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SALE at the Weider Pro Shop @ Sunway Pyramid

Personal Trainer Gifts Money Cannot Buy - Testimonies and Referrals

Eating Tips for the Holidays - with a twist

1. About those carrot sticks. Avoid them. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls. 2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it’s rare. In fact, it’s even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can’t find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip?? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnogaholic or something. It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It’s later than you think. It’s Christmas! 3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat. 4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission. 5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people’s food. Lots of it. Hello? 6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog. 7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes - you can’t leave them behind. You’re not going to see them again. 8. Same for pies? Apple? Pumpkin? Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert?? Labor Day? 9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards! 10. And one final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Reread tips. Start over.

FitnessBliss Bells - Fitness Software for Dumbbell Exercises

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine introduced me to a piece of software called FitnessBliss Bells, and wanted me to review it and share my opinion.

FitnessBliss Bells is part of the FitnessBliss suite of software - FitnessBliss (for fitness enthusiasts), FitnessBliss Pro (for Personal Trainers), FitnessBliss Bow (for Bowflex users), FitnessBliss Cross (for CrossBow users) and FitnessBliss Bells (dumbbell exercises).

FitnessBliss Bells, as stated above, is specifically tailored for dumbbell exercises - and no, it does not do the exercises for you. In a nutshell, FitnessBliss Bells (let’s call it FBB for short, shall we?) is a piece of software that helps you to come up with your dumbbell workout routine based on your preferences, such as:
- your goals
- desired muscle group to exercise for the day
- availability of workout equipment

and then print out a fully illustrated copy of your personalised routine. The printed sheets have detailed instructions to execute the exercise, useful tips to execute them, and a reminder of the muscles being targeted for every workout. Besides the obvious dumbbell weight training exercises, the software also allows you to include in your routine your choice of cardio workouts and dynamic/static stretches for before and after your workout. FBB also has a progress log that you can use to track your progress as time goes by - progress is an excellent motivator as it allows you to measure real progress - it should be part of every effective workout routine. Or, if you like, you could also choose from a number of pre-configured workout routines to add some variety to your own routine.

FBB is ideal for those who prefer the variety of dumbbells, and even those who own a home gym, or the majority of you who have a pair of dumbbells lying around at home. In my opinion, FBB would be pretty helpful to those who are inclined to learn/grasp things better visually, and to those who are new to working out with dumbbells.

There are 3 different ways that people tend to learn from - some learn through experience/kinesthetic methods (trying out the exercise for themselves), some people learn effectively by listening to step-by-step instructions, and then there are those who learn more effectively visually. FitnessBliss Bells is something that would prove more useful to those who are more inclined to learn visually.

Honestly, I don’t think that a seasoned fitness pro would be the kind of person using such a tool. In my opinion, FBB can prove to be really useful during one’s early stages of weight training - helping to increase the variety of exercises performed and also helping to create a more structured workout routine.

Just like the amount of detail and care that has gone into authoring the software, the website too has a detailed explanation on all of the features I’ve mentioned, and much MORE. Also, there is a fully functional demo available for download for FREE at the site, so you’ve got no excuse NOT to try it - you’ve got nothing to lose.

Look around your gym anytime, and you’ll notice that the dumbbell racks are always much less of a favourite among gym goers - and people tend to stick to machines and barbells. Thought there’s nothing wrong there, you should know that exercising with dumbbells has its many benefits as well (improved balance/coordination, greater recruitment of stabilizing muscles, greater variety, etc). And if you’re wondering what I’m wondering… well, YES, it IS possible to get a complete body workout just with dumbbells alone.

If you’re serious about making fitness part of your lifestyle, investing in a set of decent dumbbells can also be a cost effective way of building a decent home gym that will cater to your needs.

Above all - don’t forget that an excellent piece of software or a shiny pair of dumbbells alone will not get your body well toned and in great shape - you will need to adhere to your program, have the discipline to weight train and do your cardio workouts regularly, and eat a healthy and balanced diet. That.. is the ultimate key to experience results.

6 Bad Stomach Exercise Habits You Should Avoid

Why You Should Exercise To Flatten Your Stomach

How To Choose Best Stomach Exercises for You

The Post-Partum Tummy Routine - Tummy Exercises for the New Mom

Review - Directory of Gold’s Gyms at GymTicket.com

The following is a sponsored review:

Finding a gym thats ‘compatible’ with you may take a bit of time. With the abundance of choices we have around us nowadays, it can also be a pretty daunting task. What makes Gym A better than Gym B? Besides the difference in location, we really can’t tell from the outside, can we? We need to see for ourselves - to touch, to get a feel of, and to experience it. There’s no better way to assess the health club than to see it for yourself. That is why all gyms today would gladly allow for you take a tour for free, and most would even accomodate you and a bunch of friends to have a trial - all you need to do is ask. ;)

Even then, it may still be tough and time consuming finding a gym you really love, and not every first try will be a perfect fit.

I was asked to review Gymticket’s Directory of Gold’s Gyms throughout the United States. The directory has a whopping 20,000 gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers listed and allows you to search for a gym by the company (brand), location, specialty, etc. Such a tool can really be useful (especially when there are gyms at every corner of your country!), and would help you narrow down your choices, and perhaps even uncover gyms in locations convenient to you that you would have otherwise never known or thought about. Browsing the sub-directory of Gold’s Gyms will narrow down your results to all the Gold’s Gyms in the areas you’re looking at.

It’s unfortunate that us Malaysians don’t have such a service, and can’t even if we wanted to! No way would we be able to have anything CLOSE to 10,000 clubs listed in the directory - the fitness industry is nowhere near that mature here. A directory with 100 outlets wouldn’t really be of much use… don’t you think? A concept like GymTicket could never work for Malaysia… at least not anytime soon.

It’s not easy, and its hard to come across reviews and information about a particular gym. If you’re like me, you too would look up the Internet for more information on anything we’re interested in. Gym reviews are something that is lacking everywhere. I’ve written a couple of Gym Reviews myself previously, and I know that it has been beneficial to many and has certainly influenced their decision too. The directory at Gymticket.com also has gym reviews - a huge plus.

Information on price compared to other gyms, the various amenities, club operation hours, and other details that might influence your decision on the gym you choose. The directory also categorizes the gyms by location so you can browse the directory by the state you live in - it then drills down to show you a map to the gym you’ve looked up. I feel that Gymticket can take away alot of the frustration that’s sometimes involved in looking for a gym - and when your country has over 20,000 facilities to choose from - it can be a very very difficult task.

My word of advice to any gym seeker - ALWAYS choose a gym that is located in a place that is CONVENIENT for you. I live 40 kilometers away from the gym I regularly frequent - but it is convenient for me because it is very close to my workplace, which is where I am 5 days out of the week, and the chances for me being close to the gym is very high. Always look for a gym that is accessible to you easily - if your gym is a 30 minute drive away.. chances are very high that you wouldn’t drive all the way for a workout, and you’ll end up slacking off. Believe me.

Real Life Stories - The Size of Your Breasts

In this post, dailymuscle.com reader Jennifer relates her personal experience and shares her thoughts on women constantly feeling dissatisfied with the size of their breasts.

I’m in the smaller category myself - sometimes an A cup, sometimes a B cup, depending on labels and such. I admit there were times when I wished they were bigger (puberty, anyone?), but I really don’t anymore. I am totally against teenage plastic surgery (except in really extreme cases - say, you have a nose the size of Ayer’s rock), because did anyone REALLY like his/her body over the teenage years? If yes, I’ll give you a medal, heh. Honestly, judging a woman by her breasts is as insane as judging men by penis size alone *rolls eyes*. I don’t feel inadequate about small(er) and/or natural breasts. I like mine. They’re well-proportioned and firm. So there.

In fact, this comes from someone who has run two half marathons and does quite a lot of exercise, I can’t imagine having a bigger chest than what I’ve got. It would just be hindering my activities, and I don’t fancy a bad back or cow’s tits when I’m older. My friend is a DD cup and she’s thinking about a reduction for the same reasons.

Sure, there are occasions when, say, a C cup would look quite nice - ballroom gowns, or tank tops. But as someone said earlier, with a “good” bra you can get there if the occasion asks for it… but stuffing myself with implants when I’m perfectly healthy? *shudders*

However, breast augmentation/reconstruction after for example cancer treatment I do find acceptable. but that’s different, I guess.

I just stumbled across this site by accident, and wow, I must say that I’m happy to come across comments by some thoughtful and most of all respectful piece of writing about this from guys. Seems like I’m not the only one who is so fed up with the size question. Or should I say… obsession?

DM says:

Many women are afraid to exercise and weight train simply because they have the misconception that working out will make their chest look like a man. That is far from the truth. You see, when done correctly… weight training actually makes a woman’s chest look more feminine.

Picture your favourite actress right now… let me assure you that there’s a 99% chance that she weight trains. Almost all Hollywood celebrities (who have added fuel to the entire breast size dilemma as well) do engage in some sort of physical exercise to help them look the way they are today… So why not you? Why then should you be afraid?

Supplements To Aid In Your Fat Loss Training

In this post, Angie Schumacher from http://www.womensdietandfitness.com explains how you can utilize supplements to aid you in your fat loss goals!

Supplements are great additions to an already good nutrition and training program. Nutrition and training are the most important components of a exercise program, with rest and recovery next to them. Once all of those aspects of your program are maximized, then you can start thinking of adding supplements to your program.

Please understand that supplements do not make up for improper training, or lack thereof, or a low quality diet. Supplements only work when your diet and your training program are optimal. Here are some of the most used supplements and also supplements that I have used or am using:

Whey Protein - Whey protein isolate has long been regarded as the best quality, most bioavailable protein source ever discovered. Being a very fast absorbing protein, whey is the immediate choice supplement for immediate use right after workouts. It aids in rebuilding and building muscle after a hard workout.

L-Glutamine - L-Glutamine the most abundant amino acid in muscle cells. It is released from the muscle during times of stress (such as hard weight training workouts) and dieting. This amino acid protects the muscle from the catabolic activities of the hormone cortisol. Due to its anti-catabolic properties and the fact that it accelerates glycogen synthesis after a workout, glutamine is best taken 20-30 minutes after a workout with a protein shake. On days that you don’t workout, just take it with your last protein shake of the day.

BCAA - BCAA (branched chain amino acids) maximize anabolic activity. BCAA’s limit the excretion of nitrogen which assist the protein synthesis in muscle. BCAA’s help the muscles to reduce breakdown or catabolism. These are the essential aminos, leucine, isoleucine and valine. With BCAA’s 4-8 frams before a workout and 4-8 grams after is optimal. Lesser amounts are effective, but if increased performance and recovery are needed a higher dosage is more effective. Taking BCAA’s immediately before or during a strenuous workout or cardio session will increase performance.

Chromium Picolinate - is needed to help the body maintain proper insulin function. It is an important supplement for athletes because intense training and/or calorie restriction can cause chromium depletion. Recent research suggest that chromium can reduce carbohydrate cravings and assist in weight loss. 200Mcg with a post workout mean and with breakfast on day off.

Fish Oil - Fish Oil is a natural source of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). Omega-3 is an important nutrient for maintaining a healthy brain and nervous system. Fish Oils themselves are said to contribute to healthy heart function and joint flexibility as well as supporting brain, nerve, and visual function. Take 2 servings of fish oil a day to help with fat loss.

Multi-vitamin - Multivitamin and mineral supplements are perhaps the most important single supplement that can be consumed by bodybuilders and athletes. If your body is deficient in just one of the essential vitamins and minerals over a thousand chemical and enzymatic processes in your body could be impaired. Each and every vitamin and mineral is responsible for thousands of biochemical reactions, including the formation of hormones. Bottom line? If you don’t use a good multivitamin and mineral formula you will never reach your fullest potential.

This is just a the tip of the iceberg when it comes to supplements. There are thousands of them out there, you just need to find which ones will benefit you most and give them a try!

DM says:

Angie Schumacher is a successful fitness entrepreneur both in online and offline areas. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and diet and fitness website manager. She authors a great blog where she unleashes her passion in this area. For more diet and fitness tips, head over to her site at http://www.womensdietandfitness.com.

We’ll all be hearing more from Angie soon.

And look out for my next writeup.. where I review what I believe to be the greatest energy and fat loss supplement I’ve ever tried… and I’ve got proof! And yes.. it’s available here in Malaysia at an affordable price! Stay tuned.

Real Life Stories - The 300 Movie Workout Experience

In this post, Dave C, one of my readers, relates his experience with kettlebell training and his attempts to try out the 300 workout routine - recently made popular by the movie 300.

I’ve been working out, cycling, circuits, running etc. for years. The gym I go to is small and owned by a friend so over the last couple of years I’ve convinced him to get a kettlebell, some high & low rings as additional equipment.

Last week on Friday, the workout was the 300 workout for those that felt up to it. I tried it but focused on finishing rather then on time. I took 44 minutes & I was wiped. Today, after a weekend off, I hit it again but this time I worked on speed. I managed to complete it in 27 minutes. The last 25 pullups were murder. I’m 46, male, and I eat pretty good. I usually get 1g of protein per lb, I’m 6′3″ and weigh 195lbs. I’m not saying this workout was easy, far from it, but it’s doable. The 20 minutes is not something I’ll ever get down to though. My time today was probably as good as I’ll get… I didn’t see much time I could have cut off. Maybe if I get better at pullups I can improve.

As far as preparing for this workout, I added components of the 300 into my regular workouts for the past year. So I’d do floor wipers (the hardest part of the 300 IMO) or kettlebell presses in sets of 25 so when I tried the 300 I’d be familiar with them and my body would be able to handle the stress.

In the end the cardio stress was greater then the muscle stress. It’s hard to move from exercise to exercise without taking a long break, as each exercise forces you to work to exhaustion 2-3x.

Publicity photo from movie ‘300′
(Credit: Warner Bros.)

Be sure to read my post: The 300 Movie Workout - What We All Overlooked for more insight and my thoughts on the challenging 300 Workout Routine.

DM says:

As you can see from Dave’s experience… the 300 Routine, or components of the routine can be fit into your existing workout routine for that extra bump in intensity and perhaps even breathe a refreshing change into a stale routine. Just because we can’t perform the entire routine, does not mean that we don’t even try!

Anyone else out there having fun with their kettlebells?

Terry Fox - Running After a Hero

Terrance Stanley Fox, or Terry Fox as he is fondly known became famous for running the incredible run across Canada in 1980 called the Marathon of Hope, to raise funds for cancer research. If you think that’s no big deal.. then you probably do not realise that he actually ran the marathon with one prosthetic leg. His leg was amputated due to cancer. He was 18 when he was diagnosed with bone cancer.

He was inspired to run the ‘Marathon of Hope’ just the night before his right leg was amputated, after reading about an amputee who ran the New York City Marathon. He trained for 18 months and ran with his prosthetic leg for 143 consecutive days covering 5,373km (he ran approximately 42km everyday)! However, Terry was forced to abruptly end his run after discovering that his cancer had returned. Terry Fox died a month before his 23rd birthday on June 28, 1981, but his inspiring spirit lives on till today in the annual Terry Fox Run.

Here in Malaysia, every year, money raised from the Terry Fox Run is donated to a cancer research organization. This money raised for the 2007 run this year goes to the Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF) - a non-profit cancer research organization.

The Terry Fox run is a non-competitive run, and is open to all organizations and individuals of all ages. Even toddlers are welcome. Just be there on that day, buy the T-shirt and donate as much as you can. No registration is involved. You can run for 5km or 10km. You need not even run – you can walk, cycle, skate, roller blade or take part in a wheelchair.

You can also support Terry’s vision to raise funds for cancer research by purchasing the t-shirts (I’ve got mine already). For information on purchasing the T-Shirts, visit the organiser’s site.

Cancer is a terrible degenerative disease. A friend from my church had his leg amputated about 5 years ago, and just recently, his pathologist confirmed that the cancer he had, fibrosarcoma, has had a recurrence. He has been scheduled to undergo an operation called hemipelvectomy (also called transpelvic amputation) in University Hospital, Malaysia. Another friend of mine just lost his mother to this terrible disease a couple of weeks ago.

We can’t run away from the reality of things like these when it happens to us - but how many of us can get inspired to achieve something when we undergo such trying times? Terry Fox is proof that the human spirit can conquer the greatest odds.

I don’t feel that this is unfair. That’s the thing about cancer. I’m not the only one, it happens all the time to people. I’m not special. This just intensifies what I did. It gives it more meaning. It’ll inspire more people. I just wish people would realise that anything’s possible if you try; dreams are made possible if you try.” – Terry Fox (1958-1981)

My Nike+ Experience and iPod Sports Kit Review

For the past week, I’ve had the chance to experience Nike+, which I’ve previously only seen a number of people using, especially during the huge promo earlier this year in Fitness First where Nike had free Trial Sessions for people to try out Nike+ for themselves.

If you’re wondering what Nike+ is – it’s basically the combination of the Nike Plus Sports Kit, a Nike+ pair of shoes, and of course – Apple’s iPod Nano. The sports kit consists of a receiver you connect to your iPod Nano, and a small, oval shaped sensor (a piezoelectric accelerometer) that you insert under the sockliner of your Nike Footwear. Nike+ is the unique combination of these items, working together to be your ‘workout partner’ (though I’d like to personally call it a motivator) that will give you live feedback on the progress of your run!

With the receiver plugged into your iPod – you can now keep track of your running pace, distance, and calories burned for all your previous running sessions. I’ve always been able to keep track of my weight training progress – and now, I’ve got a neat way to keep track of my runs too.

Music has always been something I simply CANNOT DO WITHOUT when I’m at the gym, and I even talked about The Mental Influence of Music at the Gym back in June 2006. Powerful workout music has always given me that extra push when I’ve needed it, especially when it comes to getting my cardio sessions over with (which is difficult for most of us unless we’re really excited about running?). So now when Nike and Apple came along with something that was DESIGNED to do exactly that… how can I NOT take notice?

My Experience with Nike+
My first run using Nike+ was one week ago. Although I covered only 1.64km, it was great fun as I didn’t know what to expect during my run. Upon completion of my run today morning, it was REALLY NEAT to hear feedback via my earphones from Lance Armstrong (seven-time Tour de France champion), saying “This is Lance Armstrong - Congratulations, that was your longest workout yet!”

I don’t think it’s cheesy – I like it and I think it’s a great idea to feature motivational feedback from real athletes – a great ending to your workout.

The COOLEST feature – Spoken Feedback!
With Nike+, my iPod Nano now becomes my running coach and personal motivator – giving me spoken feedback through my earphones every time the center button is pressed (no need for me to look down at the screen during my run). Yes, it talks to you! The spoken feedback is also heard at regular intervals depending on the type of workout I’ve chosen before I begin running- there is a choice to measure progress via distance, time, or by calories burned. Also, you get to choose between hearing from a male or female feedback voice. I did try the male voice out, hoping to hear a deep, stern, and serious voice – something really motivating… however, the voice wasn’t something I expected to hear – so I decided to stick to the female voice for now.

An Online Community to keep track of progress
Once you’re done with your workout, you can then sync your iPod with iTunes – specifically your workout data which is then displayed separately in iTunes.

*iTunes even has a ‘Sports’ selection and allows you to purchase music designed for use with your workouts

With your iPod docked and synced with iTunes, you can see your latest workout’s time, distance, average pace, and calories burned, as well as a workout history. iTunes can also automatically send all this information to the Nike+ Online Community (free to register) where you will be able to view line graphs of every run you’ve completed, displaying average speed, and more. The graphs are gorgeous and allow you to visually track your progress and performance. I find this to be one of Nike+’ s greatest strengths.

Logging into my nikeplus account today, I’m able to see that I have run a total of 8.4km in 3 days – This is information that I’ve never been able to utilize before – but now I can.

Why I would recommend Nike+
The last time I remember having fun running around was probably when I was a little carefree kid, running around barefooted in the dirt causing mischief. Years after that… running only became a bore… something I sometimes felt ‘forced’ to do as part of my lifestyle. Nike+ changed all of that for me and made running fun once again.

This is something you need to experience for yourself. Runners or walkers, whether casual or serious, will find lots to like in the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. It is easy enough to use even for beginning runners, and serious enough for competitive runners.

I have YET to try out my Nike+ in the great outdoors, where I believe it would prove even more useful – unlike running on a treadmill, it’s pretty tough to measure distance and progress when you’re running outside.

Nike+ is also a fantastic extension of the iPod’s usefulness, making it more than just an MP3 player and more relevant to us fitness enthusiasts. I love it for its workout statistics capability - I love being able to know that I’ve run 8.4km over the past 3 days just as much as I love knowing that this site received 35,000 page views last month.

Here in Malaysia, I’ve been told that Nike is currently running a promotion at 3 Nike stores – Mid Valley, 1 Utama and KLCC where customers who buy a pair of Nike+ enabled shoes are entitled to a FREE Nike+ Sport Kit. All you need to do is download the voucher from www.nikeplus.com.my. The promotion runs till end October - that gives you 7 days to go out and get it!

If you’re still not convinced… just remember this - it WILL motivate you to run harder and more often than you normally would. Now… tell me that’s not good enough for you?

If you still can’t grasp how cool the Nike+ System is… then check out the video below:

Five Fitness Websites You Can’t Live Without

Everyone has their personal preference when it comes to their favourite websites/blogs they like to frequent. Everett from firstpagefitness.com tagged me on his blog to list the Five Fitness websites I can’t live without. I do actually have a bunch.. and until I came across his post on his blog.. I never really sat down and thought about it.

These resources have been my ’staple diet’ for a long time, some for many years now.

So here is my list of Five Fitness Websites I Can’t Live Without:

1. Bodybuilding.com Forums (http://forum.bodybuilding.com)
2. Tom Venuto’s Blog (http://www.burnthefatblog.com/)
3. The Weightlifting & Working Out Groups at MSN (http://groups.msn.com/WeightliftingWorkingOut)
4. The Yoga Instructor’s Blog at (http://theyogainstructordiaries.blogspot.com/)
5. Muscle & Fitness boards at (http://boards.muscleandfitness.com/ib/ikonboard.cgi)

Now it’s your turn my dearest readers - which 5 sites would you be unable to live without? Feel free to leave live links to the URLs and don’t worry about needing to explain your choices if you don’t want to. If you have a blog, list them on your blog and drop a link using the comments below.

Here are the tag rules:
* Each player must post these rules in their post.
* Each player lists the 5 sites
* People who are tagged need to write respond on their blog by writing down their 5 sites
* At the end of your blog post, choose 5 people to get tagged, list their names, and link to them.
* Don’t forget to contact them telling them they’re tagged. Also, point them to your blog post so they know what to do.

Now, here are some bloggers I have high regards for, and I love reading their blogs - you guys inspire me and enlighten me! I’d love to know what YOUR 5 sites are:
Synergy - The Fit Spot
Ninie - The Yoga Instructor Diaries
Angie Schumacher - Women’s Diet & Fitness
Intan Hashim - The Studio W Blog
Mun - Mun’s Fitness Blog

Come on people.. let’s unearth some hidden treasures!

Bodybuilding.com Announces the Official 2007 Supplement Award Winners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bodybuilding.com Announces the Official 2007 Supplement Award Winners

Boise, ID – October 8, 2007 – Bodybuilding.com announced their 3rd Annual 2007 Bodybuilding.com Supplement Awards winners live at The Olympia in Las Vegas, Nevada. The amount of votes doubled this year, with a record 278,000+ votes received (80% from the general public, 10% from industry experts, and 10% from Bodybuilding.com employees). The Bodybuilding.com Supplement Awards are the industry standard for recognition of the best products and brands in the fitness and supplement industry. BSN dominated the votes this year with wins in seven different categories.

The 2007 Bodybuilding.com Supplement Awards winners are:

• Brand of the Year – BSN (2nd year in a row!)

• New Brand of the Year – AMS

• Break-Out Brand of the Year – MuscleTech

• Overall Supplement of the Year – Optimum 100% Whey Protein (3rd year in a row!)

• New Product of the Year – MuscleTech NaNO Vapor

• Muscle Builder of the Year – BSN N.O.-Xplode (3rd year in a row!)

• Fat Loss Product of the Year – Nutrex Lipo 6 (3rd year in a row!)

• Energy Supplement of the Year – Nutrex Lipo 6 (2nd year in a row!)

• Weight Gainer of the Year - BSN True-Mass

• Protein Powder of the Year – Optimum 100% Whey Protein (3rd year in a row!)

• Protein Bar of the Year – Next Detour Bars (2nd year in a row!)

• Creatine Product of the Year– BSN CellMass (3rd year in a row!)

• Glutamine Product of the Year – SciVation Xtend

• Nitric Oxide Product of the Year – BSN N.O.-Xplode (3rd year in a row!)

• Multi-Vitamin of the Year – Universal Nutrition Animal Pak (3rd year in a row!)

• Joint Supplement of the Year – Universal Nutrition Animal Flex (2nd year in a row!)

• Tanning Product of the Year – Pro Tan Instant Competition Color (2nd year in a row!)

• Best Ads of the Year – BSN

• Best Labels of the Year – BSN (3rd year in a row!)

The Bodybuilding.com Supplement Awards provide an innovative way to help customers find truly exceptional products and brands while helping to recognize the efforts of the many great companies that make up the industry.

For more information visit: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/supplementawardwinners.htm

Bodybuilding.com offers more than 6,000 health and fitness supplements & accessories to help people achieve their fitness goals. They offer more than 19,000 pages of FREE bodybuilding and fitness information, including more than 9,000 articles (written by 385+ writers), video & audio segments, and new content added daily.

For more information: http://www.bodybuilding.com
Contact: Crystal Matthews
Email: crystal.matthews@bodybuilding.com

My Thoughts
I’m glad that my favorites - N.O. Xplode and Optimum Nutrition’s Whey Protein, have been able to hold their titles, proving that these are indeed quality supplements that you can trust. BSN, being a relatively new player in the industry when compared to others, have achieved so much in such a short time, and proven a lot of critics and skeptics wrong by being able to have produced a solid line of bodybuilding supplements that will forever be talked about. BSN took pre-workout supplementation to a whole new level that others try so hard to duplicate. And it doesn’t matter if their poster boy Ronnie Coleman lost the coveted Mr Olympia title - the product still stands and has proven itself already.

I had no doubts about this incredible product when I first wrote a review back in 2006 here:
BSN’s N.O. Xplode Review - Are You Ready for a MIND-BLOWING Workout at your Gym?

and a follow up to the review:
BSN’s N.O. Xplode - Consumed on an Empty Stomach?

It’s incredible to see how enormous the supplement industry has become. However, sadly, in Malaysia, things are still pretty expensive, and I don’t think the prices will be going down anytime soon either.

For all my readers, here’s a coupon I can offer you:
Save $10 off your next order of $99 or more at Bodybuilding.com! Coupon Code: 10off99afflat

Put it to some good use!

All Women’s Fitness Studios - A Trend That’s Here To Stay

Our physical fitness and appearance - the way we look, our fitness level, how we fit into our clothes, etc has a lot to do with the confidence we have in ourselves. A better physique means better confidence - something I’ve experienced first hand being someone who was really overweight many years ago but managed to successfully turn things around.

I don’t know about you, but I’m personally very conscious about what I’m wearing, and how I look whether I’m at the gym or if I’m just out with a bunch of friends. And if you’re like most people.. you would be too. It’s just human.

Interestingly enough, the gym is also the one place where you would find a big concentration of people who aren’t really in great physical shape - cos thats the place we go to shape up and take charge of our physique. It’s easy for those who are in great shape to waltz into any fitness centre or gym and carry on with their lives as usual, but what if you were overweight, or a little on the flabby side?

I’m a guy, and the last thing I would want is for a bunch of women to see that! (hey.. I’m just being a guy!). So I’m sure that women too, if they weren’t exactly in perfect shape - they too would not want to be seen by a bunch of men right? Who wants to be seen when we’re not at our best?

I’d think that women especially would REALLY be concerned when it comes to something like this. I know a few women who won’t even step foot into a gym simply because they don’t want to be seen by the opposite sex in a gym. It is for reasons like these.. that there is a trend in ‘all women’ fitness centres. This is certainly a good move as it would encourage many women out there to take that first bold step into a fitness centre.

With all this hype, I’ll be meeting up with the co-founder of Studio W for a casual chat and interview, and I hope to share our conversation on this site. Studio W is a ‘Women Only’ fitness studio and a non-intimidating environment - perfect for beginners and conscious women out there (which I’m sure there are a lot!). Stay tuned.

A Career in the Fitness Industry is About Genuine Concern

I’ve been asked many times by many people, on what it is they should be looking for when choosing a Personal Trainer. There are many things that we should take into consideration - track record, experience, how comfortable you are with him/her, their techniques, certification… i could go on and on. But I believe that there is an underlying criteria that supercedes many of the above mentioned criteria. Besides the credentials & certifications, what differentiates one Personal Trainer from the other?

A personal trainer can have all the experience in the world, countless fancy exercise routines, but if he or she does not have the GENUINE CONCERN for that person who comes to them for help… then it is truly a disappointment. A personal trainer needs to be able to put themselves in the shoes of their client - to understand what it is they really want, to connect with them, and to speak into their lives. As we all know, Fitness is a Lifestyle, and not just a hobby or a trend, and this is exactly why it needs a much deeper and significant approach for it to make an impact and a lasting impression/difference in the life of the person.

Take this Quiz.

Name the ten wealthiest men in the world.

Name the last ten Heisman trophy winners.

Name the last ten winners of the Miss America contest.

Name eight people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

How about the last ten Academy Award winners for best picture or the last decade’s worth of World Series winners?

How did you do? I didn’t do well either. With the exception of you trivia hounds, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday too well. Surprising how quickly we forget, isn’t it? And what I’ve mentioned above are no second-rate achievements. These are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one.

Think of three people you enjoy spending time with.

Name ten people who have taught you something worthwhile.

Name five friends who have helped you in a difficult time.

List a few teachers who have aided your journey through school.

Name half-a-dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? It was for me, too.
The lesson? The people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with the concern.

From And the Angels Were Silent
Copyright 1992, Max Lucado

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