Joanna Thomas on TLC June 26th

[smed]

Check out the story of Joanna preparing for the Olympia on TLC Sunday night at 10pm eastern USA and again at 2am eastern (monday).
:D

[genex]

Can someone TiVo or tape it? I don't have cable myself...

[hans]

Can someone TiVo or tape it? I don't have cable myself...

Bump....

Hans

[KyleQuest]

alright, I have to ask, what does "bump" mean in a thread???

Gene, I've got ya covered....

~Rich

[Liftingchic]

I taped it.. If you would like a copy of it.. let me know Gene and Hans..




LC

[wekes989]

Great show, as I've said on two other boards in the last five minutes (LOL).

[Nida]

i saw you james!!...lol...

[wekes989]

Yes, looking mighty dapper, Mr.Cook.

[Liftingchic]

i saw you james!!...lol...

me too me too!! :D

[jasons805]

alright, I have to ask, what does "bump" mean in a thread???
~Rich
Bumb well it moves the thread back up into peoples eyesite a little reminder
Saw it really touched on just about everything.

[fbbhubby]

Joanna did not seem like a happy person on the show. Also very obsessed with bodybuilding.....kinda understandable since she had no other job other than a bodybuilding website and it didn't show any other person in her life.

The documentary seemed balanced. It could have focused on drugs, sessions, sex, etc., but didn't. It was mostly about her journey to the GNC (and Ms. O).

[Amanda Dunbar]

I havent seen the show yet, but in being more or less a surrogate sister to joanna for the past few years, I know her quite well...... What most of you don't know is that at this exact time, within a couple weeks of the GNC, one of our best friends passed away after a surgery (Kathleen), leaving a husband and 3 kids. Joanna was left grieving with this, prepping for her show, having to fly back and forth from Cali to FL for the funeral and take care of arrangements and be with Kathleens husband/family, etc...... This is why she was not a "happy person". Kathleen was one of my best friends and honestly, I couldn't handle it.... I don't know HOW she got thru everything she did and still did well?? I would have thrown in the towel right before the GNC.

You've gotta cut her a little bit of slack, her last year has been very hard on her emotionally. She constantly gives, gives, gives but hasn't received yet what she's worth...

Amanda

[SHREK]

I'm assuming Amanda was joking when she stated in an earlier post Joanna has, "worked hard to maintain a femanine look" she looked absolutely hideous! The facual changes in just the last three years are nothing short of amazing. She looked to be 40-45 years old in documentary, and I believe she is under thirty.

[genex]

Hey Shrek I haven't seen the show yet, but let's try not to start out so negatively. Thanks, gene

[The Dark Knight]

I'm assuming Amanda was joking when she stated in an earlier post Joanna has, "worked hard to maintain a femanine look" she looked absolutely hideous! The facual changes in just the last three years are nothing short of amazing. She looked to be 40-45 years old in documentary, and I believe she is under thirty.

Joanna looked beautiful in that documentary , i dont know what haterade your drinking!

[jasons805]

this board is a nice board I hope it stays this why. Like they say if you don't have anything nice to say shutup.

[smed]

I thought it was a good documentary with details on her intense training regiment. With the crash dieting needed for show time, the body takes a beating and this was mentioned in the show. You may not look your best when you take your body to the brink of collapse - give her some credit for acheving such a milestone in the bodybuilding world. I think she has done an incredible job with her body and I wish her well.
;)

[SHREK]

I'm with Tre, make Tara Scott or Monica Brant bodybuilding's Ms. Olympia.

Sorry for the previous post Gene, didn't know forum only allowed FLUFF.

[genex]

Shrek, we're just trying to discuss things without scathing opinions especially when you are new here. This forum is to encourage women's physique sports so if you don't want to say anyting positive or constructive then you can also refrain.

[Maxt]

I enjoyed the show. I came out of it admiring her a great deal more than I already did which was a considerable admiration indeed. Buff Barbie can live in her own Buff Barbie World and maybe a lot of people share her vision and she can make a living out of it. I know I wish her well and think she's got an incredibly great body. Big Shout out Joanna-ROCK ON!

[James]

i saw you james!!...lol...

hey! :p Yeah i got a kick out of that! The featured joanna on my WWC show and I talked a little.

I felt the show was accurate and fair. Joanna seemed very comfortable on camera and that's pretty much how she is in real life.

Debbie was good too! They featured her a lot.

I really liked that they would go back and forth between Jo and her parents. I have never met Jo's parents and it was interesting to see their perspective on everything..

I was blown away by how awesome she looked in her early BB days too.

it was great :)

[James]

alright, I have to ask, what does "bump" mean in a thread???

Gene, I've got ya covered....

~Rich

lol. it took me a while to figure that out also. But I was never brave enough to ask ;)

It just means that Hans wanted to send the thread to the top of the listing and get it noticed with a more recent date. Basically, 'bumping' it to the top.

[Zennie]

me too me too!! :D
...Me three!

[Maxt]

When Dayana Cadeau said nobody in her class was gonna beat her she sure talked like she was gonna "lay the beatdown on a sucka" though, didn't she?

[KyleQuest]

Thank for definition guys... You have know idea how crazed I was getting with that ;)

Anyone who missed the show, feel free to ask. I'll see about a server later or will Aim it if you have a high speed connection...

[boomboomroom1234]

I enjoyed watchin the show. She did look older than she is though...but her body is unreal..i just love how her muscle is just busting out of her body... I've always thought that her legs were smaller than the rest of her body..maybe she can improve on that...but overall..i think she is amazing...I hope she keeps with it... oh ya i love the young Joanna too..like the first shows she was doin..how old was she in that..her arms were huge..i love it..

[hans]

I finally saw the documentary (thanks Liftingchic!) and I actually thought it was a pretty good portrait of an elite athlete. It gave a good insight into the reality of the life of a pro fbber, especially the struggle to make a living while competing at the highest level in this sport, which any fbber will tell you is the number one issue. In my opinion it's good she didn't gloss over the problems she faces as a fbber in order to present a "positive" image. Like Amanda said, she also had some other stuff going on in her life at the time this was being filmed (actually pretty professional of her to keep that out of it), but it's also just the reality of the sport right now that it isn't all positive.

Some of the script was kinda silly (like "over the next three months she has to build her muscles until they're bursting out of her skin") but I guess that's inevitable with a documentary that's aimed at the general public, most of whom would be baffled if you started getting technical about contest prep.

I thought Debbie Bramwell was great as well - so cool to see her supporting Joanna all the way through from pushing her in the gym through to calming her down backstage. In fact, I thought one of the most interesting things they showed - that was probably new even for people who know a lot about the sport - was about the mental side, how at that stage of contest prep the mind plays tricks on you and a fbber doesn't really know how they look themselves and start to second guess themselves. Very accurate!

And, of course, great cameo by James! :)

Hans

[Brit Boy]

I'm jealous of you guys, it's a shame the BBC decided not to show it, there is no coverage at all of FBB on english television, booo. I gotta emigrate to the states.

Was there any coverage of her sister because she was a great bodybuilder?

Ross

[genex]

Nothing on her sis, I wanted to see that too. I've got the DIVX version if anyone wants to see it online.

[KyleQuest]

Sorry Hans... I thought you get TLC..
Hey Gene... ever test how many times you can download from that service?
It say's the link is good for the week.. Here it is to download a couple more times..
http://s49.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=39ZRKDRM7HLBN315YABF8B8UK5

enjoy folks and thanks again for pointing out the service Gene.....
~Rich

[Brit Boy]

Does anyone happen to know if it will be screened over here in the UK????

Maybe Joanna knows?

Ross

[JTx]

I'll say the same thing I did over on mayhem:

All the negative posts, all the positive posts, all the posts about your web site and how it reflects on the sport of BB is... well... "yadda, yadda, yadda."

Joanna, we have never met but I have always had a certain amount of respect for you based solely on you as a competitor and the obvious level of commitment you have for the sport.

After having watched the documentary last night I think it is safe to say I have a much deeper respect for you.

Not because of how you look, not because of what you have done but because of who you are. You commited to a dream and did what you found necissary to achieve it. And what few seem to understand is that it is YOUR dream. Without dreams we become a little dead inside. Not living but merely existing. You refused to do that.

What sealed it for me when you were standing on the ramp just about to go onstage at the GNC. The range of emotions that appeared on your face in those 10-15 seconds the camera was on you told a story all to itself in those few moments. Determination, doubt, apprehension, nervousness, fear.... all appeared in those few moments. But when you hit the stage is was all GAME ON!

Congratulations on being you!

.

[genex]

JT I don't think anyone could have said it better!

[noah]

What can I say!! the documental is amazing. Joanna was great. Is hard to believe all her hard effort to reach the stage.

It was great, not only because shows the athletes in a superb condition, but becasue allows us to understand a little bit about the insides of FBB. Ussually we only see the last part of the process, the competition, but now we have a better understanding of the meaning of Professional Bodybuider world.

These girls deserve all our respect and support. Whoever shows that level of compromisse with his/her proffesion deserves all the recognition in the world. Just think about ourselves, Do we have that level of commitment with anything? Hard to imagine (well except james a Genex!!).

I would love to have more videos like this and I think we don't have to wait for big networks to do it!! James could do it for us...je,je.

PS: I love the little part of Christine Roth.

[KyleQuest]

Whoa... compromises what? Compromising is letting go of ones desires for others or for the greater good.

No one is asking her to body build. She's choosing to do this because that's her desire. Forgoing the desires of others mind you. You can see it in her parents eye's that there dying inside watching what there baby girl is doing. Compromising would be letting go or easing back for others.

So, respect a bodybuilder for that reason, no. Respect them for the extremes some take it to, no. That would be like saying I should have the utmost respect for the 9-11 terrorist. Hey, they gave up there very lives for there belief. How much more can you do than that?

Or, respecting anyone with an eating disorder for taking it to the extreme. Yes, you were on the brink of death.. An inch from a cardiac arrest... way to go!! Does that sound right? Heck, I was 1 pound from being admitted. Anyone respect me for it, no!! Should they, F no!!! It was the most arrogant, conceited, selfish, pointless, and flat out stupidest thing I have ever done.

You know what's really worth respecting, living! Living a long life in the service of others. Supporting one another and making the world a better place. Not just for now but, for the generations that follow. AS I say in my signature "We're all in the process of building the future, so get to it."

How does posing onstage do for that? How does a bodybuilders muscle help society? How does someone getting "grainy" help the Joe and Marcy of society?

Respect them for being women in this world FIRST. Almost all of them work there tails off helping people everyday. They have jobs, families, friends, and loved ones they care for. Afterwards, then you can appreciate how they look.

Sorry for the rant... it's not a good day. But, remember what they said on the show. A bodybuilder is at there weakest on the stage. They are not healthy by any standards from a month out to almost a month after a show.

Have a good one,
~Rich

[Zagg]

Great message Rich, I think you've hit the nail on the head.

I haven't yet seen the show, as I live in Britain, but from what I've heard it sounds like a fascinating watch.

I respect Joanna for the dedication that she puts into her training and dieting, and the determination she has; but none of that respect is for any compromise she gives, as I feel being a bodybuilder is in many ways a most selfish activity, and is mainly done for the benefit of oneself.

I'd guess that whilst the majority of people in society would look upon being healthy and muscular as something to admire, there's also a majority of people who feel that becoming muscular to an extreme is being unhealthy, and perhaps this is rightly so, especially when it is being taken to an extreme in a show (perhaps it is only the extreme dieting that is being unhealthy?).

From what I've read it sounds like Joanna feels that she deserves some sort of infamity for the amount of work she's put into bodybuilding. I don't feel that this is the case, and it would be wrong for anyone to enter into this sport just with the aim of becoming famous. People should play and participate in sport because it is something they love doing, and if they want to become famous, and achieve this through their sport, then that should be looked at as a bonus.

Perhaps the show did need to be put into the context of Joanna's life at that time, although if it was such a difficult period in her life then why did she feel that this was the time when cameras should be following her around? Was it because she craves the attention that fame brings, or that this might have been her only chance of achieving her goals; and if so did the show bring these goals, or will it help or hinder her in attaining them in the future?

I'd love to actually watch the show, so if anyone has a link to it; or is going to upload it again, can they please email me the addess:
evan100@stonecoldmail.com

Maybe my views will be different when I've actually seen the show and can come to my own conclusions.

-Zagg

[stoney]

This is something I'd like to see, alas, I don't have cable either. Futhermore I never found the Details magazine with her in it. It was Details, wasn't it? I read it had Ben Affleck on the cover.

~Stoney

[genex]

Yes it was the Details with Ben Affleck on the cover. Jo was in it but not really identified anywhere.

gene

[airnel]

I watched it already via a link in muscle mayhem. sorry i forgotten the download link. It is so realistic and very truthful about life of a female bb. For guys who are that compassionate i am sure there will be some tears in ur eyes when u watched it.

[rpflex]

Sorry for the rant... it's not a good day. But, remember what they said on the show. A bodybuilder is at there weakest on the stage. They are not healthy by any standards from a month out to almost a month after a show.
~Rich

Sorry you're having a bad day, Rich.

Much of "what they said" was just not true, for example, a statement was made about the "starvation" diet bodybuilders must endure to compete. Joanna and I use Chad Nicholls for our pre-contest prep and I can tell you, it is NOT a starvation diet, nor is it unhealthy. In fact, contest dieting is practically the ONLY time I eat my vegetables! I have NEVER felt better at contest time since I've worked with Chad and I'll bet Joanna would agree with me.

Now, attitude and stress levels are things that are manifested differently by each individual. Joanna needs to figure out a way to manage this, as they can adversely affect your body in a BIG way.

[stoney]

Hello Robin, I was very impressed since I saw you in the mid-to late 90's at a NPC Nationals show...it was broadcast on ESPN and I was at work but was able to check out a little bit of it, it was recorded for me so I was able to see it and you were certainly one of the best competitors I saw...That would be the show that Valerie Gangi won the overall to I think. So again, Hi...it's good to see you here!!

~Stoney

[Tre]

I watched it already via a link in muscle mayhem. sorry i forgotten the download link. It is so realistic and very truthful about life of a female bb. For guys who are that compassionate i am sure there will be some tears in ur eyes when u watched it.

Just so that you're clear, it was the condensed story of ONE female bodybuilder's journey. Joanna's story is not that of a 'typical' female bodybuilder or even that of a 'typical' pro female bodybuilder.

Yes, I agree it was a very poignant, honest, and emotional documentary, but let's be careful not to overstate its scope.

[boomboomroom1234]

hey can someone out there post the video back up on yousendit.com ... i havent been able to download it.. i have seen it but would like ot have it... please and thank you..

Take care

[airnel]

http://rapidshare.de/files/2642883/Supersize_She_chunk_1.wmv.html

http://rapidshare.de/files/2643281/Supersize_She_chunk_2.wmv.html

http://rapidshare.de/files/2643246/Supersize_She_chunk_3.wmv.html

[airnel]

http://www.qfile.de/dl/53022/supersize_she_chunk_1.wmv.html

[airnel]

http://srv10.qfile.de/operator.php?sysm=file_transfer&sysf=center&file_id=53078&file_name=supersize_she_chunk_2.wmv.html

[rpflex]

Hello Robin, I was very impressed since I saw you in the mid-to late 90's at a NPC Nationals show...it was broadcast on ESPN and I was at work but was able to check out a little bit of it, it was recorded for me so I was able to see it and you were certainly one of the best competitors I saw...That would be the show that Valerie Gangi won the overall to I think. So again, Hi...it's good to see you here!!

~Stoney

Hi Stoney - That would be the 1995 USA in Denver, CO. Pretty impressive contest... every one of the top five (except me) ended up turning pro.
Chris beat me by one point for the heavyweight win.

1 Bongiovanni, Chris
2 Parker, Robin
3 Pariso, Betty
4 Kern, Ericca
5 Kaminga, Suzan

I was thrilled to do so well in such a competitive class. And yes, Valerie won the overall with a very impressive package. I wish she had done more as a pro.

Here are a couple of pictures from that contest...

[ibarramedia]

Wow Robin you are ripped to shreds. You are awesome. What are Ericca Kern and Valerie Gangi up to nowadays? And Chris , Suzan what are they doing now? Have not heard about them in a while. Valerie had those unreal abs.

[boomboomroom1234]

hey..thanks for the upload but it says there are too many ppl on the server.. you should try yousendit.com

[Amanda Dunbar]

Love those pics Robin!!!! Shredded always. Love the standard you present, it's always motivational to me! I'm so excited for you this weekend girl!!!!!!!! Talk later R,

Amanda

[Tin Nuts]

Super Size She (SSS) is available for download. The image and sound are good. Great stuff JT.

part one :
http://srv10.qfile.de/operator.php?sysm=file_transfer&sysf=center&file_id=53022&file_name=supersize_she_chunk_1.wmv.html

part two :
http://srv10.qfile.de/operator.php?sysm=file_transfer&sysf=center&file_id=53078&file_name=supersize_she_chunk_2.wmv.html

Does not work for the AOL brouser - sorry.

[Tin Nuts]

Sorry, I didn't see the other downloads available on this thread already. I really should read B4 I post! ha ha

[BigD]

I missed the show, heard about it after. Looking forward to downloading it and watching it. Thanks to those of you who made it available.

[Da' Showstoppa']

Indeed she did!

[fitgirl1]

Gene! I can't believe you don't have cable!