Big bodybuilding event returns to Poughkeepsie

Please excuse Matt Johnson if he seems a bit out-of-sorts this week. Johnson, the manager of the House of Nutrition in the Arlington section of Poughkeepsie near Vassar College, is equal parts stressed out and thrilled as he prepares for the sixth annual INBF New York State Bodybuilding and Figure Championships.

That's because this year's show is the biggest — and most likely the best — since its inception.

The event will be held Saturday at Poughkeepsie High School. Pre-judging starts at 1 p.m. The main-event finals begin at 7 p.m.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Johnson confirmed that this year's show already will be the biggest in event history. A total of 79 bodybuilders had registered for the event, with 10 more giving verbal commitments to compete. That tops the previous high of 77 muscle-bound athletes taking the stage.

This year's "guest poser" will be Mike O'Hearn, an absolute giant in the field of bodybuilding. According to Johnson, O'Hearn is a three-time Mr. Universe and three-time Mr. World. He is also an actor, and has quite an elaborate Web site (www.mikeohearn.com), for those fans interested in checking him out before going to the show.

There are six competition categories: Women's figure (tall and short), women's masters figure (40-and-up), women's bodybuilding (lightweight and heavyweight), men's teenage bodybuilding, men's novice bodybuilding (lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight), men's open bodybuilding (lightweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight).

Women's division added

The women's masters figure competition is being held for the first time, signifying the tremendous growth in this category.

"It's a growing category because it has finally developed a reputation and a niche in the bodybuilding calendar," Johnson said. "It has finally established itself in the world of bodybuilding. It has opened a lot of doors for women in our sport."

While the bulk of the judging will be done during the afternoon session, the real pageantry of the sport comes with the evening show. It is also at the evening session when the overall titlists are determined.

"I can't stress the importance of the night show," Johnson said. "There can only be one winner."

While Johnson scurries behind the scenes to continue improving this show, he still knows all about winning on stage. At last weekend's Gold's Classic in Point Pleasant, N.J., Johnson took first place in the open heavyweight class.

He said he finds organizing events like Saturday's show are as much or more work as getting on stage himself. But Johnson said he is committed equally to both.

"Organizing the event is my way of giving back to the sport," he said. "I have had so many positive experiences with this sport. I like creating new ones for others."