2008 Fitness America Weekend

Hey guys

This weekend, I'll be participating in the Musclemania 2008 Fitness America Weekend! After winning at the Musclemania Universe Championship back in July, I decided to take part in the show in Las Vegas, November 21-22, 2008.

Now in it's 18th season, Musclemania America & World Championships is one of the biggest and most respected natural bodybuilding competitions in the US. I look forward once again to meeting and getting to know the various competitors from all around the world.

Let the show begin!

Alejandro
New York Muscle™

VOTE!

Hey guys

Now is the time to make your voice count. Let's all get out there and vote. Whichever way you go, it's important to make your choice and cast that vote!

This is a groundbreaking year and I wish all the best to both candidates!

Alejandro
New York Muscle™

Mr Olympia Weekend 2008

Hey guys

This year I attended the Mr Olympia in Las Vegas for the first time and it was quite an experience. Not only was there the main competition but the 4-day event gathered numerous sponsors and exhibitors into one location. The sheer size was quite spectacular. But here's a brief history about the Olympia itself (taken from ifbbpro.com).

Back in 1965, Joe Weider recognized the need to keep Larry Scott in bodybuilding and the necessity to force the sport to grow. So he created the Mr. Olympia contest to keep all the great Mr. Universe champions active in the sport and to give them the opportunity to earn money. Joe could see that for the sport to succeed in the future, the champions would have to be able to make a living from competing just like other professional athletes.

Larry Scott indeed won the first Mr. Olympia contest that hot September night in 1965 and repeated as Mr. Olympia again in 1966. He then announced his retirement and the 1967 crown was up for grabs.

In 1967, Sergio Oliva won the third Mr. Olympia contest in overpowering fashion. People wondered how much better Sergio could get. But better he was! In fact, he was so much better that he won the 1968 Mr. Olympia unopposed. You know true greatness when no one dares to challenge.

Nevertheless, the greatest challenge to Sergio was waiting in the wings and 1969 commenced the greatest rivalry in the history of bodybuilding. Oliva was challenged by a young Austrian named Arnold Schwarzenegger. In a close battle, Sergio came out on top in 1969. He was now Mr. Olympia three years in a row, but Arnold promised that Sergio would never defeat him again. The rest as they say is history.

While I was there, I had the pleasure of meeting Jay Cutler and some of the other competitors. I was, however, surprised by the results when Dexter Jackson won but his physique was phenomenal (as you can clearly see). Congratulations, Dexter!

It'll be interesting to see who wins next year!

Alejandro
New York Muscle™

Oatmeal Recipes

Hey guys

Having talked about all the benefits of eating oatmeal, you can now actually get started with the two recipes I have written for Inside Fitness magazine.

The two recipes, Oatmeal Pancake and Oatmeal Crusted Chicken, will get you started in including oatmeal in your diet and along with it, all the benefits that eating oatmeal will bring.

If you need more ideas, drop me an email any time.

Thanks

Alejandro
New York Muscle™

Spice Up Your Life with Chili Peppers

Hey guys

Having grown up with Latin cuisine as my staple diet, the chili pepper was one of the major ingredients found in the food I ate. However, chili peppers can be beneficial to athletes and bodybuilders like myself.

In the latest issue of Inside Fitness magazine, you will not only learn the many health benefits of chili peppers but will find quick serving ideas on how to integrate them into your own diet.

So, check it out now!

Thanks

Alejandro
New York Muscle™

Inside Fitness...

Hey guys

I just wanted to let you know that I wrote two articles for the Fall issue of Inside Fitness magazine (Autumn 2008). The first one helps you spice up your life with chili peppers while the second one is a follow up to my last article about oats — oatmeal recipes. Check them out!

Thanks

Alejandro
New York Muscle™

Oats—The Bodybuilding Food

Hey guys

I'm sure you, like many others, have asked about the benefits of eating oats. You see it all the time on television and in ads...we should be eating oats. But what are the benefits? According to Yahoo! Answers, the reasons are very compelling...

1. Over 40 studies show that eating oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to Quaker, all it takes is 3/4 cup of oatmeal each day to help lower cholesterol. The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or 'bad' cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs. In January 1997, the Food and Drug Administration announced that oatmeal could carry a label claiming it may reduce the risk of heart disease when combined with a low-fat diet.
   
   
2. The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a considerable amount of water which significantly slows down your digestive process. This result is that you'll feel full longer, i.e. oatmeal can help you control your weight.
   
   
3. You probably already have oats in your kitchen. It's estimated that eighty percent of U.S. households currently have oats in their cupboards.
   
   
4. New research suggests that eating oatmeal may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association already recommends that people with diabetes eat grains like oats. The soluble fiber in these foods help to control blood glucose levels.
   
   
5. With the exception of certain flavored varieties, the oats found in your grocery store are 100% natural. If you look at the ingredients on a canister of rolled oats, you will usually see only one ingredient... rolled oats.
   
   
6. According to recent studies, a diet that includes oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure. The reduction is linked to the increase in soluble fiber provided by oatmeal. Oats contain more soluble fiber than whole wheat, rice or corn.
   
   
7. Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and the most important at all is that it doesn't spike your insulin level.
   
[Source: Yahoo! Answers]

Now, this is why I consider oats a good bodybuilding food. Don't be afraid of it and have it at least twice a day. You too can reap the benefits! And in the coming issues of REPS Magazine and Inside Fitness Magazine, you'll find my oats recipes. Check it out!

Thank you

Alejandro
New York Muscle™

Stand Up to Cancer

Hey guys

A wonderful new movement started this past weekend. Many of you have been touched by the sting of cancer. It affects not only the family of ones afflicted by it but also all those whose lives have been touched by that individual.

“Stand Up To Cancer is a groundbreaking movement backed by an innovative approach to cancer research aimed at ending cancer’s reign as a leading cause of death. We have the best and brightest minds on board, and are on the verge of unlocking the door in prevention, detection, treatment and even reversal of this national epidemic.”

Read more about it here and support this great cause. And one day we can achieve their goal, to end cancer!

Thanks

Alejandro
New York Muscle™