Cyndi: Reflection: Physique Challenge

Cyndi: Reflection of the Show

Now that the spray tan has worn off and the professional pictures have been taken, I have had some time to reflect on everything I have learned. I was really nervous about the tan because I didn’t want it to look bad. It didn’t. Actually. It looked great on everyone that did it. Getting the professional pictures done was a special treat and I am glad that I can use them as a comparison now. It’s definitely a rare opportunity.

I thought that everyone was very supportive during the challenge. Nothing compares to the day of the show. All of us really were in this together and were supportive of each other. Even the audience was a great support system.

I also realized that I probably should have practiced the poses more. When I got up there and was nervous I was hoping to rely on muscle memory…unfortunately my muscles and I forgot some of the poses and had to wing it.

Overall though it was an unbelievable rewarding experience and I have since seen my fellow contestants in the gym keeping it up, which keeps me motivated as well.

Photos below by Nevin Brown Photography.

Cyndi: Physique Challenge: The Halfway Point Already!

Week 6

Midway Point. I can’t believe that we are already half way done. In some ways I’m getting anxious to see results and nervous about showcasing them in a bikini on stage. YIKES. I have promised myself that I will get on stage no matter what though. It definitely stays in the back of my head when I have the option to have an extra cheat. Either way, time is really flying by.

I have recovered from my week 5 setback and am back on track. This week, I was challenged by another contestant on our leg work out. It really pushed me and I lifted a lot heavier than I usually do. Another boost was when I did my measurements and lost 4% body fat, lost 7lbs of body fat and gained almost 4lbs of muscle. 

WIN!!!

An interesting experience was when my husband and I went to the Deerfield Fair. Turns out that Fairs aren’t that fun when you are on a diet…lol. I had a pickle (not fried) and a lemonade. Pretty dull. On the plus side I got to see draft horses. 

Sandy on Embracing 40! (Happy Belated Birthday Sandy!)

Embracing 40

Well, more accurately, 42, but shhhh, don’t tell anyone. 

One day last week was my birthday.  I went into the Works at 5:30am to start my day, and much to my surprise, I was greeted with a “Happy Birthday”.  I was very surprised and delighted that my co-workers were actually going out of their way to track me down to wish me a happy birthday and even give me warm hugs.  I was even more surprised and completely humbled when my friend Susan from the Fitworks program brought me a gift!   

 I have finally defined myself, who I want to be in this world, and what I want to do.  I opened my eyes to all the beauty and kindness that surrounds me.  I couldn’t see it all for a long time because when you dwell on self pity, be it because of age, or aches and pains, then your eyes tend to focus on all the little negatives.  And trust me, there are plenty of negatives that will creep in if you’re in a negative place.

I am overwhelmed by the feeling of gratitude.  I am thankful for my job and all the wonderful people who surround me.  I get a wonderful feeling of kindness and acceptance from fellow employess, and from some of the patrons as well. 

I could sit and dwell in self pity for all the things I have yet to accomplish (and every so often I do) though when I sit back and really take a good look at the big picture I have to say that I am a very lucky lady.  I have my health, I have wonderful friends, I have a fun job and a terrific family.  Life is a journey and we should embrace every day , being grateful for the gifts we are given in one form or another.  We all have so many things to be thankful for, we just need to open our eyes and take a good look. 

Fall is right around the corner, the biggest season of change.  Embrace it my friends, make plans, and set your goals.  It is my favorite time of year and always inspires me to start new things.  I believe it is the perfect time to set short term goals that are to be reached before the end of the year.

It is also a time to set ourselves into high gear with our workouts to prevent the hibernation weight from creeping on.  Buckle up folks, because its going to be a cold one this year.  Don’t let the weather keep you from staying healthy.

As always I wish you the best, and I hope to see you around.   

Jesse: Fall is in the Air!

Sniff, sniff, sniff…. is that fall in the air? It smells like pumpkin spice and everything nice. I love me some pumpkin spice coffee, don’t judge.

Fall is here but where did my summer go? Who knew that dedicating myself to creating a better life would also mean that time would fly by. Summer classes taking away most of my yearly adventure time I feel like I am just getting started and now I have to return back to the books for the fall semester.

It is a lot more quiet now that all the young kids are back in school (don’t pretend you didn’t just nod your head and say ‘Thank Goodness’) so we can all really focus on our health and physiques before the holidays get here and ruin everything.

If only it were that easy, right? I know I have several classes this semester and me being the dedicated student that I am means that most of every day is filled with blocks of study or class time. So full, in fact, that if I am not at the gym by 530 every morning this semester then I can kiss an opportunity to crush a workout goodbye.

Such is the sacrifice I have to make right now. There is no opportunity to say ‘eh, I can do it tomorrow’ and if there was I wouldn’t feel right taking it.

My goals this fall is to continue to lose body fat even in the face of upcoming holidays. My first attainable step for that goal is getting in my workouts even if I have to wake up at the crack of dawn to do it. With this step I know that I will have a good start to the day allowing my body to burn its fuel at peak efficiency thus helping me study/learn better and lower my bodyfat at the same time.

As far as strength goes I still have goals I am going to try and reach. Those still are a 500lb dead lift, 500lb squat and 350lb bench press. Although, I am slowing down the speed at which I reach those goals so I can focus more on the kind of lifting that will help me burn the most fat (that is what I am trying to get rid of after all). Devon (You all know who Devon is right? If not you may want to find her! ) and I have decided to go with a higher repetition, lower rest between sets type of routines. So I will reach these goals but at a slightly slower pace.

So I now invite you to harass, hound, poke, or ridicule me if you do not see me in the gym working out by 530 in the morning. You’re not up at 530? Well that’s ok feel free to find me on Facebook or twitter and ask me if I made it to the gym. 

I’ll be honest.

See you at the gym.

Follow a Member's Experience in Pro Fitness Program!

A Note from Samantha Merchant, Fitness Director at The Works Family Health & Fitness Center:

Many people join a gym, but not everyone gets the results that they are looking for.  Perhaps you are one of them.  Have you ever wondered why that is?  We have too, and we have found an answer for you; The Pro Fitness Program.  This program is a unique club service and experience used by clubs all across North America.  Used by more than 800 fitness & lifestyle professionals, this program is truly the leader in the fitness industry.  

The Works wanted to you to see how this program can make a difference in a person's life.  We asked one of our members to partake in the Pro Fitness program and document her experience for everyone to see.  Barbara is a real person, experiencing many of the same struggles most of our members experience.  Follow her story and discover what it means to be a part of the Pro Fitness Experience at The Works. 

"For most of my life I have been fairly active. More at some times and less at other times. I have struggled with body issues my whole life. I am seeking peace. Not a magic number. I will not have a six pack. I will always be a curvy girl because that is how I am built. More than that I would not want to forgo all the little pleasures in life to make that happen. I would be miserable with no coffee, flour or sugar. That is not what I am seeking. I am seeking to change my mind set. To silence my inner judge. To embrace health. To feel good."