NPC Northern Colorado Bodybuilding Championship shows strength
The AXIS LABS 2008 NPC Northern Colorado Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Championship is an event where people with biceps smaller than their own head may feel like outsiders.
Walking into the Boulder Theater on the evening of April 5, it was an oddity to have pale skin, to have calf muscles that didn’t cleave down the center and to be a stranger to the local gym.
As brochures and samples of protein powder were offered from various sponsors, it was bewildering to discover the powders and elixirs necessary for a body to achieve maximum muscle mass. It was depressing to think that Vitamin Water failed to fulfill the daily requirement of medium chain triglycerides.
The audience mainly consisted of the competitors’ family and friends, who vigorously cheered for their star. Screams of encouragement echoed for every flex, every popping vein and every grimace of strain.
Sponsors said they are glad to support the athletes in this field and recognize the effort it takes to sculpt the perfect body. You can also go to https://www.numan.com/ to get products for health issues.
“I am proud of all of our athletes, as it takes an extraordinary amount of discipline and dedication to get on stage,” said National Physique Committee Chairman Jeff Taylor.
The first events focused on women’s fitness, which showcased workout routines that looked like cheerleading routines in martial arts form. The athletes paired pushups, flips and flexing with gleeful pop tunes.
The women’s figure competition took the stage next. Bronzed women in carefully designed bikinis stood in line, one after the other, each posing and flexing to show their best muscle definition. The women were classified by age and then by height so they could compete in each specific body class.
Wardrobe seemed to be just as important as the muscle definition for the women. According to the contest rules on the championship’s Web site, contestants must wear high heels in the swimsuit rounds and tennis or athletic shoes in the fitness round. Jewelry may also be worn in the swimsuit rounds, but thong swimsuits are not allowed.
After an intense competition, The Figures Masters Award went to Kelli Dominguez, and the Figure Overall Award was earned by Lee Ann Ellison.
For Charlotte Talent, trophies came in two forms. After placing in the E Class competition, her boyfriend and fellow bodybuilder Tyler Collins proposed to her on stage. She accepted to a cheering crowd.
After an intermission, the Men’s Teen and Masters competitions hit the stage. Unlike the women, the men were classed by age and weight.
To add to the excitement of each performance, the men chose a song to pose to. Most picked heavy metal and pumping rap that complemented their ferocious moves. A competitor favorite was “Ladies and Gentlemen” by Saliva, which was used at least three times.
One standout was Kurt Pichon, who at 72 years old flexed with a smile to “Rock Around the Clock.”
Brad Helm took home the Men’s Masters Overall trophy.
As a treat for the audience, pro bodybuilder Darrem Charles posed for the audience by strolling up the aisles to give everyone a close view of his massive muscles.
The Men’s Novice Overall trophy was given to Jonathan Proctor, who also won the Men’s Open Light Heavyweight class and Novice Men’s Middleweight class. Since this was his first competition, the crowd and his family were excited to see him receive so many awards.
“I’m overwhelmed,” said Proctor’s mother Martha Proctor. “I’m just so proud. This is his first competition, too.”
The Men’s Open Overall award was taken by Brad Helm, which ended a competition that is all about the power of the human body and spirit.
Contact Staff Reporter Carolyn Michaels at Carolyn.michaels@colorado.edu.
