*FOCUS & DRIVE* JEN's On The Road To ZERO LIMITS!

[JENerator]

It's time to get this journal started!! Time to step things UP, time to set aside previous doubts, time to start believin', time to work harder than yesterday and time to focus in on moving each day closer & closer to my goal! I'm taking the road less traveled...and that road is all about FOCUS & DRIVE and the plain truth that there truly are ZERO LIMITS!

I am fortunate to be training with WNBF/NGA PRO Ben Goins/Semper27, Team ZERO LIMITS! After thinking about this for a few months, and getting over my initial hesitation, (I'm very new to forum stuff) I'm extremely excited to finally be launching this journal! I believe that it will provide a positive influence on my training, help keep me accountable to the higher standard I'm striving for each day as well as give me the unique benefit of such a diverse and knowledgeable group of like-minded individuals with the ability to offer feedback, support, constructive criticism and the occassional thump on the head when necessary.

Little about my background....I grew up being the "athletic girl," a competitive gymnast with reasonable success (scholarship & All-American honors) but I was never one of those kids who had natural talent and won every meet...I had to work my butt off every day and I loved every second of it, absolutely adored that sport, lived for it.

I blew out my knee the first time in college (yep, did it again same knee, a year & half ago) and it ended my gymnastics career. After graduating, I launched my 'career' and missing that passion for gymnastics, I threw myself into my job and didn't workout regularly again for YEARS, instead filling my time with long hours at the office and way too many client lunches that resembled some of those post-contest binges I've read about. I gained a ridiculous amount of weight which I am proud to say I've lost and am now in as good or better shape than when I competed as a gymnast years ago!

I've been lifting and back in the gym training hard for almost 3 years now. I have found a new passion--bodybuilding! My ultimate goal is to step on the stage with the best possible physique & conditioning that I am capable of creating with the help of the master of conditioning himself, Semper27, Ben Goins.

I believe in hard work, paying my dues, appreciating what I've been given and working to improve and better myself every day in some way, shape or form.

Over the years, I've learned two important lessons...#1, that in life, it's never too late to change, improve & try new things; and #2, your life is a string of "todays" whether yesterday or tomorrow, they're all really just 'todays' so you better make TODAY count!

I will periodically post training pics & vids as well as progress pics & stats.

I am fired up!! Today's workout coming up...

[JENerator]

Current Weekly Split:
Mon: Upper Body
Tues: Lower Body
Wed: LISS/Abs
Thurs: Back/Triceps
Fri: Lower Body
Sat: Chest/Shoulders/Bi's
Sun: HIIT/Abs

Today was Back/Tri's. It would normally be Thursday's workout, but I flipped the days to do the 40-set Leg Day with Semper27 yesterday. Worth it!

Yesterday's Belt Squats with 135 last set:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABRTGoXT6Hc

Back/Tri's:
Lat Pulldowns 2 sets of 12; 1 rest-pause set 12+8 reps
Hammer Strength Pulldowns 3 sets of 12
H.S. T-Bar Row 2 sets of 12; 1 drop set 12-8-8-12x
Low Row 3 sets of 15
Cable Pullovers WG 3 sets of 15
Tricep Overhead Rope Extensions 4 sets of 10
Tricep V-Bar Pressdowns 3 sets of 15
Hypers 2 sets of 25

warm-up sets not included. 5-minute warm-up/cool-down on the bike

[semper27]

I'm very happy to see that you've finally started a journal! It can be hectic at times but you will enjoy it very much! I have never ever doubted you and will push you past your own expectations.... I promise you this! There are ZERO LIMITS! They have not a single clue what's coming...

[LayzieBone085]

When you rock with the main man Ben Goins and are part of team zero limits, you know this is going to be a hell of a ride. Ill be dropping in to make sure your still alive

[tamsintyler]

SUBBED! Good luck with everything Jen, although luck has nothing to do with it for you I'm sure - you work your butt off! Sorry to hear about your knee, but amazing that you overcame it and are better for it. Watched the vid too, LOL @ "two more, two more, two more, one more, one more with pause, 3 second pause...." MAN does Semper know how to work you hard that was impressive! Perfect team

[lth]

subbed; kickass jen

[CM82682]

This is great, cant wait to watch this all play out. With Ben by your side you will not only get on stage but youll dominate that stage!

[Young9]

Im ALL IN!

Awesome story and congrats on being in as good or better shape than when you competed as a gymnast...I know them gymnasts know a thing or two about being in shape! The sky is the limit babygirl...and you got one of the best right beside you..."Mediocrity is NOT an option!"

[will-work4ANDRO]

oh hell yeah...count me in

[JENerator]

Originally Posted by semper27

I'm very happy to see that you've finally started a journal! It can be hectic at times but you will enjoy it very much! I have never ever doubted you and will push you past your own expectations.... I promise you this! There are ZERO LIMITS! They have not a single clue what's coming...

THANK YOU!! You will never grasp what you've done for me already...nor can I express enough gratitude. You push me to be a better bodybuilder as well as a better person every day!

Originally Posted by LayzieBone085

When you rock with the main man Ben Goins and are part of team zero limits, you know this is going to be a hell of a ride. Ill be dropping in to make sure your still alive

Hi, Bob! Great to have you here! I'm sure it's going to be one crazy ride for sure...thanks for checking in on me!

Originally Posted by tamsintyler

SUBBED! Good luck with everything Jen, although luck has nothing to do with it for you I'm sure - you work your butt off! Sorry to hear about your knee, but amazing that you overcame it and are better for it. Watched the vid too, LOL @ "two more, two more, two more, one more, one more with pause, 3 second pause...." MAN does Semper know how to work you hard that was impressive! Perfect team

Yeah, that 2 more, 2 more...gotta love it. And that wasn't even his Marine Drill Sgt mode either! I've checked out your journal, too...you are making fantastic progress! (I strive for that same volleyball girl booty in that pic you posted, too) LOL!

Originally Posted by lth

subbed; kickass jen

Thanks T! Notice you're still killin' it in the gym, strong workouts! Still following along, looks like you've got great things going!

Originally Posted by CM82682

This is great, cant wait to watch this all play out. With Ben by your side you will not only get on stage but youll dominate that stage!

Thanks, glad to have you join the fun, CM! I'm looking forward to seeing it all play out myself...first time to the big dance and all!

Originally Posted by Young9

Im ALL IN!

Awesome story and congrats on being in as good or better shape than when you competed as a gymnast...I know them gymnasts know a thing or two about being in shape! The sky is the limit babygirl...and you got one of the best right beside you..."Mediocrity is NOT an option!"

Thanks, Nick! Think I was lucky to have all of those years as a gymnast...muscle memory or base to work from, even when I was heavy. Amazing how much stronger I've become in just the past 6 months! Agreed, Ben's the man & mediocrity is NOT an option!!

Originally Posted by will-work4ANDRO

oh hell yeah...count me in

Hey J! Great to have some support from the hometeam! I can't wait to see you hit that stage! Seriously those last set of pics...you've jumped to a new level!

[JENerator]

Chest-Shoulders-Bi's

(warm-up sets not included)
I'll post weights from time to time...No PR's or anything to talk about today

Hammer Strength Wide Press *superset* 10 push-ups 2x10 reps; 1 set of 10 (80/side)
Flat DB Press (left shoulder irritated on these) 1 set 15
Hammer Strength Incl Chest 2 sets of 12
FM Cable Flyes 3 sets of 20 reps superset with 10 push-ups
Seated DB Shoulder Press 3 sets of 10; last set superset 15 reps DB laterals
FM cable cross laterals (rest-pause all sets) 1 set 12 +12; 1 set 12+10; 1 set 12+11
FM cable cross rear delts 3 sets of 12
Alt DB curls 4 sets of 10
FM concentration curls 2 sets of 15
Hammer Strength Preacher Curls 2 sets of 15
DB Shrugs 2 sets of 8

Had a great workout! I have some bad habits form-wise which I'm working on breaking (Ben is having to constantly remind me still), and I was pleased with improving my form today without a prompt. I'm really liking the FM cable cross lateral raises & rear delts. It doesn't take much weight to fry my delts to a crisp, it's a smooth but difficult motion and I have solid mmc on them.

Even though I've been hittin' the gym in the morning for awhile now, gotta say that I love working out at that time of day! I was never a morning person, especially for workouts, but I am a true convert now. The gym is practically empty in the weight room, the only people there are mostly killin' themselves with cardio. No waiting, no tools hangin on equipment talking...it's like my own personal private gym! Now, if only they'd play some good, loud music in there! (seriously, one day Neil Diamond came on...how are you supposed to lift with Neil serenading you in the background?!)

Supposed to rain here all weekend...yuck. Really need to get outside and work in the yard.

[Khryz]

Subscribed! Also, I totally agree that the morning is a great time to workout. As you said lots of the people are just doing cardio (silly them) so it's nice and free and bright in the gym. Unfortunately I work full-time and commute almost 2 hours each way so I have no time for that, I have to go after workout during rush-hour hell.

Oh well, this job won't be lasting very much longer haha.

[semper27]

Originally Posted by JENerator

Had a great workout! I have some bad habits form-wise which I'm working on breaking (Ben is having to constantly remind me still), and I was pleased with improving my form today without a prompt. I'm really liking the FM cable cross lateral raises & rear delts.

I didn't see any form flaws in any of the your movements that I saw this morning.... Is someone finally listening??? Rememba.... "I watch you!" "ooooohhh"

[Salaam86]

Cool to see you starting a journal Jen, especially after reading how you get things done in Ben's log im definitely subscribed and can't wait to see what you bring to the stage!

[JENerator]

Originally Posted by Khryz

Subscribed! Also, I totally agree that the morning is a great time to workout. As you said lots of the people are just doing cardio (silly them) so it's nice and free and bright in the gym. Unfortunately I work full-time and commute almost 2 hours each way so I have no time for that, I have to go after workout during rush-hour hell.

Oh well, this job won't be lasting very much longer haha.

Welcome, Khryz! Wow, a 2 hour commute each way? Ugh that's awful for you! I'm so used to small town living now, anything further than 10 minutes away is 'out of town,' gotta pack food.

Originally Posted by semper27

I didn't see any form flaws in any of the your movements that I saw this morning.... Is someone finally listening??? Rememba.... "I watch you!" "ooooohhh"

Right there in black & white-- he didn't see any form flaws today!!!!!! whoo hoo!!! I listen and take your advices. LOL!

Originally Posted by FormerFatBoy86

Cool to see you starting a journal Jen, especially after reading how you get things done in Ben's log im definitely subscribed and can't wait to see what you bring to the stage!

Thanks so much! There's some good pressure working with Ben on this...there is an expectation to deliver an exceptional package and I'm going to do whatever it takes to make sure it happens to the best of my ability!

[Squizzzer]

i'll be here following along...i know you won't dissapoint

[devinh]

i'll be in here watching along as well, and valerie will probably be in shortly, haha. glad to see you started your own log. i think i remember you saying in ben's thread a little while ago that you hadn't decided on figure or bodybuilding, any ideas yet, or is that still up in the air for now. oh yeah, don't be pulling a ben on us and not letting us know when you compete until 16 hours in advance.

[JENerator]

Originally Posted by Squizzzer

i'll be here following along...i know you won't dissapoint

Thanks for the vote of confidence! That's the plan...following along on all of your preps has really helped! I'd love to hear your advice to a newbie on competing- the best thing/the hardest thing/etc. after having just gone through it yourself for the first time. Everybody says how much they've learned about themselves after having gone through it.

Originally Posted by devinh

i'll be in here watching along as well, and valerie will probably be in shortly, haha. glad to see you started your own log. i think i remember you saying in ben's thread a little while ago that you hadn't decided on figure or bodybuilding, any ideas yet, or is that still up in the air for now. oh yeah, don't be pulling a ben on us and not letting us know when you compete until 16 hours in advance.

Hi Devin (& Valerie)! Yeah, it's about time I start this thing! My first interest was in figure, cause honestly it seemed more appealing to the girl in me and the pics of women bodybuilders that I'd seen (mostly NPC, IFBB pros) were a little scary looking. I keep thinking of an old Jim Carrey bit when he was on In Living Color...if anyone remembers that...that horse laugh and his pig tails! LOL!

Jim Carrey's Vera de Milo...hilarious!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukvfKjYTuxU

But going to see some local shows and natural women's bodybuilding, I think once I lean down, I'll be more suited to bodybuilding. I have a decent amount of vascularity and hints of striations now and believe I will likely look too 'hard' for figure once I get lean enough to grace the stage. I'll never rule it out though! Plus I have these German speed skater-esque legs rather than the shapely long lean legs that I see most of the time in figure. As for a "surprise, I'm competing this weekend deal" naw, you guys will know when I'm going to step on stage...this will be my first time competing...y'all will have a front row seat to my prep! I'll definitely be needing everybody's support!

Does Valerie compete or have aspirations to compete?

[FATHER FLEX]

About time! Its takes plenty to impress Ben, even more to keep up with him.

[JENerator]

Originally Posted by FATHER FLEX

About time! Its takes plenty to impress Ben, even more to keep up with him.

Thanks, Berto! Plan on giving Ben plenty of reasons to be impressed with me each day. The only time I won't try to keep up with him is at Bob Evans.

[LayzieBone085]

The talk of Bob Evans and stepping on stage in here.
Damn this is only page #1, and I like where its going Jen.

Raise hell everyday in the gym, and step up that eating like Ben at Bob Evans and shhhh you gonna grow like a weed

[JENerator]

Originally Posted by LayzieBone085

The talk of Bob Evans and stepping on stage in here.
Damn this is only page #1, and I like where its going Jen.

Raise hell everyday in the gym, and step up that eating like Ben at Bob Evans and shhhh you gonna grow like a weed

Haha! Guess I should be talking about stepping on the stage, THEN Bob Evans. I'm good with growing some muscle, but keepin it all on the lean side, steering clear of anything resembling super-puff marshmallow status...not worth the pancakes!

[LayzieBone085]

Originally Posted by JENerator

Haha! Guess I should be talking about stepping on the stage, THEN Bob Evans. I'm good with growing some muscle, but keepin it all on the lean side, steering clear of anything resembling super-puff marshmallow status...not worth the pancakes!

Someone say PANCAKES? thats how i like to start my sunday morning!

[semper27]

Originally Posted by LayzieBone085

Someone say PANCAKES? thats how i like to start my sunday morning![/IMG]

THAT'S what I'm talkin bout, Bob! Beautiful! I'm lookin forward to my Thursday post leg day Bob Evans extravaganza!

[Kruczynski]

Subbed. Esse quam videri!

[JENerator]

Originally Posted by semper27

THAT'S what I'm talkin bout, Bob! Beautiful! I'm lookin forward to my Thursday post leg day Bob Evans extravaganza!

Oh yeah, I'm joining you this week! After last week's leg day craziness, my PWO meal included a paltry 20 carbs and I kept thinking of what you were enjoying. Post leg day, I'ma work that into the plan!

Originally Posted by Kruczynski

Subbed. Esse quam videri!

Hi & bienvenido! (think that's right, my limited vocabulary leftover from college classes) Great to have you along!

[Tifflex]

Subscribed.

[semper27]

Originally Posted by JENerator

Oh yeah, I'm joining you this week! After last week's leg day craziness, my PWO meal included a paltry 20 carbs and I kept thinking of what you were enjoying. Post leg day, I'ma work that into the plan!


Hi & bienvenido! (think that's right, my limited vocabulary leftover from college classes) Great to have you along!

Art thou skurrrd of teh multigrain hotcakes? Sucks havin a real job, eh? I'd rather have your's than mine.... lol

[FATHER FLEX]

Originally Posted by JENerator

Oh yeah, I'm joining you this week! After last week's leg day craziness, my PWO meal included a paltry 20 carbs and I kept thinking of what you were enjoying. Post leg day, I'ma work that into the plan!

Maybe that is Ben's. Never gets sore, but eat pancakes. LOL Even out the playing field a bit!

[billfinkbiner]

I vote for bodybuilding.

No offense to figure girls, but what the judges have you do seems like a line up of human Barbie dolls. Not enough stage time or poses to truly show off all the hard work.