brooklyngal’s BodyBlog

I ended my 12 week transformation back in June and since then I have continued to work out but not with the same intensity or consistency.  My eating habits have fallen apart and it’s almost like I don’t know what to eat anymore.  I bought a book to continue a new workout program.  The book is called "The New Rules of Lifting For Women".  I bought it because the concept behind it is to improve your athletic ability as well as strength.  The program is broken up into 3 phases most of which are total body workouts.  At first I was totally enthusiastic about the program but after repeating the same routines for about the 4 weeks I became completely BORED!!!  I miss lifting and working different body parts on different days of the week.  I don’t know if I should stick it out and continue the program of if I should go back to traditional lifting?  I miss the rush I would get from isolating muscles.  

The other thing I really have been super confused with is my diet.  Not so much confused as overwhelmed!!!  I stress myself out thinking about what I should eat that in the heat of the moment temptation becomes so strong for cheat foods that I end up binge eating and fast forward a 1 1/2 later and i have gained quite a bit of body fat and can hardly see the muscle definition I worked so hard for.  I’m moving to Texas next week and I feel like this is such a difficult time to focus on a new program but I want to be prepared for when I do make my move.  I want to have an action plan and start fresh.  

I know that it’s a constant mental struggle when it comes to over indulging on foods that hinder our progress but any feedback on how some of you are able to do it would be most welcome.  Also would about a new workout program that I can follow for the next 6 months.  I would like to burn fat and build muscle definition. Any suggestions please?!?!?!?

I was having such a miserable day.  I was sore (DOMS), babysitting 4 brats, had a horrible headache all bloody day, and pissed off because I wasn’t sure if I was going to make the gym. Well finally at about 8:45pm I was able to get to the gym and wondered how the heck I would get through this workout? Well….let me just say it was a FANTASTIC workout! I was truly focused and in the ZONE!!!  I did a total body workout from my new workout program, cardio intervals on the treadmill, and closed it out with deep stretching.  I feel GREAT!!! To make things better I wasn’t bombarded with annoying questions or noise of any sort when I got home! Gotta love it! I feel so relaxed but now I can’t fall asleep…lol!

I began phase one of my new workout plan.  The workout was a total body workout and although it was much shorter then I’m used to I still worked up a good sweat and found some of the moves challenging. I still have to plan out my meals better and be prepared at ALL times.  The program is a 6 month program in several phases. I believe it has 4 or 5 phases and the first cycle will last 16 weeks.  I’m looking forward to seeing where this will take me.  I’m optimistic about my results! FAT….BE GONE!!!! MUSCLES…..SHOW YOURSELVES!!!!!!

I’ve officially completed the 12 week transformation.  I don’t know where to go from here but I’m going to do some research on new workout routines and I’ve even been thinking of doing PX90.  I didn’t do so great this round on my transformation but I have to say overall I’ve gained a lot of strength and endurance. I’ve learned to jump rope, can run fast and longer distances, I could barely do 2 regular pushups and now I can bust out 3 sets of 12, & I’ve even been able to encourage and motivate others.  So despite not reaching my physical goals I would call this an overall success.  I decided today that I would not beat myself up for how much further I have yet to go but congratulate myself for how far I have made it! I enjoy fitness and it has become part of who I am and I will take it one day at a time and focus on my daily goals and constantly remind myself that taking action today = success tomorrow!

If anyone has any feedback on what I should do next to slim down and build muscle I would greatly appreciate it.

Well this is officially my last week of my 12 week transformation.  I’d like to say that I’m pleased with my progress but quite honestly i’m not! I’ve learned so much about fitness and lifting the past 12 weeks but the mental struggle has been so difficult.  I run to food the minute I stress out or i feel sad.  I was doing so well and then that last few weeks i’ve gained just a couple pounds but i got my pot belly back and clothes is fitting tighter.  I’m going on this fabulous vacation to the Caribbean July 3rd and I don’t feel bikini ready at all! The more I think about it the worse my choices become with food.  I know exactly what I’m doing but do it anyway.  I don’t understand the self sabotaging. I see the various profiles here and I admire all the physiques and the will power that these people have had to accomplish their goals and I just keep saying tomorrow will be a new day but come the evening hours it just isn’t.  I fall back into the same behaviors.  I know some of you might think I’m whining and not truly doing what it takes but sometimes this road is so lonely and I feel like nobody can relate.  I’m hoping someone can relate and offer any advice on moving past the mental barriers.  I love working out so much so that hasn’t really suffered but my eating habits need a serious cleaning! I want to be beach ready by July 3rd!

hey guys…I’m about to order some whey protein but I want to know if there are any advantages to getting a higher protein whey (over 25g) for someone like me that is really looking to lean out? Also if someone could recommend a brand that would be helpful.

It’s now the 9th week of my transformation and while I’m not where I want to be physically I have made big strides in strength and muscle gain.  I’ve had an ongoing battle with my diet which I’ve noticed seems to be the biggest struggle for most novices of the body building world.  The biggest difference between me and a professional bbuilder (i believe) is that they have overcome all of the mental struggles most of us aren’t disciplined enough to reject.  My entire life I’ve been an emotional eater.  Whenever I was stressed food was there to make me feel better.  To sedate me.  I realize that now and while these days I prefer to hit the gym whenever I’m going through something, this journey requires 110%  mental discipline and desire.  I am prepared to succeed and create my perfect body.  I’ve been so eager to please other people that I lost focus of my goal and wasn’t aware of the mental challenge I was losing.  I’m catching myself now and learning how to get my mind right! The only thing standing between me and my goals is my mind. Time to let go of the past to my way for the future!

I’m in the middle of week 5 of my 12 week transformation and have definitely hit a wall and plateaued! I’ve reassessed and my goal is still to lose another 25lbs (melt away fat) by the end of the this transformation however how I lose the weight is what will change.  Cardio I believe for most people can become tedious so in an effort to have as much fun as possible during this process I will do HOC and HIIT. I will continue to follow the weight lifting program on the transformation video but I will begin to run backwards and jump rope.  I started jumping rope about 2 weeks ago and could barely jump over it 3 times in a row now I’m going 5 minutes at a time and switching up speed.  Still no fancy footwork but I sure do feel cool busting out 30 minute sessions of jump rope while everyone else is doing their boring cardio session on the elliptical or treadmill.  Yesterday I went running on a track and started running backwards and that too was fun! I will begin to run backwards and set up stations where I will do pushups and jumping jacks and of course jump rope.  I want to maximize my fat burning results and I’m going to push myself now more than ever! My diet has been a challenge but I am counting down all of the days that I don’t cheat and eat clean.  That will continue to be my motivation.  

I also believe I’ve allowed myself to become distracted by too many people and put my focus on them rather than me! I’m over it.  I’m taking control again of why I am doing this and for whom! It’s all about becoming the BEST ME possible pushing past my comfort level.  I know it won’t be easy but I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to succeed.  It’s amazing how much you learn about yourself during this process I’m excited to meet the new Julie, when my mind, body, and soul will finally be in sync. Here’s to change!

I’ve come a long way since starting this transformation.  I see changes in my body and strength.  While I’m no super model I’m pleased with what is happening.  It’s hard at times to control my mood swings.  I have highs and lows.  Some days I feel full of energy and other days it’s a struggle to get through 25 minutes of cardio.  Today I worked Chest, Triceps, and Abs.  I did core work with a trainer for about 20 minutes and I was sweating more than during my cardio session which was a major eye opener.  I went through my routine and when I got to my very last exercise (Dips) this incredible feeling of accomplishment took over.  I remember once upon a time I couldn’t even do 3 consecutive dips today I busted out 3 sets on a bench of 12, 12, and 14.  I felt like Rocky Balboa training for a fight! It was great.  I LOVE DIPS!!!!  I know I still have a long way to go but wow….what an accomplishment! I’m proud of myself despite how self critical I am at times.  I love this journey and all that I am learning about myself.  I hope anyone that is also realizing their goals learns to enjoy/deal with the ups and downs because you are accomplishing something most people are afraid to do.

So I’m a novice lifter.  I’m on my 4th week of my transformation but I’ve been working out for about over a year.  I know most of the trainers at the gym and mind you when I first started working out they wouldn’t say diddly squat to me.  All of a sudden now that they see me bustin’ out my routines every week they feel inclined to give me their unsolicited expert opinion.  You know you really shouldn’t do those type of squats… you should do these.  Do you really want to lift that much…you’re going to bulk up.  Why would you train 3 body parts you should do 1-2 body parts a day.  Buzz off wanker! I’m over you and your unsolicited advice.  If you really gave a rats ass about my goals then you would’ve helped me from jump street when I first started working out not now that I have begun my journey.  I don’t need your help and I certainly don’t give a rats ass to hear your opinion about my routine.  MIND YOUR BUSINESS…HATER!!!!

Another type of hater I’ve been encountering at the gym are women! What’s up with that? I go in to get my workout on and come out with a headache because they can’t take it that I’m actually showing progress and perhaps getting a bit more attention.  Get over it! Who cares about these dudes at the gym…they look at everyone! I had this woman come up to me and say…all you "girls" (mind you I"m going to be 30) are taking the men away.  I don’ want "your" damn men! Keep them…don’t HATE!!!!! Give me props for making progress and holding my own in the weight room! Can you say HATER!!!! Or the chick that tells you a lie about the guy who asked you out because she can’t take the fact that he’s not feeling her…get over yourself…or become more into yourself and focus on reaching your goals not getting a mans attention!

 And finally the HATERS we all love….our friends and family! I can’t even chill with them without them trying to shove tequila shots down my throat or tempting me with food I’m not going to eat.  "who cares if you take one shot…you’ll work it off tomorrow".  "have some tortillas and salsa…it’s not that bad for you.  You know you’re going to give in eventually might as well do it now.  F***ing HATERS!!!! You would expect them to be on your side but instead they want to see you fail! Really??? Your own friends and family a bunch of HATERS!!!! I don’t want to be a fat ass!!!! I’m motivated and want to motivate you to get off your asses and make change happen in your lives!!!!

 I’m over the HATERS!!! Just wanted to vent.