Figure Bootcamp in the 619

This past weekend, a figure bootcamp was help at World Gym in San Diego. I stopped by the end of it to check it out and to snap a few photos, and it seemed like a great, positive event for all of those in attendance. Here's the scoop on what went down from the folks at 619 Muscle.

Girls started arriving at 619 Muscle (the 'SoCal Sports Nutrition Authority store') inside World Gym, San Diego, around 8:45am. By 9am, NPC athlete, Meriza DeGuzman and her two partners, Vanessa Van Overmeer and Michele Abraminko, had the troop of 15 young ladies breathing heavily and sweating. Meriza and company coordinated an intense 'bootcamp style' training session for the girls, followed by a "post workout nutrition break" and short nutritional seminar by industry expert, John Scott, owner and chief formulator for JS Nitro sports supplement. Veteran industry commentator, TC Luoma, was also in attendance to check out the goings-on.

After recovering from the workout, the girls moved inside World gym, to the cardio section, where Meriza's Team instructed the girls on the finer points of Figure competition, including all the details; tanning, nails, hair, make up, etc. Meriza demonstrated the art of posing for the girls, and took the time to give 1 on 1 instruction, correcting form and posture. Each of the girls had several turns practicing their model poses and mandatories.

Custom suit maker, Michael Mercado, was in attendance. He took time to explain to the girls the importance of choosing the right suit. Micheal pointed out that he custom fits each suit to flatter the individual body style of each competitor. He talked about the difference a good suit could make to thehard-earned physique. He reviewed colors and suit styles with the girls.

The day was concluded by a short but sincere discussion by IFBB Pro and industry veteran, Sandra Blackie. Sandra talked about the pitfalls that many competitive girls experience in the post-contest period. She addressed both the nutritional and emotional aspects of coming out of contest mode.

All attendees had a blast. The laughs and smiles far outweighed the fatigue and sweat of the workout; and the knowledge Meriza and her Team brought to the day were priceless.

For more information on Meriza's next 'Body of Steel' bootcamp and presentation clinic, please see meriza@merizafigure.com or check out Meriza's new column on MAN Sports website, www.manb2p.com (coming soon!)