Early Morning Cardio

"Additionally, the research indicates a physiological link between grapefruit and insulin, as it relates to weight management. The researchers speculate that the chemical properties of grapefruit reduce insulin levels and encourage weight loss."
Quoted from: Medical News Today

Taking a note from fmr. Ms. Olympia Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, I've decided that for the next four weeks (without fail), I'll be rising in the morning to 6-8oz of grapefruit juice and a 1-2 mile brisk walk.

Key Airport/Travel Tips

When traveling you might want to stay off the plane as long as possible, maybe because you claustrophobic, or maybe because you just want to enjoy as much time as possible on your laptop, reading your paper, or just enjoy some good ole natured people-watching. But if you wait too long, as I did this morning, you'll find that the plane's overheard compartment may run out of room and you may find yourself having to get your carry-on in the next city at baggage claim.

So the key here is to chill at the gate in moderation. As soon as half to three-quarters of the passengers have boarded, this should be your cue to get goin.

The next tip for you comes by way of energy. I pride myself on finding value at the airport, largely because the shops beyond the security zone make convenience store' inflated prices seem like bottom-dollar discounts at Walmart. In addition to the outrageous prices, variety seems to take a hit, and shocking as it may be in a nation leading the world in obesity, many of the caffeinated supplements on sale do not come in sugar-free. So instead of having to shell out $4-5 for a $1.50 monster, and on top of that having to drink spoonfuls of simple sugars, you can walk over to most coffee shops and order a double espresso for about $2. With your espresso, you can get 2-3 splendas and a dash of either milk or soy - and you're good to go!

The final tip (if you're a hulking Beast like yours truly) is try and save some money in your flight arrangements. A stupid twenty minute connecting flight from Lansing to Detroit can easily add $75-$300 to your flight expenses. If you live in Lansing, Jackson, or Ann Arbour, you can hop on the Michigan Flyer (a coach bus service that includes complimentary WiFi and comfy reclining seats) for $30 each way (or $50 round trip if you buy online and traveling out of E.L.).

And of course, never book directly w/ the airline -- always check your Orbitz, Travelocity, and Expedia type websites first. The billboard for FlyLansing.com are in most cases a royal joke; you're not going to save any more money than with the aforementioned sites. Also try and take all your stuff as carry-ons. Any trips of ten days or less, you shouldn't be packing the kitchen sink.

Also, if you want some good laughs, play a porn movie on your computer (minimizing the window) and just sit there amongst folks in the gate awaiting to board. I find it very amusing, especially since people with long faces generally bring me down. Hearing a twenty year old cheerleader going nuts in my ears makes me smile even at the ugliest grunter in the section, and eventually people will smile too. Porn brings people together and makes people smile -- you heard it here first!

This espresso is damn good. I might just get another doublebefore heading to the coach, perhaps even take some supplements. I can't wait to get to Gym Bumz tonight and do legs. I miss the squat rack, I miss the leg press, I miss the tanner, I miss the parking lot, I miss the front door, I miss the protein shakes!!! I want to Go Workout.. lol

Bodybuilder Ray Temprano Shares!

Below are three responses penned by bodybuilder Ray Temprano to our questions. Ray is an inspiration to us all, and is proof positive that discipline and hard work pay off! I hope he will send us a batch of recent photos as soon as StrengthAddicts.com gets its own webhosting again. And big congrats to Ray!

"My profile pic is actually 2 years old. It was taken at the N.Y. Metropolitan over 55 class where I came in first place. My age at the time was 59 and I weighed 188. I am now 61 and my contest weight was 198 for the NPC Masters Nationals where I won first place in the Heavy weight class. In the over 60 class anything over 187 is considered heavy weight. In the off season usually go up to about 230. I have been lifting weights on and off since I was 16 years old, but didn't start competing until 5 years ago at age 57. Prior to that I did some power lifting and competed in some bence press competitions. I am currently trying to concentrate more on my legs, they can always use improvement. My routine is as follows:

Day 1......chest
Day 2......Back
Day 3......Off
Day 4......Shoulders
Day 5......Legs
Day 6......Bis and tris
Day 7.....Off

My best advice to the over 50 group is "you're never too old." Eat clean,train within your limits and you will be surprised in what you can achieve.....thank you."

Ray Temprano

Contest & Diet Updates

So first of all I really want to thank the GNC - Lansing Mall for all their assistance, both in securing a box of great supplements from USPLabs, to several members of the staff taking an interest in our group and helping to plan/promote our debut October Strength meet held at Gym Bumz - Lansing (formerly Go Workout).

I would also like to thank USPLabs, makers of the popular Jack3d pre-workout powder, for sending us sixteen samples of said product, along with about another forty single and weekly-serving samples! Additionally, USPLabs sent us two t-shirts and a bodybuilding drawstring bag bearing their cool company logo! Thanks so much for your kind gesture in helping us promote our group and assemble prize packages.

Also a huge thank you to my close friend, Jennifer Petroske of Abbott Nutrition for assisting us in securing eight boxes (each containing 12 EAS Myoplex shake (bottles). When I got the call from my apartment' office, I could hardly believe that this great company sent us over $400 in product! I gave one box to the gym and hope they will start carrying this great product; but I'm really stoked because between the EAS boxes and the UPSLabs one, I have a great source of daily inspiration to keep working towards making a first class event for Lansing and are growing StrengthAddicts family, without having to sell merch, collect dues, and/or make a business out of the hobby I love. Hobbies shouldn't be about money, they should be about friendship and fun, money is overrated.

So again, big kudos to EAS, GNC - Lansing Mall, and USPLabs!.

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