tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19797435953638457582024-03-18T19:53:33.732-07:00Body By Brooklyn: Experience EmpowermentBody By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-49869221063906342172021-01-10T15:36:00.000-08:002021-01-10T15:36:19.592-08:00Welcome Back.....<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, it has been seven years since I have blogged. Where does
the time go? A lot has happened since my last entry which was 4 days out from
my first bodybuilding competition. With that being said, I figured it would be
best to have my first return entry serve as a “reintroduction” of sorts.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since my last entry I have earned several more
certifications, expanding my knowledge on health and fitness which I will be sharing
in this blog. In addition, my passion and purpose for healthy living and
empowering others through fitness has grown.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Also in the past 7 years I have done many competitions, some
locally, but mostly in other states. In 2019, I finally earned my pro-card
which was a goal I set after I competed the first time. You could say the
“competition bug” bit me. I am now recognized as a Pro-Figure athlete, and
since earning my pro-card, I have done one Pro Show.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have learned so much from competing over the years,
everything from different training splits, proper nutrition, reverse dieting,
recognizing healthy and unhealthy relationships with food, not to mention the
mental and emotional effects competing can take on your self esteem. All of
this and so much more will be discussed, especially as I approach my return to
the stage once Covid isn’t as much of a thing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But for now, it’s just great to be back in this space. <o:p></o:p></p>Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-6553952760048955832013-03-12T18:45:00.001-07:002013-03-12T18:45:26.113-07:004 days outWell I literally feel like on some levels I am just passing time. I have one more workout left, one more cardio session, one more day of intense water consumption, and one more day of these meals I have been eating for months... My last two days will be some posing, relaxing, and carb loading. I am literally at the finish line. Who knew I could do this!?? I didnt....for the longest.. But then I did!!! All I can say is I have nothing but absolute pride for myself. I know what it took, and I did it... It is an amazing feeling. And although I am nervous I vow to go out there, hit my poses, trust in them, and let that be that. I have practiced enough. Now is not the time to over think anything. I have done the work and then some, now time to put it on stage and show off what months of busting my ass has got me . It is crazy how much goes into this. The precise diet, hard training, hours of cardio, unGodly amounts of water, posing sessions, lots if supplements, not to mention all the BEAUTY prep. The nails, hair, tanning(which I cant wait for), makeup, face waxing(ouch!), skin prep, and the list goes on.....the sacrifice, deprivation, structured days, it is a lot and deserves nothing but RESPECT.Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-80458651723693047942013-03-06T23:16:00.001-08:002013-03-06T23:16:53.016-08:0010 Days OutWhere did the time go??!!! This journey is seriously down to the final days....Wow... I can see the finish line...I must say with literally days left on the 200 day journey I have noticed my emotions coming back. I was emotional in the beginning, obviously because I had finally made the commitment to do this. But then I detached so I could focus. And I truly have. I have zero regrets. I did what I was told down to every last detail I survived this. I struggled, I cried, I was sore, tired, wanted to quit but I didn't. I dug deep, pressed on, all the while keeping track of every detail of my day. I thrive with structure and feeling like I have a purpose. These past six months and especially 12 weeks have given me both and so much more. I am forever changed and I wouldn't trade this moment for anything. Now in the final stretch I am on low carb, two cardio sessions a day, and the same workout regimen I have had for weeks for four days, then a week out (Sat) everything will change for "peak week". This is when it all comes together. It is also when I deplete water and will be more tired than I already am. I have definitely had mood swings, been exhausted, passed out asleep early in the night without realizing it, but for the most part I have done amazing especially since it is my first show. Also the past few dts doubt has crept in and my posing is still a struggle. However I had a peptalk tonight the re-centered me. I have made amazing strides, I have been dedicated, focused, busted my ass, ate the same damn meals, did unGodly amounts of cardio, drank an insane amount of water, and I am taking on a National level, huge show as my first show. That is no easy task, but I am doing it. So I refuse to go out on stage and not rock it! Im gonna keep telling myself that for ten more days too. Like I am going out there in hooker heels, wearing a sparkly napkin, with bright lights for lots of strangers to see.... Fuck that!!! I will own this!Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-90003757977008019532013-02-14T23:21:00.001-08:002013-02-14T23:21:05.712-08:0030 Days OutWow....it had been three weeks since I posted?!! Where did the time go?! I cant believe I am a little over four weeks out from my first figure competition. I am all registered, suit rented, now its just about being focused for 29 more days. I am a mixture of emotions and my thoughts are everywhere but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. It is by far the most gratifying and empowering experience I have ever been a part of. My workouts are going well, my diet has just changed to include two high carbs, 2 medium carb days, and 3 low carb days. The diet us new this week so I can't wait to see how this affects me and the changes it brings on. My posing is definitely coming along, I have made huge strides but it still needs to be tweaked before I hit the stage. I am definitely concerned about this because that is what it comes down to, my presentation. I definitely plan on posing longer each day in these upcoming weeks to nail it. I definitely have grown more crabby in these weeks because I am seriously just tired. I feel like I have been training for this for forever and I am ready to just BE THERE! Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-26115327697119985282013-01-24T23:43:00.000-08:002013-01-24T23:43:32.171-08:0051 days out!!!!So today started the new cardio program which was torture!!!!The treadmill! It was on a high incline at a low speed and I don't know if my issue was because I am used to the stairs or I haven't done it in a while or everytime I used to get on it I was doing it wrong?? Yes WRONG!!!But whatever it was it was a struggle!!!I did it though...So first let me tell you how I was doing it wrong and many people do it wrong, THEY HOLD ON!! It makes it easier...duh...but it takes away the benefits. I am still very tired, annoyed, frustrated, hungry, and sick of eating at the same time. It feels like I am always on the GO! I am still craving peanut butter, weird....and ezikiel...I keeeeeep saying that. My posing is still making me nervous, I do not wanna blow it!!!I rock the walking in heels, the front pose, and the back pose. My weakness is the side poses, specifically the RIGHT side, and the RIGHT side relaxed pose...What can I say I am a lefty!!! I started a video blog today as well. I feel like 51 days out is a good place to start video blogging this experience. It is far enough out to see changes but close enough that it wont be a drawn out process. Speaking of changes, I am still waiting for that AH HA, kapow, WOAH moment when my body just pops! It still looks the same to me. Very frustrating. But I KNOW that in 7 weeks with constant and correct effort my body has to get there!!!!Also I was told that I am defiitely hanging onto water, possibly my body's attempt to hold onto SOMETHING!!! But that eventually it will let go and be gone which will help lean me out more. My strength is still relatively high, but I am growing more tired quickly. My favorite meals involve peanut butter or ezikiel....and my toughest are meals three and five...It makes me laugh that I don't even call them "breakfast", "dinner", etc. Strange. Tomorrow will be my last time spray tanning to allow my body to completely clear it off so I am fresh for competition tan. That will be another adjustment that will shock my life and shake my self-esteem. I am a tanner, I feel better that way and I stay that way, so these next 50 days as I get leaner and whiter will be a challenge!Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-3945067759574187142013-01-23T19:11:00.001-08:002013-01-23T19:11:10.764-08:00My thoughtsWelllll I can't believe I am nearing the finishline!!! I have made such personal strides! I am a wiz at measuring food, preppin food, cooking food, dealing with minimal flavors and large amounts of food, just to name a few. I have stayed on course, played by the rules. I take my supplements, eat my meals, drink unGodly amounts of water, I'm precise with the timing of my meals, beast my workouts and dominate cardio. Who knew? I am doing the work so I know changes will happen. My confidence is building everyday. Am I still scared?? For sure. But I will be fine. I have come to learn that I do have quite the support system even though it is spread out and people have come out of the woodwork with encouraging words. That is huge because this is quite the rollercoaster ride, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am truly growing, learning, and evolving every single day inside and out.Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-15212240029767018922013-01-23T12:27:00.001-08:002013-01-23T12:27:26.071-08:0052 days outSooo tweaks in cardio to shock the body start today! Still six days...mostly for 40 min stil but two hourlong sessuons.. Workouts the same and a couple refeed meals on leg days...that makes me HAPPY!!! My energy is lower.. Im hungry waking up and going to bed.. Thats normal it means my metabolism is working! Started glutamine today post workout to help with recovery... What an awesome journey this is, I feel so blessed and proud... Im really doing this!!! It is still so surreal!! I am now focusing on my breathing at all times to gain awareness! Super important... I am also focusing on really squeezing with every step in my cardio... Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-83324402576392276122013-01-19T15:32:00.001-08:002013-01-19T15:32:42.692-08:008 weeks Todayyy!!I have a feeling these next eight weeks will fly!!! I am feeling pretty good today. I had a great plyo leg day. I was a little skeptical going into this workout because I thought I wouldn't feel it, but it had me sweating and was totally challenging! I also had a breakthrough in my posing. I felt more confident at moments of it today then I ever have. Hoping it just keeps getting better! I also posed in Kirkwood 24hr for the first time and their room shape and mirror location really made a difference. I like how I can see my back from my front pose. It helps to see what needs to be tweaked at this point. All my meals are prepped and alarms set for when I eat so I'm feeling good about that. Didn't sleep too well last night because I kept thinking about small competition details, stage, posing, etc. Seems to be a common theme lately. Actually this show dominates my conversations. I wonder if thats how all competitors are? It truly is a lifestyle change. Well here's to 8 more weeks of hard work. Closer to the finish line than the starting line! Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-52105772584645731972013-01-18T15:05:00.001-08:002013-01-18T15:05:13.916-08:00Ready to ROCK These Last 8 WeeksHaha literally and figuratively! I may have found a secret weapon to push me thru these last 8 weeks... ROCK MUSIC. Seriously. If you know me I am the furthest thing from a rocker but somehow it got me through cardio yesterday and lifting/cardio today. My hiphop is so repetitive and enjoyable I felt it was time to shake it up. Rock is where its at. It angers me to push through the final reps and go harder on the steps!! WINNER for now! Also I have decided I am gonna focus on NOT looking in the mirror or taking pics for two weeks!! That will put me at six weeks out. I feel I am becoming too obsessed and often discouraged by the fact that I am not seeing MAJOR changes day to day. Finally today I said goodbye to splenda! Now it is strictly black coffee and stevia:) Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-50200614451000629152013-01-17T22:57:00.001-08:002013-01-17T22:57:10.218-08:00So ConsumedSo it seems lately I have totally submerged my life into all things FIGURE COMPETITION. I spend my nights going google and youtube crazy, looking at images, reading articles, watching videos, all with varied opinions and avenues that they have mapped this journey out. And then suddenly the doubt creeps in. I start questioning myself, my coach, were there things I should have done differently, is it too late, am I on track?? This shit is crazy and I still have two more months!!! I jave literally been training since Oct and have yet to see anyone prep that far out and i felt I was starting with a pretty fit foundation so wtf??!! It frustrates me because these eating habits are hard to maintain consistently and precisely for this long, and so far I have and that worries ke because it is only gonna get worse in the weeks ahead and I dont want to crack! I have so many concerns even with my coach and our communication. I truly need it to be more regular in the weeks to come. I am always hungry and I hate meal three and meal 5 the most. Wellll actually just meal three. I am still loving the occasional peanut butter. It tastes like heaven. I just ate my 6th meal for the day (7th if you count one of my protein shakes) and I am laying in bed starving. Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-29540422280261141352013-01-15T15:20:00.001-08:002013-01-15T15:20:53.205-08:00Walk Through.. Gotta Visualize ItWith about eight weeks out till show time, I have to say it is getting very real to me. In fact it just hit me that for some of my body parts I only have eight more times to work them out. With that being said I decided last week that I would take a trip to the venue where the show is being held once a week to visualize the competition. I completely feel that you must have some sort of concept of the environment, the less unknowns the better. However, here I am sitting outside of the room unable to go in because an event is being held there right now. Oh well, baby steps, at least I am in the building!Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-47361131795961559082013-01-14T23:49:00.001-08:002013-01-14T23:49:36.862-08:00Almost Two Months OutWell when you put it in terms of months it seems far but when I say eight weeks I get freaked!!! I think I will start saying TWO MONTHS... At this point I'm experiencing a lot of highs and lows... Cardio is high, energy is low. Anxiety is high, food portions is low. Number of meals I consume daily is high, sleep is low. You get the gist. Along with this I have frequent headaches because of the lack of carbs, sugar, dairy. No more cafe mochas for me. I am one week in on actual competition diet and four days in on no dairy. Man has my life changed. This experience is making me grow on so many levels. I have told so many people this is more than physical and it truly is. In fact more times than not the physical part is the easiest for me to push through. I am struggling with the lack of patience, lack of energy, high irritability, and just getting my head in the game and my confidence up. I just started posing, shoes are awesome, suit is mostly finalized. Now I just need to order my suit, register for the show, and ride these next two months out. I am trying to not obsess over my body and just TRUST that it will transform. My good friend who also competes advised me to only really worry if their are no changes 4 weeks out or one month from now. But with my recent tweaks in diet and training I feel they will. My real focus is solidifying my internal dialogue to KNOW I can do this. I have come too far and worked to hard to NOT do this...Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-16977442709434788812013-01-09T22:39:00.001-08:002013-01-09T22:39:47.563-08:00Day One Of SOLO PosingSoooo today along with my regular workout, I started my new diet which is ok so far. Am I hungry?? YES!!! Do I have cravings?? Yes but they are general cravings, I can't name anything specifically I want. I don't really have headaches but since things have kicked up to another notch I will say that I have felt like I was gonna throw up a few times. Hopefully that will subside. My new workouts start tomorrow but posing started today. I took a few notes on posing tips from meeting with my coach because we wont pose together for a few weeks. I also purchased my heels today because your body looks much different in heels than tennis shoes. So after my lifting and cardio I stripped down, threw on my heels and started posing in the group exercise room. At first I was hesitant because it was 5pm, prime crown time and my body is still at least ten weeks out, but then I figured I have to get used to being in front of people so I proceeded. My coach wanted me to aim for 30sec per pose...yeahhhhh right! That is hard work and it hurts!!! Totally uncomfortable! I posed for about twenty minutes, took a few pics and left. My new goal is to start at ten sec per pose and slowly build up weekly. Trust me when i say posing is a workout in itself! Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-48788072208839253482013-01-08T23:21:00.001-08:002013-01-15T00:03:02.156-08:00Ten Weeks Out??!!!Say what?? This is exactly what my coach said when i walked into our appointment today. That would put me in for the March show.... I was leaning more towards April!! Ten weeks seems so close...Next week we will be down to single digits!!! 9 and so on... Will I be lean enough? Ripped enough? Have enough muscle mass? Have the posing down? Be confident enough? Honestly I don't know about any of this. There are times I wanna quit. But I have wanted this goal for so long and have told so many people I almost feel obligated. Reality hit me when she said well do you wanna do a later show??HELL NO!!! I have been prepping for this on some level for about 90 days... That is three months. I know I have had more than my fair share of cheat meals because of the holidays, but I have busted my ass with my workouts, killed and finally been able to tolerate cardio, ate mostly clean, spent time and money, and I want this! It was in that moment that I realized that as I do my workouts, eat my many meals each day, climb those stairs, and strike those quarter turn poses I need to work on my internal dialogue and strengthen my confidence to take that stage. I'm still not sure about March or April or both. But we have officially started cutting to lean me out. She says I will see major changes. I pray so! My workouts have changed and cardio has gone up, as well as she requiring that I pose 20 min a day. We will officially start posing once a week in a few weeks, along with me being in the gym 6 days a week for approx 2 hours a day. I am scared and already tired. Tomorrow I will buy my competition shoes so I can pose in them. She feels super confident that I will rock either show...I just wanna believe the same. This experience is like a second job. I literally get up, eat, workout, figure out when I'm eating throughout the day, cook maybe, do dishes, go to sleep and do it again the next day. I pray all of this work pays off! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWKQGetZsyS-rB5FrcKQCC4F7t3S3qqu97ua9gMk1Y9PfVLbqT3Ngzf3SyZbfD4x6ZXURfStTP2QFKSBVITq2DXb-GUPWmo4uJyA4EFkngO9SZiaoYSEfeADXltWkmgdO6rRumdYcQMk/s640/blogger-image-223527330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWKQGetZsyS-rB5FrcKQCC4F7t3S3qqu97ua9gMk1Y9PfVLbqT3Ngzf3SyZbfD4x6ZXURfStTP2QFKSBVITq2DXb-GUPWmo4uJyA4EFkngO9SZiaoYSEfeADXltWkmgdO6rRumdYcQMk/s640/blogger-image-223527330.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpM4ZQecavjos_TYUHobB3_borG-NfRQRhSWmfpFFCGkx0_M_f7S17R3UFYon4NnmBPX3Z8sWULv9Hvg48Sr_vGYfgFAVA_2DmlTiIlRvI5Kt29oN3rULZEEH4e6vnyFhuDan_G_B7uQ8/s640/blogger-image-792559550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpM4ZQecavjos_TYUHobB3_borG-NfRQRhSWmfpFFCGkx0_M_f7S17R3UFYon4NnmBPX3Z8sWULv9Hvg48Sr_vGYfgFAVA_2DmlTiIlRvI5Kt29oN3rULZEEH4e6vnyFhuDan_G_B7uQ8/s640/blogger-image-792559550.jpg" /></a></div>Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-50626720365540362512013-01-07T15:47:00.001-08:002013-01-07T15:47:30.570-08:00Another Season...More Challenges...Biggest LoserAnd so begins another season...a new journey...lots of hard work and tons of tears. Of course I am talking about the Biggest Loser. This is by far my favorite reality show, even though I struggle to put in the that category amongst shows like the Bachelor and Honey Boo Boo. I mean this show inspires people, changes the way people think, and ultimately changes lives. It inspires me with my fitness and a a trainer. And now with this season bringing Jillian back I am even more excited! Jillian is the one public figure that made me realize I wanted to be a trainer. She is awesome, passionate, and one badass chick. Our personalities are very similar as well as our outlooks on fitness. I truly aspire to be very similar in my own career and use the same methods with my own clients. Her no nonsense, get down to business, zero excuses is exactly how I operate. I tell my clients and prospective clients all the time that I am like her, it might freak you out but she gets results. And that is what I am all about! This season is gonna be amazing and I am seriously loving the childhood obesity addition. It is a serious epidemic and although my focus in training is predominately women and their self-esteem, as well as improving women's body image and internal dialogue, I recently have thought about expanding my focus to children in the future. The cast is very diverse and after one episode it is difficult to pick a favorite because honestly I root for success across the board. However, after last night I will say my eye is on the young gay male for some reason. What are your thoughts??Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-44844526988093573052013-01-02T11:17:00.001-08:002013-01-02T11:17:41.384-08:00Another Day...Day TWO To Be ExactAnd so it continues... Today I trained legs and shoulders which are my main focus areas and crucial areas for critique for figure shows... Don't get me wrong my midsection needs help, I have definitely been slacking lately . However that is ALL diet. I don't care what anyone says, I have done all kinds of ab exercises, ridiculous amounts of crunches, but my best results are seen with a clean diet. This is my area of weakness and seriously needs improvement ASAP! Along with traininh legs and shoulders I also did 10 minutes of stairs at a 1:1 ratio. I will admit that I am slightly panicking because I meet with my coach in 6 days and I need to be in a position where she sees improvement With that being said I am bumping up all my exercises to heavier, going hard ob cardio, and cleaning up my diet, no cheating, and praying for a miracle. I personally do not feel very good about my body right now. My workouts have been on point but my eating is a wreck. I had my last cheat last night. I am done feeling not fit. I know I looked better approx three weeks ago before I started going food crazy. I have about 14 weeks until my first possible show, I hope that I will be stage ready by then. I am very curious to see which direction my coach wants to head after our meeting as far as diet/cardio/training are concerned. I will also start posing soon which I am super excited about!! Stay tuned:)Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-55593042844740986152013-01-01T12:58:00.001-08:002013-01-01T12:58:59.969-08:00Day One....Competition PrepAs promised here is my take on show prep from DAY ONE. Mind you I have been training for exactly 80 days prior to today, but that was considered "off season" training/diet. Now it is game time, and getting down to business time. No room for error. I am still using the same program/diet/cardio format till next week sometime but I kicked it up a notch today. And I feel accomplished and focused. Perfect way to begin 2013. I'm gonna have to get use to saying 2013. Anyway, today was total body, 14 exercises, 3 sets of each exercise heavy! I followed this hour of lifting with an hour on the stairs with a 2:1 ratio for intensity. That is the longest I have ever done stairs. And I shocked myself! This proves I can do an hour of cardio, which I have a feeling I will be doing daily in the near future. Time to lean out!!!! I did break halfway thru for water, which by the way I consumed about 70oz at the gym. It is all about hydration right now! Anyway that was day ONE and I feel it went well!!! Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-60770338942361435982012-12-31T15:43:00.001-08:002012-12-31T15:43:44.915-08:00New Year New Goals....Hello 2013What a year... I have to say I have been more blessed than not, so for that I am thankful. Remembering this keeps me grounded, focused, and moving forward as I should and this is what my hope is for everyone. I must say this was a year of personal growth for me in several areas of my life and I am excited to see what 2013 has in store for me. As far as fitness is concerned I have definitely had the opportunity to grow as a trainer which is awesome! My clients are amazing and I look forward to working with them in the new year. It is impossible to describe the satisfaction I get in challenging others, helping them reach goals, and seeing them do things they didn't think they could! All of these qualities solidifies that this is my calling, my purpose, and I am ready to touch lives when it comes to health and fitness. I am blessed to have the ability to design and implement my training programs for my clients and I look forward to doing much more in 2013. I also feel blessed that my paths crossed with some amazing people in the fitness industry. I started the year out training at a gym and was blessed to learn so much about several aspects of fitness, not to mention was able to work with some amazing trainers and become friends with one trainer specifically. Sadly, he was taken too soon about a month ago, but I am grateful for knowing him, learning from him, and having him in my life. Brandon Jennings inspired me to be a better trainer, he was one of the best, he fueled my passion for my profession and my personal fitness and I will always be thankful that we met. Also I feel blessed to have been re-connected with an old colleague who is now very successful in the fitness competition world and solidified that 2013 is my year to finally compete. Timing truly is everything and life really can come full circle. She is now my coach and starting Jan 2 we will be training full force for a spring show. I am excited and nervous about this goal. I will be blogging about this experience regularly to inspire others and keep track of my progress. Odd years are typically my best years so I am ready for 2013. I really have no specific resolutions I just promise to make progress and to continue to be the best me I can be. My wish for everyone is a peaceful, fit, healthy, happy new year. I hope that when it comes to personal goals that each person sets and achieves goals that are best for themselves. Life is not about competing with others, its about being better today than you were yesterday. Also I pray for more acts of kindness and just living a healthier life. Happy New Year to all!!!Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-16390010286542440432012-12-07T14:54:00.001-08:002012-12-07T14:54:03.521-08:00It is so much MORE than just physicalSo I knew going into this competition that it would be physical...duh...it is all about prepping my body for stage but 65 days into it, and it is proving to be so much more. It is mental. You must have the mental focus to stay on track and have continued drive to do what I do every day whether it be meal prep, meal consumption( which I never look forward to), the workout difficulty and challenges with cardio, or just avoiding destructive behavior especially in social settings. I definitely have my highs and lows. But I am learning so much about the process as well as about myself as I go through the motions. It is challenging my patience to trust that I am heading in a direction that will end with me being stage ready, that the changes will take place, it gives me structure, focus, and a purpose. It is building my confidence daily even though I am still petrified to step on stage, it has corrected my posture, improved my workouts and just has me feeling better overall even when I am exhausted. This is definitely a learning process and so far I feel proud of how far I have come and can't wait to see how it all plays out!Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-41623762865240830742012-12-03T00:29:00.001-08:002012-12-03T00:29:15.024-08:0060 Days Going StrongI have officially been training for my first show for sixty days. That means 60 days on a specific diet, resistance, and cardio program. I have about 16 weeks until my first show option and I am feeling very optimistic about my prep and ability to be stage ready. I just started my second diet and exercise program about a week ago and I have to say the first three days were hell. I had a constant headache from low carbs. But my body has now adjusted and the diet is going well. My workouts are not challenging exactly but they are effective. The body part that is the most difficult would be my legs. The exercises I am currently doing are tough! I am excited to see all the changes my body will go through in the next 16 weeks because I have already seen results in the first 8 weeks!Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-11306815063100334042012-11-28T10:58:00.001-08:002012-11-28T10:58:34.461-08:00Everybody Claims They Want A Fit Body..But Few Are Willing To Do The
WorkThis is a pattern I have noticed lately. Everyone talking a lot about working out, eating healthy, starting a new workout regimen but few have the follow through. And even a smaller percentage have the dedication. And because of that nobody is really seeing results and achieving goals. I tell everyone I speak with about this the same thing!!! It takes two components to become more fit: CONSISTENCY and CORRECTNESS! I can't say it enough.Sometimes I feel like I am talking to a wall. But honestly if you are not willing to do the work, what makes you think you deserve the reward of the results? Think about it. Don't just talk about it!!! Be about it!Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-27068227867102249872012-11-27T23:02:00.001-08:002012-11-27T23:02:29.759-08:00Phase Two Of Competition PrepSooo I recently just met with my coach to re-evaluate my diet, my workouts, and to critique my body. Mind you this all happened three days after Thanksgiving. Not fair! However, she did feel despite the holiday I am on track for a spring show!!! Good news. Then we discussed all of my workouts and diet. I am beyond bored with all of it. So a change in the diet dido happen, my cardio was bumped up, and all of my workouts were redesigned. I must say that before the changes I progressed with all of my lifting, actually enjoy my cardio now, and I was never hungry. Now today was the first day of the new program... Workout went well, I am excited about the new exercises and the new format, the cardio was challenging but doable and the diet was a bit rocky today. I am still never really hungry which is weird for me and is definitely something I need to discuss next time we meet. I will start my serious diet and posing in about a month and all I can say is that I am terrified of the stage but know once I hit January there is no going back!Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-70400003206487515022012-10-24T16:13:00.001-07:002012-10-24T16:13:20.517-07:00Taking Things To New Heights...LiterallyFor my 33rd birthday this year I decided I wanted to try new things, accomplish new goals, and face my fears. I did all those things in one day and decided that that mindset would set the tone for the 33rd chapter of my life. The first activity I did was rock wall climbing. I hate heights, but I wanted the challenge of getting to the top. I also faced this challenge with my mom hoping it would also be a bonding experience. When we first got there my mom took one look at the wall and said, "No way". I of course talked her into it and off we went. It truly was a process and an experience. Three and a half hours later I had been to the top multiple times and my mom had made it almost to the top several times. It was a workout, a challenge and exhausting on several levels. As we gathered our things to leave my mom looked defeated and mentioned she felt that she had failed both of us. I took one look at her and told her she was missing the big picture. Her whole mindset had changed from what she walked in thinking to what actually happened. She went from refusing to do it, to scaling the wall multiple times and becoming comfortable with the free fall. And truth be told had she not spent hours climbing almost to the top, there is not a doubt in my mind that she would have been to the top. I honestly can't wait to do it again, with her. It brought us even closer and was a memory I will never forget. My point in this whole story is take chances, face fears, overcome obstacles, an never lose sight of the BIG PICTURE.Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-17084310157373941182012-10-21T21:59:00.001-07:002012-10-21T21:59:45.552-07:00Goodbye 32....Hello 33When it comes to health and fitness I feel much better at 32, ALMOST 33 then I did in my 20's. I am in much better shape, I take care of myself and I truly understand the value of good health and fitness. My hope and wish for 33 is that I continue on this path and even take it to the next level and get in the best shape of my life so I can proudly walk on a stage and finally compete in a figure show. I also want to continue to be an advocated for fitness and pay it forward. I know it is my duty to use the platform I have been given to help others and that is what I love doing. Getting older is a struggle for all, I def have issues with it but then I think I truly am getting better in all areas...with age...and that is what its all about... So goodbye 32...and HELLO 33!!!Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979743595363845758.post-80945434128722765862012-10-17T21:24:00.001-07:002012-10-17T21:24:14.604-07:00Three Weeks Into OFF Season TrainingWell I have officially been following an off season training for about three weeks. The first few days were the WORST!! I had non-stop headaches and was always starving.. Then the headaches subsided and the crabbiness set in. Add to that cardio that I am not used to doing at an intensity I could barely handle and I was on the brink of giving up. I even broke down crying and thought if this is day two, how will I ever make it almost SIX MONTHS?! Then something amazing happened.. My body started adjusting. Headaches gone. Crabbiness minimal. Energy up. And cardio was finally doable. Not enjoyable but I could do it! Now here I am on my new phase...different diet choices and I can't wait to see what progress and changes my body makes. The first two weeks were a strict diet to shock my body. I half joked and said IT SHOCKED MY LIFE!! It truly did both. But when it shocked my body it jump started my metabolism and prepped it for the journey it is about to experience. I am so focused now. Do I have moments of weakness? Yes! And now my biggest complaint is boredom in my diet. But hopefully that will come in waves. I will say I am learning a lot and really excited to see what my body can do!Body By Brooklyn: Experience Empowermenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12895742385921239854noreply@blogger.com0