WebRachel McLish Professional Bodybuilder, Actress, Author Raquel Livia Elizondo (AKA. They are currently living in Rancho Mirage in California, and dont have any kids they were living in a $3 million worth house before they sold it to Coco Crisp, the popular Boston Rex Sox player. While attending Pan American University, she met John P. McLish, whom she married on February 3, 1979. Within the first year, her line of bodywear made up 28% of the U.S. sportswear industry. Both Paulick and Dunlap brought more muscle than McLish in those respective contests, but neither could match McLish's overall appeal. Press Esc to cancel. For a while there it was kind of like the experiment I said I want to see what my body does when I dont weight train for a while and just do runs or hikes three or four times a week. Yes there are those that use hormones to recouperate faster and those that take drugs to eliminate their headaches or keep from having a heart attack etc. She was mostly focused on power movements with weights, so that she could work on her entire body, and she used ballet classes to work on her calves. Rachel is passionate about helping women who need the tools to embrace their health and beauty. She took home the 1st ever Ms. Olympia trophy back in 1980, making history and cementing her legacy in fitness. 536. I was very good at it! As I scrolled to read the heartfelt tributes, I also noticed speculation as to why or how he died so young and I can say for sure that the cause was NOT because he took or was taking anabolic drugs; he considered (as I did!) Actress: The Girlfriend from Outer Space. It was filmed over the course of a year and a half. And I said No, no, no, this is not the way you should do it. Thanks for your comment, Wanda! Rachels popularity and physical strength were able to land her several roles in films. She also provided health and diet tips, how to sculpt your body and feel beautiful in your own skin. He had a bike path accident when his front wheel got stuck in a crack in the concrete while he was going pretty fast (I looked behind me because I had lost him only to turn around and find him writhing in pain). Thanks for reading and sharing your opinion, David! After her stint as a bodybuilder, model, and actress, Rachel published several books that were mainly based on her career as a bodybuilder and fitness enthusiast. She would compete just one more time, before she would attend the inaugural Ms. Olympia contest at the end of 1980. FLEX: What is your level of involvement in the sport of bodybuilding today? With her natural beauty, feminine and slightly muscular build, she became the spokesperson for female fitness. So far, weve discussed Rachels career in fitness as a: On top of all those roles in the fitness industry, Rachel was also part of the fashion industry. She chose instead to focus on living a holistic lifestyle, which meant: Though she hasnt participated in competitions since 1984, she would have considered it. [5][6][7], McLish merits special historical significance in the sport of womens bodybuilding. So the week before [the contest] guess who gets to go to Singapore because Im under contract to do some throwaway shots at the Mr. Universe competition there? Rachel is currently 64 years old. They do affect the musculature and make you look more masculine. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. As soon as she graduated from college, she was offered a partnership with a company, Shape Center. So thats really what made me the ambassador for this weird, new phenomenon. Finding love for fitness and nutrition at an early age, she followed in her fathers footsteps. She made her acting debut in the film Pumping Iron II, as both the main attraction and the main antagonist in a movie that centered around the Ceasars World Cup in Las Vegas in 1983, a contest which was arranged specifically for the film, which pitted the two extremes of womens bodybuilding McLish and the ultra-muscular Bev Francis against each other. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. I have to go there and it was like Oh OK, I gotcha. In 1984, the star bodybuilder announced her retirement after that year's Ms. Olympia contest. She was one of the first women to take such a role. You know? She then went on to appear as a fitness instructor in Herb Alperts Red Hot music video in 1983. From small-town Texan to one of the most well known female bodybuilders of all time. We met up at Jerrys Deli in Studio City, California, on a bright and breezy Friday the 13th January in this casefor lunch and an interview. McLish: It was curiosity number one. At the 1982 Ms. Olympia, she beat Carla Dunlap to reclaim her title. She took the stage for the first time at the 1980 US Bodybuilding Championship, looking to earn to publicity for her businesses. Almost before there was womens bodybuilding, it seemed, there was Rachel McLish. I idolized Rachel McLish, who became the first Ms. Olympia in 1980. $1339 $16.99. Moreover, she was asked to join the cheerleading squad, which proved to be a turning point in her young life. Do Carb Blockers Work? Rest easy dear MattI know you are with our Lord. Rachel McLish, MATT: Now Im frustrated! by Samantha Shorkey and Amy Longard | Feb 18, 2020. Were sorry to read your back is keeping you away from the gym and hope youre still finding other ways to stay active and healthy! Her She did this, by doing ballet, alongside the normal things done in the weight room. when the pole broke mid-air as the teen Ohio State Pole Vaulting champ. She has been married to Ron Samuels since 1990. WebMcLish is a Christian and describes herself as a compassionate conservative. Born in Harlingen, Texas, Rachel McLish was popular at an early age, during her school years. Samson Dauda Reflects on His 2023 Arnold Classic Victory, This 'Ninja Warrior' Will Help You Master Your First Pullup, Tips for Maximizing Life and Fitness from a Tech Exec and Top Athlete, WWEs Carmella talks Love, Heartbreak, and Motivation, SamanthaHarrisis Helping Fellow Cancer Survivors Through Yoga, Caesar Bacarella Is Building a Fitness Empire at Full Speed, Whitney Jones Can Break, But Can Never Be Broken, Yarishna Ayala Shares Advice for Future Wellness Division Competitors, The 'Dos' and 'Donts' of Bill Gillespies Record-Breaking Bench Press, The 50 Best Fitness Influencers on Instagram, This Pair of IFBB pros Share the Challenges of Reaching the Top of the Sport. While diving into her career, we bumped into many interesting facts that we thought you should know. Because I had never not worked out for two weeks, there was no reason not to. She was such an inspiration to me. WebRachel McLish. Thats her at left, age 50 (sigh). I ordered a chicken sandwich, complete with the obligatory french fries and a Diet Cherry Coke. Most notably she was seen on the big screen in 1992s Aces: Iron Eagle III and 1996s Raven Hawk. FLEX: What was the general feeling about womens bodybuilding during that time? Work out a few days per week on strength training each muscle group, with cardio mixed in on off days. She took up weights initially to balance her proportions; she felt her upper body looked too light. I idolized Rachel McLish, who became the first Ms. Olympia in 1980. WebMcLish is a Christian and describes herself as a compassionate conservative. Rachel McLish (born Raquel Livia Elizondo) is an American female bodybuilding champion. do they simply work less hard then otheres? (In the end Carla Dunlap won, whilc McLish finished third and Francis eighth). She wrote a handful of books, with the intent to provide assistance and motivation to women who are looking to follow their fitness goals. These are her own words which I read somewhere . Rachel McLish. I still have her vhs tape on weight lifting ! All rights reserved. But I always maintain that base level I love going to the gym I love the energy I love the weight training. McLish has still shared some details of her former relationships and marriages with the public. But another thing, Matt was also a bit accident prone; he nearly lost his arm (shattered, compound forearm break nearly severed off!) In 1978, she graduated from the Pan American University with a degree in physiology and health and nutrition. Why did you retire? Rachel McLish reveals more about Matt Mendenhalls final days. $1339 $16.99. Wow, Dawn! I looked like the poor little stepchild up there. She also represented the Health and Tennis Corporation of America, which eventually became Bally Total Fitness. During her prime, Rachel McLish tended to do weight training three days in a row, then taking a day off. She worked small jobs so she could afford her gym fees. McLish: I always believe a person needs to know when to get off stage. These women miss the point.. Catching up with bodybuildings First Lady. The intensity of her workouts may have changed some, but she still takes it seriously. Though she initially wanted to be a ballet dancer while she was still in school, that changed over time and decided to be a cheerleader. Rachel McLish lives in a $3 million house in Rancho Mirage, California, with her husband Ron Samuels since 1990. She says that there are no foods that are off-limits. She was able to win the first-ever Ms. Olympia title with a slim figure and well-defined physique. McLish was born as Raquel Livia Elizondo in 1955 in Harlingen, Texas, the second-youngest daughter born. Since Rachel was successful as a model, it was natural for her to learn and try her hands at acting. WebBrowse 138 rachel mclish photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Her drive and dedication to health and fitness, along with her charisma, helped her in competitions and as a role model. Matt passed away on 28 August, 2021 at the age of 61. She has been married to Ron Samuels since 1990. Any products seen or mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. People just wanted to hear what this new weird form of exercise that women were doing. She has also written two books, entitled Flex Appeal, by Rachel and Perfect Parts, all of which have contributed to her net worth. Just the lowest base level and you know what, muscle memory I got a little smaller, I looked great in my clothes, but it comes back so fast. FLEX: You burst onto the scene as the face of womens bodybuilding in the early 1980s were you ready for all the attention that came your way? From the inception of the first-ever issue of FLEX magazine in April of 1983, no other athlete male or female graced the pages of this publication more in the early-to-mid 1980s. Her Instagram account is currently followed by more than 2,700 people, while she has uploaded only 33 pictures onto it she is running a Facebook page as well, which currently counts more than 15,000 people following her. In 1990, she married film producer Ron Samuels. McLish: I know the freak factor was involved. She was inspired to compete in bodybuilding thanks to Lisa Lyon and the club manager, Javier Gutierrez, who would show her magazines of female bodybuilders and encourage her to compete. Karen McDougal. 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She was also a star in Herb Alpert's 'Red Hot' music video. Copyright 2022 COSIDLA Inc. All Rights Reserved. She won the WWF Intercontinental Championship two times, and the WWF Womens Championship once. [1][3], In a competitive career that spanned only four years, McLish proved a resilient force, never placing lower than third in any contest she entered. [8] In 2008, she sold her house for $3 million to Boston Red Sox player Coco Crisp.[2][9][10]. She is an actress, known for The Girlfriend from Outer Space (1989), Aces: Iron Eagle III (1992) and Raven Hawk (1995). Her collection was called Rachel McLish for the Body Company.. Been going through this since 2014 when I slipped on my basement steps. She got sponsored by Dynamics Health Equipment Manufacturing Corporation. I was hoping to work another 10 years. In 1980, she won the inaugural United States Championships, as well as beating Auby Paulick to win that years first-ever IFBB Ms. Olympia contest. I was also inspired by and a great fan of Rachels. Matt also was also very frustrated that he could not continue helping people or in his own words, Doing Gods healing work as a chiropractor due to his injuries. The "Prime Time Muscle" crew discuss the two superstars. We just needed to educate the people on what it was we were doing.. We had to always distinguish between the sport of bodybuilding and the activity of weight training/bodybuilding and getting in great shape. Because Cory [Everson] was huge. She was officially inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame. I was a Service Manager with THE HEALTH AND TENNIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA in Houston, Tx (then known as President and First Lady) from 1987 to 1997 and its not even conceivable the number of women that were inspired by the Posters and Images that hung throughout the Health Clubs in Houston and surrounding areas. She also went on to author several books using her experience and expertise in fitness and bodybuilding. 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