Changes...That's Just The Way It Is.

Changes...Oh let me count the ways:

1) The boyfriend is now two provinces over and I miss him dearly.
2) Our amazing downtown/village apartment is up for lease. So sad to let it go and stressing about moving/packing/cleaning.
3) Living close to the U of M tacks on a good 20-30 minutes to get to my clients at the YMCA Downtown (used to take me 5-10 minutes).
4) Sam and I are in the talks of "serious stuff" for potentially next year that affects both our future (I'm sure you can guess).
5) Emotions are high. My mind is going a mile a minute.
6) Physical changes are occurring while I am in my "growth season".
7) My grandma is going through chemotherapy, which seems to be working but we are still a bit cautious.

And the list goes on and on.

It's hard to say what my future has planned for me because changes happen all the time. One thing I am now uncertain about is competing at the 2013 World Qualifiers. It is up in the air. It's all dependant on how my training is going and if I think I will be ready by then. If it doesn't work out, the 2013 Nationals in August is still on my priority list. Ah c'est la vie.

Even though there are tons of things happening right now (things that are foreign to me), change is a good thing. Change keeps things interesting and BOY...my life is really interesting.

This also applies to training your body. Like I always tell my personal training clients "If you do not change/challenge yourself, nothing will change." It could be as simple as changing the way you train your body or perhaps changing your mentality on certain aspects in your life. Whatever it may be, stay strong and positive. Be that change you want to see in yourself. Believe in yourself because anything is possible if you really want it.

My changes may not be all physical but I know I'm in for one heck of a ride for the rest of 2012/2013...AND I'm taking you all with me.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

-Kim-

Blast From Past to Get Past This Fast

Have you ever been in a short-term slump (2-3 days)? It's happened to me before and perhaps some of you where you do not want to do absolutely ANYTHING. For me, my slumps usually stem from emotional happenings in my life (this time it was the boyfriend leaving the city for work).

But onto my story...

While visiting my parents a few days ago, I came across old message logs I had between my personal trainer Sam (now my loving boyfriend) and I from MSN Messenger (who still uses that?).

Long story short, I was one wickedly determined 150 pound girl back then while on my journey to total body wellness. I could sense how determined I was by the way I worded my sentences. I wanted to conquer the entire world (or my world at least).

A little snapshot of our conversation back in 2010

After re-reading those old conversations, I honestly have to say there are days I take my current body for granted. There are days I think "I'm fine the way I am" but REALLY that girl back then yearned for so much MORE than just being "okay" or being "average". Being OPTIMAL was the mission.

Re-reading the logs ignited my drive into high gear to WANT MORE...To be better. I want to be this highly motivated girl again. I will be her. I am her.

So with a few write off days, I am now back on track.

We all fall down sometimes. It's up to us to decide whether or not to pick up the pieces and keep going OR to fall apart.

It's Overwhelming. I am Overjoyed.

The boyfriend left this morning to go back to his new home and his new job (after a short weekend visit to my hometown).

I am not going to lie. I did shed some tears at the airport. I really have to take the bf's advice and not listen to sappy love songs while he is away.

His absence left me with a reflection of our relationship. Note: I used to write about the guys in my life all the time on this blog...so let's get back to my old ways with today's blog.

FYI: Today's blog is a cheesy one. If cheese isn't your cup of tea, you can definitely pass on reading this one :D

_________________________________

I still feel the charged excitement whenever you step in a room, give me a sweet smile, or even after hearing the ringtone of receiving a text message.

Electric sparks fly just like when we first started dating. It's been almost three years but to me each passing day feels like date number one. Everything feels new...somehow we managed to keep things feeling fresh.

This time it's different...Different and BETTER than any other by far.

I said to you "I've been hurt so many times in the past. Please try not to hurt me". You said "I am not going to promise you that just in case I do. I do not want to lie to you."

No games. No lies. Just honesty, communication and trust.

You made me overcome my fears. You made me learn to love again, which I thought impossible. Your love makes me strong but weakens me at the same time. I never once shared all of my deep thoughts, feelings and past with anyone as I do with you. You accept me for all of my faults. You prefer me without makeup (now that guy is a keeper!). You equally love my pre-contest and off-season bloated body (you make me feel so sexy everyday). You love me for me with no strings attached.

I wasn't looking for love. You weren't either. But somehow, it found us.

You are my supportive best friend and coach. You are my passionate lover. You are the other half that makes me
whole.

I adore you.

-Kim-

Sum It Up: Fashion For The Cure Fashion Show ft Public Myth

What a massive success the fashion show was last month!  

Thanks to all the hard work from Charmaine Mallari (Team True Charisma Team Chair/Owner of True Charisma Photography), amazing designers/hairstylists, dj's, makeup artists, charitable donors, beautiful models, supportive team members, talented photographers, tasty food c/o the caterers, and our fashionable stylist team (Adeline Bird & Reno Winston).  The turn out was unbelievable!  This all for the great cause of supporting to find a cure for breast cancer/breast cancer awareness.  Winnipeg's best was definitely there.  

And with the best was one of Canada's leading name in the fitness apparel industry...the one and only Public Myth.  If you want one-of-a-kind fitness apparel, PM is your go-to shop. (see below bottom image to find out what the models were wearing on stage).

Fun Fact: All the Public Myth clothing used on stage was from my very own collection.  Every couple of seconds someone would ask me where to purchase the clothing, I responded with the simple www.publicmyth.com

The clothes were a HUGE SMASH here in Winnipeg!

A special thanks goes out the CEO of Pubic Myth (Kerry).  Thanks for the generous donation to support the cause.  Congrats goes out to the lucky person who snagged the $100 Public Myth Gift Certificate in the silent auction draw.  You are going to LOVE your new gear :D 

SO....since I've been getting a lot of requests from YOU, my lovely followers, here are some stunning Public Myth pictures as well as other TALENTED local designers from the show.

Thanks to Rejean Brandt for the fantastic pictures.  Please visit his Facebook page to view the images,  "LIKE" his work and visit his website.  

Visit Rejean Brandt's Facebook Page to see closeup shots from the show.

Picture 1: Teaser Mesh Top, Cross Back Cami Bra & Booty Short

Picture 2: Teaser Jacket, Zip Booty Short

Picture 3: Teaser Sport Bra, Teaser Super Crop

Picture 4: Logo Racer Back Tank w/ Freedom Tank underneath, Retro Bamboo Short

Picture 5: Military Patch Jacket, Bamboo Racer Back Tank w/ Freedom Tank underneath, Teaser Legging

  

Throwback Thursday - Sept 27, 2012

I have to reflect on where I came from sometimes to know JUST HOW FAR I'VE come.  It was a long process but I am thankful each day for the choices I have made to get myself to where I am.

Don't take this life for granted as you only get one.  Make every day count.  

Thanks for stopping by :D

My New Fitness Gear

Check out the newest additions to my fitness gadget collection.  Featuring Muscles By Meyers, Fitmark Bags, Public Myth, Advanced Genetics & Because You're Fabulous.

ENJOY!

RELAX...just do it!

Eat, work, train, maybe school work (for you students), play with the kiddies (for you parents), eat a couple of times more, and then sleep.  
Sometimes it's just not enough to get by. 
Relaxing & Balancing:  Giving yourself a TIME OUT for some TLC will keep you sane in the membrane.  It's one of the things people overlook sometimes.  If not careful, one aspect (say your work) takes more precedence than something else that really needs attention (aka YOU & your mental/physical health).  After all, without that intact...you have nothing.

On the same wavelength as RELAXING, organization and time management are key when it comes to doing a successful balancing act.  Make a list of your priorities, schedule your day to fit in everything you need to get done (don't forget to schedule some downtime for yourself), and just like that...you have yourself a recipe for a well-rounded healthy lifestyle.  I am not going to say it's going to be easy but I AM going to say it makes for a full and exciting life.  ENJOY IT, as we only get one.    

Here are some of the things I do with my time:

Hang out with my friends.  

Enjoy my time with the family :D

Spend some QT with the boyfriend.

Workout AND take pics of myself for fun!

Train my #TeamSexy personal training clients daily.  

I also find time to keep this blog up-to-date, make YouTube videos, maintain my FB Fan page, see what's happening in the Twitter universe, watch movies, get pampered at the salon, dance in my apartment AND a whole bunch more of other fun & exciting stuff.

 Question: What do you do to relax?  How do you balance your life?

OH MY QUAD: The Leg Experiment

Legs, Legs Legs!  GLUTES, GLUTES, GLUTES! 

My most challenging barrier to date is numero uno...DAS LEGS!  Being a successful bikini competitor, the judges are looking for symmetry, shape, poise, complexion, skin tone (competition tan) and your model walk.  Visually, think about a physique similar to one of a Sports Illustrated model packing a bit more muscle.

GAME PLAN: Slimmer legs is the goal for the 2013 competition season.

Going catabolic on my quads is the focus right now.  Because I have too much muscularity on my quads, they need to shrink.  I love my legs to death (and I know some of you out there love my legs too LOL) but making a SACRIFICE is something that I just have to do to stay in the division.  Figure may well be in my future one day :D

Right now, Coach Sam has got me working on my legs 3 times a week with resistance training (so pretty much every other day) and of course my regular cardiovascular training (steady pace run or high intensity interval training).

It's a real internal struggle whenever a leg day rolls around for the fact that I have to lift lighter for resistance.  SO FOREIGN to me.  My mentality before was PUSH HEAVY...HEAVY ASS WEIGHTS but for now it's more reps and LIGHT WEIGHT BABY!!! (Ronnie Coleman voice)

The experiment is now underway and already I am seeing some success.  Stay tuned for an updated report of my findings.

WISH MY LEGS GOOD LUCK!  

So with 2013 coming around, I am thinking of applying for a grant from Sport Mantioba Assistance Program.  We all know competing can take an individual up into the $1000's as per cost with everything us women need to be BEAUTIFUL on that one day (hair, makeup, mani/pedi, competition tan, shoes, bikini, jewelry, airfare, hotel, post-competition eats, photo shoots, etc).  I say it doesn't hurt to try.  If I get declined, at least I know I tried.   

Another way I am going to try to cut my costs next year is with the help of my friends, family and followers.  There is this great website called GoFundMe.com, which is an online donation form to fund any event...or even a person in my case.  Basically, if you want to raise money for something, this is the website to go to.  Thanks to my fellow AG Teammates for this great find.  Probably in about 2 months, I have it all set up and ready for you to help me on my journey to the 2013 IFBB World Qualifiers. 

But enough talk...it's time to get back to the grind.   Happy training everyone.  Have a fabulous day!  

Thanks for stopping by my little blog.  *muah        

Bloat, Bloat, Bloat Your Boat

With off-season comes a little bit of bloated behaviour.  I am consuming more carbs, higher sodium intake (love my hot sauces & salsa), pushing heavy-a** weight at the gym & just loving life.

Carbs = Pure Happiness (jk)

My mantra right now is "Love They Body" but it's posing as a real challenge these days.  With my abs going undercover for the winter season and my torso growing wider and wider, it's a HUGE struggle some days than others.

Taken a week ago showing my off-season tummy.
Abs are probably less noticeable now.

The one thing I always come back to is this:  

It's only temporary and the minor short-term sacrifice will make a physique better in the long run.

Like I always say "Be Better Than Yesterday".  It's more like "Be Better Than Last Competition."  Bringing my best body to date is the game plan and this girl is on a mission.  THAT'S RIGHT my dear friends.  Mission Pro Card is back on and in full swing.  

2013 IFBB World Qualifiers will be my next showing and I cannot wait to show all of Canada what I have to offer.  It's going to be one heck of a year.  

I say DREAM BIG and NEVER let anyone bring you down.    

X Marks the Spot...again!

I am thrilled to share with you all my newest featured published work in this month's newest issue of Fitness X Magazine.  It's a brand new section called "The Champions of Fitness".  I figured why not submit my information and *Fingers crossed* they pick me.

The day has come and I am just in awe.  

Down below is the screen shot image of it but you can purchase your own copy for $25 in print (buy online) or see it for FREE in the digital version here.

ENJOY it as I am!

Wordless Wednesday - September 5, 2012

Holly Jolly Off-Season

Oh it's that special time of the year again!  Kinda like Christmas but WAY BETTER!  I am talking about "off-season"!!!

I say better because the weather is spectacular, my tan is au natural and my presents/gifts are my yummy treat meals :D

Wednesday is my last photo shoot of the year with the great True Charisma Photography (the last one FOR REAL this time).  I will officially be on "growth season" after that.  (Cue red velvet cupcake after last shot of the day is taken).  

Here are some of the things I will miss most:

• My slender frame (Say hello to Holly Jolly Kimmy..HO HO HO)
• My abs (Bye bye my dear friends)
• Fitting into my XS clothing (WAAAAaaaahhhh)

Here are some of the things I will not miss one bit:

• Two-a-days at the gym, specifically speaking about CARDIO (Eww)
• Minimal carbs (I love my oats too much!)
• Water depleting (I hate this part since water is my go-to liquid)
• ....oh and did I mention doing cardio?  LOL

Most competitors are not lean & mean all year round (besides the pros).  What the fitness magazine show you is a fitness model at their peak.  They didn't just wake up and decide "HEY, I am going to do a photo shoot today."  

In my opinion, it takes a good 3-4 weeks of prep to be absolutely ready for a shoot.  If you are paying the photographer or even if they are offering their services complimentary...one should not waste their time and yours as well.  If you want amazing shots, you had better be putting in the work.  The camera really does add 10 lbs.  Be prepared!

If you ever see an off-season fitness model, they are a tad bit bloated than say their on-stage physique, approximately 5-15 lbs heavier and able to lift heavier weights than on pre-contest (due to the increase of energy from carbs).  

Let's face it!  If you want to see changes within your physique (even minor ones) an off-season is essential.   Temporary changes such as bloated-ness will happen but ALL OF US should embrace the changes in our "houses". 

Brick by brick...we grow to be better than the day before.  Aim for it!  

Hail to off-season!