Self Sabotage

I was talking to a good friend of mine today about a few things that I decided would be good blog material. So, here goes!!  Have you ever intentionally or unintentionally sabotaged your own progress? I have!   This could be fitness related or not, but I'm going to use fitness as the example.  In this day and age, we've gotten to the point that instant gratification is what we want ALWAYS!   Unfortunately, reaching your fitness goals just doesn't happen instantly.  It takes time, dedication, self-discipline, and hard work!!  After all,  the weight didn't just pack itself on over night. So, how can we expect it to come off that fast??  I KNOW it can be discouraging when you don't see the changes that you had hoped for as quickly as you had hoped for them.  TRUST ME when I say I know how hard it can be to take off weight!  I've had to do it!  I know what a mind f*** it can be!  Unfortunately, there are times when we don't think we're making progress fast enough and begin sabotaging ourselves.  It's easy to start slacking on the workouts, start eating bad food, and in a sense giving up altogether!  I mean, why not right??  If the weight's not coming off, we might as well just eat until our hearts are content!  WRONG!!  This is NOT going to get you closer to reaching your goals!  Besides clogging your arteries and putting the fat back on, you're going to be disappointed in yourself!  Consistency is what's going to get you to your goal!  The best thing you can do is forgive yourself, pick yourself back up, and get back on the wagon.  If you are doing the work, results WILL follow!!  

    Now, speaking of doing the work, something else we talked about was people who half-ass their way through life and expect the same results as those who put in 100% effort!  If you seriously want to lose the extra weight or reach your fitness goals, you've got to be serious when it comes to your approach!!  You cannot half-step your way through your training program, and you cannot half way stick to your meal plan!  If you're going to do it AND GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT, you've got to give it 100%!!  You cannot do half-ass workouts and/or sneak junk into your diet and then wonder why your body fat is still so high!!  You want that 6-pack?  You want to fit into those skinny jeans?  How badly do you want it?  I promise you that if you stay on the straight and narrow with your meals and totally kick ass when you're training, you WILL get the results you want!  No wimpy workouts allowed!!!  One of the analogies I used...because I tell my kids this all the time...was a sports analogy.  If you're gonna half-step your way through practices, that's exactly how you'll play in the game! If you give it all you've got every single time you're on that field, you'll be playing at 100% come game time!  It's the same with any sport, with any goal, and with everything in life! Always give your all!!!  In the end, you will be satisfied with the results and proud of yourself for doing YOUR very best!!

Web Site Changes

I am excited to announce that my web site has been given a whole new look!!  It took some time, but it's finally up and running! It's live!!  Besides the new look, the info has also been updated!    I hope y'all like it!!


www.FitnessUnarmed.com

Nuts About Nuts

If you're as nuts about nuts as I am, then you know how hard it can be to be disciplined and only eat a "handful" of nuts.  A handful means different things to different people. For me, it would mean zero. LOL.  I'd prefer to find the person with the biggest hands and ask them to get me a "handful." Typically however, when they say eat a handful of nuts, what they really mean is just tease yourself and only eat an ounce or 1/4 c. of nuts.  For me that's hard to do because I love them so much!  Apparently, Blue Diamond is aware that many people share this problem, and they came up with a genius idea!!  They now have ounce markers down the side of the nut jar!!  I think this is the coolest thing, and I just wanted to share it with you! 

Good job, Blue Diamond!!  Thanks!!

Fan Page

I'm getting a TON of activity on my Facebook page and literally HUNDREDS of friend requests daily.  So, I decided to start a fan page.  You can follow me easily there instead of having to make a friend request. All you've got to do is "Like" my page. That makes things easier for both of us!!!  Going through friend requests, messages, and comments has become a full time job!  Hopefully, this will make things a little easier.
Here is that link:
https://www.facebook.com/FitnessUnarmed 

One Word

My secret to success is simple. Clear your mind absolutely of one word - "can't."  - Samuel Johnson


This is an awesome quote that I feel totally reaffirms my motto:
"CAN'T" is NOT an option!!
Thank you, Alli Moyer, for sharing!

8 More Weeks To Go

     Today is exactly 8 weeks away from my next competition, Jr. USA Championships!  I'm excited about this one!  It will be my first national (jr. national) show!  I've been qualified several times in the past but never before ventured onto a national stage. I'm ready to do it now, even if it's for nothing more than the experience itself!  I'm going to have to work very hard for the next 2 months to make sure I'm as ready as I can be. Being that the weather is warming up and beautiful, I'l be spending plenty of time on the bleachers working on conditioning.   I'm going to spend some time on a dance floor sprucing up my routine as well.  
     As if I wasn't already excited, now I'm even more excited because today, a friend of mine who just took home 1st place and 2nd place trophies in her figure divisions, decided to go to SC and compete at Jr. USA's too!!!  I am on cloud 9 about that!  We are, at the very least, going to have so much fun!!  

New Pics

I just thought I'd share a few new pics with you!  These were taken one week prior to competition.  The hot blonde that's in one of the shots with me is my friend, Shannon:)   You can check her out at ShannonJayDougherty.com  There is TONS of useful and motivational info on her site that you're sure to love!

Don't Forget To Eat!

I know, I know....it's hard to fathom that some people forget to eat, but believe it or not it happens.  It's a common problem too.  I have heard the complaint from people that they are eating right and working out but cannot lean out or lose weight.  When I ask what they're eating, how often, etc, they say they actually forget to eat and can go an entire day without eating OR they're eating a ridiculously low amount of calories.  Then I ask, how much exercise they are getting, and the list goes on an on....running 4 mi/day 3 days/week, spinning class 3-4 days/week, swimming 2 days/week.  You CANNOT expect your body to function efficiently without sufficient fuel, just as you wouldn't expect your car to run without fuel.  When you do this, your body goes into "starvation" mode and wants to hold onto (store) everything you feed it!  Your metabolism isn't working properly and isn't revved up because there's nothing fueling it!  I just made the suggestion to a person today to stop working out for just a few weeks and focus on eating regularly.  I suggested she set alarms on her watch or phone for each time she needs to eat...every 2-3 hours!  It was like a light bulb went on in her head when she replied that on days she doesn't work out, she doesn't gain weight...makes sense to me!  Remember, under eating can be just as damaging as over eating!  Make sure you're getting enough food to sustain you through your daily regiment, while getting all the nutrients your body needs!  

Competition Day...In My Opinion

Nearly two weeks ago, I competed once again after a 3 year "retirement."  I really enjoyed being on stage again and being with all the other athletes/competitors.  It's also nice to meet new people and make new friends.  It just so happened that 3 of us who competed in fitness out of the 6, competed together way back in 2005!  It was a little reunion of sorts, which I think is so cool!  
     So, how do I feel I did? How do I feel about the results?  Well, IMO, there's ALWAYS room for improvement.  Of course, I am my own worst critic too.  I felt like I really struggled in the routine round.  I was exhausted, hungry, dehydrated, etc.  I messed up in a handful of spots in my routine in the morning, and I was super bummed about that, but everyone said that it wasn't even noticeable. Even so,  I think it was quite obvious that my energy level was extremely low.  When the routine round was over,  it was kind of a relief. After all, that was the hard part! Comparisons and quarter turns are a breeze...well, if you've practiced enough...which I had.
After prejudging was over, we headed straight to The Cheesecake Factory to get some fuel in my system..and then to Yogurt Land (the BEST frozen yogurt EVER)!  I filled up and totally enjoyed it!!
We still had several hours before we had to be back for the evening portion. So, Kelly and I headed to Nordstrom's for some MAC shopping. Then, we just hung out and put our feet up while she got some work done on her laptop.
When the time rolled around for routine round in the evening, I was feeling confident and full of energy! However, I messed up AGAIN!!!! It was only one spot, but it was pretty obvious. However, I felt like my performance was much better than in the morning.  I was more relaxed, a little bit hydrated, and not hungry!  Although, it felt like a better performance, I'm not sure it actually was.  When all was said and done, it was evident to me that the morning performance really was the better one, once I watched the videos.  That's fine though.  If one of them had to better, I'm glad it was the one in the morning!
A little later, after we did our quarter turns again, I got a surprise!  The promoter decided to give me a special and unexpected award for "The Most Inspiring Athlete in Arizona."  He said some nice things and ALMOST got tears out of me, but I held back...I didn't want to mess up my makeup!!
Now, all that was left to do was wait around to see if I was in the top 5.  In every competition I've ever been in, I get placed dead last, whether that's 1st(when I was the only one) or 17th!  So, I totally expected to be in 6th place, which would mean no trophy and no qualification for Jr. USA's.  Qualifying for Jr. USA's was my main goal!!!  I was debating whether I should leave or hang out to see.  Something in me mad me stay JUST IN CASE I didn't place last for a change.  I am sure glad I stayed!!  Out of 6 competitors, I placed 5th!!!  For me, this was a BIG DEAL!  Not only did I NOT place last, I was now qualified for the next level!!  I think I was on cloud 9 for at least a week!!!  I still think I should have been in 4th place, but you won't hear complaining from me. I qualified for the show I want to do, and that's good enough for me!!
So, what's next???  For the next 8 weeks, I  am back in contest prep mode.  I will continue to work on my glute conditioning and overall conditioning.  I am also going to work on sprucing up my routine and fixing the problems that I saw in the videos.  Then, I'll be off to SC in May for Jr. USA! Wish me luck!

Competition Videos

Videos from the competition I was in last weekend are now posted on my YouTube Channel!!  I hope you enjoy them! Feel free to comment on them as well!  
http://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessUnarmedBarbie/videos

According To My Poll

I know...there are still two days left to vote on my poll about what YOU, my readers, want me to blog about.  However, it looks like "How I Use My Feet" has won by a LONG shot!  So,  after I'm done competing this weekend AND after I get back from our spring break trip, I will start having my kids take pics of me doing things!  I will also give a brief description of what I'm doing and how I'm doing it.  After all, YOU are the ones reading my blogs. So, your wish is my command...within reason of course;)  TTFN!!

I Am Pleased

When I was going through all those health issues a few years ago, my weight had gotten up to 182lbs.  It took it's toll on me big time, physically and mentally.  When I was able to, I got the weight off through lots of hard work, good eating, and dedication.  However, I NEVER thought I would see myself looking competition stage ready again.  I am very pleased with myself right now!  For the first time in 3 years, I am down to 115lbs again.  I will still be competing at a higher weight than I ever have, but I feel and look better than I ever have too!  I'm a happy camper;)
Yesterday, even my younger son Jared, commented on my abs. He totally made my day!  After this competition, I will continue working on my glute conditioning and routine and will hopefully be focusing on competing at Jr. USA's in May. That's my goal, anyway!  If I happen to not re-qualify, I will just make another goal! 

Great People

Another random thought, short and sweet:
One of the things I like about being in the fitness industry is all the great people I meet!!  I feel like I meet new people and make new friends all the time!  Just a few examples are: last year, I helped a friend with her posing for her first figure competition, and through her, I met my friend Shannon...who is super-d-duper;) She's one of the most fun chicks I've ever met.  She's just an all around great person; beautiful inside and out.  I've also met so many nice people through STS, which I love. Among those, to name a few...Kelli, Scott, and someone else who is a really cool, sweet, and beautiful gal named Shelly.  I see a friendship blooming there, and I'm so happy.  Maryn is another...we will be competing against/with each other this coming Sat.  I got to hang with her a little a few days ago, and she too is such an extremely sweet girl!  I feel really blessed to know so many awesome people and to have some truly amazing friends who can all inspire, motivate, support, and encourage one another!!  

15 Weeks Down and 1 To Go

     This is my LAST week of contest prep before the big day!  I am SO excited!!  I feel like I am ready...at least as ready as I'm gonna be at this point.  Obviously, there is still room for improvement.  There always is!  I feel good about my routine, my posing, and my physique( except for that pesky glute area.)  

    Mon - Thurs. this week, I'll be doing a little less cardio, very light training, and a few more practices.  Thurs. and Fri. I'll be drying out and staying thirsty.  This part, I really hate.  I will park my butt in the sauna for a little while on both days and practice posing in there to help squeeze out the water.  I will be getting a pedicure at some point this week too.   Fri. night is tanning and check-ins and eating...yay!!  

Saturday is going to begin VERY early.  I'll be up by 5:30am to get my make-up on and pack some food before my awesome hair guy comes over at 6:30am to do my do;)  I have to be there to get one more coat of tan by 8am, meeting at 8:45am, and on stage at 10am!!  I can't wait!!!  I feel more ready than I have ever felt before any competition! It's a great feeling!  

     So, what am I looking forward to eating when the show is over?  It's weird, usually I am craving pizza and sweets.  Right now, all I really want is frozen yogurt and sushi...not together of course;)  Then, I want to go to Pappasito's when my kiddos and I get to Houston!  Other than that, I'm totally fine with what I'm eating now.  

     I am HOPING, and my toes are crossed, to re-qualify so I can go to Jr. USA's in May.  My plan is to get right back on track with training, cardio, and diet when I return from Houston. Hmmm....scratch that.  I'll get back on track with diet when my kids' spring break is over. I want to enjoy lots of stuff with them. They look forward to that when I'm competing. Anything for THEM, right? *wink, wink*

Ankle Weights Are Sexy

As I said I would, I got someone to snap a shot of me wearing those ever so fabulous, fancy, and fashionable ankle weights that I wear when I'm practicing my toe touches and high kicks!    BTW, "Fancy" seems to have become my word lately, thanks to Shannon and her son. hahaha  Anyway, I think I'm going to bring back this trend in fitness! It's so hot, don'tcha think??!!

A Sneak Peek

I finally got around to trying on my outfits today that I'll be wearing in the competition NEXT WEEK!!  I thought I'd share a little sneak peek with you. WARNING!!  These are NOT good quality photos...just phone pics, and I'm not doing any cute poses or anything.  Also, I'll be wearing fishnet leggings under the shorts for my fitness routine.  I'm ready to rock and roll, people!!!

News Segment

The news segment I was on this morning went pretty good. It was just a very short interview, and I didn't get to say very much.  I felt like I just stood there and nodded my head most of the time.  I think I just need my own show. haha Anyway, here it is for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy!


http://www.azfamily.com/good-morningThatarizona/Fitness-competitor-Barbie-Thomas-141221483.html

p.s.  The Sweat Magazine article will be in either the April or May issue.  That's as much as I know at this time.

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!!