Tag IFBB

Training For Life – REPOST

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White and Red Noel

I think this article is worth reposting, because I have been asked recently by a number of people what I am training for. Though I am not training for an IFBB Pro Bikini contest right now, I am ALWAYS training. I honestly do train for life! Read on to see what I discussed in my original post.

Over the past few weeks I have heard a few competitors state that they plan to completely stop weight training for a few weeks because they are burnt out on prepping for competitions. While I agree that taking some time off can be a good thing, taking several weeks off seems like complete madness to me. Though I get a kick out of people who have this on-again, off-again attitude with respect to training, I am more disturbed than amused by such an attitude because it is in stark opposition to my attitude towards training.

My attitude towards training stems from the fact that I train for life, not for the stage per se. I increase the number of workouts before a big contest, but I never hang up my training hat for more than a couple of days at a time. Why? Because I truly love training, and I strive to remain consistent with my conditioning. I also ensure that I will be shoot ready whenever the need arises. I have had last minute calls to shoot and never have to worry that I will not be camera worthy.

It blows my mind how many people have asked me if I plan to stop training now that I have earned my IFBB Pro Card. I didn’t train hard to get my Pro Card just so I could let it all go to mush! If anything, I have even more reason to uphold the level of conditioning which has taken years for me to achieve. You won’t see me avoiding the gym or eating tons of bad foods, because I have every intention of honoring the status I have earned. It’s back to the gym for me!

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What’s All That Noise?

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There are very rare instances when the slightest noise will set me off. Even if it is something as benign as one of my roommates opening the refrigerator door, it can sound like a thousand spoons clattering to the floor to me if I am in this state. For whatever reason, I didn’t think much of it until about three weeks ago when EVERY little noise I heard was painful for me, and I was in complete agony the entire night. Lucky me…I have been experiencing misphonia, and have had this condition since childhood.

What freaks me out the most is that my dislike of sounds when I am caught up in this nightmare can send me into so much anxiety that I must hide away until things return to normal. It was a tremendous problem for me during medical school, when I found that I had to wear earplugs while studying in public places or when taking exams. The mere sound of someone coughing would send me into such distress that it would take a massive effort for me to concentrate on my studies or an exam.

Misphonia, also called selective sound sensitivity syndrome, is usually set off by a small repetitive noise, causing the sufferer to become agitated, disgusted, panicky, and angry. Those who suffer from misphonia may seem to react excessively to soft sounds, such as the sounds of a person eating, or a dog barking in the background. This is considered a lifelong condition which is more common in females than males, and usually appears between the ages of 9 and 13. It is aggravated by emotional exhaustion, so those of you ladies who might have noticed that noises which would be considered normal can suddenly become jarring when you are in the middle of an emotional and stressful situation.

This is a very real condition, so if you think you might have it, talk to your doctor about getting tested to see if you have it. If you don’t want to go that route, you might want to read this very amusing article by Wendy Aron on how she handled her own case of misphonia:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sounds-awful/201405/how-my-shrink-cured-my-misophonia-free

Who’s Going To Nationals? Ravish Sands Suit For Sale!

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I have an absolutely GORGEOUS gold/yellow Ravish Sands competition bikini up for sale. The reason why I am selling this suit is because I just don’t need three suits. I will never get rid of the tangerine suit in which I won my Pro Card, and I have one other suit I am hanging onto, but which I may sell as well, since I think my competing days may be over. This suit is in excellent condition, and has only been worn at two Pro contests.

The top can fit a small D cup, but I think a B or C cup would be better for this suit. The bottoms fit a 34 inch hip measurement. For reference, I am 5’5″, 119 pounds. The top and the front of the suit bottoms feature dense crystallization with Swarovski bubble crystals in gold, which looks amazing onstage! Originally paid $500 for this beauty.

PRICE: $275
(Does not include shipping)

Please message me if you are interested. This would look STUNNING on the National stage!

Ashley Kaltwasser Wins Nordic Pro: Record 14 IFBB Bikini Pro Wins!

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Original post can be found at:

http://npcnewsonline.com/ashley-kaltwasser-wins-nordic-pro-record-14-ifbb-bikini-pro-wins/227266/

Ashley with her three Olympia medals

This girl is unstoppable! She has 14 IFBB Bikini Pro wins now, getting the most recent one at the Nordic Pro yesterday. I am so thrilled for her, because she is definitely most deserving of all her titles. Go, Ashley, go!

Here are her Pro wins:

Ashley’s 14 IFBB Bikini Contest Wins.

1. 2015 IFBB Nordic Pro
2. 2015 IFBB Olympia
3. 2015 Arnold Sports Festival
4. 2014 IFBB Russia Pro
5. 2014 IFBB Korea
6. 2014 IFBB Olympia
7. 2014 Toronto Pro Supershow
8. 2014 New Zealand Pro
9. 2014 IFBB Australia Pro Grand Prix XLV
10. 2014 IFBB Arnold Classic
11. 2013 IFBB Sheru Classic
12. 2013 IFBB Olympia
13. 2013 IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow
14. 2013 IFBB Powerhouse Pro

Uncompromised

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Breaking stereotypes!

Breaking stereotypes!

I am always being challenged to pick one career that defines me, and it drives me nuts. When people find out that I am a medical doctor, they struggle with the stereotype of what they expect doctors to be like, in other words, very conservative in dress and demeanor, and without any flavor or personality. Well, I’ve got news for you. I will NEVER be a typical doctor. And please don’t doubt my credentials or schooling. I am NOT a nurse (not that there is anything wrong with this highly respected profession), I am a fully licensed and board certified physician.

A huge project came my way recently, and I was selected for it, only to have the decision-maker flip out over my fitness and modeling images and reverse the decision. I was stunned and dejected, but after reflecting on the whole incident, I began to get angry. Part of the problem was that the decision-maker was a complete hypocrite, pretending to be squeaky clean, but who openly praised one of the dirtiest human beings to ever alight on the entertainment scene. To coin an analogy, at the root of this was a case of the bride being upstaged by another lady wearing white. Mind you, I never intentionally wore white, but hey, my doctor’s coat is white.

I am every bit as much about fitness as I am about medicine, and I shouldn’t have to choose one over the other. I am damned proud of what I have accomplished in fitness, especially because I took things to the next level in my forties, not when I was a young whipper-snapper. If people are confused by the sampler plate philosophy by which I live, too bad. Yes, I am a board certified physician AND a degreed fitness professional, IFBB Pro, certified nutrition coach, writer, sponsored athlete and contest prep coach. I know it’s unusual, but why is that so hard for people to grasp? I mean, here I am, doing all of that, sending a message to the world that no one should have to be one-dimensional and boring.
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I don’t hide from myself. I am honest. I have sass, and I speak my mind. I am proud of what I have achieved in my life, and I will NOT hide parts of myself which some overly judgmental people may have a problem with. I am NOT going to apologize for having a sense of humor, for using cuss words here and there (though I don’t use them while seeing patients). I am not going to paint a false picture of who I am. If you don’t like what I am doing, no worries. Move on.

If you find that you are compromising your own vision, dreams, or goals, perhaps you need to re-examine why you are allowing that to occur. If you subscribe to the no limits philosophy, then you would never even consider pulling the reins back. I will always encourage driven people to go for whatever they want, and if it doesn’t fit in with the conventions of one of their chosen careers or hobbies, even better. Break stereotypes and show people what you are made of! Don’t hide all the facets which make you who you are!

Minimalist Footwear

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minimalist footwear

Please check out my latest article for American Fitness Educators which discusses minimalist footwear! Original post can be found at:

http://www.fitnesseducators.com/blog/minimalist-footwear/

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Less Is More

Are there benefits to training in minimalist footwear? Studies have demonstrated that training while wearing minimalist shoes results in enhanced performance due to greater foot pliability and a closer approximation to a barefoot stance. Since our feet adjust to wearing raised heels over time, it can be incredibly challenging to keep our heels on the ground while performing exercises like deep squats. Proponents of minimalist footwear may even argue that barefoot is best for heavy weightlifting, but the risks of exposure to microbes or hazardous fragments of glass, metal, or rocks, make minimalist shoes a much more feasible choice while at the gym.

Dysfunctional movement patterns become established throughout the body over time. Conventional athletic shoes can often contribute to ankle and foot dysfunction because they inhibit natural foot action. If you don’t believe it, then try to perform some of your physical activities barefoot and see how well, or poorly, you perform. Chances are that the impaired mechanics in the feet and ankles will make it difficult at best to perform those activities. By gradually switching over to minimalist footwear, an athlete can essentially correct improper foot mechanics and optimize kinetic feedback throughout the body during movement.

Benefits Of Minimalist Shoes

Conventional athletic footwear features a cushioned heel which also can compromise power. In contrast, minimalist footwear features little to no heel, and the soles are very thin and malleable, so they allow the joints in the foot to move and adjust to weight loading movements. In addition, the heels and midfoot make solid contact with the floor, causing more activation in the glutes and hamstrings. Studies have demonstrated that people who wear minimalist footwear develop greater strength in their legs and feet, since more power is transferred from the working muscles, through the feet, and into the movement. Plyometric movements and sprint power will also be enhanced while wearing minimalist shoes.

A 2011 study by Squadrone and Gallozzi assessed the ability of experienced runners to estimate the degree of inversion, eversion, dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion, of a slope surface board placed under their right foot while standing. They found that the degree of proprioceptive feedback which subjects received while wearing Vibram Five Fingers® was much more accurate than in subjects who wore a standard running shoe. In conclusion, cushioned shoes conferred a distinct disadvantage when compared to minimalist shoes during assessment of foot position awareness.

How To Transition Into Minimalist Shoes

Anyone who is transitioning from conventional athletic shoes to minimalist footwear needs to do so gradually, since the body has to adjust to radically different proprioceptive input. There have been cases of metatarsal stress which developed after converting too quickly to minimalist shoes. However, once the transition is made, noticeable strength gains should occur. Try spending about 15 to 30 minutes, twice a day, wearing minimalist shoes around the house. After about a week or two, you can try them out at the gym one to two days a week until you become accustomed to the feel of the shoes. Be aware that your gait and foot stance will probably change as you acclimate to this type of shoe.

REFERENCES:

Squadrone R, Gallozzi C (2011) Effect of a five-toed minimal protection shoe on static and dynamic ankle position sense. J Sports Med Phys Fitness Sep;51(3): 401-8.

Versa Gripps Are Awesome!

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versa-GRIPPS

I am now the proud owner of a pair of Versa Gripps Pro, and I love them! I used them on chest and back day right after returning home from Olympia, and immediately noticed a difference in my strength while using them. They effectively reduced the strain in my hands, which was excellent since I have issues with them as well as forearm tendinitis.

These grips are especially fantastic for deadlifts, wide grip pulldowns, and any type of row. Bravo Versa Gripps!

Versa Gripps Purple

Check out the descriptions from their website:

The Mind-Muscle Connection

The latest achievement in muscle building technology, Versa Gripps allows you to train better moving you to the next level of performance excellence. A Self-Supporting Grip assist ingeniously designed to enhance muscle isolation and optimize performance. This revolutionary grip is the most effective and easiest way to increase your strength, muscle mass & stamina while maximizing your overall fitness results. Versa Gripps eliminate the need for gloves, hooks, and lifting straps. Absolutely, the Best Grip in the World. For Men & Women
ALL IN ONE

#1 Patented, Self- Supporting Grip
Secure One-Hand Grip & Release Movement
Comfortably Eliminates Grip Fatigue & Failure
New Built-In Arch Support offers Carpal Tunnel Protection
Locks your grip in place for complete control
Made of Strong, high-quality Non-Slip material exclusive to Power Gripps USA
Quick Release Feature makes it safe & easy to release the bar
Ergonomically designed protect hands & wrists
Secure hook & loop closure around the wrist
Protects Hands from unsightly calluses
Ergonomically designed to protect hands and wrists
Innovative wrist support: a funnel-shaped design allows the weight to rest at the base of the hand
Superior Quality. Made in the USA
Excellent Wrist Support
Versa Gripps incorporates a unique stand-up grip making wrapping the grip around the bar easy with one hand, even over your head. Developed by strength trainers who demanded a product that exceeded the limits of ordinary weightlifting hooks, workout gloves, and straps. Used for pushing and pulling exercises. Proven to endure even the toughest of workouts. Versa Gripps provides excellent wrist support and are the most versatile fitness accessory on the market for men and women.

Our grip is our weakest and most vulnerable link to a successful workout regiment. Like a chain, we are only as strong as our weakest link. The success of our workout depends upon our connection to the weight. Fatigue, due to high repetitions using lighter weights or failure due to a heavy weight, is caused by an unsupported and/or unprotected grip. This can result in dropping the weight; a set cut short due to loss of focus; or injury.

Versa Gripps eliminates grip fatigue and failure, allowing the user to concentrate on the larger muscle groups while not thinking or worrying about one’s grip. When you no longer have to worry about losing your grip or your grip becoming tired, you will then be able to concentrate and appreciate the mind/muscle connection. Huge gains will be experienced.

Versatile
Versa Gripps are used for all pushing (as in the bench press) and pulling (as in the deadlift) movements in strength training. The patented Versa Gripps take the place of gloves, lifting straps, hooks and wrist supports. By using Versa Gripps, both movements are accomplished safely, easily and comfortably.

Self-Supporting
Unlike lifting straps – that are difficult to use, particularly over your head – Versa Gripps are flexible, self-supporting and stand-up in front of your hand. This design makes it quick and easy to reach by the tips of the fingers on the same hand that is wearing them.

The gripping portion is made of a proprietary material that is reinforced tough, is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial. This gripping material is engineered just for Versa Gripps, to be tacky and remain grippy throughout the life of the product. The grip is made wide enough to cover the width of the hand for protection from the knurls of the weightlifting bar, and against calluses. Other weightlifting gloves encase the entire hand and become a playground for bacteria and disease. Versa Gripps allow the hand to breath, with freedom of movement for the fingers and the thumb.

Another valuable safety feature is their ability – should it become necessary – to immediately release the weight. Simply let go. This is not possible when using straps or hooks.

GO TO THE VERSA GRIPPS WEBSITE TO ORDER:

http://versagripps.com/

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