Nine Weeks to Go!

I feel like time is flying by!! How did I go from 12 weeks to 9?? I feel like time is running out quickly and I need to get my butt in gear...literally!


I'm struggling with not having my body fat measured and relying solely on the scale and my measurements. I'm down to 137 pounds. I need to lose at least 12 pounds of fat. Eeek!

Workouts
It's funny how you never stop learning when it comes to working out. I joined Retro last year and never took advantage of the free personal training session. I finally had the chance last week. Here's what I learned:

• 1/2 reps -- I always thought full reps were the key, but maintaining muscle tension by only completing a rep halfway had me sore and really feeling the muscle I was working.
  
• Hold & squeeze at the end of each rep -- instead of flying through my reps, I had to consciously hold and squeeze the muscle at the end of each rep. Wow!
  
• Negative reps -- In all the years I've been working out, I've never really done negative reps. We did this using a preacher curl. I was forced to try to keep the weight from going down. My biceps were crying two days later.

Diet
My macros have been modified to 145 grams of carbs, 140 grams of protein and 35 grams of fat. In terms of cardio, I'm doing 20 minutes of intervals three times a week and steady state for 30 minutes two times a week.

To crank up the intensity, I'm working my abs in between sets. I'm also doing walking lunges, step-ups and deadlifts every day (except for rest days and leg day).

I also went from 5 days on/ 2 days off to 3 days on, one day off. Now I'm trying 6 days on, 1 day off. It's all about burning calories at this point!

Now I just need to get a new bikini, start practice posing and get my tan on. Stay tuned...

Where Did 2014 Come From?

Yikes! I didn't realize how long it's been since I posted. Lots to report as I prepare for my third figure competition on May 10, 2014.

I switched trainers. Long story short, it came down to needing a change and wanting more for paying more. That said, my new trainer is based in PA, which means all my coaching is online. Still adjusting to this since I was pretty much addicted -- and motivated -- to having my bodyfat measured religiously each week. Now I check in via email and send pictures every four weeks. As usual, the beginning is slow going. I definitely feel like I gained muscle during the off-season and my butt is perkier than usual (not complaining).

I'm tracking my macros (carbs, protein and fat) much more closely and have many more options in regards to what I eat. This is good and bad. I think I need more structure, so eating the same thing every day may soon be happening to keep myself sane.

I've been lifting heavier than I have in the past. I joined Retro Gym in April 2013 and still use my basement gym on snow days. If you live in the Northeast, you know we've had way too many snow days this winter.

Here are some pics of where I'm at right now. While I feel fat, I know this is
I'm where I'm supposed to be. Changes will come slowly but surely...

Back to Square One

Not sure where I fell off the wagon exactly. Could it be the job I loathe, the one-hour-each-way commute, the holidays, or some combination of all of the above? I was doing so well and staying focused. Then suddenly, I threw caution to the wind and began stress- and binge-eating. Some baklava here, some dark chocolate truffles there. It's no wonder how I gained 7 pounds! UGH!

I need help stat! I'm supposed to be starting my competition diet very soon. My trainer, Jodi, is going out on her own so the cost of her services have gone up. I really want to stick with her since she's grown to know me and how my body reacts to food and workouts. The uncertainty with my job makes me a little wishy-washy.

*Sigh* So I broke out my Fighter Diet ebooks and I'm in detox mode. In a nutshell, the Fighter Diet is all about veggies. If you're hungry, eat veggies. But you do have to track everything. I'm hoping to drop a few pounds before I meet up with Jodi. Since the show I want to do is May 10, my goal is to start my diet no later than Jan. 5. That means I have 10 days to get into some resemblance of shape. LOL!

That said, I'm still working out like a fiend, lifting heavy and limiting my cardio. I definitely feel like I added muscle. The question is: how much? Did I gain 7 pounds of fat, muscle or some combination. I'm hoping at least half is muscle!

Stay tuned as I once again embark on this crazy journey...

How did you do with your eating and working out program during the holidays?

Holiday Gift Ideas for Fit Moms

Wondering what to ask for this holiday season? Many times our husbands and other loved ones need some (or a lot) of guidance when it comes to shopping. Don't forget to include some items to add to your workout, whether it's attire, equipment, inspiration or a cutting-edge gadget.

In the spirit of the 12 Days of Christmas, here are the 12 items to wow a Fit Mom:

1. Polar FT4 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Bronze)
2. Personal trainer sessions
3. Gym membership
4. P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program - 13 DVDs, Nutrition Guide, Exercise Planner
5. New workout outfit
6. Gift certificate for a massage (okay, not exactly a workout...but who couldn't use a massage?)
7. Nike+ iPod accessories -- Apple MA365LL/D Nike+ iPod Sport Kit
8. Set of kettlebells -- Kathy Smith's Kettlebell Solution
9. PowerBlock SportBlock 24 Adjustable 3 to 24-Pounds per Dumbbell Set
10. Tosca Reno's Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way book (currently reading it and plan to do a review shortly)
11. Supplements, like your favorite protein powder
12. A quiet afternoon :)

What are you wishing for this holiday season?





 
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Here Come the Holidays...

With Thanksgiving coming this week, it can be tough to stay focused on eating clean and training hard.

I'm just a few weeks away from officially starting my next competition diet. I'm going to get my official eating plan on Dec. 27 and kick it into high gear on Jan. 2. The show is scheduled for May 10, which gives me 17 weeks.

I've been trying to stick with my off-season plan, so hopefully I'll be around 18% bodyfat. That gives me plenty of time to get my bodyfat well below 10%.

Excited doesn't even begin to describe how I'm feeling! It will be interesting to see how my body responds this time around. I'm planning on getting a new suit and want to take a posing class. I'll be outlining my progress and how my eating and training changes week by week. Stay tuned...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!