newlyfe’s BodyBlog

Just took some new measurements.  2 areas that did not need to go up a little did not not surprised, waist and hips.  It’s slight but it’s there.  What is going up is my back width.  I want to bring a bigger back next year and more defined arms so that is a welcome increase.  Hitting the back again today in the gym.

I did only 3 leg exercises this week because it was on a day before work.  I was wise in my choice because I am still feeling the pain from 3 days ago.  Here they are…..

Step ups on the bench with dumbbells

Plia squats with a dumbbell (touch the floor)

Good Mornings with the barbell (Glutes)

I did 65 minute cardio and these exercises and my quads have been crying since.   Oh stop you whining…….

In a pinch, try not to skip the workout but do the exercises that will have the biggest impact.     

Peace. 

Been on vacation for the past 3 weeks.  I’m rested, up 7 pounds (not worried bout that cause I have been working out), got my bag packed for the morning workout at the job.  I know some co-workers will want to join me before they go home.  Got one of my trophies packed for the office. Of course, I got good healthy meals and shakes packed.  I do very well on the eatting at work.  I’ll only eat what I take with me.

I spoiled myself during vacation and ate a little of what ever I wanted. But I made smart exchanges on some foods.  Can’t break the good habits.  I’ll work a new workout schedule and armed with the little knowledge I have with competing, I can gauge my training, eatting, financing before the next competition.

I work best if I have a goal at the end.  Some, I’m sure, can say they just want to look and feel better and I do too.  But if I give myself an end goal and new ones each time, I am working with that goal in mind and I stay on task.

I feel like I am starting over.  But of course, I am starting at a much light weight.  Soooo, I hope I am able to lose more, develop my back and arms, improve my posing.  The goal is to always present better.  

No working out or cardio today.  First day like that in a while. I’m just chillin before work. Peace

Fruit juice of any kind

White potatoes

Whte rice

Potato chips

Donuts

White pasta

Deep Fried anything

White bread

corn

Regular ground beef

Ice cream (excludes frozen yogart)

Milk (all) (I do talk calcium supplements)

Coffee (I have to have creamer so better none at all)

I’m sure there is more but there are things I eat far less of but won’t commit to none at all so I didn’t list them.  That first one was hard, cause I like grapefruit juice.  Don’t need that sugar. OH, add regular sugar to the list.  I will even bake with Splenda.

Back and bis today. Workout is good when you leave with your hands shaking. Love it.     

Back to the grind, 65 minute cardio, several meals of chicken and brown rice cooking, supplement inventory done.  Directions for the Southeastern USA in Orlando printed for my son and I to enjoy a competition and to see Dexter Jackson for the first time in person.  It’s a lifestyle. Will work to improve and remain consistant.  The commitment is there.

Believe it or not, fitness modeling is a goal of a lot of women in this lifestyle but not mine. As a teen, I was a fashion design student, and fashion has always been a passion.  I actually would like to do do local runway for older women.  I might be considered full figure even at a size 8.  I think the walking, stage presence, makeup, will help with competition presentation as well.  They would go hand in hand.

It is not my desire to move into bodybuilding, I like the slimmer look of figure.

My first goal is to train for a photo shoot at the end of this year and start a portfolio.  I can determine then if this is really something I want to do on the regular.

Peace.         

It’s official. I can now say I am a figure competitor having competed in a show.

The All Forces Championship for me was by far the best experience. The competitors were in top shape, men and women. The stage was set beautifully. Everyone……EVERYONE was super nice and helpful and friendly and I had a blast.

Got there early.  Thank God for a co-worker and dear friend who drove me, taking that task from me.  My sister got up early and helped with the shadow and lashes.  It was a great bonding time as her and my mom came down from North Carolina for the weekend.  Got to the venue and was nervous but just watched people as they ate and greeted each other.  

I had a scarf on my head but full makeup.  I know they thought why is this chick in a scarf so close to show time. Method to the madness. First meeting over and we went back to get ready.  Making-a-Change warned the change room could be small. It was. But we were instantly sisters.  Some commented they thought it was because we were all military.  Its natural that we bond as we did then with each new assignment. I agree. Each helped the other each complimented each other. I learned they’re journeys.

I was somehow left off the over 40 list.  My trainer’s wife noticed and sent me out in time to fix the problem as the over 40’s were first.  I coralled the girls into that tiny top and stepped out on stage. I was nervous but I ran through my poses.  We were taken through the turns and exited stage right to wait for the Open Tall.  Back out and went through turns again, less nervous but still thinking "do this and that."

"You’re done ladies, be back at 6."  We went home and I was scared to eat.  I had chicken and brown rice and a sip of water. I took off my suit and checked it for bronzer, Good and all stones were there. I lightened my bag.  My son made flyers for the after party. And then every one left the house.  I retwisted my hair and stole a nap on the couch til 4. Then started all over again.  I pumped my shoulders and fixed my makeup.

I then got a call from my nephew who was an hour away and on his way to Tampa.  I have not seen him in 7 years and He is stationed at Fort Bragg.  My family waited for him and his friends to bring him to the show.  How perfect I was representing my Army service and he was attending.   

This time the show started with us coming out to our military branch song, a moment of silence for fallen soldiers.  My granddaughter yelled from the audiance, "That my Grandma." Then the show begins.

It was easier this time to go out because I knew what to do.  Awards given masters, I won 3rd place Master Over 40. And we waited for the open.  I won 4th place C-Class Tall. 

Once done, I gulped down 2 cups of water and put on my sweat suit and headed for the audience.

A tribute was payed to my trainer who was competed for the first time since he took ill earlier this year.  I put this out in a previous blog but not the severity.  My trainer died and was brought back after 19 minutes. He did a beautiful routine last night, sending his praises to God.

My Mom saw her first competition and was smiling from ear to ear at the gorgeous young men in the tiny suits.  We ended the evening at home with a house full of family friends and love. I had my cheesecake when the house quiet down, every room slept family visiting to include my nephew and his soldier friends. 

I am blessed.                  
      

Wow.  The roller coaster I am on.  I am sitting her tanned, nails done.  Watching the family eat endless amounts of good food…..I made 2 cheese cakes earlier and bought the rest.  Just too much cooking at this point.  I cooked Wed and Thurs for family…did not eat any of it.  My son said just one bite won’t kill me.  I said give it to the girl next to me on stage.  I can not afford that.

The tanning session was not for the modest. I was all bare, standing spread for every nook to get sprayed.  It is a great bronze color.

I registered tonight. I added the Open Tall.  I was hesitant but I did it.  The final touch will be my hair tonight and makeup in the morning and I’m rollin.  A good friend is driving me to the prejudging, Thank God. I need that moment not to worry about the drive.

I’m excited and nervous and what ever else, it will all be on stage at 10 AM.

Good luck to all that compete tomorrow.

Peace.   

I went to Hurricane / Typhone Bay last night.  Imma plug Tim Gardner.  He does put on a great show.  I got a chance sit next to a young lady that came alone as well.  She competed in Lakeland, which I did see.  But this was her first show she watched.  She competed without ever seeing a show.  Even she was learning for the first time. I have lost track of the amount of shows I’ve seen.  It’s school to me.  It was fun chatting with her and talking about the competitors and guest posers.  It was motivation.

I don’t know anyone personally other then my trainer and his wife that compete.  They are both competing next week.  I know they are going to be concentrating on their own business for the day but it’s cool to have someone I know.  As I go to shows, I am seeing the same people and should start talking to more.  To my surprise, I ran into a co-worker I had not seen in a while.   Our careers go back 20 years, but he said had I not approached him, he would not have recognized me.  On top of the slim, I had a really good hair night.

Any who…….The ladies were beautiful.  Inspiration, I needed it.  Came home and watched the Olympia Prejudging again.  More motivation.  I’m headed to the gym for an hour cardio.

OH OH…..I did take a moment to introduce myself to Roger Puffer who is putting on the All Forces competition Saturday.  I mailed off my registration yesterday.  Can’t back out now.  What ever I got will be on that stage. ;0)….for all to see……am I sure about this? 

Peace.     

I don’t know why I’m winding down and it should be up.  I have a large bowl of oatmeal in front of me (just drank a protein shake) preparing for a upper body workout at the gym.  Going to check out NPC Hurricane Bay tonight.  Last show to see before next weekend.  I just mailed out my registration form and got tickets for the family.

My flaws are shining.  I know I am not bringing the best abs.  As you see in the progress photos, my large weight loss has left a wavy affect.  I do have a slim waist.  But I know I did not work the abs like I should or could have.  I hope the upper body is enough to over shadow everything else.     

I did start to put stones on my suit.  So glad I tested the stones first on something else. The backing of one stone product broke down when glue was applied.  You can see bubbles through the stone.  I tryed another stone product and it did well but of course I did not have enough.  Got the straps on the top done and so far looks good. Used tweezers to dip and apply. Slow process but I got on a roll. Good thing Dexter was on TV.

So much going on this week, with family coming and competition and workouts and planning…..I guess I am feeling overwhelmed.  I am so looking forward to next Sunday.     

Good luck to everyone competing today where ever you are in the country.

Peace.     

About to head out for cardio one this morning.  I’ll do legs and cardio two this evening.

I scheduled the spray tan yesterday for next week.  Very cool. She sprayed my arm so I could see a little of what I was in for and we talked about care and so forth.  I’ll be sprayed and dry just before I go to the hotel to register for the show.

I picked up my earrings yesterday also…the last piece to my outfit.  Once I put the jewels onto my suit, I’ll officially have everything I need to wear on stage…down to the lashes ;0).  I even bought an inexpensive cover sweat suit that I am going to jazz up too. When I’m not working out, I’m jazzing something up…..or eating…or drinking water.

Great shoulder workout yesterday. They were pumped up. One of my biggest worries was because of my height and weight I would appear large next to shorter women.  I stood next to my trainer’s wife yesterday, who competes and is stunning, and shes about 5′2".  I was obviously taller but I was proportioned and did not look awkwardly large at all. We ran the turns together.  I am so greatful. Practice, practice.  Besides that, the confidence and smile is all head and heart so I gotta bring it. Presentation…

Planning a cheesecake reception afterwards for family and friends.  And Sunday night, after everyone is gone and the house is quiet, I plan to sit down with my favorite dish, Tuna cassarole (with wheat pasta of course) garlic bread and a side salad, "Amazing Race" and then Monday, I am going back to the gym.  I want tighter legs and bigger arms and I am going to start working on that.  Thinking ahead for next year. 

Peace.