THOUGHTS OF A FITNESS FREAK

So I try and help out the ladies and now something for the men.  Wheter or not you are a steroid user or using prohormones….you can get yourself checked out.  There will be lab scrips available to get your complete blood analysis.  You will have your levels checked for heart, kidneys, liver, etc………..semen analysis and motility…levels for prostate health, etc.  And with your new found knowledge you can seek out Dr O’Connor or take the info to a local dr and discuss your options.  The problem is even with some supplemenst, you can be putting yourself in danger and not even know it.  A urinalyisis can tell you if your kidneys are starting to fail.  Many men don’t go to doctors like women do.

We also hope to get booths at expos to meet with people and I can check your blood pressure and you can get more info on how the site works.  We did videos on what normal levels are on men and you can compare your numbers with those. There is no use looking good on the outside if you are dying on the inside. Also things like cholesterol are often inherited as are some heart conditions.  Do you know your family history or do you rely on the way you look to assume you are healthy? 

Besides the videos, we did some fun and entertaining photos.  I was comfortable the moment I met the doc.  he is a powerlifter, so he has that mentality that most of us here have…..no Bullsh*t.  So I jumped at the chance to come aboard and educate and hopefully aid in saving some lives.  Steroid abuse is a common problem guys.  Its time to stop judging and get realistic about it’s abuse.  Society only speaks of it when someone has supposed "roid rage" and kills someone..then it is blamed.  I know some men who use and they are sweet men and never hurt anyone.  If that was the case……..a million men would be murderers. Oh and some athletes would just be kicking everyones ass in the dugout!!! They DO have bats in there you know.  

So……watch for the new videos on the site.  I will attach some clips here as well when they become available.  And in Muscular Development you can see our pictures and my alter ego……the anabolic nurse of course.  

Thanks for reading!!! 

I know alot of motivational stuff is a little cult like or just plain weird, but some of it does work.  You just have to tell yourself that you are WORTHY.  I mean whether its someone putting you down or setting you up to fail with weight loss or anything else…you just have to get insulted and indignant.  Like "YOU can’t say that to ME".  "I am GOOD ENOUGH" and "I will NOT fail".  For years and years I let others define me or supress me.  I was afraid of everything and rarely ever looked anyone in the eye.  I thought there must be something wrong with me because bad stuff always happened to me.  I was very negative and kind of like Pavlov’s dog who still loved him even though he punched them in the stomach as a reward.    Often we are subservient to our signifigant others and that plays a role on it too.  We do anything to make them happy even if it’s not something that makes us happy.  Like choosing where to eat or even dressing or acting like what pleases them.  I may have had opinions, but I never expressed them for fear of rejection.  So, after a divorce…one which came about because I wasn’t happy……as one day I looked at him and said to myself "this is my life at 50, 65? and IM NOT HAPPY".  Time is precious, don’t waste it being unhappy.  I essentially quit men and started working on myself and thats when things all came together.  Yes, it is a little bit of selfishness on my part, but I really am having the time of my life right now. I work hard and its paying off very well.

I know there are prettier and younger girls than me out there, more jacked chicks, better figure girls, etc etc….and I can deal with that.  I am doing very well and it’s only been three years since I got off the couch.  You arent different than me and it’s there if you want it.  I have done maybe 15 figure shows, shot with about 25 photographers, worked for Gaspari and Ironman Magazine at the Arnold, I write articles, do videos and now am being included in a fabulous cutting edge website.  I sometimes get bummed and want to quit just like everyone else, but I don’t because I don’t want to live with "what if’s?". 

So stop giving yourselves excuses to fail.  get the crap out of your cabinets, find some positive friends and get going.  You can blink your eyes and be 65 years old…….look how fast life has gone by already!!! And everyone deserves a chance to be who and what they want….dreams shouldnt die after highschool.

xo

I came across my Myotape and decided to check my stats.  THis can sometimes be a depressing thing, but I am happy to say I have grown or maintained size , yet have gotten leaner from when I started.  My legs are 21 inches and I thought they were 20.  My calves have grown, but I hate to measure them as they are 1/2 inch or so different as I hold more fat on the left side………..weird, huh?   My bi’s are a solid 12 inches and really lean, chest is now 39……….but ya, we all know thats a little off.  Im going to give myself an in because I did measure above the enhanced portion and got a 4 inch aqddition…….so I won’t cheat, but I do know my lats are bigger.  My waist is still 27, not so bad seeing as I stopped doing obliques and havent gained inches there. Forearms are 1/2 inch bigger, now at 10.5 without a smidge of fat in that area and shoulders are about 43, thats a hard part to measure alone.  I have to see what they were the last time as I forgot already.   Oh, hips have grown, which means glutes have because you measure around the widest portion.

Thats it I think………..progress.  what is more satisfying than progress?

I did back and bi’s tonight.  bent over smith rows, seated rows, lat pulldowns in front and in back, pressdowns with short bar, lat pulldowns wirth single arms, assisted pull ups and chin up.  Mixed it up with some bi’s…..machine preachers and dumbbell curls.

Oh, and hopefully, hopefully………we get in before the deadline and I will be in the Feb Edition of Muscular Development with my new boss!!

I started with Calves, then moved into the leg press.  I got up to 10 reps with 10 45lb plates, that a rough estimate with the sled of 505lbs.  I start with just 4 45’s and move my way up 2 plates at a time.  After that was leg extensions, my strength was way up (thanks to creatine)  and got up to 110lbs for about 8-10 reps.  On leg curls (seated) I didnt know the pin was in on the extra weight and did some sets of 110..my heaviest ever.  Then on laying curls I did 90lbs.  On to adductor/abductor…..threw in 380 on donkey calf raises in between, did some chin ups and leg raises, glutes on cables (standing so only 50 lbs per leg)  then onto linear hack 10 plates of 45’s.  I ended the day with more smith squats, just 2 25lb plates and just repped until I felt like vomiting, concentrating on the quads.  I also did slide calf and seated calf raises. 

It was an awesome start to a gorgeous day.  The weather is beautiful here, it must be 70 degrees. 

This week I am shooting video with Dr. O’Connor for the Anabolicdoc.com website.  Its for steroid rehab and education about steroid abuse.  Then next Saturday I am shooting photos for what should be my Muscular Development debut as the Anabolic Nurse.  This is a real doctor with a real site……not to be confused with some guy who says he knows everything about steroids.  There are millions of users and almost as many abusers of steroids.  Not all of them look like bodybuilders…..so wake up to that fact.  Its a great project and I am lucky to be a part of it. www.anabolicdoc.com

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Yes, creatine. It sometimes gets a bad rap but I have to tell you that it is my staple for muscle building. 

Taken from CREATINE.COM

What is Creatine and where is it found?

March 01, 2007 Posted 08:42 am

Unlike most supplements that athletes use, creatine is neither a vitamin, mineral, herb nor hormone. It is a naturally occurring amino acid that is found in our body that has the chemical name methyl guanidine-acetic acid (see Figure 1 below). As most of you are already aware, amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. The majority of creatine (about 95%) is located in the skeletal muscle system, and the remaining 5% is in the brain, heart and testes. We acquire most of the creatine in our system by consuming meats and fish as well as dairy products, egg whites, nuts and seeds. Although the human body has a way of storing very high amounts of creatine to enhance recovery and muscle power, it is quite challenging to consume enough food to provide the same amount of creatine that using supplements will. In the event that you do not consume enough creatine to suit your body’s requirements, your body can synthesize it from the amino acids arginine, glycine and methionine. This manufacturing process takes place in the kidneys, liver and pancreas.

How does Creatine affect Growth Hormone and aging?

March 01, 2007 Posted 03:12 pm

Creatine does more than provide your cells with ample amounts of creatine phosphate.  There have been studies performed that suggest creatine has the ability to raise Growth Hormone levels in your system.  In these studies, subjects would consume 20 grams per day of creatine and their blood GH levels showed a statistically significant increase of GH for two to six hours following the ingestion of the creatine.   It is important to note that these subjects did not exercise or consume any other type of supplement that could influence a natural elevation in growth hormone levels.  The scientists concluded that the increase in blood levels of GH was solely due to the consumption of creatine. GH is the hormone that controls the regulation of body fat, maintains the body’s immune system, allows you to build muscle mass, heals wounds, maintains bone mass as well as hundreds of other vital functions.  Besides the benefit of increased recuperation and additional energy supplies, creatine’s ability to promote the production of GH is a major step towards maintaining or enhancing health. 

Science has proven that as we age the amount of Growth Hormone that our body produces declines.  This is the reason that we have more physical related problems as we age such as; loss of  muscle mass, our bones become frail, our skin is less elastic, we get sick more often, and we do not have the energy we once had at a younger age.  Through its ability to enhance GH levels, creatine can offer aging health enthusiasts an opportunity to maintain their health as well as their youthful vitality and general well-being.   For those elderly individuals feeling the effects of muscle loss as they age, creatine provides a “double-whammy” by volumizing muscle cells as well as increasing growth hormone levels

What are the benefits of Creatine for women?

March 01, 2007 Posted 03:45 pm

So far we have seen how creatine can enrich the physical well-being of the general athlete and the elderly, but we have not discussed its benefits for the female population in particular. Of course, creatine will help boost energy levels in the female athlete the same as it does with their male counterparts. However,by aiding the production of muscle mass, creatine will help female athletes add the muscle they need to improve their performance.Women generally have a more difficult time trying to gain muscle size and strength than men do. Creatine will help women see results in strength much quicker. It is a well documented fact that carrying more muscle causes the body to burn more calories…even during rest. Women that use creatine and add some additional muscle to their frame will burn more calories and body fat throughout the day

How does Creatine stimulate muscle growth?

March 05, 2007 Posted 08:55 am

Although creatine’s role in the energy production process is its most notable trait, there is evidence that creatine can stimulate muscle growth. It does this in a couple of different ways. By allowing you to perform more work as a result of additional energy, increased protein synthesis is stimulated. Secondly, when an abundance of creatine phosphate is stored n the muscle, the muscle will hold more water in its cells and become what is known as “volumized” or “super-hydrated.” The more volumized a muscle is, it will promote the synthesis of protein as well as deter the breakdown of protein. Volumizing the muscle will also create an environment where an increased level of Glycogen synthesis will take place. Increased protein synthesis along with training will lead to muscle growth. There is also scientific evidence that shows supplementation with creatine causes muscle tears to repair themselves quicker.

This is why I love my creatine!!! I have been cycling it on and off for 3 years now.  My preference is Gaspari’s SIZEON, but its also in superpump250, but in lesser amounts.  Its legal, its safe, it’s scientifically proven!!! Happy supplementing!!

Im speaking of Jillians whats her face from Biggest Loser.  She is not exactly a hero to me.  I find the show cruel, so I can’t watch it.  Its a contrived situation.  People holed up in a house with food given to them, made to exercise 6-8 hours a day, etc etc.  I watched once and people were huffing and puffing and getting yelled at….faces beet red, crying.  I know some people have to be pushed…….but thats a little extreme.  making someone hate exercise is not necessary.  How about some support.  How about finding out what makes people tick? I know its for Tv rating and God Bless those who take it off and keep it off as I am all for that of course.  But yelling at or arguing with clients isn’t good business for most people. 

I understand making people do something they can’t to get over hurdles.  My office manager talks about this show every week.  She says they dangle sweets in front of these people.  Thats a little torturous..don’t you think?  Fine, motivate people to lose weigh, be fit, be happy………its all fine and good.

I myself won’t watch it for these reasons.  then when they kick people off who really try…..well, thats really stealing someones hope.  In my opinion, Jillian is man, people like the guy (BOb?)…..and weightloss is hard enough without anyone maiing you feel like ****, isnt it?

ok, nuff said

Newxt Weds I am going to be taping some video with a local doctor who specializes in steroid abuse. Its a relatively new field, but the concept is similar to a clean needle program for street drugs.  That if you are going to use……..don’t kill yourself sort of approach. He does NOT administer any steroids to people and in no way condones their use, but you cannot just tell people to stop using something and have them listen.  People will continue to use and not know exactly what they are doing to their bodies.  Issues such as severe high blood pressure and kidney and liver problems are common in users. I know of a 26 year old who nearly had a stroke from shooting up untold amounts which raised his blood pressure so bad he had to go to the hospital.  So, being a fitness person.I was asked questions by him I couldnt really answer because I too, lack the knowledge in steroid use.  I have studied the basics of course, but specifics……..I havent any idea.  So my issue was where to send him for proper medical information.  I couldnt make him stop using, but maybe I could help him not die at the age of 26.

So my part in this is as his nurse.  I will be The ANABOLIC nurse.  The videos are to be informative, yet with a little fun in them.  The doctor is known as the ANABOLICDOC and can be found at www.anabolicdoc.com. He also have a Q&A in Muscular Development.  Check him out.  He is a real MD, had a real practice and knows his stuff in and out.  The “users” are people…they are fathers, brothers, sons, boyfriends and husbands……not bad people in any way. 

So, if you know anyone who suffers from steroid abuse…..give him the website, though its still in the early stages of course.  There will be different ways to get help.  Thats all the doctor needed to say to me to get me interested……..its to HELP people. 

I know how it may sound to some…but the steroid use is out there, its not going to stop just because anyone says it should.  But wont it be nice to have someone with seriosu medical knowledge should you find out your 17 or 18 year old son is using them?  Where else can you go?

Anyway, got to run. I got a day job

Im a learning freak when it comes to fitness….no, do not have a degee or a certificate, but I am pretty smart in the medical field as well as studying anatomy, anything fitness related and now weight loss.  Also, the gym of hard knocks of course.  So feel free to ask me whatever you want.  Hopefully I do know the answer or can send you to someone else who can.

So I just got 6 ce credits on a course in Weight Loss.  I learned so much stuff that I can’t possibly write them all down.  I now have knowledge on the parts of the brain that control eating satisfaction as well as some tricks to help you eat less.  I learned about PYY-336 hormone levels.  The PYY-336 is secreted in the cells of the small intestine in the response to the presence of food  -there is a 20-30 minute delay in release.  It is then transported to the hypothalamus via circulation where it supresses appetite. Also a key hormone is CCK or Choleccystokinin.  This hormone tells you the meal is over by producing a feeling of fullness.  CCK is release by the small intestine as food leaves the stomach and acts by slowing digestion.  Aditionally , CCK creates a sense of satiety by increased production of seratonin in the brain…..Confused yet?  Satisfied and feeling full increases our seratonin levels.  Low seratonin levels lead to carb cravings. 

So in a nutshell….tips to avoid overeating are eat a fist sized meal and wait 20 minutes, as there is a delay in getting that satisfied feeling.  Thats why we overeat and feel TOO full later asking where the Alka Seltzer is!

Eat good carbs that level out your insulin and blood glucose levels(glycemic index).  The "slow burn" keeps you satisfied longer and levels that fluctuate lead to binging.  Eat whole grains such as in breads and pasta and get enough fruits and vegetables if you can.

As for increased seratonin levels…there are products that they sell that claim weight loss help if you use it. I cannot say if these products work.  I don’t believe there is a magic weight loss pill and my instructed said if there was……….OPRAH would have it as she has more money than God and tries everything "magical" when it comes to weight loss. 

I know that to increase your levels you have to eat right.  Fist sized portions are a must and learning to eat "only" that much takes some time and patience.  I will write more about this next blog.

Fern

Oh my God, I have turned into one of those chicks I used to hate…..but you know why I hated them?  Because you envy them, thats why. You always wanna know what makes them so freakin happy..and why can’t you be that happy…..so you get jealous.  At least I can admit that now.  So how does one become "that way"?  Well, by finding something you are passionate about, by doing things you never thought you could do because you are doing what makes you happy……….it spills over.  I go to the gym and I say hi to everyone, we yell stuff to each other, I harrass the guys when they chat too long in their little groups about baseball or some other sport. I tell them they are like women…….always gabbing. I look forward to it.  You know many of us go through our day without one person even smiling or saying hello and it really blows.  One day the guy at dunkin donuts was really friendly and happy over the intercom, so I drive up and we talked a bit and he said it really pissed some people off, but he did it anyway.  Hy, I thought it was nice and it made my day.  We are more apt to discuss and bitch about the pricks we encounter every day….but its the one nice person who really counts.  You know that friend you talk to who is always a downer?  Doesnt their attitude bring you down?  You say "how ya doin"? and they go into a slew of whats wrong with their lives?  Or that person who is pissed off and huffing and puffing about everything the moment you get into work…………..its like a freakin staph infection for cripes sake……..its catching!!!  These days all my downers have been cut off….if you are bitchy…..take it somewhere else.  I don’t mean a little down….everyone gets that.  I mean the constant whiners………….jeez!! Ok, enough with the downers already!!!

I trained back and some bi’s……….for back I did lat press downs, single arm pulldowns on cables, seated roed, close grop pulldowns, and behind the neck pulldowns too.  For bi’s I did preacher curls, db rows and thats probably about it.  I concentrated more on back and just did bis because I like doing bi’s.  Call me crazy……..

Tomorrow I am going to a continuing ed course on all kinds of nutrition facts…..dieting, food addiction, no carb diets, etc etc.  Its going to terrifically informative .  I really love learning new stuff because then I have lots to share with people.  Im a sharer.probably because I have so many damn kids I never get anything to myself…always have to share.  Anyway….that was my day. 

Oh and the dude that kept saying oh my god, oh my God in the store after the gym…………..well, apparently he was referring to me and it was rude because he was doing it over and over at me and like running around the store like a goober.  hey I was wearing gym pants and a full coverage tank top.  So right when I walked out I yelled "DUDE don’t MAKE me punch you in the face!!!" What an idiot.  I hate rudeness……….

I wore a fitness outfit I had for some gym shots.  Its just shorts and a matching halter top……….kind of like the models in Oxygen and M&F.  I also wore gym gloves and sneakers.  It was awesome because women asked to take pictures with me.  In my book, thats a total success.  I had people asking where I workout, promising to come to the gym and check it out…one guy even asked me how to build better lats.  I played pool……….ya..I suck a little, but a few shots of Jagermeister really improves my game I gotta admit.  Oh, I also did my hair up and had rhinestone jewelry on as I was muscle Barbie afterall………or fitness Barbie, minus the blank stare and the 15 inch waist of course.  Its funny to try to get the point across that I am a "bodybuilder" yet a little person and I am feminine as well………I really don’t think people understand that you can be both.  There is obviously a stereotype.  I am not a competitive bodybuilder though..but I do train and I do……um……build muscles and my body.  Perhaps bodybuilding someday, but right now I still am having a love/hate relationship with figure.  My biggest issue with competing in bodybuilding is a good routine.  I would want to do something WOW for it.  I want it choreographed to be graceful and beautiful and badass all rolled into one.  Know what I mean? So instead of someone going "eww gross" maybe they would see some beauty in the strong female form.

I did legs today.  After some hack press with 10   45’s my knee got all funky.  I couldnt do any squats at all.  Perhaps its the weather?  I did some leg press 505lbs, leg extensions 80 lbs, seated curls 80lbs and laying curls 90 lbs.  I did calves.seated at 135 I think……….cant remember if I had another 25 on the other side.  After the whole knee thing……I was a little bummed so I went home.  It is what it is and I know better than to push it.  Im going to do them again on thursday.  Tomorrow I am thinking chest and tris. Im not really sure right now. Im actually due for some forearms, which I do like to train, but they are so limited in exercises and a little boring I suppose.  I have to work off the candy I ate.and the double cheeseburgers that are necessary after going out on the town…..shhhhhhhhhh…dont tell.

Later peeps