practice putting shoes, helmets, glasses, wetsuits, etc., on and off," says Mantak, who is a former pro triathlete. As the weather gets nicer, the class goes outside to a local reservoir to swim in open water and then bike and run to better simulate training and racing conditions.

The class attracts a wide range of participants, but most are beginners. Many are women who are training for the Danskin race, athletes attempting a first Ironman, or endurance athletes looking for some direction or a change of pace in their workouts. The number of participants ranges from 10 to 25.

"The group setting provides a fun, competitive, supportive atmosphere," says Mantak. "They all have a great time, show tremendous improvement in both physical performance and confidence, and exceed their goals and expectations."

Mantak doesn't need to do much marketing for her class. She says that word-of-mouth is her best advertiser. The club puts up flyers and posts information on its website, and it has had several non-members join the class thanks to the website.

"I started the class four years ago as a means of helping and coaching triathletes through the winter training months," Mantak says. "[My goal was] to keep them interested, motivated and fit."

For more information on this program: 303 294-9494; www.acdp.com

Golf Training: East Bank Club

In Fitness for Golfers at East Bank Club in Chicago, Ill., personal trainers Jeff Travis and Amy Pasqualini lead participants through a seven-week sport-specific program that includes strength training, abdominal and flexibility exercises. "The main focus of the program is injury prevention through flexibility and stretching," says Amy Pasqualini, a master trainer at East Bank Club. "We do a lot of core work with the abdominal, low back and hamstring muscles. This is complemented by stretches of the low back, hip flexors, hamstrings, gluteus, quadriceps and erector muscles of the spine to help increase range of motion."

Another important part of the class includes rotation work with a medicine ball. On the first day, trainers have participants hit balls so they can assess their swing and see form imbalances. Participants progress from basic rotation work to working on their swing. "We have participants mimic the golf swing and release the medicine ball against a wall. This helps them see the imbalances in their swings," says Pasqualini.

The class also incorporates weight work for the chest and back. Since "most golfers are strong in the chest and weak in the upper back, we focus on the back with seated rows, rear delt work, lat pull downs, retractions and depressions, and external rotator cuff work," Pasqualini says.

The benefits of this sport-specific class are injury prevention, increased ball distance, control of the golf swing, learning body awareness, building muscular endurance and increasing range of motion to increase club-head speed.

The East Bank Club also offers many other sport-specific training programs, including Spin, Stride, Splash, a triathlon-training program; Brick, a triathlon/duathlon training program; golf and tennis clinics and lessons; private basketball lessons; Kayak Workout, an instructor-led class on the river; and Ski Conditioning, a weight-training class for skiers.

For more information on these programs: 312 527-5800; www.eastbankclub.com

The Learning Curve for Women's Weight-Loss Programs

The Learning Curve for Women's Weight-Loss Programs

By Wayne L. Westcott
December 2003

	An exercise-based weight-loss program can work for women, as long as the right prescription is given.

Since the early days of the fitness movement, health and fitness facility operators have attempted to attract overweight women into their weight-loss programs. Unfortunately, the exercise approach to reducing body weight has been largely unsuccessful, especially in comparison to the $35 billion spent each year on various diet programs.

With a little introspection, we can identify several reasons why overweight women are reluctant to join exercise programs in fitness facilities. First, unlike fitness professionals who thrive on physical activity, most overweight women are simply not exercise enthusiasts. That is, given a choice of 10 things to do during the course of a day, exercise is unlikely to make their list. Some have had problems with school physical education classes, others have had unsuccessful experiences in sports, some have had disappointing results from previous exercise programs, others feel self-conscious in exercise attire, many prefer not to perform physical activity in the presence of men and some just don't like to sweat.

Consider how you would feel auditioning in front of the symphony orchestra when your only prior instrumental experience was a poorly pitched flutophone in third grade. That's essentially the same perception most overweight women have when confronted with the thought of public exercise performance. Needless to say, it raises their anxiety level, and reinforces their avoidance tendencies toward physical activity programs.

Many women also face time challenges due to the cumulative effects of work, family and social commitments. They have small time margins for exercise, and comprehensive fitness programs are just not feasible. And, the after-exercise ritual of a shower, shampoo, hair-drying and makeup application is absolutely unacceptable for time-pressured women. Even the traditional warm-up, cool-down and stretching components of a standard exercise program can be problematic for busy women.

Although the process is unhealthy and the result is temporary, dieting is a more acceptable weight-loss alternative for the vast majority of overweight women. It has virtually no time requirement, and may actually save time by reducing eating duration. Dieting does not require physical effort, and represents a passive approach to weight loss. Dieting, unlike exercise, is typically perceived as a temporary tactic that may be discontinued when a desirable body weight is attained.

Enter Curves For Women

With three strikes against them, most fitness professionals have given up on exercise-based weight-loss programs for women. Enter Gary Heavin, founder and CEO of Curves For Women. Heavin understood the shortcomings of standard diet plans, as well as the physiological and psychological benefits of proactive exercise programs. He also recognized the importance of strength training for replacing muscle and recharging metabolism in middle-aged women. But he went one step further than other people in the fitness industry: Heavin designed a circuit-training program that alternated short bouts of strength exercise with aerobic activity for a relatively brief weight-loss workout.

Unlike other strength-training programs, Curves features hydraulic resistance machines that are easy to use, eliminate eccentric muscle actions that can cause delayed-onset muscle soreness, and facilitate time-efficient exercise programs. Although this type of resistance equipment might seem too soft for exercise enthusiasts, it feels just fine to inexperienced women who appreciate quick and easy bouts of strength training. Without question, the simplicity of the exercise protocol and the brevity of the training sessions are key factors in attracting previously sedentary women to the Curves program.

Another aspect of the Curves workout that affirms the new participants' exercise efforts is the limited instruction and supervision during the training sessions. Research conducted at the South Shore YMCA, Quincy, Mass., on the physiological and psychological responses to a beginning strength-training program clearly indicates that a less-intense instructional approach may be more beneficial from an exercise adherence perspective. In the study, beginners who received more exercise instruction performed better physiologically (greater fitness gains), but those who received less exercise instruction did better psychologically (more exercise enjoyment). While both training outcomes are important, it is essential for new participants to enjoy the exercise experience and feel comfortable in the exercise environment. Their perceived level of competence and confidence in performing the workout seems to be an important consideration for training compliance, and too much corrective feedback or even detailed directions may have negative consequences.

Curves is well-suited for introducing inactive women to an appropriate beginning exercise program that should positively affect their health, fitness and appearance. However, without an option to progress to more challenging exercise programs, the beneficial training effects may plateau well below their potential. In other words, the Curves approach provides a good start, but a higher-level graduate program would appear to be advisable for continued progress and participation.

Healthy Inspirations: The next step

Casey Conrad, founder and CEO of Healthy Inspirations, recently conducted a research study to determine if a more challenging second-level strength-training program would benefit her members. Like Curves, Healthy Inspirations' members begin with hydraulic strength exercise because it is quick to learn and easy to perform. However, upon reaching a plateau in their introductory program, participants are encouraged to use weightstack machines for the strength-training component.

Weightstack machines provide a solid resistance with both concentric and eccentric muscle actions on every repetition. Repetitions are performed more slowly on weightstack machines than on hydraulic equipment, which produces more muscle tension and enhances the strength-building stimulus.

In this study, subjects were 32 Healthy Inspirations members (23 women and nine men) with a mean age of 49.9 years. They all trained three days per week for seven weeks, using eight standard weightstack machines that collectively addressed all of the major muscle groups. Each strength exercise was performed for one set with a weightload that fatigued the target muscles within eight to 12 repetitions. The resistance was increased by approximately 5 percent whenever 12 repetitions were completed.

The South Shore YMCA fitness testing staff conducted the pre- and post-testing assessments on the program participants. As presented in Table 1, the 32 subjects averaged 4.5 pounds less fat weight, and 3 pounds more lean (muscle) weight, for a 7.5-pound improvement in body composition, and a 2.5 percent reduction in percent body fat. They also experienced small improvements in resting blood pressure (Table 1).

The bottom line

Curves For Women should be commended on an excellent introductory exercise program that has been exceptionally well-received by previously sedentary women of all ages. The brief and basic circuit-training protocol using hydraulic resistance machines provides a quick and easy workout that produces good results during the initial exercise sessions. Generally speaking, the Curves program offers participants effective, efficient and enjoyable exercise experiences.

However, when the women reach a fitness plateau, a more challenging resistance-training protocol may be appropriate to elicit further improvement. Based on the results obtained in the Healthy Inspirations research study, this approach has merit. The 32 second-phase program participants switched from hydraulic resistance equipment (concentric muscle contractions) to standard weightstack machines (concentric and eccentric muscle contractions) for a seven-week training period. The relatively short exercise sessions (eight machines, one set of 12 repetitions each) produced significant improvements in the subjects' body composition.

Although weightstack machines provide solid resistance and more challenging muscle contractions, most people adjust quickly to this type of equipment, and appreciate the two-phase exercise actions (concentric and eccentric loading). Based on the research, individuals who begin exercising with hydraulic resistance equipment should consider switching to standard weightstack machines upon reaching a plateau to facilitate further progress.

Special thanks to Rita LaRosa Loud, Karen Leary and Bill Cyr of the South Shore YMCA for conducting the pre- and post-training fitness assessments.

Table 1. Physical Changes After Strength-Training Program

Pre- and post-training data for participants who completed a seven-week strength-training program (32 subjects, mean age 49.9 years).

Fitness Component

Pre-Training

Post-Training

Difference

Weight	187.5 lbs.	186.1 lbs.	-1.4 lbs.*
Percent fat	28.2 percent	25.7 percent	-2.5 percent*
Fat weight	53.0 lbs.	48.5 lbs.	-4.5 lbs.*
Lean weight	134.5 lbs.	137.5 lbs.	+3.0 lbs.*
Systolic bloodpressure	139.6 mmltg	136.9 mmltg	-2.7 mmltg
Diastolic bloodpressure	83.8 mmltg	83.0 mmltg	-0.8 mmltg

*statistically significant 0.05

REFERENCE

Westcott, W., J. Annesi and R. LaRosa Loud. Effects of exercise focus on strength-training performance. Fitness Management pp. 28-33, Sep.2003.

Fitness Q & A

Fitness Q & A

By Matt Brzycki
December 2008

	What can be done to avoid exercise headaches? What's the earliest age that a youth can begin to lift weights? Does beta-alanine improve performance?

What can be done to avoid exercise headaches?

Exercise-related headaches are somewhat common. They are triggered by many activities, including running and weightlifting. Since most of the headaches are benign and relate to exertion, they're referred to as "benign exertional headaches." During a six-month period, a group of physicians reported that their emergency department diagnosed four patients with headaches that were related to lifting weights. The headaches were described as persistent and severe: One patient said the pain was so severe that he felt as if he were "going to pass out"; another said that it was "the worst headache" of his life. In all four patients, the onset of the pain was sudden. The location of the headache varied, although most were in the occipital area of the head.

To avoid this type of headache, it's important for exercisers to employ proper breathing (no breath holding) and good technique (no excessive straining). Any activity that aggravates the condition should be avoided.

Also keep in mind that headaches could be indicative of something more serious. It's a good idea for those who experience this condition to seek medical attention.

What's the earliest age that a youth can begin to lift weights?

A number of years ago, youths were deemed ready to initiate strength training when they began to develop secondary sexual characteristics, such as a deeper voice and facial/body hair in boys, and wider hips and breasts in girls. These changes usually coincide with the arrival of the so-called "adolescent growth spurt." It had been believed that doing any strength training prior to this developmental stage would damage the growth plates and, thus, impair or "stunt" growth. While these fears were certainly well intended, it turns out that they are unfounded.

There's no clear-cut line for determining an appropriate age to begin lifting weights. Research has shown, though, that children as young as 10 can participate in strength training without risk of injury. Caveat: It's of utmost importance that the strength training be supervised closely by competent and qualified individuals. Also, before strength training is permitted, a youth must be able to stay focused and follow directions.

Does beta-alanine improve performance?

Beta-alanine is a precursor of carnosine, a molecule that's found in skeletal muscle. It's thought that taking beta-alanine supplements can buffer pH fatigue and, as a result, improve performance.

In one study, 55 men (average age 24.5) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: One group received creatine, one group received beta-alanine, one group received creatine and beta-alanine, and one group received a placebo (dextrose). The supplements were ingested for 28 days. The researchers examined eight indices of cardiorespiratory endurance on a stationary cycle. The group that received beta-alanine improved significantly in one of the indices. The group that received creatine and beta-alanine improved significantly in five of the eight indices. Improvements between groups weren't significant. A caveat is that a large distributor of nutritional supplements sponsored the study.

In another study, 15 highly successful 400-meter sprinters (average personal best of 50.45 seconds; average age unspecified) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: One group was given beta-alanine and the other group was given a placebo (malodextrin). The supplements were ingested for four weeks. Both groups significantly decreased their time to run 400 meters, and the improvements were similar.

References

Derave, W., M.S. Ozdemir, R.C. Harris et al. Beta-alanine supplementation augments muscle carnosine content and attenuates fatigue during repeated isokinetic contraction bouts in trained sprinters. Journal of Applied Physiology 103: 1736-1743, 2007.

Guy, J.A., and L.J. Micheli. Strength training for children and adolescents. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 9: 29-36, 2001.

Imperato, J., J. Burstein and J.A. Edlow. Benign exertional headache. Annals of Emergency Medicine 41: 98-103, 2003.

McCrory, P. Headaches and exercise. Sports Medicine 30: 221-229, 2000.

Zoeller, R.F., J.R. Stout, J.A. O'Kroy, et al. Effects of 28 days of beta-alanine and creatine monohydrate supplementation on aerobic power, ventilatory and lactate thresholds, and time to exhaustion. Amino Acids 33: 505-510, 2007.

Campus Fitness Vital to Student Life

Campus Fitness Vital to Student Life

By Anne B. McDonnell, Senior Editor
December 2008

	The fitness center at the Community College of Allegheny County, South Campus keeps students on campus, and encourages healthy living.

Community colleges are known to be "commuter colleges," with most or all students living off campus. Because of this, those in charge of college programs, events and services need to make an extra effort to keep students on campus and encourage them to participate. The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), South Campus Fitness Center, in West Mifflin, Pa., has done a great job of keeping students interested with free memberships, for-credit programs and managers who are open to suggestions from students. Says Fitness Center Supervisor Lori Paluti, "The CCAC South Campus Fitness Center has a student retention plan that focuses on providing programs and services that help students stay on campus beyond their scheduled class times."

The South Campus Fitness Center is available for students, faculty and staff at no charge. The facility is open year-round, and offers credit and non-credit health and physical education courses during the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Personal trainers play a key role in keeping members interested. They design fitness programs, perform fitness assessments, and teach workshops about health and fitness. Personal training services, fitness assessments and personal consultations are available free of charge to all students, faculty and staff, and include two private sessions. Trainers then continue to monitor their clients' progress throughout the semester. "This strategy has reduced the number of students, faculty and staff who discontinue their fitness program due to a lack of motivation and direction," says Paluti.

	Community College of Allegheny County South Campus Fitness Center West Mifflin, Pa. 412 469-4309; www.ccac.edu Date fitness facility opened: 1995 Fitness Facility size: 2,500 square feet Number of daily guests: 100-200 Group exercise classes: Credit and non-credit courses in Physical Conditioning, Fitness Walking, Aerobic Fitness and Personal Conditioning To have your fitness center featured, send an email describing your facility to anne@fitnessmanagement.com.

In addition to keeping students on campus, the fitness center keeps them motivated off campus, as well. "Since most students are familiar with the Blackboard course management software that instructors use to teach online courses, the fitness center also set up a Blackboard site ... to keep students connected to the facility," Paluti says. Students log onto the system using their network ID and password, and then have immediate access to exercise programs, nutritional tips, upcoming workshops, special events, discussion boards and video webinars conducted by fitness center staff.

Another strategy to keep off-campus students interested in fitness is the distribution of free computer games. The fitness center designed a series of computer games for students that are based on the importance of staying healthy. Students can receive a free CD game whenever they visit the facility.

The CCAC South Campus Fitness Center's Mobile Fitness Program also keeps students and staff motivated to stay healthy. This service involves fitness staff visiting different areas of the campus to offer health information, free health-related product samples and motivational tips. Says Paluti, "This onsite recruitment strategy has increased the interest level of students, faculty and staff, and serves as a marketing strategy for the fitness center."

All of these services were designed after careful planning. To determine the right type of fitness equipment and programs to put in place, the South Campus Fitness Center conducts paper and online surveys, and encourages students, faculty and staff to submit their ideas. Paluti also meets with students on a one-to-one basis for their input, and the Student Government Association works closely with fitness center staff, and has provided funding for equipment purchases along with feedback about the direction of the facility. "These types of approaches keep students a vital part of the planning and development of the fitness center, and allow them to maintain their presence in some of the decision-making that occurs," Paluti says.

CCAC benefits from its fitness center in many ways, including keeping students on campus, and giving them opportunities to stay fit and healthy. Says Paluti, "The fitness center helps retain students, and provides a safe and friendly atmosphere that keeps students a vital part of the CCAC system."

Recent News & Events

12.12.08
Plan your 2009 NPC competition schedule. Click Here for the '09 Calendar.
Click Here to see entire Competition Results for 2008.

12.11.08
NPC Competitor and Trainer, Jim Machak, has a writeup and pic in the Jan. 2009 IRONMAN Magazine, page 224. Congrats Jim!

12.10.08
PR Team awards at annual PR Team Holiday Party. This year's theme: 'Wild About Fitness' Click Here to see the winners-

12.8.08
NPC Rule Changes for 2009: Click Here.
Click Here to read about the new NPC Bikini Model Division for 2009.

12.4.08
NPC ROCKY Overall Men's Champion, Sgt. Luis Santa, has a writeup in a local paper. Click Here to read--

11.30.08
Congratulations to Colorado's 5th IFBB Pro of 2008: Rita Rae! She earned her pro card by winning the Ltwt. class at the NPC National Bodybuilding Championships, Atlanta, GA 11.22.08. Click here for pic and story.

11.19.08
NPC ROCKY competitor, Sharon Smith, 60, rescheduled on 9NEWS today at 6:20 a.m. and 8:20 a.m.(Ch.3). Click Here to see the story and video-

11.18.08
Congratulations to all of the athletes who participated in the 2008 NPC ROCKY Nov.15th! Click Here for complete RESULTS-

11.11.08
Another NPC ROCKY competitor is on TV! Watch Sharon Smith on 9NEWS Fri., Nov. 14th, 6:20 a.m.-Channel 9, & 8:20 a.m.-Channel 3!

11.7.08
Check out NPC '08 ROCKY competitors in the news-
Click Here to read Cindy's story, and Click Here to read Barbi's story!

10.28.08
Congratulations to all of the NPC Natural CO Open competitiors who were a part of this year's event. Click Here for results!

10.27.08
Bodybuilder of the Week on Bodybuilding.com is CO's Curtis Lillie! Click Here to check out-

10.23.08
Mary Lynch, competitor in the Natural CO Open this Sat., Oct. 25th, was interviewed by Susie Wargin on 9NEWS this morning! Click Here

10.17.08
Host Hotel for the Nov. 15th NPC ROCKY: Hotel VQ at Invesco Field, (formerly the Red Lion). Ask for "THE ROCKY" $82/night rate. Click Here for directions. 303.433.8331 CLICK HERE to book ONLINE now!

10.13.08
CO NPC bodybuilders are in the news. Click here to read the article about Capt.Tyler Cates and SSgt. Luis Santa!

10.8.09
Please welcome a new sponsor to the NPC Natural CO Open, OPTIMUM NUTRITION. "ON", along with ABB, is sponsoring this event for the first time. They will be giving away product samples at the Oct. 25th show. Click Here to learn about ON-

10.6.08
Congratulations to all of the models, fitness and figure competitors who participated in the NPC Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta Oct. 4th!
Click Here for PHOTOS.
Click Here for RESULTS.

9.16.08
Tickets are on sale for the NPC Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta! Click Here to purchase-

9.8.08
Congratulations to new IFBB Pros from CO: Liza Kampstra, Figure, and Jo Marriner, Fitness. Ann Claiborne was close to winning her pro card with her 3rd place finish. Congrats also to Teale Mueller-8th, Jaime Meade-6th, Melissa Thalhammer-10th. Click here to see all results.
Our brand new CO Pro, Theresa Gillian, took another 7th place at the New York Pro Figure!!

9.8.08
To kick off the fall show season, CYTOCHARGE, the title sponsor of the NPC CO State and NPC ROCKY, is offering a 5% off coupon on your order of $50 or more with this special code: R003JT. Type in this code when placing your order at the Cyto-Charge Store »

8.25.08
Click Here to check out the new website just launched for Nadine- Personal Nutrition Coaching, training, and more.

8.7.08
Entry info and downloadable pdf entry forms are online for these shows: Click Here for the Oct. 4th Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta, and
Click Here for the October 25th Natural CO Open-

7.29.08
Congratulations to all of our Masters Nationals and USA competitors! We have a new IFBB PRO from CO: RACHEL CAMMON!
Click here for Masters RESULTS-
(FIG: Shelley Hillesheim 1st, Tara Green 3rd, Joanna Frichtel 3rd, Joanne Ott 5th, Nancy Kerr 9th, --congrats!
BB: Michael Alexander 10th, Stephen Hess 9th, Gary Garcia 8th, Curtis Lillie 9th--congrats!)

Click Here for USA RESULTS-
(FIG: Rachel Cammon 1st, Jaime Meade & Shelley took 3rds, Jenny Lewis & Mary Cencich took 7ths-congrats!
BB: Rita Ray 1st, Holly Geerson 2nd, Tracy Bodner 7th, Tim Ward 6th, Rick Sosias 7th & Yusef Al-Awaji 8th-congrats!)

7.14.08
The winning TEAM at the NPC CO State Championships is INFINITE SPORTS! Congratulations Carol Semple and Michael Alexander-

7.14.08
Congratulations to all who competed in the NPC CO State Championships! See who won the four, 2008 Champion Rings: Click Here for Results-

7.9.08
Congratulations to Heather Mae French! She placed 3rd at the Houston Pro Figure Show and won the Best Presentation Award. Congrats also to Liane Siewald-12th place Click Here for Heather pics-

7.7.08
Phil Heath was on 9NEWS this morning talking about guest posing at the NPC CO State this Sat. Click Here to follow the links to video-

6/30.08
The NPC Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta! has a date: Oct. 4th .

6.30.08
Congrats to all of the 28 CO competitors at the Jr.Nationals in Chicago June 20,21 Teresa Gilliam, ('07 Mile High Winner), earned her pro card! Figure Highlights: Jenny Lewis 2nd, Liza Kamstra 2nd, Jaime Meade 3rd, Jacqui Skibba 7th, Sara Hurrle 9th, Darlene Tafoya 9th. Fitness: Rachel Patton 4th, Ginger Garcia 9th, Jo Marriner 3rd, Liz Major 7th. Bodybuilding: Adam Hively 5th, Andrea Wanek 5th. Click Here for complete results.

6.30.08
Chris Faildo just released his new DVD, "Hurricane Warning." Click Here to check out his new site with a vidoe of his guest posing in Denver June 7th!

6.17.08
NPC FIGURE Clinic 7 pm, Tues., June 24, with IFBB Pro,Heather Mae French, and NPC National Judge, Rick Kasten, at VQ Hotel next to Mile High Stadium, Denver, CO, (formerly the Red Lion). For trainers, competitors, fans. Free. Click Here for directions

6.12.08
Congratulations to all who competed and supported the NPC Mile High Championships last Sat. Click Here for results-

6.2.08
Order your video/dvd for the NPC Mile High this weekend. Early Bird Special is $39. Click Here to order-

5.31.08
Train with Ms. Olympia Fitness/Ms.International Fitness Champ, Jenny Henderschott, at her Phat Camp in DENVER, June 27-29 at FORZA Fitness downtown. There are only 25 spots left. Click Here for details!
DATE CHANGED TO OCT. 10-12.

5.27.08
Congratulations to Jenny Lewis who was 4th at the NPC Jr.USA May 17th, Sara Hurrle won the Figure Overall at the California State May 24th, and Heather Mae French was 2nd place in the California PRO May 24th! (Heather was 4th at the Pittsburgh Pro earlier this month.) Colorado NPC / IFBB Figure competitors rock!

5.19.08
Tickets on sale for the NPC Mile High Championships June 7th. Click Here to order!

5.14.08
IFBB Pro and '08 NY Pro winner, CATHY LEFRANCOIS, will be be doing a 'Meet & Greet' at GNC/Centennial, (303.400.9512) on Mon.,May 19th 11-2, and at GNC/Denver Pavillions, (303.454.9611), on Tues., May 20th, 11-2. Stop by and meet her!

5.9.08
DATE SET FOR NPC MID-USA/NM STATE-- August 9th! Call 505-379-1624 for entry info. Keep holding the JUNE 28th date, as there will be a new show tba.

4.15.08
Make plans to attend the NPC Steel City Championships this Sat. in Pueblo and see Kai Greene guest posing. This may be a fan's best chance to see a guest pro in contest condition! Call James Sena for tickets, 719-253-1832

4.9.08
Congrats to all who participated in the NPC Northern CO Championships last weekend!! Click Here for results-

4.7.08
Competition Preparation Workshop for female N.P.C. athletes with IFBB Pro, Chaundra Tangi, this Sunday, April 14th, 2-4 pm, at Armbrust Colorado Pro Gym, 303-456-0076. Click Here for more.

3.21.08
Judging clinic Sun., March 30th, 3pm, at Bally Total Fitness/Englewood
New qualification rules, proper presentation, q & a. Thank you to BALLY TOTAL FITNESS for the use of their conference space!

3.17.08
Let's make sure that Colorado is the, 'Fittest State in the Union,' again in '08! Sign up for the President's Fitness Challenge today-- it's free Click Here for more info! (Trainers--this would be a fun 6 week program for your clients-)

3.11.08
Team Universe Overall Champ, CHRIS FAILDO, will be guest posing at the NPC Mile High June 7th! (It is rare for a Welterwt. to win an overall. Click Here to see the '07 Team U pics-

3.5.08
Tickets are available for purchase online for the April 5th NPC Northern CO featuring Darrem Charles guest posing! Click Here to order--

2.14.08
2008 Rocky Mountain NPC Newsletter is posted! Click Here-

2.7.08
Check out the upcoming March ad in FITNESS MANAGEMENT Magazine featuring our NPC Natural CO Open Overall Figure Champ, Jamie Meade! CLICK HERE. (Email me if anyone is interested in a climbing wall! jeff@brendleusa.com)

2.6.08
Carla Sanchez kicks off the year with the biggest and best lineup yet with her first Fitness & Figure Competitor Camp of '08, Feb.15-17. NPC VP, IFBB and NPC Nat'l Judge, Jim Rockell, Jose Antonio, Elaine and Terry Goodlad, and David Sandler, (you may have seen his strength program on Discovery Channel this past fall)! Click Here for all of the details-

1.17.08
Christine Marsh Designs has moved! Her new location is 7500 S. University, Centennial, (the SE corner of Dry Creek and S.University). It's next to Blackjack Pizza. (Seems cruel.) Click Here for more-

1.3.08
HAPPY NEW YEAR! The 2008 NPC Card is available online, so don't miss any issues and send in your membership application today. Click Here for the membership application.

12.26.07
April 5th is the date for the NPC Northern CO Championships!

12.12.07
Check out the 2008 Schedule: Click Here!

12.4.07
MAX MUSCLE/ BOULDER GRAND OPENING this Sat., Dec. 8th! Click Here for the flyer-

12.3.07
Congratulations to all of the 2007 NPC Rocky Mtn Bodybuilding/Carol Semple Fitness & Figure Championships Competitors! Click Here for Results-

11.26.07
Tune in to FIT ON FOX31 Wed. morning 8 a.m. for a story on our wheelchair athletes! Read about other athletes competing in the upcoming NPC Rocky/Carol Semple Show: Ron Testa, 61, First-Timer Paul Hansen lost 75 lbs., and Nick Scott's Wheelchair story.

11.19.07
Tickets are on sale online for the NPC CytoCharge Rocky BB & Carol Semple Fit/Fig. Championships Dec. 1st! Click Here to order-

11.19.07
Congratulations to Jo Marriner who finished 3rd place in Fitness at NPC Nationals in Dallas last weekend! Click Here for complete results.

11.10.07
Sunday, Nov. 18th is a Figure Competition Clinic by Carol Semple in Pueblo, CO. Email Carol, carol@carolsemple.com for details and be ready for the Dec. 1st show!

11.6.07
Click Here for Results from last weekend's Axis Labs Natural CO Open .

10.30.07
It is with great sadness that I post the passing of one of our CO State Champions--Steve Collins. He died unexpectedly at his home Sunday. Steve, 37, was born in Boulder, CO, and graduated from Fairview High. In his first show, The '06 CO State, he won the overall Novice, Open and Overall. He is survived by his father, Jack, mother, Ann, sister, Suzanne, many loving friends and his two dogs Niko and Kayla. Services will be held Thurs., 11/1, 2pm at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 S.Colorado Blvd., Littleton, CO. Contributions may be made to the Denver Dumb Friends League, 2080 S.Quebec, Denver, CO 80231. Steve will be missed by all of us in the NPC community. We won't forget Steve Collins.

10.27.07
Check out the wrapup story and photos of the Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta on Bodybuilding.com by Clicking Here-

10.24.07
Click Here for RESULTS and PHOTOS from the 2007 POINT Ath.Club Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta!

10.22.07
Tickets are available for the AXIS LABS Natural Colorado Open! Click Here-

10.17.07
Watch FOX31 Fit On Fox tomorrow,(Thursday), and see competitors in the Fitness Fiesta!

9.24.07
Congratulations to our CO Pros: Heather Mae French, - 6th at the Tournament of Champions Figure Sept. 22, and Bridgette Murray - 11th at the Atlantic City Pro Fitness!

9.18.07
Host Hotel announced for the Dec.1st NPC Rocky Mtn. BB and Carol Semple Fit./Fig. Championships: The Red Lion Hotel right next to Bronco Stadium on I-25. (No Christmas parade to worry about this year!) Call today to make your $79/night reservations, 720-855-4005.

9.12.07
Get ready for Fall Figure shows! Sept. 22 is the Poise and Presentation Seminar. It covers presentation for fitness & figure plus model turns. Discount for all competitors entered in the Fitness Fiesta Oct. 20th! Click Here for info-

9.4.07
Congratulations to Colorado's newest IFBB Pro, Jessica Steffens! Click Here for pics. She took 1st at the North American and 2nd overall to earn her pro card! Also congrats to Anna Laratta-1st in over 35 & 3rd Open, Michele Dennis 2nd in over 35, Chris Ransome 2nd in Welterwt. Open & 5th over 35 BB, and Mary Cencich! Click Here for complete results-

8.27.07
The Carla Sanchez Fitness FIESTA entry is online. Click Here!
New this year: HOT MAMA Model Search & FITTEST COUPLE! Oxygen Magazine will be there-.

8.22.07
TRIVIA QUESTION: What top local Figure competitor is also an NHRA professional race car driver? ANSWER: Thea Meyer! Thea and Jeff Taylor were on Fox 31, "Fit on Fox" this morning. CLICK HERE to see the show!

8.13.07
Top local Figure competitor, Asia K. Mays, 24, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on August 8, 2007 in Colorado Springs. She was born September 3, 1982 in Fayetteville North Carolina. She enjoyed boxing, figure competition, aerobics and traveling. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, William Mays, and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 4-6 pm, Monday August 13, 2007 at Angelus Funeral Directors 2535 Airport Road. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday August 14, at Angelus Funeral Directors.
I am deeply saddened by this news. Please take a moment of silence to offer a prayer of support for her son and family/friends. Asia placed 3rd at the Shawn Ray CO Pro/Am, and won her class at the NPC Southern CO earlier this year. She will be greatly missed by all of us in the NPC as well.

8.4.07
Performance Ready seminar next weekend, Thur.,.Aug.16th, 1-3pm, for JUNIOR FITNESS competitors at THE POINT Athletic Club. Get ready for the OCT. 20th Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta! Click Here for more--

8.1.07
Congrats to all who competed in the 2007 NPC USA Championships last weekend! Mary Cencich was 3rd and Brooke Brusch 5th in Figure, Holly Geerson 5th in Bodybuilding! Jessica Steffens was 6th, Jacqui Skibba 7th, Anna Laratta 7th, Liza Kampstra 8th and Jenny Lewis 9th. In all, 13 from CO participated. Click Here for results and pics.

7.23.07
Colorado has a new IFBB Pro: Andy Haman! Andy won the SuperHvy. class, overall Masters Nationals and earned his IFBB Pro Card! Congratulation to Andy, Cindy Anderson-1st Ltwt.BB, William Reese-4th BB Michele Dennis-2nd FIGURE, Joanna Frichtel-4th FIGURE, and all who participated! Click Here for results.

7.23.07
Attn: FIGURE COMPETITORS--Make plans to attend Carla Sanchez' Seminar August 4th. IFBB Vice President and IFBB/NPC National Judge, Jim Rockell, will be special presenter. Click Here for more-

7.16.07
Congratulations to all of the participants in the 2007 CytoCharge Colorado State Championships last Saturday and the 4 new Overall Champions who will wear the NPC CO STATE Champ RINGS. Awesome show! Click Here for results.

7.16.07
Congratulations to the CO competitors who participated in the TEAM UNIVERSE and National Fitness/Figure Championships! Way to go Jenny Lewis-4th, and Reginald Figgs-2nd! Click Here for results--

6.28.07
Congrats to LIANNE SIEWALD for her 7th place finish at the Jan Tana Figure last weekend! Click Here for pics/results.

6.26.07
Congrats to everyone who participated in the 2007 NPC Mile High Natural Championships June 23rd! Click Here for Results!

6.18.07
Congratulations to 2006 NPC CO State Figure Champ, Tana Swink(Clough)---'07 Jr.Nationals Overall Runnerup and NEW IFBB PRO! Click Here for pics-
Congrats also to Santino Pusedu-5th, Liza Kampstra-5th, Malena Marquez-5th Fitness, Jessica Steffens-8th, Jacqui Skibba-7th,Chris Havecost 11th, Priscilla Shaw, Jo Marriner & Lauren Niehaus!

6.7.07
Etnry online for CO State Championships. Click Here-

6.4.07
Click Here for RESULTS from the Shawn Ray Colorado Pro/Am NPC Classic! Check out Musclular Development's results and pics: Click Here-

5.14.07
Click Here for RESULTS from the NPC Southern CO & Armed Forces BB/Fig. Championships. Congratulations to all who participated this year!

5.8.07
Wow! Look at the sponsors who will be at the CO Pro/AM in 2 weeks: Click Here

4.30.07
Check out interviews with pros competing in the June 1,2 CO Pro/Am: Sylvio Samuel, Dennis James, David Henry & Johnnie Jackson. Click Here-

4.30.07
Congratulations to Promoter James Sena, and all who participated and attended the NPC Steel City Championships last weekend. It set a record for the most competitors and spectators ever for that show!

4.26.07
BIG QUINCY TAYLOR will be guest posing at the July 14th CO State Show! (He will be 4 weeks out from the Europa Super Show---not often you get to see a 300+ lb. pro shredded!)

4.26.07
NPC Mile High Natural Championships Entry Form is now online. Click Here!

4.16.07
Check out www.coloradoproshow.com for the latest pro competitor lists. 4, possibly 5, Colorado IFBB Pros will be competing! Buy your tickets today--just go to the TICKET button.

4.9.07
NPC Northern CO results and pics posted! Click Here.

3.20.07
Ms.Olympia & Fitness International Champ, Jenny Hendershott is hosting her Phat Camp at Gold's Gym/Loveland next weekend! Click Here for more info--

3.9.07
Click Here to check out the latest IFBB Pros competing at the CO Pro Show!

3.6.07
Congrats to former NPC CO State Champs and now IFBB Pros who competed at last weekend's ARNOLD CLASSIC, Phil Heath, (5th), and Heather Policky, (3rd)! Click Here for results and pics.

2.28.07
Tickets on sale now for the NPC Northern Colorado show March 31st at the Boulder Theater! Click Here

2.28.07
Best of luck to former CO State Champs, Phil Heath and Heather Policky, as they compete in their first ARNOLD show this weekend!

2.16.07
Volunteers needed for 2007 shows! Email Jeff Taylor with contact email and phone if you are interested.

2.9.07
Click Here for the COLORADO PRO Show ad that you will see in Muscle & Fitness, FLEX, Ironman, MD, MuscleMag and more. Valerie Waugaman, last year's Figure champ is returning. Christine Pomponio-Pate will be in the lineup, and IFBB men Dennis James and Darrem Charles will be among those battling it out for the $25,000 first place prize money.

2.5.07 Former NPC CO State Champs, Heather Policky and Phil Heath are both competing in the prestigious ARNOLD CLASSIC. Click Here to read the Isaac Hinds interview with Heather with pics and video on Bodybuilding.com.

1.15.07 Attention Fitness and Figure Competitors: Don't miss this Saturday's Performance Ready all-day camp. IFBB Pros, Carla Sanchez, Christine Pomponio-Pate & Elaine Goodlad are just a few of those speaking. Click Here for more-

1.9.07 MidUSA/NM State show will be held June 30th at the Albuquerque Little Theater. This is a great title to own--

1.5.07 Colorado Pro / Am 2006 show pics available for purchase. Click Here. (Hey, click to just check out the show!)

1.2.07 Figure/Fitness competitors: Start the year out right- sign up for a Performance Ready Competitor Camp! The first one is January 20. Click Here for more info.

12.26.06
Memorial Service for NPC Champion, Sergio Libman, will be Wednesday, Dec. 27th, 4 p.m., in Boulder. Click Here for directions.

12.20.06
Entry form for the NPC Northern CO Championships is online. Click Here-

12.19.06
It is with great sadness that I write this news: Overall Champion of several NPC shows in CO and cancer surviver, Sergio Libman of Boulder, was shot and killed last night. Two men who wanted to buy his car shot Sergio and stole the car. Sergio will be missed by all in the bodybuilding community. Last year's overall pic-

12.6.06
Click Here for RESULTS from the CYTO CHARGE Rocky Mtn. BB/ Carol Semple Fit/Fig Championships! Congratulations to all of the winners and all of the competitors.

Click Here for over 1,400 photos shot by N.P.C. Photographer Isaac Hinds.

11.21.06
Click Here for tickets to the CYTO CHARGE Rocky Mtn. BB/ Carol Semple Fit/Fig Championships!

11.20.06
CONGRATULATIONS to Colorado IFBB Figure PROS who competed in the Nov. 4th Sacramento Pro Figure: Lianne Seiwald, (13th place), and NEW PRO Heather Mae French, (9th place)!

11.15.06
Click Here to see the results from the Natural CO Open posted on Bodybuilding.com!

11.13.06
Click Here for results from the 2006 NPC Axis Labs Natural CO Open BB, Fit/Fig. Championships. Congratulations to all who competed!!

11.2.06
Click Here for the NPC Rocky Mtn. BB/Carol Semple Fit/Fig POSTER! Please download and post at work/gym/club/rec center. Let's get the word out!

10.30.06
The Columbine Courier Newspaper has a story on the 20 competitors from CLUB USA who are competing in the Nov. 4th NPC Natural CO Open! Click Here to read the story.

10.30.06
Competitor in the upcoming NPC Natural CO Open, J.C. Hale, is in the news! Click Here to read the article about how he overcame a brain injury and is helping disabled clients with weight training.

10.25.06
Click Here for complete results from last weekend's NPC Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta! For the recap article by Isaac Hinds, go to the Bodybuilding.com page by Clicking Here- Here is another article on the show on Bodybuilding.com written by Jacqui Skibba-Click Here.

10.19.06
Tickets for Saturday''s NPC Carla Sanchez FITNESS FIESTA are offline and only available at the door. Plenty available. See you Oct. 21st!

10.10.06
CLICK HERE to order tickets for the NPC Natural Colorado Open Nov. 4th ONLINE!

10.4. 06
CONGRATULATIONS to Christine Pomponio-Pate! She placed 4th in the FIGURE OLYMPIA last weekend! Jay Cutler is the new Mr.OLYMPIA! Click Here for complete results.

9.25.06
Click Here to order your tickets to the Oct. 21st Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta!

9.21.06
Click Here for the NPC ROCKY MOUNTAIN BB/Carol Semple Fitness & Figure Championships ENTRY FORM.

9.20.06
Congratulations to all of the NPC competitors who participated in the NORTH AMERICAN Championships last weekend in Cleveland, OH. CONGRATS to trophy winners: Frank Castillega(3rd LtHvy.), Michele Dennis(5th Open Fig.+3rd Masters), Anna Laratta(5th MastersFig.), Renee Paul(4th Masters Fig.). Congrats also to Brigette Rhea(6th Masters Fig.), Melissa Ling, Melissa Thalhammer and Laura Richards!! Click Here for complete results and pics-

8.24.06
Learn the top tips for flawless stage presentation for competitors at the Performance Ready Fitness & Figure Competitor Posing Seminar, Saturday, August 26, 2006 2-4 pm. Jr.Fitness Seminar 11am-1pm. Go to www.performanceready.com for more.

8.24.06
Click Here for the NPC NATURAL COLORADO OPEN entry. This year's overall winners receive custom embroidered NPC Wear!

8.9.06
Click Here for the CARLA SANCHEZ Fitness Fiesta entry. Make plans to be in top shape for fitness, figure and model search for Oct. 21st!

8.1.06
Congratulations to Heather Policky, the 2006 USA Women's Bodybuilding Champion and new IFBB Pro! Congrats also to the other 20 competitors from our area who participated this past weekend: Michele Dennis, Marina Lopez, Rachel Gallegos, Anna Laratta(4th place!), Laura Richards, Tana Swink(2nd Place!), Kim Farnell(4th place!), Kristine Reinking, Stacey Barta, Melissa Thalhammer(2nd place!), Tanisha Harrison, Jenny Lewis, Jennifer Schumm, Chris Kramer, Tamee Marie, William Owens(4th Place!), Rick Sosias, Dylan Armbrust, Aaron Rhea and Andy Haman!

7.27.06
ATTENTION: Fitness and Figure competitors--Start your diet now for the October 21st Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta! This year, Teikyo Loretto Heights University Theater will be the venue.

7.14.06
Congratulations to all of the winners and participants in the NPC CYTOCHARGE CO State Championships! Winners of the STATE CHAMPION RINGS: Britni Rhinehart, Tammy Royal, Tana Swink and Steve Collins--
CLICK HERE for complete results.

6.20.06
Host Hotel announced for the July 8th CO State Championships: Holiday Inn/Lakewood. It is minutes from Teikyo Loretto Heights University Theater.
CLICK HERE for hotel info. Ask for the CO State Bodybuilding Rate of $72/night.

6.19.06
Tickets on sale ONLINE for the NPC CYTOCHARGE CO State show July 8th. CLICK HERE to purchase.

6.19.06
Congratulations to all 11 Colorado NPC Athletes that competed in the Jr.Nationals in Chicago last weekend! And, CONGRATULATIONS to new IFBB FIGURE PRO, Heather French, (formerly Heather Newton)!! Heather earned her pro card by winning the 5'2" and under class at NPC Jr.Nationals. Go to www.graphicmuscle.com for complete results and pics.

6.15.06
ATTENTION: Fitness & Figure competitors, or those just thinking about competing-- Carla Sanchez presents the Performance Ready Fitness & Figure Competitor Training Camp, June 24-25 at the Point Ath.Club. Go to www.performanceready.com for more-

6.12.06
Results from the June 10th NPC Mile High Natural Championships are up! Congratulations to all who participated. The show was awesome! Click Here for results-

6.2.06
Congratulations to Colorado's Christine Pomponio who won the IFBB California Pro Figure Championships! Click here for complete results-

5.22.06
Click Here for results of the NPC part of The Shawn Ray CO Pro/Am show!

For the Pro Results, Click Here for the Men's BB, Click Here for the Figure.

For pics of the Pros, Click Here for the Men's BB, Click Here for the Figure.

5.17.06
CYTO CHARGE signs on as Title Sponsor for the July 8 CO State Show! Click Here to learn more about Cyto Charge---
CO State Entry is online now. Click here-

5.2.06
NEWS FLASH: Troy Alves will be competing next week at the Shawn Ray CO Pro! NM Pro, Jojo Ntifero has also just been added to the lineup. Pick up your tickets at any CO King Soopers or City Market or CLICK HERE to order online.

4.26.06
CLICK HERE for results and pics from last weekend's NPC Southern CO/Armed Forces show.

4.24.06
This Sat. is the NPC Steel City show in Pueblo. See Guest Poser Rick Sosias, NPC CO Champ and top national level competitor! Click here for directions to venue. Get your tickets at the door.

4.24.06
Congratulations to all who competed at the NPC Southern CO/Armed Forces show this past Sat.! Scores and pics up soon.

4.20.06
NEWS FLASH: Gary Strydom is BACK. He is preparing his comeback at the May 13 Shawn Ray Pro show!! It was announced to FLEX magazine and is what everyone at GOLD'S Gym Venice Beach, CA is talking about. People say he looks 'incredible!'
See his competition history: CLICK HERE.

4.19.06
Melvin Anthony will be guest posing at the Fri. night Prejudging, May 12th--The SHAWN RAY COLORADO PRO/AM Show! www.coloradoproshow.com

4.17.06
Mile High Natural BB and Figure entry & info is online. CLICK HERE !

4.11.06
Congratulations to all who participated in the April 8th NPC Northern CO Championships. Great turnout! CLICK HERE for results and pics!

4.3.06
Competitors for the NPC Northern CO show this weekend: Click Here for directions to the FRIDAY NIGHT, April 7th, ATHLETE CHECK-IN at the Host Hotel.

3.23.06
NOTE: Click Here for the NPC entry form for the SHAWN RAY Colorado Pro/Am Show.
It's only 7 weeks away, so it's time to get that into the mail!

3.17.06
Tune in to Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Monday March 20, 2006. Denver's IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, Phill Heath will be the featured guest to a worldwide broadcast.

3.8.06
Judging clinic open to trainers, athletes and fans APRIL 1st at Braun's/Peaberry Coffee next to the Pepsi Center, downtown Denver, 3:30 p.m. Ken Taylor, IFBB and NPC National judge will be leading the clinic. RSVP to jtaylor@jefftaylor.com

3.7.06
Click Here for the 2006 NPC Rocky Mountain Newsletter with all of the updates!

2.23.06
Date announced for the NPC MidUSA/NM State Championships: JULY 1st!

2.8.06
Date locked in for the '06 NPC Colorado State: JULY 8th!

1.31.06
Marcus Ruhl and Branch Warren are some of the latest PROS to commit to competing in the Shawn Ray CO Pro/Am Classic May 12, 13. Click here to get the latest!

1.31.06
Southern CO and Armed Forces Natural Championships to be held in new location in CO Springs. This year it is being co-promoted by top NPC Competitor and NPC Military Athlete Representative, William Owens. Lots of new classes. Check out the entry: Click Here!

1.22.06
Jay Cutler will be at the NPC Northern CO Championships at the Boulder Theater again this year! Click here for the entry form--

1.22.06
Watch GOOD MORNING AMERICA, Wed., Jan. 25, to see local Police, Fire and Sheriff participants in the SCALES OF JUSTICE Fitness Challenge. Note: the April 8th NPC Northern CO has a new Police, Fire and Sheriff division this year! Thanks goes out to NPC competitor and Denver Police officer, Joe Bini, for getting this publicity!

1.9.06
Happy New Year! Need the tools to take your physique to the next level? Check out the EAS Body-for-LIFE Expo this FRIDAY AND SATURDAY at the Westin Tabor Center, Mezzanine Level. Learn the latest on sports nutrition, supplementation and training from pro strength coaches, registered nutritionists, EAS experts and pro athletes, plus stop by the on-site EAS Store to get discounted prices on some of their products. Besides the expert presentations, cooking and workout demos & product sampling, get a gift bag worth more than $100. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-297-9776 or at the door. Shawn Ray, Phil Heath and Jeff Taylor will be at the NPC/Colorado Pro Show booth. See you there!

12.30.05
Tickets go on sale for the SHAWN RAY COLORADO PRO / AM CLASSIC! Go to www.coloradoproshow.com for details about tickets, free Expo where a Hummer H3 will be given away to a fan and more!

12.30.05
Colorado's own Phil Heath will step on a pro stage for his first show in Denver, May 12 and 13, 2006. 4X Masters Olympia Champ, Vince Taylor, says, "I'm outta retirement, baby," and plans on competing at the SHAWN RAY PRO/AM CLASSIC also! He will join Darrem Charles, Kris Dimm and others. Go to www.coloradoproshow.com for more.

12.20.05
Rocky 2005 results posted!

12.15.05
Rocky photos are online and available for purchase. Click here to see the over 1800 photos from the event.

11.25.05
NEWS FLASH: Rocky winner pics to be posted on www.graphicmuscle.com, the Ironman Magazine contest site! Click Here to go to the site for CO Chairman Jeff Taylor audio interviews

NEWS FLASH: NPC Nationals Fitness Champ, Heidi Fletcher, will be a surprise guest performer at the Dec. 3rd NPC Rocky next weekend! So, you will see the newest IFBB Pros and NPC Nationals Champions from last weekend onstage in AMAZING shape next weekend!

11.11.05
Check out the updated 2006 Event Calendar by Clicking Here

11.7.05
Complete results from the 10.29.06 NPC Natural CO Open BB,Fitness,Figure Championship- Click Here
For Photos of the show, Click Here.

10.2.05
NEWS FLASH: Shawn Ray and Jeff Taylor will be co-promoting a new show in CO May 12 & 13---SHAWN RAY'S COLORADO PRO/AM CLASSIC! This is an IFBB Pro Men's Bodybuilding and Women's Figure and NPC National Qualifier event presented by VYO TECH. It will be officially announced at the Olympia next week, but you heard it here first. CLICK HERE to see the very first promo piece anywhere on the internet!

9.29.05
Congrats to Christine Pomponio-Pate-she won the IFBB Tournament of Champions Pro Figure Show last weekend in CA! Lianne Siewald took 9th. Good job CO!

9.21.05
Bodybuilding.com announced as co-sponsor of the upcoming 'ROCKY'!

9.20.05
Phil Heath guest posing at the Oct. 29th show and Timea Majorova guest posing at the Dec. 3rd ROCKY! Click here for entry and info for The 'ROCKY.'

9.19.05
Congrats to all of the CO athletes who competed in the NORTH AMERICAN Championships. Good job! Brooke Paulin & Michele Dennis took 2nd's, Rene Paul & Melissa Thalhammer 3rd places --see all results by Clicking Here.

8.30.05
Phil Heath gets a writeup in the Tues., Aug. 30th Rocky Mountain News. Read about it by Clicking Here.

Best of luck to the CO athletes traveling to Cleveland to compete in the North American Championships!

8.16.05
NATURAL COLORADO OPEN date confirmed: OCT. 29th at Englewood High Auditorium. Click here for entry information.

8.09.05
Complete results from the Aug. 5,6 Team Universe & Fitness Championships Click Here (Click Here for FigureChampionships results.) Congrats to Ruth Hiatt-3rd, Fred Carino-4th, Sherrie Boness-6th, Brooke Paulin-3rd, Tanisha Harrison-6th, our new IFBB Pros Brigette Murray and Jesse Booth and allof the Rocky Mtn. NPC athletes who competed-11 total!

8.08.05
Congratulations to new IFBB Pros from CO who received their pro cards at the Team Universe Championships in NY,NY last Saturday: Jessica Booth-fitness and figure and Bridgette Murray-fitness!

8.06.05
Complete USA results--Click Here. Congrats to Margaret Taylor-7th, Heather Policky-1st, Brooke Paulin-3rd, Melissa Thalhammer-3rd, Jessica Booth-5th, Phil Heath-overall + IFBB Pro, Rick Sosias-4th, and all of the Rocky Mtn. NPC athletes who competed!

8.06..05
Congratulations to Carla Sanchez and her Performance Ready, (PR), Team. Carla, Christine Pomponio and the team were on the WB2 Morning Show Wed., Aug. 3rd with 4 live spots!

8.02.05
Congrats to all the USA competitors. Colorado had 20 competitors in the show and made for a strong presence in Las Vegas.

Good luck to all who are competing this weekend at Team Universe in New York.

7.20.05
Click Here for results and pics from the 2005 NPC Southern CO/Armed Forces Championships. Congrats to all who competed and to the winners of the swords!

7.14.05
MidUSA/NM State Championships info and entry form online. Click here.

7.01.05
Click Here for results and pics from the 2005 NPC CO State Championships. Congrats to all who competed and to the new winners of the RINGS: Jennifer Schumm, Angel Staton, Debra D'Andrea and Jerry Murray!

For event Photos, email Brian Williams: eathans1@mac.com
and for Video/DVD email TEVA PRODUCTIONS: gregory@tevaproductions.com

6.22.05
For tickets to the Event of The Summer-The CO State Championships, click here to order through TicketMaster. For the $59 close up VIP seating, call 303.282.9999 to order.

WHO WILL WEAR THE RINGS IN 2005?

CHECK-IN is FRIDAYat the Holiday INN downtown for the Colorado State.

Congratulations to everyone who competed at the NPC JR NATIONALS in Chicago. Two of the 4 overall titles went to Colorado athletes. Phillip Heath in Men's Bodybuilding and Bridgette Murray in Fitness. Great Job! For full results and photos visit npcnewsonline.com

6.10.05
If you are competing in next week Jr. Nationals next week and would like to be included on a preview for bodybuilding.com email Isaac at isaac@liftstudios.com.

6.10.05
ATHLETES: Remember if you are a CO resident and are entering the June 25th NPC CO State Championships, LATE FEES GO UP $40 for entries postmarked after June 11.

6.01.05
NPC Mile High Sat.,June 4--looking like a 3 yr. record for number of competitors. Call 303.282.9999 to order your tickets with visa/mastercard. Don't miss out!

6.01.05
New equipment posting: Schwinn Spinner Elite exercise bike for $650! Click here for more-

5.25.05
IFBB Guest Poser announced for the Aug. 13th MidUSA: Darrem Charles!

5.24.05
Results for the Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta: Click Here

5.12.05
NEWS FLASH: NPC NEWS will be covering the CARLA SANCHEZ FITNESS FIESTA Sat., May 21st with an article, photos and candids! There is still time to enter. Click here for info.

5.5.05
Congratulations to Bridgette Murray who won the tall class in Fitness at the NPC Emerald Cup! Congrats also to Bridgette Rhea who took 4th in the Figure! Click here for more-

5.3.05 .
New IFBB bodybuilding judging advisory about symmetry and natural aesthetics vs. muscularity. Click here for more.

5.2.05
The MidUSA date has been announced: August 13, 2005 at the Hiland Theater, Albuquerque, NM! Click here for the calendar

4.29.05
Check out the NEW Equipment Page on www.jefftaylor.com! This is your new USED EQUIPMENT RESOURCE. Maybe a used Stairmaster for $800 would be perfect for your home--- CLICK HERE

4.29.05
LATE FEES for ENTRIES have gone up. Please register EARLY to avoid the late fees. Here is the newest entry posted: NPC SOUTHERN CO NATURAL/ARMED FORCES show.

2005 NPC NUTRITION STOP STORES NORTHERN COLORADO BODYBUILDING, FITNESS AND FIGURE CHAMPIONSHIPS results.

4.13.05
Entry form for The Mile High Natural Bodybuilding/Figure Championships & State High School Championships now available for downloa. The Colorado State form is also available!

4.03.05
Thanks to everyone who participated and attended the Northern this weekend. It was a HUGE success and another sellout crowd. Jay Cutler entertained the fans once again and we love having him visit Colorado.

4.01.05
Click here for Directions to the venue held April 2nd. THE EVENING SHOW IS SOLD OUT!!! PREJUDGING STILL AVAILABLE!

Download the Northern 05 poster

3.25.05
Want more of the latest news on what's happening around the industry? Check out the LIFT LINE. As reported by Lift Studios, you don't have to be an IFBB PRO to get sponsorships in the industry as a figure/fitness competitor.

3.23.05
Get your tickets today for the April 2, 2005 - The Northern Colorado Bodybuilding, Fitness/Figure Championships, Boulder Theater, Boulder, CO. The evening show will sell out and the prejudging had record attendance last year. Call Boulder Theater, 303-786-7030.

COMPETITORS - CHECK IN IS APRIL 1st - FRIDAY NIGHT. NO APRIL FOOLS! NO checkin will take place on April 2nd!!!

Always a favorite, Jay Cutler, will be guest posing. Jay is a class act and this is your chance to meet one of the best IFBB Pro Bodybuilders.

Congratulations to Colorado's IFBB Figure Pro, Christine Pomponio-Pate, for her 4th place finish at the Arnold Classic followed up by her 3rd place finish at the San Francisco Pro. Christine is now qualified for the Ms. Figure Olympia.

Denver's WESTWORD recently featured Christine Pomponio-Pate on its cover and featured a number of local experts on their bodybuilding article. You can read the article here.

2.2.05
Entries online for the Mountain States Peak Performance Championships March 12th --- click here and the Northern CO Championships April 2nd --click here. Hundreds of new photos posted in the gallery section. Congratulations to Christine Pomponio-Pate on making the cover of Muscle Mag International.

12.21.04
Congratulations to Carla Sanchez and Christine Pomponio-Pate for being invited to the Arnold Classic held in Columbus, Ohio on March 3-6, 2005!

Pick up a copy of the newest Oxygen Magazine to see the story on the Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta.