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Welcome to Kicking the Seat!

Ian Simmons launched Kicking the Seat in 2009, one week after seeing Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia. His wife proposed blogging as a healthier outlet for his anger than red-faced, twenty-minute tirades (Ian is no longer allowed to drive home from the movies).

The Kicking the Seat Podcast followed three years later and, despite its “undiscovered gem” status, Ian thoroughly enjoys hosting film critic discussions, creating themed shows, and interviewing such luminaries as Gaspar NoéRachel BrosnahanAmy Seimetz, and Richard Dreyfuss.

Ian is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association. He also has a family, a day job, and conflicted feelings about referring to himself in the third person.

The KtS Contest: PUMPING IRON!

UPDATE: This contest has closed with no entrants and no winner.

In 1977, Pumping Iron gave the world a real-life clash of bodybuilding titans. For the first time ever, this legendary documentary featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferigno is available on HD digital download, complete with brand-new bonus features and interviews!

Better yet, Partnershub has agreed to spot Kicking the Seat as we award one lucky reader a copy of the film via our Pumping Iron Contest (also known as "Schwarzenegger: Genesis")!

To win, simply answer the following question in the "Comments" section:

What is your favorite moment from any Schwarzenegger film?

One random winner will receive an HD digital download of Pumping Iron.

Entries must be received by 11:59pm on Friday, December 19th, 2014.

In the meantime, you can read more about Pumping Iron below, including info on the new special features--and check out the trailer via our Pumping Iron Blog App!

Thanks, and stay pumped!

About Pumping Iron:

Everyone knows Arnold Schwarzenegger, but do you know the whole story behind the man?

From Gold's Gym in Venice Beach, California to the showdown in Pretoria, amateur and professional bodybuilders prepare for the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe contests in this part-scripted, part-documentary film.

Five-time champion Arnold Schwarzenegger defends his Mr. Olympia title against Serge Nubret and the shy, young, deaf Lou Ferrigno, whose father is his coach; the ruthless champ psyches out the young lion.

Sardinian Franco Columbu competes in the lightweight class; at home in Italy, he solves a tight parking problem by lifting the car into place. Joe Weider is the marketer; Mike Katz and Ken Waller go for the title of Mr. Universe. Bodybuilding and a celebrity-to-be go mainstream.

Special Features:

Still Pumping: Success in bodybuilding is a mental challenge as well as physical. In these newly recorded interviews, Arnold Schwarzenegger talks about the will power and focus you need to become a champion, and the mental attitude that has shaped his career.

The Hard Science of Bodybuilding: Arnold Schwarzenegger and top bodybuilders give insights into the sport of bodybuilding and tips for building the body of your dreams.

Eligibility: This post is sponsored by Lionsgate. All prizes for the Pumping Iron Contest, and the Pumping Iron Blog App, are provided courtesy of Lionsgate. Prize will be sent via FedEx, UPS, or e-mailed directly to the winner. No P.O. boxes, please. Each household is only eligible to win one (1) HD digital download via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one (1) entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Notification: Kicking the Seat will contact the contest winner within twelve (12) hours of contest close. If no response is received within twenty-four (24) hours, an alternate winner will be chosen. Contest is open to residents of the USA and Canada.

The KtS Contest: Me Am LEGO Bizarro!

The KtS Contest: Lionsgate Horror!