My sups came yesterday and I am up and ready to go.
Made my shake with water this time. Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein, ON BCAA, ON Glutamine and a scoop of oats. The worst thing I have ever tasted!!
Yeah, will use coconut milk next time.
Today is my favorite day. Shoulders and Tris. I like this day because I can see results immediately during and after the workout. By far, my two favorite body parts to work out.
Will write back after my session so that I have a log of my progress.
Until then! :-)
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
NO MORE EXCUSES!
Well, I have been a little out of sync as of late. Yeah, can't use moving as an excuse anymore can I?
The motivation is still there, it's just making the time.
I ordered more supplements today and can't wait to get back to my serious training.
I had run out of BCAA and Glutamine some time ago and was just relying on Whey Protein. Been increasingly sore so that has been a big part of my lackluster workouts. Also, the diet as been wonky and led to some cheating and late night snack attacks.
My arsenal now will include, Whey Protein, Arginine, BCAA, Glutamine and Casein. I was at my most fit when I was taking these so not gonna mess it up.
Thank gosh my size is still good, there is just a little extra layer to get rid of :-)
Looking forward to my nightly Casein shakes to ward off the hunger pangs and cheating!
Don't have a set Competition yet. They are every month next year so I will def do a few. Just not sure which.
Will post in the next few days with my workouts. Going back to training Shoulders and Tris on the same day. Looking back at my past workout logs my best gains came from doing those together. Everything else will pretty much stay the same.
Well, going to plan out the week of workouts and track that order!! I'm so impatient!
:-)
The motivation is still there, it's just making the time.
I ordered more supplements today and can't wait to get back to my serious training.
I had run out of BCAA and Glutamine some time ago and was just relying on Whey Protein. Been increasingly sore so that has been a big part of my lackluster workouts. Also, the diet as been wonky and led to some cheating and late night snack attacks.
My arsenal now will include, Whey Protein, Arginine, BCAA, Glutamine and Casein. I was at my most fit when I was taking these so not gonna mess it up.
Thank gosh my size is still good, there is just a little extra layer to get rid of :-)
Looking forward to my nightly Casein shakes to ward off the hunger pangs and cheating!
Don't have a set Competition yet. They are every month next year so I will def do a few. Just not sure which.
Will post in the next few days with my workouts. Going back to training Shoulders and Tris on the same day. Looking back at my past workout logs my best gains came from doing those together. Everything else will pretty much stay the same.
Well, going to plan out the week of workouts and track that order!! I'm so impatient!
:-)
Friday, October 26, 2012
WELL HELLO STRANGER!
I have missed this!
Moved to LA about 2+ weeks ago and before that was planning and packing. Yep, I missed a good 15 days of working out! Well, I didn't beat myself up too bad about it. It was a hard move but well worth it! Besides, the gym here is far better. I lost weight as well. Kind of like having a lean out without realizing it! So, here I am, gaining the weight back and getting back on track!
Will write when I have something interesting to share!
I still love that only a few people know about this blog! So sneaky :-)
Monday, August 27, 2012
A SHORT BREAK
My body has seen the gym for the better part of a year. I have lost the weight I needed to lose and have been in a constant struggle to gain. Muscle, that is. I take pictures when I feel I have made great strides in my body, only to see that I'm still dissatisfied. We are our own worst critic, eh?!
I DID decide a few weeks ago NOT to do the November comp and shoot for February. I know, I know!! We are moving at the same time as the November comp and it will just make me manic trying to diet down and trying to fit in all the prep work and dedication I need for peak week. THAT'S the week before comp where you manipulate your carb, water and salt intake AND paint your tan on, practice posing in your 4 inch stillettos, all to be the best you can be and HOPEFULLY place in this contest you've put your heart, soul and sweat into! Whew!!
So, I started feeling a little bleh. No competition and tired of beating myself up EVERYTIME I see progress pics!! I took a much needed break last week. I needed it. Four days!! Four days of no gym, no muscle building articles, and laid off the supplements. Felt like I needed to clear my head.
What did I learn? My diet is pulling me back. I'm just not bringing in enough calories to compensate for the heavy lifting. I am a constant grazer. I eat clean but find it hard to get 6 - 7 meals in a day. Think I might need to start calorie counting again!
The four day break was much needed but it sure is hard to get back into it! At least for me. Last week after my break, I worked out a total of three days! That's not much compared to the five and six day workouts my body is used to. I did an upper body circuit and two lower body circuits. That's it!
When I woke up this morning I felt anew! Just because my NEW competition date has been pushed
back it doesn't mean that I can waiver or take it easy. Am SO excited to get back into it with a new
plan. JUST EAT!! Hahahahaha
February 9th is the NEW date and I WILL NOT miss this one!! Most of the comps next year are just down the street from where we will be living. Easy! No excuses!!
Am also going to make a better effort to post more. Maybe, I shall share with more people?? Yeah, still toying with that idea :-)
Out for now
I DID decide a few weeks ago NOT to do the November comp and shoot for February. I know, I know!! We are moving at the same time as the November comp and it will just make me manic trying to diet down and trying to fit in all the prep work and dedication I need for peak week. THAT'S the week before comp where you manipulate your carb, water and salt intake AND paint your tan on, practice posing in your 4 inch stillettos, all to be the best you can be and HOPEFULLY place in this contest you've put your heart, soul and sweat into! Whew!!
So, I started feeling a little bleh. No competition and tired of beating myself up EVERYTIME I see progress pics!! I took a much needed break last week. I needed it. Four days!! Four days of no gym, no muscle building articles, and laid off the supplements. Felt like I needed to clear my head.
What did I learn? My diet is pulling me back. I'm just not bringing in enough calories to compensate for the heavy lifting. I am a constant grazer. I eat clean but find it hard to get 6 - 7 meals in a day. Think I might need to start calorie counting again!
The four day break was much needed but it sure is hard to get back into it! At least for me. Last week after my break, I worked out a total of three days! That's not much compared to the five and six day workouts my body is used to. I did an upper body circuit and two lower body circuits. That's it!
When I woke up this morning I felt anew! Just because my NEW competition date has been pushed
back it doesn't mean that I can waiver or take it easy. Am SO excited to get back into it with a new
plan. JUST EAT!! Hahahahaha
February 9th is the NEW date and I WILL NOT miss this one!! Most of the comps next year are just down the street from where we will be living. Easy! No excuses!!
Am also going to make a better effort to post more. Maybe, I shall share with more people?? Yeah, still toying with that idea :-)
Out for now
Sunday, August 12, 2012
TO CHEAT OR NOT TO CHEAT . . .
Today we went to the beach. One of the caveats of living in Orange County, CA. Thankful that there is Huntington Dog Beach. You should see it if you haven't. Doggie heaven!! Today was beautiful!! Our pup Belle had such an amazing time swimming after her toy after it had been hurled into the ocean. She also enjoyed being herded by a very friendly border collie. Dogs everywhere!
Anyway, I got to sunbathe, build a sand castle ( if you can call it that!) with my daughter and read my Oxygen magazine. Yeah, I was reading about clean eating and various new exercises. My tummy started to rumble. Thankfully, I brought along some water, almonds, bananas and raisins. Then hubby comes along and asks if we should go find somewhere to eat. All of a sudden clean eating went out the window!! Found myself an hour later engulfing a veggie wrap and caesar salad and Ihubs had a nice healthy salad. Clean eating?? Not so much. While it tasted great, the amount of oil dripping from the wrap was my fat percentage for the week.
Cheat meals are allowed, I remind myself. I was just expecting this one to be healthy and got super fooled. Ah, well. They are ok because the rest of the time, you are treating yourself to all the abundance of healthy choices you have made for yourself. Or SHOULD be. :-)
Cheat meals keep you on track. They give you something to look forward to. A pay off, so to speak. Mind you, I said cheat MEALS and not cheat DAY! That second one can throw you off course unless you have will power. I say, have one to two cheat meals a week. On different days. The next day, you should be thinking of doing heavy lifting on a large body part. Or a lagging one that you need to train heavy to build up. The extra calories from that yummy meal will actually be put to good use. Well, at least, it's working for me.
My cheat meal is usually on a Sunday. Monday, I train my Back and I go pretty heavy. It is a lagging part, so I put it first in the week when I am fresh.
Well, better git! Gotta plan the attack on my Back for tomorrow morning.
Out :-)
Anyway, I got to sunbathe, build a sand castle ( if you can call it that!) with my daughter and read my Oxygen magazine. Yeah, I was reading about clean eating and various new exercises. My tummy started to rumble. Thankfully, I brought along some water, almonds, bananas and raisins. Then hubby comes along and asks if we should go find somewhere to eat. All of a sudden clean eating went out the window!! Found myself an hour later engulfing a veggie wrap and caesar salad and Ihubs had a nice healthy salad. Clean eating?? Not so much. While it tasted great, the amount of oil dripping from the wrap was my fat percentage for the week.
Cheat meals are allowed, I remind myself. I was just expecting this one to be healthy and got super fooled. Ah, well. They are ok because the rest of the time, you are treating yourself to all the abundance of healthy choices you have made for yourself. Or SHOULD be. :-)
Cheat meals keep you on track. They give you something to look forward to. A pay off, so to speak. Mind you, I said cheat MEALS and not cheat DAY! That second one can throw you off course unless you have will power. I say, have one to two cheat meals a week. On different days. The next day, you should be thinking of doing heavy lifting on a large body part. Or a lagging one that you need to train heavy to build up. The extra calories from that yummy meal will actually be put to good use. Well, at least, it's working for me.
My cheat meal is usually on a Sunday. Monday, I train my Back and I go pretty heavy. It is a lagging part, so I put it first in the week when I am fresh.
Well, better git! Gotta plan the attack on my Back for tomorrow morning.
Out :-)
Need a proof reader :-/
Ummm, that last post was SUPPOSED to be about my awesome shoulder and TRI workout. Ah well.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
LA DE DA
Well, I didn't quite know what the title of this post should be. It has been over a month since my last post. Ah well. Still gearing up for November 3rd. Aiming for an 8 week lean out as I am pretty lean as it is. Will give me some added time to gain gain and gain some more.
Think I broke my toe. Whahhhhhhh! It hasn't really stopped me, but, I can't work my calves and I def need to work on those. Hopefully it will heal soon. Been a week and still is painful. Think it takes 6 weeks. Yuck!!
My workouts are getting a little tougher as I am nearing lean out. I added a new supplement. An NO2 pre-workout booster called JUGGERNAUT by Infinite Labs. I went on the reviews on this one. It is purported to give you better pumps and alertness. As I am lifting heavier than ever, I need the boost. My first dose was a full dose. That's what they recommend. Oh no. I will take half from now on. While I was able to push out more reps, I also felt like I was going to blackout a few times. Now, I have found a happy balance with half and then maybe slowly adding more as my body gets used to it.
Today I had the best Shoulder and Bi workout.
Here goes:
Incline bench lateral raise - 3x8
Pulley machine upright rows w/rope - 3x8
Alternating front raise - 3x8
military presses - 3x8
cross body one arm press down - 3x8
rope overhead triceps extension - 3x8
one arm reverse grip press down - 3x8
Was going to do kickbacks and rope press downs but my arms were so tight I reminded myself this was a Shoulder day and to not get carried away.
My main focus was my shoulders as I am really trying to beef those up but my tris were stinging!
All in all a great set of exercises to really blast those two muscle groups.
Off to figure out a plan for my back tomorrow. Usually consists of a lot of chins and rows!
Later!! :-)
Think I broke my toe. Whahhhhhhh! It hasn't really stopped me, but, I can't work my calves and I def need to work on those. Hopefully it will heal soon. Been a week and still is painful. Think it takes 6 weeks. Yuck!!
My workouts are getting a little tougher as I am nearing lean out. I added a new supplement. An NO2 pre-workout booster called JUGGERNAUT by Infinite Labs. I went on the reviews on this one. It is purported to give you better pumps and alertness. As I am lifting heavier than ever, I need the boost. My first dose was a full dose. That's what they recommend. Oh no. I will take half from now on. While I was able to push out more reps, I also felt like I was going to blackout a few times. Now, I have found a happy balance with half and then maybe slowly adding more as my body gets used to it.
Today I had the best Shoulder and Bi workout.
Here goes:
Incline bench lateral raise - 3x8
Pulley machine upright rows w/rope - 3x8
Alternating front raise - 3x8
military presses - 3x8
cross body one arm press down - 3x8
rope overhead triceps extension - 3x8
one arm reverse grip press down - 3x8
Was going to do kickbacks and rope press downs but my arms were so tight I reminded myself this was a Shoulder day and to not get carried away.
My main focus was my shoulders as I am really trying to beef those up but my tris were stinging!
All in all a great set of exercises to really blast those two muscle groups.
Off to figure out a plan for my back tomorrow. Usually consists of a lot of chins and rows!
Later!! :-)
Friday, June 15, 2012
PROGRESS PICS!!
I know!! Finally!! I decided to take a few to really document my transformation. I feel like I have come a looooong way from my very first photo shoot.
What I am trying to do now is build, build, build! Still need a ton of work on my back side. Nope, not gonna post THOSE pics!! ;-( Just know that I still have bootay!! Working on that.
Everything for me is trial and error. I am my own guinea pig. Still changing around the supplements until I feel a perfect fit. I have long been a Gaspari Myofusion girl and decided to try something new as far as Whey Protein goes. I am on my 2nd tub of Dymatize Elite Mass High Protein Muscle Gainer. Yeah, love it. Double Chocolate, of course. Also added Optimum Nutrition Beta-Alanine and Muscle Pharm CLA. Yeah, the CLA will hopefully breakdown my bootay. A nice ephedra free fat burner. Still taking ON Creatine and Scivation Extend (grape escape) for my BCAA, Leucine and Glutamine. Been my "go to" for fast recovery so I can lift heavy.
All and all, I feel happy with the ongoing results. Still, it's hard somedays to stay motivated when the contest I'm gearing up for is so far away! November 3rd?? But, I keep telling myself, that everyday counts. Everyday I push myself, is one more day for those muscle fibers to grow!! Whenever I am pushing out my last set of leg extensions and I think I can't do another rep, I picture my body, the end result, on that stage. That's enough to see me through and give me the confidence to do it!
Every once in a while, I don't get my 6 meals in and BOY does my body hate me for it!
Note to self:
Please eat 6-7 meals a day!!! Ummm pretty clean, please!
Case in point - I was supposed to do Legs today but just couldn't get motivated. AAAARRRGGGHHHH!!! My diet was wonky today!
Not gonna beat myself up. Somedays you just need to take a break. Tomorrows workout will ROCK!! :-)
I think the key, at least for me is, when you wake up, drink a protein shake and have an apple. My body has been fasting all night and I have to tell myself that those hunger pangs are my body eating away at that hard earned muscle! FEED IT!!! Doing that, you are sure to get in the right amount of meals and nutrition throughout the day. It revs up the metabolism as well. Bonus.
Going to go now and make sure I have my Leg day mapped out for tomorrow.
Nighty night :-)
Monday, May 28, 2012
ADDING AN EXTRA DAY OFF = :-)
Last week, I started my week as I always do. Working my largest muscle group on Monday after my Sunday off. Tuesday is Shoulders and Abs. I look forward to that day because I have seen some real growth in that area AND I like to train Shoulders!
This was my workout:
Side DB Lateral Raise 2x12
Front DB Raise with one 12 pd. DB 2x12
Seated DB Military Press 3x10
Reverse Flies 2x12
Upright Rows 2x12 DB
Lying Rear Delt Row 2x12
Arnold Press 1 burnout set
Hanging Leg raises
Rope Pulldowns
Incline Reverse Crunch
This was a new workout and left me completely sore, even with all the BCAA and Glutamine I take! Well, I just decided to take Wednesdays off for a while. My body was telling me that I need the extra break. Actually, the days off from the gym are when the growth happens anyway. It's all about recuperation and giving your muscles the time to rest and figure out what you just did to them. Bam! New growth!!
I have been training Shoulders, Back and Legs twice a week. Now, because of the extra day off that leaves my 2nd Shoulder and Back day in the air. Hmmmmmm, think I'll change it up this way:
Monday - Quads, Calves, Back (heavy) *Back = exercises for width
Tuesday - Shoulders, Abs (heavy)
Wednesday - OFF
Thursday - Back (heavy), Bis (moderate), Abs *Back = thickness
Friday - Hams, Glutes, Calves (heavy)
Saturday - Chest, Tris, Shoulders, Abs(moderate)
Sunday - OFF
Well, OK! That sounds pretty good and the breakdown will probably work better. For Legs, I can concentrate one day solely on the Glute/Ham tie in. For Back, I will have one day dedicated on getting that nice width. Saturday looks pretty crowded, huh?! I could do some super sets to shorten my time a bit and fit everything in. Also I can do Abs on my rest breaks from other muscle groups. Example: complete 1 set of Tri push downs then go over to a bench for a set of V ups. Nice :-)
Well. I am in my bulking phase. Counting calories is hard. Well, a bit tedious. Have to admit that I've missed a few days but for the most part I am on track. It's the carbs I need to watch. I need more carbs than I need protein at this point. It will switch when I go into my Lean Out as the ratio of protein will be higher.
I feel good at this point and am toying with the idea of taking a picture while I am in the beginning of my bulking phase.
Yep, think I'll get the hubs to whip out the camera tomorrow!!
See you mañana!!! :-)
This was my workout:
Side DB Lateral Raise 2x12
Front DB Raise with one 12 pd. DB 2x12
Seated DB Military Press 3x10
Reverse Flies 2x12
Upright Rows 2x12 DB
Lying Rear Delt Row 2x12
Arnold Press 1 burnout set
Hanging Leg raises
Rope Pulldowns
Incline Reverse Crunch
This was a new workout and left me completely sore, even with all the BCAA and Glutamine I take! Well, I just decided to take Wednesdays off for a while. My body was telling me that I need the extra break. Actually, the days off from the gym are when the growth happens anyway. It's all about recuperation and giving your muscles the time to rest and figure out what you just did to them. Bam! New growth!!
I have been training Shoulders, Back and Legs twice a week. Now, because of the extra day off that leaves my 2nd Shoulder and Back day in the air. Hmmmmmm, think I'll change it up this way:
Monday - Quads, Calves, Back (heavy) *Back = exercises for width
Tuesday - Shoulders, Abs (heavy)
Wednesday - OFF
Thursday - Back (heavy), Bis (moderate), Abs *Back = thickness
Friday - Hams, Glutes, Calves (heavy)
Saturday - Chest, Tris, Shoulders, Abs(moderate)
Sunday - OFF
Well, OK! That sounds pretty good and the breakdown will probably work better. For Legs, I can concentrate one day solely on the Glute/Ham tie in. For Back, I will have one day dedicated on getting that nice width. Saturday looks pretty crowded, huh?! I could do some super sets to shorten my time a bit and fit everything in. Also I can do Abs on my rest breaks from other muscle groups. Example: complete 1 set of Tri push downs then go over to a bench for a set of V ups. Nice :-)
Well. I am in my bulking phase. Counting calories is hard. Well, a bit tedious. Have to admit that I've missed a few days but for the most part I am on track. It's the carbs I need to watch. I need more carbs than I need protein at this point. It will switch when I go into my Lean Out as the ratio of protein will be higher.
I feel good at this point and am toying with the idea of taking a picture while I am in the beginning of my bulking phase.
Yep, think I'll get the hubs to whip out the camera tomorrow!!
See you mañana!!! :-)
Saturday, May 19, 2012
PROCRASTINATE MUCH?
It's been a while but I HAVE been busy. The heading of this entry says it all. Yep, gonna wait this one out. Just not in the shape I want to be in and I don't want to do it half ass even for the experience. I had started on the leaning out phase and frankly, I would be coming in too small.
There is a competition on November 3rd so THAT is plenty of time to put on some bulk. Been adding some good carbs to my diet. Well, more than I am used to. My supplements now are:
Myofusion Probiotic in Milk Chocolate
ON Creatine
Scivation Extend (BCAA, etc.)
ON Glycomaize
Of course my multi, flax seed oil and digestive enzymes.
I added the Glycomaize for the extra carbs and the added oomph I need for the heavy training to get Large Marge. :-)
Since I put off this last competition and the one I am going to do now seems so far away, I have had a few slacker days. Sometimes it is so hard to stay motivated. I DID get my suits and they are amazing! Just looking at them keeps me motivated. Will post some pics soon!
Well, gotta go and map out my week!
Friday, April 27, 2012
A CHANGE OF HEART
Well, the beach was lovely except for the chill in the air and the bulky sweater that hid my bikini for the day. Still, can't complain. I'm in California!
Well, I'm doing the show in June!! Yippers!!! So excited and scared at the same time. It's all good.
I am in the throes of mapping out my 8 week journey. Yeah, it's usually 12 but I know that I can do it in 8. I am all ready pretty lean but am still making some small gains in size :-) May 6th, is day one of Lean Out. Which means that Cardio will have to become my new best friend to help me shuttle around some extra fat that is still hanging onto my hips! I'm not gonna be a hamster on a wheel, though. 30 minutes in the morning, every other day for the first week and access my body after that. As I get closer to showtime, the cardio will increase but I want to make sure I'm not losing too much size too early. Am also doing a modified carb cycle diet, as we speak, and THAT seems to be working out for me.
I will explain carb cycling a little later as well as other things I have learned along the way. Who knows, they might be useful to someone!
I am enjoying the learning process so far. I get frustrated sometimes because I have read SO MUCH INFORMATION!!! My brain starts to shutdown and won't let anything else in! Then, I will look at the clock and it's 11 pm and I'm falling asleep! It's no wonder!! Can't wait to "study" some more tomorrow! I'm doing this all on my own and am elated and petrified.
The main thing I am finding is the science behind a Figure Competition. Well, I think there's a science to it. Have I peaked your interest?? Can't wait to write all about it on this blog o' mine!
Well, it's 11:30 and I'm sleepy!!
Out :-)
Saturday, April 21, 2012
MY STORY SO FAR!
I should call this post The Hard Gainers Lament! It has been a long road!! I started this training odyssey back in September. I know there has been changes in my body but I was kinda hoping for something a little more drastic. You see, I am one of the few who loves muscle! I think muscle on a woman is beautiful. I even have respect for the Large Marge bodybuilders. But MORE impressed with those who came about it naturally. Not that many! But there are a a few.
I have always been slight of stature. A more kind way of saying, a skinny ass. When I was pregnant, I really didn't gain as much as I heard I would. Probably because I was Vegan for half of it and then Pescetarian the rest. Am STILL Pescetarian. My diet has always been pretty darn clean, but to gear up for a Figure Competition even in the off-season, you really need to maintain 6 to 7 meals a day. Literally, you have to eat every 3 hours.
I had always been a grazer. Coffee was my pre-breakfast and MAYBE a piece of toast with butter and marmite. Yes, marmite. A brown yeast spread that if your from the states, you have to acquire a taste. Being that the hubs is British, its a breakfast mainstay! I have to admit, I've acquired a taste and I likey :-)
I STARTED to put on weight after Breezy was born and I was nursing. Yep, it was the OTHER way around. I thought I was supposed to LOSE the baby weight while breast feeding but no!! I just ate more! When Breezy was 6 months my mother died and my milk dried up soon after. Sadness and anger do a whole lot of stuff to your body, your diet, if you let it. I did. I kind of just forgot about my body and just let it be. My big regret is not weighing myself before this journey but I know I was unhealthy. I ate pretty well, as far as always eating veggies, fish and brown rice. But I loved my fried eggs on buttered toast with a side of sautéed mushrooms and baked beans. Oh yes, and a glass of OJ. Then I would drink coffee for a few hours because that was filling to me. I seriously think I was shocking my body the whole time. I would eat so healthy in some aspects but boy did I indulge in cheat meals!! There was no set food schedule in our house but we always had a big breakfast and dinner and we would graze in between. Metabolism what?? Mine had slowly gone into hibernation! Slowed down metabolism = fat gain. How I longed for the day when I could wear my pre-pregnancy clothes. Even feel good about being in a bikini! 2 years had gone by and I had done NOTHING to lose the weight that I felt I was accumulating. There needed to be a change. It also didn't help, that at our beautiful apartment complex, there is a fully functioning gym. The funny thing is, our dining table looks right into it. Yes, we used to get a laugh at the poor suckers in there sweating while we were enjoying our mayo covered fish and vino. Yes, mayo really makes the fish nice and juicy! Ummm. we use yogurt now. I digress.
I was tired of feeling tired and depressed about my body. So my journey began. Slowly.
I started eating more meals and doing some light weights. Upper body circuit and lower body circuit to get my muscles used to, well, being used! For me, I can't work out, to just work out! There has to be a light at the end of the tunnel. A carrot? I decided to enter a Figure Competition. If I had a date, a deadline. I know I could meet it. I have been working my ass off ever since. Well, I say I've been working my ass off but I KNOW I can do better! June 30th is the show. So fast approaching. Too fast. I have gained muscle and dropped fat. I feel great as far as THAT accomplishment but, I wish I was a little larger.
It has been an amazing journey. There are highs and lows. I never thought I would love going to the gym as much as I do now. Somedays, like today, my body aches from a Leg workout I did two days ago! I have to tell myself, progress baby! Somedays, I feel down because I want my body to transform overnight! It takes time and I have to be patient. I just have to tell myself that it WILL happen. Every once in a while I will indulge in a cheat meal. I just make sure I never have a cheat DAY. My body feels amazing and my pre-pregnancy clothes thank me. :-)
Now, its time to really crank it up and build some major mass! I have gone from light weights and working out 4 days a week to heavy weights, giant sets and 21's (I'll explain that in another post. Both are freakin' killer!) and working out 6 days a week. Now, that's not to say everyone should go that often its just that my body really responds to that schedule.
Will I do the show in June? Maybe? There's still time. Every federation of Bodybuilding/Figure has a specific type that they are looking for. The show in June is an INBA/ABA show. They look for leaner girls. There is another one in August that is an NPC division show. There look is more athletic and, well, Large Marge. The Figure girls that I look up to were all NPC girls that turned pro with the IFBB. NPC and IFBB go hand in hand. IFBB is the big daddy. Hands down. Well, I have some decisions to make. I'm thinking to do the INBA cause I am all ready pretty lean but do have some muscle separation. It would be a great learning experience and will prepare me for next years competitions. Yep, I'm in this for the long haul. NPC next year? Yeah, another goal to set for myself.
Well. better go before I ramble on even more.
Will post some pics but need to get a little tan going on! Thanks Emma for that tip!! Your right. It really DOES make a difference!!
Oh yeah, I'm going to the beach tomorrow with the hubs, Breezy and our dog Belle . . . in a bikini!!!! Now THAT'S a first!!
I should call this post The Hard Gainers Lament! It has been a long road!! I started this training odyssey back in September. I know there has been changes in my body but I was kinda hoping for something a little more drastic. You see, I am one of the few who loves muscle! I think muscle on a woman is beautiful. I even have respect for the Large Marge bodybuilders. But MORE impressed with those who came about it naturally. Not that many! But there are a a few.
I have always been slight of stature. A more kind way of saying, a skinny ass. When I was pregnant, I really didn't gain as much as I heard I would. Probably because I was Vegan for half of it and then Pescetarian the rest. Am STILL Pescetarian. My diet has always been pretty darn clean, but to gear up for a Figure Competition even in the off-season, you really need to maintain 6 to 7 meals a day. Literally, you have to eat every 3 hours.
I had always been a grazer. Coffee was my pre-breakfast and MAYBE a piece of toast with butter and marmite. Yes, marmite. A brown yeast spread that if your from the states, you have to acquire a taste. Being that the hubs is British, its a breakfast mainstay! I have to admit, I've acquired a taste and I likey :-)
I STARTED to put on weight after Breezy was born and I was nursing. Yep, it was the OTHER way around. I thought I was supposed to LOSE the baby weight while breast feeding but no!! I just ate more! When Breezy was 6 months my mother died and my milk dried up soon after. Sadness and anger do a whole lot of stuff to your body, your diet, if you let it. I did. I kind of just forgot about my body and just let it be. My big regret is not weighing myself before this journey but I know I was unhealthy. I ate pretty well, as far as always eating veggies, fish and brown rice. But I loved my fried eggs on buttered toast with a side of sautéed mushrooms and baked beans. Oh yes, and a glass of OJ. Then I would drink coffee for a few hours because that was filling to me. I seriously think I was shocking my body the whole time. I would eat so healthy in some aspects but boy did I indulge in cheat meals!! There was no set food schedule in our house but we always had a big breakfast and dinner and we would graze in between. Metabolism what?? Mine had slowly gone into hibernation! Slowed down metabolism = fat gain. How I longed for the day when I could wear my pre-pregnancy clothes. Even feel good about being in a bikini! 2 years had gone by and I had done NOTHING to lose the weight that I felt I was accumulating. There needed to be a change. It also didn't help, that at our beautiful apartment complex, there is a fully functioning gym. The funny thing is, our dining table looks right into it. Yes, we used to get a laugh at the poor suckers in there sweating while we were enjoying our mayo covered fish and vino. Yes, mayo really makes the fish nice and juicy! Ummm. we use yogurt now. I digress.
I was tired of feeling tired and depressed about my body. So my journey began. Slowly.
I started eating more meals and doing some light weights. Upper body circuit and lower body circuit to get my muscles used to, well, being used! For me, I can't work out, to just work out! There has to be a light at the end of the tunnel. A carrot? I decided to enter a Figure Competition. If I had a date, a deadline. I know I could meet it. I have been working my ass off ever since. Well, I say I've been working my ass off but I KNOW I can do better! June 30th is the show. So fast approaching. Too fast. I have gained muscle and dropped fat. I feel great as far as THAT accomplishment but, I wish I was a little larger.
It has been an amazing journey. There are highs and lows. I never thought I would love going to the gym as much as I do now. Somedays, like today, my body aches from a Leg workout I did two days ago! I have to tell myself, progress baby! Somedays, I feel down because I want my body to transform overnight! It takes time and I have to be patient. I just have to tell myself that it WILL happen. Every once in a while I will indulge in a cheat meal. I just make sure I never have a cheat DAY. My body feels amazing and my pre-pregnancy clothes thank me. :-)
Now, its time to really crank it up and build some major mass! I have gone from light weights and working out 4 days a week to heavy weights, giant sets and 21's (I'll explain that in another post. Both are freakin' killer!) and working out 6 days a week. Now, that's not to say everyone should go that often its just that my body really responds to that schedule.
Will I do the show in June? Maybe? There's still time. Every federation of Bodybuilding/Figure has a specific type that they are looking for. The show in June is an INBA/ABA show. They look for leaner girls. There is another one in August that is an NPC division show. There look is more athletic and, well, Large Marge. The Figure girls that I look up to were all NPC girls that turned pro with the IFBB. NPC and IFBB go hand in hand. IFBB is the big daddy. Hands down. Well, I have some decisions to make. I'm thinking to do the INBA cause I am all ready pretty lean but do have some muscle separation. It would be a great learning experience and will prepare me for next years competitions. Yep, I'm in this for the long haul. NPC next year? Yeah, another goal to set for myself.
Well. better go before I ramble on even more.
Will post some pics but need to get a little tan going on! Thanks Emma for that tip!! Your right. It really DOES make a difference!!
Oh yeah, I'm going to the beach tomorrow with the hubs, Breezy and our dog Belle . . . in a bikini!!!! Now THAT'S a first!!
Monday, March 26, 2012
13 DAYS TILL LEANOUT!!!
Well, it's been a little while since my last post, but I am progressing quite well. My Lats have grown, along with a subtle teardrop in my quads!! Totally stoked!! Oh yeah, can't forget my shoulders! My pride and joy right now :-)
I will post some pics soon but am kinda shy about it now. I was so fixated on taking pictures of myself and thinking I was farther ahead than I really was. I would have an amazing workout, muscles pumped, veins popping and wanted to capture that moment. I would look at the photos and deflate immediately. I never gave up though. I have to remind myself that I am 45 and should be proud that I finally care enough about my body to take care of it and push it to the limit I know I am capable of. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE!!
I am still doing the same split. Legs, Shoulders and Back, twice a week. I just change up the exercises, amount of weight, reps, etc. Always keeping my body guessing. Have to do this as I am trying to build before leanout. Wouldn't recommend this for everyone but it has definitely worked for me. I concentrate on correct form and push, sometimes to failure. I am so thankful for BCAAs and Glutamine! Seriously? What would I do for recovery without them? Well, I am sure there are some food choices but I am going the supplement route and my body thanks me!! Granted I do eat clean every day. 4 clean meals plus a protein shake with creatine and fruit, pre and post and then casein at bedtime. Thought I should clarify. Ummmm, there is the occasional cheat meal, of course. Once again, my body thanks me :-)
I have all ready started to chart my diet plan for the 12 weeks. GOODBYE RED WINE ;-(
Hello, tons of oatmeal, egg whites and green beans.
When I get closer, I will start posting more. Heck, maybe I'll go public with this blog!! Teeheehee :-)
Out for now :-)
I will post some pics soon but am kinda shy about it now. I was so fixated on taking pictures of myself and thinking I was farther ahead than I really was. I would have an amazing workout, muscles pumped, veins popping and wanted to capture that moment. I would look at the photos and deflate immediately. I never gave up though. I have to remind myself that I am 45 and should be proud that I finally care enough about my body to take care of it and push it to the limit I know I am capable of. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE!!
I am still doing the same split. Legs, Shoulders and Back, twice a week. I just change up the exercises, amount of weight, reps, etc. Always keeping my body guessing. Have to do this as I am trying to build before leanout. Wouldn't recommend this for everyone but it has definitely worked for me. I concentrate on correct form and push, sometimes to failure. I am so thankful for BCAAs and Glutamine! Seriously? What would I do for recovery without them? Well, I am sure there are some food choices but I am going the supplement route and my body thanks me!! Granted I do eat clean every day. 4 clean meals plus a protein shake with creatine and fruit, pre and post and then casein at bedtime. Thought I should clarify. Ummmm, there is the occasional cheat meal, of course. Once again, my body thanks me :-)
I have all ready started to chart my diet plan for the 12 weeks. GOODBYE RED WINE ;-(
Hello, tons of oatmeal, egg whites and green beans.
When I get closer, I will start posting more. Heck, maybe I'll go public with this blog!! Teeheehee :-)
Out for now :-)
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
YES TO FRUIT
I found this very informative article from Muscle and Fitness and wanted to share!
FRUIT FACTOR
No need to fear fruit—get the timing right, pick the right fruits and you could actually speed along your gains
Fruit—like anything else with sugar in it—gets a bad rap in the physique business. The prevailing thought behind this hysteria is that anything with sugar in it is going to end up planted jiggly on your waistline. But fruit has way more to offer than, say, that Cinnabon—however tasty and heavenly that cinnamon roll may be—you picked up at the mall yesterday.
Yes, we know—there is some science behind the popular aversion to fruit.
"Fruit provides valuable phytochemicals that benefit health, yet the fructose content is a concern for many because it is a type of sugar that cannot be directly utilized by the muscles," admits M&F Senior Science Editor Jim Stoppani PhD. "Only the liver has the capability of converting fructose into glycogen—the storage form of carbohydrates."
The problem with fructose arises when the liver glycogen levels are full. At this point, fructose gets converted to fat and that helps to increase the size of the fat cells. Since we aren't equipped with fuel gauges to tell us how full our livers are, many bodybuilders opt for avoiding fruit all together. But such extreme measures are not necessary. There are actually a few times when fruit is not only okay—it's actually helpful.
FIRST THING IN THE MORNING
The best time to eat fruit is immediately upon waking. While you sleep, your liver burns up its glycogen to supply needed glucose to the brain during your nightly fast. When liver glycogen levels begin to dip a signal is sent to the brain to start breaking down muscle protein to convert amino acids into glucose for the brain. When you wake in the morning you are a muscle-burning machine. At this time of day you will not have to worry about fructose being converted to fat, so eat up. The fructose will be put to good use for restocking the liver glycogen levels and switching off the signal to burn muscle protein.
Best morning choices (pick 1 or 2):
Pineapple (1 cup diced)
Honeydew melon (1 wedge)
Orange (1 medium)
Banana (1 medium)
PRE-WORKOUT
Another good time to eat fruit is about 30-60 minutes before a workout, particularly if you haven't eaten a high-carb meal for several hours. The fructose will replace the liver glycogen that's been used throughout the day, which will be used to steadily deliver glucose to the working muscles while you exercise and help to spare the glycogen in the muscle cells. This helps to prevent muscle fatigue that usually comes on strong as muscle glycogen levels begin to fall.
Best pre-workout choices (pick 1 or 2):
Pear (1 medium)
Watermelon (1 wedge)
Apple (1 medium)
Cantaloupe (1/2 melon)
Grapes (1 cup)
Strawberries (2 cups)
Raspberries (2 cups)
POST-WORKOUT
After a workout there is nothing wrong with eating some fruit to replenish your glycogen levels in both your muscles and your liver. Just remember that two servings of most fruits will only provide about 20-30 grams of carbs. For those who want to optimize muscular gains you'll need to kick the carb grams up to at least 40-100 grams by also eating some white bread, potatoes, rice or oatmeal, or making sure the whey protein you'll also need at this time contains at least 20 grams of carbs.
Best post-workout choices (pick 1 or 2):
Cherries (1 cup)
Peach (1 medium)
Apple (1 medium)
Cantaloupe (1/2 melon)
Grapes (1 cup)
Strawberries (2 cups)
Raspberries (2 cups)
It's true what they say—no one ever got fat by eating plenty of fruit. Just make sure your fruit choices are well-timed and that you are relying on whole fruit for fuel—that pitcher worth of smoothie likely contains a veritable fruit horn's worth of fructose and calories which is a bit much for a physique-minded individual. It's not to say that the occasional fruit smoothie will kill you—it's certainly a better indulgence than a double cheeseburger—but like most things, you will need to moderate how often you have them. M&F
FRUITS FOR SUPPS?
The value of fruit goes way beyond glycogen replenishment. Check out these little-known supplement-mimicking benefits of some popular produce:
Grapefruit
Subjects who ate half of a grapefruit with meals or drank 8 ounces of grapefruit juice three times a day lost 4 pounds (with some losing more than 10 pounds) in 12 weeks without dieting.
Orange
The king of the citrus world is a great pre-workout snack because the vitamin C helps protect nitric oxide (NO) from being broken down by free radicals. It also helps to have one post-workout because of these same antioxidant effects.
Apple
Apples contain polyphenols which have been proven to increase strength and fat loss.
Cherries
Grab a handful of cherries post-workout to reduce inflammation and enhance recovery. The wonder ingredient? Anthocyanins.
Watermelon
This citrulline-heavy melon helps you with blood flow and nutrient delivery since citrulline gets converted to arginine and NO.
FRUIT FACTOR
No need to fear fruit—get the timing right, pick the right fruits and you could actually speed along your gains
Fruit—like anything else with sugar in it—gets a bad rap in the physique business. The prevailing thought behind this hysteria is that anything with sugar in it is going to end up planted jiggly on your waistline. But fruit has way more to offer than, say, that Cinnabon—however tasty and heavenly that cinnamon roll may be—you picked up at the mall yesterday.
Yes, we know—there is some science behind the popular aversion to fruit.
"Fruit provides valuable phytochemicals that benefit health, yet the fructose content is a concern for many because it is a type of sugar that cannot be directly utilized by the muscles," admits M&F Senior Science Editor Jim Stoppani PhD. "Only the liver has the capability of converting fructose into glycogen—the storage form of carbohydrates."
The problem with fructose arises when the liver glycogen levels are full. At this point, fructose gets converted to fat and that helps to increase the size of the fat cells. Since we aren't equipped with fuel gauges to tell us how full our livers are, many bodybuilders opt for avoiding fruit all together. But such extreme measures are not necessary. There are actually a few times when fruit is not only okay—it's actually helpful.
FIRST THING IN THE MORNING
The best time to eat fruit is immediately upon waking. While you sleep, your liver burns up its glycogen to supply needed glucose to the brain during your nightly fast. When liver glycogen levels begin to dip a signal is sent to the brain to start breaking down muscle protein to convert amino acids into glucose for the brain. When you wake in the morning you are a muscle-burning machine. At this time of day you will not have to worry about fructose being converted to fat, so eat up. The fructose will be put to good use for restocking the liver glycogen levels and switching off the signal to burn muscle protein.
Best morning choices (pick 1 or 2):
Pineapple (1 cup diced)
Honeydew melon (1 wedge)
Orange (1 medium)
Banana (1 medium)
PRE-WORKOUT
Another good time to eat fruit is about 30-60 minutes before a workout, particularly if you haven't eaten a high-carb meal for several hours. The fructose will replace the liver glycogen that's been used throughout the day, which will be used to steadily deliver glucose to the working muscles while you exercise and help to spare the glycogen in the muscle cells. This helps to prevent muscle fatigue that usually comes on strong as muscle glycogen levels begin to fall.
Best pre-workout choices (pick 1 or 2):
Pear (1 medium)
Watermelon (1 wedge)
Apple (1 medium)
Cantaloupe (1/2 melon)
Grapes (1 cup)
Strawberries (2 cups)
Raspberries (2 cups)
POST-WORKOUT
After a workout there is nothing wrong with eating some fruit to replenish your glycogen levels in both your muscles and your liver. Just remember that two servings of most fruits will only provide about 20-30 grams of carbs. For those who want to optimize muscular gains you'll need to kick the carb grams up to at least 40-100 grams by also eating some white bread, potatoes, rice or oatmeal, or making sure the whey protein you'll also need at this time contains at least 20 grams of carbs.
Best post-workout choices (pick 1 or 2):
Cherries (1 cup)
Peach (1 medium)
Apple (1 medium)
Cantaloupe (1/2 melon)
Grapes (1 cup)
Strawberries (2 cups)
Raspberries (2 cups)
It's true what they say—no one ever got fat by eating plenty of fruit. Just make sure your fruit choices are well-timed and that you are relying on whole fruit for fuel—that pitcher worth of smoothie likely contains a veritable fruit horn's worth of fructose and calories which is a bit much for a physique-minded individual. It's not to say that the occasional fruit smoothie will kill you—it's certainly a better indulgence than a double cheeseburger—but like most things, you will need to moderate how often you have them. M&F
FRUITS FOR SUPPS?
The value of fruit goes way beyond glycogen replenishment. Check out these little-known supplement-mimicking benefits of some popular produce:
Grapefruit
Subjects who ate half of a grapefruit with meals or drank 8 ounces of grapefruit juice three times a day lost 4 pounds (with some losing more than 10 pounds) in 12 weeks without dieting.
Orange
The king of the citrus world is a great pre-workout snack because the vitamin C helps protect nitric oxide (NO) from being broken down by free radicals. It also helps to have one post-workout because of these same antioxidant effects.
Apple
Apples contain polyphenols which have been proven to increase strength and fat loss.
Cherries
Grab a handful of cherries post-workout to reduce inflammation and enhance recovery. The wonder ingredient? Anthocyanins.
Watermelon
This citrulline-heavy melon helps you with blood flow and nutrient delivery since citrulline gets converted to arginine and NO.
TRAINING TOUGH
So, I've been training my patootie off and really feel like I am making strides.
This was taken a few days ago after an amazing shoulder work out.
Yeah, I sure wish I could gain size faster but I AM seeing progress. I am about one month out from leaning out. This next crucial month is about eating plenty of calories and staying hydrated. Lifting heavy goes without saying!
This is my current schedule:
Monday- Legs/Glutes
Tuesday- Back/Bis
Wednesday- OFF
Thursday- Shoulders/Chest
Friday- Legs/Glutes
Saturday- Back/Tris
Sunday- Shoulders
Been doing this schedule for about 2 weeks and my body has taken to it really well.
Still eating clean with an occasional cheat meal here and there. Trying to keep the cheat meals to a minimum but always try to schedule them the day before Legs where I will need those extra calories! My cheat meal is usually a Boca burger with a smothering of grilled onions, mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Oh yeah, don't forget the french frys!!
I have taken my sups down a notch.
Here is that schedule:
Upon waking- 2g Arginine
Pre workout- 7g Glutamine 5g BCAA 3g Creatine 20g Whey Protein
Post workout- same as Pre + 10g Casein
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner- fish oil, joint support, digestive enzyme, multi
Before sleep- Casein shake
I will have an apple or banana upon waking to replenish my glycogen stores that were depleted while I was sleeping.
I always make sure to have some carbs Pre and Post workout to give me energy. Heavier carbs on my Leg days, medium carbs on the others except on my day off where I have a minimal amount.
Well, it's my day off so I am going to relax now!!
Out
This was taken a few days ago after an amazing shoulder work out.
Yeah, I sure wish I could gain size faster but I AM seeing progress. I am about one month out from leaning out. This next crucial month is about eating plenty of calories and staying hydrated. Lifting heavy goes without saying!
This is my current schedule:
Monday- Legs/Glutes
Tuesday- Back/Bis
Wednesday- OFF
Thursday- Shoulders/Chest
Friday- Legs/Glutes
Saturday- Back/Tris
Sunday- Shoulders
Been doing this schedule for about 2 weeks and my body has taken to it really well.
Still eating clean with an occasional cheat meal here and there. Trying to keep the cheat meals to a minimum but always try to schedule them the day before Legs where I will need those extra calories! My cheat meal is usually a Boca burger with a smothering of grilled onions, mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Oh yeah, don't forget the french frys!!
I have taken my sups down a notch.
Here is that schedule:
Upon waking- 2g Arginine
Pre workout- 7g Glutamine 5g BCAA 3g Creatine 20g Whey Protein
Post workout- same as Pre + 10g Casein
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner- fish oil, joint support, digestive enzyme, multi
Before sleep- Casein shake
I will have an apple or banana upon waking to replenish my glycogen stores that were depleted while I was sleeping.
I always make sure to have some carbs Pre and Post workout to give me energy. Heavier carbs on my Leg days, medium carbs on the others except on my day off where I have a minimal amount.
Well, it's my day off so I am going to relax now!!
Out
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
PROGRESS!
Just when I was starting to get disheartened, my husband noticed something where my Lats should have been . . . What? I FINALLY have some growth in my LATS??? YAY!!!!!!!
V- Taper here I come!!!!
I sat down with my hubby last night and boo hood because I just felt that I should be farther along. I'm lifting heavy and taking sups. What gives?!
Well. being an Ectomorph/Hard Gainer, I definitely need to take a look at my diet. I haven't been taking in enough calories to compensate for all that hard work in the gym. Also, although I am one EXTREMELY focused chick in the gym, I have been cheating myself. I stay between the 8-12 rep range and lift heavy. Well, what I THOUGHT was heavy until I trained my Back today. I decided to warm up my Back on Lat Pull Downs for 2 sets and then added weight and did 4 sets of 12. I pushed through and finally started to feel the burn I had been longing for. It was so hard to complete the 12 reps on the last 2 sets and could only get to about 9 on the last.
Ok, now THAT'S progress!
I am also going to curtail my sups since I am changing my diet a bit. Only Myofusion Whey Protein shakes and BCAA's from now on. Everything else will come from my diet.
Oh yeah, water is fast becoming a good friend. Thanks to my friend Heathers suggestion of adding Crystal Light Pure, it's bearable. I need a gallon a day so it better have SOME flavor, right?? It's actually quite yummy :-)
Well, I will be back with more pics next week or when I feel there has been some gains.
These were taken PRE-Lats!!
Out for now!!
V- Taper here I come!!!!
I sat down with my hubby last night and boo hood because I just felt that I should be farther along. I'm lifting heavy and taking sups. What gives?!
Well. being an Ectomorph/Hard Gainer, I definitely need to take a look at my diet. I haven't been taking in enough calories to compensate for all that hard work in the gym. Also, although I am one EXTREMELY focused chick in the gym, I have been cheating myself. I stay between the 8-12 rep range and lift heavy. Well, what I THOUGHT was heavy until I trained my Back today. I decided to warm up my Back on Lat Pull Downs for 2 sets and then added weight and did 4 sets of 12. I pushed through and finally started to feel the burn I had been longing for. It was so hard to complete the 12 reps on the last 2 sets and could only get to about 9 on the last.
Ok, now THAT'S progress!
I am also going to curtail my sups since I am changing my diet a bit. Only Myofusion Whey Protein shakes and BCAA's from now on. Everything else will come from my diet.
Oh yeah, water is fast becoming a good friend. Thanks to my friend Heathers suggestion of adding Crystal Light Pure, it's bearable. I need a gallon a day so it better have SOME flavor, right?? It's actually quite yummy :-)
Well, I will be back with more pics next week or when I feel there has been some gains.
These were taken PRE-Lats!!
Out for now!!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
LATEST PICS
Well, here are a few that we took today. They are a little blurry which kinda defeats the purpose of seeing progress :-(
Going to change camera lenses and try again tomorrow! Maybe a new, more flattering swim suit is in order?
Monday, February 20, 2012
FIGURE-ING IT OUT
I have had some highs and lows in the last few weeks. Been really motivated in the gym but no time to focus on blogging!
Because I am, at this point, doing this all on my own, I get a little down on my "progress".
I think because I have been fixated on really growing and being Large Marge, sometimes the weight load won out over form. Hello pulled Hamstring AND Upper Traps. Ahhhhhh I have learned the importance of stretching after my workouts, too. My body is thankful as today was a full on Leg day. Needed some major stretching and extra BCAAs!
I have, over the last few weeks, been experimenting with my workout rotations and supplements.
So far, so good. I am still working out 6 days a week but being a little smarter about it.
Here is a breakdown:
Monday: Legs, Glutes
Tuesday: Back, Bis (heavy focus on Back)
Wednesday: OFF
Thursday: Shoulders, Chest (heavy focus on Shoulders)
Friday: Legs, Glutes
Saturday: Back, Tris (heavy focus on Back)
Sunday: Shoulders
Yeah, I'm doubling up but I need to make large strides on particular muscle groups as I have 5 weeks till lean out. I work in Calves and Abs, alternating every workout.
I've never been a cardio person. Does anyone REALLY enjoy it?? I do a little before Legs to get them warmed up. I know that I need to become friends with it. Going to start incorporating cardio on my Day off and then start upping it a few weeks down the line. I know I'll need it for Contest Prep to shed a little fat that might be hanging around.
My diet has always been pretty clean. I have cut out carbs after 3pm and curbed my carb intake on my Day off. Just trying it out to see how my body responds. The verdict? Feel pretty lean. My weight is still the same. Maintaining the 118 but would love to get to 123 and then lean down to 113. Yeah, Ectomorph. Hardgainer. That's me. I feel like I look bigger? So, at least I'm gaining muscle and not fat. Hence, maintaining the same weight. Maybe I'm supposed to stay at 118??
Well, I will sign out for now and plan my workout for tomorrow. You know, I do that every night before I go to bed. I can't go to sleep without a plan of action at the gym. I get excited about the workout yet to happen. I constantly switch things around so my muscles are always guessing. I hope the guess work pays off!!
Night night :-)
Because I am, at this point, doing this all on my own, I get a little down on my "progress".
I think because I have been fixated on really growing and being Large Marge, sometimes the weight load won out over form. Hello pulled Hamstring AND Upper Traps. Ahhhhhh I have learned the importance of stretching after my workouts, too. My body is thankful as today was a full on Leg day. Needed some major stretching and extra BCAAs!
I have, over the last few weeks, been experimenting with my workout rotations and supplements.
So far, so good. I am still working out 6 days a week but being a little smarter about it.
Here is a breakdown:
Monday: Legs, Glutes
Tuesday: Back, Bis (heavy focus on Back)
Wednesday: OFF
Thursday: Shoulders, Chest (heavy focus on Shoulders)
Friday: Legs, Glutes
Saturday: Back, Tris (heavy focus on Back)
Sunday: Shoulders
Yeah, I'm doubling up but I need to make large strides on particular muscle groups as I have 5 weeks till lean out. I work in Calves and Abs, alternating every workout.
I've never been a cardio person. Does anyone REALLY enjoy it?? I do a little before Legs to get them warmed up. I know that I need to become friends with it. Going to start incorporating cardio on my Day off and then start upping it a few weeks down the line. I know I'll need it for Contest Prep to shed a little fat that might be hanging around.
My diet has always been pretty clean. I have cut out carbs after 3pm and curbed my carb intake on my Day off. Just trying it out to see how my body responds. The verdict? Feel pretty lean. My weight is still the same. Maintaining the 118 but would love to get to 123 and then lean down to 113. Yeah, Ectomorph. Hardgainer. That's me. I feel like I look bigger? So, at least I'm gaining muscle and not fat. Hence, maintaining the same weight. Maybe I'm supposed to stay at 118??
Well, I will sign out for now and plan my workout for tomorrow. You know, I do that every night before I go to bed. I can't go to sleep without a plan of action at the gym. I get excited about the workout yet to happen. I constantly switch things around so my muscles are always guessing. I hope the guess work pays off!!
Night night :-)
Thursday, February 2, 2012
FEELIN' GOOD!
There just aren't enough hours in the day but I am ever so dedicated to getting fit and being in tip top form for June. My diet is still clean except for yesterday at Disneyland! Oh, cotton candy and pizza!! Well, I went to the gym today and had the best back and bi workout! Did some drop sets for bis and it was amazing!! The pump on my biceps is incredible! So, needless to say I am loving changing things up. From drop sets to super sets to super drop sets, etc. My body loves it when I switch it up!
Here is a photo from the other day. The one underneath is one of the first "before" pics. I have to compare the two.
Here is a photo from the other day. The one underneath is one of the first "before" pics. I have to compare the two.
Ok, so its not the same pose. Actually, I think I threw it out and am kicking myself right in the ol' ego. Ouch!! I will try to not do THAT again!!
I have slimmed down a bit. What really feels good is that I pretty much weigh the same as when I began. 118.
I am losing fat and gaining lean muscle. Just what I wanted. But I would love to get to 125 - 128.
Still, I have a ways to go and feel like I am on the right path. I am about 21 weeks out and am acting like the competition is around the corner. To me, that is being smart about it. 12 weeks out from Comp is April 8th. That leaves me ONLY 9 weeks to pack on some major muscle and size. When 12 weeks rolls around I will start my ULTRA clean diet, preparing my body for total lean out. Muscle will be lost during that time so I have to ensure that my body won't lose too much size. THAT'S why I want to get to the 125 range. Make sense?? I want to enter the Comp between 115-118 after lean out. Hey, I'm still learning and loving every minute of it!!
Will write again soon and try to update more frequently. Hard to do when your chasing around a 2 1/2 year old who doesn't like napping anymore. There goes my afternoons to get any blogging done.
Out for now!!
Monday, January 16, 2012
I'M STILL HERE!!!!
Well, yes, I am still dedicated!!
It's been a while since my last post but I have been hard at work. It is soooo hard to tell progress, though!! I get a little down looking at pics of myself. I actually "doctored" them. You know, trying to hide the imperfections, smooth out my skin and then I realized something. I was actually hiding my progress!!! So, I need to be real. I went back and kept the photos as is. Boy, they looked great airbrushed!!! But, that's not me and I need to be honest with myself. The only thing I did to these pics was brighten the exposure cause the shots were a little dark and tried to take away a little of the blurriness.
Yes, I look angry but I actually just got out of the shower and NO MAKEUP!!!!! (I am actually in a happy state)
Well, the suit HAS to go! Is doing nothing for my bottom!!! I CAN blame my ass on the suit, right??
Boy, the shoulders are gradually getting there but the lats need some desperate attention!! COME ON V TAPER!!! I can see a little more in the traps now so I'm pleased. This is a learning experience!!
I still have a long road ahead. Still trying to put on weight. Healthy weight. Muscle. When I start to lean out for the competition 12 weeks out (April 8), knowing that I will lose a little hard earned muscle, I need to get big!!!
Out for now!!
It's been a while since my last post but I have been hard at work. It is soooo hard to tell progress, though!! I get a little down looking at pics of myself. I actually "doctored" them. You know, trying to hide the imperfections, smooth out my skin and then I realized something. I was actually hiding my progress!!! So, I need to be real. I went back and kept the photos as is. Boy, they looked great airbrushed!!! But, that's not me and I need to be honest with myself. The only thing I did to these pics was brighten the exposure cause the shots were a little dark and tried to take away a little of the blurriness.
Yes, I look angry but I actually just got out of the shower and NO MAKEUP!!!!! (I am actually in a happy state)
Well, the suit HAS to go! Is doing nothing for my bottom!!! I CAN blame my ass on the suit, right??
Boy, the shoulders are gradually getting there but the lats need some desperate attention!! COME ON V TAPER!!! I can see a little more in the traps now so I'm pleased. This is a learning experience!!
I still have a long road ahead. Still trying to put on weight. Healthy weight. Muscle. When I start to lean out for the competition 12 weeks out (April 8), knowing that I will lose a little hard earned muscle, I need to get big!!!
Out for now!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)