Contest WINNERS!!

It has been a LONG haul. I appreciate the support from all of you over the past 6 months.  This contest has been fun but it's time to announce the WINNERS!  Now, these are the three prizes that I am giving away:

10 personal training sessions by ME! valued at $500.00

1 Purify Cleanse and Detox system valued at $130.00

30 day supply of Zrii Achieve, all natural meal replacement valued at $108.00

Here's what I'm going to do, I'm going to let the person that has the MOST points choose which prize they would like to claim.  The person that has the second highest amount will have second pick, and the last remaining prize will be raffled off among all of those who had at least 25 points. 

Drum roll please....

JACK+ALLI you are the 1st place WINNER! Congrats!  You will have 1st pick.  If you are interested in the 10 personal training sessions and are not in the Utah area, we can work out a virtual package.  You will have 7 days to get back to me and tell me your choice.  Thanks so much for your participation and Congratulations!

JACKIE you are the 2nd place WINNER! Congrats!  You will have 2nd pick.  You will have 7 days to let me know your choice, once jack+alli has made their choice. (I will let you know once they do) Thank you for your support and CONGRATS!

3rd place WINNER!  THIS IS IMPORTANT!

I will announce the 3rd place winner once the first 2 prizes have been claimed.  In the mean time, you have the opportunity to earn extra entries into this drawing.  Those who qualify (25 pts.) will have 1 entry into the drawing. For every friend or family member that you get to follow my blog or my Facebook page, you will receive an extra entry into the drawing. You just need to make sure you tell me who the new member is.  This is EASY!  Find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bodybyblue or click the pic on the right.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!

I look forward to hearing from you very soon!  fabfitwithfive@yahoo.com

I'm excited to award these prizes and start my new business, Body by Blue.  I'm on a mission to help every woman, especially moms, get fit and stay healthy.  I have designed a program to do just that.  This program can be done at your favorite gym or in the comfort of your own home.  I have several Body by Blue team members already on this program.  You will be hearing form them VERY soon!  If you are interested please feel free to contact me.

Thank you again to all who have participated in this contest.  I plan to continually further my education in the health and wellness field.  I'm so blessed to have a place to share it, right here.  Thank you again!  I so look forward posting with a new spin.  Stay Tuned! 

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."
William James

Amy

Just me...

WOW!  It has been a LONG time.  I must warn you, this post is VERY personal to me, and may be more information than you want to know. Serioulsy, I think I might be a little crazy to post this but  I feel it's important. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way,  let me explain where I have been and why it has been so LONG.  There has been a turn of events in my life that has created a great deal of stress, physical pain and emotional chaos.

 Let's start with where we left off.  I was getting ready to take my CPT exam and be in my first fitness photo shoot.  I was well beyond "right on track" with diet and training to be in the best shape possible for my shoot.  I contemplated  a decision that would change my life.  I decided to take this rather large window of opportunity to have what is know to be cosmetic, but in my case and mind was corrective surgery.  I decided to have a breast augmentation and a lift, to restore what I once had pre-kids.  This is something I have been wanting to do for several years.  February 14th, I went in for what I thought would be the best Valentines Day present ever.  I went home that night and began the recovery process.  It went well for about 4 days.  I started to bleed on day 5.  I had developed a hematoma.  This is one of the risks involved in this type of surgery.  It was simply draining on its own.  After 3 weeks of "draining" it finally stopped.  It left however a rather large hole that exposed my implant.  I was to then undergo a corrective surgery where they would go in and make sure all of the remaining blood was gone, and correct my incision. That surgery went well.  I was sent home with a drainage tube attached and actually felt pretty good.  I was to change the tubes as they filled.  We went through all of the tubes a little too soon. I had developed a seroma. (it's the same thing as a hematoma, the only difference is the red blood cell count)  We went and saw the Dr. and the excess fluid built up inside and created pressure on my new incision.  Note! My skin in that area was already very thin.  So, the incision had started to open again.  They acted fast and very carefully gave me 9 stitches and instructed me to do absolutely nothing for the next 4 days to see if the stitches would hold.  Needless to say, they didn't.  The only other option at this point was to remove the implant, sew me up and let the area completely heal.  That is what we did. So for the next week and half, I changed drainage tubes.  The drainage tube actually became the problem and my skin started to open up yet again.  They removed the tube, and I was to now left with an open wound.  My husband was instructed to pack this wound that runs along the bottom of my breast in both directions.  This was very uncomfortable.  My hubby was a super star! He did most of the changing.  Over this time I had developed some chest inflammation and back pain.  We all thought this was a result of the trauma to my chest.  As time went on, it got worse.  I actually went to a chiropractor who then explained to me that it was an "out of place" rib! (?)  He proceed to "treat" me.  However, The pain elevated to excruciating.  I could not move and had a hard time breathing.  After a week or so, I finally decided to see my Family Dr.  I explained to him my situation and history.  He then told me that it was simply just inflammation and that, in time, it would heal.  So, over that weekend, I started to feel a little better.  We had an appointment with my surgeon on Monday to finally give me stitches and let me heal.  I went in on Monday and he discovered some crazy tissue that was developing.  He searched for the source and found a "tunnel" that went all of the way to the top of my breast.  He numbed me up and had to "clean"out all of the bad tissue.  The good news is, this was the source of my chest and back pain!  So, now I have a 4 inch opening at the bottom of my breast that has 2 holes my amazing husband packs with gauss 2 times a day.  One hole is 2 inches wide and goes 4 inches up.  The other is a small tunnel that bends up the side.  The whole process takes 15-30 minutes and is extremely mentally exhausting.  We don't know how long it will take this wound to heal.  It could be 2-4 weeks. We are just taking  it one day at a time.  I have finally been able to focus and get off medications.  I feel so much better now that the chest and back pain is fading.  During the past 10 weeks, I have had to put off everything I loved.  No playing with the kids, and no weight training or cardio training, and no volleyball.  I was depressed.  I lost 8 lbs of mass, and have had no appetite.  My kids have suffered too.  They have had to deal with a grumpy mom that was constantly in pain and always exhausted.  I had turned into someone I thought I would NEVER become.  I had hit the bottom.  With the support of my husband, family, and friends, I was able to pick myself up and dust myself off.  I'm not the type of person that "regrets" anything.  Our mistakes make us who we are.  I don't regret this decision.  I am still very hopeful in the end result.  I don't blaim anyone, this is all just strange and it happened to me. I personally feel that I am meant to learn something from this experience. I plan to take it all in and make the best of it.  I hope to be done with all of this in the next 8 weeks.  I CAN do this!  I CAN do anything I set my mind to!  Now that my mind is in the right spot, everyday gets easier.  I hope to start cardio training by the end of next week! I'm excited to take that step.  I want to personally thank all of my family and friends that have supported me, and said kind, motivating words to encourage me.  I love you all.  I hope there is someone who reads this and can draw strength from it.  So, that is what I have been up to for the past 10 weeks, but I'm BACK! I'm excited to get moving again. I NEED this!

I do have some GREAT news in the mist of all of this chaos!  I was finally able to take my CPT exam today.  I PASSED! It's officially, official.   So, I will be announcing the winners of the contest in 1 week.  That will give any of  you a chance to catch up or go beyond.  To do so, go to the "contest" label on the right and it will give you all of the post that have contest challenges included.  GOOD LUCK!  I'm so excited to wrap this up! I apologize for this taking soooo long and I appreciate the support!

Thanks for your support!

-Amy

100 "LIKES"

I have reached 100 Facebook page "likes"! I'm pretty excited about this and to say Thank you, I'm posting a FREE work out! Most of you who voted wanted a FULL BODY work out and that is what you are going to get.  I'm going to cheat a little and give you a full body work out I designed with an emphasis on the glutes.  This work out is a 1 day work out you can use to burn fat and get tone.  There are 4 circuits with 3 exercises.  You will perform each circuit 3 times before moving on to the next circuit. Now, to keep you in fat burning mode you will only rest when all 3 exercises are complete.  You will rest 45-60 seconds and then repeat the circuit until you have completed it 3 times. Here is what it looks like:

Dead lifts 3 sets 10 reps
Stability ball chest press 3 sets of 10 reps
Inverted row 3 sets of 10 reps

Stability ball leg curl  3 sets 10 reps
Push press to calf raises  3 sets 10 reps
Stability ball lying pull overs  3 sets  10 reps

Stability ball hip raises  3sets 10 reps
Reverse lunge to curl  3 sets 10 reps
Stability ball skull crushers  3 sets 10 reps

Reverse hip raises  3sets 10 reps
Med. ball double crunch  3 sets 10 reps
Plank w/ alternating hip extension  3sets of 10 reps

Now, this is 1 day I pulled from a 5 day work out program that I designed for a client in California.  She is a few week into it and LOVES it so far.  You will all hear from her very soon.  If you are interested in the rest of this program, let me know.  I will NOT be posting the remainder of this program.

Because I appreciate ALL of your support, I'm going to post the demonstration videos that go with it.  Remember, this is only 1 day of a 5 day program. Only doing this work out will result in a muscle imbalance.  It is full body, but with an emphasis on the glutes.  You should be able to FEEL that. :)

Let me know what you think! This is my pride and joy right now...I really hope you enjoy it!

As for a personal update:  I'm FINALLY taking my CPR class on Monday and that will enable to FINALLY take the CPT exam! WHOOT WHOOT! I'm excited to make this official.  This is my passion and I'm so blessed to be able to share it with you. 

Thank you again!

Amy

Body by Blue

Building Strength

First of all...where have I been?  I have been studying like crazy, training harder than normal, watching my little guy learn to walk, and putting together a "virtual training package" for long distance clients!  Whoot Whoot!  All of this hard work is paying off.  I'm down 5 lbs since I started this! This is probably the hardest most grueling thing I have done.  There are some days I think to myself, "I'm fine with where I'm at" and then the reality of a camera pointed at me hits and I focus my efforts in clean eating and busting my booty at the gym. It's come down to what I eat and when.   There are days I'm exhausted and so some tweaking is needed but I think I have got it down.  With that...I have a recipe to share.  These are Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat muffins! Awesome for BREAKFAST! Perfect combo of protein, carb and healthy fat!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Muffins

1 cup oatmeal

6 egg whites

1 scoop of choc. protein powder

2 tsp pure cocoa powder

1 Tbsp Stevia

1/4 tsp of baking powder

2 Tbsp of NATURAL peanut butter

1/3 cup water

(Makes 6 muffins)

Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.  Then add the egg whites, peanut butter and water.  Stir until mixed well.  Scoop into a muffin pan coated with cooking spray (they are pretty sticky) Bake at 350 for 25 mins.

Info per serving:

Calories 177

Protein 22g

Carbs 11g

Fat 5 g

Source: GO HERE

These look really runny in the bowl but they bake up very nicely! Great for the Kids too ENJOY!

As for my Training...I have added several different interupts to help keep my body in that fat burning zone.  For example: I wanted to see more muscle definiton in my legs so I added 30 jump lunges and 10 body squats in between each super set. When my work out was complete, I ended up doing 360 jump lunges and 120 body squats every day for 5 training day.  I lost 1.5 pounds that week and 1/2 inch in each of my thighs.  I was happy! 

I also added some more cardio.  When I say cardio some people automatically think of the treadmill or the elliptical.  I hate the ellipitcal.  I think it's a joke.  The only time you will see me on one of those is for some recovery time and for some rage of motion with my knees.  However, I can accomplish that on a BIKE! Sorry about my little rant...I decided to add a BODYSTEP class to my workout.  I worked it in for Saturday mornings.  This class works my "problem" areas (legs and booty)  while keeping my heart rate up.  I love it!  One more way I added cardio in was by adding 1-2  quick 15 min HIIT session. I LOVE IT as well.  I'm on a steady 1 pound per week pace.  That puts me right on target. 

If you are looking for a boost in your work out, try adding in the jump lunges and body squats. Or simply add in 2-3 HIIT sessions after your work outs. GO HERE for a great example. It WORKS!

Now for chest excersies:

I suggested negative only push ups the other day on Facebook...

The best way to build strength in an area is to do Negative only reps.  For example, I'm working on my chin ups.  In order to build extra strength, I start in the "up" postition and slowly lower myself down in a 4 sec.  count.  I do 3 sets of 8-10.  You can use this for push ups as well.  Start in push up postion and drop down quickly but controlled and raise yourself slowly to a 4 second count. 3 sets of 10 will get you off of your knees while doing push ups in NO TIME!  The flat bench chest press:  start with weights directily above you, lower as fast as you can controled and push up slowly.  To make this a little more advanced, do alternating arms.  Keep the opposite arm locked while pressing the other. You see where I'm going with this...I will have example videos up soon.  Until then....

Thanks ladies!

CONTEST:  It's almost over!  Try the Neg. only Push ups and tell me what you think. 5 POINTS

Strong Back

This has been a crazy week for me...I wanted to show you some of my back exercises but I could never work out a time to have my super cute camera guy, aka hubby,  to help me.  So you get something a little better.  I'm going to share with you my biggest success secret, Her name is Flavia Delmonte.  She is awesome! I have achieve 90% of my success so far from her work outs.  There now you know!  She has inspired me to think "outside of the box" in fitness.  I have learned so much from her.  You can learn more about Flavia RIGHT HERE.  So on to her back exercises.  I have done this and LOVE it! Give it a try and let me know what you think.  NOTE: you can substitute the barbell for dumbbells at home.

GOOD LUCK!

Inspired by my personal push up challenge (if you don't know what I'm talking about visit the "my push up challenge" page above) I wanted to show you a few chest exercises with some arm work outs that will help you increase your push ups as well.  I will have that for you ASAP!

Honestly, I will only be posting once a week until I can get my CPT certification done.  I'm focusing my energy there.  However, I do post fun little pick me ups on my Facebook page.  Please show some love and stay connected by "like" ing my page VISIT HERE

A little personal update: I'm excited to share that I will be doing my first photo shoot in MARCH!  I have 12 weeks to get photo ready.  I have some help from a couple trainers that I LOVE!  I get some very helpful info from them.  I wanted to share this experience here with you as well!  I'm excited! The Purify detox/cleanse system was an awesome way to jump start this journey.  I lost 2 lbs and nearly 1% of body fat for my first week.  This is from an already lean state.  By using that system my body is now completely ready to function at 100%.  This will be FUN! 

My new favorite snack:  I love ice cream! especially when I'm watching a movie.  Now obviously I won't be eating ice cream for a while so I came up with this sweet treat. 

Berry Frozen Yogurt

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup berries

1 tbsp Stevia

Mix well and place in freezer until semi frozen

Delightful!

I usually share this portion with my hubby:)

CONTEST:  Try these back exercises and let me know what you think! 10 POINTS  Leave another sweet (sugar free) recipe in the comments and receive 5 POINTS

Thanks Ladies!

Fresh Start!

Wow! It feels like it has been FOREVER! I love my new Internet.  We have been without for about a week.  Now, it time to get caught up.  I love the beginning of the year!  It's a great time to start fresh, hence the new blog look. What do you think? Anyway,  I  LOVE resolutions, as long as they keep changing every year.  Weight loss seems to be at the top of the list for most people.  I know my gym has been a little fuller since January 1st and statistically speaking, most of the newbies will be done by February.  NOT GOOD!  For those of you who have made resolutions, I have a few tips you could try to turn those resolutions into habits.  First of all, write them down where you can SEE them everyday and read them.  I like to use a dry erase marker on my bathroom mirror.  Next, is to find a partner! It is so much easier to have a support system.  You always want to surround yourself with people that support you, and that are headed in the same direction as you.  For example, a work out or running partner is awesome!  You are less likely to skip a gym session or a run if you have to call your partner to cancel.  Third, is to set a time line.  Some people set a resolution for the year and that can be overwhelming.  Set a date!  For example, be sugar free for 3 weeks.  By setting a date, you can see an end point. Once you get to that end point, reevaluate your goal.  Push yourself to the NEXT level. You will soon see that your way of thinking will change.  Keep in mind, it takes 3 weeks to make something a habit.  You can do it!  I have a post that I did a while back that has some more good info. Visit Here

Here are a couple updates:

I will HAVE my CPT by Feb. 17th! WHOOT! I did take some time off in December to enjoy the season.  My family also celebrates 2 birthdays and an anniversary.  We love to party but It feels great to be back.

that means...

The CONTEST is almost over!  There are a few of you who are rockin it! As a refresher, this is what I'm giving away:

10 personal training sessions by ME! valued at $500.00

1 Purify Cleanse and Detox system valued at $130.00

30 day supply of Zrii Achieve, all natural meal replacement valued at $108.00

If you want to get caught up or are NEW you can still do so! I have labeled all challenges under the contest label. Or, visit RIGHT HERE to get started.

I have some chest and back exercises to show you, I'm just waiting on the video...I will have that up this weekend.

CONTEST: In the comments, leave your thoughts on New Year's resolutions. Love/Hate or any tips you have for keeping them. 5 POINTS

Thanks everyone!
"Take control now. Forget about the negative thoughts which others have told you - that you are too old or too young. Stop letting the thoughts of others rule your life; stop being weak and cowardly, blaming your lack of progress on those negative programs. If you begin now and become a do-er, you will have earned your right to remain here."
~Thomas D. Willhite~

Starting the New Year off right!

I posted a while back about the PURIFY detox/cleanse system. I just wanted to let you all know that I'm doing it again! I highly recommend this system especially with all of the health and wellness resolutions out there. It's a 7 day system that won't interrupt your daily routine. It's ALL NATURAL! I'm all about that! If you are serious about getting healthy and losing weight this is the jump start you need! Visit this website for a detailed description of this system. www.zrii.com/purify Now, if you haven't guessed it already I am a distributor in this company. I believe in their products and use them myself. I would not share them with you or be apart of something I didn't believe in. I have seen some pretty amazing things happen because of these products and this company. My family has benefitted tremendously. We are moving toward a healthy and prosperous future and I'm excited. If you are interested in experiencing this yourself let me know! I would love to help you get there! I wish everyone a happy and safe new year! I can't wait to get my Internet up, I have so much to share! Thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR!