| Ivan Blazquez |
I started lifting weights when I was 13... I weighed 110 lb and got up to 148 at age 14... I mainly lifted for sports such as football, basketball, baseball, track & field, etc. By the time I was 15 years of age I weighed 155 lb and by 18 years of age I weighed 160 lb. Around 20-23 years of age, I began exercising consistently and applying many of the things I learned while taking undergrad courses at the University of New Orleans.
It was this time that I really began to develop a greater appreciation for the enjoyment of resistance training, aerobic training and stretching. During 25-27 years of age, I shifted direction trying to be someone I was not. I tried the bulk-cut methods that are prevalent in bodybuilding. However, this method was not for me. In 2008, I came full circle and began training the way that worked best for me. I also began trying new things like yoga and also incorporating more relaxation techniques into my daily life. I now feel so much better mentally, physically and emotionally. I also re-established my relationship with God. Instead of only competing to win, I now compete to give glory to God. He has blessed me in so many ways and I am very thankful and grateful everyday. My future goals are to continue making a difference in the quality of life of my clients and to continue learning and growing in faith, knowledge and understanding. Education: MEd and BS in Exercise Physiology, University of New Orleans. ACSM Health and Fitness Specialist Favorite Bodypart: My heart. I want to strengthen it and keep it healthy and fit with a beautiful harmonious blend of aerobic, anaerobic exercise and soothing relaxation time with prayer, deep sleep, yoga and meditation. Favorite Exercise: The one that makes me feel good. Training Philosophy: Train smarter, not harder. I have learned to have more gratitude and not to expect so much from myself. I set realistic goals and work continuously to achieve them. Fitness has been a truly beneficial aspect in my life. I like to think of it this way, "I train for vanity during competition, but for sanity outside of competition." Advice to aspiring athletes is to be the best YOU you can be. Instead of worrying about what you don't have, focus on what you do have, and make the most of what you have. Compeition History: 2005: NGA Louisiana Natural Championships: 5th place novice middleweight 2006: NGA Southern States Natural Extravaganza: 4th place novice middleweight 2006: NGA Louisiana Natural Championships: 1st place novice middleweight; 1st place novice overall 2006: NGA Natural Night Of Champions Pro Figure Natural Bodybuilding and Figure Championships: 4th place open middleweight 2007: NGA 9th Annual NOPI Nationals World Bodybuilding and Figure Championships: 5th place open middleweight 2007: NGA Natural Night Of Champions Pro Figure Natural Bodybuilding and Figure Championships: 2nd place open middleweight
2011: NGA Pro / Am Mr. & Ms. Natural Philadelphia Bodybuilding and Figure Championships - 4th place 2011: NGA Pro / Am Mr. & Ms. Natural Philadelphia Bodybuilding and Figure Championships I want to be an inspiration in that, one can train naturally and build a physique that is proportional, symmetrical, muscular and very conditioned. My favorite bodybuilder of all-time is Frank Zane. The only difference between a natural and a non-natural is muscle size. But if you look closely, proportions and symmetry are close to the same. In fact, a 28 inch waist with a wide back looks better than a 35 inch waist with a wide back. This is where the aesthetics of being natural are apparent. Gym: Jewish Community Center Hobbies: Reading, traveling, writing, yoga, cooking. Publications: Warren, BL & Blazquez, IN, (2005). Strength recovery rest periods during isokinetic testing, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 37(5),(Suppl. 260). Warren, BL & Blazquez, IN, (2004). Rest period for strength recovery during isokinetic testing, Proceedings: XXIInd International Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports, International Society of Biomechanics in Sports, pp. 143-144.
Natural Bodybuilder Ivan Blazquez Contact: clinicaltrainer@hotmail.com Articles by Ivan Blazquez: Pistachios: A Weight-Loss Conducive Nut Get Super Ripped With Super Sets The Beginners Guide to Natural Bodybuilding How to go from Regular to Ripped Whittle Down Your Waist - Proven Ways to Flatten Your Belly Accelerate Fat-Loss with Antagonistic Muscle Group Post-RT Cardio |