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Ivan is an ACSM certified health and fitness specialist, NGA pro bodybuilder and triathlete.


Background

I started lifting weights when I was almost 14. I mainly lifted to get stronger and become a better athlete. It took until the day I was 25 when I ran into this guy, who was showing off his pictures of his recent bodybuilding contest on his cell phone, one day in my college gym.

I went up to him and asked about it and he said I could do it. I was skeptical at first, because I always thought one had to be really big to be a bodybuilder. Also, I have always had the motto that if I commit to something, I always finish what I start, but more so, I succeed to the best of my ability as well! After doing some research on natural bodybuilding, I slowly began to realize that this was something I could do. So I decided to start bodybuilding.

I basically had a good base of knowledge from the start being that I had attained my Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology in 2003, and was working on my Master's in Exercise Physiology at the time at the University of New Orleans (Editor's Note: Ivan earned his MEd in May of 2008). However, I lacked the practical experience of bodybuilding.

With the help of some choreographers and a lot of diligent research in nutrition, training, contest preparation, and posing, I began to see the light and logic behind succeeding in bodybuilding. I am an oddity in that; I already knew quite a bit about how to train and eat. However, I had never devoted the time to actually try and do it.

I also got involved because I wanted more credibility as a personal trainer and to take my body to its genetic limit. I want to not only teach people what I know, but I want to be a walking testament to my own fitness philosophies. The ultimate understanding to me is the combination of knowledge and experience.

Back in college, I used to workout at 6-8 months at a time, and I saw changes, but I never took these changes as far as they could go. Now that I am bodybuilding for the long-term, it has been a dream of mine to see just how far I can take my body and how much I can transform and change my body.

My Research Publications:

He can be contacted at clinicaltrainer@hotmail.com.

Vital Stats

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Beach Ready In No Time
Spring break is here, and as surely as regret follows a Girls Gone Wild shoot, summer is approaching fast. Here's how to get ready.
Section: Training :: Mar 17, 2011

Top 10 Inflammation-Fighting Foods
Inside, your body's on fire. You just don't know it—and won't until your gains vanish, or disease strikes. Use diet to douse the flames!
Section: Nutrition :: Feb 16, 2011

Fact Or Myth: Fruit & Contest Prep Don't Mix?
I will cite some of the theories why fruits are avoided by an unfortunately large number of bodybuilders and figure competitors and refute them. Learn more.
Section: Nutrition :: Feb 10, 2010

10 Foods To Improve Your Heart Health & Attack Fat!
These 10 foods will be in no particular order, but they are staples in my daily intake for many reasons. I will explain. Learn more.
Section: Nutrition :: Feb 02, 2010

Optimize Your Bodyweight With This Grocery Shopping Guide!
With a little education and preparation, you can optimize your bodyweight and health by knowing what to eat and what to look for when reading labels. Find out more.
Section: Nutrition :: Jan 14, 2010

Enhancing The Art Of Bodybuilding With The Practice Of Yoga Poses!
I was told that my posing this year was better than years past, and I personally attribute this to yoga. Here's more about yoga, the science behind it, detailed stretches, exercises, and more to help you succeed in your next competition.
Section: Training :: Jun 23, 2009

Beginner's Guide To Natural Bodybuilding Competition: Disseminating Misconception From Reality!
Most men cringe at the thought of being on stage at a bodybuilding competition. Well, I'm here to tell you, no more do you have to be this gargantuan monster to compete. Here's a guide for the novice to get you on stage and winning. Learn more.
Section: Contests :: May 11, 2009

5 Training Secrets For Building A Sculpted Chest!
How much can you bench? In this article, I hope to engage and gravitate your attention to some of my secrets to building an impressive chest! Take action now and build a sculpted chest with these tips and exercises!
Section: Training :: May 05, 2009

Protein Requirements For Bodybuilders: A Need For Re-Evaluation!
The purpose of this article is to educate and evaluate current dietary protein recommendations as well as many of the claims for protein powders and pills. If you are ready for the truth keep reading!
Section: Supplements :: Oct 22, 2008

Coconut Oil: The Untold Story - Is It Good For You?
Coconut oil - Basically it is an oil that is ~92% saturated fat! How can this oil be good? Well, to my and in a few minutes, your amazement, it is... Coconut oil contains ~64% MCT... Learn more.
Section: Nutrition :: Apr 23, 2008

The Science Of Natural Bodybuilding: The Blazquez Report!
Tested & non-tested bodybuilding only differ in the size of mass that can be gained. For those who are interested in knowing the science behind being a true natural bodybuilder, read on.
Section: Training :: Apr 10, 2008

Personal Training Redefined - What Truly Makes A Personal Trainer?
Personal training has been a profitable commodity in the fitness industry within the past decade… Distinguish between the fake and respected trainer from the following: required credentials, respected institutions, what to be weary of, and much more!
Section: Training :: Jan 08, 2008

Fast-Cardio Or Slow-Cardio? The True Answer Without Exogenous Bias.
I will explain why HIIT and HIT are the two best hands-down ways to get super ripped AND massive. Here I will explain in detail and without bias why cardio is so important... especially for natural competitors!
Section: Training :: Oct 15, 2007

The Pump: A Traditional Training Principle With Newfound Applications.
The greatest feeling you can get in a gym or the most satisfying feeling you can get in a gym is, 'The Pump.' Here I expose what the pump really is and 3 new applications to take growth to a new level.
Section: Training :: Oct 09, 2007

Muscle Mass Accretion Training: My Top 3 Mass-Building Tips!
In a nutshell, all fibers are involved in a set, but specific ones are emphasized for the duration... Learn more about these 3 tips and how they can help with muscle gain: Explosive pre-sets, Negatives, & Spot-Accretion.
Section: Training :: Sep 13, 2007

Soy: A Bodybuilder's Friend Or Foe?
In this article, I will assess the pro's and con's of soy-based foods and disseminate research studies and expert opinions to arrive to a strong and formidable conclusion about soy being a bodybuilder's friend or foe.
Section: Supplements :: Aug 02, 2007

Back Inscription Training: Building Your Own Roadmap.
In this discussion, the back will be classified into 2 categories, V-Taper training and Detail/Definition training with the intended purpose of adding width and thickness. Learn more from the following pictures, exercises and more...
Section: Training :: Jul 13, 2007

Calf Crucifixion: Insider Secrets From A Hard-Gainer!
Calves are one of the most stubborn muscle groups to develop. This program is for those who have tried just about everything to get their calves to grow to no avail. Here are two great workouts to shoot you calves into hypertrophy!
Section: Training :: May 16, 2007

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