Hawt Shot of the Week: Michael Barre

This week's fitness model came to me by way of the illustrious photographer, Luis Rafael; he is quite the artist!
Meet Michael Barre.
Although I was unable to find out much about this fitness model, I know you can find him on Model Mayhem if you like his work.

Welcome to the Hawt shot of the week!

Why is staying fit so hard??

Why does staying fit have to be so hard?

Don't fret, I truly believe that anything worth having requires work and effort... including a fit and healthy body.

If it was easy, then we'd have less obese Americans in this good 'ol USA.

Although I am not a supermodel, I am a Super-Mom and know that I have to stay healthy and fit not only for me, but for my family. Here are a few things that are helping me along the way:

1. Be Positive, DON'T let negative words bring you down.
2. Have a game plan, know what you are going to eat and when, keep snacks in the car (Almonds, granola bars, apple...)don't get caught on empty.
3. Search out Support, we have groups for everything else, why not our health. Surround your self with positive people looking for the same thing as you. To be fit and healthy.
4. Drink water!, my least favorite...but I'm getting better at it! Try to replace soda, juice and power/energy drinks with purified water. Most of the time we are thirsty, NOT hungry.
5. Eat breakfeast! Even if this is a protein shake, with fruit or peanutbutter...get something in your mouth before you head out the door. Shakes can be quick and taken to go!
6. Move. Walk, jog, run or join a class. Do it alone or with friends, but just do it.
7. Lift Weights, talk to a trainer or certified instructor and get the basics. We need muscle to burn fat, and to get rid of those arm wings! Seriously, you don't have to be a body builder, weight training can deliver amazing results for the average jane.

Just know that I am right there along with you in this neverending struggle. What I don't know, I can find out.  I have vast resources of knowledge to pull from.

Please let me know what YOUR stumbling blocks are?

Do you have a exercise question?

Weight lifting  concern?

I promise to gets the facts from those who are: Better with Experience!

What does a Men’s Health Magazine cover model eat on Thanksgiving? - National fitness | Examiner.com

What does a Men’s Health Magazine cover model eat on Thanksgiving? - National fitness Examiner.com

Check out Stefan Pinto's article, good stuff!

Captain's Log...hahahaha Workout Update!

Let's WORK IT OUT

Okay, so here's the situation...

I am now past week 3 in my 6 week bootcamp at my gym. Tuesday's workout was a bitch...Lots of lunges, squats, push ups and jumping... My instructor Karla, Tinkerhell to the class participants; loves to jump, hop or do anything that requires one to be on a single foot at a time and having your full weight assault your knees...really, I'm not kidding.... I must remember those famous words: "That which doesn't kill us, will only make us stronger"

Death was looking pretty good that night! But I powered through and respectfully crawled to my car afterward, red faced and exausted. But knowing that I am doing this for the greater good...and a better ass.

Now Thursday. Last night was different, we did alot of agility training....more jumping! BUT, when we got to the push ups I didn't cringe... I actually did the push ups!!!! I must be getting stronger, because doing 2 push ups was hard in the beginning, now I'm actually deciding which "kind" of push ups I like better??
I must be going insane. With this insanity is coming weightloss, I'm down another 2 pounds and I feel better. Sore, but better.

I'm also going to log my journey trying a new product. I started IsAgenix yesterday, basically a super food program...shakes, total nutrition, etc.... A side effect is weightloss, besides becoming healthy. We will see.
I took my measurements (eek!) and will inform you all of the results... My the force be with me!

On a side note,

What are you doing to make your Thanksgiving Healthy this year?

My Plan: I'm deleting my dad's favorite Green Bean Casserole for Fresh steamed green beans and having whole grain rolls and a large tossed salad with lots of veggies.

Tell me what you're doing?

Tips from Tony Cantanzaro

"Tony's Tip of The Day"
Your Health Is in Your Hands: Today I like to talk about your health. Its so important to understand how to stay healthy. Most doctors and health professionals could care less about your health their not in business for that (their in business to treat your symptoms, not cure your problems) we're the ones that are responsible for our health.
Take a child for instance how many times have I seen parents feed their kids fast food on a regular basis and buy liters of soda for them to drink. Here is a little wake up call! Your child doesn't know any better, its your responsibility to teach them! I have always said your body does not belong to you, it belongs to God. Stop looking for doctors for help because your health and your children's health is in your hands.

To read More Tips like this, Visit my Tips Page at http://www.anthonycatanzaro.com/tips.html

Second Thoughts...Day 3 progress report

BootCamp, Day 3

"SECOND THOUGHTS"

I saw this cartoon and it totally reminded me of my bootcamp trainer, Tinkerhell.

Smile, check.

Tiny little fit body, check. (I'm just jealious)

Perky demeanor, check.

All these things aside, I love my trainer and she was injured tonight and couldn't teach the class. I find it strange that I was disappointed not to have the opportunity to have my body abused...weird huh?

BUT...I thought I'd be a good girl and still get a workout.

Hence the name of this entry "Second thoughts"

I decided to stay a half hour longer and walk on the treadmill, then take the next class.

I've never taken this particular "Abs, Legs & Thighs" class, but how hard can it be?

(again the name of this entry)

Wholly mother of nine firey hells!

If I never ever do another squat, plank, side plank or crunch it will be too soon.

If this is what it take to have a "Jay-Lo bootie" then my flat ass is quite comforatble right where it is!

LMAO... Actually, I had a good, sweaty, heart pounding workout. My legs were shakey when done, but the drenched workout clothes I sported confirmed my efforts to have better abs, buns and thighs.

I must tell you all about this one exercise she taught us... very effective for the hamstrings.

All you need is YOU and an exercise ball.

I found this video that describes the exercise perfectly...It burns like hell, but is super effective.

In the end, the pain and sweat is all worth it. I feel better and the scale is showing me my efforts.

So far I've dropped 8 pounds, which I'm sure part is water weight...but none the less, very satisfying.

Let's get it done, do it together & share our results.

What are YOU doing to get fit and feel better?

Tearing it up with Trevor Adams

TEAR IT UP

w/TREVOR ADAMS

Just a few of my regular followers might know the name...

Trevor Adams.

He recently won my Next Book Cover Model Challenge on my DemonLover's site and is often a topic of discussion due to his great physique and killer looks.

Since then, we've become friends and I asked him to give my followers a few tips from his Training/Nutritional point of view.

Hopefully, we can have him back very often.

Here's Trevor's take on nutritional supplements and what he recommends?

We all have our own personal concoction of supplements that we like to take for whatever reason.  We have either had great results with it in the past, or one of your fellow gym-goers or friends take them and highly recommends them.  I even have my own secret ingredients.  I guess there not a secret anymore now that I am sharing it with you.  

Sure I take my Flinestone vitamins, the Bam Bam ones to be exact.  I think a good mix of supplements for anyone to take (permitting your Doctor has released you from any health related ailments and that you are over 18) would be some test boosters, natural if you could find them, (Testrol or Novadex).  The higher your levels of testosterone, the more lean muscle mass you will build.  The more muscle you have, the more fat you will burn involuntarily and the higher your metabolism will be.  It takes a lot of calories for fuel muscle and a lot of energy to make it all work.  People from 18-35 generally have higher levels of testosterone any ways but as you get older, your levels will plateau and or decrease, so maintaining normal to slightly above average will do wonders in maintaining muscle density, improve energy, and even enhance your libido, if you were lacking in that department to begin with. 

Protein:  Whey protein as you may have heard time and time again, is the most readily absorbed protein there is, being transported into muscle cells within 20 mins of a workout.  Egg being second (yet higher in cholesterol) and Soy protein being third.  There are certain protein compounds out there that have all three of these major proteins in one shake for a time released absorption rate that your body will benefit from the most.  Ask me the name of it and I will tell you, "I don't know, lol."  Your lean meats should be fish, turkey, or chicken (or buffalo if you have some Indian in you).  Milk DOES do a body good, skim or 1% is the best drink with most ALL the important vitamins and minerals.  Spinach, lettuce, broccoli, or asparagus for your leafy green vegetables are your best choices; although not the tastiest.  

For an intense workout, you will need energy.  I get my energy from good ole' caffeine pills, taking just 2 prior to my workout for optimum energy and making for an explosive workout, but a Red Bull or Monster sports drink may do the trick too.  There are also many complex formulas out there that will have your Nitric Oxide for pumps and vascularity, caffeine for energy, protein and carbs for muscle mass and fuel, and other ingredients to maximize work output.  (N.O. Explode, Shotgun, Synthesize).

There are also diuretics for the shredding or cutting phase that rid the body of excess fluid retention and should only be used just days prior to a photo shoot or bodybuilding contest as this supplement is very hard on the kidneys.  While taking these supplements, the use of Milk Thistle for the liver and Cranberry Extract for the kidneys is advisable.  

Fish and Flaxseed oils are great for the essential fatty acids neglected from most diets.  Calcium tablets (if you don't drink milk) is good for bone density, vitamin D if you don't get enough Sun or drink Milk as this is also the most missed vitamin from meals.  Having some issues with fat around the abdomen?  Take an Alpha Lipoic Acid (250 mg) with any carb rich meal and it will help lean you out.  In short, Lipoic Acid acts as a universal antioxidant, ridding the body of free radicals and also as a carb blocker by allowing your muscles to synthesize your "good carbs."  Another product to try in conjunction with the Lipoic Acid is your Conjugated Linoleic Acid or CLA which, like caffeine, forces your fat stores into your arteries to be dispensed as energy and burned more efficiently.  Lastly, Vitamin E for cardio health, immunity and for good skin is also something you should consider.

Check back with me soon for more fitness related information.

If you have any questions for Trevor, post them here & I'll make sure he stops by to respond!

HAWT Shot of the Week!

Say hello to Derek Richardson

Derek's Stats:

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 178

Chest: 38

Waist: 30

If you'd like to contact Derek or see more of him, find him on

Model Mayhem

Back in the saddle, I mean gym again...

For those who already know me, you might have seen my rant on Facebook about my newest gym experience.
Either way, I'm going to share again.
Tuesday, Novenmber 2nd was the start of "Bootcamp" at my gym. I decided I needed to jump start my fitness routine and get back on track, so I'm offically paying someone to punish me!
At age 37 with 3 kids,and a full-time career, I find it hard to make time for exercise; but I know it's a necessary evil. So, into my story walks TINKERHELL; our personal trainer. Don't get me wrong, she's the sweetest and most like-able person you'd ever meet OUT of the gym. IN the gym she is "No Mercy" with a smile.
The first hour session consisted of a fitness test and then the workout. I was so red faced and out of breath I thought I'd die, or at least throw up. Well, I did neither and made it through the entire class.

Thursday, November 4th. Day 2 of the bootcamp was better. Did you know your knees can sweat? Really?? I spent so much time on them doing push-ups that my workout pants were drenched!
The truly horrific part of the night was the weigh in and measure prior to the class. I think the scale at the gym is broken or maybe the trainer had her foot on it when I wasn't looking??
Well...let's just say my goal is to get down to 160 pounds and a I have a way to go...
The good news is that the scale at home says I lost 6 pounds and I think we'll go with that.

I even ventured to the gym tonight to workout, I was the only one there! Guess I'm the only one silly enough to workout on a Sunday night.

I'm going to keep you all posted on my progress and maybe even post some pictures when I am presentable.
So far I feel better about exercising and watching what I eat, it's impotant to me. I've also discovered something... I hate push-ups! Anyone know how to make them easier? or train to be better at them?
Oh well, we'll take this journey together and I can't wait to unveil te results.

Kelly O.

Looking at HOT MEN for 12 months to support a good cause!

I'm behind this cause and it's personal:

Why should you buy a Man Candy calendar?

Well, other than the obvious reason of 12 hunks under the cover?

Because it's for a great cause.

Partial proceeds will be donated to the JDRF, Junior Diabetes Research Foundation in my brother's memory.

Brent E. Clisby

Sept. 21 1964- Jan. 1 2004

My older brother Brent died at the young age of 40 after a lifetime battle with Type 1 Juvenille Diabetes.

You might ask why I am using Hot men to bring awareness to the disease and raise money for this cause?

Because these 12 beautiful, talented and caring men represent what a fit and healthy body can look like.They represent a quality of life; one that with awareness, we all can achieve.

All the models are different, but no less striking then the other.

My brother suffered a lifetime due to his childhood diabetes, but many others suffer from this affliction later in life due to weight gain and unhealthy habits.

Taking care of yourself and your body is essential, and sometimes all a Type 2 Diabetic needs to do in order to stop needing medication and lead a perfectly normal life.

 I am currently taking pre-orders for the calendars. I am so close to printing the first batch, I just need a few more sold.

THE MAN CANDY OF DEMONLOVER'S BOOKS & MORE" 2011 WALL CALENDAR

I would like to thank all the photographers that gave permission & donated the use of their fabulous photography and the models within them.

Here's a peak of the men you will see within the pages of my 2011 Man Candy calendar

(the actual photos are going to remain a surprise, but you can enjoy these too!)

 

Pre-Order your Man Candy for 2011

(1) Mine, all mine $16.50 (2) Double my Pleasure $32.00 (3) Three's company $45.00

SAFE SEX! You must read this!

If you've ever had oral sex...

That was the beginning of a catchy title of the article I read in Women's Health magazine. Mainly this conversation is for the women folk, BUT if you are a man who cares for your ladies health: read it also.

Did you know that Oral sex can lead to Cancer?

According to the article, 10 years ago, oral cancer among women was unheard of. Most cases were that of men, over 50 and attributed to heavy drinking & smoking...Not the case any longer.

Between 1999 and 2007 HPV related oropharyngeal cancer has risen 28%. This is pretty scary.

Which brings me to the next question? What can we do about it?

One  recommendation is that we vaccinate all girls for the HPV virus by the age of 12 yrs old, but that is very controversial. Safe sex campaigns blamed the spread of the HPV on unprotected vaginal intercourse, but this is no longer the case.

Just how long the HPV virus lingers in the mouth before turning into cancer is unknown, but a significant number of cases aren't caught until the cancer is in the later stages. In this case, knowledge is key.

The scariest part is that 40-60% of men can have the HPV virus at any given time, with less then 1% showing symptoms, Eeewwww.

The Bottom Line:

Watch your mouth and know who's in it!

Still practice safe sex

Oral cancer can show up in tumors, cracks or lesions on your throat, voice box tonsils or tongue. Nearly 40,000 americans will be diagnosed this year.

Be aware, Be careful and watch for the signs.

• Painful sores
• Long term hoarsness or unexplained persistent cough
• Pain of swelling of the lymph nodes or neck lasting longer then 2 weeks
• Changes in your voice or ability to swallow

Twenty-four million Americans may have the human papillomavirus (HPV), yet more than 76 percent of women in the United States have never heard of this sexually transmitted virus which causes virtually 100 percent of all cervical cancers.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the world. Experts estimate that as many as 24 million Americans are infected with HPV, and the frequency of infection and disease appears to be increasing. More than 60 types of HPV have been identified by scientists. Some types of the virus cause common skin warts. About one-third of the HPV types are spread through sexual contact and live only in genital tissue. Low-risk types of HPV cause genital warts, the most recognizable sign of genital HPV infection. Other high-risk types of HPV cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers.

For the entire article, pick up Women's Health Magazine: Nov, 2010 edition.
For JUST the facts, visit the CDC site for all the info: http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/

Exciting news!

While visitng SIN CITY over the weekend I took in another CHIPPENDALES show and was able to chat with some of the guys.

Look for the following, coming soon...

Up close intereview with Dancer/Musician

James Davis

Weekly Training Tips from Chippendales Dancer/Personal Trainer

Nathan Minor