Boosman Fitness Classic 2006: Full lineups with elegant and high level competitors
By Kaisa Piippo and Johanna Vaha

Body fitness tall class, winner Anna-Maija Puranen

As the Issue #15 revealed, Boosman Fitness Classic took place in April in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. The venue, Kulttuuritalo (“the house of culture”), buzzed with fitness and bodybuilding fans, competitors’ families and friends. This was THE EVENT of the spring, that none of the enthusiasts wanted to miss.

The competition begun with men’s classic bodybuilding class. This is a class where the ideal is a muscular, tight but natural looking competitor with good symmetry and balance. Right after classic bodybuilding it was time for the body fitness novices to walk on the stage.

Body Fitness novices

This was the best class that has ever been seen on novices since body fitness was established. Most of the finalists would have done very well even in the open class. There were 17 girls in this class. For Americans the class might sound huge, but this is normal in Finland that unless there’s less than 20 competitors, there will be only one novice class held. Having only one class makes the judging a lot more difficult.

The first place went to Mari Päkkilä, whose body is nearly perfect for body fitness with very round shoulders and thighs and a small waistline. Although she has trained only for 1.5 years, she is a good example what fine X-shape means in this industry. She looked great although she didn't have much muscle mass and was a little bit soft but in a good way.

Carita Horppu, who took second place, has one of the best figures in the tall body fitness class in Finland. She has very broad shoulders with an impressive back and a small waist. Her definition was also very good. Carita needs more roundness in her legs, after that her physique will be near the international level.

Third place went to Heli Mahlakaarto. She has excellent definition and nice legs. Her side position is exemplary but she clearly needs more muscle mass to her shoulders and back that X-shape would come out better.

Body fitness open class, under 164 cm (short)

Body fitness novices, finalists from the right: Ulla Mustonen (4th), Carita Horppu (2nd), Mari Päkkilä (1st), Heli Mahlakaarto (3rd), Emma Kallio (5th):

This class was extremely tight between Jaana Kotkansalo, the winner and Satu Korhonen, who took second place. The open classes often have a very scattered level of competitors with some being in an excellent shape and others being totally off. This time especially the finalist were in great shape and definitely deserved their placements.

This was Jaana Kotkansalo´s comeback to amateur stages. She has short but very intense and successful competition history. Jaana has always been very tight and she has good basic muscle mass. Her stage presence is lovely and she seems to enjoy her time on the stage. Jaana competed also in the European Championships 5 weeks after Boosman Fitness Classic. Minna Paler who was 3rd in this class competed also in Spain with Jaana, but neither of them placed in top 5.

Satu Korhonen has one of the finest body fitness physiques in Finland. She has feminine roundness, makes a favourable impression on stage and has very natural way of moving. You can see that her style is carefully considered. Although in this competition she didn't have the biggest muscle mass or the definition her general impression was clearly one of the best. Satu is one of the few Finnish competitors who has potential for international competitions.

A special mention goes to Hanna-Mari Kärkkäinen who took fifth place. She is only 20 years old and surely the most gifted young body fitness competitor in Finland. She has a good amount of muscle in her shoulders and arms. Imbalance in upper and lower body leanness is her weakest link but it can be developed over the years. Hanna will most likely compete in the World Championships in the junior's’ body fitness class in November.

Body fitness open class, over 164 cm (tall)

Body fitness open class, short: winner Jaana Kotkansalo

The tall class was the most irregular class of them all. The level of the competitors was quite vast and none of the competitors really stood out. The finalists were in good condition and the winner could have been either of the girls on the top of the class. 

Anna-Mari Puranen won the class. She has a good muscle mass and definition. Her shoulders and arms were big and they form a somewhat Y-form physique. Her feminine features could come out better if her tights were a bit rounder. Her movement and make up could be softer which would make her appearance more natural.

The second place went to Petra Orpana, who had improved her overall look very much from year 2005 novice competition. Last year’s style was very hard, not anymore. Walking, posing, make up and hair had a finished touch. She is quite muscular and tight but somehow the lower half of her body comes out too much especially in front position.

Body fitness open class, short: 2nd Satu Korhonen

The third place went to Laura Rantanen, who has a very thin figure with good abs. She needs a lot more muscle to her shoulders and arms because her upper body is clearly smaller than better developed legs. She looks very natural and fresh on the stage.

Fitness novices, juniors and open class

There were only a total of eight competitors in all of the fitness classes. Fitness seems to be going through hard times with competitors switching to body fitness and novices almost avoiding fitness.

This time there were three novices: one junior (under 21 years old) and two over 21 years old. Sanna Laaksonen, the only junior competitor, performed a fresh routine. Her physique needs more balance – her upper body is very small compared to her lower half. She seemed to enjoy being on the stage so this was a very good start. Heidi Laitomaa won the novice class with her energetic routine and fresh look. Her routine was actually judged to be the best right after open class winner’s, Mimmi Jokinen’s routine. Excellent job for a novice!

Fitness winner, Mimmi Jokinen

Mimmi Jokinen swept the open fitness class by taking first place. She had injured her back right before the competition but it seemed like she was meant to shine on the stage. Her stage presence is very nice and her physique is very well balanced. Overall she is a very beautiful competitor with a bubbling character, which can be seen even on stage.

The second place went to Natalia Nazarenko who had traveled to Finland from Estonia. Her routine was wild with an ancient Egyptian theme and her musculaturity clearly on international level. She wasn'’t as tight as many others, but with her good muscle mass she still looks very nice on the stage even with a softer look.

More photos of the competition:
Comparisons of all classes: http://www.pakkotoisto.com/Kisakuvat/Boosman2006/fitness_bf_vertailut
Body fitness, open tall class:  http://www.pakkotoisto.com/Kisakuvat/Boosman2006/Bf_alle164_single
Body fitness, open tall class:: http://www.pakkotoisto.com/Kisakuvat/Boosman2006/Bf_yli164_single
Body fitness novices: http://www.pakkotoisto.com/Kisakuvat/Boosman2006/Bf_tulokkaat

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