The Fitness America Pro Figure competition in Miami is only 8 weeks away and the momentum (with physique changes) is really kicking in.  My body is getting leaner, my hunger is increasing, and there is still so much to look forward (and not look forward) to.  I've been posting my progress pictures on my athlete page just like I did leading up to the Pro stage in Toronto last August to show the "real deal" version of what dialing in for a show looks like.  Changes are coming fast and I appreciate every bit of support on this journey to the stage.

Speaking of journey it's been a rewarding experience helping others with their own journey as I continue another year with mine.  Posing really is the most overlooked aspect of competition prep....everyone spends so much time in the gym and the kitchen to "get ripped" and then forgets that the whole point of competing is to present your best package ON STAGE.  Soooooooo I've been hosting stage presentation and posing sessions at my health club and have been doing private posing sessions as well.   Watching girls evolve with their posing and stage walk confidence....I can't even tell you how rewarding it is for me.  I feel like a proud parent watching them all!


Last weekend was The Fitness New England competition at Foxwoods Casino in CT and I finally got to see many of the girls I've been coaching shine on stage.  I was cheering like a maniac, literally on the edge of my seat, as each of them took the stage.  I was also asked by the promoter (and Fitness America Pageant owner) Lou to hand out awards at the end of the evening, which was an honor.  I absolutely loved having the opportunity to hand a couple of my girls their awards.  It doesn't get better than that.  It was also good practice for me to walk around on stage in front of a huge crowd.....makes the thought of walking on stage in 8 weeks less intimidating. 


Yes I said intimidating.  There are those who absolutely love being on stage and then there is me.  I enjoy the competitive aspect of the sport and the science behind what you can do with your body with nutrition, but don't actually enjoy the stage part. I have a shy streak in me and you'll often see me on a beach covered up rather than rocking the bikini....LOL.  You are probably wondering WHY I chose the sport of bodybuilding, famous for barely-there coverage.  So am I.  ha!  But I did....and now I've got 8 weeks left to get over myself and BRING IT on stage.

So what am I up to.  Well, amount of training hasn't changed.  I still lift 5 days and cardio is 5 days as well.  Usually I push my leg day BIG TIME so I try to avoid cardio on the same day.  I'm trying to get myself into the habit of practicing yoga to help "soften" the blockiness of my physique.  My goal is to make time this week for it.  Nutrition is still balanced - I'm just watching portions and I've eliminated any packaged Isagenix fiber bars and slim cakes (I used them as a starch during my "off season").  I still look forward to the shake -- it's called Isalean Pro -- and I throw in 3/4 cup of frozen organic blueberries and look forward to it every morning along with supergreens and this tonic called "Ionix Supreme."  This is my pre-workout routine.  Post workout is a whey protein (Isagenix again) with carbs and for the rest of the day I stick to more basic foods.  Because I kept my carbs high during my "off season" I'm still eating a lot of carbs as I dial it into show -- because I can.  There isn't this magic formula that works for everyone all the time.  Every year is different because my physique is different.  Remember a couple weeks ago I mentioned that I took an inventory of what I've been eating to establish a baseline?  From the baseline we make changes to chip away at things -- which dials in my physique.   It's pretty cool.  The thought of being 8 weeks out and having a full sweet potato at one of my meals (and more carbs at other meals as well) is such a treat.  Not for long, LOL.

The most noticeable physique changes in the last few weeks has been with my mid-section (below is my latest progress picture). Ab cuts are getting deeper and I'm comfortable in my size 0 pants again.  I've got another pant size to go but it's so important to take it slow and steady to preserve as much muscle as possible.  There is no messing around this year.....the plan is to get as lean as possible so unlike last year when I had reward meals up to about 4 weeks out....right now at the 8 week mark they are GONE. The best part about prep this year is that I have my Michele Approved menus around town so I can still feel like a member of society and dine out without having to wonder what is in the food, portion sizes, and quality.  So although my reward meals are gone, I can still eat out so it feels like I'm having a reward.  Makes things so much easier...which is why I implemented the menus in the first place -- to make it EASY for people to eat healthy and not feel like they are "dieting."



So the bulk of the work is about to begin.  8 weeks of digging deep, pushing through hunger, and enjoying the physique changes as they come at rapid speed.  Are you ready for the ride?  I sure am.  Stay tuned.....and as always go to my athlete page on http://www.facebook.com/FigureProMicheleWelcome for daily updates, motivation, advice, etc.  Sharing is always encouraged!

Michele Welcome
www.michelewelcome.com
Facebook PAGE:  /FigureProMicheleWelcome
Twitter:  @MicheleWelcome

I'm in the middle of writing an updated blog post on my progress to the Fitness Universe Weekend in Miami....officially 8 weeks away from today....but I'm too excited to wait to post about this (I keep falling asleep at night in the middle of typing the full blog post).....so here it is:

Yesterday I was on the popular Better Connecticut show with the owner of my Michele Approved™ Dinner Restaurant, La Trattoria, talking about our menu together.  I had a great time on the show and I really hope that the publicity will not only bring more people to the restaurant to enjoy a HEALTHY dinner out without 5,000 substitutions, but will also bring some new members into my gym.  It's been a really slow grow at the gym but I'm not losing my determination to make this business a success.  I'm like a pit bull when I want something...and I want my gym to succeed, my members to succeed with their goals, and to make a difference in my community. 


So here is the clip to watch my segment on the show.  Sharing is encouraged and I would be grateful for it   Have a wonderful day and don't forget to catch me on my facebook page, www.facebook.com/FigureProMicheleWelcome.  New blog post on my progress to the Pro Figure stage coming soon!

CLICK THIS LINK TO WATCH THE SEGMENT:
WFSB Channel 3


Michele Welcome
www.michelewelcome.com
Facebook PAGE:  /FigureProMicheleWelcome
Twitter:  @MicheleWelcome

It's Friday night about 7pm and I'm getting ready to head out to grab some dinner.  I was going to go and hit my chest and shoulder workout tonight, but after EARLY morning sprints at the track, and another marathon day of work, I'm pooped so I'm going to hit it hard tomorrow instead.  It's been a long week and I hope to be able to go out tonight and just "tune out" for a bit. 

I'm 10 weeks out from the Pro Figure Stage at The Fitness Universe Weekend in Miami June 28/29 so let's be real, going out does not mean eating off plan.  The best part about implementing all my "Michele Approved™" menus throughout my community is that I can eat out and literally eat on plan.  This afternoon I had my Michele Approved™ salmon at Deepwater Seafood and tonight I'm going to have my Michele Approved™ dinner at La Trattoria....I'm trying to decide if I am in the mood for filet or turkey meatballs (totally on plan!).  This weekend I will hit up my favorite breakfast spot, The Village Cafe & Bistro too.  Next week my second lunch spot will launch with the "meat" version of the Michele Approved™ lunch (since Deepwater Seafood is all...um..seafood).  I have three more projects in the works and can't wait to share once I have launched them!  I absolutely love making a difference in the community (here is me greeting customers at a fellow local business this weekend with all my menus and information on the club on display) AND being able to enjoy it myself despite being 10 weeks out from show.

This is literally the third time I've re-written this blog post.  I started last Sunday curled up under a blanket by the fire while listening to the Science Channel in the background talk about what would happen if aliens dropped pods on the earth's surface.  I don't know if it was the warmth of the fire or the calming voice on the tv that ultimately put me to sleep.....or perhaps it was the fact that my whole body was aching from the outdoor track workout I did the day before.  So much is going on all at once...so I've written....and re-written....and......

Right now I'm on a high from an incredible night last night.   I was invited by the group OTHERWISE to come to their concert and not only had the chance to spend time with them after the show.......I feel incredibly honored that they gave me a shout-out at the end of their set letting me know how I inspire THEM and asked the crowd to clap for ME.  It was so heartfelt and genuine; I'll never forget it.  We connected last year while I was training for the Pro World Championships...I loved their song "Soldiers" because it represents struggle ....GETTING IT DONE.... and not giving up.  I followed and supported them while their popularity grew to the point of being regulars on the airwaves now.  In turn, they started following my own journey and sending me encouragement.  The best part??????  They really ARE that cool.  There is nothing worse than meeting someone you admire and he/she ends up being a giant douche bag.  Kind of like the hot guy that looks great until he starts talking...and talking...and goes from a 10 to a ZERO POINT ZERO in an instant and ruins "it."  The guys from OTHERWISE (pictured below: Drummer Corky Gainsford Jr, Lead Singer Adrian Patrick, Lead Guitar Ryan Patrick) are just as awesome in person as they are with their music and I am grateful to call them my friends.

Although I had a great time partying with the rock stars last night, I never lost focus on the reality of being almost 12 weeks out from show.  Would you have said "f" it and just pounded down a bunch of shots anyways?  Well the interesting part is I was never pressured.  Funny how people who work in Corporate America are exposed to more peer pressure to "just have one bite" of crap food people bake just for the office than if they were out partying with rock stars.  Too funny....  I did do a pre-planned birthday shot (Adrian and Corky's birthdays) with the guys and we toasted to friendship and finally meeting.  Other than that it was just water for me.  And now today is day 8 of the Isagenix 9 day deep cleanse that fitness coach Cathy Savage "prescribed" for me after a discussion about my contest prep at her recent fitness camp.  She thought it would be best to flush out all that my body was holding onto and jump start the fat burning process.  I wasn't sure about it at first but I'm glad I'm doing it because I have found it has reset me mentally to appreciate the "small things" again in my daily meals.....and you've gotta love that 5lbs of bloat are gone.  Rock. ON.

Remember Rocky V the movie when Rocky and Tommy Gunn compete in a street fight at the end?  I don't know about you but I wanted to punch Tommy myself for lack of gratitude and betrayal of Rocky.....friggin jerk.....but anyways.....in the final scene they go back and forth in a street fight and it appears that Rocky is down for the count and then.....he gets back up....and says something like, "I didn't hear a bell" and then... "One. more. Round."  I love that "one more round" part.  I was thinking about this movie this week when I realized it was time to start preparing for the June Pro Figure show in Miami, FL.  As corny as it sounds, the voice in my head literally said to me...."One More Round."

It's already the end of day on Sunday and three weeks since my last post. Needless to say the days are flying by, and I just had an exciting weekend here at my health club that I will tell about, so I have to budget my time VERY well.  I thrive on being a "plate spinner" but I'm aware enough to know when I can use an extra hand.  I'm already looking into hiring an assistant to help with all the odds and ends that need to be done but are too time consuming. Someone that I can trust.....that will have my back without me having to watch over him/her.  One thing I've learned for sure is the list of people you can count on will be shorten as you make life changes.  Life is never simple. I guess that's what makes it interesting, right?
Michele Welcome
www.michelewelcome.com
Facebook PAGE:  /FigureProMicheleWelcome
Twitter:  @MicheleWelcome

Tomorrow marks the 1 month anniversary of my health club ownership.  So much is happening right now that I seriously cannot believe it's ONLY been ONE month.  I'm also 20 weeks away from my Pro debut on a new Pro Figure stage in Miami where I will compete during the Fitness Universe Weekend.  I should probably be looking into hotels and flights pretty soon.......and so the to-do list keeps growing.  I love it.  I thrive on it.  Go Big or Go Home.

Health and Fitness have been a passion of mine all my life.  As a youth the fitness aspect came naturally since I grew up in an athletic family and played baseball and basketball from the moment I could throw/shoot a ball.  I was the only girl on the baseball team and oddly I would play third base because I was one of the few on the team that could actually throw the ball far enough to reach first base.  Not bad "for a girl."  The nutrition aspect has always intrigued me growing up because how I would feel would directly relate to what I ate (or didn't eat).  I thought it was just "a Welcome thing" (referring to family on my Dad's side that would get "hungry and weak" if they didn't eat after a few hours).  I always loved eating fruit and especially the vegetables my Dad would grow in the garden (ugh. but I got stuck with the WEEDING.  Horrible.  But....there is nothing like a garden cucumber......the flavor is so fresh...unlike store cucumbers that taste like wax).  I didn't understand why I would get "hungry and weak" growing up until my teenage years when I tried some fad diets like the Atkins diet and lost a ton of weight.......so much weight that friends and family thought I was sick with an eating disorder.  At just about 5'7" I was about 115lbs.  On stage I'm about 125lbs so that should give you an idea how small I was.  Unfortunately, as with any fad, the deprivation part of the diet is unsustainable so when I eventually added back foods my body wasn't used to eating -- the weight came on quick and my system was out of balance.  I was fascinated how much my body responded to the change in nutrition.....but it wasn't until I became a bodybuilder until I learned how even SMALL changes to your diet can have a greater impact.....and that extreme measures are not only unsustainable; they are completely unnecessary. 

My relationship with food changed when I became a natural bodybuilder in my early 20s. I would "diet" to get my body fat down to 4.5% (with calipers - pictured below) in order to compete.  The food I ate was bland because I didn't know how to prepare it and it was "safer" to eat this way to ensure I would get as lean as possible.  It was fascinating to see my body respond to TINY changes in a nutrition plan....for instance, reducing a starch at a meal by only 1/4 of a cup and seeing a week later that small change was enough to trigger a fat loss drop.  This first hand experience with seeing how only SMALL changes in nutrition can change the body was eye opening...and I will never look at food portions the same.  The only issue...........bland food......who the heck wants to eat bland food? 


I broke the "bland food" cycle by taking a break from competing and the micromanaging of food.  Instead I focused on eating all natural foods with ingredients I can pronounce; consuming a VARIETY of foods; reducing my exposure to toxic foods and chemicals, and not thinking twice about a little sauce, ketchup, etc. with my meals.  I even went as far as throwing out lotions, foundation, anti-perspirants because of all the chemicals found in them that I was consuming with every application.  Basically getting back to nature and COMMON SENSE (mini rant:  you are SUPPOSED to perspire -- applying an anti-perspirant stops the body's natural way of detoxifying.  You only need a natural deodorant spray.  And if you are afraid you will stink, take a friggin shower every day, go light on the onions, and you'll be fine.  END RANT).  I got creative with food pairings, spices, sauces, and just basically thought outside the box to create healthy meals that tasted good......and was simply consistent.  If I wanted to have a taste of a dessert I wouldn't think twice because over time with consistency I saw that a taste of this and a taste of that was not only all I really needed to satisfy an indulgence....it had no impact on my health and fitness goals. The most shocking moment was when I decided a week before to do a competition......and came in second despite being at a wedding and having wine and cake the weekend before.  I realized that there really is no "magic" in the world of health and fitness for the average person.  If I want to get to an extreme body fat level, yes, changes will have to be made with food choices, but from YEARS of experience, gradual small changes are all that are needed to have a healthy and fit look.  It's simply consistency and moderation that matter - year round.  None of this "oh it's summer I'm going to go enjoy it" and pound down crap food for months and then decide to "diet" to lose the weight you gained.  Instead, focusing on healthy nutritious foods with indulgences here and there along with a consistent approach to exercise are the "magic potion."  Here is me last August....4 days of cardio MAX and carbs alllllll the way up to and including the week of show. 


The only issue with this focus on healthy nutrition is there really aren't a lot of places to eat that serve healthy options that taste good and don't just serve salad............................with ceasar dressing.  Ugh.  After years and years of dining out and having to modify or substitute every meal on a menu to make it healthier....I decided with my new ownership of a health club that I would make my own menus, since nutrition is an essential piece to health and wellness.  Fitness and nutrition are like yin and yang.  You need both to be in balance.  So I've literally approached the owners of restaurants where I get my breakfasts, lunches, and dinners when I dine out to allow me to have my own menus as part of their menus.  They already have "The Michele's Special" either as a button on the register or an unwritten menu option so why the heck not?  I've even gone as far as labeling the meals, "Michele Approved" (TM) which refers to: all natural, wholesome, portion controlled, and NUTRITIOUS meals without the substitution hassles.  No butter, excess oil, creams, cheeses, artificial ingredients, pre-packaged foods, etc.  AND NO BLAND FOOD.  Just wholesome food that tastes incredible and made FROM SCRATCH by locally owned businesses.  So not only are the "Michele Approved" menus a perfect marketing tool for my health club, they are a great way to offer my members (and people in the community) healthy food options that will only make it easier to reach their fitness goals.

So as you can see I've been really busy these last few weeks.  I've MADE time for my intense workouts and I truly believe they have kept me sane....  Exercise is therapy for me since I admit to being an intense person...  I've still got a lot to do but I am loving every minute of it.  And then in just a few more weeks or so.....it'll be time to start a slow dial into the June show in Miami.  Slow dial means just that ---- small adjustments to my nutrition and not some crazy diet to torpedo to the stage.  The best part?  I can still eat out at a restaurant now   Michele Friggin Approved.

Stay tuned as I implement all kinds of new and exciting things with my facility.  I have so many ideas............and I'm so excited I can't stand it.  In the mean time, catch me on Facebook for continuous updates, tips, motivation, etc --- go to http://www.facebook.com/FigureProMicheleWelcome .  Share me if you like me

Michele Welcome
www.michelewelcome.com
Facebook PAGE:  /FigureProMicheleWelcome
Twitter:  @MicheleWelcome

So far January has been filled with many surprises.  For starters....I'm sitting here in my very own health club on a Friday night.  I have to repeat that.....my. OWN. health club.  I literally took ownership one week ago and feel like I haven't slept since (hence no blog post last week).  Also, The Fitness/Figure Universe organization announced the first week of January that I earned professional status after reviewing the athletes, scores, etc. post November Las Vegas show.  So much has happened in the past couple weeks----- what a way to start off 2013!


So................. the health club.  While I was competing in Las Vegas in November I received an email from the owner of my health club letting me know that he was selling the club.  Out of respect, since I was one of the first people to join the club when it opened in August 2010 (and am here all the time training), the owner reached out to me directly to let me know about the sale before any mass emails were sent.  Needless to say I was intrigued....  My club isn't one of those giant clubs with a ton of amenities; instead it's more of a "get to the point" kind of place....4,600sqft with cardio machines, weight machines, dumbbells, open exercise area, etc. It has a key card entry for 24 hour usage and everything I need to train for World Stages without all the fluff.  A perfect fit for me to train..................and a perfect fit for me to own.

The owner was looking to sell immediately and there were other interested parties so I had to act quickly.  I literally spent the entire month of December preparing for the business purchase.  But I'm no stranger to torpedoing into things (I know..."shocker")......and it only took me a day to write a 14 page business plan. I have so many ideas to take the facility to a new level I can't stand it.  The challenge is balancing my excitement with keeping my feet on the ground .... and taking things step by step to ensure a flawless transfer for my members. 

So here I am one week later after signing the business purchase (and all the other scary documents that go along with it).  It's already 8:49pm.  The days just fly by because I don't just own a club --- I am also Director of Sales for API and sell residential real estate as well.  It's a lot to do at once.....but the health club is an extension of my passion --- more like a "house" for it so I will make it happen.  I just greeted a new trial member and let her know I'm here to help her reach her goals and I also just waved good bye to one of my young members that couldn't be more adorable.  I'm really liking getting to know people.  I was chatting with one of my members who told me he lost over 60lbs.  I said for him to send me a "before" photo and to let me take an "after" photo and I will give him his January membership for free.  60lbs.  He is a friggin rock star and totally deserves a free month.  I just met him but am so proud of him.  I can't wait for more success stories.

I also can't wait to house stage presentation and posing clinics/private sessions.  I have competed in all the federations around here (FAP/WBFF/NPC/INBF/OC and earned professional status in three of them (INBF/WNBF, WBFF, and FAP).  I was also a national level bodybuilder when I began my career and won multiple "BEST POSER" awards (see below an old picture of me accepting the "best poser" award at Nationals).  I plan for my facility to be a "house" for stage presentation and posing for all federations and will be an official Cathy Savage Fitness Ambassador hosting clinics on Sundays for all in and around Central CT.  Right now I'm redesigning the interior of the facility, setting up the business, and trying to grow the membership (and make sure my current members are taken care of first) so I have to wait until everything is finished before I add this additional layer. 


Speaking of membership, growing and maintaining membership is my main priority right now.  I was here last night until almost 10pm, but it was worth it because a couple came to the door after staffed hours and I invited them in for a tour.  After showing and discussing the facility they decided to join the club and pay for the entire year up front.  At that moment I was thrilled.....but then realized that I have been so consumed with everything that goes into setting up a new business I hadn't actually filled out a membership agreement yet.   I felt like a jackass fumbling through (and didn't realize I had to sign it --- they showed ME where to sign, LOLOL).  But I was honest - once the membership agreement was filled out I let them know they were my first and suggested we celebrate at the one year mark together. 

So the past few weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement.  I'm busy redecorating, getting to know members (just chit chatted with one who has been following my blog --- HI!), overseeing the business, and..................let's not forget ---- making time for my training.....since I will now be competing professionally in the Pro Figure Universe competition in Miami in June!!!  Seriously - I'm so happy I don't have to compete in April to try and earn a new Pro status (again being a Pro in one organization doesn't mean you are a Pro in another -- you have to "earn" it).  Now I can just focus on getting my business up and running for the next few months before "sh*t gets serious" with competition prep again.  I have made time for my training and cardio and am absolutely KILLING IT while no one is watching.  My showing in November was the best I could do with 6 weeks of preparation...and I'm so lucky to have received a Pro card anyways.  A last minute rush to stage won't be the case for June.  I'm not scared to say it as I sit here in January (with sore legs from my morning workout)--- I'm in it to win it  

The road to the June show will be interesting with all that is going on.  I've got a lot to accomplish with my business plan and balancing my training with my work.  It's going to be quite a journey this year and I can't wait to see where it takes me.  Right now.....it's 10:11pm and I'm signing off.  Be back next week!

In the mean time, follow my athlete page http://www.facebook.com/FigureProMicheleWelcome for continuous updates, motivation, tips, and advice!

Michele Welcome
www.michelewelcome.com
Facebook PAGE!:  /FigureProMicheleWelcome
Twitter:  @MicheleWelcome

It's Christmas Eve....Eve..... one of the most exciting times of the year.   Festive lights brighten up neighborhoods, almost everyone is in the holiday spirit of giving, and you just can't help but feel happy.  It's the time of year to appreciate the people around you that love you for who you are at your core, with no hidden agenda, and emanate positivity. Adding in the internet into our lives invites in more friendships and although you may never meet these people in person, they become part of your "family" of friends anyways......especially those who share a common passion.  I was thinking about this last night while out celebrating the holidays with friends and in a quiet moment I logged onto Facebook to poke around.  There waiting for me was a beautiful and supportive post by a Facebook friend who was coming to my defense after a person, not a friend, posted some ugly words on one of my photos.  Why some people feel the need to tear others down I'll never know...but the point is...witnessing someone's true colors is far easier and quicker online than it is in person with people around.  I was grateful for the friendship and couldn't help but think about how much social media has changed the concept of a "friend."

It’s been 3 weeks since the Las Vegas World Championships and I’m actually on a flight right now to the Riviera Maya for a long weekend getaway.  I’m looking forward to unwinding for a few days on the beach after a year of ups, downs, and competing on two world championships stages. For the past three weeks post show I’ve been training hard and incorporating workouts that I thought I was only doing last fall/winter because I was “killing it with drive” to a world stage; turns out I’m just a little bit of crazy. 

So what is crazy?  I think true crazy is the guy that came into the breakfast spot I was dining at last weekend literally stinking up the room with his stench….stench that I recognize as a Realtor (in addition to working for API) who has been dragged to some….interesting….properties in my career (thanks family).  It’s the smell of “no shower,” “no laundry,” and just plain gross.  Needless to say I lost my appetite while he sat down, commanded the attention of the staff, and spoke loudly with the intent of drawing attention.  Turns out (since you couldn’t help but overhear) he has been a recluse for a couple of months before he came out (lucky me) of his self induced hiding.  This guy, my friends, isn’t a little bit of crazy; he’s just crazy. 

So I was reflecting on my breakfast with Crazy and thought about how he could look at the things I do and perhaps say the same thing about me (minus the stench).  For the past three weeks I’ve felt really energized which has allowed me to not miss a beat with my training.  In fact last night I was at a holiday function until 8:30pm and, although I still had to pack for my flight this morning, I stopped at the gym on my way home to squeeze in a 9pm workout.  I knew I wasn’t going to get home until after 10pm to pack and tie up loose ends with work before getting five seconds of sleep and heading to the airport.  But I chose to go anyways.  I’m not dialing in for a show…in fact, I’m not even close to a show…..but I went anyways and put in a hell of a workout. (if  I’m going to be at the gym at 9:00pm it’s not going to be for a half ass workout - it better count). I didn’t get to bed until 1am and woke up at 4:30am.  And this was my own doing.

My workout schedule for the past few weeks has had a similar vibe as last night’s necessary - but not really necessary - choice to hit the gym.  I layered up this week despite the cold and hit the local track for a sprint workout. I said to myself last year that I HAD to; this year I’m doing it because I WANT to.  I mean, really, does one really NEED to workout outside in the cold…on purpose?  To most people probably not, but to me, there is nothing like an all out – full blast – sprint workout where every muscle in your body is screaming for relief and your legs and abs are sore before the end of the day.  You just can’t get that same effect from a “dread”mill workout.  But why push myself like this when I don’t have the lingering goal of seeking a Pro World Title?  Well, I guess it’s time to accept that I’m a little bit of crazy. 

As long as I don’t start collecting cats and walking around town barefoot……then I think I’m OK…

I think the reason I’m feeling so good post show and still doing my “crazy” training is because I never went on any post show splurge.  Because of what it took to get to the stage three weeks ago, and how sensitive my body was after the August show, I took my time adding any “reward foods” this time around.  In fact, I didn’t have ANY of the famous post show Aunt Shirley’s cookies (that's just crazy alone)!  I literally waited until Thanksgiving five days post show to have dessert.  Best thing I ever did.  Plus my affiliation as a Coach on the Cathy Savage Fitness staff introduced me to the Isagenix meal replacements and snacks which have been great for travel both right now and on my way home from Las Vegas.   There is nothing more annoying than rushing through the airport to get to your next flight and NOT having something healthy on hand.   And it’s a nice change from cold chicken.  I’m waiting until Christmas Eve to have Shirley’s cookies and won’t feel the need to pound down a whole bag of them in a weekend because my system isn’t depleted like it is right after a show.  

Well I just got heard the flight attendant say that we are 20 minutes from landing.  I’m looking forward to some down time these next few days--- and some on-the-beach workouts as well! I’m excited to feel the sand resistance with beach sprints and plyos for new kind of challenge and burn.   I’ll be sure to post about these workouts when I return!   Have a great week everyone!

*I missed my blog post last week because I have some personal changes going on that I will talk about in future blog posts.  Stay tuned!*

In the mean time, follow my athlete page http://www.facebook.com/FigureProMicheleWelcome for updates (I will try and post pictures while I am away this weekend!).  

Michele Welcome
www.michelewelcome.com
Facebook FAN PAGE!:  /FigureProMicheleWelcome
Twitter:  @MicheleWelcome