Boost your online profile

Entries for the 2012 USN Face of Fitness opens in little over a month. Other than focusing on your diet and training like a demon, it’s time you give your social profile some attention too.
It’s no longer just about having the right look, but also how well you manage your own profile as a brand ambassador for two industry leaders in the South African fitness market.
We caught up with Kellen, a social media expert at Cerebra on how to successfully manage your online reputation.
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Testosterone – Friend or foe?

Hello JVL Fitness friends!
So many blessings in so little time. My schedule has been jam-packed lately with appearances, bookings, product launches, client consults and so much more!

I just concluded by one day mega event, Legally Fit, where I coached a select group of empowered beautiful and very talented women to be their ultimate best! What an amazing event. Following this empowering dose of positivity I am ready to take on the rest of 2012. Success will definitely follow!

We also launched the new, long awaited JVL range of vests with slogans like “skinny girls look good in clothes, fit girls look good naked”! I love these slogans as they always give me that extra motivation during my workouts! They’re selling out like crazy so get yours soon and be sure to let me know which slogans motivate you for our next order!

There is such a big misconception amongst ladies surrounding the male hormone, testosterone. However, it may surprise you to know that men don’t have a monopoly when it comes to ‘test’. The ovaries produce both oestrogen and testosterone. Small amounts of ‘test’ get released into the bloodstream via the ovaries and adrenal glands.

Psychiatrist Dr. Susan Rako believes testosterone therapy is a major breakthrough for middle-aged women. She points out that a testosterone deficiency may be to blame for a loss of sex drive in an otherwise happy relationship, which often creates a great deal of unnecessary anguish. These days, menopausal women are turning to ‘test’ to renew their sex drive, as oestrogen alone cannot achieve it.

Some of the general effects of low ‘test’ in women are:
1. Low sex drive;
2. Loss of muscle mass
3. Decreases in energy.

While testosterone therapy is only available by prescription and the strict supervision of a physician there are natural testosterone-boosting products that you can use to achieve great results. The products Testo-19, Anatropin and Pink Magic spring to mind and I myself am a big believer in natural testosterone boosters, especially as you cannot exceed the daily intake on these products.

If your aim is to tighten that tush or up that muscle tone in a natural way then these products can definitely help you achieve that. Head on over to JVL where we will be happy to assist.
That’s it from me this week. Remember that strength comes from conquering the things you once thought you couldn’t.

Yours in health.

Angel
www.jvl.co.za

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Let me make you “famous”!

I’m so sick and tired of ladies being taken advantage of, especially on the Internet! I have often wondered why so many of us fall victim to those “fame” scams. I think that when starting out in any industry woman might feel as if they have to prove themselves in a male-dominated business, fitness or corporate field. Well, today I am here to tell you that you are good enough to be respected in any work environment regardless of its predominant form of discrimination.

Gone are the days where woman are forced to gracefully parade around in “voortrekker” skirts and stay at home to submissively bake bread. Yes ladies, we are now emancipated as powerful individuals who, if we choose to, bake low GI bread, thank you very much!

The price you pay for success should be just that! Hard work, sweat and more hard work! “This is not a scam, we assist numerous models, I can get you there!” Sounds familiar? No thank you, I can work myself up until I get there and you eventually will ladies!

These promises come in many forms: “I can get you on a cover of a magazine if you work with me… I can get you that first place… I can get you that promotion”. This is how I see it; if you want to offer me something that is just too good to be true then speak to my husband. If the same offer is still on the table after that then it’s starting to sound like we can do business. It is definitely a warning sign if you get approached by a man but, when directed to your agent or husband the offer slowly deteriorates, fades away or you just never again hear of him again.

I would urge all ladies to tread carefully when seeking advice or assistance, especially on the Internet. Identity theft is no myth and your hot, sexy fitness photo might just end up somewhere “X” rated! Or you might just jump on the first plane to the US only to find out that the big break you were waiting for was just some “sleaze-ball” who wants to “meet” you! You may be laughing now but it happens! Then again, if that’s your sort of thing that’s fine, but I have tried to stay clear of this stigma.

The truth is no photographer can get you a magazine cover! Embrace that truth, forget about it and move on. You have to work for it and until you see yourself on the cover. All guarantees to the contrary should be seen as a waste of time and an empty promise. A credible magazine or photographer (in terms of credible fitness publications) will never ask you to fly halfway around the world, at your own expense, just for them to meet you. They will never ask you to parade around half naked for them to decide whether they would like to do a test shoot. I doubt that this look appeals to healthy, fit woman in general. And this doesn’t just apply to the fitness industry either. In any commercial field you have to start at the bottom and this is such a vulnerable place for all of us intelligent woman. Always stay true to your values and just be yourself.

My top warning tips in the fitness industry:
Anyone making you a promise of fame should be treated with suspicion. Guilty until proven innocent is applicable in this case.
Always have someone acting as your barrier when you suspect any funny business.
No one can promise you a magazine cover, a TV insert or any win – this can only be accomplished by hard work, so get going!
Stop being so susceptive towards ridiculous promises, small talk and people trying to connect with you purely to gain something you are not willing to give in return.
Act like the strong woman you are, and you will be treated as such!

Food for thought: Be careful what you think, as your thoughts become your actions.
Be careful how you act, as your actions become your character.
Be careful of what character you portray, as this will become your destiny!

On a different note, I hope to see you all at the great Legally Fit Power session on 14 April 2012!

Bookings are essential: info@jvl.co.za

14 April 2012 Cnr Nedcare & Garsfontein rd, Moreletapark, Pretoria, Parkview Mall

Event will be held on the upper deck by Col’caccios.

R290 pp
(Book a friend and get a discount!)
(Non-refundable deposit of R90 required to secure your booking. Payable at JVL Pretoria, Cnr Nedcare and Garsfontein Rd, Moreletapark, Pretoria)
Small breakfast and goody bag included!

Order of events:
Registration 08:00

SEGMENT #1: 08:30- 09:15 Legal Motivation
SEGMENT #2: Pre-workout drinks
09:30 – 10:30 Fitness session
10:30 – 10:45 Breakfast and health shakes by JVL
SEGMENT #3: 10:45 – 11:30 Let’s talk Fitness…with the best in the world
(health snacks served throughout seminar)

See you all there!
Angel.

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How to combat the cottage cheese effect

Would you believe me if I told you that 90% of woman, at one point or another, develop cellulite? Well ladies, you are not alone as this number is indeed a fact. The worst part of it all is that men almost never get cellulite! Great huh? As if we don’t have enough stuff to deal with already! 

Some health experts believe that cellulite is a pure skin problem and that circulation is to be blamed. Poor blood supply is more dominant in the thighs, hips and bum due to the lack of blood vessels in these areas. We are therefore often left with the gorgeous cottage cheese effect.

So what should you do to turn those dimples into a tight and tiny behind?

Dimple-free skin largely depends on a clean diet that is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and amino acids, a regular fitness regimen to combat stress and the constant application of circulation-boosting creams.

What to eat:
Fruits, veggies and whole grains to help build collagen;
Protein in the form of eggs, nuts and seeds will also help to prevent the appearance of cellulite.

And creams?
Most of these, lets face it, expensive creams contain chemicals called Xanthines. This acts as a diuretic, which means you are losing the centimeters but the core of the problem is still very much there! You could have spent that extra money on buying “Real McCoy” supplements or that hot new gym outfit! But instead you are left with just another cream to place in your already full cupboard.

So next time the cellulite-rescue-shopping-bug bites, focus your attention on the ingredients that actually work. These are:

• Cayenne pepper
• Cat’s claw herb
• B vitamins

My preferred brand is Solgar, which is available at your closest JVL outlet. But, always remember that your diet is the most important element. These creams serve little to no purpose without a healthy lifestyle. The creams work outside in and the diet inside out.

Here’s to your cellulite free healthy new lifestyle!

Angel
www.jvl.co.za

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Make 2012 a rocking year

Can you feel it? It is here! Yes the New Year has arrived, which means it’s time to make good on all those promises to “start my new healthy life in 2012”. You have probably spent a great deal of time figuring out what your New Year’s resolution will be. Sadly though, just like most people, it is probably the same thing it was at the beginning of 2011… Losing weight, getting fit or living healthy

So why should this year be any different? Well, this year you have this fit Angel standing by to be your worst fitness nightmare since S.W.A.T, G.I Jane and Rocky. Think of me as your 2012 fitness drill sergeant!

There will be no failure, you will not give up and you will succeed! Say it with me… you will conquer this ongoing, never ending battle with your body! I can promise you that the end result will taste better than any chocolate, so put them down and listen up.

It’s crunch time people and Fitness mag and JVL are standing ready, fully armoured to fight for your right to get fit. All you need to do is commit and you will succeed. Your health is our business and we believe in your ability to get results. I mean, the fact that you are reading this blog post already shows me that you have the desire to change.

To get you started here are a few tough questions you need to ask yourself so that you can get an honest and clear idea of where you stand;
1. Do you have the right eating strategy for you?
2. Do you train the way I say you should… or do you stay home watching endless fitness DVDs with the popcorn next to you?
3. Have you reorganised your house into a fitness boot camp… with supplements stacked everywhere so that you have to leopard crawl between them in order to reach the fridge?
4. Have you sorted out your mind, however crazy this may sound?
5. Have you prepared your hubby, kids, dog and neighbours for the fitness domination that’s will soon take over your life? There will be lots of running, sweating and motivational screaming going on, which could alarm your loved ones. Just let them know that it’s all for the love of fitness!

Fat has heard your cry and it is afraid! Bring on that tight booty, washboard abs, ripped arms and those glutes that salute! Your year will be a success if you stick with the plan we preach, which makes me super excited.

The road to victory is never an easy one, but the tough will survive. So get ready to witness your own health success story and be sure to share it with us.

Good luck for 2012!

Angel… love this life you live!

P.S: Join our sites for all your Fitness 911 motivational info;
FACEBOOK: JVL WELLNESS & LIFESTYLE CENTRES
www.jvl.co.za
Twitter: @Angelvdl or @THEJVLNETWORK
www.youtube.com

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Fitness Tips

In every January issue of Fitness Mag we publish a few articles to help you set goals, track your progress and provide information to help you stay focussed. In addition @FitnessMag will be tweeting more tips, and you can check out our Facebook Fan Page for more motivation or even share your success (and get some advice from other readers).
Here are a few more tips and suggestions that should help you stay on track and in the gym. Check out my blog during January for more and feel free to share any other resources you’ve found on our Facebook Fan Page. (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Fitness-Magazine/315034743847)
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WHY DON’T I GIVE YOU THE ANSWER YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR?

“Drospirenone” might change your life!

Water retention is any woman’s worst nightmare and, as far as I am concerned, a swear word that should not be uttered in public. That is unless you present me with the answer on how to combat, fight and overcome this obstacle.

Dr. Pantazis a qualified and highly sought-after Gynaecologist & Obstetrician in Pretoria took out some time for us ‘gals in his very hectic schedule to clarify and myth-bust this controversial subject for all the frustrated ladies out there. Let’s face it girls, you focus on your diet and you train, yet those “cankle ankles” just ain’t going anywhere! Be warned, this insert will contain a lot of medical vocabulary, but as woman we have numerous skills and I have complete faith in your ability to master the scientific lingo.
Read more

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Turn your ‘can’ts’ into ‘can dos’ and your dreams into plans

Today I am preaching to myself as well! Just the other day I told Jacques that some dreams might be a bit too far beyond belief. His immediate reply to me was that this was the mere purpose of a dream – it should surpass all realistic views, be greater than your biggest fear and seem impossibly ludicrous! Don’t you just hate admitting when your spouse is correct? But hey, there I was questioning this honest truth. Dreams are meant to challenge our very being!  

When I was younger I never would have thought that I would one day be overweight, go on some extreme binge-diets and constantly obsess about where your next diet soda and Pizza will come from. Then, thankfully, out of the blue the fitness heavens opened and my struggle with weight turned into a blessing, as I lost all the “teenage fat”, landed numerous fitness covers, reached pro fitness status and now manage a number of health and fitness shops. Back at the start of this journey I would have felt like the life I have now was just one big dream.

You see, that’s just it, it’s what you do with your situation that counts. Have you managed to take whatever life has thrown at you and turned it into your own success story? Or did you take those lemons life handed you and never quite turned them into lemonade? My point is this; if you want to lose weight, do it! If you want to be healthier, get it done! Stop blaming the insanity of lie and an unrealistic dream!

Or even worse, the fitness season is now drawing to a close… would this have been the first and last year that your fit dreams came true? Why stop now? Keep the lifestyle, that’s what it’s about after all! The medals will eventually gather dust, the shiny crystals on your expensive bikini will begin to fade and real life will eventually set in. This is where the true athletes begin to shine!

In the words of Rocky Balboa: “Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You’re better than that!”

ONLY YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN, SO MAKE THE CHANGE!

PS. My “fave” product of the week…JVL fat burning product Lipo Burn! Works like a charm!

 

SAVE THIS DATE:

FITNESS CHARITY CLASS

26 NOVEMBER 2011

08:00 PARKVIEW JVL PTA

R80 GETS YOU IN AND ANY FOOD WELCOME TO FEED A CHILD: www.childwelfare.co.za

Angel

www.jvl.co.za

 

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Looking fit and oh so fine!

embedded by Embedded Video

I am just loving summer and everything it has to offer! Gone are the excuses of “excess fat is needed to protect me in the winter months” or “it’s just too cold to eat healthy” or my personal favourite…”summer is still a few months away!” Summer is here and it does not fear your excuses!

The Baywatch babes you have secretly hated all winter long will now flourish. The question is, will you be hiding behind the flowery umbrella with your yellow polkadot, oversized one-piece or will you be the one of those ladies who are secretly admired while on the beach? This is the bad news – you are the author of your own life story. Only you can dictate the physical projection of the main character in your fit story. However, the good news is that the good, the bad and the ugly is a myth, and we can all look the way we imagine. Just choose to be proactive and stick to your choice.

Bring on that tight booty, washboard abs, ripped arms and glutes that solute! Summer is
here and I will be actively cheering you on to reach your own “happy body space”!
I am here to save you from your beach-a-phobia and allow you to feel emancipated and free on the beach this year. But…”big pause”, you have to work with me for the next couple of weeks! It’s crunch time! Wake-up at 5 to train for a change, don’t skip your meals, drink that water and do not forget to do the extra 5 minutes of cardio!

The question for the week:
Hi there
I’m a 32 year old mother, I’m 1.63m tall and weigh about 52kg and have a petit build. My schedule does not allow me to go to the gym, so I can only do exercise at home. What exercise/diet can I follow to tone my body. I don’t want muscles, just a nice toned body without flabby skin. How long does it take if you do the exercise everyday to see results? Which supplements should I be using to get the results I’m after, and which foods do I need to avoid getting rid of cellulite?
Ankia Stokes

Dearest Ankia
No problem girl… where you do your training is not the key element. Getting it done is. I have attached a JVL YouTube charity video, where you will surly recognise the limited amount of space we had to train in.

Check out this video:
Angel workout

My advice is to invest your time and effort into the training that you love and know you will stay committed to. There is actually nothing that you can’t do at home that you could have done in the gym. I do think that your biggest obstacle would be to stick to the plan. With no one cheering you on at home you might become discouraged. But remember that discipline means doing what you have to do, even if you don’t want to. Keep my videos close by and keep up with them to keep the strict pace. This type of training definitely wouldn’t add access muscle to your frame. The amount of cardio added and the light weight combination is the winning recipe to attain this goal. Pump the music nice and loud – I’m sure the neighbours would understand that they are also contributing to your successful transformation – and work that thorough band and speed rope!

As for supplementation these are your basic “must haves”:
Glutamine, vitamins and oils, CLA, a fat burner (if needed), protein shake, natural Growth Hormone booster, vasodilator, Sweet Sweat (or something that burns fat from the outside in as well). Even though these are the basic supplements, please do make sure that you buy these from someone who will be able to prescribe them to you in the correct manner and who will be looking after your health first and foremost.

Cher said that “if fitness came in a bottle we would all be in great shape”. May you find your fountain of youth within your thoughts, spirit and mindset… this is the greatest weight-loss secret! Believe it and make a change today!

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My WBFF World’s experience

Hi ladies, I am so thrilled to announce I have finally attained pro fitness status, and I have some new insights to share with you from the experience.

After an 18 hour flight, strict dieting and lots of hard, “Rocky-style” training, I was ready to compete on the world’s biggest fitness stage with all my favourite athletes next to me. I stood on stage next to competitors such as Diana Chaloux Le Certe, Miryah Jade Scott and Chady Dunmore, who were all competing for the WBFF World Championship title in Canada. To cap it all off, I also met up with Oxygen magazine to do a photo shoots with the world’s most well-known photographers.

Jacques and I were so humbled to be invited to compete at this glamorous WBFF show. The stage is bigger, the lighting is better and the audience is filled with fitness fury! I can honestly say this was my “wow” moment in all my years of competing. The Superbowl of fitness, if you will.
Here is all the backstage scoop, which I know is what you’re most interested in). Most of the ladies flew their personal trainers, stylists and PR managers in for the show to assist them 24/7, which was a first for me! So you can imagine our surprise when we placed so well amongst these world class athletes. We were very blessed.
In terms of the key lessons I learnt, the most important one for me was realising that this sport is very subjective. Due to this fact it is important to never be hard on yourself for not placing where you wanted to. In a number of other sports the individual with the fastest time, or most points win on the day simply, whereas a fitness athlete’s fate lies in the hands of 10 individuals who judge you against their personal perceptions and opinions on what a championship physique should look like. Yes, there are specific judging criteria, but on a World’s stage the competitors all look ridiculously perfect and similar, thus the results often boil down to personal preference. My advice would therefore be to compete only with yourself in mind and be healthy for you… that’s the whole point right?

To end off, I’m sure that you all probably want to know what my first victory cheat meal was after the show, right? After all that hard work I went all out – yes. I ate a pizza.

In conclusion I just want to remind you all that the decision to lead a fit and healthy life should be made for you – not for fame or anything else. It should be for your health and for your own personal victory in life! Live victoriously, and live for you!
Yours in health
Angel
www.jvl.co.za

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