Ashley Cooper Fitness

Food for Thought

2011-06-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

Of the many questions I get asked in regards to my diet, one of the primary ones is "Do you eat organic?"
My answer is, "I eat clean, and I try to eat organic..." The thing is, eating organic foods is harder than you think. And what you think to be an organic product, many times is not.

Read the story linked below to see what I am talking about...

www.organichealthadvisor.com/archives/when-organic-is-not-really-organic

So, the next time you pop into a whole foods and buy without reading, consider this; many of the so-called-organic foods you are picking up are actually produced half way across the world in China. The amount of pesticides needed to maintain the "quality" of foods transported that distance are staggering. Research proves that high amounts of pesticides cause irreversible kidney damage amongst other illnesses.

If you are making a conscious decision to eat better, please take the time to read what you are actually buying before consuming it!

RSP Nutrition's FAST FUEL

2011-06-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

Being a figure competitor and fitness professional for many years now, I can say I have tried just about every supplement on the market. While I try to get my nutrition from foods, I find that with my extreme workouts I often times need to take something to give me energy before I get going. The problem with nearly every pre-workout drink/powder for me has been that they get me going to fast that I feel shaky, then after about two hours I drop and feel dead for the rest of the day.

Having a full time job and a baby does not leave me much time to feel so burnt out! After doing a lot research on the BEST pre-workout products, I discovered RSP Nutrition's Fast Fuel. This amazing product gives me the energy I need to get me through my most insane workouts, without draining me for the rest of the day. One of the best parts about this new supplement, is the taste...think cool-aide without the sugar. Currently I am getting ready to compete in another figure show, so I cannot have any sugar, thankfully Fast Fuel gives me a little sweetness.

One of the most unique and important aspects of RSP Nutrition's products, is that they are ALL manufactured and tested in FDA inspected and GMA certified labs to insure that all products not only are safe of cross contamination, but meet all regulations that high school, collegiate, and pro level athletes much follow. For me, being a natural competitor in a tested league, this is extremely important.

Check out RSP Nutrition's site for ordering info on Fast Fuel and their other products! http://www.rspnutrition.com/

New Article in The Trusted Fitness Guide

2010-02-19T17:35:00.000-08:00

Check out my newest article in the online magazine The Trusted Fitness Guide titled; "How to become a Fit Girl - 6 Tips on becoming your most fit ever"

http://www.thetrustedfitnessguide.com/#/ashleys-fit-girl/4538973720

Enjoy!!

The Weekend Workout Radio Show

2010-02-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

Hey Hey!

I am very excited to announce that I have been asked to be a guest on a radio show called "The Weekend Workout".

Catch me live on the air this Sunday Feb. 14th at 4:15pm. If you are in the South Florida area you tune into 1470AM WNN Radio. If you are outside of the area or would like to listen to me live on the web, tune into http://www.wnnradio.com/.

Be sure to tune in and show me some love on Valentines Day at 4:15 pm!

Unbreakable Athlete Blogs

2010-01-31T17:02:00.000-08:00

Keep up with my training, dieting, events and so much more at www.unbreakablegear.com! I am a featured writer on their "Unbreakable Athlete Blogs" section. Check it out!

Record Breaking Powerlifter Bjorn Moncur

2010-01-31T16:46:00.000-08:00

Hello!

This weekend I attended the RAW Unity Championships held in Tampa, Florida to support fellow "Unbreakable Gear Athlete" Bjorn Moncur. In his very first meet, Bjorn broke the RAW record for bench press in his weight class! Weighing in at 272 lbs, he lifted 545lbs breaking RAW Unity's bench press record...He then went back up and lifted a staggering 567.5 lbs breaking the record he just set!

I will be posting links to the video of this amazing feat that Bjorn described as; "easy" and he "could have broken 600lbs, but will wait until next meet". Expect to be hearing a lot more of Bjorn Moncur in the future!

(Bjorn is in the picture to the left being interviewed right after his record setting lift)

Too Muscular??

2010-01-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys!

I was informed yesterday that a picture of me was featured in the Sun Sentinel. The picture did not have an article written to go along with it but included the title, "Too Much Muscle: A Look at Some of the More Extreme Participants in the Body Building World."

For one, I found the title to be quite slanted seeing as there is no article written to go along with the pictures that were posted. The pictures include figure, fitness and body building athletes, many of which (including myself) are 100% natural. I find it odd that I would be generalized as a "more extreme participant" seeing as the look I have is entirely due to hard work and diet.

Body building is a very misunderstood sport that many people do not know much, if anything, about. I feel that posting a montage of pictures under such an assuming title, sways the readers perception of the athletes who were featured. An article should have been written to give the reader some sort of insight into the competitive world of body building, figure and fitness.

The picture that was used is posted above (I am in the middle in pink) and below is the link to the Sun Sentinel. Let me know your thoughts!

http://www.thesunsentinel.com/health/sns-viral-muscle-pictures,0,6195266.photogallery

Follow Me On Twitter!

2009-12-18T11:23:00.000-08:00

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER!

http://twitter.com/AshFitness

FEMININE HYBRID PHYSIQUE DVD STARRING ASHLEY COOPER FOR SALE NOW

2009-11-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys!

My very first work out DVD is out for sale NOW! Check out the DVD, Book (that I grace the cover of) and other great products that Lean Hybrid Physique has to offer at:

http://www.leanhybridmuscle.com/build-muscle.html

Get yours today : )

Building a Better Booty!

2009-10-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

Check out my new article on www.thetrustedfitnessguide.com on how to build your best booty yet!

Check it out: http://www.thetrustedfitnessguide.com/#/ashleys-booty/4536200805

The Trusted Fitness Guide

2009-10-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

While my interview will still be on www.thetrustedbeautyguide.com under the celebrity special section, my fitness and diet articles will be transferred over to their sister site called www.thetrustedfitnessguide.com. I will still be their "resident fitness expert" for both sites, but be sure to check out the new one which is up and running!

xoxo

Origionally Published on www.criticalbench.com

2009-10-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Bikini Competitors,

After looking at some of the pictures from the Flex Magazine Bikini Model search held this year at the Olympia, I just threw up a little bit in my mouth. Seriously ladies, whoever told about 90% of you that it was a GOOD idea for you to get on stage looking like that, that person is NOT your friend.

Yes, this may sound judgmental and harsh...that’s because it is. Every time you step on a stage wearing a bikini and are being judged on your general appearance that is exactly what you signed up for so chill out and listen.

SOME of you looked great, toned, tanned, poised and pretty. I say some, because that was a very select few. The rest of you had NO business being up on a stage calling yourself a bikini model. It’s unfair to the girls who actually worked hard and brought their A game.

Listen, its bad enough that the NPC and IFBB are making figure girls look like any chick off the beach who goes to the gym a few days a week and does 3 sets of 10. But now we have set our standards so low that our "Bikini Competitors" look like any soccer mom with 4 kids, a boob job and too much make up. What happened to excellence?! And no, excellence does not include the use of steriods, but it includes hard work and dedication. I believe that the NPC and IFBB are a good example for what our great country is coming to...mediocrity. Seriously, when you go to an NBA game are you going to watch some sucky guys straight out of a local park playing a game of pick up??? NO you are not, you are going to watch a few select hard working and gifted professional athletes showcase their talents. Why the hell shouldn’t we expect the same out of our figure, fitness, body building and yes, bikini competitors???? I mean honestly, did they tell Vince Carter to stop it when he dunked over a 7 foot man at the Olympics because it was too unobtainable?? I think not.

I entered the sport of figure to be elite, to push my self far past my comfort zone physically and mentally, to be the best, NATURALLY. Not to have what the NPC calls now an "obtainable" look so that any sloppy chick in Walgreens who picks up a copy of Oxygen Magazine can look at the cover and say to themselves, "wow I could do that". NO YOU CAN"T, YOU'RE LAZY AND YOU DRINK DIET COKE ON THE ELIPTICAL YOU UNATHLETIC WASTE OF PERFECTLY GOOD GYM SPACE.

Wow, that felt good!

Back to my point....Bikini "Models" (and I use the term loosely) TIGHTEN UP. I understand that many of you just had kids and are getting back in shape and want to show off what you got, and more power to you. Just PLEASE, before you get back on stage in a bikini at a renowned event such as the Olympia, make sure you are not still in the "getting back into shape" stage, and are actually in shape.

Feel free to email me your pictures next time you want an HONEST opinion about how you look. The truth hurts, but its better than embarrassing your self and contributing to the lowered standards in our country.

For proof that I'm not "hating" on anybody here is the link to the worst display of "bikini competitors" I have seen since WWII (now that’s a long time):

http://contest.bodybuilding.com/gallery/contest/7992/event/6/site/82/CJAID/10542083/CJPID/2136017/mode/will/

Also, I have to ask...When the F did cellulite become "in style"??? Get it together people.

_________________

Workout Video Shoot!

2009-10-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

I just finished shooting a bonus feature for a workout video done by my sponsors at www.criticalbench.com and for www.leanhybridmuscle.com. It is a short video in which I go through about 10 exercises. As soon as the video is available I will let you know!

Thank you for your continued support!

Also, be sure to check out the site www.leanhybridmuscle.com where a cool shot of me working out is used on the header for the opening page ; )

Hello from Vegas!

2009-07-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

Hey guys~

Just got back to my hotel room from a photo shoot/ interview for http://www.bodybuildingweekly.com/. It was a beautiful, hot, sunny day in Las Vegas...perfect for a shoot by the pool next to the rocks and waterfalls : )

I competed in the USA's yesterday and placed 15th. Not exactly where I hoped to place, but out of nearly 300 girls over all and about 50 in my height class, its a respectable placing. My main feedback so far has been that I was literally the shortest girl in my class and I got "lost" even though my symmetry was best in show. I am hoping to compete in class C rather than D in my November show to avoid that issue again ; ) However, the legendary Charles Glass told me he felt I should have taken my class! Just meeting him was an honor as well as a high light in my trip to Vegas.

While I was back stage at my show I was approached by a talent scout for Juan Carlos Lopez, who is a photographer for http://www.hardfitness.com/. We will be shooting together in the near future! As for this weekend though...I am done! Time to break out the cheese burgers and ice cream!!!!

Tomorrow I'll be heading back to Miami to collect myself and get back to work. Talk to you then!

Off to Vegas!

2009-07-22T05:13:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all ; )

Today is it! I have one more back workout, 30 minutes of cardio, a quick posing session then its off to Vegas for the NPC USA National Figure Championships!

Athletes meetings and prejudging begin at around 9:30am on Saturday, so I should be taking the stage around 10:30am!

Wish me luck!

~Ashley

Body Building Weekly Interview/Photoshoot

2009-07-20T13:25:00.001-07:00

Hello Hello!

I am very excited to report that I was asked to do an interview and photoshoot for bodybuildingweekly.com in Las Vegas this weekend. It will be both a written interview as well as a video interview that will be featured on their website : ) I'll be sure to get the link up as soon as they publish it so you can check it out!

Thanks for all the support

~Ashley

Lose Weight & Get Clear Skin: The Magic of Water!

2009-07-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

We are all aware that water is necessary for survival right? Well did you know that aside from keeping you hydrated, water consumption can not only help to keep your skin looking clear and fresh but it can also assist in maintaining a healthy body weight?

I was mildly chunky sixteen year old when I first realized the benefits of drinking water. I had a bit of a soda addiction, and one day I decided to put myself to the test and see if (other than skim milk) I could drink only water for 3 months. I succeeded, and almost immediately noticed a HUGE difference in my appearance. For one my adolescent acne prone skin seemed to clear up drastically, and in addition to that, the water weight I had been holding in my face, belly and legs seemed to decrease. I was thrilled to see the changes in my stomach as it flattened out and to see my “moon pie face”, as my mother called it, become more slender.

I realized that just by replacing drinks like soda and juice with water, I had made big changes in my appearance and in the way I felt. In addition to that, I realized I was less hungry and I had more energy throughout the day. While science does not offer direct proof that high consumption of water is directly related to weight loss, many people notice that it can assist with controlling cravings which may lead to weight gain.

Water is an essential ingredient in our daily lives that keeps us healthy and active. The human body is made up of 55%-75% water, and it’s up to us to make sure we consume an adequate amount throughout the day to keep hydrated. A lack of water intake can lead to dehydration, a condition that effects even the smallest everyday functions and can leave you with a nasty headache. If you’ve ever experienced one or a few of these symptoms, you’ve probably been dehydrated:

Excessive Thirst
Fatigue
Headache
Dry Mouth
Little or No Urination
Muscle Weakness
Dizziness
Lightheadedness

Water plays a big role in flushing our bodies of harmful toxins. If the body does not have enough water to support this function, the metabolic wastes are unable to be removed successfully. Many of these toxins are held in our kidneys, without water we risk damage to these vital organs. Another benefit of drinking water is to carry nutrients into the cells of the body, which feed our muscles, bones, and organs assisting them in their proper function.

In addition, water is beneficial for our muscles and in maintaining proper muscle tone while preventing aggravating muscle cramping. This is a huge one for athletes or those of you who exercise! H20 also keeps our joints lubricated and increases energy levels, something we ALL could benefit from.

Now, think about all those nasty and harmful toxins our body produces daily…these pollutants are streaming throughout our system just waiting for a way out. If we do not consume enough water to frequently urinate these toxins out, they will eventually find another way to leave. Where is this alternative route you ask? They escape though the pores in our skin, which leads to acne. One of the easiest ways I can think of to avoid break outs is by simply drinking water!

Now you might be wondering, how does water relate in any way to maintaining a healthy body weight. By introducing water which virtually has no carbs, sugars or calories, in place of juice and soda, you are limiting your body’s intake thus reducing adding extra pounds. In addition to using water as a replacement, water can help curve your cravings. The average food craving lasts only from 12-14 minutes, such a short amount of time can seem so long when you are itching for your favorite candy bar. Rather than giving into your cravings, pick up a class of water, this will help to fill the empty void in your stomach during those moments of weakness. If you still have the taste for something sweet, add a Crystal Light to your water and enjoy!

How much water should a person drink in a day? There are few different ideas on this, the most popular being the 8 by 8 rule, eight 8oz waters a day. However, people vary in size and activity levels so their intake levels may not be the same. While it is a good idea to try to get about 8 glasses of water in a day, you may need more or less. The best way to monitor your water intake is to pay attention to your body, and go with how you feel. If you have even one symptom of dehydration (yellow urine, head ache, dry mouth…) you may need more water. If you are working out or are in a hot environment, your body is exerting much more water so you will need to constantly replace it during your activity.

Water is the cheapest and most pure thing you can consume to treat your body. It can help to avoid weight gain, acne, and dehydration. Treat your body, put down the soda and pick up an ice cold water!

Welcome!

2009-07-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

Hey there!

Welcome to the official blog spot of Ashley Cooper. I will be keeping a daily update of what I have going on with my modeling, training, competing and writing.

So far this 2009 figure season I have competed in one competition which was the Junior Nationals in Chicago. I did not place how I was hoping to and was not awarded my IFBB Figure Pro Card due to the opinion of the judges that I came in looking "too hard".

I had spent an entire year preparing for this show and adding as much lean muscle mass to my frame as possible, so I was pretty bummed when things did not go nearly how I expected. However, there was a true silver lining to my experience in Chicago...

I was approached by the renowned fitness photographer John Stutz, author of Fit Girls Volume 1. He expressed to me that he felt I had gotten robbed at that show and said he wants to feature me in Volume 2 (the final volume) of his Fit Girls book! His first volume has launched the careers of many top fitness models we see today : ) We will be shooting in November in Miami, and his book is to hit store shelves in early 2010.

In the mean time I am back in the "lab" working on my figure and on a new high fat diet. I will be competing July 24-25th at the NPC USA Nationals in Las Vegas...WISH ME LUCK!

Till next time~