jcorbett’s BodyBlog

I am not ready to compete as a bodybuilder–my adductors aren’t defined and my hamstrings are a little too fleshy b/c I haven’t done enough cardio. Part of me wants to compete next week in the master’s figure instead, but I am not at my best so I’ll have to get over it and let it go. This comp prep I figured out the diet thing midway, but have missed a few cardio sessions, and I was distracted by my chaotic life.  I’ve got a thing about finishing what I start and the thought of not competing is bothersome, but in this sport if you don’t get the right combo of diet and training the body just doesn’t show well on stage. I failed this time, but am not giving up. My weight is down and part of me doesn’t want to scrap the dieting yet b/c I think there’s still hope–I may be delirious from the crash dieting, but I’m just being "real". This whole process was not this hard last year. Heck I was eating salted nuts by the handful and didn’t stop fruit until the week of the show and for the first decarb I didn’t give up oatmeal:)  New year new plan needed.
Now that bodybuilding has piqued my interest I will have to devise a new plan and execute it. April 2010 is a small show, the first one of the season. It is a realistic goal if I adequately prepare. I will need the help of my trainer so I will be asking Santa for some training money:) I need Bruno’s support and expertise to reach my competition goal–after this comp prep disaster I realize I have too many other things going on and can’t do this alone.

I’ve cut calories significantly and only have a.m. carbs and am pleased about my progress this week. I’ve had to increase the cardio, but am feeling okay. I was reviewing some bodybuilding posing routines to see if I "have what it takes". I think I can hang for a minute even with my stage fright issues. My abs are underdeveloped and they will need attention if I continue to compete. For now it’s time to drill the routine into my head and practice, practice, practice, posing.

Anyone who has ever prepared for a competition knows that the prep is often filled with challenges. For some of us it’s crazy work schedules, interruptions to diet, improper sleep, family, finances, etc. Add single parent with children ages 8 and 11 to the list and it’s impossible–at least for some folks. My weekdays and weekends are filled with a full-time job outside of my household, homework, chess tournaments, fundraisers, cooking, consoling, monitoring,  and motivating. My day begins at 5 a.m. and ends between 10 and 11 p.m. Last week I was only able to train once b/c I had to take my daughter to a few school visits, and she broke a bracket on her braces so we had to make an unplanned trip to the orthodontist. In addition, my son had a chess tournament on Sat. I don’t have any family so dropping them off with a relative isn’t an option. For the most part, our schedule is tight, but I am able to get in my training days. There isn’t much room for emergencies or new activities tossed in the mix, however, it is inevitable and has to be worked around even when it compromises my training time.

I haven’t thrown in the towel and have to step up cardio and cut more carbs so that I can bring up more definition on the thighs. I had to remind myself again why I am competing and its basically it’s because I want to. Additionally, if I am going to write about fitness I should have some success in the field.  In two weeks I will decide whether or not I will follow through with the next competition based on my progress.

As I attempt to replenish my wardrobe I want a new fresh look, I can’t decide what look I am trying to achieve. I don’t need stretch pants nor do I need to conceal a big belly or super wide hips anymore. I want sophisticated, mature & sexy, but I’m not sure what that looks like on my 5′9",  47 year old, 148 lbs frame. Last year after losing 25 pounds I shopped in the juniors department for jeans b/c the jeans were inexpensive. It was so exciting to put on a size that I hadn’t seen since my 20’s. It was a temporary fix. I have had some of my skirts taken in and have purchased a couple pairs of Anne Taylor slacks. However, I need a complete overhaul on my 9 to 5 and after 5 attire. I like a tailored look, but would like a little pizazz. If only I could wear yoga pants and a fitted tee for every occasion–life would be so simple.  How can I get on one of those fashion makeover shows?

I want to compete as a Master’s bodybuilder or a middle weight in the  next three weeks. I decided that I’m terrible in the 5" heels and don’t want to do the model pose required for figure. If I can pull it off (the posing practice & creating a 60 sec. routine), I should have a better shot at winning a trophy. I’m not sure when I became so competitive, but when I compete I want to win or at least place in the top five–perhaps I may be better at bodybuilding.

The Bad: I paid to use the gym at work before examining the "training room"–what a big mistake. It has nautilus  equipment from what looks like the 70’s–stuff that Arnold used back in the day. There aren’t any free weights and the cable station is lacking a seated row section and a seat to do lat pull downs (I can do them on my knees). I need to train two days in the afternoon at work b/c of my children’s school schedule. Now I am stuck with the task of modifying my training program and need to figure out viable alternatives for back, chest, bicep and triceps. Well, the best plans are made to be changed.

The good part of last week was the fact that I was able to do three 6 a.m. cardio sessions and one afternoon cardio session along with four days of weight training  I had to train three days back to back because my son was sick one day. I was sore from my traps to ankles, but got done;)

Here are my pre comp stats from the fall:

Bust: 34.5, Waist: 27, Hips: 36, Thighs: 21 and weight 148 lbs.

My current measurements are the same, but my weight Is 153 lbs.

My competion prep goals are:

Bust: 34.5, Waist: 25.5, Hips: 34.5, Thighs: 20.5 and weight 139 or less

I need to make a few modifications to my daily food intake–cut mixed nut serving in half and cut out the evening Myoplex. I hope to drop 2 lbs this week, but will be looking at measurements more than weight these next couple of weeks.

I must order my suit within the next two weeks. I am going to order another plain two piece from Lidia Conti Bodywear again and decorate myself.

Hopefully, I will get the swing of using the old equipment at work so that I can continue to make progress. Some of the male students are more than happy to interpret the machine use.

As I hit the snooze button @ 4:55 a.m. and thought, "ah just sleep in", I awaken shortly after thinking of Kai Greene’s success story–congrats. His words to me, "be encouraged" and "you can do it" flowed through my mind and provided the much needed inspiration to get up for a 6 a.m. cardio session. I decided a.m. cardio is the best for fat burning and suits my schedule (even though it’s a great sacrafice to get up, like many of you).  This afternoon I did shoulders and quads. I have changed to a 4 day workout routine that hits legs  and shoulders twice weekly. I will do arms with chest and back.

My diet hasn’t changed drastically, but I have to stop the extra after dinner carbs (i.e. cereal or peanut butter).

It’s hard to believe that I am dieting once again, but I am feigning for a leaner body–my pants are starting to get tight around the thighs (LOL). Looking forward to seeing a "better me".

I am pleased with my overall progress, but most of us who are not Greek gods or goddess have areas that just won’t budge. For me it’s the delts. I want rounded shoulders, and have achieved a bit of progress in the deltoid region, but they just don’t seem to want to raise up. These next few months as I prepare for the next figure competition, I am going to have to hammer the front and rear delts until I achieve the desired results. Genetically, I may be at a disadvantage, but let’s just call it another of one of the transformation challenges. 

It’s funny that I finally understand why those who seem to have "perfect bodies", critique themselves; it’s because you can always build a better you. I am looking forward to the up and coming months as I diet. I can’t wait to see the changes,,,,

Send me your delt tips…you know I train hard:)

Last week I forgot that I was 46 years old–thought I was 26. I did my leg routine and and ran (jogged) on the treadmill. I haven’t attempted to jog in over a year, but felt strong that day and decided to give it a try to see if I still "had it". I walked for 5 min., then jogged for 5 minutes. I wasn’t winded so I cranked it up to 6.1 and ran for another 5 minutes, then walked for 3 minutes and tried running again. I felt great, broke out in a sweat, and the endorphins kicked in so I kept going for another 5 minutes. I didn’t want to "push it" so I stopped after 20 minutes. I walked a mile home and relaxed a few minutes before picking up my son. When I attempted to walk down the stairs I felt a tear slide out of the corner of my eye b/c my knee hurt me sooooooooo bad I could barely make it down the steps. I hopped down 4 flights of stairs and kept going. I tried stretching, bending, elevating, icing–still pain. I walked to the gym the next day–still in pain. Did back and decided not to try deadlifts.

What a fool–I was showing off. I’m better now, but it was quite a scare.

Will I ever learn to "act my age" (LOL)?

You know the saying, "sometimes less is more"….? Well, this new routine has me sweating and I usually don’t sweat no matter how hard I work. I did legs mid week last week: leg curls (100, 110 @ 120lbs) 3 sets of 10; leg press (290lbs) feet 12" apart–really hit the quads; deep squats w/ barbell, narrow stance (low weight); & good mornings (low weight)–new exercise for me; along with 20 min. stair master level 6 & 10. I was sore from Wed. to Sat. Fri. I did back: assisted chin ups, still @ 80lbs assist; reverse pull downs (70/80/90 lbs) 3 sets 8 - 12; seated cable rows (80/90/100 lbs) 3 sets 8 - 12; deadlifts (low weight–25lbs plates)–new exercise for me; standing barbell curls, reverse curls; and 20 min. stair master level 6 & 10. Today was chest and upper back; incline barbell press (low weight), dumbell press (20 lbs dumbbells); barbell upright rows to shoulders (no weight); upright rows to chin 35#s; skull crushers 35#’s & standing calve raises (120 lbs).

Still trying my best to chuck down extra protein, but have to make a conscious effort. I will begin cutting next month–12 weeks out, which should give me adequate time to firm up and lose 2" of hips. If anyone has a favorite cutting diet, please share.

My son who just turned 8 yesterday asked me this morning, "Mommy, why do you have to be so strong?" I think I was preparing my food for the day or something. My response was, "I like looking strong and fit, it makes me feel good". He seemed to be okay with that, I guess I need to probe a little more to find out why he asked that question. 

Question of the week: Why do you want to look & be so strong?