Karen Kissell's Rising Figure, Dec 10

Karen Kissell's star has been climbing since she started her 4 showing winning streak that began at the NZFBB South Island Champs in 2009. But even Karen couldn't imagine where her figure journey would take her by the time 2010 came to an end.

Originally Karen was just going to visit the Gold Coast and compete at the ANB Asia Pacific Champs. But amidst her plans, Karen decided she would make the big move and uproot herself to live on the Gold Coast instead. Not ideal preparation but somehow Karen managed to do both and came out a winner on the other side taking out the Senior Figure 35+ class in a tough field of 10 athletes.

Since the Asia Pacifics, Karen has continued to make an impact on the Australian Figure scene placing 2nd at the ANB Qld Champs and winning the National ANB Senior Figure Champs. 2010 ended with Karen placing 10th in a huge class of 31 in the American Figure class at MuscleMania.

Now back 'home' on the Gold Coast, we finally catch up with Karen to find out what she thought of her action packed year and how she'll top it in 2011.

Raechelle Chase's First year as Figure Pro, Nov 10

The recent Fort Lauderdale Pro was probably the best condition we've seen Raechelle Chase compete in. Unfortunately jetlag caught up with her and all that work was for nothing as she didn't wake up from her nap that she took after prejudging and didn't make it to the night show for the final!

Despite that Raechelle is philosophical about what happened saying " I was certainly disappointed that I missed the night show but I am happy that I accomplished what I set out to do, and that was to compete in my best shape to date, a great way to end the year regardless of my placing" She added "If you don't show up for the night show you don't get a placing so I guess I'll never know for sure but I'm ok with that"

After gaining her Pro card in rather 'dramatic' circumstances last year (we discussed this with her in our Q&A with Raechelle in Nov 09), Raechelle has brushed off her detractors and soldiered on to pursue her dream to compete amongst the Pro ranks.

Since her 10th placing at her Pro debut at Sacramento, Raechelle has slowly made improvements to her figure showing that she is dedicated to living the dream of living life as a Pro Figure competitor.

So has getting a Pro Card been all that?! We asked ...

Sacramento Pro
7 Nov 09

Sheryl Schenkel's Sunny Figure, Nov 10

When Sheryl Schenkel walked on stage in the Senior Physique class at the ProFromance CNI in September 2010, she looked in great shape. With her nice lean condition and big smile, she was no different to other athletes.

But then only when you looked closely and as Sheryl went into her poses you noticed she had other challenges to deal with other than just stagefright.

Although Sheryl had quite a struggle controlling her body, it didn't stop her continuing with her posing with a sunny smile. We wondered what Sheryl had to overcome to be on stage that day and this is what we found...

Sheryl has Dystonia, a neurological movement disorder and it affects the muscles, causing them to twist, spasm and contort. It can be painful and can cause abnormal movement and postures. The condition is due to a malfunction of the central nervous system, part of the brain called the Basal Ganglia. It is not fatal and it doesn't affect her intelligence. She has a generalised Dystonia which means it's throughout her whole body, there is no known cure only treatments like medications, botox and surgeries.

Lisa Bailey's World Preparation, Nov 10

At the 2009 Lisa Bailey placed 8^th in a large field of 17 at the NABBA Universe in only her 2^nd year in the physique class.

For the 2010 NABBA Worlds in June Brazil, Lisa's leaving nothing to chance and has already begun her contest preparation with 25 weeks (as at 8 Nov 10) to go. Now that's dedication.

left: Lisa looking large on 8 Nov
Previous story and pics of Lisa's 2009 NABBA Universe here

Lisa says she needs a long preparation time because she doesn't want to lose muscle - which as you can see she has plenty of!

Standing at 5'4", Lisa currently weighs 74kg and is aiming to be around 68kg on contest day. Lisa is comfortable in her skin and loves her size ‘ I like physique because to me its what bodybuilding's all about - putting on muscle'.

The ultimate look Lisa's aiming for is that of legendary bodybuilder Juliette Bergman. ‘Juliette had great shape, hardness, good muscle fullness and was always feminine'. She said.

Teneka Hyndman's Record Breaking Figure, Nov 10

click above pic to watch Teneka's back training Teneka and Lisa	It would be an understatement to say Figure Athlete Teneka Hyndman has had quite a year! By the time 2010 finishes, she would've competed in 17 shows breaking the previous record held by Stan ' the man' Tautalanoa of 15 in 2009. We recently dropped in on Teneka's training to see how much work needs to be done to get to her great condition at 53kg and 8% bodyfat. What we captured was an inspirational (perhaps some say obsessed) approach to training where Teneka commits to an intensive regime to ensure she hits all angles of her body. In this video we follow Teneka's back regime and also talk about her nutrition. Crazily back training wasn't enough, she does Vibratrain afterwards! But that's what it takes to get a great figure so well done to Teneka for putting in the work and good luck for your American assault. Teneka capped off her amazing year with 1st places in the Open Physique (figure) at the INBA Universe and Natural Olympia, and 2nd placings in the Open Figure (quarter turns).