The festive season has surely changed in the past few generations and decades. Traditions, values and even the gifts we exchange have changed drastically at an accelerated pace. As society and the media seemingly dictates to us what we desire, must have, need and cannot live without, the demand for more extravagant, costly gifts naturally rises.

I distinctly recall being a young child of five or six and coming from a very destitute family I was ecstatic with a Star Wars action figure and my sister tickled pink with a coloring book. Sure maybe I wanted a remote control car or a new racing sled, maybe my sister wanted a doll house or the latest Barbie.

Speaking of Barbie there has been dramatic evolutions from the toy designed for young girls in their own right. From 1959 to 1966 there was the Vintage Barbie, 1967-1973 was the Mod Barbie era, 1971-1978 perhaps the most notable being the Malibu Barbie time frame, 1979-1988 boasted a true retail marketing ploy in Holiday Barbie, 1989-1998 in Superstar Barbie and even the current 21st century, high fashion Silkstone Barbie; there is no arguing the popular girl’s toy has sustained its marketing presence in a society that is often stranger than fiction. Which begs the question what would an actual-real life Barbie by like?

Wendy Rider aka Muscle Barbie epitomizes the complete package of the contemporary woman. Just as the doll illustrated qualities that liberated the young lady that may have opened her to play with on Christmas day to mirror the current societal values, Muscle Barbie personifies the 2010-11 woman. Physically fit, independent, intelligent, self sufficient, sexy and beautiful Wendy empowers the modern day woman and looks fabulous doing it. Recently I caught up with Muscle Barbie to play a few questions and find out just exactly how it is being an actual live action figure.

DAVE GAMMON: The most appropriate moniker observed in some time is Muscle Barbie for Wendy Rider. With shimmering blue eyes, glowing flaxen hair and a body to equally excite and intimidate all at once, its crystal clear to see where we’d come up with Muscle Barbie.

Wendy, we’re upon an era in which muscular, physically fit women can be viewed upon as equally demure, sensual, attractive and feminine as the rest of the ladies in society. Perhaps this was not always the case. Explain the shift in attitude towards more and more body builders being appreciated for their own brand of beauty.

MUSCLE BARBIE: In the last few years society has begun to acknowledge the achievements of female athletes. More and more men and women understand the discipline and sacrifice it takes to be an athlete and to reach such a high level of fitness. Now, they are finally being recognized for their beauty as well.

DG: A glamour model having posed for Playboy, among other numerous international magazines, it’s obvious you’re a fitness and body building aficionado competing on a professional level. Tell us about some of your accolades and achievements. What has been your proudest moment to date?

MB: I’m proud of each and every achievement. However, earning my Pro Card in Figure with the WBFF and competing on the Pro stage was a dream-come true. As far as modeling, it’s tremendously satisfying to me to be able to be featured in both glamour and fitness magazines.

DG: Your website musclebarbie.com boasts some unbelievably beautiful and appealing galleries, videos, some of my personal favourites are the bikini workouts. Clearly they’re tremendously beneficial to the average viewer for cardio without even lifting a finger. Tell us about some of the content and other features available on your site.

MB: I take great pride in personally managing all aspects of my official website www.musclebarbie.com. My members have access to EXCLUSIVE photo galleries, my personal diary, diet and exercise tips and videos. Members also have access to my private email address where I personally communicate with them.

DG: What is dating and relationships like for a beautiful body builder? Are men intimidated by you? Are women threatened by your physical appeal and your muscular stature? Are you prone to being challenged in public? Ever have to show someone who’s boss while out on a date?

MB: Being 5’10′ and blonde I stand out in any crowd. This can be quite intimidating to both men and women. However, anyone who personally knows me will tell you I am genuine and down to earth.

DG: Describe your ideal date and ideal relationship.

MB: My ideal date would be a nice dinner with someone who is confident and secure. He must understand that my fitness and modeling career is very time-consuming requires a lot of commitment.

DG: Do personal massage devises have any place in inter-relationship society? Have you personally used any? What are some of your favourites or are there any you’re curious about?

MB: If I told you I would have to kill you (laughs…)
(At this point the interviewer cringes and scratches vigorously something off his list. Perhaps Wendy had just been scratched off the nice list, or was it the naughty list…….)

DG: You’re an obvious advocate for proper nutrition and dare I say an effective poster-child for positive results of maintaining a good diet. Often you give advice on nutrition. Why is it you suppose our culture is so fixated on fast food and avoiding a well balanced diet? Any tips on keeping motivated, not only in good eating practices but motivated in training as well?

MB: People like fast food because they are lazy and it’s easy. They don’t take the time to plan and it shows. As far as motivation, you can’t teach it. If you don’t have inner drive then you’ll never get anywhere.

DG: Having considered all of the above what would you consider your one vice or guilty pleasure to be?

MB: My guilty pleasures are Red Velvet Cake and Champagne; Preferably together.

DG: What’s on the horizon for Muscle Barbie in 2011?

MB: In 2011, I’ve released a calendar that has stylish “Playboy” like poses. Get yours now before they run out.

DG: I thank you Wendy for a most intriguing and entertaining interview may all your wishes and dreams come true.

To order a copy of Muscle Barbie’s 2011 calendar go to http://alexmanfredini.com/wendy-rider-2011-calendar.htm

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