A Change Gonna Come...

So Friday I went to the doctor and they didn't give me news I wanted to hear. However, I had no choice but to listen. I lost only 1/2 of fat mass and also lost a few ounces of muscle mass. They attribute this to my not eating enough calories each day. I work out hard around 6 days of the week and I can admit that my appetite is not huge and once I drink my protein or eat a meal, it goes a long way for me. On Friday, this news along with some other disappointing occurrences put me in a real funk. However, I have since snapped out of it and I'm ready for February to be a complete success.


I will find out next week if there are any foods that I am allergic to that may be causing my water retention. I am also getting my Testosterone and Estrogen levels check this week and seeing a doctor who works with athletes that will analyze my test results and help me to create a plan that will assist me in reaching my goals. I am ready to take my fitness to the next level. Meaning, I am ready to shred this fat, gain more lean muscle, and I willing do the work to make it happen. I mean, I do the work in the gym already but I obviously need to make some changes outside the gym; mainly with my eating or lack of eating. CHANGE is my word for the month of FEBRUARY!


                                       


There are a couple of other things that I know that are probably contributing to my stale state; stress and stress. LOL! School is so very stressful and stress hormones are deadly to weight-loss. Trying to manage life can also be stressful. Normally, I live relatively stress free but over the month of January I have just been struggling. So, for February I'm going to make it a point to regain control of my PEACE. What that will look like I'm not sure. I know that I will increase my meditation time and pay closer attention to things that create stress for me. I know school and work are my top two but neither of them can be eliminated from my existence at this point. HAHA!!! Wouldn't that be lovely?  I will just flow with the waves of energies that present themselves. Negative energies will quickly be dismissed and positive ones will be embraced.

There is more exciting news that I can't yet share with anyone, as it is not a done deal. Hopefully, by the end of February I will be in the position to let you in on what's happening. Just know that when I do something I try to do it to the best of my ability and if I can't, I won't do it.


Friday night I attended a boxing match and many people asked if I was fighting on May 6th and I'm still undecided. So, when I decide; everyone will know.

Thanks But No Thanks!!!

I've been a tad bit off kilter the last couple of days and for a variety of reasons that I won't share in detail, but here are some things I do know. I'm back to my happy, positive, and inspirational self!!!  

To harm anyone will never be and has never been my intention. I treat EVERYONE with respect and will help anyone I have the power to help. However, lately a few have been mistreating yo' girl! Some more hurtful than others but hurtful nonetheless. 

But, I will NEVER respond to negativity with more negativity. THAT makes for misery. I will only pull the positives of the interaction and respond. Not REACT, but respond. This has taken me a lifetime to get in the groove of but it keeps my heart and mind at peace. It's called emotional maturity or emotional intelligence. Most people lack this, but it's something I pride myself on. 

I have been tested time and time again as of late and I feel that in the eyes of GOD I've passed. Because he keeps on blessing me with greater options and opportunities. But when I reflect on why ANYONE would want to treat me badly, I remembered that... Hurt People, Hurt People. That's the bottom line. 

So now, I can proceed as I have and will continue to... As a friend, a supporter, and lover of all things that God has created. 

I can now get back on track with my fitness because I did not workout yesterday as planned and I may not go today! Lol! I probably will but I haven't decided! Just going with the flow of energy! 

My only request is that YOU ALL attempt to treat people with some care. You never know what someone is experiencing. And if you are one that believes in God, ask yourself if this is how He would handle this or how He would have me say this before proceeding. 

Please and thank you! 

And to the MANY people that attempted to Rock my week with negativity... Thank you, but no thank you. However, I love you and will continue to do so with no hesitation. That is just how it is. 

Back Day Blasted!!!

There are two training days that I absolutely LOVE!!! Back and Leg Days. These days are so challenging and I think that's why I love them so. Hmmm.... Nevermind. LOL! Anyhoo...

Today was back day and for once I had my daughter and her boyfriend there to capture some video. I never really get that opportunity as I work out alone A LOT. I still worked out alone today but they were at the gym and videoed when I remembered to call them over. If I can figure out how to post the footage I will.

Tomorrow is MY MOST FAVORITE DAY...LEG DAY!!! I think this is because I want really lean and defined legs. I'm well on my way. I take pics of my entire body every 2 weeks and I must say that my legs are coming along. I still have a ways to go but I'm confident that I will get there.

On a side note. I've been getting tons of e-mails, texts, and social media messages from so many people that it's almost overwhelming. I have had tons of independent sports/fitness companies offer to send me clothing gear if I would wear it, take pics, video and post. I have done this for people I know but it's weird getting these offers and requests from people you don't know. It's kind of scary as you never know what their intentions are and I just don't click with everyone (ha ha, I rarely click with anyone). There are a couple that I am considering. One is a boxing apparel company that is contracted with the WBC, LBF, and other creditable entities. The other is a fitness clothing company based out of Florida. Lord knows I need more fitness clothing. Lol!

I've so been thinking of a fitness business venture. However, I'm not sure that it's something I want to explore alone. It's always good to have a partner or someone to bounce things off of. I also don't want to continue just thinking of things I want to do in the fit game... I actually want to do them!!! A really good friend of mine put more ideas in my head today. And she knows what limited space is there already from all my other fitness related ideas. I'm thinking before the end of summer I'm going to make a business move. I'll start small, and go from there. I plan on taking the Summer semester off from school and 1-2 months off from work. That will give me plenty of time. Until then, I will continue pulling things together and possibly land a dedicated partner or two.

Life Is Good!!!

I know I haven't posted in over a week but I've still been on my gym grind and I'm steady making progress. I can say that this first 30 days is closely coming to an end quick and I will be changing up my program a bit to avoid plataue. 

My schedule is riddled with things related to school, kids, work, the gym, friends, family, and just life. So, I will attempt to blog at least 2x weekly. This blog helps to  hold me accountable and I do need to be held accountable. I have come WAY too far to veer off in any other direction. 

And even though each day that I wake up presents a barrage of challenges, physically, mentally, and emotionally; I make a conscious choice to reject all negative things. Accepting in my life only positive things and people that are conducive to my inner peace. 

Sometimes it takes some situations to repeat themselves (sometimes over and over and over again) before you are able to get a real understanding of what's happening and why you must make a change before it negatively impacts you or your spirit. Life can be just like the fit struggle; it's not easy but you know you have to make some changes in order to see positive results. 

I'm continuing to transform in more areas in my life, in addition to fitness. We never stop learning, growing, or evolving into better states of being. My goal is to get better in every way I can. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. I can't risk allowing allowing anyone to interrupt that process and most times that means forging forward alone. I only have one life and when that life will be over, I don't know. But when I do go, I will go the best me possible. All that being said; Life Is Good!

 

It's my rest day!!! Going shopping, getting some homework done, and placing myself around some people who remind me what life is all about. Remember NEVER settle. 

Gains & Losses....

So, today I went to the doctor and was told that I gained 1.8 pounds of muscle, lost 1.5 inches in my waist, lost 4.something pounds in fat mass, but was retaining 2 pounds in water weight. I'll take it!!! This is in a 2.5 - 3 week period of time. I very pleased with the near 2 pound gain in muscle because I have been working hard at gaining muscle. So, I will continue doing what I've been doing. Taking the advice of those who have my best interest at heart. And pushing my body to every limit. 

Today I engaged in some kick ass cardio and ab work with a childhood friend of mine (Sylvia Flores). It was hard, but it felt so great to get through it! I'm truly addicted. I hate that it took me so long to arrive but now that I'm here I'm beyond excited! Now, I'm trying to get as many people as possible hooked on this drug called fitness as it is some good ishT. 

I know I've been behind in blogging but I'm back in school, working full-time, and managing life. I will continue to blog every chance I get! Promise!  😘

LEG DAY SUCCESS!!!

So, today was leg day and this week I lighted the load a lot and for a couple of reasons:
1). I am still trying to cut fat, while building muscle and increase my endurance. So, it was suggested that I lighten my WORK loads and increase my reps, so I did. I can say that it is not easier. I really think its harder! In fact, I know it's harder!!! I really would like to go back to heavy weight but I feel I would be cheating myself and my progress. Therefore, I will likely just add a few pounds and keep performing 4 sets of 20 reps.
2). I tweeked my knee running up my apartment stairs earlier this week so the lighter loads were helpful. I really do not want to put myself out of the gym by doing anything reckless.

So...It has been a successful week. This will be my 12th day straight training. Granted on Friday and Saturdays I have been doing mostly cardio and ab work. This weekend I plan on pushing myself to do some plyometics, HIIT, and a few push pull sets with the prowler.

I must say that I feel as though my body is starting to respond to the weight training. I was beginning to get worried that I was doing something wrong because I have the best fitness aI understand that I just need to give this time. I have a lot of work to do this first quarter of the year. I am 14 days in and by day 30 I plan on seeing some more great changes. Of course, I'll keep you posted!!!

MOTIVATION... LET'S FIND IT!!!

mo·ti·va·tion

ˌmōdəˈvāSH(ə)n/

noun

1. the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.

   "escape can be a strong motivation for travel"

   synonyms:

   motive, motivating force, incentive, stimulus, stimulation, inspiration,inducement, incitement, spur, reason;  informalcarrot "his motivation was financial"

   • the general desire or willingness of someone to do something.

     "keep staff up to date and maintain interest and motivation"

     synonyms:

     enthusiasm, drive, ambition, initiative, determination, enterprise; informalget-up-and-go "keep up the staff's motivation"

     
     
   • Every thought, action, or lack of action has a motivation behind it. The reasons we behave in a certain way may be as the result of large number of things (culture, upbringing, living environment, etc.). To us, our behavior is just want it is or it's "normal." Whatever normal is to you. However, when you become aware that a behavior you have engaged in FOREVER is harmful to your well-being or the well-being of others, there may be a call for change. WHOA!!! That's hard! Or is it? Of course it is silly!!! 

   
   

   • 
     
     
   • Things that appear too physically difficult many people avoid (helping people move, running upstairs to get something). We will choose the less physically taxing options (drive-thru windows, having someone else grab it for you, or making a kid do it) to avoid having to get off out asses. Trust me, I know. For me, after I had kids I would try and find any amount of time to rest or just sit and be still because I was taking care of kids all day and night. I have 6 kids so seeking that rest or still time became a habit that I had a difficult time breaking. Even after my kids were older, I had developed that sedentary lifestyle and it was hella difficult to break. Let me share with you what my motivation was...
   • 
     
     

  I have always kept up with getting annual physicals. Although the doctors may have changed over the years, I make sure to get my pap spear, health physical (including blood work), and mammogram yearly. Well last year, my doctor wanted to go over my blood results with me. He informed me that all my numbers came back great but I weighed Two-Hundred and ninety something pounds (as if I didn't know!). He then looked at me square in the eye and said "your numbers are good now, but they won't stay that way. And I'm terribly afraid that you are going to end up having a stroke."  I instantly became motivated! Motivated to avoid the agony, pain, and debilitating possibilities of a stroke. That's what we do as humans; avoid pain and seek pleasure. 

The point of this post is to get you to thinking about what would motivate you to either get started of keep you going in the right direction. Today, I have to say that my motivation is to unleash my inner WonderWoman! I'm talking about a totally fit, cut, sexiER me. I no longer worry about having a stroke or heart attack as I have cut those odds tremendously (and worrying about it does nothing anyways). But, my motivation is KEPT by being more fit tomorrow than am today. I'm always in total competition with myself. I AM MY OWN MOTIVATION! Now are there others that contribute to this, absolutely! But ultimately, I have to do the WORK!!! 

So, now it's your turn. If you have started and stopped in the past, let it go! Find whatever it is that will get you started and then find whatever it is that will keep you started. There is something!!  You may have to dig, but there is something! You are worth it and deserve to live a long and good life free of physical limitations or restrictions. And as long as you have air in your lungs, it's not too late.