9chelle’s BodyBlog

Yesterday I competed in my very 1st figure comeptition. A dream of mine for over 8 years. Something that I planned to do by time I turned 35. Well, 35 came and left, but I did not allow that to stop me, nor did I allow my weight of 237 lbs stop the goal set.

This 11 month journey, to competition day, has allowed me to meet so many great and wonderful people that will be apart of my life for years to come. My journey started under the careful guidance of Mr. Dave Spindel of Essential Fitness (www.eseentialfitness.com) who helped me go from 164 lbs (12/08) down to 127 lbs (day of show) and 32% bodyfat to 12% bodyfat. I also had my best friend Allen Stephenson of Stephenson Art Fine Photography photograghing my progress from the start to finish. And I can’t forget about Bill Hurd who for my last 12 weeks  graciously assisted my weekend workouts to ensure that I pushed myself to my max. Oh, and my posing suit….Ms. Lilly of LIlly Star, B-More, most reasonable posing suits around ($60.00) for my posing suit, which I was afraid to go with at first. I love and thank you ALL. And…………all the encouraging words from my friends, old and new, they truly helped me during those though times.

Know that my hard work was acknowledged by everyone on yesterday when Mr. Dave Spindel stopped me as I was leaving the stage from completing my T-walk and pulled out this poster board with my before and after picture on it and awarded me "Most Improved Physique"!!!! What a surprise to receive that type of award. God is Good. I have to give Him credit for all that I have been able to do, and the people in which He has sent my way to ensure that my goal come to pass. I could not have had a greater experience. So know, if I can do it, with Gods help, that anyone can do it, with a willing heart, mind, spirit & help from our Father.

 Thank you for allowing me to share this experience with you and I pray that it will encourage someone to pick up that goal that they have sat down, and just do it. Life is too short, and no one is promised tomorrow. We MUST live each day as if it’s our last. Go for YOUR goal….I DID, and I plan to set more goals for myself and go for them too.

Much Love, Health & Fitness………………….

 ’Chelle

Well, I’ve finally made it to the "Big Day" and I’m excited. I feel like I’ve already won and I don’t need a judge to co-sign that fact. This ride has been an emotional one for me. At times I’ve wanted to quit because of some of the signs I was getting like my toe being broken and the panic attacks. And sometimes I just wanted to give in to what others wanted, like for me to stop because THEY felt I was too small. But I thank God that He helped me finish the task at hand, which was to get to this point and COMPETE (which is also only the beginning of more to come)……not for the people which thought that I was too small, but for the ones that think that it’s not possible. Know that all things are possible through Christ Jesus that strengthen us. My help did come from the Lord because I know that I could not have done it without Him. He has blessed my health and most importantly, send people my way to ensure that this goal of mine be completed. All I needed to do it be open to what this task would involve, dispite how hard it would get. I AM a living witness to the power of prayer. Faith without works is dead. Oh, but when you are willing to put in that work……….all things are possible!

well, i have 12 days before my 1st competition. i am truly excited and not sure what to expect. i have assisted with two shows, but i’m now on the other side of the show. placing in this show is not as important to me as competing in the show. my getting to this point is win enough for me, and anything else will be just an added bonus. know that i am truly, truly blessed. GOD is GOOD!!!! He said ask in His son’s name and it shall be given, but let’s not forget the part of faith without works is dead, which a lot of us forget. well, i’ve asked and also put the work in to reap the rewards of my labor. i had to keep faith in the forefront of my mind as i’ve had to call on God for help soooooooo many times while on this journey. i thank my bodyspace bodybuilding family for all of your support and encouraging words during this time. it has been the addedd fuel to also help me. and know that this is only the beginning of more to come……….

‘Chelle  

Well, I’m getting back into the swing of things with reaching my goal. Experienced a small set back earlier this year when someone dropped a 45lbs weight on my foot. My foot is all healed now, and I’m working hard. My diet has been modified, as my workout, to see if it’s possible for me to compete in November. Because I was once over 230+ lbs. my body has stretched so, which is the only problem I’m experiencing physically. Mentally, my problem has been the comments from my family telling me that I’m too skinny (will never be that), that I need to eat, that I’m scaring them,……. and the list goes on. As much as I love my family, I’ve had to modify that part of me life as well. I know that they mean well, but if I’m going to reach the goal I’ve set or myself, then I have to stay clear of as much stress as possible, and if that includes family and/or friends then that’s what I will do….for me. I’ve gone into selfish mode, which I don’t think is a bad thing ……………..