Lazy Sunday...

I just got finished working 3 days for VPX at the Natural Products Expo East 2009 right here in Boston! It was the first time I got to experience the new Boston Convention Center and boy...what a place! The convention center is huge and absolutely gorgeous. It was a long 3 days on our feet nonstop but needless to say, we represented well and gave away all of our product!

Last night I got to lay in bed while watching the live Olympia webcast from Las Vegas, and today I got to lounge around! Yup you heard that right, I lounged around! I got some clients' workouts written up for the week ahead and cooked some meals for the week, so overall a very productive day. I am ready for Monday!

I feel as though we all look forward to Sundays...whether it's because of football, time with family and friends or just to have some "me time" - Sundays always allow you to do whatever you please. I was happy with my Sunday!!!!

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

After returning home from the Team Universe show in NYC last weekend and settling in...I'm right back into the swing of things here. I'm back to work, work and more work. Did I mention I was working this week? LOL

It's funny how something so amazing and wonderful and unexpected can happen over the weekend, but when you come home it feels as if it didn't really happen. I'm ever so grateful for the results from the Team Universe show; however, I haven't really had the opportunity to let the results sink in and to grasp what this really means for me and what's next in terms of competing. Let's get serious - life gets in the way. There's a lot that goes on in everyone's daily lives. Somtimes too much actually. We all do the best that we can to get by in today's world and economy and we all work very hard. As soon as I got home, I was back into throwing myself into my work, into getting things done for the week. I'm ecstatic and thrilled about Team Universe still, but I have to face my reality...I work full time and competing is my hobby. It's back to working and back to training and dieting - this girl has got to get ready and in shape for the pro stage next year!

The Results Are In....

I am officially an IFBB Pro! You read that right...I received my pro card at this past weekend's NPC Team Universe show in New York. I am thrilled and on cloud nine right now!

I originally had planned on working this particular show for VPX; however, after putting some thought into it and being asked by various people why I wasn't competing, I decided to get my act together and train to compete. Boy, am I glad I made that decision! I went into this show just to see how the new NPC Bikini division was run and if I liked it, to continue competing with them. You see, I have been competing for 4 years now. I feel as if I have been all over the place with my "look" and/or physique and where I belong (what federation to stick with and compete in). I first started out competing in Figure. However after various attempts at shows, I realized that the Figure look wasn't so much me. I then moved on to Bikini - a more healthy, fit, athletic look. This seemed more my style and I could showcase my personality more on stage, yet something was still missing. This year I stepped it up and started competing in Fitness on top of Bikini. Fitness made training that much more rewarding once you nailed your routine on stage. Was it harder to train for? Absolutely. Am I glad I did it? Heck yea! Fitness gave me that thrill I was looking for. I was still dabbling with the Bikini division though and seeing if that was for me. It's hard in the competing world when you can't figure out where your home is or where you truly belong - it makes it a lot harder on yourself.

With all that being said...I feel that this is by far a great path laid out ahead of me and I can't wait to see what it brings. Am I scared? Yes, absolutely - but I am ready for this new challenge and new "stage". My coach, Cathy Savage, and her staff have been simply amazing throughout my whole transformation and journey with them. Without any of them, I wouldn't be where I am today - so thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I think that I'll be taking the remainder of the year off to focus on some good training and getting my business and clients squared away. Come next year....I'll be hitting that pro stage and I can't wait!!!!

Thank you to everyone for your continued support - love you all!

Team U - Here I Come!

I just returned home from an incredible weekend in Atlantic City where I worked for VPX Sports at the IFBB Atlantic City Pro / Am. The show was smoothly run and organized and the weekend itself was a blast! I met a lot of wonderful and fabulous people from booth sponsors, competitors and staff. However the one obstacle that I did face while there was trying to stay on track with my diet and training with the NPC Team Universe show just 1 week away. I got to the gym and got in the most training that I could on top of working a 13 hour day and the diet, for the most part, was pretty strict even while traveling (yes, I did go prepared with some food!).

I'm now only a couple of days away from the NPC Team Universe show and feeling fierce! With being sick over a week ago and feeling as if my training was put on hold - I am now feeling confident and ready to bring it! I met with my coach, Cathy Savage, this afternoon to go over last minute posing and show prep and feel much more confident after seeing her. I am overly excited to get to NYC and to compete. This will be my first time competing in Bikini in the NPC, so I'm not too sure what to expect as the division is still new for the NPC; however, I am confident with myself and know that whatever the outcome...I am certainly bringing my A-Game! Stay tuned for a weekend recap!!!!!!

Who Am I?

Today's blog is a pretty sensitive topic as it pertains to who we are, what we represent and our values. We all know who we are, what type of people we are and what we value and believe in. However there comes a time when another individual will come along and question our person and who we are.

I had a particular incident occur yesterday that left me questioning myself and my values. For those out there that know me, you know me well and know who I am. You know what I believe in and represent. Yesterday I had a particular person, someone that I have never met mind you, bombard me with false accusations about my character and my intentions in life. I sat there and read hurtful comments made towards myself, which left me ultimately really upset, frustrated and starting to question who I am. As I kept thinking to myself and asking who I am, I kept coming up with the same conclusions. I know who I am, I'm a good person and I'm true to myself and others. Should I have to explain that to people or justify that to anyone, especially someone I have never met before? The answer is no, and I am learning to be ok with "no".

So then why do you think people have the audacity to say such things about others? Maybe they have insecurities, maybe they have nothing better to say...whatever the case, it was said and it was said to purposely hurt. Sometimes people do and say the most outrageous things. I am a pretty sensitive and emotional person, so things like this usually hurt me. I can't let things just easily slide as everyone out there will advise - "just let it go". I can't let things go because I take things to heart. I'm learning that I need to start living by that motto - "just let it go". Is it really that easy though as you say? Do people who live by this motto really have an easy time letting things go, especially when hurtful things are said about you? If so - please let me know so that I learn that approach!

With all that being said....I leave you all with this about myself and who I am, as I put some thought into it yesterday, and I can proudly say that:

I am genuine & real
I am loyal & trustworthy
I am dedicated & motivated
I am a hard worker
I am sensitive & emotional
I am confident with who I am & love myself

Today starts a new day with a new beginning and the hurt of yesterday's comments are fading. But it did put some things in perspective for me as to what others are capable of. However I will publicly thank that person for saying those things as it did make me question myself and think about who I really am. I have found that although I am always growing and learning, I walk confident today knowing that I am a good person complete with good intentions and values...who are you?

Back to Reality

The official "end of summer" is here - Labor Day Weekend. I made a last minute decision last week to go to Florida for the holiday weekend. I realized that I had 4 days off in a row - 4! Instead of staying home, I wanted to go out and do something. I'm the type that can't sit still (although at times, it can be nice). I couldn't stand the fact thinking that I had 4 days off and I had no idea what to do with myself...so I booked my tickets and jetted to Florida for the long weekend.

Go figure...all I wanted to do all weekend was to relax on the beach and get some sun. However, as it was gorgeous and sunny back home - there was no sign of the sun in Florida. Just my luck! I was still able to relax - I got in my workouts, went to the movies and had some time off from working at the gym and teaching bootcamps. It was nice to relax and do some things that I never have time for anymore.

I'm home now and getting ready for the start of a new week - unpacking, have to get some groceries, cook, and write up workouts for the week. I'm officially 2 weeks out from Team Universe in New York - yikes! It's quickly approaching and I can't wait!

Here's to a great week ahead!!

Feeling Under the Weather

This happens every time I train for a show, especially at the very end of my contest prep...I get sick! Now I'm not one to usually get sick as I stay active, take my vitamins, drink PLENTY of water and eat very well. However because I have a show a little less than 3 weeks away and both my training is pretty intense and my variety in food is let's just say bland and lacking variety....I start to get weak and prone to whatever bug is currently going around. The past 3 days I have taken it easy with training and have only walked the lake, if that. My diet has not been 100% on point because let's face it...who wants to eat white fish when they are sick?! Not this girl!

Instead of pushing for it and continuing to work hard, like most people will probably do...I listen to my body. It's telling me to relax and to take some time off to take care of myself. Why do I want to continue pushing only to feel worse in the end? Don't get me wrong...I AM getting to that show, but my health is my main priority and while others may jeapordize that, I certainly will not. To be healthy is something that a lot of individuals can take advantage of. If you have good health - hang on to it by taking care of you (even if that requires taking some time to rest).

I'm hoping to be back in the swing of things by tomorrow or the latest, by Friday. Fingers crossed!

Fall Resolutions

It's that day of the week again, the one we all do not look forward to...Monday. However this particular Monday marks the last day of August and for most, pretty much the last day of the summer. Once September hits, we are all right back into the swing of things, whether it's with school or work. We're leaving those lazy days of summer behind us and moving right on in to the fall.

I like to think of this time of year as a fresh start. It's the start of a new season and in essence, almost a "clean slate". Were there things in the summer that you wanted to get done but didn't? Are you looking to set a new goal or overcome a new challenge? Take the time to think about that...what would you like to see happen this fall that maybe didn't in the summer. During the summer, we can get easily consumed with family/friend outings, bbq's, beachtime, and just summer laziness in general. What would you like to see happen this fall? Maybe set a fall resolution...resolutions are not just for the beginning of a new year.

For me, I'm looking to constantly challenge myself, and not just physically and with strength. This fall I'd like to see all of my hard work from the summer pay off by obtaining some new clients at the gym. I'd like to get some new clients that really challenge me as a trainer, clients that ask questions and really make me...work! Did I just say that? The only way I can grow is to be challenged, it's the only way I can and will learn. So that's my resolution - to keep on growing, learning and challenging myself. Stay tuned for updates on this one!

Taking a Breather

Needless to say, this has been 1 crazy week! I have been super busy with clients at Healthworks as well as training people outside of the gym. I have so much going on that I always catch myself at one point in the day and have to remind myself to take a breather, which is what I am doing right now. My day started bright and early at 5:30am, as it does every day, and I have been going nonstop with clients until now (1:30pm)! Phew...breathing here!

I still have a lot of stuff to catch up on and have to get my own training in, but wanted to take the time to update my blog as I know you all REALLY want to know what's going on with me lol. I'm off to Atlantic City tomorrow morning for the weekend to work an event and am really excited as I've never been to Atlantic City before and I love visiting new places. I love taking the time to explore on my own - and by exploring I mean running/walking around the city and getting in a workout at the same time haha! Here's to a great weekend in a new city!

Keep Pushing For It

I just got home after a kickass workout at the Cathy Savage Fitness studio with the one and only, Paula Harvey (otherwise known as Lil P). Paula is a little bundle of fire and energy that choreographs many fitness routines as well as trains many of Cathy's clients with functional and plyometric workouts. She also helps many of us with our stage presence/walking and posture. Did I mention that she is also an amazing yoga teacher? That woman sure can do everything! Geesh!

After training clients and running bootcamps all day, it can sometimes be difficult to focus on my own training and making sure that I am pushing myself as much as I push others. Don't get me wrong - I certainly train hard. However, after tonight's workout I am realizing that I need to push myself harder. When I workout with Paula, she pushes me to a place that I never knew I could get to. After an hour with her, I feel amazing and stronger than ever!

With that being said...I think that this relates to everyone in their everyday lives. This doesn't have to just be about training and workouts. Do you want that promotion at work? Are you currently doing everything in your power to get there? Really think about it - if not, push harder! We tend to get to a comfort zone that we can never get past. Write down your goals, what you want to achieve, where you want to be strong and succeed and...make it happen. We are each strong in our own separate ways. Strength is not just about the physical aspect - it is also very mental and emotional. If you had to pick just 1 thing - what would be your greatest strength????