Bodybuilding.com - Ask A Fitness Model Issue 9!

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Did you know?
Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour.

This issue brings about some general questions and answers about getting in shape, supplements, and how to approach the opposite sex.

Issue 9

By: Christina Lindley

HI. I am 19 years old. I am 5'2" and weigh about 110 lbs. I have started weight training and at the moment I eat a protein bar about 20 min. before I work out. I would like to start using protein powder but am clueless as to where to start.

Could you tell me which type of protein powder is best; I read so many articles but I have no idea what is right. Could you tell me what is the best to take, when to take (pre-workout or post-workout) and what not to take.

Thank you so much.

Optimum Nutrition Whey Chocolate

One scoop has 23 grams of protein and 0 carbs, 110 calories. I prefer to get my carbs from "real food", such as yams and brown rice.

I would not recommend taking a whey protein powder or any protein immediately prior to training. A few hours before is fine. I find that my body best utilizes any protein immediately after a hard workout.

I feel like my body literally sucks it up. Also, protein powder tends to bloat some people, so taking it immediately after a workout when your body is starving for nutrients diminishes that effect.

Another good alternative I have recently found that is great for a woman if she is having a sweet tooth craving, is the new 'InStone Protein Pudding.' It has virtually no carbs, and very high in protein.

Not to mention they taste great!

I am 23 years old, 100 lbs and 5' 4". I've recently started working out 5 times/week, for 1 hr at a time with the goal to tone. I have an average sized behind but there is no muscle.

It's flat and flabby. I'd really like to lift, shape and tone my butt. I keep hearing everyone swearing by squats, but every time I do them the only place I feel it is in my quads. I am willing to do an intense workout out in this area. What can I do to get results quickly?

deep squats

one legged step ups

Another great butt exercise can be done while you are doing cardio. Try the stair climber, the precor on an incline, or walking on the treadmill at a 10% grade. Make sure you squeeze thru the buns!

I have also recently taken to doing Pilates work, which has several great butt toning exercises.

Stair Climber

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Treadmill
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Hi Christina,

I read all the information on your site and you have been a great inspiration for me. I am 23 and have dealt with an eating disorder for about ten years. I've had to deal with anorexia, bulimia and excessive eating.

Anorexia: Food Is The Enemy!
Over a year ago I was hospitalized for an eating disorder. The following article explains exactly what anorexia is and following afterwards is the story of my experience with it.
[ Click here to learn more. ]

My focus right now is to get healthy and go into fitness modeling to promote and help people to have a healthy lifestyle. I am getting certified to be a personal trainer and nutritionist. Your website has offered me so much information and I would like it if you can be my mentor during this life changing time of mine.

I am very proud of your success. I was wondering what kept you motivated and keep you motivated during your training and eating habits? It has been a great pleasure coming across your site- you really have inspired to put health as my number one priority.

Thank you
Sincerely,
Gladys E.

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Marathon Winner
Just 21 when she won the New York Marathon, Tegla's running career began at the age of seven, when she left home at 6 a.m. on a chilly January morning to run 10 kilometres to the nearest school...
[ Click here to learn more. ]

I still use Carmen Electra calendars in my office, or whoever it is that inspires me at the moment. The secret is to look forward to knowing that every day you stick with it, you are one day closer to having the body you have always dreamed of.

Hi, my name is Jennifer and I stumbled upon your website that was in the fitness model interview section. I am 19 years old, and for about 4 years now, I have desperately been trying to get rid of my belly fat.

I know that it takes more than just toning, and I have been eating perfectly for about a week now (and I have always been active at the gym almost every day), and will continue to eat properly until I get to where I want. However, some people, even trainers, tell me that it can be impossible for some people to flatten their stomach due to their body structure/genes, etc. Is this true?

Before you started fitness modeling, did you ever have this belly fat problem, and how long did it take to get rid of it? Thank you very much for your time!

You look amazing by the way,

Jennifer Long
Victoria, BC

You need to do cardio 4-5 times a week, for 45 minutes to an hour. You need to eat a well balanced diet, high in protein, medium carbs, and good fats only. It is true, nothing is impossible. Yes, it is true that you may be genetically predisposed to having fat on your stomach than anywhere else, but you can still get rid of it.

I have the same problem with my thighs. I have to get so lean it is ridiculous, then the fat comes off my thighs. You are just going to have to work that much harder. Another thing I can highly recommend to you that will not work on its own, but works incredible with a good diet and exercise plan, is Biotest's product 'Hot-Rox.'

It is really a great product. Good luck, just make sure you really concentrate on the basics.

Hi Christina, my name's Julie and I'm a first year student at Ryerson University in Toronto. I've been getting really into fitness lately and was surfing some websites when I came across your picture. I just wanted to write you to let you know that you have an absolutely amazing body!

I see so many girls that are too skinny, or too buff, but I can honestly say that you are the perfect combination. I'm putting up a picture of you on my desktop as inspiration! You are a truly great role model to so many women out there and I just wanted to say keep up the good work. You're an emblem of motivation and I thank you for that!

Julie

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Some of my favorite women in Hollywood also have similar builds like Jenny McCarthy and Carmen Electra. I think it is really important to remember that whatever your natural body shape is, you can still make it fit, and mold it to what you want your body to be. It is important to be fit, and personally I think it is important to maintain a very feminine appearance as well.

It is always hard for some women to find a balance, but that is the key. Find what works for you, and stick with it.

Hey Chrissy, Whassup girl - how's it going? Well, my name is Timmy and I'm a 19y/o guy from Christ Church, New Zealand (you know that lil' country by Australia) and I was wondering if I can ask you a question! So here goes...

I've never had a girl in my life, never even kissed a chick but I am cute, have a great smile, I'm the life of the party and I have a really great personality (so I've been told) but what the heck.
I don't get why chicks don't dig me that way, even though I have heaps of girl friends, the usual reply is "oh Timmy, you're just too good of a friend." Is that a cop out or am I doing something wrong? Help me out please?
Second off you sound like a great person plus (yeah that's right I'm the millionth guy to say it) but my goodness your beautiful. I'm coming to America to work at a summer camp in June this year. Can I take you out on a date?
Ha-ha... anyway's it is always nice to try. Look, thanks for any help you can give me and have an awesome week, I look really forward to hearing from ya. Stay safe & keep it real, Timmy.

Timmy, without knowing specifics of each situation it is hard to say what the exact problem is. I think a lot of guys make the mistake of thinking if they try to be a friend to a girl first, they can get her later.

I know several relationships have been built on friendship first, but that should never be your game plan. It is better to approach a girl honestly, let her know you are interested, and if she isn't interested, move on. That way you'll never have to hear the dreaded, "I think of you as my brother!"

What Is The Best Way To Meet The Opposite Sex?
Why is it that some guys seem to have no problem meeting girls? What do they do that is different than the guys who can't get a date no matter how hard they try? Let's see if this weeks winners can shed some light on the subject.
[ Click here to learn more. ]

Try hanging out more socially with guys. You might find it easier to have women approach you in a group of guys than with a group of girls. If a guy I liked was always surrounded by women, I would assume either he was a player, or one of them was probably his girlfriend, and I wouldn't even bother to approach him. Nor would I take him seriously if he approached me.