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

Don't take a pill, get a massage!

One of my favorite ways to relax and help my body recover after a strenuous workout is to get a full body massage. Now it may seem like something luxurious that only a celebrity would indulge in, but massage is for EVERYONE. Athletes and people who sit at a desk all day are especially prone to low back pain and muscle tension which regular massage can help alleviate. Massage can also help you sleep better, control anxiety and stress, improve circulation, and help your body recover faster. Plus it just feels great!

The relief can be felt after just one massage, which I will warn- could turn into an addiction. Find yourself a massage therapist who makes you feel comfortable and has experience. I have gone to Deb Boots at Borealis Massage Therapy for years now and I recommend her to everyone I train. Borealis Massage Therapy is located at 813 D Street, Suite 101. Their number is 907-276-5525.

Don't think of a massage as a luxury, think of it as preventive medicine. Something that will relax your mind as well as your body. If you have chronic pain or injuries, massage can help bring blood flow to the affected area to help it heal faster. If you are an athlete of any kind, you already know your body takes a beating, so take care of yourself.

If Mom needs to relax, a massage is also a great Mother's Day gift!


  1     November 18, 2008 - 9:27am | ceejay2005

You can try giving ur mom or

You can try giving ur mom or your wife a sensual massage! Sensual massage techniques are quite similar to those that are used commonly in any type of massage. Some of the sensual massage techniques used are effleurage (gliding), tapotement (tapping and percussion), petrissage (compression), friction and stretching. You can choose to apply these strokes at various times during the sensual massage, depending upon what is needed. Your rhythm should be comfortable and smooth, and your strokes will flow over the body beneath you.

When using effleurage, mold your hands to the shape of the receiver’s body as you glide over the surface, and then press down with deeper and firmer strokes. Your movements follow the shape of the body you are working on, exploring the hills and valleys, the broad plains and shallow crevices, as well as the long and short shapes in the body. With your partner lying on his back, place your hands on your partner’s head. Rest your fingers along the side of your partner’s skull, with your thumbs resting on his forehead. Let your hands rest, breathe softly, and advise your partner to relax to enjoy the massage. That's a great gift! Learned it from the experts!

Massage School