EAST BRUNSWICK — It’s time to break out the spray tan and pump some iron.
The 2010 Mid-Atlantic Natural Classic Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship is coming to town.
The all-day competition, set for May 1 at East Brunswick High School, will involve a number of events qualifying bodybuilders from the tristate area to compete on a national level.
“This will allow competitors to take steps towards getting the title of Mr. Universe,” said event coordinator Ron Capodanno, who is also the owner of the Muscle Mill fitness and health center in Milltown. “It takes you right up to the pro level.”
Capodanno, along with Vin Raritan, organized the 19th annual competition, which features events for both men and women, including men’s novice, women’s and men’s open, bikini, teens, first-timers, men’s masters ages 35 to 46, men’s masters ages 46 and over, women’s figure, women’s figure ages 35 and over, and the police and firefighters division.
Entering the competition, however, is not a simple task. Though the early entry deadline was April 17, contestants begin training and preparation for the event almost a year in advance, Capodanno said.
“These guys spend three to four months dieting and preparing their bodies for the competition,” he said. “They have to know whether or not they’ll be a part of this as soon as we schedule the event.”
Capodanno estimated that more than 60 contestants will be competing at the show, after a thorough screening process weeds out those who are ineligible.
“One of the most important things we check for is that none of the bodybuilders are using any enhancement drugs,” he said, noting that the competitors undergo polygraph and drug tests to ensure that no steroids or diuretics are being used to improve their physique.
For men’s novice, a contestant must be tested as free from steroid or diuretic use for at least five years from the date of the show; one year for men’s open; and three years for women’s open and all other classes. Women’s figure and bikini divisions do not require drug testing.
Contestants also must be card-carrying members of the National Physique Committee (NPC), the organization that sanctions the championship, in order to qualify.
Entrance into the competition is subject to an extensive fee schedule as well — contestants are required to pay $30 for early entry or $50 for entries after April 17, $90 annually for their NPC card and $30 for polygraph testing, which will be held at the Comfort Suites Hotel in East Brunswick on April 29 and 30 for New Jersey bodybuilders and early morning May 1 for out-of-state competitors.
On the day of the competition, contestants must arrive at the high school at 9 a.m. in order to present their NPC cards and be weighed in. Following check-in, competitors begin the prejudging part of the event.
“Prejudging for the show is in the morning, and it takes a few hours,” Capodanno said, noting that it will begin at 11 a.m. and most likely last until 2 p.m. “The night show is really the big event though — it’s more of a show, with music and exhibitions and a lot of entertainment.”
Approximately 15 health and fitness vendors will be set up in the lobby the night of the competition, including MuscleMeds, GNC, Anabal Naturals, Muscle Maker Grill, Labrada Nutrition, Reps Fitness Supply, as well as several local businesses.
“Most of our vendors are vitamin companies, but we have a range of health- and fitness related vendors,” Capodanno said, noting that Beach Bum Tanning will be providing the spray tans for contestants. “It’s a big thing. We’ll have professional sound and lighting, and a professional emcee.”
Capodanno said Gail DeRisi Melchione, a fitness expert, will host the event, and Wendell Floyd, the 2009 Mr. Universe, will make an appearance. Several other professional bodybuilders will also be present.
All competitors will receive an official show T-shirt for participating, but only the top contestants will receive awards. The first five places in each class will be receiving Neil Anderson statues, the best “overall” contestants will be awarded NPC rings, a nylon belt and show jacket and the men’s open “overall” winner will win $250 toward travel expenses to the 2010 Team Universe.
“This is an amateur competition, so contestants can’t receive any money until they turn pro,” Capodanno said, noting that this show will qualify the winners for the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB).
But Capodanno is no amateur to bodybuilding — the NPC judge has owned and operated the Muscle Mill for almost 30 years. Originally, part of the Gold’s Gym franchise until 1992, Muscle Mill is a family-run business specializing in power-lifting, strength training, bodybuilding and sports-related training. According to Capodanno, the upper level of the gym is devoted to intense strength-building equipment, while the lower level is home to more user-friendly fitness, such as Pilates, circuit training and aerobics.
“If you’re not a fitness expert, then you might be a little intimidated by the hardcore bodybuilders,” Capodanno said. “We try to accommodate everyone’s needs.”
The health and fitness center also provides a juice bar on the lower level, where members can stock up on vitamins and protein shakes.
Capodanno said that the establishment prides itself on a mom-and-pop business environment, and noted that members receive personalized attention.
“You see the owner every day. We give individual attention to every member — if no one shows you how to diet and exercise in order to reach your goals, the progress you make won’t stay,” he said, adding that he offers two to three free private training lessons for new members.
“Everyone knows each other’s name, and we emphasize that — we want everyone to feel completely comfortable. No matter what, our members can always find an elliptical or a treadmill to hop on. I’m glad I don’t have 20,000 members. It’s more personal this way.”
The Mid-Atlantic Natural Classic Championships will be held at East Brunswick High School on May 1, with judging beginning at 11 a.m. and finals taking place at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the judging portion only; $25 for general admission; $30 for VIP (including judging); and $55 for Platinum VIP (including judging), which guarantees seats in the first and second rows directly behind the judges. Backstage passes can also be purchased for $65.
For tickets and entry information, call Capodanno at 732-828-4004 or Raritan at 732-940-0494.