Getting Down and Dirty!

I had the sweatiest, dirtiest workout ever this weekend! By the time it was over I was covered in grass and dust … dirt was under my finger nails … I had a couple mosquito bites and sweat had soaked everywhere through my workout gear. And I never felt better! I know, I know. You’re dying to find out who I got down and dirty with right? It was Peter Estabrooks from Probodies Gym (www.probodies.ca) … and about 30 of his best fitness friends! Peter is a fitness master in Calgary. He’s so uber fit it’s not funny. He’s been asking me to go to this TKO class for about 2 years now. Yes that’s right … two years! I’m glad I waited that long though because I’m probably in better shape now … which helps for this hour long circuit. And there is a bonus for doing it at this time of year. It was outside … hence the grass and dirt!
So this is what happens. Peter sets up dozens of different exercise work stations, assigns everyone to a starting point and tells them who to follow when he gives the cue. It was tons of fun! Not to mention that you’re hitting every body part throughout the hour of fitness power. And most of the time you can go at your own pace. In fact, Peter suggested that since I was a TKO virgin I should probably pace myself. What made the class that much better was Peter’s positive uber upbeat attitude throughout the entire 60 minutes. It was more like we were playing a game than working out.
Here were some of my favorite exercise: running with a partner passing a medicine ball, hand clapping push-ups with resistance from rubber tubing, weighted sit-ups, bouncing the “ball on a string” from side to side (even though I hit myself in the head several times … hahaha!) There are just so many to choose from … and they’re so hard to describe because they’re all so unique. You just have to go to the class to find out!

Humbled by a Hula Hoop

Who knew a sparkly green childhood toy could inflict so much pain … but still make me smile! Last week I was humbled by a hula hoop. That’s right. That fun, colorful, plastic circle of good times, meant to go ’round and ’round your waist. Well mine spent a lot of time on the ground. It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. However, as frustrating as it may sound … I was smiling the whole way through. My quest for fun fitness activities took me to a FREE hula hoop class at Heavens Fitness (www.heavensfitness.com). Wow! It was fun … despite having to do more picking up than spinning. And speaking of spinning … the class had its own DJ … DJ Wes Straub was spinning on the ones and twos! So the sweet tunes sort of distracted me from the fact that every time my hula hoop dropped (which was quite often) it would hit the same spot on my left shin … over and over and over … until a bright red bruise emerged … ouch! But it wasn’t all dropsies for me. I did have a few moments of hula hoop brilliance … especially when DJ Wes threw in a little Michael Jackson on the turntables. (RIP MJ). And a lot of the energy came from the instructor Jessica Power-Cyr. She was a ball of fire! You could tell she loved what she was doing. Her vibrancy kept me going … spin, spin … drop … spin … drop … spin, spin, spin …. drop, drop, drop … SMILE! At least I got a little squat workout in … bending down to pick up that humbling hoop.

Something else really cool about this class … it was outside! Right along a busy road way … so can you imagine the looks we were getting by people driving by? I think most of them wanted to join in on the fun!

All in all it was definitely FUN ... even though I had to ice my bruises …

If you want to see how I rated this, check out the Bundles of Energy website: www.bundlesofenergy.com/humbled-by-a-hula-hoop.

Joy and Pain: The Post Competition Body

I knew it was coming because I've been there before. But I'm never ready for the post-competition body. I know it's not possible to maintain that amount of leanness 365 days a year ... I love food and red wine too much to do that! But it's still hard to see the difference from a month ago. Now it's not all bad ... I jumped for joy when my boobs came back (which is probably not a good idea without a bra ... ouch!). But sometimes it's painful to look at other parts of my body in the mirror. I guess it's good that my clothes are no longer hanging off of me like a hanger. And some are still fitting kind of loose. But it's still difficult. However with the support of some of my fellow competitors it's getting better. Some reminding me to embrace my feminine curves! Other telling me my body needs a little bit of fat to function. In fact I even went clothes shopping today. It's an uncomfortable sight looking at myself in the change room mirrors. They are not flattering in the least. So this is what I did. Instead of looking at myself as a chunky chick ... I started to tell myself .... in the change room ... that I looked sexy. Then I started to stand and pose like I was in a photo shoot or on stage or like I had the hottest body out there ... and believe it or not I started to feel better. And I guess I must still look sort of lean because a couple of the stores I went into the sales clerk suggested I look in petite sizes as well. That's before they saw my shoulders and arms I think. Maybe they were just trying to flatter me so I'd buy something?? Hmmm. Anyway, I'm getting compliments from people saying that I look like I'm in really good shape. So maybe I do look alright. I just have to keep telling myself to love the natural curves of my body ... love and accept ME ... at this moment ... right NOW!

I'm not a fan ...

It's been about a little over a week since I accomplished my last fitness goal ... My Best Body fitness photo shoot with David Ford and Annette Milbers. I'd been training and dieting since January (with a mini break in between) so it was time to take a break ... from both. I'm not a fan of doing nothing. Because when I do nothing and sit around at home, I eat. When I've just come off months of dieting, all I want to do is eat. When I'm bored, I eat. When I'm lonely, I eat. And if you don't know, when you eat "whatever" right after pre-contest dieting (usually everything you couldn't eat) your body sucks it up like a sponge. Bloating, water retention, and an overall feeling of blahhhhhhh takes over. Add in PMS and forget about it ... puff ball city! I felt like crap and felt I looked like crap. And I was (and still am) very conscious of my post-competition body. Not working out on top of that made me feel even worse ... physically, mentally, and emotionally. Unfortunately, I wasn't disciplined enough to have a post-competition meal plan. Plus, being a bit of an emotional eater doesn't help. But I knew what I had to do to get out of my food coma ... to deliver my food baby ... to get over my food funk ... and to feel better. I worked out. Pretty simple. It was an instant happy pill! What made it great was ... it was a sunny day and I decided to train outside. I called up a friend who joined me ... and he brought the gear ... medicine ball, dumbbells, tubing, and my favorite ... a weighted sled ... love that weighted sled!!! We headed to a soccer field and got our work out on! It was just what the doctor ordered. I was fired up! I was energetic! I powered through! Taking in the sunshine! Getting a good sweat going! For all of those people who don't work out ... man ... you are missing A LOT! It's good to be back! :)

They don’t look like me (and I like it!)

As I sit in the change room waiting to get my makeup done for my very first fitness photo shoot ... I'm nervously checking out the other ladies that are taking part. It's not a competition but I'm comparing myself. This is so out of my comfort zone! Mainly because when I look at all the models in many of the popular fitness magazines, I can’t identify with any of them. They don’t look like me. Black. Super short natural “mini-fro”. Real boobs. 40-plus. Many of them, fitness is their livelihood. For me it’s a hobby (that’s turning into a bit of a passion.) But even though I've got little in common with the ladies in the magazines (besides the love of fitness) I love my look! I created it! Who cares if I don't look like the typical fitness model. I’m just so fortunate that I can BE a fitness model for a few hours! And wow ... what an experience I had at the Cover Model Fitness shootout with David Ford and Annette Milbers. So many people told me it was going to be amazing. They said not to be nervous because David and Annette would make you feel comfortable and that they were so good at what they do. Well ... believe the hype. You can’t get more comfortable than this ... I started with jeans and a tank top at the beginning of the shoot ... ended up in lingerie at the end of it all. Crazy. Still can’t believe I did it ... but that’s just how comfortable I felt working with them. I felt more than comfortable with my look. I felt more than comfortable in my own skin.

So forget about that guy who said I should put on a few pounds and grow my hair (seriously ... a guy I was “sweet” on told me that just last month! The “sweet” is turning “sour”). Forget about how the stereotypical fitness model looks. Forget about what people are comfortable with. I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and be UNIQUE.

Extra special thanks to:
James Scott for training me in preparation for this photo shoot
Gina Lengel for the super hot & sexy makeup
FB Friends for their encouragement and support

Lots of Questions

I'm coming close to reaching my latest fitness goal ... a fitness photo shoot with THE David Ford (yes ... I'm still nervous .. heeheehee). You have probably noticed that I haven't written a lot about the journey to get here. There are various reasons for that .. from pure laziness, to being tired after my workouts ... to being low on the creativity. Sometimes there's just not enough time and I need my sleep. But a big reason is because some of the stuff that I've been challenged with, I've been keeping to myself. You see I find myself questioning a lot of the things that I've learned while taking part in this hobby of fitness/figure competitions. I question it because of how my body has reacted to it ... especially when I get close to a crucial event (like the competition and the photo shoot). Why is my body deciding to show signs of stress NOW? What were the triggers? Is it all in my head? What is my body REALLY saying to me?
Then I start to question all the processed stuff I'm consuming like protein shakes and supplements etc. Does this stuff actually work? Why am I taking a handful of supplements before eating my REAL food? Which one of these supplements is causing my body to bloat/hold water/hang on to fat? How much have I spent on supplements that end up sitting in my pantry gathering dust? Just because it worked for her will it work for me?
So as I ask these questions, a few messages pop into my head that will help me answer some of them: 1. Listen to your body 2. Go back to the basics 3. It's time for a break.

So what does that mean for me? Well I won't be competing again this year ... hopefully 2011 though. It also means I need to learn how to manage my stress. I'm going to start with yoga and meditation on a regular basis. And I'm going to find new and fun ways to stay in shape to add to my regular weight lifting workouts (don't want to stop those!!!) ... group classes ... unique boot camps etc.

But I won't be abandoning my blog. I've decided I'm going to write reviews of all the new workouts I try this summer. If you have any suggestions please pass them on!!!

Cara's Confessions

I confess. I cheated and I'm scared and I'm kind of done ... well sort of done ... kind of. I know I sound like a whiner but let me explain. It took me a while to write my latest blog entry because of my confessions. It all started during the long weekend. I had no plans at all and was happy about that until the long weekend actually arrived. Everyone was talking about their plans ... Camping, partying, dates, dinners, visiting family, hosting family ... None of that for me. Don't camp. Not partying. No dates. Dinners at home. Family too far away (sniff, sniff). I can't do most of these things since I'm dieting for my photo shoot. So with all this free time I started to feel lonely. And I realized that as a competitor we really sacrifice a lot ... including our social lives ... to do what we do. And it's admirable and inspiring and we're so disciplined and have great willpower etc. Which is all great stuff. But this past weekend I wanted to have fun. I didn't want to have to think about what and when I had to eat/drink. I didn't want to have to worry about when my next cardio session was going to be. I wanted to go out a enjoy a beautiful bottle of wine. I'm sick of turning down invitations from friends. So to soothe my loneliness I ate a sweet treat. It was damn good. Sort of felt guilty. But got over after an awesome training session. But in my moment of weakness I was reminded that I'm a social creature. I need social interaction despite how independent I am. And it's difficult to do that when you have a clean-eating and training goal. But I need a break. I still want to train hard and set other fitness goals that have nothing to do with how my body looks but maybe how my body works ... something where I don't have to measure and weigh everything. AND how about setting goals that have nothing to do with fitness at all. That's it. That's my long weekend epiphany: life balance.

So what's scaring me? The photo shoot. Almost as nerve-wracking as a competition. I'm excited about it though. 10 more sleeps!!!

G.O.A.L.!

I've got a G.O.A.L.! I'm Going for it! Even though it's Out of my comfort zone! But it's time to Awaken my inner diva! And about the journey? Lovin' it!

I've finally regained conciousness after my post-competition food-a-palooza. I don't think I went totally overboard but I did have all of my favorite things. Burgers, pizza, red wine and of course Crave cupcakes! But I had to rein it in before all that hard work to lean out my body disappeared. So here's my new motivation: Another fitness goal! I finally decided what it will be. First, my short term goal. I've decided to take part in the Fitness Shoot Out put on by pro fitness model Annette "Awesome" Milbers and #1 fitness photographer David "Gettin' it done" Ford. It's totally out of my comfort zone ... the "modeling" thing ... But I've heard these guys are so good, they will make me feel and look like a fitness model by the end of it. Hope so! In the meantime, I'm trying a different training program that's kicking my ass. Which is great because I only have just under three weeks to go! Freakin' out a bit. :)

My second (long term) goal is ... Well I'm not totally sure on that one yet. So you'll just have to stay tuned!

No Fairy Tale Ending

Wow ... months and months of hard work ... doing hours and hours of cardio ... lifting pounds and pounds of weight ... eating lots and lots of clean food ... then spending minutes on stage showing it off. What an experience! I won Masters Figure Tall. But for me ... it wasn't the fairy tale ending that I had visualized for weeks as I prepared for this competition. I invited so many people to follow me on this journey through my blog. So many people encouraged me along the way. So many people saw my progress. So many people anticipating great things on stage. I wanted to give YOU something more ... because you gave ME so much ... so much L.O.V.E.! Well I can't lie and say I was "just thrilled to make it on stage". I wanted the big prize. But I didn't get it. Well ... let me rephrase that ... I didn't get the big prize given out at the show ... but more on that later. I want to whine a little more first ... because I can. It's my blog and I can whine if I want to ... hahaha! I wanted to be "the best" but I wasn't. I wanted to give all of you who followed me something more to celebrate ... something more to be inspired by. I wanted to give myself that "you can do anything if you put your mind to it and work hard" feeling. I wanted to be the SUPERSTAR! Before I continue I have to say that ALL the women who won awards last night were definitely deserving!!!

My eyes opened at 4:30 this morning thinking about what went "wrong" ... what I could have done better ... what I did ... what I didn't do ... and I even thought for a moment "How embarrassing. I encourage all these people to follow me and this is what I give them???" Sigh ... okay I'm done feeling sorry for myself. I just had to get it out of my system ... since I can't work it out in the gym for at least a week (gotta rest the body for a while).

Done with the negative thoughts! Let's move on ...

So let's talk about all the absolutely WONDERFUL things about this journey. First ... all of the L.O.V.E. I received from all of you ... words cannot express how AWESOME it made me feel to get all the messages of support yesterday ... and throughout my journey ... I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it! It was an incredible show of support. It was the BEST part!!!!! The next best part? All the AMAZING women I met along the way ... and at the show! Darci, Brandi, Julie ... were my faves! You guys ROCK!

And the journey itself was awesome. I love training. It's my stress release. I feel happy when I'm working out. I often break out into a big grin when I'm sweating it out on the treadmill. LOVE IT! I didn't hate dieting (can't say I really loved it though ... hahaha ... who does?) I can't wait to get back into the gym ... but I know ... I need to rest for at least a week ... that will be tough.

So going forward ... no more pity party. First things first ... rest, relax, enjoy some of the food I've been missing (in moderation of course!), get feedback from the judges and my trainers, and start planning for the next challenge ... and I haven't completely decided what that's going to be yet ... but I do have some ideas! I'm open to suggestions as well.

Stay tuned! Just because that competition is over ... doesn't mean I'm done yet!

L.O.V.E.!

Can't Do This Alone ... Thank You

Preparing for this competition was more than just about sculpting a fit body. Getting ready to hit the stage was about taking control of my life ... celebrating my independence. Anyone who knows me well, knows I like to be Superwoman. But like I've said before, sometimes even Superwoman needs to take off her cape ... and ask for help. I can't do this alone. So for all of you who helped in your own way during this journey ... THANK YOU. I'm going to highlight a few people below and I know I'll miss a few. Just know that I'm sending you ALL THANK YOU vibes through the Universe:

Paul Anthony Neil ... for kicking things off, giving me some great, funny material for my blog (killer bunnies and the dean of bootology to name a few)

The Unknown Trainer ... for allowing me to have cheat meals, believing in my abilities, helping me believe in myself and to think like a winner, forcing me to check out my body and pose in the gym, and teaching me lots about training (mind-muscle connection)

Lael Sauter ... for coming in at the last minute, and driving all the way from Edmonton with his family to support me

Maria Ellis ... as a fellow competitor knowing what I'm going through and checking up on me regularly

Sue Hopgood ... being there so that I could talk through my mini-dramas that had little to do with training and for being my BM Therapist

Dustin Fox ... reminding me to swagger

Heather Yourex ... the only person at work who REALLY gets it, and an inspiring young lady

Leslie Horton ... Recognizing when I'm stressed at work and accepting it.

Countless FB friends, some I've never even met ... Supportive comments, encouragement, positive vibes when I needed them and accepting the odd day I was down

Nkechi Odina-Seale ... inviting me to Easter dinner and not giving me a hard time for bringing my own food, and reminding me that I'm "AWESOME"

Kay Rose ... for insisting that I come to her birthday party even though I'd be surrounded by delicious food and tantalizing drinks (good thing I came ... there were other treats to be had anyway ... heeheehee!)

THANK YOU IS HARDLY ENOUGH TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE TO EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWED ME AND SUPPORTED ME ON THIS JOURNEY. BUT IT'S NOT OVER YET! THERE'S MORE TO COME! STAY TUNED!

Don't play small (Jacked up!)

If you've seen me in the last week or so, you may not be able to tell, but I'm really excited about competing this weekend. I'm kind of BLAH right now ... lethargic is the best word to describe how I'm feeling. Not sure if that lead to my feelings of doubt and insecurity yesterday. I was questioning whether I was ready ... whether I had what it takes to come out on top (because I want nothing less) ... whether I was expecting too much of myself. Who do I think I am ... thinking I can win my PRO card? So as I made my way to the gym yesterday, I was surrounded by a cold cloud of doubt. Then I got an amazing compliment that snapped me out of my phase of feeling sorry for myself. I ran into someone who works in the fitness industry who I truly admire. She's a pro fitness model and trainer .. and in my eyes always looks amazing! She gave me the biggest boost of confidence. She told me she saw me from behind and said "Wow she's jacked up!". She said I looked "healthy with nice full muscles". Best compliment ever! Pumped me up for the rest of the day!
So that reminded me of that speech from Nelson Mandela that tells us not to play small. Who am I not to go for my PRO card?! I will continue to visualize my victory!

Please, take the time to read (below) what Nelson Mandela said back in 1994 during his Presidential Inaugural Speech.

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

--Nelson Mandela, 1994 South African Presidential Inaugural Speech, quoting spiritual leader Marianne Williamson of the Church of Today in Detroit.

Checkin' out my competition

I'm freakin' out! Less than 2 weeks before my competition. I can't believe it! And I even got to check out my competition. Well ... some of it anyway. I MC'd a bodybuilding and figure show this past weekend. And a few ladies from that show will compete in the IDFA show. And yes I was checking out the figure ladies. Even though I wasn't tanned and shiny like they were, I still compared myself to them. Is that bad? Not at all. Because that's exactly what's going to happen when I get on stage. I'll be compared to several other ladies who have worked their butts off (some literally, heehee!) to be there. So what did I see at this show? I saw sexy shoulders. Glanced at gorgeous gams. And eye-balled awesome abs. So how did I compare? Well let's just say I'm ready ... but what really matters is how I look in front of the judges on May 2! Training like a champ and visualizing my victory!

Enjoy the journey!

One of my "motivating mantras" is NO EXCUSES ... but sorry ... I'm going to start with one. I'm so sorry for taking so long to write another blog, but I've been busy/tired/exhausted. You see I'm in the final stretch of training for my figure competition ... 3 weeks and 2 days to be exact. And there's no room for cutting corners/cheating/slacking off. Weights ... and lots o' cardio! It's balls to the wall! (I know that's a guy saying and kind of gross ... but I like it!). But last week I had to remind myself of something. I had to remind myself to enjoy the journey. You see, during my entire contest prep I was so focus on just working out ... I was living in the now ... loving the journey! Throughout the day, in my head I would go over what body parts I was going to work that day. Then figure out what gym I was going to meet the Unknown Trainer. And as soon as work was over I was off to the gym ... excited to train! Every week there was progress ... and that got me pumped! And there was always lots of time to get ready for the show. Well, when the 4-week mark came along, I started to get a little anxious/nervous/freaking out. You see the Unknown Trainer has very high expectations of me. Plus, I'm very hard on myself. So that combination made me start to panic about whether I'd be ready ... whether I'd be able to live up to the expectations ... mine and the Unknown Trainer's. It doesn't help that my last year of competing was horrible. I wasn't ready and shouldn't have competed at all ... but everything happens for a reason. Anyway, it was at Easter Sunday dinner that got me back on track. A friend invited me to have dinner with her and her family ... I said yes but I told her I was bringing my own food. She was cool with that. So of course discussion about what I eat during contest prep came up. And of course everyone says the same thing "I couldn't do what you do. The diet would be the hardest part". Then my friend said "But you actually LIKE working out though." And I said "YES! Yes I do!". I realized that working out is my stress relief, my meditation ... it brings me joy! It brings me happiness! At that moment, It was like a light went on ... a light that reminded me to ENJOY THE JOURNEY!

I'm soooooo full of myself!

A FACEBOOK friend asked an interesting question on her status the other day. She asked, if all the treadmills at the gym were free, which one would you choose? I said " the one closest to the mirror so I can check myself out." Hahaha! Lately, I've been sooooo full of myself. Why? Because I'm blown away by my progress as I get ready for this figure competition in May. Actually, I blame the Unknown Trainer for why I'm always flexing by every mirror or any reflective surface. When I first started training with him he would flex and pose in front of the gym mirrors all the time. He even drops his sweat pants to look at his legs. At the time, I was thinking "whoa, this guy really loves himself". But he has an explanation and reason for everything. He basically said you have to look at yourself all the time so you know what your presenting on stage. Plus, flexing between sets helps with muscle development. So now, guess who's outposing her trainer at the gym? ME! In fact, I got in trouble because I was posing and not paying attention to him as he demonstrated my next exercise. Oops!

Fitting it all in!

Here's reason #83 why I LOVE working out: It makes my body look good! Ha! So it's crucial that I "fit it all in".Today ... double cardio!!! And this was one of those days I had to plan very well. First, right after work I had to zoom over to Chelsea's place ... she's the lady making my suit for the competition (www.cabafashions.ca). I had to "drop the laundry" so to speak and try on some sample suits to see what looked right on my body shape. It was nice to know that I "fit it all in" to the suits I tried on. The body is looking alright ... still got more work to do ... but progress is good. Then I headed to the gym to do my first hit of cardio for the day. An hour on the treadmill with the incline all the way up. I "fit that in" before shuffling off to my Rumba dance lesson (remember the event I'm doing for charity? www.arthurmurraycalgary.ca). Well today was my first time dancing in my fancy Rumba dress. If you know anything about the Rumba ... it's a slow and sexy dance ... and it comes with a dress to match. Tight! But I "fit it all in" ... and looked great doing it! Once that was over it was time for cardio #2 ... sprint intervals. I was glad that was over after 30 minutes, but remembered right away I still had to hit the grocery store if I wanted to eat tonight. Whew! Thank goodness I fit it all in!

Accept the body, hair, and skin you're in!

One of my favorite TV shows is What Not To Wear. Yes I love the fashions ... I love Stacey London's style ... and I have a secret crush (not so secret anymore) on Clinton Kelly (and yes I know he's gay.) But what I love the most is the transformation that happens to the person who gets the makeover. Not the external transformation ... but the internal transformation ... the confidence they have after they realize they can look hot, sexy, and sophisticated ... in WHATEVER BODY SHAPE THEY HAVE! So basically at the end of the show they start to ACCEPT their body, hair, and skin they're in. It's a beautiful thing. So how do I take all that in watching this transformation and doing cardio at the same time ... trying to lose fat? I'm training hard to get lean and look great on stage for a figure competition ... while people are already telling me my body looks fantastic. (Not good enough yet, I say). It's very easy to get obsessed to the point where you never feel like you're lean enough. But the hardest part is when it's all over and your body goes back to normal ... yes .... normal. My normal body was hard for me to take after my first year of competition. However, it still looked better than before I started training but I was so focused on getting lean, the normal look didn't look good to me. It was hard to accept my "new" body ... but thank goodness I'm a pretty confident person. What I learned? You have to be emotionally strong as well as physically strong to compete ... especially women who are so conscious of their body image. And it's something I have to continually work on.

Earlier this week I was retaining water like crazy ... that time of the month ... so that leanness that my trainer saw the week before was kind of smooth ... and he was a little surprised ... but didn't change anything in my training or diet. Well that bothered me ... a lot ... for the next few days. Now, I could have cut my carbs even more ... I could have done extra cardio ... I could have skipped meals ... just to get that lean look back. But I didn't. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that it was normal ... it was only water not fat ... and I would be back on track in a few days ... and most importantly ... I had to trust my trainer. Even when I get on stage with several other lean hot chicks ... we're still all going to have different body shapes and sizes ... no matter how lean we get. So again I say ACCEPT THE BODY YOU HAVE ... AND MAKE SURE YOU TAKE CARE OF IT ... eat healthy and exercise ... it's that simple really. (And NO you don't have to train like I train to be healthy.)

So yes it's mentally and emotionally tough to get ready for a competition. And I don't have much of a life ... my day is basically wake up, eat, work, eat, workout, eat, sleep ... repeat! I'm totally enjoying it! (ask me in another few weeks though!) Am I obsessed? Yes ... but is it really obsession or dedication?

Train like a champion!

OMG! Are you kidding me?

You will not believe what my trainer told me to eat this weekend. If you're up on my blogs you'll know I wasn't eat enough for my cheats. So I cranked it up and had a burger and onion rings on Friday. Later that day I was discussing what I ate with my trainer. Then he suggested (insisted on) something I never thought I'd hear. "You need to eat some sugar. Our bodies need sugars and salts to live. It's part of our makeup" Me: "OMG! Are you kidding me? I'm just getting over the guilt of eating a burger and onion rings (which weren't that good after all.)" He asked me what sweets I loved. Duh! Crave cupcakes of course. So he said "Go get a Crave cupcake and a cookie tomorrow. Eat it in the morning and make sure you do a good cardio session." Wow! I'm sure some trainers and competitors are wincing right now. Maybe there are some ladies who are competing against me who are actually smiling. LOL! Well, I tried to argue with him about it but he insisted. He's my trainer and I trust him. So I headed out early in next morning to get my sugary treat. Crave wasn't open yet so I decided on the same thing from Starbucks. Now I don't know if it's because the cupcakes and cookies at Starbucks are gross or I've been eating so clean, but I had to force it down. Part of me enjoyed the "badness" of it, as well as the fact that I was PMS'ing and that usually soothes the beast within me. But part of me was kind of grossed out. Let's just say, I couldn't wait to eat my next clean meal. Hmmm ... maybe that's why I needed to eat that?

Doing it ALL Wrong!

Here is reason #73 why I like the Unknown Trainer: He insists I have a cheat meal once a week! And here's a shocker. Who knew I was doing it all wrong?! Here's the story: the Unknown Trainer and I were talking excitedly about what we'd have for our next cheat meal. He was gushing about pizza. I was drooling over burger and fries. I mentioned that my last cheat meal was a steak and spinach salad. "Hmmmmm", he said. "You're not eating enough. You need to pig out! You train super hard. Fuel your body. Fill up those depleted muscles." You see I've been very careful with cheats. But I need to loosen up a bit (within reason of course). Apparently I need to eat so that I'm fully satisfied and not having cravings during the week. (Like I'm having now. How will I make it through these next 8 weeks? Well, I have to, now. I'm officially registered as of yesterday for the IDFA Calgary Classic on May 2. www.idfa.ca)

Okay ... back to the cheat meals! Previously I've felt tons of guilt after eating them. But then I got a FB message from a seasoned bodybuilder who's documenting his own progress for his next show. His name is Arthur Gooden. He told me the same thing ... forget about the guilt ... fuel my body ... and then he said "Look how good you look the next day!"

Now I know there are some trainers who are TOTALLY against cheat meals in any way, shape or form. And I used to believe in that too. But when I look at the progress I've made in the last four weeks, I must be doing something right. I'm looking leaner and leaner every week.

So with that in mind ... move over guilt sandwich ... HELLO beautiful burger and fancy fries ... and please, don't skimp on that krazy ketchup!

Follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/

Inspiration. Motivation.

One of the best feelings in the world is when someone tells you how you've inspired them. And as I go through my fitness journey and share my experiences, I often don't realize the impact I'm making. Here are a couple of awesome examples:

I received a wonderful FACEBOOK email from a friend I haven't seen in several years. I had no idea she was reading my blog. Here is some of what she said:

"I just wanted to let you know that something you wrote a few weeks ago, hit me and has stuck w/ me. You said in one of your posts, Cara knows what's best for Cara. I just wanted you to know it resonated w/ me because I have 3 boys now and it's a big job, but I kept repeating that phrase, except using my name and it has helped me make certain choices that I know are what is best for me. Mostly just simple everyday things, but the things that make the difference between being rushed w/ no time for myself or deciding if I am taken care of. It makes it a ton easier to take care of and give love to the ones you love. So, thanks - the simple phrase has and will become insightful to my growth on a daily basis."
Who knew such a selfish statement like 'Cara knows what's best for Cara' would affect someone else? I was moved to say the least.

We often get messages just when we need them. And I am happy to know I was the "source" of one of those messages yesterday. One of my tweets (Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CaraFullerton) simply said: "No excuses! Get to the gym!" Later, I received this text message from a friend and follower:

"I was just debating whether to skip the gym tonite and then I just read ur Twitter post... No excuses! Get to the gym! Ok ok I'm going.... Lol thank you!! :)"

Feedback like that inspires me, motivates me ... and moves me. Keep it coming! L.O.V.E.!

The Unknown Trainer

Many people are curious about my new trainer and training buddy. He's virtually unknown. So I'm going to call him "The Unknown Trainer". I met him at my former temporary gym and I'm lucky enough to train with him most days. He's a friend first, training buddy second, and trainer third. He's full of knowledge and does a lot of training and diet research daily. He also pushes me. Especially when he's in a bad mood, like yesterday. I was joking around a bit too much so he decided it had to stop. If I could quote him ... "No more effin' around" ... except he used the actual "F" word. Despite the F-bombs, he's very polite while kicking my ass. For example, after I pushed out a set of 40lb dumbbell flies he says with a slight harshness in his voice "Get the 45's please! Thank you!" No, thank "you" Unknown Trainer.

New Trainer ... Old Tricks

I'm back to the basics of building my body. My new trainer (and training partner) has me doing some old tricks. I'm doing more heavy lifting which I love. But the exercises are pretty straight forward ... nothing fancy. For example, leg day yesterday was simply smith machine squats, hamstring curls, leg extensions and standing calf raises. Okay ... so it may not be as "fun" as killer bunnies but what I've realized is it helps me focus on that one body part/muscle that I'm training. And when I'm focused I can really push myself ... and lift some pretty heavy weight for a girl. My new trainer/training partner calls it the mind-muscle connection. I like it!

Even my cardio is basic. Walking briskly on a treadmill with an incline in the fat burning zone. (I've passed on the running since my 40-year-old knees can't handle that and the heavy leg workouts.) I've also been allowed one cheat meal a week, for now. I'm always riddled with guilt as I'm eating it. But I must be doing something right. My weight has dropped. My muscles are looking full. And I'm looking leaner. I love it!

Staying strong ... all day long!

Delicious Excitement (From February 17th, 2010)

I got a nice note yesterday from a natural bodybuilder I met during my first year of competing. He was checking to see if/when I would be competing again. I said "IDFA in May" and that I'm "excited and nervous" to get back on stage. He called it "Delicious Excitement". Yes! That's exactly what I feel! I'm feeling "delicious excitement" about my training and progress so far. In fact, I go over my workouts in my head all day in anticipation of performing them in the gym. I'm lifting heavy these days ... something that I've missed. After doing a heavy set of flat bench dumb bell presses I had to say out loud "Man, I love that!" ... especially when I'm lifting heavier than some boyzzz ... ;) LOL!

Yesterday, I felt a bit sniffly and my trainer ordered me to take a day or 2 off. I pleaded with him not to because I was excited about doing my next workout. So we compromised. If I felt worse today, I'd take the day off. Well ... the delicious excitement continues to flow and I feel great today! So ... day off averted! Let's do this!

Workout: Yesterday - chest and tris
Today: cardio

Cash, convenience ... and what's best for Cara

I've been experiencing a ton of changes in my life in the last several months. My BFF's know every little detail but I'll spare you the drama. I will share a couple things though. I'm moving this Friday into my very own space again ... finally getting settled so I can REALLY focus on my competition prep.
The other BIG change is pretty significant to my training as well. I chose to part ways with trainer Paul Anthony. LET ME BE CLEAR IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HIS ABILITIES AS A TRAINER OR HIS PERSONALITY. I've been training with him for the past 4 weeks and have seen improvements in my strength and have leaned out. Plus, it's always a blast training with him even when I'm grumpy. He makes me laugh. He has provided a lot of GREAT material for my blog!!! And I would recommend him to anyone. So why did I let that go? Without getting into detail let's just say it was about cash, convenience, and what's best for Cara (and only I know what that is.) So I've got a new plan that's more convenient and easier on my bank account. And hopefully it will put me at the top of the podium!

Train hard! Train like a champ!

Lookin' lean, 'cuz I'm eatin' clean ... and my trainer's mean!

Gotta love those days at the gym when you're giving it all you got ... sweatin' it out ... heart's pumpin' ... and you check yourself out in the mirror and you go "Damn!". I had one of those moments today. I'm lookin' lean, 'cuz I'm eatin' clean ... and my trainer's mean! Well Paul Anthony's not really "mean" ... but he did give me an order today. You see I've been coming to see him once or twice a week. The other days I do weights on my own and/or cardio. But like most fitness freaks, a workout with a trainer is always tougher than a workout alone. So Paul says ... after an amazing workout and I'm feeling GOOD ... "I need to see you three times a week." Oh man! That means I have to endure 3 days a week of this? At first there's fear (especially for leg day!!!) ... and then I think of the progress I've made so far. Add another day or two with Paul ... and can you imagine the results?! Boom! Boom! Pow! THREE DAYS A WEEK! BRING IT ON!!!

Workout: arms and shoulders!

Welcome to the Jungle!

I had an awesome workout today. It was tough! I should have known it was going to be hellish when I heard my trainer say "Welcome to the Jungle!" At first I thought it was a joke ... until I was hanging from the pull-up bar kicking my legs like a monkey! Even though I entered like a lamb at the beginning of the workout ... I came out like a PANTHER! Why a panther and not a lion? Well it has a lot to do with my very first tattoo I got in 2000. I wanted a BLACK panther because ... well ... it's black ... and sleek ... and one of the sexiest animals in the jungle ... full of strength and power! I think that's something pretty cool to emulate ... not just in the gym ... but in life. My second tattoo? A yin yang sign ... balance ... something I continue to strive for. Still thinking about getting a third ... hmmmmmm

Workout: chest and back

No CRAVE cupcakes were used in the shaping of this body

It has already started. I'm 13 weeks out from my competition and I'm having mini food cravings. They're not hugely overwhelming. But I find myself commenting whenever I see some of my favorite "bad" foods. It started with one of my funniest co-workers ... and self-proclaimed food snob, Bob ... I caught him eating a brownie, twice. I accused him of eating it in front of me on purpose. He laughed. Then another co-worker was eating a banana about 2 desks away and I could smell it. All of sudden I was craving a peanut butter and banana sandwich. And this morning my camera guy Paul was eating a sausage McMuffin in the truck we share everyday. Who knew Rotten Ronnie's could smell so good? But the biggest temptation? I was offered a CRAVE cupcake. If you know me at all, you know CRAVE cupcakes make me weak. There they were. Free for the taking. But as my trainer Paul Anthony said "A Crave cupcake is not free. It has a cost". So much for that sweet dream. Of course I refused the sugar-filled offer and promptly headed to the gym for my cardio session. 45 minutes of endorphin pumping exercise with a soundtrack to go with it! A much better high than any CRAVE cupcake could give me. That's right! No CRAVE cupcakes were used in the shaping of THIS body!

The Dean of Bootology

Today I learned that my trainer Paul Anthony has another title. He's the Dean of Bootology. Ha! Okay so maybe he gave himself that title. For leg day today he put on his Dean of Bootology hat. So what does the D of B do? He helps you get that booty up ... jack that junk in your trunk ... accentuate your ass ... hahaha! Now I'm lucky ... genetics has blessed me with a pretty decent derriere ... but there's always room for improvement. And improvement is what I REALLY need when it comes to my leg workout ... and my confidence. My strength is not where it used to be but it's better than when I started. I still have a long way to go though. The self confidence always takes a hit on leg day. And though my trainer said I had a good workout today ... I still had my doubts ... my own insecurities. This is one thing I need to move on from. So I'll focus on the good stuff ... and use that to boost my confidence. I'll keep training hard ... and I know the results will come. What do you do to bring yourself up after your confidence takes a hit?

Workout: Legs!

Get out of your comfort zone

Intense cardio 6 days a week takes its toll on my little legs. And I have a leg workout with Paul Anthony tomorrow. Today I asked myself if my gams will make it through the next 13 and a half weeks of training. And if training isn't challenging enough, how about adding a dance class on top of that! Yes, I took a dance class today and it's all for a good cause. I'm taking part in an annual fundraiser put on by Arthur Murray Dance School. It's called Spring Fling and it's a gala event that raises money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. I'm part of the "Dancing with Calgary Celebrities" portion of the event. (apparently I'm a Calgary Celebrity ... ha!). I've never taken dance lessons before ... besides learning the chicken dance and fox trot in high school. But I decided to get out of my comfort zone and go for it!
Today was lesson one and I'm learning the "slow and sexy" Rumba. Now don't do what I did and go to Youtube to see what the Rumba looks like. I saw 2 sexy, tight professional dancers practically having sex standing up with their clothes on. That's not the Rumba I'm doing. I've got some work to do ... but I hope ... after all these lessons ... I'll at least look a little bit sexy. Hmmm ... maybe I'll wear a short skirt to show off my well toned legs.
What have you done to get out of YOUR comfort zone?

Workout: Cardio 25 spin bike, 20 treadmill walking incline all the way UP!

DANCE PARTY WORKOUT!

As much as I love training with Paul Anthony (mainly because he pushes me hard ... and usually makes me laugh about something) I do love working out on my own from time to time. Today was one of those days where I was in my own world at the gym ... thanks to my iPod of course. It was a DANCE PARTY WORKOUT. Once I really get warmed up and into my first set or two, I tune out. I actually was "shaking my booty" between sets. That's right ... I did a little dance (make a little love ... get down tonight - KC and the Sunshine Band) in the middle of the gym. That's when you know I'm really into the workout. But it didn't stop there. I was even "getting down" on the elliptical ... shaking it to Micheal Jackson - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough ... and I admit I was singing a little bit too ... ha! And maybe you'd hear the odd "Woo!" in between intervals on the treadmill. Yep .. today was a DANCE PARTY WORKOUT! Isn't that how it should be all the time? Woo Hoo!!!

Workout:
Arms and shoulders
Cardio: 25 minutes running intervals
20 minutes elliptical

Running, running, running

What a crazy week. I feel like I've been running, running, running. Besides work, training, and dog sitting ... I've had all kinds of appointments that got me home later than usual ... wiped out. I feel good though. Energy is going up. Recovery is improving. And I'm sleeping better. Life is really good right now. But there are a couple of people in my life who are going through some rough times. And it's hard for me to come down from my high and say the right words to help them. So as I was running, running, running on the treadmill this afternoon ... it came to me. Sometimes when you don't know what to say ... you have to use someone else's words. Today I'm going to use lyrics from my second-wind song ... Jully Black's .. Sweat Off Your Brow. Read these words and remember: Life is what you make it!

Sweat Off Your Brow - Jully Black
Give thanks to Almighty
For all the little things
Sometimes we give up on the little man, too quickly.
We have food in our bellies
Even when the phone don't ring
Our roof ain't leaking
And so it's time for us to sing

And even when it ain't going on
You gotta still keep being strong
Just believe ...

Workout: Cardio - 25 minutes run, 20 minutes walk at highest incline

My meditation room ...

I've got a lot going on in my life besides work and the gym. It's all good stuff ... but it's a lot of stuff. So to de-stress in the past I tried traditional meditation. But I don't think I'm ready for that. There's something that works better for me now. My meditation room is the gym. Seriously. I'm not just making this up. When the sweat begins to bead on my forehead and my heart starts to beat in my chest ... that's when I start coming down from my day. In fact, yesterday when I went to train with Paul he asked me how I was doing. I was very frustrated about something I was dealing with and I told him so. He said "I'll make you forget about that quickly." Well, within 5 minutes of the workout I forgot all about it. I was focused on my training. And by the end of the workout ... I was smiling ... I had a bounce in my step ... and the frustration was gone. And I carried that into today's workout ... and hopefully ... the rest of the week ... in fact it better carry on for the next 15 weeks!!!

Workout: Chest and Back
Second-wind song courtesy of Maestro Fresh Wes: Drop the Needle ... here are my favorite lyrics from that song:

(yo Maestro, tell 'em what you wear)
I wear a black tuxedo
Black tuxedo
Black-black-black (oh my God)
A black tuxedo with the cumberband damn

Beware of Killer Bunnies!!!

OH EM GEE! What a fun workout today! Paul Anthony (www.dreambodyguaranteed.com) really knows how to work it! He introduced me to a new ... hellish ... exercise today. And all I have to say is BEWARE OF KILLER BUNNIES!!! Let me explain. Grab a couple of dumbbells (I used 5 pounders). Find a nice long unobstructed walkway. Do lateral raise with your dumbbells and as your raise your arms ... jump forward. Continue this until you reach the end of that walkway. Turn around and do it all the way back. At first Paul called them bunny hops. But after one set I renamed them to Killer Bunnies. It reminds me of that scene from Monty Python's Holy Grail when they come across the killer bunny ... RUN AWAY RUN AWAY!!! Paul and I had a laugh about that ... then I had to start another set ... and I couldn't run away ... because according to Paul he locked all the windows and doors so I couldn't escape.

But talk about timing. As I grit my teeth to finish the last few hops from hell ... a second wind song came on ... THIS IS WHY I'M HOT by Mims. Come on ... sing-a-long: THIS IS WHY I'M FLY ... YOU AIN'T 'CAUSE YOU NOT. THIS IS WHY ... THIS IS WHY ... THIS IS WHY I'M HOT.

Workout: arms and shoulders

This ain't no fashion show ...

When I workout, if I don't sweat ... lots ... then I haven't worked hard enough. So I'm not that worried about what I'm wearing because this ain't no fashion show. It's not that I'm pulling on an old stained t-shirt and shorts full of holes. But I'm not wearing full makeup, perfume, fruity lip gloss, and matching lulu from head to toe. Come on. We've all seen those ladies at the gym. I'm not hatin' on them. It's cool. They look cute! I wish I could look that cute and still train the way I do. But that won't happen. I buy my workout gear at Superstore, I wipe off any trace of makeup off my face before hitting the floor, and the only thing that touches my lips is lip balm. And some days I even sport a baseball cap. Because I'm going to get my sweat on! Where's my towel? But I do have one girlie confession ... now that my hair is extra short ... I wear earrings in the gym .... just so people don't think I'm a curvaceous boy.

Workout: Cardio
20 minutes skipping
25 minutes spin bike

Gotta love the second wind

Cardio day is often dreaded by many fitness competitors. I don't mind it as long as I have some good tunes. And you gotta love the second wind. You know ... when the right song shuffles to the top of the play list ... and you get this burst of energy because you remember "back in the day" when you used to "work it" in the club to this song! The track that got me fired up today was really old school. Square Biz by Teena Marie! Me and Lady T pushed out that last few minutes on Trey the Treadmill ... with feeling! Yes!

So what song gets you going on cardio day?

Workout:
25 minutes elliptical
20 minutes treadmill

The word is out!

Everyday is the same. The gym bag is packed. The lunch pail is stuffed. The extra large water bottle is filled to the brim. And now ... the word is out. The word is out at work that I'm training for another competition. And some of my closest co-workers are ... excited? Yes ... Leslie actually said "Yay!" and clapped her hands. (Clearly they forgot about the "carb depletion" phase.) Then I got nervous because now I can't back out. Now, I'm going to get questions about my food. Now, they'll be asking advice about exercise and nutrition. Now, people are going to say "You've already got a fit body. How can you get in even better shape?". Now, some will think I'm too skinny. Now ... I'll have more people cheering me on! Yay! I'm clapping my hands! :) That makes me smile ... even though every ... muscle ... in ... my ... body ... is screaming right now ... but I'm not complaining! Because that means I'm getting stronger, and more fit, and closer to my goal.

Today's workout:
Arms and shoulders
45 minutes cardio

I'm not complaining ...

It's kind of hard to complain about things like sore muscles or too much to do ... when Haiti ... the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere ... is devastated by a massive earthquake. This is a country that is already severely impoverished. I could not even come close to imagining what the people of Haiti and their loved ones are going through. Sure I had a "tough" day today. I struggled at work with fatigue and wow did my legs ever hurt! But ... I'm not complaining. Big deal. A couple of days ago when I was doubting my abilities after my leg workout ... one of my FB friends said "take it one day at a time and thank your blessings that you can do it...". I'm thanking my blessings today .... I'm thankful for the basics food and shelter ... I'm thankful for my health ... I'm thankful for having choices ... I'm thankful for living in Canada ... I'm thankful that I have goals and can plan for a bright future.
What are you thankful for?

This is a story about control ...

Cabinet Shuffle = yawn. iPod Shuffle = Woohoo! The details of this upcoming cabinet shuffle is the worst kept secret. But when you put your iPod on shuffle you never know what you're going to get! (It's like a box of chocolates ... mmm ... chocolate). And that kept me motivated in the gym today ... cardio day! This is a story about control though. And while we may not think we have control over our shuffling iPod ... I actually think we do. I believe the Universe sends us messages when we need them or are ready for them. Sometimes that might be through the songs on our iPod. Today, Janet Jackson's Control shuffled up to the top during my workout. That song has always made me feel strong and independent ever since I bought the cassette tape back in high school. But over 20 years later, the lyrics mean more to me. They mean I'm in control of my own success. I'm in control of how hard I train in the gym. I'm in control of what I eat. I'm in control of the final product that appears on stage in the spring. Not my trainer, not my job, not my work hours, not my friends ... just ME. So let me leave you with more lyrics from the song and after you read them, think about what you need to take control of to realize your dreams.

CONTROL - JANET JACKSON
This is a story about control..
My control.
Control of what I say.
Control of what I do.
And this time, I'm gonna do it my way.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
Are we ready?
I am.
'Cause it's all about control.
And I've got lots of it!

Workout from HELL had me asking some tough questions

Now that's the way to start the week. A LEG workout with Paul Anthony Neil (www.dreambodyguaranteed.com). Holy crap! That workout from hell had me asking some tough questions of myself. The first one was ... why the hell am I doing this? The next question ... can I really do this? Let me tell you I had to dig deep ... but by the end I couldn't dig deep enough. I was so dead at the end of the workout my ears were thumping. I almost felt like I wanted to be sick. And as I walked back to my car I felt like everyone was watching me because I felt like I was walking funny. I couldn't get to the car fast enough. It was like when you're trying to run in a dream and you just can't run fast enough or you keep tripping or falling ... that's what it felt like walking to the parking lot. I was DONE! But before I let those negative thoughts consume me (I can't do this ... I've lost my strength and will never get it back ... I'm too old ... I don't have want it takes anymore ... who am I kidding?) I thought back to all those times when I struggled in the beginning. Like my first job as a TV reporter. All alone in Grande Prairie with an office, camera, and a phone ... and no experience. I remember crying in that office thinking I'd never get out of there ... I'd be working in small town Alberta as a VJ for the rest of my career.

Then there was that time when I was asked to be in a play ... The Vagina Monologues ... an opportunity I didn't want to refuse because it was a fundraiser for a very worthy cause. But I had zero acting experience. I had to recite two "controversial" monologues off by heart ... with feeling ... I had to "act"! To add to the pressure, I was doing this alongside professional actresses (Cathy Jones of This Hour Has 22 Minutes) and playwrights. We even had an award winning executive director running things. Well I dug deep then and I got a standing ovation and a glowing review in the paper the next day.

I can think of many other incidents where I doubted my abilities in the beginning ... but persevered ... and in the end ... it was worth the struggle ... it helped me grow as a person ... and my confidence went though the roof. So here's to sucking it up ... working my butt off ... and rocking that leg work!

No time like the present! Here we go!

There's no time like the present to start my new FITNESS FOCUS! Here we go! I hit the gym today with one of my favorite trainers, Paul Anthony Neil (www.dreambodyguaranteed.com). I've told you about him ... the trainer with three names ... so you know he means business! Ha! And it was all business today! What was supposed to be an assessment ... turned into an intense upper body workout. It was awesome! You see I've decided to enter a figure competition in the spring. That's my new FITNESS FOCUS to kick off 2010. Woohoo! I've hired Paul Anthony to train me. He wants me training for 4 months .. instead of the 3 I assumed. (You know what assuming does? Makes an ASS out of U and ME!) Anyway, that caught me off-guard ... because I didn't plan on starting for a couple of weeks. But now that I think about it ... I've seen his clients on stage and WOW ... I'm convinced he's going to help me get to where I want to go ... TOP THREE BABY! Here we go!!!

Workout: Bi's, Tri's and shoulders ... FEEL THE BURN!!!

Out with the old/negative ... in with the NEW/POSITIVE!

Let the cleansing begin! Happy New Year everyone! It's out with the old/negative and in with the NEW/POSITIVE! That's my mantra for 2010. I'm about half an hour from heading to the gym for my first workout of the year. I'm a little anxious because I'm thinking of all the unhealthy food and drink I consumed over the holidays and the fact I only worked out 3 times. Yes I know ... I vowed not to abandon my health during the holidays. I still ate good healthy meals. But couldn't resist indulging in Mom's Jamaican sweets! And yes I was going to workout more when I was in Jamaica. My parents have a treadmill, bike, and weights. But with the pull of a full house of relatives ... most of the time I chose to hang out with them. Who knows when I'll see them again. So if I'm going to follow my new mantra (out with the old/negative) ... I'm going to move on from all the things I should have done over the holidays ... that's in the past now ... I can't change it. And I'm going to look forward (in with the NEW/POSITIVE) to brighter, healthy days ... and a NEW fitness focus. What is it you ask? Stay tuned! It's going to be an exciting year!