Progress and Update

October 26, 2009

Yes, that's an ugly bruise from lifting....I banged a weight into myself....and that's what happens!
I must say that I'm not proud of my results this last month...I've maintained! I did really well the week of my brother's wedding, but the 2nd week of my husband's homecoming....I cheated...a LOT. Once I started, I didn't stop. I tried all the good food in Chicago and was a really, really bad student at that point. My trainer would be and probably is disappointed. As soon as I got home, I got back on track from day 1 and I have maintained my weight loss, but obviously the progress I could have made....I didn't. It was a waste of a month because I'm still maintaining. You can see if you compare my progress pic with the last few that it's pretty similar.

I'm also struggling with my back still. It got worse than it's ever been last week, but then it got better. I think being in the car on my business trip all week did the most harm, so I think that's why I'm feeling better now that I'm home. I'm not sure. I did well last week on my business trip and stuck to my diet but missed 2 cardio workouts due to the amount of hours I was working. So, again, back on track this week. I'm not being too hard on myself for the past, but am using it as a reason NOT to cheat at all and NOT to make any excuses TODAY....or TOMORROW. I can excuse last week, but I can't excuse today.

I have an MRI scheduled today. Hopefully I'll get some answers, but the best thing is that I'm starting to feel better, finally...so let's hope that progress in the right direction (healing) continues!

A peak at our Chicago trips...



A peak at my brother's wedding.....

Lean Bodies Consulting

Well, I said " stay tuned" to my blog for an update on whether or not I chose to hire a trainer, but then I got injured. Actually, just after I signed up with him, I got my diagnosis and we decided it was best to wait until I was healed. Now, I am not 100% better, but almost there and READY READY READY to get back into "training." Since my own "bulking" attempts caused me to gain more fat than muscle, I believe, we are cutting now until I am at a better place and then will start to bulk again. I still plan to compete next year in 2010....so hope that no injuries occur between now and then!! I plan to work with Erik, though life evolves and you never know what will happen in the future. At this point, I trust his plan, knowledge and philosophies more than other trainers I have spoken with thus far (and I've listed those below)....no offense to anyone!

Check out Erik and Noel here:
Lean Bodies Consulting

There are some fantastic blogs on his site. Erik and Noel both have great blogs! I am extremely impressed so far with Erik and his plan! His workouts are kicking my ass!!! I made a bit of an ass out of myself at first telling him I didn't think I needed any training assistance because "there's only so much you can do with training"....turns out I was wrong! I'm learning every day from his plan! Also, his diet is great! It's so simple and makes so much sense AND is really easy to follow.....willpower, as always, is the hardest part!

Things I like most about Erik's plan and "philosophy" and trust him over other trainers because:

• His plans do not include 2 hours of cardio a day to cut. His training is concise and compact and works. Look at Allison Ethier who uses his training.
  
• He doesn't think that a client has to gain a ton of fat in order to bulk and in fact sets a "high" end and once that is reached, cutting begins because, after all, we all have a life to live even if we want to bulk at the same time.
  
• He doesn't plan on a "show" date until he's worked with you enough to see how your body will respond. Makes sense, right? I love the idea of cutting, until you reach see your body responding and THEN setting a date. I think it's the fear of every new competitor to not be ready to get on stage and face the dilema of 1. quitting 2. getting on stage and not being ready.
• Also, check out his CLIENT PICTURES (Before & After) which sold me on him totally!!!

Long story long....I am very excited about this new "chapter" of my life and am really excited about cutting back to my normal size and eventually into better "shape" than I've been in a while or ever. I can already see during week one that I am a bit out of shape and looking forward to seeing progress!!!

Also, I'll start posting progress pics in a couple of weeks. I'll be sending him biweekly progress pics (I think) and I'll start posting them. You've already seen my "before" as the last pic I took after bulking.

DIAGNOSIS: Tendonitis & Carpal Tunnel

I went to the doctor about two weeks ago and found out that the pain in my right wrist was not all in my head and I wasn't being a big baby - I have tendinitis and carpal tunnel. I was told not to work out for two weeks, and if I do, to ice my wrist afterward. She gave me a brace - see above! She proscribed an ergonomic keyboard and mousepad - which is working well. Oh, and anti-inflammatories.

I am having a hard time though! I'm taking it easy but every time I do go to the gym I am frustrated and it's more frustrating and stressful than it is relaxing and enjoyable like usual. It's hard because I can't do what I want to do while I'm there. It hurts half the time. My grips hurt b/c they put pressure on my tendons and without the wraps I hurt myself. Even doing legs I hurt myself - getting up from the Leg Press or using the bar for squats, good mornings, lunges, etc. I like to add weight to all the exercises off a machine but that requires the use of my wrists.

I am right handed and it is my right wrist...cool huh? So, life is frustrating right now. I know this injury is not as bad as many others...like Julie Lohre's knee. But, I can say I'm sure that is even more frustrating if I am feeling the way I am. I am feeling in a bit of a rut at this point and I'm needing some direction!

Key word: frustration