Tell me what you want...

Selecting a fitness program can be really overwhelming, especially when you're new to the workout scene.  I've tried many forms of exercise.  From the elliptical at the gym, The Firm at-home workout videos, Zumba...I've tried almost everything and I'm here to help.  

Finding your fitness groove is personal to the individual and it's important to know what you're looking for and for you to be comfortable.  I'm here to share some of my favorite programs, but this article, from Fitness Magazine, could also help you determine what style is for you.  Keep in mind, I'm not a doctor.  Please talk to your doctor before beginning any fitness program.

THE AT HOME WORKOUT

The Firm & Tone It Up

When I was in college, my mom and I both ordered The Firm workout plans from an infomercial.  We followed their fitness plan, and together, lost almost 30lbs.  That was back in the early 2000's and times are a changing!  I still use their DVD's when I'm in a pinch, and although they are a bit old school...they do the job.  They get me sweating!

More recently, I fell in love with the Tone It Up girls, Katrina and Karena.  Last year I completed their Bikini Series and it's back!  Their newsletter is free and they have tons of free workouts online.  They also have a YouTube channel and you can complete any of their workouts on the go!  I splurged and bought their Nutrition Plan and their Beach Babe 2 DVD.  The girls are hilarious and their bodies are BANGIN!  Not only do they motivate me to put down the pizza and workout, but I also want to be their best friend.  Check them out!  

BOOTCAMP

Bootique Fitness / Barry's Bootcamp / Blunt Force

If you're a lady looking for other ladies to motivate your fitness, I highly recommend Bootique Fitness.  A women's only, outdoor boot-camp, you get SO MUCH for your money.  Multiple locations with morning and evening classes, you're able to find your inner fit babe from their program all day, every day, in the great outdoors.  BONUS:  As a Bootique member, you're also able to attend their Zumba classes for FREE!  I am a big fan of being strong, but I have fallen in love with the dance!  I dare you to try it. 

A friend of mine also turned me onto Barry's Bootcamp.  Another strength based boot-camp style workout, Barry's pushes you to the MAX.  A 60 minute workout, your instructor splits the class between the dreaded treadmill and the floor.  Each day is a different muscle group and it's not for the faint of heart.  You've got to work.  They are bit more expensive, but if you're going consistently, you're paying for results.  But have a I ever mentioned how much I hate running?  I love the calories I burn in their classes, but I dread those sprints.

In January, I bought a Groupon for Blunt Force Training.  They have some KILLER group boot-camps with rotating Trainers.  No two workouts are the same.  They also offer Strength classes, Yoga and Boxing!  I have never left that gym without feeling like I just got my ass kicked.  They are friendly, motivating, fun and the clients come in all ages, shapes and sizes!  The gym also has several Personal Trainers that have clients throughout the day.  Team Fit Chick, with coaches Alysha White and Kasey Wilson, train their competitors out of this gym too.  I'd call this one a one stop shop.  And the Unlimited Membership is a steal at $99/month.  Personal Training and competing are an additional cost.

THE STANDARD GYM

24 Hour Fitness / Chuze Fitness / Planet Fitness

I'm not going to take a ton of time between each of these gyms.  I know that some gyms offer fancy pools and saunas...but I would rather get a facial or massage from a specialist so I am all about the basics.  Most standard gyms have the same equipment and cardio systems, so for me, it's all about the cost.  24 Hour Fitness is the most expensive of the three gyms I've been a member of, ranging from $30-$60/month.  At $10/month, for their basic membership, Chuze Fitness and Planet Fitness take the cake.  The only setback is most locations don't have free barbell weights.  I like to lift heavy, but not for nearly $30/month more, so this isn't a deal breaker.  Make sure you take a tour of the facility and really understand the equipment before you get started.  You want to make sure you get the most for your money!  Plus, most gyms are creating awesome circuit areas for you to get an awesome 30 minute Circuit Training session in.  BOOM!

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I hope this helps you make a better decision for your fitness.  Feel free to share your own experiences in the comments.  I would love to hear your recommendations!

What story do your photos tell?

Yesterday, I made a visit to Albertson's to find some MUCH NEEDED Walden Farms sauces.  I found myself sitting in the car after packing up my groceries to head home.  The kindest man had packed up my groceries inside.  He was special needs, and had the biggest smile.  "Have a nice day", he beamed.  Such a simple phrase, but I knew he genuinely meant it.  As I sat there, I noticed he had come outside and was gathering carts in the parking lot.  He was so happy.  So eager.  So kind.  He said hello to everyone who passed by. It's so easy to forget to be happy, or to be kind.  Watching him made my day so much brighter.

When I got home, I scrolled through my Instagram account.  I mean, let's be serious...we all do this daily.  Photos can certainly tell a story.  I have lived a lot of life.  So many captured moments.  Great friends.  Amazing family.  Love & Heartbreak.  Birthdays.  Achievements.  Failure.

I have made memories, made mistakes and here I am.  

This moment.  

This is the only place I can be.  

PRESENT.  

THANKFUL. 

 

Let's not be jaded by the damage we have done.  Let's not hold on to the hurt others have caused us or the pain we have caused others.  Let's move forward.  Pick ourselves up and be better.

And also, go get yourself some Walden Farms.  Their caramel syrup is DELICIOUS!

https://www.waldenfarms.com/

You will be a better person for it. 

(I'm not sponsored for this but SERIOUSLY, I became a better person after consuming their caramel.)

Molten Chocolate Cake...and other life events

As I was driving home from the gym tonight, I couldn't get this image out of my mind.  It's from last year, at an event my work did at Suzie's Farm in San Diego.  I felt amazing that day.  I wish everyone could feel amazing on most days.  But the good comes with the bad.  That's just the way things go.

I had a chance to go home to Seattle last weekend.  It was way too short of a trip, and as usual, I didn't get to see everyone I wanted to see.  I don't even think I told a lot of people I was coming home.  But...I did get to see my Mom, and it being her birthday weekend and all, she was pretty much the ONLY person I really cared about spending time with.  We had a bit of a scare though, and she ended up in the hospital.  

It really puts life into perspective when you think you might lose someone you love so much.  Thankfully, she's okay and is recovering just fine.  She's a fighter like that.  And of course her only concern, the entire time and even now, was how her health was affecting me.  She's so cute.  Always taking care of others and putting their needs above her own. I love her.

She's definitely a big supporter in my fitness journey.  We have certainly had our struggles, but she is my mother and I don't ever want to take that for granted.  I'm lucky and I am appreciating her more and more every day.  I would call her my #numberonefan, but my Bestie has already claimed that title.  Let's call her my #numbermomfan...I think that covers it. Funny story actually...I learned that my mom trained for a show back when I was younger, but 1.  I don't really remember it and 2.  I probably don't remember it because she never ended up competing because she broke her tailbone.  How does that even happen??  I'll have to ask her.   I don't know why I haven't already.

I've been a bit of a stress case the last week because of my trip.  I missed some workouts, wasn't following my macros like I should have, and I was traveling which always leads to...water bloat.  Honestly I know it doesn't really matter because I had the best time, and my mother's health is way more important and she and I shared the most AMAZING Molten Chocolate Cake from Ponti Seafood and Grill while in Fremont.  

I mean... It.  Was.  Life.  Changing.  

@pontigrill

Anway...I'm back to Denver and back on track.  And my mom is happy and healthy.

Today was a solo posing class.  A needed a makeup day since I missed the group class on Sunday due to travel.  I have to say, I am part of an amazing training crew.  My trainer, Kasey, is a sarcastic hard ass and will call me out in a heartbeat.  I love her.  My posing and nutrition coach, Alysha, is a wealth of knowledge and I think she would give me her left arm if it would help me reach my goals.

Team Fit Chick is basically, 100%, real life, incredible. 

When you find people who believe in you, celebrate who you are, support you and push you forward...NEVER LET THEM GO!  It's such a blessing to be surrounded with such motivating people.  Plus, they make me see that I'm not crazy for always believing that I was meant for something greater.  For believing that my hopes and dreams aren't unrealistic or insane.

But you gotta work hard!!  You have to show up!  That's half the battle!  

Love others, love yourself, be kind.

Let's do this.

into the fitness

Today was one of those "I kicked some ass" days.  Those days are AWESOME!!

  I'm currently training for my second fitness competition.   On June 20th, 2015, in Denver, Colorado, I will be stepping on stage for TWO divisions.   Diva Fitness Model and Diva Bikini model.  Holy balls.  I couldn't be more pumped.  

My first showwas August, 2013.  I attended the WBFF World's in Las Vegas.  I competed in the Diva Bikini model division.  It was one of the coolest and most terrifying things I have ever accomplished.  Walking out onto that stage though, I was a winner.  I mean, I didn't actually win.  I didn't even place.  This was the Superbowl of fitness competitions.  There were over 200 girls competing in my category alone.  But I didn't do the competition to win.  My trainer for that show, Nicholas Marion, would probably cringe if he heard me say that.  But it's true!!  I won the second I decided to change my lifestyle.  I won first place the second I stepped on that stage!

  From before photo, to day of show photo (pre-spray tan and hair), was 16 weeks.
I did some WORK!

@nmfitness

@nmfitness

That year was a rough one.  I had moved, gone through a breakup and wasn't healthy or taking care of myself.  One could say I wasn't making the best choices.  But, I listened to Nicholas and I kept my head up.  I kept the weight heavy and I made it.  I changed my life and my body.  I felt sexy and strong and I tapped into a part of myself that I didn't even know existed.  Even the support I had in the gym from members was amazing.  Nicholas's gym, formerly Urban Athletica, brought great women into my life.  Those girls know who they are.  I wouldn't have made it without them.  We don't stay connected like we used to (life happens like that sometimes), but I still look back on the support and love they gave me and shake my head with how lucky I was.  Good friends are hard to find.

That time changed my life.  I did all the hard work.  I DID THAT!
Nobody can ever take that away from me.

My lifestyle isn't for everyone, and please don't think that because I'm a training as a fitness competitor that I am super wrapped up in how I look.  Or that I'm telling you how to live your life.  Or that I think my story is more important than anyone else's.  To my mother's displeasure, I can fart, burp and talk about poop with the best of  'em. and I'll always choose comfy pants.  Tacos and ice cream will always be my favorite food groups and I know that there is a terrible amount of pain and struggle in the world.  I simply want to share this part of my life because it makes me feel good.  It helps me with my own pain and struggles.

We all fight out own battles and struggle with our own demons.  

 This is my way of  making me feel like I'm accomplishing something.  This is my way of making a difference.  I just happen to start with myself.  If I'm the best version of me, I can do anything.

Like I mentioned in a previous post...I'm not a girl with an outstanding story.  I'm just constantly learning how to fall in love with myself and this is part of my process, this is part of my journey.  I'm setting goals, and  plan to squash them.  I'm strong.  I've finally surrounded myself with people who support me and believe in me.  And I'm also constantly learning to LET THEM!!  Life is a process.

 I am a powerhouse.  I can do anything.

Watch me.

You can also follow my journey on instagram @misstaymarie