IFBB Pro Figure competitor, Olympian and MAN Sports athlete, Meriza DeGuzman, entertained a visit by photographer and good friend, Terry Goodlad, earlier this year. The result? This very cool video of Meriza hammering her lower half in preparation for the 2010 California IFBB Pro Figure contest.
Check out Meriza, blasting glutes and hamstrings, and doing some cool, unusual versions of lunges, we call “Meriza lunges” or Curtsey Lunges… It’s a tough session! We hope you’ll enjoy it! Also check out Meriza, mixing up her pre-workout drink, MAN Sports’ Figure Fuel, from the counter of 619 Muscle…and sit back and enjoy! Watch Meriza as she rocks the training…  and special thanks to Terry and his website, www.Bodysport.com, for the great footage! Enjoy!

Meriza shines at the Cals!

ARMOUR PLATE PECS!

Craft your own powerful pecs with this 4-week Pec Thrashing Program Like Nobody’s Business.

Here’s an old-school program that’ll build size and thickness, while emphasizing complete, balanced development – try it on for SIZE!

The winds of change are blowing through the sport of bodybuilding.  Gone are the days when mind-blowing mass alone was enough to win.  More and more, it’s becoming a game where shape, balance and muscular conditioning gain favor over sheer mass at the expense of aesthetics.  True, mass is still (and always will be) king – and rightly so, this is, after all, bodybuilding – but as the science of nutrition and supplementation bring modern athletes into new territories of muscularity, more than ever, shape and balance determine the difference between competitors, especially at the upper levels of competition.  It’s not just enough to be huge, you gotta be huge, shredded, and symmetrical these days, to push into the upper levels of the physique game.

With that being said, what follows is a chest program specifically designed for complete pec development.  This intermediate- to advanced-level training regimen takes us through a pectoral thrashing to leave even the most hardcore iron warriors clutching their blood-swollen chests and gasping for air.

To maximize productivity in a single chest workout, it’s important to attack the pecs from all angles.  For complete pectoral development, it’s necessary to keep in mind how these muscles cause movement.  The primary function of the chest muscles is to move the upper arm bones anteriorly, or to the front of the body, and to a lesser extent, across the front of the body.  The pecs work in a dynamic range of motion that can be  encompassed in 3 basic angles.  Training the pecs with these 3 angles in mind will target the major components of this muscle group; simply, upper, middle and lower chest.  The workout outlined here prioritizes all three areas of the chest to stimulate maximum visual changes in the shortest period of time.  Try this program for 4 weeks, and watch both your size and strength improve measurably!

Complete Chest Development – attacking from different angles

Begin with flat bench presses.  These are the “meat and potatoes” of chest training, and weight lifting in general.  Flat presses target the entire pec region very effectively, but primary focus is on mid-chest thickness.  Lying on a flat bench, grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder width.  As you lower the bar toward the chest, be sure to keep the bar close to or just above the nipple line.  Forearms should be perpendicular to the floor, or just slightly wider, when the bar is in the low position.  Keep elbows and wrists in line, directly under the bar.  Do not shrug shoulders upward while lying in the working position of this exercise.

Next, we’ll move on to incline presses.  Inclines target the upper portion of the chest.  As with the Flat Bench Press, keep elbows and wrists in line while performing the exercise.  Elbows should be directly under the bar.  As with bench pressing, grip the bar so that the forearms point straight to the ceiling at the bottom portion of the movement.  If the grip is too close, triceps and front deltoids will take over as the primary movers during this exercise.

Follow incline presses with decline flyes.  Notice the angle of the plane of movement during each of the exercises.  With decline presses (done with a straight bar), the bar travels from the nipple line straight toward the ceiling.  Use dumbbells for this exercise but maintain the same plane of movement as with a bar.

Declines target the lower part of the chest and the pec minor.  Keeping elbows bent, lower the dumbbells to a parallel position relative to the body.   Do not lower weights beyond a comfortable, manageable stretch.  Squeeze pecs together, moving dumbbells up toward the ceiling and across the body toward the midline.  At the top of the movement, bring dumbbells close to touching, but maintain control and do not bang them together.

Lastly, we’ll do dips with bodyweight.  Dips can be thought of as “upper body squats” because they target just about all muscle groups of the upper body.

Find the dip bars in the gym that are slightly wider than your shoulders.  Begin the movement with arms extended, supporting your bodyweight.  For dips, keep the head up, eyes directly to the front.  Do not let your head hang forward.  Bend your elbows to lower your body to a comfortable starting point.  Pause with control at the bottom of the movement.  Bend elbows to about 90 degrees of flexion, with upper arms crossing just below parallel to the floor, until you feel a slight stretch.  Drive the body upward by straightening the arms and contracting the pecs.

You’ll find that by leaning forward a bit, the chest will get more work, as opposed to holding your body straight vertical.  In our program, this is the finishing movement.  Utilize it to put the final nails in the coffin of your chest workout.    Rep, rep, rep until you cannot do any more.

3 sets to failure should finish off the toughest of trainers.

The Program – Building the War Chest

Are you ready?  We’ll hit these 4 exercises hard and strict.  Stay focused and let’s get to it!

Flat bench press:

warm up 1       light weight                20 reps  (not to failure)

warm up 2       moderate weight         15 reps (not to failure)

working set 1  75% 1RM        goal is 8-10 reps          rest 120 seconds

working set 2  75% 1RM        goal is 8-10 reps          rest 120 seconds

heavy set 1      85% 1RM        goal is 4-5 reps            rest 120 seconds

heavy set 2      85% 1RM        goal is 4-5 reps            rest 30 seconds, drop to-

drop set 1        75% 1RM        goal is 4-5 reps            rest 30 seconds, drop to-

drop set 2        55% 1RM        goal is 10 reps or to failure

Incline press:

working set 1  75%1RM         goal is 8-10 reps          rest 120 seconds

working set 2  80%1RM         goal is 8-10 reps          rest 120 seconds

heavy set 1      85%1RM         goal is 6-8 reps            rest 30 seconds, drop to-

drop set 1        70% 1RM        goal is 4-6 reps            rest 30 seconds, drop to-

drop set 2        60% 1RM        goal is 8-10 reps or to failure

Decline flyes:

working set 1         choose a weight to complete 8-10 strict reps       rest 90 seconds

heavy work set 1   choose a weight to complete 6-8 strict reps          rest 90 seconds

heavy work set 2   choose a weight to complete 6-8strict reps           rest 30 seconds

drop set 1               reduce weight by 25%, reps to failure

Dips:

bodyweight to failure rest for 60 seconds

bodyweight to failure rest for 60 seconds

bodyweight to failure

Maximizing Muscle Stimulation – Ramp Up Intensity

There are several variables in any training program that will ramp up how hard your muscles are working and result in greater gains.  The intensifying techniques below are utilized in the above program to bring the greatest results in the least amount of time.

Time: This variable directly relates to intensity.   In this case, we’ll utilize this variable to increase intensity by controlling rest time between sets.  Be sure to keep strict control over your rest time.   This workout outlined above has a fairly aggressive pace that challenges the muscle recovery systems, and will result in greater overall stimulation

Work Volume:  More work in less time.  If you notice, your muscles will endure a significant amount of time under tension during this workout.  The longer the overall time a muscle is contracting against a resistance, the greater the stimulation.

Drop sets: This old-school intensifying technique is utilized to allow the muscles to keep on contracting beyond the point of failure.  This tried-and-true method will wake up even the deepest muscle fibers!

Experienced lifters give the War Chest program above a try for 4 weeks. To prioritize pecs, schedule this priority-training program every 5^th day on your calendar.  Be sure to eat big, supplement wisely, and rest.  Then, train aggressively, and watch your chest grow – bigger than ever!

Supplementation:

Add in, 1 scoop of BODY OCTANE 20 minutes prior to hitting this one.  Throw in 4-6 caps of BLUE PRINT, and stand back.  Sincerely, push your body like it’s your last workout, and you’ll experience a pump, and strength deep inside the muscles like you read about.  Focus, stay strong, and watch your slabs of pec-meat explode!

Article by Pete Ciccone



Pete posing with a most musclar

Are you looking to increase testosterone (test) levels in your body without any side effects? Then Primal Male is your answer.

Here is an in-depth look at the research and result driven formulation behind PRIMAL-MALE™

MAN Sports Primal Male, Natural Testosterone production

Fadogia Agrestis
Saponin extracts have well-defined roles since the introduction of the long-time industry favorite tribulus terrestris and their androgenic mechanism of action which they remain popularized for. Still, a new source for saponins surfaced in 2005 with a more pronounced effect on modifying libido and sexual dysfunction than this previous counterpart. That saponin source was defined as an aqueous extract from the stem of the medicinal plant Fadogia agrestis.

Fadogia serves as a Luteinizing-hormone mimetic (LH-mimetic). In other words, it causes the release of Luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn signals the Leydig cells (specialized cells of the testes) to produce more Testosterone. This increase in testosterone seems to occur in a dose-dependent fashion, with higher doses offering the greatest benefit.
Increased testosterone and circulating androgens has many ergogenic benefits to the average gym-going athlete. In being the primary anabolic substrate, increases in lean muscle mass and better sense of well-being are expected. As discussed above, the sexual effects are essentially unmatched: increased libido, easier erections, increased ejaculatory volume, and stamina are common reports with users.

In times of inevitable shutdown of your hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular-axis (HPTA) use of anabolic substances, aiding recovery is a feature of this compound.

Eucommia ulmoides (standardized for full spectrum of triterpenoids and phytolipids)
Not to be confused with the widespread sports supplement ingredient Eurycoma longfolia; Eucommia ulmoides – a product used in Chinese medicine for years has never been seen in the sports supplement sector of the dietary supplement industry as a whole.

Traditional Chinese medicine has alternatively referenced Eucommia as Du Zhong because Chinese legend suggests that a person named Du Zhong made great intellectual achievements after taking this herb. It had gone on to earn acclaim as a kidney and liver tonic that strengthened tendons and bones. Later experiments showed therapeutic offering in people with high blood pressure and an ability for the bark of the plant to decrease blood fats.

In recent years, extensive research exists attempting to delve into its ability to decrease high blood pressure without side effects, an exciting property when considering elevation in androgen levels. A study in 2003 using isometric contraction of isolated rat aortic and dog carotid rings, claims to have provided the first evidence for in vitro vasorelaxant action of Eucommia ulmoides, thus confirming the pharmacological basis for its use as an antihypertensive agent. It would be later confirmed that E. ulmoides extract was non-toxic and effective in reducing systolic blood pressure in spontaneous hypertensive rats.

Though eucommia still had a lot of anecdotal feedback suggesting its possession of aphrodisiac properties that seemed to suggest its blood pressure lowering effects were not in vacuum. Afrerall, its mainstay use has really been treating libido and impotence.

2007 marked the release of two rather interesting studies on Eucommia’s phytoandrogen potential. That’s right! While over 2200 studies have been conducted on its estrogen-equivalent, the so-called phytoestrogen, phytoandrogens are brand new. At least twelve compounds have been isolated and suggested to be the potential active constituents to mimicking testosterone in structure and fitting into the androgen receptor, though two have been focused on: the terpenoids and an unusual type of fatty acid. This is suggested to cause the same effects if testosterone itself had inserted itself into the very same receptor.

But, it doesn’t stop there! Eucommia also increases the activity of testosterone already present – whether this is endogenous or exogenous in nature. This shows its perhaps obvious benefit in PRIMAL MALE™ for the synergism of ingredients.

Epimedium species [E. sagittatum, E. grandiflorum, E. brevicornum] (standardized to ___ % Icariin)

The Chinese herb, named yin yang huo, also translates as “licentious Goat Weed,” suggesting desired lusty effects. Traditionally, it has been used to increase libido and improve sexual performance by correcting the sexual disorders of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. This may be due to the fact that horny goat weed contains a number of flavonoids, some of which show estrogen-inhibiting properties in vitro. It also may offer insight into why it has shown efficacy in clinical trials in patients with kidney failure for improving sex drive.
The active ingredient in epimedium is thought to be icariin in which PRIMAL MALE™ has been specifically extracted for. Icariin inhibits the activity of something called Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that breaks down the compound cyclic GMP (cGMP), increasing the levels of cGMP in the penile and other tissues. cGMP is an intermediate en route to production of nitric oxide. This cascade causes the penis to be filled with blood and engorge likely contributing to the libido and sexual performance improvements seen with this herbal extract.
This makes the third tier of the PRIMAL MALE™ obvious inciting the “primal” androgenic instincts of what it is to truly be “male” – increasing libido, sex drive, and associated increased testosterone effects.

Indole 3 Carbinol (I3C)
Several years ago, scientists hypothesized that a preference towards the 2-hydroxylase pathway and the subsequent generation of 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1), results in less toxic metabolites in the circulation, which was subsequently gone on to support a decreased number of breast cancer outcomes if this were the dominant pathway (later, this proved true for prostate cancer as well and men everywhere applauded the benefits for this otherwise troublesome organ). It was also around that same time that the hypothesis of greater estrogenic metabolism via the 16-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme would yield greater amounts of the more potent 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1) and a larger number of estrogen-dependent cancers would likely be the result.
Although it may seem obvious that a substance consumed over many years by millions worldwide is inherently safe, it has been challenged recently by those with vested interest in its metabolite DIM. The concern with the challenges DIM supporters have offered and it is just plain bad science. Numerous cell culture, animal, and human studies have demonstrated I3C’s safety and tolerability, along with its targeted ability to SUPPRESS estrogen-receptor-sensitive (breast, cervical, and important for this discussion – prostate) cancer growth, and induce programmed cell death in a variety of tumors, including those associated with breast, prostate, endometrial, leukemia, and colon cancers.

As an aside, the cytochrome P450 enzymatic system within both the liver and intestinal track is actually STRENGTHENED by use of I3C. This classic indole also produces an inherent aromatase inhibitory effect of its own to not necessarily shut estrogen out, BUT channel it via endogenous mechanisms to a more healthy balance.

Zinc Orotate
Zinc is an essential trace element important for optimal testosterone production and release and even fertility. Zinc participates in over 500 different biochemical reactions in the body and therefore has widespread effects.

Of all the minerals, zinc still stands out because of the classic deficiency studies that demonstrated the dramatic interference with normal Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testiscular Axis (HPTA) function when it was not in optimal quantity. When deficient normal pituitary function is in a state of disarray and the proper hormonal signals are not sent to the testicles to simulate the production of testosterone.

Zinc lowers the amount of aromatase, the enzyme which converts testosterone to estrogen in fatty tissue and the liver. This is how zinc keeps more testosterone circulating freely in the bloodstream.

By enhancing its effect on testosterone and the local environment inside the testes, zinc helps to increase sperm count and makes sperm more energetic by enhancing motility.
All in all, there is an interesting circular relationship being supported by Primal Male™. Not only is zinc required for testosterone, but testosterone has been found to be necessary to maintain levels of zinc in the tissues.

While many of the top sources of zinc are bodybuilder favorites like seafood, meat, and eggs, the average intake is rarely sufficient for the athlete, body composition or otherwise. The problem starts with absorption from these same food stuffs estimated as low as a dismal 2% dependent upon the food it is eaten with. Additional bodybuilder favorites fiber, phyates from vegetables and grains, proteins and certain minerals in usual mixed meals all can impact zinc absorption in a negative way.
This essential problem made supplementation with zinc a no-brainer. Still, the most common form of zinc available in supplemental form is zinc sulfate, likely present in many multivitamins commonly employed by many the diligent athlete. Although it’s the least expensive zinc supplement and thereby the primary choice of manufacturers, it is also the least easily absorbed and can upset the stomach. Zinc monomethionine was later popularized during the touting of ZMA® supplements during the late 90s. Still, of all the mineral salts available, orotate formulations are the best absorbed.

Copper Orotate
Copper is a trace mineral that is imperative to utilize iron, which is ultimately important for the formation of hemoglobin, the oxygen transport molecule in your blood. It is also part of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and needed to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – the energy the body runs on.

When using supplemental zinc, one must consider the zinc-copper interface. Zinc and copper compete for the same absorption sites and excess of zinc can cause a copper deficiency. Due to the aforementioned chemical reactions pertinent to the athlete, a copper deficiency can have serious consequence.
In one well-known double-blind trial, the combination of zinc and copper in appropriate ratios was responsible for reducing evidence of post-exercise free radical activity. The evolution of free radical research certainly highlights the benefits seen with reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which may be even more important with the inundation of arginine/PUMP products prevalent amongst bodybuilders.

Cupric oxide (CuO) is a form of copper frequently used in vitamin-mineral supplements sold over-the-counter. However, animal studies have shown conclusively that this form of copper is poorly absorbed from the gut; it should therefore not be used in supplements. Several other forms made commercially available including copper sulfate, cupric acetate, and alkaline copper carbonate while better absorbed would still not match the absorptive capacity of the orotic acid salt of zinc. Therefore, in order to match it, adding the same salt only makes sense.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency is common among athletes, even the well-fed. This is unfortunate because pyridoxine is a coenzyme for over 100 enzyme functions in the human body, many of which are in conjunction with zinc in both antioxidant as well as testosterone-regulatory roles.

One can easily make a correlation with poor performance and pyridoxine deficiency as well. Pyridoxine deficiency is commonly associated with fatigue, and in athletes with rigorous training parameters, this is one area we cannot be compromised in.
It can also play a general health role in lowering levels of elevated homocysteine, a byproduct of protein metabolism. Vitamin B6 can also aid kidney health and function and aid mental clarity.

“Hey, everyone!
Just checking in with you all – things have been busy since the USA’s and the New York in July.  I’m home in San Diego, and I’ve begun my off-season training program.  I’m excited to be hitting the weights hard once again, with the goal of bringing a new look for 2011!  I’ll be appearing at the Olympia with Joey at the MAN Sports booth next month – be sure to come by and say hi!  I’ll also be appearing with Khay Rosemond at the MAN Sports booth at the 3 remaining SoCal NPC events this year, so please come to the shows and say hi!

By the way, the Tournament of Champions and the Border States will also have an IFBB Pro show accompanying each of these amateur events – definitely worth seeing!  For more information on these events, go to www.musclecontest.com – NPC Chairman and super-promoter Jon Lindsay’s website! 

Here’s an example of current training and nutritional program:
Monday:  stairmill, delts
Tuesday: stairmill, legs
Wednesday:  stairmill, back
Thursday:  Stairmill, delts
Friday:  Stairmill, hams and glutes
Sat/Sunday:  rest

Nutrition:
Meal 1:  6 egg whites, 1 whole yolk, 1 whole grain toast

pre-training/pre-cardio stack:  1 scoop Figure Fuel, 1 scoop Body Octane, 1 swagger if I need a little kick!  (I also use the Swagger during my workday, as needed to help keep me focused)

Meal 2:  post-workout shake, 1.5 scoops, small apple
Meal 3:  5 oz 99% lean ground turkey, 1/3 cup black beans
Meal 4:  Sushi (chirashi bowl – 8-10oz sashimi, 1/2 cup rice, cucumbers and seaweed – yum!)
Meal 5:  protein shake, 1.5 scoops prior to returning to work, 1 slice whole grain bread, 1 tbsp peanut butter.
Meal 6:  same as meal 3

I’m resting my metabolism a bit now, my weight training is fun, heavier but still fast-moving.  It consists of several super- and giant sets right now, I’m really focusing on shaping my outer delts and working on rounding my glutes and hamstrings.  My quads responded well to my off-season training last year, so I am carefully maintaining them but I’m avoiding adding thickness or size this year.

I’m also busy with 2 more Presentation Clinics this fall, including 1 in Vista on Sunday, Sept 12th, and the other in San Diego, on Oct. 9th.  We’ll cover posing for both Figure and Bikini at each of these events, all are welcome!

Meriza’s Art of Figure Posing and Presentation Clinics
Sunday, Sept 12, 2010  from 11-1pm
World Gym, Vista: 2128 Thibado Court, Vista, CA  92081

Saturday, October 9th, from 10am-1pm
World Gym, San Diego:  2949 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

Please contact me to sign up!  Space is limited:  meriza@merizafigure.com

MAN Sports shows off

“The 4th Annual 619 Muscle Parking Lot Bash was a killer promotion! Superstars were aplenty on Saturday, Aug 21, including 3-time Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler, looking more monstrous than ever!
The MAN Sports booth featured two of the sexiest athletes on the planet – up and coming NPC bikini champion, Khay “Cherry Blossom” Rosemond, and her mentor and “big sister” IFBB Pro Figure Olympian Competitor, Meriza DeGuzman. Meriza and Khay sampled out Swagger, Scorch and pumped the Body Octane, Figure Fuel and the rest of MAN Sports powerful, performance-enhancing ergogenic aids, designed especially for hard training athletes. Make no mistake about it, according to Meriza and lil’ sister, Khay, Bikini and Figure competitors diet and train hard, too! Check out Meriza’s “Sexy Appeal Stack”, her supplement secret to a tight, tone, lean physique. Or, ask Khay, she’ll tell you how critical the BCAA’s and Beta Alanine in Figure Fuel are for a successful contest outing (she’s won 2 overall’s this year, herself!)
And the girls were visited by their beautiful friend and fellow competitor, IFBB Pro, Sonya Gonzalez. Sonya, who lives only a short drive up highway 15 away from the 619 Muscle store, stopped by the MAN Sports booth to say hello. (Sonya’s in hard training herself, now, for the first ever IFBB Pro Bikini Olympia competition, under the watchful eye of training guru, Kim Oddo – best of luck to Sonya!)

Of course, 619 Muscle carries the full line of MAN Sports products – come by and check us out and stock up on your performance boosting powerhouse products – do it today!”

Hey, all you MAN Sports and Meriza fans! Come out this weekend and meet MAN Sports sponsored athlete, IFBB Pro and Olympia, Meriza DeGuzman at the MAN Sports booth at the 619 MUSCLE Parking Lot BASH IV! We’ll have tons of samples of Swagger and Scorch and discounts on the entire line! Meet Meriza, get an autograph and load up on all your favorite MAN Sports products! She’ll be joined by the CEO, J-Rod, himself, Joey Rodrigues, the brains behind the ingenious formulas of MAN Sports! and we might even get lucky enough to have Bikini champ, Khay Rosemond, make an appearance!

So come out, come by and stock up, this Saturday, from 10am-3pm!
MAN Sports, Meriza, J-Rod, Khay, at the 619 Muscle Bash!

They’ve got Swagger in stock! and Figure Fuel! and Body Octane!

Saturday, Aug 21st, 10am-3pm
619 MUSCLE / World Gym, San Diego
2949 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA, 92019

July 24th, 2010 was yet another stellar showing for the sport.  NPC District Chairman and promoter, Jon Lindsay, hosted another all-star turn out with the Los Angeles Championships this past weekend.  (July 24th, 2010).  On hand were over 170 competitors, vying for the top spots in this national qualifyiing event, just 1 week away from the “big show” of the amateur competition calendar, the USA’s in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As per tradition, Jon foregoes pro-level guest posers at this event, promoting instead the local bodybuilders that are prepping for stage at the USA’s the following weekend.  Tonight was no different.  Perennial USA contenders from the greater LA area included several athletes, all in top condition – PD Devers, Pete Ciccone, Jesse Sabateer, Al Shahnazarian, and Kelly Bautista were among the MAN Sports friends and family to grace the stage, guest-posing with the “USA preview Posedown” tradition tonight.

MAN Sports athlete and IFBB Pro, Meriza DeGuzman, poses with NPC Bikini Champion and top USA contender, Pete Ciccone (FIRST PHOTO) after Pete had the chance to strut his Swagger on stage moments earlier during the USA Posedown.  Pete’s obviously got his Swagger on tonight, with both of these beautiful ladies on his arm!

Khay and Meriza with NPC District Chairman, and super promoter, Jon Lindsay.

Meriza and Joey sampling to several interested attendees.

Meriza awarding top honors to MAN Sports friend, show winning Nel Bautista, who came away with top honors in the C ClassNPC USA Bound Pete Ciccone

“It was another great NPC competition in Southern California.  Following fast on the heels of the record-setting USA’s in Vegas only 2 short weeks ago, the Southern California bodybuilding scene turned it up again for the men (and women) in uniform!  MAN Sports was there to celebrate the hard-working soldiers who find the time put it together for the contest stage for this, their national championships!  Congratulations to all the men and women who came out to compete in the 2010 All Forces and Pacific USA this weekend.  Special thanks to Jon Lindsay and the NPC once again for putting on a high class, fun and highly competitive event.”

Attendees and competitors alike had the opportunity to meet IFBB Figure Pro and Olympian, Meriza DeGuzman, and NPC Champion Bikini Competitor, Khay Rosemond, as they sampled some of MAN Sports powerful products part of what we call “Meriza’s Sex Appeal Stack” – Meriza’s own recommendation for maximizing tight, toned and shapely muscle while stripping away fat – and feeling good while doing it!

“Meriza’s Sex Appeal Stack” includes:  Scorch (energy and fat loss) Vaporize (prevent fat storage, Essential Fat health) Body Octane (anti-fatigue, high-level endurance) and Figure Fuel (Tighten, Tone, Anti-Fatigue, Burn Fat with BCAA’s and L-Carnitine) –

Both Khay and Meriza shared some of their own fitness tips and secrets, and talked to attendees about the rockin’ MAN Sports products they both use, including SWAGGER, MAN Sports cutting edge mood enhancing, focus and energy formula that helps with the “clear-brain feel, and doesn’t add jitter to your day…Add on top of that the new Figure Fuel (strong enough for a man, but formulated for athletic women!!) the BCAA-enriched, beta alanine and l-Carnitine fat-mobilizing / anti-catabolic / anti-fatigue product, and you’ll be running all day long!

Stay tuned for more from MAN Sports and these lovely ladies as they both hit the gym, and prepare for their next major event!

Photos include:

• Meriza and NPC District Chairman and promoter, Jon Lindsay
• Meriza and NPC USA finalist, Pete Ciccone
• Meriza and interested attendee!
• Khay, Meriza and other pro’s attending the show, IFBB Pro’s Sabrina Gibson and Sonya Gonzalez
• Meriza, Khay and MAN Sports powerful mood-enhancing, focus and energy formula, “Swagger”!

get your figure on

Meriza and NPC District Chairman and promoter, Jon Lindsay

Meriza, Khay and MAN Sports powerful mood-enhancing, focus and energy formula, "Swagger"!

Meriza and interested attendee!

Fit and Lean

Bikini Body Blast

Circuit Program 1

You think Bikini Competitors are not athletes?  Try this workout on for size, build a tight bootie, and streamline that curvaceous beach physique!

This program, designed by MAN Sports athlete, IFBB Pro, Meriza DeGuzman helped NPC bikini champion, Khay Rosemond, prepare for top level competition for the 2010 competitive season.  Her prize winning package earned her top honors at the West Coast Classic, A class and Overall.  Keep an eye out for more from Khay – This Ironman Magazine Rising Star uses Meriza’s Sex Appeal Stack, and won’t train without her Figure Fuel and Body Octane!

Fit and Lean Bikini Body Blast Circuit Program 1

Program 1 is a complete training protocol that will challenge the entire muscular system, with special focus on tightening, toning the glutes and hams, while shaping the entire body, for that feminine, hour-glass shape, feminine curves and a toned, athletic appearance.

Perform this exercise protocol for 2-weeks, Mon/Tues, Thurs/Fri, following the exercises in sequence as listed below.  The weights chosen are suggested guidelines only – and not written in stone.  If the suggested weights are too light, of course, increase resistance during the exercise so that the prescribed rep range can be performed, completed with sincere difficulty.  Be sure to challenge yourself.

Monday/Thursday Circuit:

Perform each exercise in consecutive order with no rest in between sets, until the 2 Giant Sets are completed, utilizing the following pattern.

Perform:  Giant Set A (see below) 4 times; rest 1 minute in between each Giant Set, then repeat.  On completion of 4 cycles of Giant Set A, rest for 1 minute, and then begin Giant Set B.  Perform 4 cycles of Giant Set B as well.

Tuesday/Friday Circuit:

Please review the exercises below, and follow the exercises in the protocol as follows:

Perform:  Giant Set B (see below) 4 times; rest 1 minute in between each Giant Set, then repeat.  On completion of 4 cycles of Giant Set B, rest for 1 minute, and then begin Giant Set A.  Perform 4 sets of Giant Set A as well.

Fit and Lean Bikini Body Blast:

Giant Set A (LOWER BODY FOCUS)

A.  Vertical Press – (close stance, place feet high on platform, in front of pelvis – this targets glutes/hamstrings)

1.  90lbs x 25 reps

2.  135lbs x 25 reps

3.  180lbs x 20 reps

4.  225lbs x 15 reps

B.  Stiff Leg Dead Lift (feet wider than shoulder width “sumo style”)

1.  bar + 10lbs per side x 25 reps

2.  bar + 20lbs per side x 20 reps

3.  bar + 30lbs per side x 15 reps

4.  bar + 30lbs per side x 15 reps

C.  Hamstring Curls, Lying

1.  30lbs x 25 reps

2.  40lbs x 20 reps

3.  50lbs x 15 reps

4.  50lbs x 15 reps

D.  Leg Extensions (choose a weight that will allow you to fatigue at 13-15 reps)

1.  15 reps

2.  15 reps

3.  15 reps

4.  15 reps

Perform each exercise consecutively, one after the other, A, B, C, D, 1 set of each.  After completing this Giant Set, rest for 1 minute, then repeat.  Again, perform each exercise with no rest in between sets, until the Giant Set is completed.  Then rest for 1 minute, drink water, repeat.

Fit and Lean Bikini Body Blast:

Giant Set B (UPPER BODY FOCUS)

A.  Hammer IsoLateral Shoulder Press

1.  25lbs per side x 15 reps

2.  35lbs per side x 15 reps

3.  45lbs per side x 15 reps

4.  45lbs per side x 15 reps

B.  Wide Grip Pull-ups (assisted) – choose weighted assistance to allow you to fatigue at 13-15 reps

1.  15 reps

2.  15 reps

3.  15 reps

4.  15 reps

C.  Dumbbell Arnold Press, with Plie-Squats (toes turned out, heels planted wider than shoulders – knees turned out to align w/ toes) – Focus on inner thigh, glutes

1.  15lbs x 15 reps

2.  20lbs x 15 reps

3.  20lbs x 15 reps

4.  20lbs x 15 reps

D.  Narrow Grip Pulldown (use “triangle grip” where palms face each other)

1.  approx 50lbs?  x 25 reps

2.  approx 60lbs?  x 20 reps

3.  approx 70lbs? x 15 reps

4.  approx 70lbs? x 15 reps

Perform each exercise consecutively, one after the other, A, B, C, D, 1 set of each.  After completing this Giant Set, rest for 1 minute, then repeat.  Again, perform each exercise with no rest in between sets, until the Giant Set is completed.  Then rest for 1 minute, drink water, repeat.

Khay Rosemond www.khayrosemond.com

Khay looking good before competition

Khay Rosemond receiving her award