I Believe In Fitness
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A Quick Workout - Just In Case You Need One
Needed 2 dumb bells for biceps/triceps
Jumping Jacks - 20
Plank - 1 minute
Push ups - 20
Jumping Jacks - 20
Squats - 20
Biceps Curls - 15
Jumping Jacks - 20
Bicycle Crunches - 20
Triceps Extensions While Marching in Place - 15
Jumping Jacks - 20
Crunches - 20
Mountain Climbers - 20
Repeat 2 - 3x
Check with your Doctor before starting any exercise routines. If you have any injuries pay attention to them and don't over-do!
The Holidays are Done!!
This was possibly one of the best Christmas holidays ever! My son, his wife and their baby were home from where he's stationed in the Marine Corps. Really, the week prior and the couple weeks while they were home life stopped! So, if you saw the CNN article, or have just "stumbled" upon this website and you sent me an email ~ I haven't forgotten! I will answer each one!
Today is the first "official" work day of a new year of a new decade! WOW! Did you make resolutions this year? I didn't. I don't do resolutions - they seem to always fall through. I have, however, set some new goals for myself for this coming year.
You may think goals/resolutions are the same thing... maybe... But, in the past when I have made New Year's resolutions they seem to have been rather lofty dreams that I didn't have a plan for HOW I was going to achieve them. You've heard it said, "To fail to plan is to plan to fail." So, this year I do have some goals, but, no resolutions. More about that later. My first goal was to get this blog updated, and, to get emails and FaceBook messages answered ~ please be patient! I have several hundred to get through!
Here are some nutrition guidelines for the new year:
if you bite it ~ write it! journal your nutrition!
set reasonable goals
don't skip breakfast
have "good choices" at home
don't shop without a list
Find something you enjoy...
Have you ever wanted to try a new sport or maybe even go back to one you USED to play? Try it! Get back in the game! Take lessons! Find a masters league - they're out there!
I am going to learn to swim well enough to do a mini triathlon in June. I can currently swim just well enough to save my life - if a my swimmer husband and a life jacket are near by. The thought of doing the tri is scary - but I know training for it will be fun! I think I'm gonna practice a bit on my own then get my husband or my friend Heidi to give me some pointers.
That covers the learning something new, but what about the sport you used to love? Now your older and have ___ pounds to lose... Hehehe the other people out there wanting to play again probably do too - and those who don't have weight to lose or whatever are just looking for someone to play with!
As I sit writing this I'm watching a masters water polo game! My 40-something husband, a guy he played with back in high school, a bunch of other 'old guys,' and some younger ones all playin' the game and having fun! There are old ones, fat ones, fit ones and bald ones just getting some exercise and having fun doing it! This is my hubby's first time playing polo since umm 1983 I think! He was nervous and had plenty of doubts about doing this - he'll be sore and happy and have a story to tell tomorrow!
What's your sport? Or maybe what do you dream of your sport being? Find a masters (old guys) league! Take baby steps towards your dream sport - it doesn't matter what it is or how long it takes for you to get there just GET OFF THE COUCH AND MOVE TOWARDS IT!
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I am going to learn to swim well enough to do a mini triathlon in June. I can currently swim just well enough to save my life - if a my swimmer husband and a life jacket are near by. The thought of doing the tri is scary - but I know training for it will be fun! I think I'm gonna practice a bit on my own then get my husband or my friend Heidi to give me some pointers.
That covers the learning something new, but what about the sport you used to love? Now your older and have ___ pounds to lose... Hehehe the other people out there wanting to play again probably do too - and those who don't have weight to lose or whatever are just looking for someone to play with!
As I sit writing this I'm watching a masters water polo game! My 40-something husband, a guy he played with back in high school, a bunch of other 'old guys,' and some younger ones all playin' the game and having fun! There are old ones, fat ones, fit ones and bald ones just getting some exercise and having fun doing it! This is my hubby's first time playing polo since umm 1983 I think! He was nervous and had plenty of doubts about doing this - he'll be sore and happy and have a story to tell tomorrow!
What's your sport? Or maybe what do you dream of your sport being? Find a masters (old guys) league! Take baby steps towards your dream sport - it doesn't matter what it is or how long it takes for you to get there just GET OFF THE COUCH AND MOVE TOWARDS IT!
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What's happenin'
My mom fell 2 weeks ago and fractured her arm (humerus) in 3 places! Ugh! It was an awful break and just a few days before Thanksgiving after the ER visit it was hard to get seen by an Orthopedic doc.
Well... Long story - short ~ 2 weeks and 2 surgeries later it's fixed! She's been in the hospital a couple days and hopefully will get to come home tomorrow.
Talk about "real life" happenin'... Sheesh. ~ I've made more 'good choices' than not, but, I've also allowed myself more cheats than I would normally have! Yes, once a stress eater - always a stress eater! I don't, however, feel out of control with it like the "old Becky " would have.
I've brought my food to the hospital with me each day. It's my workouts I've been missing!
The article about me is on CNN.com today! i'll post the link later when I get home. For those of you who have already seen it and commented, or sent me a message - thank you! I will respond as time allows.
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Will you be a Dirdy Birdy Next Year?
Yesterday was the 2009 Dirdy Birdy fun run ~ it's a 1 mile or 5k mud run!! So stinkin' fun!! Oh yes, we WILL be doing it again next year and more of you will be doing it with us! That's Brandi with me ~ We had the best time!! She's lost a bunch of weight this year by eating clean, making good choices, and working out! I'm tellin' ya people ~~ it works!
The no sugar for 2 days challenge was great! Everyone was shocked to really notice how much sugar was really in their everyday foods. 4 grams of sugar = 1 teaspoon... Read your labels - you'll be shocked!
Are you Addicted?
Here's the challenge:
NO SUGAR AT ALL FOR 2 DAYS!
Sugar is a hugely addictive substance and it is in far more things we eat than we're aware of! From this point on START READING EVERY LABEL! For the next 2 days know what you put in your mouth!
Here is a list to get you started in identifying sugars.. Brown sugar, Corn syrup, Demerara Sugar, Dextrose, Fructose,Galactose, Glucose, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Honey, Lactose, Malt, Maltodextrin, Maltose, Molasses, Muscovado or Barbados, Sugar, Panocha, Powdered or confectioner's sugar, Rice Syrup, Sucrose, Treacle, Turbinado sugar
I told my clients they CAN eat fresh fruit because our goal is to eat clean, healthy, whole foods.
After the contest I needed to put some of the weight back on and I've NOT been doing any kind of dieting. I've still been eating "pretty good" but, more sugar has crept into my daily world than I care to admit to you. It really does have addictive properties ~
Notice, I said my nutrition is "pretty good" ~ I can't tell you how many people I've talked to that have told me they need to lose 10, 20, - 50 or more pounds and yet they eat "pretty good." Pretty good is how I ended up being 352 pounds... It's so easy to lie to yourself about what is and isn't healthy... Starting today again I'm cleaning up my nutrition... How 'bout you?
Here's an article I copied for you:
Here is a list of ways sugar can affect your health:
Nancy Appleton PhD
Author of the book: Lick The Sugar Habit
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Time Flies
The last two weeks have flown by! I'm sure partly because I'm not working out like a fiend, so I have all this energy to devote to work and playing again!
Doing that contest was really one of the best experiences I've ever had. I learned so much about myself. I have more discipline than I would have ever thought that I did for one thing. It was a dream I didn't think could possibly come true, and it did ~ largely in part because of the grace of God, and that my family and friends were so supportive of me having such a crazy long-term goal! Trust me, all the hard work is so totally worth it to follow your dreams! You totally can too ~ one step at a time, one calorie burnt, one good choice at a time... Celebrate your accomplishments along the way and forgive yourself for mis-steps.
I am hoping to do the same contest again next year AND perhaps the one that comes just a couple weeks after it. Heck, why not do 2 when you've done all that work to get so crazy lean! My goals are to add some muscle before then (hopefully! ~ adding muscle really isn't as easy as just going to the gym!) focusing on my legs and shoulders. I'm super excited about it again already... I like having a goal to work towards. I usually have a long-term goal and something a little more within reach.
My long term goal is what I was just saying, more muscle, and next years contest. My goal within reach is to start swimming occaisionally for cardio and to learn to do it properly ~ the breathing and all that.
Here's a crazy thing I'm wrapping my head around... For the first time in my life I have to PUT WEIGHT ON! crazy. I've put 6 pounds on in the last two weeks, and, that came on immediately and hasn't budged! For the past week my weight hasn't changed at all... holding at +6. It's the strangest concept to NOT be dieting/and to allow myself more "cheats." Oh, I'm still eating clean, but, when I'm trying to get lean I cut out bread, so, yesterday I had half a turkey sandwich ~ oh man was it so yummy too! Last night I made some apple crisp ~ sugar free, clean eating, but NOT something I'd normally allow myself.
While I was on "the diet" leaning down for the contest it was our 25th wedding anniversary, so we didn't really get to celebrate much. This weekend we're off to Seattle and a special dinner date! We're going to Teatro Zinzanni. I'm so super excited! I even got a new red dress to celebrate!
Have a great weekend, and make more good choices than not...
Doing that contest was really one of the best experiences I've ever had. I learned so much about myself. I have more discipline than I would have ever thought that I did for one thing. It was a dream I didn't think could possibly come true, and it did ~ largely in part because of the grace of God, and that my family and friends were so supportive of me having such a crazy long-term goal! Trust me, all the hard work is so totally worth it to follow your dreams! You totally can too ~ one step at a time, one calorie burnt, one good choice at a time... Celebrate your accomplishments along the way and forgive yourself for mis-steps.
I am hoping to do the same contest again next year AND perhaps the one that comes just a couple weeks after it. Heck, why not do 2 when you've done all that work to get so crazy lean! My goals are to add some muscle before then (hopefully! ~ adding muscle really isn't as easy as just going to the gym!) focusing on my legs and shoulders. I'm super excited about it again already... I like having a goal to work towards. I usually have a long-term goal and something a little more within reach.
My long term goal is what I was just saying, more muscle, and next years contest. My goal within reach is to start swimming occaisionally for cardio and to learn to do it properly ~ the breathing and all that.
Here's a crazy thing I'm wrapping my head around... For the first time in my life I have to PUT WEIGHT ON! crazy. I've put 6 pounds on in the last two weeks, and, that came on immediately and hasn't budged! For the past week my weight hasn't changed at all... holding at +6. It's the strangest concept to NOT be dieting/and to allow myself more "cheats." Oh, I'm still eating clean, but, when I'm trying to get lean I cut out bread, so, yesterday I had half a turkey sandwich ~ oh man was it so yummy too! Last night I made some apple crisp ~ sugar free, clean eating, but NOT something I'd normally allow myself.
While I was on "the diet" leaning down for the contest it was our 25th wedding anniversary, so we didn't really get to celebrate much. This weekend we're off to Seattle and a special dinner date! We're going to Teatro Zinzanni. I'm so super excited! I even got a new red dress to celebrate!
Have a great weekend, and make more good choices than not...
Are you on Face Book? Find me!! Search for Becky Griggs ~~ just tell me when you friend me it's from here!
One of the Best Experiences Ever
This weekend was really one of the best experiences ever! I had such a crazy good time doing this contest. I am so so blessed to have such an amazing family and friends that have helped and supported me through this and I'm more grateful than any of them know.
I'm hooked! I totally want to do another one! I didn't know what my body would look like leaning down to go into this and it wasn't bad really. Oh, I can clearly see what needs to be worked on between now and the next contest, but, I'm pleased as can be with this experience! AND one of the best parts ~ one of the ladies told the announcer about all my weight loss and he made an announcement about it ~ the whole auditorium cheered and applauded!!! It was crazy amazing! I stood there on the back of the stage while they cheered - and - wow... it was incredible.
I am so so glad I did it! I decided to do this way back in January, and have worked all year towards the goal of getting the "after Maserati" pictures, the show was the icing on the cake! I have to tell you ~ I am proud of myself. I am so grateful to everyone for all the support and encouragement. It wasn't super nerve wracking being on stage, so much as it all just went so fast, and I was hoping I remembered what all I'd learned!
I'm so tired now, to remember all I want to tell you, but, I'm sure as the week goes on and I have more energy and get back into the normal routine of things I'll post more! For now, please know ~ I'm so so happy I did it, I'm thankful for my family and friends, and chasing your dreams is so totally worth it!
Contest Day!!
Monday through Friday I get up around 4 and am out the door by 5! Well... I forgot to shut off my internal alarm so by 4:30 this morning I was wide awake! I managed to lay still until just after 5. Hehehe get this - I was told to get up at 5am and start eating!! WooHoo!! My body needs time to absorb some of the cheap happy carbs before going on stage.
<She sighs happily> The morning started with an AMAZING slice of home made pumpkin bread with a little butter, my yummy oatmeal, and a banana! Hubby is awake from all my routing around for food so he's already off for a morning swim!
Sometime in my sleep I put my hand on my chest and as a result I now have 3 big finger print marks in the center of my chest! hahaha What are the odds I could rest my hand on the only part of me that wasn't covered! Thankfully before going on stage they touch up the tan and add the shine!
I'm not really super nervous ~ I've done my best, and that's just right! I've always wanted the "Maserati" picture, so, really, the rest of this is just icing on the cake! Carrot cake please! ;o)
I'll have to get motivated in an hour or so to begin getting my hair and face done - there's a competitors meeting then the judging round this morning at 10! Then... No one still knows anything until tonight at the show! hahaha I'll just be happy to keep my suit on where it belongs and to remember my routine!
More Pics of What's Happening!
This is the auditorium stage where the show is held! The big flag is center stage and the "star trees" are all twinkle lights! hehehe so over-the-top and fun!
The tanning wasn't bad at all ~ stinkin' cold!! This picture is after the second coat was sprayed on and slightly dried and it doesn't really show you how dark I am already, but ... It will continue to darken for another 4 hours or so! hahaha How funny is that!
Maserati Pics
photography by: Kelly Mooney 10/8/2009
Contest Weekend is here!!
We're headed down to the casino and I'm ridiculously excited!!
Yesterday I had a photo shoot with a friend to get my 'Maserati' pictures! Wait till you see them ~ oh my gosh!! I really had no idea I look like that! Well..... With the help of a talented photographer! I'll post some of them tonight when we are just sitting around in the hotel room! Don't forget what I looked like at 352 pounds ~ ANYTHING is possible if you want it enough!
I'm getting spray tanned at 10! This should be one heck of an experience ~ apparently you have to stand and umm blow dry in front of fans for a bit! Yikes! I'll let you know how that goes!
Stay tuned for weekend updates!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Yesterday I had a photo shoot with a friend to get my 'Maserati' pictures! Wait till you see them ~ oh my gosh!! I really had no idea I look like that! Well..... With the help of a talented photographer! I'll post some of them tonight when we are just sitting around in the hotel room! Don't forget what I looked like at 352 pounds ~ ANYTHING is possible if you want it enough!
I'm getting spray tanned at 10! This should be one heck of an experience ~ apparently you have to stand and umm blow dry in front of fans for a bit! Yikes! I'll let you know how that goes!
Stay tuned for weekend updates!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Saturday is getting closer!!!
Well... Things are getting so close!
My friends finished putting the bling on the backside of my suit (Thanks Heidi & Britt) cardio is coming to a final rundown (whew!) and my weight is at an all time low ~ so is my energy! Thankfully, my clients all know what I am doing and are so supportive!
I am so thankful for all the help and support I've had from my family, friends, coworkers, and my clients! This has been an amazing experience!
After today I have SUPER restricted nutrition ~ for the finally "cutting" to help really see the striations and definition of my muscles. Thankfully my daughter is off work and will be on mommy-duty for a few days! lol She'll keep me moving and focused (well, as focused as one can be at this stage!) I have lists for my lists to try to remember what I'm doing with whom and what to take, and and and.... hahaha the trick is to remember where I put the lists!
My friends finished putting the bling on the backside of my suit (Thanks Heidi & Britt) cardio is coming to a final rundown (whew!) and my weight is at an all time low ~ so is my energy! Thankfully, my clients all know what I am doing and are so supportive!
I am so thankful for all the help and support I've had from my family, friends, coworkers, and my clients! This has been an amazing experience!
After today I have SUPER restricted nutrition ~ for the finally "cutting" to help really see the striations and definition of my muscles. Thankfully my daughter is off work and will be on mommy-duty for a few days! lol She'll keep me moving and focused (well, as focused as one can be at this stage!) I have lists for my lists to try to remember what I'm doing with whom and what to take, and and and.... hahaha the trick is to remember where I put the lists!
Before/Now Pictures!
Talk about TMI!
I figured I may as well get the shock of picture posting over with if I'm gonna put up pics from next weekend...
This week is the "killer" week nutritionally ~ my choices are super limited! So, by next week you're gonna see big differences from even this!
Gotta tell ya ~ as awkward as it feels to post pictures of myself in a bikini ~ I am super proud of those ROCK STAR abs! hehehe
What's stopping you?
What's stopping you from moving forward toward your goals and dreams?
What's stopping you from even dreaming?
I have only dreamt for years about the possibility and the unknown of what would happen, if it could happen, if I would do a body building contest... I didn't know it was possible. I didn't think it was possible for me. I couldn't imagine what this body of mine would even look like if I built up the muscle, and leaned down enough ~ so many doubts... my saggy skin, my "seams" from being nip-tucked... Is it enough? Can I? What if?
It started with the dream, then, I started actually entertaining the notion, dreamt about the notion, came up with a bit of a plan, dreamt about the plan... tossed around other ideas (Body For Life Challenge was one of them) then, finally, at the beginning of this year decided to "go for it!" And, It's taken me most of this year. I worked on lifting heavy and putting on a couple pounds of muscle (lean mass) and I've been working on getting lean for a several months now. I have good friends and family who have been completely supportive"through the process" and have encouraged me and helped me step forward, one step at a time! It's all just a process!!
My daughter was just talking this evening about how long the process of starting, and working through college was- Now, she has graduated college and, become a nurse. It was a long hard process, but one step at a time, with a good support system, and a strong will to hold fast to the dream, she made it through and is now a Registered Nurse!
So, again, I have to ask... What's stopping you from following your dream? From finding the healthy you? From learning a new sport? Or from learning a sport in the first place! Find your dream and start small ~ one step at a time... Want to run a marathon, but, maybe your overweight and have never run?... Start walking a little bit each day, get up to a mile, then a bit more than a mile... you get the drift... Next, find a 5k in your area and train to walk it! Lot's of people walk 5 and 10 k races! Your not racing against anyone but yourself ~ keep all negative thoughts and preconceived notions in check. Focus on positive self-talk and be proud of yourself for following your dreams!! It's something most people never have the guts to do!
Yeah ~ in just a week, I'm going to take this 43 year old body with all my sags and seams and put on a tiny bikini and let strangers "judge" my muscle. Hahaha sounds crazy doesn't it!!?? I'm so excited, and yes, a bit nervous. But, I've done the work (I found out how to "flex" my amazing (if I do say so myself) ROCK-STAR abs, and I will step out there on that stage knowing the weight I've lost, and the work I've done is something most of those people will never know the depth of. I'm proud of myself regardless of what happens next weekend and I've enjoyed the process of getting ready for it, I've enjoyed the training and the discipline it's taken. We'll take lots of pictures and post them I'm sure!
Dream.
Work towards it; Step-by-Step!
Next I want to do a triathlon! Step 1. Learn to swim...
Blinging the suit!
Arts and craft time! hahaha
I love the color!! It's crushed velvet ~~ so so pretty!!
Before/Now Pictures!
Picture 1: June 14th, 2009
2: August 2nd , 2009
3: September 27th, 2009 2 weeks out
I'm down 20 pounds.... Funny to me to see how much my hair has grown too!
12 days and a wake-up to the contest!
I can't believe it's finally almost here!! Woohoo!! The end is in sight! This picture isn't a side by side comparison to the first one since I'm sending it from my cell, but, you can scroll down to prior entries to see the diff!
You CAN change your body and your life!! Doing this contest is something I had at one time thought would only be possible in my dreams!
One step at a time - one good goice at a time and you will begin to see change!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
You CAN change your body and your life!! Doing this contest is something I had at one time thought would only be possible in my dreams!
One step at a time - one good goice at a time and you will begin to see change!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
