Too Blessed To Be Stressed

I personally think Mermaids are sexy!! ;)

2011-10-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

First I am going to post a popular picture and reply that is circling around right now. Many are taking it as empowering, encouraging, or a wonderful story. To me, it rubbed me the wrong way. And NOT simply because I am into fitness, but because I always find irony in a need to KNOCK something to raise something else up, PERIOD. I think this statement always rings true.

So if you haven't heard the whole Mermaid Vs. Whale Story... Here it is. It is circulating with a picture of a French Model Tara Lynn. The irony starts in the fact that she is a MODEL... but I'll come back to that...

A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and beautiful woman. The caption was "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"

The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the following way:

"Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness.
They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns. They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea or the coral reefs of Polynesia.

They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on cds. They are impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires.

Mermaids do not exist.

But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologist because of a problem of split personality: woman or fish?
They would have no sex life and could not bear children.
Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad.
And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side?

Without a doubt, I'd rather be a whale.

At a time when the media tells us that only thin is beautiful, I prefer to eat ice cream with my kids, to have dinner with my husband, to eat and drink and have fun with my friends.

We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies.
We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated.
Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: "How amazing am I ?! "

(The girl on the picture is French model Tara Lynn)

***Hmmmm I get the point of the whole mermaid vs whale story, I really do. First of all, the poster was clearly seen as derogatory and I get that. Calling women whales never really goes over well. But the irony was it struck a cord with this particular woman who claims to be so confident. If she were, why would it have bothered her so much in the first place? I myself have taken a passion and made it my LIFE to encourage woman to embrace their bodies at all sizes, but to do so while being HEALTHY! Defining who you want to be does not come from a size or a number on the scale. It comes from knowing you are healthy, fit, happy, and feel as good on the inside as you do on the outside. You can weigh 110 pounds and still hate your body.

BUT this sounds like a cop out to be unhealthy!! An easy way to KNOCK slim/fit women, implying that they are somehow less successful at all the things "whales can do" just by being thin and/or fit. Its the classic if I can't be them, then I'll just simply KNOCK them mentality. Clearly if this ad bothered a women enough to write a thought out reply something inside of her is "unsettled" by the "mermaid type". Giselle Bunchen, Heidi Klum, Faith Hill, Jane Seymour, Brook Sheilds, Brooke Burke, Kelly Ripa, Faith Hill, Victoria Beckham, would all be considered "mermaids" then huh? They have had babies, marriages, careers, success, and happiness!! Or what about all the fit Moms who compete and rock single digits of body fat? Guess what? Just because they are fit or thin or beautiful does not make them any less better at enjoying life than you! Some woman can DO IT ALL, and instead of knocking them, we should aspire to be like them. Which doesn't have to mean perfect, or thin or beautiful, but CONTENT within themselves, inside and out. TRUE CONFIDENCE SPEAKS QUIETLY FOR ITSELF.

So why does it bother me so much that I feel a need to retaliate? What is MY INSECURITY. Mine is pretty clear to see, whether people admit it to my face or not I am constantly judged for looking or acting a certain way. If a mother spends too much time on her looks, it must mean she's stuck up and not spending enough time on her children right? Not that she really feels good and knows taking care of herself first makes her a better Mother right? I have built a little business doing what I love, and making more money than any part time job I've ever worked as a Mother. But my life revolves around being healthy, so I must not have much fun right? And God forbid I do have too much fun, then I am irresponsible. Damned if you do damned if you don't.

My retaliation is because I am so sick as a woman of seeing the WARS between woman...Working vs Stay home, Breastfeeding vs. Bottle feeding, Co sleepers, vs Crib sleepers, Young Vs. Old. And the infamous Fat vs Thin. ENOUGH ALREADY. I have carried 3 children within my body, slept with them on my chest, nursed them, kissed tiny toes & wiped away tears. I have been puked on, peed on & spent sleepless nights cradling them. My body isn't magazine perfect (hate to break it to you magazines aren't real), but when I look in the mirror I do not see JUST A MOM, I see a beautiful women. I see strength, I see determination, I see laugh lines, I see stretch marks, I see the body of someone I can be PROUD OF. So lets stop copping out to "we are fat because we are cultured". We are a fat nation because we eat poorly, and do not exercise. We have a 34% obesity rate because we don't take care of ourselves. Embrace your curves as long as you know they are HEALTHY curves!

And the biggest IRONY of it all is THE picture circulating with the story is still that of a MODEL!!! A woman who is paid because she is beautiful. So despite trying to rise above being image conscious, it attached to a picture of a MODEL!!! Maybe she is considered more "plus size" or "curvy", but we are still attaching her worth to WHAT SHE LOOKS LIKE!!

Sounds Like Life To Me...

2011-08-26T04:13:00.000-07:00

It is no coincidence that the only tattoo I have on my body is very symbolic and appropriate for me. It is the word SERENITY... right down the middle of my spine - my BACK BONE. The spine represents your support system, your strength, stamina and responsibilities. It helps to keep your head high even in difficult times. It is your "backbone" suggesting that you need to stay true to your own convictions and be firm. The spine is symbolic of strength. So SERENITY (the important quality I did not posses at the time)- was forever tattooed down the middle of my spine as a reminder to me of what happens when I do not possess it.

If you have ever met me, serene is the LAST word you would ever use to describe me. I talk fast, walk fast, move fast, think fast, I even sleep fast! I have trouble slowing down. Before my 26th birthday I was forced to slow down. At the time I thought it was ridiculous. Why would I want to slow down? People say they wish they could bottle my energy, wish they could get as much done in a day as I can, why would I want to take that away? But trust me, a hyperactive brain, drive, and motion has its down falls, and I experienced it first hand. Your body and mind can only handle so much. And serenity is actually a prized possession for someone like me, and needs to be treated as such. It was, and remains a tough lesson for me to learn. In this fast paced world you would think the one who cleans their house the fasted is the best, right? The one who works the most and makes the most money wins, right? The one who can get her whole “to do list” done before noon time is an amazing super mommy, right? That's the way I THOUGHT - but it’s so far from the truth.

The serenity prayer is also something I never really thought much about until 2008. I don't even think I took the time to think it, say it, or let it sink in. In fact I use to Mock it with the saying: “Grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change, the courage to change the things I cannot accept, and the wisdom to hide the bodies of those people I had to kill today because they pissed me off!” haha I'm telling you I was a stubborn stubborn mo fo. :)

But now I TRULY APPRECIATE THOSE WORDS: THE REAL WORDS:

In my 28 years on this planet I have been through A LOT, more than most would imagine. I am incredibly blessed, but not without my fair share of obstacles. And after a major meltdown yesterday because of some frustrating news and a conversation with my husband and father, something hit me - my aha moment. I can handle pretty much ANYTHING THROWN AT ME. I've had horrible pregnancies young, sick babies, tragedies, serious illnesses in my family, health troubles, economy troubles, financial worries, and I don't really break down for much, in fact I RARELY, RARELY, do. So yesterday when I was so frustrated I couldn't even see straight: the words flowed out of my mouth before I even had a chance to think about them, I Said: "THE ONLY TIME I AM EVER SO STRESSED I CAN"T STAND IT IS WHEN SOMETHING IS COMPLETELY OUT OF MY CONTROL AND THERE"S NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT." And my husband and father sat there quietly, didn't say a word for a minute and then they both thought the same thought, almost talking over each other. "That's THE ONE TIME you shouldn't be stressed, because there is really NOTHING you can do." my ahaaaaa - why is my brain so ass backwards. Don't have enough money - doesn't stress me, it means work harder or spend less. Sick babies, it means take them to the best doctors and take care of them the best you can. Serious illness - it means again same thing best doctors and fight it. Tragedies - it means stay strong, and wait for time to heal. I'm not saying I'm perfect but all these obstacles I can and have overcome fairly easily - but tell me there's something I can do NOTHING about, and that's when my strength dwindles, and frustration takes over. It is just "how I'm wired". It goes back to a virgos need for perfection and control yada yada.

But last night I realized it very strongly and now know it’s another working point in my life. Serenity may come easy to some, but I am not those "some", and I am well aware of that. "Letting things go" comes easy to some, but again, I can only dream of being that easy going. As I age and mature, it is a process of simply "defining who I want to be". Neurotic is only good for so long and in CERTAIN settings, but in everyday life and with my family - I'm trying to appreciate, and realize I simply have to work at what I want, and let go of what I simply cannot control.

With that being said lets talk about the TOLL that stressing really takes on your body. Now I am not exaggerating when I say I do not stress much, at least I really try not to let much get to me. I mean I have the normal day to day stress, but not the OMG I want to cry, or punch someone in the face stress often. I've always thought life is simply just to short to be miserable and or stressed all the time. Last night after stressing for a few hours over something I literally can do nothing about, my body hurt. I felt like I had been in a fight, I was exhausted, my head was pounding beyond belief, and I was just lethargic. How is that productive? How is that a way to live?

Now scroll through your face book statuses - is there someone who is always dramatically frustrated with life:
"why me?!"
"What else could possibly go wrong?"
"Life's not fair."
"Work sucked so bad, I have the worst migraine."
"I just want to be alone."
"I just need to win the lottery."
"I need a vacation."

Or that person that every time you talk to them their life is falling apart. I'm not saying we don't all have our days when we need to VENT because we do, and we are fully allowed to without judgment. And I’m not trying to single anyone out. But really think of those who CONSTANTLY seem like their life is one big catastrophe. Now think of their health, their lifestyle habits, and their disposition... get where I'm going with this? Or do I need to draw you a picture? Life is as hard as WE choose to make it. Sometimes it’s complicated. Some are more blessed than others. But STRESS is ONE of the absolute WORSE things you can do for your body and mind. Your attitude and perception totally CHANGE the way you react to difficult times. It is why I take care of my body from the inside/out and am so passionate about teaching others to do the same. I say the gym and a healthy lifestyle is my prozac, and it’s VERY TRUE. Without it I would be a complete and TOTAL HOT MESS - not just a slight hot mess ;). Below is a SONG that will wrap this blog up PERFECTLY - yes its country - bare with me even if you don't like country and just LISTEN TO THE LYRICS!!! VERY TRUE and needs to be said MORE OFTEN:

Sounds like Life to ME, ain't no fantasy. Just a common case of everyday reality. Man I know it's tough but you gotta suck it up. To hear you talk you’re caught up in some tragedy... It sounds like life to me!

The more goals you set - the more goals you get.

2011-08-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you have to make choices, and hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are. ~Fred Rogers

Our life's accomplishments over the past year are different phases of life all jumbled together...but I wouldn't want it any other way!! As I am approaching yet another birthday in September I always try and take time to reflect on what some of my goals where at the beginning of the year and where I'm headed. As I'm getting my schedule together for the Fall I'm really appreciating all that we have accomplished over the last year. They may seem like small accomplishments to some, but for us its been an eventful, successful year. As someone who always wants things done yesterday I need to remind myself Rome wasn't built in a day, and not having patience to see things through has been a downfall of mine. I am strong when things are challenging and fast paced but the day to day boredom of some goals - the all out grind when you just must do what you have to do, that's where real strength comes in.

Over the past year we have conquered pre - school with the twins - seems like a small feat, but if you knew my twins you'd know it was a task indeed. Successfully got through my daughters first year of dance competitions and high honor roll at school - VERY PROUD! We moved into and worked on our new house a lot this year - such a labor of LOVE. Took off with my own business - training, boot camps and seminars. And last but not least over the last year I have completed my required 28 credits on dean's list and meeting all requirements to officially apply to the rad tech program!! Looking forward to another year of ACCOMPLISHMENTS and goals!!

Of course there are some things on my "list" that haven't gotten accomplished as planned, however I am choosing to focus on what I can! That's why I love this quote and feel it applies strongly to my life "You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you have to make choices, and hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are." ~Fred Rogers. The only thing I can attribute everything I've been able to accomplish to is the amazing support of my family, and my determination to make them and my children proud!!

So for anyone reading this who has a goal big or small. Physique, diet, training, career, motherhood, marriage, education,whatever your goal is related to, my best advice is this... commit to it like you never have before, put it out there, tell everyone and everyone and ASK for support!!! Swallow your pride, if you need help TAKE IT! Because next birthday comes around you don't want to be saying I WISH! Instead you can be saying I did. Time to reassess and refocus because the next birthday, next year is a big one and I gotta make sure I'm on point for it!! See my poor brain never rests!!

This is NOT a pat myself on the back blog, as I read it back I kinda felt like it was YUCK! Instead its a reminder to myself and to us all - We want it all - ALL AT ONCE RIGHT NOW! No,no, YESTERDAY actually! Reality doesn't work like that - reality comes from consistency, planning, and perseverance. Sometimes a quick check to remind ourselves to breathe, take step backs and realize its one step at a time, DOES WONDERS. Just make sure we are still on track and keep plugging away!

What can Body Definition Boot Camp Do For YOU???

2011-07-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

What can Body Definition Boot Camp Do For you???

Over the next few weeks I will be trying to showcase some of the success the clients have been having with BODY DEFINITION BOOT CAMP/ IN HOME TRAINING/ AND ONLINE PROGRAMS!! First up because she shared her excitement today and I wanted to share: Dianne Miller : I think her story is important because (not to toot my own horn - BUT ALL TRAINERS are NOT CREATED EQUAL) And Dianne is proof of that. Dianne went to a local gym and decided she wanted to reach a goal, so she took the steps and HIRED a trainer. In my opinion it is one of the best things you can do to commit. Put your money where your mouth is and DECIDE to stick to a plan, decide to learn, and decide to CHANGE. However buyer beware, not all "trainers" will get you RESULTS. They may have the newest excercise, great routines, you may even be SO SORE when you leave, but what are you seeking? RESULTS. THIS IS MY FOCUS with clients, everything else is find and dandy, but lets focus on YOUR GOAL. Why it is you hired me?

SO Dianne hires a trainer a YEAR LONG COMMITMENT MIND YOU, to the TUNE of $379/month. What did she receive? Workouts? sure. A Meal plan? Well, a LIST of ideal foods. Weigh-Ins and Measurements - to check progress and hold her goal accountable? Well ONE TIME OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR! Lets compare to what she received with Body Definition...

When we first started our boot camp sessions together, this is what Dianne had to say: "3rd week of boot camp done and i am losing inches and pounds, feel so much better than i have in years, thank you very much steph♥"

TO WHICH I REPLIED YOU ARE DOING ALL THE GREAT WORK!! I like to emphasize that there is NO MAGIC, I don't have any "secrets" its always a results of consistency, and intensity.

TO which Dianne replied "i know but to think all last year i had a trainer at the gym and got NO results and in 3 weeks i already am getting better results. it only proves that with an excellent trainer who covers every aspect including nutrition (which they didn't do ) you can do anything!!"

And now after finishing two 6 week sessions:This is what Dianne had to write today: "ran into my old trainer at the gym today. she did not recognize me at first. one whole year of working out with her and had no results to speak of. 2 six week boot camp sessions with Stephanie Villers and I am 4 lbs away from my goal and feeling great! thanks Steph your'e the best ♥"

Here's the best part of this story so you can all realize the depth of the program and how it works for EVERYONE, EVERY SIZE, EVERY AGE, who is willing to WORK FOR IT!!: Dianne is OVER 40, has some injuries that we work around, works on the road so she is out and about in her car all day (which does not make food planning easy.) Lets see did I cover all the excuses she could have used?

What did she get out of the program? Let me rephrase that, what did we work together to achieve?

**She had hands on workouts with me three days a week for one hour, small group, personalized.

**She received a FULL nutrition plan with meal ideas and monitoring every two weeks.

**She received access to me through text/email/phone to me to answer questions/concerns/issues with foods etc.

**She was weighed and measure every two weeks to make sure we were on track to where she wanted to go.

** She was given REAL FOOD - DAIRY, FRUIT, STARCHES, VEGETABLES, LEAN PROTEINS, HEALTHY FATS, food she enjoyed, food she found easy to prepare, and PLENTY of it. AND EVEN *gasp* enjoyed cheat meals of whatever she wanted occasionally off plan.

Dianne came to me drinking 15 cups of coffee a day hardly any water and maybe eating once or twice a day. She had done a no sugar no carb diet and dropped 10 pounds and then had gotten stuck. Her original goal was to "drop another 10". Ironically when reteaching someone how to properly eat and hydrate, often the body takes time to adjust. The first week on PLAN Dianne GAINED 1.4 pounds! Uh -oh I'm sure the thought crossed her mind, just another trainer who is not going to get me results I'm looking for. I talked to her and explained what we were doing to CHANGE and fix her metabolism and told her to TRUST me and STAY STRONG and consistent and she would be happy AND SHE DID!!! And HER RESULTS???? FINALLY.... DRUM ROLL....

after 2 boot camps 12 weeks total for $260 a piece (which was FAR LESS than two months - she had paid with her previous trainer)

weight loss - 18.2 pounds loss

lost 4 inches off her waist

lost 3 inches off her hips

lost 2 1/2 inches off each leg

lost 2 dress sizes!!

More importantly she has totally changed her lifestyle habits. She drinks a ton of water, really missed her fruit doing the no carb no sugar, so has been enjoying fruits and veggies, eats every few hours, drinks A LOT LESS COFFEE, has more energy, sleeps better, and feels and looks GREAT!!! Now before you say yeah sure go back and read her age, read her schedule, read her habits, read about her injuries, and REMEMBER I CAN GIVE YOU THE TOOLS, BUT YOU MUST WORK FOR IT and DETERMINE TO DO IT FOR YOURSELF LIKE DIANNE.

I asked Dianne for a before and after and her reply "I don't have many before's because I hated having my picture taken when I was heavy." ( how many people can relate to that?) However she will take one in her size 14s that are now SWIMMING ON HER and Dianne will be celebrating her wedding Anniversary next month IN VEGAS where she will be rocking a bikini PROUDLY so I expect some nice pics from that!!!!

GREAT JOB DIANNE!!!

NEXT BOOTCAMP WILL BEGIN JULY 18th Monday Wednesday and Friday Evenings: Times to be determined by group sizes but beginning after 6pm. Please email me for further details: stephanie_villers@yahoo.com as body definition website is undergoing changes. DEPOSIT REQUIRED TO HOLD SPOT. FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.

MORE CLIENT RESULTS TO COME... NEXT UP SADINNA PERRY'S STORY this one's gonna touch MANY the girl is determined!! And doing it the right way when many other options have been thrown her way!

Concrete Angels... may they rest in peace

2011-05-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

Contrary to the fact that I woke up from anesthesia crying, that I cried like a baby, I mean like a baby you stole something from to the movie PS I LOVE YOU, and that I cry happy tears when I see my daughter dance, almost every time... the truth is I am not an overly emotional person = "a crier" if you will, well MOST OF THE time anyway. If you ask my close friends and family I bet they will say they can count on one hand the amount of times they've seen me cry. I actually am annoyed by girls that cry at everything, I don't mean the touched tears I mean the my life's so hard, so I cry tears all the time, its like toughen up your ducts already or something LOL it just makes me numb to crying I guess. And I have that weird sense of laughing while I'm crying even when I do. I guess my body tries to fight it.

Even now I'm joking but what I want to write about is no joking matter its one of those "things" that actually brought me to tears. We have had so many sad tragedies in our time, personally, locally, globally, its no secret this world is severely messed up. The news on TV I know is background noise for many, but not in our house. I read what I have to online to keep up with the important stuff and that's it. I never watch it with my children or family. Its actually one of those things I don't understand, people won't let kids watch PG-13 movies, or play violent video games, but their 8 year old can sit right next to them as the man on channel 5 tells about how a group of men broke into a house and went on a brutal killing spree for no apparent reason at all, or how a college that their 8 year old dreams about going to is locked down because there has been 4 consecutive rape cases in the last two weeks. Just saying... news is not ever anything positive or anything I want the focus of my evening chatter to be while my kids are awake. And if media is not focusing on all the scary things going on, then its pure junk gossip. How many illegitimate kids did another politician father, or how a "scientifically socially educated psychologist" released "scientific information" about how black women are less attractive... really do I need to prove my news case anymore. And I've never been one to post these stories on face book, really talk about vote for the worst spirit lifter ever - posting sad stories, what does that say about you? If you can go back on your wall and find more than five disturbing news stories, you need a new hobby. But this story, this story struck different. This story hit many. This story cannot be called sad, cannot be called evil, for some unspeakable reason it took a form that reached down inside of many of us far deeper than sad or evil. A story that I feel I will remember unfortunately for a very long time. His name. His little beautiful face, but most of all his shoes.

Last week I took the boys shoe shopping, they are growing like little weeds which is wonderful. You know for little preemies that were three and a half and four pounds three ounces who had some rough times, you'd never know looking at these honking feet. These little toes that are so adorable yet somehow find a way to bust holes right through socks. When I bought them new shoes, we took a picture of my 11 year olds feet (peanut) next to our 4 year olds and ummmmm they are not far off!! She has on fly Nike Shox, yeah well they had Shox too but they have outgrown two pairs of sneakers since then so in this economy we were looking for value over "name". So we went shoe shopping. It was so cute listening to their little opinions "I don't like those brown ones", "those look too big" And then it was like they saw Gold!!! THE LIGHTNING MCQUEEN SNEAKERS!!! It was all Broderick could talk about. I did everything in my power to talk him out of them, I had to talk and walk quickly because they were taking him over (I'm not really a fan of character shoes) and I can still hear his little voice "But Lightning McQueen's a big boy, and I'm a big boy, so I should get those shoes." When I got out of the store I called my husband and told him all about our shoe shopping experience and how I felt like a bad Mommy for not letting him get the McQueen shoes. We laughed and joked, and said he'll forget all about them, they're just shoes. But now I never will.

Many know I had my daughter young. I was clueless, naive, very selfish, and oh did I mention clueless. But as SOON as I had her it was like second nature. I belonged to her, she belonged to me. No one needed to tell me, show me, explain it, its just such a natural, pure love. She needed me and I didn't even know it but I needed her. She came out, I held her, nursed her, cuddled her, and voila an angel was born. I thought woman must just have this instinct put in them, when a baby is born a mommy is born. No one needs to tell you you would give your life for this child, no one needs to tell you they are sacred, innocent, and come first. Its just an unconditional love that just overwhelms you. Unfortunately the sad truth is its not something ALL women are born with as - so to hear this story - KILLED ME TO THE CORE.

If you do not know what story I am talking about yet then you probably are not from the new England area because its circulating rapidly. Briefly, on Tuesday in Maine they found a dead body of a 4 - 6 year old boy. A beautiful little boy blonde hair, blue eyed boy. He was wearing a gray camouflage hooded sweatshirt with the brand name “Faded Glory,’’ tan pants, and “Lightning McQueen’’ black sneakers. Lightning McQueen sneakers, those words hit me like a ton of bricks and I just felt sick to my stomach. Its not that I selfishly thought about my own children instinctively alone, but that this poor baby was discarded dead on the road like that, that no one was claiming him, missing him, looking for him, caring about him. The shoes brought me back to how INNOCENT a child is, I could hear Broderick's little voice: "But Lightning McQueen's a big boy, and I'm a big boy, so I should get those shoes." How could anyone HURT a child so innocent, how could anyone discard a child like they are rubbish. It made my stomach turn and it made me cry. My heart broke for that poor boy, life can be so unfair. We all think it I would have taken that CHILD!! To hurt a child is so inconceivable, and later we find out to be hurt by his own mother is nothing short of PURE EVIL. My only hope is that he is resting now and peaceful.

Every lightning McQueen toy I see in our house I think of him, my husband even does too because remember I called and told him all about the shoes story so he knew about it as well. Every quiet moment when I'm watching them grow and learn and explore, I think of him, so innocent so pure, its just so heart wrenching. Some things we cannot change, some things we cannot control, evil people are powerful when they creep into our lives and thoughts too much so I will not even give this waste of breath a single sentence more, I will only say that my heart and thoughts are with little Camden, may he rest in peace.

And as I walked my children up the stairs to preschool on Tuesday I took the time to realize all the changes and growth they have made. In September the teachers where peeling Broderick off kicking and screaming because he wanted to be home with Mommy, and there he was my little men walking up the stairs finding their own hooks, taking off their jackets hanging them up, taking out their lunch boxes and putting their back packs away all by themselves. It was all I could do to get hugs and kisses out of them, they were off to play! They have grown so much since September. And tonight at home they cut out their projects for their sea calendar Broderick's lines straighter than Bryce's but he'll get there, and again there was the lightning McQueen Toy reminding me. Its ok though I am not thinking of the evil, may he rest in peace, justice be served, and may I focus on my job as a Mommy keeping them HAPPY AND SAFE. HAPPY AND SAFE. Its a balance, especially as they get older, my daughter is 11 and everything that keeps her safe doesn't always make her happy, but she understands (kinda). For Mothers Day she wrote me a BOOK of poems, so pure and sweet and this one was one of my favorites...

May every Mommy, Daddy, Aunt, Uncle, Grandma, Grandpa, God Parent, Sibling, and every person that Loves and Appreciates children remember that's our only job happy and safe. And though this world is sick and twisted sometimes. We must focus on the love we are blessed with to be received and to be shared.

RIP CAMDEN... ALWAYS IN OUR THOUGHTS

Wisdom Teeth Gone

2011-05-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well my wisdom teeth are gone!! As of today! They were suppose to come out roughly 12 years ago but I am a dental procrastinator... ANXIETY of the dentist to the 10th power. Unfortunately they became impacted and since I had 4 teeth pulled as a teenager due to crowding, before I wore braces those damn wisdom teeth crowded my perfectly straight teeth AGAIN! I'm hoping now that they're gone I may be able to get a retainer or invisalign to get back my straight pearly whites, they're not horrible just a little crowding on the bottom that I know my parents are saying what a wast of a couple grand!

So I headed to the oral surgeon today trying not to get too worked up but absolutely hating the idea! HATE THE DENTIST, as soon as I'm hit with that notorious smell of the office I get queasy. My mother in law who I am so lucky to have drove me and sat in the office through the entire procedure. As soon as the put the monitors on me to monitor my vitals the Dr says "ok you are either about to faint, are an extremely calm person, or you work out a lot, your heart rate is so LOW!" I chuckled and we started talking about my working out, being a personal trainer, and teaching boot camp and that was the last I really remember. He froze my arm to put an IV in - honestly that freezing stuff is so cold it almost tingles more than a needle poke... I thought my skin was gonna fall off LOL. Next I knew I was sitting up in a room and my mother in law was sitting in front of me. I woke up from anesthesia shaking like I was freezin cold, must have been that ice stuff haha and crying, like really crying. Yet I have no clue why I was crying which made it all the more weird. I wasn't in any pain at that point, totally numb, but they said it does happen. I remember thinking why the hell am I crying? Is something wrong and I don't remember haha I am def a light weight cause I was out of it! Thank goodness for my amazing mother in law, she sat there talking to me, rubbing my leg and talking me through waking up. I kept see the doctor run by and say do you remember this? Or do you remember that? And I was like ummmmmm not at all. He was so cheery, and I was still thinking HEY why am I crying? LOL My mother in law went over all the instructions with me and the nurse, made sure I was less groggy, got me home and tucked me into bed. She went and got my meds for me and stayed until I was in la la land off asleep. I love this woman. So sweet and helpful. I'm sure I was just a groggy joy! lol And thanks to my Dad (I have such amazing family) he took the boys for the day and even went to my daughter's school to watch her in her poetry reading. (Which I was very sad I had to miss). My dentist called to check up on me and told me the pain in my lower left side will be pretty significant and gave me instructions on how to medicate. We're gonna layer advils on Percs for the pain because he said I think you'd be too loopy on two percs haha So percocets and chill time on the agenda for the evening, laying in bed typing because I'm awake so if its not coherent I apologize now.

I hope I'm up and at em soon and ready to roll. It is absolutely gorgeous outside, and I'm pumped to have this over, if you can't tell I get a little anxious about dental stuff, and recovering. Yesterday I took my last FINAL of the semester. So that was a large relief lifted! I have one week until my next 6 week boot Camp session starts and I am getting PUMPED about that!! Emailed all the girls and having them ok and review pics/feedback before I do a full update on the last session. But I will say I am very PROUD and KNOW this was a great decision for me and for my clients... just some brief over views - ONE CLIENT IN 6 weeks of bootcamp with nutrition personalized to them... DOWN 13 pounds!And tons of inches! Another CLIENT DOWN 12 POUNDS, Another Down 7 AND AN AMAZING HARD WORKING WOMAN DOWN 24 POUNDS!! - Its not about quick fixes or magic, it is simple old fashion getting it done, back to the basics, work smart, eat smart. It is a results driven program. Focus on goals, realistic goals, set them and I will give you all the tools and motivation to achieve them, ultimately it is up to you!

NEXT SESSION STARTS MAY 23rd MESSAGE ME FOR DETAILS stephanie_villers@yahoo.com. This has become my baby! And I truly LOVE WHAT I DO!!

Power, Hard work, Ambition, and Triumph = PHAT

2011-04-27T19:43:00.001-07:00

THIS IS A QUICK LITTLE UPDATE! As I feel like I haven't blogged in forever... and have some great ones I'd love to share, I have three in the works, half saved, half worked on because I haven't had the time to dedicate to them. School break is a commin, so hopefully those will get finished! ONE even includes some progress pics with some VERY INTERESTING comparisons of how different muscle looks than fat. Yes I know I'm fitness minded and would automatically think that, but contrary to being labeled a "bodybuilder" my goal is not for everyone to be jacked LOL Yes we hear muscle weighs more than fat, muscle's more dense, takes up less space yada yada yada, but I've yet to meet very many women who are actually OK with believing this, myself believe it or not included sometimes. I know scientifically its correct, I've seen it with my own eyes, but when I see my scale heavier, that's when whether or not I find that truth charming comes into play. I'll never forget after my first show I went to a birthday party with my daughter the next day and the CLOWN decided I looked like the best target to pick up and put on his shoulders LOL I was lean and I guess looked the littlest, he kept joking about HOW MUCH HEAVIER I WAS THAN I LOOKED!!!! LOL Yes muscle weighs more than fat but takes up less space, size twos falling off, but still weighed more than most "size 2s".

Well that's why progress pics ARE SO CRUCIAL! I even surprised myself a bit with the difference. I mean nothing miraculous, but def proof of this muscle working in our favor GREATLY. I won't go into it too much yet as that's another blog.

SO what's going on... RANDOM BULLET POINTS

*CURRENTLY WRAPPING UP THE SEMESTER AT SCHOOL - another blog is actually about school too a little - but anyway wrapping up and these last two weeks I have been SLAMMED with school work. Which is really what has halted a lot of focus on much anything else, beside training clients/boot camp/the family...

* This Weekend I will be attending Jen Hendershot's PHAT CAMP - For anyone who doesn't know who Jenny H is she has always been a fitness favorite of mine!! She has retired from Competing, but while she was competing has won both of the biggest titles in fitness: The Fitness International and the Ms. Olympia competition.

Here's a sample of one of her kick ass routines!

I'm looking forward to the ENERGY you get at fitness weekends like this, the inspiration, and of course the workouts. Her site directs: "Friday night we will be training power arms and abs, Saturday we will train chest and Shoulders. Sunday we will be training back and legs. Please do whatever you feel is on your schedule; however it is highly advised you come rested and ready for camp."

*This is My final week of this Body Definition bootcamp - IT WAS COMPLETELY FULL AND SO VERY SUCCESSFUL and FUN! Today we took some more pics, as we did at the seminar back in March and will be compiling pics and everything to add to the website that is in the process of being finished. It will start off very basic as I need a portal to services and contacts, but will grow as time allows. My vision just as my old site is to cover a lot and inspire, as well as promote, but for now my visions can take time so I need a basic start and that is coming soon! I will say the results from this boot camp have been WONDERFUL! Can't wait to share more!

THE NEXT BOOTCAMP SESSION BEGINS MAY 23rd ACCEPTING REGISTRATION NOW! FIRST COME FIRST SERVE Already 6 signed up for the 7:15 and 2 signed up for the 6 time slot. So contact me ASAP.

Body Definition Boot Camps - Hosted at Legends Gymnastics In North Andover, MA

Programs run in 6 week sessions - meet 3 times a week for an hour.

NEXT SESSION BEGINS MAY 23rd and TIMES are Mon & Wednesday @ 6 OR 7:15 Sat@ 9:00

6 weeks INCLUDES

* Pre week orientation, with initial nutrition consult, discussion and brief over view of exercises for beginners or those needing refreshing.
* Nutrition changes every 2 week - full plan personalized to your needs/goals totally interactive.
* Measurements and weigh in every 2 weeks (for those setting specific goals)
* Before and after pictures if you choose.
* Complete Guided Hands On Boot Camp Style workout with a Certified Personal Trainer
* Plyometrics, Kickboxing, Intervals, Cardio, Kettlebell, Resistance Training
* All levels and ages WELCOME - a good trainer can adjust per conditioning and age levels

We will not be holding a full seminar this go around before the start, but will be hosting another seminar day in JUNE SO STAY TUNED FOR THAT. Once the website is up you can sign up for email notifications of upcoming events!

*TODAY WAS BEAUTIFUL!! Hope everyone got to enjoy the weather, I know my kids were outside ALMOST ALL DAY!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and I'll be sharing PICS FROM PHAT CAMP SOON!

Maybe Boston Market will Be My Next Sponsor :) haha

2011-03-25T19:20:00.001-07:00

So quick little update I want to share BEFORE THE WEEKEND STARTS!! Few things... Let me first start with an INSPIRATIONAL Motivated person I have recently had the pleasure of meeting. The thing I want everyone to truly understand is I know that MY job is to motive YOU. I do my best to inspire, give tools, and such, but in return the enthusiasm I receive from you guys IS MY MOTIVATION!!

So Sunday we had the nutrition seminar and boot camp KICK OFF - as I mentioned Some attended that where not attending boot camp, because it was full, but they still wanted to learn about nutrition (which we covered in depth), have a great workout - which we did, and take away POINTS and TIPS they could then use on their own to jump start their journey. Well one of the attendees was Felicia. I was impressed with Felicia's introduction right away, because she mentioned about 6 or 7 years ago she had TOTALLY changed her lifestyle and decided to lose 80 POUNDS on her own, and has KEPT them off. She wanted motivation to get into better shape, and advice to lose those last 10 pounds.

So HERE IS WHAT A MOTIVATED PERSON TOOK AWAY FROM A FOUR HOUR SEMINAR:

On Sunday following boot camp she emailed me for some of the recipes and food items we discussed and said:

Hi Stephanie!!

I REALLYYY enjoyed your class!! I actually woke up today and my legs and booty were killinnggg me. But in a good way!! I just really need to tone up and drop the last 5-10 pounds! but I dont wanna get too skinny i like my curvy figure lol.. It was nice to be hurting today I go to the gym pretty usually but I'll just run a couple miles and thats how i lost all my weight at first and then it just stopped working so a couple weeks ago I went to Lowes and bought a little step so i started stepping 4-5 times a week for half an hour doing different things on it like lunging and stepping up and kicking and then i incorporated 5 pounds weights while stepping to work my upper half and i lost another 10 pounds just from changing my routine so you showing me the kettleball exercises was GREAT!! It was exactly what I needed to jump start me again into a good routine. I am constantly researching things about nutrition I am a little obsessed just from seeing how me losing my 80 pounds when I was 18 COMPLETELY changed my life. People treat you completely different it's crazy! Even if you can't come up with another class right now let me know when your next 6 week routine will start and Katie and I will be there for sure!! Thanks again though and I will definitely be staying in touch with you, you are my new best friend LOL
Thanks!
Felicia

Then a few Days later she posted to me: LOVING the tuna/celery/egg/tzaziki stuff (or however u spell it lol) wraps for lunch everyday..SOOOO good. and i made the jasmine rice n chicken sausage last night w broccoli n mixed that all up. eating healthy has never tasted so good! LOL

Then today I got another wonderful message and that's when I asked her if I could share :) she said: Ive lost 4 pounds since sunday!! I am eating every two hours and I am just loving everything about it! Thanks so much for all the helpful tips!

THIS RIGHT HERE IS SO POWERFUL!!! Its her attitude, her focus, her drive. It's no magic, its nothing crazy. She attended a four hour class/seminar and walked away and APPLIED IT. SIMPLE. I say it all the time but I mean it from the bottom of my heart. JUST DO IT! Don't talk about it, don't stress about it, don't talk yourself out of it, don't make excuses, its really simple, ONCE you just START. Will it get hard yes? Will you have off days? Yes. But with the right attitude and drive - ANYONE CAN DO WHAT THEY WANT!!!

So needed to share that!! THANK FELICIA! YOU ROCK!!

On to the next point: So i have a few clients who have demanding jobs, and sometimes they may run out of the house with a certain number of meals prepared and not realize until they get to work that they will be stuck there longer than they prepared for. WHAT CAN YOU DO? NO FOOD... and you have a four hour stretch coming up? What's an alternative?

Perfect example of even when you are not prepared, you need to be prepared: Going on a business lunch and you don't want to bring prepared food for the restaurant? FIGURE out your calorie and macronutrient needs and devise a plan to order something that fits that, and STICK WITH IT. You must mentally prepare ahead even if you don't have food prepared. Maybe grab an extra protein shake for back up in cases of long periods without eating, better than eating nothing in a pinch. Or in this particular case I knew the needs and simply asked "Can you run out to a Boston Market in between conferences?" The answer was yes. Now before I go any further KNOW that take out and/ or restaurant food is ALWAYS added calories and sodium even if its just grilled chicken and vegetables. And honestly we can't even believe the calorie counts they post because they are not weighing and measuring their portions or watching every meal go out. There is a REASON it tastes much better than when you make it at home :) HOWEVER if this is your lifestyle MAKE IT WORK appropriately. So back to Boston Market. The meal of choice was Quarter White Rotisserie Chicken (no skin) with Garlic Dill New Potatoes and Fresh Steamed Vegetables = 440 calories, 9 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 33 g carbs, 55 g protein, 6 g fiber, 5 g sugars - a little higher calories than her normally 300 to 350 range but I instructed her to tone down the portion size by about a quarter of the chicken and of the potatoes. VOILA! LONG period without eating, starving your body and setting your self up for an off plan I had to cheat cause I was starving moment AVOIDED. Is it perfect? No. Does it work better than skipping or an unhealthier choice - ABSOLUTELY! So going back to my above point of just doing it - SIMPLY MAKE IT WORK.

And onto this WEEKEND!!!! This is what I like to call MY IDEAL FIT MOMMA WEEKEND <3 My HOPES or plans is to shoot a MARKETING REEL OF WHAT a WEEKEND OR THREE DAY STRETCH like this would entail - my reason is to show my clients, potential clients, and also potential sponsors - yeah I'm on the hunt, HOW I personally incorporate FAMILY, FITNESS, AND FUN :) I don't just say it, I actually LIVE IT!!

Today - Gym, Trained Clients, CLEANED my house like hands and knees, stripped the beds, laundry, kids played outside - Tonight taught BOOT CAMP which was awesome! Home to get in my last meal and relax with the fam, throw up a quick blog, a few emails - maybe a little homework in there too BLAH lol

Tomorrow - Bright and early POSING SESSION with clients, NEW CLIENT start up, Client and lifting, then gymnastics Birthday party with my boys, and Dinner at home with some family coming over.

Sunday we are all headed as a family to watch Ms. Princess B compete in Dance again! FAMILY, FITNESS, FUN... that's how its GOES! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!! And remember the weekends can make or break your progress over the week, don't let it all go, its not worth the hard work and time you've put in all week. STAY STRONG!!! For motivation for my boot campers THEY will face the scale ON MONDAY... talk about motivation to stay clean and focused over the weekend which can be the hardest time!!

YESTERDAY YOU SAID TOMORROW!

2011-03-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

“When people say, 'She's got everything', I've got one answer - I haven't had tomorrow.” RIP ~Elizabeth Taylor~ 1932 - 2011.

She was described as the ultimate movie star: beautiful, bigger than life; magnetic, commanding the spotlight with unparalleled power. She knew no moderation -- it was all or nothing. A loss of an icon and a loss of a generation where talent was ingrained in you blood and not created.

“I've always admitted that I'm ruled by my passions.”

This Blog is going to be short and sweet. WHY? Because I have a lot going on and I need to quickly update, share, hopefully motivate, and get back to FOCUS - Clients have picked up again - nice little wave. Boot camp session number 2 has kicked off and is going great!! Sunday we had our seminar and class to kick it off. Thank you all for coming, even those who were not able to do the boot camp because it was full. I hope you took a lot away as I know some of you have! Back to school! And focused on the fitness industry as well!!

This past week I was able to head to Framingham Gold's Gym and shoot a leg video with Will Brink as I mentioned in my previous blog! GOOD TIMES! More videos Coming soon!! Next one we will be focusing on some conditioning and HITT!

Not sure why the blog cuts off the video but here is the link if you want to see it full screen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Ms6aoD8hg

Coming Up April 2nd I will be working KnucklesUSA booth at the MMA Fights in Revere, MA!

And I am in the process of booking a photo shoot, I need some new pics!! My creative juices are flowing! I've been staying focused with my plan, unfortunately I'm at that point where my mind starts playing not so funny tricks on me. Now unless you've competed most women won't really understand this. Dieting to compete is a balance of getting your conditioning and body fat levels perfect, but staying full in your muscles bellies and keeping your shape in check. What starts to happen is in order to bring in your conditioning the diet may get tighter and you may have periods where you start to feel stringy and flat... sometimes its a necessary evil in order to get where you need to be. Now you're thinking what girl doesn't want to feel stringy? Most are looking to be waif like. Well NOT most fitness competitors. We want it all lol low body fat, but full muscles, and curves, not an easy task to achieve for most. So as I am cycling high and low carb days I am noticing now I am loving my upper body and shoulders on high carb days, yet I feel watery through my mid section. On low carb days I love how flat my stomach feels, but am seriously feeling like I lost five pounds of muscle in my upper body! I know I didn't but that's how I feel. Ohhhhh such a funny mind game. In any case I am where I need to be!

AND last but not LEAST: Found this pic today AND I absolutely LOVED IT!!! Enough, no BS, NO Excuses, Either you want it or you don't!

TODAY is March 23rd - 82 days have passed since the start of the NEW YEAR! EIGHTY TWO DAYS! What have you committed to? Or are you still waiting for the perfect time to commit tomorrow?

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”

2011-03-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense."

This was he quote running through my head on the Stairs today. I purposely did not put on my cardio TV, I put my headphones in and took the time to REALLY SWEAT, reflect, and FOCUS ON the week at hand. Last week was simply lack luster. I got everything done that I needed to but there was no SPARK AT ALL, a little blunder even. I allowed grumpiness, doubt, and well... self pity to creep in a bit. That week is behind me now and I am done with it. It is a week that made me realize I am human just like everyone else and sometimes no amount of positive energy in the world can prevail against stress. Sometimes we just have to get out of our own head, and out of our own way. I let myself for a few days wallow in the fact of feeling like a failure. It seems VERY minimal and trust me it was, but I felt a difference in my spirit and it does make a difference in your attitude. Really how people can walk around regularly being moody or with a bad attitude is beyond me. It's so DRAINING and NO FUN!!! Glad to feel back to my normal self!!

Well as I had posted my daughter's first dance competition of the season was Saturday and it was at Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA. This is a stage I had my dance recitals on for years as a child, this is the stage I became to love and cherish as a child. This whole experience was nostalgic, and very SPECIAL for my daughter and I! As a mother I was beyond proud of her on stage. She is a determined, focused, sweet, adorable, talented little girl. I know I'm bias but she IS :) As an adult watching this shrunken version of myself, my mini me - she walks like me, talks like me, moves like me, spazs out like me - just bopping around makes me feel like my life is so complete. It's like someone said to me: "HERE! Here you are a child. Take this child, take this baby girl and mold her into you, BUT EVEN BETTER! Give her everything you had and MORE, and let her fly!" It's an incredible, unbelievable feeling. I had an old friend call today and she said looking at those pictures I feel like I had been transported back in time to watch you. My parents came to watch her and standing there as I took a picture with them and her and her trophy I realized as I often find myself reflecting how incredibly blessed we are. I always joke that I feel older and older every new phase of life, but this was a very good "older feeling". A proud moment indeed!

So she competed in both Jazz and Tap and they won GOLD TROPHYS for both!! She was chosen from her team to accept the trophy for Jazz and was allowed to take it home for the weekend so that was an even better way to start off the season!! I don't like to Brag ;) But the girl's got stage presence FOR DAYS!!!

It was just the high note I needed!! Today we set the clocks ahead by ONE HOUR - SPRING FORWARD!! I started off a little sleepy after a long day and week and losing an hour, but once I hit the gym I was revived. Trained Back - I didn't have my Versa Grips with me today and my partner didn't have her straps - TOTALLY SUCKS - for us girls with weak grip it makes a huge difference, BUT we plugged away anyway and had a great workout despite a little lack of planning.

Started off with Deadlifts:
4 sets of 10 - First set warm-up 85 X 10, 115 X10, 135 X 10, 165 X 7 - dropped down to 135 X 5 - the weights and the drop reflected our loss of grip strength... you do what you can, good to change it up once in a while and challenge without straps but sucks when you're weaker links give out before your back does.

I will say I felt something weird pull in my right side - across the middle of my back. It wasn't a terrible pain per say but definitely some discomfort. Not really sure what it was, just stretched and hot showered it when I got home, feels fine now but it bothered me a little the remainder of the workout. I'm just getting old ;)

Next exercise was Wide Grip Pull down - Again Weight is reflective of no wraps - we do usually go heavier, but we did well considering.

4 sets - 90 X 10, 95 X 10 97.5 X10, 97.5 X10

Next exercise was Hands facing in Chin Ups - 4 sets X 6

And the last exercise T-bar Rows
4sets 55 X 10, 65 X 10, 70 X 10, 80 X 9
I really started feeling that weird pull in my right side but again it wasn't a sharp pain as much as almost an aching, so I just worked through it.

And we finished off with 4 sets of back extensions w/ plate and 4 sets of calves angles press with super super slow negative stretch MY FAVORITE!!

Despite lack of any impressive numbers it was a great workout, and we finished feeling accomplished. Hopped on for 30 minutes of interval training on the stairs to complete the morning. I didn't turn on my cardio TV, I really focused on getting inside my own head again with a good mind set. Chose songs that motivated and inspired and thought about WHAT I REALLY WANT OUT OF THIS WEEK! Last week was my human week, can I make this week my SUPER POWERS WEEK? :) I am on spring break this week no school, and my boot camp starts up next week so I have a little extra time on my hands to really dig in, and get re - focused, and I used my cardio time to start it off on the right foot. It was a very "productive" 30 minutes.

So in order to stay focused, on track, and in high spirits everyone in my family has to be on the same page. We have A LOT going on and its the only way it can work. I am only as good as my support system, and without even needing to say it my husband sensed I needed a little oomph. Since its getting warmer and nicer out he is back to using the grill outside, YUM! It just makes food taste so much better - he cooked, weighed and portioned all our meals out for the next few days! That will last till about Wednesday and then we'll need to do it again, but what a nice thing to come down and see...

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

Next up our little house renovations story for the weekend: It's actually quite comical, I laugh because if there were ever a video camera in my house to see our experiences you guys would CRACK UP. My father in law calls us Doug and Carrie from KING of Queens - NUFF SAID LOL. So as I mentioned we're renovating our house. We moved in in June of 2010 and we started with all OUTSIDE renovations because in the summer that's where we are. We have a large yard and a pool so we have a lot to do out there. We stained the entire back deck, cut down and removed trees, cleaned leaves - 5 huge bags, swept, weeded, planted two new trees, fixed the front porch and just did all outside projects all summer.

In September we started inside house projects. We started with the living room - painted and bought new living room furniture and all new curtains. Then went onto our dining room, new pub table, new wine rack, hung pictures, painted. Now "painted" sounds easy, but our house is an older country style - the top of the walls has thick drywall swirled texture then its separated by a chair rail and the the bottom has rough sawn pine wood and the trim in sawn pine. I cannot tell you how difficult this is to paint. The texture and wood SUCK UP PAINT. You need several coats to cover perfectly. When its done, it looks awesome but it is a bigger undertaking than just "painting. We considered hiring someone because it is a big project but decided to save money since we have so many projects, and we would just take our time and do it ourselves. My husband convinced me that it "builds character" to do it our self... AKA how a cheap husband convinces his wife not to hire someone :) I have to say it does feel good to complete projects though.

Well now we're into our kitchen, always the biggest project in the house. We started by painting the cabinets, then onto the walls, Ern and his Dad replaced the counter tops, and we have a moulding that needs to go up. And we took off our butcher block, my father in law sanded it down and put a new oil on it and it looks brand new! And the last piece finishing off this week will be new floors. It will be a brand NEW kitchen with lots of blood sweat and tears put into it. And it started to feel more and more like its OURS. Again there's tons of the rough sawn pine and trim work and dun dun dun THE CEILING in the eat in part is that pine. Painting rough wood is hard enough, and so is painting a ceiling now put those together and it = DISASTER lol

SO TODAY after our full day yesterday at the competition, and Ern had a trade show for work, and AFTER I trained back and completed cardio I came home to Ern having started touching up the trim. I quickly ate, gave the kids lunch and got ready to start on the daunting task of painting the ceiling... let me fully paint this picture for you:

Ern walks out to the garage to get the pole that attaches to the roller so I can at least roll the first coat without getting up and down on a chair or step ladder. He comes in the house rubbing his face and mumbling grumpily and half laughing under his breath... "What happened?" I said. "It's like Tom and Jerry out there, only I'm by myself. I stepped on the end of a rake and it hit me square in the face SO HARD." I laughed and should have taken that as an omen of things to come LOL So I start painting and immediately start thinking WHAT THE HELL?!?! MY SHOULDERS AND NECK ARE GONNA KILLLLLLLLLLLL. Stand up and grab a broom stick, now reach it above your head and press it into your ceiling back and forth and back and forth while leaning your neck back to look up. First off hows your shoulders and neck feel? Second off how much shit just fell in your face? And third off if you JUST trained upper body and are already sore how bad do you think it feels? I was like SWEATING and I just started and then DRIP DRIP right on my face!!!!! The first splatter of paint hit me... uggggg "This is ridiculous!" I said "PAINT is hitting my face!" Now let me preface this with I am not a pre - madonna, I don't mind some manual labor but this seemed like an obnoxious task, between the position and the aches and now the paint hitting my face I was beside myself LOL But I continued on...

So Ern and I are just talking and chatting away, joking around, the kids are coming in and out and playing in the family room and PLOP 2 big paint splatters on my face and I felt it way too close to my LIP, YUCK! And then I thought about my eyes. So we decided I definitely needed some safety goggles painting above my head looking up at it, you're asking for it to go in your eyes. So thankfully I had my Chem Lab goggles, guess they came in handy for something. And I put those on... at first I am trying to wipe away the paint every time I felt a little splatter, but then it just got to be too much and I said the hell with it I'll wash it all off at the end. CRICKET CRICKET CREEK - the sounds of my neck, shoulders, and back, and plop plop plop the feeling of PAINT SPLATTERING ON MY FACE LOL and all the while Ern's getting a kick out of it. I'm saying "We should have hired someone for the ceiling, this is too hard!" and he gave me the whole "it builds character" line again. I'm about a quarter of the way through and he says "Steph I'll finish it, if its too hard." Seems like a noble gesture I know, BUT I WILL BE DAMNED if I let him have over me that I couldn't finish it for the rest of my life, and I TOLD HIM THAT!!!! LOL Him and I have a healthy relationship of busting each others balls, and although he would have finished it for me, I would have to hear for the next 10 years how I couldn't finish the ceiling, yeah Ummmmmm NO I will take paint in my face and a broken NECK thank you. We laugh about it and he says: "Seriously your pride means that much? I'll do it for youuuuu." (taunting me at this point) and I grumbled and said "The hell if you will!" and finished the ceiling! lol Now I know it was somewhat reverse psychology but in my head I won, HOW I won looking like this I don't really know but its DONE! lol

SERIOUSLY IT WAS ON MY LIPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!! GROSS LOL

The best part of painting though was when Bryce said AND I QUOTE: "I don't know how but by MAGIC I got paint on my feet." Me: "Bryce it wasn't magic you need to stay off the stairs like we said." Bryce: "No it was MAGIC Paint just got on my feet by MAGIC."

So once out kitchen is done I'll post some before and afters! It's a lot of work but PRETTY EXCITING!!

So onto this week and whats NEW!! I am driven, focused, BUSY, AND BLESSED!!
I have my Boot Camp KICK off this coming SUNDAY with a nutrition seminar and sample class before starting my next 6 week session which is FULL.

Thursday I am heading to meet up with WILL BRINK and train LEGS and shoot a video for both my blog and his site! For those who may not know who he is if you are not in the industry. He has been around in the INDUSTRY for a long time - not an age joke just very knowledgable, experienced, and respected. He has been a Writer/Contributing Editor for over almost two decades and have been published in a wide variety of publications, including: Muscle Media, MuscleMag International, Lets Live, Muscle n Fitness, Life Extension magazine, Muscular Development, Townsend Letter for Doctors, IronMan, Inside Karate, Tactical Response, Exercise for Men Only, Physical, Power, Body International, Oxygen, Penthouse, Fitness RX, Big, as well as others over the years and in many different languages. He had a monthly column in MuscleMag International called “The Intake Update” for a decade. Many of his articles can be found on the major fitness/health/bodybuilding web sites, such as bodybuilding.com and hundreds of other sites. You name it, he has written an article on it: Weight training, weight loss, HIV, cancer, heart disease, anabolics and other drugs, pre contest diets, supplements of all kinds, hair loss, and many other topics relating to health, fitness, longevity, and bodybuilding, as well as law enforcement/military related topics. He has put a large sample of my articles on the web page for your perusal. He also has trained high levels athletes, bodybuilders, police, and military personnel. His site is http://www.brinkzone.com/

I met Will back in 07 as he judged me in a figure competition and was impressed with how down to earth he was. His articles and knowledge is very science based and I guess I assumed he would be an arrogant person trying to show off his brains and knowledge constantly, but he is quite the opposite. I had the pleasure of training with him for a functional Fitness Day for Female Athletes and it was so FUN and so outside of my BOX.

Which BTW - I have spoke to both him and John Sullivan about doing another one, so if that seems like something you might be up for message me. You do not have to be an athlete to train like one :)

I'm excited to train with him Thursday, he mentioned heavy squats and SLED DRAGS, right up my alley! So stay tuned for that video coming soon!!

I also have some booth work coming up for an MMA EVENT and I'll be slinging bottles for an MMA event both in April, so I will update with that INFO when I have all the details!!!

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”

TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

2011-03-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

This week has been an off week and I can't even tell you why. Well it's a combination of things I guess a little stress from here, a little from there, good old suck ass girl hormones, and the kicker I broke down Tuesday and cheated with a handful of peanut M & Ms!!!! Nothing pisses me off MORE than cheating ON a LOW CARB DAY... A low carb day that I woke up at 4:35am, did my cardio with cramps, planned perfectly, ate everything correctly, went back to lift and surprisingly had a great workout, and somehow someway hit a weak enough moment to say F it and ate some damn PEANUT M & M's. Seriously what the hell? There were so sugary they chocolate burnt my throat going down! LOL Why am I blogging about it? Well it's like diet confessions LOL Get it out, off my chest and on with my life LOL Sound crazy? Haha... I know MANY can relate. I have been on track and faking it till I make it :) Meaning I still feel a little grouchy but I'm trying to fight it. Today was a high carb day which usually makes me so happy about food lol but those damn M & Ms are so in the back of my head I'm not even enjoying it like I normally do. Yesterday I WAS STARVIN MARVIN and today mehhhh lol - I'm telling you this is all in your head, I know better than this. See why cheaters never prosper haha... But what is the name of this BLOG? I AM ENTIRELY TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!!

I'm not gonna make this a grumpy blog just a quick update, I just lifted and I had TO FORCE MYSELF not to do cardio after. Again sounds crazy but when sticking to a plan over cardioing can be detrimental. Today I had no post workout cardio called for as I trained legs, but I wanted to do it as a stress reliever, but fought the power LOL I'm going to go shower, and relax with the family. Not think about M & Ms, when my abs are ever going to fully pop, or how I would love to watch Sex In the City on the treadmill right now LOL. I have to get ready for my weekend and try to get in bed early, because tomorrow I have to be in Lowell for 7am with my daughter in costume, hair, make up, and ready for her first DANCE COMPETITION of the season. Watching her Dance gives me goosebumps and makes my heart sing, so I KNOW that will be JUST what I need to pull me out of this little funk.

Today I went to an indoor play place with the boys and they always make me laugh and make me remember how blessed I really am. The one liners from them crack me up. I always dress my twins the same ALWAYS, like EVERYTHING. And lately I've been in an attempt for them to have a little more of their own identities because their bond is SCARY strong lol I have been letting them once in a while wear different shirts. So today they had on different shirts and someone asked them if they were twins and they were like beside themselves cause they had on different shirts they felt like they needed to explain... like different shirts made them less of twins or something... So Broderick started in "yeah we live at the same house." then he said "we're twins but Bryce wanted a yellow shirt and I wanted a blue shirt." Then they proceeded to share their life story... "We're 4, but our sisters 11, she's not a twin, she was 10 and the she went to sleep and woke up and she was 11." And they were playing basketball so they told the Dad "We play basketball, sometimes at the gym daycare when Mommy's working out, but they don't let us play basketball all the time." "It's a big boys courts, the big boys play basketball there." And on and on and on lol I love listening to their little conversations. Then we were playing restaurant and Broderick said "Steph you're table is ready" I almost fell over that he called me by my name LOL he kept saying it "Steph, hows your food?" "Steph do you want some salt?" I thought it was too funny. Then Bryce called me "his patient" said he was "bringing some corn off the grill to his patient"... think we mixed up playing restaurant and playing hospital haha LOVE THEM to ITTY BITTY PIECES...

SO on with the notion of too blessed to be stressed IF THIS DOESN"T MAKE YOU SMILE... NOTHING WILL!!!! :) This is my boys last year so they were 3 dancing and singin in y kitchen... just a typical day at our house <3

Hope everyone has a great weekend in New England We SPRING AHEAD THIS WEEKEND!!!!! That's something to be happy about!

ULTIMATE FIT WOMAN!!!!

2011-03-10T04:22:00.000-08:00

Getting ready to roll out an updated Website soon and going through some of my old interviews! This one was done for a website titled ULTIMATE FITNESS WOMAN, not even sure if they are up and running anymore but I like the interview so I thought I'd SHARE!

Training Philosophy and accomplishments:

Everything and I mean EVERYTHING starts with our health, without our Health WE HAVE NOTHING. It is absolutely vital that we take care of our bodies and take some time out for ourselves. In this fast paced, high – tech world we often forget what’s most important and that’s our HEALTH. Really, truly, taking care of your body is a sure way to guarantee our quality of life will improve to the highest extent possible. Watch your energy sore, your relationships improve, your moods tremendously perk up, and your life just become more productive and most importantly happier.

For most of the population it’s all we can do to get up, go to work, take care of our families and our day to day stresses and responsibilities and unfortunately our quality of life may not stretch much further beyond just doing that. But for those of us who want more out of life, for those who have the drive and the passion to live each day to the fullest, we realize that we can’t proceed into this incredible journey of life if we don’t have the energy, the high spirits, or if we don’t take care of our bodies first.

My theory on training is simple – there are no tricks, quick fixes, magic pills, secret juices, or deadline diets that will positively affect your overall quality of life or well-being. The key to a true positive life-style change is to make fitness & healthy living a major priority in our lives. Find a program that realistically fits into your life, and set attainable goals accordingly. THE KEY TO RESULTS IS CONSISTENCY & INTENSITY!!

The first time I ever walked into a gym it was strictly to lose the weight I had gained from having my daughter. I had no clue as to what to do; I had never touched a weight in my life. I started reading articles, asking questions, and copying people that were in good shape in the gym… Although I had no specific regimen and I’m sure I did a million exercises so incorrectly, I loved it! I was absolutely hooked. Going to the gym was my time; it was an hour that was all mine, where I didn’t have to think about anything.

Over the next couple of months my body started changing. Although I didn’t have the perfect regimen, I was consistent in getting there. By summer time I was back in my bikini and I didn’t even know what I did to get there, I was just working out and doing my own thing at the gym. I immediately thought to myself if I can get such great results not knowing what I’m doing, imagine how successful people can really be if they are educated on how to make the body respond. This was a memorable moment in my life where I realized I had to be involved in fitness. Health and fitness became my new passion.

Brief biography and what gets you motivated and how you inspire others especially women balancing family/fitness and career.

What motivates me the most is ENERGY!!!! The more we put into our lives the more we get out of it. Fitness is my thing just for me, it gives me my confidence because, When you feel good, you look good, and when you look good, you feel good. I live an extremely active lifestyle and without proper nutrition and training I would not have the energy to keep up the way I do.

The pump of energy I receive from fitness is like no other. Healthy living and fitness is my medication, it’s my natural caffeine, and my natural Prozac. I eat, sleep and breathe fitness, so it’s very easy to motivate and inspire others to do the same and feel that passion about life. I want to inspire women and especially mothers to find time for themselves and to be comfortable and proud of their bodies.

Fitness is my dedicated passion because it was what got brought me back to where I am happiest and at peace. Often after you get married or have your first child, or start your new career, you focus so much on your day to day responsibilities and you strive to be the best mother, the best wife, the best employee or entrepreneur you can be. But in order to be a great mom or be a great wife, or just be a great PERSON you have to be happy, healthy, confident and strong.

Mistakes and challenges you overcame and/ or mistakes you have seen other models/athletes make and how you would advice them.

I am extremely stubborn, so I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but as long as I learned from those mistakes and vow not to make the same ones twice, than they were all worth it. I am who I am because of them. One of the biggest mistakes I made in trying to find balance was going at everything with an ALL or Nothing Attitude. If I couldn’t give a task 120% than I wasn’t happy. Yes you do want to pour your heart and soul into everything you do. However, sometimes circumstances are out of our control and we have to alter our plans whether we want to or not. Life's not that black and white, sometimes having such a harsh attitude of “do or DIE” can set us up for failure. We all have crazy lives, between work, spouses, kids, whatever it may be that consumes our time; we're all on tight crazy schedules. I use to put so much pressure on myself that I would get so frustrated or give up if things didn’t go perfectly the way I planned. Now I’ve learned you have to continually change your goals and alter your plans, make sacrifices and compromise.

Another mistake that can really take toll is being SuperWoman – trying to always cook for the Bake Sale, planning the extravagant pony Birthday Party, volunteering to do the Christmas Craft at your daughter’s school, being head of the fundraising events, saying yes you will attend all 5 holiday parties, taking on 3 more clients on Sunday Morning (you get the idea). We want to do everything, we don’t want to miss a beat, but spreading yourself too thin is both counterproductive and unhealthy. I’ve had to learn how to say No to things I just can’t fit into my schedule. I’ve also had to learn to rely on or hire other people to take on different tasks for me – this is not something I like to do (I’m very independent), so asking for help is hard for me. But once you get to the point where there are not enough hours in the day, you have no choice if you want to get everything done. If you try to keep at the pace of non-stop ALL the time, eventually you do get burned out. Your efficiency, health, and your spirit will suffer.

AND THE NUMBER ONE MISTAKE – is not listening to your gut and following your HEART!!! Who knows what’s best for you better than you? Who knows what’s best for your family better than you? I’m not saying be completely stubborn (the way I was for years). You can take advice from positive role models that you trust, respect, and look up to. But, you really have to build up thick skin, you have to know your goals and priorities inside and out, have them embedded into your heart and soul. Know which direction you want to go in and be ready to fight for it!! Remember people like to give you their opinions or advice even if you don’t ask for it. Often we don’t realize someone’s negative spirit, or judgmental attitude until it’s too late, and we will let what they say make us second guess ourselves and bring us down, BEWARE OF PEOPLE LIKE THIS!!! Everyone you will encounter does not have your best interest in mind, and what works for you and your family may not work for everyone, but as long as it works for you that’s all that matters.

What makes you an Ultimate Fit Woman?

What makes me an ultimate fit woman is that I thrive on passion, discipline, dedication, sacrifice, and raw desire. No one determines my destiny but me… I take FULL responsibility for ALL MY DREAMS and ASPIRATIONS. I don’t do it for money, I don’t do it for FAME I do it for ME!!!

I truly believe in KARMA, BABY!!! What goes around comes around, and everyone will eventually get what they deserve, no one will take away from me what is mine, and visa versa. Everything happens for a reason!! I know that when I dig down deep into my soul and push further and harder than I've ever pushed before, the reward is always ten fold. Generally the things that are the hardest to achieve have the greatest rewards.

I also believe in sharing my passion, energy, and knowledge because: "Whatever we accomplish in life, if it's solely for our own good, then it doesn't mean that much. The things you do that affect others in a positive way are the ones that count. Whatever facet of life you're in, you have been given a gift; do the best you can with that gift."

Your future goals and plans

I feel I am ready to really make my mark in the industry, whether it’s through competing, fitness modeling, or personal training. I hope to have longevity in the industry, not here today gone tomorrow, but someone who had a profound positive affect on an abundance of people. My #1 goal is this: To continue striving for growth, knowledge, happiness, health, and LOTS OF LAUGHTER.
I also hope to be able to make enough money modeling and training to financially be secure enough to take the financial burden off my husband. I was fortunate enough to have him support our family while I pursued my dreams, and I would love to return the favor and allow him to take the time to pursue his dreams! And as far as my little princess she shoots for the stars even higher than I do, so all I have to is sit back, support her and love her!!

“Every challenge is an opportunity to discover who we are and see what we can be.”

The number one driving force behind Stephanie Villers?

That’s easy... through this all my Husband and my Pumpkin B are my ROCK!!!! I know that they are both behind me every step of the way and you have no idea how good that feels. They are the reason I jump out of bed every morning, the reason I breathe so deeply, they put the bounce in my walk, the light in my eyes, and the smiles on my face. They are the reason I ENJOY LIFE!!!

How do you make time for it all?

The truth is sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I miss appointments; sometimes I’m dog tired, sometimes I don’t even know what day it is. But I just keep plugging away and try my best to prioritize and manage my time. I try to do my schedule out one month at a time, then one week at a time, and then I still alter it on a day to day basis. I try to schedule EVERYTHING – when I’m going to the gym, when I’m cooking my food, grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments, cleaning time, laundry time, play dates, movie nights, even down time. It doesn’t always flow the way I want but I just keep trying.

How would you advice women who are just starting out or trying to get back into shape?

Start off slow… don’t jump right back into it all at once, because as fast as you get back, that’s how fast you can fall back into old habits again. Be patient… don’t expect results over night! Make yourself commit to ABSOLUTELY NO LESS THAN 6 WEEKS of dedication to getting into shape. Hire a professional... learn how to get results!!
You have to work at getting through that beginning phase - first get use to adding exercise into your schedule, at first you’re sore, you’re not use to your new schedule, and you don’t feel the energy boost yet. Get use to eating a cleaner nutrition plan, not just “trying to eat healthy”, instead being on an actual plan of balanced nutrition. Add in moderate cardio to put the icing on the cake (no real cake though- LOL).
BE POSITIVE! Stop saying - “once I lose the weight I’ll be happy”, or “once I see my abs I’ll be happy”, or “if I can only get my legs and hips smaller I’ll be happy”… BE HAPPY NOW, and it will be easier to reach your goals.

Do you incorporate fitness into family life and how?

Family and fitness go hand in hand. When you love your family and they are the driving force behind what you do, and fitness is such a huge part of your life, you have to include them into your activities. You can’t expect them to understand or support you unless you include them.

As a mother I also consider myself a role model to my daughter. It is our jobs as parents to teach our children among so many other things the importance of taking care of our bodies inside and out. Just as we as parents need goals, something to focus on - "a thing", so do our children. Fitness is my thing & gymnastics is my daughter's "thing". She’s only five and she’s on a pre-competitive 10 hours a week national gymnastic training team, with an elite coach from Romania. She like me thrives on the discipline, hard work, and healthy competitiveness.

I am fortunate my husband loves to work out just as much as I do, he is actually who got me into lifting weights in the first place, and he is who entered me into my first contest. My husband and I use the time when Bianca is at gymnastics to work out together. It makes family life a lot easier because we are all on the same page, and mentally focused when it comes to healthy living, exercising, and balanced eating. On Sundays we have started a little tradition, I wake up early and go do my cardio, then my husband and daughter wake up, and when I get back and they go for a jog outside, while I cook breakfast. My daughter looks forward to her run with her Dad, and then we all enjoy a great breakfast together. It’s a wonderful way to start off our Sunday mornings.

My husband and my daughter also come to my competitions with me, seeing my on stage in my glory helps them understand why I do what I do, why I train and diet so hard. They are so supportive and excited to be there, and it mentally helps me to make sure I’m having fun and proudly displaying my body and my hard work, because they are so proud of me. Having them there also keeps everything in perspective for me. Plus we love to share the indulging cheat meal together after the competition – I usually make myself sick, but I never learn.

Concluding Thoughts:

"Why Can't I Be Me? Personality"
Are you the type of person who desperately wants to take the world by storm but are so concerned with what people will think that you won't let yourself be you! You really want to try new things and usually do, but not before putting one toe in to test the waters.

You are constantly on the go but don't always get as much accomplished as you would like because you spend time worrying about whether or not you are right. You do have many friends but are afraid to get close to them and constantly wonder what they are saying behind your back. When it comes to knowing the right thing to say you are pretty on the mark until you start second-guessing yourself. You look calm, cool, and collected on the outside but inside you are really insecure. You like to take chances but over analyze what will happen if you do.

Imagine what you could do if you just did what you wanted. You didn’t care about what others thought, just what’s best for you and your family. You are the only one stopping yourself from doing what you want! Get out of your own way!

Imagine how different life would be if you lived each day as if it were a gift and not a burden. You could dance like no one was watching. Sing like no one was listening. Laugh until you cry, or cry until you laugh. Every time you smile, you feel it from the pit of your stomach. Every hug you give, you squeeze a little tighter for a little longer.

Find you’re reason for being, your passion in life and set your goals accordingly! You’re goals can change or update periodically but you MUST concentrate fiercely on your task as hand. Deep focus and concentration comes from both CONFIDENCE and PURE HUNGER. You can achieve ANYTHING!! Set a goal… you’d be surprised what you can do if you give it your ALL!

It's all about the balancing act! If EVER in my life I could find perfect balance of caring for my family I would be completely fulfilled as a mother, wife, and person!! I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones, so please don't mistake this by any means as complaining. Just my honest opinion on the hardships of raising children and having a family this day in age with all of the obstacles we face - financial, emotional, physical, or spiritual. I am a young mother (23 years old) I have one beautiful 6 year old daughter, and twins on the way in August!! I am fortunate to have a wonderful, magnificent husband, and a loving and supportive family! But my constant struggle with balance will be something I forever strive to conquer!! How so? Balance of mothering my children, work, time with my husband, time with my family, time with friends, personal time, and household responsibilities, chores, tasks, and self - improvement. Having healthy fears and obsessions to protect your family, trying not to border or cross into controlling or overprotecting your family. Questions that run through my head everyday... Are they really safe at school? Do they truly know how much we love them? Am I focusing too much on them and ignoring my husband? Have I truly taught them right from wrong? Would they tell me if something bad happened to them? Am I focusing too much on myself and not enough on my family? Is my house clean enough? Do I obsess too much over the house? Am I a good mom? Am I a good wife? Are day to day tasks not allowing us to plan for the future? Are my kids happy? Is my husband happy? Get the idea! The list goes on and on and on! I continue to struggle to do the best for my family and try to maintain balance everyday, but even with all of these obstacles; I wouldn’t have it any other way! Being a mother and wife is the best thing I can be. And though it brings me my greatest fears in life, it also brings me my greatest joys!

Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.

2011-03-04T19:48:00.000-08:00

You're either committed to YOURSELF or you're not. There's no such thing as sorta committed. You're either in, or you're out. This was a post on a Facebook Page of a fitness Trainer/Coach that I like to follow. The page is Lean Bodies Consulting and if you haven't liked it yet GET ON IT. Ok wait let me forewarn you. The coach is very knowledgeable, experienced, has a successful track record, and individualizes approaches per clients, BUT he is also very straight forward. It is half the reason I enjoy the page so much. If there is one thing I can't stand its feeling like someone is codling me or yessing me to death. If I want that I will go to my mother, love her to pieces but in her eyes I can do no wrong LOL and honestly its a nice refuge, but in every day life I RESPECT and prefer BRUTAL HONESTY. Lean Bodies Consulting Page and tactics are just that BRUTALLY HONEST. I have never worked with Lean Bodies Consulting only followed some of their top clients and page, and I will say what I like most about male trainers is they often have a way of being completely unemotional when it comes to prepping for a show and sometimes you need that. However some people like having a trainer who is a friend and gets the "whole picture" as well. Now Most TOP trainers male or female do, I feel, get the whole picture. I use to train with Mike Davies another top trainer in the industry and he was so BLUNT and straight forward it wasn't even funny. But when I was sick or going through stuff he would call and talk me through stuff and be a shoulder to lean on - that is THE WHOLE PICTURE. THAT IS A GOOD COACH!! But back to my point, Lean Bodies Page had easily become on of my favorite pages for inspiration, not to mention great articles to read. But when I read: You're either committed to YOURSELF or you're not. There's no such thing as sorta committed. You're either in, or you're out. I felt a little sting. I am committed but to what? As I've mentioned I've toyed with getting back on stage, I want to, mentally and physically I'm ready to, its just my fear of commitment to it. I've never had that before. Normally I pick a date and shoot. But lately I've been talking myself out of it, I am IN AND OUT. I am exactly what I SHOULDN'T"T BE. So I decided my only factor holding me back that is of utmost concern is school. I cannot and will not let a hobby in anyway shape or form DISTRACT from school. So once I get my midterm score back in Chemistry I will COMMIT to a decision, above an 80 - I WILL PICK A SHOW and run like the wind (actually I despise running) but below an 80 and I am COMMITTED TO BRINGING THAT UP! This class will not win. My schedule is flowing and my lifestyle can make it work, its just my focus is SCHOOL, so we shall see. However not the point of my blog, it did however force me to face my flip flopping, just by reading YOU"RE EITHER IN OR OUT.

Now the next update could not have been timed better. So I went to class eager to get our grades back from Tuesday and we didn't. I was frustrated with that AND frustrated with the fact that the next few days were a little crazy and I was nervous about getting everything done. And then I wake up and see the next update on Lean Bodies Page: Messing up a day doesn't mean a person isn't committed. Commitment doesn't mean automatic perfection. Commitment is a mindset and it becomes obvious in behavior, choices and planning since mindset determines behavior. THIS HIT HOME!!! It was like someone was saying JUST DO IT. DO IT YOUR BEST. You'll know deep down if you did your best or not... JUST DO IT.

Black or white, hot or cold, IN or out, this was how my brain worked for a long time. It's either you do something 100% or you don't do it at all. You know how many things I have NOT done because it couldn't be 100%? Looking back now, its ridiculous. It's frustrating, but I have WORKED HARD to do more and think less. Now every once in a while I get wrapped up, but it's so much shorter lived than I use to. My life is not ALL OR NOTHING anymore. I have too many amazing facets - family, business, fitness, school, fun, that I'm not willing to sacrifice ALL for ANYTHING. INSTEAD I have to change my mindset and ADAPT. Make it work. What I wrote on that status and is so true: I so needed to read this!! As a student, business owner, mom of three, wife, and part time spaz who always has my hands in something. The perfectionist in me starts to have meltdowns when something is not perfect. I am learning that small steps, consistency, determination, and perseverance mean more than perfection. Kills me to write it but there is no perfect.

THERE IS NO PERFECT. Say it again and again. When you have those rough days, don't make excuses or wallow in them, stay focused and committed. Today I woke up and knew that I had a packed day. I had a very small window for the gym and I had to use it wisely. I arrived at the gym at 12:20 and I needed to complete my workout in time to make an eyebrow appointment for 1:45. Now that sounds like a decent window however I needed to lift and do cardio and normally I like to allot for an hour and a half span at least; 45 minutes lifting, 45 minutes cardio. Again my goals are very specific and I am a perfectionist when I have something planned out and it doesn't go as planned I feel as though I failed. If I wanted 45 minutes of cardio and only got 35 I feel I messed up. It doesn't seem significant, but again when I'm committed to a goal its all the way. Today I decided since I was inspired by the idea of changing my mindset, I would change my workout a little. Again sounds like not a big deal, but when I'm working on a plan it is kinda a big deal to me, something I've learned to go with the flow with. I use to carry a log book LIKE A BIBLE and while I truly believe there is great benefit in doing that, I also believe sometimes you have to live a little in the gym LOL so this was what I did I "squeezed" it in and it was great!

Shoulder Press Machine 4 sets pyramid down in reps up in weight
Superset with Reverse Pec Dec 4 sets 10 - 12
1.40 X 12 60X10
2. 50 X 10 60X10
3. 60 X 8 60X8 got too heavy remember this is 3rd superset by now
4. 70X6 so I went down to 52.5 X10

EZ BAR Upright Rows 4 sets 40 X12
Super set With Dumbbell Side Laterals 4 sets 15X10 for the first two LAST two sets I died out till I couldn't lift them and got 15X 8 and a half each set.

Now to me this is somewhat lower volume and a shorter workout than normal. HOWEVER it still felt like a good workout because I focused on intensity, moving, form, the weights are definitely not spectacular but they did the job. I also knew I was following this workout with a routine that would also incorporate shoulders.

This workout above was completed in 25 minutes which brought me to start my next portion which was barbell complexes at around 12:50. Now this workout was again posted by Lean Bodies Consulting and since I found my motivation through them on this particular morning and wanted a FULL yet different workout I found it only fitting to throw this is.

Here is the layout from Lean Bodies Consulting:

Deadlifts x6
RDLs x6
Barbell Rows x6
Hang Cleans x6
Front Squats x6
Push Press x6
Full Squats x6
Good Mornings x6

Each movement transitions into the next so you're never putting the bar down. Go lighter than you think at first, trust me. Rest 60s at the end of the round and keep going for 20 minutes. Then lie down and recover.

I completed this full rotation for a total of 5 times in the twenty minutes using a 45 pound Olympic bar. However and this happened to me last time as well because I did it following shoulders, after the second rotation just for push presses I did need to drop down to a 30 lb barbell and switch it out quickly for that one exercise my shoulders where not having it, and my form was at risk of being altered.

Finished that, filled my water, wiped my face, sanitized, and hopped on the stairs for 30 minutes to finish myself off. Washed my face and hands wet my hair pulled it back neater, changed my shirt and went and got my eye brows done. Lalalalalalalala :) I FELT LIKE A MILLION BUCKS!!! And it was a run around weekend I needed that positive energy! I went from there to clean my house, pick up my daughter for school, and get my house ready for her birthday party the next day. I got supper ready, and then got her ready to go to her dance pep rally party. Dropped her off for two hours and I hit Target, Bjs, the party store and then picked her back up and went home for 9pm. Put all the party stuff away and set up a little. I still needed to get her cake she wanted a specific Carvel ice cream cake I was having a hard time finding.

Saturday Morning I woke up and was off to teach my bootcamp! Met a client after that to train and hit up my own workout. Hit a few more stores and found the coveted M&M Carvel Ice Cream cake for the birthday girl. Headed home and showered and got ready for the day. Took my daughter and her girlfriends to the Salon for a Glam Party they got their nails, make-up and hair done, and then back to our house for pizza, cake, presents, and a sleepover! The kids had a blast and well so did I, what other excuse do I have to do double turns in my living room? Sing and dance like a goofball, Watch 17 Again, and listen to girl talk LOL Needless to say I was up till 2 in the morning. And bright and early the next day it was clean up from the mess, get the girls ready to go home, and My father in Law and Husband where putting in new counter tops in our kitchen!! Which I have to say came out beautifully. So here we were RIPPED UP KITCHEN, NO SINK, sawdust everywhere... NEVER A DULL MOMENT. I did take Sunday totally off from the gym, although I wouldn't call it a day of rest LOL, needless to say by Sunday night I was in bed by 9pm PASSED OUT!! And Monday morning right back at it! Why? Because I am committed! I am committed to first being the best mother I can be, I am committed to my marriage. I am committed to achieving my goals. What they are well there are too many to list for now, I am looking semester at a time in few month blocks and longer term ones are coming as the shorter ones get knocked out of the park.

I started this blog last Friday night it took me till tonight Tuesday to complete it because I've been so busy, but that's okay. I will say this: my weight goal to hit by my daughter's birthday weekend was hit. My Chemistry grade goal to hit was hit. My house renovations goal by March 18th will be hit. My goals in terms of my boot camp was hit. SO slowly but surely bigger goals will come :) I am learning that small steps, consistency, determination, and perseverance mean more than perfection. And I am TEACHING IT AND SHARING IT. Don't sweat the small stuff, look at the big picture. But make your consistent small stuff amount to BIG STUFF!!!

BODY DEFINITION... DEFINE WHO YOU WANT TO BE! SEMINAR AND NEXT BOOTCAMP FULL INFO HERE!!

2011-03-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

This Blog is simply to reemphasize the upcoming NUTRITION COUNSELING SEMINAR AND SAMPLE BOOT CAMP CLASS COMING UP!!!

If you have questions for me, GO TO THE SEMINAR!

IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT WORKING OUT AT HOME, GO TO THE SEMINAR!

IF YOU WANT MOTIVATION, GO TO THE SEMINAR!

IF YOU REALLY NEED TO LEARN ABOUT NUTRITION AND SEEING RESULTS, GO TO THE SEMINAR!

IF YOU WANT TO START A PROGRAM WITH BODY DEFINITION BUT ARE NERVOUS OR DON"T KNOW WHERE TO START, GO TO THE SEMINAR!

BODY DEFINITION

ONE-DAY NUTRITION SEMINAR AND BOOT CAMP CLASS

What good is learning how to exercise if you cannot get your nutrition in check?

What good is eating healthy if you cannot keep your body tight and learn ways to BUILD the body you want?

WHAT GOOD IS PUTTING IN THE TIME AND EFFORT IF YOU ARE NOT SEEING THE RESULTS YOU WANT?

Learn how to do it ALL!!

When: Sunday March 20th, 2011

Time: 12:00pm to 3:30pm

Where: Legends Gymnastics 25 Orchard Hill Rd. North Andover, MA.

Program Design: What are we doing?

* Discussing Nutrition FULLY. Everything I work to TEACH my clients. I do not believe in simply saying “EAT this” because it will help you lose weight, or gain muscle, or whatever your goal may be. I believe KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.
* LEARN why we time certain carbohydrates around certain parts of the days or activities.
* Learn what processed vs, unprocessed food really is.
* Learn what “healthy food” really means. Is it low fat, low carb, low calories, high fiber? What is important to aim for?
* Learn what it means if someone says I eat a “balanced”. What is a 40/40/20 split. What does that even mean.
* Learn what a glycemic index is.
* Learn what you Basil Metabolic Rate is.
* Learn how to TRULY read a food label for what it is, not what a company wants you to think it is.
* Learn how to eat smarter for a faster more efficient metabolism.
* Learn the pros and cons of low carb and what TRUE low carb is.
* Healthy Meal will be provided
* AND SAMPLE ONE HOUR BOOT CAMP WORKOUT INCLUDED

Cost:$30

*Please note pre registration is required – no drop ins allowed.

I am reemphasizing this because I am getting a lot of requests and messages for at home workouts during the day and/or nutrition programs. Nigh time boot camp is going to officially be full by tomorrow I believe. I will consider adding a DAY TIME BOOT CAMP to run March 21st – April 30th Mon, Wed, and Friday from 9:30 - 10:30 as well.

IF YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR BOOT CAMP, the $30 from the seminar WILL BE APPLIED toward your balance of Boot Camp, so in essence it is INCLUDED in BOOT CAMP. However if you are just curious to see what Body Definition offers you may come to the seminar without being registered for Boot Camp. Please contact me for further details.

Trainer’s experience: ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, Certified in Nutrition Counseling, Insured, CPR/FIRST AID/AED Certified, Over 8 years training experience and competing - Earned 3 natural Professional Federation Status while competing, qualified Nationally with NPC, and MOM of three who was back on stage 8 months after delivering her twins!

CONTACT: stephanie_villers@yahoo.com; 978-457-0362

And for those of you still wanting details on the Boot Camp ...

Boot Camp Style Exercise Program at a local gymnastics facility in North Andover, MA.

Program will run 6 weeks - meet 3 times a week for an hour.

COST: $260 for the 6 weeks INCLUDES

* FULL NUTRITION PLAN with changes every 2 weeks
* Measurements and weigh in every 2 weeks (for those setting specific goals)
* Before and after pictures if you choose.
* Complete Guided Hands On Boot Camp Style workout with a Certified Personal Trainer
* Plyometrics, Kickboxing, Intervals, Cardio, Kettle bell, Body weighted exercises
* All levels and ages WELCOME - a good trainer can adjust per conditioning and age levels

This can be an awesome experience if you're willing to give it your all, I always AM! This is NOT a promise for your best body body ever, I can only give you the tools and knowledge YOU MUST do the work!! Please pass the word to anyone interested and feel free to give them my contact information: SERIOUS INQUIRES ONLY PLEASE :)

Here is a link to a BLOG with frequently asked questions about boot camp that I wrote for the last one. Please read it through and let me know if you have any question: http://fitmomma3.blogspot.com/2011/01/body-definition-define-who-you-want-to.html

~We have more ability than will power, and it is often an excuse to ourselves that we imagine that things are impossible.~

LL COOL J CURLS :)

2011-03-01T18:27:00.000-08:00

Ok SO I promised myself I wasn't going to answer any fitness questions this week or focus on anything but school, but I lied can't do it LOL Well not true my hardest of all my mid terms is done as of tonight so I can breathe a little again. Still have a large paper and Essay Exam due towards the end of the week, but Chemistry is my Nemesis, and that test was taken tonight. I honestly have NO CLUE how I did. I can't say I bombed and can't say I'm confident. Out of 30 questions I felt like 15 I looked at and JUST KNEW, then 5 I really scratched my head and was dumb founded, then 10 I felt so so on. Keep in mind Chemistry is not multiple choice or essays so like any science or math one mistake in your equations and its off. But we will see, I'm trying not to stress, I did everything I could to prepare. But yeah I'm stressed a little LOL. In Biology last semester which I didn't even think was difficult, I enjoy Biology I got an 84 on my first test and the class average was a 56 :/ Then I was so determined not to get in the 80s I studied my butt off and got a 97 on the next exam. That actually wasn't very nice of me cause it messed up the classes grading scale but I was just so damn proud. So in this Physiological Chem Class... the entire class is LOST for the most part. I mean we are understanding somewhat in lecture but applying it on our own is a different story. Out of close to 30 students we are down to probably like 15 - 16 and out of that there are like 4 or 5 of us who can converse and have questions about the lecture, but the majority of the class has set up times for extra help. I mean I'm not saying its the hardest class in the world, haha its only the tip of the iceberg in chemistry word really. But for me its just intense. So its taking a lot of focus. Give me A & P, Biology, Kinesiology all day over this stuff. But it is my necessary evil right now.

But a few things that were blog worthy to me today...

1. I share a lot. I share a lot on here and a lot if you have me on face book. Sometimes I get a negative vibe here or there from people but for the most part the response is SO POSITIVE it motivates me. And that's what I want to share. Often I write a blog and its neither really informative or educational and I find that is when I get the most responses. I want my blog to be a mix of everything, but when I just write, I hope people can take things out of my experiences and don't think I'm just typing to hear myself talk. Sometimes I am :) but my point is, there is usually a method to my madness. And the last email I received and many like this are the ones that keep me sharing: "wow u r amazing steph...i really mean that. thank you for this info. Thanks for being so sharing and giving ...its nice to read about your goals and how you achieved gettin' on stage. It's very inspirational!"

Now don't get me wrong I do not need my back patted every step of the way, that's not why I share either. I just do it... its who I am. And I just want to say I appreciate those who appreciate it and it motivates me as well. ESPECIALLY when replies come from people I respect and even look up to ;) Those who don't appreciate my sharing...Wellll... Don't let the door hit ya where the... ahem, you know the saying :)

Blog worthy event #2 today - So I was doing cardio and watching The View, yeah I know its one of those shows people either love or hate, PERSONALLY FOR ME I LOVE IT!!! I never get to watch it unless on cardio, but I do love it. Maybe its because that is like my DREAM JOB, I know sounds weird but its like a cross between journalism and a coffee date. Can you imagine me around a table able to the shoot the crap and give my opinions freely and GET PAID FOR IT! Oh Lordy that would be a great day!! The View makes me laugh, I know a bunch of yapping yentas is not everyone's idea of funny, but I like it. Well today one of the segments was following Elizabeth Hasselback through her workout. Which props when props are due she is a fit momma, especially after three kids!! The first thing I will say positive about the clip was they (her and her trainer) FOCUSED on STRENGTH TRAINING - RESISTANCE Training. They were doing Push ups, Flys, Lunges, Dead lifts (all different variations) I was impressed to see some real exercise and not just "core work" or cardio being done. It was a good workout!! Most if not ALL of exercises I do with my boot camp, so I was chatting with them about it and they were happy to see that. I'm not a huge mainstream fitness interest, but lets face it the times are changing, slowly but surely people are starting to get with the program. No more just Jane Fonda sweat to you drop stuff. Real workouts. Kelly Ripa's arms, Madonna's arms, I saw a pic of Cameron Diaz pulling a SLED and doing shoulders with a huge ROPE, and running sprints! That's what I'm talkin bout! I know in the fitness world it may be too little too late. But to someone who works with the general public I am glad to see some REAL WORKOUTS being showcased. Maybe they're not "bodybuilding workouts" but their good workouts!

Now I'm not trying to self promote or anything :) But the one thing that struck me odd was her trainer STARTED OFF her routine with High intensity cardio training BEFORE her weightlifting. Now I am not one to puff up my chest against another trainer or say this one knows more than that one yada yada yada. If anyone knows me I follow many trainers/coaches I respect who may all have different methods. I mean this guy owns a nice facility in NY and is training celebrities, who am I to say? Well who am I not to? LOL THERE ARE FEW RULES OUT THERE THAT MOST TRAINERS WILL AGREE ON. Science has proven this, studies, athletes, I thought it was pretty much undisputed. It is never recommended to perform cardio BEFORE resistance training and high intensity cardio at that. Now a warm up or intertwining cardio bursts in a circuit for conditioning are one thing, but he had her do 10 quarter miles sprints. I mean I'm no mathematician but I believe that's 2.5 miles before weight training, SPRINTING. Which again damn props to her she ran her booty off. But so counter productive to do BEFORE you lift. I've always said this, MOST DO. But it hit me stronger because I have a competitor I am working with who's probably gonna glance at this ;) and I will say just switching her cardio to post workouts verses PRE she has seen improvements in her physique and that leads me to another post... a question I get asked often... Is SPIN a good workout, are the STAIRS a good workout, is RUNNING a good workout???

Without making this too long let me explain briefly what I mean by this statement: None of those I would consider my "WORK OUT"? What do I mean by that? Do they burn calories? Yes. Do you sweat? Yes. Are the cardiovascularly healthy? Absolutely. Can you lose weight doing them? "Technically". Well what does that mean? All of those activities SPIN, Kickboxing, Step, Stairs, Elliptical, can be great cardio, in fact I enjoy incorporating them in my personal routines. But that is just it, they are CARDIOVASCULAR WORK. Nothing more, nothing less. Cardio is a TOOL to aid with fat loss, a tool to burn calories, a health benefit for your heart, but has very little to do with the elusive "toneness" most are looking for when they are looking for a workout. For the most part none of that is going to lift your glutes, none of that is going to create a sweep on your outer leg, none of that is going to give you definition in your arms, shoulders, or back. So if you are looking to "tone" or change the shape of your body, cardio is a TOOL not the answer, not the workout.

RESISTANCE TRAINING, WEIGHTS, BODY WEIGHTED EXERCISES. THOSE ARE THE ANSWER!!! Ever seen someone lose weight doing cardio only? They look like a shrunken version of their former self, great to get the weight off but every thing hangs exactly where it did before. Now take someone who is doing resistance training properly ALONG with their weight loss and that is when magic happens ;) So that is why I was pleased to see Elizabeth's workout focus on RESISTANCE TRAINING, and GREAT FORM and INTENSITY. It is something women need to see more of.

And I use the word tone in quotations because it is a misused word. What does tone mean? It means you don't want to get big right? That's usually what it means. Well I have a very interesting piece of information for you, it is VERY VERY VERY difficult for women to get big. But you may think well I don't even want my arms as big as yours LOL and that's fair, everyone's goals are different it wouldn't be the first time I've heard it, it doesn't offend me/. But technically there is no such thing as tone. Now obv this is not going to my fitness gals we are muscle mommas we wanted jacked arms, that's different. But I respect the fact that not everyone does.

It is still important in order to define your goals to figure out what you mean by tone. You can't tone a muscle. You can shape it by essentially BUILDING IT. The tone and shape you see is low enough body fat to uncover the muscle that is worked and built up. It doesn't have to be built up BIG, but it does have to be built up. And without talking circles around this, my point is TONE is definition, definition is muscles being shown. Think of it this way RESISTANCE TRAINING shapes it and builds it (along with offering a myriad of other benefits - increasing bone density, increasing lean body mass which has a profound effect on your metabolism, often burning more calories than cardio alone), but nutrition and cardio are your tools to show it off. Hence the name of my COMPANY - BODY DEFINITION - DEFINE WHO YOU WANT TO BE... obviously it has more meaning than just your body being defined, but I am determined to get rid of the word toned and replace it with defined :)

3. And blog worthy post number 3. Now I started this blog on Tuesday night but am finishing it today on Thursday so bare with the hoping around. But Tuesday the other thing I wanted to Blog about was something I saw at a store that really hit home with me. I was standing in line at a store purchasing supplies for school. In fact it was before my big exam I needed a new calculator and some pens, and who knows what else. I nervous shop whenever I have something coming up LOL true story. So the young girl in front of me with her mother were purchasing school supplies as well. The girl couldn't have been older than 14 maybe 15. Beautiful young girl, tall - taller than her mother, long dark hair, and a typical teenage attitude. She had one hip cocked to the side and her chin slightly twisted. And the cashier just making light conversation says to the girl: "Let me guess this is for you." It was all school supplies: notebooks, pens, etc just like myself. And the girl nodded and didn't really respond. So the mother stepped in and said: "Yes she's going back to school, she was being home schooled." And the girl interrupts rudely and blurts out so proudly "NO, I QUIT." Her and her mother bicker back and forth a little about that comment and finally the cashier says. "You don't want to quit school, especially in this economy, that's the worse thing you could possibly do, if nothing else just try and stick it out it will get better." The cashier was really trying to connect to the girl and it was clearly going in one ear and out the other. So the girl looks up doesn't say a word, shifts back and forth from hip to hip annoyed and says: "So how old do you have to be to get a job here?" And the cashier just sighed and replied, "eighteen." The girl huffed, tossed her hair and walked out the door even before her mother was done paying. And her poor mother just stood there embarrassed and rolled her eyes and said "KIDS!" And I stood there for a minute, it was like a show where they show you a flashback. THAT WAS ME when I was a teenager.

Ask my poor parents. Sophomore year I decided I was too good for high school (seriously I really thought I was) - and it was clear to me that the girl in front of me thought she was too good for high school too. I was making enough money at my job as a jewelry sales girl, are you kidding me I got one large commission check enough to buy my first car and I was sold. Money ruled my world. At 16 I was driven and motivated to finish my high school diploma, while I was making money and start college early. I was in a huge rush to grow up. And then I got pregnant. I got married at 17 and set up house with my baby and husband and just waited for my life to "work out". I was an office manager, an assistant manager at a weight loss center, a stay home Mom, a personal trainer and group exercise instructor without a college education, so I never felt like it held me back... UNTIL the economy turned. I've always been home with my kids at least part time and wanting control of flexible part time work that either challenged me or paid well was not exactly easy to find as it had been in the past. I found a part time job, with a schedule that worked. Ironically it was the same job I worked when I decided to work full time while I home schooled. Same job 10 years later, it didn't sit well with me and after being home for a few years with my kids I was actually INTIMIDATED to even get back into the work field. That’s not a knock at all to my part time job. It was just the least challenging and least money I had ever made. I could have easily moved up within the company, but I felt it just wasn't where I saw myself. And now my lack of education was not only staring me dead in the face, but was directly not allowing me to move forward in a direction I wanted to go in.

ENTER - GOING BACK TO SCHOOL AND GETTING BACK INTO TRAINING. I've ALWAYS KNOWN WHERE I BELONGED AND FITNESS IS IT. However since the economy scare, being a young business owner is a vulnerable place. I am fortunate to have an income from my husband to fall back on but what if that ever went away? What if something ever happened to him? What if HE lost his job? We have never knock on wood once in our 11 years of marriage been without him employed or without health insurance or not been able to scrape by, but the stories in this economy where quite scary. It was a rude awakening, and I think preemptively woke me up to having a better back up plan. It taught me that nothing is certain. So here at 28 standing behind this child with my own school supplies back in college going for a degree I could have done five times over by now, it was a powerful moment. "HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO WORK HERE?" Those words will ring in my ears for a while. Yes you can start here at 16, but do you still want to be stuck here at 30, 40, 50?

There is even more to my story and I wish I had followed that girl outside, trust me her Mom would have let me she looked at me like HELP. But I didn't I guess I'm not to a point in my life where I'm ready to say "I've been there." Someday with time it will come, I still have my own battles. And I know I'm still affected by my choices as a teen everyday because something like that made me freeze in my tracks.

I hear people talk about the shows 16 and pregnant on MTV and it makes my skin crawl, and makes me sad. I've never watched it but here and there for clips at a time. Sounds hypocritical huh? I am not proud of my mistakes but I’ve made the best of what I’ve had. People tell me I’m lucky that my life has “worked out” and I just think, yes I’m blessed, but I still want so much more out of life. I have a beautiful family and marriage. I can honestly say most anything I've ever wanted to do or want to do I am confident that I can and WILL. I am not using my mistakes as a crutch. I'm also not looking to be a star role model here, just want to share because many new clients or followers don't know my story. Many think it is all set up easy for me to be positive, or productive, and I will just say I have NO COMPLAINTS, I am INDEED TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED, but trust me I am FAR FAR FAR FROM PERFECT ;)

SO TO WRAP THIS BLOG UP!!! TALKING MUSCLES AND THE VIEW AND RESISTANCE TRAINING AND LAUGHING PLEASE WATCH THIS CLIP!!!! LL COOL J CURLING THE GIRLS! YES I SAID CURLING THE GIRLS!!! SHERRI DONE LOST HER MIND LOL I LOVE IT!!!!

For the purpose of training we call this pyramid style building of weights in this curl set! HOT AND FUNNY!!!

I AM AN OXYMORON: God's Purpose of Food and EXPLICIT LYRICS

2011-02-27T17:41:00.000-08:00

Haha now this Blog will make you go huh? What an oxymoron Stephanie is. LOL And let me explain why. Well The first portion of it is actually a re-post from something my Husband posted. If you've followed along long enough, or know me from the boards, or in real life you know religion discussions are something I generally tend to either stear clear of OR have strong feelings about. I try not discuss it much because I feel it is such a PERSONAL issue. And well my husband does not like those who push religion even less than myself so its ironic that he found something that used the name God as the creator in it.

For the purpose of the blog take the word God out of the equation and replace it with creator, or Bob ;) whatever you need to fit your beliefs. Our lives and bodies are so intricate no one can deny that. This is a very interesting read:

It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... All before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!

God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

WHOLE NATURAL UNPROCESSED FOODS!!! FROM EVERY FOOD GROUP! It's WHAT OUR BODY NEEDS AND WHAT OUR BODIES WANT!

Think of everything listed here and then think of what the average American eats. Now think of all the medical problems that ensue. Interesting read indeed. Whether or not its just merely intricate unique interpretation, all of it actually rings true.

Now here's the oxy moron coming... before you think I've gone all organic crunchy granola religious on you which is in no way meant to be offensive because I say more power to healthy people! I am still through and through a determined gym rat at heart :) So after you eat all those healthy all natural healing foods... add in some protein and HIT THE WEIGHTS!!! And for some motivation watch this video! AWESOME SONG AND DR.DRE IS JACKED! And before anyone says well Dr. Dre's a celebrity he has a chef and a trainer, and is probably not natural, while all of that may be true he's still put in the work and he's no spring chicken, he just celebrated his 46th birthday!!! EXPLICIT LYRICS, but bad ass song!

Pool Time and Bikini Bodies Don't Really Go Together At My House!

2011-02-24T20:55:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh School Vacation Week! I absoluteley Love it!! I am one of those moms that relishes in having my kids home. Yes some days I want to sell them to the highest bidder, but being home with them is what I do best. Well "being home" is a relative term because we are all too high energy to really lounge too much. We have been on the GO all week. Monday Boston for the day,then a sleepover. Tuesday - my daughter had double dance sessions. Wednesday we went to family swim and lunch. Today we went to a a plaster painting place and had friends over. And tomorrow its movies with friends! Did I mention, I LOVE VACATION WEEKS!!!

POOL TIME IN FEBRUARY! LOVE IT!

So yesterday when I took the kids to family Swim at the pool, It hit me. Why I always feel like I need to compete or do a photo shoot, or some type of challenge. I work damn hard for a nice "bikini body", and lets face it after three kids and as you start to get older (not that I'm saying I'm old so simmer down lol) just saying after 25 especially I've notices its NOT AS EASY. So I work so hard to hit a goal, feel and look a certain way, and for what? I'm married <3 the only one I'm trying to impress is my husband and frankly he's a likes a little meat on his girl's bones type of guy. So as much as he supports and likes lean, he loves 10 pounds heavier MUCH MORE. And then yesterday when I put on my two piece in February to go to family swim I was happy with what I saw, I felt comfortable. Of course I still have goals to hit but for the most part everything was at least where I wanted it to be haha But then I throw on a cover up shirt to wear in the pool over my bikini!! Why? Because I have three kids, three kids I LOVE to play with. I rough house in the pool, splash with, jump with, they hang on me, I let my husband throw me for their kicks, and as much as my body may be bikini ready, my bikinis are not built for MOMMY play in the pool, and I didn't want any wardrobe malfunctions LOL So all that hard work and boom I cover it up, because well, my lifestyle is not designed to lay around in a bikini all day and "look pretty". And I don't want it to be. I LOVE PLAYING IN THE POOL WITH MY KIDS!

I guess that's why I feel like I have this alter ego when I compete or model, it allows me to show off my hard work, it allows me to BASK in my body, my own "beauty", my confidence, it allows me to show a side of me that I enjoy showing even if not all the time. And it gives me a light at the end of the tunnel, a focus, a goal, an extra push to work harder. It's funny because I like to dress up, get dolled up and rock heels and long eye lashes with the best of em, however it is NOT ME 100% of the time. I enjoy my no make-up days. The days I don't blow dry my hair, and rock a t - shirt and jeans comfortably too. I guess I love to have my cake and eat it too. So whether I compete this summer, whether I have photo shoots, or whether I just lay around my pool covered up so I can cannon ball with the best of em, I'm still gonna set a goal.

This bikini body this was post twin boys, they were under a year, about 6 weeks POST COMPETITION so I was up a bit from stage weight, actually Ern and I went to Mexico that year sans kids and partied like rock stars before these pics were taken so I know this is a look I can easily maintain all summer, and this is my goal for Summer 2011, actually my goal for no later than June 1st. I am only 8ish pounds away from it and its 3 months away so I think I'm safe ;) And maybe this goal will bring other goals ;). My promise to myself this 2011 WAS CONTINUE TO DREAM BIG, and NOT be afraid to dream big. So even if I don't get every dream this year if I get 3 out of 10 I'm happy!

I watched an old video we shot back in 07 after the boys were born, we were contacted by a casting director to audition for WIFE SWAP and had shot a video for it, as I watched it one part that really stuck with me is one thing I said. I said "I have stopped telling people what my dreams are because I'm tired of them looking at me like I have 10 heads or like I'm crazy." And we both ended saying(Ern and I) that we didn't care! What we did worked for us and our family and that was all that mattered. And I'd like to believe we've stood by that. I stopped dreaming for a while. For a time there I just needed to focus enough to keep my head above water, but I am past that and have started dreaming again. And if you're gonna do it DREAM BIG!

I have this quote inside an old calendar that I used for a prep a few years ago and i just saw it the other day and it made me smile: "Once you become self-conscious, there is no end to it; once you start to doubt, there is no room for anything else."

So with that said I did two things this week that are incredibly what I would consider out of my league and will let the chips fall where they may. There is no harm in trying!!!! School vacation week is almost over and I have enjoyed the extra time home with my kids and all the fun,its going by way too fast!

I would be lying if I said I didn't feel like I was slacking a bit this week. I did everything for the most part, but with my schedule being so off and with so many plans it hasn't been 100%. Monday was not a cheat day and my family and I went to Boston for the day to take the kids to Disney on ice and then out to Fire and Ice for lunch. Now I did get only protein and veggies but I know it was prepared with a lot of oil and my portions were not "correct portions". My cardio got done this week, but I did not do AM cardio on an empty stomach ONCE this week, I know SO BAD. I totally slacked there. I couldn't pull myself to get up at 4:35 when I knew I didn't have to wake up with the kids. It got done, but AM for me makes a big difference at this point. So I plan to get back on track 1000% next week. I still feel great and my workouts have been great I just need a little more focus, this no set schedule thing doesn't work well for me, but I have so enjoyed my extra time with the kids!!

Another thing is I haven't taken progress pics yet. Its not even that I'm avoiding them I just haven't had time, or made it a priority but it is time. I like the mirror, I like the scale, I feel good, I even like my shadows (haha don't laugh you all know you check out your shadows in the bathroom when no one's looking) I just need to face the camera. PICS DON"T LIE! Who knows maybe I will share. Ummmm honestly doubtful, I'm more of a share when I have an after pic I like type person. But it will give me motivation to track better for the next few weeks.

On that Note a Crock Pot Healthy Recipe I made:

Chicken Tortilla Soup

It's easy, its yummy, it's high protein, and it makes in batches well.
If you are a little more calorie/carb sensitive the tortilla strips could be omitted.

Ingredients:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes undrained
1 can (4oz) chopped mild green chilies
1/2 cup 99% fat free chicken broth
1 medium yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
4 corn tortilla strips slices into 1/4 inch strips
2 tbs chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
1 avocado, peeled, diced, and tosses with lime juice to prevent browning

Directions:
1. Place Chicken in Crockpot. Combine Tomatoes with juice, chillies, broth, onion, garlic and cumin in small bowl pour over chicken
2. Cover; cook on LOW 6 hours. Remove chicken shred with two forks. Return to liquid, adjust seasonings to taste and add more broth if necessary.
3. Just before Serving add tortillas and cilantro to crock pot. Stir to blend. Serve in soup bowls, topping each serving with cheese, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

And then I batched it up in Tupperware so all week we had WARM, healthy, home cooked soup.

Makes 6 servings - One Serving = 254 Calories, 10g fat, 22 g protein, 19g carbs, 5g fiber

Hold Your Head High Gorgeous, There Are People Who Would Love To See You Fall

2011-02-22T11:13:00.000-08:00

"Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are."

There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and believe it or not a fine line between humility and meekness. Being humble is a character trait that keeps those successful so down to earth and likable. And being cocky is a character flaw that forces those to not only despise the arrogant prick, but also wonder if they truly believe what they are selling or if the old saying "If you have to tell someone how great you are, you're probably not really that great to begin with." stands true.

This is the fine line: If you look up humble you may see: not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive. But what if you are not haughty, but are proud? And what if you are not arrogant but are assertive? Fine line? huh? Finer than you thought. But look up confidence and you may see: belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance: THIS IS THE WORD WE ARE GOING TO FOCUS ON! How people interpret that confidence is their problem not yours. The VOICE in your head, the voice that tells you YOUR WORTH - that is your concern!

Now as the competition season is approaching THIS is my focus, with myself, with my clients, with my posing clients. PORTRAY CONFIDENCE. PORTRAY "IT"! What is "IT"? The last picture I posted was of myself walking down a runway for a modeling event and the quote was "No matter what a woman looks like if she is confident, She is Sexy." Did I just call myself sexy? Like OUT LOUD? SERIOUSLY? Isn't that arrogant?!?! Well no. I FEEL GOOD IN MY SKIN, I'm not saying I'm the next Giselle! Ummm no, hello I'm 5'3 have a distinct greek nose and STRETCH marks that aren't going anywhere - haha I'm a realist, however I am confident that I FEEL GOOD and when that happens I portray CONFIDENCE. Little side note to that gig, I did strictly to get my STAGE CONFIDENCE back before getting on stage. I mean it was paid, and it was fun, but I had also just delivered the boys about 7 months prior, and was planning to compete again soon and hadn't been on stage or in front of a crowd in over two years, so I booked a couple modeling gigs to get my feet wet again and it worked. Sometimes everyone's confidence just needs a little kick in the pants. AND I was BY FAR the SHORTEST GIRL at that event, which I'd be lying if I said that didn't mess with my head a bit, but hey just fake it LOL

Why am I writing this blog then? Because instilling confidence in clients, in friends, in family, in YOUNG GIRLS etc is NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE NOW A DAYS. I find above ANY challenge with training people, raising children even, this is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE. Building confidence, TRUE confidence, not a false bravado will shape how your life unfolds. Armed with confidence, a good attitude, and strong work ethic you can never truly fail.

Pink (whom I love) has a new song out called Perfect and one line says: "change the voices in your head... Make them like you instead." You think this is just a catchy song? You think that line doesn't impact SO MANY woman, young, old, skinny, fat, tall, short. Of course it does! I am just as guilty as the next as being intimidated by choices because I am not confident I can follow through, I am afraid to fail. I am just as guilty as the next as not being able to take a compliment and just say thank you, without feeling a need to make it light hearted and knock myself a little.

As my goal is to remain humble and kind, I strive to not cross that line to meek. Think of yourself... would you consider yourself meek? BE HONEST. Wanna see some scary definitions? 1.humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others. 2. overly submissive or compliant; spiritless; tame.3.Obsolete . gentle; kind.

SPIRITLESS AND OBSOLETE... ouch! Those ones really sting true. Do you ever want to be considered either of those? Would you ever want to raise a child in those blueprints? SPIRITLESS AND OBSOLETE? Can you think of any two more empty feelings than those? This is why I'm obsessed with confidence through fitness. Some people are just born with IT, others have to work at it, but either way you have to not only obtain it, but maintain it. Through weight gains, through job losses, through divorce, through deaths, through illness, through turmoil. It is not always easy but it a CERTAIN STRENGTH that is necessary IMO. OK now I'm starting to get too deep LOL that is for another blog. BUT CONFIDENCE that is what our focus is. Now I simplify it to competing because literally I say to every competitor I work with IF YOU DON"T BELIEVE YOU DESERVE THIS, YOU WILL NEVER CONVINCE ANYONE ELSE TO BELIEVE IT! But can that not carry through to other aspects in life? Dating (yeah I went there- KNOW YOUR WORTH), a job interview - ummmm staple rules - shake hands strongly, speak clearly, make eye contact - all signs of confidence, and really it can be applied to ANYTHING IN LIFE.

"Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance."

So with that being said if you are planning to compete and want help with POSING and Stage PRESENCE this Happens to be an area I am EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE WITH!

However, I will say the focus will ALWAYS BE CONFIDENCE ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE BECAUSE THIS SHINES THROUGH ON STAGE!!

Where did this all come from? Well things hit me at different times andas weird and as simple or shallow some of those times are I try to turn it into something bigger than a line in a song LOL While training legs this past weekend a Justin Timberlake and 50 cent song came on my ipod. Kinda inappropriate but STILL I loved this line: "Now it might Sound cocky, but is it really cocky if you know that its true?"

So when the voice in your head says I CAN WIN, I WILL WIN, I CAN GET THAT JOB, I WILL GET THAT JOB, will you believe it? You cannot fool yourself either, you believe it or you don't. "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."

As I was googling definitions this actually came up and I think its worth sharing. For some you may go Duh? Common Sense, or oh goodness Steph's really getting suzy sunshine with "self help" now too LOL... BUT really read all fifteen points and let them set in. No one is perfect and this breaks down a lot of what I was speaking about, and number 15 well that's my weakness. I was just given great advice recently and it was blunt and simple: "YOU THINK TOO MUCH!"

http://www.wikihow.com/Build-Self-Confidence

Steps to Building Self Confidence:

1.Recognize your insecurities. What does that voice in the back of your mind say? What makes you ashamed of yourself? This could be anything from acne, to regrets, or friends at school. Whatever is making you feel unworthy, ashamed, or inferior, identify it, give it a name, and write it down. You can also tear up these written pieces to eliminate negativity and start feeling positive on those points.

2.Talk about it with friends and loved ones. Wear it on your sleeve. Each day you should chip away at it; wear it down. There's no quick fix. Get to the root of the problem; focus on it and understand that you need to resolve each issue before you can move on. And that doesn't mean you have to get rid of whatever makes you feel bad (many times, you simply can't). You need to learn to accept yourself, your past, your circumstances as they are, without necessarily thinking of them as "bad". Keep in mind that we tend to bring about what we think about, so try to focus more on what you have as opposed to what you may lack.

3.Remember that no one is perfect. Even the most confident people have insecurities. At some point in any of our lives, we may feel we lack something. That is reality. Learn that life is full of bumps down the road.

4.Identify your successes. Everyone is good at something, so discover the things at which you excel, then focus on your talents. Give yourself permission to take pride in them. Give yourself credit for your successes. Inferiority is a state of mind in which you've declared yourself a victim. Do not allow yourself to be victimized. Express yourself, whether it's through art, music, writing, etc. Find something you enjoy. Everyone is born with talents and strengths. You can develop and excel in yours. If it's difficult to name two or three things you have some ability in or just plain love to do, think about things others do that you would like to do too and take some lessons or join an enthusiasts club. When you're following your passion, not only will it have a therapeutic effect, but you'll feel unique and accomplished, all of which can help build your self confidence. Plus, adding a variety of interests to your life will not only make you more confident, but it will increase your chances of meeting compatible friends!

5.Be thankful for what you have. A lot of the times, at the root of insecurity and lack of confidence is a feeling of not having enough of something, whether it's emotional validation, good luck, money, etc. By acknowledging and appreciating what you do have, you can combat the feeling of being incomplete and unsatisfied. Finding that inner peace will do wonders for your confidence.

6.Be Positive, even if you don't feel the same way. Avoid self-pity, or the pity and sympathy of others. Never allow others to make you feel inferior--they can only do so if you let them. If you continue to loathe and belittle yourself, others are going to do and believe likewise. Instead, speak positively about yourself, about your future, and about your progress. Do not be afraid to project your strengths and qualities to others. By doing so, you reinforce those ideas in your mind and encourage your growth in a positive direction. One important things is just: don't overdo it. Don't exagerate. Try to speak about yourself from a neutral perspective, so that you stay realistic about what you can do and cannot.

7.Being realistic is of paramount importance. Because neither should you think less of yourself, nor should you think that you are better than you really are. That is indeed a very difficult thing to do, but the thing is this: with an unrealistic view of your skills and your personality you might get a harder time being socially accepted, because you think you do things in one way, while others perceive them in another.

8.Accept compliments gracefully. Don't roll your eyes and say, "Yeah, right," or shrug it off. Take it to heart and respond positively ("Thank you" and a smile works well).

9.Look in the mirror and smile. Studies surrounding what's called the "facial feedback theory" suggest that the expressions on your face can actually encourage your brain to register certain emotions. So by looking in the mirror and smiling every day, you might feel happier with yourself and more confident in the long run.

10.Fake it. Along the same lines of smiling to make yourself feel happy, acting confident might actually make you believe it. Pretend you're a completely confident version of you; go through the motions and see how you feel!

11. Stick to your principles. It might be tough, but if you don't have something you can believe in, you don't have anything. If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything. No matter what's happened in your life, you can always lay claim to the fact that from this day forward, you've followed your principles to the best of your ability.

12. Help others. When you know you're kind to the people around you, and are making a positive difference in other people's lives (even if it's just being kinder to the person who serves you coffee in the morning), you'll know that you are a positive force in the world--which will boost your self confidence. Just recognizing who or what you're like inside will help you become that on the outside. Exercise helps you build strength and confidence, increases libido, and has many other positive effects.

13. Always keep a smile on your face, that will build a lot of self-confidence.

14. Share your knowledge & your experience with others.

15. Don't over think it. Most people become insecure when they begin paying too much attention to what they are doing and the reactions to people around them. This can make people feel more self- conscious about their actions. Just be yourself and don't care about what other people think. Really, they are more focused on themselves then what you are doing.

And while I'm at it, here is my leg workout from Saturday - I always have to preface with: I put up workouts with weights to give people an "idea" for programs. Goals and weights vary according to individuals. What's heavy for me, may be light for you and visa versa. I may be lifting with PERFECT FORM and you may be going more for weight on the bar, so NUMBERS are all relative. But I think important for those trying to gauge, so that's why I share them here - like a journal.

Walking Lunges 3 sets of 10 30lb BB X10, 40lb BB X10, 50lb BB X10
SUPER SET w/
Leg Extensions 3 sets of 8 85 X8, 100 X 8, 130 X8

4 sets of 10 reps Narrow Stance Leg Press 270 X 10, 360 X10, 410 X10, 460 X 8

3 Sets 8 reps leg curls 90 X 8, 110 X 8, 120 X 8
SUPER SET w/
One legged Squats 30 X 10 each leg, 30 X 10 each leg, last set had to drop to 25 X 10 - yes I died

Stiff leg BB deadlifts 95 X 10, 95 X 10, 95 X 10
SUPER SET w/
Step Ups on bench (slow and controlled coming down but no weight) 3 sets od 10 each leg

Followed this with 45 minutes on the elliptical!

BodyBuilding.com Amatuer Fitness Competitor of the Week

2011-02-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

I will say I have written down at least 4 blogs that I would like to write! However TIME and school and responsibilities are just not allowing me such freedom. I did however come across an old interview: This is an oldie but goodie :) My Interview for Bodybuilding.com Amateur competitor of the Week. I believe it was done in 05! Man time is flying and I love that although so much has changed in my life since then (like adding the twins!) I basically still have the same attitude - I guess - I AM WHO I AM :)

http://www.bodybuilders.com/stephvillers.htm

Mommies Can't Get Sick!

2011-02-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

If I were going to call in sick, who would I call in to? My husband? He doesn't take sick days. I know it sound weird but he doesn't, I can count the number of times he's called in sick. If he doesn't take them for himself how can I ask him to take one for me? Would I call my kids? Sorry guys, mommy's just not doing it today... feed yourselves, amuse yourselves, take yourselves from here to there. Or better yet Mommy's staying home sick and laying on the couch, and I'll watch them bored and trapped in the house bounce off the walls and drive each other crazy? That's restful! Today because I have the worst sore throat for the second day in the row I realize why us Mom's constantly drive ourselves into the ground until we get so sick. My family seems to be convinced I'm too stubborn to stop and rest, I have super mom disorder... but truth is, I don't have a choice.

In December I ended up with sinus infection and a bad ear infection, and my Dad was mad because I was still doing cardio, I wasn't lifting cause my head hurt too badly, but I was still doing cardio. Why? Not because I'm obsessed with exercise, but because it was still my only break of the day, and honestly cardio sometimes makes me feel like I can breath better when I'm stuffed up. I remember on the day I finally decided to go to the doctors because my pain was so bad and she gave me antibiotics, I left there and went straight to Jump on In (a bouncy house play place) with the kids. And the day before we went to the movies to see Tangled in 3D, not because I want to be Super Mom, but because... what choice do I have? It was school vacation week. Who do I call in to? I am blessed to have family that I could call and have them help out with the kids, but I like to keep them on reserve for if I'm REALLY REALLY SICK. Just like work, you don't call in for everything.

Let me break Down my "SICK DAY" - As I begin to blog more throughout my semester I will be "journaling" the good the bad the ugly. Some people keep journals of their preps on message board, I'll be somewhat doing that here. Some workouts, some meals etc. This is the easiest way to A- stay accountable B - not have to be hugely creative (cause my focus right now is school) and C - motivate others who's schedule is as crazy as mine but determination is just as strong!

Tuesday
4:30 wake up, 5 am cardio - 30 minutes
5:30- home shower, meal 1, homework, threw in a load of laundry
7 Am - Get B up - breakfast, make lunch, help get ready
7:30 - Boys up - breakfast, get ready
8:15 - B off to school
8:45 - Boys to school
9:15 - Client's home to train (meal 2 in the car before heading in)
11:00 - back to the gym ab/plyo/cardio
12:15 - pick up boys
Meal 3 - Subway for lunch with the boys - I had a salad with peppers, tomatoes, olives, double meat and balsamic it was pretty good.
Hit Target for a bit to grab a few things.
1:30 - back home to clean up and do chores - switched laundry, empty dishwasher, emptied all the trashs, wiped down counters and tables, swept. This is what kills me though, despite all my efforts, my house never looks CLEAN to me, well its clean just not spotless. It's pretty easy to see why - I wipe down the table, move the chairs, sweep, and clear everything and for about 20 minutes it stays that way. Until they're thirsty and hungry for a snack... pop tart crumbs all over the table and onto the floor and juice cups back out. Then I clean up and sweep the living room, only to see my encouragement of the boys using scissors really paid off as Bryce has been cutting everything. Today he decided to do his own little craft, which I allow because I am the type of Mom that yes stuff gets messy but if they are using skills that are good for them and occupied I'm all for it. He took the paper heart we made and cut it into a million bazillion tiny little pieces all OVER my recently cleaned living room floor and couch. I emptied the sink, cleaned up old dishes, yet by the time my husband gets home at 4:30 or so it will be half filled again quickly. Clean the toilets (which no one notices UNLESS you DON'T do it), and noticed my baseboards could use a little dusting/pledge, but that will have to wait. And the four loads of laundry I washed dried and folded well its neatly stacked on my ottoman in my living room waiting to be put away. So really how nice is that if company stops by, hi um nice of you to do your laundry but how bout you put it away? Slob. lol And so on and so forth, clean one thing, mess another its how we roll.

2:30 - pick up B and spend a half hour fighting on the phone to Sears trying to find a fuse ball table that was ordered on January 2nd! It is now February 15th and they haven't found it yet - Got that resolved, but only after I was mistakenly transferred to a store in ATLANTA, GA! Seriously?! So that's ready to be picked up! A 42 inch fuse ball table... might as well call my house Chucke E Cheese :)

Homework, snack, finish laundry, get B ready for Daddy to bring her for 5:15 dance, in the meantime I need to print out my Chemistry slides - SO Much Fun *insert sarcasm here* and organize those (which the boys so graciously helped with, they love getting the papers out of the printer however they do not always keep them in order - meh they're 4 lol I'll train em! ;)) and Off to Class for 6-9.

I usually have a protein shake and a piece of fruit before class and then chicken and vegetables when I get home because its late but if I end the day on a protein shake hours before bed I will go to bed WAY too hungry, and on longer days I can use the extra meal of protein!

By the time I get home its 9 - thankfully I have a husband who put the kids to bed, and has my meal waiting for me (he's too sweet.) So I sit eat, chill with him for a bit, shower, finish up some homework and off to la la land because 4:30 comes quickly.

Day Three of being sick it's Wednesday - Now my throat is no longer as bad because it's started to settle in my chest. I woke up a few times with that gasping for air feeling in the middle of the night only to cough up a bunch of junk - FUN. May I add that we think this little cold came from the kids going to a gymnastics party on Valentine's weekend. My husband would like them to live in a bubble during the winter, he hates germs! I mean who doesn't? But I say awwwwww they have to have fun. Well guess I'm eating those words, since the end result is me sick. Those places are so germy even if they clean a lot which I know this place sanitizes, it is inevitably GERMY - any place like that with a lot of kids, has a lot of germs. Well my kids come home with runny noses two days later, but it doesn't really phase them much. But us adults it never really leaves quite as quickly for us, it always lingers and runs through our whole body. Kids are so resilient.

So Wednesday
wake-up 4:30, 5AM cardio - 30 minutes
Home - shower, meal 1, tea, check emails, facebook, etc. - now I really don't feel good. I believe my facebook status this morning was : Cardio and breakfast eaten, I was motivated, but now I'm Sippin a hot cup of green tea, hoping it helps my sore/scratchy throat and trying to plot out how I can stay in bed today... so far I got bupkis... mommies can't get sick...

7 Am - Get B up - breakfast, make lunch, help get ready
7:30 - Boys up - breakfast, get ready
8:15 - B off to school
9 - Dentist Appointment with the boys Meal 2
11:30 - head home - lunch with the boys
12:00 - Meal 3
Trained Client

Trained Back: My workout:
Giant Sets - 4 total circuits
Hammer Strength Row 10 reps 100lbs
Reverse Grip Pulldowns 6 Reps - 120 lbs
Dumbbell DeadLifts - 80 lbs - 10 reps
Cable Rows - 95 lbs 10 reps
Rest at the end of each circuit two minutes go again

Back extensions w/ 10lb plate X15 reps
SUPERSET with
Shrugs 20 reps
20 minutes intervals on stairs
Post Workout Meal

Picked up B from school - 2:45

Dropped off at Dance - 3:30

Home Depot - Dealt with an annoying confused counter top guy who first told me I had 19 square feet to cover, then told me I had 37. Who also priced out the name brand $245 dollars cheaper than the generic, and I wanted the generic but not for MORE MONEY! Needless to say I need to go back and find another counter top guy!

4:30 drop off books at the library, hit bank

5:30 back to pick up B from dance

6:00 - Home, chill, meal 5

7:00 - off to teach Boot Camp - Which again I cannot explain how much it motivates me to teach people and see them work hard for what they want. It just so happens that one of my clients is sick too. Yes she missed on Monday to go to the doctors, got antibiotics, and was there Wednesday still not feeling well but working her hardest! That is motivating and encouraging to know that ethic of pushing through bounces off of each other.

8:30 head home

Now this happened to be a day that included no housework, no laundry, and no homework, because well I wasn't home, I was running a little, but don't worry tomorrow it'll be waiting for me.

Wednesday night I made a conscious effort to not get up for AM cardio as I seem to be getting sicker and not better. I figured instead of getting 5 and half hours of sleep to do am cardio, I could get 7 and a half hours and hopefully the extra rest and the taking my time in the morning - as that is the worst time with congestion, would help. Well the rest definitely made a difference, but I still didn't sound or feel better yet. So I decided Thursday needed to be a FULL REST NO GYM DAY. I believe in off days but I don't usually schedule them because with my life and schedule they usually just create themselves forced like this one SO I realized I hadn't been off Since last Friday so that was actually good to take off. But REST in the fullest term is all relative... When I think of rest I think not leaving the house, maybe not even leaving your Pjs, naps, cold meds, hot showers... YEAH NO that's not how my rest days go, or many people for that matter.

I did my normal morning routine instead of waking up at 4:30 I slept till 6:30 - which does feel good don't get me wrong, but I get less time so the stress of rushing a little more doesn't always balance out. Got the kids up, off to school trained my first clients, got my meals in, hit the bank, had a business meeting to set up a nutrition seminar and the next bootcamp, pick my boys up, took them outside to play, made my daughters b-day invitations, cleaned, and went to my Chemistry class for 6 - BUT I was proud I did TAKE A DAY OFF FROM THE GYM. I honestly felt like I could go, but I'm TRYING to be proactive about not getting too run down. So I've been downing tons of fluid, upping my vit C and TRYING my best to REST when I can. It's a process.

Today is Friday it took me three days to write this Blog because of lack of time, however I am glad that I am not feeling any WORSE, not any better, but not any worse, which is good. This cold has managed to travel from my throat, to my chest, and now into my head, I'm hoping that means its on its way OUT! I am hitting the gym today but am listening to my body, I'm also hitting Chuck E Cheese for a play date - DAMN GERMS! But Hand sanitizer will be our BFF. Tonight and tomorrow night I have two events to bartend for at my very part time job at an arena, Saturday Morning I have Boot Camp and then Sunday NOTHING - ALTHOUGH I think we will be painting my kitchen!! I'm still going to focus on resting, vit C and fluids!!! I need to feel 100% better Because NEXT WEEK IS SCHOOL VACATION WEEK AND WE HAVE LOTS OF PLANS! Disney on Ice in Boston, A sleepover, Children's Museum, a movie Date, and I want to be on par with my workouts as well!! So FINGERS CROSSED THIS COLD WILL BITE IT SOON!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Mama's Song... Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T18:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!! I honestly hope that everyone enjoyed and celebrated over the weekend, because to start off a week eating chocolate on a MONDAY is NEVER a good thing! And if you did enjoy today, finish it, enjoy, and be done with it. Don't let it cloud the rest of your week. It's like I say to my clients there is ALWAYS going to be a reason to eat something bad, always... a birthday, an anniversary, a holiday, a wedding, a shower, a party, girls night, weekends, giving in to each and every one can be the demise of a progress, and what makes bad eating a lifestyle instead f clean eating. Choose your battles wisely.

So valentine's day to me is a day for rookies lol its all mushy gooshy romantic when you're dating I guess, but for me since I've been married and have had kids, it seems like a forced commercial love day. I just don't really get into that much. I remember when Bianca was little Ern use to get us flowers and I thought it was sweet don't get me wrong but to spend $100 dollars on something that's going to die, I've outgrown that phase I guess - I know I'm not a typical girl. I mean I have used it as an excuse to have a nice dinner out, or buy a fun present here or there, but it's just not that big a deal to me. I also have a husband that will get me a random, out of the blue, I love you so much, just because card, and that to me means so much more. I do have fun celebrating with the kids. Getting their valentines together and ready for their classes, baking, doing crafts, I love that they love it, so that makes it fun. Last year I got them matching lollipops and shirts and we saw Disney on Ice, we always find an excuse to make stuff about them really.

This year I did however get a little extra sentimental, and its not mushy love sentimental - I love my husband EVERY DAY, but it was a big day for my daughter that made me reminisce. I tried not to make a big deal about it, but today at 10 years old, in the fifth grade, she got her first Valentine Carnation from a boy at school. I know no big deal really, very innocent sweet gesture. But it's just another sign that my baby is growing up right before my very eyes. I know it's SUPPOSE to happen. That's life - the sun rises, the sun sets, we get older, they get older. But no parent is EVER READY for their baby to grow up. And she is hitting little milestones left and right, and a proud as I am of her, they do break my heart a little each time. I just want to keep her LITTLE FOREVER. I know its not possible, but this is my irrational mommy side that says I don't care. LOL

♥ Fact of life: By the time you realize,what your parents said was right. You will have a child, who begins to think, you are wrong. ♥

So in honor of valentines day on facebook it was going around to post a picture of you and your husband/significant other. Be sure to post how long you've been together. We have been together since August 13, 1998. ♥ Married since January 15, 2000 ♥ This picture was taken up north in June of 2000, Bianca was three months old, we were newly weds, and we were babies LOL

I wouldn't change a thing, I Can say I LUCKED OUT! ;)

As a mother I think of how my parents must have felt letting go of their baby and it brought this song into my head: LOVE IT! HAPPY VALENTINE"S DAY!

End of the week TRAINING and update on Progress BLOG COMING!! LOL Enough of this MUSHY STUFF! haha

Shall we Shine Today?

2011-02-11T04:32:00.000-08:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?... Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do... It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Shall we shine today???

Have a wonderful Valentines' Day Weekend everyone!

MEAL IDEAS

2011-02-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

Couple of easy staples of food I eat and recommend, I’ve said before I am not a hugely creative person with food. I use to eat tuna out of the can dry so I have added a little spice LOL

My TUNA WRAP:

3 oz Solid White Albacore Tuna
1 full boiled egg
Celery, salt, and pepper to taste
1 tbsp Joseph’s Tzatiki
On a bed of lettuce
Rolled in a Joseph’s Flax, Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Lavash Wrap

Macronutrient breakdown: 283 calories, 12 g of fat 34 grams of protein, 14 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of fiber – which if believed that fiber carbohydrates do not count as NET carbs its really only 7 grams of NET carbs. But for the sake of consistency and breaking it down, I choose to show it all, INCLUDING FIBER since this is important.

This is higher fat than some may be use to or comfortable with so if you choose you may omit the yolk in the boiled egg which represents 5 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein, however keep in mind that it is a low carb meal and 4 grams of the fat is from FLAX which is a healthy fat added to the wrap.

If you are not as carbohydrate conscious or like your meal splits around 350 calories. As long as it is early in the day (before 4) or post workout I would add an orange, apple, or berries alongside this wrap. If that’s the case you may definitely omit the yolk to compensate calories.

16 mini muffin pan meat loafs

1 pound 93/7 ground meat
1 pound 99% lean ground turkey

Now I’m not going to lie measuring and weighing meat is DEFINITELY IMPORTANT. However I do eye ball and just make sure to split as evenly as possible into 16 muffin pans. YOU SHOULD WEIGH and portion but I cannot preach what I don’t practice. I only weigh during contest prep time to be honest. But I also have been eating this way for almost 9 years so I am very good at eyeballing food by now since it’s the same food I’ve been doing for a while. I do suggest if you are just starting out TO WEIGH AND MEASURE to LEARN what accurate portions are, you may be very surprised!

In addition to the meat - 2 large onions, 2 large green peppers, 2 eggs, ½ cup breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, oregano to taste.

Macronutrient breakdown In 1/8th : meaning although I make 16 portioned out mini loafs, I eat 2 as a serving, a male however may eat 3:
IN TWO: 201 calories, 6 grams of fat, 26 grams of protein, 10 g carbs
I have this picture as a meal option with ¼ cup of Cedar Foods ALL NATURAL Aegan Edamame Salad which contains: 80 calories, 3 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of protein

MAKING THIS MEAL TOTAL:
281 calories, 9 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbs, 30 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber.

I choose to mix my meat half 93 % lean red meat and half 99% lean turkey because I find that with just 99% lean turkey it comes out very dry, and to be frank my husband won’t eat it – he says he can bounce it! LOL So, to accommodate healthy and tasty I mix. However if you needed to cut the red meat, lower the fat, you could try 99% lean turkey fully, add more seasonings to flavor, you may enjoy it. Worth giving it a try. I actually don’t mind it, but can’t lie that I like it mixed with the red meat better, and it’s a good compromise.

I’ve also see people add spinach or cheese to their meat loafs which sounds yummy, but I tend not to stray too much. I’m kinda boring, but it makes my shopping list easy, and my prep food work easy and it makes me more CONSISTENT. If you are the type to get fancier experiment, just try and figure out the calorie counts on thing. Or stay with green vegetables and spice those are always safe additions t healthy meals. My bulk staples in my fridge of prepare d food are the ONLY way I can consistently eat home cooked, non processed high protein meals so this is an easy BATCH recipe that holds well in Tupperware, and my whole family likes it.

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!! And I also hope you all have been perfect on your plans and consistent and busting it in the gym enough to enjoy a little something GUILT FREE ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!

Spring SEMESTER! Sure as hell doesn't feel like SPRING!!

2011-01-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

Well this BLOG is going to be all over the place - JUST warning ya - more so than usual LOL And the reason for that is... dun dun dun I'm back to SCHOOL! My dedicated blog, answer questions, surf the boards time is eaten by homework time. If this (FITNESS) was my full time gig (which maybe someday it will be), you best believe I would be on top of every question, every blog, every recipe, every picture, every documented workout, every idea, every motivational piece, like white on RICE. However my reality is I do personal training part time through my own business, I go to school part time, I have three children, a husband, a house, and I PRACTICE what I preach and workout 5 times a week, sometimes doubles! And I would GLADLY GLADLY crazily enough even add competing back into that mix if I can find the time, money, and support from my family. So again bear with me. I apologize if I don't answer every email, if I don't write every blog as I plan. But please keep sending them, as I will get to them as I can, and I enjoy the interactions! So thank you!

So let's first talk WEATHER! Hows the Weather? Well over the weekend and early this week my car read -3 yes NEGATIVE THREE. Now since I have had a car with a digital temp, which has been at least the last 5 or 6 years, I have never seen a negative show up on it. It was F-ing COLD!!! (excuse my language but it was!)

That's in fact to me far WORSE than the 60.3 inches of snowfall we have had so far this year in Boston!

Yes. That's Shaq.

My boot camp has kicked off and as expected is a BLAST! I love getting the texts, emails and Voice mails :
"I'm sore sore, I can't walk".
"Holy SORENESS!"
"I am peeing like crazy!"
"I am actually hungry when it's time to eat."
"I put a handful of chips in my mouth without thinking and SPIT them in the trash as soon as I thought of you. BAD HABIT!"
ALL music to a trainers ears :)

What about Me? Where I am fitness wise? Focused and LOVING IT. I am looking to purchase in home cardio equipment, not to replace my cardio time at the gym because honestly I enjoy getting out of the house, but to supplement it. With all this snow, we have had 5 snow days already this month, its not always "easy" to get out of the house for cardio and I'm at the point where it's not an option. If I wrote it in my planner for the week, IT WILL GET DONE. With my crazy schedule now with extra school work too I can't always afford to go to bed as early as I hope. When waking up at 4:35 for AM cardio I need to try to be in bed by 10:30. Well when I sometimes can't start homework till 9:00ish after the kids are asleep or I'm home from school, I can't always depend on making a decent bed time happen. And to me anything less than 6 hours sleep consistently while training, working, dealing with family life, and focusing on school is just counter productive. So having cardio at home to help with time management in the morning will help too. Let me just give you a "typical day" I'll give you a Wednesday, when I don't even have class, or clients, and the boys don't have school (Tuesdays and Thursdays are my crazier days lol) Maybe I'll break that down next blog:

"A Wednesday"

*AM CARDIO 5 - home for 6 shower ready for the day, eat meal 1
*Get the kids up, lunches, dressed and ready for school out of the house for 8:20 drop off my daughter at school
*Gym for lifting weights followed by Meal 2
*Then we usually schedule a play date or go to a play place with the boys, on the days we don't have errands to do or I don't have to train a client which sometimes we'll through in there as well - somewhere in there meal 3
*Pack my daughters dance bag and a MEAL for her as well because she stays and does her homework and eats in between classes
*Pick my daughter up from school 2:45 - drop her off at Dance for 3:30
*Home to do daily cleaning, laundry, get dinner ready (even though I cook batches for the week) I pretty much cook frequently as well, although hubby does help A LOT with cooking too, when he gets in his moods more so in the summer cause he loves his grill! But we go through a lot of food and although my staples may be made in the fridge I enjoy fresh hot something at night as a family, I try not to eat dinner out of tubberware if we can. Meal 4
*Then 7:15 I teach bootcamp for an hour and head back to dance to pick up my daughter from dance. Meal 5
*9:00 We're home, my husband usually has already done bed routines with the boys, so I just get my daughter in the shower and tuck in and read them a story and then 9:30 on I have quiet time. Now mind you I pretty much haven't seen my husband much all day, I need to shower again, AND I probably have homework, or client emails to get to. Hence why 10:30 hasn't been happening.

Now this is not a complaint of my life! Believe it or not it's EXACTLY how I want it!! I am involved in every step of my children's life which I want! I am pursuing my own business, SOMETHING I LOVE! And I am back in school because even though I could grow my business and be perfectly happy, I want something even more solid to fall back on. And education is priceless, it took me long enough to realize that. Honestly a huge goal for me is that I don't want my children to ever be able to say to me "well you didn't finish college and you turned out fine." And while I know some VERY SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE that I look up to that did not finish college, we live in a different time now. Kids cannot go to school for 12 years anymore, it's pretty much just 16 minimum. And if they're anything like me they'll like money far more than school and it's so easy to get wrapped up in making it when you're young and not focus on the big picture. So if NOTHING else I get out of my education it's to be a ROLE MODEL for my children.

With that said SCHOOL! This Semester I am taking Physiological Chemistry! Words cannot express the anxiety I have about this class. It's the reason I won't commit to much else this semester (LIKE COMPETING!) until I take my first mid term and know that I'm okay. I will stay up late nights, I will sacrifice every weekend I will do whatever it takes because of all my classes I have to take to get my degrees THIS CLASS is the only one haunting me. It looks like a foreign language to me, they may as well write it in Chinese because that's what it looks like to me.

So if I disappear of the face of the earth this semester, I'm not being dramatic, just focused. I hope I am making more of it than it is, but judging by the professor's introduction I don't think I am: He's going for his PHD In Chemistry and says: "I still struggle with it. It's not easy. It's a lot of work and you just have to keep working at it, and working at it, and working at it." Sounds fun huh? Albert Einstein himself said: "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." Now here's the kicker, if I were going for my bachelors and needed the class I could handle just passing. But because I am required to take this class to be accepted into the Radiology Technologist Program, I HAVE TO GET A B OR HIGHER to get into the program. No pressure right? LOL But enough of the freaking myself out talk: I WILL DO THIS!

Another class I'm taking is Philosophy. And I know I am going to offend MANY "intellectuals" when I say this, but - EASY CLASS. Any class that focuses on ideas verses true right or wrong answers works the brain in a different way, PERIOD. For me, its easier. One of our papers is debating what the meaning of education involves. To me personally ENGINEERS,DOCTORS, CHEMISTRY Professors, PHYSICS Professors, HIGHER MATH Professors, are the most intelligent people in the world. Philosophers are simply good speakers, or just enjoy hearing themselves talk. Just my opinion, it's no disrespect. I simply don't consider this as a class, more like a discussion to learn views. Interesting? Somewhat, yes. Educational? Debatable. And I do see it is good for people to learn to be more well rounded, but if you're interested in it, this is something you could easily learn on your own. Keep in mind this is coming from someone who actually enjoys discussions like this, I just can't imagine spending all that money to have a piece of paper that says I'm "educated" in it. But to each his own. From my recent Philosophy Reading: "Since the existence of God is either logically necessary or logically impossible, and we can show that it is not logically impossible, we must conclude that the existence of God is logically necessary. Therefore God necessarily exists." Maybe I'm just not that deep, but that to me does not sound like something an intelligent person would say, that sounds like something someone who wants to talk around an answer would say. But I digress.

Totally changing tracks another little Marriage Story :) : So I started to post this as a facebook status and stopped myself because I have the 10 minute rule: Sometimes I post when I'm upset and then feel like I really didn't need to vent that, and Ern says I THROW HIM UNDER THE BUS lol, so now I save it for something good!! haha So I started to post: "Nothing says honey I appreciate you being home with the kids, playing outside with them in the freezing cold and mounds of snow, cooking all their meals, cleaning the house top to bottom quite like walking across clean floors with your WET BOOTS!" But I stopped myself and I'm glad I did. Let me explain the scenario: Yesterday was a snow day and I thought I was going to be able to sleep in since the kids didn't have school. However 6 something in the morning, Ern comes up and says my cars stuck and I can't get it out, could you come out and help me and your Dad. So grumpily, I get dressed and go outside. It's freezing and snowing and we all salt, push, shovel, salt some more and finally push the car out. Ern goes off to work in the horrible snow and I go back in the house with the kids. Now he drove in the storm to work, had a normal day, worked hard all day and came home. Meanwhile I entertained 3 stir crazy kids! We played "hotel", Where I basically serve them LOL no different from a normal day just more fun cause it's my hotel LOL, We got all bundled up and played outside for an hour. The snow was so deep we had to shovel a path in the yard! We came in had lunch and then I cleaned like a maniac for two and a half hours. I mean gloves, on hands and knees, baseboards, tubs, toilets, floors the whole nine, the whole while trying to keep the kids from stepping on wet floors or peeing on cleaning toilets LOL no easy task. Then I started dinner BEFORE I had to head to class at 6. Ern comes home from work and is sitting at the table we said hello and he went upstairs to take a work call and THEN IT HAPPENED. I STEPPED IN WETNESS!!! WETNESS on my freshly cleaned floor? What was this? OMG!!! There in the kitchen, which means he walked ACROSS THE DINING ROOM hardwood that was sparkling clean, sat his WET BOOTS!! I literally felt my face get hot, and I so don't want to be that wife! However sometimes, instinct prevails. So I YELLED: "I just cleaned the HOUSE for two and a HALF HOURS and you just walked across the clean floors with YOUR WET BOOTS! SERIOUSLY?!?" Then I complained that the kids socks where gonna get wet and made a big huge dramatic ordeal and got down on my hands and knees again to clean it. He totally rolled his eyes, shrugged it off, and walked away (sometimes that's the best way to deal with me) but this time that reaction just pissed me off MORE. So I gave myself the 10 minutes - I didn't speak, I didn't update my status even though I wanted to because I knew so many housewives could relate, I just cooked without speaking a word... FUMING. And as I calmed down I heard him on the phone for work, and it hit me. Yes I had a busy day at home, but he drove to work TO BOSTON at that, in this weather. Worked 10 hours without blinking I'm sure it was cold and when the wind blew, snow went in his face, and I'm sure traffic was horrendous, and here he was still on the work phone even though he was home. And it wasn't like I was going to wait on him hand and foot the rest of the night. I had class so he was home with the kids to have dinner with them, clean up, and put them to bed by himself. And that was it, I wasn't mad anymore. Was it inconsiderate for him to walk across the floors? ABSOLUTELY. Did it warrant me flipping out? Probably not. LOL His Version of the day and my version of the day were totally different. Woman are from Venus, Men are from Mars and just leave it at that. Sometimes 10 minutes to cool down and think before you react can be a beautiful thing. Hey look at that, I'm growing up ;) Because on the flip side Ern's mind could think: "Nothing says I appreciate you working so hard for our family better than yelling at your husband the minute he walks in the door from along FRIGID SNOW DAY for forgetting to take of his boots." So every story has two sides, taking the time to realize that = PRICELESS. Just thought I'd share :)

I do have three meal idea blogs I want to work on, and the cellulite, and at home workout questions. I feel bad for not being able to get to them sooner, but I can't promise anything. As you can see from my sample day "free time" is SPORADIC. And I need to squeeze in time to PAINT my KITCHEN, do a little more decorating, and my daughter Bianca starts her dance competitions soon she has a full on rehearsal this Sunday. I will leave you with quote and hope everyone has an AMAZING WEEKEND!

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." — Audrey Hepburn

Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.

2011-01-24T13:18:00.000-08:00

SIMPLY AMAZING & BEAUTIFUL!

It starts off rough, but don't worry it has a Happy Ending!! Found this on Sugarland's Facebook Page

Baby why don't you stay...

2011-01-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

So we just got back from an amazing family vacation. We dance, we sang, we drank, we ate, we laughed, we loved, we played = SIMPLY PERFECT <3 Well my version anyways :) While we were there my husband and I also celebrated our 11th Wedding Anniversary!!! Very special to us to be able to share it in a warmer place (since we did get married in New England in the cold). The year we got married, 2000 it did not snow at all that winter until January 13th and then we got SLAMMED with a huge storm! We got married on January 15th... nuff said! But it was also very special for us to be able to share it with those we <3, our extended "village". My parents, My in-laws, my older brother and his wife, and our three beautiful children. I think what made it so special though was the simplicity of it. Just relishing in the fact that yes we are celebrating another year of marriage, but the years have seem to come and go so easily. And I say "easily" in a relative term. Our marriage has not been EASY - nothing with ME is EASY haha. But it has a pureness to it that makes it easy. I have a close friend and we were having this discussion the other day, and every time I give relationship advice, I get the same response from close friends. "While it's good advice and we agree, you and Ern are 'different', you and Ern are the exception to the rule, you and Ern LUCKED OUT." Hmmmmm did we really just luck out? Are most people not REALLY TRULY this HAPPY? Should I be waiting for my bubble to burst?

Well at one point in my life I was just waiting for it to burst. I mean I had an aunt tell me at my wedding "well this could be the first one". I looked for reasons things must be wrong, I looked for negatives, and looked just for a reason to say it was all wrong, I KNEW IT! Where we too young? Where we too stupid? This can't be true. There's no such thing as fairy tales and happy endings. I was just waiting for someone to once again prove to me that people are not always what they seem. I went through that phase for years. A series of events, tough events, bad events made me change, made me let down a wall I didn't know I had up, and Ern and I changed totally! As far as I'm concerned if it wern't for him we may not still be together right now and he totally SAVED ME FROM MYSELF. That phase hit full force and erupted around the age of 21 for me, so considering what I know of when people mature it's not too bad considering, BUT it could have ended a lot worse had I not been married to such a loving, patient, understanding man.

It wasn't that we didn't love each other before, it was just that we didn't love each other UNCONDITIONALLY as we did after these events. I never really think I believed in FOREVER when I first got married. And after this phase FOREVER was our only option. Hence when we decided we where ready to expand our family and voila Enter Villers Family of 5 circa 2006 and the rest is history :).

But people ask me as young as we are, how does it work? How do we really truly love each other so much and are so happy? And the honest answer I've come up with through various discussions is this: WE ARE RIDICULOUSLY, OBNOXIOUSLY HONEST WITH EACH OTHER. AND Always have been! That I am finding is VERY RARE in relationships. How many people act a certain way when they're dating only to put their best foot forward and impress the person to hook them? How many people keep secrets from their spouses? Vent to their girlfriends, but not their husbands? How many people have a best friend that is not their spouse. I'm not saying there is a right or wrong way to do things but OPEN 100% HONESTY has worked for us so far. You have to remember we were children (in our teens) when Ern and I started dating, and we were friends long before we started dating. I saw him have girlfriends, he saw me have boyfriends. There was not an ounce of fakeness there between us. Neither of us were trying to "hook" the other. We've always just been ourselves and that's exactly how we still are. My parents cringe at the things I say to him sometimes, but I always end it with "well it's the truth" LOL and he is the same way to me. It's not that we're disrespectful to each other (well most of the time :)). It's just with all the "acquaintances" we have in the world where we do have to act a certain way it's nice to come home to someone you CAN TOTALLY be yourself with and not be judged on it. Someone you can laugh with, someone you can confide in, someone you can share your deepest darkest secret with and know they safeguard it with their heart.

And without getting too mushy, lovey, dovey it helps that Ern is one of the most faithful, loving, respectful men I know. I always say if he ever breaks my heart he can proudly wear the crown of the man who broke my heart because I 1000% believe there is no one out there better for me!!! I don't know how such a nice kid got stuck with such a crazy b*tch LMAO! He definitely got screwed in that department. I am one the most indecisive, hyper, demanding, opinionated, people I know and somehow he LOVES IT! But on the flip side of that when he allows me to be all those things out comes my ideas, dreams, ambitions, motivations, and he just lets it flow. Ever heard the quote "If you can't handle me at my worst, than you don't deserve me at my best." The guy LIVES IT EVERYDAY!

When my brother toasted to us on our anniversary, he said to me quickly and nonchalant "And we'll do it again on your 22nd in double this time" And it made me smile, because I know its true. We will be that happy on our 22nd, and on our 33rd, and our 44th... because we WANT to be! Everything in life is a CHOICE you make. Sometimes marriage is easier to choose to keep than others. I don't believe we're "soul mates", I don't believe we're "perfect". In fact if you believe in God I think he created men and woman so completley opposite it's like a dirty joke to see who kills each other off first. LOL And ladies until you realize that simple fact it will be a long uphill battle. MEN ARE NOT LIKE US! AT ALL! They don't look like us, think like us, act like us, smell like us... NOTHING LIKE US! And I actually like it that way :) Maybe I'm old fashioned but I like my man to be a man. If you know me you know I am a strong WOMAN, however I like traditional roles to a degree. Not to be lesser or weaker, but to compliment each other. Everyone must bring something to the relationship, find what your something is, and make it work for you as a couple. Even if its completley non traditional, make it work for YOU. The sooner you stop worrying about what others are doing the sooner you can focus on you and grow.

Okay now I'm gonna share a song that again is SO RAW, PURE, And just one of those songs that touches me. Please don't read further into it than that. I have never been with a married man or been cheated on (as that's what the songs about) But its an anthem of strength! It also has a raw emotion that is captivating and it happens to be my favorite band. You have to not only listen to it and watch it but you have to watch it to the end because the song changes and I LOVE IT! Now why would I like this song? Well Other than I just do, as I mentioned Ern is one of the most faithful men I know. And if you have me on facebook you will see that although I don't follow pop culture that much I do indulge in the cardio TV E! gossip every once in a while and well the "perfect couples" husbands cheating piss me off... TIKKI BARBER not gonna lie wanted to shoot him in the eye with a bee bee gun when he left his pregnant wife for his girlfriend. And even though deep down I like Angelina Jolie I can't bring myself to fully like her cause this isn't the first time she "allegedly" broke up a marriage. And well Jesse James I loved watching him CRY on TV and Sandra Bullock being so strong and saying EFF you. Well Jesse James supposedly is engaged to the girl he cheated with and I found it funny that she's standing there smiling all proud with his rock on her hand. He openly said he was sorry to his wife, he openly said he made a mistake (SHE WAS THE MISTAKE) and that he wanted to get back with his wife, and when she wouldn't take him back he then decided to move on with the girlfriend. And now he's saying he's gonna "grow old" with her and she's buying it hook, line, and sinker. I cannot understand DUMB GIRLS. How does that story unfold? I can see the wedding speech now... "Well even though you cheated, lied, and sneaked behind your wife's back to get together, then you totally humiliated your family, broke them up, and tried to get back with your wife, we are so happy that your wife now would take your lieing cheating, crying, failed "rehab" leftover sloppy seconds ass and accept you for the man of her dreams. Congrats! To a long, beautiful marriage, or at least to a good run until something better comes along!"

Haha if you can't tell I hate cheaters! And all parties involved, yet I do LOVE this SONG... so ENJOY!! And the last note of a good marriage: "If you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything." Just sayinnnnnn ;)

PLANET FITNESS - A bad Joke!!

2011-01-06T17:04:00.001-08:00

I wasn't going to blog about it. Honestly Ern (my husband) told me to - he's really starting to enjoy the fact that me madly typing away on the computer to vent in my blog is therapeutic LOL He seriously says to me: "Why don't you GO UPDATE your blog." What husband says that to his wife? Whether he's supporting my revamped passion, trying to control my rants, or simply wanting more Black Ops time on PS3 to himself, who knows :) but it works. I'm on break from school so time I would normally spend doing homework I have just been channeling right into fitness, its been a nice balance. My response was NO. I don't care enough to blog about it. The commercials are dumb, plain and simple. And SOOOO MANY Trainers I know have already posted blogs about it, I'm late to the punch. Will Brink has been posting Planet Fitness commercials for months now saying how offensive they are, and while I agree I guess I just kinda shrugged them off. But maybe they're getting worse with the new year - trying to snag all the January $$ droppers - see ya next January! Or maybe it's because I've seen numerous face book status updates/debates about it and the boards are all a buzz about knocking it. I really didn't care that much. Or so I thought. Turns out I do. It's one thing for me to adamantly say those commercials are dumb, they annoy me, and kinds shrug joke them off. I saw a status update from IFBB PRO JOSE RAYMOND's girlfriend that said "Jose is walking around saying repeatedly I lift things up and put them down." I thought it was funny. I love people with a good sense of humor who can laugh stuff off. It's not the end of the world. After being in the industry long enough I think you come to a peaceful acceptance that the general public does not understand bodybuilding. They never fully have and never fully will. It's a niche sport, and those who get it are a small group. You learn to accept the stereotypes to a degree, and the misinformed opinions. But when a "fitness facility" is USING such ignorant stereotypes to MARKET their facility. Well that's just plain WRONG.

It didn't start to bother me more until I saw the trends of statuses and discussions change. People agreeing they feel more comfortable, no lunkers, no grunters, no people in sports bras with their abs hanging out, it's so much more comfortable, no fuss, it's a great beginners gym, things like that. That's when my keep quietness started to unravel. This gym prays on people's insecurities trying to convince them that all of these things are SCARY, intimidating, and bad. And people buy into it hook, line, and sinker. Which makes me hate PF even more LOL. I have recommended to people to go to planet fitness before, so before you go HUH? mixed signals, let me explain. If your budget is tight, you have never worked out before, you are not going to use all the amenities of a large health club and do not even know if you will keep up with a gym routine by all means go for your easiest, cheapest route. WHEN and IF you are ready to COMMIT, when you are ready to make it routine, set a goal, STICK to a regime, THEN upgrade. Invest a little more in yourself, and LEARN how to work for results. But for a quick fix, I'm not knocking anyone who goes to the gym AT ALL and I need to make that perfectly CLEAR.

But honestly after hearing and seeing these commercials: You could not pay me to step foot in that place!! Their commercials are so incredibly offensive, making fun of "stereotypical bodybuilders or power lifters". Bodybuilders and power lifters are the pioneers to every REAL fitness plan out there. Although its changed over the years to be on an unhealthier curve for some. Arnold ate lean meats, low glycemic carbs, and high fiber vegetables. YEARS before it was cool for playboy bunny Kendra to do so. Bodybuilders new about the "New OMG do your cardio on an empty stomach rule" FARRRRRR before it was ever posted on yahoo's main page as breaking news. They have been using flaxseed oils, MCT oils and promoting HEALTHY FATS so long before someone started promoting MUFAS and the "belly fat diet". Even look at airborne? Ummmm hello I know I'm not the only person who has ever been instructed to break an amino acid capsule and put it under your tongue while your working out and mix VITamin C powder in you water while you lift. Wanna talk about AIRBORRNE making millions, BODYBUILDERS have been doing that for years! And "ATKINS" one of the LARGEST LOW CARB DIETS EVER POPULAR IN THE US ummmmm we'vve just simply called it a keto diet for years before some doctor decided he would get even richer from writing a book. Wanna talk about basic information. Here. I was 20 years old just started working out trying to get into better shape after having my daughter. Did not take ONE single supplement besides creatine, and an over the counter fat burner. I picked up a book called SLICED a bodybuilding book published in 1991 when I was 9 years old. It was my father in laws - I "borrowed" it, well I still have it, but I don't think he minds ;). I tried to learn everything I could about the sport, it was my bible. I did my own diet and training based on methods out of the book, and 10 weeks later walked on my first stage and received my World Natural Bodybuilding Federation Pro Card and this was my result:

I challenge ANYONE, any single person to purchase this book right now: http://www.amazon.com/Sliced-Bill-Reynolds/dp/0809241161
follow a protocol out of it and its principles religiously for 12 weeks and see what happens. Or you can just walk into Planet Fitness for 12 weeks and wing it because bodybuilders are so STUPID right?

Planet Fitness offers free pizza Friday!! How is that promoting health & fitness? Pizza at a gym!! While I am the first girl to say cheat days are the best days ever lol I do not ever want to see pizza at my gym! It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of. Their main marketing ploy is that $10 a month coming out of your account you can totally justify since it's so inexpensive and when people quit which is what they're hoping for they'll never notice the $10. If you had to pay $50 a month and sign a contract you may actually have to think and plan "can I commit to this?" before you vow to lose that last 30 pounds again on January first. But $10 is quick and easy, and they hope you won't squalk when they keep withdrawing it well after you have gone back to pizza and the couch. Actually you could go back to Planet Fitness just on Fridays for the pizza I mean you are paying for the membership its worth free pizza! $10 a month that is a DEAL! But remember - You get what you pay for.

So here's the deal how can I say to someone find a planet fitness close to you to get started? Well here's the deal... I don't think a gym that is appealing to the general public is a BAD THING AT ALL! I think its actually a very good thing. BUT and this is a very big BUT (no pun intended) it's HOW they have to knock other gyms or PEOPLE to do it. That is what kills it for me. If they were simply promoting it as a beginners gym, or a "comfort factor" I wouldn't have a problem with it. While I personally scoff at a CURVES workout for efficiency. I can totally understand the purpose of a woman's only facility that is not too challenging, that is quick and easy. Its an option some want and its better than nothing in my opinion, that is UNDERSTANDABLE to me - yet they don't feel the need to KNOCK other gyms or PEOPLE as Planet Fitness does. That is what I do not like. It's kinda like that girl in the group who's average and all her friends are STRAIGHT 10s - Carmen Electra types. She's insecure and EASY. Instead of dealing with her own insecurities she finds ways to make fun of, stab her friends in the back, or sleep with their boyfriends out of jealousy. That's what I feel about Planet Fitness. They are the jealous insecure gym in the group. They can't compete with REAL training facilities that would put them to shame, and they can't compete with people that may look like ARNOLD so they'd rather make fun of them or not allow them. Makes them feel better right? All the while convincing other insecure people that they do this to "protect them".

I actually read somewhere that said they got rid of personal trainers because they feel its insulting to their clients to offer nothing more than "rent a friends" to them. Devaluing knowledgeable trainers should make them the WORST fitness facility ever. KNOWLEDGE is power and it is very evident when you see someone's results change drastically. Otherwise why can you walk around the same gyms, month after month, year after year, seeing the same people, yet their body has never changed one ounce? Doesn't matter as long as their "comfortable" and their account is being debited monthly. Do you think people on the biggest loser could do any of that without their trainers knowledge, tools, programs, advice, guidance, and motivation?

And here is where I think it bothers me the most - I personally have met some of the most amazing people in this industry. I know NATURAL bodybuilders who are doctors YES DOCTORS, lawyers, CANCER SURVIVORS, Moms of FIVE, 60 plus years old, I actually know one who is a MEMBER of MENSA... NO JOKE! EAT THAT freakin planet fitness. They carry around a jug of creatine. They eat out of a cooler. They wear spandex shorts and wacky weight belts. They GRUNT when they are squatting THREE TIMES THERE BODY WEIGHT... if that makes someone uncomfortable, then yes perhaps Planet Fitness is a good option for them. But there is no need to KNOCK educated, well rounded individuals, who choose a DISCIPLINE MOST CANNOT ever dream of. To put a stereotype out like that and lump every person who takes fitness to the next level is IGNORANT, and should not be used to encourage fitness. EVER.

How would people react if they advertised a bodybuilding gym that allowed no one with cellulite? No one who doesn't know what a BMR is? No one who cannot perform a proper squat? The media would be BLOWING UP with back fire! Why? Because that's the MAJORITY of America?

And last but not least INSTEAD of letting people PREY on your insecurities, raise your head high! Enter a gym where there are hard bodies. Enter a gym where the trainers look scary. CHALLENGE yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. You may be pleasantly surprised. Not everyone WANTS to look like a figure competitor or fitness model or bodybuilder. Not everyone WANTS to do what they do, or WANTS to eat what they eat. While it may be the best way or even our philosophy, some people may simply want to be healthier or fit into a certain size. With the average size in this country being a 14, a size 8 can be a huge accomplishment! Your goal could be simply lowering your cholesterol, blood pressure, or being able to reach your toes again. But you could surprise yourself. You could set a goal - achieve it, and then set a more challenging one. You could start just by walking and end up running a 5K! YOU NEVER KNOW. Don't let someone tell you you should be "comfortable".

My favorite quote when I use to have my fitness website it was my main slogan: "CONFIDENCE IS THE SEXIEST THING A WOMAN CAN HAVE, FITNESS GIVES ME THAT CONFIDENCE". Wanna know one of the sexiest confident woman I liked in the media? Jennifer Hudson. So talented, so beautiful, so strong, and even before she slimmed down and got her new banging BODY, I in all honesty would have traded my body for hers, for her voice and Talent! What?! The woman is amazing! Look at Beyonce. While she works out and eats healthy she's no tooth pic. Shit shakes when she walks and it's HOT AS HELL! Being healthy is about your BODY and Your Mind. Working out at a place that just makes you "feel comfortable" is not about your body and your mind. Just some food for thought. I have rambled enough. The End.

ASS IN THE WATER, TOES IN THE SAND, NOT A WORRY IN THE WORLD A COLD BEER IN MY HAND LIFE IS GOOD TODAY, OHHHHH LIFE IS GOOD TODAY! ♥

2011-01-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

Click on the link below: You GOTTA WATCH THE VIDEO AND TURN IT UP! GUARANTEED TO PUT YOU IN A GOOD MOOD!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB8Nkn3Xjes

The megamillions was up to 355 million dollars to win! I hardly ever play the lottery yet with all the buzz of the jackpot, I walked in to the corner store and like everyone else there headed straight for the lottery station. I had to ask someone how to fill it out... seriously. LOL So 300 million had to keep a good old superstition going I played 3 tickets. With 3 dollars. All #s that have significance and were coordinated per ticket. The first one my as in my side of the family's birthdates - my Mom, My 3 brothers (2 have the same number), my self's, my daughters' and My Dad;s was the power ball number - I gave that ticket to my Dad ♥ (I fully expected to get a cut... kidding... wellllllll kinda kidding) LOL The next ticket - was my married family and current family's birth dates. All five of us (the boys have the same, my mother in-laws and my father in-laws' was the power ball number. And then the last ticket was all wedding months, my parents, my in-laws, my two brother, my brother in-laws, and ours was the power ball number. Haha I had to make it interesting and fun! And bupkis! Nada!

So the fun question. What would you do if you Won? Come on we all dream about it, talk about it, wonder...what would you do? Here are a few of my top things.

*Number one - take care of my extended family - not that they're hurting but that's a dream of mine just to say HERE YOU GO!

*Buy a house in Warm Weather for the winter, and another house Up North for the summer months. Both would have home gyms:)

*Every season take a vacation to some place different

*I would home school my children but with the best tutors for foreign languages, music, junior achievement cultural, community learning... and our field trips to learn about Greece would be to Greece - and I would definitely POP OUT AT LEAST ONE MORE!

*I would adopt!!!!!

*There are so many business ventures I would explore. A gym/kids fitness center, a training studio, real estate/building, with a section that sells to lower income families that could never afford them otherwise PROVIDED they started structured goal oriented programs as well to better their lives. *My own birthday wishes team/company, a charity we donate to that hosts birthday parties for homeless children.*I would go back to competing only I would train for FITNESS with the routines. I would take dance and voice lessons JUST FOR FUN.

Yes I know we don't HAVE to work but all of these ventures are gratifying even if you don't need the money, and you're the owner nothing better than not having a boss!

*A personal massage therapists at my beck and call...I could really go for a massage RIGHT NOW!

*SPA treatments likes it my job!

*I would not have a nanny but I would have a butler (that can cook and clean) preferably a female but not too attractive LOL

*Fridays would be a designated Shopping Day! Nothing crazy or extravagant, but I love shopping I swear its therapeutic and addictive.

*Once a month I would have a dinner/cocktail party!

*Every holiday I would have THE BIGGEST KIDS PARTY I'm looking through a valentine book right now and I'm thinking about one lol and Easter forget about it... the biggest freaking EASTER EGG HUNT EVER, best goody bags, complete with Easter Bunny and all! (I love my kids parties)

I know money can't buy happiness, but if you're already happy, loved, and grounded money can't hurt! It's fun to dream...

What would you do?

What do I eat? How do I eat? When and Why?

2011-01-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

This is a question I get asked OFTEN: What do you eat? How do you eat it? When do you eat it? Why do you eat it?

I feel like I reference to "competing days" vs "every days" often and let me explain why... when you are eating or training with a goal to compete, that is a TOTALLY different mind set. And I don't want advice I may suggest for everyday to be construed for competing or visa versa. When competing there is a specific end in sight, a SPECIFIC GOAL, a SPECIFIC DATE. Everyone may have a different formula on how to get there, but MOST will agree it is not the same as everyday, or dieting to lose 10, 20, 30 pounds, or even off season and should not be referenced as such. While many principles and structures can be carried through from a competition prep to dieting it is simply not, in my opinion, the same mind set. Maybe some people are wound like that for no reason at all, but most are not. And if they are wound like that they usually end up COMPETING! My point I'm trying to make is competing for me was a whole different ball game, my mindset was different. I had an end in sight and that was the focus. Eating boiled chicken, broccoli, and brown rice with NOTHING on it was easy with that mind set. I remember cream of rice, flank steak, and 4 strawberries being the absolute HIGHLIGHT of my day.

I did 2 shows in 03, 1 in 04, 2 in 05 - had my boys in 06, 4 in 07, and made it 3 weeks out in 08. So I pretty much just ATE the same food for years, same goal, blinders on, it was simpler that way for me. Cooked in batches, warm it up, eat it. No thinking, just do it. GOAL IN SIGHT.

Well in 08 when I decided to take a break from competing all hell broke loose. REAL FOOD... no restrictions, no goal, no commitment, and other issues that contributed, but HELLO 20 pounds crept on (okay it was more like 30!) ok really it was a lot more than that because I had fell to 109 lbs at the beginning of 08 being sick when I dropped out of Jr. Nationals and by the beginning of 09 WELLLLLLL I weighed MORE THAN I DID WHEN I WAS PREGNANT WITH MY TWINS!!!! INSANE huh? I remember going shopping for an new outfit for my 26th birthday in Fall of 08 and literally having a melt down in OLD NAVY's dressing room because I could barely SQUEEZE into the size 6 jeans. (I know that may not sound big to some but you have to remember for me - that was the biggest size I had ever worn). If only I knew at the time if I didn't cut the crap with the food and not exercising those size 6s would become my new "skinny jeans"... Dammit typing that is so hard to swallow. But I can do so because I just order new summer pants for an upcoming vacation and they fit perfect and were my OLD SIZE!! I don't want to sound like someone wrapped up on scale number and sizes, but lets be honest going from competitively dancing as a teenager right into competing as an adult I never had to blink at the scale or my size, if anything I was one who FOUGHT to put on SIZE so really so this was a new first for me that I did not particularly like.

Yet I did nothing to change it... NOT a single, solitary THING. I didn't work out, I didn't watch what I ate, I wasn't active AT ALL. It is sad, but I can remember I stayed home took care of the family, watched desperate housewives while the boys napped, and cooked meals every night for my family. Spaghetti, stuffed shells, pork chops, whatever I wanted. To anyone who knows me: THIS DOESN'T EVEN SOUND LIKE ME!! Who took over my body? I was simply in a funk. Whether I was overtired from all the competing, working, raising infant twins and a 6 year old and simply catching up, or depressed who knows. Depressed never seemed to be a word in my vocabulary I thought it simply meant your mind wasn't strong enough to make you happy, but looking back I ate those words. Fortunately for me or unfortunately depends on who you ask, it was a funk I happened to be very comfortable in. I was happy with my family life, they brought me plenty of my joy so I pushed away the fact that I was not happy with myself. I just floated, I convinced myself I didn't care.

To make a long story short (okay who are we kidding, this is me - I have no short stories) we went on a family trip to SC to visit my older brother. A trip that was so relaxing, fun and needed! I joked about my weight, how my joints hurt cause I was heavier and not active, how I would get out of breath easily. I joked because I convinced myself it was funny that I finally didn't care. Here I was in SC with a brother who was at the NY pro bodybuilding show meeting Pro bodybuilders when I was in middle school. In SC where I had told myself I would someday soon take a trip to visit family and compete in the Jr USA's at some point. And I REALLY REALLY thought I just didn't care anymore... UNTIL... we got home and I LOOKED AT THE PICTURES and VIDEO we took!!! THIS DID NOT LOOK LIKE ME!!! Who the hell was this person? I was horrified! I was back in the gym and back on track directly following that glance at myself after that trip. Not to compete, but to "find myself again". Sounds corny I know, but this women buried under a layer of fat, with no energy, no spunk, THAT WAS NOT ME!

Again wrapping it up (man I can type - talk) I took 09 to struggle a bit to get back. But I did get back. Not back on stage yet, but I lost 30 pounds by fall of 09 got back into the fitness scene, back on the boards, going to shows, worked a booth at the New Englands, handed out trophies and even though I haven't competed again I felt my fire come back. Study and took the test to get re certified in personal training and started that business back up again in 2010 - no one wants to hire an out of shape personal trainer let's face it! I so desperately needed it! My energy came back, my drive, my ambition, my goals, it all slowly came back. It triggered many new changes in my life that I am thankful for. I would have liked it FASTER, AS WE ALL DO... but the important thing is it's here to stay! I guess it's important for me to share that because I don't think people see that EVERYONE has their own struggles. Sometimes we feel like we are the ONLY ONES. Why is it so easy for everyone else? And I'm here to say, it's NOT! It's something you have to want. It's something you have to work for. It's something ONLY YOU CAN DO! And I don't mean just losing weight or gaining muscle, I mean defining WHO YOU WANT TO BE. Not as a mother, not as a wife, not as an employee, not as a daughter, a sister, a son, a husband, not as anything, but YOURSELF. WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE? What TYPE OF INDIVIDUAL DO YOU WANT TO BE? Anyone who knows me knows I love my family with every fiber in my being. LOVE THEM SO MUCH IT HURTS. But I still needed to find MYSELF first in order to do that. There are things ONLY WE CAN DO FOR OURSELVES and learning that the hard way may be the only way - at least for someone hard headed like myself :)

What the hell was the point of my BLOG?!?! HOLY CRAP - I guess I needed to get that out... felt good to vent it. BUT OH YEAH BACK TO MY POINT : Competition eating vs "everyday eating" now you understand my difference of the two. Competition, I am like a robot sometimes in my opinion it is the best way to be. HOWEVER, when there is no set date, no set goal, when you want to be able to say I want to be fit, healthy, and yes SEXY (ooops I threw in a bit of vanity, as it IS A FACTOR - whether or not we want to admit it) when you want this as a lifestyle, the robot thing gets old. The boiled chicken, broccoli, and brown rice PLAIN thing get old. How can you make it a lifestyle vs a however many week prep, or an off season? ENTER my lovely husband... he has always been my add spices to food, add seasoning to food guy. He's always said why make your food miserable, and I'd say its diet food you just eat it to look a certain way, not to enjoy it. Well guess what you can do both - to a point. It doesn't have to be bland bland bland. It doesn't have to be all boring, all chicken, all asparagus, all fish, all the time. That's just SILLY. So while I'm not a huge "healthy recipe person" I am a figure out your macro nutrient needs and find food items you like to change it up to FIT INTO your needs person. And my husband Ernie actually enjoys cooking healthy foods so he is such a HELP in that department. Yeah he food shops too! I KNOW I'M VERY LUCKY!! So I will try to bring you some healthy eats we love often, as lately I've been recording macros more personally. We do often still cook in small batches usually at least 3 meals worth because it is easier to do so and just makes sense.

So tonight it was YUMMY HEALTHY "CHICKEN FAJITAS". Simple. Easy. Quick. Fits My Macros and calorie count, and so yummy!

Chicken Breast cut up sauteed in a pan with 2 tbs olive oil and a packet of fajita seasoning. Add peppers, onions, (he adds mushrooms I pick them out so the macros are done without them) served with 1/2 cup wild rice and HALF 100 cal pack of WHOLLY GUACAMOLE

One of those little things I HIGHLY recommend. Hubs found them for me because as much as I LOVE GUAC I felt like I was over eating calories with it. These little packs control that better and keep it in check. It's all natural, its good HEALTHY fats for you, and its TOTALLY safely portioned controlled. HIGHER fat foods like nuts and guacamole in my opinion are important to get in portioned control packs if you have a tendency to over snack, because too much of a good thing especially higher calorie foods can be bad.

This is my portion for dinner. FILLS THE PLATE! And the calorie count and macro break down is below this is with 4 oz chicken measured cooked, 10 slices onions, 10 green pepper rings, 1/2 cup wild rice, 1/2 100 calorie wholly guacamole packet, and added in a few buffer calories for olive oil and seasoning although it doesn't fully coat all the chicken as a lot is left in the pan.

344 calories, 29 grams of protein, 37 g carbs, 8 grams of fat. Now what do I eat and why? This was post workout so I keep the rice in even though it was late. Had I not lifted tonight, with it being a later meal I may have opted for right around the same break down but swapping out my starchy carbs (rice) for more fibrous ones (more vegetables).

TOMORROW OR WEDNESDAYS MEAL - ONE OF MY FAVORITE LUNCHES - Tuna w/ tzatziki on a wrap! SO GOOD AND AGAIN SO EASY!!

Good NIGHT! AM CARDIO COMES QUICKLY!!

BODY DEFINITION... DEFINE WHO YOU WANT TO BE!

2011-01-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

IT"S ON!!! On top of being fully back to training! I am hosting a Boot Camp Style Exercise Program at a local gymnastics facility in North Andover, MA.

Program will run 6 weeks - meet 3 times a week for an hour.

Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:15 - 8:15 PM and Saturday mornings from 9-10:30 AM

Beginning Monday January 24th with MANDATORY ORIENTATION SATURDAY January 22nd at 9 AM.

COST: $260 for the 6 weeks and INCLUDES

* Pre week orientation, with initial nutrition consult, discussion and brief over view of exercises for beginners or those needing refreshing.
* Nutrition changes every 2 weeks
* Measurements and weigh in every 2 weeks (for those setting specific goals)
* Before and after pictures if you choose.
* Complete Guided Hands On Boot Camp Style workout with a Certified Personal Trainer
* Plyometrics, Kickboxing, Intervals, Cardio
* All levels and ages WELCOME - a good trainer can adjust per conditioning and age levels

It works out to $60 for customized nutrition counseling for the 6 weeks and a little over $11 per session. This is designed for more personalized attention and motivation than a normal group ex program, but slightly larger setting than buddy or single personal training, however my cut off will be 10-12 people due to keeping attention and details high. *I am LIMITING SPACE to 10 - 12 spots MAX to keep this PERSONAL... SO ONCE Spots are filled they are filled, first come first serve, I cannot hold spots.

My experience: ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, Insured, CPR/FIRST AID/AED Certified, Over 8 years training experience and competing.

* One on one personal training
* group circuit training.
* group ex (more resistance type classes - like BodyPump than "cardio classes")
* Bootcamp style classes
* taught in a gyms/wellness center/and taught team level gymnastics at the facility I am offering the class at!
* worked in in home settings on my own
* Plyometrics, Intervals, Kickboxing, Kettlebell
* Experience with nutrition plans, calorie counts,BMR, and macro nutrient break downs.
* comfortable working with all different levels and needs. Whether its a wife/mother, male/athlete, older client with limitations, or younger client with sports specific needs
* Experience tailoring to specific goals - weight/fat loss, heart health, lean muscle building, competing
* Earned 3 natural Professional Federation Status while competing and qualified Nationally with NPC

For anyone who doesn't know me well, I have a naturally outgoing and enthusiastic personality and enjoy motivating and sharing my knowledge. This can be an awesome experience if you're willing to give it your all, I always AM! This is NOT a promise for your best body body ever, I can only give you the tools and knowledge YOU MUST do the work!! Please pass the word to anyone interested and feel free to give them my contact information: SERIOUS INQUIRES ONLY PLEASE :)

stephanie_villers@yahoo.com

To anyone who has known me long enough to remember I wrote about a trick to keep yourself in check, checking in at the calendar each and every month. What have you done the prior month? How have you changed. Well some of you have known me long enough to look back at the YEARS. How many January 1st have fallen by the wayside? How many "I'll start next Mondays." Do it for yourself NOW! Hold yourself accountable, you are the only one who can.

I am so looking forward to it!!

So just some basic FAQs about the program as I have received a lot of Inquiries!

1. Am I too de - conditioned for this? Am I too "aged" for this? If I have a goal that will take longer than 6 weeks, Is it worth it?

First off this is designed for mostly anyone! And the reason being levels can be adjusted, routines altered, and progressions made. I will say this because I have received questions this IS NOT designed for figure and bikini competitors. While some may train this way for those genres I personally recommend a very different approach, and that requires ONE ON ONE ONLY. I have experience in womens only group circuits and anyone who was there can attest we had all ages, shapes, and sizes. I am a PLANNER. I am not a trainer who just shows up and wings it. This is why I enjoyed teaching Body Pump so much as well it is pre choreographed exercise! I PLAN to adjust for each person so they are challenging themselves, but doing so safely. Realistically you will have to fill out an evaluation and medical form just so we can be safe and make sure that we are adhering to SAFETY FIRST. This is why I am only taking PRE -REGISTERED people in advance. I need to plan for this appropriately, as do you! This is my first run through of this particular program, but far from my first experience with this. Hopefully if all goes as planned I will be offering further sessions just like these to continue throughout the year. Even if that's not possible I will never just send anyone on their way... nice 6 weeks see ya GOOD LUCK! I will make sure you are on a path to continue if needed with me or without me.

2. How does the program work is it discussion based, do you tell us our workout program?

It is designed precisely like so: This is not a BOOTCAMP per say it is a bootcamp group styled program. I am not here simply to blow a whistle, stop watch, scream in your face, flip tires, count your push-ups, and send you home sore. While I may be guilty of all those things ;) this is designed to be much MORE! This is designed to be my baby. A FULLY COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM HITTING EVERY ASPECT OF FITNESS. The first orientation is a discussion group type to go over everything. Exercises, what to expect, what you need, nutrition guidance. Every time we meet it will be a HANDS ON FULL OUT WORKOUT with me for an hour. I will both teach, demonstrate, draw, do whatever I have to to teach you the exercises. I will be with you counting it out and keeping track. Any thing extra for workouts other than when we meet I would only recommend cardio (like walking - elliptical- bike that type of stuff)

3. Will I get an exact nutrition PLAN?

Now listen carefully because this is THE MOST IMPORTANT PART! THE MOST IMPORTANT HANDS DOWN. This is what a "typical bootcamp" doesn't offer and this is why while you may feel great when you are done working out, you may sweat a ton, you may get stronger, and even increase your confidence, which are ALL GREAT THINGS. You may not see the results you are looking for WITHOUT tying in the food. I am not a registered dietitian by any means, but I do have experience figuring out your daily caloric needs, and breaking down foods to macro nutrients and timing them correctly for performance, energy, lean muscle, and fat burning. You will receive a laid out verbatim food plan - which is also why I need people to sign up before hand. I need to know approximate starting weights to judge calories, any food allergies, things you love, things you hate, things that make "dieting" hard for you, your schedule etc - MY goal is to make this as easy for you as possible but realistically YOU have to be ready to do it! Can you see how PERSONALIZED and different this is from other programs?

4. What if I am comfortable with my nutrition and weight and am just looking for a great workout?

EVERYONE in the program will be encourages SOME REQUIRED ;) to keep a food diary. Sometimes minor tweaking can alter your end result. Weight and measurements will be taken every other Saturday before class. This will be a tool to track progress and results. If you so choose which I greatly encourage we can take BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS starting at orientation. Saturdays before class if you notice there is an extra half hour. Some weeks we will use it measuring and some weeks we will use this as our time to "discuss". Discuss accountability, issues, strategies, goals etc! This is NOT a PITY PARTY or an excuse festival. But I am a realest, we all have struggles and sometimes discussing them can help us move forward.

ANY MORE QUESTIONS AND I CAN ADD TO THIS. PLEASE EMAIL ME... so far this is a great start. And as you can see my little brain has it all figured out. It is an ALL INCLUSIVE PROGRAM designed for the individual in a group setting to make it A - more fun and B - more affordable. If you know what personal training rates run for something like this you know IT IS A STEAL! So take advantage!

The House That Built Me...

2010-12-22T04:54:00.000-08:00

As I sit in the house that I grew up in waiting for my children to wake up, I can’t help but get sentimental and feel so very blessed especially around this time of year. For those who may not know, when we moved over the summer it was into my parent’s house and are purchasing it from them. With all their children grown they have out grown four bedrooms, a family room, and a pool, and with our growing family we have grown right into that perfectly. They had a large lot and ended up dividing it to build a beautiful brand new house for themselves. I know it sounds like “Everybody Loves Raymond” (which actually our lives are quite similar we have the older daughter and the twins lol but having your parents that close may be too close for comfort for some, but for our family it works. We’ve always been close, and the kids are extremely close with my parents so it works. It is close, but not too close like living together, it works magnificently! I indeed would not be able to be back in school if it wasn’t for the help my father graciously gives with watching the children around my class schedule. I literally bundle them up and send them across the back yard to Papa’s when its time for school! For this phase in our life I am loving where we are at.

So last weekend I took the back roads up to Plaistow, NH to go to Walmart to grab some wrapping stuff for Christmas. These back roads are the roads I literally learned to drive on. These are the roads I drove to my first job - I was a jewelry sales girl at Service Merchandise (remember those stores?) that coincidentally was where my husband now :) boyfriend then ;) and I both worked. Surprise surprise I worked in jewelry and him in electronics… some things never change. These roads are where I got my first flat tire in my red two door Nissan Sentra that I HAD to have because it had a sunroof lol – not a automatic sunroof like we have now, but the old school ones that you just really lift up and sit on a latch haha. That Nissan I must say was my pride and joy, mostly because I paid for it entirely myself - a whole $900 lol that was a lot at 16. AND I taught myself how to drive a stick in it, many whipped necks later, but I learned. These were the same roads that we took to go to Dandelions for an ice cream cone, the plainest ice cream cones ever but still worth the ride. The same roads we took to go up to Early Bird for the Lumber Jack Special (man I liked to EAT breakfast foods even back then). These back roads that I thought I had grown to despise, the back roads that I couldn’t have been happier to get away from.

Moving from your hometown even if it’s only a few towns over seems like the best thing ever when you are in your teens. Moving out of your house seems like the best thing ever. But here, 13 years later living with my family in our house it really has started to fully sink in how incredibly blessed I am. I always feel blessed, but for some reason that drive on the back roads that built the life I have now, in the house we have now, meant so much to me. As I was driving looking at the Christmas lights, I was just taking it in… inevitably I went too far and missed my turn and needed to turn around (cause that’s how I roll) but a little longer time in the car was okay with my thoughts and then this song came on… Miranda Lamberts - The house that built me. Not gonna lie I am SO NOT a crier… I’m just not. It usually takes a lot to make me tear up, but driving, reminiscing, feeling blessed AND (it was that time of the month, not to ruin it but it helps with tears) I started to tear up. Happy tears of course, blessed tears, and tears that still make me say PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not let my daughter be as stubborn of a teen as I was! lol I NEVER EVER pictured my life this way, but am so thankful this is what I have and where we are. If anyone knows what a trouble maker and true BRAT I was in my teen years, I have been more than blessed! Sometimes… I wonder... HOW DID I GET SO LUCKY?!

At 3yrs old: "Mom & Dad, I love you".
At 10 yrs old: "Mom & Dad whatever!"
16 yrs old: "My Mom & Dad are so annoying!"
18 yrs old: "I wanna leave this house".
25 yrs old: "Mom & Dad you were right".
30 yrs old: "I wanna go back to my Mom & Dad's house".
50 yrs old: "I don't wanna lose my Mom & Dad".
70 yrs old: "I would ...give up EVERYTHING for my Mom & Dad to be here with me"

America’s Obesity Epidemic

2010-12-22T03:51:00.001-08:00

Well, since I already did all the writing for my comp class and received an excellent grade, and since I have been neglecting my blog because of school work I figured I'd share my essay on America's Obesity Epidemic. It is quite long for some, but some powerful statistics and information. Very eye opening even to those of us who may focus on this issue more. I do have the source cited and annotations if anyone would like them, just message me.

America’s Obesity Epidemic

Nearly two out of every three Americans are overweight or obese. The number of overweight adolescents has tripled over the last 20 years. The human body was genetically designed to store fat so it could weather famine and other once-common deprivations. Given that biological propensity, many question whether our current contemporary American lifestyles and culture have made it too easy for people to gain weight. Is the dangerous rise in obesity because of our generations changing biomedical problems? Or is the contributing factor more from how our communities are designed? Although obesity is a matter we may hear about frequently, it remains of top priority. The grave significance of the consequences of this rising epidemic is distressing our economy, affecting our health care, and crippling our future generations.

Cancer, heart disease, stroke, all leading causes of death in the United States. However Obesity related diseases may be taking precedence in our country. In an article in the CQ Researcher Online: Obesity Epidemic, the U.S. Surgeon General at the time Richard Carmona spoke about the severity of obesity related diseases: Obesity is the “fastest-growing cause of illness and death in the United States,” he stated. Unhealthy eating and inactivity contribute to 310,000 to 580,000 deaths each year according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. Diet and Physical Inactivity contributed to premature death far more than Tobacco causing 260,000 – 470,000, and alcohol causing 70,000 – 110,000. Unhealthy eating and inactivity contributed to 13 times more than are killed by guns and 20 times more than by drug use. Surgeon General Richard Carmona also expressed concern with the rising costs stating: “Treating obesity-related health problems costs Americans $117 billion annually — an average of $420 per person,” Carmona said. Ironically, consumers also shell out $34 billion on diet products each year. Where is that money going? Where is the solution they are paying for? It is clearly not solving the problem as our death rate from obesity is steadily rising.

The American people live in a culture where although they may pay a high price to attempt to lose weight , are as a whole only ending up more confused than when they began. And furthermore are no closer to achieving that goal. There have been a number of popular high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets, most notably the diet promoted by cardiologist Robert Atkins. More than 10 million copies of his books have sold over the last 30 years. His argument that carbohydrates — not fats — make people fat remains a hot topic of debate in both the media and the scientific world. The Atkins diet allows people to eat foods high in fat and protein, such as cheese, eggs and meats, limits the intake of certain fruits and vegetables and severely restricts the consumption of certain types of carbohydrates like breads, rice and pasta. Denied carbohydrates, the body is forced to burn fat. Robert H. Eckel, professor of medicine at the University of Colorado and chairman of the American Heart Association's nutrition committee, while validating the effectiveness of the weight loss program, expresses concern: “We know it works,” says Eckel. “But we don't know whether it works long term, or whether there are any adverse effects. One of the problems isn't just being overweight, but being healthy.” From the same article in the CQ Researcher Online, Neal Barnard, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine talks about carbohydrates not being the cause of obesity: “The truth is that the skinniest people on the planet — Asians and vegetarians — eat plenty of rice and other carbs,” he continues, “What makes Americans fat is not their occasional servings of rice or potatoes, but rather their penchant for cheese, meat and fried foods.” To further bewilder the American people the National Academy of Sciences went on to recommend a minimum daily intake of carbohydrates that was about six times higher than the number of grams of carbohydrates allowed during the weight-loss phase of the Atkins plan. Amid the controversy and debates, Abby Bloch of New York University, a consultant to the Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine mentioned the important point that everyone agreed on: “The worst possible combination is high carbohydrates and high fat.” When it comes to weight loss, there is no lack of fad diets promising fast results. There is a loathsome abundance of pills, potions, creams, and quick fixes promising rapid results for little effort. As mentioned previously, 34 billion dollars is wasted on diet products each year. It seems fair to assume wasted, as obesity continues to remain a dangerous epidemic. Furthermore, what is the long-term cost and affect? Fad diets limit your nutritional intake, can be unhealthy, and tend to fail in the long run. According to the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion under Dietary Guidelines - Energy Balance: there was no optimal macro nutrient proportion identified for enhancing weight loss or weight maintenance. Diets that are less than 45 percent carbohydrate or more than 35 percent protein are difficult to adhere to, are not more effective than other calorie-controlled diets for weight loss and weight maintenance, and may pose health risk, and are therefore not recommended for weight loss or maintenance. When overweight/obese persons attempt to lose weight with reduced calorie intake, there are no differences in weight loss with differing macro nutrient proportions, if diets are followed for longer than 6 months. In shorter-term studies, low calorie, high protein diets may result in greater weight loss, but these differences are not sustained over time. The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is not about short-term dietary changes. It is instead about a lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses. Our generation could save their $34 billion dollars and instead focus on taking the time to educate themselves on discovering their energy caloric balance. Simply learning how to balance calories in verses calories out.

As our culture has changed over the years, many of these changes have resulted in contributing to America’s rise in obesity. Americans eat out twice as often as they did in 1970. Americans now snack everywhere — sporting events, movies, social events, school, work, in their cars, even during church services. Sales of sugary sodas rose from 40 gallons per person in 1985 to 53 gallons per person in 2000. Margo Wootan, director of nutrition policy at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group speaks about how our culture is destined to be obese: “Basically, we live in a culture that's engineered to promote obesity.” Restaurants spend more than 10 billion dollars on direct advertising each year, while the National Cancer Institute is lucky to scrape together 2 million dollars to promote the government's “five-a-day” fruits and grains diet recommendations. One American out of four eats at a fast-food restaurant every day. When the cost to society of treating smoking-related illnesses got too high, the public began demanding that tobacco companies pay for the damages they cause to users' health. Has fast food become the new tobacco? Similarly there has been a rise in suits against fast food chains; McDonald's was sued in a New York court by two obese teens from the Bronx who blamed the chain's products for their weight and health problems. Marion Nestle, head of nutrition and food studies at New York University discusses the correlation between fast food supersizing and the rise in obesity: “It's very interesting that the larger-portion business started at exactly the same time that obesity rates started to go up.” But one must argue common sense, educating ourselves to know what is good for us and what is not can go a long way. Simply because a company offers a product does not mean we have to partake, and if we choose to, learning how to do so within our limits to protect ourselves can be beneficial in combating obesity. Perhaps laws making this knowledge more readily available and propelled to the forefront can aid in opening the eyes of the American people to see the severe damage these cultural changes are doing to our future generation.

Another dramatic change in our culture is the changes made to our processed food packaging. This is a change that could deeply affect your health and nutrition, yet is not something that is broadcast, discussed, or informed to the consumers. Many may not even be aware that their favorite foods have undergone changes, or how those changes impact their bodies. Not only has the food industry inundated American children with ads for unhealthy snacks, it has packed its processed foods with cheaper — but more potent — sugars. In the early 1970s to integrate commercial advantages of producing products that are sweeter and cheaper to make, many food products switched from cane sugars as a main ingredient to high fructose corn sugars, since it is six times as sweet and a lot cheaper. By the 1980s, both Coke and Pepsi jumped on board saving themselves 20 percent on sweeteners and switched their formulas from a sugar/corn-syrup mix to pure high-fructose corn syrup. With no knowledge of this delivered to the public as it is deemed a private business decision, the switch did carry health effects to the consumer. Fructose, also used in processed snacks and many other products, is digested differently from traditional sugars. It does not trigger the same signals in the brain as regular sugar indicating that calories have entered the body. Some studies indicate that fructose causes the liver to produce more of an enzyme that, in turn, causes the body to store rather than to burn fat. Fructose now accounts for 9 percent of the calories in the average adults diet and 20 percent of the calories in the average child's diet.

What happened to the days where you had eggs and bacon for breakfast, went to work a ten hour day outside, had a ham and cheese on rye for lunch, and pot roast and potatoes for dinner? Not many were overweight in those days. How has that changed dramatically? Well we have already discussed how restaurant habits and fast food habits have changed. We have also discussed how food packaging has been altered to have a negative affect on our health. Nevertheless a major role on this matter are lifestyle choices and activity levels. Energy intakes are exceeding energy expenditures for many Americans. Although the US does not have a national surveillance system that captures total energy expended throughout the day, several national public health surveillance systems monitor physical activity in the US population. These resources indicate that physical activity levels in the US are insufficient. As indicated in the 2008 National Health Interview Survey, 36 percent of adults were considered inactive, 31 percent participated in some leisure-time physical activity, and only 33 percent engaged in leisure-time physical activity on a regular basis. Over the past quarter-century, foot and bicycle travel have dropped by 40 percent. Although schools now offer vending machines and soda machines, they simultaneously have dropped regular physical-education courses or recess, giving kids less time to burn off calories. Today, the military complains that volunteer troops are not in good enough shape or coordinated enough to complete basic training. Adults also engage in less physical activity at work. At the beginning of the 20th century more than half of Americans lived on farms, today less than 2% do. In addition, fewer Americans work in manufacturing and laborious jobs, desk jobs just don't provide the same calorie burn as manual labor. Nearly every family owns at least one car, and walking places is considered ancient. Writer Bill Bryson once joked in The New Yorker : “the purpose of the modern American suburb is to make sure that no citizen is ever more than 500 yards from a food product featuring melted cheese.” To reemphasize: this is why America's focus needs to be on finding their energy balance. Putting in more calories than we are expanding out will undoubtedly result in weight gain. Furthermore if the calories we are consuming are lacking nutrients and are “empty calories”, without sufficient activity this will only speed the process of weight gain and result in lower nutrient levels in the body, the result produces the epidemic we are amidst.

Obesity and obesity related diseases are taking lives far too prematurely, this is a main concern. But as a nation there is an underlying financial burden as well. One important priority and topic for debate in this country is health care and health care reform. The reality - obesity is going to be the NUMBER ONE driver in rising health-care costs. According to Weight Control Information Network Statistics, on average, people who are considered obese pay $1,429 (42 percent) more in health care costs than normal-weight individuals. Medicare pays $1,723 more than it pays for normal-weight beneficiaries. Medicaid pays $1,021 more than it pays for normal-weight beneficiaries. Private insurers pay $1,140 more than they pay for normal-weight beneficiaries. It is of utmost importance to individuals but also to this country that these preventable costs and diseases are controlled.

Ultimately how do we fix this problem? How do we stop America from eating itself into a premature death and costing itself astronomical preventable medical expenses in the process? In order to reduce the obesity epidemic, actions must be taken to improve the food environment. Through policies (local, state, and national) and private-sector efforts. These policies must be made to increase the availability of nutrient-dense foods for all Americans, especially for low-income Americans, through greater access to grocery stores, produce trucks, and farmers’ markets, and greater financial incentives to purchase and prepare healthy foods. The restaurant and food industries are encouraged to offer foods in appropriate portion sizes that are low in calories, added sugars, and solid fat. Local zoning policies should be considered to reduce fast food restaurant placement near schools. Remember if fast food is like the new tobacco - killing our children - it should be treated as such. As individuals awareness is raised and they are educated, further accountability is needed. Making conscious efforts to prepare, serve, and consume smaller portions at home and choose smaller portions of food while eating foods away from home. Learning about and opting for nutrient-dense foods, and minimally processed foods whenever they snack. Making an effort to move. INCREASE ACTIVITY LEVELS. Increase your daily energy output. It is a lifestyle change adapting to make good practices habits. Efforts should be made to reduce surplus energy intake, especially energy from foods and beverages that provide empty calories from added sugars and solid fats. Increasing consumption of vegetables and fruits, greater amounts and varieties of high-fiber foods, and low fat dairy will in turn increase nutrient density, promote healthy lipid profiles, glucose tolerance, normal gastrointestinal function, and aid in preventing obesity.

Knowledge is power. The more health and nutrition information that is readily available and easily accessible for the public, the more we are empowering the American people with knowledge on how to save their own lives. They can make lifestyle changes and efforts to control their eating and exercising, however knowledge alone is not sufficient to change behavior. School-based interventions have shown that it is possible to improve knowledge and attitudes about nutrition and physical activity; however, only a few interventions have been able to change behavior sufficiently to prevent the development of obesity. For instance, although providing more fruits and vegetables in school represents a significant step forward in changing the nutritional landscape of schools, an additional step is needed to make sure that these changes are being integrated into the homes and everyday lives. There is a direct need to understand how children and their parents behave around eating and activity and the factors that influence how they eat. Behavioral, social, and economic research is essential for developing effective ways to improve diet and activity patterns of children and thereby prevent childhood obesity and thus prevent cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Adapting their behavior to choose and enjoy healthy foods over less healthy options does not happen overnight. Having healthier options can help to make choices simpler but learning how to sustain these healthier food choice patterns over time is what will be the key to lifetime success and improvements. We are in desperate need of a cultural transformation as a nation.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2010-11-25T16:18:00.000-08:00

I have many things to be thankful for and as I reflect over the years my lists have changed so much. I have been blessed in my life with many wonderful things but its the things that have remained the same that I am most thankful for.

My husband - One of the most loyal men I have ever met in my life. Who unconditionally puts his family before himself. He is truly my best friend the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, and love with all my heart. It all starts and end because we fell in love.

My kids - Our children should not be put here with a job for us, we are here to take care of them, BUT they unconsciously saved me from myself. I never truly learned what loving someone more than yourself meant until they came along and they are the absolute JOY in my life. Everyday with them is so special. They make me laugh, they make me cry, they make me be a better person, and make me see life through their eyes all over again.

My family & Friends - Because I have always had a close supportive family I just sometimes take them for granted thinking that is what family is... that is what it does. But I have met so many that do not function like that. They can't rely on their family, they don't necessarily get along with their families and seeing these dynamics has helped me to see mine is not the norm... I do have something special. Words cannot express my gratitude towards them. To think at one time in my life some of them probably couldn't stand to be in the same room as me I was such a brat and now they are such a huge part of our lives. I wouldn't have it any other way. I am blessed to have my children grow up surrounded by love on both sides! And my friends I don't have many that I call true friends so to those I do I appreciate the fact that I have long lasting REAL friendships... everlasting friends can go long periods of time without speaking and never question their friendship. These types of friends pick up like they spoke to you just yesterday, regardless of how long it has been or how far away they live. And, they don't hold grudges. They understand that life is busy, but you will always love them.

I am thankful for my energy! Although I have learned to control it I consider it a blessing. It has propelled me into great things and hope it carries me through many more. It helped me wake up for 45 minutes of AM cardio, wash, dry, and fold three loads of laundry, cook stuffed mushrooms, shower and get my family ready all before 11:00 this morning!

I am thankful for the ability to be able to be back in college. Its one of those things I put off for so long. Whether it was lack of time, money, ambition, or confidence, there was always a reason to wait. Learning again feels great. Cannot say I wasn't intimidated to go back at first but I have been doing better than I ever thought I would after being out of school for so long and I am actually enjoying it.

I am thankful that through ALL these years, ups and downs, bad economies, ALWAYS being able to be home to raise my kids. This is something that has always been very important to me. Every family dynamic is different. I am in awe and have so much respect for full time working moms, but our dynamic works for us. I have always enjoyed being home at least part time with my children and am very thankful that I have been able to be, this is time with them I will never ever be able to get back and as they get older and older I appreciate it more as I see how quickly it goes.

I am thankful for my health... as I see so many unforeseen occurrences that may take someone's health away or sickness struck upon too many too young I FULLY appreciate my health and the health of my family.

I am thankful for my life. Plain and simple... I have been blessed! Lets look at my life “statistically” I should indeed be screwed. I’m not saying I’m perfect or have made the best choices but I have been very blessed and have so much to be thankful for.

It’s not something I talk about often or am proud of by any means, or am advocating but every once and a while when I stop to reflect I am very proud of where I stand today. Those who know me closely know my age its not something I ever willing bring up because I do believe its only a number and as someone with an old soul and who has always been 12 going on 30 its something I do not like to be judged by. But if you know my age and do the math its easy to figure out I had my daughter very young. She is one of my blessings in disguise I am so thankful for. "Statistically" Sixty percent of teenagers who become pregnant are living in poverty at the time of the birth. More than 40 percent of teenage mothers report living in poverty by age 27. Well all I can say is thank the lord I have never been below the poverty line and 10 years later never plan to be.

Lets look at statistics on marriage, we know those are not great. Almost half end in divorce. Not saying mine's guaranteed or perfect but almost 11 years strong and I am still genuinely HAPPY!!

Lets look at statistics on twins. Twins are estimated to be approximately 1.9% of the population, with male male identical being the LEAST common of all sets of twins!! Guess what we got them! Twins having twin to twin transfusion (which is the disease that made my boys sick) occurs in approximately 5.5–17.5% out of all twins we unfortunately were in this group. Now out of that small group fatality rate was extremely high and without proper treatment, most of these babies would not survive and of the survivors, most would have handicaps or birth defects. If you're still falling the odds of where we stand you will agree, we have truly been BEYOND BLESSED with AMAZINGLY HEALTHY BEAUTIFUL BABY BOYS!!! I think its totally appropriate when I call them freaks ;)

I joke and kid because I try to laugh every day, I try to have a light heart and just LIVE. IF it's true that you can lose what you are not thankful for I need to express how thankful I am for my LIFE and those in it!

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into
enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order,
confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a
home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

And on that note before I get toooooo soppy and lovey dovey lol I Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving... as far as your fitness goals... Hope everyone enjoyed their meals guilt free. However there's no need to make it a sloppy weekend. Up your activity level, drink a lot of water, get rid of the bloat and get back on track immediately. None of this wait till Monday stuff - THAT IS precisely how you can gain over the holidays. Take everyday at a time. Once today is gone remember your goals! Write them down, put them up on the wall, set a reward do whatever you have to do to stay focused. I am on TRACK and it feels good to not think or obsess about whether or not I am "going to be good this weekend". I am not on a "diet" I am just moving and groovin living a healthy lifestyle and its sooooo much easier that way!!

First Santa Parade?? Is that right?

2010-11-21T19:13:00.000-08:00

Went to my very first Santa Parade Today! Yes... like EVER lol I know sounds so strange but its true. Maybe its not that strange to some, but where I grew up the Santa parade is as tradition as going out to drink the night before Thanksgiving. It's just something you do. Well it is of course unless you are a Jehovah's Witness. Something many may not know about me I grew up raised as a Jehovah Witness, practiced until I was about 14. So I grew up not celebrating holidays. Not a one. No Christmas, birthdays, Easter, valentine's, anything. Surprisingly although I don't practice anymore and don't raise my children in the faith I never really felt like I was missing anything. I don't want to make this about religion really, but because it was such a large part of my life it did have a lot to do with my shaping as a child and adolescent years. Has a lot to do with why I am so overtly stubborn about organized religion, but also has a lot to do with my core vales, beliefs, and need to be family oriented. I like to believe I kept all the good I learned and moved on from anything I deemed negative. Again I don't want to go too far off track because I could talk religion for days, but that's not the point.

My point was I grew up not celebrating holidays. I didn't start celebrating them until I got married and had children, so they have become extra special times of the year for me. Times I have started our own family traditions from scratch. Special times we have shared with family, and events that I have never done before. Special pictures and memories that mean more to me because I am creating such a different childhood for my children. I think I need to emphasize here that I had a great childhood with many special moments, this is just a different experience for me.

So take today for instance I went to my FIRST Santa Parade today! Not only did I go to my first Santa parade but my husbands uncle who is a Lieutenant on the fire department asked us to join him with our boys and ride on the truck with him through the parade! There we were... buckled in the truck, windows down,sirens on, horn beeping, smiling and waving away. It was a great day! My boys were in awe of the truck and how everyone was waving. And I felt like a little kid experiencing something for the first time! Going up and down the streets of where I grew up, seeing people from middle school, seeing my old dance school. It was just one of those moments that made me feel warm inside (despite the fact that it was 38 degrees out). And also one of those moments that made me feel old (but in a great way). As I've grown up I appreciate the littlest things in life... its not that I have become simple minded as I still have more goals, dreams, and ideas than one human being should have lol But the littlest pleasures in life with my family can absolutely make me feel complete <3

So in true wrap it up Sunday, back to the Grind Monday motion a quick recap of my week in the training and nutrition department. FINALLY BACK AT AM CARDIO!!!! I've been wanting to for a while but not having a show to "make my mind switch on completely" I couldn't fully motivate myself to get up early consistently. Well now I have switched. It is for me a great way to start my day. I'm completely not a morning person. I am grumpy when I wake up and never ever enjoy it. But for some reason to roll out of bed wash my face, brush my teeth and go do cardio I CAN BE A BEAST... I start to feel better while I'm there. I start to reflect, plan, and set my mindset for the day and I start my energy off right. It still may take my body a bit to get use to it because when I say I hate mornings I really hate mornings. But after a bout a week I start thinking why don't I do morning cardio all the time?!?! I am there, week down and I'm loving it again! Only doing 3-4 days a week for now so its even less pressure and its fitting well. Weights have been great as well, been really mixing it up which has been great for my body. And last but not least nutrition... ehhhh hardest for me is when the busy gets busier the food gets LESS not more. Its less food but its wrong food... I need more food and right food. I know same story different day. Mistake number one putting off getting my protein shakes... CANNOT live without them when I'm super busy. So now that I have them that should help right off the bat! Well I promised myself I'd keep these posts shorter and I once again have rambled and still have so much more I want to say but MUST GO TO BED :( I want to update about school! About clients! About goals! But hopefully leaving it like this will force me to come back more often. Till then Hope everyone has a wonderful productive week. And a blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving. However you may spending it remember to appreciate the little thing!

Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?

2010-10-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

Different things motivate us at different times for different reasons. Sometimes its a picture, maybe a quote, a person. For me often a song. At one point in time the beginning of the PS3 madden game use to be one of the most motivating clips for me... seriously (no I am not a high college kid just rambling haha... maybe I'll share the clip sometime and if you're in the aggressive mindset you will see what I mean.) I relate "the gym" or my time spent alone there with so many things other than just my body. At the risk of sounding cliche` I relate it to my mind, to my soul, to serenity, to peace. I relate it to my confidence, to determination, to energy, to health (both mental and physical), to goals... it encompasses so many aspects of my life. Therefore when I look for motivation or inspiration it too can motivate, inspire or just simply touch other aspects of my life.

I am drawn to anyone or anything outside of the box. I am drawn to talent, purity, simplicity, and complexity at the same time. Certain people just radiate this feeling and this performance and song does for me. Doesn't hurt that her confidence and bod to rock this outfit and sing while hanging upside down spinning and dipped in water, to me makes her a bad ass!!

This was some great cardio music tonight!

2010-10-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Good habits are hard to keep and bad habits are hard to break! They say it takes about 6 weeks to make and keep a good habit, but why does it feel like it only takes about 3 days to break it and lose it? The good ole gallon jug of water. Sometimes colored (makes for interesting conversation), sometimes with lemons floating in it, but always by your side like a loyal puppy when you are into fitness. Why is water so important? Is it a myth? What does it really do? I have found (especially with the over 40 generation) if you're not use to drinking lots of water it can seem like a nuisance. You may wonder why would I carry around water, so I have to pee more? Sounds like a pain in the butt. Seems easier to just drink when you're thirsty.

But the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. Some people love fresh cold water. They find it refreshing and its not a project at all to get it down. For me it always has been work. Diet Pepsi I can drink all day long but water I have to remind myself to stay on top of. When I make it HABIT it was done easily but when I fall out of forcing myself my water consumption quickly dwindles and I can see and feel the difference. As I'm back to making it a habit, I'm cheating a little with some flavored water right now, but I say whatever you have to do to get it down drink it! Here is a little info sheet I always add into my new clients packets on the importance of water and how much. It could use some updating even, but for the purpose of instilling YOU HAVE TO DRINK WATER especially when trying to lose fat, for now it'll do the trick.

Water
Why Is IT SO Important?
Water is the single most important nutrient that our body needs to run at its optimal level. Our body's content consists of mostly water. Water is so important for many reasons. It is responsible for millions of internal chemical reactions and bodily functions. Did you know that human beings could live around 5 weeks without protein, carbohydrates, and fats, but only 5 days without water (in a moderate climate)? Water also aids in cleansing our body of toxins and pollutants, it fights against fatigue, helps lubricate joints, and not to mention it's great for our skin. One of the things we take most for granted, water plays a very important role in permanent weight loss. It aids in suppressing the appetite naturally and in metabolizing stored fat.

Studies show that a decrease in water intake may cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water can actually reduce the fat deposits in the body. The kidneys do not function properly without enough water and when this occurs, some of their function is passed on to the liver. The liver works to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body, so if the liver has to help the kidneys, it cannot function effectively and consequently metabolizes less fat. Thus, fat remains stored in the body and weight loss will stop. People who are prone to water retention often think that reducing their water intake will help to remedy this problem. Actually, the opposite occurs. The body perceives a lack of water as a threat to its survival so it attempts to hold on to every drop. Water is then stored in spaces outside the body's cells, causing swollen feet, hands, and legs. The best way to overcome excess water retention is to give the body what it needs - plenty of water.

**It is especially important to drink water before, during, and after exercise. If our bodies are not fully hydrated we may experience fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps. Because we can lose up to 2 quarts of water per hour during exercise, it is vital to continually replenish our bodies with water.

How Much Water is Enough?

First start by not thinking of water as something you drink only when you’re thirsty, think of it as something your body needs 24 –7! Your main beverage should be water, bring a water bottle with you everywhere. It is recommended we get at least 64 ounces a day (8 glasses) but if you drink more that’s excellent! An easy rule of thumb is to divide your weight in half to determine how many ounces of water you need to drink daily. Caffeine works as a diuretic, so for every beverage with caffeine you consume you must drink an extra glass of water. DRINK UP!!

I feel like a tiny bird with a big song

2010-10-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

If there are two things that I am it is always busy and always joyful! Okay so no one is ALWAYS anything... I will rephrase if there are two things I am mostly it is mostly busy and mostly joyful. I am a tiny bird with a big song. I am the little bird far away on the branch that you think cannot possibly be making that loud beautiful noise... Why is it so joyful? Where does that big sound come from in that little bird? That is me :)

I cannot believe I have abandoned blogging completely since June... yes JUNE was my last one! Not even going to try and regroup just hop skip and a jump and back on because it involves so much painting, decorating, starting school, kids starting school, summer vacation, all great things but easily were blogs in themselves I didn't have time to do. But why did I feel a pull to come back to blogging? Same reason as always. My own personal time to reflect, dwell, ponder, and wellll just vent and write. With school work now I am actually up to my eyeballs in work and writing so I thought no way I'd want to write more! But its different when you can't type as fast as your brain is thinking because its about your life. Being assigned a topic doesn't give you the same rush haha thats why its called school WORK.

Anywhoo where I am at: I am back to juggling a new schedule and trying to find my balance and happy place. I am in school. I am working part time and taking a few clients, my boys are in pre school and my daughter is in middle school with many activities after school including a competitive dance team. My husband and father are my back up glue that hold this whole schedule together. At first I had abandoned being really good with preparing and bring all my food for the first few weeks I was slightly overwhelmed but I quickly realized that grabbing stuff on the go unorganized is not only so bad for you my energy levels are crap when I don't eat balanced and well, but it adds up QUICKLY. What a waste of money. I quickly have gotten back into preparing my food, but I did drop a regimented cardio schedule... something had to give with the onset of new hours and that was it. This week though I have regimented slightly more now that I'm adapting better and that is where my new little boost came in.

Gonna take my own pressure off and keep my blogs short and sweet... if I don't get too wrapped up I may be more inclined to post more often and no pressure to fill in SOOOOO MUCH at once.
So the plan... back tomorrow for a journaling type of my day workout cardio food and activities :)

HAPPY FALL ALL!!!

HAPPY JUNE!

2010-06-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

So we are in the new house, I am four weeks into my little challenge, and my daughter is rounding the end of her school year and the beginning of summer. Lot of new stuff going on as well. I am OFFICIALLY back do doing some part time personal training on the side. This has always, and will always be a passion of mine. I had done it for years and taken a slight break because with the scheduling, personal goals, and new twins it just didn't fit. Now it makes perfect sense again. My schedule is a little more flexible and a very close friend of mine who was the head trainer at Powerhouse who hired me there, then went onto open her own studio and recruited me there, has since closed her studio and is relocating. She has some of her clients who need someone to replace her and it just fits. If it were different timing (like my kids were older) I would have entertained more the idea of taking over the studio for her, but for now this option fits into my life. For those of you who know nothing about my training background here's a little of what I've done and what I prefer...

I have experience in one on one personal training, as well as group circuit training. I also have experience teaching group ex (more resistance type classes - like body pump than "cardio classes"), bootcamp style classes, and am looking to add SPIN certification to my list. I have taught in a gyms/wellness center, as well as some in home settings on my own. I have a naturally outgoing and enthusiastic personality and enjoy motivating and sharing my knowledge. On top of training knowledge, I also am experienced and comfortable with nutrition plans, calorie counts, and macro nutrient break downs. I am comfortable working with all different levels and needs... whether its a wife/mother, male/athlete, older client with limitations, or younger client with sports specific needs. I have covered everything from weight loss, to heart health being the focus, to lean muscle building. I also have worked at a gymnastics academy for three years both teaching and managing the facility, so am comfortable with childrens fitness and conditioning as well. I also was hired one year to teach "gym class" at my daughters pre school. As you can see for a period in time every where I went and everything I did revolved around fitness, it never ever felt like a "job" to me. And I'm excited to be getting back to that even if its not full time since I do have a small litter of children now lol

So that's that. Anyone interested in anything please message me for details, availability, rates, or just to chat goals. Over the next week I will start posting piece by piece my info on things I have written over the years that I go over with each and every new client. Its all saved on my main computer which being in the new house is not hooked up yet until my office is set so bare with me. People always say that should be top secret. That's how you make your money, not sharing too much. But I disagree, I truly want clients to LEARN. Eat, sleep, and breathe a healthy lifestyle or at the very least "healthier". I'm not here to hide anything from you. I am simply a motivator, making you accountable, and pushing and instructing you... I am no "GURU" or saint FITNESS. You have to learn and make it your own for it to truly work. So that's why I share so much... on my blog, in emails, on the phone etc. all for FREE, because that is not what you pay for... yes you pay for the knowledge, the tools, but most importantly you pay for the accountability, support, and direction. You can go out and buy a South Beach Diet book read it cover to cover, but what's it do for you if you don't do it? Same with exercise dvd or even gym memberships... if they collect dust on the shelf, what's it do for you?

As a trainer you will either love me or hate me, there's no in between. I don't need to yell, scream or belittle. But I do have to open your eyes to the truth, to the myths, and the excuses. I do have to hold you accountable and make you face yourself. It's more mental than physical, I say so often. So anyways, as you can see I could go on and on and on about this. I'm very passionate about it and I feel that it is what makes me different... I genuinely ENJOY seeing people do what they WANT TO, and if I can help, I'm tickled pink. See doesn't even sound like a "job"? But I also am not in it to be a billionaire and really only want clients who are READY to receive help. Who are ready to face themselves. Who are ready to change. It could be a little change, it could be a big change, but I feel success comes from word of mouth. I want to be happy with you and you happy with me, so we'll always make sure we're on the same page before starting a program.

I am looking for "walking billboards" to build clientele... so anyone serious and interested PLEASE email ASAP! What is a walking billboard? Well time to build my portfolio again and get the name back out in the community. So doing a very discounted 8 week program for a transformation type client program... before and afters, measurements, the whole nine, and discounted so you can achieve your goals inexpensively and spread the word... word of mouth is EVERYTHING, its how I've always gotten clients.

So back to me.... first house... well we're here, it's not organized or completely situated but it's getting there. We've started outside cleaning up the yard, powerwashing and staining the deck (well I bought the stain a week ago but the weathers not cooperating), hubby's rebuilding the front porch, and most importantly we've set up the GRILL!! Healthy grilled food outside all summer it doesn't get any better! And the BONUS... I DON"T HAVE TO COOK!!!

The challenge... moving week was BADDDDD okay not bad enough to warrant 5 Ds, but not good. I actually did really good at first, but truthfully Memorial day weekend I unraveled a little, I had some little extras that I truly KNEW better than doing. And of course I played with the scale genies head and my own... I closed my eyes crossed my fingers and I didn't gain... I thought WOOO I'm in the clear... yeah nothing works like that lol I should know better. So I got right back on track, BUSTED but with nutrition, and exercise... and surprise, surprise, damn scale wouldn't budge!! Scale Genies - ONE... ME - ZERO ... I shall not taunt them again lol. Now I knew going in that this 8 weeks was not going to be miraculous, but I also don't want it to be for nothing, so focus is BACK.

I had "scheduled cheat meals" but they're messing me up! When I contest diet I've only taken cheats far into the diet when told to and at that point your heads so in it, it's actually hard to cheat (mentally) so you cheat your one meal and then get back on. When I've done my own prep I've never even taken them, never felt like I needed them or wanted them. Doing this challenge my heads not 100% "contest mode" and my cheats have wavered badly. That needs to and has been rectified, there's no need to ruin a whole week! With that said I did lose another two pounds totaling 5 pounds since I started. Now that does not sound like much at all, it's really not... BUT with moving I'm using this as an outlet to not slip up too badly and losing is better than not. Also since Jan 1st I've already lost 19 lbs BEFORE starting this challenge lol yes I was indeed sloppy fluffy lol so it's not like I'm on the first 10 pounds that come off easy I'm actually close to the last 10 before I would switch to contest prep mode, so its not easily falling off here, and I'm doing it properly to try to ensure its fat and not muscle... when theses few pounds drop they do stick, versus that weight bounce as well. I also am down I think another inch and half total off my hips and waist but don't quote me on that because I can't find my original book with my measurements. I'll find it before the challenge is over its in one of my "miscellaneous boxes" lol

On lifting notes... I am feeling stronger again and that's great considering I don't have a lifting partner for spots and I am doing a considerable amount of cardio (for me) and my energy has not been the greatest, so considering, all in all I have been happy with workouts.

So now with four weeks down and four to go I am getting serious about the water situation, I am one who usually doesn't care about water weight until the very end. I just don't see the point of trying to fight to keep it off the entire time you're dieting unless you just want to for vanity's sake, well now, yes, I have hit vanity's sake - it is summer time!... so I will start my day with lemons in my water and end it with asparagus (natural diuretic).

Other changes I will make... I have been completely supplement and stimulant free.. these last four weeks I am adding a little fat burner, and fish oil pills... opting with ALR Venom because I know I tolerate it well and it's only one pill, twice a day... it doesn't give me the shakes or make me crash and for me that's more vital than almost anything else. I also am adding an hour of cardio total to the week making it 6 hours total AND at least 3 sessions MUST be AM cardio on an empty stomach. I will update after a week of these changes and go from there. I see in my future the next week I may start cycling in some lower carb days as right now I am still pretty moderate and consistent with my carbs.

So few little tips I have found and will share... Kellogs makes a protein fiber water... little flavor packets you mix with your water (I like pink lemonade) 5 g of protein and 5 g of fiber! Also if I'm in a pinch or just feel like a little "treat" I will treat with Boston Market for lunch 1/4 white chicken (no skin), red skin garlic dill potatoes, and green beans - 440 calories, 11g fat, 31g carbs, 55 g protein, 6 g fiber! Again, it's a treat. It's take out, so it's high sodium (water weight) and higher unhealthier fat than home cooked, but not a bad option. Its good to know your options and make an educated choice verses something on a whim that you may think is on the "healthy side". Protein drinks I swear by: Isopure lemon teas... anyone who knows how I am, I do not enjoy spending money frivolously, especially on unnecessary supplement, but the protein drinks are staples for me. They're easy, to me they taste good (I am very picky) and where else can I drink 20 g of protein by just popping a top for $1.66 a serving? Put on ice I feel like its a nice tea treat... honestly. Paired with a handful of almonds its a perfect between meal snack or "mini meal".

Next blog cause I have rambled far too long now... Some Meal samples and maybe a workout sample... Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Last update from this House :)

2010-05-28T03:33:00.000-07:00

Why on earth did I choose to do a transformation challenge amongst this madness?? Because it is my piece of me that reminds me my madness is beauty. It is my perfect. And part of my perfect is taking control of my body, mind, and spirit. So it keeps me focused. Will I get the best results right now with all my craziness? Honestly probably not. But I will work it!!!

So this past Tuesday was officially two weeks AND I tracked my progress. Down three pounds and an inch off my hips and a inch off my waist. I should be happier, but because I did have some slip ups and mess ups and have not officially starting tracking calories macros/meals yet I feel like I'm floundering slightly. I will say honestly most of that progress came from week one. As week two I had my monthly friend, and had some diet ooppppssss AND missed about 45 minutes worth of cardio that week due to extreme time restraints with work and my princess' encompassing dance recital week.

I also did have a scheduled cheat meal on Saturday night but that "meal" turned into a little more than one meal if I'm being honest. It was more like a 6 hr cheat :/ NOT an entire stuff fest but def more chocolate than I had planned... damn you mini twix bars! So it started with after the recital I brought my protein shake and a piece of fruit and had that. Totally did not fill me up at all, and then I went food shopping for dinner Saturday night (never go food shopping hungry and never go on the 2nd day of your little friend - that's where the mini twix bar episode came from... oh AND some little coffee rolls filled with caramel!) Seriously, I didn't even wait to get home to eat them, I ate them in the car!! I felt like I needed over eaters anonymous at that point lol it was like a little voice said EAT IT, EAT IT!! My daughter was looking at me like I was an alien because I have not been like that with junk in quite some time, but we all have our moments.

My baby girl requested her favorite meal to celebrate her dance recital so I was making stuffed shells (I stuff mine with Italian sausage in the mix, so yummy) Garlic bread and salad. Followed by a vanilla and chocolate checker board cake with chocolate ganache dripping down it and M & M chocolate chip cookies. Oh and we roasted some marshmallows by the fire and had some Coconut M& Ms, which I don't like by the way lol thank goodness. So yeah it was a lot of junk, more than I "planned". BUT I had a great day with the family and got right back on track the next day with Nutrition and legs and cardio that Sunday! It was a scheduled cheat, but I would have liked to contain it a little more to like a 3 hour period. I did end up holding myself off on the wine, which was hard. I really wanted a glass by the fire. But my goal is to avoid the alcohol all together for the 8 weeks. A cheat meal is one thing, but alcoholic beverages are another. And I may do a whole blog later on the affects of alcohol while dieting... far worse than anything you can eat, and it has very little to do with the actual calories.

So onto this week... I usually reset my brain in two week phases. Regroup, refocus, download some new songs, write out some new workouts, change the diet, change the cardio, and set a goal for the next two weeks. But this week is going to have to be a slight floater week. I have not missed the gym or had any slip ups with food, BUT this is official moving week at our house. I can't say I've been focused on anything but that. It has been nothing but packing, cleaning, taking loads over to the new house every night. Canceling utilities, sending final bills, changing our addresses. It's before work, it's after work, at work. Anyone who has moved knows how consuming it is . And then anyone who has done it with three kids WELLLL you know! lol OH yeah and to boot it has been up to 100 degrees here almost all week (GREAT moving weather!)

Wednesday night I came home from the gym and my husband had taken apart all the beds and put the mattresses on the floor and it was like a giant ROMPA ROOM for the kids! I walked in and they were literally SPRINTING BACK AND FORTH through the house yelling "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES YOU GIANT PANSIES!" (lol Madagascar) My little guy Broderick told me our house was messy and asked me to clean it up lol even he can't take it and he's not even 4!! BUT soon we will be settled and in our new house :) its just part of the process.

I did get a kick out of cleaning out my kitchen cabinets though... I had typical mommy baking stuff in one cabinet, then about 30 supplement bottles in the other lol I have TWO ICIE CONE Machines AND a tub of dream tan in my kitchen (talk about a fitmomma lol)

So I am still on this journey! As of Saturday we will spend our first night in the new house. As of Sunday come hell or high water I will REFOCUS, REGROUP, and establish a more solid plan and goals. It's not like I haven't progressed. 3 lbs and two inches in two weeks I will take, but I want TO FEEL like I am challenging myself a little more. I did put on my "little shorts". You know those shorts we have from our "tiny summers" lol. These shorts I haven't wore since summer of 08 right after I was getting ready for Jr. Nats, I haven't even attempted to get my big butt in them cause I just wasn't feeling it, and would have been lucky to get them over my knees LOL

I did get them on... well let me clarify "get them on"... I wiggled them up, sucked in... zipped, and then held my breath and waited for a button to pop lol. Ern said hey they're on, they don't look that bad. But I was spilling out of them every which way lol they DID look bad! haha not my style fit. So I know no matter what my scale says, those shorts don't lie... they will be an added guide to my progress. When I can pull them up, breath in them, and have no fear of them cutting into me anywhere, I will have reached a nice summer goal physique! This week moving is my challenge though, and I am very excited for it to be OVER! I may even start up some AM cardio NEXT week!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful LONG WEEKEND!! Enjoy the weather, time outside, healthy food on the grill, time with family and friends, and some nice workouts squeezed in there!

2010-05-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

So I officially as of Tuesday May 11 have started my 8 week challenge (I'll tell you more about it later it's really not my focus right now) Just a good little motivational tool to keep me very accountable to my goals, and if I was to be chosen it would just be icing on the cake. In any case I'll be in better shape for the summer!! AND my goal is to shoot for a summer photo shoot!! I have a friend of a friend who is a photographer just kinda starting out, but she takes beautiful pictures, and asked if I would ever do a fitness shoot with her. I was thrilled!! One... more motivation for me, and TWO sometimes working with photographers who have an open mind and creativity can result is some of the most amazing pictures!

Let me explain how the whole fitness picture scenario works as many think I have PAID for my pics like so many who want to get into this industry have. I have a portfolio, it covers fitness, competition, swimsuit, and even lingerie/ pin up. There are three different ways you can get pictures... you can A - pay a photographer for them. B - you can do what's called TFCD or TFP meaning - meaning a mutual agreement of the pay to each the photographer and the model is the actual shots (Time for Prints). Meaning you can use them in your portfolio and they can use them in theirs. You may have a look they need, and they may have a style you need. IT CAN BE a win win... I say CAN because it needs to be determined EXACTLY what the arrangements are and a SIGNED contract still needs to be established and completed. Then the third way is a photographer can PAY YOU. Meaning they hire you as a model to shoot and then in most cases have rights to your images and can make profit off of them, or use them in their portfolios or on their sites.

Everyone is different how they choose to handle photo shoots. I personally have NEVER paid a penny for pictures, with the exception of my very first photo shoot with Reg Bradford. It was money well spent and an experience as a newbie that I think I needed. It being such a positive experience and him being so great it just sent me in the right direction. Most of my photos have come from TFCD with local smocal (no offense to you guys ;) photographers and I have been able to get some great shots! Some have been featured in Muscular development (all local non fitness photographers!) Not to say I wouldn't like to eventually work with more well known in the industry, and I will when I'm ready - Lisa Brewer is top of the list for me as well as Dan Ray. Its just this is a passion/hobby for me, so I'm not willing to pay top dollar for pictures if this is not my career. Is it money well spent? Sure great pictures are priceless. But what will it do for you? I am also not willing to accept pay from mediocre photographers. Meaning $150 for a photo shoot sounds like easy money right? But if you have horrible photos of you out there floating around on sketchy sites for $150 is that really worth it? To me it's not, so I am very picky who I work with. I prefer QUALITY over QUANTITY.

I did have one experience where I was paid for a shoot. The photographer was very nice and professional, but the pictures did not come out good at all, on top of that there was a miscommunication and he thought I was also going to for extra money be the test model for his photography group. Have random new photographers that I know nothing about or where these pictures are going take my pictures for what?? for $300???? No. Just not my thing. I also don't prefer heavily airbrushed photos for my own portfolio. I mean if they're going to be in a magazine go ahead make me look like Halle Berry with a 6 pack lol but in my portfolio, the more real the better. ONE - many photographers are not as good at airbrushing as they think they are, and with my skin coloring I have seen some weird weird stuff lol Plus in my experiences of sending out photos for submissions, most PREFER under touched vs OVER TOUCHED photos. So just know what you are getting into and what you are getting out of it. This "industry" is full of sketchy people. So if you get a request for a photo shoot, don't get too excited first. Check references, Check out their work, and READ EVERY line in the contract you will sign. And ask yourself even if you are getting paid, besides that $$ what are you getting out of it, and at what cost? And remember once its snapped it's out there FOREVER - just ask Scott Brown the naked senator ;)

So back to the challenge, ironically the prize is a PHOTO SHOOT lol but a PHOTO SHOOT I would be MORE than HONERED to HAVE and its with a TOP FITNESS MAGAZINE! Again I'm not focusing on the prize at hand but MY little personal journey! My way to focus, my way to share, and my way to motivate myself and others! I took my before picture and measurents and all. I will post them probably in two weeks when I do my check in and have some updated progress. I always try to do every two weeks because honestly weekly is just too soon for me. God forbid I only progress a little in 7 days, it can get frustrating even if I feel better, two weeks keeps me focused, but not obsessed. And I always seemed more pleased because its more progress. Total head game but it works for me.

Now I'm gonna give you the short and quick of what I'm doing. Not because I don't want to share but because I'm just keeping my head above water barely as its been so crazy. I haven't been logging food or even counting calories which is BAD BAD for beginners, but I've been doing this so long I know exactly how to eat and train to start to get my body moving. Week one officially started Tuesday the 11th for me. My basic layout is as follows:

Training: 4 day split - Shoulders, Arms, Legs, Back - staying my typical style which is always at least two basic heavy compound movements, pyramiding down in reps, and up in weight, followed by usually one or two other exercises which can be anything from super setted isolations, to a giant set, to a tear down set. I am TRYING my best to do a different workout each and every time I walk into the gym in some way and NOT use a log book *GASP* I know bad girl. Again what I am doing I am not recommending for beginners, BUT I have been training/competing for almost 8 years now . I want change, I want fun, I want low pressure for a bit and as LONG as its working, I'm okay for now, until my goals change.

Cardio - TOTAL 5 hours per week - don't care when, don't care what, don't car how I split it, as long as at the end of the week I have done five hours total. This is VERY NEW to me!! Normally I schedule my cardio out each week. Mornings, post workout, High intensity, low intensity, I even have exact printed programs I use to use with Mike Davies. But the fly by the seat of my pants again NO PRESSURE, NO STRESS, and once again IT"S WORKING!!!!! If I slack at the beginning of the week guess who's doing hour long sessions on the weekend? If I'm good and can get my butt up in the AM guess who has the evening off? What is the focus? CONSISTENCY! GET IT DONE!

Nutrition - This is going to come off very vague because this is JUST how I eat when I'm being good, it just IS. Hubby goes food shopping every week, and has been since Christmas and never uses a grocery list, its just what we eat. I don't count calories or measure at this point because I am comfortable with the progress I am making. But it will get more precise the further I get in. See why I hire a trainer to compete ever since I had the boys? Actually writing out and changing your food precisely TAKES TIME and energy, even if you know how to do it. Much more time than clicking on your inbox and reading eat this, at this time, DONE.

So I'm eating 5- 6 meals a day approximate macro nutrient break down:

25 grams of protein per meal (average) - it's really 30 in three and 20 in two - sources of protein - chicken, lean ground turkey, tuna, eggs, whey protein, (white fish two to three times a week), lean red meat (usually only once a week for now)

30 grams of carbs in three meals AM, LUNCH, and POST WORKOUT - two meals are starchy (usually brown rice, occasional red potatoes, or melba toast) and the other meals the carbs come from fruits and vegetables - only fruits I eat are strawberries, oranges, and apples.

45 grams of healthy fats from yolks, turkey bacon, olive oil, olives, almonds

If you do out that math it's roughly 1400 - 1500 calories with -
35% of my calories coming from protein
33% coming from carbs
27% coming from fat

Now what I have laid out her is for a transformation challenge, it is not my contest style planning/ My goal is with more tweaks, alterations and personalizing to my body and life, I want to see what I can do in 8 weeks. But also know I am not stepping on stage. I promised as many ask "what do you eat?" "what do you do?" to post actual meals and or recipes I use along the way as well as workouts and pictures. Over the course of eight weeks if you are following along you should have a good jist of ways to get your body moving! I can't promise to be the best as life is crazy but I will indeed TRY!!

I will say for sure, my BUSY will NEVER slow down, EVER! Quick run down - Friday night kids drop off at gymnastics for 3 hours and date night. Saturday - I worked in the morning, while daddy went to tee ball, and food shopping. Then we all went to a birthday party. Sunday YARD SALE at our house, cleaning moving, getting rid of stuff for the move, then time with the FAM, my brother and his wife are visiting. Monday Errands with the boys, and my daughter's dance dress rehearsal. Tuesday worked 10 hours, hubby worked even later, home, dinner, kids in bed and then gym. And of course the gym was intertwined all the other days too... so slowing down or waiting for "perfect timing" is never going to happen. So I have to learn how to roll with it. If this is any indication to how like a chicken with my head cut off it can get, I put my capris on this evening a looked down to put on some lotion and had to laugh. I felt it before I saw it actually. Rub one leg with lotion, smooth. Rub the other leg with lotion... spiky LMAO!!! Looked down and sure as crap, I somehow had one LEG shaved... ONLY ONE!!! haha it made me laugh! Talk about not taking enough time to finish a thought lol

Hence my make shift plan lol I will tell you it's working!! I know I know I said two weeks but I'm a girl, I get on the scale occasionally lol and I do know I am already down!! I won't say how much yet though until the full two weeks is up. An interesting part about my measurements, that I am fully embracing is my HIPS are the largest they have ever been at this weight. What girl would be happy about that right? lol A girl with an athletic body type. When I lose, I lose from my head to my toes. And when I get on stage my hips get as low as 35 or 34 inches!! YUCK YUCK no curves! They are 39 right now and although I know a lot of that is fat, and will go, I hope some of it is new found MEAT lol. Women usually have a hard time with their lower bodies, I usually do not. Lets put it this way Ron Harris who is a writer for a bodybuilding magazine saw me this past October in Boston and he asked me what I was doing different. Said I looked great! And I thought to myself you crazy crazy man, I'm 25lbs HEAVIER than what I compete at, I'm eating! That's what I'm doing lol But he said to me, you use to look great, but I always wanted to feed you a hamburger, you look much better with a little meat on your bones. WELL MEAT unless its muscle, is usually body fat. So as I reduce that, lets hope some MEAT is lean muscle and the squats have paid off!!

Until next time everyone enjoy their week!! And make shift what you have to to get it done!! Even if it's ONE LEG at a TIME ;)

2 moment of truths that never fail!

2010-05-12T18:15:00.001-07:00

Wanna know my moment of truth??? Progress pictures and checking my bank account lol In that order haha Well progress pics were a necessary, I hit that floating stage I so desperately don't want to hover in to comfortably. That stage where I've made progress, but need a new goal to make more. And I've FOUND IT!!

I would have liked it to be competing, but it's just out of the question right now, because of the second moment of truth, the bank account lol. Well not just that but the so many life events coming up... All I have to say is moving to a new house AND renovating it, starting preschool X 2, I'm going back to school!! (tell you more about that when I get there), summer camps for the kids, the boys birthday, and summer vacation. My bank account just groaned slightly. It's all good and worth it, I can't complain, but the last thing I'm thinking is added expense of competing. Anyways, this is not a wah wah, woah is me blog, trust me.

It's actually quite the opposite... I had my pity day yesterday. I started to blog and then said you know what? NOTHING good can possibly come out of my mouth when I feel like this. Did bills all day and, surprise surprise robing from Peter to pay Paul (eventually Peter's gonna throw a rock through my window), who hasn't been there? Talked to my advisor at school and even though she told me Chemistry was not available for the summer, IT was! Just not the class she wanted me to take, but one that fits into my requirements. Now I have to fight to get into it... wish me luck!! And then what seemed like the longest day and one little nucance after another. Instead of coming home having a few glasses of wine and eating my weight in chocolate like I really wanted to, I hit the gym!!! BACK, CARDIO, and TANNED and it was sooooooo needed. Perfect timing. Took me away to my own little place, able to refocus, and remember how blessed I am. Able to just release... the gym is my prozac!!

And with that I was on to the next challenge... came home and thought about something I have been "thinking about". And decided on a down day, it's a perfect day to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and step it up. Do not allow a down day to dictate my emotions, choices, or continue to ruin my mojo! Health, energy, prosperity!! Too much to be thankful for to pout and do the woah is me. And out of that came pushing, progress pics, and a new challenge... Those who persevere when they're down, when they really don't want to, that does amazing things for character and confidence!

8 weeks... 2 months... 56 days... 1344 minutes ...what could I do to my body in 8 weeks? I can get ready for a show in 12... so what can I do if I push for 8??? Well, we shall see! It's time to put it out there, throw myself back in. No more comfort zone, just DO IT. So before pics were taken, and tomorrow the challenge will be entered"officially".

Now I'm not saying that will be my only down day, that I'm cured and ready to move head strong for 8 weeks unstoppable. We are human. Humans get tired, they get moody, they get hungry, they get annoyed, they FEEL, they LIVE. Anyone who try's to convince you they don't is living a quiet pain alone. But we can CHOOSE how to move forward through these down periods. What was my moment of truth move forward moment? ONE, enrolling in school and two my BEFORE pics. Not gonna lie, I'm scared as hell about school, AND I'm not happy with my before pics, that's why they're "before"s. But both steps were necessary for me and beneficial. So that's my positives out of my BAD DAY. That and my kids and hubs can always make me smile NO MATTER WHAT!!

So my plan, to track my progress every two weeks and breakdown what I'm doing. This is because I get many many questions and emails, and to blog it is much easier than replying to the same questions over and over. Trust me I don't mind them, I enjoy them, it's just more efficient this way. I always end up posting my before pics/weights/ measurements... but its usually not until I'm a safe distance away from them lol so be patient. Next blog I will tell you exact plan layout for week one, AND exact challenge. I am excited!!!

More Than A Plastic Trophy, Journey of True Champions

2010-05-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

This was a 500 word essay for a BB contest I wrote back in 07 after competing. I wish I kept the original because it was double in length but I cut it down for the contest. Many have seen it some have not, but felt it appropriate to share after my MOMMY's Day Blog...

You step out on that stage and glare into the lights head first, with not so much as a flutter. You give the judges a quick half smile as if to say “It’s show time, keep your eyes right here, I’m READY!”

It’s your time to shine!!!! This is what you’ve slaved for. You feel that rush go through your body, that rush that you live for. You squeeze every muscle from head to toe, and feel the blood PULSE through your veins. Strutting your stuff and holding your head up high, smiling from ear to ear, you glide across that stage as if you BELONG there. Not with an arrogance or cockiness, but with pride and respect for yourself, and this amazing sport and journey you have been lucky enough to have bring you to this stage. And at that very moment you KNOW… you just feel it in your bones - I HAVE WON!!!!

You made it up on stage in front of all these people, half naked and waiting for a panel of seven people to pick your body apart. As you are willingly being compared to other athletes with amazing physiques, you know you've put your body through hell and back and survived. You’ve battled your inner demons of self doubt and esteem and won. When it was pouring rain and you had to drag two infants to the gym, you went. When you were dog tired from 2 am feedings, you got up and did what you had to and stayed the course. When your house was a mess and you left it for the next day to do double cardio, you lived. All the countless number of school bake sales, birthday parties, play dates, BBQ's with all the tempting junk food; you brought your food, didn’t care about the stares, and stayed strong on your plan. Through your whole family (including you) having the stomach bug and puking for 24 hours you just got right back on plan the next day. And most significantly, when negative people around you implied you were crazy to get back on stage after just having twins… you wanted desperately to prove that you could do it and you did! At that moment on stage I had won, I had already won!

When all your work has molded your body into proof of your passion, discipline, dedication, sacrifice, and raw desire, you know you’ve WON. NO ONE can give you that feeling and NO ONE can take it away from you! It strictly comes from digging down deep into your soul and pushing further and harder than you’ve ever pushed before. It’s a glorifying, awe – inspiring, and an unexplainable feeling. At that time on stage you feel compelled to just scream “No one determines my destiny but me. I take FULL responsibility for ALL MY DREAMS and ASPIRATIONS. I don't do it for money. I don't do it for FAME. I don’t even do it for a trophy. I simply do it for ME!!!”

Is it all about the experience? I use to think that was something we tell losers to make them feel better. But that's not the case, the truth in that statement can be found true of any competitor who has ever poured their heart into this sport and had “the balls” to step on stage. Everyone is a winner for pushing through and bringing their best package to stage… BELIEVE it because that is the code of a true competitor.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2010-05-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

So it's Mother's Day... and as you know I am too blessed to be stressed! I enjoyed the day the most relaxing way I could, with my family I love.

I hope EVERY mom out there got to enjoy some part of their day, how they wanted to.

♥Motherhood brings as much joy as ever,but it still brings boredom, exhaustion, and sorrow too. Nothing else ever will make you as happy or as sad, as proud or as tired, for nothing is quite as hard as helping a person develop his own individuality, especially while you struggle to keep your own.♥ Of all our rights as women, being a mother is indeed the greatest.

Now something that was recently said by a famous fitness expert about pregnancy was brought to my attention. And it not only made me lose a lot of respect for this person, but inspired me to finally get around to my blog about getting in shape after baby. This IS, I have to say one of the NUMBER ONE questions I get from women. Is it possible, will my body ever be the same?

Jillian Michaels said she plans to adopt because she can't handle what pregnancy will do to her body, she went on to say it RUINS the body. Not only will I say this is a horrible statement for a women who is considered a role model in health to say, but it also to me shows she still carries strong body image issues from her youth of being heavy. While I will be the very first to ADMIT that pregnancy will indeed CHANGE your body... RUIN it? NO. You are growing a human being inside of you, and if your only concern is what your stomach will look like after, than yes you indeed should not have children. This mentality though as a role model is very dangerous because again are we promoting that women's bodies after babies are ruined? Are we saying that any over a certain size is ruined? As much as I PROMOTE healthy living, fitness, and bodybuilding. I also PROMOTE realistic goals, and REALISTICALLY, NOTHING is ruined! Anything can be worked with. You have to work at it, and adjust your mentality and confidence accordingly.

Put me next to an 18 year old with perfectly taught skin, not a mark, blemish or discoloration, and do I feel ruined? NO! I am PROUD of what I have, I work hard for what I have. Although stretch marks annoy me because they're not something I can really control, I would never trade my "ruined" body for motherhood! So for every fabulous Mommy out there who takes pride in her body, and takes pride in the fact that it not only can don a two piece with the best of em, but can grow and feed a baby!! This blog is for you!! So how did I do it? How did or do I recommend getting into shape after baby?

Number one... focus... a new baby is one of the biggest most rewarding challenges of your life. And the number one way to succeed at both being a happy mommy and a fit mommy is SCHEDULE and ROUTINE. It's best for you, best for baby, and best for your body. It does not come easy. It takes some time to get into it, so give yourself some time. But getting routine with eating for you, feeding for baby, sleeping for you, sleeping for baby, playtime routine, story time routine, the more routine, the better the planning, the easier your life will be.

Number one NATURAL CALORIE BURNER... BREAST FEEDING. Not only can it be one of the most beautiful experiences between you and baby, many added nutritional benefits, cheaper than formula, but it's just an added bonus that it burns TONS of calories, and helps your uterus to contract faster helping you get back to pre pregnancy size sooner. Now I am pro breastfeeding BUT ONLY if it works for both mommy, baby, and family. It is a PERSONAL choice and sometimes it's not the best depending on the situation and circumstances.

Next your nutrition should be of utmost concern. Not only getting balanced meals, but eating often throughout the day. Plenty of water, and calcium. The best rule of thumb without even going to much into nutrition is KEEP IT NATURAL... the less processed the better.

And finally exercise. I say finally because having a newborn at home this may be the last thing on your mind. You can start with simply shooting for 3 hour long stroller walks a week. Once you've conquered healthy eating and the 3 hour cardio sessions for 2 weeks, move on... next would be some type of resistance training. It doesn't have to even be the gym yet... start with a basic body weighted routine you can do at home 3 times a week for about 30 minutes. Pushups, lunges, dips, squats, crunches, plank (10 - 12 reps each) repeat 3 times. Once you conquer this for two weeks in addition to the food, in addition to the 3 walks, add on some higher intensity plyo type exercises (jump squats, jump lunges, burpees, mountain climbers).

So you did the nutrition for two weeks, added the cardio for two, added the body weight exercise for two, and then added the plyos. 8 weeks in you should be making progress, feeling good, on somewhat of a routine, and ready to rock to the next level. This can mean joining a gym, and going from there, OR making a educated researched purchase of something resistance based you both CAN and WILL do at home consistently. Did you hear that? CAN AND WILL. Do not purchase something and "hope" you will do it. Determine HOW BADLY you want to first.

When I first wanted to start adding in resistance, the gym with my schedule and the kids being so little was out of the question. So I did THE FIRM videos and made some progress with them. CONSISTENCY is the key. I'm not saying these videos are the holy grail, but they are a good start and definitely better than NOTHING.

This was my journey...

I'll start by saying I was on bed rest and hospitalized on and off for most of my pregnancy with the boys. So not only was working out not an option while I was pregnant but simply walking around wasn't either. But I was determined to eat what the babies needed and not much more... I did boost energy drinks to get the calcium, vitamins, and extra protein and I tried to eat a lot of fruits and veggies. Surprisingly I despised meat while I was pregnant but forced in chicken on my salads and I loved eggs... I also lived on cheese sticks and almonds. I only gained 30 lbs BUT my belly was GINORMOUS!!!!

Then I had the boys by c-section in July of 07, so that meant no more exercise for another 6 weeks!!!! Immediately after delivery I started cleaning up my nutrition - my boys were preemies so I was still going back and forth to the hospital everyday to see them, feed them, bathe them and bond with them, plus my older daughter was home, and missing us - so we were spread very thin...

There was barely enough time to eat, never mind cook and plan out food, but I knew I needed to get focused. So I ordered nutri - system to get me started. It's mostly pre packaged and you can just heat stuff up. It's on the medium protein, low glycemic carbs idea. It's higher processed and sodium than I would have liked, but it was more balanced than I would have had time to do, and price wise it was affordable and convenient. I would only recommend it if you had absolutely no choice, as whole natural foods ARE MUCH BETTER. But again sometimes you need to improvise instead of miss the boat completely... I lost 12 pound in 3 weeks so it sent me in the right direction. Once the boys came home I honestly kind of floundered around on no particular food plan and kind of kept putting it off until I could go to the gym.

Once that 6 week mark came I was back in the gym (only 3 days a week - lifting)and even that was sporadic so I was supplementing with the FIRM videos at home when I couldn't get there and starting doing the basic 40% protein - 40% carbs 20% fat style nutrition. Very balanced and average calories with dairy, fruit, and some processed foods, but I started slowly dropping. I didn't have a goal weight I just wanted to get back into routine and shape.

After the holidays I decided I was ready to push and get back on stage. 12 weeks out I started on my pre- contest plan and weighed 130. Diet was 7 meals a day - 20 - 25 grams of protein in each meal, starchy carbs in the first three meals and post workout, then fibrous carbs in the rest.
Weights five days a week
Cardio 4 mornings for a half hour
About 6 weeks out I went to add in some double cardio sessions and starches in only the AM meal and post workout meal

Supplements:
Multi- VIT
Glutamine
Vitamin B - complex
Vitamin C
Hot rox

And for my first show on April 14th
I weighed in at 118

This was something I wrote for a message board after I competed when someone asked me HOW I COULD DO IT with 8 month old twins and a 6 year old...

I TRULY believe my patience and positive perspective comes from my attitude with training and competing... Plus the constant healthy fuel and energy I get from working out gives me the energy I need to make it through our crazy day! We said when we decided to have another baby (which ended up being two more), we were gonna keep family and fitness our focus no matter what! And honestly after being home and being MOMMY all day - I so look forward to the gym time where no ones calling my name, I don't have to clean cheerios, and I can't hear Barney in the background - lol - plus I get to spend alone time with my hubby!

This is a typical day training and home life schedule - Haha... when I type it out it seems worse - lol

I wake up at 4:45 am AM cardio, tanning,

Dad leaves for work at 6:15 ish.
6:30 - Boys are fed, changed, and up in the playpen
6:30 -7:30 Bianca wakes up and starts getting ready for school (shower, chores, breakfast)

Bianca’s brought to school at 7:45
8:00 – 9:00 - Come home playtime with boys
9:00 – feed & change boys
9:30 – 11:30 naptime for boys – clean house, make phone calls, check emails, cook food etc.
11:30 boys wake up – get them ready for the day
12:00-12:30 – feed & change the boys
12:30 – 1:30 – play time
2:00 – pick up Bianca from school
2:00 – 4:00 - Naptime for the boys… Mom & Bianca do Homework, Snack time, more chores, start getting ready for Gymnastics

4:30 – feed & change boys (Dad’s usually home right around 5)
5:00 – Bring Bianca to gymnastics (she goes every week day from 5-8,except Thurs - she's on a USA gymnastics team

5:30- 6:45 – Mom & Dad Workout together at the gym (boys go into gym playcare)
7:00 – dinner and start bedtime routine
8:00pm – One of us feeds & put boys to bed, while the other picks up Bianca from gymnastics and starts dinner for her…we spend alone time with her while she eats dinner and talks for a bit then bedtime for her at 8:45 ish
9:00-10:00 – we relax, unwind, check emails, clean-up, shower and usually try to be in bed by 10:00, 10:30 (the boys usually wake up once, maybe twice in the middle of the night, usually feed them around 2:30am)
This is our schedule mainly Monday through Friday, now of course we adjust a little for doctor’s appointment, must do errands, work meetings, PTO meetings, school events etc. In between all that I eat 6 meals and drink a gallon of water!

But we pretty much don't waiver from that schedule... it doesn't always work but most of the time it does... we just look at it as if you want something bad enough you find a way to do it all... we want a family and we love bodybuilding/fitness/figure so we feel lucky enough to be able to experience the best of both worlds!!! Whenever we start getting stressed I always say that famous saying "WE ARE TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!" <<<<<<< haha I wrote this in 07!! lol

So to all the mommies out there it CAN BE DONE... nothing ruins your body! You are in CONTROL! Motherhood is a blessing that many cannot even grasp until they experience it!

So Happy Mother's Day to ALL THE FABULOUS MOMMIES OUT THERE!!! And a Special HAPPY MOTHER"S day to the mommies who make an effort to take care of themselves too, it does take effort...we're so busy taking care of our families, it's so easy to forget about us!

Some pics of my journey...

Helllllloooo BELLY
♥ Being a mother has made my life COMPLETE♥

This was in October (the twins were 3 months old) me and my Mini ME were going to the Circus. Now remember... this was only 3 days a week back in the gym, focus is ON NUTRITION... the thing we can control that doesn't necessarily take time, just self control and planning.

This is where I started 12 weeks out

This was 8 weeks later

And this was a DAY before my show... which I will also mention I got the stomach bug and threw up for 18 hours straight a day and a half before stepping on stage

ANDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD the result My first OVERALL FIGURE WINNNN BLNPA PRO CARD and my twins were 8 months old!!!

Would I love a body of an 18 year old with perfect skin? OF COURSE, who wouldn't? But one it's not realistic forever, and two I will take my stretch marks ALL DAY LONG for what I got for them thank you...

I will have my cake (my family) and EAT IT TOO (my two piece) lol
And all of these pics were 8 months POST TWINS :) I am proud of my "ruined" body!!

Live IT... Love IT... Learn IT...

2010-05-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

It's pretty simple really... I LIVE for my family, I LOVE FITNESS, and I am ALWAYS learning how to balance it all. This weekend, actually this week... was spectacular! All my favorite things: Music, friends, family, warm weather, food, cocktails and bodybuilding!

It started off Wednesday night heading out with some girlfriends to see Colbie Callait at Salisbury Beach. Great time, good music, some beach pizza, fun girls, some beers (everything in moderation). The weekend was non-stop... GORGEOUS WEATHER. I had a park date with the kids, grilled out with the family, went to the beach, sat by the fire, played in the hose, celebrated my Dad's birthday, girls nail date with my mom and daughter, spent the day in Boston, went out to lunch with hubby, watched the NPC Jay Cutler Classic, hit chuck e cheese today and still managed to get all my food in and not miss a workout, and only cheated planned on Wednesday night and Sunday. That is what I call PERFECT!! It takes balance, a lot of planning, and a STRONG desire to do it. And it can be done stress free.

Every time you wanna blow off food and working out for a nice weekend, just remember what's most important? Family first, fitness next, and the fun will come naturally! So this blog is just a quick update short and sweet. I am starting a new challenge and need to get organized before that, so I can share my progress :) I am also trying to put together other blogs requested, and I will share pics from this weekend... GREAT SHOW in BOSTON!

What Knocks a Super Mommy Down??

2010-04-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

So... so far I have had positive blogs. Ranting and raving energy, decisions, planning, good health etc. But remember I told you they can't all be sunshine and flowers... WHAT KNOCKS A SUPER MOMMY DOWN??

Illness! And with three kids its bound to find its way in... no matter how nutritionally sound your diet is, how in tune you are with your immune system and no matter how pro active you are with your health. It happens. But it always seems like when it rains it pours and THIS IS a struggle for me. Accepting the things that I cannot change, and dealing with them. I can be dog tired and drag myself out for AM cardio, I can have a crazy day at work and get to the gym late and force myself to focus on my workout. I can be craving salty crunchy foods and choose foods that help me achieve my goals instead. BUT if my kids get sick I drop everything to take care of them, and if I get really ill I have to adhere to doctors orders somewhat.

I mean I can't say that I have horrible health, or that we're always sick, cause we're not. We have been very blessed considering. I mean our boys were preemies with very compromised immune systems and knock on wood they have never even had ear infections. I've made it through winters without more than one or two doctors visits, which with three kids is pretty good. But like I said when it rains it pours.

It's not horrible it's just when you have a set plan of action that involves certain progressions with no missed workouts, or following nutrition, it is frustrating to say the least when things happen that are out of your control. I've learned to pick up the pieces and just move forward, but it takes some adjusting your attitude when you are forced to slow down from illness. Prior to aging slightly (yes I'm still young) and my family growing, this NEVER happened to me. Year after year and show after show I never had a set back at all. Well time and life takes a toll and little things happen. Like I said it's pretty minor, but enough to alter my plans that it bothers me.

The beginning of this year, I had a small issue with a cyst bursting. It was actually a small nuisance of an issue, but very painful and until diagnosed properly was thought to be appendicitis among other things. So obviously I was instructed to take some time off the gym until that was resolved. Then back in strong for a few months, and was met with a week of my recent allergy act up and sinus infection... again that was pretty minor, a quick fix, but altered about a half of a week of training.

And NOW about three weeks later the STOMACH BUG!!! Uggg this is the worse! And in a family of five it takes time to make it's way through the family. I don't know what's worse actually vomiting until you can't move, or watching your children do it and feeling helpless :(. And then the loads and loads of laundry and cleaning that follows. Ever tried to teach a three year old how to direct his vomit into a bucket or a toilet?

My point is in 08 it was a series like this that eventually made me throw in the towel, I just could not handle it anymore. I felt like every time we got better something else came and knocked us down. But now I've learned you just live with it... you miss work, you just get back in and prove your work ethic that much more, when you're a hard worker no one really questions it like you think they would. You miss the gym and lose some weight you just get back in and hit it harder. Life is full of ups and downs and illness is one of those things sometimes we can't control. I have taken a vow to REFUSE to let it get me down, I always think it could be worse.

But in all reality, this is where I struggled with competing... in a 12 week period if I get knocked off track twice due to illness, am I standing next to someone who has never been knocked off track. Someone who doesn't have a family to take care of, someone who can plan their day according to no one but themselves. This use to mess with my head. You know the old saying if you don't give 110% there is someone else who will. This use to really get me down... but now I've reached that point in my life where MY ALL is different from someone else's all, and I'm not in this to worry about what the person next to me is doing. As long as I KNOW I'm doing MY ALL that's all that matters! This is a personal accomplishment! And if I do get back on stage I hope to INSTILL this mentality into my prep. Competition is a beautiful thing, but getting wrapped up in it, is not.

So the moral of my blog take advantage of health, because being sick, even if only for a few days is NOT FUN! I did get in for an hour of cardio this morning and some posing practice with a girlfriend competing next weekend at the Jay Cutler Classic in Boston, but I came home to more sickness and not feeling so great myself. The good thing about stomach bugs is they pass quickly, so lets hope and pray by Tuesday ish we're all ready to rock in the Villers Household!

Back Training!!!

2010-04-18T18:15:00.001-07:00

Soooo as I said before Friday night is usually back night! I try to plan it that way as it's quieter in the gym, and I usually don't have any rush with it being a weekend night. Generally speaking for workouts I like to go for heavy and quick, versus long and high volume. This has been what works for me, everyone is different. I know many who do higher volume and it works wonderfully for them. Honestly a good friend of mine Sweet Capri (Amanda) does slightly higher volume and the girls back is to DIE FOR! But its always been a strong suit for her and she has a lot to work with and that's what works for her. It's important to play around with different splits/different exercises and see what works for your body.

I have always for the most part lifted in the 10 - 15 rep range. Always doing at the very least 4 exercises for back - two lat pull down width exercises, and two width/thickness row type exercises. Always 3-4 sets for each that's 12 - 16 sets for back. It's pretty typical for what most do. Then I tried to split back width and back thickness on different days, allowing me to completely annihilate them individually even more. While I definitely improved and noticed some changes, as you will with any consistent intense style training, it wasn't until I completely altered my training that I noticed the biggest change. I started a lower volume heavier training style. Heavy deads, heavy rows, lower reps and less volume. In order to be able to execute this style of training properly it really is a mental adjustment. Your goal is FULL, COMPLETE, MUSCLE Failure, possibly with as little as two exercises.

For most of us the thought of this seems like slacking. How can we not hit the back from different angles? How can we exhaust it with under 10 sets? It seems to go against the grain of what most creating a aesthetic physique would do. And like I said it may not be ideal for everyone. IT takes a certain mentality to be able to wrap your head and your energy around this style of training and embrace it. For me personally, it was the key to making the most out of my gains. I do utilize many different styles and try to rotate in even higher volume some weeks so as not to get bored or stale in my workouts. But for my staple, lower volume seems to have worked best for me. Of course I have to say much success came from proper nutrition in the off season as well, as higher calories/protein/carbs and consistency were key as well.

But as I carried through that off season that I made the most gains, I stuck to strict strict DC style training. If you don't know what that is, google Dante's Dog Crap Training, and it'll give you a jist. I stuck to it piece by piece, rule by rule, logbook, negatives, rest pause, isos, the whole kit and caboodle. Although I don't totally train like that now I do take some of the concepts and incorporate them into my workouts.

So Friday's workout:

Deads: warm up 95 X15, 135 X 12, 185 X 10, 205 X 5

Lat pull downs(with arnold bar - hands facing in) 3 sets - 90lb X 12

Bent over DB rows 2 sets 40lbs X 10

Cable rows - 1 set 75lbs X 15

Nothing spectacular and numbers aren't important, just like to give people an idea of the progressions and reps... first exercise is MY ALL OUT... pyramid down in reps as the weights continues to increase. Switched to lat pull downs I went lighter with higher reps. By then for me, I try to keep it short and sweet from there, some rows to finish it out medium weight, medium rep range. Could I do more? Doesn't look like much right? My feeling is, if I could do more I didn't train hard enough on those first two exercises. But because my strength is getting back up it is slowly getting back to that point of failure which is perfect!

Her are some progress pics of my back...

First pic fall of 07 (I believe I was 10 weeks out)... the boys were only a year old so I had only been back to lifting for like 9 months... see I didn't have much to work with lol

Then Mid Off season beginning of 08...

And then getting ready for Junior Nats in 08 - 8 weeks out...

It's not perfect, it definitely still needs much improvement, and I'm "hoping as I strip off fat I've added maybe a tad more, I know it's just a tad because I need more solid time. But I have to say the change in training has made a difference... so here is to more DEADS in my future, more consistency and planning, and BYPASSING my PR of 225 X 6... again its not about numbers but that and pics are good tools to know you're growing and getting stronger!

**And I hate to even add this but it often needs to be reminded when comparing results, I am 100% natural, always have been, I mean even OTC natural... so gains come at different rates for different people especially depending on age, length of training, and enhanced or not.

2010-04-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

"I know you see me lookin girl go on and act right,
a little closer let me see you in the spotlight,
now turn around and let me see just what your curve like."

Yes this is from a JT song lol, I listen to it almost EVERY workout at the beginning. Gives me that stage sass confidence to start visualizing sh*t. Sound crazy? It shouldn't, visualizing is one hell of a powerful tool! As I get closer to stage time, and even if I never do, it's still powerful and I use it more and more as I focus. Pre-contest I will actually visualize my poses and utilize that posing with isometric exercises. It's all in your head, 90% of this is in your head. Not only does practice make perfect, but so does mental strength and BELIEF in yourself.

I say it all the time, but if you don't believe you deserve to be on that stage, if you don't believe you deserve to win, no one else will. And you can't fake it, you can try, but put next to a truly confident person, the fake will shine through with high beams on.

What wins figure shows? Everyone wants to know... Are they looking for soft? Are they looking for hard? Do they want veins? Do they not want veins? Is it who's the prettiest? Is it who's the sexiest? I do not have all the awnsers but I will tell you this, from watching figure since 2001, although criteria and standards have changed over time and between federations for your physique, one thing will always remain: true Charisma, Poise, Presence, Package, and Confidence WINS FIGURE SHOWS!

Of course it's a physique show, don't show up looking 6 weeks out. But equally do not show up with your body perfect, but your hair in a gym ponytail, no make-up on, a borrowed suit all twisted and ill fitted, eyes on the ground as you walk, or without a smile. You are in a competition to SHOWCASE your physique. And how are you going to do that if you don't SHOW them EVERYTHING you have to offer? I mean your walk, your suit, your hair, your nails, your jewelry, every little piece.

It's part of the game... so that's why I like those lyrics...know what you are in for. It's not just a physique competition. If you were to stand on stage and Justin Timberlake was to sing to you "I know you see me lookin girl go on and act right, a little closer let me see you in the spotlight, now turn around and let me see just what your curves like." How would you show up? JT doesn't do it for you lol pick someone else then lol but you get my point. So many people want to compete in a competition where they are simply judged on their physique only, strictly on their hard work put in the gym or dieting, or maybe even simply on their gentic structure. That is not what figure and ESPECIALLY not what bikini is, I got news for you even bodybuilding encompasses a lot more than just that.

So I just wanted to touch on that as I did plan to put up pictures of competitors and break it down from the show I judged last week. But honestly I have notes on competitors by numbers. And the final listings are by names, and trying to coordinate who's who, is... well... crazy.

I don't want to post wrong information, so I told all competitors if they wanted feedback to contact me with their NUMBER... it's hard to keep track of everyone. And remember, I am only one judge on a panel of many so feedback is just that, feedback, it's not the HOLY GRAIL. This is a subjective sport, always remember that in the back of your head.

So moving on... competitive season is in FULL SWING!! And the smell of protan literally is making me giddy! Next up this weekend The IFBB Europa in Florida, and The Fitness America Fitness Atlantic show in CT. Now I have to say since my goal is to hit as many local shows as I can this show in CT was on my radar. BUT I HAVE to work tomorrow :( I would have even made sure to take off, but some one's on vacation, and I would never leave them short handed. So as badly as I wanted to go, I did the responsible thing and am missing it. I would have definitely drove down to watch as it's not only a packed show, but it's a SHOW SHOW. I mean choreographed opening numbers, great routines, awesome stage lighting, well run, nice venue, the works!! And it's close to ME. I mean I would LOVE to be at the Europa too but its in FL and this is in my back yard.

I know many people ask me how talking about different federations so openly seems to be a conflict of interest. And I believe... well, not really. All promoters are not created equal unfortunately. And when I am blessed enough to meet ones that are so passionate about this sport and sincere, I like to support them any way I can. Also I am an amateur competitor, yes I have received 3 natural pro cards, but with the exception of one, I never competed pro, because IFBB is the ultimate goal.

So anyway back to great promoters and great shows. Brian Cannone and Donna ;) are wonderful promoters! This is the shows 12th year and it continues to grow and grow! The goodie bags they have this year for their competitors are to DIE FOR, and they take great pride in that. The atmosphere is exquisite, and like I said if you're testing the waters and hitting local shows I would definitely recommend it.

I actually competed in Brians show in 2005. I did horrible, I'll be honest... horrible... worst placing I've ever received I think. But the bikini look is different than the look I was trying to achieve... this was three weeks after winning FAME figure. So again different shows, different federations, different judges, different criteria. But I had no hard feelings. I'm glad the experience I had, and I STILL recommend this show! It was a great time AND since then they have added a figure division that allows more traditional, more muscular figure, more options for competitors. And Brian actually chose my picture as one of the competitors on his show flyer the next year so it was a win win!! I was trying to find it to scan it in but I couldn't.

In any event I want to wish the local competitors competing tomorrow at the
Fitness Atlantic the BEST OF LUCK!!
BUT I also want to wish everyone involved a great show!
It's not easy to get all of this together, organized and run smoothly and promoters never get eneough credit!

This was Brian and I at Kevin's show last weekend:

And.... SPRING is in the air...
Finally after a week of antibiotics I am feeling better! Almost done with my medicine and sinus infection GONE! I am still taking the allergy meds to keep them at bay, which I'm not really a fan of taking because they make me sleepy but sleepy is better than sick I guess... I"m hoping I won't have to take them all summer , maybe just through the Spring. Here is a pic of my baby boy Broderick all wound up and ready to pitch! We are ready to be outdoors 24/7 LOVE WARMER WEATHER!!!

I do still have the baby weight blog in my brain... hopefully coming soon. But my next direct one will be a focus on back training. Was a notable weak spot for me and I'll delve into how I altered my training and definitely brought it up, but am still making it a focus. Plan to post my workout from tonight (dead lifted - 205 for 5 tonight - although I was happy with it, unfortunately it's not a personal record, but we'll get more into that in the next blog). I'll get some back progress pics in here (not recent, not there yet), and everyone feel free to share suggestions/tips etc.

Hope everyone has a great WEEKEND!

Typical Bend ya Over Monday!!

2010-04-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

Okay I have a confession because I have to give credit where credits due... I totally stole that title from Tammy Patnode (IFBB PRO) she had it as her update on facebook and it cracked me up! That woman comes out with the best phrases!! Anywhoooo it is Monday and I have MUCH to blog about MUCH! So much in fact I'm gonna have to prioritize with an update...

See things pop into my head daily, or I get emails with questions that I have in depth answers to and would be perfect for a blog. You see the writing it out part, well that actually comes pretty easy to me... but the TIME part... oh well, the TIME, that's not so easy! In fact lately, TIME has been doing the old vanishing act on me.

Remember I said we all are given the same hours in the day and we all have the choice of what to do with them... well I've been choosing. And I believe I've been choosing wisely... BUT if you also remember I said I was full of it! IT being energy, ideas, goals, and thus have been filling up my time accordingly. Picking up extra hours at work, spending time outside with the kids - always a priority, GYM GYM GYM of course, making time for hubby, we had an awesome date night Friday night. Which really quickly I just need to tell any parents out there like us who don't get out often without the kids: we found an awesome Gymnastics place that has a kids fun night! You drop the kids off for three hours, they have supervised play (small ratios ), they give them pizza, a snack, and juice for dinner and THEY LOVED IT!! (my boys cried to leave!) Meanwhile hubby and I went to a Japanese restaurant called Bamboo and had a nice little date night, kids free! It was fabulous! Any moms feel free to email me and I'll give you more details. And I must mention at Bamboo there are MANY MANY healthy steamed choices on the menu. I had chicken and asparagus. Okay so back to the time issue... sorry I can easily get side tracked, as I said I'm getting more involved in the sport again, so Saturday I was in Rhode Island judging Kevin Topka's BLNPA show which I had so much fun at! Was a great turn out ESPECIALLY for figure!

I have to say I had a slight set back, but very slight... I started off the week with no voice, and just feeling horrible, and ended it at the doctors. Shame on me for waiting to long and pushing through work and the gym, because I ended up with a sinus infection. But good meds and good rest and I'm on the road to full recovery.

Figured while I was sick I would address a quick question I hear often, SHOULD I CONTINUE TO TRAIN AND DIET IF I"M SICK? I'll give you the short answer... yes! 90% of the time, yes! By this I mean, how sick is sick? Common cold, stomach ache, headache, mild cramps?? YES. Flu, vomiting or fever NO. Like I said this is the very short answer. But think about it, if you take off every time you are slightly under the weather, how many days a month would you miss? Now how many days a year? Sometimes the key is to just get there and tell yourself : I'm only going to do 30 minutes of cardio, and if I feel sick, I'll leave. It's true, trust your body, if you feel sick LEAVE. But 9 times out of 10 it will make you feel better. Also you can't judge your feeling by first thing in the morning, or last thing at night, this is when if you're sick you tend to be the worst. It's more about trusting your body and trying to get there. Even if it means you're not breaking any personal records that night, you still attempted to get there. Now obviously you want to make sure you are getting plenty of fluids and rest, and if you absolutely need a few days off trust your body. But don't get into the habit of just saying I'm not feeling well tonight, I'm not going to go to the gym. You will quickly find that suddenly you're "not feeling well" often because you can justify skipping for that reason.

In my case I pushed until I knew it was pointless to push because I really started getting sick (plus my hubby kind of insisted on a day off - sometimes I can be so stubborn with resting, its really not intentional, I just like to go. Sometimes he saves me from myself.) I went to the gym Monday through Wednesday took Thursday off and went to the Dr.'s on Friday... I was instructed to rest (I had my gym clothes on going in lol). So I took Friday off the gym went and Judged Saturday. After almost 48 hours on antibiotics by Sunday, I was back in the gym. I can't say I was 100% myself, but I got in a decent workout and cardio and was glad I didn't let it hold me down. I'm still making sure to hydrate and rest (well right after I finish this blog I'll rest) - see not enough hours in the day!

So lots going on, working extra this week so juggling that with the fam and the gym. Have all my notes from the show this past weekend with pics and criteria, will def try to get those up within a week or two, need to sort through everything.

By the end of the week I plan to actually start tracking my progress to hold myself a little more accountable. Not necessarily on here, yet, but writing down measurements, weight etc. helps keep you on point. I use to be compulsive about my log book and my measurements/weight tracking. I am trying not to become so compulsive about it again, because its not necessary, but I do want some record and point of reference. Just eating good and working out is not enough. Many will try to convince you it is, and it may be in the beginning, but as your lifestyle changes to being fit, it takes the next steps to progress to the next steps. And I'm not even talking contest prep.

With the kids - Bianca has her talent show this week, school vacation next week (which is always very busy for us), recital pictures coming up, getting BUSY!!

And the last thing I just want to touch on is support!! My family is my rock and my support system. I know it seems like I do a lot but I couldn't keep all these balls in the air without them! Without them I would never be able to juggle the things I do. Starting with my husband, number one he loves grocery shopping, what man loves grocery shopping? But he does, so Sunday he went food shopping while I went to the gym. My inlaws! Friday my mother in-law saw my update on facebook that I was heading to the doctors and called to see if she could take the kids, I was already there so she met me there and took them for a few hours so I could rest!! MY parents!! Saturday was Daddy's chill day with the boys and I had to go to RI for the show, my parents asked to take Bianca for a sleepover! They spoiled her rotten, dinner, movie, ice cream, shopping... sure makes me feel less guilty being away knowing she's having so much fun. I could go on and on about my family. Even when I compete they not quite understand why I do it, or why I put myself through it, but they are supportive towards me nonetheless. I can't begin to express how thankful I am to have them!

So next blog... I've gotten tons of emails on how to lose the baby weight... that will be my next one, with a focus on skin. Then try to get the show stuff, figure criteria together... and then I'd like to get to the nitty gritty of what I'm doing nutrition/splits/ cardio so I can track that better on here... all in good time :)

Hope everyone has a great week and it wasn't too bad of a bend ya over Monday! lol

Little Background...

2010-04-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

So I've been meaning to touch base on my back ground. I don't want to just list shows and dates and be boring so I'll do my quickest, best recap :)

IN a nut shell it goes like this...

Teen MOM settles down to married life and motherhood, embraces all the responsibilities that comes with it, and finds that through turmoil sometimes come the most beautiful blessings!

At 20, I entered my first figure competition. With my 2 year old and hubby's support it was my little way to gain back some sense of self, confidence, and a good challenge. I was HOOKED!

WNBF pro card at 20... FAME/WNSO pro card at 22... starting personal training and teaching group exercise in there, with some of the best in the area... I am truly blessed to have had certain people fall into my life.

2005 after I won my pro card with Fame, we decided it was time to focus on building this little family of ours. Timed it perfectly, finished competing, went on vacation and starting trying, first try and BAM THERE'S TWO in there! lol

We went through what can only be described as a TERROR of a pregnancy, with life threatening complications... our babies are literally medical miracles, that have had articles written on them AND been on the news. And once again learned through turmoil sometimes comes the most beautiful blessings!!

8 Months after delivering my miracle babies, I was BACK ON STAGE and won the overall at the Natural Northeast and received my Body Language Natural Physiques Pro card. At that time I wanted a new challenge, and decided it was time to move onto the National Physique Committee (NPC). I qualified for Nationals in 07 and took some time off to really embrace the importance of SOLID OFF SEASONS, DC HEAVY TRAINING, and was on my way to my first National Stage in 08. Three weeks out, with some health problems and personal problems, I never made my way there...

That hit was a HUGE blow to my mentality, self esteem, and just my flow of a healthy lifestyle. I have NEVER EVER backed out of a show, its just not my style, I like to see things through. Even the show I won the overall after the boys were born, I was violently vomiting two days before I walked on stage, and I wouldn't quit. So if you can imagine backing out of my first national show 3 weeks out didn't sit well with me. I honestly thought I'd never be back to feeling like myself, but I was wrong! Maybe someday I'll delve more into what that encompassed but honestly that material is TRULY book worthy!!

In any case I do have my spark back, I do have my energy back, and I do have my life back! And once again I LEARN... come on say it with me... THROUGH TERRIBLE TURMOIL COMES THE BEST BLESSINGS!!

Now with healthy almost four year old identical twins, a beautiful 10 year old princess, and a SUPPORTIVE hubby, I am back to not missing a beat!
With chaperoning, PTO, class mother, dance, play dates, doctors appointments, cleaning, cooking, working ... I TRULY practice what I preach. I 100% believe this lifestyle or A FOCUS on healthy living in GENERAL will bring you a better quality of life. YOU look good you feel good, and when you feel good YOU LOOK GOOD!

All in Balance FAMILY FIRST, FITNESS/(maybe competing if it fits) NEXT, and then FUN!!!

So with that little wrap up... what's to come for me? Have I picked a show? Am I in the off season? Who am I working with? These are questions I get often. And my awnser... I literally have to take it week by week! I will update as I know ;) this week I am "dieting" I hate using that word because if you eat healthy 80% of the time it may just mean manipulating macros, carb timing, or slightly adjusting calories and food choices. I hate using the D word because of the negative connotation it brings, so unnecessary.

So these are my terms :

trying to get leaner AKA dieting "cleaning it up"
trying to gain Muscle AKA bulking (but that's a CLEAN bulk... no rolls)
floating... lol this is my favorite (not really) its that period right before you may be dieting and right at the end of a solid offseason its that point where you indulge and nibble here and there, you're maintaining but have no pull in one direction of the other... also known as the "fluffy stage" lol I unfortunately have been in that phase far too long!
and then of course there's prepping if you here me say that it is GAME ON! full prep mode for a competition!

This week my focus in family is... SPRING CLEANING... been going through the kids clothes and hope to do that more this week and clean, we will be moving soon so the less I have to move the better!

This week my fitness focus is DIET, getting in all my food... sound crazy right? Diet to most means cutting calories right? Well yes, but it also means revving your metabolism with the proper amount of calories and often to fuel your body, fuel your workouts and your muscle... and when you're very busy sometimes its hard to get all your food in. Skipping meals are counter productive to my goals, so I need to be better about getting it all in. I'm also fighting allergies (or maybe dare I say a cold :() and have no taste buds so I'm literally eating for sport... gotta do it though I know what my body needs!

Another little update... Remember that show I won the overall in 07 The Natural Northeast... well I've been invited to judge! There is IMO no better way to prepare yourself to get back up there than to see and hear what goes on in a judging pit. It's a subjective, controversial sport and my thoughts... if you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen! Judging for me allows me to open up to a whole other side of the sport, it gives me more knowledge and experience in the sport, and most of all I love doing it!

So anyone attending or competing please come and say HI and we'll grab some pics together!! Good luck to all those competing and REMEMBER this is YOUR STORY this is YOUR JOURNEY, ENJOY IT! Very few people choose to put their bodies and minds through what you do, so that alone should make you feel like a winner!! Blah Blah I know right? We all compete to win! But NO ONE can take away your experience... with or without a trophy, its important to remember that! Next blog I'll post pics and criteria breakdowns, its a good way to mentally prepare for what the judges are looking for.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week and the New Englanders are outside at some point enjoying this weather!! It's gonna be 90 degrees in BOSTON TODAY!!!

**This Picture was with Hubby after winning the Overall at the Show I'll be judging Saturday... I can honestly say it's probably one of my proudest moments in fitness to date because 1. they boys were babies and not even sleeping through the night yet! 2. I had the stomach bug a day a half before and 3. I hadn't been on stage in two years and I just felt like a million bucks up there!!

And this is the show flyer for Saturday: See everyone there!!

Easter Weekend!

2010-04-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!

I started this blog with the intention to really use it and so far I havn't been writing as much as I'd like to. I am going to get better though, as I have my energy and creative vibes FLOWING LIKE CRAZY!!! Today I updated my facebook status I FEEL LIKE A MILLION FREAKIN BUCKS and I do!!! Then I thought ohhhh this could be dangerous lol Energy for me equals ideas, ideas equal goals, goals equal challenges and some times when I get in these moods I wanna take on the world, and end up biting off more than I can chew! So despite my itches, overwhelming energy, and drive right now, I'm planning and taking it slow, so I know that if I bite it off... I can chew it and swallow!!

I am pumped though because the weathers beautiful, families great, and I've been feeling very inspired and enchanted lately! Also wanted to share a message I got from a fitness friend ;) It tickled me pink And I wanted to share because people think little emails or notes are nothing, but they can be very touching, and I appreciate the support and encouragement!

I was running around an indoor play place with the kids on an Easter egg hunt, trying to plan my workout for later on that evening as a release from our crazy day... (story of my life). And I received a notification to my phone of a new message from a friend... so I open it up and here's what it read...

"So, I picked up a random book at the library. I finished it quickly bc it was a good read,one of those feelgood fiction novels. I read 'about the author' section, in the back. She is a regular woman. Stay at home, wife, 2 kids, typical soccer mom. She has always liked to write, though. So, she went ahead and wrote this book. I thought of you! One of these days, I better get an emal from you, saying that you have a book coming out!"

Totally made my day!! So thank you ;)
Short and Sweet Blog as this is a CRAZY Weekend, but just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Easter Weekend!

Updates coming SOON! Tis the season... I'll be judging a local show, attending a few, and who knows maybe prepping myself before you know it!!

New Mommy Mobile, Broadway Show, Water Slides, and SQUATS!!!

2010-03-21T16:48:00.000-07:00

BUSY MOMMA!!!

Everyone says it... "I've been busy". It's as common a saying as "how are you?" Just as people have become numb to that question, they say it routinely and don't even really listen to the answer. "I've been busy" has been coined as small talk, conversation fillers, same old, same old. Every one's idea of busy is different... if you work full time or have hobbies on top of that, that's busy. If you stay home with your kids and are a taxi driver/maid/chef etc, that's busy. If you're in school and study and write papers non stop, that's busy. If you volunteer a ton, that's busy. If you're training for a show, that's busy. If you work part time, and have other responsibilities, that's busy. You get the idea. We are all busy in different ways. So when we say "I've been busy", although its so easily dismissed, its not always simply small talk or an excuse to skip the gym, be a bad friend/relative, forget some one's birthday, not return a phone call... its a legit fact of life. Those of us who are busy understand.

So what is my busy?

Well it depends on the week... but this past week lets see...

Busy for me involved losing an hour of sleep and that setting me up to be tired... working two nine hour days (Monday and Tuesday), car shopping both nights which we all know how draining that can be and I still opted to get in a late workout at 8:30 on Monday night, Shoulders and stairs I GOT IT DONE!! Wednesday was my run around day; drop off B at school, errands, pick up car, more errands, pick up B, take kids to the park, it was gorgeous out! After a long New England winter you have to seize warm sunny spring days! Drop her off at dance, more car errands, throw laundry in (need to pack the next day). Pick her up from dance, home, dinner, bed for the kids, and off to the gym for back and cardio... GOT IT DONE!

Thursday we headed into Boston to see Lion King the musical and packed up for two nights/three days to head into Plymouth, MA for a little birthday weekend spring family getaway for my daughter's birthday. We swam in the pool, went down the water slide, walked around Plymouth, went out to eat, got pedicures, watched a movie, played in the game room, were nonstop! But we had FUN! Vacation without kids is usually to relax, with kids its to keep them entertained... lets put it this way, one morning I was in the game room with my twins by 7:45 AM!!

We got back Saturday, I did some quick spring cleaning, opened the windows, mopped, then enjoyed the weather outside with family!! Sunday it was back to the norm... laundry, groceries, gym, food planning, back on clean eating! I ate perfect prepped and packed food all week up until Thursday night, then I unraveled slightly. I planned to as we were away, but not gonna lie def had some indulgences Friday night (wine, butter cream, movie snacks) and Saturday, then right back on on Sunday... just gotta keep going!

Today Hit legs at the gym with a girlfriend! Forgot how motivating it can be to lift with someone, it pushes you for sure! Our workout consisted of :

Barbell Squats
1 warm-up set
3 sets 12, 10, 8 and then one set of 25 reps with lighter weight (well it was suppose to be 25 reps by my eyes were bigger than my legs and I dove in to vigorously and only got 20 reps)

One legged Squats with dumbbells
3 sets 10 reps

Leg extensions
3 sets 10 reps

Leg curls 3 sets 12, 11, 10 ( no real rhyme to that I wanted 12 the second set couldn't get it, when slightly heavier the third set so got 10)

Leg Press (ON SLIDER) feet together and up high to hit hamstring/glutes more
3 sets 10 reps

2 sets abductor machine (10 reps)
super set with glute raise kickback machine (12 reps)

Followed by 45 minutes on the treadmill moderate pace medium incline
My legs were doing the wobble and were PUMPED! I know I'm gonna be walking like I'm 80 for a few days but all for the greater good lol

So now as I sit here writing this blog, supper cooked, dishwasher loaded, laundry switched, kids bathed and in bed, I can say we are all busy!!! And whether it involves a new car, a new job, a vacation, a new place, a new baby, a show, a big test, whatever the case may be, we ALL are given the same amount of hours in a day. What we do with them and how we utilize them is a strength for many and a weakness for others. It can be a challenge, but a challenge that with plenty of planning can be done to give you the most out of your time. There are days that I miss the gym, there are days that I miss meals, there are days I wanna pull my hair out, days I'm dog tired, but I am on a mission to plan, and GET IT DONE!

Sooo few pics... No more Jeep Commander, growing family called for an official mommy mobile... this car was BUILT for kids! Never thought I'd be excited to own a minivan BUT I LOVE IT!! 2010 Chrysler Town and Country Touring in blackberry pearl... All the "luxury" options/convenience for me, and all the goodies and space for them! My daughter watching her DVD with her headphones on so we can listen to sirius heading into Boston!

Fun FAMILY TIMES :)

GREAT SHOW!!!