Media Time

     If you happen to live in Arizona, turn your TV to News Channel 3 this Friday(March 2) morning!  Yours truly will be interviewed by Scott Passmore!  They wanted to cover my contest prep! He hasn't given me any idea yet as to what type of questions I will be asked, but I'm guessing it'll be mostly about competition stuff.  I believe you can also go to www.azfamily.com to see the interview.

    Also, Marty Hames, who works for News 3 as well, is writing a story about me in 'Sweat Magazine!'  You should be able to pick that issue up sometime in the next few weeks.  Again, I will let you know when it will be available!

     

Socks

This is pretty random, but I'm going to share it anyway.  I am picky about what socks I wear.  I only wear socks when I'm working out, but still.  I don't like them too thick or too thin. I like them to be fairly tight fitting. I hate when the socks are too long, and I get that big bunch of sock bunched up over the back of my shoes. It also bugs me when they don't stay put and start inching their way down into my shoe.  So, I try to buy good socks!  However, I have found that I REALLY like the socks from Target the best, and I find them on sale for $4.99/3 pairs!  They are the ALL PRO GOLD TOE AQUA FX.  The Adidas socks are always too big and scoot down into my shoes. I've tried Asics, Nike, and Under Armor, but I keep going back to the Target socks!  I do like the Feetures socks, but $10-$15 for ONE pair of socks....STUPID RIDICULOUS!  I love that I can find my favorite socks at Target, and they are VERY inexpensive!! So, there's my random thought for the day;)

Bringin' Ankle Weights Back

Yep! You heard me! I'm bringing back the ankle weights!  It's a hot look, let me tell ya.  I wish you could have seen me today at my routine practice, sporting those bulky things!  Maybe tomorrow I can get someone to snap a pic for me.  I'm going to start a new trend....sweaty clothes, knee pads, and ankle weights.
OK, seriously though, the reason I was wearing the ankle weights is because I'm using them to help me improve a few of my "skills" that are in my routine: toe touches and high kicks.  After I was warm and stretched, I put those suckers on and began doing high kicks across the room.  Of course, my kicks weren't quite as high as they normally would be. However, when the weights came off, the high kicks were much easier as well as higher!  Then I did some leg lifts on the floor in a straddle position and again while standing. Next were the toe touches.  Toe touches with ankle weights on = NOT easy. Again, I couldn't go as high as I normally would, but when I took off those weights, my toe touches were easier and already a little bit better!  I was impressed!  I used to practice these with bands on...this is the same concept. I will continue doing these exercises, high kicks, and toe touches with the weights on and hopefully improve enough in time for competition day.  One thing is for sure...today, they were already better than when I did them on Sat. So, two weeks from now, they should be much better!  I am pleased:) I will keep working, keep practicing, and do the best I can do in the competition!!  I'm hoping to re-qualify so I can go to Jr. USA's, which will give me a few more months to improve my routine and physique even more. How exciting!!  Darrell Terrell asked me to perform at his show in Sept. So, even if I don't re-qualify, I will keep pushing so I can be in shape and ready for that!!!  
BTW, as I already said either on this blog and/or my video blog, News 3 is going to cover my contest prep and will be airing sometime by March 10. I was also asked today if Sweat Magazine can run a story, which I obviously agreed to!  I may also be in a Christian fitness magazine and web site, which is coming soon. If that happens, of course I will let y'all know!
So far, 2012 looks like it's going to be an exciting year!!

Feeling Confident

I'll be competing in two weeks, and I'm feeling confident!!  I was struggling a bit with my diet and was having some trouble staying disciplined.  My mitts kept finding their way into food that I shouldn't be eating.  I felt like I put myself two steps behind instead of ahead, BUT I got it together! I have managed to get myself back on track.  I was also seriously lacking in the motivation department, which was partly because I had allowed myself to slip a little. Anyway, I chose not to beat myself up over it and just move forward!!! 
Yesterday, I went to group posing practice at STS, and it gave me the boost of motivation and confidence that I needed.  Apparently, it was a tough week for several of the girls.  I was definitely not the only one who was struggling. I was definitely not the only one who had some cheats on the diet either.  On top of that, we all did GREAT on our posing!  I felt like I looked pretty dang good too...not at all behind like I felt!!  Compared to the other girls, I am still right on track, if not still a bit ahead of the game! Hot damn!!  The icing on the cake was last night, however, when Q and I went to the Desert Muscle Classic (pro show.)  I walked up to say hi to one of my favorite people, Dave Palumbo, and he commented that I am looking really lean!!!  His opinion means a lot to me:)  He then introduced me as his future ex-wife. LOL Funny guy!  He also suggested that I should perform, as they didn't have a guest performer last night. Unfortunately, I was wearing a fancy dress and high heels....not practical for performing a routine in.   I did have my music and dance sneakers out in my car though!!  Maybe next time??   Can I take a rain check on that offer? 
Today is my rest day, which is much needed.  My body still just hurts all over.  I'm pretty sure posing for an hour yesterday didn't help with the soreness at all either.  It must be done though!
Anyway, I am looking forward to busting my ass , especially in my routine, these last few weeks and then shining on stage like the rock star I am(in my dreams!!) LOL  

Two Week To Go

I've only got two weeks to go until show time!! Woo Hoo!! I'm feeling pretty good about things.  I'm stressing a little over getting my routine down.  I'm working on cleaning it up, polishing the moves, and making them sharper. When I'm tired, it definitely shows in my routine.  I'm still worried about getting my glutes tight as well.  It seems like the more fat I lose, the more loose skin I have....which is yucky and frustrating. It's a good thing we girls have a few tricks up our sleeves for situations such as this;) 
Speaking of being tired...boy am I!!  My body and my brain are exhausted!  Today is one of those days that my body just does NOT want to go! This morning, I didn't quite finish my cardio, started with my glute conditioning exercises, and just couldn't do any more. I left after 2 sets of 1 exercise.  So, my plan for this afternoon was: routine practice, glute training, and more cardio.  However, my body had an entirely different plan.  I did practice my routine, but then decided to listen to what my body is telling me, which is something I've learned to do over the years.  My body hurts!  My knees have been a bit pissed at me, my back is tight, and now my hip flexors are screaming! I'm plum worn out. Today, I am listening to my sore, tired body, and giving it a little rest. Guess what?  I can do glutes tomorrow. I can do cardio tomorrow, and I can practice routine again tomorrow!  I also have posing practice tomorrow.  It will be a full day, but my body will hopefully be a little rested and ready to conquer it all!!
Tomorrow is also the Desert Muscle Classic, a pro show that is held in Mesa, AZ. I am looking forward to going tomorrow night, seeing some friends, and getting re-motivated, inspired, and amped up to kick it into even higher gear these last few weeks!!  Gee, I wonder if I could possibly fit any more into one day? HA!
BTW, Shannon video'd my routine practice today, and it will be posted on my YouTube channel sometime within the next few days for y'all to see! 
Also, if you live in the Phoenix area, you can expect to see my on Channel 3 News sometime before the competition. They want to run a story that covers my competition prep! I'm excited about this because nobody has ever run a story on me before that focuses on my fitness, rather than just my "handicap." So, be on the lookout for that! For those of you NOT in this area, hopefully I can post a link to the news clip once it airs!  

Progress Picture

I keep promising that I will post a pic of my progress for you, and I'm finally here to deliver!   In this photo, I am 5 weeks out.  This was taken later in the day, which means I already had 3 meals and a ton of water in me. So, if I look a bit bloated, that's why. In the end, all that water will be pulled out.  Yes, I obviously need a tan as well.  However, I am not worried about that at this point. I'll get that the day before show time!  I am going to keep working on conditioning, especially in the glute region.  I have no doubt I will be ready:)

Another Video Blog

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzOF71ljk4M&feature=plcp&context=C3494a16UDOEgsToPDskKQUpZyhUWl85b7mF4DuRQ8

Yes, I am very opinionated....I get that from my dad;)  I say it exactly how I see it.  I don't sugar coat it, beat around the bush, or try to be all "PC."  This video is about what people should and should not be wearing to the gym, in my opinion.  My husband says that my brain is always on speaker phone.  I guess this is one of those times.  I think that what I have to say on this video is what most people are thinking anyway.  I just have the balls to say it.  I hope that some people will take my advice on this subject!

My First Video Blog

You asked for it!!!  So many people have requested that I try video blogging. So, today I did it!  It took me three tries, but I finally somehow managed to record and publish my very first video blog!  It is on my new YouTube channel, which is FitnessUnarmedBarbie.   Ok, this was my first video. I'm sure with practice, I will be more comfortable seeing myself and hearing myself on camera.  I also need to learn to quit saying,"uh" and "um."  However, this isn't too bad for my first video.  I will keep practicing!  Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my-4TkuBKeY