Ah yes, opening day. Thank God for baseball season...more specifically, baseball pants. I prefer a little tighter and pulled up to the knees. Ya know what, throw a pair on Matthew McConaughey and I'm pretty sure that's the image you'll see just before you enter the gates of Heaven.
Today was pretty busy, one thing to the next with little time to even think about how tired I was. I had an awesome workout though. All I had was back and cardio, but it was honestly an excellent workout day. Even though I didn't get as much sleep as I'd hoped, I felt energized the entire time....even during my cardio. Crazy. I did my cardio a little differently today...just to mix things up. It worked wonders for my ADD and OCD. I walked on a steep incline for one song, then went to the eliptical for the next song..back and forth for 45 minutes. Many people like the eliptical and find it easy. I don't. My quads burn on level 4...I hate it....so I did it...its sick, I know. My heartrate stayed a bit higher, so I was pleased.
Workout:
Wide grip lat pull-down 4 x 10-12
Seated cable row 3 x 10-12
Bent over BB row (12x)/ss hyperextensions (15x) 3 sets
Single arm lat pull-down 3 x 10 each
Rear flys 3 x 12-15
I've got to work on my posing tomorrow. My feet have a few new blisters so strapping on the stripper heels will be extra fun. I need some serious foot-therapy right now. I need a lot of things right now...sleep...chocolate....a beer...just to name a few.
Ugh...Its almost 10:30 and I am still on this computer. The bed is calling my name and I can look forward to sleeping-in tomorrow. Woohoo...6:30am here I come! I won't know what to do with myself.
Ok, more to come tomorrow evening...niiiight..
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Just gross
Holy crap...going to bed last night at 8:30 was probably the best idea I've had in awhile. I felt so much better than I did yesterday...almost to the point that when people asked "How are you?" and I said "great", I almost meant it. Scary, I know. One day I might just throw the word "Fantastic!" in there just to freak people out. I'm pretty sure the second I used that word, my best friend would do an intervention and search my house for drug paraphernalia...
Today was a hectic day...one thing to the next. I had to squeeze in my sprints between 7 and 8am, and then lift weights a few hours later before afternoon clients. I had a feeling it would be like that but didn't pack accordingly. The highlight of my day was putting on a sweaty pair of biker shorts and sports bra...all personal hygiene out the window. It reminded me of softball season in high school. We'd have practice all week, 2 or 3 games, and my mom's rule was that if you wanted clean uniforms, you washed it yourself. Needless to say, by Friday I was banging the crusted up dirt and sweat off my socks against the fence...I was disgusting. Anyway, once I got past the thought of all my nastiness, I hit biceps/triceps. My arms felt pretty fresh going into the workout, but were shot by the end. Overall, I was pleased with the day. My legs were not sore at all today...yeah, never thought I'd say that the day after a leg workout. Not gonna lie, I am ready to go heavy on legs again. I know, I know, its a sick relationship with pain.
Workout:
EZ bar curls 4 x 12
Alternating DB curls (drop set) 3 x 8/8
Bicep lat bar pull-downs 3 x 10
Lat bar press-downs 4 x 12
French press 3 x 12
Rope press-down 3 x 12-15
Treadmill sprints 25 minutes
I'm feeling pretty good (despite sleep deprivation)...but thankfully I am able to rest quite a bit this weekend. Saturday will be 2 weeks from the show...it is coming up fast. I finalized the whole tanning/painting process with my mom. She has to take 1/2 a day off work to paint my ass. Ha...now that's love. By the 4th coat she'll be ready to go back to work.
Ok, its after 9pm and I need to be in bed. Already looking forward to my coffee in the morning....yay for addictions. On that note, bedtime. Night folks!!...
Today was a hectic day...one thing to the next. I had to squeeze in my sprints between 7 and 8am, and then lift weights a few hours later before afternoon clients. I had a feeling it would be like that but didn't pack accordingly. The highlight of my day was putting on a sweaty pair of biker shorts and sports bra...all personal hygiene out the window. It reminded me of softball season in high school. We'd have practice all week, 2 or 3 games, and my mom's rule was that if you wanted clean uniforms, you washed it yourself. Needless to say, by Friday I was banging the crusted up dirt and sweat off my socks against the fence...I was disgusting. Anyway, once I got past the thought of all my nastiness, I hit biceps/triceps. My arms felt pretty fresh going into the workout, but were shot by the end. Overall, I was pleased with the day. My legs were not sore at all today...yeah, never thought I'd say that the day after a leg workout. Not gonna lie, I am ready to go heavy on legs again. I know, I know, its a sick relationship with pain.
Workout:
EZ bar curls 4 x 12
Alternating DB curls (drop set) 3 x 8/8
Bicep lat bar pull-downs 3 x 10
Lat bar press-downs 4 x 12
French press 3 x 12
Rope press-down 3 x 12-15
Treadmill sprints 25 minutes
I'm feeling pretty good (despite sleep deprivation)...but thankfully I am able to rest quite a bit this weekend. Saturday will be 2 weeks from the show...it is coming up fast. I finalized the whole tanning/painting process with my mom. She has to take 1/2 a day off work to paint my ass. Ha...now that's love. By the 4th coat she'll be ready to go back to work.
Ok, its after 9pm and I need to be in bed. Already looking forward to my coffee in the morning....yay for addictions. On that note, bedtime. Night folks!!...
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
God laughs too
Ever have one of those days where it was like the universe was hitting you in the face every hour on the hour? Not sure what my horoscope was for the day but I'm sure it had something to do with staying in bed, drinking beer at 10am, and drowning myself in a sea of m&m's. Not so much? I'll just have to write my own... So if I don't show up at work tomorrow and leave a message slurring my words, don't send a search party...I've got everything under control...
Seriously though, these days are running together and I feel like my down time is shrinking by the minute. My mom was begging me on the phone tonight to take some time off after this show. Typical mom. I honestly thought she might cry on the phone...don't feel bad, she cries at everything...and we love her for it. She's the peace-maker of the family, happy (borderline "bubbly"), and doesn't appreciate sarcastic humor....I know what you're thinking and yes, there is a possibility I was adopted. How I came from that, I have no clue. God has a sense of humor...oh the irony...
Anyway, getting through today was a challenge in itself. I knew my workout would feel long and draining, so I really tried to just focus on one set/rep at a time so that I wouldn't mentally go nuts. I kept the reps around 15 for most of the leg exercises and found that because of the increased sprint work, I actually had to drop the weight from a couple weeks ago to maintain form and complete the set. Humbling. Honestly, if I'm gonna feel like I'm gonna die, I'd rather it be pressing 425 pounds for 10 reps than 320 pounds for 15 reps...meathead mentality, I know. Needless to say, I survived.
Workout:
Walking lunges 3 x 30 yards
Leg press 3 x 15
Hamstring curls on machine 3 x 12
Leg extensions 3 x 15
Glute raise on ball 3 x 20
Reverse crunch 3 x 20
Sit-ups on ball, arms back 3 x 15
Oblique crunches on decline 3 x 20
Treadmill 45 minutes
It's 7:45 and I am about to get in bed here in 20 minutes or so. Staying up late is simply not an option for the next couple of weeks...I can hardly function.
Calling tomorrow to make nail and waxing appointments. I would try to do it myself, but with my luck I'd rip off a body part. Speaking of, I would hate that woman's job...dear Lord, let's not go there...that's HER job...haha..pretty punny. Ok, I'm officially exhausted because I'm making stupid jokes and literally laughing out loud at myself....ridiculous...
Hump day here I come...
Seriously though, these days are running together and I feel like my down time is shrinking by the minute. My mom was begging me on the phone tonight to take some time off after this show. Typical mom. I honestly thought she might cry on the phone...don't feel bad, she cries at everything...and we love her for it. She's the peace-maker of the family, happy (borderline "bubbly"), and doesn't appreciate sarcastic humor....I know what you're thinking and yes, there is a possibility I was adopted. How I came from that, I have no clue. God has a sense of humor...oh the irony...
Anyway, getting through today was a challenge in itself. I knew my workout would feel long and draining, so I really tried to just focus on one set/rep at a time so that I wouldn't mentally go nuts. I kept the reps around 15 for most of the leg exercises and found that because of the increased sprint work, I actually had to drop the weight from a couple weeks ago to maintain form and complete the set. Humbling. Honestly, if I'm gonna feel like I'm gonna die, I'd rather it be pressing 425 pounds for 10 reps than 320 pounds for 15 reps...meathead mentality, I know. Needless to say, I survived.
Workout:
Walking lunges 3 x 30 yards
Leg press 3 x 15
Hamstring curls on machine 3 x 12
Leg extensions 3 x 15
Glute raise on ball 3 x 20
Reverse crunch 3 x 20
Sit-ups on ball, arms back 3 x 15
Oblique crunches on decline 3 x 20
Treadmill 45 minutes
It's 7:45 and I am about to get in bed here in 20 minutes or so. Staying up late is simply not an option for the next couple of weeks...I can hardly function.
Calling tomorrow to make nail and waxing appointments. I would try to do it myself, but with my luck I'd rip off a body part. Speaking of, I would hate that woman's job...dear Lord, let's not go there...that's HER job...haha..pretty punny. Ok, I'm officially exhausted because I'm making stupid jokes and literally laughing out loud at myself....ridiculous...
Hump day here I come...
Monday, March 28, 2011
Prom Queen
Less than 3 weeks. I can hardly believe it. My mind is overwhelmed with every detail of contest prep...from finalizing my sodium/water intake for the last 3 days, to scheduling my manicure. I need to make a list...I'm so OCD I will probably make a list about the things I need to make a list about. It's out of control...
I went this weekend to get my make-up. It has to match my tan-paint as much as possible so I had to paint some on my arm before going to the store...I looked like I had leprosy. When I first got to the counter, one of the cashiers asked me if my prom was this weekend. I had almost gone until noon that day without wanting to hit someone...prom? Really?! I knew that never growing breasts would come back to haunt me. Anyway, I successfully got my over-priced make-up and was able to check 2 things off my list that day....getting make-up for my show...and looking like I was old enough to legally make-out with Bieber. Awesome...
It was a rude awakening this morning.
My body is extremely worn out. My calves and achilles are so tight that everything is pulling and my arches cramp up periodically throughout the day. But I guess its the nature of the beast. I think the last few weeks leading up to the week of the show are always the hardest. Your strength is suffering a little, you're tired, you're hungry, weird aches and pains, and the patience of a 5 year old. By peak-week the adrenaline is following and you're excited for the show. Right now I feel pretty horrible.
Workout today was good...strength was down a bit, but I still took everything to failure. I felt that I had a great shoulder workout even after chest...I have been pleasantly surprised at how my shoulders have rounded out much more from a year ago. Sprints were tough simply because of all the tightness, but I got through it...another workout in the books.
Flat DB bench press 4 x 10
Incline DB press 4 x 10
DB flys 4 x 12
Seated lateral raises 4 x 10-12
Seated BB shoulder press 4 x 10-12
Dive-thru push-ups 2 x failure
TM sprints - 25 minutes
Ready for bed. There is 4 pounds of baked chicken breasts and 20 boiled eggs sitting on the stove and yet my rear is glued to the recliner. I'd sleep here if I didn't think my cat would lick my face....he licks his butt...I sorta have an issue with that.
Alright folks...leg/core day tomorrow...and perhaps time for a nap...can't wait!
I went this weekend to get my make-up. It has to match my tan-paint as much as possible so I had to paint some on my arm before going to the store...I looked like I had leprosy. When I first got to the counter, one of the cashiers asked me if my prom was this weekend. I had almost gone until noon that day without wanting to hit someone...prom? Really?! I knew that never growing breasts would come back to haunt me. Anyway, I successfully got my over-priced make-up and was able to check 2 things off my list that day....getting make-up for my show...and looking like I was old enough to legally make-out with Bieber. Awesome...
It was a rude awakening this morning.
My body is extremely worn out. My calves and achilles are so tight that everything is pulling and my arches cramp up periodically throughout the day. But I guess its the nature of the beast. I think the last few weeks leading up to the week of the show are always the hardest. Your strength is suffering a little, you're tired, you're hungry, weird aches and pains, and the patience of a 5 year old. By peak-week the adrenaline is following and you're excited for the show. Right now I feel pretty horrible.
Workout today was good...strength was down a bit, but I still took everything to failure. I felt that I had a great shoulder workout even after chest...I have been pleasantly surprised at how my shoulders have rounded out much more from a year ago. Sprints were tough simply because of all the tightness, but I got through it...another workout in the books.
Flat DB bench press 4 x 10
Incline DB press 4 x 10
DB flys 4 x 12
Seated lateral raises 4 x 10-12
Seated BB shoulder press 4 x 10-12
Dive-thru push-ups 2 x failure
TM sprints - 25 minutes
Ready for bed. There is 4 pounds of baked chicken breasts and 20 boiled eggs sitting on the stove and yet my rear is glued to the recliner. I'd sleep here if I didn't think my cat would lick my face....he licks his butt...I sorta have an issue with that.
Alright folks...leg/core day tomorrow...and perhaps time for a nap...can't wait!
Friday, March 25, 2011
...and no glass slipper...
It's almost 9:00 and I just finished cleaning. I normally enjoy cleaning, but I just spent 45 minutes on my hands and knees scrubbing the bathroom floor. I learned 2 things...1) I shed more than my cat, and 2) the story of Cinderella is totally wrong. They neglected to inform readers that she was a raging alcoholic...because no one in their right mind would clean like that, sober, on a daily basis. It was quite the experience. After I was done with the floor, I said what the heck and attacked the shower. Its absolutely impossible to scrub the shower without getting soaked. It looked like I was hosting my own wet t-shirt contest....for the record, I won...yes, first time ever...
Overall, my Friday was pretty good. I wasn't able to sleep in as long as I wanted...I woke up at 5am with mini-epiphanies. I seriously had to finally get up, grab a sheet of paper, and start jotting down notes. I felt like Rainman or something...talking to myself, writing down a bunch of random thoughts. When I get it all together, I will definitely share. Oh the anticipation...ha...
Due to my lack of sleep, I was dragging a little bit today. By the time I had to workout I could have taken a nap instead. I had shoulders, core, and sprints...ah yes, more sprints. My calves are beyond shot. They are tight, and were pulling with every step. It hurts to walk and I'm not quite sure how cardio will go tomorrow. I don't really want to think about it. My shoulder workout was pretty solid, and I think they've come a long way since November. Hell, I've had to get rid of half my closet because everything is cutting off the circulation in my arms. Its too bad cut-off mesh tank tops aren't in style anymore. I'm 3 clips away from a mullet, and could rock that look like a champ.
Workout:
Seated DB shoulder press 4 x 10
Seated lateral raises/ss partials 4 x 10 each
Front DB raises/ss partials 4 x 10 each
Decline sit-ups 3 x 15
Ab roll on ball 3 x 10
Isometric hold on ball 2 x failure
Treadmill sprints 25 mins
I feel like I'm tightening up pretty good. Pinching less fat is a good thing...and of course I'm going to be my own worse critic. And believe me, in that 2" x 2" piece of fabric they call a "suit" I gotta wear, every ounce of fat will show. My rearend is already eating up that back of that suit like a handy-snack...
Anyway, I am spent...time for sleep. This weekend needs to be as relaxing as possible, and if something else needs to be cleaned I might lose my mind...
Have a great weekend folks :)
Overall, my Friday was pretty good. I wasn't able to sleep in as long as I wanted...I woke up at 5am with mini-epiphanies. I seriously had to finally get up, grab a sheet of paper, and start jotting down notes. I felt like Rainman or something...talking to myself, writing down a bunch of random thoughts. When I get it all together, I will definitely share. Oh the anticipation...ha...
Due to my lack of sleep, I was dragging a little bit today. By the time I had to workout I could have taken a nap instead. I had shoulders, core, and sprints...ah yes, more sprints. My calves are beyond shot. They are tight, and were pulling with every step. It hurts to walk and I'm not quite sure how cardio will go tomorrow. I don't really want to think about it. My shoulder workout was pretty solid, and I think they've come a long way since November. Hell, I've had to get rid of half my closet because everything is cutting off the circulation in my arms. Its too bad cut-off mesh tank tops aren't in style anymore. I'm 3 clips away from a mullet, and could rock that look like a champ.
Workout:
Seated DB shoulder press 4 x 10
Seated lateral raises/ss partials 4 x 10 each
Front DB raises/ss partials 4 x 10 each
Decline sit-ups 3 x 15
Ab roll on ball 3 x 10
Isometric hold on ball 2 x failure
Treadmill sprints 25 mins
I feel like I'm tightening up pretty good. Pinching less fat is a good thing...and of course I'm going to be my own worse critic. And believe me, in that 2" x 2" piece of fabric they call a "suit" I gotta wear, every ounce of fat will show. My rearend is already eating up that back of that suit like a handy-snack...
Anyway, I am spent...time for sleep. This weekend needs to be as relaxing as possible, and if something else needs to be cleaned I might lose my mind...
Have a great weekend folks :)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
100% organic.......maybe
Just got home from the grocery store...
16 dollars worth of cottage cheese, 4 pounds of asparagus, 4 pounds of snow peas, and 3 different kinds of lettuce...the most expensive bowel movement ever...
Morven got me hooked on this organic cottage cheese...which is absolutely amazing, but its organic so its over 4 bucks for a pint. That lasts me about 2.5 days...and I'm not even concerned about the "organic" aspect of it. The truth is, the same guy out in Montana who is sitting by his tub bottling water and labeling it "purified" is probably churning this cottage cheese...and I'm the idiot paying over $4. Awesome.
It was a long day....I felt good going into my workout and honestly looked forward to a measly 45 minutes on the treadmill after sprinting like I was out of my mind yesterday. My legs still hurt. I had back and then cardio today. I can tell my strength is starting to suffer a little and truly struggled to even maintain the weights I was doing just 2 weeks ago. I dread next week.
Workout:
Wide grip pull-ups 3 x 12
Seated cable row 3 x 10
Lat pull-down 3 x 12
BB row 3 x 12
Rear flys 3 x 15
Cardio
I worked on my posing for a little while afterward, but its definitely harder to do after a workout. You feel/look "soft", so trying to hold a flexed position for more than a few seconds is difficult. I am still struggling with my back pose. I have such an extreme arch in my low back that its hard to get a good flex without giving the judges and audience a ridiculous rear-shot. They'll get plenty of that with the Bikini competitors. Why they started that division is beyond me. Size 2 with DD's (that are not technically yours of course), and you're in the top 3. Anyway, I just need to practice my posing more. Stage presentation is everything....I've even had to practice smiling for longer than 2 seconds. I know, its amazing my face doesn't just get stuck or something. I do have a problem with my lip twitching though...after about a minute it starts moving like I've got turrets of the face. Got to work on that.
Well, I better call it a night. Shoulders, core, and sprints tomorrow. Big day...need some rest.
Here's to one more day of life and one more opportunity to be great...night folks!
16 dollars worth of cottage cheese, 4 pounds of asparagus, 4 pounds of snow peas, and 3 different kinds of lettuce...the most expensive bowel movement ever...
Morven got me hooked on this organic cottage cheese...which is absolutely amazing, but its organic so its over 4 bucks for a pint. That lasts me about 2.5 days...and I'm not even concerned about the "organic" aspect of it. The truth is, the same guy out in Montana who is sitting by his tub bottling water and labeling it "purified" is probably churning this cottage cheese...and I'm the idiot paying over $4. Awesome.
It was a long day....I felt good going into my workout and honestly looked forward to a measly 45 minutes on the treadmill after sprinting like I was out of my mind yesterday. My legs still hurt. I had back and then cardio today. I can tell my strength is starting to suffer a little and truly struggled to even maintain the weights I was doing just 2 weeks ago. I dread next week.
Workout:
Wide grip pull-ups 3 x 12
Seated cable row 3 x 10
Lat pull-down 3 x 12
BB row 3 x 12
Rear flys 3 x 15
Cardio
I worked on my posing for a little while afterward, but its definitely harder to do after a workout. You feel/look "soft", so trying to hold a flexed position for more than a few seconds is difficult. I am still struggling with my back pose. I have such an extreme arch in my low back that its hard to get a good flex without giving the judges and audience a ridiculous rear-shot. They'll get plenty of that with the Bikini competitors. Why they started that division is beyond me. Size 2 with DD's (that are not technically yours of course), and you're in the top 3. Anyway, I just need to practice my posing more. Stage presentation is everything....I've even had to practice smiling for longer than 2 seconds. I know, its amazing my face doesn't just get stuck or something. I do have a problem with my lip twitching though...after about a minute it starts moving like I've got turrets of the face. Got to work on that.
Well, I better call it a night. Shoulders, core, and sprints tomorrow. Big day...need some rest.
Here's to one more day of life and one more opportunity to be great...night folks!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
16 left turns
One of the longest weeks ever.
I wasn't as tired as yesterday, but by 2pm could have fallen asleep standing straight up. I might have and just not remembered. I kind of blackout during that time of day...the most sober, non-eventful blackout of my life.
After yesterday's workout I needed a little redemption-day. I felt stronger, mentally prepared, and just ready to attack today's work. Wednesdays are usually a little easier lifting-wise, simply because I only have biceps and triceps. Even though my arms were completely raw after 45 minutes, I don't hit big, compound movements like on chest or back day. So, I'm not as worn out....however, I did have sprints after that. The last thing I wanted to do was get on the treadmill, so I headed to the track.
I haven't been on the track since college....and I was quickly reminded why it was so painful....and why I gave it up to party. I wish I were kidding about that, but anyway...
I did a warm-up lap and then ran 16 100m sprints...well, at about 85%. I ran the curves, jogged and walked the strait-aways for 2 miles. I gave myself 20 seconds max to run the curves and averaged about 18 seconds...by the end my legs were shot. My hamstrings are cramping right now, and going to the bathroom is ridiculously painful....gotta figure out how to do it standing up...
Workout:
Lying lat bar curls 4 x 10
Alternating incline curls 3 x 10 each
Standing EZbar curls 3 x 10-12
Rope press-down 3 x 15
Bench dips 3 x 12-15
Tricep extensions 3 x 12
Sprints 25 mins
Glad to be done, and pleased with the day.
So, there is seriously a show on tv right now called "Should I smoke dope?".... This woman gives this whole spill about wanting to "experiment" to see what would happen if she smoked on and off for a month straight. For the sake of science, right? And just as you're almost convinced this could be legitimate, her kids run screaming in the background. It all makes sense now. Her kids are driving her nuts and getting high seems more appealing than time-out. I get it. Way to go mom...
I could write more but its 9:40 and I just finished cooking tilapia and asparagus. My kitchen smells like a fish market right now, the sink is full of dirty dishes, and I need to be in bed. Big day to come...
I wasn't as tired as yesterday, but by 2pm could have fallen asleep standing straight up. I might have and just not remembered. I kind of blackout during that time of day...the most sober, non-eventful blackout of my life.
After yesterday's workout I needed a little redemption-day. I felt stronger, mentally prepared, and just ready to attack today's work. Wednesdays are usually a little easier lifting-wise, simply because I only have biceps and triceps. Even though my arms were completely raw after 45 minutes, I don't hit big, compound movements like on chest or back day. So, I'm not as worn out....however, I did have sprints after that. The last thing I wanted to do was get on the treadmill, so I headed to the track.
I haven't been on the track since college....and I was quickly reminded why it was so painful....and why I gave it up to party. I wish I were kidding about that, but anyway...
I did a warm-up lap and then ran 16 100m sprints...well, at about 85%. I ran the curves, jogged and walked the strait-aways for 2 miles. I gave myself 20 seconds max to run the curves and averaged about 18 seconds...by the end my legs were shot. My hamstrings are cramping right now, and going to the bathroom is ridiculously painful....gotta figure out how to do it standing up...
Workout:
Lying lat bar curls 4 x 10
Alternating incline curls 3 x 10 each
Standing EZbar curls 3 x 10-12
Rope press-down 3 x 15
Bench dips 3 x 12-15
Tricep extensions 3 x 12
Sprints 25 mins
Glad to be done, and pleased with the day.
So, there is seriously a show on tv right now called "Should I smoke dope?".... This woman gives this whole spill about wanting to "experiment" to see what would happen if she smoked on and off for a month straight. For the sake of science, right? And just as you're almost convinced this could be legitimate, her kids run screaming in the background. It all makes sense now. Her kids are driving her nuts and getting high seems more appealing than time-out. I get it. Way to go mom...
I could write more but its 9:40 and I just finished cooking tilapia and asparagus. My kitchen smells like a fish market right now, the sink is full of dirty dishes, and I need to be in bed. Big day to come...
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Diving to the floor...
Rough start to the day.
The moment I got up I new it would be a B+ day at best...my A game was simply not gonna happen. I was struggling by 6:30 am. I got on the floor to demonstrate a push-up and nearly face-planted....my efforts to make it look fun and easy didn't go over too well, and let's not even get into my squat jump demo...I was almost ashamed to say I was an athlete. Ridiculous.
As I've said before, some days your mind leads your body, and some days you have to let your body just work and push through. Well, today I was lacking in both departments....making it one of the hardest training days I've had in awhile. I was mentally struggling to focus and push, and I was physically drained going into my warm-up. At that point, I was more willing to take a punch to the face than do a leg workout. I absolutely HATE being off my mental game because it sets the tone for everything. It steers the car....or bus in my case. And to compound it, I couldn't just rely on my body to just DO because I felt exhausted and weak. I was a mess. Honestly, the only thing I could do was concentrate on my breathing. It centered me, kept my body calm and in rhythm, and kept me from being distracted with any desire to stop short of my goals for the day. Holding back can never be an option....if it is, you'll take it every time. Period.
So, yes, it was leg day. I kept reps a little higher as I did last week, but made sure the weight was heavy enough that I was struggling by the end. My legs are starting to look a little more conditioned, which is what I need. The size is definitely there...dear Lord, is it ever.
Workout:
Squats 3 x 15
Hamstring curls on machine 3 x 12-15
Leg extensions 3 x 15
Hamstring curls on slideboard 3 x 15
Lunge jumps 3 x 20
Weighted BOSU sit ups 3 x 15
Crunches on ball 3 x 15
Leg lifts 3 x 30 seconds
Treadmill 45 minutes
Had a new client tonight. I think sometimes its eye-opening to people on their first session just how different it is working with a personal trainer. It is, and should be, more intense. I've had people suck some wind on the treadmill and then laugh and tell me its hard...but tonight I actually had someone call me a bitch as I moved the incline up. I laughed so loud, and appreciated the honesty. Ha. I think if more clients were honest, I would be called worse than that before noon. Its ok, I get it. I'd say if you love me a little too much during your workout, I'm not doing my job.
Well, its about that time...a little Tosh.O and then sleep. If I wake up tomorrow feeling like I did today I might say screw it and roll over. One of those days....but here's to a new one...
The moment I got up I new it would be a B+ day at best...my A game was simply not gonna happen. I was struggling by 6:30 am. I got on the floor to demonstrate a push-up and nearly face-planted....my efforts to make it look fun and easy didn't go over too well, and let's not even get into my squat jump demo...I was almost ashamed to say I was an athlete. Ridiculous.
As I've said before, some days your mind leads your body, and some days you have to let your body just work and push through. Well, today I was lacking in both departments....making it one of the hardest training days I've had in awhile. I was mentally struggling to focus and push, and I was physically drained going into my warm-up. At that point, I was more willing to take a punch to the face than do a leg workout. I absolutely HATE being off my mental game because it sets the tone for everything. It steers the car....or bus in my case. And to compound it, I couldn't just rely on my body to just DO because I felt exhausted and weak. I was a mess. Honestly, the only thing I could do was concentrate on my breathing. It centered me, kept my body calm and in rhythm, and kept me from being distracted with any desire to stop short of my goals for the day. Holding back can never be an option....if it is, you'll take it every time. Period.
So, yes, it was leg day. I kept reps a little higher as I did last week, but made sure the weight was heavy enough that I was struggling by the end. My legs are starting to look a little more conditioned, which is what I need. The size is definitely there...dear Lord, is it ever.
Workout:
Squats 3 x 15
Hamstring curls on machine 3 x 12-15
Leg extensions 3 x 15
Hamstring curls on slideboard 3 x 15
Lunge jumps 3 x 20
Weighted BOSU sit ups 3 x 15
Crunches on ball 3 x 15
Leg lifts 3 x 30 seconds
Treadmill 45 minutes
Had a new client tonight. I think sometimes its eye-opening to people on their first session just how different it is working with a personal trainer. It is, and should be, more intense. I've had people suck some wind on the treadmill and then laugh and tell me its hard...but tonight I actually had someone call me a bitch as I moved the incline up. I laughed so loud, and appreciated the honesty. Ha. I think if more clients were honest, I would be called worse than that before noon. Its ok, I get it. I'd say if you love me a little too much during your workout, I'm not doing my job.
Well, its about that time...a little Tosh.O and then sleep. If I wake up tomorrow feeling like I did today I might say screw it and roll over. One of those days....but here's to a new one...
Monday, March 21, 2011
Duck, duck....
Oh Dear Lord it feels good to sit down...this is honestly the first time today I've sat down for more than 2 minutes. It was just back to back today and the only relief I got was when I went to the bathroom. By 3pm I was ready to fake a major colon blowout just to have some down time. Needless to say, my legs are pretty tired right now.
The weekend was good, but went by too fast. I remember waking up on Saturday morning thinking "holy crap, I only have 4 weeks!"...it was a moment of temporary anxiety. I did 45 minutes of moderate cardio that morning and then took yesterday off. I literally sat almost all afternoon in the recliner...my body needed it. Since I was completely inactive yesterday I truly struggled to even get in all my calories. I was hardly hungry...but I was forcing down chicken and asparagus like it was my job...
I was able to get in bed a little earlier last night so today wasn't such a punch in the face. I honestly felt a little off-focus going into my workout. I feel like these last few weeks are what my husband calls "the grind"...one day to the next...eat, sleep, train, repeat...and repeat...and repeat. While I love it, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard. Energy is low, and change is slow...tough combination...and the fact that that just rhymed is a little irritating, not gonna lie. Shocking that I never liked Mother Goose...its just a GOOSE...even if she had great rhymes, they crap everywhere...
SO...chest, shoulders, and sprints today. Had a great chest day and kept my volume higher than last week. Shoulders were tough, and still struggling with a hard flex on my left side, but overall solid workout.
Workout:
Incline DB press 4 x 10
Flat DB bench press 4 x 10
Cable flys 4 x 12
Wide push-ups to failure 2x
Standing BB shoulder press 4 x 12, drop set on #4
Bent arm lateral raise 4 x 15
Front DB raise with rotation 3 x 15
Treadmill sprints 25 min
My hamstrings are really taking a hit right now from all these sprints. They are tight, need to be stretched, and need someone to beat on them like a drum and have me crying for my mama. I'm thinking a massage this weekend...
Ok, I've got to make some dinner for the hubs...yes, I make 2 dinners. If he had to eat what I ate he certainly wouldn't be 215 pounds, and divorce papers might be on the counter in the morning. Its ok, I get it.
I am beyond tired right now...more to come tomorrow folks...GO HARD!
The weekend was good, but went by too fast. I remember waking up on Saturday morning thinking "holy crap, I only have 4 weeks!"...it was a moment of temporary anxiety. I did 45 minutes of moderate cardio that morning and then took yesterday off. I literally sat almost all afternoon in the recliner...my body needed it. Since I was completely inactive yesterday I truly struggled to even get in all my calories. I was hardly hungry...but I was forcing down chicken and asparagus like it was my job...
I was able to get in bed a little earlier last night so today wasn't such a punch in the face. I honestly felt a little off-focus going into my workout. I feel like these last few weeks are what my husband calls "the grind"...one day to the next...eat, sleep, train, repeat...and repeat...and repeat. While I love it, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard. Energy is low, and change is slow...tough combination...and the fact that that just rhymed is a little irritating, not gonna lie. Shocking that I never liked Mother Goose...its just a GOOSE...even if she had great rhymes, they crap everywhere...
SO...chest, shoulders, and sprints today. Had a great chest day and kept my volume higher than last week. Shoulders were tough, and still struggling with a hard flex on my left side, but overall solid workout.
Workout:
Incline DB press 4 x 10
Flat DB bench press 4 x 10
Cable flys 4 x 12
Wide push-ups to failure 2x
Standing BB shoulder press 4 x 12, drop set on #4
Bent arm lateral raise 4 x 15
Front DB raise with rotation 3 x 15
Treadmill sprints 25 min
My hamstrings are really taking a hit right now from all these sprints. They are tight, need to be stretched, and need someone to beat on them like a drum and have me crying for my mama. I'm thinking a massage this weekend...
Ok, I've got to make some dinner for the hubs...yes, I make 2 dinners. If he had to eat what I ate he certainly wouldn't be 215 pounds, and divorce papers might be on the counter in the morning. Its ok, I get it.
I am beyond tired right now...more to come tomorrow folks...GO HARD!
Friday, March 18, 2011
2 tickets for the tilt-o-whirl
Up at 6:23...couldn't sleep...much on my mind. I hate mornings like that. All I want by Thursday afternoon is some sound sleep...so much for that.
I was glad to get to the gym for a workout after a morning full of cleaning, paying bills, and all that other fun stuff they neglect to tell you about in 4th grade when you're in that "When I grow up I want to..." mode. I think we should tell the kids the truth...freak them out a little bit. Workout went well, although I was struggling a little bit with my shoulder strength. Not sure what the heck was going on because the rest of my workout was good, but I had to drop the weight in my last 2 sets of shoulder press to keep form. I was bummed, but not everyday will be a record-breaking day. Some days its all you can do to keep up.
I didn't spend a ton of time on triceps simply because they are plenty big and just need to be dialed in a bit. Finished with sprints on the treadmill...I swear it felt like I just did sprints yesterday. My right hamstring is cramping as I type. I thought it would be a slow start and just draaaagggg on, but 30 minutes flew by and I was glad to be done. Cardio tomorrow and Sunday off, I can live with that.
Workout:
Seated DB shoulder press 4 x 10
Front db raise with rotation 4 x 12
Lateral raise 4 x 12
Front and lateral db circles/partials to failure 3x
Tricep press on dip machine 4 x 15
Rope press-down 4 x 15
Narrow grip push-ups to failure
Treadmill sprints
I will honestly sit in this recliner until its time for bed...which might happen in the next 20 minutes...and its only 8:15. I did something very dangerous today...I didn't have my afternoon coffee. I know...its amazing that I survived and so did everyone I came in contact with. However, I had a headache by 4:30....and fell asleep in the chair at 6. I think I'm going through withdrawal already. Good thing my neighbor isn't pounding on his drums tonight. I'd probably bust in there like the FBI and beat him with the sticks. He would probably arrest me....he's a cop....totally messes up my plan.
Not feeling too hungry tonight. I am extremely thirsty, but not hungry. Something's off....because I am ALWAYS ready to eat. And tonight I couldn't even finish my dinner. I honestly think a lot of it has to do with the last few weeks of dieting...its an emotional rollercoaster. I was crying this morning by 9 am...what the hell?! And I might cry tomorrow morning too just to stay consistently nuts. My husband was serious about "for better or worse"....but maybe ours should have been "for tolerable or psycho"....
Perhaps a little comedy and then bedtime...some cardio tomorrow and then gonna lay my pale rearend on our patio and pray I don't blind the neighborhood. Its been a full week...night folks!
I was glad to get to the gym for a workout after a morning full of cleaning, paying bills, and all that other fun stuff they neglect to tell you about in 4th grade when you're in that "When I grow up I want to..." mode. I think we should tell the kids the truth...freak them out a little bit. Workout went well, although I was struggling a little bit with my shoulder strength. Not sure what the heck was going on because the rest of my workout was good, but I had to drop the weight in my last 2 sets of shoulder press to keep form. I was bummed, but not everyday will be a record-breaking day. Some days its all you can do to keep up.
I didn't spend a ton of time on triceps simply because they are plenty big and just need to be dialed in a bit. Finished with sprints on the treadmill...I swear it felt like I just did sprints yesterday. My right hamstring is cramping as I type. I thought it would be a slow start and just draaaagggg on, but 30 minutes flew by and I was glad to be done. Cardio tomorrow and Sunday off, I can live with that.
Workout:
Seated DB shoulder press 4 x 10
Front db raise with rotation 4 x 12
Lateral raise 4 x 12
Front and lateral db circles/partials to failure 3x
Tricep press on dip machine 4 x 15
Rope press-down 4 x 15
Narrow grip push-ups to failure
Treadmill sprints
I will honestly sit in this recliner until its time for bed...which might happen in the next 20 minutes...and its only 8:15. I did something very dangerous today...I didn't have my afternoon coffee. I know...its amazing that I survived and so did everyone I came in contact with. However, I had a headache by 4:30....and fell asleep in the chair at 6. I think I'm going through withdrawal already. Good thing my neighbor isn't pounding on his drums tonight. I'd probably bust in there like the FBI and beat him with the sticks. He would probably arrest me....he's a cop....totally messes up my plan.
Not feeling too hungry tonight. I am extremely thirsty, but not hungry. Something's off....because I am ALWAYS ready to eat. And tonight I couldn't even finish my dinner. I honestly think a lot of it has to do with the last few weeks of dieting...its an emotional rollercoaster. I was crying this morning by 9 am...what the hell?! And I might cry tomorrow morning too just to stay consistently nuts. My husband was serious about "for better or worse"....but maybe ours should have been "for tolerable or psycho"....
Perhaps a little comedy and then bedtime...some cardio tomorrow and then gonna lay my pale rearend on our patio and pray I don't blind the neighborhood. Its been a full week...night folks!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Hurdles
I got a great night's sleep, so getting up this morning was pretty easy. I enjoy Thursdays because the mornings are generally a little lighter, so I can chat a little more with clients instead of just running around like a chicken with my head cut off.
Workout went well. I had back, core, and some cardio at the end. I kept my weights as heavy as I needed, and put a little more emphasis on my upper back. My mid-back is starting to look like I might deadlift my car.
Workout:
Close grip pull-backs 4 x 10
Wide grip lat pull-down 3 x 10
Bent over BB row 3 x 10
Straight arm pull-downs 3 x 12
Rear flys 3 x 12
Weighted sit-ups on ball 3 x 15
Crunches on ball 3 x 15
leg lowers 3 x 20
My suit came in the mail today! It is gorgeous and I am very pleased with the lady's work. I tried it on...fits great...or at least covers enough that I can stand on a public stage and not be arrested. That's good. I looked like Casper the flexing-ghost though...dear God, I need a tan. It was ridiculous.
Ok, need to rant for a sec... because its something that's been on my mind lately and came up with a client this morning.... "The haters"....They will be some of the toughest hurdles to jump over or even knock down on your way to achieving your goals. Ah yes, they come in all shapes and sizes, but with the same toxic stench...not supportive and belittling, but sometimes carefully disguised with a few patronizing back-handed compliments. Give me a break. I firmly believe there are people you keep at a distance...a good distance. They have no business in your inner circle and "friends" don't act like that...Period. I get a little fired up about this topic because life's too short to surround yourself with such people or even entertain the idea that its simply "the way they are". I had to learn this the hard way. Teach people how to treat you. They'll either respect you more, or back off because they have the maturity of a 12 year old and can't handle it...its a win/win. Head up...keep moving...
Alright peeps...Jersey Shore and then I'm out...Niiight....
Workout went well. I had back, core, and some cardio at the end. I kept my weights as heavy as I needed, and put a little more emphasis on my upper back. My mid-back is starting to look like I might deadlift my car.
Workout:
Close grip pull-backs 4 x 10
Wide grip lat pull-down 3 x 10
Bent over BB row 3 x 10
Straight arm pull-downs 3 x 12
Rear flys 3 x 12
Weighted sit-ups on ball 3 x 15
Crunches on ball 3 x 15
leg lowers 3 x 20
My suit came in the mail today! It is gorgeous and I am very pleased with the lady's work. I tried it on...fits great...or at least covers enough that I can stand on a public stage and not be arrested. That's good. I looked like Casper the flexing-ghost though...dear God, I need a tan. It was ridiculous.
Ok, need to rant for a sec... because its something that's been on my mind lately and came up with a client this morning.... "The haters"....They will be some of the toughest hurdles to jump over or even knock down on your way to achieving your goals. Ah yes, they come in all shapes and sizes, but with the same toxic stench...not supportive and belittling, but sometimes carefully disguised with a few patronizing back-handed compliments. Give me a break. I firmly believe there are people you keep at a distance...a good distance. They have no business in your inner circle and "friends" don't act like that...Period. I get a little fired up about this topic because life's too short to surround yourself with such people or even entertain the idea that its simply "the way they are". I had to learn this the hard way. Teach people how to treat you. They'll either respect you more, or back off because they have the maturity of a 12 year old and can't handle it...its a win/win. Head up...keep moving...
Alright peeps...Jersey Shore and then I'm out...Niiight....
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
20/20
Is it just me or does Charlie Sheen need to go to rehab after he gets tested for an STD? Just a thought...
Today was a busy day. It was one thing to the next. I was completely out last night by 9:15...which was good because 4:30 came early, very early. It was one of those mornings when I took my first sip of coffee on the road at 5:15 and moaned from sheer pleasure. With only 4 1/2 weeks to go, I've got to find enjoyment in the smallest dietary things so I won't go nuts. I told Ryan tonight that its like I'm passed the point of even craving a bunch of stuff. I wouldn't even know what to do with a cheeseburger right now....do I eat it?...make love to it?...what does it even smell like?...
It was a quick workout day. Since I moved biceps to yesterday, I only had sprints today...which was good because it was the longest 25 minutes of my day. After a 5 minute warm-up, I was like white-lightening on that thing. Ok, perhaps a slight exaggeration, but this tank was moving...and sucking a little wind at the same time. I did 20 seconds on, 20 seconds off for 20 minutes, speed 11. I was out of control. It was definitely harder than my sprint workout on Monday, but thankfully my stride is getting more fluid. Last 3 minutes were brutal...legs were ready for more than 20 seconds rest, and heart rate was 204...done and done.
Good news...the callous on my right small toe that was absolutely killing me a week ago is now gone. I couldn't take it anymore and so I did surgery. Yes, I cut that thing out like I was on Survivor or something. It hurt like hell, but had to be done. Not sure if it qualifies as self-mutilation, but probably should if it involved some form of cutting and blood. Anyone got a stubborn bunion?...give me 5 minutes...
Got all my tanning paint in the mail yesterday. Ryan already spilled it on the counter. Awesome. It smells like a combination of feet and Clorox. I can't wait for that whole process...
My mom usually does it...one year my roommate in college did it...yeah, that brought our relationship to a whole new level. There I am butt naked, carb deprived, on the verge of eating my arm, while I'm trying to critique their brush strokes on my inner thigh. They look at me like they're about to tell me where to stick that brush. There's always some tension with my mom when she paints me simply because its my mom and you're always more moody with family members. We usually get in arguments...which, I find is hard to get all pissed off when you're naked. There's only so long they can listen to you and take you seriously while your nipple is staring them in the face. Needless to say, after 2 days, 4 coats, and over 5 hours of painting, we are both relieved when I am brown and momma doesn't have to look at her grown daughter's backside up close and personal anymore. My blogs during those couple of days will definitely be entertaining...
Alright, time for bed...big training day ahead...story of my life! Night folks...
Today was a busy day. It was one thing to the next. I was completely out last night by 9:15...which was good because 4:30 came early, very early. It was one of those mornings when I took my first sip of coffee on the road at 5:15 and moaned from sheer pleasure. With only 4 1/2 weeks to go, I've got to find enjoyment in the smallest dietary things so I won't go nuts. I told Ryan tonight that its like I'm passed the point of even craving a bunch of stuff. I wouldn't even know what to do with a cheeseburger right now....do I eat it?...make love to it?...what does it even smell like?...
It was a quick workout day. Since I moved biceps to yesterday, I only had sprints today...which was good because it was the longest 25 minutes of my day. After a 5 minute warm-up, I was like white-lightening on that thing. Ok, perhaps a slight exaggeration, but this tank was moving...and sucking a little wind at the same time. I did 20 seconds on, 20 seconds off for 20 minutes, speed 11. I was out of control. It was definitely harder than my sprint workout on Monday, but thankfully my stride is getting more fluid. Last 3 minutes were brutal...legs were ready for more than 20 seconds rest, and heart rate was 204...done and done.
Good news...the callous on my right small toe that was absolutely killing me a week ago is now gone. I couldn't take it anymore and so I did surgery. Yes, I cut that thing out like I was on Survivor or something. It hurt like hell, but had to be done. Not sure if it qualifies as self-mutilation, but probably should if it involved some form of cutting and blood. Anyone got a stubborn bunion?...give me 5 minutes...
Got all my tanning paint in the mail yesterday. Ryan already spilled it on the counter. Awesome. It smells like a combination of feet and Clorox. I can't wait for that whole process...
My mom usually does it...one year my roommate in college did it...yeah, that brought our relationship to a whole new level. There I am butt naked, carb deprived, on the verge of eating my arm, while I'm trying to critique their brush strokes on my inner thigh. They look at me like they're about to tell me where to stick that brush. There's always some tension with my mom when she paints me simply because its my mom and you're always more moody with family members. We usually get in arguments...which, I find is hard to get all pissed off when you're naked. There's only so long they can listen to you and take you seriously while your nipple is staring them in the face. Needless to say, after 2 days, 4 coats, and over 5 hours of painting, we are both relieved when I am brown and momma doesn't have to look at her grown daughter's backside up close and personal anymore. My blogs during those couple of days will definitely be entertaining...
Alright, time for bed...big training day ahead...story of my life! Night folks...
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
4, 3, 2, DONE
Oh dear...what a long day. My intentions of getting in bed by 9:00 last night were not so successful and I paid for it today. Two nights in a row of little sleep...I might be on suicide watch tomorrow. Thankfully I had a few minutes of down time and some coffee, so I survived.
Today's workout was never-ending. I had to squeeze in legs, biceps, core, AND treadmill since I will only have time for sprints tomorrow. Two hours and fifteen minutes later I was ready to hit something...or just lay in fetal position and wish I had the energy to hit something. I was exhausted and hungry. Thankfully I had me some fish and snow peas waiting...ok, I tried to make that sound good and even now its like waking up on your birthday to find that someone wrapped up a fart for you. So disappointing...
I kept reps higher for all my leg exercises as I did last week. First exercise, 3 sets of 20 squats. For the record, I am not built for any more reps than 12...my body hates anymore than that, so 20 reps was brutal. Not to mention I get bored counting that high...I had to break it up into groups of 5 to mentally stay somewhat stable. Kept the weight at 135...pleased with that. The rest of my workout went great...hard, but great.
Workout:
Squats 3 x 20
Hamstring curls 3 x 15
Walking lunges 3 x 30 yards
Leg extensions 3 x 15
Rear glute raise/flutter on ball 3 x 50
EZ bar curls 4 x 12
Alternating DB curls 3 x 10 each
Underhand lat pull-down 3 x 10
Weighted curnches on BOSU 3 x 15
Ab roll on ball 3 x 12
Oblique crunch on decline 2 x 20
Dear God glad that's over. It's 7:40 and I officially cannot move. Just got done with dinner and I might have to go back for some more cottage cheese. I need about 15 more grams of protein anyway. I love cottage cheese. I know, I know the texture looks disgusting, but I could eat that mess like candy...throw in some melted peanut butter and you've got yourself one exciting night! I'm easily pleased, what can I say...
So, my suit has been shipped! A lady in Vegas made it so there is no telling what I'll walk out on stage in... so excited, just hope she added enough padding. If I'm gonna be standing up there next to Summer with fake DD's, I better have adequate help if you know what I mean. For that amount of money, I should look like I'm about to feed triplets. Enough about that...
I am going to throw down some more cottage cheese, clean my dishes, and then hit the bed...Wednesday is awaiting...
Today's workout was never-ending. I had to squeeze in legs, biceps, core, AND treadmill since I will only have time for sprints tomorrow. Two hours and fifteen minutes later I was ready to hit something...or just lay in fetal position and wish I had the energy to hit something. I was exhausted and hungry. Thankfully I had me some fish and snow peas waiting...ok, I tried to make that sound good and even now its like waking up on your birthday to find that someone wrapped up a fart for you. So disappointing...
I kept reps higher for all my leg exercises as I did last week. First exercise, 3 sets of 20 squats. For the record, I am not built for any more reps than 12...my body hates anymore than that, so 20 reps was brutal. Not to mention I get bored counting that high...I had to break it up into groups of 5 to mentally stay somewhat stable. Kept the weight at 135...pleased with that. The rest of my workout went great...hard, but great.
Workout:
Squats 3 x 20
Hamstring curls 3 x 15
Walking lunges 3 x 30 yards
Leg extensions 3 x 15
Rear glute raise/flutter on ball 3 x 50
EZ bar curls 4 x 12
Alternating DB curls 3 x 10 each
Underhand lat pull-down 3 x 10
Weighted curnches on BOSU 3 x 15
Ab roll on ball 3 x 12
Oblique crunch on decline 2 x 20
Dear God glad that's over. It's 7:40 and I officially cannot move. Just got done with dinner and I might have to go back for some more cottage cheese. I need about 15 more grams of protein anyway. I love cottage cheese. I know, I know the texture looks disgusting, but I could eat that mess like candy...throw in some melted peanut butter and you've got yourself one exciting night! I'm easily pleased, what can I say...
So, my suit has been shipped! A lady in Vegas made it so there is no telling what I'll walk out on stage in... so excited, just hope she added enough padding. If I'm gonna be standing up there next to Summer with fake DD's, I better have adequate help if you know what I mean. For that amount of money, I should look like I'm about to feed triplets. Enough about that...
I am going to throw down some more cottage cheese, clean my dishes, and then hit the bed...Wednesday is awaiting...
Monday, March 14, 2011
I got a feel'n...
Back to the work week.
It was a stressful start to the week...as my backup alarm went off 7 minutes late. Yeah, yeah 7 minutes...but because I am a CHRONICALLY scheduled person, I nearly flipped out. I don't think I calmed down until I got off the highway...I even caught myself yelling at a man only going 82 in the fast lane...which, apparently to me at 5:15 in the morning was too slow. Not even 6am and I was already being ridiculous...
I had trouble falling asleep last night...tossing and turning until 11:30...meaning that I only got 5 hours of sleep. Its amazing I didn't go nuts on anyone before 10am. Ready or not, I had a big workout coming...had to grab it by the horns and ride like a champ. Chest, shoulders, and sprints. I felt strong throughout my lifts, but the sprints were harder than I expected...probably because I couldn't feel my arms, and my legs were in complete rebellion of any type of running. How is that different than any other day, I don't know. Shoulder workout was just plain brutal after lifting chest. At one point I finished a set of lateral raises, dropped the weights, and just said "I hate you!"...haha...what a freak show. As if the weights A) had any control over moving themselves or inducing pain independent of ME , or B) could even hear me or remotely care what I thought at that moment. I'm slowly losing my mind.
Workout:
Flat DB bench press 4 x 10
DB flys 4 x 10
Incline DB press 4 x 10
Standing BB shoulder press 4 x 12
Seated bent arm lateral raises (10x)/ss lateral raises (8-10x) 4x
Front DB raises 4 x 15
Treadmill sprints 30 minutes
My strength has maintained pretty well, but much of it has simply been mind over matter. I am definitely more tired, especially from all the cardio, but it is what it is.
Today I was on a serious mission. I had to bump up my water intake. Its one of those things that can easily lag if I'm not careful...well, not today my friends. I'm sitting at roughly 115 oz of water for the day and my bladder is about to explode. After 8am it was pretty comical how often I had to go, so I started to keep count. A little over 12 hours at the gym today...27 trips to the bathroom. I wish I were kidding. I tell any guy with prostate issues to beat that. By round 15 I wanted a diaper. Good thing Brian isn't a tree-hugger because I killed some toilet paper today...oh wait... For those of you who don't know Brian, he would recycle his poo if he could. Which is fine and the world needs those people, just don't yell at me for not wearing recycled t-shirts....I recycle my beer cans...you're welcome.
On to a more serious part of my day.
I had a client come to me today after taking some time off. She was pretty upset and said that she simply lacked motivation. She felt as if she'd "fallen off the wagon" and just kept beating herself up over it. The truth is that she is an incredibly athletic woman, great runner, and strong....but somewhere along the way she got discouraged. I was totally caught off guard when she said she just felt like a failure in the gym because she struggled with the weights and felt like everything was hard. For a moment I was actually relieved....I just never put 2 and 2 together. She just had a total misconception of "success" and "failure" in the gym. I explained that struggling, yet completing a set with good form, is a GOOD thing...it needs to be hard, challenging, and push you to new limits. And as you get stronger, faster, more conditioned...guess what?...you make it harder. THAT is succeeding in the gym. Because you're ultimately competing against yourself...your weaknesses, and complacency we often find in our strengths simply because they are our strengths.
And as far as lack of motivation? Sometimes you just got to DO. Feelings come and go. Heck, if we only did what we felt like doing all the time, we'd drink more, go to church less, and probably be fired from our jobs for giving people a piece of our mind. Sometimes action will breed the feeling. Its a delicate balance....mentally we push ourselves physically,...and physically we boost ourselves mentally....back and forth. I think the key is knowing that everyday will be a little different and we have to adjust accordingly, yet approach it with the same confidence in our ability to be better than we were the day before. And the truth is, we are able.
Alright folks, I've written a book and my arthritis is screaming....early bedtime and then on to Tuesday...
Face tomorrow boldly!
It was a stressful start to the week...as my backup alarm went off 7 minutes late. Yeah, yeah 7 minutes...but because I am a CHRONICALLY scheduled person, I nearly flipped out. I don't think I calmed down until I got off the highway...I even caught myself yelling at a man only going 82 in the fast lane...which, apparently to me at 5:15 in the morning was too slow. Not even 6am and I was already being ridiculous...
I had trouble falling asleep last night...tossing and turning until 11:30...meaning that I only got 5 hours of sleep. Its amazing I didn't go nuts on anyone before 10am. Ready or not, I had a big workout coming...had to grab it by the horns and ride like a champ. Chest, shoulders, and sprints. I felt strong throughout my lifts, but the sprints were harder than I expected...probably because I couldn't feel my arms, and my legs were in complete rebellion of any type of running. How is that different than any other day, I don't know. Shoulder workout was just plain brutal after lifting chest. At one point I finished a set of lateral raises, dropped the weights, and just said "I hate you!"...haha...what a freak show. As if the weights A) had any control over moving themselves or inducing pain independent of ME , or B) could even hear me or remotely care what I thought at that moment. I'm slowly losing my mind.
Workout:
Flat DB bench press 4 x 10
DB flys 4 x 10
Incline DB press 4 x 10
Standing BB shoulder press 4 x 12
Seated bent arm lateral raises (10x)/ss lateral raises (8-10x) 4x
Front DB raises 4 x 15
Treadmill sprints 30 minutes
My strength has maintained pretty well, but much of it has simply been mind over matter. I am definitely more tired, especially from all the cardio, but it is what it is.
Today I was on a serious mission. I had to bump up my water intake. Its one of those things that can easily lag if I'm not careful...well, not today my friends. I'm sitting at roughly 115 oz of water for the day and my bladder is about to explode. After 8am it was pretty comical how often I had to go, so I started to keep count. A little over 12 hours at the gym today...27 trips to the bathroom. I wish I were kidding. I tell any guy with prostate issues to beat that. By round 15 I wanted a diaper. Good thing Brian isn't a tree-hugger because I killed some toilet paper today...oh wait... For those of you who don't know Brian, he would recycle his poo if he could. Which is fine and the world needs those people, just don't yell at me for not wearing recycled t-shirts....I recycle my beer cans...you're welcome.
On to a more serious part of my day.
I had a client come to me today after taking some time off. She was pretty upset and said that she simply lacked motivation. She felt as if she'd "fallen off the wagon" and just kept beating herself up over it. The truth is that she is an incredibly athletic woman, great runner, and strong....but somewhere along the way she got discouraged. I was totally caught off guard when she said she just felt like a failure in the gym because she struggled with the weights and felt like everything was hard. For a moment I was actually relieved....I just never put 2 and 2 together. She just had a total misconception of "success" and "failure" in the gym. I explained that struggling, yet completing a set with good form, is a GOOD thing...it needs to be hard, challenging, and push you to new limits. And as you get stronger, faster, more conditioned...guess what?...you make it harder. THAT is succeeding in the gym. Because you're ultimately competing against yourself...your weaknesses, and complacency we often find in our strengths simply because they are our strengths.
And as far as lack of motivation? Sometimes you just got to DO. Feelings come and go. Heck, if we only did what we felt like doing all the time, we'd drink more, go to church less, and probably be fired from our jobs for giving people a piece of our mind. Sometimes action will breed the feeling. Its a delicate balance....mentally we push ourselves physically,...and physically we boost ourselves mentally....back and forth. I think the key is knowing that everyday will be a little different and we have to adjust accordingly, yet approach it with the same confidence in our ability to be better than we were the day before. And the truth is, we are able.
Alright folks, I've written a book and my arthritis is screaming....early bedtime and then on to Tuesday...
Face tomorrow boldly!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Tights and Tutus
It's Saturday morning and I am a zombie....sipping on my 3rd cup of coffee (with added protein powder of course) and eating some pumpkin protein pancakes. They are a treat on the weekend because I actually have time to cook in the morning. Yes, I add protein on top of protein...don't act so shocked.
From Thursday til now I've been on the go and simply haven't had much time to sit down. I'm beyond tired, and can tell my body needs rest because I'm craving a little more sugar than normal and retaining some water. Irritable and bloated...bad combination for the sanity in the Falcon house.
My workout yesterday was great though...really heavy on the shoulders, some tough core work, and then sprints on the treadmill to top off the Friday. I was pleased that I was able to maintain 198 heart-rate through the sprints without having a near-death experience. I don't have time for that...
Seated shoulder press 4 x 10, last set drop set to failure
Seated heavy lateral raises/ss light lateral raises 4 x 10 each
Front heavy DB raises/ss light front raises 4 x 10 each
Weighted sit-ups on ball 3 x 15
Leg raises 3 x 15
Oblique crunches on decline 3 x 20
Treamill sprints, Tabata style 30 min
The best part was trying to adjust my ponytail after my last set of shoulders...physically could not do it. I looked like a idiot bending over, tilting my head back, trying to figure out the quickest way to fix my hair that didn't require lifting my arms. I gave up...stuck with the disheveled-look until my delts were capable of operating again. Good workout.
Not sure yet if I'm gonna try to fit in some cardio today...its supposed to be beautiful today, but I need some rest. I might just do a quick 3 mile jog. Yes, I said it...a jog...don't think for a minute I will enjoy every second of it...but I will troop through it.
I went Thursday night with a friend to a benefit dance concert at Duke....even being the meathead I am, I can appreciate the arts. I actually love dance, and took it for 7 years. Yeah, me in a tutu...dear God, what a site. It was such a great break from my weight-room-all-consuming life to see a different display of strength. The choreography was absolutely phenomenal, and one reason I wanted to go was because I know the teacher and actually took a class of hers in college. What a trip that was. Even though I'd had dance experience...in the studio, on fraternity house bars, etc...ha...I was well into my competition training so my strength was much different. I specifically remember one of the first days in there and she wanted us to lift our leg and hold it as close to our head as possible without assistance of our arms. I look over and little miss toothpick had her leg by her freak'n ear and my hipflexors wouldn't let me get past 90 degrees. I was pissed. I wanted to yell out "look, I just got done leg pressing over 400 pounds, could bench press YOU, and you want me to do WHAT with my leg?!! You're out of your mind..." I had to drop the class and stick to dancing at frat parties...less leg lifts, more squatting...I could handle that...
Alright, we are all caught up....I am about to clean a little, MAYBE run, and then join the crackberry club and go get a new phone....brace yourselves if I join twitter...
Have a great weekend...stay focused...keep mov'n forward...one day at a time...
From Thursday til now I've been on the go and simply haven't had much time to sit down. I'm beyond tired, and can tell my body needs rest because I'm craving a little more sugar than normal and retaining some water. Irritable and bloated...bad combination for the sanity in the Falcon house.
My workout yesterday was great though...really heavy on the shoulders, some tough core work, and then sprints on the treadmill to top off the Friday. I was pleased that I was able to maintain 198 heart-rate through the sprints without having a near-death experience. I don't have time for that...
Seated shoulder press 4 x 10, last set drop set to failure
Seated heavy lateral raises/ss light lateral raises 4 x 10 each
Front heavy DB raises/ss light front raises 4 x 10 each
Weighted sit-ups on ball 3 x 15
Leg raises 3 x 15
Oblique crunches on decline 3 x 20
Treamill sprints, Tabata style 30 min
The best part was trying to adjust my ponytail after my last set of shoulders...physically could not do it. I looked like a idiot bending over, tilting my head back, trying to figure out the quickest way to fix my hair that didn't require lifting my arms. I gave up...stuck with the disheveled-look until my delts were capable of operating again. Good workout.
Not sure yet if I'm gonna try to fit in some cardio today...its supposed to be beautiful today, but I need some rest. I might just do a quick 3 mile jog. Yes, I said it...a jog...don't think for a minute I will enjoy every second of it...but I will troop through it.
I went Thursday night with a friend to a benefit dance concert at Duke....even being the meathead I am, I can appreciate the arts. I actually love dance, and took it for 7 years. Yeah, me in a tutu...dear God, what a site. It was such a great break from my weight-room-all-consuming life to see a different display of strength. The choreography was absolutely phenomenal, and one reason I wanted to go was because I know the teacher and actually took a class of hers in college. What a trip that was. Even though I'd had dance experience...in the studio, on fraternity house bars, etc...ha...I was well into my competition training so my strength was much different. I specifically remember one of the first days in there and she wanted us to lift our leg and hold it as close to our head as possible without assistance of our arms. I look over and little miss toothpick had her leg by her freak'n ear and my hipflexors wouldn't let me get past 90 degrees. I was pissed. I wanted to yell out "look, I just got done leg pressing over 400 pounds, could bench press YOU, and you want me to do WHAT with my leg?!! You're out of your mind..." I had to drop the class and stick to dancing at frat parties...less leg lifts, more squatting...I could handle that...
Alright, we are all caught up....I am about to clean a little, MAYBE run, and then join the crackberry club and go get a new phone....brace yourselves if I join twitter...
Have a great weekend...stay focused...keep mov'n forward...one day at a time...
Thursday, March 10, 2011
...with all the toppings
This week has honestly been the first week where I actually feel that I will be ready by April 16th. Finally, I'm starting to see some changes where I was certain fat was going to take up residence until I took a knife to it....and quite frankly, I can't afford that.
Ok, I have to rant for a second. I am sitting here eating my chicken and green beans..no seasoning,..no salt...and daggon if Brian didn't just order Papa John's pizza. The delivery guy comes in, about 6'5" and a good 250 pounds, and I was about to judo-chop him, steal his pizza, and then curse Brian for making me break my Lent-plan to give up hitting people. Even as disciplined as I am, the smell of pizza is absolutely amazing...uhhhh. A little carb-deprived and bitter right now...great combination.
My legs are tired...not sore, just tired. Changing to 3 days of sprints has made a big difference in my energy...I'm exhausted...well, even more than I usually am. I had back and cardio today...back is looking good...definitely much thicker than it used to be.
Workout:
Lat pull-down 4 x 10
Bent over BB row 4 x 10
Single arm DB row 3 x 10 each arm
Seated cable row 3 x 10
Rear flys 3 x 12
Treadmill 45 mins
I got to work with a potentially-new client this morning. She's looking for a new gym and I always love sharing my gift with new people...but I always wonder what they think when they leave. She probably thinks I'm nuts and sleep with a dumbbell each night....which is only partly true. A medicine ball is easier to spoon. I try not to kill people on the first day....wait til #2 or 3 to do that. She was great, but is probably cursing my name right now. I get it...nothing personal...
That pizza is sitting right in front of me right now...sex in a box...with cheese. I better get some coffee before I go nuts. Here's to chicken and green beans...
Ok, I have to rant for a second. I am sitting here eating my chicken and green beans..no seasoning,..no salt...and daggon if Brian didn't just order Papa John's pizza. The delivery guy comes in, about 6'5" and a good 250 pounds, and I was about to judo-chop him, steal his pizza, and then curse Brian for making me break my Lent-plan to give up hitting people. Even as disciplined as I am, the smell of pizza is absolutely amazing...uhhhh. A little carb-deprived and bitter right now...great combination.
My legs are tired...not sore, just tired. Changing to 3 days of sprints has made a big difference in my energy...I'm exhausted...well, even more than I usually am. I had back and cardio today...back is looking good...definitely much thicker than it used to be.
Workout:
Lat pull-down 4 x 10
Bent over BB row 4 x 10
Single arm DB row 3 x 10 each arm
Seated cable row 3 x 10
Rear flys 3 x 12
Treadmill 45 mins
I got to work with a potentially-new client this morning. She's looking for a new gym and I always love sharing my gift with new people...but I always wonder what they think when they leave. She probably thinks I'm nuts and sleep with a dumbbell each night....which is only partly true. A medicine ball is easier to spoon. I try not to kill people on the first day....wait til #2 or 3 to do that. She was great, but is probably cursing my name right now. I get it...nothing personal...
That pizza is sitting right in front of me right now...sex in a box...with cheese. I better get some coffee before I go nuts. Here's to chicken and green beans...
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Unwinding
I started the day off tired, and ended it tired. I was able to sleep in a extra hour, but then hit some treadmill sprints at 6:30. For the record, I can function and work at 6:30, but going all out on the treadmill pre-coffee is a cruel form of punishment. It took me about 15 minutes to get in some sort of rhythm, but it was never a walk in the park. Sprints wear me out, and knowing I still had to lift a few hours later made my hump day that much longer....30 minutes of sprints and my humper was busted...
I had biceps and triceps today...my arms are ridiculous right now. I decided to break out the tape measure...hahaha...boy was that funny. My arms are over 2" bigger than they were a little over a year ago...I should be arrested for these guns. Slightly dramatic, but I've seriously had to get rid of several shirts in my closet. When you physically get stuck in a an article of clothing, its not a good sign. I was busting out....and not from the front....
I kept weights heavy on my biceps, and bumped up my reps on my triceps...if my triceps grow anymore I might cry...well, flex and take a picture to scare my kids one day, then cry...
Workout:
Lying lat bar curls 4 x 10
EZ bar curls 4 x 12
Single arm cable curl (horizontal position) 3 x 10 each arm
Tricep press on dip machine 4 x 12-15
Single arm tricep extension on cable 3 x 12 each arm
Rope press-down 3 x 12-15
Treadmill sprints 30 minutes
It's almost 9:00 and I've got to clean dishes, prepare my meals for tomorrow, and unpack/repack my gym bag. Ugh...long week. It was short today, but I think I exceeded my word limit for the day. Can you imagine if there were such a thing? Some people would be mute by 10am...thank God.
Alright people...here's to another hump day....enjoy some rest...be ready to go hard tomorrow....
I had biceps and triceps today...my arms are ridiculous right now. I decided to break out the tape measure...hahaha...boy was that funny. My arms are over 2" bigger than they were a little over a year ago...I should be arrested for these guns. Slightly dramatic, but I've seriously had to get rid of several shirts in my closet. When you physically get stuck in a an article of clothing, its not a good sign. I was busting out....and not from the front....
I kept weights heavy on my biceps, and bumped up my reps on my triceps...if my triceps grow anymore I might cry...well, flex and take a picture to scare my kids one day, then cry...
Workout:
Lying lat bar curls 4 x 10
EZ bar curls 4 x 12
Single arm cable curl (horizontal position) 3 x 10 each arm
Tricep press on dip machine 4 x 12-15
Single arm tricep extension on cable 3 x 12 each arm
Rope press-down 3 x 12-15
Treadmill sprints 30 minutes
It's almost 9:00 and I've got to clean dishes, prepare my meals for tomorrow, and unpack/repack my gym bag. Ugh...long week. It was short today, but I think I exceeded my word limit for the day. Can you imagine if there were such a thing? Some people would be mute by 10am...thank God.
Alright people...here's to another hump day....enjoy some rest...be ready to go hard tomorrow....
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Make it rain...
Stripper shoes came in today. Yeeeaahh...There's nothing like clear plastic strapped to 4 1/2 inch heels to make you feel like a million bucks....and a hooker. So I started working on my poses today after my workout. I forgot how exhausting it is...and to do it in sweaty spandex and pale skin was just awesome, let me tell ya. I felt huge...one good flex and I might poke my eye out.
I definitely had some anxiety going into today's workout. Yes, it was leg day....but not a typical-Meredith-near-death-experience leg day. Because my legs are pretty darn big, I need to back off a bit on the 'ol tree trunks. So, I kept reps a little higher and kept my total volume down, and decreased rest time between sets. Being the all-or-nothing person I am, I really had a hard time not going all out. I felt like a pansy because I wasn't about to die. I'm ridiculous, I know. I honestly had to continue to remind myself that at this point, this is necessary to achieve the look I want/need to do well. Needless to say, I was frustrated. Telling me to back off in the gym is like telling me Santa isn't real....I get it, I hate you for it, but I get it...
Workout:
Walking lunges 3 x 30 yards
Hamstring curls on machine 4 x 15
Leg extensions 3 x 15-20
Squat jumps (15x)/ss glute raise on ball (15x) 3x
Weighted sit-ups on ball 3 x 12
Reverse crunch 3 x 15.
Oblique crunches on decline 3 x 20
Treadmill 45 minutes
My suit is officially being made! I went with the purple...well, actually "eggplant"...eh, whatever. On sale for $200 and less material than any lingerie I own...I better get my money's worth. I might break that thing out at the pool this summer...I'll be the only woman in Mebane who'll like a be-jeweled prostitute laying out by the pool...oh wait, no I won't....and this is why I love Mebane.
Alright folks...time for bed...ready for Wednesday...
I definitely had some anxiety going into today's workout. Yes, it was leg day....but not a typical-Meredith-near-death-experience leg day. Because my legs are pretty darn big, I need to back off a bit on the 'ol tree trunks. So, I kept reps a little higher and kept my total volume down, and decreased rest time between sets. Being the all-or-nothing person I am, I really had a hard time not going all out. I felt like a pansy because I wasn't about to die. I'm ridiculous, I know. I honestly had to continue to remind myself that at this point, this is necessary to achieve the look I want/need to do well. Needless to say, I was frustrated. Telling me to back off in the gym is like telling me Santa isn't real....I get it, I hate you for it, but I get it...
Workout:
Walking lunges 3 x 30 yards
Hamstring curls on machine 4 x 15
Leg extensions 3 x 15-20
Squat jumps (15x)/ss glute raise on ball (15x) 3x
Weighted sit-ups on ball 3 x 12
Reverse crunch 3 x 15.
Oblique crunches on decline 3 x 20
Treadmill 45 minutes
My suit is officially being made! I went with the purple...well, actually "eggplant"...eh, whatever. On sale for $200 and less material than any lingerie I own...I better get my money's worth. I might break that thing out at the pool this summer...I'll be the only woman in Mebane who'll like a be-jeweled prostitute laying out by the pool...oh wait, no I won't....and this is why I love Mebane.
Alright folks...time for bed...ready for Wednesday...
Monday, March 7, 2011
Stacked
Into 6 weeks out and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, excited, tired, a little emotional, and the list goes on...
At this point, the diet will tighten up a little more, I will transition to more high intensity cardio, and then bump up my steady-state cardio time...for the sake of everyone, don't let me near anything sharp over the next few weeks...
The weekend was good. I was able to get in moderate cardio both days for 45 minutes. Saturday felt better than Sunday, that's for sure. I was glad to get it over with early though so I could enjoy the rest of my day. I needed some time for myself so I went for some retail-therapy. Buying clothes is always a trip because my measurements are not exactly your standard female. I tried on a couple of shirts that looked like a defensive back squeezed into a piece of cotton and was about to drill someone. Needless to say, my shoulders cause some "issues" when buying tops. The best moment came when I was in the dressing room at Target and because of their efforts to put as many mirrors in one room at a time, I was able to get a full-rear shot. There, in Target, I discovered a flaw on my backside. I know, I was shocked too. Kidding,..but seriously, my right cheek is bigger than my left. How exactly does that happen?! I nearly lost it, and then all of a sudden a young teenage girl starts freaking out in the room next to me because she didn't want her mom to see her change clothes. So between my ass-anxiety, and wanting to tell miss princess that it wasn't too long ago that her mom wiped crap from her rear and she should get over her mom seeing her in a bra, the dressing rooms at Target were well stocked with entertainment. What a day...
Today's been a great day thus far. I was a little tired headed into my workout, but knew I couldn't focus on that. I really tried to stay more engaged with each lift, each rep, and not let outside thoughts/worries invade my training. Its hard to do, but I wish more clients understood the importance of leaving everything at the door. Training should be pure. No worries, no emotion, just every ounce of drive and focus you've got to physically push to the next level. Today's training was just that...it was heavy, but everything seemed to just flow...even the sprints...I was pleased.
Workout:
Incline DB press 4 x 10
Flat DB press 4 x 10
DB flys (10x)/ss push-ups to failure 4 sets
Seated BB shoulder press 4 x 10-12
Seated lateral raises 4 x 10
Front raises (10x)/ss plate rotations to failure 3 sets
Treadmill sprints - tabata style 25 minutes
I spent some time this weekend going through pictures from the Arnold Classic. Its one of the biggest professional shows in the US, and includes bodybuilding, figure, fitness, and now bikini divisions. The top placers set a standard that trickles down to the state level. So, its important to see what judges are looking for at that level...as far as shape, muscularity, etc...especially since Figure has changed so much over the last 10 years. Here is Nicole Wilkins-Lee. She placed first in figure...looks a lot softer than Monica Brandt and Jenny Lynn did a few years back when they used to dominate the stage. Believe it or not, she is well over 140 pounds....solid as a rock though. She looks great.
Well, on to the afternoon,...few clients and then home for some much needed rest. Go hard...rest later...
At this point, the diet will tighten up a little more, I will transition to more high intensity cardio, and then bump up my steady-state cardio time...for the sake of everyone, don't let me near anything sharp over the next few weeks...
The weekend was good. I was able to get in moderate cardio both days for 45 minutes. Saturday felt better than Sunday, that's for sure. I was glad to get it over with early though so I could enjoy the rest of my day. I needed some time for myself so I went for some retail-therapy. Buying clothes is always a trip because my measurements are not exactly your standard female. I tried on a couple of shirts that looked like a defensive back squeezed into a piece of cotton and was about to drill someone. Needless to say, my shoulders cause some "issues" when buying tops. The best moment came when I was in the dressing room at Target and because of their efforts to put as many mirrors in one room at a time, I was able to get a full-rear shot. There, in Target, I discovered a flaw on my backside. I know, I was shocked too. Kidding,..but seriously, my right cheek is bigger than my left. How exactly does that happen?! I nearly lost it, and then all of a sudden a young teenage girl starts freaking out in the room next to me because she didn't want her mom to see her change clothes. So between my ass-anxiety, and wanting to tell miss princess that it wasn't too long ago that her mom wiped crap from her rear and she should get over her mom seeing her in a bra, the dressing rooms at Target were well stocked with entertainment. What a day...
Today's been a great day thus far. I was a little tired headed into my workout, but knew I couldn't focus on that. I really tried to stay more engaged with each lift, each rep, and not let outside thoughts/worries invade my training. Its hard to do, but I wish more clients understood the importance of leaving everything at the door. Training should be pure. No worries, no emotion, just every ounce of drive and focus you've got to physically push to the next level. Today's training was just that...it was heavy, but everything seemed to just flow...even the sprints...I was pleased.
Workout:
Incline DB press 4 x 10
Flat DB press 4 x 10
DB flys (10x)/ss push-ups to failure 4 sets
Seated BB shoulder press 4 x 10-12
Seated lateral raises 4 x 10
Front raises (10x)/ss plate rotations to failure 3 sets
Treadmill sprints - tabata style 25 minutes
I spent some time this weekend going through pictures from the Arnold Classic. Its one of the biggest professional shows in the US, and includes bodybuilding, figure, fitness, and now bikini divisions. The top placers set a standard that trickles down to the state level. So, its important to see what judges are looking for at that level...as far as shape, muscularity, etc...especially since Figure has changed so much over the last 10 years. Here is Nicole Wilkins-Lee. She placed first in figure...looks a lot softer than Monica Brandt and Jenny Lynn did a few years back when they used to dominate the stage. Believe it or not, she is well over 140 pounds....solid as a rock though. She looks great.
Well, on to the afternoon,...few clients and then home for some much needed rest. Go hard...rest later...
Friday, March 4, 2011
Fighting
And....I'm back.
I started writing last night and I just wasn't feeling it. Then once I put on Jersey Shore, I was out in 15 minutes. It was an exhausting day/week of work, so I crashed the second my rear hit the recliner last night.
Today was a good day...well, at least better. I needed some Mer-time...so I worked out in the small gym in our neighborhood instead of going into work. It was quiet. Just me....my music....my strengths...and my weaknesses. Sometimes you gotta struggle alone and then bask in your ability to push through. I needed that today. Every minute was hard. I finished with sprints and was fine until minute 20. I had to jump off the treadmill and head to the trashcan. I had exactly 59 seconds to vomit and get back and be ready to roll for my last set of sprints. True Mer-style, I wipe my mouth and get back on the mill with 12 seconds to spare. 5 minutes later I was done....completely done...
Workout:
Seated shoulder press 4 x 10, drop set on set 4
Heavy lateral raises 4 x 8
Lateral partials 3 x 30
Front raises 4 x 10
Dips 4 x failure/20
Reverse grip tricep extensions 4 x 12
Treadmill sprints, tabata style 25 minutes
Just got back from visiting my parents. I love how my dad will just give me meat like I haven't eaten in days. I was there for about 20 minutes and left with a 3lb pack of chicken breasts and 6 pork chops. They've got a hot dang meat market over there....probably trying to make up for a traumatizing childhood. I get it...and totally fine with it...
Tomorrow will be 6 weeks from showtime.....6 weeks...ready for the stage, but still a lot to do. I ordered my shoes the other day from a website called "Sinful shoes"....they might as well come with a pole. 4 1/2" clear heels...and I am fully aware that the only other women wearing these are named "Skyler" or "Autumn" and get off work at 3am. Not sure how I feel about that...
Alright folks...a little bit of stand up comedy and then off to bed...its been a great week overall. Zimm, it was AWESOME having you in town for a bit! Keep training hard and be ready for full-throttle come May :)
I started writing last night and I just wasn't feeling it. Then once I put on Jersey Shore, I was out in 15 minutes. It was an exhausting day/week of work, so I crashed the second my rear hit the recliner last night.
Today was a good day...well, at least better. I needed some Mer-time...so I worked out in the small gym in our neighborhood instead of going into work. It was quiet. Just me....my music....my strengths...and my weaknesses. Sometimes you gotta struggle alone and then bask in your ability to push through. I needed that today. Every minute was hard. I finished with sprints and was fine until minute 20. I had to jump off the treadmill and head to the trashcan. I had exactly 59 seconds to vomit and get back and be ready to roll for my last set of sprints. True Mer-style, I wipe my mouth and get back on the mill with 12 seconds to spare. 5 minutes later I was done....completely done...
Workout:
Seated shoulder press 4 x 10, drop set on set 4
Heavy lateral raises 4 x 8
Lateral partials 3 x 30
Front raises 4 x 10
Dips 4 x failure/20
Reverse grip tricep extensions 4 x 12
Treadmill sprints, tabata style 25 minutes
Just got back from visiting my parents. I love how my dad will just give me meat like I haven't eaten in days. I was there for about 20 minutes and left with a 3lb pack of chicken breasts and 6 pork chops. They've got a hot dang meat market over there....probably trying to make up for a traumatizing childhood. I get it...and totally fine with it...
Tomorrow will be 6 weeks from showtime.....6 weeks...ready for the stage, but still a lot to do. I ordered my shoes the other day from a website called "Sinful shoes"....they might as well come with a pole. 4 1/2" clear heels...and I am fully aware that the only other women wearing these are named "Skyler" or "Autumn" and get off work at 3am. Not sure how I feel about that...
Alright folks...a little bit of stand up comedy and then off to bed...its been a great week overall. Zimm, it was AWESOME having you in town for a bit! Keep training hard and be ready for full-throttle come May :)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Hectic Hump Day
Wednesdays are tough. Middle of the week, 2 workouts down, 3 to go, tired, and in much need of rest and a stiff drink...which is probably true for most days, let's be honest.
My legs were sore today, but not horrible. My chest still hates me from Monday, but until I can't fit into a sports bra forwards and backwards, I don't really care how my chest feels right now. Its a good thing I didn't hold my breath in 7th grade waiting for a growth spurt...I'd be dead. Anyway, I really didn't have much time for my workout because I had to get to an appointment, but I was able to squeeze in biceps and cardio...I'll have to hit triceps on Friday.
Workout:
Standing BB curls 4 x 10-12
Hammer curls 4 x 10-12
Alternating incline curls(10x)/ss bicep pull-downs (failure) 3x
I'll be ready to hit back and core pretty hard tomorrow. My mid-back is pretty darn thick, so I really need to focus on my upper back a little more....well, except for my lats. Those things look like I'm about to take off in flight. Hell, I might by 2pm on any given day...never know.
Fun day with clients. Everyone's looking forward to spring break and trips to the beach, mountains, etc....ah yes, those were the days. Actually not...I always had to work during spring break....summer break...winter break....come to think of it I've been working ever since I was able to say "can I help you?" I could write a book about my experience in retail....its amazing I'm as sane as I am now considering how many looney-tunes I've come in contact with. If stupidity was contagious I'd be screwed.
So many people made me laugh today...to which I am extremely grateful. I needed it. Its almost passed my bedtime and I have a list of things to do...story of my life. On to a new day....one more opportunity to be better than yesterday....DO IT...
My legs were sore today, but not horrible. My chest still hates me from Monday, but until I can't fit into a sports bra forwards and backwards, I don't really care how my chest feels right now. Its a good thing I didn't hold my breath in 7th grade waiting for a growth spurt...I'd be dead. Anyway, I really didn't have much time for my workout because I had to get to an appointment, but I was able to squeeze in biceps and cardio...I'll have to hit triceps on Friday.
Workout:
Standing BB curls 4 x 10-12
Hammer curls 4 x 10-12
Alternating incline curls(10x)/ss bicep pull-downs (failure) 3x
I'll be ready to hit back and core pretty hard tomorrow. My mid-back is pretty darn thick, so I really need to focus on my upper back a little more....well, except for my lats. Those things look like I'm about to take off in flight. Hell, I might by 2pm on any given day...never know.
Fun day with clients. Everyone's looking forward to spring break and trips to the beach, mountains, etc....ah yes, those were the days. Actually not...I always had to work during spring break....summer break...winter break....come to think of it I've been working ever since I was able to say "can I help you?" I could write a book about my experience in retail....its amazing I'm as sane as I am now considering how many looney-tunes I've come in contact with. If stupidity was contagious I'd be screwed.
So many people made me laugh today...to which I am extremely grateful. I needed it. Its almost passed my bedtime and I have a list of things to do...story of my life. On to a new day....one more opportunity to be better than yesterday....DO IT...
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Attack mode
Onward to Tuesday...
I needed a low-key day, so I was very thankful today was not so hectic. I had some quiet moments here and there throughout the day which were much needed to say the least. Believe it or not, I DO like to actually hear myself think sometimes....
So....I could hardly put on my makeup this morning because my chest and shoulders were so sore. By the time I got to my mascara, I was breaking a sweat trying to hold up my arm. It was ridiculous. Then when I had to demonstrate a push-up to one of my early clients, I nearly face-planted....I was on the verge of either cursing or crying....or both. As I sit here it feels like my chest is going to fall off...actually, you know what, I can't even feel it at this point...
Tuesday means one thing....LEG DAY! Of course I was not necessarily looking forward to every leg exercise known to man combined in a workout to leave me wanting my mama at the end....but I attacked it like a hot dang handy snack. For the next 6 weeks I'm increasing my reps a little, but decreasing my total volume. The quads look like they might take over the world right now...completely out of control. But 15 reps near about killed me. That's starting to creep into more muscle-endurance, and quite frankly, my muscles do not understand the term endurance. I hit rep #11 and my legs were screaming....by 15, they were in protest to the entire workout.
Workout:
Squats 3 x 15
Hamstring curls 4 x 12-15
Leg press 3 x 15
Triple threat 3x
Leg extensions 3 x 15
Rear glute raise on ball 3 x 20
I finished the workout on the treadmill with some moderate-intensity cardio. Needless to say, I was glad to finish and get on with the day.
Nutrition wise, I feel pretty good...haven't drank enough water the past 2 days...but, for someone who already goes to the bathroom more than a 5 year old on a diuretic, drinking a ton of water isn't always appealing...
Alright, time for bed...preparing for hump day...
I needed a low-key day, so I was very thankful today was not so hectic. I had some quiet moments here and there throughout the day which were much needed to say the least. Believe it or not, I DO like to actually hear myself think sometimes....
So....I could hardly put on my makeup this morning because my chest and shoulders were so sore. By the time I got to my mascara, I was breaking a sweat trying to hold up my arm. It was ridiculous. Then when I had to demonstrate a push-up to one of my early clients, I nearly face-planted....I was on the verge of either cursing or crying....or both. As I sit here it feels like my chest is going to fall off...actually, you know what, I can't even feel it at this point...
Tuesday means one thing....LEG DAY! Of course I was not necessarily looking forward to every leg exercise known to man combined in a workout to leave me wanting my mama at the end....but I attacked it like a hot dang handy snack. For the next 6 weeks I'm increasing my reps a little, but decreasing my total volume. The quads look like they might take over the world right now...completely out of control. But 15 reps near about killed me. That's starting to creep into more muscle-endurance, and quite frankly, my muscles do not understand the term endurance. I hit rep #11 and my legs were screaming....by 15, they were in protest to the entire workout.
Workout:
Squats 3 x 15
Hamstring curls 4 x 12-15
Leg press 3 x 15
Triple threat 3x
Leg extensions 3 x 15
Rear glute raise on ball 3 x 20
I finished the workout on the treadmill with some moderate-intensity cardio. Needless to say, I was glad to finish and get on with the day.
Nutrition wise, I feel pretty good...haven't drank enough water the past 2 days...but, for someone who already goes to the bathroom more than a 5 year old on a diuretic, drinking a ton of water isn't always appealing...
Alright, time for bed...preparing for hump day...
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