Ali Gascoine is an extraordinary figure who's achieved great things in NZ bodybuilding and powerlifting for that matter. She's won National and International titles in both disciplines but now she feels its time to move on.  Yes ladies, this will be Ali's last year of competing (mind you bodybuilders do have a habit of making a comeback!) and the INBA Taupo contest was her last stand on the NZ stage.  In this Q & A we ask Ali why she's moving on and what she plans to do in life after bodybuilding.

1. Is this really going to be your last year of competition or are you just teasing us?  and why have you decided this. Yes, this will be my last year of competing in bodybuilding - my last comp is the ANB nationals in october in sydney. I think its time to move onto something new, as much as I love bodybuilding I also love challenging myself to try new things, and i am happy with what I have achieved in this sport. When I first started in this sport 7 years ago it was a bit different than it is today - back then we had the choice of competing (here in NZ) in a drug tested federation or one that wasnt drug tested - today we don't have that choice, and personally, I think this is dissapointing and part of my reason for moving on.

2. Have you got other sporting ambitions that'll keep you busy? I have been rambling on for ages about competitive indoor rock climbing - I have only tried the indoor rock climbing a couple of times and i loved it, so this is my next challenge I'd hate to think that one day I might sit back in my rocking chair and say 'wish I had done that' 3. You don't usually 'diet' towards a comp but We hear you've actually been 'dieting' for your contests this year starting with the ANB that was in May.  How did this diet differ from what you normally do? I decided that because this was my last year I would put everything into it and do my absolute best, which is why I decided to get nutrition advice regardless of where I may place in a competition if I can look at myself and honestly know that i had done my best then that is what makes me happy.

Read more...

In this update we catch up with Super Mum Michelle Heggie, 2008 Overall NZFBB Physique Champ. Not only is she single handedly raising her 3 children but she's also aiming to retain her Open and National Title this year.  But she says she can't do it without her family who even at times get up to walk with her at 5.30am!  As you can see from Michelle's current pics below, she's serious about defending her title and already looking large and lean.  Before her 08 win, Michelle had taken 4 years off to grow and grow she did surprising many of us with her mass and detail. Ultimately she'd like to compete in the big time at the big shows such as the Worlds and Arnold Classic . Lets find out more about what makes this mighty Mum from Hamilton go go go!

Occupation: Personal Trainer, Exercise Consultant, Strength and Conditioning consultant for Multiple Sclerosis Age:41 Family: Samuel 16 , Sophie 15 and Jackson 11 Height: 159 Contest Weight: 53.6 Off season Weight:63kgs How many years have you been training? Been athletics since I could walk, everything from speed skating, rock climbing, track and field, basketball, volleyball, soccer, waikato tough guy, tri's and duathalons, hamilton to whangamata, Teaching aerobics, but, strictly bodybuilding training since 2000 What inspired you to take up bodybuilding in the first place? Started going to the gym after my third child Jack, the owner of the gym, Bruce Reeves, pulled me aside and said he thought I would do well as a bodybuilder.

Read more...

Results: Jacqui placed 17th
Winners were: Jenny Lynn 1st, Krissy Chin 2nd, Meriza DeGuzman 3rd


Jacqui's Pics from the Dexter Jackson Classic, 31 July

Results: Jessica Putnam 1st, Erin Stern 2nd, Jenny Lynn 3rd
Jacqui placed 18 equal among the field of 24. 

	2nd, 1st, 3rd       Erin, Jessica, Jenny

Read more...

	This girl is an inspiration to all of us!  looking at her you'd think she was maybe early 30's but she turned 45 in March this year!!!! I thought wow we just had to get her on Go Figure to inspire all of us girls that life doesn't end in our 30s and there is hope for us to look as good as her.
Belinda Benn has had a colourful life. She's half kiwi, her Dad's a kiwi and she still has a sister in Wellington.  Belinda lived and worked in Australia in the cosmetics industry for many years and then one day she decided to pack it all in and set off to Panama to learn spanish where she now lives. OK that's a very brief history but you can check out more of Belinda's profile at www.belindabenn.com The fitness segment of her life began when she trained to compete for the Panama bodybuliding champs in April 09 and placed 2nd Overall.  She looked awesome, check out some pics in this article.  During that time she sent off some pics to Flex magazine for the bikini contest.  From there her career has steamrolled and has been chosen to be the fitness model on bodybuilding.com advertising.  She's also going to write a regular column in the Panama health and fitness magazine. So things are  happening for Belinda and her spirit of adventure has really showed that you're never too old to try new things.  Who knows where she'll appear next or what she'll be doing at 55! Thanks for giving us hope Belinda! Lisa, Go Figure 24 June 09 p.s you can also check out behind the scenes footage of Belinda's photoshoot with bodybuilding.com on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/belindabenn Here is our Q and A with Belinda

Read more...