Natural Muscle Competitions

Written/Photography by

Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
Natural Muscle Association is an organization for competitive body building where certain substances are banned from use by their competitors.

Impression:
If you love body building competitions, then this is one for you!  The athletes and routines are just like the bigger named IFBB competitions, with the only real difference being the standards to which the athletes are held in regards to substances they can use during training to gain their physiques.

You'll find a high level of drive and desire, dedication and determination here.   The bodybuilders here worked very hard and compete even harder to try and bring home their prize.

Natural Muscle Association has several competitions in Ohio every year, the bigger ones being in Cleveland and Akron.  Check out their website for more information on the next competition, rules, banned substances.

Akron Zoo - Small But Packs A Punch

Written:  Danielle and Andrew Livelsberger

Photography: Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
Going just 25 minutes north of Canton is the Akron Zoo.  After visiting the McKinley Memorial and museum and downtown Canton, we push further north!

Impression:
It can be a hard comparison when you live so close to the number one zoo in the country, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.  The big difference here is that Akron's Zoo is within the city limits, while Columbus is on the outskirts, where land is plentiful for expansion.

We are happy to report that the Akron Zoo does a wonderful job with the limited space it has, providing a fun experience.  We didn't really need a map of any kind as the layout of the zoo provides you with a path that leads you through everything.

We were happy to see the habitats were clean and well maintained.   Being a smaller footprint has it's benefits.  You got a lot closer to the animals than you might at other zoo facilities.

There are a great variety of animals to see as well.

While this might not be an "all day" zoo, you can spend a few hours walking around and see it all!