Saturday, March 30, 2013

13 weeks out



We are 13 weeks out from NPC Bikini-San Jose Fit Expo. 2 solid weeks into cutting. On a Fat Burner and bought a NEW whey protein: Protizyme PeanutButter Cookie. Oh. My. Gosh. Absolutely delicious. One of the best tasting protein powders I have EVER tasted. I noticed that I'm starting to feel JUST a bit more fatigued when working out. So, I decided to try a pre-workout called Fem Fire last night before deadlifts, etc. It pumped me up so much...I was SO ready to go. Absolutely smashed my workout and left with a pump and the ultimate glow. Sorry if that makes me sound like a bro, haha! I'm not sure if I will go out and buy the actual full size pre-workout (I had a sample), but it's nice knowing there is a pre-workout out there that I totally love and could use as a pick me up.

Feeling: Much better this last half of the week. Less bloated and crampy. I've been trying to eat less at night time (I run out of time a lot and find myself eating big portions of chicken before bed). The new protein powder is helping with nighttime cravings. I'm gonna go kill delts now with OHP, etc. Height: 5'10". Current Weight: 137.4 lbs.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

13.5 weeks out



We are 13.5 weeks out from NPC Bikini-San Jose Fit Expo. 1.5 solid weeks into cutting. Eating around 1900-2000 cal for this first phase. Finding it somewhat difficult to stay under my macro maximum for fats...because I LOVE PEANUTBUTTER AND MILK... I started a fat burner and I've been drinking a tonnnnn of water and keeping my sodium level really high to counteract any possible cramping. Feeling: Because of that fat burner I've been bloated for a few days. I know this is going to be a psychological battle for the next 6 weeks (what with not being as lean as possible every day because of the water retention). Regardless, I am so happy to have a great coach and trainer who knows what he is doing. Height: 5'10" Current weight: 138.

So there is something I want to mention. Yesterday a friend of mine posted a picture of a girl's diet given to her by a trainer at some gym. This diet consisted of 4 meals with only egg whites, 5-6oz of protein, and 1 cup of veggies. This entire day's worth of calories was AT THE MAXIMUM around 1000 calories if the protein was marbleized beef (but more likely around 800 if she eats chicken or fish). THIS IS SCARY. Ladies, if some trainer is telling you this is what you should eat...RUN. I eat almost double what that girl was told to eat and I'm dropping weight slowly and surely. This fitness journey is NOT a sprint...it's a long distance race. Stop and think about what you're doing to your body. Eat healthy, but do not starve yourself. Exercise, but do not spend hours at the gym every day. You're going to drive yourself into the ground and destroy your body on the way. Please contact me if you feel pressured into an extreme diet like this, or have no idea where to start: ilyssagetsfit@gmail.com

Sunday, March 24, 2013

14 weeks out



We are 14 weeks out from NPC Bikini-San Jose Fit Expo. 1 solid week into cutting. Eating around 1900-2000 cal for this first phase. Good balance, but definitely increased protein and reduced fat. Coach says once I am four week in we can look to a lo-carb diet with refeed days. AKA 1 cheat MEAL (not cheat DAY) a week. But we will see how my body reacts to this first phase. Height: 5'10" Current weight: 137.4. The lowest weight I have been since high school probably.

Feeling: Pleasantly surprised. I mean, I know that when you really begin to eat clean and watch everything you put in your body, results come quickly. But I'm still very pleased. 1 week ago I had SOME ab definition, but this is the most I've had ever. I can't wait to see what kind of progress I can make by the end of this first 3 week phase.

Still compound lifting, though I know my gains are going to go away once the calorie deficit really hits me.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

14.5 weeks out

Progress over 6 months (9/29/12-3/19/13)



I am currently writing this update from the shoulder of the freeway. My car engine overheated? Not sure how that happened but I am getting it towed to BMW to get it checked out.

We are 14.5 weeks out from NPC Bikini San Jose Fit Expo. Cutting has been fine so far... I actually have my prep bag next to me full of chicken, brown rice, broccoli, and protein. Feeling good, no sluggishness yet. Incorporating more cardio.

For those of you wondering, I squat Mondays, bench Wednesdays, and deadlift Fridays. We follow up those compound lifts with accessory work my coach formulates for me. We hit each muscle group.

I ordered a hot pink powerlifting belt AND my competition heels so I can break them in.

Height: 5'10". Weight: 138.8

Saturday, March 16, 2013

15 weeks out.



Well, today is Day 1 of 105 before my competition. Prep begins today. I've received lots of positive feedback and some negative feedback. I'm feeling kind of discouraged. If you don't want to see these pictures of me "semi-naked," then don't look at this blog. Don't follow my Instagram. Delete me off Facebook. It's really that easy. This is what I want to do--show my progress, track my own body's changes, and keep myself accountable. There are thousands of girls, just like me, who are bikini models and aspiring competitors, and they show their progress on blogs and Instagrams. If you think I'm unique or bizarre in doing this--I'm not. You probably haven't surrounded yourself with people who are doing the things I'm doing so it seems foreign to you. I'm in a community that is very committed to maintaining a public influence for motivation, accountability, and potential sponsorships.

With that being said, I'm sorry if I've put off an air of vanity and self-pretentiousness. I'm sorry if my pictures have offended you--I will try to be a bit more modest. But my goals are my own, and for all the people that expressed concern (or those have not said one word of support at all) I'm going to work even harder to show you why this was all worth it. Gotta keep telling myself, Don't let the bastards get you down. Keep your head up. Work harder every day.

And for those that HAVE been SO supportive--powerlifting friends, coach, Alex, Max, and other friends--Thank you. Thank you for believing in me, sticking by me, encouraging me when others wouldn't, and reminding me that I could win this thing.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

15.5 Weeks Out



We are 15.5 weeks out from NPC Bikini-San Jose Fit Expo. 7.5 solid weeks into bulking. Still eating 2400 cal a lifting day / 2100 non-lifting day. Eating clean, but these last three days are going to be my time to eat a whole jar of peanutbutter, eat Shalimar one last time, and go out with some friends. Height: 5'10" Current weight: 141. (Up from 138 1/13/2013). 2 days left until bikini comp cut on Saturday.

Feeling: Pretty bloated today. I'm reaching my time of the month, though, so it's understandable. Benched and did upper body today. Bought myself a "mock-six pack bag" aka a Cynthia Rowley picnic tote and some AWESOME tupperware. I will post pictures of them next time, but I got a tupperware specifically for steaming veggies, one for hardboiled eggs, and another than store my meat, carbs and veggies WITH attached utensils. Really excited. Prep is almost here guys!

Monday, March 11, 2013

16 weeks out


We are 16 weeks out from NPC Bikini-San Jose Fit Expo. 7 solid weeks into bulking. Still eating 2400 cal a lifting day / 2100 non-lifting day. Eating pretty clean, though I let myself have a piece of Butterscotch cake on Saturday night because I know I won't get anything like it for the next four months. Height: 5'10" Current weight: 140.8. (Up from 138 1/13/2013). 5 days until bikini comp cut.

Feeling: Leaner. But really anxious to get started with the cut. I've been practicing my meal prep--finding what I like and what I don't. I've been posing every chance I get, and watching tons of videos of pro bikini models to see how they do it :) This week is max week. I'm hoping to pull at least 210lbs for my deadlift on Friday. Ideally I'd like to pull two plates (225#).

Thursday, March 7, 2013

16.5 weeks out.

We are 16.5 weeks out today from NPC Bikini-San Jose Fit Expo. 6.5 solid weeks into bulking. Still eating 2400 cal a lifting day / 2100 non-lifting day. Cut my fats down, and have been eating a lot cleaner. Height: 5'10" Current weight: 140.5. (Up from 138 1/13/2013). 9 days until bikini comp cut.

Feeling: a little leaner than my last post. Still a bit discouraged because so many ladies I follow are super lean...I understand that I just need to be patient and let the bulk end and I will be on point soon enough.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

17 weeks out

We are 17 weeks out today from NPC Bikini-San Jose Fit Expo. 6 solid weeks into bulking. Currently eating 2400 cal a lifting day / 2100 non-lifting day. Trying to hit 150g of protein, around 70g of fat, and the rest carbohydrates. No other food restrictions. Height: 5'10" Current weight: 141. (Up from 138 1/13/2013).

Feeling: bloated, but definitely more muscular / stronger. Lots of gains in my deadlift / squat / bench / OHP.