Promoters Chris Eaddy and Deborah Williams are anticipating even more than the 80 plus competitors that took the stage last year.

These two shows are perfect compliments to the competitive collection at this time late in the season. The Southeastern USA is an NPC national qualifier for the finale in Dallas, Texas to be held in mid-November. Thus, many jacked-up competitors will be competing at this event in hopes of qualifying for the Nationals show where they might join the pro-ranks this year prior to any potential loss of mass and tone associated with the few months of off-season during winter.

The Palm Beach Pro-Am is a 2008 Olympia qualifier for the pro-fitness and figure ladies. Plus, with the amateur division added this year at the suggestion of NPC Chairman Jim Manion those competing ladies will have the opportunity to not only be on the same stage as the pro-ladies, but be judged by IFBB judges versus NPC judges. This could be an advantage for some of the ladies as the criteria the pro-competition judges use is slightly different than for amateur-competitions as is often considered to be the case by athletes and the judges themselves. Whereas, figure competitors in the NPC may be judged down for showing too much muscle striation and for flexing the IFBB criteria at some shows this year favored the harder look. However, this is only an opinion, but one shared by many. Organ has also expanded the stage this year and made extra provisions for the ladies backstage. Plus, the host Marriot hotel located only a few blocks from the event is providing nearly a half price charge to those seeking accommodations for the event.

To get things cranked up this weekend the Southeastern USA’s will be a load of fun for audiences as it will be an opportunity to see some of the finest athletes in their peak condition hoping to move up into the national rankings. And many of the athletes already qualified for nationals and scheduled to peak a few weeks from now will also be there including North Florida bodybuilders Kris Murrell and Lucy Wilson. There might be a pose down in the audience between these to friendly ladies. Kris Murrell is very cut up and her muscles full at this stage possibly gaining some momentum from judging criticism during her back-to-back guest posing routines at the Ancient City Classic and Dexter Jackson Classic a few months ago. Lucy Wilson decided only days ago that she would compete at nationals this year after a year off from competition following her winning everything she competed in last year. Wilson is last years overall ladies bodybuilding champion for the Southeastern USA, Mid-Florida, and Hurricane Bay. She expects to peak a few weeks from now just prior to nationals, which is her typical approach as she stays in optimum condition year round and her muscles have matured and have good memory from a decade of training and competition history. After a year of adjustment to loosing her biggest fan and support after the death of her brother Sam this very competitive lady has decided she has unfinished business to attend to at nationals and intends to perform the routine she choreographed with Sam. Lucy notes if she doesn’t win her competition that her music and routine should.

A strong spirit embodies what will be found on stage in the many forms and shapes of athletes that will be performing whether they be teen novices or seasoned master competitors. They all have the urge if not desire to perform at their best and the willingness to climb on stage where so few of us dare to venture. Plus, each and every one of them has a story often fraught with challenges that they struggled with or continue to along with meritorious accomplishments that deserve recognition and respect.

If you haven’t heard of these athletes it could be a failure of the media to deliver them to you, but there is an opportunity over the next few weeks to see for yourself what bodybuilding, fitness, and figure competitions are all about. For information on the Southeastern USA to be held at the Lyman High School 865 Ronald Regan Boulevard Longwood, Florida on October 6 visit www.SoutheasternUSA.com. Then next week be sure to join me in person again at the Harriett Theater, 630 Rosemary Ave. West Palm Beach in the historic “City Place” district for the Palm Beach Pro-Am. For complete show details visit www.palmbeachpro-am.com. And for video clips of past and future area shows and audio interviews with competitors, judges, and promoters visit my website at www.musclepaparazzi.org.

Stay pumped and see you at the show!