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.

2010 Alaska Fitness Expo - 10/15/2010 9:24 am

The Parkour Workout - 9/3/2010 11:20 am

The world is your playground - 7/21/2010 9:45 am

Negative Motivation - 6/18/2010 4:12 pm

Health & Fitness Resources - 6/7/2010 12:01 pm

Upcoming Physique competitions in Alaska - 5/10/2010 9:27 am

Improve your life with Visualization - 5/3/2010 1:27 pm

On matters of Motivation and Instant Gratification - 5/2/2010 3:58 pm

Fitness Tools

Upon starting a regular fitness routine, there are a few important accessories that will help make your workout a little easier and keep you injury free. One of the first things I added to my own collection were a pair of weightlifting gloves.
Gloves for a better gripGloves for a better grip
Gloves help improve grip and protect the hands. There are many different styles and pricing varies, so you can spend anywhere from $8-$50. It's probably best to try on a few pairs before buying. Personally, I prefer low profile gloves with very little wrist restriction and a simple design. Make sure the gloves fit snug when you buy them because with use over time, they will stretch out a bit.

Your Shoes
Shoes are often an overlooked aspect of your workout attire. When squatting and dead lifting, you want thin soled shoes that aren't too clumsy and inflexible. I like the low profile design of Adidas and Puma racing shoes because they offer perfect support for what I do in the gym. If you have flat feet or high arches, seriously consider using arch supports because it will affect your gait and foot position specifically during lower body exercise. This can make or break a workout.
Wear the correct shoes to ensure a great workoutWear the correct shoes to ensure a great workout

Weightlifting Belt
The weightlifting belt is mainly for advanced lifters and not necessary for everyone. It is most important during heavy squats and dead lifts and will help protect the low back and ensure perfect posture during a lift. There is also a theory that wearing the belt during these heavy lifts will keep the waist small because the core is used to a degree during squats and dead lifts, the oblique muscles get larger and give the waist a wide, blocky look.
weight lifting beltweight lifting belt

OTHER ACCESSORIES TO CONSIDER...

A Heart Rate Monitor
I was never much of a believer in using a heart rate monitor while working out, but after giving it a chance and getting great results in the process- I am now a big fan. I recommend the type of monitor that you wear as a watch and has the accompanying strap that fits around the torso, just under the chest. There are cheaper styles, but none seem to be as accurate as this type.

Weightlifting Wrist Straps
Lifting straps fit around the wrist and then attach to a very heavy barbell or dumbbell for better support and more grip strength during a lift. Personally, I don't care for them and although I own a pair, I never use them. I have found them to be too cumbersome and actually hinder my grip quite a bit. I recommend strengthening your hands and forearms with different exercises to improve your grip strength instead of depending on this crutch. But give them a try before discounting them completely, because some people swear by them. I just haven't been able to find a real use for them.
weightlifting strapsweightlifting straps

Start simple with a good pair of shoes and gloves and progress as need be. Know that as your goals and routine change, your arsenal of accessories will change with you.

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