Editorial by Juan Carlos Lopez

The season is pretty much over, the last shows were last weekend not much left now just waiting for the next season to start. Promoters by now are counting their money or looking at a deficit. With Thanksgiving gone, only X-mas and New Year's Eve are left. Most competitors have stopped dieting and now count on some rest and time to bulk up; work on weak points and plan 2006. This will be the last issue of the year, perhaps another may come out as the 12th, just to make things even. Below are again scans of Musclemag Mexico's last issue were Karen Zaremba was featured on a 5 page layout. Also feature is the coverage for the Europa Pro Show. And the word is that there will be one or two page layout for female bodybuilders, stay tuned for that one.

2005

This was a prolific year for HardFitness covering 20 shows and doing over 100 photoshoots. Lots of new articles were written and lots of new people writing them. Some great photos were taken on stage and off stage. But mainly the fact that this site has grown exponentially in comparison to other sites that grow linearly is alone of the most important achievements. I have also met other people that do it for the love the sport by itself and it's great to know there are people that have similar interests. There are people out there who do it for their own interests and aren't willing to give an extra push for the industry. That is one more reason this site has grown and is a good resource for competitors. Organizing photos by name for each show specially at those huge shows such as Jr. Nationals takes a lot of time. Most other site/photographers will not go to that extent. Hopefully 2006 will be just as prolific.

2006

For 2006 what will happen to our industry? Will the "Road to the Pros" give TV exposure to our competitors? ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS, NBC, ABC or what channel will host their show so all the world can learn about this industry? Then what will happen with the WPI? Will they organize their first show? Will they take a stab to the NPC and IFBB? So many things can happen with the WPI they could start something up but will they be successful at it? The NPC would be hard to defeat by any means. Or will the WPI just die out and be just a dream for some competitors?

What about some competitors will they grace the stage again, or was 2005 their last competitive year? Will we hear from some of them or will they just silently exit thru the backdoor and never even show up to a show? Will be there politics at shows, some new competitors winning them without deserving it? Can shows in 2006 improve from 2005? Will the Olympia be hosted in a better place and have a better organization? Can the Arnold now called the "Classic" become the number one show? They probably are but speaking in general. Will there be another GNC show? Prize money decreased maybe? Too many questions without answers is what we get. I could venture and try to guess what will happen with some of the events mentioned but doing it would be just hearsay. Just remember things can change drastically from one show to another. Here are some phrases from 2005. "At one show you placed first or second on the IFBB and then all of a sudden you fall below 10th. Is it because you didn't look good? or is it because you pissed someone off? If you are doing great don't take a fall by abusing what you have earned be humble after all you are supposed to be an athlete, right? You will earn your pro card in 2006 you know you have worked very hard for it but will you do it? Are you going back to bodybuilding at do Nationals? Are you qualifying for the Olympia this time around? You looked great last night but how come you didn't place well? You work hard for others and they reward you for it, was it fair? Did you really look the best? You came in too hard, we are looking for a different look? It's the X shape judges are looking for why even bother to compete again? What you are taking is going to ruin your face and femininity, why don't you take a break, you will earn your pro card eventually. This tan works for me, in just a few minutes and no more of that other tan that gets all over my hands. All you have to do is call that person and cancel the appointment. When I get my pro card I will switch to the WPI. This was my last competition, I am done. Next year I will improve my lower body for sure. All I need is a sponsor to help out. I just talked to the judges, they say I need to tighten my glutes".

All these phrases have been heard and there are more but it's up to you for them to be a reality or a lie. See ya in 2006.

JC

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