Fitness Gurls Magazine

ABSolutelyFitBody Friday June 14th, 2013

Fitness Gurls Staff — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:04:40 +0000

Every Friday you get to show off your progress and post your abs! It’s time for #ABSolutelyFitBody Friday! Post your abs pics on Twitter with the tag #absolutelyfitbody and we’ll post everyone on FitnessGurls.com and our favorites on our Facebook Fan Page.
Photo: Candy Brenn

FitBodyGunShow Wednesday June 12th, 2013

Fitness Gurls Staff — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:06:15 +0000

Every Wednesday you get to show off your progress and post your biceps/guns! It’s time for #FitBodyGunShow Wednesday! Post your guns on Twitter with the tag #fitbodygunshow and we’ll post the best on FitnessGurls.com.
Photo: Jaimie Bernhardt

Multivitamins: A Ticket to Daily Health

Fitness Gurls Staff — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:00:31 +0000

An increasingly number of the world’s population is now eager and interested in looking after their health and in keeping tune with their well-being. It is important to note that this awareness is progressively contributing to the creation of several health supplements to benefit both the adults and the young ones. Dietary and vitamin supplements have constantly proven their worth to health conscious individuals.

An excellent daily multivitamin supplement does not only develop your general bodily functions but also improves your mental and physical condition and well being. Occasionally specification is needed in appropriately supplementing nutrients to deal with any individual needs. An example would be in heart disease patients, they would have to take in CoQ10 in preventing the said condition. Alzheimer’s disease can be effectively prevented by a regular combination of Vitamin C and E intake.

Multivitamin supplements necessarily include all the vitamins and nutrients essential for recommended daily dosage. Multivitamin supplements may also be formulated to meet the needs of individual conditions like pregnancy and specific age brackets. It is a well settled fact that multivitamins in liquid form are more efficient than the ordinary pill forms. This is due to the fact that the body can easily absorb liquid nutrients five times more than ordinary multivitamins in tablet or capsule form.

Basically, the body needs 13 essential vitamins to function properly. In regulating the crucial performance of the body, it has to have vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, B12, and the 7 B-complex vitamins. Majority of these vitamins are obtained by our body through the food that we eat. The danger of illness or even mortality is in the deficiency of some of the essential vitamins. This is where vitamin supplementation comes in. It counteracts the illness caused by such deficiency. With this fact, it is very unlikely for someone to refuse vitamin supplementation on a daily basis. So the question now is, why is it necessary for individuals to take multivitamins when majority of our daily diet can provide us with the basic nutrients we need? It may not be compulsory, but everyone can profit from daily multivitamins.

As previously mentioned, the clear benefit of daily intake of multivitamins it to prevent vitamin/nutrient deficiency. Some personal circumstances may increase dietary needs. Pregnant women, during their first trimester, are recommended by their doctors to take multivitamins. This does not only provide the mothers with sufficient nutrition but also proper vitamins to benefit the unborn child inside their womb. Taking multivitamins everyday reduces the risk of transmitting malnutrition from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. Other conditions such as old age, alcoholism, smoking, and exposure to excessive pollution have long-term detrimental effects to the body system which can be successfully counteracted by multivitamins.

Stress is also one risk factor which needs serious supplementation that multivitamins can provide. Especially with people who have so much to do and have a hard time in keeping up with their health needs, multivitamins are a must to keep them always on the go without any health complications in the long run. Stress formulations benefit both your mental ability and daily endurance. Aside from the mentioned benefits, daily multivitamins also minimize the risk of cancer or any cardiovascular disease.

Several people, if not all, testify to have a feeling of comfortable health in regularly taking in multivitamins. This is due to the synergistic or combined effects of the supplemental ingredients found in multivitamins. A fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin, like the Vitamin E, works to neutralize probable harmful free agents in the body. This vitamin also maintains healthy skin through protection of cell membranes, blood circulation, heart, nerves, red blood cells, and muscles. Another antioxidant is the Vitamin C which effectively fights blood cell infection and is vital in collagen formation, wound healing, and formation of bone structures, capillaries, and teeth. Vitamin is also helpful in the iron absorption from plant sources. Vitamins A, D, K and other supplemental nutrients found in multivitamins have specific functions that benefit the bodily functions.

While daily intake of multivitamins may have proven beneficial, it is not a 100% guarantee to be free of serious illness attributed to other factors. It is often a misconception that symptoms of disease may always be cured by taking multivitamins. Health experts have the better opinion of immediate medical assistance rather than resorting to multivitamins alone.

Felicia Romero: IFBB Pro Interview

Fitness Gurls Staff — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:00:49 +0000

How did you get started in fitness?

I saw a sign in my local gym for an NPC show and decided to do it. I have always been competitive and active…played sports in high school and college. I thought it would be a great goal to have but never thought I would have gotten as far as i have gotten.

How do you stay motivated?

I have bad days and good days but as long as i remind myself that I train for me and nobody else then I will be good. Also, the hundreds of messages I get telling me that I inspire them also helps to keep me on track. The motivation has never been tough to keep it is the consistency with it all is the toughest.

What does your diet consist of?

Diet consists of lean protein (I prefer fish and eggs), carbs (jasmine rice, gluten free oatmeal, quinoa), healthy fats (avocado, cashews, coconut oil), fruit (apples and berries….I don’t eat much dairy but try to get a good mix of all of these foods. I try not to omit whole food groups besides dairy…..my mindset has changed over the last year and i eat more for nutrition vs counting carbs/calories etc.

Also check out our interview with: Jen Rankin

What’s your favorite music to workout to?

I love house music….anything with that sort of beat keeps me moving! Swedish House Mafia, Afrojack, Benny Benassi… LOVE LOVE!

What body part are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my mexican booty! LOL… I literally use to hate it feeling it was too big but honestly I get more compliments on my glutes that I have learned to love and embrace them!

Which do you like more, being a fitness model or a fitness competitor?

Tough one! I love them both but the competitiveness in me has me picking competitor. There is the challenge and toughness that comes with that… keeps me hungry wanting to improve each time!

What is the biggest fitness myth you encounter in the fitness industry every day?

Carbs are bad!

What’s your favorite cheat meal?

Fave cheat meal would probably have to be a cheese quesadilla and cake batter frozen yogurt with lots of fun toppings!

How do you deal with cravings?

I try to keep myself busy or drink tons of water…usually the cravings go away. If they don’t I will have a small piece of dark chocolate… that usually will put cravings at bay .

What are your 3 favorite exercises?

- Lunges- great for shaping the legs
- Shoulder press- love training shoulders
- Glute kickback machine- Love to train glutes directly

Which female fitness model’s physique do you admire the most?

I love Chady Dunmore’s physique. She is always in great shape, beautiful and such an amazing attitude! Her body is awesome…tummy, glutes, shoulers….she has it all!

What supplements would you use/recommend if any?

I recommend and use – Digestive Enzymes, fish oils and I drink YouthH2O– this new supplement is great for anti aging, revives and renews. Has tons of antioxidants, caffeine free and all natural. The ingredients in it has helped with my thyroid as well.

Top 5 tips for people who want to get in shape?

1. Have a plan
2. Have a set food plan and be prepared
3. Start w/ baby steps
4. Take one thing out of diet (example like soda) before going cold turkey
5. Push past your comfort zone

Also check out our interview with: Colleen Gallagher

What’s next for you?

I have a lot of things in the works right now!! I recently teamed up with Hi Health and became a Youth Ambassador for them. I will be speaking at high schools around AZ about the importance of health and fitness. I also am working on my own DVD as well as motivational speaking. I also own my studio AZ Pro Physiques and that continues to grow and expand.
Also, promoting my own Pro show Felicia Romero Pro Figure Classic which will be in November. It will be a Pro/am and I am so excited about it!

More About Felicia Romero
Height: 5’3″
Weight: 128
Born In: Mesa, Arizona
Resides In: Chandler, AZ
Measurements: 36-25-35
Twitter: @feliciaromero
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeliciaRomeroOnline
Instagram: @feliciaromero

Photo credits:
James Patrick, LHGFX and Picture Groove

ABSolutelyFitBody Friday June 7th, 2013

Fitness Gurls Staff — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:00:57 +0000

Erin Stern is a BAMF, Repping Out 225lb on Hexbar Deadlifts

Fitness Gurls Staff — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 01:54:17 +0000

If you been to our site a few times, you know we LOVE Erin Stern, the reigning Olympia Figure champ is gorgeous, sexy, smart, inspiring and bad ass! We hope she will be our cover girl one day. Here she is on her Youtube page repping out 225lb on hexbar deadlifts.

Check out more of Erin Stern on her Youtube page:
https://www.youtube.com/user/erinstern5

FitBodyGunShow Wednesday June 5th, 2013

Fitness Gurls Staff — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:14:06 +0000

Courtney Prather: New Cover Girl

Fitness Gurls Staff — Fri, 31 May 2013 16:34:24 +0000

We’re excited to introduce our new covergirl, fitness model and competitor. Courtney Prather.
Photo by: LHGFX

More Courtney Prather:
Courtney Prather – Softer Side of Fitness 1
Courtney Prather – Softer Side of Fitness 2
Courtney Prather – Softer Side of Fitness 3
Courtney Prather – Softer Side of Fitness 4

ABSolutelyFitBody Friday May 31st, 2013

Fitness Gurls Staff — Fri, 31 May 2013 15:31:16 +0000

FitBodyGunShow Wednesday May 29th, 2013

Fitness Gurls Staff — Wed, 29 May 2013 14:23:54 +0000

ABSolutelyFitBody Friday May 24th, 2013

Fitness Gurls Staff — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:24:26 +0000

Amy von Rummelhoff : Fitness Gurls Sponsored Athlete

Fitness Gurls Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:49:33 +0000

Why do you think Fitness Gurls Magazine is a good fit for you and your career right now?

I believe in the direction Fitness Gurls is taking the magazine. I want to empower women and be a role model for those who think they could never achieve a body they are proud of.

What’s your favorite part about being a fitness model?

I love seeing all of the hard work pay off in front of the camera. It keeps me on track and motivated in the gym.

What kinds of things do you plan to do with Fitness Gurls Magazine?

I want to continue to shoot features, do videos and help create a platform to continue to expand.

Check out our other sponsored athlete: Katie Elkins & Meggan Clay

You’re a NPC Bikini competitor, when’s your next show and how many do you plan on doing in 2013?

I have decided to take this season off from competing. I have a lot going on in my career right now and would also like to focus on improving certain areas of my body to be a stronger competitor. That does not mean I will be away from the scene, I still plan on shooting and staying on track just waiting to step on stage!

What’s next for you?

I just accepted the position of National Sales Manager for FitMiss, the new female line attached to MusclePharm and will be relocating to Boise! I am very excited about all the changes this year and looking forward to working with both Fitness Gurls and FitMiss.

Find more Amy von Rummelhoff:
www.amyvonrummelhoff.com
Amy on Twitter
Amy on Facebook

FitBodyGunShow Wednesday May 22nd, 2013

Fitness Gurls Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:48:44 +0000

Best Weight Lifting Workout Tips

Fitness Gurls Staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:29:57 +0000

By Jim O’Connor – Exercise Physiologist / The Fitness Promoter
After twenty plus years of celebrity fitness training in Beverly Hills, California, I would like to share with you my top six, most effective, weight lifting tips. If you follow these tips, you will know you have accomplished the maximum in the least amount of time.

Here are the six best muscle building workout tips I have discovered throughout my years as a celebrity fitness trainer. Please note: consult with your physician prior to taking part in any exercise program. Each individual has their own specific medical history, and overall objectives.

1. Use Multi-Joint Exercises

You will want to incorporate weight lifting exercises that work more than one muscle group at a time. Two or more joints are moving throughout a particular strength training exercise. Performing an exercise like this will utilize a greater amount of muscle fibers, thus stimulating growth, as well as burning more calories. Examples of such multi-joint exercises are the chest press, leg press, leg squat, pulldown, and shoulder press. These are all very effective exercises leading to greater muscle development.

2. Focus on Form Before Weight

While lifting weights, it is important to focus on form. Let the particular muscle do the work, not momentum, or other muscles you are not targeting. You goal is to fatigue a particular muscle to its absolute maximum. It is not important to impress someone else in the gym with the weights you are lifting. Focus on working the muscle!

3. Repetitions Should Be Slow and Controlled

Eliminating the external force, momentum, is the key. Once again, let the targeted muscle do the work, and nothing else. Zone in on that particular muscle. You should concentrate on moving the weight using a cadence of two seconds positive motion, and four seconds back (negative). Please remember, this is weight lifting, not weight throwing.

4. Proper Rest Between Workouts Is Critical

Make sure your weight training workouts are high enough in intensity to stimulate muscle tissue growth, and have the proper rest between workouts to allow this growth to occur. The average amount of rest between workouts is 2-10+ days depending upon the intensity level. You shouldn’t feel tired, and sore before your next workout, but eager to conquer the weights.

5. Don’t Do Too Many Sets

Too many sets will put you in an over-trained zone. All you need is one, all out, set to momentary muscle failure in order to stimulate optimal muscle growth. Anything more is counter productive. However, light warm up sets are fine, and necessary.

6. Track Your Progress

Without tracking your workouts you will not know where you are, and where you need to go. Be a mad scientist and track your workouts. The information you gather will tell you more about yourself than a muscle magazine will.

If you want the most effective, efficient weight training workout, then follow these six simple tips to maximum muscle development.

What To Watch: UFC on FX 8 Preview

Fitness Gurls Staff — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:54:41 +0000

Located off the lower east coast of Brazil in the state of Santa Caterina, a group of gladiators are invading Jaragua. Staying True to its meaning, these warriors will do battle arena style to see who can be crowned UFC on FX8 “Lord of the Valley”. The UFC is returning to Brazil this Saturday in major fashion, and who better to headline than the mighty Vitor Belfort himself.

The prelims feature a heavy dose of rising stars in the Brazilian mixed martial arts circuit, but its the main card that is drawing all of the attention, with Ronaldo”Jacre”Souza vs Chris Camozzi and the main event featuring the former Strike Force middleweight champion Luke Rockhold vs Vitor Belfort.

First up, the Souza vs Camozzi fight has been a whirlwind of indecision and injury. Camozzi was slotted to face C.B. Dollaway, who was then replaced by Cezar Ferreira who was replaced by Rafael Natal who was finally replaced by Ronaldo Souza. Kudos to Camozzi for staying on par with such short notice, just give the guy someone to fight already. But Ronaldo Souza damn! I believe Camozzi is outmatched by the better all around fighter/athlete in Souza. Souza’s Judo background makes him a powerful striker, but his ground game is superbly in tact, as he displayed back in January by submitting Ed Herman with a nasty kimura he never saw coming. Camozzis best chance is on his feet because of Souza’s arsenal of submissions, but my money’s on “Jacre”. Souza wins by submission in 3.

Last but definitely not least is the Brazillian legend Vitor Belfort vs 28 year old Luke Rockhold. In the last two years the youngster Rockhold has beaten the likes of Ronaldo Souza and knocked out Keith Jardine on his undefeated warpath through Strikeforce before its ending. Now he’s signed under Dana White to reek havoc in the UFC. His opponent Vitor Belfort is probably gonna need as much of that Testosterone replacement therapy as he can handle in order to deal with this kid. Vitor definitely has the smarts to slow Rockford down and if he sneaks in one of those big time kicks, Rockhold will be another TKO victim like Michael Bisping. I think Rockhold KO’s the savvy veteran in round 3.