Ambassadors

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You build yourself up and we build up a community to keep you going strong!

...destination Dallas hosted the latest Better Bodies Meet Up with a huge dynamic crowd of motivated lifters turning out at 8pm on a Friday night! This could possibly have been the best Meet Up we have had thus far. The atmosphere was electrifying and there was never a dull moment.

Check it out and stay tuned for the next meet up Betterbodies.com

Meet Up Dallas Recap

"I don't even want to compete if I am not trying to be the best."

Blaze Bowen grew up being very active in wrestling and football. He used weight training to enhance his game on all platforms. After having to cut his wrestling career short in college the new division in bodybuilding aka classic physique was gaining momentum. Now Blaze is aiming to take on the NPC Nationals in this division to win his pro status and continue his aim of being the best.

Shown here is his back training at Destination Dallas. 

"You see your back from the front, from the side and of course from the back."

Since classic physique is known for the return of the aesthetics, shape and v-taper, BACK is a huge focus for Blaze to develop.

Blaze Bowen - Be The Best

Better Bodies ambassador Pontus Koskelainen sent us an update from his 2nd Pro show.

This past weekend I competed for the second time as an IFBB Pro in Men's Physique. The competition was held in Padova Italy named Yamamoto Cup Pro. I had improved my physique a lot but as it should be in the pro league the competitors are really good!

I got second call out and ended on 9th place and I was happy to be in the finals with top ten and performing my routine on stage. Of course my goal is always is to win. Now I will have to add a bit more mass in the right places to place even higher next time. My current focus is on building rounder delts and a fuller chest.

Pontus Koskelainen – A Report From Italy

Living the fitness lifestyle can mean a wide diversity in what and how to exercise. Different passions, different goals – but with the same dedication for training and living an active and healthy lifestyle!

Something that often is a common denominator in above is gym training. This serves as an important foundation to succeed in different kinds of sports.

During the upcoming months we will publish a series with several different Better Bodies ambassadors who are passionate and active in different kinds of sports but have one thing in common; the gym as the foundation. Whether the main purpose is to build strength, stability, becoming more explosive, loosing weight or gaining weight they all go to the gym to achieve it.

Joanne Kadir is originally from Gothenburg, Sweden. She now lives in Stockholm where she's working as a Business Analyst in Logistics and Pharma. Joanne has a Master of Science in Engineering and she is also currently pursuing a Bachelor in Finance. As if this wasn't enough, Joanne has a very rigorous training schedule, performing several sports on a higher level. Keep reading for an insight to her very active life, and be prepared to be amazed!

**Since I was 3 years old I've been doing something active. My mom wanted me to do more "girly" sports like ballet and figure skating, but at an early age I started to love all kinds of sports including anything involving a ball. In our courtyard at home we had all kind of stuff for me to play with. At 6-7 I started playing handball with a team (while still doing figure skating) and around 10-11 I started playing basketball - which became my main sport for a few years.

Beside above I tried all kinds of sports for 1 semester and then a new one the next. It was everything from Tennis to Capoeira. I also started competing in running (larger events like Göteborgsvarvet) just for fun.

**Today I am exactly the same person as I have been my entire life, I do all sports! Seasonally, periodically, and I compete for fun!

Two sports have stuck with me through all these years though; Basketball and Running. Today I'm playing in Hammarby Division 3 Basketball, and I've ran Göteborgsvarvet (half marathon) since 12 years back. With my personal best being 1h 41 min.

Besides this I compete in Powerlifting on national level along with Weight Lifting. I have also competed on a national level in Athletic Fitness, which was my main focus a few years back. Other sports that I perform more seasonally (depending on my timing with other activities) are:

- CrossFit - I have competed on different events mostly in teams.

- OCR laps - I've done a few competitions in the elite troop, mostly to evaluate the court.

- Other running laps like ultra marathons and now the " En Svensk Klassiker"

- Ninja-training - doing obstacle training indoors, this was also a main focus a few years back.

- Strong Woman - I've done some competitions, this is something I would love to re-start again.

- And of course golf during the summer season, if that counts as a sport.

Recently I have also started with Tennis, taking lessons once a week.

To keep my body healthy, I do hot yoga once a week as active rest/recovery.

**It's a struggle sometimes to keep the schedule, especially since I love to compete in every sport. There are periods when I have a competition each weekend, in different sports. Some weekends I've even had competitions in two different sports in two different cities.

If you put your mind to it, it will work. And people at competitions are always positive and energetic, it is a fun way of meeting others. The happiness makes me want to do it again and again.

Most of it is a mental challenge, you need to believe in yourself and trust the capacity of your body. It is so much stronger than we think.

Combining training with work and studies is another piece of the puzzle. I work in Rotebro and study in Uppsala. Both full time. People living in the Stockholm area knows that these locations are both outside of the city. i spend quite some time on trains to commute so I have to plan my days and my work efficiently to be able to do it all.

**I have busy days but I still have loads of time left. I love to hang out with friends, go out dining and having a drink or three at a bar. One thing I have no time for though, and also don't really miss since I don't even own one, is watching TV. It is very rare that I watch a movie or series. It might happen that I stream something online once in a while but it is rare. I think watching TV is a very time consuming thing that most people do which I don't.

**I listen to my body all the time and I am totally aware of all small signs it gives me. I love to take powernaps, and I can without feeling bad skip a training session or at least do a lighter version if my body is not 100%. My workouts and training sessions are always adjusted to my current status. If I feel strong, I can add some more training on that specific day, if I don't, I'll do my minimum and make sure to do that properly - just to be able to recover for the next time.

**Since Powerlifting and Weight Lifting requires weight-in, I need to focus on my diet 1 week before competition. Other than that, I eat and drink what I want. I have a sweet tooth and I occasionally drink alcohol as well. My food account is my largest expense, I eat a lot!

Tuesday - Running / Powerlifting / Weight Lifting

Weekends - Basketball Games, Golf, Gym, Competitions

**Leave your ego. Be humble. New sports requires new learning. You will not be the best from the beginning. Hence the curve is pointing straight up, which gives you kicks of wanting to do more, learn more.

It takes time, nothing happens over night. When you start reaching levels where you compete on higher ranked competitions, it's hard to keep up with the full timers. I am usually among the top athletes, but never as number one. I know why and that doesn't bother me. You don't need to sacrifice your entire life as the book says. Its fun with the variation and it will also keep you injury free.

**I have different friends for different occasions. So yes, I have support in all different areas; at work, at basketball, at the gym, at the bar, at school, while traveling etc.

**People love to put me into this one square; "Sporty"

So when we have "fika" (cofee and cake) at work, I often hear; "Oh, can you really eat that?" Or when people look at my body noticing that I am more muscular than average some tend to avoid me since they believe I'm a "sports-nerd" not doing anything else or can't talk about anything else.

No one ever guess that I'm an engineer and that I work at an office or that I love to go out on after works. I usually have to defend my habits, which is a big challenge, and it have always been.

**My nearest goal is to finalize the "En Svensk Klassiker" (skiing, bicycling, swimming, running). I am super proud of myself since I didn't know how to ski or swim, and this has been my first time ever biking with road-pedals. It was a big challenge for me doing something way outside of my comfort zone, and it was super fun! I'll never do it again though, LOL.

Other than that the rest of my sports are business as usual. And as for my work-life, hopefully when I'm done with my bachelor next summer I can start broaden my carreer life as well, to challenge not only my body but also my brain.

**Tell your mind and your body will follow. Don't let your comfort zone get in the way of your capacity.

Purpose Driven Training: Joanne Kadir

Chinese Liao Zhi Quiang is a 23 year old Better Bodies ambassador who, as so many other fellow ambassadors, fell in love with training. Liao Zhi Quiang has also made his passion his profession. Check out his story.

**In 2013, I was still a skinny boy in high school. At that time, I loved basketball and was discovered by the high school basketball team coach. He believed that I had the talent required, and I joined the team as a result. At that time, I didn't do any strength training. Most of the time, we had physical practice with focus on agility training, endurance training, etc.

**During a game in 2014, my ankle was seriously injured because of a rough physical encounter with my opponent. The doctor told me that recovery would take time and that I might not be able to participate in training and games for a longer period.

During this period of rehabilitation I wanted to get stronger, so I started going to the gym. At that time, I was skinny and only weighing 55 kg. I was determined to transform myself into a muscle warrior, so that I could return to the court to recover my honor and confidence. However, as I spent more time training, my body became stronger and stronger, and I slowly realized that I had fallen in love with bodybuilding. I never dreamed that I would embark on this bodybuilding path where there is no turning back. Bodybuilding has not only become my hobby, it is now my profession and a career that I am willing to pursue and dedicate myself to for life.

**When I was preparing for the national competition (bodybuilding) in 2018, I left to train away from home, to undergo strict and rigorous preparations for the competition. During this period, I trained with weights twice a day and did 4 cardio sessions every day. Every day was a repeat of the previous and the strict diet, exhaustion and muscle soreness I endured is something ordinary people won't understand.

This period was undoubtedly hard, but I also found my true self. I had persisted and overcome any obstacles due to the motivation I had. Deep in my heart my goal was to stand on the stage and win what I considered to be mine - the gold medal. So, in 2018, I harvested the first gold medal in my life. This was not only an honor for me, but also a testimony to my efforts during this period.

**It has been six years since I found my way into the gym, I am 23 years old now in 2019. Looking back, I started out as a weak high school student and today I am a recognized fitness athlete who runs my own gym.

During the past 6 years, I have enjoyed every strength training session, the strict diet requirements, and the work that accompanied it every day. Perhaps in the eyes of ordinary people, my daily life may be too difficult to adhere to, but in my opinion, developing what I like to do into my own career is a thing that gives it a soul. I want to live by my own beliefs.

**Currently, I love and enjoy my life. In my own iron gym, I have a lot of like-minded bodybuilding friends. We train together, share tips and techniques, and even travel together. At the same time, I also participate in large and small bodybuilding competitions every year.

I enjoy good food and life during the non-competition season, and train hard and exercise strict self-discipline during the competition season. Fitness has become the lifestyle I love. I am hoping to inspire more fitness enthusiasts to follow their dreams!

Liao Zhi Quiang – Dedication For Life

Back training has aesthetic and practical benefits. Efficient and holistic back training develops the v-taper and also strengthens core muscles like the spinal erectors that are responsible for holding your body up all day and link every motion of the body together.

Here bikini Olympia champ Nathalia Melo shows us how to incorporate resistance bands into her back workout to expedite her training with supersets and make sure she can superset even in busy environments where supersets with different machines might not be possible.

Check out Nathalia's complete back workout here and stay tuned for more.

Nathalia Melo – Back Training With A Twist

The Better Bodies assortment is big and sometimes it can be hard to navigate to find for example your favorite pair of leggings.

Our ambassadors are people who wear the Better Bodies brand a bit more than the average person, therefore they also have the ability to quickly list their favorite items.

Check out Caroline Aspenskog's favorite outfits below. Maybe you'll get some inspiration for next time you're picking between the styles.

**This outfit is one of my favorites because I love high waist tights and 

 are perfect for squats as they'll stay in place during exercise. 

**Astoria Seamless Bra, Sugar Hill Leggings, Chelsea Track Jacket

**This outfit is my favorite during fall. It's perfect for a power walk with the comfortable 

 is a favorite as it is tight in the waistline and fits great, but can also be worn open.

**Amazing outfit that enhances shapes yet still is comfortable and looks good. 

 is a perfect outfit for casual wear too.

 can both be worn high waist or be folded down. They're perfect no matter how you feel like wearing your tights. I like to match the black pair with the black 

 is one of the items I wear the most and it matches all my outfits from Better Bodies. It is available in several colors. The 

 are comfortable and perfect during a summer stroll or an interval session. The waist can be folded down if you want them lower.

My Favorites: Caroline Aspenskog

Jacki Frye went to Olympia with her sponsor Muscle Egg. It is her 3rd time visiting Las Vegas for this show. We asked her about her weekend plans.

I will be at the Olympia Expo both days at the Muscle Egg booth. We'll be training at LVAC and City Athletic Club. We plan to eat at Hell's Kitchen, find the best burger and pizza joint and do a sunset helicopter tour at the Grand Canyon!

This is a fun weekend to be in Vegas because it brings together people who have the same passion for health and fitness. It is the Super Bowl of Bodybuilding! The vibes are amazing and the connections you make are unforgettable.

My Olympia Experience – Jacki Frye

Ahmad Ahmad is a champion bodybuilder but has always found himself on the lighter side of the 212 division. Last year he threw his hat into the classic physique division and won his classic physique pro debut earning him a spot at the 2019 Mr. Olympia.

Here he is two days out from the Olympia answers some questions regarding his shoulder surgery, making an impact in the Olympia this year and advice to younger aspiring competitors.

Ahmad Ahmad – Classic Physique Olympia Q&A

For Nathalia Melo, shoulders help accentuate not only your physique but also a sleeveless dress at a cocktail party or tank top at the beach. 

Here Nathalia Melo walks us through a 45 minute shoulder training session with the 

 that hit every area of the shoulders that will help you develop that round athletic look.

Check out how she supersets each movement and the cues she gives to target and hit each area of the shoulder. Try this workout out and share with a friend and stay tuned for more from Nathalia on how to implement the bands for the rest of the body.

Nathalia Melo – Resistance Band Shoulder Workout

Check out Anna Stålnacke's favorite items below. Maybe you'll get some inspiration for next time you're picking between the styles.

 and I have them in all colors. They are thin and follow your body perfectly, which also means they show off your curves perfectly.

**I like when sport-tops have nice details, just look at the back of the 

! It motivates me to train back in a sport top that show much of your back and have a nice design as well.

 is just to-die-for, you can wear them for both everyday occasions and in the gym. The details on the legs make the tights not so average and lights up every outfit.

 are my favorite shorts. The length is perfect. You don't have to be afraid of showing the booty while working out, and these shorts are comfy and have a high waist. They are also nice to match with to your lifestyle outfit on warmer days outside of the gym!

My Favorites: Anna Stålnacke

September Update from Brand Manager Erika Boström – Keep scrolling to read it all!

August started off with a week in Dallas for me working from our office at …Destination, meeting friends and colleagues, and making plans for Better Bodies for the rest of this year.

I also had a chance to visit the new facility for …destination that we will move into in just a few months. This is a really exciting move and I can promise you that the new gym facilities will be something extra. A place to visit, and train at, for everyone who lives the fitness lifestyle. The variety of equipment will offer something for everyone, whether you are into powerlifting, CrossFit or traditional bodybuilding.

**We have our Better Bodies ambassador group on 

 for the entire Better Bodies community.

On daily basis my coworkers and I get so much inspiration from you guys when sharing your stories and happenings in this group. We are also happy to see the welcoming and inclusive attitude, which is a vital part of Better Bodies values. Especially since we opened up the group not only for our ambassadors, but for the entire Better Bodies community

**I invited 16 guys in Sweden with different training backgrounds to a meet up in Sweden on August 24th. The goal was train together, hang out, have fun, and to share product ideas and feedback. This was both fun, inspirational, and energizing for everyone involved. We definitely plan on doing more meet-ups like this in the future! Check out the re-cap video 

**Stay tuned for our September releases! Here is a little sneak peek.

**This month we're doing a gym tour in the southern parts of Sweden with 5 selected stops. First up is Raw Gym in Malmö and Iron Works in Gothenburg.

Our brand specialists Ida and Emelie will be there and we hope to meet as many of you as possible!

Everyone is welcome so spread the word and bring your friends to train, mingle, meet Better Bodies representatives, and take part in fun competitions.

We will be handing out goodie bags in collaboration with Barebells, Nocco, and Snackbros.