I started weight training in February of 2012. The reason I even started was because I was
inspired to be at my own personal best.
Obviously as a fitness instructor, I work out alot. With all that cardio, my body was still on
the softer side. I knew that in order to
really tone and show more definition, I was going to have to change my diet and
weight train. It is a huge commitment
that I've always struggled to take. I teamed up with my dear friend Bebe to
train for a fitness competition. The
pressure was on and so I had to keep myself on check. This was one of the hardest things that I've
had to do in my life. With the support
of friends and students I competed for the first time in April. I felt amazing! It was truly the best I've ever felt in my
life.
I was so motivated from the competition that I decided to
compete again 12 weeks later. I applied
and was accepted on Team Bombshell. It
is an online training program for Bikini and Figure competitors. It is a very intensive and successful
program. Many competitors who train with
this team place in the top 5. I freaked
when I received my new diet plan and workout. On top of the 2-3 hours of Zumba
I teach per day, I would have to do an additional hour of weight training and 2
hours of cardio on the treadmill. That
was going to be a total of 5-6 hours of working out everyday! I was getting up at 5am just to get my
workouts in. I couldn't get to bed early
enough and so I was getting very little sleep.
Something we may not stress enough is how important sleep is especially
when training. A friend once told me,
"That's when all the magic happens."
I use that statement all the time now.
Although Team Bombshell is highly successful with many women, it was not
the right match for me. Too much cardio
can actually be counterproductive. I
wasn't willing to cut back on my teaching schedule to fit in the Bombshell
cardio exercises either. So because I
couldn't follow the Team's program exactly as outlined, I decided to
withdraw. I learned alot from my experience
with them and truly have an appreciation for all the hard work of these
Bombshell female competitors.
I didn't give up on training entirely. I recruited a fellow fitness instructor who
had a membership to the same gym as I.
Initially it worked out great! We
had a similar schedule and we both liked to lift heavy. However, within a few weeks his schedule
changed and he was no longer able to train.
Oh boy, another obstacle. This is
the way it always is though, right?
We'll always encounter obstacles, but it is the perseverance to continue
that makes us successful.
I took about a week off from training to really think things
through. Am I truly motivated enough to
do this on my own? I realized during
that week off that I'm not alone in this.
Thankfully, I am surrounded by people who inspire me. They remind me that I am stronger than I
know. So yes, I can train and compete again.
I am taking what I learned so far and doing what is going to
work best for me. There is a competition
in October that I could participate in.
It's not too much time, but at least it would give me a goal date. There are also a few other incentives to
getting back into my training regiment which include taking new headshots and a
vacation in November.
So what does my new training program look like? My cardio consists of my Zumba classes
because that is what I teach daily at least twice per day. I do weight training 5 days a week. I lift heavy with only 8-10 reps. Diet is the biggest challenge for me and also
takes the most time to prepare. I
decided to pay for a personal catering service.
My program is Dairy and Gluten free.
Everything is already portioned out based on my caloric need. I supplement with a pre and post-workout
protein shake and a shake before bedtime.
I feel fantastic after my first week back. A fitness journey is meant to be
challenging. Not only do we build
physical strength, but mental strength as well.
No matter what, we continue and adjust the course of action when necessary.
'll check back in next week with an update!
