I appreciate all the feed back I received on yesterday’s post!!!! You all are so fabulous!!! I think I know which bikini I am leaning towards

Speaking of fabulous fans, My Lunatiks Athletiks Zuza Compression Socks winner is………….   Danielle W.                                                     Congratulations! I have sent you an email and look forward to hearing back so we can get your prize out to you!!!!

Yesterday was awesome! I got some training time with my hubby Josh, which hasn’t been happening a lot lately. With memorial weekend closing in quick, he has been slammed at the store and working late a lot. With that being said, he only got yesterday off work, so leg day will be done today solo. Boooo Ah well, I actually have a ton of chores to do today on top of training and when he is home I never get much done lol. No more pushing it off for tomorrow, it must all get done today!

Posing practice has been going great! Josh was a huge help yesterday in critiquing me. We have been taking videos, but I am not ready to share those with you quite yet ha ha ha. Maybe after I start cutting weight again I am feeling quite fluffy lately. Anyway, we take the videos so I can see what I am doing and to send to my mentors who help in critiquing me and correct my form. I am a diamond in the rough and I have A LOT of polishing left to do!

I am super stoked today! My Facebook page has reached over 500 likes!!!!!! So, another HUGE Thank you to all who have shared my page!!!! In honor of you all being so PHENOMENAL, I am teaming up with Ripped Cream! One lucky reader will receive an 8oz bag of Ripped Cream Coffee Creamer in their choice of flavor! Now you can get your protein first thing in the morning, quick and easy! What mama doesn’t LOVE that!?!?! They have an awesome back story too! It was actually developed in none other than a sippy cup

RIPPED CREAM Coffee Creamer

The Worlds First Protein Coffee Creamer. “Get Ripped”

“The small town of Copperopolis, California is sleepy no more. Local mom/business owner/entrepreneur Robin Dimiceli has set a new standard for coffee creamer!

Ripped Cream is the Worlds first healthy protein coffee creamer; A whole foods compliant, all natural, gluten free, protein delight! A single serving gives you 50% of the RDI of Vitamin D3 and 11 amino acids. The edgy branding shows a sense of humor and a big nod to the health diet and fitness world. A variety of new flavors are coming, so try them all and “Get Ripped” with Ripped Cream!!

Raising four kids as a single mom created a challenge: who has time for breakfast these days? Robin began making Ripped Cream as her own keep-me-going concoction in a sippy cup in her kitchen. Most flavored creamers are made with hydrogenated oils or trans fats. Consuming trans fatty acids incorporates them into your cells so your cells actually become hydrogenated! Consequences include increased occurrence of heart disease, sexual dysfunction, weakened immune system, cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and obesity.

Americans on the go should have protein within 30 minutes of waking up for optimum health. Our bodies do not store protein, so we need to supplement!  No time for eggs and oatmeal? Fuel your coffee with Ripped Cream, and without breaking your stride you have breakfast in a cup! Americans consume over 123 million cups of coffee per day and nutritional supplements sales were estimated at 23 Billion dollars in 2010.

Despite America’s trend toward healthy food choices, there have appeared to be no innovations in the creamer market. New to the food industry, but willing to learn – Robin was clear about three things: her creation needed to be healthy, delicious, and hold the highest standards for ingredients. Could it be done?  Just when you think coffee has seen it all, Robin Dimiceli introduces a new idea infusing a healthy start with your cup of “joe”.”

You can check them out by CLICKING HERE

Okay, so what I wanna know is what flavor do you want to try most!?!? Get over to my giveaways page by CLICKING HERE and get entered to win!!!!!

Hope you all have a fabulously fit day!!!

I have been spending the past few days shopping for a suit for the competition. You may be thinking, you competition isn’t till next year!?!?! Well, with the price of a suit ranging between $300-$500 I figured better look now for what I want so I know how much to save.

I am hoping to get a sponsor or two to help with all of the costs of competing. The biggest expenses for me will be the suit/shoes, travel, and NPC Fees. I am in talks with one company for sponsorship, so fingers crossed that I get it!!!!

I want something that is different than what most girls wear. I want it to be blingy, so when the stage lights hit it, I really light up! And of course I want it to be on the lower end of the price spectrum! These are the suits I have picked out so far…

Super bling with lots of shine at $350

Love the color of this one plus it’s different style! $305

This one is really different as far as style goes and I love the design! $320

I love the color of this one too! You can see, I am in love with this style of bottoms! $355

Gorgeous! This suit can be done in any color. $340

There are some really amazing suits out there, but all come with an outrageous price tag! Believe it or not, the prices on these are modest compared to some!

I would love to get your opinion on what suit you think would look best on me! Is there another color I should look at? Ugh, so many decisions lol

Hope you all have a fabulously fit day!!!!

If you go to the Chiropractor you are probably familiar with Electric Muscle Stimulation Machines or Tens Units.

It is most commonly used as electroanalgesia. It sends electric shock to nerves to prevent pain. It also helps with muscle atrophy in patients who have bad injuries and/or surgeries and can not work those muscles. I have a handheld one from a back injury I had a few years ago, but I also have a bigger unit. I was looking online for replacement pad for the unit and came across an article that perked my interest. It is about the benefits of muscle endurance, and strength building with these machines! You can CLICK HERE to see the article. Anyway, this isn’t like the “Ab belt” you may have seen on tv that has the same idea, but that does not have nearly the power as an actual EMS unit, and we all know that abs are made in the kitchen anyway. However, the idea that you can exhaust your muscles even more post workout and get an even better pump to help them grow. Is something that has made me very curious!!! I actually remembered this being talked about with Bruce Lee. If you have seen the movie Dragon The Bruce Lee Story then you have heard about it too. Here is a quick clip

Since I already have the machine, I decided to start using it for more than just therapeutic reasons.  I will keep you updated as to whether I believe it is adding actual volume to my muscles. The thought is intriguing though! I do not plan on cutting back my training at all, this will just be something I add to my routine post workout. From what I have already experienced, I can tell you that it speeds up recovery time! My legs were not sore as long as last week and nor were my biceps.

I am curious to know your thoughts on the subject! Would you try this? Have you tried this?

Hope you all have a fabulously fit day!!!!

YES! It’s Monday!!!! Most people hate Mondays, but I love them!!!!

You may wonder why I love Monday so much lol There are several reasons! It is the end of rest. By Monday I am dying to get back into the gym and get back to work. It is my family’s Thursday. Josh is off Wednesday and Thursdays most weeks, so those are our family fun days! It is Motivation Monday, which as you all know I love to get everyone going! Last but not least, it is Lady Swole Monday on NPC Figure Competitor Hope Trask’s Facebook page! CLICK HERE to check it out!

Hope you all get after it today and have a fabulously fit day!!!!!

I am taking today to just rest and relax xoxo

Hope you all have a fabulously fit day!!!

Pretty excited this morning! A few weeks ago I was sent a pair of Hot Pants from Zaggora. Mind you, these aren’t your run of the mill workout pants. They actually came with a user manual. Yeah, you read that right ha ha ha

These “Hot” pants are exactly that, HOT! Meaning they make you sweat!!! These are made from a special material (Patent pending) called Celu-Lite Technology. To describe it, it feels like a thin foam materal. If you have ever been scuba diving, I would say it is similar to a scuba suit.

It basically raises your core body temp while you are active. In doing so you raise your metabolic rate, burn more calories, and lose weight/inches faster and more efficiently! Check out this clip from ABC news

I wasn’t at all skeptical of them working. As soon as you put them on you instantly feel warm! These WILL make you sweat…. A LOT!!! They are super comfy and come in a ton of cute styles! They actually have a whole clothing line! Shirts, pants, jackets, shorts, etc. They are constantly raising the bar and coming out with more cute styles and colors!

I am stoked to have these as part of my training arsenal  The Zaggora Hot Pants are going to be a huge help in getting competition ready when I start to cut weight again! The fact that the Zaggora clothing line increases your calorie expenditure is HUGE! This will save me time in the gym. Rather than having to be a cardio bunny for 30+ mins I will be able todo my weight training, then hop in do 15-20 mins of HIIT and be on my way! Being that I have a child in the gym daycare and only have so much time allotted, this is a big deal for me! Now I will be able to take my time with my weight training, mind you still burning more calories because of the pants, then off to do my HIIT. I personally believe it is going to save me time and energy!

I think they are a fabulous company with a phenomenal product line! Definitely worth checking out! You can see more reviews by CLICKING HERE , see more on how it works by CLICKING HERE, and shop by clicking the picture above

Hope you all have a fabulously fit Saturday!!!!

So I mentioned yesterday that I am switching up my Bicep day. My biceps have not improved much in the past few weeks. My shoulders and triceps have been doing great, but my biceps have been lacking. When something is not working, it needs just a little tweak. So, we decided it would be best to move my tricep training to Mondays with my shoulder training and Biceps will be the ONLY focus on Fridays. I seriously need to bring back the gun show!

This is the New and Improved bicep training! I am ready to see some results!!!! The same rules as always 4 sets of 8-10 reps for each exercise going up in weight each set. Last set to failure should be so heavy 4-6 reps is all you can do.

To start the workout I will do Alternating Dumbbell Curls

One Arm Preacher Curls

Close Grip Barbell Curls

Incline Dumbbell Curls

Wrist Curls

The Reverse Grip Bicep Curls like I explained last week with wrists down and wrists up. 4 sets of each

Mind you the first picture is just to show wrist positions. (I know he is doing wrist curls) Second picture is of the actual reverse bicep curl. I do one set of reverse curls with my wrists down, then one set with them up. I repeat this 4 times. Hope that makes sense.

Last but certainly not least Hammer Curls

I am hoping I start seeing some growth again! We shall see in a few weeks! Hope you all have a fabulously fit day!!! xoxo

Yesterday was FABULOUS! We woke up bright and early to hit the gym for chest training. It was awesome because the gym was pretty much empty! From there we hit the store then headed home. Josh seemed to be in a hurry and wanted us to get cleaned up to leave again. Little did I know he had an extravagant lunch planned at Ocean Zen! (A local Sushi Bar)

I had no idea he was treating us to such a classy lunch ha ha ha ha Zoe was so excited! She LOVES sushi!!!

The food was phenomenal!!! It couldn’t have been more perfect!

From there we headed to Michael’s Craft store to pick up some supplies to make Zoe’s Little Mermaid cake. Josh bought her a 15′x4 swimming pool for her 3rd birthday next month and we decided on a beach theme I am SO excited to surprise her with the pool and cake! Her birthday is gonna be AWESOME!!! I can’t believe my little baby is already turning 3!!!

Once we got home and put everything away, Josh decided to bake a ham. LOL He was all about cheat meals yesterday. Meal 3 was the sushi, meal 4 was Chimichangas, and meal 5 was honey baked ham. I even had a drink and some See’s Chocolates SO good and I do not feel guilty in the least. Especially since today is leg day and I know I am gonna work it off. Needless to say, hubs spoils us ha ha ha

Doing my weigh in this morning to see where I am for the month….. I am actually still right on track! Woo Hoo!!!!

Just 4lbs of weight gain with 2 1/2 more months of bulking. I will take it! I also measure my fat% which is only up by 1% and my lean body mass went from 111 to 113. I will take that!!!

We decided to change up my arm workout for tomorrow though because my triceps and shoulders are out growing my biceps, so I will be sure to post that! And of course I have a winner to announce The winner of the HUMAN Healthy Vending Giveaway is…….. PAULA V. Congratulations!!!! I have sent you an email. 

Be sure to get entered to win the many giveaways I have going! Just click the giveaways tab at the top of the page Hope you all have a fabulously fit day!!!

Last month I told you about a couple of new products I have been taking. NeoCell’s Beauty Bursts and Sport Collagen. You can CLICK HERE to read last month’s article.

I told you the benefits of NeoCell’s Collagen and showed you how much my skin has improved! NeoCell has sent me a few more products to try out! They sent me Collagen Radiance Serum (which isn’t on the website yet but you can find it by CLICKING HERE) they also sent out some Collagen Plus C  and  Hyaluronic Acid for Josh.

I will start with the Collagen Radiance Serum. This stuff is AMAZING!!! Like I told you last month, my skin has already shown quite a bit of improvement from just the Beauty Bursts and Sport Collagen. I was excited to get this and start using it right away! The first thing I noticed is my skin is softer, more supple, and not dry. My skin started getting really dry after I had Zoe at the age of 31. Lines and wrinkles were setting in, acne scars showing up, my acne even got worse, and I looked my age if not older. I now am addicted to all of the NeoCell products I have been taking. I am on my 3rd tub of Sport Collagen, 2nd bag of Beauty Bursts, and getting ready to buy more serum. I don’t feel the need to always have make-up on. I am no longer embarrassed of my skin. Josh constantly tells me how soft my face is and how radiant my skin looks. I even got carded for alcohol last week. For being mid 30′s that isn’t bad ha ha ha ha

Had I been asked a few years ago to post a picture of myself with no make-up on after I had just woke up, I would have told you where to stick the camera lol. I am much more confident in myself and my skin!

Now the next two products I am MOST excited about. Josh has been living with chronic joint pain for quite a while. We have tried many supplements, ointments, medications, etc Nothing has helped enough for him to get back into the gym full time, let alone live pain free. This has made my training a little harder. I love having my husband in the gym with me, not just to be a spotter, but my support and training partner. He pushes me to go harder and heavier. He was in enough pain that he could only lift lighter weights, which frustrated him. He manages the largest Mattress Firm in the country, so he also has to lift mattresses on occasion which can also be extremely heavy. So him being in pain has been a daily struggle. His shoulder has been the main issue, but he also has minor back pain.

I had talked with the lovely Jean at NeoCell and she explained that her husband had knee issues and NeoCell had products that helped. At this point in the game, anything was worth a try! I told Josh they were sending some products for his joint pain. He had a negative attitude about it working, but was willing to try them out. He actually did a little research on NeoCell before we received the products and was impressed by this article….

“World-Class Triathlete Turns to NeoCell Collagen to Cope with Knee Pain and Keep Competing
NeoCell collagen products help maintain joint health

Santa Ana, Calif. – (January 12, 2011) – Russ Jones is a Southern Californian who travels the world to compete in triathlons. But Jones didn’t have to travel far to find a remedy for his knee pain – he found relief from NeoCell, a natural supplement and wellness company not far from his home.

Jones was looking for a product to help him to keep competing after enduring six knee operations. “I am bone-on-bone in my right knee,” said Jones. “It’s amazing I can still run.”

He tried NeoCell’s Super Collagen+C Tablets and found the relief he was looking for.

 Read More”

This perked his interest! He received Collagen Plus C and Hyaluronic Acid. He had taken other brands of Hyaluronic Acid before for joint pain, but they never helped. Jean advised that he also use the Collagen Plus C. He has been taking both every night before bed for the past 2 weeks.

He is back in the gym full time, lifting heavier, able to keep up with my workouts, and has even said his back pain is diminished as well!

This is HUGE!!!! We will continue to keep him on these products! I haven’t seen him this happy and healthy in a while. It is awesome to see him back in the gym full force and back to being himself!

We LOVE NeoCell and think the results and benefits of their products are outstanding! This is a product line we stand behind 100%! HUGE thank you to Jean and NeoCell for helping him get back to normal!!!! NeoCell is joining with me for yet another giveaway!

One Bottle of Hyaluronic Acid:

NeoCell’s HA Benefits:*

• Provides the most bio-available form of hyaluronic acid
• Holds 1,000 times its weight in water for cushioning of joints
• Assists in cell turnover in the skin
• Powerful aid in skin hydration and wrinkle reduction
• Lubricates the surface of the eye

One Bottle of Collagen Plus C:

Collagen Type 1&3 Benefits:*

Provides specific amino acids necessary to replenishing the body’s collagen supply Helps minimize fine lines & wrinkles, and improves elasticity in the skin Builds and supports bone matrix Corrects weak, broken, split and damaged nail beds Thickens fine hair, adds body and slows down hair loss Repairs connective tissues for improved elasticity; improves circulation; promotes wound healing Glycine builds lean muscle to help burn fat while you sleep. Among many others

and Collagen Radiance Serum;

Radiance Serum Benefits

• Time Release Serum with Vitamin C & E Complex
• Potent Antioxidant
• Protects & Rejuvenates
• Vitamin C & Vitamin E
• Paraben Free
• Nutrients You Can Trust

Collagen+C Liposome Serum is made using time-release micro-capsules that penetrate the skin to deliver collagen stimulating ingredients and potent anti-oxidants where the skin needs them most. Fat-soluble Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and phospholipids containing essential fatty acids to enhance the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and moisture.

This is a HUGE prize pack!!!!

Let me know what you are most excited about trying! Then get over to my GIVEAWAYS page and get entered today!!!

Oh and you can find several of their products at Vitacost.com too Just click below! Have a Fabulously Fit day!!!! xoxo

I know my competition is not until next year. There are many things that I am still learning and thinking about before I walk across that stage. One being that I will be critiqued by the judges. In talking with a lot of other first timers, I am not sure if they all realize we will be told what we are lacking in. The judges do not just pick the winners, they also tell you what you were lacking and why they made the choices they did.  Although the judges are giving constructive criticism, it is criticism nonetheless. I personally am better at taking criticism than I am compliments lol This is something else I have been working on Self Love is important!

Okay back to constructive criticism…. I think it is important to know that although they are telling us things that may not be up to par, they are telling us this because they are things we can work on for the next competition. I spoke with one young lady who competed last month and was absolutely crushed by what the judges had to say. She literally left crying. She took it more personal than helpful and wasn’t expecting to be told what she needed to work on. It can be disheartening having someone tell you what is wrong with you. As far as the Figure competition world goes, I look at the judges as experts in the field of bodybuilding. Their critiquing my body is my chance to gain knowledge, grow, and improve.

I am not walking into this competition to lose I look at this competition as a learning experience first and foremost. Obviously placing is a goal. This is why I decided to take a year to train and educate myself, rather than just jumping in head first. I do however know that there is always room for improvement. I know there will be things that I need to work on. I am constantly reaching out to those in the competition world with questions and allowing them to critique my physique. It is really hard to hear, but necessary to know what I need to improve on.

I am thankful to have the mentors I do. Most are Pros or on their way to being Pros. All have been in the industry long enough to help me on my journey. I am privileged to have all of them in my life and have their help!

I am still in need of shoes, so this is something I will be getting soon. Mainly because I need to be doing my posing practice in them. So this is something I will be working on acquiring this week!

What is on your agenda for the week? How do you take constructive criticism?

I hope you all have a fabulously fit day!!!

Lady Swole and Motivational Monday! 

Are you ready to rock this Monday out!?!? I am!!! It’s funny, on Friday evening I couldn’t wait to start my rest days. By yesterday afternoon, I was jonesing to get back into the gym! It may seem crazy, but I truly feel like I have made some gains in the past two weeks. My chest and back feel thicker and my quads and hammies feel fuller too!  I will do my mid-month check in later this week! Here is our Lady Swole Monday Picture from last week!

We LOVE participating every week In Hope Trask’s  Lady Swole Monday! She now has J.Beck United’s Iron Asylum Sponsoring the weekly event! If you haven’t checked it out, I highly suggest doing so. It is a great way to get and stay motivated every week. it is also a phenomenal way to stay accountable. there are ladies and men (Tough Guy Tuesdays) who submit their photos to get and give support to others! It is an awesome community of people!!!

Let’s Get Motivated!

Let’s make today a game changer! Don’t let your mind quit before your body does! Just push through the pain and make today count! Hope you all have a fabulously fit day!!!

Happy Mother’s Day to all of my SuperMoms!!!

Hope you all have an amazing day!!!

Pretty stoked this morning! I received a couple of shipments from Vitacost.com. This is not out of the ordinary lol. If you have been following me for a while you know I LOVE Vitacost and ONLY go through them for my supplement needs. They are always quick, affordable, and have everything I am looking for!

This is what was in the last two shipments

Josh was stoked to get a new Syntha-6 lol He LOVES it!!!! They sent us Cookies and Cream. We stay stocked on Syntha-6. Josh doesn’t like the taste/texture of most brands, but with this one both are on point with him. The macros are great and it is affordable.

Since I am a Apple Cider Vinegar addict, they sent me the Vitacost brand to try. This is AWESOME! Taste is the same as your big name brands ie Bragg’s or Heinz and the price is most definitely comparable.  I am happy to be able to add something else to my Vitacost shopping list, because it is one less thing I have to get at the store. This saves me time and sanity If you have ever shopped with a toddler, you understand my plight lol

They sent me this great smelling body spray, Bodycology in Toasted Vanilla Sugar! Perfect to keep in my gym bag. I do not always head straight home from the gym, so it is a great refresher. I certainly don’t want to smell funky when out and about ha ha ha It makes me smell like a cookie Zoe says.

Magnesium oil …. This is something I had never even heard of. When I got it I honestly had no clue what to do with it lol I did some research and realized there were plenty of benefits.

• Relieves nerve & muscle spasms
• Increases energy and wellbeing
• Maintains healthy bones
• Relieves aches and pains
• Decreases stress & improves sleep
• Improves look and feel of skin
• Balances pH in the body
• Healthy heart function
• Improves hormone function
• Promotes digestive health
• and many more!

Who knew right? I didn’t lol We started using it for muscle pain and it has been awesome!!!

Now the couple of products I am most STOKED about!!!! Vitacost has come out with their own line of Supplements!!!! The ARO Black Series

This stack is incredible! The prices are perfect, the taste is surprisingly phenomenal, and they have a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your products. These are gluten free, no artificial dyes, not your typical “proprietary blend” they actually disclose EVERY ingredient.

I love the Vanilla It smells like Cake Mix when you first open the container and the taste is like yummy cake batter! Josh likes it, so you know it is good ha ha ha ha. The Chocolate is also perfect! You can get everything you need to build the perfect stack, Pre Workout, Creatine, Aminos, D-Ribose, Isolate Protein, Protein Complex, Casein Protein, and Glutamine,I am proud to take part in the Vitacost launch of the Aro Black Series. Certainly a fantastic choice if you are looking for a great stack on a budget!

Vitacost.com and I want you try out not only these great new products, but their service as well! We are giving one lucky reader a $25 Gift Card. Tell me what in the new ARO stack you would love to try, then CLICK HERE and get entered to win!!!

I am not gonna lie, I am sore and tired after this week’s training. I am welcoming the next two rest days with open arms

But before I can start my rest day, I have arm training. Today is Biceps and Triceps….

Same as all week, 4 sets for each exercise 12-15 first set and 6-8 or till failure. Going heavy and keeping proper form.

I start with Wrist Curls

Next is Reverse Curls. I do 8 total sets. 4 with wrists up and 4 with wrists down. The first pic shows what I mean by that. The next shows the actual reverse curl movement.

Hammer curls

Tricep Rope Pushdown

Tricep Bar Push down

Dumbbell Tricep Extentions

Close Grip Bench Press

Preacher Curls

Incline Curls

And If I have time and the equipment is available I will finish my arms off with the next 3 exercises in a superset

I start with One Arm Cable Push/ Pull Downs I do the first set Underhand then switch to Overhand

Then go right into Cable Curls

Stoked to hit the gym and finish the week strong! Be sure to check in tomorrow. I feel the need to have a giveaway

Hope you all have a fabulously fit day xoxo

This week is just flying by for me!!! I can not believe it is already Leg day!!!!

I actually LOVE leg day! I love it for a few reasons, it is a heavier lifting day, training is harder and longer, my legs are one of my weaker areas, and I workout with the hubs again.  Date days are important to us since he works so much!

Here is what my leg training consists of. As always first set of each exercise is a lighter 12-15 reps just to warm up. The rest of the sets are heavy and go 4-8 reps or till failure.

We start on the hip adductor/abductor machine

Okay that picture just makes me laugh… in all seriousness, the ADductor is squeezing IN, working your inner thighs. The ABductor is pushing OUT working your outer thigh and glutes. We do 4 sets of each

Squats. Remember form is everything! I will go lighter if my form is compromised.With squats we do 6 sets,  as heavy as we can in proper form even if I can only get 1 or 2.

Deadlift 4 sets

Lying Leg Curls are up next. We do 4 sets. I use to hate these. I could barely do them last year lol 

Glute Kickbacks 4 sets

Leg Press 4 sets This is quickly becoming my favorite workout!

Leg Extensions 4 sets

Calf Raises Now with these we do toes out, in , and straight 4 sets of each.

Similar to my previous leg workout. There are a few differences. Mainly that I go heavier and I am trying to work smarter. the more efficient my workout the better. I make sure I hit each section of my legs and completely exhaust the muscles.

Now for the

EatSmart™ Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale

And the winner is …..  Lisa J. I have sent you an email and I am eagerly awaiting a reply so we can get your prize out to you! Huge Thank you to EatSmart for the generous giveaway!!!!