Former MM Philippines winner Ernesto "Barok" Carlos is back hammering the weights. After an eight year hiatus, the 5'7", 193 lbs. personal trainer is working with MM Pro Gerald Pangan in Kuwait. Once he's in better shape, we'll begin posting new photos of Ernesto and you see why Filipinos call him the "Genetic Wonder."

Musclemania Camps

Musclemania Camps dates & locations will be announced next month with many coached by MM Pros Morris Mendez (L), Antauwn Smith (R), Larry Camacho, Anu McKnight and other natural stars. MM Camps will offer training, nutrition, contest dieting, posing, tanning and other important aspect of becoming a competitive natural bodybuilder.

Fitness Muscle Action

 At the recent Fitness America Weekend, Canadian natural bodybuilder Creg Taylor competed in the MM America MW Class but he made his mark in the new Fitness America Championships Men's Division. The 28 year old personal trainer gave an outstanding performance mixed with acrobatics, dance, strength and other choreographed moves. Creg's two minute routine had the crowd going nuts! All 2012 Regional and National events will feature the Fitness Men's Division leading to Fitness Universe, America and World Championships.

Lawman's New Sponsor

After winning the recent MM America LW Class, new MM Pro Law Payne was signed by NutraBio appearing in ads and at personal appearances. The 5'8", 160 lbs. former Oklahoma State Wrestling Champ is a lifetime natural athlete and has excelled academically with two bachelors and a masters degree. He will make his MM Pro debut at MM Universe in June.

MM Pro Gerald Pangan (R) just sent this shot of himself with Ariel Guong whom he says, "is a new Filipino trainer at Oxygen Gym here in Kuwait, 29 years old, 73 kg (160 lbs.)." He used to be a construction worker during his school days when he was young. But now Ariel's using his great genetics, focusing on legs mass and is planning to compete at 75 kg (165 lbs.) by June. Ariel hopes to join Gerald at MM Universe in Miami.

MM New Mexico Junior Champ Chris Wescott has been packing on size since June, especially on his legs. Weighing 250 lbs., the 6'2", USAF Sgt. trains at the base gym. Chris says he prepares his meals every morning and eats 4-5 times while on duty every day.

Bumping Up

He's made the rounds in other natural shows, but Malcolm Simmons will be bumping up his game and taking on the big boys at MM Universe in June. The 5'11", 220 lbs., 24 year old student normally competes around 190 lbs., but says he's training to breach the 200 mark on stage. And, with his classic symmetry, Malcolm will be a sight to see.

MM Carolina Champ Mo Sackey called last week to say he was in heavy training for next season. The 5'10", 220 lbs. personal trainer is working on his calves and hamstrings to match his massive upper body. The Nigerian native has been training since he immigrated to America 3 years ago.

Villacci's Back

Popular MM Pro Anthony Villacci says he's making his comeback next season following a 7 year sabbatical to train and start a family. Now happily married with two beautiful children, he says, "You can expect to see a new, bigger version of me." At 5'11", 200 lbs., Anthony last competed at the '04 MM Superbody as a Top 5 Finalist.

Mosomorphic Freak

One of Europe's newest and most amazing natural bodybuilders is Greg Vong from France. As a 5'8", 185 lbs. lifetime natural, he has incredibly small bones and joints, mesomorphic muscle and super thin skin. Greg will be making his Musclemania debut at MM Universe in Miami and then MM Europe in Paris.

Dietetic Difference

So how did MM Pro Morris Mendez compete 6 lbs. heavier from MM Universe in June to MM World in Nov? "I just ate more than I usually do, kept it all lean and did not drop my creative before the show like I usually do," explained Morris. The 5'10", 205 lbs. veteran lifetime natural bodybuilder and MM Universe, World and Superbody Champion was in better condition, too. As Morris said, "Hey, I just keep learning about my body."

Natural Powerlifting Muscle

He's never competed before competed and or attended a bodybuilding competition under a year ago. But, Reggie Miles plans to bring his ultra lean, 5'10", 215 lbs. physique to the stage for the first time next season. As a Florida State Natural Powerlifting Champion, he can rep out 540 lbs. bench press all day long. He hung out at MM Universe in Miami in June and was as much of an attraction as the competitors on stage. This guy's going to rock the house!

Off Seasons Greetings

MM Pro Syed Fazli is training hard and heavy through the holiday season. Currently weighing 215 lbs., his heaviest ever, he is planning to develop more muscle before dieting for his next competition. Syed layed skipped MM World and focused on his Malaysian commercial career and training. Truly one of the most symmetrical natural bodybuilders ever, everyone is waiting for him to take on other MM Pro heavyweights like Morris Mendez, Ulisses Jr., Jeff Beckham, Dickens Lambert

Heavy Holiday Training

It may be two days before Christmas and in the midst of holiday parties and food, but MM Pro Ulisses Jr. says he remains in heavy training. Looking amazing at 5'10", 215 lbs., he is still lean and mean.

Focusing on Comeback

Honduras' natural bodybuilding star Victor Montoya says he's been training intensely for a return to MM Pro circuit. The former MM Central America Champion has been focused on symmetry and condition so he can be competitive.

Bumping Up

MM Pro Dewayne Malone (R) and MM Texas Novice Champ Ezra Dew are already training for MM Universe in June. Dewayne's shoulder injury knocked him out of competition at MM World, but it has healed and his off season size is bigger than ever. Ezra say's he's bumping up the intensity of his training as he moves up into the Open Division.

As if you didn't know, this amazing back belongs to MM Pro Ulisses Jr. Is there any pose in which this guy doesn't impress?

Casino Dress Code

Really, your eyes aren't playing games. It's MM Texas competitor Jose Ortiz who has no problem showing off his body while working as a cocktail waiter every night at a Louisiana casino. The 5'8", 27 year old trainer says he has to honor a work weight code, so he can't exceed 180 lbs. Jose will be training for the new MM Cajun in New Orleans.

Philippine sensation Jonathan Pateno is getting ready for training mode for MM Universe in June. The 5'6", 180 lbs. personal trainer was besieged by an arm injury this year and could not compete, but he says now he is injury free and ready for six months of contest prep. As part of a big Team Philippines, he will join MM Pro Gerald Pangan in Miami.

Back to Basics

MM Pro Ricky Syamsuri is back into heavy lifting following his 2nd Place finish at last month's MM World in Las Vegas. The 5'8", 180 lbs. lifetime natural bodybuilder looked crazy a week from the show but smoothed out days before he took the stage. He says he's back to a strict diet plan but with increased calories. Ricky hasn't decided his next competition but will be a guest poser at MM Indonesia in Jakarta.

LaCour at MM World

‎1994 MM World Champion Skip LaCour (right) was a special guest seminar
speaker last month at MM America. He also shot numerous intervews for his popular website, www.skiplacour.com including with Robert Gibbs (left) MW 2nd. For many years, Skip the standard for natural bodybuilders and is considered a legend in the sport.

Model Odyssey

As Model Texas Champion, Jacoie Shivers was the tallest sports model ever on the Model World Tour. But, the former professional basketball also had a lifters body. At 6'8", 240 lbs., Jacoie was on a mission this season. Here are his own thoughts:

"This past year has been a very challenging yet blessed year for me as both a fitness trainer and fitness model. Never in a million years would I have thought that I would have accomplished all that I have in the world of health and fitness. Just last year my mentor and best friend Scotty Lindsey was already on a path to success in the fitness modeling industry conquering every competition and stage he stepped foot on. So, at 6'8", 240 lbs. at the time I was very commited to just stay in overall good shape. Scott took me under his wing and groomed me into the fitness trainer that I am today. It wasnt til then we both decided to do something not even I could have imagined. Putting my massive physique on stage and displaying it to the world. I dedicated myself to just come to Musclemania to compete and not really trying to win or anything. But after getting first place and hearing from the people that were their about how I inspired them to get into shape, I started taken it to a whole other level of fitness. My goal then was to win every show in Texas while continuing to motivate and help other reach their fitness goal then compete internationally and be recognized as one of the top fitness models in the industry. My biggest challenge was the dieting part because of my high metabolism I wasnt able to keep on muscle mass without burning it off because of having basketball games every week. Once i got over that everything just sort of took care of itself. Working out 5 days a week resting two and getting my cardio in 3 times a week by way of basketball."

"I'm really excited about the oppurtunities that have been offered to me after my 3rd place finish at Model America in Las Vegas last month. I just have to remain focused and stayed motivated and not forget why I'm doing all this . . . the people!"

‎50 Cent has rapped about getting rich. Now he's focusing on getting fit. The hip-hop star is putting out a fitness book that's set to be published in January 2013 by Avery Books. Titled "Formula 50: A 6-Week Total Body Transformation Plan," the book will tout metabolic resistance training as the key to getting in shape. It will also include a nutrition guide. The buff rapper says he wants to help people "make positive changes and take charge of their overall health. Formula 50" will be the latest credit for 50 Cent as an author. He recently released the teen novel "Playground" and also wrote "Pieces to Weight, The 50th Law."

The rapper's latest book will be co-written by Jeff O'Connell.

Source: AP News

It's My Time

Hot off his big win at MM America HW Class, Griffin Datcher III just sent this photo and says he's already preparing for his MM Pro debut. Training for MM Universe in Miami in June, THE 6'4", 250 lbs. natural goliath will battle veteran aces Morris Mendez, Ulisses Jr., Dickens Lambert, Chul Soon and other MM Pro HW's. Griffin says, "I'm getting ready for Miami. I'm going to come in tighter and bigger guaranteed. My posing and presentation is going to be on point. It's my time!"

Back with Zeal

MM Pro Dickens Lambert came into Las Vegas with zeal last month and claimed 3rd Place at MM World Pro Championships. He weighed the same last year when he bombed out in 9th Place, but this time the audience saw a whole new bodybuilder. Here are some comments Dickens just sent:

"It was a make it or break it situation on November 18th-19th 2011. I had to calculate every little detail in regards to my diet, training, water consumption to be at my best and compete with the best natural bodybuilders in the world for the Musclemania event. As I said in previous posts, I would either fail in my attempt to bring my best overall package or succeed and surpass myself physically as never before and ultimately bring a beautiful harmony of extreme muscle fullness as well as never before seen conditioning. The result of my experiment: Mission Accomplished. I did it! I was full, round and extremely ripped. My distinctive physique and stage presence sent a positive message to the world: Mass is not everything! The message was so strong and clear that numerous fans from around the world have been contacting me to congratulate me on bringing an overall package that only a few men have successfully brought to the natural stage. Humbly, I am glad people appreciate my unique but small package. I must say, I was truly honored to have been compared to more massive natural bodybuilding superstars like 1st Place Morris Mendez and 2nd Place Ulisses Jr. at the show. I placed 3rd at this world class MM Pro event and I am more motivated than ever to be compared to these superstars again. I’m already meticulously planning my next mission: Add more natural mass to my small frame. Is it possible? Desire, Intense trainings, Proper nutrition and careful planning will give me the answers in the next months to come. TIME TO TRAIN!"

Junior Powerhouse

Recently crowned MM America Junior HW Champion Cory Upton was a dominate force on stage. The 6'3", 215 lbs. powerhouse is just 21 years old and has been bodybuilding for just two years. The former high school varsity athlete says he's been working on filling out his tall physique and wants to compete next year with 10 lbs. more muscle.

Kings of Shape

MM Pros Ulisses Jr. and Chul Soon were two of the fan favorites at MM World in Las Vegas. Both with incredibly thick and symmetrical physiques, they present equally impressive routines which turned on the audience. Ulisses weighed 200 lbs. taking second to Morris Mendez and Chul at 195 (his heaviest ever) placed 4th in his MM Pro debut. Both will face off again at MM Universe in Miami in June.

The 2011 Fitness New England show will broadcast on New England Sports Network this Friday night, December 9, 8 PM ET. Sponsored by Gaspari Nutrition and MRI Nutrition, the exciting, 1-hour television special was recorded live in April at Mohegan Sun in CT and features highlights of the Musclemania and Model New England Championships plus the Fitness, Ms. Bikini and Figure Divisions. NESN is available in CT, ME, MA, NH, RI & VT and repeat broadcasts will air in Dec and Jan. Also, on-demand viewing will be available at www.musclemania.com beginning Dec 16.

Mass from OZ

One of the biggest surprise at MM World last month was Nathan Wallace, a 23 year old personal trainer from Australia. The 5'8", 194 lbs. natural bodybuilder captured 2nd LHW Class. Nathan is a heavy duty trainer all season, even close to contest time and has been competing since he was 17 years old. He works as a strength and body "recomposition" coach and is able to apply his own experience and knowledge to help his clients.

The Illusion

Thick, ripped and bigger than his 5'10", 175 lbs., Robert Gibbs took down nearly everyone in the MW Class at MM World last month. The 2nd Place finisher brought up his legs since last year which helped complete his symmetry. As Flex Wheeler's younger brother and life time natural bodybuilder, Robert impressed the audience and judged and even picked up a sponsor and will be competing at MM Universe in Miami.

Show Stopper

When this guy walked on stage, the show was over for the other MM America HW competitors recently in las Vegas. Griffen Datcher III from Houston was a towering 6'3", 250 lbs. and simply overpowered everyone with immense size and incredible symmetry for a big guy. The 35 year old gym owner and personal trainer now moves up to the MM Pro Division and will take on the seasoned veterans in Miami in June.

Double Dose

Doing duty at Fitness America Weekend last month, Mark Samara won both the Model America - Short Class and Musclemania America - BW Class. The fact that he even enter entered both events was surprise enough, but to win shocked event him. Recently, we asked Mark about his decision to train for and compete in both competitions.

"After the Model Universe Championships this past June, I decided to have some fun and try my hand at bodybuilding. Then, after 5 months of consistent training to add some muscle and a lot of posing practice I felt ready for the big show in Vegas."

"Stepping onto the stage as a bodybuilder for the first time, I wasn't sure what to expect. Weighing in at 145 I just barely made the Bantamweight Class. I tried not to worry about the competition and just focus on doing my personal best and having the most fun of anyone out there! It must have worked because I was able to edge out the competition for a win!"

"Now I know I have a LOT of work to do if I want to step on stage with the big guys, so after a little time off to rehab some nagging injuries it will be back to heavy training to gain some muscle. I'd like to take 6-12 months to really make some progress before I hit the stage again. But I know it will go by quickly and I'll be in a posedown before I know it!"

Next stop, Musclemania Universe!

One of the newest MM Pros is Australia's Sasho Ognenovski, an athletic looking natural bodybuilder with incredible condition. The 6', 180 lbs. Sydney gym manager won the recent MM World MW Class in Las Vegas. Sasho has been training for 13 years and is the '10 Australasian Natural Champion. His next stop will be MM Universe in Miami in June.

Desert Rumble

Following the Musclemania World last month, MM Pros Morris Mendez, Ricky Syamsuri, Shameen Adams, and Ulisses Jr. (l-r) drove out to a dried lake bed outside Las Vegas to shoot with famed commercial photographer GW BURNS. The temperature was a nippy 40 degrees, so getting them into their posing trunks took some convincing.

Genaro's Looming Challenge

MM World Pro LW Champion Genaro Alvarado says he's already back into training for next season. "I was so excited after Las Vegas. I wanted to go back to the gym on Monday, but my brother told me to relax and enjoy the win," he said. At 5'4", 160 lbs., he explains he knows he still have his work cut out to take the overall title. "I know I won the beat guys, but how am I ever going to beat MORRIS (MENDEZ) and the heavies?," he fretted jokingly. But, at the Universe in June, Genaro will have to deal with GERALD PANGAN who is the same height but 20 lbs. heavier. He nearly beat Mendez this year, so Genaro will meet his match and much more.

Keeping It Clean

Next season, Musclemania will begin implementing Year Round Urinalysis Testing for MM Pros. Selected on a random basis with just 48 hours notice, athletes will be directed to a local facility near their home for collection. Samples will be shipped to a licensed and certified US based laboratory for testing. Any MM Pro with a positive test result will be suspended from competition for two years. Second time offenders will be receive a life time ban. Musclemania takes pride in producing natural shows worldwide and spreading healthy, drug-free alternatives to conventional bodybuilding competitions.

Looking Like a Winner

After placing 2nd at the '10 MM Universe Pro in Miami, he waited 18 months to grow before deciding to compete again. MM Pro Ricky Syamsuri worked on his symmetry, conditioning and gained 5 lbs. of muscle on his 5'7" frame before heading to '11 MM World Pro in Las Vegas. He looked like a winner just a few days before the show but his water spilled enough before showtime to surrender the LW title to Mexico MM Pro Genaro Alvarado.

Junior Champions

MM America Junior Championships featured two amazing 21 year old college students. Terrance Harris (left) 1st Place, Phoenix and Rolliz Pangilnan (right) 3rd Place, Las Vegas both weighed 162 lbs. and 5'7" and 5'6", respectively, and are in their first year competing. Already with impressive symmetry and size, they have a solid foundation for next year when they intend on bringing a bigger physique to the stage.

Dicken's Redemption

Easily the most ripped man on stage, MM Pro Dickens Lambert brought his 'A' game to MM World taking 3rd HW Class just behind Morris Mendez and Ulisses Jr. Bigger and fuller than last year when he left Las Vegas disappointed in 9th Place, Dickens showed everyone that he can bring the complete package. This married father of two knows diet and nutrition better than anyone. And, if the Canadian star continues to fill out and naturally maximize his physique's potential, Dickens could easily take the #1 spot next season.

One of the highlights last weekend in Las Vegas was the new Fitness America Championships - Men's Division. With incredibly energized routines, these guys literally had the audience standing on their feet cheering! David Zuma (2nd left) from Costa Rica was outstanding with a powerful, athletic, entertaining and fun performance. Taking 2nd Place was Fitness South African Champion Llewellyn Cordier (2nd right) was tall (6'3"), massive, strong but agile and creative. Canadian bodybuilder Creg Taylor (left) threw the ladies into a tizzy with his gyrating dance moves earning him 3rd Place. And, Florida hip hop master Ricardo Sylvester (right) had moves that were over the top rivaling any MTV dance crew. The competitors were judged 50% Performance Round and 50% Swimsuit Round. Next season, all US and international events will host Fitness Universe - Men's Divisions.

Leightweight Showdown

MM Pro World LW Class Top 5 Finalists was an intense battle between Genaro Alvarado (2nd left) 1st Place, Mexico and Ricky Syamsuri (2nd right) 2nd Place, Indonesia. At 5'4", 160 lbs., Genaro looked massive and flawless symmetrical plus in incredible shape. Also a classical looking bodybuilder, Ricky carried 165 lbs. at 5'7" but was not as tight as Genaro. George Patton (left) 3rd Place was impressive with 5 lbs. more muscle and Fred Mompo (right) 4th, France was ripped more than anyone. Genaro went on to vie for the overall MM World Pro title but was over powered by a bigger, taller and conditioned Morris Mendez.

The Blame Game

What happened to MM Pro Jeff Beckham? At 6'2", 235 lbs., here's a giant among natural bodybuilders and when he's in shape can conquer any drug free competition. Yet last weekend in Las Vegas, once again, he didn't show his best on stage. If only he could master his conditioning, MM World Pro Champions Morris Mendez and Ulisses Jr. could be dethrone. Booted out of the Top 5, Jeff's first response was obvious. "Politics in body building is serious!" But then he got over the blame game saying, "We are want to place high but sometimes its just not our time." Once Jeff got back home to New York, he didn't waste any time getting back to work. "I'm back in the gym already - time off?! Who does that? I'm on my grind! Cardio year round. I'm on it. My Vegas placing created a monster!" It's the sign of a champion.

First timer Nick Bennett was convinced to make MM America his first competition. The 21 year old Tampa college senior has been training for bodybuilding since high school and has torn his ACL three times! At 5'7", 152 lbs., Nick was ripped and took 2nd Place in the MM Junior LW Class. His contest foray will be MM Universe in Miami in June where he wants to win the Junior Division.

Legendary Rivalry

In probably one of the closets MM contests ever, Ulisses JR. barely lost out to Morris Mendez in Las Vegas last weekend. Both have incredible physiques and are legendary lifetime natural bodybuilders. But in the end, the judges said that Morris was tighter and in better condition. Both Morris and Ulisses were heavier that their most recent contests - by 3 lbs. - but Morris' density looked more conditioned. Ulisses was holding some water, especially in his legs which is where the bulk of his 12 month development was most apparent. But, it was oh so close and surely Ulisses can come back and chase down Morris. When and where, only they know. But there's no doubt that the rivalry continues!

Road to Victory

He's sights were set on MM World at the beginning of the year and 11 months later all the hard work paid off. MM America LW Winner Law Payne crushed his competition and now moves up into the MM Pro ranks. The 5'7", 160 lbs. trainer stayed focused all season after closely loosing the MM New England and MM Universe. Law is a former All-State High School wrestler and has two college degrees and a Masters physical education.

Model Muscle Man

In his MM Pro debut, Korean Chul Soon moved right up into the Top 5 knocking off established veterans like JEFF BECKHAM (6th), BILL SIMPSON (8th) and LOGAN MICHAELS (9th). Weighing 15 lbs. bigger than last year, Chul said he kept his training heavy all season, ate 6-7 meals a day and did not over diet again. He still needs bigger arms, hamstings and calves, but what a different a year made for Chul. Only MORRIS MENDEZ (1st), ULISSES JR. (2nd) and DICKENS LAMBERT (3rd) placed above him

Fitness America Men Debut

The Fitness America Championships new Men's Division was a big success with performers from Central America, Africa, Canada and the US. David Zuma from Costa Rica won with an incredible fitness performance and equally built physique. The 28 year old full time acrobatic performer was stunning and had the audience literally on their feet cheering. David will compete at Fitness Universe Championships in Miami in June.

Ten Years to Victory

New MM America Champion Eric Perkins hadn't competed at a MM show for ten years preferring to stay close to his Texas home. So, the 5'11", 198 lbs. trainer surprised everyone with powerful size and athletic lines. The married father of two now plans on making his MM Pro debut at MM Universe in Miami in June.

Las Vegas Musclefest

The world's best natural bodybuilders stormed Las Vegas last weekend at the Fitness America Weekend. Nearly 600 competitors from throughout the world competed including Eric Perkins (2nd left) of Texas who returned after 10 years to win the MM America Championships. Genaro Alvarado (left) claimed the MM Pro World LW Class and Morris Mendez (2nd right) the MM Pro HW and Overall. South African sensation Shamin Adams (right) was a total surprise and won the MM World Championships.

King Mo!

It came down to a posedown between MM Pro HW's MORRIS MENDEZ and ULISSES JR. Two incredible physiques, both weighing over 200 lbs. on stage for the first time, but Morris was in better condition and got the judges nod. It was the most intense natural bodybuilding posedown ever!