Part of my excitement around competing this year stemmed from the ability to track my transformation more scientifically. Using our commercial-grade Tanita scale in studio, I knew I would be able to demonstrate analytically what I had experienced countless times before: Transformation looks and feels different than conventional weight loss. While the what’s and when’s […]
The Cocoon Uglies
In life, we are vulnerable to a butterfly bias. We unconsciously fixate on the final product – whether that’s a winning performance or a beautiful masterpiece. Our eyes are shielded from the process leading to the final product and we miss what happens behind the scenes. We don’t live through the hours and hours of […]
When hunger strikes
Hunger Strikes. Over this past weekend, as if my body received the “Seven Weeks Out” notice, I start to feel the familiar symptoms of leaning out… Sunday afternoon My daughter, Desiree and I open her bedroom window to greet “Dada”. Home early from work, my husband is in the garage unloading groceries from the trunk […]
Transformation Weight
Nine weeks of contest prep and I have 0.2 lbs of weight loss to boast for it! Yay…what?! I know, I know…by conventional standards (i.e. things you see on Facebook or via infomercial), this sounds unspectacular…and pretty horrible. Conventional weight loss schemes (scams) often promise effortless and rapid weight loss…whereas, if you look at the […]
Train Your Metabolism
When you know the “why”, you make decisions from a place of empowerment… versus fear, anxiety, or desperation. #1 Meal spacing matters. How long do I have to wait between meals?” As I glanced down at the text message from my client, I was initially puzzled. Maybe she couldn’t do simple math? I mean, given […]
The Unglamorous Life
Over the years, there have been rumors, casting calls, and attempts to start a reality show featuring bodybuilding competitors. At this point in contest prep, I find humor in the concept – for a reality TV show about bodybuilders would be truthfully the most boring television show ever! The road to stage and, really, any serious […]
From “In” to “Out”… 12 Weeks Out
Twelve weeks out is the traditional turning point for most competitors. Last Friday was my turning point from weeks in to weeks out. “Weeks out” means you have now officially set your sights on a show…with a specific date! Prior to this, the emphasis is more on building muscle and conditioning. By “conditioning”, I mean everything from the literal to the symbolic. […]
Settling Setbacks
Don’t worry, Sarah, you were between two national level competitors.” I sensed her empathy as we wrapped up posing practice. A good coach indeed. I winked to reassure her I was ok. My ego was a little bruised, but deep inside, I knew I had asked for… and needed this. I jumped at her invite […]
Building without the Bulge
Building without “the bulge” is critical to the female psyche. And, Week 4 is where your dedication starts to pay off. People start to notice or look at you differently, so you don’t mind the number on the scale…even though, it has possibly gone up! Many of my clients report the same. They get frustrated by the slow-moving scale, but […]
Cardio
Cardio is a traditional component of contest prep. The challenges associated with cardio are primarily in the doing of cardio. Even if you’re someone who digs cardio, contest cardio presents its unique set of challenges. Primarily, life gets in the way. Carving out an extra hour or so first thing in the morning most days […]
Belly Talk
1. Diasta-what-the…?! Diastasis Recti. If you’ve been pregnant, there’s a good chance you have some (abdominal separation). The last time I hit stage, there was abdominal protrusion I did my best to mask. I de-emphasized any side views and transitioned from front to back as quickly and directly as possible. My signature side pose B.D. (Before Desiree) was no longer a […]
End-of-Year Fitness Reflection
1. Take a moment and think about your ideal fitness image of yourself…what does it look, feel… sound like to you? 2. Do you ever use the following sentences (out loud or internally) when describing your patterns of eating: “I’ve been bad.” “I’ve been good.” “I have no willPower.” 3. Do you own a […]