Universe Championships
July 3-4            
Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe,
100 Frank W. Burr Blvd, Teaneck, NJ 07666 United States
Organizer: Steve Weinberger
Phone: 516-933-1111
Website: www.bevfrancis.com
Event: NPC

The NPC Universe Championships were held in Teaneck, NJ beginning July 3rd and finishing-up on July 4th. This was an important competition with over 80 IFBB Pro Cards being handed out and included many contestants from all over. The 2015 Universe Championships was home to many events that included men's bodybuilding, bikini, figure, and physique for both men and women. HGH.com, a leading manufacturer of natural bodybuilding, fitness, health and HGH supplements, is proud to present you with the winners from each event.

Following are the top overall winners for each of the events:

Men's Bodybuilding Earned IFBB Pro Card
1. Bill Quick
2. Tom Jimenez
3. Omar Bautista
4. Walter Martin
5. Doran Adams

Men's Bodybuilding Earned IFBB Pro Card & Masters Over 40 Overall
1. John Meadows

Men's Bodybuilding Masters Over 35 Overall
1. John Meadows

Men's Bodybuilding Earned IFBB Pro Card & Overall Winner
1. Jason Amato

Heavyweight Bodybuilding Overall
1. Jason Amato
2. Marc Arthur Dautruchee
3. Ed Brown
4. Johnathan Johnson
5. Jim Everton
 

Light Heavyweight Bodybuilding Overall
1. Roy Evans
2. Jeremiah Wright
3. Tom Jimenez
4. Ivan Cabrera
5. Arturo Cotto

Middleweight Bodybuilding Overall
1. Harry Jones
2. Glen Montgomery
3. John Young
4. Aaron Seaton
5. Kolongi Watford

Welterweight Bodybuilding Overall
1. Ethan Smoorenburg
2. Rick Mojica
3. Bill Moschelle
4. Joseph Silzer
5. Taylor Vu

Lightweight Bodybuilding Overall
1. Leon Doziere
2. Sami Ghanem
3. Anthony Hunt
4. Thomas Walker
5. Charles Thornton

Bantamweight Bodybuilding Overall
1. Mahmood Malik
2. William Perrelli
3. Joseph Chiavetta
4. Arthur Alston

Masters Over 35 Heavyweight Bodybuilding Overall
1. Dorian Adams
2. Christian Otero Santana
3. Erik Weaver
4. Marc Arthur Dautruchee
5. Jesse Dean

Masters Over 35 Lightweight Bodybuilding Overall
1. Omar Bautista
2. Harry Jones
3. Pernell Garrison
4. Sean Fitzgerald
5. Juan Munoz

Masters Over 35 Middleweight Bodybuilding Overall
1. John Meadows
2. Walter Martin
3. Ed Brown
4. Arturo Cotto
5. Kareem Mobley

Masters Over 40 Heavyweight Bodybuilding Overall
1. John Meadows
2. Dorian Adams
3. Andrew Sarmast
4. Matthew Puglia
5. Jeff Christian

Masters Over 40 Lightweight Bodybuilding Overall
1. Tom Jimenez
2. John Zellers
3. Kareem Mobley
4. Pernell Garrison
5. Ray Steverson

Masters Over 50 Bodybuilding Overall
1. Bill Quick
2. Michael Broadway
3. Christopher Bohn
4. Robert Johnson
5. Ken Kolb

Figure Earned IFBB Pro Card
1. Marisela Garcia
2. Maggie Corso
3. Michelle Brown
4. Felecia Murray
5. Angie Lemay

Figure Earned IFBB Pro Card & Masters Over 35 Overall
1. Tammy Tennant-McCoy

Figure Earned IFBB Pro Card & Masters Over 40 Overall
1. Susie Lin

Figure Overall & Earned IFBB Pro Card
1. Nicole Reynolds

Figure Class A Overall
1. Mandie Bender
2. Norvis Arias
3. Nicolle Mudafort
4. Amanda Carness
5. Milva Galati

Figure Class B Overall
1. Angie Lemay
2. Kelly Lyons
3. Alyssa Febbraro
4. Julie Ann Lee
5. Tanae Steward

Figure Class C Overall
1. Tammy Tennant-McCoy
2. Tiffany Garrett
3. Kayla Rossi
4. Grace Rivera
5. Caitlyn Jaras

Figure Class D Overall
1. Nicole Reynolds
2. Chanelle Smith
3. Evon Pennington
4. Michelle Brown
5. Kristy Cisneroz

Figure Class E Overall
1. Codi Jaeger
2. Amy Watson
3. Felecia Murray
4. Patricia Malagrino
5. Chephirah Williams

Figure Class F Overall
1. Chandra Pease
2. Bryana Turner
3. Jill Soscia
4. Alicia Wells
5. Jennifer Ozari

Figure Masters Over 35 Class A Overall
1. Angie Lemay
2. Julie Ann Lee
3. Susan Clark
4. Rosimar Melendez
5. Christi Shaw

Figure Masters Over 35 Class B Overall
1. Tammy Tennant-McCoy
2. Sophy Phoeung-Serner
3. Cindy Cooper
4. Sandra Oquendo
5. Cynthia Aguirre

Figure Masters Over 35 Class C Overall
1. Kristy Cisneroz
2. Michelle Brown
3. Erika Terwilliger
4. Liz Montalbano
5. Danielle Lenardo

Figure Masters Over 35 Class D Overall
1. Jill Soscia
2. Felecia Murray
3. Maggie Moor
4. Kristi Gray
5. Jennifer Ozari

Figure Masters Over 40 Class A Overall
1. Maggie Corso
2. Rosimar Melendez
3. Milva Galati
4. Susan Clark
5. Feliscia Rogers

Figure Masters Over 40 Class B Overall
1. Susie Lin
2. Marisela Garcia
3. Grace Rivera
4. Cindy Cooper
5. Sandra Oquendo

Figure Masters Over 40 Class C Overall
1. Michelle Brown
2. Randi Stockdill
3. Liz Montalbano
4. Danielle Lenardo
5. Cheryl Gonsalves

Figure Masters Over 40 Class D Overall
1. Felecia Murray
2. Maggie Moor
3. Kristi Gray
4. Camille Mosley Moran
5. Siobhan Labbett

Figure Masters Over 50 Overall
1. Marisela Garcia
2. Christine Bertini
3. Kimberlee Hummel
4. Glenda Bozett
5. Beth Aprea

Bikini Earned IFBB Pro Card
1. Lucy Huang
2. Carly Sherry Kubanyi
3. Robyn Maher
4. Juliana Halloran
5. Trina Simone

Bikini Earned IFBB Pro Card & Masters Over 35 Overalll
1. Anh Souza

Bikini Earned IFBB Pro Card & Masters Over 40 Overalll
1. Lorie Foreman

Bikini Overall Winner & Earned IFBB Pro Cardl
1. Jessica Schiefer

 
Bikini Class A Overall
1. Adrienne Ochoa Dodobara
2. Anh Souza
2. Caroline Gangi
3. Jazzmen Canales
4. Meghan Schwartz

Bikini Class B Overall
1. Julie Liporace
2. Caroline Costa
3. Elisangela Angell
4. Sarah Pearce
5. Angely Rojas

Bikini Class C Overall
1. Jessica Schiefer
2. Alysia Macedo
2. Beth Quick
3. Krystal Davilla
4. Jacqueline Herrera

Bikini Class D Overall
1. Rachael Tuck
2. Jill Cooper
2. Paulina Tran
3. Danielle Hampton
4. Kristine Santoro

Bikini Class E Overall
1. Cori Baker
2. Ashley Gaines
3. Katherine Young
4. Trina Simone
5. Samantha Skolkin

Bikini Class F Overall
1. Lorie Foreman
2. Heidi Carlsen
3. Thais Serrano
4. Lisa Strollo
5. Lindi Nunziato

Bikini Masters Over 35 Class A Overall
1. Anh Souza
2. Trish Allen
3. Lucy Huang
4. Melissa Huber
5. Natalia Arteaga

Bikini Masters Over 35 Class B Overall
1. Robyn Maher
2. Elisangela Angell
3. Aly Peterson
4. Jennifer Minton
5. April Webb

Bikini Masters Over 35 Class C Overall
1. Juliana Halloran
2. Tiffany Heugly
3. Paola Freeman
4. Noelle Augustyn
5. Tina Hernandez

Bikini Masters Over 35 Class D Overall
1. Lorie Foreman
2. Trina Simone
3. Sarah Giavinetti
4. Amarylis Delgado
5. Anjanette Lowe

Bikini Masters Over 40 Class A Overall
1. Lucy Huang
2. Natalia Arteaga
2. Yvonne Chung
3. Robyn Maher
4. Geri Berger

Bikini Masters Over 40 Class B Overall
1. Carly Sherry Kubanyi
2. Jennifer Minton
3. Aly Peterson
4. Arlene Hanson
5. Staci Boyer

Bikini Masters Over 40 Class C Overall
1. Lorie Foreman
2. Tina Hernandez
3. Michelle James
4. Anjanette Lowe
5. Sarah Giavinetti

Men's Physique Earned IFBB Pro Card
1. David Sessler
2. Gino Ubiles Ruiz
3. R. Cameron Gardner
4. Tim Frost
5. Daryl McKee

Men's Physique Earned IFBB Pro Card & Masters Over 35 Overall
1. David Thorpe

Men's Physique Earned IFBB Pro Card & Masters Over 40 Overall
1. Michael Andersen

Men's Physique Overall Winner & Earned IFBB Pro Cardl
1. Jose Diaz

Mens Physique Class A Overall
1. Daryl McKee
2. Matthew Mugford
3. Anthony Ngo
4. Eloy Morales
5. Brian Graham

Mens Physique Class B Overall
1. Marcelino Bradford
2. Howard Thevenin
3. Erington Moore
4. Juliano Quimson
5. Gene Komsky

Mens Physique Class C Overall
1. Jose Diaz
2. Coby Lewis
3. Aaron Shumway
4. Perry Myers
5. Adam Akeem Joseph Thomas

Mens Physique Class D Overall
1. Raymond Akinlosotou
2. Cameron James
3. Francis Oppong
4. Michael Knight
5. Michael Perez

Mens Physique Class E Overall
1. Edward Alvarez-Soto
2. David Thorpe
3. Chris McGowan
4. Elvis Mokhan
5. Rahkil Edwards

Mens Physique Class F Overall
1. Javon Walker
2. Johnathan O'Neal McCurtis
3. Marcus Wesley
4. Winston Grey
5. BJ Patterson

Mens Physique Masters Over 35 Class A Overall
1. Gino Ubiles Ruiz
2. Strawn Wilson
3. Jeremy Jones
4. Hallart Keaton
5. Russell Mania Powell

Mens Physique Masters Over 35 Class B Overall
1. Michael Anderson
2. R. Cameron Gardner
3. Alfred Alicea-Gonzalez
4. Adolfo Reyes Falcon
5. Randy Canche

Mens Physique Masters Over 35 Class C Overall
1. Tim Frost
2. Brenden Floyd
3. Vesselin Diev
4. Brian Romeo
5. Brian Fillion

Mens Physique Masters Over 35 Class D Overall
1. David Thorpe
2. Curin Wilkerson
3. Ryan Easter
4. Damian Butkiewicz
5. Daniel Lee

Mens Physique Masters Over 40 Class A Overall
1. Michael Anderson
2. Clifford Lewis
3. R. Cameron Gardner
4. Julio Valdes DeJesus
5. Daniel Pena

Mens Physique Masters Over 40 Class B Overall
1. David Sessler
2. Gilberto Javier DeJesus
3. Mark LiGouri
4. Benjamin Caravalho
5. Kassiem McCain

Womens Fitness Earned IFBB Pro Card
1. Danielle Nowell
2. Shelby Maynard
3. Jeanine Taddeo

Womens Fitness Overall Winner & Earned IFBB Pro Card
1. Derina Wilson

Womens Fitness Class A Overall
1. Derina Wilson
2. Danielle Nowell
3. Courtney Invernizzi
4. Marissa Herring
5. Gina Luciano

Womens Fitness Class B Overall
1. Jeanine Taddeo
2. Shelby Maynard
3. Lexi Harris
4. Natasha Reyes
5. Fawn Peterson

Womens Physique Earned IFBB Pro Card
1. Lori Canova
2. Elizabeth Bradshaw
3. Lori Canova
4. Darla Jones
5. Jodi Leigh Miller

Womens Physique Earned IFBB Pro Card & Masters Over 40 Overall
1. Suzanne Davis

Womens Physique Masters Over 35 Overall
1. Suzanne Davis

Womens Physique Masters Overall Winner & Earned IFBB Pro Card
1. Erin Twiggs Hutchinson

Womens Physique Class A Overall
1. Emily Bethany
2. Jodi Leigh Miller
3. Desiree Pacheco
4. Holly Dombrovski
5. Julianne Trebing

Womens Physique Class B Overall
1. Kelly Diffenderfer
2. Elizabeth Bradshaw
3. Elizabeth Bordonaro
4. Indrell Thomas
5. Danielle Rae Hertzog

Womens Physique Class C Overall
1. Ida Litteral
2. Ashley Piersante
3. Brie Ryan
4. Cindy Flannery
5. Lori Canova

Womens Physique Class D Overall
1. Erin Twiggs Hutchinson
2. Brittany (B) Barnett
3. Darla Jones
5. Katie M. Lee

Womens Physique Masters Over 35 Class A Overall
2. Elizabeth Bradshaw
3. Indrell Thomas
4. Jodi Leigh Miller
5. Jennifer Regina

Womens Physique Masters Over 35 Class B Overall
1. Lori Canova
2. Darla Jones
3. Virginia M. Vargo
4. Jolynn Shane
5. Ikiesha Whittaker

Womens Physique Masters Over 40 Class A Overall
1. Suzanne Davis
2. Claritza Cordova
3. Jodi Leigh Miller
4. Patricia Smick
5. Jennie Napoli

Womens Physique Masters Over 40 Class B Overall
1. Lori Canova
2. Jolynn Shane
3. Tonya Taylor
4. Roz Ginn
5. Danielle Lazaro
 

Congratulations to all of the competitors who participated in the 2015 NPC Universe Championships. Official Final Results Scorecard - <http://bevfrancis.com/npcnortheast/results/2015-results>. To see all results and photos visit - <http://contests.npcnewsonline.com/contests/2015/npc_universe_championships/>

Be sure to visit the HGH.com blog regularly for the results of other upcoming bodybuilding and fitness competitions.

IFBB Greater Gulf States Championships
June 19-20            
Best Western Landmark Hotel,
2601 Severn Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002 United States
Organizer: Luke Tesvich
Phone: 504-439-6224
Website: www.npcggs.com/index.html
Event: IFBB

The 2015 IFBB Greater Gulf States Championships took place in Metairie, LA on June 19 & 20. HGH and bodybuilding supplement company, HGH.com is proud to post the winners from each category of the championship. Congratulations to everyone who participated!

Following are the top overall winners for each of the events:

Bikini Overall
1. Angela Marquez
2. Sarah Leblanc
3. Brittany Taylor
4. Kate Abate
5. Adrienne Crenshaw

Men's Physique Overall
1. Ryan Hinton
2. Eric Heidelberg
3. Charles Chester
4. Stephen Mass
5. Patrick Fulgham

Women's Physique Overall
1. Danielle Reardon
2. Venus Nguyen
3. Jill Dearmin
4. Caroline Gaume
5. Alisa Lamay

Congratulations to all of the competitors who participated in the 2015 IFBB Greater Gulf States Championships. You can find the Official Final Results Scorecard here - <http://npcnewsonline.com/2015-ifbb-greater-gulf-states-official-score-cards/197198/>. To see all results and photos visit - <http://contests.npcnewsonline.com/contests/2015/ifbb_greater_gulf_states/>.

Be sure to visit the HGH.com blog regularly for the results of other upcoming bodybuilding and fitness competitions.

Discover the Function, Sources and Benefits of the Health Supplement Ingredient L-Glycine, or Aminoacetic Acid

Glycine – also known as L-glycine, aminoacetic acid or aminoethanoic acid – is the smallest of the 20 amino acids in the human body. It is considered a nonessential or conditionally essential amino acid, which means that it is normally produced by the body in sufficient amounts; however, dietary supplementation may be beneficial in times of illness or stress, or for the treatment of certain diseases. L-glycine is found in some food sources as well as in health and bodybuilding supplements such as HGF-MAX, HGH 30,000 Nanograms pills and spray, and whey protein mixes.

Functions of L-Glycine

As an amino acid, glycine is involved in protein synthesis. It appears to work in concert with L-glutamine to improve brain function, and it is one of three amino acids – along with proline and hydroxyproline – that make up the triple-helical structure of collagen. Evidence also suggests that L-glycine may stimulate human growth hormone (HGH) production, acting as a natural HGH releaser.

Sources of L-Glycine

The body manufactures glycine using another amino acid called serine. Dietary sources of l-glycine include protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, dairy and legumes. L-glycine may also be consumed as an ingredient within natural dietary supplements.

L-Glycine Benefits and Uses

Therapeutic uses of L-glycine include the treatment of schizophrenia, stroke and leg ulcers. It also appears to enhance wound healing, and may help protect the liver and kidneys from the harmful effects of certain chemicals. Evidence suggests that L-glycine functions a natural HGH releaser, or HGH secretagogue; as a result, it may have a beneficial effect on athletic performance, such as helping to build muscle and increase endurance.

Side Effects of L-Glycine and Potential Interactions

L-glycine supplements are generally considered safe for adults; no serious side effects have been reported, even at doses as high as 60 grams per day. A small number of people have experienced stomach upset, nausea or vomiting, which ceased as soon as L-glycine supplementation was discontinued.

While L-glycine appears to enhance the beneficial effects of most drugs used to treat schizophrenia, it has been shown to decrease the effectiveness of one particular antipsychotic drug known as clozapine (Clozaril). Patients taking clozapine should avoid L-glycine supplementation.

More detailed safety information on L-glycine side effects and interactions can be found on the NYU Langone Medical Center website. As with any medication or health supplement, it is best to consult your physician before taking dietary supplements containing L-glycine.

L-Glycine Research and Studies

In addition to research on the use of glycine to treat medical conditions such as schizophrenia and strokes, a number of studies have explored the impact of L-glycine on HGH secretion. One such study published in Acta Endocrinologica found that intravenous glycine infusions produced a significant increase in serum HGH levels. Another study cited in Nutritional Neuroscience indicated that an oral supplement containing glycine, glutamine and niacin increased HGH secretion in healthy middle-aged and elderly subjects. In Nutrients as Ergogenic Aids for Sports and Exercise, the author conducted a research review and summarized his findings; he noted that a number of studies concur that glycine appears to stimulate HGH release and promote creatine synthesis, which can be beneficial for athletes undergoing progressive weight training.

Several other studies have examined the effects of L-glycine supplementation in relation to athletic performance and recovery. In Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, researchers found that an oral treatment of glycine and L-arginine salt of alpha-ketoisocaproic acid calcium (GAKIC) increased muscle torque and work sustained during intense acute anaerobic dynamic exercise, and enhanced overall muscle performance by delaying muscle fatigue during the early phases of anaerobic dynamic exercise. A recent animal study featured in Connective Tissue Research explored the effects of green tea and glycine on tendinitis, which commonly afflicts athletes, and determined that a green tea and glycine diet has beneficial effects that aid in the recovery process of the tendon after tendinitis.

For additional L-glycine research, refer to the PubMed site sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

HGH.com Supplements With L-Glycine

Athletes, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts can experience the beneficial effects of L-glycine for themselves with natural HGH releasers and bodybuilding supplements from HGH.com:

HGH Pills and HGH Spray – Whether you prefer HGH pills or an oral spray, Purity Select’s 30,000 Nanogram products promote growth hormone production with a powerful combination of L-group amino acids, including L-glycine. They are designed to support muscle growth, fat-burning, increased energy and other health benefits.

HGF MAX – Scientifically formulated to naturally boost HGH production, these Purity Select capsules contain a proprietary blend of ingredients including L-glycine and other amino acids, which can help build muscle, improve muscle tone, increase stamina and boost metabolism.

Multi-Pro Chocolate Whey Protein – With over 450 milligrams of L-glycine and 24 grams of protein per serving, Multi-Pro is a complete protein supplement that is intended to help users build muscle, reduce body fat and support immune system health.

CytoSport Vanilla Whey Protein – A single serving of low-lactose, low-fat, CytoSport whey protein contains 2 grams of L-glycine and 18 grams of protein. This delicious drink mix is formulated to help athletes increase lean muscle mass and accelerate recovery from intense training.

References (Function, Sources, Benefits/Uses and Side Effects/Interactions):

NYU Langone Medical Center. “Glycine”; published under “Herbs & Supplements”; last reviewed September 2014. <http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=21751>

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health. “Amino Acids”; published in the “Medical Reference Guide” section; last updated April 23, 2014. <http://umm.edu/system-hospital-sites/shore-health/health/medical/ency/articles/amino-acids>

Lodish, Harvey; Berk, Arnold; et al. “Collagen: The Fibrous Proteins of the Matrix”; Molecular Cell Biology, 4th Edition; New York: W.H. Freeman; 2000; section 22.3. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21582/>

WebMD and Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. “Glycine”; published under “Vitamins & Supplements”; accessed November 21, 2014. <http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1072-glycine.aspx?activeingredientid=1072&activeingredientname=glycine>

Research Sources:

Arwert, Lucia I.; Deijen, Jan Berend; and Drent, Madeleine L. “Effects of An Oral Mixture Containing Glycine, Glutamine and Niacin on Memory, GH and IGF-I Secretion in Middle-aged and Elderly Subjects”; Nutritional Neuroscience; October 1, 2003. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14609312>

Bucci, Luke R. “Micronutrient Supplementation and Ergogenesis — Amino Acids: Glycine”; Nutrients as Ergogenic Aids for Sports and Exercise; Boca Raton: CRC Press; 1993; chapter 6, section VI, pages 73-74. <http://www.crcpress.com/product/isbn/9780849342233>

Dannhardt, Gerd and Kohl, Beate K. “The Glycine Site on the NMDA Receptor: Structure-Activity Relationships and Possible Therapeutic Applications”; Current Medicinal Chemistry; August 1998. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9668194>

Kasai, K.; Suzuki, H.; et al. “Glycine Stimulated Growth Hormone Release in Man”; Acta Endocrinologica; March 1980. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7376793>

Stevens, Bruce R.; Godfrey, Michael D.; et al. “High-Intensity Dynamic Human Muscle Performance Enhanced by a Metabolic Intervention”; Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise; December 2000. <>

Vieira, Cristiano P.; Da Ré Guerra, Flavia.; et al. “Green Tea and Glycine Aid in the Recovery of Tendinitis of the Achilles Tendon of Rats”; Connective Tissue Research; November 21, 2014. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25360832>