Everything in Moderation...

I’ve always heard the expression, “Everything in moderation”. I now understand what that means and why that is true. I had an initial consult with Hulk in which I poured out my heart and frustration about not getting and seeing the results I wanted. He understood and empathized because he had worked with a lot of women that were in the same situation that I am in now: working hard and making small gains. He assured me that I wasn’t the first and that I wouldn’t be the last. After we discussed my goals and I discussed everything with my Hubby, it was time to go to work.

Our next meeting, we did measurements, weight, body fat, muscle, you name he got it. He had to pull out the little forceps that grab your love handles to see how much fat is on your body. I call it the pincher because that’s exactly what it’s doing to your fat. He “pinched” my arms, legs, handles, and back. I was cool with this because I had this done many times before with my nutritionist. We then sat down and took a food inventory and a snapshot of my daily schedule.

Before this meeting, Hulk told me to bring in my current meal plan and supplement list. After one look, he said, “No wonder you aren’t seeing any results, you’re eating and exercising too much”. You aren’t training to be a body builder!?!” Oh, what a sigh of relief. I felt the same way but Beast didn’t listen to me in my reservations. Hulk then told me that my supplement list was a waste of time and gave me a new one. Which only included 2 pills from Beasts lists (which just so happen to be things I already took daily before I started to train).

I could already tell this experience was going to be different. Let me tell you, within 2 days, I not only had my new meal plan but I had 2 different workouts: one five day and one three day. Before I was working out 6 days a week twice a day. I literally spent my entire summer working out. I couldn’t even enjoy my vacation to VA Beach because I was in the gym the majority of the time. To add, the summer was winding down and I didn’t know how this routine was going to work after I had to report back to work. I’ve been off all summer and had time to devote to training but it was going to be hard to do when my workload increased. Let’s not forget that I’m in school too.

All in all, I can feel the change and I believe it to be a positive one…I welcome the journey with no reservations.

Unintentional Self-consciousness...

Yet again I had to travel out of town in order to meet some requirements for school. This time was completely different because I was gone for about 7 days. The day before, I spent time at Trader Joe’s getting the food I planned to take with me to Florida. During my run, I picked up Edamame, raw almonds, oatmeal, Larabars, peanut butter, and tuna. In addition to these items, I took my protein powder, vitamins, and a few bananas. These items served as my breakfast as well as snacks throughout the day. The hotel provided breakfast and lunch.

I shared a room with a fellow classmate and warned her before I came that I would have to exercise twice daily and that she was welcomed to come with me if she would like. Might I add that the gym at the Hyatt hotel nationwide is phenomenal! All of the equipment is state of the art and in excellent condition. They have treadmills, ellipticals, and actual machines (leg, shoulders, chest, abs, back). They also have free weights, benches, stability balls, and resistance bands. What else could a girl ask for? The best part about it is that you don’t have to drive anywhere, you just catch the elevator.

I go through my week, eating as “clean” as I could while having to eat out every night. I think I maintained and resisted temptation wonderfully. I stayed true to my exercise regimen with the exception of two nights in which I was just too exhausted to go up to the gym and workout. I was in the gym every morning by 5:30am and stayed for an hour. No excuse not to work out and it made me feel good to do so. I literally packed more workout clothes than I did anything else. It was funny to see my suitcase.

On the last day there, my roommate and I were reflecting on our experience. She has been having a hard time this term and she was venting a bit, which I didn’t mind at all. It was a wonderful learning experience but at the same time overwhelming at times. Then the conversation took a slight turn. She started to speak about her weight gain and the fact that the stress of the program and schedule has made her get out of her normal routine of exercising. I knew in my mind where this conversation was going. Then I heard the words: “Being here with you has made me feel bad about my body”. She did not mean this in a negative light or to make me feel bad. I completely understood where she was coming from. That’s why I tried to warn her of my routine before we got there. Maybe she didn’t think I was as disciplined or as serious as I was about what I told her of my routine before we arrived.

It is never my intent to make someone feel uncomfortable around me or feel bad about their body. The fact of the matter is, that when people speak about their weight around me, I often get uncomfortable because I know that there is a chance they are heading down the road to comparison. I often feel slight guilty when I'm around friends and others comment on how I look when I know the struggles of the people I'm with. It secretly makes them self-conscious. It is always my hope that my enthusiasm for living a healthy life will shine on that person who is struggling with motivation. If the shoe was on the other foot, I can’t say that I wouldn’t feel self-conscious but that’s why I decided to make a complete lifestyle change and do something about it.

It’s funny how your daily routine can make someone feel bad about theirs….

NapturallyFit

WARNING!! RANT ALERT!!! PetPeevitis

Every so often I will rant. Ranting is the act of sharing strong/heartfelt thoughts about an issue that is bothering you or making you feel uncomfortable. This is not meant to defame or offend. These are just my thoughts. Please be aware: mild/suggestive language is included. !~)

These are my pet peeves at the gym. YES THERE ARE 20!!!!

20. When the gym staff/trainers have ordered out: What are you trying to do to me in here? Why are you eating a double cheeseburger meal from Mickey D's anyway? Dang I want some of those fries!!! lol!!!

19. Using the treadmill or elliptical machine right beside me when there are 100 available... I don't even know why this bothers me but it does.

18. Spraying around your machine getting me wet... pay attention.

17: Extreme body odor...I know we're at the gym but dang I know you smell that, what is wrong?

16. Trainers who are out of shape: Need I say more?

15. "I think I'm bigger than I really am" guy... So aggrivating to see him stride through

14. Dropping the weights... Every single gym I've ever been to warns against this. Why do you keep dropping th weights knowing it will echo through the gym? So annoying...

13. Yelling obnoxiously...I really don't think the weight is that heavy. Stop trying to draw attention to yourself.

12. People who are working out in regular clothes... jeans, dress shoes, bare feet (ONLY ok if its African Dance) Dude, what are you thinking?

11. Old men who sit on the machines or hang around and STARE....I was going to say something really bad here but I'm going to be a good southern girl and respect my elders..OK just a hint (you can find them after the rain). You fill in the blanks.

10. Hogging the machines...You know I want to work in, stop trying to avoid eye contact with me. Share the equipment.

9. Talking to me while I'm working out: If I wanted to talk, you would have my number for us to do so. Shut Up!!

8. People who drench the machine with sweat and just walk away expecting me to clean it for you...that is GROSS!!

7. Crew of the Commando...Do I need to say more (read the blog)

6. Women AND men who wear inappropriate gym attire: I shouldn't see through your pants to know that you have on orange underroos(happened today), they shouldn't be so short that your cheeks are hanging out and MEN for goodness sakes: NO SHORTS ABOVE THE KNEE, nobody wants to see Macadamias (EWE).

5. Thinking the gym is a dating pool... Please don't try to hit on me while I'm working out, NOT INTERESTED BUDDY..this ain't the dating game. Somebody already "Put a ring on it"

4. Talking on your cellphone LOUD beside me: I do not need to know about your sexual escapades BooBoo..Keep it quiet

3. Gym equipment that is ALWAYS broken....I'm already paying dues plus extra yearly fees for maintenance. Why is there only ONE stairstepper working when there are 3 physically there?

2. Standing/Walking around Booty Ball Naked around the locker....Cover that up please.

1. TELLING ME THAT I NEED TO WORK HARDER OR THAT I'M NOT DOING ENOUGH OR UNSOLICITED ADVICE.... I'm not paying you to be my trainer. How about you pay attention to your workout and stop worrying about mine. Mind your business!!!!

I can't take it!!! What is wrong with you people? If all of these things happened to me in one gym visit, you might be seeing me on SNAPPED: Gym Edition!!

NapturallyFit

Light at the end of the tunnel...

There is so much light at the end of the tunnel. Parting ways with Diesel was difficult but in the end, I have to do what's best for me. I am the number one priority and need to focus on just that.

So, I had a sit down with "another" today. Hey we'll be talking about "another" alot so let's name him, we'll call him Hulk. So I had a sit down with Hulk today. As soon as I step into this office, it was on and popping. I immediately saw all the confirmation that I needed that he would be able to get the job done. He had picture after picture of all of the professional athletes, bodybuilders, and competitors that he has trained. These people are magazine worthy, honey. At that point, I felt deeply that I had made the right decision.

The first thing I did today was get critiqued............ in a suit. Had to stroll down the catwalk, do quarter turns, and get critiqued. I was a soldier but deep inside, I'm dying and feel like I'm about to let one go because my cheeks were so tight (lol). Luckily I was able to hold my composure and kept it together. After being surveyed, I heard these words "Your hard work has been paying off, but there are some things that I can do to get you where you need to go". Ahhhh, and the cheeks are released. After I change, we go back to the office and sit down to talk about diet, vitamins, workout. Everything that he has me doing is almost the exact OPPOSITE of what I have been doing. Hulk tells me that I've been over training and that I'm eating way too much food for what I need. I felt like this completely but my voice wasn't being heard at all.

So as soon as I get back from another school trip, I'll be starting a new routine with a vengeance. We've already set up a schedule for me to follow while I'm away and that will be revamped once I return. On another note, I will be preparing to travel again and need to be on point when it comes to my eating and training. I already wrote a blog about fitness and travel. I know that the hotel has a start of the art gym so no worries there. I've already been following those steps and I'll go shopping this week to get the food I'll need to take with me (thanks to Hulk). RANT ALERT: You know I asked and asked and asked Diesel what I needed to do while I was away and his response was "take your food with you". WHAT?!?! What the heck do I look like taking a crap load of cooked fish with me? Who wants their clothes to smell like they've been helping BP with the oil spill (So inappropriate, I know but you should know me by now)? Furthermore who wants to be eating 7 day old fish? I'll be gone an entire week for goodness sakes. OK, OK NF...Calm down, breathe. Let me channel my inner Tina after she learned how to chant.

I'm back. It's SO refreshing to feel like you matter. There is so much light at the end of the tunnel that its beaming from all sides. I'm breathing a sigh of relief. The Saga continues...

NapturallyFit

Change is inevitable...

For the last week, I have been quite emotional about my training. My workout routine is quite intense. I workout twice a day, six days a week. Not to mention being confined to a strict diet. I am in school full-time and really have my plate full. The last thing that I need in my life right now is to feel as though I am being ignored or not supported. Let me explain. For quite some time now, I have felt as though I was being neglected. When I think of a trainer, I think of a person that not only creates a plan for you but also is there to work with you and give you their undivided attention. This is not what I have been receiving. It's hard for a person to help you in your endeavors if they are heavily involved in their own. Meaning, if you're training for show after show, you can't help someone else on their journey. Maybe you can, but its not going to be as focused as it needs to be. This is where I am right now...

I know my body better than anyone else. I know what I can eat and what I can't; when I can eat; what helps me to lose weight, etc. If I tell you that I need to up my cardio to lose the fat, don't ignore me or tell me to trust you when after a month of training, I STILL am not seeing any results. Yes I've lost weight, yes my arms are bigger but I should see definition and I don't. If I tell you that I believe you should make some changes, you need to listen to me. If I tell you I need food options suitable for travel, you need to find me options. If I tell you that what you're doing isn't working, then you need to listen to me and see why it isn't.

After speaking to another and venting, they ask me several questions about how my training was going. After explaining my frustrations, they admit that they noticed that my progress was slow and that I've been working too hard to not see more. With the time and training I'm putting in, "It must be your diet". Here are the questions...Did he take your measurements? no. Did he have your weight? no. Did he take pictures? yes. Did he critique you to see what changes needed to be made to your diet or workout? no. Have you had any changes with your diet? no. Have you been given a new workout routine? no. Have you been seen on a weekly basis? no.....Do you see where I'm going with this? In retrospect, I now see that my excitement about the prospect of being on the stage was just plain naivety. You live and you learn...

Change is inevitable. There are times in life when you know what's best for you. Times when you need to cut your loses and "Float, Float On" (Aquarius and my name is Ralph, What y'all know about them Floaters, hehe). You are providing a service for me, and I expect you to provide that service to the utmost of your ability. Therefore, I believe it is time for us to part ways. My show is in October and the progress I hope to have made at this point has not happened. Yes you've provided me with the opportunity to become more disciplined. You've helped me to really see how hard I could push myself. You've helped me to really delve into a great workout regimen but unfortunately, the focus and the guidance I need has not been there. There's no hard feelings, I appreciate everything you've done but it's time to move on. So with that said, I'm shooting up the "Deuces" and I'm moving "On To The Next"(Yea, Jay).

Still trying to be on that stage in October. The journey continues!!

Refocused and more ready than ever. Let the new plan begin...

NapturallyFit

WARNING!!! RANT ALERT... Crew of the Commando

Every so often I will rant. Ranting is the act of sharing strong/heartfelt thoughts about an issue that is bothering you or making you feel uncomfortable. This is not meant to defame or offend. These are just my thoughts. Please be aware: mild/suggestive language is included. !~)

Oh My Gosh!! Where do I begin? I was at the gym and am always observing others workout regimens, intensity, etc. My friends often describe me as "not missing a thing". I think alot of it is because I'm always watching. I guess that's why I went into the helping fields. Anyhoo, I'm at the gym this day and notice a woman working out. She is really going to get it (I get excited about seeing people go hard. It gets me pumped up and makes me work harder). She is toned and in great shape. She has on a nice little sports bra and little biker shorts. She looks to be in her late 30's/ early 40's. I'm thinking "You betta do it Boo".

I'm working out and she's working out. I notice that we both are working arms today. We're generally in the same area and finally cross paths. She sits down at the pulldown machine in front of me and as I get ready to do my cable pulldowns, I get the freaking shock of my life. This chick has a hole in her crotch and right as I'm laughing and turning my head, I get the shock of my life. SHE IS TOTALLY COMMANDO!!! I start to scream "Why, Why???" in my Nancy Kerrigan voice (bad joke I know, but it fits with the mood).

Let the rant begin...

Why do women go commando in the gym? What is comfortable about that? As soon as I got home, I immediately went to the Internet and did some searches on this issue. I came across some blogs and really was amazed at how many women were admitting that they went COMMANDO in the gym. Many of them said they do this for one of two reasons.

Reason 1: "I don't like the way my panties feel when they are sweaty". So instead of putting the sweat on your panties, your solution is to put the sweat on your pants or shorts you have on instead? The same pants or shorts that have been on the machine I'm about to sit down on and use? NO, ladies, NO...this is not the answer. Crotch sweat on the seat is not cute Ladies.

Solution: If you don't like the sweat from your undies, then bring a clean pair to change into for the ride home. No harm in that.

Reason 2: "I don't like for my panties to ride up when I'm working out and I don't want to pull wedgies in the gym". Are you serious? You'll pull your wedgie out any other time. Stop trying to look cute in the gym and focus on your workout. Pull the freakin' wedgie...nobody cares.

Solution: Wear a thong, wear boy shorts, wear grannies, wear boxers... the point is wear something.

It's obvious that you are going to sweat. Sweat is inevitable in the gym. That's the nature of the beast. Sweating, while therapeutic and encouraging, it just doesn't feel great. During my workout, it makes me feel like I'm really putting in the work. Afterwards it makes me feel self-conscious because I think I stink. I especially hate boob sweat (just being honest with my people) as I imagine most women do, does that mean I'm going to go braless. No way. I just bring an extra set of "after workout" clothes so my drive home is comfortable.

All in all, this blog isn't going to change the "Crew of the Commando's". I'm sure these women will continue the "Brigade of the Panty-Less". Before you do, PLEASE do me favor...If you're going to go commando, can you at least make sure your crotch doesn't have any holes in it? Geesh...

LMBO!!!!! Ahhhh, ranting is therapeutic for the soul.

NapturallyFit

WARNING!!! Short Rant Alert....BWDW...

Every so often I will rant. Ranting is the act of sharing strong/heartfelt thoughts about an issue that is bothering you or making you feel uncomfortable. This is not meant to defame or offend. These are just my thoughts. Please be aware: mild/suggestive language is included. !~)

I was perusing the ever popular YouTube as I so often do for natural hair guidance and styling tips. I also look for figure competition videos and vegetarian competitors/exercise enthusiast. It helps me learn new workout techniques, recipes, just some awesome things on there. YouTube is my Google. What can I say, I'm a visual learner. Anyway, I run across a video with this dude talking about an epidemic running across the country and then her proceeds to discuss his take on black women and exercise. More specifically, he says that we're lazy and we don't exercise..... WHAT!!!! (breaks screeching). Dude let me tell you something...

BLACK WOMEN DO WORKOUT!!!!!

Are you serious? We workout. I see tons of Black women in the gym getting it in every single day. There is not a day that goes by that I don't see a black woman at the gym. Contrary to popular belief, we care about how we look and want to keep it tight, keep it right!! There's a young lady that even started a movement with this very title. Check out her facebook page, the link is below. I'm sick and tired of people thinking so negatively about black women. We have been holding it down for our community for years; playing mommy AND daddy, providing for the family, taking care of the household, all of this plus more.

We exercise, we care about our health, we want to be physically fit, and most of all.....

WE LOOK GOOD DOING IT!!!

http://www.facebook.com/BlackWomenDOWorkout

NapturallyFit

New figures...

This is going to be short and sweet.

Ok. I have some new figures that I'm very proud about. A few blogs ago, I was feeling a little discouraged about not seeing the results I felt I deserved given the work I was putting in. Well people, persistence is the key because I am finally starting to see my body change. I stare in the mirror everyday. I look at my body all the time and that activity alone makes it difficult to see any changes in your body. I'm not stage ready yet, but I'm getting there definitely.

I of course had to take new pictures with Beast and this time I was not as nervous I had been that first time. As soon as I started to do my quarter turns, he immediately began pointing out features that have changed since our last pictures. My legs and stomach are smaller. I'm starting to get some D'Angelo action going on "How does it feel?"!~) My back is wider and my arms are bigger. I asked him if I needed to weigh myself, but he said no which I knew he would. You see in the fitness world the judges don't really care about your weight; It's more about symmetry and your physical appearance. But with Beast's comments in my head, I had to see if my weight had changed. IT DID!!!! I've lost 4% body fat and 6 pounds gone.

WOO-HOO!!

NapturallyFit

Trying to do Right....

So its summertime. After choosing to do a show in October, I didn't factor in all of the things I would be missing out on in doing so, especially summer. Now because I work for the school system, I have the summer off and everyone knows what that means, VACATION!!! Yes, glorious vacation. It's what we all look forward to through the year. Let's get to the point.... training is HARD as HELL in the summertime. I am literally missing out on all of the things I look forward to: fresh fruit, ice cream, salads, smoothies, SUGAR. I can't have any of those things. I did not realize this until my coworker, CC, made that statement after showing her my "diet". Guess what, I've been pretty consistent. I say pretty because as long as I'm home and can control my environment, I'm straight. I don't buy the stuff I can't eat and so I'm fine. This gets a little tricky when you add that glorious factor we all covet...VACATION!!!

Twice already, I've left the comfort and sanctity of my home and have had to make due with what I could. The first time was last month when I travelled to Dallas to complete a Residency for school. The second time came when I went to VA Beach for the Fourth. I remained consistent and was even teased a little for my dedication. When I went to Dallas, I was without transportation and I knew this going in, soooooo I prepared like crazy. You should have seen me in that kitchen preparing protein powder, vitamins, oatmeal, almonds, peanut butter, protein bars, and tuna. I even found a ride to WalMart to get more stuff when I got there (Thanks LW). I went, ate as clean as I could, and did my workouts. I felt great when I returned home and did not feel as though I let myself down. I even found my colleagues supporting me and looking out for me. It was nice to have people encourage your choices rather than question or discourage them. Virginia Beach was no different. Hubby was all on board with my schedule. I did the same packing, and by this time, I had increased my workouts to twice a day. Guess what? Ya girl was in the gym twice a day, ON.....VACATION. I woke up and went to the gym and when we returned to the room after out daily outings, I went back. I was proud of myself and found it funny that I was looking forward to going to the gym just so I could write and say that I had done so.

Moral of the Story....Working out and eating right on vacation is completely doable. There's no need to use your vacation as an excuse to let yourself get off track. So, I am going to share with you my tips on planning a vacation and staying true to your fitness goals:

1. Look for a hotel with a gym. Every place I stay, I look at the photos and hotel description to verify whether or not there is a gym. I WILL NOT stay at a hotel without a gym (if I can help it; so far so good).

2. Think about your transportable foods. While I could not take everything I usually eat, I made sure to take the ones I could as well as take dry foods that would substitute for something that I could not take. For example, I eat egg whites daily. Well, unless I smuggled a hot plate (freshman dorm style), there wasn't anyway I was having eggs daily so instead I subbed my eggs for tuna. Tuna has about the same nutrition as the eggs especially the protein.

3. Take your workout clothes. That's always the first excuse "I didn't bring anything" or "Wow they have a gym, I should have brought clothes". Along with packing your bathing suit, sandals, etc, make sure to pack your sports bra, exercise clothes, and sneakers.

4. Research the gym and your exercises. For each day I workout, there are specific body parts that I work on and therefore use specific machines. Unfortunately, the hotel gym is not your local gym. Therefore, I make sure to know some exercises to do without the use of machines or dumbbells (DB's) that will give me just as good a workout as a machine or DB's. There are many apps on the iPhone that can help with this. I use iFitness.

5. Eat out like you're eating at home. Just because you go to a restaurant doesn't mean you have to go Willie Nillie on your eating. Whichever meal you would have eaten at home, choose a restaurant that will give you a selection as close to that meal as possible. Besides, most restaurants have a "Low Calorie" or "Light Portions" section of the menu, so NO EXCUSE.

6. Have fun. Hey, you're on....VACATION!! You're allowed to treat yourself once. Just don't go crazy or you'll be living with cheaters remorse !~) Don't tell Beast, but I did have some ice cream but I shared it with the Hubby and we walked the entire length of the boardwalk, return to finish (If you've been to VA Beach, you know that Boardwalk is hella' long).

Hopefully these tips will help you. I have to complete another Residency in a few weeks and this one is much longer than the first. So, I'm already planning in my head how i will do this. I'll keep you informed on how I'll do...

NapturallyFit

Dynamics of the gym...

It's really interesting to sit back and just watch the dynamics of the gym. Today at the gym, I really found myself paying attention to the male ego. I've put the guys into categories that I've been noticing for awhile. I often try to pay attention to people I feel have great form, are in great shape, and are not playing around. It helps to push me and keep me "Focused". While the following groups are describing the guys I've seen, ladies can fit into these categories as well. Let's get started...

The first group you have are the "Arnold's". These are the guys that are so insanely in shape, you have to worry whether or not they've been adding a little extra to the punch (if you know what I mean).

The second group is a step down from Arnold, we'll call them "Buff's". These are the guys who are in really good shape that move around the gym like they're walking on water. They share their time: working out, chumming it up with the ladies, and staring in the mirror.

The third group, you'll always find with the Buff's. These guys are the "Groupies". They worship the ground that the Buff's walk on and wish they could one day be an official "Buff" member. These are the guys that are always giving hi-fives, laughing it up, do anything they can to distract everyone from their lack of self-confidence and/or muscle.

The fourth group I call "Focused". The Focused are super serious about working out. They don't come to the gym to socialize or to make friends. They are there to workout and get 'er done. They come ready to workout and have an exact plan of how to do so.

The fifth and last group are the "Fakers". These are the guys who come to the gym just for the sake of saying that they came to the gym. They really may start with good intentions of working out but once they get there, they are either clueless about what they need to do OR they are too out of shape to do what they see everyone else doing. Sometimes they become intimidated and instead of focusing on bettering themselves, they are worried about how they look to everyone else. These guys are also sometimes intimidated by the Buff's and the Focused.

Now, I'm not saying this is true of all gym's or that it represents everyone that's in the gym but in my experience since I've been training, these are the groups I've seen. You may come up with your own categories. See if you see the same. The next time you go to the gym, see if you can notice who goes into which group.

NapturallyFit

Seeing results...

I'm officially a month into training and eating. I have my supplement schedule down and am very faithful to eating my meals. What I've noticed is that when you are not doing the right thing i.e. eating, exercising, you stay as far as you can away from the mirrors. Makes sense right? If you're feeling "fat", you avoid all contact with the mirror. It's as if the mirror becomes your Kyptonite and with any glance or speck of light in the mirror, we immediately become weak with self-defeating thoughts and behavior. This of course what happens when you aren't doing those things. This is a completely different experience when you are doing those things.

When you are doing the right thing, you can't keep your neck out of the mirror. Any mirror you walk by, you start sashaying around like Sandra from 227 screaming "Maarrrryyyyy". Or at least this is my perception of what has been happening to me. For me, I have noticed that I can't keep my little self out of that mirror. Not being vain, just trying to see the change I want to become. And you know what, I can't see it, that's another thing that happens when you start doing the right thing. Because I see myself everyday, I can't see anything different. I'll be honest, it is so frustrating. I want the muscle tone and blah, blah, blah but I just don't see it. It's very discouraging. I've been working and I mean working hard for a month and I can't see it. This gives me a little doubt that I will be able to make it by October.

Then, you hear that one thing you've been longing to hear..."You look good" or "Wow, have you lost weight?" or "Man, look at the guns?". The hubby is amazing at giving me that motivation and combatting my self-doubt. So as I move into another workout, another week, another month, I'm ready to attack it and when I'm down, which I know I will be, he'll be there to pick my pitiful, self-loathing self right on up.

NapturallyFit

Smile for the Camera

From Day One, Beast has been telling me that he needs to take photos of me and I think "Uggghhh" (just like Charlie Brown). While I'm fit, I've never been tight and toned. This is because while I'm healthy, I do like to eat. I don't have as much definition as I would like. A lot of "working out" to me was doing cardio and rarely lifting weights. This year, that changed. I got a trainer and he worked me out pretty good but I wasn't taking in nearly enough protein so my results were small if any. Side note....too much cardio will hurt you in the end. Your strength will be minimal and while you will look skinny, your body can cannabilize on your muscles. Don't believe me, look it up !~).

Anyhoo, back to the pictures. Beast and I finally got our schedules right and the day finally came for "dun, dun, dunnnnnnnnnn (piano keys)....the pictures". I'm working out and Beast strolls in the gym like Goliath and asks me if I'm ready. I have to take the photos in a sports bra and shorts (which I had to buy because I don't have shorts). We go into the fitness studio and I get my first dose of posing lessons. He shows me what the four quarter turns are and has me practice them. This was so awkward to me and much harder than I thought it would be. After practicing for about ten or so minutes, the last go around, he takes my pictures from all corners.

Not as bad as I thought it would be. I have to believe in myself more and know that I look pretty good. As we're leaving, Beast tells me that I am fine but now its time to start competition diet and exercise regimen. He tells me how much I need to lose and that I should get that new training stuff next week. I don't know what the diet will be but I know I'll be working out twice a week which I can totally do because I'm in education and "Schools out for Summer"!!

NapturallyFit

Hair, Exercise, and the Big stage...

As you can tell by my name, I'm a natural girl. I transitioned for a year and with the kind encouragement of well we'll just call her KD, I did my big chop last summer. No regrets, I've been taking the year to learn my "new hair" and like McDonald's "I'm lovin it"(singing, of course). I wanted to take a moment to talk about hair.

Before I went au naturale, I was a perm wearing sister. This never stopped me from going to the gym though. I can't understand why someone would compromise their health for the sake of a hairstyle. This is not about to be a bash against anyone. I don't care how you wear your hair. Like I have said repeatedly, it's all about being healthy. This issue is such a hot topic, it was even on the news. Of course the content focused on black women but it would have been anyone who forsakes going to the gym until right before they are going to see their hairstylists again. I even heard a lady say that she usually works out twice a week, the two days before her next appointment. Let's get serious ladies, get in the gym.

On another note, I fro'd the hair out this week and unfortunately forgot my head band for the gym to turn it into a puff. If you know nothing about natural hair, let me give you this equation: hair plus sweat/water plus heat = hugeness. This is exactly what my hair was halfway through the workout. During lunges, the guy that introduced me to Beast cam to speak. You know what, let's give him a name. Let's call him "Diesel". During my rest between sets, we are chitchatting about Beast's upcoming show but while we are talking, he's not looking at my face, his eyes are fixated on the fro. Now I am totally aware that the fro is completely out of control but you would think that I was Medusa and had snakes on my head. Then he asks, "What's up with the hair?" My first reaction is to go sister girl on him but I remain reserved, after all we are in public. I politely ask "What do you mean?"(If you know me, you can hear my sweet little voice). He's like, "I'm not saying it doesn't look good but are you going to have it like that for the show?" ......................What is THAT supposed to mean? I've already detoxed from the creamy crack an have come into my own as a natural woman. To this date, I have not straightened my hair since my chop. Am I supposed to straighten my hair now for the sake of looking like everyone else on the stage? I am completely aware that sisters are a minority in this arena, I'm cool with that, but am I going to be deducted points because of my hair? That's not right.

The first show I went to had a natural sister on the stage, and i thought it was amazing to see her natural hair up on that stage. I don't know how I will wear my hair for the show but it is quite unsettling that I have to even think about it now...

NapturallyFit

Eating is interesting

Beast gave me my vitamin regimen and my exercise routine. When I saw the amount of vitamins I had to take, my eyes bugged out of my head like the cartoon characters do when they see something extreme. On a daily basis, I take about 15 pills including Calcium, Vitamins C & E, prenatals, etc. Yes, prenatals. They include everything a woman needs in her body times two, of course. Not to mention, healthy hair and nails. To keep myself organized, I bought two pill organizers: one for day and one for night. One of my co-workers laughs at me when I pull it out for lunch but its necessary because it helps me keep all of my pills organized day and it keeps me from opening twenty bottles twice a day. On to the meals...

As I mentioned earlier, I am a pescetarian, meaning a veggie with fish. Beast is excited about this little quality because I'll be his first veggie competitor. My regular regimen included beans, Boca, ad fish every now and then. I at five to six meals a day like they suggest. Hold on, let's back up. About five years ago, I was about thirty pounds heavier. Love and being comfortable is one helluva drug. After seeing a photo of myself on New Year's Day, I could not believe what I had let happened. I was athletic in high school and college unfortunately I kept those same eating habits but forgot that it was the movement and exercise that kept me fit. So I made an appointment with a nutritionist at my gym and BOOM... thirty pounds gone and I'm feeling great. I've been able to keep it off ever since.

I became a veggie while fasting during Lent. Me and hubbie gave up meat and after 48 days, we kept it going. Two years later and here we are. Who knows, maybe in some years we'll incorporate back in but we will definitely have to be completely organic. Yet I digress, back to Beast. Beast has me eating the exact schedule that I'm used to but with a WHOLE lot of protein. Eggs, oatmeal, fish, protein powder, brown rice. Ahhh, but the thing that keeps me sane is my "cheat meal". One day a week, excuse me, one meal a week, I can have anything I want. This is my sanity and treasure.

Let's fastforward three weeks. I'm entering into my fourth week of this routine and my body has adjusted to the increase in food daily, the vitamins, and the workout. I'm finding myself stronger each week as I increase my weight. Next week in week four, we'll see what happens.

NapturallyFit

The road begins....

So, I'm at the gym one day and run into "someone" I know who I see quite often. After small chit-chat, I mention that I'm interested in competing blah, blah, blah, he tells me about a guy they call "Beast" he is training with for his first show. After finishing my workout, he points "Beast" out and of course this guy is MASSIVE. He's sweating bullets on the treadmill; the incline is on like 50 and speed 90 (exaggerating of course). I'm already doubting my decision. We talk and he's like, "So when you ready to start". At this point, there is no turning back. I mean, I work out with these folks and see them in the gym all the time. If I punk out, I'm going to have to change up my whole routine to avoid them, you know. If I back down now, I'll forever be the girl who (in a girlie whiny voice) "said she wanted to train but didn't no". I'm all in...

In our initial meeting, Beast asks me to give him my weight, three days of meals, and my current exercise regime. All of these were simple, except, I don't own a scale. I know that's hard to believe but I don't. So I buy a scale and I get a pretty good one. Beast told me I needed a glass one and for $5 more, I purchased the one with body fat, muscle, and I can't remember the last thing it does, but its nice. Weighing yourself is such an emotional experience. On a daily basis we are spoon fed stereotypical images of beauty and we believe that this is what it is suppose to be like. I mean why are the wealthiest people some of the thinnest, sickest looking people in America that is? I mean who says that the girl whose ribs you can see is the sexiest person on Earth? Who decides this mess? Ok, I was dodging the bullet with political talk. Here it is...128.

I know what you're thinking. She's such a hypocrite. She's trying to flaunt across stage in a little bathing suit to have people judge her body. This is different. Im happy with my body now because I'm healthy. I don't care how much you weigh, as long as you're healthy. Don't judge me!!!

NapturallyFit

Going to see the show...

Every person I've spoken to about my goal has suggested for me to attend a show to see what it's about so I can decide if I REALLY want to be in this world. So, that's exactly what I did. Bought myself 2 tickets (one for a girlfriend) and we went right downtown to a local competition. When we entered the building, it was like we were in another world. We were a little early and so had to chill in the lobby until the show started. You can believe that my eyes were on every piece of muscle specimen in there trying to learn what I could learn. Then they walked into the lobby..."The Competitiors" (in my Oprah welcome a new guest voice) and it was so Friggin serious. OMG!!! I was so excited. The show hadn't even started yet and I was ready.

We decided to sit in the balcony to get a good view and I'm so very glad we did. This show had several classes including Fitness, Bikini, Figure, etc. The women ranged in ethnicity, age, height, hair, whatever but they looked sooooooooo friggin good. Being there made me feel like I REALLY needed to get my life together. We did not attend the judging that night but the prejudging had me hooked and educated me about class divisions. The women had several things in common...itsybitsyteenieweeniebikinis, tans (even the black girls), little glass slippers, and banging bodies.

I left the show on a high like none other feeling confident....before I leave out I say to myself "I'm going to be on that stage with these women soon"...

NapturallyFit

Why a Fitness Competition?

So you're at your house bored, nothing to do or look at on TV. While you're browsing through the 500 channels that you are being overcharged to surf through, you come across women and men scantily dressed, greased up, and prancing around a stage, flexing their muscles as hard as they possibly can. You think to yourself, "Why does a person want their body to look like that" or "How in the world does a person get their body to look like that". Then the competition moves on and you see women doing one-armed pushups and dance routines. Then you start to think, "Man those women are strong, or wow those bodies are banging". Well, I've looked at these shows in amazement as well. Especially during that period of time when I was about 30 pounds overweight but we'll get to that in a later Blog.

While I am not a fan of steroid use and bulking up so much that you look like the Incredible Hulk walking down the street (and I'm describing the women); I am a fan of those women in those bikini's whose bodies still look very feminine and so fit!! I want to be one of those women and I'm tired of waiting year after year, saying I want to be a Fitness Competitor and doing absolutely NOTHING about it. Well, this year is my year. I want that body. I want to see what my body can do. I want to push it to the limits. That's what this blog is all about; me just talking and giving my honest opinion (sometimes RANTS) about my formal entrance into the Fitness World. I consider myself a pretty health conscious person already but this is taking it to another level. Another interesting piece of my journey is the fact that I am a Veggie or Fishaterian or Pesceterian (whatever the formal name is for the Vegetarian who eats fish) and this should make building muscle quite interesting.

Stay with me on my journey to see what I see but fortunately for you, you won't feel what I feel.

NapturallyFit