Journey to the Stage: 8 weeks out

I finally decided to take my fitness to another level and compete in a bikini competition. I have always wanted to try one out and one of my friends mentioned it to me, so I said, "Sure, why not." I did not fully commit to actually competing until my boss, Chris Ranes, offered to help me prepare for the show. The show is called the Ikaika and it is on June 15, 2013. I am about 8 weeks out and have a lot of work to do. I am now training with Chris three times a week and doing cardio on my own. I am about 137 pounds and 20% body fat. Here are my pictures from the first week of training.

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FOCUS: Lower body lift.

 

ImageSumo Deadlift: 155lb

 

Follow me as I blog about my journey to the stage. 

 

A Walk in the Park with Grandpa

When it is a sunny day like today in Seattle, we all know that it is important to take advantage of the weather because you never know what tomorrow's weather will bring. Back in early May, I woke up to sunshine and was slightly confused. I got myself up and walked into the kitchen where my Grandpa sat reading the newspaper. Grandma had already left to her aerobics class and I told her that Grandpa and I may leave for a couple hours. A couple weeks before, my parents took Grandpa on a walk through Jefferson Park and I thought it was a perfect day to get him out of the house. I asked Grandpa if he wanted to go to the park and he said yes! We both got ready and I made sure Grandpa wore his vest and I let him borrow my Seahawks beanie. I decided to wear shorts because we all know that Seattle people get overly excited when the sun comes out and all of a sudden we think its 80 degrees out when it is really 60. Grandpa was worried that I would get cold, but I reassured him I would be just fine. It was my first time at Jefferson Park since the remodel and there were a couple different routes to take. There were various benches surrounding the walking path, which gave me an idea. As you age, it is important to do exercises that have to do with "activities of daily living" (ADL's). Something simple like walking everyday is a great example of an ADL. Another one would be practicing standing up from a seated position. Many of us that workout regularly would call this a squat. I had Grandpa do 5 "sit down - stand ups" at each bench. We did one full loop around the park! Pretty impressive if you ask me! Grandpa was exhausted by the end of the walk. It was not only good for him physically but also mentally! Because he has dementia, he tends to forget easily, but he remembered the time my parents brought him to the park a couple weeks before!

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Perfect Squat form!

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Just another reminder to "keep moving" and that your body will love you and benefit from it!

24 DAY CHALLENGE UPDATE:

Over the past 2 weeks I have had 10 people start their own 24 Day Challenge. I have been keeping in touch with each of them throughout their journey and have had ALL positive comments! Here are just a few:

"I have more energy" 

"I love Spark!"

"I feel really good"

"I feel like I am getting more out of my workouts"

"I feel more defined, which is what I wanted"

"I have lost 6 lbs and 3 inches off my waist"

"I have lost 7.4 lbs"

"It helps having sister support"

A few more are starting their challenge this week! I am so excited for everyone who is trying it for themselves! It does help to have support and others doing it with you! Talk to your family and friends and find people who want to get their eating habits back in check!!

Questions? Comments? EMAIL ME!

higafit@gmail.com

Order your 24 Day Challenge today!

www.advocare.com/12057755

24 Day Challenge: 21.22.23.24

The last few days of my challenge were AWESOME! I had a full weekend of Body Pump training! I passed my track presentation and now the next step is to film the entire class and send in the tape to get reviewed. It was great to have the training towards the end of my challenge because I definitely got a last great workout. Body Pump gave me a great "pump" over the two days. Today is officially the last day of my challenge! I was able to eat anything I wanted but still kept it healthy. Since I am in Hawaii I had to give in and have some shaved ice!

Here are my before and after pictures!

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Before: 139 lbs

After: 134 lbs

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Flexing for the camera. 

Me and Tali.

This challenge not only made a difference physically in my body, but I also became more aware of everything that I ate. I have more energy than ever and eating clean had a lot to do with it. The Spark and vitamins were a plus and it kept me on a daily schedule which was nice and easy to follow. The challenge flew by and I recommend it to EVERYONE and ANYONE who needs a little direction and wants to change their lifestyle for the better. I have lost a total of 15 pounds since last summer. I have never been this lean and have been able to see my "6 pack" like you can now.

Since I started the challenge and blogged about my progress, I have encouraged 8 people to purchase the 24 Day Challenge and try it for themselves. That is AMAZING! I am so excited for their journey and cannot wait to see their progress! I will keep you all posted on their progress and give them shout outs in each entry!

My Challenge to you:

Make a commitment to try the challenge for yourself. If you are struggling with your eating habits or figuring out an exercise regimen, the 24 Day Challenge will get you on a schedule. It is worth every penny and will change your lives for the better. I am here to coach anyone who needs an extra push! =)

Please email me if you have any questions!

higafit@gmail.com

Order your challenge today!

www.advocare.com/12057755