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!