2012 Reflections

There is a lot I have learned in 2012 that has changed my life for the better, and occasionally for the worst. I'm not a sappy person, I'm really not. In fact, I really hate when people get all sentimental and emotional and reflect on their past, share inspiring quotes 24/7, all that fun stuff. 

I'm not going to sit here and say that 2012 was my year of metamorphosis. I'm not going to sit here and say that with the beginning of 2013, there will be a "new year, new me." It's not my goal to mindfully try to change myself throughout the year. I believe that change just happens, whether it was intentional or not.

I know that in the beginning of 2012, I really did want to change. On the very first day of the year, I met and sat down with my trainer for the very first time in an effort to clean up the mess that had become my life.

I was fragile, mentally and emotionally. I was miserable, and I really get bothered when people wish misery on someone they don't like because I feel that any person who hasn't done a horrible crime does not deserve misery. I would not wish that upon anyone.

I've learned a lot about myself that deep down, I knew was there but didn't know how to reveal it. Ultimately, I am super independent. I tend to rely only on myself, and no one else. In certain circumstances this is a good thing, especially if you consistently let people push you over, but honestly, everyone needs someone to confide in. When I had something bothering me, I would not tell a single soul because I honestly believed that no one cared. But that is not true. Someone does care. I have learned this.

I've also learned that sometimes, when life pushes you down, you can obviously just let yourself fall or your can pick yourself back up and begin again. It's much easier to just stay on the ground, isn't it? But the satisfaction is so much greater when you get back on your feet. The best way to turn away negativity is to beam a smile. Try it.

I'm sometimes too blunt, and sometimes too abstract. My mood changes with the flick of a switch. I can be completely and utterly satisfied one minute, and then absolutely irritated to no end the next. And the people who know this and are STILL by my side are the ones I value in my life.

To some of my blogger friends... Alexandra, you are my SOUL SISTAH. We have so much in common and it honestly makes me so sad that you live so far away. But distance doesn't matter! Because you are awesome and one day we shall meet and be big fitness geeks and I am 100% okay with this. :) Alek, you are a great kid and I could not be more happier that you e-mailed me this July and that I was able to help you. You inspire me to be a better person. Katie, you are a fantastic girl with such a bright future, words can't even put together how big you will make it one day. Shine bright like a diamond.

Here's some pictures of the people that have hugely impacted my year. A big thank you goes out to them. Love you all. <3

McKenna, my partner in crime. You know I love you and all that you have done for me. <3

Daddio <3

Mamabear <3

The broski, Quin <3

Ashley <3

Mar-bear! <3 And McKenna again. :)

Steve!

Mike!

Thanks to all these awesome people. There were a lot more but I didn't want a whole page of pictures. I hope everyone has a great New Years and I WILL be blogging more frequently, that is a promise! :)

Comparing Yourself To A Victoria's Secret Model

So who watched the Victoria’s Secret fashion show last week or so? I didn’t. But I know a number of people did and there are a few things I would like to address.

As I was reading the tweets on my timeline, all I was rereading repeatedly was how girls my age wish they “looked like the Victoria’s Secret models.” Well, that’s great and all but it really struck a nerve in me.

Yes, I completely concede to the fact that these women have absolutely stunning bodies. While my ideal body is not quite as thin as these women, I commend them for maintaining such great physiques if done in a healthy manner. We all know the red flags that come with keeping in shape for modeling. 

With that being said, I don’t think they exemplify reality for most girls. I’m sick and tired of seeing a Victoria’s Secret model on the cover of Shape magazine, giving all her little nutrition and fitness tips. “I eat greens with fish for lunch.” “I drink a lot of water.” “Moderation is key, and sometimes when I want a nibble of a decadent cookie, I’ll take a miniscule bite and call it a day.”

I always thought Alessandra Ambrosio was stunning.

Oh, and their “workouts” really get me. Using 5 lb. dumbbells at most, their workouts almost entirely consist of core exercises (to achieve those perfect lines in the stomach) and butt and hip exercises to lift the butt and makes the hips appear thinner. And there is almost always a yoga sequence that many models claim give them their “svelte physiques.”

Alright, here’s the blunt of the rant… first and foremost, no one in reality has the time in a day to devote to the meal planning and workouts of these models. They have personal trainers, personal chefs, and nutritionists that cost thousands of dollars to help them keep their stunning physiques. Their chefs make them their healthy meals, their trainers pound them into the ground for hours a day and their nutritionists can help them monitor what is going into their bodies.

They can claim in these little “fitness” magazines all they want about what the “right” way to get their bodies are but this will not actually happen. In reality, keeping those figures of theirs IS their job. Spending hours a day on a treadmill and doing endless core/butt/hip exercises is what they do. Everyone else realistically may a job to go to, may have school to go to, may have children to look after, must make their own healthy meals, does not have as much money as these models, etc. 

It completely and utterly irks the hell out of me when these models want to give their little health tips giving off the false impression that if they can do it, well then good golly gosh everyone can! -_- 

NO. 

And it seriously bothers me when girls my age only seem to watch the fashion show to compare their looks to those of the models.

It doesn’t seem (to me, at least) that the purpose of the fashion show is to show off the new Victoria’s Secret fashions; rather it is the chance for the girls of the world to consciously or subconsciously compare their bodies to the models’ and for the guys to swoon over the sexy ladies strutting their stuff across the catwalk. 

Here’s my main point… GIRLS. It is not realistic to vie to have the bodies of the models because it is a large component of their career to look that way, in which they have many hours of the day to focus on keeping in shape. Doing their workouts and following their “example diet plans” to a T is NOT going to get you their bodies. I wish a model would get interviewed by a women’s “fitness” magazine and say “Look, I’m not going to sugar-coat it for you. I have a trainer, chef, and nutritionist. I also have a nanny to take care of my kids for me while I’m busting my ass in the gym”, instead of giving these “tips” that falsely lead a gullible girl to believe that they can achieve that look too if they do the exact same thing.

And lastly, I DO appreciate the hard work that goes into their bodies, however I am going to share my HONEST opinion (so no one attack me). I think these models are too damn thin. Their arms are so skinny and their legs are like sticks. I probably sound pretty damn harsh but that is how I feel. I personally believe that obtaining muscle and having a little more meat on the bones is much more ideal for me. But to each his own, I suppose. I’ve BEEN that thin and coming from personal experience, I didn’t like the way I felt physically OR mentally, so trust me when I say that being “thin” does not equate to happiness.

Questions: How did you feel about the fashion show? What are your thoughts on this subject?

Making My Career Dreams Reality

If you are a teenager, you may be going through what I am going through in thinking about my future right now. What do I do? Which direction do I choose? How do I get there? All these questions bombard my head and sometimes it becomes a bit overwhelming.

If you have been a teenager, you may remember feeling this way at some point in your own life as well. I've always been very ambitious, and sometimes my ambition does not work in my favor because I get too antsy for the future instead of sitting back and enjoying my life now. 

Over the past few months, I've had many long contemplation sessions about what I want to do with my life. When I was little, I wanted to be a veterinarian. In 3rd grade, when I discovered that I had to put many animals down, this was out of the question. Then, I wanted to be a teacher. But then I realized I would have to deal with one too many children and I just can't do that. Talk about a massive migraine. I moved on to wanting to be a marine biologist, but eventually I realized that since I didn't live near the ocean, the profession just was not for me. Next was a psychologist, which I have expressed my wants for becoming on the blog before. And although I still am really intrigued by psychology, I'm going to be real honest with you all--I do NOT want to go through 8 years of schooling. No can do.

Without a doubt, I know I want my career to be fitness-related since it truly is my #1 passion in life. I feel as if that the career I have one day should make me happy and not miserable like millions of Americans wasting away at their desk jobs. 

I have decided on majoring in physiology and minoring in business. I want to become a trainer and lifestyle coach for those who don't know how to get healthy without a little push. I want to have my own business, and I want it to be big.

(source)

Yup. That's me. But I also really want to be a fitness model. Yes...I said it. So many people when you tell them that you want to do any kind of modeling always seem to be very skeptical and think that it's hard to get into. Well, obviously it is. But if you know me, you know that I don't stop until I reach my goals. I'm definitely not someone that will give up just because it takes a little extra hard work.

I love seeing pictures like this because I know that one day that will be me (notice I said "will" and not "might):

(source)

I think seeing shots like this show off the beauty there is to be seen with muscle, on both males AND females. I think it's beautiful and I do not see it cast in a "sexy" light. I'm not like that. I want to show off what I've worked hard for in the gym and the kitchen, sorry I am not sorry.

And you all obviously know that among being a trainer/fitness businesswoman and fitness model, I want to be a figure competitor.

The ever so lovely Nicole Wilkins. (source)

That has been a HUGE dream of mine from the beginning and I can't wait to turn 18 to start competing. I know it will happen. I know that if I push myself towards my dreams, they will become reality.

I've told numerous people so far about my goals for my future, and many of these people have flat out told me that it seems unrealistic, that physiology isn't a popular nor great major, that a owning a fitness business is impractical, that wanting to be a fitness model seems quite silly, and that competing in figure competitions is just straight up ridiculous.

Well, sorry, but at least I have goals and I want a career that will make me happy some day, not miserable. :) 

Questions: What did you want to be when you were little? What do you want to be now? Have you reached the goals/dreams you set out for yourself?

Cherishing My Loved Ones

If you all follow me on Instagram, I'm sure you are aware what happened last night.

Yes, that is me hanging over the side of my brother's hospital bed and snapping a picture as he was laughing because he was a little drugged up.

So here's what went down:

My brother doesn't go to the gym with me. He likes his alone time at the gym and I completely understand because I am the same way. I had gone to the gym earlier and had come home. By the time I got home, my brother had already left himself to go to the gym.

My mom and I had just gotten back from the grocery store and I had gotten in the shower. As I was coming out, all I heard from my mom as she was frantically running around grabbing things was "CAR ACCIDENT. QUIN (my brother's name). AMBULANCE. HOSPITAL. GOTTA GO. NOW." 

With that, my parents fled the house and I was left to wonder what the hell was going on. I've never felt so scared in my entire life. The unknown is a seriously terrifying thing. I had a complete and utter meltdown. I was imagining what my life would be without my brother. I lost it.

Eventually, my dad had come back to pick me up. My Twitter page was buzzing with people talking about this huge accident on the main road in my town, and many of them saying that they were praying for the people in the crash. This scared me out of my wits because at this time I had no idea about the extent of the injuries inflicted upon my brother or the two drivers that were also in the crash.

My dad explained to me this: There were two female drivers in the other car. On the main road in my town, their light turned red as my brother was prepared to turn left. He had gotten the green arrow and was beginning to turn, but the driver in the other car decided to run the red and smashed head-on into my brother. 

The car was destroyed. As my dad and I drove past the scene of the accident, there was so much traffic, blaring lights from nearly half the police coming to the scene, another ambulance, and the two cars which were annihilated to shreds. But I don't even care about the car. I was adamant on getting to my brother.

We drove to the hospital, all the while my heart was beating like a maniac. I couldn't wait to walk into his room and see him for myself. When I got in there, I couldn't hold back my tears. He was bruised everywhere and he could barely keep his eyes open. But he was okay. I have never felt more relieved in my entire life. I wanted to jump up and down with joy but sit down and cry at the same time.

After a long night at the hospital, we left. His clavicle is popped out of place and he has some pretty bad whiplash, but ultimately he is alive and doing well. He is resting and nurse Brittany is here to take care of him.

Up until this experience, I always thought nothing bad could happen to me, that God wouldn't dare take someone as innocent as my brother away from me. But sometimes bad things happen to good people. I am so grateful that my brother is alive.

Please cherish your loved ones ALWAYS because you never know when they could be taken away from you. And BE SAFE WHILE DRIVING. 

Have a great day everyone. :)

The Definition of Fitness & Fitness Bullies

Hello guys. :)

I realize my blogging has become rather inconsistent, but I'm dealing with a lot of things in my life right now and the blog has had to take a backseat. I am seriously trying to find a more consistent pattern, so don't worry. :)

I've been thinking a lot lately about my own definition of fitness. What does it mean to ME to be fit? Everyone has their own definition of fitness and it can get quite irritating when someone refuses to acknowledge that everyone has their own opinions.

For me, my definition of fitness consists of lifting heavy weights, cycling in moderate/light weights, getting cardiovascular at least 3x per week (HIIT being the best form of cardio), stretching consistently, and doing some sort of metabolic conditioning.

(source)

This is MY definition. However, I am fully aware that someone else's definition differs drastically from my own. For some people, they define fitness as being able to run a full marathon. Some people say that it's all about mastering the art of yoga. Some people say that to be truly fit, you must be a powerlifter.

Everyone has their own niche. Fitness for me personally revolves around lifting weights. I love it, it keeps my mind healthy and it keeps my body healthy. But for someone who isn't into lifting and may be into running, powerlifting, yoga, Pilates, etc. I can completely understand and accept their definition of fitness.

It is really sad when I continuously see "fitness experts" (or so they think) blatantly shaming people for not following their definition of fitness and quite frankly being a fitness bully. "Oh, well long distance running increases your cortisol levels so you'll stay fat." "Lifting weights is really quite taxing on the body so it should be kept to a minimum." I could go on and on and on. 

The way I see it, as long as someone gets their BUTT off the COUCH, that is something to be proud of. To these "fitness experts" I would ask, would you rather them be sitting all day inhaling flaming hot Cheetos and Krispy Kreme donuts or finding some sort of way to be active even if it doesn't fit YOUR definition of fitness? Mhmm, that's what I thought.

And lastly, since I am already ranting at all, I cannot stand people who shame "fat people" for going to the gym. It disgusts me that someone has the audacity to say "Ew, why is that FAT person at the gym? They are so FAT. Why are they hogging the bike? They should leave." Uhmm, excuse me?! What do you think the gym is for?! So you can come and judge everyone since you're all high and mighty and mold to your own definition of "fit"?! That "fat" person is at the gym in the first place to TRY and make a difference. They wouldn't be there just to lounge around and stare at walls. They most likely realize that they need to take control of their health and getting themselves to the gym is the first step. Give them some credit. At least they are TRYING. They may not know exactly what "plan" is best for them at the moment but the start of a 1,000-mile journey begins with one single step, A.K.A. stepping foot in the gym.

(source)

Plain and simple, don't be a fitness bully. Don't shove your own definition of fitness down everyone's throat and preach to the high gods that you are right and everyone else is wrong. Don't judge others at the gym and worry about your own progress and improving yourself.

Rant over. Have a lovely day everyone. :)

Questions: What irks you about the fitness world? Have you ever been a fitness bully?

Proud Of Myself

Ick. I really hate studying my body because typically I will find something wrong with it. Every time.

But my trainer always reminds me to look at myself in the mirror: look at all the bonuses and the flaws that combine together to make this girl that is me. And by taking progress pictures, I can evaluate throughout the months where I need to improve on certain areas but namely to be PROUD of my accomplishments thus far into my journey.

Why, yes, I did get into this dreaded bikini that I own and yes, I did take pictures of my muscles and I did feel proud. No, I will not post them here but honestly, looking at them, I feel so incredibly happy with my body. I felt amazing and strong and muscular. My legs were popping out, my abs looked ripped, my arms looked full. I didn't look like the skeleton that I normally see myself as.

I admit, while some people see themselves 'fatter' in the mirror due to body dysmorphia, I see myself as 'thinner' because at one point I was so thin. I just always see that girl that I USED to be, and I am just finally starting to embrace the strong, muscular girl that I am NOW.

Yes, I do have quite a bit farther to go, but I am damn proud of the progress I have already achieved. I'm not even trying to boast, but for a 16-year-old, I look pretty fit and muscular and I am really proud to be able to say that. I take what I do seriously. I lift and eat right because I WANT to. It makes me feel GOOD. It's my passion. It's who I am.

I am by NO MEANS training for a figure competition now. But man, when that time where I am 18 and eligible to compete rolls around, you better bet that I will be more than ready to get up on that stage. Right now, I am just getting a "head start" but in all seriousness, I am lifting the way I am now because it's the number one thing I enjoy doing. It's as simple as that.

I appreciate all the support I have gotten. It means so much to me. If you want to see some more of my progress pictures, check out my Instagram. My username is brittanyterry.

And, just for fun, here's a picture of me messing around on a BOSU ball. ;) Have a great weekend everyone!

I'm Baaaack!

I’m alive. I swear.

This was after a nap. And my hair is pretty messy...judge me. ;)

Sorry for the rather long break from blogging that I took. With Thanksgiving and the plethora of school work I have been assigned, I have honestly had no time nor motivation to sit down and write a post. But I’m back…for now.

My Thanksgiving was fantastic: I consumed so much food I didn’t care at all. What really irritates me is when bloggers or even people I know in general talk about eating so much “crap” on Thanksgiving but

that’s okay because it’s all about balance!

-_-

No. I’d rather not have to read over and over again that someone’s only justification for eating ‘crap’ was about balancing life. Sorry, but do you want to know why I ate so much crap on Thanksgiving? Because I was hungry, I wanted to, and all that food was too delicious to even think about resisting. So I didn’t. And this is what I looked like:

No shame, friends. No shame.

I also went to a party and ate even more crap, so get at me. I didn’t blow up the next day and I happened to have the best salmon cakes in the history of ever. (If McKenna is reading this, she understands, although she is a vegatar.) I’m still dreaming about them. The

withdrawals are getting stronger and stronger each day. I don't mean to 'offend' anyone, but I am just giving my honest opinion. Feel free to disagree with me, but if I see the word balance one more time...well, I don't know what is going to happen. Maybe this? 

(Source)

Don’t worry, I’m still eating healthy but I really do like eating copious amounts of sugar sometimes. Sorry I’m not sorry.

On the fitness front, I’m losing my motivation friends. I don’t get the same feeling ignited in my heart going to the gym anymore. Yes, the gym is still my second home. But I am starting to dread my workouts when I used to look forward to them. I feel like I have lost some of my strength. So, what’s my solution?

I am taking a deload week. I am going for an entire week (oh my good golly gosh!) without lifting a single weight. 

Yes, I said it. I personally feel like I need this to not only give my mind a break, but to give my body a much needed break. Perhaps I have been pushing too hard and that’s why I don’t feel as strong. I feel that if I give my body a whole week to recover, I’ll show up at the gym a week later with a rejuvenated body and mind—and my motivation will be back as well.

This is hard for me, I am not going to lie. I love lifting. It is honestly my passion. And giving it up for a week is like the Cookie Monster giving up cookies for a week. It just doesn’t work. However, I know I NEED this and therefore I am relying on my willpower to stop and smell the roses. I’m lucky I have such good willpower or I’d probably cave and lift heavy weights after a day.

I’ll update you all throughout the week (hopefully, if I don’t have too much work). I’m planning on using this week to relax, spend time with my friends and family, eat good food, perhaps take a crack at some mind-resting yoga and Pilates, focus on upper and lower body plyos, go on long walks, and drink copious amounts of hot coffee and tea. Sound like a plan?

Oh, and here's some more cool pictures from these past few weeks. Just for fun! ;)

My brother and I throughout the years. I love you bro. <3

I was the demon child, no big deal.

Some of the two most inspirational ladies in my life. I seriously don't know where the hell I would be without them.

I like showing off my veins...get at me.

My buddy Mike at the gym. This guy has helped me with so much and I owe a lot of the progress I have made to him. Thanks Mike! <3 (Even though he CAN'T SMILE.)

After some intense plyos. I love those socks, by the way. Becoming a quadzilla!

Questions: Have you ever taken a deload week? How was your Thanksgiving?

More Progress (With Pics!)

Sorry for the lack of posting on my behalf. I've been slammed with work and things to do this past week and I cannot WAIT for Thanksgiving to roll around. I swear, physics will be the death of me.

Moving on... I feel like I frequently post progress posts but I feel the need now to update you all on what I've been up to in the gym.

I've been lifting quite heavy for a long period of time. My body is really starting to reap the soreness and for the next two weeks or so, I'm doing a lot of low weight, high reps stuff. It is so boring. I understand the necessity of it, but my niche is definitely with the heavy weights. Yesterday, I did a chest workout and the lowest amount of reps I did was 15. Do you know how boring it is to count to 15 reps? It's quite boring.

However, I know this is exactly what my body needs: a rest from lifting heavy. It's important to follow periodization, which means for a few weeks you focus on the heavy weights, and then shift to lifting light weeks for a few weeks and then repeat. This allows your body to get some rest from lifting really heavy all the time while also maintaining muscle mass and giving the body a chance to actually grow. Believe it or not, but when you annihilate your body everyday in the gym with heavy weights, you won't grow. You're just destroying your body and not giving it a chance to rest and recover. The recovery is where the muscle grows.

Anyways, here's a few pictures of my progress. This has to be one of the proudest moments in my life, seeing this progress. It may seem trivial to someone else who doesn't understand my passion for lifting weights, but to me it just means the world. Thank you for all your support!

Six pack coming in. One day, I will have Andreia Brazier's. ;)

Gun show!

Legs babayyy. Were dem quadz at?!

Veins on veins on veins.

I want a big back baby!

Working on the booty. White girl swaggg.

And just to give you all something to compare these pictures to, this was me last year some time...

Skinny skinny skinnnnny! 

But I do not regret ever being too skinny. It was who I was. I'm so proud of all my achievements in and out of the gym. This is my life. I love lifting, and one day my career will revolve around it, that I know for sure. I have a lot of goals ahead of me, and I can't wait to tackle them head on.

Have a great day guys, and smash those weights. :)

I Went To A CrossFit Box!

A lot of people seem to have conflicting opinions on the subject of CrossFit. Obviously, the ones who are hardcore advocates will recommend it to every single person that they talk to, and the traditional bodybuilders will probably turn a cold shoulder to the idea of this CrossFit "stuff."

Annie Thorisdottir, women's winner of the CrossFit games, A.K.A. "Thor's daughter." (Source)

I'm very open-minded. The world of fitness does not have one simple defintion. There's a number of ways you can be fit, and one certain way isn't above the rest. Although I really do enjoy the body part splits when I lift, I've been getting bored with my typical "routine." 

This would consist of me choosing a specific body part for each day of the week. While I absolutely love this split, I've been getting a little bored with it. I wanted something to spice up my training, and give me motivation to get my butt in the gym door. When I heard that a CrossFit box opened up literally right next to my gym, I was all for it. In fact, a trainer at the gym I go to is also one of the coaches at the CrossFit box. Let me just say, this guy is a beast. Often times, I will see him doing pull-ups with 45 pound plates attached to his waist from a belt. When he squats, he stacks on the 45's. They don't intimidate him one bit! And he's very smart.

That's one of the assumptions with CrossFit: that the coaches are not smart and will lead their trainees to injury. This is overgeneralization. While it's true that any Joe Schmo can go get CrossFit certified and start training soon afterwards, many CrossFit coaches take the time and effort to ensure that they know what they are talking about, and that they wouldn't throw anyone an Olympic bar if they've never even touched one before.

(Source)

Although I obviously have been lifting for awhile, I always need to remember that I have to start out small, and build upon my strength. Yesterday, I took a CrossFit elements class. It was really fun and INTENSE. Woo! I learned the basics, but since I already have a good understanding of the primary lifts, I was able to do a modified WOD to see where my fitness level was. I did "Fran's Little Sister" which was 15-12-9 reps of thrusters and ring dips. WHAT A RUSH!

Source

I truly did enjoy it. I think a CrossFit fire has been lit under my butt. However, with that being said, I am NOT giving up lifting in the bodybuilding sense. I am simply adding CrossFit as a supplement to my training maybe one or two days per week. I think it'll be fun and it will get my motivation back where it needs to be. I loved the intensity. In 6 minutes, I got a brutal workout that I am sore from today. And I did it all with perfect form! The coach I had was a tough guy: when I was starting to rapidly fatigue, he yelled and screamed at me to finish it. That is my kind of encouragement. Some people don't like when people do this as a means to encourage them to finish, but I love it. It makes me go that extra mile to prove that person that I AM capable. And afterwards, he was all smiles and gave me a thousand hi-5's. I don't get that kind of camaraderie at my gym. Although I have tons of friends and buddies at my gym, I am usually encouraging myself. This was something different and I truly enjoyed it.

So, yes, CrossFit will be added to the list of things to accomplish. Maybe one of these days I'll actually be able to overhead squat. ;)

Questions: Have you ever been to a CrossFit box? What's your honest opinion about CrossFit? How do you like to be encouraged?

5 Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weights

(Source)

I saw this on Pinterest, read it, and then proceeded to freak out joyfully about how true this is. 

First up, women are afraid of themselves and the amount of work put into lifting heavy. They don't want to look "bulky" or "too muscular", not realizing that muscle is beautiful, your body operates so much better when you have it, and that anyone who takes a chunk of time out of their life to obtain this muscle kicking their own booty in the gym deserves a lot of respect. Women for so long have been obsessed with this stick-thin presence. You can't go anywhere in public without seeing some Victoria's Secret ad with a tiny model with no figure plastered somewhere. When women watch TV, they get programs from Dr. Oz and other sources telling them to eat "low-fat 100-calorie Oreos" and eating a diet of 1,200 calories. Oh, and then doing 2 hours of cardio per day. This will get you that stick-thin figure! But is it worth it?! NO. If only I had my own television program. Y'all would hear my rants about lifting heavy and eating REAL FOOD in the amount you NEED TO FUNCTION. See? I've already got my own gears running. Ladies, muscle is beautiful. Strong is beautiful. Embrace it.

As for the second part of this quote... the men. I'm sorry if you are a male reading this, but some of you men are so critical to women in the weight room. Where is the sign that says "No women allowed"? Yeah, I can't find it either. A lot of the antipathy men feel towards women who lift is directed towards their ego. God forbid that a women can lift heavier than a male. I get it, males have that need to be the dominant species. But that doesn't mean that men have to call women with muscle and strength "gross and manly". Puh-lease. How about you appreciate the woman's hard work? Do you realize that for a woman to be able to lift heavier than a man takes a lot of time and effort in the weight room? Men are naturally stronger than women. This is an accomplishment. Men go around wanting to be the heavy lifters in the weight room. Gosh, by this point I can't even count the amount of dudes (notably younger guys) that are so concerned about the amount of weight that others are lifting that they hurl heavy weights over their head and can't even move them an inch. The point is, women have a place in the weight room just like everyone else. Worry about YOURSELF when you lift and focus on improving your own strength. And no, men, women who are strong and muscular aren't the antithesis of being a lady.

With that all being said (phew!), here are six legitimate reasons why women should lift heavy (and no, pink-coated 5 lb. dumbbells don't count):

1. It boosts metabolism.

Yes, I feel like I have to start out with this point because women are more concerned how lifting heavy will affect their bodies (A.K.A. "Will I get bulky?!") First of all, doing endless hours of cardio will get you a 'skinny-fat' body. This means you have a 'skinny' frame but you have more fat than muscle. Cardio doesn't build muscle, I hate to burst that bubble. By lifting weights, you really tax your body. You use so much energy and damage your muscle tissue, which means that your body after a good weightlifting session is begging for some quality nutrition afterwards. Your body will be burning calories all day, even when you're sitting doing nothing. The minute you got off that elliptical, your calorie burn ends right then and there. The minute you put down the dumbbell, you body is a furnace burning calories left and right. Pretty cool, right?

2. It shapes your body.

I kid you not, I legitimately heard a woman say "I really want a curvy butt, so I'm going to focus on increasing the crossramp on the elliptical." Well that's dandy and all, but nothing will build a booty like your squats, lunges, deadlifts, and step-ups. You will not build any 'curves' from lazing around on a cardio machine. You will not have the flat abs you desire from spending an hour and a half on the treadmill and then proceeding to do 100 sit-ups. You will not have beautiful V-shape to your upper body if you don't pick up a weight. I could go on and on and on. Basically, the weights give you a beautiful body.

 It's the difference between THIS:

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And THIS:

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You choose.

3. It makes you strong.

What is so bad about being strong, I ask? If you have kids, it's that much easier to tote around heavy diaper bags and rambunctious babies. If you travel a lot, it's that much easier to lug around your heavy suitcases. How epic would it be if say you had to help someone lift an incredibly heavy object and you easily could hoist it up? I don't know about you, but I'd feel like a BEAST. Embrace strength and feel proud of it. Would you rather be weak and wasting away? 

4. It improves your confidence.

Before I lifted weights, I was the mousiest, quietest girl you could ever imagine. I kept to myself a majority of the time and didn't speak up. Ever since hitting the iron, I have a voice. I make my voice heard. When someone pushes me down, I don't just take it, I fight back. I feel better about my body. I look in the mirror and I point out all the hard-earned muscle that has come along. I look at my eyes and appreciate their unique almond shape. I look at my smile and see how it radiates confidence. I am not trying to sound cocky, but confident; there is a major difference. Weights have been a godsend to me. Confidence attracts people and makes you feel satisfied in your own skin.

5. Bye bye stress.
Sure, doing endless cardio can relieve stress but have you ever released stress by lifting weights? It's a whole different experience. It's better. Hurling super heavy weight after being angry or frustrated? You feel like the Hulk, trust me on that one. Not only are you doing your body a favor, you are doing your mind a favor. My best workouts come when I am super stressed or angry; it's not hard to see why. If you've had a long day, got in a fight with a loved one, have too much work, WHATEVER your problem is, I guarantee you lifting will solve that problem.

So there are obviously a lot more than five reasons. A lot more, friends. But these are some pretty good points, right?! LADIES (and men too!), don't be afraid to lift HEAVY. Get to it. Go to the gym and hit the iron!!!

Questions: If you are a lady, what is holding you or has held you back from lifting heavy?

5 Things I've Learned In October

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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I always liked Halloween. I'll admit, I love it for the candy. Sorry but I'm not sorry. Reese's are freaking delicious.

I always like to reflect on what I have learned at the end of a month. Believe it or not, but each and every month that passes my in my life has some sort of significant meaning. I'm never really the same person I was a month previously. And I am okay with that. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. Here's what I discovered throughout October...

1. Never do cleans and deadlifts in the same session. Ever.

I know, some of you weightlifting junkies/experts may yell at me for this. I admit my mistake! I was feeling like I wanted to smash something with this workout. So I did some cleans, and then I was like why not do some deadlifts?! Needless to say the next two days were the most painful days of my life. My butt felt like I had fallen off a cliff and right onto the ground. My back was shrieking with grief whenever I moved. Stick to ONE major lift per workout. Lesson learned.

2. I'm getting a tattoo.

Yes. Maybe some of you mothers are screaming inside at reading this right now. But trust me when I say that I am NOT getting a tattoo because it is the "cool" thing to do. I'm getting it because it has legitmate meaning to the experiences I have been through in life. I'm ambivalent on these four. I seem to be getting mixed reviews on which one to choose:

It's a toss-up. So indecisive...

3. It's okay to not get everything done and instead just take a breather.

From school work to blogging, everything was crashing down on me like a tidal wave, hense my brief hiatus. I used to be so adamant and hell-bent on getting a post up on time but I would just make up posts on the fly without intertwining real feeling into it. If I don't post in a week, the next post you all better expect to be downright amazing (I hope). Sometimes we all just need a mental break and we don't HAVE to finish everything by our perfectionist standards.

4. Cardio is not evil.

Gosh, for so long in my 'muscle-building' mind frame, I shunned cardio like it was the nuts in my trail mix (seriously, does anyone even eat those?! I'm all about dem M&M's...). But honestly, I fully believe that cardio is very beneficial. Sure, if you do too much of it while trying to build muscle, good luck with that. But I've come to realize that cardio is more than just 'fat-burning', it's necessary for one's heart health. I've been slowly losing my endurance and I don't want to. So I've been doing 2-3 sessions of 15-20 minutes of cardio each week and I'm wreaking the benefits. When I do cardio, I eat a bit more to spare the muscle. Honestly, if you keep the calories up while doing cardio, you'll still get the heart benefits. Don't believe the broscience.

You're not really a jackwagon if you don't do cardio. Everyone believes different things. ;) (Source)

5. Life shouldn't be taken for granted.

Okay, so I am the least philosophical or sentimental person I know. I mean really... if you all knew me in real life, you'd think I was the most immature person you've ever met. No shame. But one day this month as I was driving, suddenly a scary thought popped into my head. (Now don't worry guys, I am NOT suicidal!) I thought about how any day, I could die. I could die right now, in this car due to a car accident. Typically death, or anything really, doesn't scare me. But I actually contemplated the thought of me not living anymore and holy cow, it scared the living hell out of me. I have SO much to live for; I have SO many things I want to accomplish. I never appreciated my life like I should have and now I embrace it each and every day. Call me cheesy, but from the moment I wake up, I have a plan to make today memorable. You should too.

I hope EVERYONE has a fantastic Halloween. Eat a piece of candy. I promise it won't kill you. And save the Reese's and Pay Days for me. It would be greatly appreciated. ;)

Questions: What have you learned in October? What's your favorite Halloween memory?

A Little (Blogger) Rant

I've been holding this post back for awhile. But I've thought about it. Do I really care what people think about my opinions? Nope. Not at all. This is my blog, so if I feel the need to say something then I am going to, regardless if I get a lot of backlash about it or not.

Lately, I've been seeing a plethora of bloggers coming across as people trying to 'help' others, when it doesn't seem like they are taking their own advice. I'm definitely NOT saying that I am a perfect blogger and that everyone who reads my posts just loves me. I'm sure someone has come along and thought "Oh great, another freaking 'healthy living' blogger. And she's young. So brainwashed."

First and foremost, I do not consider myself a 'healthy living blogger.' I am a teenage girl, with a lot of opinions, and a passion for fitness. So there's that. If someone thinks that I don't hold true to what I post on here, well, that's their opinion. I don't post about exercises I don't even do, and I don't post meals that I don't actually consume. What the hell is the point of that?

See that box back there? See the weights on the Smith machine? We actually used them for box jumps and a mixture of leg exercises. Shocker.

I honestly do not see the point of posting something that doesn't uphold in one's own life. It seems to me that some bloggers only post this 'fluff' on their blog to make them seem 'inspirational' and 'educated' in health and fitness, when in reality, it doesn't even seem like they read their own posts. 

There's a reason why I try to keep my blog primarily centered around fitness. I don't like writing about food, because I know that, especially these days, food is a difficult subject for some people. For this reason, I have deleted my recipes tab. I just see no utility for it. 

If you're going to talk about mental health, the importance of proper nutrition, getting rest days, WHATEVER, then you better make sure you practice what you preach. Sometimes, I kid you not, I read a blog post and this is what my face looks like after reading it:

Thank you, Jackie Chan, for this perfect facial expression. (Source)

It bothers me. Do I probably sound really mean and unappreciative right now? Yes. But I'm not trying to be 'mean,' I'm trying to be honest. What only adds fuel to the fire is when people comment on someone's blog who is clearly unhealthy and supports them for it, rather then telling them straight up that they have a problem, or just blatantly NOT COMMENTING at all so that they don't feed the ego and disordered thinking of the blogger. 

If you think I have disordered thoughts, comment away. I'm not going to bash you or block you, I am going to respect your opinion and act accordingly. I don't want to sound disordered, but I am not concerned about whether people on here like me or not. If you don't like my content, you don't have to read my blog. It's really that simple.

Sorry for the little rant, but this has been bottled up for quite some time now. If you disagree, then TELL ME! I love to hear a vast array of different perspectives. Go for it.

Questions: Do you feel the same way as me? If you could change anything about the blogging world, what would it be and why?

Quest Bar Review

I have a review. This is honestly my favorite review to date. Quest bars have seriously become the most popular protein bars on the market due to their all natural ingredients and superior taste. Each Quest bar is made from quality ingredients; you won't find the crappy fake ingredients found in regular protein bars in a Quest bar. I love this. Each bar has the base of ingredients of whey protein isolate, IMO fiber (derived from plants), either almonds/peanuts/cashews, lo han guo (a natural sugar alternative), sea salt, and erythritol (a sugar alcohol). Although there typically is sucralose, an artificial sweetener, the Quest bar is by far the best protein bar on the market. I am not kidding.

I enjoyed receiving all these samples to review. I'd first like to commend the Quest bar team for being SO prompt. Within a DAY of e-mails of doing a review, I received the Quest bars. And every time I sent an e-mail, I got a prompt response not even 10 minutes after the e-mail was sent. Now that is quality customer service. Props to you guys!

I received a total of eleven flavors... wowza!

Seeing this on my doorstep instantly turns me into Flash as I race to grab it and tear it open.

Here are my thoughts...

Chocolate Peanut Butter: 8/10

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I love love love peanut butter, so my expectations for anything peanut butter-flavored is super high. This bar tasted good, although the peanut butter taste didn't wow me as much as I wanted it to. I could still eat these all day, everyday though and wouldn't mind having it again!

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Chocolate Brownie: 10/10

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Oh. My. Goodness. This bar legit tasted like an ACTUAL brownie. I'm not one of those people that makes protein pancakes/waffles/brownies/cookies/etc. and claims OMG it tastes identical to the real stuff! Nope. But this protein bar tasted like a moist, fudgy brownie of my dreams. It was so so good.

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Mixed Berry Bliss: 7/10

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I'm not really a fruit-flavored kind of person. I'd much rather something peanut butter-y. This was a good flavor, don't get me wrong, but it's not a flavor I would kill for it it was the last one on the shelf in GNC. It tastes like berries but didn't blow me away.

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PB&J: 6/10

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This one was a little disappointing. Like I said, if peanut butter is involved, it's gotta be really good. This didn't taste like a PB&J to me. It wasn't awful, but I was so excited to try this flavor and the turnout wasn't as good as I wanted it to be.

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Cinnamon Roll: 8/10

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Tastes very much cinnamon-y. Maybe not quite a real, gooey cinnamon roll but pretty close. This is the flavor I have enjoyed most frequently and there's a good reason why it's so popular--it's delicious!

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Strawberry Cheesecake: 7/10

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A lot of people put a lot of hype on this flavor. I get it--there's a healthy alternative to strawberry cheesecake! It was yummy but I didn't get the cheesecake feeling of it. That's just me. It was still absolutely scrumptious however and I would definitely buy it again.

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Peanut Butter Supreme: 8/10

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Once again, a peanut butter-flavored one. It had to be good. This was definitely really good, no denying it, but I would've loved it a bit more probably if I lathered more peanut butter on it. ;) I would definitely get this flavor again. No doubt.

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Lemon Cream Pie: 8/10

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Ahh, I really did feel like I was consuming a lemon cream pie with this one. It was very good and considering I am far from a lemon-loving person, this surprised me. Absolutely delicious.

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Apple Pie: 7/10

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I didn't love this one enough to give rave reviews about it. It was okay to me: nothing super special but it wasn't horrible. I may surpass this flavor in the future, but it's definitely worth trying.

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Coconut Cashew: 10/10

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One word to describe this flavor: incredible. This flavor was amazing. I absolutely loved the coconut component, and I adore cashews so it was definitely a winning combination. I can't wait to get my hands on this flavor again.

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Vanilla Almond Crunch: 15/10

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Did you like how I saved the best for last? I honestly expected for one of the peanut butter-infused flavors to be my favorite. WRONG. I also thought that this flavor was going to be really bland and boring, and that I wasn't going to be impressed. WRONG. This flavor was totally and completely insane. I could eat this protein bar all.the.time, it was THAT good. I was so depressed when I took the last bite. It was a bittersweet moment. Excuse me as I go order 100 boxes of this flavor...

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I highly recommend you try a Quest bar. No other protein bar will EVER live up to them, I promise. They are natural and delicious. I can't wait to get more! 

Thank you to Quest Bar for allowing me to write this review. All opinions were my own and I was not compensated. 

Questions: Have you ever had a Quest bar? What's your favorite flavor?