I am listed as one of the special guests at the 2014 L.A. Fit Expo!

stacey_naito_guestHey now…this was a very pleasant surprise today! I am listed as one of the special guests at the 2014 L.A. Fit Expo under FITNESS ATHLETES/COMPETITIORS/MODELS! Such an honor! Please click on the link below to see my listing on the show website.

Many thanks to SWAT Fuel for featuring me! You are the BEST!

http://www.thefitexpo.com/TFELA_guests2014.asp

Honored To Be Chosen As A 2014 Liquid Sun Rayz Sponsored Athlete!

I am THRILLED to be chosen again as a Sponsored Athlete with Liquid Sun Rayz!  They offer the very best competition spray tanning around, and they are great people!  Be sure to visit www.liquidsunrayz.com to schedule your competition tanning!  Don't settle for less!

I am THRILLED to be chosen again as a Sponsored Athlete with Liquid Sun Rayz! They offer the very best competition spray tanning around, and they are great people!
Be sure to visit http://www.liquidsunrayz.com to schedule your competition tanning! Don’t settle for less!

Selecting The Right Competition Suit Cut For Your Body

Figure Suit, Suits You SwimwearOriginal post can be found at http://www.rxmuscle.com/rx-girl-articles/9788-selecting-the-right-suit-cut-for-your-body.html

Competition suit designs can vary widely depending on the suit designer, fabric type, body measurements and proportions of the competitor. Though you may be tempted to go the cheaper route and either borrow or rent a suit or purchase an off the rack suit that is not made to fit your particular body, I always recommend having a suit custom made which is cut to your measurements. Trust me, it makes a huge difference when you wear a suit that compliments your body!

Here are some basic guidelines which work for any division in which you compete.

Narrow chest: If you have a naturally narrow chest, make sure the triangle cups are spaced farther apart to give the illusion of a wider chest. You can use a crystal center connector, but make sure it is not too bulky so that the eye goes to the triangle cups and not to the center of the suit top. If you have a crystal pattern on your suit, you should select a pattern which draws the eye up and out, perhaps with lighter colored crystals on the lateral portions of the cups.

Wide chest: If your chest is extremely wide, make sure to select triangle cups which are wide enough to cover your entire breast area. If your breasts are augmented and they sit very far apart, you might want to consider a molded cup which will push your implants towards the midline and create a bit of cleavage.

Large implants: Some competitors have extremely large implants which can be distracting onstage. Your best bet is to select a full coverage top which encases your breasts completely, allowing for no side boob or under boob.

Sagging breasts: Though I am not a big fan of molded cups, sagging breasts will require some support, so molded cups are the best option in this case. Once again, if you have a lot of breast tissue, you need to make sure that your breasts are mostly covered by the suit material and are well supported by the molded cups. It looks very sloppy when a competitor with sagging breasts wears a flimsy triangle top which does not support her. Sagging breast tissue can hang over the ribcage and often obscure any serratus anterior development. Support your girls!

Small breasts: I know that many women feel rather self-conscious if they are very small-chested and usually opt to wear padded suit tops. If you are a small B to a C cup, you can purchase silicone triangle push-up pads which work beautifully in the pockets of a competition suit top. Just make sure that your suit maker puts pockets in the triangles so that you can insert the pads easily. If you are an A or AA cup or completely flat-chested, you might want to have a suit cup design which is fully padded. If you go with this option, make sure that the cups sit properly, neither too far apart nor too close together, since fully padded suit tops can easily look fake if this is not taken into consideration.

Long torso: If you have a long torso, chances are that your leg line is shorter in proportion to your torso. If this is the case, have the suit bottoms cut very high so that they sit at your waistline (unless you are a Bikini competitor, in which case you should have the bottoms sit just above your hip bones). This will give the illusion of a shorter torso and longer legs.

Short torso: If your torso is short, chances are that your legs are either of normal length or quite long. A suit bottom which sits low on the hips, below the hip bones, will create illusion of a longer torso, as will a steeper V-cut in the center of the bottoms. Bikini competitors can select a lower scooped rise in the bottoms to lengthen the torso line.
Wide trunk: If you have a very wide midsection, avoid horizontal cuts on the front of the suit bottoms and opt instead for a V-cut. The sides of the suit bottoms should sit very high to further create the illusion of a nipped-in waist.

C-section scars or saggy abdominal skin: If you have a998805 665046383515546 812080141 n C-section scar or saggy abdominal skin, choose a slightly higher rise in the suit bottoms to tuck the scar or skin in. Once you add suit adhesive at the contest, you should feel secure in the suit.

Long legs: Choose a suit bottom which sits low on the hips, below the hip bones, in order to create illusion of a longer torso and more proportionate legs.

Short legs: If you have a shorter leg line, have the suit bottoms cut very high so that they sit at your waistline (unless you are a Bikini competitor, in which case you should have the bottoms sit just above your hip bones). This will give the illusion of a shorter torso and longer legs.

Flat glutes: Some competitors have flatter glutes which can be lifted by a suit. Basically, the suit should be cut so that it holds and lifts up most of the glute area. This is usually done with the strategic placement of elastic in the bottoms so that the garment hoists everything up instead of just lying on top of the area.

Narrow hips: If you have narrow hips, you will need to select a suit bottom with a more horizontal cut which will give the illusion of a wider hip line. For a typical V-cut suit bottom, a flatter or wider cut can still be accomplished without losing the standard suit design. For the Bikini Division, you can select a suit bottom which is completely horizontal. If your hips are excessively narrow, you should opt for fabric at the hips instead of crystal or string connectors. However, many ladies who have slightly narrow hips look fantastic with crystal connectors at the sides.

Wide hips: Wider hips are best camouflaged by an exaggerated V-cut and sides which sit about an inch above the hip bones.
When you order a custom suit, make sure to send all your measurements to the suit maker along with photos to help him or her determine the most flattering cut for your body. Make sure to also bring up any body issues or concerns in advance so that they can be factored into the design of the suit.

SOCIAL MEDIA: A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD?

Original post can be found at: http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-business-fitness-modeling-and-showbiz/9773-social-media-a-double-edged-sword.html

Social Media LogosIf you are serious about competing and want to build a career in the fitness industry then you have probably been exploring the various social media platforms and trying to build your name and brand. Of course, you want to push for the most followers you can get, as well as build a fan base which boosts your credibility in the eyes of supplement companies. As your numbers grow, your name will become more well-known and you can claim – without bluffing – that you have inspired thousands of people.

However, with more followers come more problems, most commonly the jerks and the haters. I heard an interesting comment from one of my friends today, which was: “The more successful you are, the more haters you have.” I have to admit that whenever I have to deal with a hater, I am rattled by such energy and will never understand how people can go out of their way to spread negativity. I guess you can’t please everyone, and of course there are going to be those who are jealous of your physique and your success. This is when the blocking feature on numerous social platforms can and should be employed. Don’t bother trying to appease such spiritual leeches. They are not worth the trouble.

Some fans and followers (thank goodness, it is the exception and not the rule) develop a distorted perspective in which they believe that they are connected or bonded to the fitness personalities they are interested in. This quickly turns into an obsession, with the fan holding onto a sense of entitlement which can be dangerous. If such a fan feels disregarded, a cascade of psychotic behavior can ensue.

Another dangerous and disturbing situation found in social media circles is the impostor syndrome. There are individuals out there who may claim to be you, and will use your likeness, your name and your titles to build fake profiles. I am sure you have worked your ass off to get to where you are now, so it is time to do due diligence and make sure that no one is taking your good name and wearing it. The small bit of flattery which may be at play is completely eclipsed by the creepiness and the invasion of pretending to be someone else.

Thankfully, the vast majority of people are level-headed and rational. However, as your numbers grow, you must be aware of the issues which may arise and take measures to protect your name and reputation in the industry.

Where To Get A Competition Suit

These are the Pro level suits I have in my current rotation. I am already thinking about another one!

These are the Pro level suits I have in my current rotation. I am already thinking about another one!

Whether you are a brand new competitor in the Bikini Division or have been doing it for a while, you may be on the hunt for the best designers of custom competition suits. I have had many suits custom made over the years and as a result have compiled a list of companies which I believe to be the best. I have indicated which companies from which I have purchased suits, but I can also vouch for the quality of the suitmakers from which I have not yet purchased suits.

Before you begin searching for a competition suit, determine your budget first. A decent stage-appropriate suit will run anywhere from about $150 to several hundred dollars, with some particularly blingy suits exceeding $1,000.

Suits You Swimwear (http://www.suitsyouswimwear.com)

CJ’s Elite (http://cynthia-james.com/category/bikini-division) – I have many suits from this amazing designer and recommend her highly!

Ravish Sands (www.ravishsands.com) – I have ordered from this incredible designer as well. These suits are extremely blingy!

Sweet Revenge Bikinis (http://sweetrevengebikinis.com)

Jagware (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jagware-Posing-Suits-and-Bikinis/118652248159948) – I have one suit from this designer which purchased off the rack, then blinged out on my own and wore at my second Pro Bikini contest.

Saleyla (http://www.saleyla.com)

Water Babies (https://www.waterbabiesbikini.com)

Glam Girl Swimwear (http://www.glamgirlswimwear.com)

The Division Chooses You

I am always amused by women who will deny their genetics simply because they are enamored with a certain division. Some women are so stubborn that they will struggle in a division that they are clearly not suited for, getting pummeled with low placings, when all they would need to do is cross over to a different division. For example, I have met women who were clearly so muscular and thick that they were made for the more muscular divisions, but who stubbornly insisted on competing in the Bikini division because they liked the posing or the suit cuts better. I have also seen ladies competing in more muscular divisions who would place higher if they competed in a less muscular division. For this reason I honestly believe that the saying “The division chooses you” is very accurate. Pay attention to the lines of your body and what your natural tendency towards muscle gain is. Though there is a certain flavor or flair in each division, the worst thing you can do is to pick a division to compete in solely on the basis of the poses which define the division.

The first thing you need to do is look at your body type to determine where you fit in best. Generally speaking, if you have a tendency to put on and maintain an appreciable amount of muscle, you should explore the more muscular divisions. Another general rule is that symmetry, balance and proportion are important in all the divisions. If you are not sure which division you are best suited for, ask someone who truly knows what the judges are looking for in the different divisions. Let’s break down the divisions a bit more to help you determine where your genetic tendencies will ensure the best success onstage.

Bodybuilding GailBODYBUILDING: This is the most muscular of the female divisions, displaying considerable mass, clear muscle separation, very low body fat and the striated, shredded and dry look which also characterizes male bodybuilders. Bodybuilders must perform routines which incorporate certain mandatory poses to display their muscle definition and size. Typically, most women just beginning to compete will work up to this division, but a few ladies already possess the size necessary to be competitive at the local level in Bodybuilding.

DanaPHYSIQUE: This division displays less muscle density than bodybuilding, but muscle bellies are full and toned, waistlines are nipped in, and there is a natural grace which defines this division. Women who are too muscular to compete in Figure but not quite muscular enough for Bodybuilding are made for this division. Physique competitors also perform choreographed routines onstage which incorporate mandatory poses, but they must keep their hands open with “pretty hands” during their routine.

Fitness LeaFITNESS: This division is perfect for women who have strong backgrounds in gymnastics and dance with fantastic flexibility and strength. You MUST have great stage presence and personality which emerges onstage, because this division relies on those elements. Judges will evaluate flexibility, strength, technique and difficulty. If you are a dynamo onstage and can carry the mood and energy of a fun theme and costume throughout an entire routine, this division is perfect for you. There is a swimsuit round as well, during which you will be compared against the other competitors. During this round, muscle tone and definition will be assessed.

Figure ErinFIGURE: Figure competitors have less muscle than the Bodybuilding or Physique divisions, but there is still a decent amount of curvy muscle, combined with a feminine appearance. There is some muscle separation but striations are a no-no. Rounded delts, defined quads, and a nice wide back coming into a nice, small waist taper are ideal for this division. Women who do not have the athleticism or the stage presence to perform acrobatic routines onstage but who have the degree of muscularity I just described would do well in this division.

Sac Pro frontBIKINI: If you have an athletic and fit body without muscle separation, you are most likely well suited for this division. Bikini competitors are never overly muscular and do not display the delt caps or quad sweeps that the other divisions do, and muscle separation is the kiss of death in this division. However, do not be fooled into thinking that you don’t need muscle to do well in this division. As this division has progressed, a greater degree of conditioning is being rewarded. The key here is to target a tight, lean, toned physique which is still very feminine.

Fit For Stage…There Is A Difference

Original post can be found here: http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-life-inspiration-and-dedication/9699-fit-for-stage-there-is-a-difference.html
NY Pro Stage shot
We all know that the general population is pretty resistant to the idea of packing on the massive amounts of muscle which are seen in men’s and women’s bodybuilding. This has made the men’s physique and bikini divisions incredibly enticing since these divisions are represented by a lesser degree of muscularity. However, it drives me nuts when I hear people proclaim that they are going to jump onstage and compete simply because they are reasonably fit.

I am not referring to people who have realistic expectations and who understand that there is a tremendous amount of work and prep that must go into delivering a great package onstage. I am referring to the self-assured, short-sighted individual who thinks that he or she represents the division without recognizing areas which need to be fine-tuned.

I have recently heard a number of fit individuals tell me that they feel they are ready to hit the stage without any preparation or fine-tuning since, in their minds, there is no distinction between what they have to offer and what competitors work so hard to achieve. To me this is an extremely disrespectful approach to the sport.

Those of us who compete are constantly aware of the need to achieve a personal best and take being onstage and representing our divisions very seriously. We understand that the work needs to be put in if we need to round out pec development, work on taper, or fine tune our level of conditioning. So when some newbie comes along expecting to grab a spare pair of board shorts, slap on a Mystic tan and rock the stage, I can’t help but snicker. I know that the newbie who adopts such a cocky attitude can be found dejected post-contest, shocked that his fit body didn’t take down the rest of the competition.

If you have yet to compete and have yourself convinced that you have nothing to learn about the division or the culture, you need to abandon such an attitude and instead learn some humility. There are so many outstanding representatives of the sport who are willing to guide new competitors and offer constructive criticism that you would be foolish not to avail yourself of their experience and knowledge. Make the journey one in which you LEARN and GROW.

List Of 2014 Pro Bikini Events

IFBB LEGENDS PRO BIKINI CLASSIC
Feb 1st – Las Vegas, Nevada

BIKINI INTERNATIONAL
Feb 28-March 1st – Columbus, Ohio

AUSTRALIA PRO
March 7-8th – Melbourne, Australia

MUSCLECONTEST.COM PRO
March 8th – Culver City, California

ST. LOUIS PRO
March 8th – St. Louis, Missouri

NEW ZEALAND PRO
March 15th – Auckland, New Zealand

BATTLE ON THE BEACH
March 28-29th – Daytona Beach, Florida

EUROPA SHOW OF CHAMPIONS
April 11-12th – Orlando, Florida

PITTSBURGH PRO
May 3rd – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

IFBB EUROPA DALLAS
May 9-10th – Dallas, Texas

NEW YORK PRO
May 17th – New York, New York

TORONTO PRO SUPERSHOW
May 30 -31st – Toronto, Canada

IFBB DENNIS JAMES CLASSIC
May 31st – Phoenix, Arizona

IFBB NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PRO BIKINI
June 7th – California
Promoter: Ted Williamson/John Tuman

GREATER GULF STATES
June 20-21st – New Orleans, Louisiana

IFBB PATRIOTS PRO BIKINI CLASSIC
July 5th – Las Vegas, Nevada

TAMPA PRO BODYBUILDING WEEKLY CHAMPIONSHIPS
August 8-9th – Tampa, Florida

ORANGE COUNTY MUSCLE CLASSIC
August 9th – Culver City, California

IFBB DALLAS PRO
August 16 – Dallas, Texas

ST. LOUIS PRO
August 23rd – St.Louis, Missouri

IFBB PITTSBURGH MASTERS PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
August 30th – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

BIKINI OLYMPIA
September 19-20th – Las Vegas, Nevada

IFBB KOREAN PRO
September 27th- Korea

EVL’S PRAGUE PRO
October 4th – Prague, Czech Republic

IFBB NORDIC PRO
October 11th – Lahti, Finland

FORT LAUDERDALE CUP
October 18th – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

EUROPA PHOENIX
October 25-26th – Phoenix, Arizona

SACRAMENTO PRO
October 30-November 1st – Sacramento, California

IFBB IOWA PRO
November 8th – Davenport, Ohio

IFBB IRONGAMES PRO
November 8th – Culver City, California

IFBB TIJUANA PRO
November 14-15th– Tijuana, Mexico

IFBB RUSSIAN PRO
November 28-29th– Russia

IFBB FERRIGNO LEGACY
November 28-29th – Santa Barbara, California

Getting Bitten Again

I honestly thought that my thirst for competing would fizzle out once I earned my Pro Card. It took five years of competing before that coveted goal was met, and I was exhausted from repeatedly hitting the national NPC contest circuit every year. Yet as soon as I hit the Pro stage in Sacramento and Culver City this month, I felt that same drive to compete that I always felt as an amateur. That same challenge to reach a personal best took hold of me, only this time, the stakes were raised significantly. However, even with a low placing, I will always be a Pro no matter what. I have a realistic viewpoint of my potential performance as a Pro, and as a result, I want to make sure that I have a BLAST competing from this point. If the elements all line up, I would love to do one or two international Pro shows next year, and perhaps do a couple of East Coast Pro events. There are a total of THIRTY Pro Bikini contests in 2014, so it will be a banner year for the division!

My Pro debut...here with Amanda Latona

My Pro debut…here with Amanda Latona