Strong bodies: fitness & health

This blog will cover all city and statewide bodybuilding competitions and the out-of-state guest posers. Weight-loss success stories from local people, features/bios on bodybuilding, fitness and figure competitors, coverage of fad diets. Nutritious recipes and reviews on local gyms and health food stores. I would also like to cover Adult/Childhood Obesity in America and specifically,Alaska. Weight-lifting techniques/safety as well as the benefits for women. This is just a general idea, as the blog will be constantly evolving.


Stephanie Figarelle

I competed in my first bodybuilding competition as a senior at East High in 2000 and after winning the overall title, bodybuilding and fitness became my passion. I've been a NASM certified personal trainer since 2004 and I love helping people achieve their goals with fitness and proper nutrition. My overall bodybuilding titles include: Ms. Anchorage 2006 and The Anchorage Crystal Cup 2007. I have lived in Anchorage since 1988.

Beat the late night sugar cravings - 11/23/2008 9:01 pm

The Back: Out of sight, Out of mind. - 11/23/2008 5:24 pm

Maximize Fat Loss by following the Glycemic Index - 11/23/2008 2:50 pm

What are you reading? - 11/13/2008 3:59 pm

Prioritzing weak muscles for a balanced body. - 11/7/2008 3:00 pm

Vinegar's for Sickos - 10/29/2008 8:02 pm

Do you even like working out? - 10/29/2008 4:28 pm

NPC Natural Crystal Cup - 10/24/2008 4:54 pm

Training Antagonistic Muscle Groups - 10/24/2008 4:47 pm

The Post-Workout Meal - 10/24/2008 2:52 pm

Music for your muscles - 10/15/2008 5:12 pm

Condition your body for the slopes - 10/14/2008 3:33 pm

Stretch your calves! - 10/7/2008 9:14 pm

Lose fat NOT muscle - 10/2/2008 5:47 pm

Have you checked your flexibility lately? - 10/2/2008 5:02 pm

October 4th 20th Annual Pro-Am Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Competition! - 9/29/2008 3:22 pm

Getting to know a local Figure competitor. - 9/17/2008 5:01 pm

Need some help? - 9/10/2008 4:47 pm

Why I bought a heart rate monitor and you should too... - 9/10/2008 4:26 pm

Jagged little pills - 9/10/2008 3:58 pm

The healthy glow in a bottle - 9/9/2008 12:47 pm

Setting goals to maintain the new you! - 9/5/2008 11:16 am

Your personal trainer

I have personal rules about how I train my clients, it's simple- I train them the way I would want to be trained. Kind of like the golden rule. A personal trainer is a teacher of exercise, a mentor, role model, fitness expert and friend. At least that's the kind of trainer you should choose when you begin an exercise program. Finding a trainer with an accredited certification is also a smart idea. However, an educated trainer is useless if they cannot convey their knowledge efficiently to their client. Besides being educated, a trainer should be personable and compassionate and willing to communicate about anything.

Your trainer should be your biggest supporter and a good trainer will make themselves available to you 24/7. It seems weird that a personal trainer would allow themselves to be made available at all hours- and most clients surely won't want to bother with you a question about exercise at 3am, but it's reassuring that they are there for you nonetheless.

I have had clients call me from the grocery store with questions about protein powder, they've called me about concerns with muscle soreness and the frequency of cardio, recovery techniques, etc. My services don't end when our session ends and I make it clear to all of my clients that they can call or email me with their questions or concerns any time they need to.

Overall, your trainer should continue to challenge you and keep YOU educated. They should put safety first and be CPR/AED and First Aid certified. Most credible personal training certifications will require a trainer to be at least CPR certified before they can get certified by their organization. Pick a trainer that you are compatible with and who inspires you to reach your fullest potential. This person will no doubt become a good friend to you and someone you look forward to seeing every session even though they push you out of your comfort zone and make you sweat!


  1     April 24, 2008 - 12:47pm | pixel_babee

You're the best!

I just wanted to say again that you are doing a great job with this blog, your insight and knowledge is so helpful for others. I couldn't have chosen a better trainer to work with you have helped me acomplish so much more than I ever expected......Thank you!

  April 24, 2008 - 2:29pm | bodybuilder

My pleasure

I have enjoyed each and every one of our workouts, you continue to impress me with your intensity and discipline! You are definitely a role model and I'm very happy I've had the honor of training you these past months. You are going to go far!