Striving for success after surgery! Amanda's Training Journal

**apolizzi** · 07-19-2013, 09:21 PM

I have been thinking long and hard about how to start my training journal for Rx Muscle. So here is what I've come up with.

My Life:

My name is Amanda Polizzi. I am a NPC Figure Competitor. Was born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA but currently call Erie, PA home. I have a wonderful boyfriend, Joe, who also competes in bodybuilding and a Jack Russell Terrier, Jaxon, whom I treasure!

I have always had a love for the gym. I was a gymnast for 11 years and played other sports sporadically (field hockey, track and cheerleading.) I have worked out with aspiring bodybuilders since I was in high school. However, it was just 3 years ago that I really found my passion. Competing in figure shows. Only then did I know what it was like to train for something harder than I ever had and to do it as my own personal goal. I now have a great trainer/coach/friend, Jack Sullivan. He has helped guide and motivate me the past 2 years.

As my business coach recently told me, I “am as competitive as they get.” You wouldn’t know that this humble yet fearless girl has a constant drive to do better! The crazy part is I just had hip surgery 6 months ago, started a franchise business 3 months ago yet I cannot wait to get back on stage! As soon as I could lift my leg after surgery I was training it to get my size back. I may not be the average gym rat who constantly posts selfies, food pics and training photos but I work just as hard or harder! I am self-driven and determined to get my pro card in the fall 2013/spring 2014. Did I mention I am also a Personal Trainer and Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)? Well, I personal train every day before and after a full day of working on my business. On the weekends, I work per-diem (per day) as a PTA, which was my past full time job before my business. So, as busy as I am I always stay focused. I am disciplined, energetic and never give up. That is just a glimpse about me.

Competition History:

May 2012 NPC Pittsburgh Championships:
4th Place Figure B Class
March 2012 “Muscle Mafia” NPC Natural Ohio Championships:
1st Place Figure C Class
April 2011 “Muscle Mafia” NPC Natural Ohio Championships:
6th Place Figure B Class
March 2011 NMA Can Am Best of the Best Invitational Championships:
1st Place Figure Novice, 1st Place Figure Open Medium and 1st Place Overall – Pro Card

Goals / Next Competitions:

Fall 2013/ Spring 2014

Plan for Success:

Currently, I am training to put on some size. As stated earlier, I had hip surgery so that has been a huge set back in the bulking phase of my off season.

So, with the goal in mind to compete this coming Fall, I am officially 17 weeks out as of July 20. The good news is my right leg has come back very quickly (although still achey at times) and maintained my upper body pretty well. One of my favorite quotes that I will never forget from my gymnastics coach when I was maybe 9 years old is "Go big or Go home!" Funny part is he wasn't kidding. He would literally send you home.

Right now, I am taking 1-1 1/2 months to put on some size. So, I get to eat lots of good carbs which is awesome!

I am training 6 days a week with that pre-comp intensity that I have missed so much! (Of course, my workouts were always intense but now I have that definite plan in mind which makes all the difference!) I don't do a ton of cardio but my heart could probably use it! I will definitely be adding more in as I get closer.

Leg Day 7/19/13:

With that said, I just finished an awesome leg workout. I just started squatting with weight (real weight) again maybe 1 month ago. I try to take it easy because the hip still flares up. But, today I couldn't resist. I did Smith Machine squats with 185 for 3 sets of 10-12 with drop sets. May not be much to some but to me it was everything! One of the guys at the gym said, "How can you smile on leg day? I feel like every time I looked up you were smiling." So, I semi-explained. And said "Because I am stoked to be squatting again!"

I will post some pics soon... Thank you for checking out my training journal!

Have a great night!

Amanda

**nic902** · 07-20-2013, 10:04 AM

Welcome to RX Amanda! You've got a great attitude, wishing you a speedy recovery and looking forward to following your journey.

**apolizzi** · 07-20-2013, 10:19 AM

Thank you! I'm looking forward to being part of this great community of people that have similar goals!

**The Prodigy** · 07-20-2013, 01:11 PM

Welcome to RX Girl!!! You are sure to find a wealth of knowledge here! Make sure to check out and post in other girls journeys and they will come visit your journal as well!

**apolizzi** · 07-20-2013, 02:53 PM

Will do. Thanks Gail!

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**apolizzi** · 07-21-2013, 08:37 AM

Awesome workout yesterday! I got mentally prepped with a some Erin Stern videos on youtube (LOVE HER) and then hit a brand new shoulder workout! Normally I never switch up my workouts but I needed a change. So I followed a few of Ms. Erin Sterns shoulder exercises. It went great. Had a super pump and then kept getting the question... You all know the one... (The one just because I decided to be out of my normal raggedy gym clothes and put on a tank top..)

Is Amanda doing a show? When's your next show?

Its just funny. I answer with a shrug and a smile! Because, honestly there is no guarantee at this point of a show mostly because of finances. But, I sure as heck am training like I am doing one.... But shouldn't we always!?

Side note :: So you know how I don't normally take selfies... Well I was trying to for the journal to document my progress and my shoulders were so tired I could barely hold the phone still... Most were blurry but I'll find a good one to post.

Thanks for stopping by!

**apolizzi** · 07-21-2013, 08:53 AM

After Shoulder workout.jpgHere's the least blurry one...
Anyone know how to rotate a photo in the post reply box? The photo was upright originally....

**Mac** · 07-21-2013, 09:01 AM

After Shoulder workout.jpg

**apolizzi** · 07-21-2013, 09:05 AM

Thank you Mac!

**swingslammer** · 07-21-2013, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by Mac

After Shoulder workout.jpg

UGGGGHHHHH.....Muscles on a woman are SOOOOO Manly!!

Since it is sometimes hard to discern on the internet......that was TOTALLY sarcasm! Good luck.

**apolizzi** · 07-21-2013, 09:29 PM

Haha! I was like whaaat... I didn't get the sarcasm at first!
Too funny. Thanks!

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**nic902** · 07-21-2013, 10:28 PM

You look great girl! Very nice shape...Those shoulders and that waistline!

**apolizzi** · 07-21-2013, 10:38 PM

Thanks nic902! I'm looking forward to seeing the changes. I've never really taken frequent progress pictures before but I'm finding that it really helps. I just have to get better at taking the photos! :-)

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