www.maxmuscle.com
I've used Max Muscle products ever since I befriended IFBB pro Kris Dim and his employee Bruce in Kris's Laguna Store. Ever since then, I've been blessed to meet Dave Slagle, Bryan Oakes, and Miki Dodge...all awesome, fit men with a love for fitness and the business. (And the sweetest gentlemen I know) I highly recommend their protein shakes, my personal favorites is their  Max High 5 Protein Cappucino and Chocolate flavor.

www.goldengatecycles.com
Ray Nowakowski is the fittest, most handsome man I know at his age. He has such a vibrant energy...it's just so much fun to be around. While he can be a bit stubborn ;-) and talk about fishing too much...he still can run helluva business; while at the same time, support a beautiful family and maintain relationships with honest friends. If you ever need a motorcycle, tell Ray Maria sent you ;-)

www.mikemahler.com
Mike Mahler is a Personal Friend and awesome Strength coach. He specializes in kettlebell strength training and hosts seminars and workshops all throughout the states. He embodies a man of charisma, spirituality, strength and wisdom. The deep affection I feel towards Mike is an energy I hope to emanate to others...which is the energy of love, faith, understanding, trust and most of all, unconditional friendship. 

www.cybexintl.com
I've used Cybex Equipment for a long time at various fitness facilties...but now everytime I see the brand I think of the people behind this vigilant company. Senior VP of Marketing, Chuck LeMar is a kind soul and a great friend. I will always be loyal to those who gave me a quality moment to see through me and respect me as a person...and that's why I care so much about Chuck, and why I will always promote Cybex.

www.4healthfulsolutions.com
Michele Pitto was such a dynamic spirit when I first met her at a small health fair in Eldorado Hills.  Her desire to seek organic, natural and holistic solutions to combat the ills of our unhealthy society today intrigues me. I love aligning my energy with people with the same enthusiasm and passion for life. If you ever need a whole food nutrition supplement to complete you daily nutrition, definitely check out Michele's website. 

www.crushkick.com
Most people who call me on a Tuesday night knows that I am not available to talk until after Frank's class at 7:30pm. I will make sure that I drive back to the city (from my parents place in Sac) just so that I can attend his class. What I love most about his class is that he shows no mercy. As a champion kickboxer, pilates instructor and talented musician, Frank Navarro is definitely a man that will get you motivated and get you excited to move.

www.24hourfit.com
I was sooo excited when I became a member at 24 hour fitness when I was only 15 years old. Now, almost ten years later, I had the opportunity to finally meet the man behind the machine: Mark Mastrov. Now here's a man you don't expect to meet...and when you do meet, you don't expect him to be so down to earth. 24 Hour Fitness is pioneering America to a healthy future. The company is tackling the biggest issues of affordability and availibility to the masses. Besides it's extensive locations nationally and internationally, the programs they promote, especially in their group exercise departments, are fun, exciting and motivating.

www.fitwize4kids.com
Warren Gendel is a man with a passion to help change the lives of children in America. When I first met him I knew instantly that he had a heart of gold and a spirit filled with hope, faith and a love for the fitness industry. He is the owner of FitWize4kids, a fitness circuit training program designed specifically for kids. He is taking an aggressive, proactive stance in helping empower and educate our kids today. His passion is influencing the future of tomorrow...and for that reason alone, I am very proud to know this man.

www.playnosweat.com
Dan Thompson, the creator of the first, original fitness board game is an amazing man. Not only is he a strong figure having served on Sacramento's city council, but he is also a loving father, husband and state employee. Every time I'm with him he knows at least three people in any room we walk into. "No Sweat" is such an innovative, fun and educational board game. For more information on how to make fitness fun, definitely check out his site.

www.spa-bar.com
If you are ever in the Bay area, you've got to visit spa-bar. This place was based on the premise that women who work hard love to lounge with cocktails and massages after hours! I love spa bar because it has an oxygen bar, massage rooms, an area for hair and nails as well as an owner, Ken Go, who is a sweet and loyal friend.

www.bodybuilding.com
I am a frequent writer to this site, not only because it publishes my articles, but it actually has some really great advice. This site is not just for bodybuilders, but for everyone in love with fitness.

www.fitnessamerica.com
For all you fitness chicks out there, I have competed in this competition and am proud to associate myself with Lou Zwick, the Director and Producer of this prestigious contest. This site not only has a cool chatroom with all the fitness girls, but it also provides you with tons of tips on how to get prepared for competition.

www.angelfitness.com
Rebecca Lee is the "Mother Hen" of the Fitness America and TriFitness World. She is one of the first fitness competitors I met, and helped calm my nerves during my invitation to appear on ESPN TZone.

www.pureventures.com
Galen Yuen is one of the first people I met in San Francisco.  He has a charm, a vision and a character that is unparrallel to anyone I have ever met.  Like me, he is a dreamer, and has manifested his dream in the creation of high end spa's. His newest venture: Metrospa, will be opening very soon.  If you ever need inspiration, this man will inspire you to dream big, and dream with all your heart.

www.rebeccaslatt.com
Rebecca's exotic looks and winning physique is both impressive and inspiring. Both her and her husband Chris, are good friends with my boyfriend Louis - not only are they a powerful couple, but a healthy couple that many can model after.

www.liftforlife.com
This simple site offers great advice, fitness calculators and fitness atheletes. I am proud to be featured as model of the month. I want to give special thanks to Kerry for all the kind words and supportive emails.

www.audreymagazine.com
Sometimes it's depressing to read magazines and watch television and hardly see your culture represented. Growing up I often felt awkward and unpretty. Anne Kim is doing a great job in representing Asian women in America and making our culture more available for the public to see and appreciate.

www.naturalmusclehawaii.net
I love Hawaii! Not only for its beaches and warm weather. I love the people! Check out this site for great supplements, athlete advice and competition products.

www.tanjijohnson.com
Beautiful inside and out. Tanji Johnson is a role model for the masses.

Other Favorite Sites:
www.wurkit.com - great for book lovers

www.faithandfitness.net - awesome for spiritual fitness enthusiasts.

www.hungrygirl.com - Comical and Informational.

www.calorieking.com - I get all my nutritional info here.

www.fitday.com - Great for tracking your diet.

www.craigharper.com - Inspirational man with a positive message

I LOVE TO READ!

If you don't like to read, then I suggest you find a topic that you are interested in.  The easier your can absorb information, the more efficient your brain becomes. Many people and expereinces in my life has helped me develop and mature...if I didn't devote a page to the books that have served me, I would be discounting one of the biggest influences of my life. I highly recommend all of these books.

Books on Business

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People & The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey
I've met many successful people in my life, and they all house qualities that Covey writes about in his book...being able to be proactive, empathetic, creative, and balanced are some of the few topics he touches upon. His most recent book, The 8th habit is essential for leaders of the future.

Blink and The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell
Sometimes in life you have to make decisions in split seconds...most of your decisions are instinctual and directs you towards a desired route. Gladwell's 'Blink' and 'The Tipping Point' takes this small concept and relates it to popular culture and research today.

Any Book written by Napolean Hill
Amazing man who studied the founders of our current American Business World. There is distinct formula when it comes to success.

Any Book written by Tony Robbins
Motivatinal Orator of the 21st Century. Tony's inspirational words and education in NLP seduces you in each book he writes.

Tough Choices by Carly Fiorina
Carly is a role model for many young women in the 21st century. Not only did she rise to become the CEO if Hewlett Packard but she describes in depth of the challenges and successes of being a woman in business.

Good to Great by Jim Collins
Intensive study on what companies make it, why they survive and how you can better choices in the decisions you making in succeeding in corporate America.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosoki
Simple, easy to read and it makes sense! For anyone who wants to get in real estate and doesn't know absolutely anything about what it takes to make smart investments, this is a great book.

Golden Circle Secrets by Ben Midgely
Written by a father and son team, Ben is actually a great fitness colleague whose business experience and passion for the industry is evident in the powerful message received in this book. In order to play a game, you have to understand the game - more importantly, you've got to know the players and the 'secrets' no one but the inner team knows.

Books on Spirituality

The Celestine Prophecy  by James Redfield
I absolutely love this book because it talks about spiritual energy found in humans and in every living thing in this earth including plants and trees. I am renowned by my friends as being very spiritual and in love with nature. I highly recommend anyone who wants to find a deeper meaning to their life's meaning by reading this short but informative book.

Any Book Written by Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart does a wonderful job in communicating how important it is to live in the 'present' and understanding that we have power right now to live in complete and serene happiness.

Purpose Driven Life  by Rick Warren
I believe that everyone in this world is special and was given certain gifts by God specially designed for them. The very first gift God gave us was life. I think throughout our lives people not only try to find the meaning to their existence, but also a purpose, or a sense of happiness. I personally feel that having purpose brings happiness. By understanding yourself and your God given talents, skills and abilities, you can better utilize your life by creating a positive energy and effect that will live on forever, even many centuries past your departure from this earth.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Frankl was a Jewish prisoner during the Holocaust in Europe. He describes not only the evolution of the mind during the pain and extreme struggle of the camp life, but he also writes about his theory of psychology and what it means for men today. His experience, outlook and theory fascinates and humbles me.

Five People You Meet in Heaven   by Mitch Albom    
Many people feel that because they are not a movie star, or president or the head of some company that they are not as important in this world. Many people, especially as they get older, feel as if they didn't complete what they set out to do in this world. This book teaches us that regardless of who you are, you created a difference by living. The person in this book didn't know exactly the effect he had on others until he had died and was able to see the larger perspective.  This book teaches us that whatever deed, big or small, you are able to make a difference by having a kind heart and sweet soul.

The Dialogues of Marcus Aurelius
He was a great Roman King and Gladiator with a spirit beyond this world. Love this book.

Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza
Story about the Rwanda holocaust and a woman who strengthened her Catholic Faith throughout her painful experiences.

The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma
Great Fictional book that describes a typical Type A business man who turned inward and simplicity to find true success.

Any Book Written by Dr. Wayne Dyer
Dr. Wayne is an incredibly inspirational man who believes there is a spiritual solution to every problem. I look to many of his books for my personal self healings during troubled times.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Like my articles on fitness, this book takes the issue of war, and applies it to any battle in life: whether it is work, politics, fitness, relationships etc. Sun Tzu wrote this a very long time ago, but was able to turn his techniques and strategy into a all time best-seller for our generation.

5 Languages of Love by Gary Chapman
We all communicate in different forms and I have observed how many, many people could better love if they understood each other's personal language in communicating it. Great relationship book.

Books on Fitness and Nutrition

The New Encyclpedia of Bodybuilding by Arnold Shwarzenegger
Before he became governer of California, he was one of the best bodybuilders of our times. This thick book teaches you everything you need to know, especially the basic when it comes to hard core, weight training. If you are ever considering competitions, you HAVE to read this book.

Body For Life  by Bill Philips
I love this book because it is simple and easy. If you are a novice to fitness, this book helps outline the basics on training, goal setting, and nutrition. In fact, this is one of the first books I read on fitness.

The World Peace Diet by Will Tuttle
I became a semi-vegetarian after attending his seminar and reading his book.

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schossler
Great book that really pre-empted me to stop eating fast food and showing more reverence for my foods.

The China Study
Comprehensive study on the impact of protein and animal meat in our diets.

The Cheat Diet by Joel Marion
I loved this book for a few reasons. Firstly, it wasn't written by a doctor, it was written by a man who has gone through the experience of physically transforming himself. Secondly, my body has always worked well with the diet he prescribes. Thirdly, he's a good man - and I like promoting good people. So read the book and get a good perspective of what eating, dieting and training is all about.

The Big, Fat, Health and Fitness Lie by Craig Pepin-Donat
As a long time fitness industry veteran, there is no doubt Craig knows what he's talking about. For those of you who buy supplements, join gyms and read every diet book ....and yet STILL lack real results, then this book is for you. It opens your eyes to the ugly, inside world of fitness.

Books on Psychology

The Soul of a Child by Michael Gurian
Children have a life inside of them that is so bright it creates curiosity, creativity, and most importantly, love in the eyes of onlookers. Gurian describes the special soul that exists inside all of us...a free sprited soul we once had as kids, and could possibly still posess today.

Emotional Intelligence and Social Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
We all house an Emotional Intelligence besides our mathematical and written skills. If we are able to control our emotions and understand the intentions of others, than we can better navigate ourselves through our lives.

The Evolving Self and Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Great Book! This is a fun read because it get's down and dirty with the issues of people's behaviors...what makes people happy and how we have evolved as humans

The Power of Water by Masaro Emoto
Metaphysically, we can see balance and beauty in the most natural states. In this book, Masaru performs a series of tests on how thoughts dictate the shape and beauty of crystals.