The Official Site of Anowa Adjah: The Curvy Fitness Phenomenon

Buy A Copy of the Powerhouse Physiques Workout DVD Series and Support a Cause!

Miss Anowa — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:37:23 +0000

ANOWA ADJAH HAS LAUNCHED THE FIRST “POWERHOUSE PHYSIQUES” WORKOUT DVD SERIES CAMPAIGN AND SHE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!
THE POWERHOUSE PHYSIQUES DVD SERIES WILL BE ONE OF THE ONLY WORKOUT DVD SERIES CATERED TOWARDS WOMEN AND MEN! THE EXERCISES THAT WILL BE FEATURED IN THE VIDEO WILL HAVE EXERCISES CATERED TOWARDS CURVIER WOMEN AND ACTIVE MEN LOOKING TO SCULPT/TONE, BUILD CORE STRENGTH, AND IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY!

THE POWERHOUSE PHYSIQUES WORKOUT DVD SERIES WILL FEATURE:
FULL BODY CURVE DOWN (FULL-BODY WORKOUT),
POWERHOUSE ABS/CORE, AND
POWERHOUSE STRETCH & FLEX (FLEXIBILITY)

BY SUPPORTING THE CAMPAIGN WITH A $25 OR MORE CONTRIBUTION YOU CAN LOCK DOWN YOUR OWN COPY OF YOUR WORKOUT DVD!

YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL SHOW THE HEALTH & FITNESS INDUSTRY THERE IS A DEMAND FOR WORKOUT DVDs CATERED TOWARDS ALL SHAPES AND SIZES!

PURCHASE A WORKOUT DVD AND SUPPORT THE POWERHOUSE MOVEMENT!

GO TO WWW.INDIEGOGO.COM/WorkingEveryBODY

New Pics Shot by MyCityMyLights Photography, wardrobe by Carmen Veal

Miss Anowa — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:02:02 +0000

I’ve been pretty busy taking care of the Powerhouse Physiques Brand! One of the elements I felt was very important to the brand was being able to display my many “Different Faces”. Even though Fitness & Wellness will always be my “Forte” I felt it was important to show that I am also talented in different areas Entertainment. Don’t be surprised if you see me strolling down another runway, or starring in your favorite commercial because I have my hands in everything. Check out my newest pictures from photographer Aderon Mothersill of MyCityMyLights Photography ! Big S/O to Carmen Veal www.carmenveal.com for supplying the “BODYCON” dresses from the shoot. Also a special thanks to my hair dresser Stephanie Weiss for doing my hair prior to the shoot! I’m loving my team! May I also add that the makeup, accessories, and styling was all done by ME! I must say I’m pretty talented!! lol Enjoy~

Be Better TODAY then you were YESTERDAY!

Miss Anowa — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:29:29 +0000

From my supporters that have been following my journey from the very beginning remember my strolls down the runway and even my jabs at “glamour modeling”. I tried almost everything to get my foot into the “Entertainment world”. I never considered myself the “Glamour Model Type” or even a “Runway Model” but in an industry that “was” very limited for the “CURVY GIRL” I felt it was best option for me, at the time. I tried my best to fit into the mold of the glamour world, but didn’t feel completely comfortable! Then I made a mediocre attempt to do “Fashion Modeling” which was a complete FAIL! I share this story to tell you “Don’t sacrifice who you are to be someone you aren’t”! I don’t judge anyone that is a glamour model, because at the end of the day, I made a lot of connections and did do a few notable magazine spreads. However, glamour modeling didn’t allow my TRUE talents to show! I had a hard time identifying with the other models because I didn’t look like them. I was tall,muscular, thick, and curvy! In addition, I had a voice, was intelligent, and an innovator! I wanted to “break down barriors” , and “inspire people” and be appreciated for who I was and NOT who I was pretending to be! I will never shrink, lose weight or muscles, soften up my features, get plastic surgery to be accepted! I am who I am “TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT”!!

In essence, this Powerhouse Movement was implemented to inspire women and men to “BE YOURSELF” and to never compromise your worth to mold into the mass! I love being a Fitness Guru, but I also love being a POWERHOUSE! I’m a Entrepreneur (The Founder and Creator of Powerhouse Physiques, LLC.), Fitness Expert, Motivational Speaker, Actress, Writer, and Model! I DO IT ALL!! I realized a few years ago, in order to maintain longevity in the business that you have to wear many hats! I share my story to let you know that you get further in life by “BEING TRUE TO YOURSELF” ! I LOVE WHAT I DO AND WOULDN’T CHANGE IT FOR THE WORLD! Take your experiences from the past and allow it to shape an even brighter future!

Seek Exercise Before Surgery……..

Miss Anowa — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:20:26 +0000

I know this is a very sensitive topic for people who have opted for a “quick fix” over exercise. Lets be clear, I am not writing this to pass judgement or criticize anyone for making a decision to go under the knife, my sole purpose is to inform people that there are plenty of options you can try before laying on the surgery table.

There is a growing trend of women and men making surgery their first choice over exercise. I urge everyone to try a membership at the gym and/or personal training before risking your life for a problem that can be fixed through hard work and dedication. I completely understand that everybody is not a huge fan of the gym, however be aware of that their is a larger likelihood of something going wrong from surgery than from exercise. You’ve seen and read some of the horrific results that have happened from a “Botched Surgical Procedure”. Of course, I would never oppose anyone undergoing surgery for health reasons, however when it comes to a matter of weight loss I encourage a “Kick-Butt” workout plan and a “Strict” Diet regimen. Listen, I know it’s not always convincing to hear a fitness expert tell you to exercise and forget about going under the knife. Some people figure that Personal Trainers or Fitness Experts don’t understand the plight of losing weight which is absolutely WRONG. Many personal trainers were in your exact same shoes, however they made the decision to exercise and learn the ropes to living a healthier lifestyle. In essence, life is all about decisions and you are free to make your own choices, however be aware that there are consequences behind every decision that you make. If you’re going to give yourself a fair chance at beating your “weight demons” then explore all the possibilities. Surgery should ALWAYS be the last resort. In addition, personal training is alot more cost-effective than surgery. Would you rather spend $6000 on lipo-suction or invest %10 of that towards personal training?

As I said before, if you’ve opted for gastric bypass because of impeding health issues then your responsibility is to take care of matters before they get worse. Of course, in that circumstance, several months of exercise might not be your best option.

In the end, I encourage you to be patient before deciding to seek surgery over exercise. With exercise, the worst thing you can feel, with the assistance of a good trainer, is muscle soreness from an intense workout out that can go away within a a day . Unfortunately if you make the decision to undergo surgery, the consequences can be alot more painful and frightening. Do your body a favor and workout FIRST before you decide to go under the knife, atleast then you can say you’ve explored all your best options.

As always, do your research and find out the best health options for your stubborn pounds. There are hundreds of new methods to losing weight, Be cautious and Be Smart!

xoxo Nigerian Powerhouse

My Healthy Hair Habits……

Miss Anowa — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:59:18 +0000

Along with the questions I receive each day about my workout routines, I’ve also received a number of questions about my hair care. First, I have to admit I am EXTREMELY passionate about maintaining healthy hair. A few years ago, I was a WEAVE-AHOLIC, ironically under that bushel of fake frock was a head full of healthy long hair. I was one of the many women influenced by the high-maintenance appeal of fake glamorous hair. However after getting fed up with costly hair dues and from the insistence of my close family and friends I began wearing my OWN natural hair! I have a very active lifestyle which plays a part in how I manage my locs. Although, I no longer wear weave I have nothing against it (xoxo to my weave wearers!lol) I wanted to share a few of my healthy hair secrets for women that want to exercise but maintain their healthy hair on the go!

1. Wash your hair atleast once a week. (After excessive sweating, you will find that your hair may suffer a “styling meltdown”!) For “African-American” hair practice pin-curling, wrapping, or smoothing your hair into a ponytail.

2. Wash your hair with an oil-moisturized shampoo, I like Pantene’s “Dry to Moisturized” Shampoo. Also make sure you ‘DEEP CONDITION” your hair! I “Heart” Motion’s “CPR Treament Conditioner”! I usually sit under a hair dryer with my hair in a cap for 15 minutes or, walk around with the conditioner in my hair for several hours. Deep Conditioning is extremely important!

3. I also usually wear a satin bonnet, but if my hair is in a ponytail I wear a satin scarf. Remember, SATIN is the way to go!!

4. I have issues with dry scalp, at times, I usually coat my scalp with a small amount of Tea-Tree oil which doesn’t weigh the hair down!

5. For the most part, I usually let my hair “Air Dry” however if I don’t have enough time for hours of air drying then I usually blow dry my hair. I blow out my hair with cool air then do a few minutes of hot air.

6. My advice is to AVOID products that contain alcohol which can dry out your scalp and hair.

7. If you are wearing weaves, make sure you oil your scalp regularly!

8. While you workout, try a wrap, pin curl, or a slicked ponytail, protected with a satin scarf and hat. However if you can’t wear anything on your head, just pin curl and wrap your hair.

9. Visit your hair stylist , ATLEAST, once a month for a trim and regular styling! I absolutely LOVE my hairstylist Stephanie Weiss she always gives me the best advice on the products I should use on my hair! For natural hair try a trim every 2-3 months! Most importantly, its imperative that you get a trim immediately after any chemical process!

I hope my daily hair regimen helps you out!! Give me feedback and let me know how it works for you. xoxo Nigerian Powerhouse

Invest in Personal Training, the Gift of Better Health

Miss Anowa — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:59:13 +0000

One of the best treats you can give yourself this Holiday season is a personal trainer. I’ve discussed personal training with many people in the past and one of their main objections to purchasing sessions were their personal finances. First, I am not asking you to ignore your bills or sell your home for a PT(personal training) package, instead I’m encouraging you to place your health “near” the top of your priority list.
For example, there are many people that join the gym and randomly do exercises without understanding the benefits of their workout. Have you been that person that made a “New Year’s Resolution” to join the gym, lose weight, tone your midsection, and/or get healthy by the spring season? Did you accomplish your goal? What got in the way? Was it work, finances, family, or lack of motivation? If so, the benefits of hiring a personal trainer could have helped keep you focus , aid in time management, or helped you accomplish your goal. Remember, personal trainers are not just here to help you lose weight and get healthier, we are also here to motivate and reaffirm your personal devotion to “Yourself”! There is nothing worse than wasting money on a membership to a gym and not getting the results you were looking for. In reality, some people can’t workout on their own! Many people need a personal trainer that will help “Push” them in their workouts, “Motivate”them past frustration, and help them “Accomplish” their goal!
Remember, you won’t be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor if you’re unhealthy! Most health professionals that you speak to will remind you that “Prevention” is the best medicine! Set aside your excuses and make your health a priority!
Personal training is not just an investment its a second chance to “BE, LOOK,and FEEL BETTER” than you did before!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! xoxo Nigerian Powerhouse

PASS on the Salt……..

Miss Anowa — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:29:55 +0000

As many of you know I’m Nigerian and LOVE my food WELL-SEASONED, however years ago I cut back on using salt in alot of my foods. After witnessing a few close friends and family battle with High-Blood Pressure I decided to do my research on its primary causes. In that finding, I found besides having an unhealthy diet, an overuse of Sodium can also contribute to Hypertension. Salt contains Sodium which ,when over-used, can contribute to Hypertension(High-blood Pressure), Dehydration, and also Bloating during Menstrual Cycles. In addition, even though there are numerous reports suggesting Sea Salt to be a much healthier choice than Iodized Salt, there are no major differences besides taste and texture processing. Sea Salt and Iodized Salt contain the same amount of Sodium Chloride! Our bodies only require a small amount of sodium chloride to stay healthy. Remember “Too Much of Anything” is not good so the next time you decide to sit down for dinner “Lighten Up” on the salt!

Does your lower back hurt during your ab exercises???

Miss Anowa — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:49:37 +0000

If the answer to the question is YES, then you might be suffering from muscle imbalance. Outside of other medical issues, muscle imbalance can play a part in your lower back issues. Muscle imbalance develops when their is significant difference in strength in your opposing muscle group. For example, if you only work on your abs and ignore your lower back(which is the opposing muscle group) you will develop muscle imbalance (aches and pain). In many instances when I’ve worked with clients (ESPECIALLY WOMEN) they’ve complained of lower back issues while doing ab exercises. The way I’ve worked towards alleviating the issues is having my clients perform their ab exercises on a medicine ball, in addition to doing lower back exercises to strengthen the overall core! If you want to maintain a strong core its important to work your abs as well as your lower back (*which is the opposing muscle group). If your ab muscles are much stronger than your lower back muscles then you will begin to experience pain in your lower back. In order to correct muscle imbalance you must work your entire body in a equal manner. When I competed in Track & Field, I was also a right-handed thrower. However, I did exercises on both of my arms which counteracted the affects of muscle imbalance. Do an assessment of your workout regimens and make sure you are giving your entire body a complete-balanced workout!

xoxo Nigerian Powerhouse

I enjoyed speaking to Teens for the “Youth Angels Scholar” program….

Miss Anowa — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 03:13:36 +0000

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of speaking to Teens about Sex Education for the “Youth Angels Scholar” program in Philadelphia. As a Health and Fitness professional, its important to educate the community on all aspects of Health. As I’ve said many times before, I absolutely love speaking and interacting with the community. The day was filled with an awesome line-up of activities, as well as speakers. Its amazing how much you can learn from listening to the stories of those teenagers, so to say the least, I was surprised by some of the stories they shared. Nevertheless, the event has confirmed that my work is far is “Far from over”! I am grateful for this experience and would like to thank Coach Kelly and the “Youth Angels Scholars” for having me. I had an amazing time!

My Ginger Tea Fix……

Miss Anowa — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:25:48 +0000

Hey everyone, if you follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/AnowaAdjah then you know how I absolutely LOVE my ginger tea! You can find the actual brand of Ginger Tea that I use in most Asian Food Stores.Ginger tea is awesome because it has a lot of great benefits including curing a whole realm of ailments like:a cold, headaches, digestive issues and motion sickness! Now, I’m not saying it is the “END ALL BE ALL” in curing everything, however it is a nice addition to your healthy food regimen. I stick to “All Natural” Ginger Teas, I even go as far as buying the actual ginger root and using it in my teas and soups.I HIGHLY recommend you get your fix of Ginger Tea and Let me know how it works out for ya!

xoxo NigerianPowerhouse