Fittgrrl's Journal

[fittgrrl]

So, I am here starting my own journal for support, advice and motivation from fellow women bodybuilders.

I am a 29 y/o Asian female. I started working out with my husband approx. 2 years ago as something for us to do as a couple. I started noticing awesome changes in my body and have since become addicted to training and became intersted in competing. My goal is to compete one time (this June 18th) and then start working on a family. My husband and I have been married for 5.5 years. Even though this is a one time thing (at the moment) I, of course, want to do a good job. I have been eating about 90% clean and really need to clean up that 10%. I have issues with sweets, particularly the donuts that are at work on Thursdays. I also have problems not smoking (although I am totally ashamed of this and have kept this a secret from most people).

What prompted the starting of this journal is an email from my coach that contained utter distain for my binge that I had at 2 birthday parties this weekend. My husband and my friends are super supportive but cannot fully understand what it takes to do what I'm doing. I'm having low motivation and feeling sorry for myself (which I hate) because I feel like my life is on hold for this competition. Although it is a goal I set for myself and will attain I still struggle within myself. As of Feb 26th I will be 16 weeks out. I need to shake this pity party and really focus.

Here is my current workout schedule:
(I try to sneak 20 mins of cardio in after a workout about 3 times a week but honestly it doesn't always get done. I have also had problems keeping weight on)
Mon: Legs
Squats 5 sets at 45 115 125 135 135
Hams 5 sets at 80 (sitting) or 60 (laying)
Hack Squats 3 to 4 sets at 135
(extensions 3 to 4 sets at 100 or more) - sometimes I don't do these because my coach says I am heavy on the quad work
Calves 6 sets of 125 (standing) or 145 (stitting)

Tues: Back
Wide Grip Pull Downs 4 to 5 sets 90-100
Close Grip PUll Downs 3 to 4 sets 80-90
Bent Over BB Rows 3 to 4 sets 85-90
Machine Rows 3 to 4 sets 135

Wed: Chest
DB Press 4 sets at 35
Incline DB Press 3 to 4 sets at 30
Incline Flyes 3 sets at 20-25
Decline Bench 3 sets at 85-95

Thurs: Bis and Tris
BB Curl 4 to 5 sets at 45-55
Sitting Hammer Curls 4 sets at 20
BB Preacher Curls 3 sets at 35
Close Grip Bench Press 4 sets at 75
Cable Push downs 3 to 4 sets at 100
DB Kickbacks 3 to 4 sets at 10

Friday: Shoulders, Calves and Abs
DB Arnold Press 3 to 4 sets at 30
Rear Flyes 5 sets at 15 to 20
Side Raises 4 sets at 12 to 15
(I don't do front raises because my front delts are more developed and my coach says I get enough front work during chest workouts)
Sitting or Standing Calves - see above leg day
Abs: Hanging leg raises, V ups, weighted crunches, twists, side bends etc.
(I try to do some abs every other day)

My diet is basically this:
(I'm trying to incorporate more veggies into my diet. I also cannot stand oatmeal)
Breakfast: 8 egg whites and 1 piece of wheat toast (I know I"ll have to lose the toast soon).
Snack: 1 can Tuna and 1/2 serving brown rice
Snack: 1 serving protein
Lunch: 4 oz Chicken Breast or 2 servings Tilapia and 1 serving brown rice
Snack: 1 can Tuna (1/2 serving brown rice if feeling tired)
workout
Snack: 1 serving protein
Dinner: 4 oz Chicken Breast or 1 can Tuna Patty or 4 oz lean steak and 1/2 serving brown rice
Snack: 1 serving protein (if I'm hungry)

I do pretty well during the week, sans the occasional Thursday morning donut or two, but I struggle on the weekends when my food isn't pre made and ready to go and I am tempted to eat out. I have to work on that.

So any tips, advice, encouragement, motivation, sympathy/empathy etc would be greatly appreciated. I haven't thought about how often I will write, maybe I need to make it everyday to help myself, we'll see.
Thanks in advance.

[Jennifer-Lynn]

Welcome! You should get some great advice/help/support on these boards.

Can you post your current stats so we all know where your at and what your trying to accomplish in 16 weeks.

Thanks!

[fittgrrl]

I am 5'4 and 141 lbs. Prior to starting the "bullking phase I was weighing a very solid 125 or so. I eat about 230g of protein/day, am currently counting my "maintenance carbs" and do not count calories at this time. I have not had my body fat measured. My coach doesn't seem to think it is that important. I approximate my body fat is around 12 - 15%.

[fittgrrl]

Yesterday I weighed 136 which I am more comfortable with. I think I tipped the scales at 141 on Monday due to the fact that I had had a shameful binge weekend that included two birthday parties. I had a good workout yesterday. I ate 99% clean yesterday. After dinner I read a 16 week out prep. article which motivated me and helped me clarify what I should be doing. I practiced some posing. I made affirmation post it notes and hung them in my bathroom and kitchen to help me focus as soon as I get up. I am having a good day so far. I feel more centered and more motivated.

Question: Will diet cut up my legs or should I start doing different exercises?

[fittgrrl]

Did not work out yesterday, will make it up on Sat. I needed to rest I think. I ate pretty well yesterday. Did not smoke yesterday. Having a hard time today.

[fittgrrl]

So I am feeling a lot better now than I did earlier today. I have made it through another day of work without smoking. This is good because today is leg day. I love to hate leg day! No one responded to my question about cutting up my legs for competition... I've spent a lot of today reading other's journals and getting inspiration from them. Its nice knowing that people who have my same goals have the very same issues (binging, busy/stressful lives etc.) I found a diet that my coach is supportive of and will start it on Sat. which is 17 weeks out.
Meal #1
8 egg whites
1 serving oatmeal/cream of rice/ or cream of wheat
Meal #2
6 oz lean meat
1/2 cup rice
1 cup veggies
Meal #3
7 oz lean meat
1 six oz baked potato
1 cup veggies
Meal #4
6 oz lean meat
1 six oz baked potato
1 cup veggies
Meal #5
7 oz lean meat
1/2 cup rice
1 cup veggies
Meal #6
6 egg whites
1 serving oatmeal

I'm a little worrie about the oatmeal because I don't like it. I'm going to try the cream of rice or cream of wheat. I'm going to have to be focussed and pre- prepare all of my meals for at least a couple of days in a row. I will buy more containers tomorrow.
I am excited to lean out. I have never been this big before. On one hand I am happy because I feel I have a lot of lean muscle (evident by weighing more than I have in my whole life but not looking like I do). On the other hand my clothes are getting a little snug in the quad and delt areas. I have gotten "stuck" in clothes and had to have my husband help me and of course, I prefer the more lean but muscular look.
Just gearing up to train my legs!

[fittgrrl]

Hmmm, still no replies or support from the board. Oh well.
Had a good leg workout yesterday:
Squats: 45 115 125 135 135 for 10
Laying Hams: 65 65 50 50 50 50
1 leg press: 115 115 115
sitting hams: 80 80 80
some abs
ate clean and did not smoke. I feel a little rough this morning as work is sort of chaotic and my husband had an accident with a deer last night, so we have to figure out how to get the car fixed.
Tomorrow I will do shoulders, abs and calves at the gym. I took Wed and today off.
I purchased all my food for me new diet. I hope I will be able to stomach cream of rice or cream of wheat. We'll see. I am starting tomorrow. Sunday will be difficult as I am shopping for bridesmaid dresses with my friend that is getting married in June (one week out from my show, no cake, champagne/wine for me!)

[Nyladigm]

Hi Fitgrrl and welcome!

Sorry to hear about the deer accident last night...I've come close to hitting one before and that was scary enough for me.

It sounds like you're staring off strong, you have a set routine and food schedule and you just went shopping! I love food shopping :) Good job with adding some veggies into your schedule...I ususally add raw broccoli or some tomatoes and green/red bell peppers with my salad. I dont always like eating veggies but its more of a health/mental thing for me. It may not taste fantastic but I know what good it does my body and that gets me past any taste issues I have.

Now about the oats...I dont know how much you dislike them but I used to put milk in them, until of course I couldnt see myself taking in that much sugar from the milk in which case I now use water instead. But I just started putting a little bit of salt, and about a 1/4 scoop of vanilla whey protein in with my oats and its like a whole different meal altogether! I know a couple girls on here use davinci flavored syrup (i think you can ask vanilla bean about that?) which may help you.

Anyways, hope you're having a good day and that you're sticking to your plans! Keep us updated! :)

Laura B.

[Sistersteel]

Hi fittgrrl

You are doing great, and it is good that you are starting 18weeks out, giving you time to make adjustments. I planned on starting out 16 weeks out, but got a nasty cold, so it ended up being 13weeks out, and then by the tiem I got the hang of everything it was 11weeks out, but everything has fallen into place.

You are starting off with a good amount of lean muscle, so you should do awesome. Has your trainer suggested what weight you may end up at?

I have an obsession with oatmeal, I add a little bit of Natural peanut butter to it, and some cinnimon and pumpkin pie spice. It is so taste, i also prepare it in the morning and take it to school and eat it cold. It taste sort of like pudding.

About your legs, the cardio and diet should lean them out, but you may want to increase your reps. I would keep things heavy until 4-6 weeks out and then try high volume, but it is hard to make suggestions without seeing your body composition.

I hope this helps a little and I look forward to reading your journal!

SS

[fittgrrl]

Thank you to NYLADIGM AND SISTERSTEEL for checking out my journal and imparting wisdom and encouragement. Just stopped in work to check on my staff after hitting the gym for a shoulder, back, ab workout. I started my diet this morning, choking down 1 serving of cream of wheat. I think I will be able to do cream of wheat as opposed to oatmeal.
I'm feeling good today!

[Gabrielle]

Hi Fittgrrl~
You don't have to eat grains in the morning if you don't like them! I don't think you should eat anything you have to choke down.
I have cottage cheese and a banana or a clean protein muffin for breakfast and almost never have a cereal. I get most of my carbies from sweet potatoes, peas and fruits.

[fittgrrl]

So, I had a busy but pretty good weekend. I wrote on Sat. so I will pick up with Sunday. I went bridesmaid dress shopping with my friend that is getting married a week out from my show (I hope I don't scare anyone with how lean and tanned I hope to be by that time). We did end up eating out, even though I had packed a meal. I feel I did pretty good. I had a BBQ chicken breast, grilled veggies, steamed broccoli and some rice and a salad. This is basically what I would have eaten anyway (I do put a little BBQ sauce on my chix breast to help it go down sometimes), just the rice wasn't brown rice and I had a salad with low fat salad dressing. I felt good about it and hope that I"m not deluding myself. I ate my normal meals the rest of the day.
With this new, strict diet I am having problems eating 1 cup of vegies 4x per day. I am just simply full. I already feel (and think I see) changes in my body from just eating clean for a couple of days. I feel tighter.
I will meet with my coach this coming weekend to work on posing (which I need to practice more), look over diet and hopefully do some revamping of my training schedule. An article I read suggested starting to train your body parts 2 x per week. I would love to train more (as sick as that may sound). But I do need to be careful with overtraining as I borderlined on in the past. I became anxious, gittery, irritable and couldn't sleep very well. My husband reiterated this importance of rest and re emphasized that during rest is when you grow.
Speaking of my husband, he went to a MMA/Cage Fighting semninar this weekend. He is getting geared up for his fight in April, his first in 9 years! I will be extremely anxious, proud, excited etc. It helps having a husband that understands and supports fitness goals!
I will try to post pictures when I feel I have some worthy of posting.

[fittgrrl]

How do I change my icon next to my journal thread on the initial Journal page?

[fittgrrl]

I had a wonderful back and ab workout yesterday:
Assisted Pull Ups 4 sets of 10 50lbs assistance
Close Grip Pull Downs 3 sets at 90 and 80 lbs
Bent Over Barbell Rows 4 sets of 10 at 90lbs
High Cable Row 3 sets for 10 at 90lbs superset with Dumbell Rows 3 sets of 10 at 20lbs

Vertical Bench Straight Leg Raises 3 sets of 15
V Ups 4 sets of 20
Crunch with legs raised 4 sets of 25
Rope Crunch with 100lbs 2 sets of 25 superset with Side Bends at 50lbs 2 sets of 50

I have eaten very clean since Sat. and I feel like I already see and feel leaner. I am maintaining my weight at 136, which I am happy with for right now. I am have trouble eating all of those veggies at one sitting but try to get them all in by the end of the day. I have been going to the restroom ALOT!

[fittgrrl]

Yesterday was a hectic day at work and I didn't leave until later and wasn't sure if I would make it to the gym. But I did and felt good about it. Yesterday was chest day.
Flat Dumbbell Press: 4 sets of 10 at 35 lbs
Incline DB Press: 3 sets of 10 at 35
Incline Flyes: 3 sets of 10 at 20 lbs
Decline Bench Press: 3 sets of 8 at 85lbs

I love working chest because it is the only body part that has never stopped being sore the day after a work out.
This is my 5th day of eating totally clean. I already see and feel results so that is motivating.
Today is leg day. The day that I love/hate the most. I dread squats but then feel so good afterward. I will also incorporate single leg exercises today such as hamstring curls and leg press. I did the single leg press last week and loved the results.
I did not record earlier that I also take 15 - 20 mg of Glutamine per day as well.

[fittgrrl]

Yesterday was leg and ab day:
Squats: 45/15 115/10 125/10 135/8 135/8
Single leg hamstring curls: 5 sets of 10 at 20 and 30 lbs
Single leg extensions: 3 sets of 10 at 40
Single leg press: 3 sets of 10 at 115
Calves (standing): 5 sets of 15 at 135

Reverse curl superset with heel press: 3 sets of 20
ball crunch: 4 sets of 25
ran out of time for obliques

I continue to eat clean. I really enjoyed changing it up a little by doing single leg exercises. I really feel it in my hams. My chest is still a little sore from Tuesdays workout. I recently got a Sam's Club membership and look forward to, hopefully, saving some money by buying food in bulk.

[fittgrrl]

So I just remembered my dream or nightmare as it were that I had early this morning.
I was at my show all pumped and ready to go, feeling good, then I started realizing that I had forgotten to start tanning so I was pretty pale compared to everyone else. I realized that I forgot my music and really hadn't prepared a posing routine. Later on I realized that I hadn't even registered and paid the entry fees (but I scrambled to talked to a judge and they ended up saying that it was ok and wasn't too late). I then saw my old college boyfriend walk in. I asked him what he was doing here and he said he was waiting for a date, that they were getting a boat charted for the day (and sure enough the competition was being held at a marina I then realized) and had just wandered in to see what was going on. I proudly told him that I was in the show but then remembered all of the things I had forgotten and had to go find some music to quickly put together some sort of rountine. In searching for music I ran into an old boyfriend from high school who had CD's in his car but I could only pick certain ones as his girlfriend had her favorites that he always had to have in the car.
I started to wake up at this point. Wow, I'm sure there is a lot to be anaylyzed there, from insecurities to past relationships etc. My husband said that I will probably have many more dreams like this prior to the competition. Hopefully that will spur me on to make sure I'm even more prepared that I hope to be.

[Jennifer-Lynn]

fittgurl - you are doing really well...however, is there anyway you can remove the unhappy face from your Journal? Does that bother you? Cause it bothers me :)

[fittgrrl]

I decided to rest yesterday and did not train. I continued to eat clean and maxed out on my protein intake. Needless to say my stomach hurt and I used the restroom multiple times.
So, I sent a PM to the moderator Ms. Fit to find out how to change or remove my frown face that I have on my thread. As I explained to Jennifer-Lynn, I was in a total funk when I started this journal and didn't think about how it would look, how I would feel about it later or how it would turn off others. So, if anyone has instructions on how to change or remove it please let me know!! Thanks in advance.
Today will be Bis and Tris. It would be nice if I could get in some shoulders too. I will meet with my contest coach tomorrow morning. I am excited about this and somewhat anxious because we will be working on posing. We went through all of the poses last time we met but I did not practice as much as I should because I really didn't feel like I knew what I was doing. I don't want to get comfortable doing something the wrong way. Many props to all competitors because when I attended shows I though, "I could do that no problem!" WRONG! Now I totally know how much effort and practice it must take! I am also anxiously awaiting my "Perfect Posing" and "Perfect Posing Routine" DVDs. I ordered them on Monday (which was a holiday) so I hope to get them by Monday.

[Sistersteel]

Hey fittgrrl- I have the perfect posing DVD, it is old but great! Looking at both the male and female versions of poses. I didn't realize that they had one for the perfect posing routine, I will have to get it! Let me know how they are.

You are doing great!
SS

[fittgrrl]

So, I just got back from meeting with my coach and practicing my posing. I watched the Perfect Posing DVD, which I thought was very helpful. Sistersteel is right, it is pretty dated but the posing doesn't change. So, needless to say, I am sort of sore and worn out from posing right now. But I"m feeling pretty good about everything. I will go to the gym later and do shoulders, abs and calves. I will start doing a 4 days on 1 day off split and adding cardio 4 times per week for 30 minutes.

[fittgrrl]

I made it through the whole weekend on my diet and did not cheat once! I was tempted to have some hot chocolate but when I saw that it had 17-19 grams of sugar I was turned off. I also felt a little envious when my husband came home with some Taco Bell.
Today is leg day. I am sort of excited for once for leg day because I'm more motivated for the competition after meeting with my coach this weekend. I am also excited to get some of this weight off. I have never been this big and my clothes are tight and somewhat uncomfortable. I'm not obsessed with my weight but I would like my clothes to fit properly again.
Several questions, I may ask Sistersteel or other in their journals, but here they are:
1. How much make up for bodybuilding? Lipstick or no lipstick?
2. How early do you start tanning?
3. I am ordering my posing suit from BB.com and wonder if I should get a medium and a small. I am almost 5'4", currently weigh around 136 but should get down to about 115-120.

[MsJewels]

Weekends are tough to get through without cheating on diet - I can relate, so that is a great accomplishment!

[Mizfette]

Hey there,

Just wanted to say Hi and wish you luck on your fitness adventure ... Keep up the excellent work!

I had an anxiety dream kind of like yours the other night ... I was onstage with my band, but I didn't know any of the songs and I was in my skivvies! yikes.

Anywho, I'm reading right along with you ... take care!

[Sistersteel]

I am soo proud of you for not cheating all weekend!!! Remember how great you feel for being so strong, because it will get harder!

I started tanning 8 weeks out, but 6 weeks should be sufficient.
I just bought two posing suits, and I am a small. Currently I am 120lbs 5'3", a little smaller then a B34 cup, and a size 3 jean. I thought I would be a medium but the small just fits me now so in 6 weeks it should be perfect. I don't know if that helps at all, but if you get down to 115 you will probably be a small.
About the makeup I am not sure? I know in fitness they are told to wear more then usual because of the lights. In bodybuilding I don't think it is as in important, but I will ask Linda (my posing coach) and let you know what she says. I am planning on getting my nails done in a short, natural look, just because mine are so awful.

Don't worry about your weight, I hoping to get up to that in the off season I can't wait to start bulking again! Posing is alot harder then it looks, it is difficult for me to hold a pose for longer then 20 seconds, but with practice it will get better.

Are you going to practice at your gym? I like to because of the large mirrors, but I hate when people stare at me! I practice at home in my suits, or bra and underwear, but I don't have a big enough mirror to see my entire body.

Your doing awesome!!!
SS

[Bronwyn]

To makeup - yes, lights are very bright and strong, so you need really more. Darker, red or very dark pink lipstick and light bright eye shadows. In fitness and in bodybuilding too.

I tried one teen competition at my 16 and at first show I was only naturally tanned - no posing colour, and with soft pink lipstick. And I look really horrible like somebody who is nearly dead. At the second show I had Jantana colour and very hard makeup I never worn before. And it looks good.

[fittgrrl]

Happy March!
Thank you to all who are following my journal and who have given feedback and support!!!! As I said in my first post, my friends/family are very supportive but only those who have similar goals, or have/are going through this amazing journey fully understand everything that it takes!!!
Yesterday was leg day:
Squats: 45 115 125 for 10 135 x2 for 8
Laying 1 legged Hams: 30 x 2 for 8 each leg 20 x 3 for 10 each leg
Hack Squats: 135 x 3 for 10
1 legged press: 115 x 3 for 10 each
Standing calves: 135 x 5 for 15
Cardio!!!! 30 min speed walking

I was not feeling too good about cardio (mainly just bored) the first 5-10 minutes into it but after that I got into my zone and felt really good and powerful. I am anxious to see if I will lose anything with adding the 4 cardio sessions and training in a 4 day on 1 day off rotation. I will meet with my coach in two weeks.

Personally, I am feeling a little stressed right now because one of my staff had to have emergency surgery and will be out for 3 weeks. Managing a 24 hour facility is difficult enough but when there are staffing break downs...VERY STRESSFUL!!!! I keep thinking about smoking but I will not! I will probably suck down some water and eat my 2nd meal a little early.

Today will be Back and Bis.
I am sort of bored with my bicep workout (I've just stuck to the basics, sort of afraid to do anything else). I've been doing barbell curls, sitting or standing hammer curls and concentration or preacher curls. Any suggestions?

Oh! SS- I am too self conscious to practice posing at the gym. Although posing at the gym would be optimal (lighting, fatige after workout, mirrors etc.) But I don't want people to think I'm showing off or whatever. People at the gym can be very judgemental. Maybe I'll just have to get over that. What do you think?

[fittgrrl]

Yesterday was an ok day but it was also a day that I decided that I needed a personal assistant. After adding 30 min cardio to the end of my workout I was in the gym for about 2 hours. That left very little time for house work, cooking, weighing and packaging my meals, a shower, laundry etc. It would just be helpful for someone to cook, weigh and package the food for myself and my husband (who is training for a MMA fight scheduled for April 22nd). Anyway, just a pipe dream.
So yesterday was Back and Bis. It was a pretty good workout. I still don't feel like I"m getting a pump in my biceps (I've felt this way for several weeks) but am a little sore today. Cardio was a little hard but I just kept telling myself that once I got past the 10 min mark I would feel better. Yesterday it took me until about teh 15 min mark to feel the endorphins. I feel lean and pretty hard, so that's good.
I am stressed out today (and that's different from any other day???) because I have not started my period yet. I am always very faithful with my pills but accidents happen. Right now I'm just going to chalk it up to change in diet. I will be so upset if I happened to get pregnant now after all of this work. I shouldn't worry about it but if you haven't been able to tell I am always stressed out, somewhat neurotic and a worrier.
Today will be Chest and TRis. I love the pump I get in my tris when I do them after chest. I look forward to Friday, which will be my day off. My coach is not allowing me any cheat meals so it will not mean a day off of the diet. I am fine with this because I am the type of person that if I get a taste of what I"m missing it isn't good enough. For example, I love donut Thursdays here at work. I would tell myself (off season) have half. But then my sweet tooth was activated and I couldn't stop at 1 or even 2.
It has finally stopped snowing and the sun is out, even though it is still very cold. I am happy about the sun!!!!!

[fittgrrl]

Yesterday, as I said before, was Chest and Tris. I had a good workout and then did cardio for 35 min intervals of speed walking. My coach advises me to never run due to the fact that it breaks down leg muscles. I do not have a problem with that! I am not a runner! I have reached a sort of impass with my chest work out. I am currently using dumbells for presses but cannot get past 35lbs! I have pressed 40lb DB with someone handing them to me but I cannot get them swung up to press position on my own!! It is sort of frustrating.
So I did:
Flat DBP 35lb ea. x 4 for 10
Incline Flyes 20lb ea. x 3 for 10
Incline Press 35lb ea. x 3 for 10
Decline BP 85lb x 3 for 10
Skull Crushers 45lb x 3 for 10
CAble pull downs 30lb x 3 for 10
Kickbacks 12lb x 3 for 10

I need to figure out how to get some ab work in on a regular basis. Time just gets away from me and before I know it I've been in the gym for 2 hours and I need to get home to eat, do housework and prepare for the next day. Maybe I'll try doing abs between sets. I just need to multi task and time manage.
I am happy that I have not cheated on my diet once. I have not smoked in 5 1/2 days, today will be 6 1/2. I would still like to but I know I would physically and emotionaly feel bad and it would not help me meet my goals.
I have not started my period yet. I am starting to fret a little more about that. I will get a pregnancy test tomorrow when I'm at the store, just to put my mind at ease. My period has not been super consistent but I haven't missed one for a long time.

[Sistersteel]

Fittgrrl- I have started posing at my gym between sets, and get many looks, I think most people think I am showing off, but I have discovered that I could really care less what others are thinking. I must do what is best for me, and thats all that matters!! It think it embarrasses Colin, but he better get use to it.

If you need someone to pass you teh weights, don't be afraid to ask. I can do 40lb db fine, but need someone to pass me the 45lbs. Not bad for 120lb Girl!

I am the same as you when it comes to cheating, as soon as I let myself have a little treat, I can't control myself and end up binging. I seriously can't STOP. It is much better if I don't even let myself think of cheating.

Don't give into your craving to smoke!! Stay strong you can DO IT!!

Get use to being in the gym for long periods, my weights take my 1 hour to 1.5 hours, plus 45min-1hour cardio and posing. Usually 2-3hours, and sometimes i go twice for more cardio!! It can get very boring and I am greatful when the weekends come and I train at my other gym. I suggest you get a MP3 player, or a good collection of cds to listen to. Books and magaziens are also good to get through the cardio!

Hope everything goes good with the pregnancy test. I'll cross my fingers for you!! I'm sure you have nothing to worry about!

SS

[MsJewels]

Time just gets away from me and before I know it I've been in the gym for 2 hours and I need to get home to eat, ...

Wow - That seems like an excessively long time in the gym! Do you still have enough energy by the end for it to be worthwhile? I'm spent after 45 min - 1 hour, and others in this forum have commented that I've been spending too much time at the gym. Maybe if you have a bit of HIIT on top of that I can see needing to be there for so long, but isn't building muscle all about intensity, not quantity?

I'll admit that I haven't read your entire journal, though, so I'm not sure what stage you're in, or whether cutting requires more gym-time.

But definitely get an MP3 player! I never go to the gym without mine. It also keeps the boys at bay, and others from being too chatty when you're trying to get in, work out and go home. ;) Ahh... I'm such a snob! (j/j - I'm not, but I'm in the gym with purpose, and too many people make it a social club.)

[Sistersteel]

In the off season when I was bulking I never exceeded an hour at the gym, but I was doing no cardio. Now that I am cutting the cardio has increased, and posing takes time as well. I started off with just 20min a day and worked may way up.

When I am in the gym I usually don't make eye contact with anyone and always wear my headphones even with no music. I only talk to a select few. I am a huge snob, lol!

SS

[MsJewels]

Ok, that timeline makes sense when in prep for a show. Is fittgrrl also cutting?

I look forward to when I have sexy muscles to show off and start learning posing. This whole process is amazing to me. I hope that I can excel the way so many of the hard-core women on this site have. :)

[fittgrrl]

Thanks for checking out my journal and yes I just began the cutting phase as I am a little over 15 weeks out from an all natural bodybuilding contest. I am doing cardio for 30 mins 4 times a week. I am also on a 4 day on 1 day off split that looks like this:
Day 1: legs, cardio
Day 2: BAck and Bis, cardio
Day 3: Chest and TRis, cardio
Day 4: Shoulders, Abs, calves, cardio
I also need to fit abs in one or two more times. So I rest the 5th day and then start over. So this is why it takes me so long in the gym.

As for socializing I keep that at a minimum. I do utilize my CD/headphones (don't have a MP3 yet but would love to!). There are certain people that I say hi to but never let conversation get in the way of training! I also use my wedding rings to keep the guys away even though it is hard on my rings (my wedding ring is flat on the inside) and on my hands (major callous below my ring finger!) :) I don't know how to put smiley faces in this text.

ps: I guess I just did!

[MsJewels]

I wear gloves at the gym, and I would hate to put my ring through that. You must have a crazy blister! I was thinking about having a tanktop made that says mrs or something, and then wear it a few times (JOKING!). lol! Either way, when you're the only girl on the co-ed side doing weights, people are going to notice! I usually spend much of my time on the women's only, but they are missing some key machine (squat cage, barbell!!!, heavy dumbbells)

Speaking of which - Can you believe that my gym has a 1.5 lb dumbbell on the women's side? I hope I don't offend anyone, but isn't that a little useless? *shrug*

[fittgrrl]

Well, this will probably be my last journal entry for awhile. I did find out I am pregnant!!! I had a fit for about 3 hours last night and then calmed down and started to accept it. It is just my time I guess. It will be fine. I am dissapointed that I did not get to complete my goal but I know that I can always do it after the baby comes too. Although I'm not real sure I would want to.
Thank God that I've been married for going on 6 years to a wonderful man and that I have a pretty good, stable life!
I plan to continue to workout until I go into labor (as long as the MDs say its ok) so I will be as healthy as possible and hopefull my body will bounce back quickly.
Good luck to everyone with their goals! I am going to have dessert tonight!!!

[MsJewels]

Congrats!!

Although you see your pregnancy as a disappointment, keep in mind that everything happens for a reason. When your baby comes, you'll never know how you lived without them. (I'm not a mother myself yet, but last year a girlfriend of mine was also surprised with a pregnancy, and even considered an abortion, however now she's so in love with her little boy and can't imagine not having him.)

There are lots of books about fit pregnancy, so you should be able to pick up right where you left off after giving birth. Many of the pros themselves have recently had children (including Kerri Odiatu), and Oxygen magazine, for example, has monthly articles or features about pregnancy and exercise. I also remember reading about one woman who won 1st in fitness only 3 MONTHS after giving birth!!

Just don't let the baby be an excuse to eat whatever you want, otherwise you'll put on lots of extra pounds that will be tough to take off when you've got the wee one to care for.

:) Keep posting! I'd love to learn along with you about fitness and pregnancy (I'm sure within the next few years I will be in your situation.)

[Sistersteel]

Congradulations! Don't stop posting. It will be interesting to have someone on the board who is pregnant and still working out.

Try not to eat too much, right now if I found out I was pregnant my diet would go down the drain and I would be pigging out. But that is because I have been dieting for 8 weeks now!!!!

SS

[JumpinJill]

Congrats on your pregnancy!! :)
I would also love to see you still posting journals :)
At the end of my pregnancy I journaled meals and exercise on paper for myself, and how I felt each day. It's fun looking back through that :)

[taifighter]

I've been lurking around reading your journal, and just wanted to say,
WOW congrats :)
I think its incredible that you were training for a bb competition, and even cooler that you are pregnant and are continuing to workout! how great that fitness and health are already a huge part of your life now...you have a lucky baby :)

good luck and congratulations again :)

[taifighter]

ok...jumpin jill, I swear I am not stalking you!! LOL!
I always end up posting after you...and now my posts are looking eerily similar to yours...(same number of smileys...good lord!)

[mommykuce]

Congrats on your pregnancy! I just want to give you some info on healthy habits during pregnancy. I had a very difficult pregnancy and learned a lot. First, remember that you only need an average of 500 extra calories (that could go up or down depending on whether you or over or under weight, but I don't think that is a problem for you). Those extra calories can be consumed easily by some yogurt some milk, which is calcium your body (and baby) need anyway. You are not eating for 2 like the old wive's tale goes. But don't deprive yourself either, just remember your healthy eating habits- moderation! (I craved Quacomole during my 2nd trimester and ate a lot of 7 layer nachos from Taco Bell). Also, since you are planning on working out during your pregnancy, you can't let your body temp go over 102F or your pulse over a certain rate (I don't remember exactly what it is, ask your doc). Someone posted a lot of info on working out during pregnancy- I will find it for you. Your first trimester doesn't really have that many limits, but when you get into your 2nd trimester there are limits as to postions you can get into.

I hope you continue with your journal. Being pregnant can be a wonderful, exciting, and also scary and stressful time. Sometimes venting to others is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It is going to go by quicker than you think- enjoy yourself and do as much as you can for yourself now because you are just going to fall in love with your little one and all your focus will be there. Good luck!

[mommykuce]

Here is the thread for working out during pregnancy.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=404166

[fittgrrl]

Thank you all for your well wishes and your encouragement!!! I have to say I'm a little teary about it all right now.
I will continue to post and stay accountable to fitness and health. I will report that I have splurged this weekend as I had planned to splurge for a couple of days after the show. However, tomorrow I will be back on. I need to figure out just how many calories I need to have and then add the 300-500 that I've been hearing I need for pregnancy. I think my calories when I was training were around 2000. So I'm thinking about dropping that to around 1600 and then adding around 500, since I will still be working out. I have my "educational appointment" tomorrow but I plan to go to the book store here in a little bit because I'm afraid that the RN at the OBGYN won't fully understand my needs.
So, I bought some stretch mark cream today. I hope to be preventative!!!
I also just want to make clear that I do not see my pregnancy as a dissapointment just a total and complete shock! Of course I am dissapointed that I will not be able to reach my goal of competing this June but that dissapointment is diminishing every day.
So I plan to get back in the gym tomorrow maybe lifting about 3/4 - 1/2 of what I was and increasing the reps. I will check out the thread that MK suggested.
Again, thank you all for your support!!!

[VanillaBean_21]

Congrats on the pregnancy! I read a lot of books when I was pegnant. I went nuts, I think I read 20 books. :eek: :D I didn't count calories when I was pregnant but I always ate something extra even though everyone told me I should "be eating for two". Don't let this ruin your healthy eating habits! :)

[mommykuce]

Congrats on the pregnancy! I read a lot of books when I was pegnant. I went nuts, I think I read 20 books. :eek: :D I didn't count calories when I was pregnant but I always ate something extra even though everyone told me I should "be eating for two". Don't let this ruin your healthy eating habits! :)I read tons of books also, even though both myself and my husband have medical backgrounds (we both have delivered a baby, him a lot more than one). I have to say that is the worst thing I did. Especially the book "what to expect when you are expecting" medically was off- it generalizes a lot of stuff. Honestly the best thing you can do is take the advice of close friends who have been there (or even here cause we have never met you and have nothing to loose!) and your doc. Don't be scared to ask questions about anything! If you are going to go book crazy, take the info with a grain of salt.

And get an epidural!

[NavyGal]

Congrats! Its only normal to have mixed emotions ecspecially if its your first because you don't really know what to expect, but it will all come together. Please don't stop posting- you can use this journal to stay on track with a new goal in mind- focusing on your health and fitness, tracking your diet to make sure your getting enough of the right foods- but not to much that your going to gain unecessary weight. Also it will be good to use for motivation on the days that you have none. Also remember that fit individuals usually give birth quicker and have less morning sickness- or so the experts say- lol.

[mommykuce]

Hey! There is an entire section articles on pregnancy on this website! Here is the link:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbinfo.php?page=Pregnancy

[fittgrrl]

Thanks for the continued well wishes!! Thanks to MK for the link to the pregnancy workout info! I've printed most of the articles because I hate reading them on the screen.
We went for our "educational appointment" yesterday. I asked all sorts of questions about diet, exercise, even self tanning! I was concerned about my mercury levels because of all the tuna and other seafood I had been eating. The nurse said that it is nothing that I should be worrying about now. Then I almost laughed out loud when they told me I shouldn't lift anything over 50lbs!
I had a somewhat emotional but fun lunch with my competition coach. He was excited for me but dissapointed that I won't be able to go to contest. He talked about doing it after the baby comes and I said, "we'll see."
So, I'm trying to eat well again. I have not been as hungry so it has been difficult to eat 5-6 times but I try to get down what I can. I really haven't been sick but just find that I can't eat sometimes. It all may be psycho -somatic though.
Even though it has only been 6 days since I found out my life has already changed so much. We now need to find a new house, as we don't have room in our current one. I don't really look forward to the move but I plan to throw a lot of things away and start freash.
I plan to work out 3 - 4 days a week. I'm not sure about the split yet but obviously I will reduce the weight and increase the reps. I will probably cardio 3 times a week for no more than 30 mins. I may change things after I read some more articles/information. Of course, I didn't find any book at the book store the other day that was specific to weight/strength training and pregnancy. There was yoga and pregnancy, pilates and pregnancy...
I did not go to the gym yesterday as I was very tired because I had a bad head cold and felt out of sorts but I do plan to go tomorrow.
Thank you again to everyone who has been reading my journal and to everyone who has taken the time to write!

[MsJewels]

I'm so happy to see you back! :D It's going to be great to hear about how things go for you.

Now you can take progress pictures of a different kind - Start right away, and have someone take a photo of your growing belly every week (you'll be amazed how quickly you'll see it getting bigger!) My friend did this, and it's such a neat thing to include in an album. She also wishes (looking back now) that she had hired a professional photographer at her eight month or so point (nearing the end - at it's biggest). She says - believe it or not - she actually misses her belly now, even though she couldn't wait for her son to be born at the time.

:) Best of luck, hon!

[mommykuce]

Bump Ms Jewels 100%!!! Take pics! I wish I had done that when I was pregnant. I was so obsessed about my growing belly that I even fought maternity clothes until the last possible minute! I have really only one pic of me really pregnant (about 1 week before I gave birth) and I wish I had more. There is a website Babiesonline.com that you can use as a pregnancy journal and posting pics for your family and friends, and you can also link your registry to it.

I was told when I was pregnant to stay away from seafood because of the mercury. But like you, I didn't know I was pregnant and had some. At that point what is done is done and you shouldn't worry about it, just try to stay away from it during the rest of the pregnancy. And also watch out for a lot of cream, especially acne or lotions- a lot are not safe when pregnant.

[fittgrrl]

Thought I would report what I've been eating this week.
5 whites, 1 whole egg, 1 serving Cream of Wheat
2-4 oz chicken breast, 1/3 c. brown rice, 8 oz veggies
4 oz chicken breast or other lean meat (not seafood), 1/3 c brown rice, 8 oz veggies
4 oz chicken or other lean meat, 1/3 c. brown rice, 8 oz veggies
I had a donut today, a buffalo cheese burger yesterday as some splurges. I would like to eat about 90% clean but I'm not going to beat myself up over it. I am still preparing and pre packaging my food for the next workday. I wonder if that will ever change. ;)
Today I go back to the gym. I am not real sure what I will do yet. I may just do some cardio. As I mentioned before I plan to go to the gym 3-4 days a week instead of 5-7. I've been reading a lot and some people still do a "regular" split (1-2 body parts a day) and others do a full body workout 3 times a week. Any suggestions?
I also have some other questions that came out of my reading:
1. Fish Oil? I read in one article found on this web site (thanks to mommykuce) that suggests it as it helps with brain formation
2. Increase calcium? My prenatals have only 250 grams. Things I've read suggest around 500. However, I asked the educational nurse who said that I should not need any additional supplements than what is offered in the prenatal.
3. Another article talked about "ab separation" and how to fix it. What is this and should I be worried?

I will take pics soon. My best friend is budding, talented photographer. I'll do front double bicep and lat spreads with a pregnant belly. That would be funny. ;)

[MsJewels]

Ooo - And lather yourself in cocoa butter. My girlfriend has NO stretch marks because she used it everyday after showering and before bed. Body Shop has a great product.

[mommykuce]

As for stretch marks i think it depends on your skin type and heredity. But cocoa butter can't hurt! I also used this stuff callled Belly oil that was specifically for pregnancy with no bad stuff. I continued doing my regular split, just lower weights, and even did some cardio (you need to watch your heart rate). I just personally dont' like training my entire body at once.

I haven't heard of ab separation. I would increase your calcium intake. Even though you are supposed to get all nutrients from pre-natal pills, my doc told me it was very important to eat calcium rich foods and also to still get nutrition from regular foods also. But don't take extra iron. I don't know about the fish oil- I would ask your doc about that.

[MsJewels]

I was also recently told by my doctor to take folic acid supplements before or while expecting. You might want to ask your doctor about that.

[mommykuce]

I was also recently told by my doctor to take folic acid supplements before or while expecting. You might want to ask your doctor about that.There should be adequate folic acid in the pre-natal pills. My doc actually put me on the pre-natals about a month before I was going to start trying. But women should take folic acid (or a multivitamin w/extra folic) anyway.

[mommykuce]

Since we are on the subject of pre-natal pills I thought I would share a funny story (maybe it isn't that funny and you just had to be there). I have a 120lb dog who is pretty much around my height. Well, my husband went to the pharmacy on the way home from work to pick up a refill on my prenatal pills. He left them on the counter still in the bag (which in my house is a no-no). My dog loves ripping up things, especially paper (and eats it too). Anyway, my dog ate all but a couple of the pills (he was fine afterwards)! My pharmacy wouldn't give me a refill cause they just gave it to me the day before. So, I had to call my OB to ask for a sample to get my through the month. Of course they wanted to know why I needed the sample when I had a new script, so I had to tell them that my dog ate my prenatal pills! Get it, like my dog ate my homework?! They laughed at me cause things like that always seem to happen to me. Its a cute story even if it isn't that funny!

[fittgrrl]

That is funny MK! Those dogs! We have a dog too and until now she has been our baby. I hope she will adjust. She's a real loving dog.
So, I went to the gym and cardio'd for 30 mins and that was all. I will go Friday and do some sort of full body work out or something.
I'm not doing real good with my diet right now as I had pizza and a piece of pie yesterday and a donut already this morning. I did bring protein shakes to supplement today.

[mommykuce]

When it comes to the dog, here is some advice. Start soon not paying as much attention to her as you did before. I know it sounds mean, but when you have the baby you are going to be so busy and tired you won't have time for the dog like you did before. You don't want her to coincide the lack of attention to the arrival of the baby. Start pulling ears, tails, toes, and poking her so she gets used to that also. YOu should see some of the things my son does to my dog (and cats). Every time you pull the tail and she doesn't nip, give a special treat (not her regular cookie, like a piece of hot dog or something really special reserved only for trainig). Also reward with hugs and kisses! Teach your dog to not take the treat out of your hand with force, and not until you let her. Your baby is going to tease the dog with food a lot. And also start now teaching the dog to allow people to take food away. STart with the food dish, when she is eating stick your hand towards the dish, and if she allows you to then give the special treat in the bowl. Work your way up to the dog allowing you to take food out of the dish and even out of her mouth. When you have your baby, save a blanket that will have his or her scent on it. When you come home from the hospital, you go in first without the baby- let your husband stay outside or in the car, no where in the house for 5-10 minutes so you can have the alone time with the dog. Let her sniff the blanket, pet her, and give her the special treats. Then have your husband bring in the baby, and you hold the baby. Let the dog sniff, but keep watching careful because it is normal for the dog to want to nip a little (not bite). Let her know she is a good dog and give her treats for doing nice to the baby.

[fittgrrl]

Thank you for all of the good advice MK!!!! It is so appreciated!
Yesterday ended up being a bad eating day afterall. I was very tired yesterday but probably due to too much sugar.
Today I have eaten clean and will go to the gym. I have a leg, ab and cardio workout planned. I think I will feel funny doing squats with such little weight but something is better than nothing.
My step daughter (she's 10) comes this weekend and we are anxious to tell her. She has wanted us to have a baby for a long time now. She is also at the perfect age to help out!
I'm dragging again today. NOt sure if it is just because it is the end of the week or its due to the pregnancy.
I hope to have a good workout this evening though!
Have a good weekend everyone!

[MsJewels]

Perfect - almost old enough to babysit!!

Just stopping by to say hi again, and let you know I'm keeping tabs on ya. ;)

[mommykuce]

I was exhausted in my first trimester. It gets better in your second. Get the rest now while you can!

[fittgrrl]

Not much new to report. Did a lot of relaxing this weekend. My step daughter was happy and excited. She wants a girl. Most of my family want a boy, as do I, but I think it will be a girl.
I ate pretty well this weekend. I had my normal breakfast but started eating 2 whole eggs (for the nutrients) and 4 egg whites. I also started eating cheese, yogurt and fruit (which I hadn't had for about a year). I also resumed taking a CAlcium supp. as my prenatal only has 250g. Today I WILL MAKE IT TO THE GYM!!! I will do legs and shoulders. Weds. I will do back and bis and Fridays I will do chest and tris. Cardio each day. I may try to find a PIlates or Yoga for pregnancy and do that on the weekends or my off days.
Yes, MK, I feel tired now and I know I have no idea about what tired is until the baby comes. Each time I take a nap I totally appreciate it.
I hope to report a great workout tomorrow!

[fittgrrl]

So I did have an ok workout yesterday.
Legs:
Squats 50lb 4x10
Sitting Hams 50lb 3x12
Extensions 50lb 3x10
Shoulders:
DBArnoldPress 15lb 3x12
HighCableRows 50lb 3x12
Side Raises 10lb 3x12

I felt silly doing my leg workout with only 50lbs, especially squats. But its better than nothing.

This is what I ate yesterday:
4 whites, 2 whole eggs, 1 serving Cream of Wheat
Protein Shake, grapes and 2 servings cheese cubes
Chicken breast, green beans, mashed potatoes
Protein Shake, grapes and 2 servings cheese cubes
1/2 subway club on wheat with chips and 8oz veggies

My best friend and I were doing some "Easter outfit shopping" yesterday and she said, "Oh look you're already starting to pooch out a little!" I had thought so and had said something to my husband but he thought I was just being silly. Now I look at my stomach all the time for a different reason as opposed to checking it to make sure I'm staying lean!
I felt like I had more energy after my workout which was cool. I felt a little draggy during but later it felt great.
Today I have to deal with some problem employees. An employee just left his shift last night without notifying me!!! I just don't understand people sometimes! I have to meet with him now.

[fittgrrl]

Okay so I am somewhat offended right now. I just read a thread on the open forum or whatever that taked about if using the word "tone" or "toned" is appropriate in bodybuilding. I think we all know what we think about that. However, one female (MRSC is her name) stated that she thinks toned is sexy and buff is for men. I replied that I totally disagreed with her. That buff means living healthy and being the best you can be which is nothing but sexy. I just really couldn't believe she had the nerve to post something like that on this web site!!!!

[MsJewels]

Totally agree with you - Post the link and let us at 'em!!!

[mommykuce]

I want to know where this forum is!!! I hate to tell this woman, but I have actually gotten complemented in the past by men that I was looking pretty buff and they were likin what they saw! I even had a guy who said I was built like a brick sh-- house, and these were not negative comments! I personally think that real men think that women with muscle and curves are sexy as opposed to little boys who like the prepubsent skinny look. Let's get em!

Oh, and I want to see pics!!! How far along are you?

[fittgrrl]

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=433867

I think I copied and pasted right for the thread on toning etc. However mrsc did apologize and said it came out wrong.

Yesterday I ate:
4 whites, 2 whole eggs, 1 s. cream of wheat
Prot Shake, grapes, cheese
Chicken salad sand
Prot shake, grapes, cheese
Turkey sandwhich
Tortilla chips plain

Today I will go to the gym and do Back and Bis. and hopefully have some time for cardio.

I am nervous today because another couple and my husband and I had booked a Vegas trip for directly after the contest to celebrate the contest, my 30th birthday and our 6th anniversary. Of course, I do not want to go to Vegas now because I don't feel like I could have the full experience being pregnant and all. On one had we took out travel insurance but our agent is saying that she doesn't know if pregnancy is included as a reason to refund the money. Even if it is they may only refund my money not my husbands or our friends!!! We got a good deal but it is a lot of money to just lose!! Especially with trying to purchase a house and with the baby expenses!!! Keep your fingers crossed for us!!!

Oh, and I will try to get pictures up as soon as I can. Can someone tell me step by step how to do that? Thanks!

[mommykuce]

It depends on what program you are using, and if using a digital camera. When you are editing the pic with the program you are using, you need to change the size to something smaller (in pixels). Usually you go to image size, and whatever number is bigger change to 640. The other number should change automatically. Then save it usually in my pictures on your computer in JPeg format. Scroll down on this page and go to attach files. Just browse "my pics" and pic the ones you want.

As far as the travel insurance, pregnancy is definately a reason to get your money back. And also for your husband. I don't know about your friends, though.

[Jennifer-Lynn]

fittgrrl - don't even get me started on "tone".....:) I know what you mean.

[fittgrrl]

I had a pretty good workout yesterday:
Back
Wide grip pull downs 50lbs for 3 x 15
Good Mornings 45lbs 3x10
Seated Cable Rows 50lbs 3x12
Bis
Barbell Curls 35lbs 3 x 12
seated dumbbell curls 15lbs 3x12
Preacher Curls 25lbs 3x12
cardio: walked for 20 mins

Even though I have lowered all of my weight and reduced the number of sets I am still exhausted during and after my workout. My mood is better after but all I want to do is go to bed.
We heard from the travel agent who said our airline tickets have been credited, which is a relief. But we still have to fill out a claim for the travel insurance to get back the rest of our money. This all hinges on my OB either writing a letter or filling out a form stating that I can't travel at that time. I hope they will do that!
I have been having a lot of dreams! I usually don't dream a whole lot. Last night I dreamt that 2 girlfriends and I went to Vegas. AFter forgetting several things at home and having to return to get them, I had too much luggage and at the airport had to pick and choose what i was going to take. Then when we got to Vegas I noticed that my luggage had been searched and my favorite clothes were missing. My friends have told me that people have either real scary dreams or sex dreams while they're pregnant. My dreams haven't been either, just weird or anxiety ridden! :)

Oh! Any suggestions on lower back exercises? I know hyper extensions but when I start to get bigger that won't be an option. I did the Good AMs for lower back more than for hams.

[mommykuce]

Keeping your lower back in shape is going to be really important. Unfortunately most exercises aren't good if you are pregnant. I really got into the pilates and yoga when I was pregnant- it really helped a lot. It is going to get to a point that you won't be able to move certain ways, but keeping those muscles strong is really beneficial when in labor. I am going to dig up the tapes so I can tell you exactly what I used. Maybe you can message the lady who is certified in pre-natal exercise and ask her.

I am very proud of you for that workout! It's weird lifting lighter, isn't it?

[MsJewels]

Oh! Any suggestions on lower back exercises? I know hyper extensions but when I start to get bigger that won't be an option. I did the Good AMs for lower back more than for hams.

What about straight-leg deadlifts? I do those (and regular deadlifts) and find that my lower back get a killer workout (sore next day). It hits hamstrings, too, of course.

[mommykuce]

I think as she gets bigger those will be very difficult. You also have to remember that as she starts showing her center of gravity will be off (besides the pregnancy clutzies!)

[fittgrrl]

Thank you to MK and MsJewels for the continued support and advice! I do plan on getting a Pilates Preganacy DVD or something. I love Pilates!
Sorry if this is too much information but I was very constipated for a day and a half. Very frustrating! However, I drank a ton of water, ate some cantaloupe and went to the gym and walked for 45 mins. That seemed to do the trick. Thank God!!!
I continue to be fatigued with low motivation to do much of anything. Finally cleaned my house today.

[mommykuce]

The pilates tapes I used go to:
www.pilatesforpregnancy.com

I got the pregnancy one in a package with post-natal pilates. That one was great with the baby.

[fittgrrl]

Not much to report today. I will definately look into obtaining those DVDs! Thanks MK!
Today will be leg and shoulder day. I hope to get in some good cardio too!
Today starts my 9th week! A week from today I have my first ultrasound. I am anxious about it but try to be calm and realistic. I have some fears about it as far as finding something wrong or not finding anything at all...

[mommykuce]

Wow, you found out really early in your pregnancy! Make sure you save the sonogram pics for the baby book- I have most of the ones from my son, and it is kind of cool cause now that I know what he looks like you can see the features in the sonogram pics. It's normal to be nervous, but I am sure everything will be fine. Keep up the good work at the gym!

[fittgrrl]

Yes, MK I found out in my 6th week. I think it was a good time to find out, although early, so I could be careful in my workouts and change my diet to get more nutrients.
Yesterday I did LEgs and Shoulders. Same routine as last MOnday. I rode a bike for 15 mins, then my butt and back hurt so I walked for about 10 more mins while my husband finished his workout. I felt pretty good afterward and did not need a nap. I did not sleep very well (was too hot, was just wide awake etc) but woke up feeling good and in a noticably good mood.
Yesterday I ate:
4 whites, 2 whole eggs, 1 s. cream of wheat
prot shake, grapes, cheese
chicken salad (and some chips!!! :( )
prot shake, grapes, cheese
red beans, rice and lean sausage
and a Cadbury egg (while prepping for Easter)

I plan to save and record everything. I'm real big on that. I have my high school scrapbook filled out to the max and I made a college one too. I don't do the normal scrapbooking thing that has become so popular but I write everything down and have little boxes of momentos from different times in my life. I have already started one for the baby, that I have but the positive pregnancy tests and cards etc. in.

[MsJewels]

I know that you were late on your monthly, and that's what made you go get the pregnancy test, but did you feel any different? Do you think you already knew you were expecting? I always curious about those things.

You should journal in a book at home, too, or print out this journal for yourself. I journaled while I was planning my wedding, and it's cool to look back at what I was doing and thinking, and I hope that my kids will find it interesting one day. For SURE they will if you were pregnant with them and writing about your experience.

[mommykuce]

I know that you were late on your monthly, and that's what made you go get the pregnancy test, but did you feel any different? Do you think you already knew you were expecting? I always curious about those things.My first sign was that my boobs were huge!!! I actually found out on my honeymoon (I didn't go until the month after I got married). I was late with my period, but I figured it was stress from the wedding and everything the past months before that. It's funny cause my bathing suit tops didn't really fit on my honey moon and I had to squeeze into a lot of my shirts. I never had morning sickness, but I know a lot of women who found out that way. I was also exhausted- I remember my husband yelling at me cause I was so tired and just wanted to sleep! I actually took a pregnancy test the week before I went away and it came up negative (acually took 2). Then all of a sudden WHam! I packed tons of tampons for nothing!

[fittgrrl]

I had NO IDEA that I was pregnant! I didn't feel different or anything! I wasn't the most consistent with my period and I thought with the increase in training and diet changes... But I wanted to put my mind at ease, like I have done every other time I had been late a couple of days and there it was! Thinking back I did feel a little lightheaded throughout the day for the prior 2 weeks but again I just thought it was training and dieting.
Believe you me, I write everything down! I have a planner, I have my training and diet journal, I have my diary and I have this journal! I think everything is covered! :)
Yesterday was a bad eating day. I had 2 servings of sugar free cookies, french fries, chips and another cadbury egg. Can't wait until EAster is over so I can get that stuff out of my house! I have that 10 y/o step daughter that I always put together eggs and and Easter basket for. I try to stay away from the candy because she is a little over weight and out of shape but a little here and there. I also make a basket for my mom. She is the one who loves the Cadbury eggs so I will give her a few but the rest of her "candy" are protein and energy bars because she has just started going to a fitness club and trying to lose weight.
Anyway, I hope to get my eating back in control. I do continue to eat what I record just I have the extras. :( I go to the gym today and will do back and bis (same workout as last week). I will only record my workout if it changes.

[fittgrrl]

Ate a little better yesterday but gave into some chips.
This morning I've been reading Sillyvent's journal and some others that are competing and I started feeling sad because I never got to see what my body would look like after leaning out. Oh well. *big sigh*

[MsJewels]

Hey, there are mothers who compete - and women of any age! I was at a competition this past weekend and a SIXTY-EIGHT year old woman was onstage competing (literally in a class by herself)! It was so inspirational. So ENJOY this time in your life - bodybuilding will wait for you. In life, everything happens for a reason (I live by that belief, and repeat it often). Trust in that and focus on what you're blessed to experience now - the miracle of giving life! Keep your goals close to your heart, and they'll be achieved at the right time. Just continue to believe in yourself. Someone has a signature that reads "The sooner to start to doubt me is the sooner I can start to prove you wrong". I love it. The same goes for yourself - The only time when your future goals and dreams will go unrealized is when you yourself stop believing in them.

[MsJewels]

Haven't heard from ya in awhile - How're things going?

[MsJewels]

I haven't forgotten about you! ;) How's your pregnancy going so far?

[fittgrrl]

Well, I'm back. I gave birth to a beautiful 7lb 13 oz baby girl on 10/28/05! I was induced a week early due to having Gestational Diabetes. It's been so long and my life has changed so much since I last posted. I am no longer on the competition track but now am trying to get back on the "losing the baby weight" track. When I first found out I was pregnant (if you read back you will see that it was a total surprise as I was training for a competition) I cont'd to work out but then got real busy with house hunting and was REAL tired in the first trimester that my workouts were hit and miss. I then started back in the seconde trimester and worked out until about 4-5 weeks before I gave birth. I stopped working out because I was SO uncomfortable in my own body, everything hurt!! During that time I found out that I had Gestational Diabetes and really struggled with that; ending up injecting 2 types of insulin 3 times a day!!! It was such a drag. I tried to control it with diet as I was use to eating 6+ "meals" a day and following a strict diet but my body wouldn't let me. It was very frustrating!!! Unfortunately, even with the diabetic diet and working out, I ended up gaining 50 lbs!!!!! After I gave birth I lost an initial 20lbs. And just recently I've begun seeing my definition in my arms and legs again. However, I have about 20lbs to lose to get to my ideal weight and I have a lot of fat to lose to uncover my muscles again. I'm trying to find time in my schedule to get back to the gym. I worked out pretty consistently for a month and a half after giving birth but have since slacked off. I"ll write more later.

[fittgrrl]

So anyway, I work full time and want to be with my daughter whenever I get the chance so it is hard to find time to go to the gym. I was leaving work early, going to the gym and then spending time with my daughter when she got home from daycare (her Dad would pick her up) but then I started feeling guilty about leaving work early. Thankfully, I have an understanding boss and I am on salary and acutally the supervisor of my program/dept. so I can set my own hours. I just felt that my staff was starting to resent me. It is so difficult to find a balance for everything when all I want to do it be with my baby!!!
I would appreciate any thoughts, personal stories, advice, example schedules etc. from full time working moms.