Editorial by Juan Carlos Lopez

Unto the first show for Hardfitness this year, the Ironman in Pasadena. After some a long rest the season starts again and there are many shows to cover. This year we hope to cover most of the same shows we did last year. There have been great contributors already for the articles including Kristi Wills, Shelly Pinkerton, Kaisa Piippo from Finland, Linda Cusmano and many others who have written articles. We also hope to have in our team very soon Traci Redding NPC Figure who should be at most National shows this year. The new developed software will be officially tested with the Ironman Pro show in a few weeks and we'll see how much work it can save us.

Who gets their pro card this year?

I won't say any names but 70% of my predictions were true last year. Being at the show and seeing all competitors and who was judging I think it was closer to a 90% accuracy. How can you tell then you might ask? There are some secret insider details but sometimes it can be easily seen. Judges are after a certain look that will fit well the industry and market the sport. Certain pro figure girl made a huge impact last year but unfortunately hasn't followed up on the modeling/promotion aspect. This might be her fall this year? Who knows only time will tell.
Figure: We know the following the winner of the overall at the Ironman gets her pro card this year and so does the overall at the Emerald Cup. Some of the girls who win their classes at the Emerald will also likely get their pro cards. Those that finish 2nd or 3rd at Jr. Nats and USA's have a great chance on getting their pro cards at the Team U National Championships which is now before the USA's. Other than that there are the North Americans which is usually a Canadian competitor.
Fitness: Being only two shows where you can turn pro it makes it harder to turn pro but also easier because of the lack of competitors specially in the tall class. Doing well at important shows such as Jr. Usa's and Pittsburgh show. Taking top 5 at the Team U Nationals can be get you a pro card at Nationals in November.
Bodybuilding: Well for FBBs it is a bit harder given that there are much less pro cards given, the more Nationals you have under your belt the more it helps. But at times a new comer who has a very good look and physique can beat lots of better developed bodies. Best advice here is to come in looking the best you can and forget about what judges want as in the end if you don't get your card you will not only look bad on stage but will come home empty handed.

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