MM Heavyweight Juan Pablo Salgado is another Latin American star who hasn't competed for a couple of years but is making Las Vegas his comeback. The 6'2", 215 lbs., lifetime natural trainer has classic symmetry and poses like a seasoned veteran. Juan Pablo is married with two children and runs a gym in northern Chile.

'09 MM Dixie Champion Kerwin Duffy says he's returning to the stage with a new physique. The 29 year old former NCAA football player and track & field athlete will be competing at MM Superbody in Atlantic City. "Since the last Musclemania show, I have added 10 lbs. of lean muscle and really worked on my symmetry." Kerwin says.

Catch Kerwin and all of the amazing Musclemania®, Ms. Bikini, Model, Figure and Fitness competitors in action! Watch the LIVE Broadcast of the SUPERBODY CHAMPIONSHIPS, Saturday, August 25 from Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Congratulations to '12 Model Universe™ Championships Top 10 Finalist Matt Dunford who has just signed contracts with Optimum Nutrition as their latest Sponsored Athlete!

Matt is a high flying fitness/commercial model & personal trainer based in London. He is currently working out of some of the most exclusive gyms in London and building a reputation as one of the most sought after personal trainers in Britain. Matt is making waves on both the fitness modelling and commercial modelling scene and since his impressive mark at Model Universe™ has been inundated with work opportunities and has a rapidly building reputation in Europe.

Matt first competed in Musclemania® shows at the '10 Model Europe Championships in Milan earning an impressive 2nd Place. Since then he has dedicated himself to improving his physique and lifestyle and focused relentlessly on progressing his career as an established fitness model and personal trainer. As a result of his hard work and dedication over the last two years Matt has now become a regular feature in a range of fitness magazines across Europe.

Matt's ambitions are to continue to grow his reputation as a fitness model and also cross over more into the fashion/commercial side of modelling and acting. He says, ''I also want to establish myself in America and I am now focused on my preparation for Model Europe in Paris and Model America in Las Vegas later this year. I want to bring something different to the stage and make sure I turn every single head in the audience. I know I will be coming in the best condition of my life as I have a great team around me. I am more focused than ever to make sure 2012 is the year that I really make an impact on the international scene."

"I am looking forward to doing weekly blogs for Musclemania® leading up to Model Europe and Model America and hopefully this will give everyone an insight into the dedication, preparation and focus it takes to be successful on the big stage. I will also keep everyone up to date with the various photo shoots and media work I am doing and how I manage fit everything into my own training, personal training all the while allowing for a meticulously structured diet.''

MM New England powerhouse Vinnie Hartshire is focused on taking MM Superbody next month in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The 6'2" courier company supervisor always arrives on stage big and beefy, but will he be in condition?

Vinnie explains, "I was unsure of what show would be next. After a back injury I was almost positive AC was out. I have been back in the mix with weights for about two weeks now and I keep seeing pictures of people going to AC. So today I said 'screw it'! I can rip it up in the gym and be ready for the show. My hat has been thrown into the ring, hotel room is booked and diet plan has begun. Currently at 229 lbs. and believe I can be a force to be reckoned with come show time. I am going to buckle down and work with Coach Knox and make this happen! I want that MM Pro card. I want it bad! And, at the very least I will put on one hell of a show."

Catch Big Vinnie LIVE and all of the amazing Musclemania®, Ms. Bikini, Model, Figure and Fitness competitors in action! Watch the Live Broadcast of the Superbody Championships, Saturday, August 25 from Atlantic City, New Jersey.

MM Pro Larry Camacho won't be competing this season. The former '07 MM World Junior and '10 MM Universe MW Champion is a cadet at the California Highway Patrol Academy. Following his 6 month commitment, Larry will begin a year of on-the-job training. He says, "I'll be back on stage, don't worry. But my CHP training is priority right now."

Muscle atrophy may have settled in, but anyone who knows Larry, his physique response fast to training and nutrition.

French natural bodybuilder Rithy Coachsympacool says he's been hooked since a teenager. At 5'6", 172 lbs., he has thick muscle development and clean symmetry. The 32 year old engineer has been a Musclemania fan for years but just could pack his bags and travel to America to compete. "I have been always wanted to compete in the show - with all the lights, stage, excitement," Rithy says. "Now with the new show in Paris, it is worth the time in the gym."

Musclemania® Europe will broadcast LIVE from Paris on Saturday, August 25. Check out www.musclemania.tv available on-line, iPhone, iPad and Android - and best of all you can watch the entire show FREE!

It's summer barbeque time and chef Ben Radic cooks fresh caught fish. At 5'10", 230 lbs., he is contest dieting for the first time and with Musclemania® Europe in Paris is 12 weeks away, Ben is maintaining 225 lbs. and getting leaner.

'11 Model Europe Adis Jakic (R) and '11 Musclemania® Britain Junior Champion RICO Van Huizen meet up at last year's show. Currently, Adis is preparing to defend his title at Model Europe in Paris and Rico is training for his international debut at MM World in Las Vegas.

Dutch natural star Brian Claudio Guillermo Blijd continues his MM Blog this week . . .

"Here's my third blog on my road to the next Musclemania® show. Well I can start talking about what I plan on doing, how to start with that great workout, but hey guess what I'm not going to? Let me start by saying be constructive as you can be for yourself. A lot of folks mail me about how to get a great physique. And as good as I try I will reply with the answer for their search. But my question to you is are you willing to make that change in your lifestyle? Because there is more in life then just a great physique and walk around with it. You also represent who you are as a person. With a body like steel you must have a mind like steel. A great physique can only be great if you have a great mindset. Like I said last time, you also need a great constructed lifestyle with a lot of respect for yourself and others out there (even for those who do not want to share daylight with you, ignore them and stay far away from that shadow of not understanding or accepting you for the choices you make). Because they never had or will take that chance to do what you do! Make sure your lifestyle is constructive. Start by making your bed before you leave the house, eat that high protein breakfast, lunch, dinner, do that workout that you had planned in the beginning of the week with all the other workouts for the rest of the week. Do those things you need to do before you go to work and all the other activities that involve your role in life. Don't make a mess or go look for that extra trouble to put your mind under pressure. The more structure you get in life, the more creative you get in developing a great physique. And, yes, then it is possible to get those amounts of proteins you need on a daily base, And, yes, then you can get those exact carbs you need in and outside the gym for those results you want. Don't do it to prove to others that you can do it. To your parents, to your friends, the folks on the street that talk about you or those that stare at you, they look at you today and look at the other guy or girl tomorrow as a priority start by proving to yourself! It is your life, your movie and make sure that you have the leading role in it. And that will make you somewhere, somehow the star of your own life! So put effort in what you want to accomplish by getting that structure in life!"

Florida natural Reggie Miles keeps getting better! Still big and getting leaner as he prepares for MM Florida in South Beach, its hard to believe that the 5'10", 210 lbs. trainer has never competed. "I guess I just need a kick in the ass!," says Reggie. "I have been powerlifting for year, but this physique keep shaping up like a bodybuilder. Let's see what happens in 3 months."

Another impressive Pakistani junior is training for MM World in Las Vegas. At 22 years of age, 5'7", 175 lbs., Salman Ahmed has incredible symmetry and thickness developed over 7 years of hard core training. Earlier this year, the university student won the Punjab Regional Junior Championships.

Junior natural bodybuilder Fernando Valeriano keeps growing and is staying lean as he prepares for MM America in Las Vegas. At 6'2", he is still hanging at 220 lbs. The 21 year old engineering student was the '09 MM New Mexico Junior Champion.

MM Pro Syed Fazli is looking in great shape even during his month long Ramadan observance. At 5'10", he is still weighing 210 lbs. in condition but will begin his serious training for MM World next month. The lifelong natural superstar has become one of Asian's most popular and respect bodybuilders.

At last month's MM Universe in Miami, MM Pro Ed Mazzuchelli brought his A game to the stage again an intense line-up of some of the world's best natural pros. But, what Ed says what he reaped from the show was far beyond his placing.
He explains below about his experience and what is at the heart of competing in and being a part of Musclemania.

"It has been a month since I walked off stage at the Musclemania Universe, the norm is that you would here some rant of politics or I was off or some BS or excuse for not placing where I wanted. On the contrary, I left the stage that evening having a sense of accomplishment. First, I wanted to improve on my physique from November and I did. Second, I wanted to put on a good show, i.e., my routine and I did."

"Placing at this point is secondary. I have been competing for a long time. I was 19 when I did my first show and I'm 37 now (you do the math). I have done a minimum of a show a year during this period and have had my share of success. At the Musclemania Pro level, these guys are the absolute best in the world, bar none!!!! You have to nail everything just to get a sniff at a Top 5. See for me it’s about the journey, not just the finish. It’s about finishing my bodybuilding career on my terms. It’s about building friendships and inspiring others. For those of us that love to compete, winning is the ultimate goal, but not the only goal. I absolutely love where I am in this current landscape of bodybuilding. I have to work my ass off just to place. Now that’s what I'm talking about. Isn't that why we're the best in the world?"

"And, I commend Lou and the entire Musclemania staff for the excellence in show production, and just the way all the competitors are treated."

"In conclusion, Miami was an awesome experience and I am committed to competing in November in Las Vegas, bring my best package, and continue to strive for my own personal best!"

At last month's MM Universe in Miami, MM Pro Ed Mazzuchelli brought his A game to the stage again an intense line-up of some of the world's best natural pros. But, what Ed says what he reaped from the show was far beyond his placing.
He explains below about his experience and what is at the heart of competing in and being a part of Musclemania.

"It has been a month since I walked off stage at the Musclemania Universe, the norm is that you would here some rant of politics or I was off or some BS or excuse for not placing where I wanted. On the contrary, I left the stage that evening having a sense of accomplishment. First, I wanted to improve on my physique from November and I did. Second, I wanted to put on a good show, i.e., my routine and I did."

"Placing at this point is secondary. I have been competing for a long time. I was 19 when I did my first show and I'm 37 now (you do the math). I have done a minimum of a show a year during this period and have had my share of success. At the Musclemania Pro level, these guys are the absolute best in the world, bar none!!!! You have to nail everything just to get a sniff at a Top 5. See for me it’s about the journey, not just the finish. It’s about finishing my bodybuilding career on my terms. It’s about building friendships and inspiring others. For those of us that love to compete, winning is the ultimate goal, but not the only goal. I absolutely love where I am in this current landscape of bodybuilding. I have to work my ass off just to place. Now that’s what I'm talking about. Isn't that why we're the best in the world?"

"And, I commend Lou and the entire Musclemania staff for the excellence in show production, and just the way all the competitors are treated."

"In conclusion, Miami was an awesome experience and I am committed to competing in November in Las Vegas, bring my best package, and continue to strive for my own personal best!"

Pakistani junior bodybuilder Adnan Ali says he's started paying more attention towards his chest to build wider, broader and thicker chests. The 6', 225 lbs. student says, "I am doing this with the aggressive and intense pec-punishing program which turns up the volume and intensity. I am using tried and true training principles like negatives, supersets and pre-exhaust techniques to craft a truly sick set of pecs." Adnan is one of at least 5 other Pakistani bodybuilders training for MM World in Las Vegas.

Leighton Edwards is one of the Northeast's most successful natural bodybuilders having been a Top 5 Finalist in over 10 shows in the past two years including MM New England and MM New York. The 5'10", 180 lbs. personal trainer is originally from Jamaica and now lives and works in Southern Connecticut.

Model Central America sensation Juan Pa Meneses is training for Model America in Las Vegas. The 6'2", 195 lbs., 22 year old architecture student says, "I am still adding some mass but getting leaner at the same time. My legs are my priority." Juan Pa was a '11 Model Universe Top 5 Finalist, so a more complete physique will make him even more palatable to the judges.

New York personal trainer John Jackson is looking better by the week as he diets for his first competition - Musclemania Superbody in Atlantic City on August 25. Currently at 5'10", 218 lbs., he hasn't lost any weight yet is leaner than 3 months ago. John says, "I really can't believe that I am holding on to so much size. I guess it is the 10 years of training and conditioning."

In his latest photo update, big Ben Radic is getting leaner sticking to MM Europe diet plan. The 5'10" personal trainer is still holding to 230 lbs. and is amazing himself. "I have never dieted before, so I can't believe that I keeping so much muscle," Ben says.

Angel Cano may be just 9 years old, but the 4'4", 57 lbs., 5th grader is already into bodybuilding. But of course, with his uncle, MM Pro Genaro Alvarado and father, MM Mexico star Javier Cano as mentors, you know the kid's being trained with proper direction. After going to the gym with them since he was born, the contest scene is normal for Angel. Already he eats like a champion including fish, chicken, pasta, vegetables and other good stuff. Of course in his free time, Angel likes playing soccer and horsing around with his younger brother. He will travel to Las Vegas in November to support his dad at MM World.

Former Chilean soccer star Jose Farias is a popular Latin American sports model appearing in magazines, catalogs and commercials. But, for the past few years, he is been trying his commercial talents in the US. Also, at 6'2", 195 lbs., the 27 year old personal trainer placed in the Top 20 among 60 competitors at the recent Model Universe in Miami. He impressed a lot of photographers and has lined up a lot of work.

Model Texas Champion JC Shivers, MM World Women's Champion Jenny Gaidoukevitch and MM World Pro Champion Morris Mendez all competed at the Fitness Universe Weekend last month in Miami. JC has become a popular Lone Star sports model in just one season, Jenny is a European superstar and Morris is one of the world's legendary natural bodybuilders. And, the season is hardly over for any of them. See you in Las Vegas!

As one of Europe's newest sports models, Steve Stefan Mancas is preparing for the European Championships in Paris. The 6', 180 lbs. Italian personal trainer recently competed at Model Universe in Miami and although he was not among the Top 10 Finalists, he says it was a "great experience." Steve explains he bigger picture perspective as, "One amazing secret to success is when you get knocked down, get back up and keep moving forward." So, for him that means back in the gym and preparing for Model Europe Championships!

'04 MM World MW Champion Taat Pribadi will be making a return to the MM stage for the first time in 8 years. The Indonesian personal trainer has built a new physique and at 5'6", 185 lbs., expects to be a force at MM World in November. Taat is good friends with MM legend Ade Rai and MM Pro Ricky Syamsuri who will also be traveling to Las Vegas.

At the '11 MM New York, bodybuilding newcomer Maik Wiedenbach surprised the judge and judges with a striking, 6'1, 195 lbs. physique. Taking home the gold, he went on a intense training program and set his sights on MM Superbody next month in Atlantic City. He says, "I am currently holding 225 lbs. while getting leaner and keeping my lines. Feeling good about the show." Maik was a competitive swimmer through high school and college in Germany and took up bodybuilding to help build strength. Currently, he is a New York based celebrity personal trainer.

After an eight year hiatus, MM Pro Chris Oliver is training hard and heavy for his comeback at MM Superbody next month. The Maryland based computer programming analysis promises to bring a stacked, 5'10", 215 lbs. physique to the stage.

Portuguese junior bodybuilders Andre Silva & Ze Pedro will be making their contest debut at Musclemania® Europe in Paris. Both are lifetime natural and training partners. "We want to compete at Musclemania® because the other shows here are all about drugs," says Ze. "We're excited and looking forward to meeting Ulisses Jr." Andre (18 years old, 5'9", 187 lbs.) has been training for 3 years and Ze (22 years old, 5'5", 143 lbs.) for 2 years.

A natural in all respects, Reggie Miles is an amazing bodybuilder who at 37 years old has never competed. But at 5'10", 205 lbs., he will be on stage for the first time at Musclemania® Florida on November 4 in Miami Beach. The USA Powerlifting Champion will take his strength to another level.

MM New Mexico star Bobby Bei has been hammering his arms which he felt was hindering his symmetry. But, now the 27 year old lifetime natural says, "These guns are ready for showtime. I skipped the Universe because I did not want to compete until my arms were up. I will be in Vegas." At 5'10", 195 lbs., Bobby has maintained great condition all season, so dieting will be short and simple.

'10 Model Britain Champion Mehmet Edip says he's ready for the London Olympics. The popular sports model appears regularly in British magazines and has a new monthly nutrition and training column in Muscle & Fitness UK.

Haitian superstar Mackenzi Philippeaux was an amazing bodybuilder when he first appeared on stage at the '07 MM New York Championships. At 5'5", 178 lbs., the 32 year old lifter was incredibly thick and lean. But because of the 2010 Haitian earthquake, Mackenzi's gym was destroyed leaving him without a place to train for over two years. Recently, he informed us that a group of local bodybuilders and some international relief workers have built a new, although spartan facility. They are buying some used equipment from Miami and having it shipped to Port-au-Prince. Mackenzi's excitedly says, " My family is safe, we have a home, are eating well, so that's all that matter for the past couple of years. But, I will be back into training soon and hopefully will be ready for the Universe next year."

'99 Musclemania® World Pro Champion Tito Raymond remains legendary on the natural bodybuilding scene with his classic symmetry and thick muscle development. No longer competitive, he lives in Los Angeles with his lovely wife '95 Fitness America Champion Amy Fadhli and their two sons.

German natural star Alon Gabbay not only hammers the weights, but does he chug the protein powder! He credits his sponsors for keeping him stocked up with all his supplements. Although he's never competed, Alon is training hard to make an appearance at MM Europe in Paris in October. And, no doubt, Alon will bring a stash of protein shakes for the weekend!

MM Pro Ricky Syamsuri keeps getting better as he prepares for MM World in Las Vegas. Still hanging at 185 lbs., he is leaner and bigger than last year's show where Ricky lost to Genaro Alvarado in the LW Pro Class. "That's not happening again," exclaims Ricky. "I was so ripped days before the show, but my water spilled over and I was glazed by show time."

Reigning Model Europe Champion and Model America Top 5 Finalist Adis Jakić is into hard training for Musclemania® Europe in October. At 5'10", 187 lbs., Adis looks bigger and even than last season with added mass and condition. Just back from a vacation in Turkey, the Croatian jock says he's ready to bring his new look to the stage in Paris.

Egyptian sports model Moe Hardy recently completed his military service and is working as an Egyptian history and anthropology guide for international tourists. The 5'11", 190 lbs. former water polo player hopes to advance his modeling career at Model America™.

Filipino Australian Miguel Valenzuela is almost ready for his first bodybuilding competition. The 27 year old personal trainer will perform at MM Philippines on December 1. At 5'10", 185 lbs., Miguel says he keeps low body fat all year, so the competition diet will be just a few weeks of water adjustments.

'11 MM World Pro LW Champion Genaro Alvarado Tapia is training for the show in Las Vegas, again. In this photo from last Saturday following outdoor tanning, he's weighing 170 lbs. which is what he wants to weigh in shape by showtime in November. Genaro will face Ricky Syamsuri, Musclemania Pro-Law Payne, Nick Musclemania Pro Nicholas Navarro, Joe Patton, Edward Mazzuchelli, Nario Miyano and other great MM Pro LW stars.

Kenyan natural bodybuilder Kevin Ochieng just keeps growing and developing his physique. He trains in the same gym as MM Pro Sanya Shaka when he lived in Kampala. It is owned by his father, a former Mr. Kenya. Currently, Kevin is 5'6", 198 lbs. and is training for MM Africa in Uganda in two months.

French MM star Greg Vong is 3 months away from MM Europe but is already in great shape! At 5'8", 185 lbs. he says, "I am staying ripped and don't want to gain any fat. I am training my calves, hamstrings and triceps - that's where I need to improve my symmetry. But, I will be ready." Although Greg was a Top 5 Finalist at MM Universe last month, he wants to win the MW Class in Paris.

MM Pro Antony Bessala made incredible improvements between the '11 MM World and '11 MM Universe where he was a Pro Division HW Top 5 Finalist. The 6'1", 210 lbs., Paris based personal trainer recently started a workout sports apparel brand. Antony and MM Pro Ulisses Jr will make a special appearance at MM Europe in Paris on October 13.

MM Pro Yoon Jong Muc took 6th at MM Universe last month in Miami. The 5'11", 210 lbs., 26 year old personal trainer was Team Korea Captain which included 12 competitors.

Pakistani junior Adnan Ali says he had been working on the size of his arms and the symmetry. At 6', 220 lbs., he says, “I got my own secret formular call it The Muscle Martini. It includes high glycemic carbohydrates, glutamine, BCAA, and 1g of Vitamin C powder). It helps me recover faster and grow while keeping the body in good condition." Adnan is training feverishly and wants to be ready for MM Pakistan next season. He says, "I want to be freakishly big and keeping the symmetry.”

MM Pro Law Payne says no one will recognize him when he takes the stage in Las Vegas in November. Since becoming a MM Pro last year, the 5'7", 195 lbs. Oklahoma high school wrestling coach and personal trainer has been on a path to transform his physique. "I always have the mass. Just need to keep and rip it all up!", asserts Law.

For ten years, Asian wonder Syed Fazli Ali has been a Musclemania legend and leader. With his incredible size and symmetry, he is into full, hard core training for MM World Pro in Las Vegas in November. At 5'10", 205 lbs., Syed will take on other MM Pros including MM World Pro Champion Morris Mendez, MM Universe Pro Champion Dickens Lambert and other top tier heavyweights.

'10 MM California Junior Champion Dani Younan & Swiss natural star Mischa Janiec caught a workout in San Diego this week. At 5'8", 185 lbs., Dani has not decided in what show to compete next while the 6'2", 210 lbs. Mishca is a major force among natural bodybuilding in his country.

College student Chase Hill went into the '11 MM Texas as a first timer. The 5'7", 160 lbs. trainer finished in 2nd Place, LW Class. But since then, Chase has been training and developing some serious thickness and improving his symmetry. He plans on competing and showing his improvements at MM Dixie in Atlanta in September.

Big Ben Radic continues to improve as he prepares for Musclemania Europe in Paris, his first competition! The 5'10", 225 lbs. former volleyball star says he's getting leaner by the day. But Ben admits, "I hate getting small. LOL. I have never contest dieted before, so it is playing games with my head!" Ben will learn that what matters is what's in the mirror - not the scale. More updates about Ben soon.

'12 Model Universe Top 10 Finalist Matt Dunford has been busy shooting for magazines, ad campaigns and video projects since returning from the show. The 5'10", 180 lbs. British sport fitness model will be a major force at Model Europe in Paris in October.