Emerald Cup 2016

The last time I stepped on stage was March 2014 in Hawaii and I can't say that it was the best experience of my life. Prep was difficult and I was thousands of miles away from my real support system. Now lets fast forward 2 years. I moved back to the mainland and decided to compete in April 2016 at Emerald Cup, one of the biggest shows in Washington state. I decided I needed to get back on stage and train for something rather than just "working out." Since being home I did my fair share of kicking it and partying. I was not happy with how my body looked and felt like I was not setting a good example for my clients. This prep was definitely different that the past. I had guidance throughout the 16 weeks rather than just guessing and winging my food and workouts. (Shout out to Mel B. in Hawaii for all her help) It is such a mental game with you and only you. I had my days where I wanted to breakdown, and some times I did, and that is totally normal. You are constantly coaching and reminding yourself "why" and your "purpose." You may think the "why" is...Why am I doing this? Why am I limiting myself to only eat a certain about of macros? Why am I lifting? Why am I doing all this cardio? Why am I putting my body through this crazy ass process? But my "why/purpose" is much more meaningful. It is not just to look good and feel good (but, hey, that is always a plus). To me it is about challenging yourself, everyday, to be better.

It is about making sacrifices to reach a goal.

It is about being uncomfortable.

It is about always continuing your quest to be "your" best (taken from a comment Warren Higa aka Fajja Higa left on my Facebook).

It is about inspiring and while also being inspired.

It is about kicking ass at life.

I was so overwhelmed, but in a good way, the week of Emerald Cup. Words cannot describe how thankful and grateful I am for the people I have in my life. All the support helped me get through my rough patches. I literally had the biggest cheering section of signs, sticks with my  head on them, and a HIGAfish. I love each and every one of you and THANK YOU for all your support. It means the world to me.

I placed 9th in my first show in 2016. Looking forward to competing and continuing my journey as a bikini athlete!

#HIGAfit

#Team FSP

#Gainz4LifeInc

Paradise Cup: 6 Days Out!

hello hello!

Sorry I have been slacking on the blogging during my training these past few weeks! Paradise Cup is now 6 days away and I am FINALLY feeling good about the stepping on stage again. This will be my second show, and the prep was a lot easier than the first time. I knew what to expect and now had even higher expectations for my body. I wanted to develop a bigger BOOTY and tighten up my thighs! After many variations of deadlifts, squats, leg extensions, band walks, and lunges I am feeling strong and excited!

Here is some footage of a training session from last week!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNfTcIaOBBU&w=560&h=315]

Deadlifts

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUaO-clFqM8&w=560&h=315]Squats

Fitness Ranes has moved locations!

We are now on the corner of Piikoi and S. Beretania!

Come check us out!

Honolulu Personal Training

I had a fundraiser to help pay for everything that goes on with the show...(Spray tan, Make-up, Entry fee, Nails, Waxing, Regular tanning, etc) I printed off #HIGAFIT t-shirts and tanks! Here are some of my family and friends rockin' their shirts!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Family

Suby and JJ

Robert and Marisa

Emi and Krysten

If you would like to purchase a HIGAFIT t-shirt or tank, please email me at higafit@gmail.com

ITS CRUNCH TIME!

Stay tuned for weekly updates!

Special Thanks to:

Jackye of Jackye's Enterprises for printing my shirts!

Missy Hornberger for making my fabulous design

Mom and Dad for picking up my shirts in Everett, WA

Journey to the Stage: 3 Weeks out

So A LOT has happened over the past 5 weeks! A trip to Seattle, family visitors, a jam packed schedule, girl time, and even a hemorrhoid. YUP a hemorrhoid! But with everything that has been going on, I have still managed to progress at a steady pace. My suit has come in and it's nice to put on to see what I need to work on these next 3 weeks.

My main focus is to get as lean as I can and I have myself on a strict white fish, spinach or asparagus, and complex carb diet. Boring much...but I want to be as ready as I can be for my first show. I am also taking my usual AdvoCare supplements! Thanks to my friend Shelby O'Fay, I am now in the right direction and I couldn't be more thankful!

My lower body has been frustrating to tighten! It is amazing how different exercises will effect people's bodies differently! It has been a lot of trial and error, frustration, and sweat.

Single Leg Good Morning

Landmine Single Leg Dead Lift

I think we have finally figured out how my body works and I am excited to see my progress over the next 3 weeks. Time to practice posing so I can work it on stage!

Honolulu Personal Training

www.advocare.com/12057755

Aging Gracefully: Why it's Important to "Keep Moving"

A few months ago I decided to move in with my grandparents. I thought it would be a good idea because they are older and it would be nice to have someone around just in case they needed something. Although I practically work every day and am not home as much as I thought I would be, I still get to see them more often than I did in the past. My Grandma is extremely independent. She is 85 and she still drives, (only in daylight and avoids the freeways by taking back roads), prepares all meals during the day, cleans house every Saturday, does her laundry on the regular, and makes trips to 3 different grocery stores in a morning to make sure she gets the best prices on all her items. She is not just doing this for herself, but she is doing this for my Grandpa too. My Grandpa has dementia and is in his early stages of parkinson's, which means taking medications and specific times...and Grandma is always on top of it. Amazing you say? She's incredible. Being a fitness instructor, I am always interested in different class formats and classes working with special populations. Grandma takes aerobics class every Monday and Wednesday at Jefferson Community Center on Beacon Hill. I have always told her I wanted to come watch class and I actually had a free morning where I could go! I was really excited and told her I would drive us to the class, but Grandma told me she was leaving as I was brushing my teeth...I couldn't do anything but laugh and let her drive herself.

As I pulled up to Jefferson Community Center I couldn't help but smile and be excited. I knew I was going to walk into a room of older ladies exercising and stuff like that touches me. I walked in the double doors and asked the young lady at the front desk where the class was and she pointed me to the gymnasium. There was Grandma, front and center, and about 10 other ladies in the class. The instructor, Stacey, stood in the front, facing the class. The class begin with a warm up of marches and knee lifts. They then moved into combinations that included mambos, V-steps, hamstring curls, kicks, and grapevines. They repeated the combinations many times, adding a new step each time. They got a water break after 20 minutes and Grandma walks towards the wall signaling to me how warm she was. Grandma introduced me to each lady during their break and they also invited me to join in the second part of their aerobics portion.

Aerobics action shot

"Heel Toe" line walking

It felt great to participate with the ladies. Not only does it take energy to take the hour long class, but coordination, range of motion, and musicality are involved. After the cardio portion they grabbed their hand weights (Grandma brings her own) and continued with a strength portion. This segment included squats, bicep curls, bent row, lateral raises, tricep kick backs, and should raises. The final water break was announced and then they lined up on the side line for line walks. This focused on balance while walking heel to toe. Grandma seemed to be moving faster than the rest and was called out by her classmate, Tako. Tako saw that Grandma was not walking exactly "heel toe" and said, "Cheater!" It was great to see the sense of humor in the class. Once they completed their line walk, they grabbed a chair for their cool down and stretch. I joined in this portion of the class as well.

As I was sitting and admiring the class, I was thinking about why I love instructing. I was thinking about why I do what I do. I do it because I love making a difference. I love helping others live healthy lifestyles. I love seeing how HAPPY people are after a great workout. I love seeing people like my Grandma live the way she does and for as long as she has. Many diseases can be prevented by simply exercising and eating a healthy diet. Its that simple! The hardest part is actually doing it. Whether you are in your 20's, 30's, or 80's you can start now! My Grandma is an inspiration to all. Just remember to "Keep Moving" and to continue to stay "fit" throughout your entire life.

START TODAY!

Live Healthy & Be Happy.

                                          -Higafit

24 Day Challenge: Days 11.12.13.14.15

The days just seem to fly by on my challenge! The "zig zag" or carb cycling stage is harder than I thought because I have been craving nothing but SWEETS! I have been satisfying my craving with peanut butter on celery. It has become my new favorite snack!

Ants on a log...minus the ants =)

Tonight, I had chicken breast, green salad, and yams for dinner. This means tomorrow is a no carb day. Chicken breasts and veggies shall fill my tummy for the day! I have been slacking on my water intake, (I noticed while teaching my class because my mouth was dry) so I am making sure that I am drinking plenty before I go to bed tonight.

I really need to focus on my last week of my challenge. This is the FINAL STRETCH and I will be finishing off my last day of my challenge while on an airplane to Hawaii. (That means my "after" pictures will be taking place on the beach!) I can tell my body has changed and I have received many comments from co-workers at Nordstrom and 24, but I know I can work a little harder. I mean, its only 24 days, so why not put all of your efforts for ALL of these days?...right? Wish me luck. I am almost there!

Thanks for your comments, emails, and following me throughout my challenge! If you are interested in taking on your own 24 day challenge, email me, and I can coach you through it!

higafit@gmail.com

www.advocare.com/12057755