They're here to pump you up

Speedo? Check. Baby oil? Check. Hours spent in a tanning bed? Check. Months of hard work and preparation? Double check.

On Saturday, Oct. 27, the Granite State Open bodybuilding championship and figure competition show will return. Located at the Dover High School Auditorium, 25 Alumni Drive, Dover, the competition welcomes fans of all ages.

The Granite State Open was started by former bodybuilder Laura Tourtellot 13 years ago.

"I got into it because I wanted to get into shape," said Tourtellot. "I competed for 10 years."

Athletes are judged on muscular symmetry and must have been drug-free for seven years in order to compete in the Granite State Open.

"We've always been a drug-free show," said Tourtellot. "Because it's fair play, everyone has to do their personal best to perform. Instead of that image of intensity, now there is only quality.

"The NGA (National Gym Association) has always been drug-free, even when not everyone in the 1980s and '90s was."

The Granite State Open is a nationally recognized NGA event.

Christy Resendes, from Fairhaven, Mass., has been bodybuilding since she was 14 years old.

"I watched my mother compete in her first bodybuilding show. I saw all the hard work and dedication that it took for her to compete and it inspired me."

Resendes, now 29, won Ms. GSO in 2006.

"The Granite State Open was one the best shows I have had the honor of competing in," said Resendes. "What made this such a great show was how well it was organized and how the organization went out of there way to make every competitor feel special."

And what does a bodybuilder eat?

"My diet is pretty simple — I eat every 2-3 hours, small meals that are healthy," said Resendes. "I also drink about a gallon of water per day. I eat egg whites, green veggies, oatmeal, protein shakes, top round steak, and turkey burgers."

Michelle Brown, from Scarborough, Maine, is competing in her second Granite State Open. Last year, the GSO was her first ever bodybuilding competition. She won the women's novice division.

"When I first started, my trainer asked me if I wanted to start competing (in bodybuilding)," said Brown. "And I said I would give it a shot. So, I went to the Granite State Open, and won."

A typical day in the life of Michelle Brown doesn't just involve working out.

"I live by my routine," said Brown.

Brown's schedule begins with dropping her 7-year-old daughter off at school, and her 4-year-old son off at preschool. From there she goes to the gym for about an hour, then cardiovascular exercises for 30 to 45 minutes.

From the gym, Brown goes to work for her husband, checking books, before picking up her kids from school. She also volunteers for the cheering squad that her daughter is a part of.

"I have to get up early to measure and weigh the portions of food (that she will be eating during the day)," said Brown. "I run around with a cooler all day, and I'm constantly watching the clock.

"I keep a food and exercise log with me at all times. I've been dieting since March. It's tough."

Brown has competed in three shows since March. She rarely has time off, but reserves one day a week.

"Sunday is my off-day, my family day."

"I like the Granite State Open because the stage presence is beautiful," said Brown. "Some places they'll just hang up a poster, and say 'that's it.' Also, all the people there, and the competitors, I don't know where they come from, but they are all so nice."

Athletes competing in the competition range from 16 years of age, all the way to 62 years old. Classes for the event include men and women's novice, master's, heavyweight, and men's middleweight and light-heavyweight.

Awards are also given out to the best poser in each division. The overall best awards — Mr. GSO, Ms. GSO, and Ms. GSO Figure — are given out at the end of the competition.

"The ideal number would be to have 50 athletes, and 500 fans," said Tourtellot. "Regardless, we want everyone who shows up to be noisy. Bring noise-makers, clap, and yell."

"This is my favorite time of the year, because it's almost the end of the season for me," said Brown. "And I miss pizza and chocolate."

What: The Granite State Open When: The show will begin at noon, with prejudging beginning at 1 p.m., and the finals will begin at 6 p.m. Where: Dover High School Auditorium, 25 Alumni Drive, Dover Cost: Entire event, $22; finals, $17; students, $14; prejudging, $12

GSO