Tag weightlifting

Foam Rollers

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JFT-20-0617 EVA High Density Foam Rollers_main
If you have not used a foam roller to massage tight muscles before, you might want to explore their ability to release muscle tension. When you use a foam roller, your body weight provides the pressure which releases tension in tight muscles on the back, legs and other body regions. These clever rollers can also be used during exercise to increase balance. There is a wide selection of rigidity, size, and shape available in foam rollers today, each designed for different tasks or body regions. Some foam rollers even have ridges which are excellent for trigger points or particularly hypertonic tissues.

If you are primarily interested in using a foam roller for releasing tension knots in your muscles, you probably should opt for a greater degree of firmness. However, if you are the type of person who doesn’t enjoy deep pressure when getting massages, you might want to opt for a softer roller. The more basic types of foam rollers are usually color coded according to firmness, with the following designations:

WHITE – The softest
BLUE or GREEN – Moderate density
BLACK – The firmest

If you are truly new to foam rolling, you might want to start with a white one, then switch up to a greater degree of firmness later. However, if you are like me and need a good amount of pressure to release muscle tension, the other colors will confer greater firmness and also will be more sturdy and durable. You should also select a firmer roller if you plan to use it often, and if you plan to lie on it frequently during exercise.

As for shape, you may choose a half-dome roller so that the roller will not roll out from under you, or you may choose a full-dome roller if you really want to manipulate tense tissues by rolling on it while using the weight of your body. If you plan to take a roller with you to the gym, pilates or yoga classes, you can purchase a roller which is shorter in length, perhaps 12 or 24 inches as opposed to the full 36 inch length which is most commonly seen.

I Am Proud To Be A MAW Sponsored Athlete!

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For the cleanest and tastiest meals, look no further than MAW Nutrition Inc.! I am so honored and grateful for the opportunity to promote this company, and can tell you first hand that the food is exceptionally delicious and completely guilt free!

Check them out at http://www.mawnutritioninc.com/ and be sure to enter my discount code: NAITO10 for 10% off your order!

Fun Images From The San Jose Fit Expo June 13-14th, 2015

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You know it's going to be a great weekend when this truck pulls in to pick you up!

You know it’s going to be a great weekend when this truck pulls in to pick you up!


The SWAT Fuel booth at the San Jose Fit Expo

The SWAT Fuel booth at the San Jose Fit Expo


It's always good to see James Ellis and David Kimmerle!

It’s always good to see James Ellis and David Kimmerle!


With the wonderful Renee Watroba

With the wonderful Renee Watroba


Flanked by Mr. Olympias! Phil Heath and Jay Cutler

Flanked by Mr. Olympias! Phil Heath and Jay Cutler


With Sean Sarantos

With Sean Sarantos

No Wind In The Sails?

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Switch OFF

Original post can be found at:

http://www.sportsnutritionsupplementguide.com/health-wellness/men-s-health/item/1509-no-wind-in-the-sails#.VYHDM_lViko

Erectile Dysfunction

The fact that erectile dysfunction is far more prevalent than people want to admit to underscores the importance of discussing the topic, especially within the fitness and bodybuilding world. For some men, the explanation could be flagging testosterone levels, while with others, the use of anabolic steroids can significantly interfere with sexual performance.

Other causes of erectile dysfunction include idiopathic low testosterone levels, alcohol abuse, obesity, smoking, prostate issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Such medical issues are exacerbated by the use of anabolic substances, especially when cycled over an extended period of time. If a man is experiencing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, a full history and physical should be performed along with lab work to determine the probable cause of the dysfunction. It is also critical for the sufferer to disclose the use of any anabolic agents or over the counter testosterone boosters, since any of those substances can interfere with normal sexual function.

It is important to bear in mind that when exogenous (outside of the body) testosterone is used, the body’s own production of endogenous testosterone ceases. This might be acceptable for the man who is suffering from clinically low serum testosterone, since he is truly unable to manufacture the amount of testosterone necessary for normal male function, but there are men out there with normal testosterone levels who foolishly decide to supplement with exogenous testosterone in an effort to glean the energy and mass boosting benefits which it promises. What often happens is that libido and physiological sexual response take a nosedive.

Other culprits in the loss of sexual function include anabolic substances, T3, diuretics, and estrogen blockers. Yes, that’s right…the substances which bodybuilders often turn to in order to optimize muscle growth will often rob them of the ability to perform sexually or even have any inkling of sexual desire. While some men might not care about such a loss of desire or function, others are devastated. A bodybuilder might have such a “nose to the grindstone” type of attitude with respect to training that he might not address the issue until a frustrated partner decides to bring the issue up and demands that he address it.

So why is testosterone so important anyway? Testosterone is a vital component in the production of erections. Though this is overly simplified, low testosterone essentially often equates with poor erectile response. Another phenomenon which occurs is that low testosterone levels abolish the ability of the body to aromatize some of the testosterone to estrogen, which activates the brain’s sexual arousal centers and also causes a corresponding vasodilation in the male member.

The great irony in all of this is that bodybuilders who look like they are the ideal representation of virility are often sexually debilitated as a result of androgen manipulation. When anabolic agents are taken over the long term, natural testosterone production plummets, the testes atrophy and erectile dysfunction often results.

For bodybuilders and non-athletes alike, the key is to obtain bloodwork from a physician who is experienced in diagnosing endocrine disorders. For non-athletes, serum studies are often more straight forward and reveal either low testosterone, high serum glucose, high cholesterol, or abnormal thyroid function. In contrast, a serum panel for a bodybuilder who has been flirting with anabolics for an extended period of time may have a cold dose of reality after seeing the results. At any rate, it is well worth the effort to ferret out the root cause of erectile issues.

My Client And Me After Her First National Qualification

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Check out this happy photo of my client Wanda Padilla on May 24th last year at the NPC California State Championships which was her very first event. She took a third place finish in Novice Bikini B (over 5’2″ to 5’4″) and a fifth place finish in Open Bikini C (over 5’2.5″ to 5’4″). She waited for a year before stepping onstage, and chose the same event to compete at this year. The difference with 2015 is that her placings improved: she took second place finishes in both Novice Bikini B (over 5’2″ to 5’4″) and Open Bikini C (over 5’2.5″ to 5’4″). These placings re-qualified her for National events!

Wanda is the third woman from the left in the gold bikini.

Wanda is the third woman from the left in the gold bikini.

Wanda is a hard worker, committed and focused, and I have no doubt that she will earn her Pro Card in this sport! I am very proud of her and honored to be her coach!

Only ONE Suit Left For Sale!

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Stacey

This GORGEOUS gold competition suit is the last Bikini division bikini I have available! It is a heavily crystallized Ravish Sands suit with bubble luxe crystals, rhinestone xonnectors on the top, and rhinestone and gold chain connectors on the bottoms. This suit is unique and absolutely stunning! For fit reference, I am 5’5″ and 118 pounds onstage, 34D, 34 inch hips, size zero.

I wore this suit to only one Pro event. I have been reluctant to sell this suit, but I realize that my competition days may be over, so there is no sense holding onto so many suits. I have had a total of NINETEEN suits made, and I still have four of the suits I wore onstage in the past in my personal collection. One is in a shadowbox, one is in my bikini bin for photo shoots, and two are in rotation for any competitions in case I get bitten by the bug to step onstage.

Original price paid for this beauty was $550.

PRICE: $300

Serious inquiries, please message me either through here or via stacey@staceynaito.com

Personal Fitness Training Is 90% Motivation

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I will never discount the value of a skilled fitness trainer, because I know the importance of having a strong foundation of knowledge in exercise principles and the ability to demonstrate proper form on exercises. However, all trainers must develop the ability to motivate their clients if they are to maintain a certain level of success in taking their clients to the next level and helping them to ultimately reach fitness goals.

I have to laugh when I see trainers who are basically just really good at counting when they are with their clients. One trainer I know of spends the entire session time blabbing on and on about all of his personal business, never instructing his clients, putting them on no-brainer machines, then interrupting his boring personal stories to count out reps. IMMEDIATELY after the client is done with a set, the trainer continues with his story! This has occurred, without fail, every single time I have been near him when he was at the gym training a client. In addition, he is overweight and has never once worked out at the gym in the eleven years I have seen him there! It blows my mind that he even has clients, because he does absolutely nothing whatsoever to motivate them. In addition, his clients NEVER transform.

A trainer should be a cheerleader for clients, encouraging, motivating and challenging them. It isn’t enough to hold clients accountable for showing up for training sessions. Great trainers motivate clients to continue with consistent healthy choices both in and out of the gym. Great trainers also lead by example, and focus on their clients instead of wasting energy during a training session by talking about themselves. Whenever I am training a client and the client asks me personal questions, my answers are brief and punctuated with, “I’ll tell you more after the training session is over”. How can I expect my clients to focus on their workout routines if I spend time gossiping about my personal life? I honestly think that there should be a veil of mystery when it comes to a trainer’s personal life in order to preserve the trainer-client relationship. Though the trainer-client rapport is very important, I firmly believe that the focus should ALWAYS be on the client. After all, the client is the one paying for the expertise of the trainer, and deserves to be the center of attention for the 55 minutes allotted.

Finding That Perfect Suit Is Like Finding The Perfect Wedding Gown…

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Ever since I began competing in bodybuilding contests in 2009, I have had a fixation on suits. My fixation became a bit extreme during the time I was chasing after an IFBB Pro Card, and resulted in the purchase of a total of NINETEEN suits from 2009 through 2014!

Here is the breakdown of all the suits I bought each year:

2009:
Luli Fama off-the-rack suit – Bought through Victoria’s Secret Catalog. Wore for my first contest.
Royal blue Fresh Peaches custom suit – Wore this at Tournament of Champions.
White and silver Fresh Peaches custom suit – Wore this at Border States.
Black Fresh Peaches custom suit – Wore this at NPC Nationals.
Lilac Fresh Peaches custom suit – Wore this at Excalibur.

2010:
Slate blue hologram print Fresh Peaches custom suit – Wore this at Emerald Cup.
Purple leopard print Fresh Peaches custom suit – Never wore this one.
Zebra print Fresh Peaches custom suit – Wore this at Team Universe.
Tiger print Fresh Peaches custom suit – Never wore this one.
Deep blue shatterglass effect Fresh Peaches custom suit – Wore this at USA, Jr. USA, IFBB North American, NPC Nationals.

2011:
Blue Maison Lyle custom suit – Never wore this one.
Peacock custom suit made by me – Wore this at Team Universe, Master’s Nationals, IFBB North American, NPC Nationals.

2012:
Peach Tamee Marie cusstom suit – Never wore this one.
Red CJ’s Elite custom suit – Wore this at NPC Pittsburgh, Team Universe, Master’s Nationals.
Green CJ’s Elite custom suit – Wore this at IFBB North American. (I also wore this at both Pro contests I did in 2014).

2013:
Light blue CJ’s Elite custom suit – Wore this at NPC Metropolitan.
Tangerine CJ’s Elite custom suit – Wore this at Team Universe, Sac Pro.
Iris blue Jagware competition suit – Wore this at Irongames Pro.

2014:
Gold Ravish Sands custom suit – Wore this at Dennis James Classic Pro, Nor Cal Pro.
Bikini Front
I no longer have a fixation on buying the “perfect” suit and have sold most of my suits. However, there are a few suits I will never get rid of, for various reasons:
Zebra print Fresh Peaches custom suit – This suit turned out to be great for photo shoots.
Tiger print Fresh Peaches custom suit – This suit also turned out to be great for photo shoots.

This was from IFBB North American in Cleveland, Ohio in 2012. I hadn't seen this image until now! That was an amazing contest for me, in which I took a First Place Finish in Open Bikini C, beating out 27 other young ladies. I was 45 there!

This was from IFBB North American in Cleveland, Ohio in 2012. I hadn’t seen this image until now! That was an amazing contest for me, in which I took a First Place Finish in Open Bikini C, beating out 27 other young ladies. I was 45 there!

Peacock custom suit made by me – I have this suit in a shadowbox because I am very proud of the fact that I made this myself and took three first place national finishes in this suit.
Green CJ’s Elite custom suit – This is now my backup suit for IFBB Pro events.
Tangerine CJ’s Elite custom suit – I won my IFBB Pro Card in this suit and will never get rid of it due to its sentimental value. In addition, this is my main suit for IFBB Pro events.

I completely understand now the quest for a perfect suit can turn into an obsession! Over the years I managed to buy suits in green, various shades of blue, white, black, lilac, blue-purple, animal prints, peacock, peach, tangerine, red, and gold! Sometimes colors which look amazing on some competitors might not look as good on you, or maybe the color is perfect, but the cut isn’t quite right. I enjoyed trying out different colors and suitmakers, but I don’t think it was sensible at all for me to buy so many suits! Clearly I was a bit fickle about competition suits, hence the constant switching from one suit to another.

The entire process of selecting a suit is quite similar to the process of hunting for the perfect wedding gown. Yet even when I was searching for a wedding gown, I didn’t invest nearly as much time in that search, partially because I abhor shopping, but also because I was on a very limited budget when I shopped for a wedding gown. It was 1998 and I was in medical school, living off medical school loans, and paying for the entire wedding. What is amazing to me is that I have paid more for some competition suits than I paid for my wedding dress!

Believe it or not, I am still pondering the idea of having just “one more suit” made, but I keep pushing the idea aside because I know that would be frivolous. I know several competitors who struggle with the same suit frenzy that I have dealt with over the past eight years. Instead of spending major coin buying a bunch of different suits, you might want to consider just buying a couple of suits, one main suit and a backup suit. Your impulse may be to choose a favorite color to wear onstage, but make sure that the color/shade you choose looks good with your complexion and hair color! I have made that mistake a couple of times and ended up looking less than my best as a result. If you are indecisive, the massive selection of fabrics and connectors can be dizzying, so take your time when trying to decide on all the details. My absolute favorite suit designer is CJ’s Elite, not only because her suits always fit like a dream, but also because she has an extensive fabric and connector selection and is an amazing woman.

For those of you who want to try to save some money, a good option is to purchase used suits from a fellow competitor. I have two bikini division suits and a figure division suit for sale on my contest prep site: http://cutcurves.com/Storefront.php