afrikajay’s BodyBlog

March 17,2008 was my first "official" day to start back up training on a consistant basis. I actually can see progress and will be posting pics really soon i promise. Another reason I can tell is because people at the gym are starting to speak to me….you know, because they can tell that I’m serious about working out and have been coming there consistantly and that’s awesome.

I’ll do my next weigh-in and measurements on April 17 to track my monthly progress. Speaking of progress, i’m doing pretty good. My shoulders and arms are coming in well. My problem area will be my abs….i can already tell. Also on my monthly progress date, I’m going to switch my workouts from 3 sets,12-15 reps to 3 sets 8-10 reps. I’ll be lifting a bit heavier to add mass. This routine has worked well for me in the past so i’m gonna go for it again.

My motivation this time around has been all of you amazing athletes here on the site.  Just looking at all the pictures and reading all the blogs has helped me tremendously in staying focused and remembering to make working out my priority. Thanks and til next time…….

I’ve done nothing. Sad, I know. But I joined a gym which i’m thrilled about because honestly, I’m a gym rat. I love the atmosphere, everyone working hard and I get to meet people (after my workout, that is!). Yesterday, I met up with one of the trainers and he took me on a sample workout which really kicked my butt. Leg presses, plyometrics, jumping rope, shoulder presses, tricep pushdowns….and it just kept going. He exhausted me. But it made me realize that I don’t ever want to go that long(holiday break) without working out again! This weekend, I go grocery shopping. I’m really excited about this because i don’t have any food right now and my body is suffering. I will be sure to make a list, otherwise i’d get unecessary stuff! I definitely now have to get a gym schedule down as well. I’m thinking about mornings. It will pose a greater challenge for me….being in the gym at 5:30am just doesn’t sound like fun, but a girl gotta do what a girl gotta do.

Well, my 8 weeks have been going well. I’ve lost a bit of weight. I haven’t stepped on a scale, but i can tell by my clothes. Also, my butt has lifted more. I WILL be looking right in boy shorts. Thank you squats and walking lunges!! I’m not going to weigh myself until the end which just so happens to be Dec 31. My training partner has been gone and its a bit tough without her i’ll admit. I’m usually the motivator but she actually motivates me more!

I’ve wanted to get certified in personal training for awhile now. It just may come into fruition early next year. Another thing i’m going to do is attend one of Cathy Savage’s Fit Camps. I love her and the proof is in the pudding. That lady and her crew cranks out Fitness/Figure Champs and Models. She’s a huge motivator. I’m also going to do a show late next year. I’m nervous just thinking about it but it’s something definitely in the future!

Well Yesterday, I began my 8 week challenge again.The first time, I wasn’t successful and I let other things take priority. Had a great leg/glute/calf workout. I’m feeling it today. I was so excited just to hit the weights. It felt so good to sweat and breath heavy and just push it to the limit. My goals haven’t changed. I still want to be 135lbs., I’ll take 14% body fat (for now!), eat clean and go hard on cardio! I pray that nothing will distract me from my goals. its about time I stop talkin about it, and be about it!

Well, my last 12 weeks training cycle is officially over! I’m only slightly disappointed because I didn’t reach 135lbs. In fact, my weight didn’t change at all. But my muscles got bigger and I got stronger so I guess I burned fat which makes me feel better. I totally did not committ to my diet. I had way too many weddings, a vacation, a conference, etc. Overall, I think i did 75% which isn’t too bad for a first time dieter(is that a word?). But this next 8 weeks will be much different.

I will get to 135, I will get to 135, I will get to 135!!! I just have to say it over and over. Its not about losing the weight per say. I want the FAT gone! I know where I once was before (at 14% body fat, 135), so I know its attainable! And once I’m there, I’ll just improve on that. I know most of it is dieting so i can’t afford to sway. Its just not an option at this point anymore. Damnit, I will not lose!!

Well, me and my training partner decided to do stadiums on Wednesdays instead of having a day off. We’ve done it for the past 2 weeks now and you know what, I don’t think it will ever get old! Yesterday, I had a bit of trouble with my breathing so I finished at a slower pace, but I did finish. And with that I’m happy! I’m still waiting to get the okay from my chiropractor to start lifting again. I really cannot wait! But until then, I’m in a cardio uproar!!

Me and my training partner have been making great strides ever since we started our 12 week program. We are now on week 3 and we couldn’t be more excited and encouraged. We clearly are a lot stronger than either of us thought but we have been pushing each other…..not letting either of us slack. MUST GET RIPPED!! I definitely could be eating better I think. Right now as far as nutrition goes, I’m probably at about 75%. I go shopping this weekend and plus all the birthdays have passed so things should get a lot better. Speaking eating, I now know there is NO middle ground. Its like i’m either full or starving…….working on never starving, always being fueled! Drinking 3 liters of water which is an increase. Although its not that hard being that its hotter than HELL here in Tallahassee! I think I might incorporate some whey into my diet….we’ll see. Can’t wait to take my progress pics today……ooooooohhh stadiums are today too!

Oh my goodness, I just didn’t know it was that bad! I’m probably being too hard on myself, but that’s how I stay motivated. But that 40" around the hips says it all! Good Lawd…….Anyway, me and my partner had a super leg/glute day on Saturday. Hurting as I type but I love it! Gotta get that ass into shape…literally. We also need to work harder on our upper body. I think we both are stronger than we thought. It’s time to grunt! 2nd week under way and we weigh and take measurements again at the end. A bit nervous about that but it motivates me to work hard this week. MUST DO CARDIO!!!!

And so it begins…..Today is the first day of my 12 week challenge a friend and I are doing. I’m super excited and ready to work hard to get brolic…i really like that word!! Anyway, I’m glad i have a friend who thinks i’m encouraging, but really….she encourages me, thanks Sawah!! I’m so pumped about seeing results too. Its crazy because the hardest thing will be sticky to my diets. This weekend, I have 2 birthday functions to go to. Which in both cases I’ll be eating fish and/or salad-thats it. My mind is made. I think after this my friends will definitely take me seriously about my passion for fitness. I can’t wait to post update shots on here.

Since January, I haven’t been weight training in the gym, because it needed to be cut out of my budget. I figure i had gym equipment at home so I could at least do maintenance of progress I had made. It’s so much easier said than done. I realized that actually going to the gym motivates me. I never knew how much I really love the gym…..until now. I still won’t be able to get in until the summer so for now, its all mental toughness and of course bodyspace. You guys out there are great encouragers…..thanx!