amysuds's BodyBlog

Today’s Workout

amysuds — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:32:17 +0000

Today was leg day. I wrecked my legs. I am a shaky mess…in a good way!!!!

In & Out Weekly Recap

amysuds — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:32:47 +0000

Well, I did manage to participate in this great idea this week (thanks Jul!) It was a tough week for me, I apologize for the late blog post. Anyways…

Spirit

80 friends this week on bb.com

3 walks alone

Body

7 days of clean eating

3 HIIT cardio sessions

6 - 30 min weight training

Mind

5 - 30 min reading to my chilldren every night

Tip on ALCOHOL consumption…….if you have just one drink, your body’s fat burning ability is impaired for 24 hours. Another good reason why I gave it up!!

Posing Class Today

amysuds — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:23:52 +0000

I just got back from a posing lesson today with an NPC competitor teaching me. I haven’t seen her in a few years…and when I came out with my bathing suit on ready to start she was all compliments! I felt so good for that minute, she saw how far I have come. She was the owner of the gym I used to belong to. Well it went so well! She did a wonderful job explaining and showing me….and of course correcting me! When we finished, she said "If you get a free pose…do a back double bi, your back is amazing Amy". I was shocked! She said it is my strong feature……who woulda thought. Thankyou Jason….she was quite impressed with you!!

Asthma Troubles

amysuds — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:08:30 +0000

Well I have had asthma for years and really haven’t had any major problems. When I was doing cardio regularly (1 hour every day) , I can’t remember using my inhaler much. Now with my focus on weight training, the cardio has kinda fallen wayside for the time being. So I have an asmtha action plan with a flow meter I use to check my breathing. The past few weeks I have been extremely tired and I wondered if maybe outdoor allergies were triggering something? Also, it’s a huge clue when I am yawning in the middle of a heart pumping leg workout. So tonight I checked it and yup…it’s 350. My best peak flow is 490 and emergency is when it falls below 245. I guess I need to go to the doc tomorrow! I need to get this under control before cold/flu season starts. I have had some very difficult times during the winter in previous years….and I am not a big fan of bronchitis. Good thing I still have my inhalers……..

Kentucky Pro Show

amysuds — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:27:22 +0000

I had originally hoped to be going to the Olympia this year…and that is not happening So, instead I will be going to Kentucky on Nov 8 to watch my first pro show. I am so looking forward to it!

Why I Love BodyBuilding.com

amysuds — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:22:33 +0000

Since I joined this site in February this year…I have been hooked . No matter how hard I try to stay away, I end up logging on. Part of my recovery plan as an alcoholic is based tremendously on avoiding depression. My love of fitness and thirst for knowledge has kept it at bay now. In December this year, I will be 2 years sober.

Last week, I visited California for the first time. As I drove through San Diego with my husband, I was not taking in the beautiful scenery. I was amazed and impressed with the number of people out walking and running. Watching the sweat pour off these folks opened my eyes to something missing in my life here in Illinois ( I am originally from MA). I felt the heartbeat of fitness there. It made me smile more than the beautiful palms on the streets. I love my home here, I am blessed with a community known for it’s wonderful schools etc. My children will always come first. But, as I drive through town here…the main gym (you know, the hard core sweatshop, we all know where one is)…anyways, this gym is closed. Five minutes in the other direction, a personal training center is closed also. There is a different perspective here about life and happiness. I am sure I am broadbrushing everyone, there are people like me here I am sure…I just haven’t met more than one. She was the owner of an all woman’s gym that I joined as I started to pursue my love. That gym also closed. She helped me obtain my NASM personal training cert.

So back to the point..there is a heartbeat here that I NEED to keep going. I can’t find anything even remotely close except for the hundreds of fitness mags in my house. But those are not alive . I have learned more here in 7 months than all the mags combined. The people here keep my fire burning, and I can’t thank all of you enough for helping me. I had to write about this …my husband understands the most. He supports all the time I put in here and knows it helps distract my tendency to isolate myself. Gosh I love this place!!

My Vacation

amysuds — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:49:23 +0000

Two weeks camping in northern Wisconsin did alot for me. I actually took the time to listen to the loons. Overall, it was a wonderful family adventure. We met some family and friends up there. This had it’s good and bad points. Lots of talk, lots of fun and lots of food. The first week I was an angel…my husband drove me an hour each way to the gym. I got in all my workouts. My diet stayed right on track despite the bags of chips everywhere. The second week, I had a few ice creams ( sorry Jason )…..I don’t know why I craved it so badly! It’s usually not an issue at home. Once again, my husband got my butt to the gym and waited for me every workout day. It seemed like I was grilling constantly! Eating 6 times a day is tough for me. It’s really tough to cook chicken in the dark because the bugs are so bad you can’t have any lights on!! So we swam in the lake, hunted for musky and went to the go cart track alot. I didn’t do so well sitting and relaxing. I think I got on everyone’s nerves because I wasn’t smiling much. I kinda go stir crazy easily…I have such a routine at home like everyone does. I was also VERY tired. I am having a tough time recuperating after the tough workouts. I am not complaining…..I just know my husband wants his "old wife" back! I am not even cutting carbs yet, I hope I don’t become too much of a witch!! My husband is definitely the best friend I have ever had…he so tries to make me happy everyday! The best part of the trip was hanging out with my children. It amazes me how fast they grow! Hey and my son told me my back is looking like a bulldozer…..he noticed!!!

I Will Compete!

amysuds — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:22:15 +0000

I have been throwing around this idea for way too long. It is time to step up and give it a try. I am fully aware that certain areas of my body will not be at 100%….I haven’t given enough time with Jason to help me with that. I will continue to try to gain muscle in my back right up until I need to drop BF. My main objective in doing this is just TO DO IT! I don’t want to wait until next year…which in my opinion, would give me a better chance to win. It’s not so much about winning this time…although that would be great! I am inspired by so many of you out there that dedicate so much into competing…I thank all of you for that!!

Layne Norton’s Unleashed DVD is Priceless!

amysuds — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:58:28 +0000

Wanna build muscle? Layne goes through his step by step process in this super video. I watched his training, nutrition and supplementation regimens first hand. Layne explains every aspect with his vast knowledge and experience. The science behind Natural Bodybuilding like you’ve never seen before! I was actually taking notes watching this. I will definitely utilize many of his methods in my future training. I recommend this video big time…you will NOT be disappointed!! ROCK ON LAYNE!! Go to str8flexed for ordering information.

A Huge Improvement Today

amysuds — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 02:14:40 +0000

So today was back day…I get a fresh workout plan every week from Jason. The first exercise listed was calling for 8 pullups. I cringed reading that. Not only was I only doing 2 or 3pullups two weeks ago max, I was unable to perform any more sets even after resting . Well today I am looking up at that bar, like it’s a mile up from me and I say to myself.."ok, let’s do this". Jason mentioned as long as I total 8…even 4 sets of 2, that would be good. With Sevendust cd blasting in the background, I pull myself up. Then again, and again. I DID 9 PULLUPS! I couldn’t believe how much strength I had gained already. My friends here know how I have been struggling for months with those pullups. Needless to say, the rest of my workout was KICK ASS!!