MUSCLE BEACH VENICE 2005 SEASON
BODYBUILDING AND FIGURE COMPETITIONS

What could be better than gals in bikinis and heels on a warm sunny California weekend? Perhaps impressive guys with huge pecs, lats and biceps. A fitting beginning for the 2005 season at the mecca of Bodybuilding - Muscle Beach Venice. This year’s shows will celebrate Gold’s Gym’s 40th Anniversary and will preview a new era in Bodybuilding and Figure Competitions.

At the forefront of this year’s celebration is the Muscle Beach Venice Hall of Fame Awards. This years July 4th recipients recognized for their major contributions to the sport of Bodybuilding will be Bill Howard, John Balik and Paula Bolson. Mr. Howard has provided over 40 years of volunteer service facilitating bodybuilding events at Muscle Beach. John Balik, a former Muscle Beach Competitor and current owner and publisher of Ironman Magazine continues to support and develop the sport. In addition, Paula Bolson, the first women to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, will be honored as one of the founding members of the Santa Monica Muscle Beach prior to it’s move to Venice. The Muscle Beach Venice Hall of Fame Award was created two years ago when promoter Joe Wheatley assumed responsibility for the three shows held each season at Muscle Beach. Wheatley wanted a way to recognize the men and women who put the sport of Bodybuilding at the vanguard of the health and fitness movement in America.

From the Hall of Fame Award developed the idea for a Bodybuilding Hall of Fame Museum. Our own Canton Ohio right here in California to acknowledge the impact of the sport on American culture. A petition supporting the Hall of Fame is currently being signed by enthusiastic supporters on www.PetitionOnline.com/MBHOF/petition.html From over 600 initial responses the support for the museum is outstanding and work has begun with the City of Los Angeles to secure the site at “The Weight Pen” at Muscle Beach.

Introduced to the competition is the Tough Stuff Award for Best Posing routine, a new feature at Muscle Beach Bodybuilding Shows. The winner of the Tuff Stuff award receives The Brute, a fantastic home gym system valued at $1400.00. Athletes from around the world are registering for the July 4th show. Wheatley has been contacted by athletes from England, Germany and all over the United States indicating their enthusiasm and respect for the opportunity to compete at Muscle Beach Venice. Photos of the events are supplied by the Official Muscle Beach Venice Photographer Ian Citren from SecondFocus.com.

The Memorial Day Celebration which highlighted our support of the Armed Services in the United States, recognized the great sacrifice and contribution the military makes to our freedom. An F-16 Flyover opened the show and Captain Alan “Rip” Wigdahl brought the audience a sight few will ever see in their lifetime. The roar of the jet and the flash of the afterburners left it’s mark all the way to Beverly Hills. Colonel Mark Crews inducted 40 new recruits into the service and the crowd responded with a standing ovation. The Navy hosted a 50 foot replica of the U.S.S. Nevada at the venue. The Army was represented with a Humvee and a climbing wall which gave the crowd an opportunity to demonstrate their athletic ability. The Air Force and the Marines brought interactive videos, in their humvee’s, demonstrating the specialized maneuvers of their branch.

July 4th recognizes Venice’s 100th Anniversary. The Gold’s Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach Venice Centennial Bodybuilding & Figure Championship will be a highlight of the ten day Centennial Celebration. The Colonial Color Guard will march the Venice Boardwalk prior to the event and will punctuate the National Anthem with musket fire from replicas of the firearms of the period. On June 26 Bodybuilding.com will be sponsoring a Muscle Beach Venice Float in the Centennial Parade. Available winners from the Memorial Day Contest will be riding the float. Picnics, parades, swimsuit contest, fireworks and a variety of other events will make that a great way to spend a summer vacation.

Xyience Supreme Nutrition, the host sponsor, along with a variety of other vendors will be available at their booths to answer questions about their products and provide the public with information, samples and gifts.

The season closes with the Gold’s Muscle Beach Venice Labor Day Bodybuilding & Figure Spectacular on September 5th, 2005. Each show will feature not only the Gold’s Gym and Xyience booths but a host of other products and services relevant to an active lifestyle. The core value of Muscle Beach Venice supports exercise and nutrition as the foundation for the development of a fit individual. Here’s to a great 2005 season!!