~Curvy Girl~ Moving Forward in 2014! ~

[PFEPerformance]

Swinging by to say Hieeeeeee!


The biggest reason I have been awol is there is a new women's forum that took the place of Sioux Country. I like it there but there are a few peeps I really miss here on RX, Sunny! Lori!

I am in week 9 of my 2015 prep and it has not all been sunshine & lollipops...but more on that another time. I promise I'll pop on by journals soon and post a real journal entry later this week.

x0x0x

HEY HEY MAMA!!!! Have MISSED YOU!!!!! You got my FULL ATTENTION! Can't wait to hear your updates!!! HUGE HUG! You've got my# girl - hit me with a txt !

[Sunnyday]

HEY HEY MAMA!!!! Have MISSED YOU!!!!! You got my FULL ATTENTION! Can't wait to hear your updates!!! HUGE HUG! You've got my# girl - hit me with a txt !

x2!

[curvygirl]

Recent Training Journal Entries


Sunday 22^nd, 2015 – "Legs!"
7” Treadmill Walking – Warm Up
Technogym Leg Extension - 5 Warm Up Sets
Smith Machine Box Squats – 7 Sets
RDLs – 6 Sets
Hammer Strength Iso Lateral Leg Press ss w/ Stationary Lunges – 4 Sets
SLDL – 4 Sets
Technogym Seated Leg Curl – FST-7

Monday March 23^rd, 2015 – "Delt Domination"– Week 9 of Prep 2015!
Hammer Strength Seated Press ss w/ Plate Raises – 6 Sets
Smith Machine Upright Row ss w/ Technogym Cable Upright Row – 4 Sets
Technogym High Back Machine ss w/ Technogym Seated Press - 4 Sets
DB Lat Raise Drop Sets ss w Rope/Face Pull – 4 Sets
DB Rear Delt Raise – 4 Sets
Front Cable Raise ss w/ DB Front Raise – 4 Sets

Tuesday March 24^th, 2015 – “Armed Assault!”
Freemotion Cable Curl ss w/ Cable Press Down – 5 Warm Up Sets
Standing Cable Curl ss w/ Tricep Press Down – 3 Sets
Hammer Strength Preacher Curl ss w/ Alt. DB Curls – 4 Sets
Hammer Curls – 4 Sets
Straight Bar Curl – 4 Sets
Close Grip Bench Press – 4 Sets
Hammer Strength Dip – 3 Sets
Tricep Press Down – FST7
Reverse Grip Press Down – FST7

Thursday March 26^th,2015 – “Back Beatdown Brown Style!”
Wide Grip Lat Pulldown ss w/ Straight Arm Pull – 6 Sets
Dual Handle Close Grip Pull ss Straight Arm Pull – 3 Sets
Hammer Strength Iso Lat High Row – 5 Sets
Hammer Strength Iso Lat Row ss w Freemotion Lat Pull – 4 Sets
DB Row ss w Standing Wide Grip Cable Row – 4 Sets
Rope Straight Arm Pull ss w/ Standing Dual Handle Cable Row – 3 Sets

Friday March 27^th, 2015 – “Press…Play!”
We are missing chest training tomorrow because we will be at the 2015 KZOO competition all day. So I squeezed in a quick intense workout at lunchtime…a lil chest, a lil shoulder.
Smith Machine Incline Bench ss w/ Upright Cable Row – 5 Sets
Smith Shoulder Press ss w/ Technogym Incline Press – 4 Sets
DB Lat. Raises Double/Triple Drop Sets ss w/ Technogym Shoulder Press – 6 & 5 Sets





Officially Off Prep!

For sake of sanity, happiness and health. I had a really good talk with my therapist and a real heart to heart with my inner self.

After 3 weeks of being sick, I cannot get where I need and want to be in 10 or 12 weeks. I will not have a positive experience, nor enjoy the process if I rush and push my body through some crazy a$$ prep. This time I am accepting of my limitations and acknowledging that my heart and mind are not in the right place at this moment.

Time for some new goals!
The number one goal I have right now is to get back to things I love doing that have nothing to do with competing. I love gardening! I plan to install raised garden beds this spring. It is time to plant a long overdue veggie garden and some pretty flowers. I am also planning to get back into my art studio. It needs to be de-krappified and reorganized so I can get back to work. It’s time to tap back into the creative side.


Current Situation! Getting back to finding joy in the gym!

What about my fit self?!
Well I have lost 17+ pounds and really like how I am feeling, looking. I would like to find a new set point that I can maintain. I’m not sure where that is, so the new goal is to continue eating a healthy diet (85/15) and continue a slow loss of weight, perhaps 5-7 more pounds. Completely doable & maintainable.

Have a fantastic weekend!
x0x0x

[curvygirl]

Recent Training Journal Entries

Thursday April 2nd,2015 – "Big Back Thursday!"
Technogym Assisted Pull Up – 6 Sets
Technogym Wide Grip Standing Cable Row – 6 Sets
Wide Grip Lat Pulldown – 5 Sets
Dual Handle Close Grip Pull – 3 Sets
Technogym Lat Pull Machine – 4 Sets
Hammer Strength Iso Lat Row ss w Freemotion Lat Pull – 4 Sets
Barbell Row (Underhand Grip) – 4 Sets
Technogym Seated Cable Row ss w/ Straight Arm Pull – 3 Sets

Friday April 3rd, 2015 – “Good Friday Fun!”
Rotator Cuff Warm Up
Smith Machine Incline Press – 6 Sets
Hammer Strength Incline Press ss w/ Freemotion Cable Press – 5 Sets
Flat Bench DB Press – 4 Sets
Technogym Chest Press – 4 Sets
Technogym Ab Machine – 3 Sets

Saturday April 4th, 2015 – “Legit Legs!”
7”Walk Warm Up
Technogym Seated Leg Curl – 4 Sets Warm Up
Box Squats – 6 Sets
RDLs – 5 Sets
Hammer Strength Iso Lateral Leg Press – 4 Sets
Freemotion Cable Deads – 6 Sets
Technogym Cable Kickbacks – 3 Sets
Technogym Seated Leg Ext – FST-7

Monday April 6th, 2015 – “Delts-o-rama!”
DB Press/Lateral Raise – 6 Sets Warm Up
Hammer Strength Shoulder Press ss w/ Plate Raises – 7 Sets
Smith Machine Upright Row – 4 Sets
Technogym High Back Machine – 5 Sets
DB Rear Delt Raise ss w/ DB Lateral Raise – 5 Sets
Cable Front Raise (Palm Up) ss w/ Face Pulls – 3 Sets

Tuesday April 7th, 2015 – “Gun Play!”
Zottman DB Curl – 5 Sets
Standing Cable Curl ss w/ Tricep Pressdown – 3 Sets
Hammer Strength Preacher Curl ss w/ Freemotion Seated Cable Curl – 4 Sets
Straight Bar Curl – 4 Sets
Close Grip Bench Press ss w/ DB Hammer Curl – 4 Sets
Hammer Strength Dip Machine – 4 Sets
Rope Cable Curl ss w/ Tricep Pressdown – 4 Sets


Random Blah Blah Blah...
Week 2 of…uh…I don’t know what to call it! Whatever it is I am in a solid place! Something inside of me has changed as my body continues to change. There is a lightness to my physical being. And it is all good. Outward validation not so relevant…not so important in the grand scheme of things now. Taking back the power of self, empowered. Self-esteem = Self-reliance. I love what my body is capable of. I love its strength. I love its flaws. It is uniquely mine.

The 3 amigos did fantastic at the 2015 KZOO! We were 3 for 3 with 2 overalls in Bikini & Men's BB!


Bossman starts prep next Monday. He's a bit cranky about it, but I know he really wants to kill it at Team U this year.

Training for the past week has been great! My strength is back 100% and I feel like I can push myself just that bit further. Weight is holding steady. No further loss but I am not pushing for it either.

For a couple years now I have been bandying about, looking for what would/will come after competitive bodybuilding. Rather than force my vision to focus on something, I have just let things unfold. Discovered a couple nights ago that my gym is holding tryouts for group ex classes. What the hey! I have been told numerous times I would be great teaching Zumba, Werq, Turbo Jam...And getting a certification has been on the list, BUT put off due to competing & penny pinching to compete. The auditions require...nothing! If they take me, they would provide training. And this would be certifcation in the various Group Ex classes offered. Now, I am not sure that that would include the certification I am looking to get via NASM (a solid $700 investment!). But again what the hey! All they can say is no, not interested. Tryouts are in mid May. I have until then to get more information and decide if I'll give it a go.

We finally had our first dinner party on Good Friday. A couple we have been great friends with came on over. It was lovely. Saturday & Sunday were pretty chill. Took the dog for her first long walk of spring on Sunday. All in all, things are quiet but good.

[curvygirl]

Photo Journal Entry





2015 NPC KZOO - 1st Middleweight; 1st Tall & Overall Bikini; 1st Light Heavy & Overall!



New Adidas Kicks!




New Kipling GilianTote. I already had this style bag in vibrant pink. Love the shape, size so much I got it in this color combo~





Abby Fraya lounging on me in my chair.



Current Situ @ 146#s! Strong & Happy!

[curvygirl]

RECENT TRAINING JOURNAL ENTRIES



Sunday April 12th, 2015 – “Sunday Funday!”
7”Walk Warm Up
Technogym Seated Leg Ext /Leg Curl – 3 Sets Warm Up
Technogym Leg Press – ss w /Technogym Seated Leg Curl – 6 Sets
Hammer Strength Iso Lat Leg Press ss w/ Stationary Lunges – 3 Sets
Straight Bar SLDL – 6 Sets
Freemotion Cable Deads – 6 Sets
Technogym Cable Kickbacks – 6 Sets
Technogym Seated Leg Ext – FST-7

Monday April 13th, 2015 – NEW GYM! Snap! “Shoulders!”
Matrix Seated Shoulder Press Machine* - 6 Sets
Matrix Smith Upright Row* – 5 Sets
Matrix Pec Deck* (Rear Delt) – 6 Sets
Matrix Lateral Raise Machine* – 3 Sets
DB Lat Raise – 5 Sets
Front Cable Raise (Palm Up) ss w/ Plate Raises 4 Sets
*denotes new equipment!

Tuesday April 14th, 2015 - Snap! “Gotta Get Some Gunz!”
Standing Cable Curl – 6 Sets
Straight Bar Curl – 3 Sets
Zottman DB Curl – 5 Sets
Seated Alt. DB Curl – 4 Sets
Alt. DB Hammer Curl – 4 Sets
Matrix Smith Close Grip Bench Press* – 6 Sets
Tricep Pressdown – 5 sets

Thursday April 15th, 2015 – “Snap! Solo Back!”
On my own for this training. Bossman’s work season has started which means training on my own during the week for most of the summer. It takes some getting use to and I have to work to stay motivated & push myself.

Matrix Assist Machine Pull Up* – 5 Sets
Matrix Wide Grip Lat Pull* – 7 Sets
Dual Handle Close Grip Pull – 5 Sets
Barbell Row – 6 Sets
Matrix Row Machine* - 8 Sets
Straight Arm Pull – 5 Sets
Standing Dual Handle Cable Row – 7 Sets

Saturday April 18th, 2015 – “Pecs on Deck!”
The focus for the next few chest workouts is depth. While I do not struggle with the top of my pressing movements, the bottom half is a challenge for me. So we are backing down weight & going for quality ROM.

Smith Machine Incline Press – 6 Sets
Hammer Strength Incline Press – 4 Sets
DB Flat Bench – 5 Sets
Technogym Chest Press – 5 Sets
Hanging Knee Raises – 5 Sets

Sunday April 19th, 2015 – “All About the Bass!”
I may have mentioned before that my leg days are all about volume. Because Bossman & I are no longer spring chickens there are concerns with tendons, ligaments, connective tissues, etc. So our leg training had changed over time to take these issues into consideration. Less focus on maxed out weights more focus on quality of movement.

7” Walk Warm up
Technogym Leg Ext/Technogym Seated Leg Curl – 5 Sets Warm up
Technogym Leg Press – 6 Sets – 30 – 35 Reps per set
Hammer Strength Iso Lat Leg Press ss w/ Hammer Strength V Squat Machine – 4 Sets
RDLs/SLDLs – 7 Sets
Cable Kickback – 4 Sets
Technogym Leg Ext – FST-7

[PFEPerformance]

Doing a touch down as I fly by to say HEY HEY to my girl!! So GLAD to have you back and hanging with us some!!! Training looking killer girl - one of these days....we absolutely have to have an RX GIRL weekend and tear it up! I'll bring bail money LOL!!!

HUGS!!!
Love ya much!
PFE

[curvygirl]

Doing a touch down as I fly by to say HEY HEY to my girl!! So GLAD to have you back and hanging with us some!!! Training looking killer girl - one of these days....we absolutely have to have an RX GIRL weekend and tear it up! I'll bring bail money LOL!!! HUGS!!! Love ya much! PFE

^^^^^Absolutely down for an RX Girl meet & training! I'm not that far from Ohio! You looked fantastic for your 2 shows...not sure where the judges were looking or what they were doing but it takes nothing from how hard your work and most evident progress! Love you mama! x0x0x

[curvygirl]

RECENT TRAINING JOURNAL ENTRIES



Friday May 1^st, 2015 – “Denver Hack – Pec & Delt!”
Stayed at Hampton Inn Suites with a little gym. It actually had nice newer Precor cardio equipment and a cable system. I was able to “hack” it to cobble together 2 decent training sessions.
DB Flat Bench Press ss w / Precor Cable Flyes – 6 Sets
Cable Chest Press – 6 Sets
Seated DB Press ss w/ Cable Upright Row - 6 Sets
DB Rear Delt Raise ss w/ Reverse Cable Flyes – 5 Sets
Lat Raises – 5 Sets

Saturday May 2^nd, 2015 – “Denver Hack - Switch Back!”
Kneeling Lat Pulldown (Narrow Bar) – 7 sets
Kneeling Lat Pulldown (Reverse Narrow Grip) – 5 Sets
Standing Close Grip Cable Row ss w/ Straight Arm Pull – 6 Sets
DB Row ss w / Face Pull – 5 Sets
Rope Pulldown – 6 Sets

Monday May 4^th, 2015 – “Snap! Shoulder Siege!”
Like I was telling Leslie, some trainings I am dragging Bossman along when he is cranky, achy & saying he’s “weak.” Just a lil *eyeroll* here. Turned out to be a good “heavy” shoulder session. I pushed to encourage the man so all my lifts went up.
Matrix Seated Shoulder Press – 6 Sets
Matrix Smith Upright Row – 5 Sets
Matrix Rear Delt Machine – 5 Sets
Cable Lat Raise – 4 Sets
DB Lat Raise – 6 Sets
Cable Front Raise – 4 Sets
Penguins (aka Lat Middies) – 6 Sets

Tuesday May 5^th, 2015 – “Cinco de Mayo Bis/Tris!”
Standing Cable Curl ss w/ Tricep Pressdown – 5 Sets
Hammer Strength Preacher Curl ss w/ Freemotion Seated Cable Curl – 5 Sets
Straight Bar Curl – 4 Sets
Technogym Seated Curl – 4 Sets
Close Grip Bench Press ss w/ Hammer Curls – 4 Sets
Hammer Strength Dip – 4 Sets
Reverse Grip Pressdown/Tricep Pressdown/Standing Cable Curl – Giant Set Burnout – 4 Sets

Thursday May 7^th, 2015 – “Bumpity Back!”
Matrix Assist Machine Pull-up - 5 Sets
Wide Grip Lat Pull 6 Sets
Straight Arm Pull ss/ Seated Cable Row (Rope Handle) - 6 Sets
Giant Set: Matrix Seated Row Neutral Rip/Wide Grips / Close Grip Pull - 5 Sets

Random Blah Blah Blah

Yeah so the conference in Denver was…eh, meh. (Just realized I did not mention here earlier, that I was attending a teaching librarians conference earlier. LOEX 2015 was in Denver, CO April 30th - May 3rd.) Meaning I probably won’t do that particular conference again unless I am presenting. The opening & closing speakers were great and I did get some good ideas for professional reading as well as practical in regards to teaching. However, our conference was held well outside of downtown Denver. That combined with my late arrival and early departures, there was no time for any cultural edification. All work, no play, although I was able to make use of the hotel gym. Which for a Hampton Inn Suites was surprisingly nice. In fact the whole hotel, with free wifi (that was actually speedy), free breakfast…I got hardboiled eggs, bananas, and a fresh made waffle on a couple days, and a super comfie bed. I was more than happy. I just wished that Bossman was with me.

On the home front, aaah yes…the joys of lawn care! I mowed & raked grass clippings for the first time Wednesday and let me say this is going to get old really fast, if we do not get a bag or a mulching blade or a drag rake…On the flip side, we did not have much of a lawn until the end of last summer. So progress has been made. The next big project is power washing the deck and staining it. Not sure about my garden yet. I need to get some measurements and make some phone calls. To get everything set up, we are thinking of using railroad ties and having really good soil delivered.

Weight is still holding steady! And my strength, stamina & endurance continues to grow. Yes, I do cardio 6 days, early am and I do enjoy it. It gets me up & moving! And it is crucial because my workday is sedentary. I am sitting in front of a computer many hours and it cannot be helped. So that activity first thing am is a good thing. Why no weights?…Because I have no food in me and my body is not warmed up nor ready for heavy training at 5:45 in the am!

Happy Friday Ladies! Wishing you a bang up weekend! Photo journal entry to follow.

[Sunnyday]

Hey girl! Happy Friday! Awesome training update! Keep up the great work!

[curvygirl]

Pics! ~ Last minute library display created for the 2015 exhibition week at the college. 44" x 95" poster featuring baseball cards in a Library of Congress digital collection. ~ Abbylicious! ~ Me & Bossman in our little car! ~ My back a couple weeks ago, still showing some cool detail despite being "fluffy!"










positivity, patience & quiet persistence
+x*

[curvygirl]

Precor Gym @ Hampton Inn Suites, Denver



Kittehs in the Closet!



Food Porn! ~ Extra Dirty Martini w/ Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives @ Bonefish Grill




Food Porn! ~ Mango Salsa Topped Salmon @ Bonefish Grill

positivity, patience & quiet persistence
+x*

[PFEPerformance]

^^^^^Absolutely down for an RX Girl meet & training! I'm not that far from Ohio! You looked fantastic for your 2 shows...not sure where the judges were looking or what they were doing but it takes nothing from how hard your work and most evident progress! Love you mama! x0x0x

Thanks girl! Ya - bout that....LOL Goes with the territory and THANKFULLY - been at this long enough - may jack up my temperament at "the moment" - but, when all said and done, as with anything - learn as we go, pick our battles (or our shows :-) ) with experience learned, and keep on keeping on - My absolute passion for the 4 walls of a gym and the ability to conquer physical goals along with mental battles leaves the confusing outcome of some shows a miniscule bleep on the radar. PFE has MUCH left in the tank and can point this train in a different direction with the most recent lessons handed to me on a silver platter! LOL

LOVE-LOVE your updates and our lil RX Sisterhood with some of us is CHERRISHED!!

Rock on Mama - we GOT THIS!!

[curvygirl]

RECENT TRAINING JOURNAL ENTRIES



Saturday May 9th, 2015 – “A Lil Pleasure & Pec Pain”
Rotator Cuff Warm Up
Smith Machine Incline Press – 6 Sets
Hammer Strength Incline Press – 4 Sets
DB Flat Bench – 4 Sets
Technogym Chest Press – 4 Sets
Plate Squeeze & Press – 7 Sets (in between sets of flat bench & machine press)
These suckers create a real contraction simply by holding the plate at chest height between your palms. You have no choice or you will drop it! Great finisher!
Hanging Knee Raises – 4 Sets

Sunday May 10th, 2015 – “Happy Mothers’ Day!”
7” Walking Lunges Warm UP
Seated Leg Curl – 5 Sets Warm up
Smith Squats (Ugh!) – 8 Sets (My quads will hate me for the next 3 days!)
Hammer Strength Iso Lat Leg Press – 4 Sets
RDLs – 4 Sets
Cable Deads – 6 Sets
Cable Kickbacks (with emphasis on engaging hip flexors too) – 4 Sets
Ran out of time to do finishers, coz peoples need to pose with Bossman. NPC Grand Rapids is in 2 weeks.

Monday May 11^th, 2015 – “Delts on Deluxe!”
Matrix Seated Shoulder Press – 7 Sets
Arnold Presses ss w/ Cable Upright Row – 6 Sets
Matrix Lat Raise Machine ss w/ Matrix Rear Delt Machine – 6 Sets
Giant Set: Bentover DB Rear Delt Raise / DB Lat Raise / Plate Raise– 6 Sets
DB Front Raise (Palm Up) – 5 Sets
I WANT THESE delts here!!! In fact, I just love her head to toe!



​


Tuesday May 12^th, 2015 – “I Got That Boom Boom Back!”
Had to train back on Tuesday because my Group X interview/audition is Thursday. And surprise surprise, I had a an awesome training despite a different night!
Matrix Assist Machine Pull-up – 6 Sets
Wide Grip Lat Pull – 7 Sets *There be a PR here! 175#/10 Reps Solid! I’z so proud of myself!*
Reverse Grip Lat Pull - 4 Sets
Barbell Row – 5 Sets
Straight Arm Pull – 4 Sets
Seated Cable Row (Rope Handle) – 6 Sets
Matrix Seated Row Neutral Grip/Wide Grips – 5 Sets


Thursday – AM Cardio – PM Group X Interview & Audition. Fingers crossed for next health journey adventure!



It's audition night for Group X!!! Wish me luck!
5-10" interview & 15" movement assessment. I'll know in 4-5 days if they like me.
From there I would get training for specific classes: Spin, Kick, Groove, Power, etc. I would be game for any of those! I also found out, they offer NASM onsite certification classes 1/ or 2 times a year with a discount for employees. This is something else I would definitely pursue.


positivity, patience & quiet persistence
+x*

[Curt James]

Good luck with your audition!