Getting buff the natural way

In the world of bodybuilding, “It’s not can or can’t, it’s do or don’t,” and 50 contestants will rise to this challenge in the fourth annual Northeast Pennsylvania Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship.

Sanctioned by the United States Bodybuilding Federation, the NEPA Natural invites men and women bodybuilders from surrounding areas to compete. Vince Cardamone is a promoter for the event and has been competing for 10 years. It’s always been his dream to have his own show, and with the help of his partner Sid Michaels, Cardamone finally took the plunge. So far, so good.

This competition is unlike other competitions because it’s natural, or drug-free.

“We drug test the winner of the classes,” says Cardamone. “We reserve the right to randomly drug test anyone we feel might be using illegal steroids.”

There are 15 classes including Men’s Juniors, Men’s Pro, Women’s Masters Bodybuilding and Women’s Figure Pro. Steroids are sought after for rapid muscle growth, but what the bodybuilders in this competition will show you is that a flawless physique can be accomplished through rigorous training and a strict diet.

All who apply are eligible. Once applicants are accepted, they begin to train for 16 to 18 weeks in order to “really lean down,” Cardamone says. On Saturday, Nov. 14, it’ll be time for the contestants to showcase their results at the Brydon Complex at Scranton University.

“It’s called a pre-judging, and they bring you out by class,” says Cardamone. “Judges will (assess you on) quarter-turns, muscularity and symmetry.”

Pre-judging will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. The night show will begin at 5 p.m., so during the break, Cardamone has arranged an after-party for the contestants at Fratelli’s Pizza and Pasta House.

When everyone returns for the night show, the judges will award the winners of each class with goodie bags and trophies. The goodie bags will include vitamin supplements and other similar items.

Of course, an event like this doesn’t just come together over night.

“You have to get the venue, the judges and the place set up,” explains Cardamone. “After that, you need to look for sponsors who will donate money. We need to take care of goodie bags, trophies, T-shirts, posters, flyers and programs. It’s ongoing, it never stops.”

When selecting the judging panel, Cardamone focuses on people he’s worked with before and people with experience. He tries to stay with people he knows, who know what they’re looking at and know what they’re doing. Some of the judges are from out of town, so to make their job easier, contestants will wear badges with numbers on them as opposed to their names.

In addition to working with bodybuilders, NEPA Natural is also working with the Stephanie Jallen Paralympic Fund to help raise money for 13-year-old Jallen. Jallen has a rare disease called Child Syndrome, and it’s left her with one arm and one leg. Despite her handicap, Jallen has already won several medals in various competitions. Her activity of choice? Downhill skiing.

Cardamone’s says his partner Michaels “stumbled upon Stephanie” and decided to organize a non-profit organization to help raise money for her. All proceeds of the show will benefit the fund.

The event has only been around for four years, and Cardamone says there has been an increase in attendance each year. One year, he recalls, there were 400 people in the audience. This year, Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty will open the event, an event that Cardamone stresses is not just for bodybuilders.

“The event is for everybody,” he says. “It’s not just weightlifters and bodybuilders, but it’s fun for the whole family. We’ve planned other activities like a karate demonstration to appeal to everyone. I really hope everyone comes out to support and help raise money for Stephanie.”

It’s not too late for bodybuilders to get involved with NEPA Natural. Walk-ins are welcome the day of the show, and Cardamone says no one will be turned away. w

Fourth annual NEPA Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship, Saturday, Nov. 14, pre-judging 9 a.m., night show 5 p.m. at Byron Complex, University of Scranton (800 Linden St., Scranton). Tickets: $10 for the day, $15 for the night, $25 all day, $18 for students and anyone under 18. Info: www.nepanatural.com

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