Looking back at 2011

2011 was the year I decided to make a change. It is truly amazing what has occurred, and I should really put this in writing. I was unhappy at my job, and the economy has made things really tough. I had people who hurt me. If you don't like your life, YOU need to be the one to change it. 

-My good friend Robin asked me to write an article for her e-magazine on fitness. I wrote that and really enjoyed it. In my job searches Examiner.com came up. I thought what the heck? So I applied and listed my article for Robin as a reference. I got the writing position and have LOVED it! Not big pay, but so cool to be published!
-In March, I went to the SCW California Mania Fitness Conference & Expo. I wrote an article about the top 5 new/ish Group Ex classes, among which Bad Kitty Sassy Fitness was one. That same week, I was contacted on Facebook by Cori Ann, the creator of Bad Kitty! She wanted to thank me for highlighting her format and sent me an AWESOME care package! It had a bunch of info on Beachbody, Shakeology and Bad Kitty and a book she was published in! I also found out she was also a writer, for Patch.com. I decided right away I wanted to be involved in the Beachbody Team. I have me a lot of great people through Beachbody that I keep in touch with on Facebook.
-I started my company, NMT Fitness and set up a Facebook Page.  This is how I can connect with other companies, share fitness tips, videos, etc. My articles, training. I used the Notes section for my first blog - "The Road to NPC San Jose July 9th, 2011". A lot of people found me through that.
-I hate cardio. I joke that I only do cardio if I am PAID to do it. That's why I teach cycling! I set a goal to run a 5k. I though it was something I could actually do, and in April I ran the Western Pacific 5k right by my home, and ran the whole thing through! Not only did I run it, but I got together a group of 10 people and half of them had never run a race either.

-I decided to open my possibilities. I wanted to try a new gym. I did not, however, want to pay for it, lol. So I applied at 24hr Fitness and it was SUCH a great decision! I got to go to the IDEA Fitness Conference also for the first time in years, and didn't have to work it because I got a GREAT discount as a 24hr employee! I get paid MORE, I get to pick up and sub a bunch of classes, I got free swag at the conference(NIKE!!) and great discounts. I've even applied to the Represent Program to get a partial reimbursement from them for my competition fees to Represent 24hr!




-I then decided to throw myself into....myself. What I thought I would NEVER do again...and I decided to get back on stage, after 4 years. I had been slowly changing my workouts, adding lifts back in and cleaning up my diet. I knew I would need someone to help me. My 5k was 12wks out of the San Jose NPC Comp. I started right at 12 wks with Fatima Johnson, a National Female Bodybuilding competitor(retired) who has a heart of gold. BEST thing I ever did. Thank GOD I found her through a co-worker at Bally. I trained with her 3x/wk, and didn't cheat. (Can't say that right now, but i was pretty amazing! haha) I placed 3rd at NPC SJ in Figure C.

-I started training at Fit For Speed with my previous co-worker, boss and Friend Jen. I loved it there. Housed inside Club Auto Sport, we had just what we needed. And AMAZING cars to look at! I worked some great events there and got some photo ops! It was the first time I ventured out of the corporate club and trained on my own. I had been thinking about it for a long time, and honestly if it weren't for her, I don't know that I would have been brave enough. I really enjoyed it there and working with her and all the other people there.

-When my training got tough and the diet tougher, I realized I needed to get some supplements to aid my body from the break-down. After 7 years of hearing about Dave and his Advocare, I decided to become a Distributor. The product is AWESOME, a very extensive line, reputable and used by major athletes. I trust it, and I have seen a difference in how my body responds.
-I decided to do a real website, www.nmtfitness.com and became a distributor for a few other great products such as Gymboss Timers, UjENA Swimwear, PB2, TRX, TriggerPoint Performance, Body Temple and created my own products on Cafe Press. 

-As I was training for the SJ comp, I was contacted by a few girls interested in competing as well. I was very hesitant, see blog entry "What was i thinking?", but when I saw how they were being trained, and the responses they were getting "It would be a neat experiment", I finally said yes. At 12wks from my show, my first girl got on stage at the NPC San Francisco. 5 weeks after that, my 2nd girl got on stage at NPC Sacramento. Trisha Wood told me once in conversation when I asked her about training others that the first year is tough, but then you kinda get the hang of it. And BOY, did I have a LOT to learn! I spoiled my girls, I gave them photo albums of all their progress pics and stats, tanks to wear day of show, painted them before the show...on call 24/7 basically. And I only charged minimal session rates. Nothing for all the programs, personal time, etc. I did a lot of research on other Competition Trainers and decided to follow them and learn from the best. One of my clients who also became a friend actually helped me with the framework.

-Cori Ann gave me some extra motivation to write for Patch. I didn't get in right away, but after her recommendation and a few follow-ups, I now write for them as well. It's more local.
-After training with Fatima at Ray's Built Tuff Gym for many months, I was being asked why I didn't train there. Ray is a IFBB Pro Bodybuilder and many of the people there are bodybuilders. Many other types of trainers as well, but it was a great environment for me to be in and be able to see my coach. The hourly rate was very good, and it was big with tons of different equipment and toys for us to use. It became one of my first hard business decisions to have to make. I am definitely still looking forward to working with Jen at FFS in multiple capacities, whether classes, bootcamps, events or whatever she would like to utilize me for!
-I had wanted to raise money for a philanthropy.  St Jude had a 5k Walk and I figured that was something everyone could do. St Jude is also my sorority, Delta Delta Delta's philanthropy. My team raised $470 for Children's Cancer Research.

-I started another thing I said I would never do-TWITTER. I started adding people and companies that were fitness related. I added Muscle&Fitness Trainer. I liked the videos that were being posted and thought it would be a great tool to use. But I had a problem logging in and after emailing about it, I was asked to be on the site as a trainer in the Q&A section! He had already pulled my Bio! It took a while, and I thought maybe this isn't for real. I kept looking at the others on there and they trained Elite Athletes! I kept re-reading my own bio to try to find out why he'd ask ME??!!
-At a certain point, I decided to break away from my personal Facebook account, a few months ago. I tried to move people over, and I will eventually put it back up but for very personal, real friends and pics. I set up my Coach Nic account, and again added all fitness oriented companies and people. SO MOTIVATING! Where I used to see drama and people who I didn't need, now I see nothing but positive, fit and motivating people! 

 I have accomplished a lot in 2011. I have worked endless hours, still at my day job, teaching and training at night, and working on client programs and articles and networking and blogging until VERY late night. I have continued to train as well. I also continue to make time for people in my life, and laugh when people say "But you're so busy" like it's MY fault we don't hang out. Nope. I make time. Let ME be the one to say I'm busy. YOU never asked. ;) But I have MUCH more planned for 2012! I have laid the ground work. Now, to make it happen!

How to grocery shop

Many people don't realize, eating healthy is expensive. This is a well known fact as many studies concerning the obesity rate of the lower class, who survive on cheat quick eats vs the upper class who can afford the time and money to cook fresh food. Add to that a Competition Diet, and well its a LOT. I figure it this way; most people got out to dinner occasionally, get drinks, etc. I don't so that money goes into my healthy food, ie ME! You have to be smart about your shopping. I used to use my credit cards and never look at the prices. Then after my competition I would see my CC bills and freak out. So I only buy with debit and I am much better.

Today I went to Costco, and here is what I found:
Frozen Atlantic Salmon - $7.33/lb
Frozen Tilapia - $6.00/lb
Fresh Farmed Atlantic Salmon - $7.99/lb
Fresh Farmed Tilapia - $5.99/lb
Multi-vitamins One-A-Day - $15 / 250ct
Cytosport Protein Powder - $40 /6lbs(75 servings)

I see people complain about costs of Supplements but you have to make smart choices. The last 2 items, a multi-vitamin and protein powder, I see as a necessity. I recommend them for ANY client I work with. I personally use Advocare for most of my supplements as it is great product. It is high quality, independently tested, and Guaranteed to have NO banned substances which is why athletes trust it. BUT, I also understand that some people are out of work or living paycheck-to-paycheck, these are rough times! So I keep an eye out for what can be used to still work and be affordable. 

If you go to a 'specialty' store, you're going to pay more. No doubt. It can be great product, but if you can't afford it, it doesn't really matter. You gotta do what you can, with what you have. You can get Protein powder for about $1/serving. Always check out the per serving cost! Just divide the cost by the servings listed. Be careful though, cuz they aren't all the same. Some proteins are more for men trying to build, so "1 serving" might be 2 for me, or another like female. I recommend a Lean protein, meaning it is just protein. 
Approve 20-25g Protein, <2g Carbs, <2g Fat. That should equal between 80-130 cals. At least when you are leaning out. You can have a lot more options in different phases of training(off-season, building, maintaining, etc.)

Eating clean may not be cheap. I mean, I can get a hamburger for $1 on a promo day, lol. But I'll feel like crap and I'll look like crap. GARBAGE IN = GARBAGE OUT. Fact.

Cheating

People are always curious if competitors "cheat". And what, exactly, IS cheating? Cheating means different things for different people.

My first season I had a cheat meal once a week. I was dieting VERY strict, and carb cycling from 13 1/2 wks out. I started at only 113lbs and ended on stage at 108lbs, 9%BF. My cheat meal, became a cheat DAY. I would have dinner at Chili's with my family and get the Southwestern egg rolls & the Molten for dessert. Ate it ALL!

I started getting so that I would have no cheats the last 4 weeks as they are crucial to tighten things up. For my last show(NPC SJ 2011-3rd place Figure C), I worked with Fatima and there were no cheats. It was fine for me.

In the off-season I went crazy. I gained a lot. But when im trying to stay close to my diet, more "fun" veggies like corn, some greek yogurt, fruit...my meal I call a "treat" meal because it'll be soup & salad at Panera, which is pretty healthy though of course not competition food.

My goal is to get back to 4wks out and maintain that by having a less strict diet until 4wks out. Ideally. A cheat meal is really a mental thing. I feel that some people can't control themselves, me sometimes also, and its best not to do it, and train yourself to be able to handle it in the off-season.

So how did I fair the Holidays? Well, no excuses. I did well, until Christmas weekend. All bets were off and im already planning my extra cardio sessions. I know my body and I know I set myself back. But this may be my Oma's last Christmas, and it was the first Christmas my mom and I were able to be part of a family, my co-workers amazing Portuguese family and I made choices that I will make up for. No excuses. Fact.

Pic: Traditional Christmas Eve dinner Weisswurst(Bockwurst), cucumber&potato salad, Blaukraut(blue sauerkraut)

Do I miss drinking?

There are many reasons drinking is the LAST thing you can cheat with. I will go into that at another time, along with an article on it. This is more the personal aspect of it for me.

Soda Water with Lemon, a good fake-out ;)

It's funny, but sometimes annoying, how people complain to me about not being able to lose weight, etc. The REALLY want to. Then they tell me they go out drinking. FAIL! Would you binge on food at a restaurant every night and then wonder why you didn't lose weight? lol, no. So many people think to go without drinking is 'unthinkable', or 'lame'.They wonder HOW I do it? lol  Maybe I'm going through a phase, but I feel the phrase "I've had my day" is appropriate here. I rowed on a Crew Team freshman year of college, Was in a sorority the last 3. (Really I lived at my boyfriend's frat, less drama haha). There were times a few years back I was going out 5 nights a week! for about a year actually, but believe me I still worked my day job, taught my classes at night and then some before doing it all over again. So it's not that I never drank, or went out or any of those things.

Since I've started my training again, it I do get a cheat, I enjoy food! Alcohol just doesn't taste that good, and catching up with an old friend over dinner is SO much more fun then trying to drink yourself into fun at night. Also, I get up in the morning, train clients, get some work done, hang out and have accomplished quite a lot this year. Meanwhile, I see others doing the same thing, going to the same bars, nothing's really changed. They still complain about how the want to lose weight, hehe. They wake up half-way through the day, feel like crap, have a crappy workout if they try. It's lost it's luster for me. Especially when I have so much to look forward to.

Now on a more serious note, I only find it ok to drink anymore if I do not need to drive anywhere. It is too easy for something to go wrong when those two are mixed. SO many people have DUI's it's really amazing. I don't care who you are, or how 'good' you think you are. You're wrong. Try to imagine a drunk person, flailing around, eyes half mast, stumbling over their words falling over saying "i'm ffffine". There have been 2 horrible tragedies this year in my circle due to drinking and driving. Is it fine now? No. Someone's dead. I saw the car in the tree. I saw the people that night. It's such a STUPID reason for anyone to die! So when I see people tell me they are 'fine',....I really just want to smack them.

So, do I miss drinking? You know my answer. Do I see myself doing well at my future shows, and continuing my progress learning, writing, sharing? Yes. In all honesty, if i could cheat, celebrate, what have you......I'd rather have a cupcake. ;)

What was I thinking?

Some days, it is so much harder than others. Today, I want to give up. only in theory, because I know I'm not. I have plan. But lots of things get thrown at you all at once. People's opinions or slights or remarks can affect you more than you would like. Sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision to train others for competition. I did not want to do a show with my clients. However, I felt it was easier if they had  a show under their belt. I also have a lot left to prove of myself. If people think they can just train someone to compete, they are seriously mistaken. Not only is training for a Figure competition(or bodybuilding of any degree) COMPLETELY different than any other sort of training, but it's completely mental. And expensive! I can't just pick up a book or do a few Google searches and train a football player. It's not my skill. But I started competing 8 years ago and after a FEW trophies and many shows under my belt, I feel I know some stuff. Its from training from Master Coaches, pros, and my own experience. Its from being on a group and answering many other figure/bikini competitors questions on nutrition and prep. Yet i hear of many trainers who say they can 'research it' or 'it would be a cool experiment to train someone for a show." unbelievable. But, the client factor comes in. Each body is completely different. I have learned that I am blessed with Awesome genetics! Oddly enough, i was kinda chubby when I was younger, and tried everything to change it, not to much avail. But some body types are MUCH harder to build muscle or strip fat off of. What works for me, does NOT work for everyone. I didn't set out trying to train competitors. I was asked. I actually tried to refer some to other, more experienced trainers. But I am gaining that experience. Some days, when the phone won't stop going off with emails, texts, phone calls about how many leaves of spinach or god forbid a missing ounce of food, a freak out, a comment from a friend, etc etc I think, 'what was i thinking??" But I think of how great they look, and how happy they are when they get on that stage, after sometimes HUGE losses of weight and that my friends, is why I do it. That is why I am ever learning, following, and training to be better. So that I can see that look, that joy even more, and learn from it each time.

6 Weeks out from Ironman Magazines NPC / LA FitExpo

I had my posing practice with Robin yesterday. I got great feedback from both her and Fatima. I definitely have more muscle than last year, and am on track for the show. Thank God!! I am still leaning out, have a ways to go. I currently am 132 and my competition weight at the SJ in July was 116. (I gained a good 24lbs back with a quickness eating...A L-O-T!) So now I need to make up for it. My goal with doing all these shows back to back is to keep myself on track and not go so far off again. There are a few things I need to tweak with my posing. I have built some irregularities with my muscle due to the scoliosis. My waist has been uneven, that is something I've known, but now I hike my right shoulder up and I need to remember to tweak that and bring it down as well. LOTS to remember which is why you need to practice, practice, PRACTICE!!! In front of the mirror is fine, at first. But you will not have a mirror on stage, lol so you really need to learn to be able to do it without looking. This is why you NEED a posing coach. There are a lot of helpful videos out there and on youtube, but you have to remember there are also a lot of people that don't really know. Also, there are many different types of shows, NPC, ABBA, FAP, etc. Bikini, Physique, Figure, and they are all a bit different not just in the 'looks' they want, but also in the posing. There are also differences on the local level. Definitely watch the pros as that will show you what the organization wants as a whole.

FitStars Team Pants

Bumps & Glitches

Posted on December 9, 2011

I will never be the one to say ‘never’. Or always. I don’t like to use generalizations like that. I will have a Happy Meal if I feel like it, and sometimes I cheat. After all these years though, something is changing. My cheats, are not binges. Which I would LOVE to keep,…but this is NOT off-season. We have a competition in 7 weeks. My cheat is Panera soup and salad. Really what most probly consider diet food haha.
I accidentally dropped too much last week. I got on track(at 8wks out) and have been mostly good. The problem is, ‘mostly’ doesn’t cut it. You can’t keep track of how many calories you ‘kinda’ ate, or how much cardio you ‘may have’ done. It really doesn’t matter. You either did, or you did not. I did not. Because I take on SO much, things hit me hard. If you are wandering down a road, and their is an object in your path, you walk around it. If you are barreling down the road at top speed that thing comes out of nowhere and sends you in a tailspin. And that’s where I’m at. I go at it again tomorrow. New resolve. Tomorrow I check in with Fatima and she’ll tell me what I need to do. I’m planning on doing quite a few shows and maybe that is making me hesitate. Maybe its because of the Holidays. Hell, job security, Oma’s health, my bills, my goals, etc etc. Lots of things stressing me out, making me not want to eat, make my tummy hurt, keep me from sleeping and cause me back pain. I lost 6lbs last week. I’m hoping not too much of it was muscle. I’m already freaking out that I’ve just lost what I worked so hard to build. I know i look leaner and people are already commenting on it, I do drop quick. But I want my easier diet back so i can push myself harder with the weights. its SO hard to feel great about a lift when you are depleted.Tomorrow is a new day. My coach will light a fire under my ass. And I gotta step it up!
I picked up the FitStars Team uniforms/warm-ups. They look AWESOME! I can’t wait to hand them out to the girls Saturday at our first Team Posing Practice. ALL the girls will be there so I will be doing check-ins, Fatima will be eye-ing them over, and Robin will make them look amazing! And everyone will have a great time finally meeting each other. I’ve really been looking forward to this for such a while.