Ivan Blazquez

Natural Bodybuilding at its Finest, Lift for Life.com

Athletes

Ivan Blazquez

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How long are your cardio sessions?

	less than 30 minutes
	between 30 minutes and an hour
	1 to 1 1/2 hour
	1 1/2 to 2 hours
	more than 2 hours

Ivan Blazquez

(2 votes, average 5.00 out of 5)

Ivan Blazquez - NGA Pro Bodybuilder - Triathlete

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
2008: NGA Jimmy Coby Classic: 1st place open middleweight, 2nd place men's open overall
2008: NPC Greater Gulf States Bodybuilding & Figure Championship National Qualifier NPC USA Wheelchair Championship: 1st place men's novice lightweight, 2nd place novice overall
2008: NPC 2nd Annual Red Stick Classic Bodybuilding & Figure Competition: 1st place junior lightweight, 2nd place men's junior overall
2008: NPC Louisiana Bodybuilding and Figure Championships: 2nd place junior lightweight.

2008: NGA DeSoto Southwest Classic Muscle & Figure Championships: 1st place open middleweight; 2nd place open overall
2009: NGA Jimmy Coby Classic: 1st place open lightweight; 1st place open overall *earned pro card
2009: NPC 3rd Annual Red Stick Classic Bodybuilding & Figure Competition: 1st place junior lightweight, 2nd place junior overall
2009: NPC Greater Gulf States Bodybuilding & Figure Championship National Qualifier NPC USA Wheelchair Championship: 2nd place junior lightweight

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:
Blazquez, IN, Warren, BL, O'Hanlon, AO & Silvestri, LR, (2009). An optimal interset rest period for strength recovery during a common isokinetic test, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(5),(Suppl. 535).

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.

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