Don't Be Afraid of Personal Training (or Bodybuilding Perhaps?)
Posted: September 10, 2012 at 9:17 pm
Samantha Fritz takes readers through the gyms, fitness events, studios and boot camps of New Orleans to discover the best ways to exhaust yourself, lose weight or just plain feel better. Don't be afraid to try something new! This week she demoed a personal training session and talked professional bodybuilding with Ivan Blazquez at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center, Uptown, nojcc.org.
When I walk up to Ivan Blazquez to meet for our personal training demo and a chat about exercise and nutrition, he is eating what looks to me like rhubarb pie. It is pink and gooey, in a plastic container.
"This is not one of my best," says the 33-year-old Health Fitness Specialist and personal trainer at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center (AKA the JCC), referring to his homemade lunch. He eats a vegetable or fruit at every meal and recommends to all his clients to increase their vegetable consumption, even if it's just throwing a carrot on your plate next to the etouffee. He tells me that the brightly colored lunch I interrupt for our interview is actually a mash-up of beets, cucumber, mushrooms and sesame seeds.
I first met Blazquez at Harrah's New Orleans Casino for an event called the American Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation 2012 Pro-Louisiana Bodybuilding, Figure, Men's Physique and Bikini Championships. Very tanned, very muscular men and women posed and performed choreographed routines to show off their incredible physiques. I attended with my friend Nicole, who credits her enviably flat stomach to weekly training sessions with Blazquez.
Blazquez was at the UNO gym in 2005 when he saw another member's picture from a natural (meaning no performance-enhancing drugs) bodybuilding show. He was intrigued and says the guy told him, "You can do it."
Thirty minutes later Blazquez signed up online for his first National Gym Association show.
With a Master degree in Exercise Physiology and years of experience in training and bodybuilding, Blazquez comes with a lot of expertise. This is good, since personal training packages can be pricey; the JCC charges $65 per session or $420 for 10. But that doesn't stop Blazquez's roster of writers, doctors, attorneys, students and more from seeing him at least once a week.
After witnessing Blazquez win the Men's Lightweight Division in the ABFF Pro-Louisiana, he nearly sold me on a personal training package with his sheer enthusiasm, but I settled on a 10-minute "demo" session instead.
During this 10-minute session, I worked out harder than I ever would have in my own 60-minute workout. We "warmed up" with a machine called Jacob's Ladder that looks like a vertical treadmill with a wooden ladder strapped to it. Blazquez asked me to crawl up it for 30 seconds. After he saw I could do that, he told me to go for a minute.
I kept going for a total of three minutes, which Blazquez said put me in the top percentile of his clients. He added that he recently trained a 20-something male who couldn't even finish two minutes. Does this guy know how to hook someone or what? I wanted more challenges! There is a good reason the Jacob's Ladder machine is safely tucked away in the personal training room, out of reach of people like me.
Read the original here:
Don't Be Afraid of Personal Training (or Bodybuilding Perhaps?)
- Perform Windows Computer registry Cleanup to Improve Method ... [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2010]
- Barbara Marx Hubbard, Conscious Evolution [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2011]
- Cobus - Planetshakers - Never Stop (Drum Cover) [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- PK Subban's Off-Season Training featured on the NHL network [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Yamaha FX SHO Series Test 2012b- By BoatTest.com [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- 2011 VMAs - Lady Gaga as a man, Adele, NIcki Minaj, Beyonce, Brun Mars does Amy [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Lady Gaga -- The Full Interview! [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Google I/O 2011: WebGL Techniques and Performance [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Landon Swank UNDERWATER ESCAPE (BEST PERFORMANCE? - Review) - America's Got Talent 8/16/11 Recap [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Bloc Party | This Modern Love | A Take Away Show [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Liza Minelli Interview [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- NCIX PC Vesta 5050 High Performance Gaming PC Showcase Linus Tech Tips [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- SK Gaming vs Kil'Jaeden World First High Quality part 1/2 [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- Billy Beck III Personal Training [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- "The Catholic Church is a force for good in the world" (7 of 13) [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- Bishop Walter Hawkins - Part 1 - LAST PUBLIC PERFORMANCE - "Marvelous" [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Yamaha 190 Series Test 2012- By BoatTest.com [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Casey James: Top 11 Performance (Power of love) [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Britney Spears Satisfaction [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- Bishop Walter Hawkins - Part 2 - LAST PUBLIC PERFORMANCE - "Marvelous" [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- Shania Up! Close [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Peak Performance Golf Swing Analysis [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- £2300 Ultimate Performance PC Unboxing Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- Cressey Performance Foam Roller Series [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2011]
- Brian Tracy - Unbreakable Laws Of Self-Confidence Motivational Video Preview from Seminars on DVD [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2011]
- Brooklyn Decker on Ellen DeGeneres Show - Sport's Illustrated / 2/12/2010 [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2011]
- NCIX PC Vesta 4050 Performance Prototype [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Justin Bieber - "Pray" (HD) AMA Music Awards 2010 Performance LIVE (November 21st, 2010) [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Janet Jackson -- Number Ones: Up Close and Personal -- Part 1 [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Cobus - Hillsong United - Take It All (Drum Cover) [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2011]
- Johnny Cash - Cremation of Sam McGee [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2011]
- Ajda Pekkan - Petrol (performance from National Final 1980) [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2011]
- Up Close and Personal with PZ - Farhan Akhtar and Preity Zinta - Full Episode - UTVSTARS HD [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2011]
- Cray CX1 Deskside Supercomputer [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2011]
- Yamaha 242 Limited S Boat 2011 Performance Test - By BoatTest.com [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2011]
- HakTip - HOWTO: Optimize Your PC For Fastest Performance [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- MEDLEY // "A Little More Personal" by Lindsay Lohan - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Mosquito XET Turbine Personal and Light Helicopter - You Can Own the Dream @ ROTOR F/X LLC - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2011]
- adidas adiZero F50 miCoach - Video [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2011]
- Avril Lavigne - Push - 4Play - 5th March 2011 [Live] - Video [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2011]
- Children of Bodom - Live at Wacken (2011) ENTIRE PERFORMANCE - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Up Close and Personal with PZ - Akshay Kumar and Preity Zinta - Full Episode - UTVSTARS HD - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- cry baby elimination performance- Allison Iraheta - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- Tesla Personal Supercomputer - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Adam Lambert-American Idol Top 8 (group performance+night results) - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Anne Hathaway at Ellen DeGenere - Valentine's Day Show - 2/12/2010 - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2011]
- Zero Tolerance 200: Big performance, Less Money - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Stress Release Technique - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Misha Angrist On Personal Genomics - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- Best lessons from Anthony Robbins. Personal development.02 Visits. www.agelars.com - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2011]
- Cristiano Ronaldo vs Villarreal - Home (11-12) by Yan Gama - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- How to Build a Quiet High-Performance PC Video Overview - Part 4 - AcousticPC.com - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- Alec Baldwin - Best performance - Video [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2011]
- Paul Baloche -solving personal conflicts on the worship team - Video [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2011]
- Ep 6 Marissa practising for and performing 'Hate on me' - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Identities - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Horia Brenciu , Guess Who [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- IaMmE Crew Compilation Part 1 (Week 1-8) - Video [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2011]
- DBSK - Mirotic [SBS Gayo Daejun - HD -20081229] - Video [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2011]
- Natasja's Final Performance (Portmore Awards 2007) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2011]
- Up Close and Personal with PZ - Yuvraj Singh - Full Episode UTVSTARS HD - Video [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2011]
- Mike Burnside CSEP CEP, personal trainer, demonstrates his performance fitness - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Boa Spark Live Performance - Awesome Dancing - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2011]
- My Life live Performance - Video [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2011]
- Price and Performance PC Build Video - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2011]
- 3rd Performance - YellowJackets - "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" By Jersey Boys - Sing Off - S3 - Video [Last Updated On: November 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 18th, 2011]
- Adam Lambert-American Idol Top 11 (group performance+night results) - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2011]
- Off Book | Fashion of Artists | PBS Arts - Video [Last Updated On: November 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 22nd, 2011]
- {Boost/Improve/Get Better} Gaming FPS [Last Updated On: November 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 22nd, 2011]
- Up Close and Personal with PZ - Saif Ali Khan - Full Episode UTVSTARS HD - Video [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2011]
- The Reebok Zig Slash Performance Review - Video [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2011]
- Snowy Cold Starts, Tours, and Updates of the Personal Vehicles - Video [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2011]
- Justin Bieber Mistletoe AMA Performance - Video [Last Updated On: November 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 24th, 2011]
- Merton Sings for Hank - Video [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2011]
- Come Dine With Me Season 17 Episode 76 Series 17, Episode 64 - Video [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2011]
- Danielle Kennedy: Sales and Personal Performance Whiz - Video [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2011]
- Inner Circle Performs Tribute to Dennis Brown. "Revolution" LIVE at the Circle Village - Video [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2011]
- CJC Personal Presentation - Video [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2011]
- Achieving Your Personal Best in 2012 - Video [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2011]
- Romanian Deadlift - How To - Radix Performance - Video [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2011]