I PASSED!!!!!

Today I got my certificate for personal training through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I know it might not seem like a big deal, but it is for me. In my pursuit of acting, I have found a true passion for health and fitness. I've been consistently going to the gym for over 6 years, and everyone I know, or whom have met me has wondered why I'm not a trainer, or instructor. It was something that has always been in the back of my mind.

After my life changing trip to New York, in Feb, I decided to start another Tony Robbins program. For those of you who don't know who or what Tony Robbins does, please check him out now if not sooner. Tony Robbins is one of the most gifted, giving, incredible human beings on the planet. He would be my choice if I could choose any living person in the world to have dinner with. Anyways, I set some goals and one was to finally get my personal training certificate.

Although my life dream isn't to be a personal trainer, it's to work as an actress on a hit television sitcom. However, it's a passion that gives me so much enjoyment and pleasure. I'm fascinated by the human body, and when I do have the opportunity to help someone with their fitness goals, it makes me happy, I love it! I honestly love everything about health and fitness.

I set a goal and purchased the program on March 29th, today July 8th I achieved my goal and feel amazing. When I got my results I was so happy I started crying. I did the hard work, and it payed off.

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
Make a decision and set a goal today, right now!!!!!!! When you achieve this goal you will feel AMAZING!!!!!

Are you eating enough

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July. I actually celebrated Friday night with my best friend Ben. We went out and had a blast. I spent all day studying for my big test yesterday. I have scheduled it and have so much to prepare for. This test is crazy, I can't believe all of the information that I am required to know.

I've had a lot on my mind recently, so today I decided to cycle for over an hour. I completely got out of my head and had a fantastic ride, followed by a quick ab routine. I burned an enormous amount of calories today so I will be consuming more food than usual. I need to nourish my body and replace my energy sources. I need to eat enough to gain lean body mass.

This got me thinking about food, nutrition, and body images. I'm not going to lie, there was a time when I was WAY to skinny. I was obsessed with what I ate and I really didn't look that good. During this time I was doing cardio like a mad woman. If I knew then what I know now.

I can't reiterate how important nutrition is. Your body is your temple, you have to feed it properly. If you are eating a balanced, healthy diet you can consume a lot of food. During my mission to becoming a fitness professional I have seriously increased my food consumption............ and I have stayed the same size. It doesn't matter how much you workout and train, if your body isn't getting the proper nutrients you will not see the results. Please, FEED YOUR BODY CORRECTLY!!!!!

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
A good way to start developing a healthy diet is to focus on adding healthy, nutrient rich foods. Don't focus on eliminating the bad foods. By adding good foods to your diet in a consistent manner, the bad foods will eventually go away, and you will quit craving them.

Small setbacks

After my mother left yesterday I immediately started straightening up my apartment. My hand held vacuum, a cone vac, died on me. As I was taking it to the trash chute it slipped through my hands and landed directly on my big toe. I can't explain the excruciating pain. The first thing that went through my mind was how in the world I was going to do my sprinting, or any cardio for that matter.

Instead of focusing on my pain and the negative, I remembered what it felt like to fracture my ankle and not be able to walk. I put on my gym clothes and went downstairs. I was in fact unable to perform cardiovascular exercise, but I sure killed my legs and abs with weights. Today, still unable to perform cardio work, I completely used all my strength and energy training my arms. At this point my whole body hurts, which is a feeling I welcome.

The point to all of this is, yes, it sucks, my toe is killing me........however, I didn't let it keep me from taking care of myself. It would have been easier to do nothing and blow everything off. Keeping yourself in good health does take hard work, but I love myself, and it's worth it. In life we will all go through some type of setbacks, big or small, when this happens try and find a positive in it and keep on going.

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
Line dry your workout apparel instead of throwing the gear in the dryer with the rest of your laundry. High heat and fabric softners break down the wicking properties of performance fabrics.

Time with Mom

My mother was in town visiting. It had been awhile since I have seen her, I devoted all my time and attention to her while she was in LA. I needed a good dose of mom. I'm really fortunate to have such a kind, caring, mother and I love her with all my heart.

However, I had to prepare myself for her arrival. My mother is overweight and not the healthiest, it really bothers me. I'm concerned for her health, and want her around as long as possible. I try and bite my tongue as best as can be, but I just want to train her like a drill sergeant.

During her stay I did get her to go with me to the gym one day. I let her work at her own pace, I was so happy to see her exercising. If my mother who is sixty years old, and had a knee replacement 2 years ago can get to the gym..........SO CAN YOU!!!!!! Please, love yourself enough to take 30 minutes and take care of your body!!!! At first it will be challenging, but then it will be like second nature and you will feel so much better.

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
When you eat deserts, take your time eating. Sit down and savor the taste, use utensils (even if not needed), and chew your food slowly and properly. This will help you only eat one piece. This is how the owner of Sprinkles (a famous cupcake chain in LA) keeps her eating under control.

My fabulous pole!

It's Friday, this week has flown past me. I woke up very well rested this morning, I love that, ya know, when your sleep is really deep.....the last couple of nights have been like that. Remember, get your sleep!!!!! Sleeping plays a vital role in your health. Six hours minimum, I prefer eight.

Today I trained my arms, every week I get excited about the strength I am gaining. I'm particularly happy today because my stripper pole for fitness is being installed. I can't wait!!! I feel like a child waiting to open her Christmas gifts. I have had this pole sitting in the package for almost a month now, a friend of mine has been promising me that he would come over to install it.........I got sick of waiting and hired someone. If you want something done, and your single, you have to do it yourself...........or in my case, hire someone. That's probably the most difficult part about being a single gal in this town with no family, but I make do, and when I do find that special man I'll appreciate him that much more.

I can't explain what a great workout pole dancing is. I'm on the advanced level, I can do acrobats and tricks that require a lot of strength. Now that I have my own pole I plan on entering competitions. It is a really fun sport that is also challenging. I encourage women of all shapes and sizes to try it. Have a safe, healthy weekend!

Thank you for reading, and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
Calorie-packed foods can now be found in furniture stores, pharmacies, clothing shops, etc. If you plan on running errands and know your going to be out for awhile, grab a healthy snack to take along so you don't get tempted.

Let go of your past

This morning my friend made me a meal replacement protein shake. He is another fanatic so I trusted him regarding the ingredients. When I got back to my home I went to the gym and I had so much energy. It's crazy that a liquid shake can do that, I know he blended protein and other nutrients, whatever was in that delicious concoction, it sure did it's job. I went hardcore training my legs.

Within the last six months I've made major life changes. I realized I wasn't living life to it's full potential. I did a lot of self digging and I finally let go of my past. Isn't it crazy how we hold on to things that happened years ago? There is a saying, "don't let the past dictate your future",this is also true in attaining your fitness goals.

Whatever mistakes you have made that lead you down the wrong path, please let them go. Don't think of what you couldn't or didn't do yesterday, a year, or even longer. Don't obsess over the weight you've put on in the past years, or what you have been eating. Start the day off new, this is your life, live it to it's healthy potential. At the end of the day you will rest assure that you made the most of it, and will be excited for tomorrow.

Thank you for reading, and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
If your getting a little sick of salmon, cook leaner fillets, like cod, in sunflower oil. It's another way to get your omega-3's. Doing so ups the amount of heart-healthy fats in the dish.

Do something you've been putting off

I had a really good day yesterday, I did a 30 minute leg/butt routine with rubber bands, a small ball, and weights. Later, I went and completely cleared my mind with yoga. I'm a member of Exhale, in Venice, it's literally right in front of the beach. I love when I drive into town and see the beautiful ocean. I left earlier yesterday so I could spend sometime by myself at the beach. That, along with my yoga practice was exactly what I needed, I was completely at peace.

I just got in from the gym, and I had an unbelievable workout. I bought Eminem's new CD yesterday (I'm a huge fan), it is fabulous! I listened to it during my training and his new beats gave me so much energy. I did my sprinting, followed by a full body routine. I thoroughly love and enjoy his music.

Today I am going to the dentist. I can't express how much I HATE HATE HATE going to the dentist. I have been putting this off for quite some time. I go see all my other Dr.'s no problem, but I really dislike going to the dentist.

Today, examine your fitness goals.......what have you been putting off? What exercises or routine is really difficult that you find to hard to complete or start? I challenge you to get over this hurdle, and just do it!!!! I know at the end of the day, I will feel really good knowing I bucked up and got my teeth taken care of.

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
When you are craving a burger and fries, try this substitute: A healthy turkey burger on Ezekiel bread or a whole wheat bun, (or no bread),along with baked sweet potato fries. This is a guilt free way to get your burger fix. Remember, when purchasing ground turkey read the packaging and make sure the meat is 90 percent lean and contains fewer than 5 grams of saturated fat. Some ground turkey contains dark meat and skin, which can make them high in saturated fat and calories.