Maey825’s BodyBlog

This won’t be the first time where I’ve said that correcting my eating habits would be much more of a challenge than working out hard. Well lately I’ve been eating extremely clean that it’s almost scary lol. My grocery list would make any health nut proud. And I’m almost surprised at how disciplined I have been. I even turned down a vegetarian pizza today… it was a stuffed crust pizza :/ Now how would I benefit from that?! I’ve developed an aversion to fried, greasy and just plain ol’ non-beneficial foods. Of course I have a few cheat day every now and then to shock my body, but I definitely balance it out with all the chicken and tuna I’ve been eating. And I think I’ve become addicted to cottage cheese… if that’s even possible haha. Oh, and one of my favorites is oatmeal with a little bit of honey and loads of fresh fruit *mmm*
My motivation are the results I’m seeing… which reminds me, I need to post some update pics soon.

So I have an 80GB iPod with atleast 6,000 songs on it– needless to say I actually only listen to a few hundred that I play repeatedly on playlists. Just recently I downsized and started using my 8GB iPod just bc it’s less bulky than my other one. Well I downloaded new songs and carefully selected some songs that I thought would be appropriate for working out. Who would’ve thought that I’d be so pumped just with a different playlist!loL! I found myself pushing out more reps just because I was so into the songs. My two favorite songs that really get me going are: Amazing by Kanye West and Gasolina by Daddy Yankee. I know they aren’t really the newest and latest songs but they get the job done by making me feel fierce and they get my adrenaline going haha! Just wondering– what songs get YOU going in the gym??

I am typically the focused person in the gym who works out alone and looks very concentrated and a borderline *itch. But there are times when I join these 2 other guys in their workout routine if they happen to be there when I am. And when we workout together– watch out! I don’t even need to have my earphones in because we have so much fun joking around BUT I still get to pump out more reps with them pushing me. I am a relatively small girl and the guys I occassionally workout with are big and ripped! Of course I can’t lift as much as them but they definitely keep me on my toes and I feel like I have to keep up them as much as my body will physically allow me to. I wish I had a consistent workout partner but it’s difficult to find one according to my work schedule. But I definitely can’t underestimate a good workout partner. Before I thought one would distract me but in actuality I feel more focused. If I had to write out a description of what I’d want in a workout partner it might say: "Seeking a workout partner (male or female) who can keep up with my energy and challenge me to exceed the minimum/average at every workout session. They must also lead by example– someone with a CONTAGIOUS p a s s i o n for health and fitness"

I’ve decided to cut down on how much cardio I do. I was doing 20-25 minutes of medium to high intensity cardio before my workouts just because I was concerned with cutting my body fat percentage, maintaining a good runtime for my AF annual PT test, and not to mention I like starting my workouts sweaty. But now I will just do 2 or 3 days high intensity cardio sessions for the week and maybe a low intensity 10 minute warm up before my workouts. I figure that weight training will burn enough body fat that I don’t have to counteract my muscle gain efforts with excessive cardio.

I work at the base fitness center. I show new comers around the fitness center, coordinate events and teach classes. You would think I would be super familiar with all the equipment but only recently have I figured out some machines and actually used them. When I first started working out hard, I was more comfortable working in one of the smaller rooms with the basic selectorized machines; There was more privacy and I felt less intimidated. But I realized I need to use free weights and other machines that were in the main part of the fitness center. So since I have the advantage of working out after hours when the fitness center is empty, I started to dabble with machines I’ve never used but have seen others on. And now that I’ve become more open minded with them, I’ve been able to target more muscles and even use heavier weights. So now that I have little to no limitations with working out, I can go full force with my workouts

I NEED HELP AND SUGGESTIONS
I’ve heard that bodybuilders put alot less emphasis on cardio in their routine. Since I’m in the military, that is not an option because cardio is an element that we must pass for our annual physical fitness test. And besides, the heart is a muscle that can’t be neglected, and I want to be leaner and burn fat as well as  build muscle through weight training.
Well I believe I’ve been doing well in being consistent with working out my abs through various types of exercise. But they are still hiding under a layer of fat. I know that there is no such thing as "upper/lower" abs, but the upper part of the muscle is showing more than the lower part; I’m young and want to avoid getting a "pooch." Like I said, my upper abs are showing and I’m even starting to get cuts in my obliques But what exercises or things should I do so my "lower" abs pop?!

I’ve said many times before, I have no problem sticking to my workout plans but I find it more challenging for me to eat a lot and gain weight. Now I am making more effort to eat constantly and eat foods that will benefit my body and my weight gain efforts. I need to force myself to stick to high protein foods as well as be more consistent in taking my protein supplements. Not only do I want to gain 10 lbs, but I also would like to decrease my body fat percentage as well. I know I’m building muscles so I don’t want a layer of fat to hide them or make the muscles I develop look "blurry." I’d really appreciate any suggestions on foods I should be eating or foods I should really avoid. Thanks in advance

I just started creatine and am in the "loading stage" right now. As directed, I woke up this morning and mixed 2 scoops with water. It tasted a little bit salty, but the grape flavor was very tolerable and not too bad. I understand that as I take creatine, major hydration is key, but I still felt pretty dehydrated and even a little dizzy. I’m going to stick to creatine and just continue to hydrate and see if it helps me see the results I’m looking for.

Today I bought Muscle Tech Cell-Tech Hardcore grape flavored creatine as well as Soft gel cap Omega-3 pills. I’ve been consistent with taking my regular protein mixes and daily-multi vitamin, but I wanted to include creatine and omega-3 pills to my daily supplements to boost my workouts as well as maintain my health. I’ve never taken creatine before so I’m anxious to see how my body responds.

Ok so I’ve definitely been hitting the gym hard and my appetite and food intake has increased considerably. HOWEVER I think I’ve lost 3 lbs instead of gained weight like I wanted!!! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! >_< Well I was speaking with one of my supervisors and she told me to stop getting on the scale so much and start being more concerned with changes in the measuring tape. She’s so right because with my workout and food intake increase my metabolism is naturally speeding up even more.

I’m looking into seeing a personal trainer once a week. I believe as a fitness specialist and self proclaimed gym nut, I know alot, but because I want to continue to progress I’m going to swallow my pride and allow someone more certified to show me things I don’t know. I don’t have workout partner/spotter so it should be nice to have someone there with me to motivate and push me.
I’ve noticed that with my consistent exercise routine I’m experiencing much more consistent and restful sleep. I wake up super energized and feel like an energizer bunny all day!! I was always hyper but now I feel like I’m on a natural high allll day! ^_^