Showing posts with label rosie chee scott. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rosie chee scott. Show all posts

February 12, 2012

2012 | Day 43: And this is how it looks when I am standing on the edge...this is how I break apart...


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Staying Positive...knowing anything is possible despite all odds. Staying in control...knowing we have the power over our own life. Staying Focused and Determined...knowing it's the key to any goal. Staying positive, in control, Focused and Determined..." - Roland Lorans

For the complete Motivational, review Staying Positive | WPM Women.

TRAINING

Training completed this week:

Monday

HIIT Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 20 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 6 min jogging

Stretch 20 min

Shoulders/Hamstrings (1 min recovery between sets):
1. Smith Machine Seated Behind-the-neck Military Press 6 x 8, 6, 6, 6, 6, 5
2. Smith Machine Seated Military Press 6 x 6
3. Single-Arm DB Lateral Raises 6 x 12 per side
4. Stiff-Legged BB Deadlift (on 6-inch box, BB to touch floor) 6 x 10

Post-Weights Cardio:
CrossTrainer 20 min

Stretch 5 min

Woke just before my 0330 alarm this morning - hasn't taken long for my body to get back into the groove of getting up at this time, which is great. Out into the frigid air I went for HIIT. Legs a little tender, but kept up a surprising pace, even though it was rolling terrain. Twisted my ankle on an uneven area of the road towards the end, but it did not stop me from finishing strongly...Walk to the gym took a little longer than usual this morning, and I'm finding that I don’t mind it even being ~20 minutes. Started out with Seated Behind-the-neck Military Press again this morning. Same weight as last week. PAIN! I struggled to get the eighth rep out, dropping my right arm to my side, cradling it as close as possible, the pain was that excruciating. So much for making progress. In the mood I was in though, I didn't care, and kept the weight at what it was, pushing my right arm up to the BB, forcing the next five sets out, screaming inside with EVERY rep. Even though using the Smith Machine, it was a real effort, testing my limits. My body had had enough after just six sets, but it was not going to be let off that easily. Six sets of regular Seated Military Press at a lighter weight than last week, gritting my teeth, dropping my right arm to my side after every set, welcoming the pain, even though I know I'm going to suffer for it later on today (and into tomorrow most likely). My right side had almost lost all strength by the time I started on Single-Arm DB Lateral Raises, and I had to dropset the weight each set - kept it the same for my left side as mu right, since I don't want my body to become even more unbalanced than it has become. Finished off by stretching my hamstrings out. Lower back was in agony during Stiff-Legged BB Deadlifts today - has been aching more than ever now that I have started sprinting harder and faster again...Even though I as light-headed and not feeling it, I forced my body to finish with 20 minutes on the CrossTrainer, upping the pace for the last half, just to make sure I was destroyed at the end of the session, as if resistance training wasn't enough...Was the slowest walk back to the hotel…Right shoulder and arm is in a lot of pain - taking lots of Aleve to help minimize any swelling and deal a little with the pain, although some of the pain is WELCOME, to help take my mind off a far more destructive pain. After all, my body WILL heal...

Tuesday

CrossTrainer 10 min

Arms/Abs (30 sec recovery between alternate sets and trisets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Dips 4 x 12, 10, 8, 6
2. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls 4 x 8, 6, 6, 6
Alternate Set B -
3. V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs 4 x 10, 8, 8, 8
4. Incline DB Hammer Bicep Curls 4 x 12, 12, 10, 10
Alternate Set C -
5. Push-Ups (hands on DB under chest, feet on floor) 4 x 10, 10, 10, 8
6. DB Zottoman Curls 4 x 12, 12, 10, 10
TriSet -
7. Rope Crunches 4 x 20, 15, 15, 10
8. Hanging Straight-Leg Raises (hips to 90 degrees) 4 x 8, 6, 6, 6
9. Ab Rollout 4 x 20, 15, 15, 10

Post-Weights Cardio:
CrossTrainer 20 min

Stretch 30 min

First morning with all my "staples" back. Definitely noticed the difference. Also to note that this was also the first morning in over two months that I have NOT used Aleve (going to see how this goes this week - I have been getting too dependent on this, dosing the same as someone 2-3 times my size, and need to stop)...Walked to the gym and straight onto the CrossTrainer for a brisk 10 minutes. Even in that brief time, I heated up quickly, feeling rather feverish actually, and it lasted throughout the rest of the session. At eight minutes, my right knee started hurting, which is a first in using the CrossTrainer, and hopefully the last...Pumped up and ready to go, headed into weights with a vengeance. Surprised myself with the improvement in strength on Dips - well, not so much strength, but reps I was able to do before the pain set in, which was not until the last couple of reps on the last two sets. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls were another story, and although I was able to do more than last week, I'm still lacking re strength here. Same weight for V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs as last week, but able to do more reps. Upped weight for Incline DB Hammer Bicep Curls - right biceps tendon started burning sharply on the second set, but I forced out 12 reps, but on the eleventh rep the third set, my right arm just gave out and I dropped the DB, so ending it there, going on to do only 10 reps for the final set. Excellent vascularity though, so made up for it a little (but not really). Alternate Set C was good. Getting better with lack of pain on Push-Ups, hands right under chest, my elbows able to actually stay right in at my sides, all the way down until I hit the DB. Last set though, my right side gave out on me during the ninth rep. Veins were ropes in my forearms, looking hard and dry during DB Zottoman Curls - loving it, especially when the double separation re veins in biceps appeared. Abs' triset was painful. Still having issues with Hanging Straight-Leg Raises - so much pain hanging, even with both hands there, and my back is also hurting for some reason during, but did as many as I could before my right arm/shoulder gave out...20 minutes on the CrossTrainer to finish. My right bicep tendon was screaming in pain during this and I actually had my left hand on it, fingers digging into it to minimize the pain. For some reason, doing that caused my left calf a little strain, but was not too much of an issue. Face flushed, dripping by the end, lightheaded, but glad I had done it. Definitely a good feeling...Walked back to the hotel, revelations suddenly falling through my mind. I might be struggling with training, but it IS going to get better. I AM going to get better and I AM going to be BETTER than I was before my injuries. I am Blessed in being Alive and being able to do what I CAN...

Wednesday

HIIT Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 16 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. STOP 2 min
d. 1 min jogging
e. 8 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
f. 4 min jogging

Stretch 25 min

First day using Erase PRO...Woke every 90 minutes during the night after falling asleep, which was a little annoying. Felt feverish every time I woke as well, which I thought nothing of, since the air conditioning if too warm can sometimes cause me to feel like that. However...As soon as I started running, I felt nauseous. Not a nice feeling. I started out gingerly, feeling like I would be sick at any minute. When it came to start my sprints, I was like "fcuk it", and just went all out. Sprints were GREAT - fastest they have been, and most effortless as well, since I started back training. Knees were also great. Nausea stayed with me, and 12 minutes into HIIT I had to stop. I spent two minutes being sick on the side of the road, which was no fun at all. Now, whether or not it's because I HAVE gotten sick (since I've been training and dealing with sick people the last few days at work, and I DID spend all yesterday at work hot and cold, taking my hoodie on and off), or if it's just because it’s my first day of Erase PRO and my system needs some time to adjust to having 75 mg of 3,7-keto at once (every dose of Erase I use is only 50 mg 3,7-keto) or there's something in it that can cause such effects, I don't know - it's too early to tell either way. Anyways, I kept going, careful with a minute just jogging lightly, in case I had to stop again. After that, since my body WAS feeling good (aside from the nausea) and I felt fresh, I did another eight sprints, finishing off with some light jogging. My right knee did not bother me until I started running again after stopping, and then it was just tight, not the seizing it has been doing until now. Right shoulder/biceps did not hurt during my run at any point, but my LEFT delt actually did, and I could feel a pull through it during the second half of HIIT, which was interesting...A little relived that today is JUST HIIT and no resistance training, to be honest, since I'm still feeling nauseous. Plus, it gives my body a chance to recover, since I have pushed myself harder this week in training and was pretty shattered last night after the long day at work yesterday...

Thursday

Session 1

CrossTrainer 10 min

Session 2


CrossTrainer 10 min

Back/Chest (1 min recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Supinated Pull-Ups 4 x 8, 6, 5, 4, 3
2. Push-Ups (feet on bench, hands on swissballs) 4 x 10, 8, 8, 8
Alternate Set B -
3. Supinated BB Bent Over Rows 4 x 8, 7, 6, 5
4. Incline BB Bench Press 4 x 10, 8, 8, 8

Post-Weights Cardio:
CrossTrainer 20 min

Stretch 20 min

Didn't get to sleep until I should have been getting up, so just left it and decided to train after work...Had a short break early afternoon, so did a rapid 10 minutes fast on the CrossTrainer. BURNED my legs...Did not get to start training until close to 2100. First day doing back and chest in ~5 months (excluding the minimal work done during Full-Body sessions). It was tough - strength and function has been sorely affected from my torn right biceps and rotator cuff tendons. Pull-Ups was pathetic - hard to believe, watching me struggle to do the pitifully low reps that I did, that I used to be able to do several sets of at least 4-5 TIMES that many! Definitely a struggle on the last rep of each set, and I tried for an additional one as well, but did not happen. Flat BB Bench Press - even demonstrating this to members with NO weight, or even with just the motion, causes extreme pain in my right shoulder - was a no-go, and I stuck with doing Push-Ups, albeit making them harder, using swissballs to force stability and my core to work more. They were ok, a little unstable in starting, and I had to really concentrate on my balance, but, aside from extreme lower back pain affecting my last rep or two on each set, I was ok. Strength less on Supinated BB Bent Over Rows and, even though I put on less than what I was lifting pre-injury, I had to drop it back even more. Right elbow did not go in straight by my side, and despite my best efforts, insisted each time on going out on an angle - going to have to work on that. The biggest surprise was with Incline BB Bench Press - strength has NOT decreased here, and there is NO pain in my right shoulder doing this. So, incline bench press to stay and flat bench press to go...Finished off with 20 minutes hard and fast on the CrossTrainer. Right shoulder started hurting painfully after ~10 minutes, so had my elbow bent up, holding my shoulder. At ~16 minutes, my right knee started hurting (like it did yesterday), and slowed me down a little. Plus, started getting quite dizzy and lightheaded and was wobbly a little. Glad when I was done and could lie on the floor to stretch...

Friday

HIIT Treadmill:
a. 1 min @ 12 miles/hr
b. 1 x 10 sec rest/50 sec @ 11.5 miles/hr
c. 1 x 20 sec rest/40 sec @ 11 miles/hr
d. 1 x 30 sec rest/30 sec @ 10.5 miles/hr
e. 2 x 30 sec rest/30 sec @ 10 miles/hr
d. 1 x 30 sec rest/30 sec @ 9.5 miles/hr
e. 2 x 30 sec rest/60 sec @ 9 miles/hr

CrossTrainer 10 min

Stretch 10 min

For Time SuperSet (no recovery between supersets):
1. Plate Push (on ground) 8 x 30-feet
2. Single-Arm DB Cleans 8 x 5 per side

Stretch 15 min

Since I didn't get to sleep until I wanted to be getting up this morning, I decided to do my training after work. LONG day at work - well over 12 hours - which caused a second thought about training, especially since my legs were sore from demonstrating leg exercises to members for the past few days (I DON’T train legs simply because they are big enough already and I do NOT want them bigger, and even demonstrating exercises with no weight, my lower body re glutes and legs have GAINED half an inch this week, which I am NOT happy with at all!) Today is HIIT day. Figured to give the treadmill a shot, even though I determined pre-injuries last year that I never wanted to use another treadmill again. Anyways, started off on that - took a little to get the pace up, and because I was not prepared for it, I allowed it to get higher than I should have, so not giving my body any chance at all to ease into it, but going straight for intensity. Yeah - not too smart. Did intervals, but instead of going UP in pace and/or time, I dropped it back each time, for a slightly shorter "effort" period. My shins were ok, but my left ankle almost gave out on me after ~5 minutes. 10 minutes was enough, and finished up on the CrossTrainer the rest of the 20 minutes I wanted to complete...Stretched afterwards, and that was going to be the end of training for me today (decided on doing Full-Body tomorrow). However, ended up having to stay at work even longER, joining one of the guys doing a random superset for time, just because. Yes, I know, not wanting to do legs (and having no need to either, since they get worked enough in my cardio), but since they were already shot (or so I thought) from everything else this week, I said why not, despite my reservation about doing single-arm cleans with my shoulders and arms the way they are (not wanting to aggravate either one, since both have been very sore all day). Try pushing a rubber plate across carpet - it was SLOW and taxing on the legs, but it was ok. Discovered that cleans weren’t as bad as I thought they would be - maybe because it was a rapid power movement - and I ended up INcreasing the weight after the second time through. Sweat was dripping off both of us before we were even half-way through, my legs were screaming, and I was panting, the exertion sounding like I was doing something else, LOL. Even though my legs were on fire after eight rounds, my endurance is very strong and I could have kept going, but did not, stretching out my body after a few stairclimbers and lunges...

Saturday

Day OFF

I actually was going to do my Full-Body session today before or after work. Didn't get up before work, since I only went to sleep at ~0500, and after work, I was beyond shattered, even though it was a "slower" day. Likely from Friday’s session after work, my body was shattered, still in pain in my left tricep from Back/Chest day (re swissball push-ups), and aching in places it has not ached in a very long time. So, mentally beating myself up, but allowing my body a chance to recuperate, especially since I was very feverish on waking...

Sunday

Recline Bike 20 min @ 105-109 rpm

Stretch 20 min

I wasn't going to do anything today, especially since I woke up in a terrible state, feverish, but cold, feeling like my head was gong to explode from the pounding, throat dry and swollen, muscles MORE than aching, coughing up blood until I thought my throat was raw. However, because I didn't do anything yesterday, and because I don't want to have more than ONE day off training a week, I went downstairs to the hotel Fitness Room and sat on the recline bike for 20 minutes. Definitely prefer that one to the one at the gym, as it allows me to spin - the one at the gym does not and even on the lowest resistance level, makes me feel like I am climbing hills, and I don't need to have ANY resistance, even from that, because if I do, my legs will BLOW up, and that’s the LAST thing desired! Hot and cold, dizzy, and feeling like I was going to pass out, I did it anyway, so hopefully that "light" exercise will help my body in some way.

Training has been interesting this week. Just below Maintenance, with only 75% of it completed. Schedule has been a little off-base as well, with me not being able to go to sleep until I wanted to be up from Thursday on, training instead after work then and Friday. NOT acceptable, and from now on, even if I am still awake at 0330, I am going to get my training done FIRST THING, period! There can be NO EXCUSES! I WILL DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE!

OTHER NOTES

Body Composition

Now at 8.9% bodyfat - minimal 0.3% bodyfat loss. Although it is a little disappointing, I am "ok" with it, knowing that I can make my progress faster, especially since this week was the OPPOSITE of last week re nutrition - yes, so even with only two of seven days with "good" nutrition (work has been so long - >12-hour days - and stressful this week that, every night but Friday, the guys and I have gone out for a buffet dinner on leaving there - bad I know, but calorie and carbohydrate-wise, it's more beneficial for my body than what I've done the last couple of weeks) as opposed to five of seven, I have made MORE progress this week than I did the last TWO with "good" nutrition, even with only 75% of my training completed this week. Definitely interesting, but also motivating...Another interesting thing was that I have GAINED half an inch in my LOWER body re glutes and legs, which is definitely NOT ok - from now on, I will NOT be demonstrating ANY lower body exercise for ANYone, whether with no weight or even just static at all, since all it is doing is adding more muscle mass to my legs, the complete OPPOSITE of what I want!...I NEED to get leaner ASAP!!!

Supplements

Started back on my "staples" on Tuesday. Believe me, even in a day, I knew that I was once again using Erase and AnaBeta - in and out of the bathroom all day, so much it was annoying, LOL. But, loving having them all back - I feel somewhat like me again...Began Erase Pro on Wednesday...I have NOT used ANY Aleve since Monday, to see how it goes. Knees have been a little swollen on some days, as well as right shoulder/upper arm, with pain constantly prevalent, but right now, it has been a welcome pain, and so I am going to continue withOUT Aleve henceforth...

So, let's see what the coming week brings. It's going to be interesting, especially with everything going on in my life right now. But, BRING IT ON!!!

February 5, 2012

2012 | Day 36: Life...it comes apart and then it falls together...


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." - Thomas Edison

For the complete Motivational, review One More Time | WPM Women.

TRAINING

A month back in training and Maintenance HAS been achieved! AND back on track as far as 0330 waking schedule, to start training between 0430 and 0500!

Training completed this week:

Monday

HIIT Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 20 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 6 min jogging

Stretch 5 min

Shoulders/Hamstrings (1 min recovery between sets):
1. Smith Machine Seated Behind-the-neck Military Press 5 x 12, 10, 10, 8, 8
2. Smith Machine Seated Military Press 5 x 6
3. Single-Arm DB Lateral Raises 5 x 10 per side
4. Stiff-Legged BB Deadlift (on 6-inch box, BB to touch floor) 5 x 10

Post-Weights Cardio:
Recline Bike 20 min @ 115-119 rpm

Stretch 15 min

Amazing how ALIVE I feel at 0330 in the morning! Bright-eyed and ready for training. Went for my HIIT Run - the cooler temperature definitely agrees with my body (and my joints) better. Felt so good that I kept sprinting until my sprints started to slow drastically. Knees were not much of an issue until the last four minutes of my run, which was great!...After stretching for a little, it was time to head off to the gym...Started with Behind-the-neck Military Press today (still on the Smith Machine for the support until my right shoulder has more stability), since this was THE primary exercise that helped me build my shoulders up, and now that I have lost muscle mass there, I want to optimize my training as much as possible, to gain it back as fast as possible. They were ok - surprisingly able to perform more reps at the same weight I used last week (although, that said, also did it first, not second like last week). Military Press was a little surprise, six reps struggling with, especially on the last three sets, but pushing through anyway. Went up in weight, but did the same number of reps as last week for Single-Arm DB Lateral Raises - noticing muscle loss in right side quite noticeable, especially re lack of delt cap now (left side has it), which not too happy about, but all I can do is work hard to get it back. Did Stiff-Legged BB Deadlifts on the 6-inch box again, really feeling the stretch in my hamstrings…Post-Weights Cardio to finish off the session...Back to my room to finish off my stretching to complete the day, before having a quick shower, shovelling down breakfast, and heading off to work...

Tuesday

Run 3 miles

Arms/Abs (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Rope Crunches 2 x 20
2. Swissball Crunches (270 to 180 degrees) 2 x 15
Alternate Set B -
3. Dips 4 x 10, 10, 8, 6
4. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls 4 x 6, 6, 5, 5
Alternate Set C -
5. V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs 4 x 6
6. Incline DB Bicep Curls 4 x 12
Alternate Set D -
7. Push-Ups (hands on fists under chest, feel on floor) 4 x 8
8. Alternate DB Hammer Bicep Curls 4 x 10 per side
Alternate Set E -
9. Rope Crunches 2 x 20
10. Swissball Crunches (270 to 180 degrees) 2 x 15

Post-Weights Cardio:
Recline Bike 20 min @ 113-117 rpm

Stretch 20 min

Another early morning run - loved it! Knees were ok today, with no niggles or anything, which was surprising (but welcome), considering the way my knees were grinding all yesterday at work...Resistance training I decided to mix up a little. Started out with a couple of Abs' alternate sets, feeling the burn during the FIRST set of Rope Crunches, only deepening as I continued. My strength was improved on last week with Dips, and pain was not experienced until the last couple of reps on the last two sets, which I FORCED out. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls were a DISASTER and I had NO strength whatsoever, barely getting the last rep out on each set, thinking WTF??? Alternate Set C was fine. I was able to go all the way down with my Push-Ups today, my elbows right in at my sides, although on the last two sets, I was favouring my right side a little, noticing I had to use more force on my left to get the last rep or so out on each set. Lightheaded and dizzy towards the end of this alternate set. Finished off with more burning abs, seeing stars...Then a little slower on the Recline Bike today - was feeling a little exhausted…Stretching when I got back to the room was to help relax and help my back...

Wednesday


HIIT Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 10 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 10 min jogging

Stretch 25 min

Woke bright and early, JUST before my 0330 alarm went off - good; not taking long for my body to get back into the natural rhythm of the schedule I kept for so long! Very foggy outside, with light drizzle. Not to be deterred, I headed off for my HIIT Run, a smile on my face. Sprints are getting better - I was definitely a lot faster than I have been. Also means that it took a lot more out of me, even though every time I do HIIT, I do my sprints with the MAXIMAL effort I can at that time. So, less sprints this session, but I felt, more intense than I have been able to over the last three weeks. Not to mention that my knees did NOT bother me at all during the entire run, which was VERY welcome.

Thursday

Skipping:
10 x 90 sec effort/30 sec rest

Stretch 20 min

After being woken after an hour’s restless sleep last night and having to move, settling into the new hotel suite well after 0100, although I was awake to my 0330 alarm, I did not get up, figuring to train after work - whenever that might be. However, during a lull in the flow, I did 20 minutes of skipping to beat the boredom. Really felt it in my calves towards the end, and it was better on my right shoulder than I thought it would be. Since I did not finish work until a couple of hours AFTER I was SUPPOSED to, feeling cold and lifeless and the day just being an up and down as far as energy and everything, I adjusted and made the decision to do today's session on Saturday instead.

Friday

HIIT Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 12 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 10 min jogging

Shoulders/Arms/Abs (1 min recovery between trisets):
TriSet A -
1. Dips 4 x 10, 10, 8, 8
2. DB Zottoman Curls 4 x 10, 10, 8, 8
3. Alternate DB Hammer Bicep Curls 4 x 10, 10, 8, 8 per side
TriSet B -
4. DB Lateral Raises 4 x 10
5. DB Clean and Press 4 x 10, 8, 8, 8
6. Rear Flyes 4 x 10
TriSet C -
7. Rope Crunches 4 x 10
8. Hanging Straight-Leg Raises 4 x 10, 8, 8, 8
9. Ab Rollout 4 x 10

Post-Weights Cardio:
Recline Bike 20 min @ 97-101 rpm

Stretch 25 min

First early morning run on a new highway. Was quite pleasant. Very warm. Wet. Up and down a little, so got some "extra" in with my sprints…Walked to the gym - 15 minutes from the hotel. First session in a new facility, finding my way around, testing the weights, surprised at the discrepancy between what I have been lifting and what I was able to lift here. TriSets today, no mucking around. TriSet A started with Arms today, since Shoulders are feeling a little tender - both of them. The Dips’ bars are far too wide for me, but I used them anyway, since Dips are the BEST exercise for me re triceps, next to Close-Grip BB Bench Press, and my right shoulder is still not being kind to me on that. Vascularity coming out during DB Zottoman Curls, but definition was pathetic to mine eyes and made me feel highly Inadequate, like I need to build my shoulders and arms up a LOT more to even look semi-decent. Right biceps tendon burning and stinging during Alternate DB Hammer Bicep Curls, crying not even half-way through the second set, but pushing through it anyway with gritted teeth, lightheaded and dizzy afterwards. TriSet B was ok, even though my Lateral Raises were pitiful. DB Clean and Press were taxing on my shoulders - both of them, and I had to drop the reps to stay at the same weight. The surprise was the Rear Delts, where I was easily able to almost DOUBLE what I have been lifting here. TriSet C was another surprise - the opposite of the latter. Rope Crunches were just over HALF the usual weight I've used for them the last few years - got told that all cable machines are different, but they can’t be THAT different, surely! Anyways, Hanging Straight-Leg Raises were a battle, hanging from my hands still painful on my right shoulder and biceps tendon. Used an actual wheel for the Ab Rollout, instead of a barbell with plates on the end this time and it was different, but ok...Finished up with 20 minutes on the Recline Bike. Was hard to spin today and my legs were feeling it after the first few minutes, which is UNcharacteristic from my usual ability to spin. Not even the FULL scoop of Assault I used this morning was enough to help me through that...Walked back to the hotel in the drizzle, reflective...

Saturday

CrossTrainer 10 min

Full-Body (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Rope Crunches 4 x 15
2. Weighted DB Crunch (on bench, knees at 90 degrees) 4 x 15
Alternate Set B -
3. EZ-Bar Bicep Curls 4 x 21s
4. V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs 4 x 10
Alternate Set C -
5. Alternate DB Hammer Curls 4 x 20
6. Single-Arm DB Lateral Raises 4 x 10 per side
Alternate Set D -
7. Plate Hammer Raises 4 x 8
8. Seated Bent Over DB Rear Raises 4 x 10
Alternate Set E -
9. Supinated Lat Pull-Downs 4 x 10
10. Push-Ups (hands on fists, feet on floor) 4 x 10
SuperSet F -
11. Swissball Curls 4 x 12
12. Ab Rollout 4 x 12

Post-Weights Cardio:
CrossTrainer 20 min

Stretch 20 min

After last night I was just going to train after work, but body woke after only ~3 hours sleep and I couldn’t go back to it, wide awake, so after an hour, I took my pre-training supplements and got ready, heading off to the gym in the dark of the morning...Decided to try the CrossTrainer pre-weights, since I only needed to do 10 minutes before this session. I was a little surprised at what it felt like. I've used such machines in other gyms before, but none of them have ever felt like this, and I've never been a big fan of them, preferring to run or cycle. But this one actually felt like I was just running, withOUT the stress on my lower legs or any pain in my knees, which I enjoyed. It had nothing on running outside on the tarmac, alone in the dark with my thoughts and aggression, but it was kinder on my body, which, right now, honestly, it needs, given the daily beatings I put it through...Starting with the smaller areas, working backwards. Alternate Set A hurt like hell - I felt EVERY rep and then some. Alternate Set B I started getting a little light-headed during, but I kept pushing on, because that’s what I do, not allowing myself to lower weights or do anything less than I knew I was capable of - there has been enough of that; NO MORE! Alternate Set C was painful on my biceps tendons (BOTH), with noticeable strength differences in my right and left sides, making me even more determined to get back to "normal" as soon as possible! Alternate Set D was interesting, considering the last time I tried Seated DB Rear Raises a month ago, I involuntarily DROPPED the weight in my right hand on the first rep from the sudden and extreme pain on the movement. Not today though, and with tears stinging my eyes, I forced ever rep. Sometimes pain is good and my body has to stop being a baby about it. Alternate Set E was the surprise, since I was able to use considerably more weight than I have been with Supinated Lat Pull-Downs. The downside was that my Push-Ups were very painful, feeling BOTH sides re shoulders, and I almost collapsed on my face during my last set. Alternate Set F made sure I finished off the session close to tears and ready to complete my training day with an aggressive "run"...After using the CrossTrainer pre-weights and knowing what it feels like, instead of "cycling" post-weights henceforth, I decided to "run", since during use of the Recline Bike has been about as kind on my knees as running outside this last month. Made sure I UPPED the pace during the second half, a sadistic smile, sick satisfaction in punishing my body, energy coursing through me, despite the light-headedness and dizzy spells experienced sporadically throughout my resistance session...

Sunday

Day OFF

Training has been at Maintenance this week, which is great! It's taken me about a month to get back into the groove of things and I am still not quite there as far as levels pre-injury with everything, but I am on my WAY, which is better than nothing.

OTHER NOTES

Body Composition

Down to 9.2% bodyfat - a pitiful and measly 0.1% bodyfat loss. So very frustrating, because I have been doing everything "right". Well, what everyone ELSE deems "right", because I know that it is NOT "right" for MY body, but wanted to give it another shot to see if progress was any different to what it has been in the past. But it wasn't, so no more of that nonsense - everyone else can do it, but NOT me! I was even told the other day that I do so much better when I AM having HIGH calories AND HIGH carbohydrates - in excess of 4,000 calories and 400 grams of carbohydrates a day! Definitely interesting how our bodies are so unique - mine has never made much sense to anyone else and I've always done what works best for it regardless of others' thoughts on the matter. So, back to doing what WORKS FOR MY body! It's time for PROGRESS!

Supplements

Short delay on my staples (meant to arrive this week) until early next week - I cannot express how much I am looking forward to having them back, having used not even the bare minimum the last month.

Natural Muscle Magazine


Last week I received an email from the editor of Natural Muscle Magazine, saying she was going to run my Shaping the Perfect Glutes article in the February 2012 issue. Needless to say, it gave me a smile. The February 2012 issue is now out - you can find my article on page 30

Life Loves Games I Hate

Life loves to toy with us and offer us hope without intention of ever allowing us to experience the reality of the fantasy. It sucks, but it also teaches us something about ourselves. I have been out of sorts this week, not like myself, finding parts of me that I had put aside [for a reason], welcoming them back into my life to make sure I don't ever feel like this again. It's not going backwards, simply accepting that without those aspects of myself, I would likely never have got to where I am now. So even though we should never give up on our hopes and dreams and go after them with everything that we are and have, sometimes the reality is just too painful to want to keep them, and in those times, casting aside what would be detrimental to your health and well-being is the only smart thing to do, no matter how much pain it causes us. Even if it takes a lifetime to move on, I have let go and are ready to come back at Life, swinging with everything I have, never giving it another chance to blindside me like this again, making sure it knows it takes far more than that to knock the Fighting Warrior Spirit out of me!

BRING IT ON! I'm Armoured up and Ready for Battle!

February 1, 2012

RCS Newsletter :: February 2012 | The MUSCLE Edition


This is my fourth week back in training after forced time out from multiple injuries... It is very apparent that I have lost the muscle mass that I have worked hard [TWICE!] to gain in my delts and arms...one of my goals over the next few months is to gain back the muscle my delts and arms...Several of those I have been working with also want muscle gains, so this edition is dedicated to everything MUSCLE..

This month in the 'Training' section, I have detailed the best exercises for building muscle mass.

In this month's 'Nutrition' section, I have outlined the optimal macronutrient amounts required for muscle growth.

Check out the sixth edition of the RCS Newsletter, "The MUSCLE Edition" - you can review it HERE.


January 29, 2012

2012 | Day 29: Let's get it on!...Let's tear it up! I'm staying straight to the core...


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Have great hopes and dare to go all out for them. Have great dreams and dare to live them. Have tremendous expectations and believe in them." - Norman Vincent Peale

For the complete Motivational, review Dare Greatly | WPM Women.

TRAINING

Third week in training. Still a little under Maintenance training without post-weights cardio, but everything else ok.

Training completed this week:

Monday

Session 1

HIIT Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 12 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 10 min jogging

Stretch 28 min

Session 2

Shoulders/Hamstrings (1 min recovery between sets):
1. Smith Machine Seated Military Press 4 x 12, 8, 6, 6
2. Smith Machine Seated Behind-the-neck Military Press 4 x 10, 10, 8, 8
3. Single-Arm DB Lateral Raises 4 x 10 per side
4. Stiff-Legged BB Deadlift (on 6-inch box, BB to touch floor) 4 x 10

It was awesome and such an ALIVE feeling to be back up at 0430. My HIIT Run was just that much better and I felt positive. Sprints were done as best I could, albeit having to slow down a little to favour my right knee after the eighth one...Resistance training was completed after work. Because I wanted to build on what I had done last week, did the same exercises. Started off with Military Press using the Smith Machine, immediately putting on the weight I finished off with last week (when I pyramided it up, to see what I could handle), and did that, albeit struggling quite a bit in the last couple of sets. Heavier Behind-the-neck Military Press this week than last week, and surprisingly, it was easier for me than the regular Military Press! Did the first two sets of Single-Arm DB Lateral Raises as last week, but because my right side was feeling ok, went up for the last two sets, noticing then the difference in strength and function, the pain forcing much slower tempo. Felt back crunching and clicking on EVERY rep of the Stiff-Legged BB Deadlift, but no pain in it - only in my hamstrings, from the additional stretch provided by the 6-inch box I was standing on...It would have been ideal to do 20 minutes on the Recline Bike post-weights, if just to help my hamstrings recover, but they were all being used, the gym the busiest I have ever seen it...

Tuesday

Session 1

Run 3 miles

Stretch 36 min

Session 2

Recline Bike 10 min @ 119 rpm

Arms/Abs (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Dips 4 x 8
2. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls 4 x 6
Alternate Set B -
3. V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs 4 x 8, 8, 7, 6
4. EZ-Bar Bicep Curls 4 x 8, 8, 6, 6
Alternate Set C -
5. Overhead Rope Tricep Extensions 4 x 10, 10, 8, 8
6. Alternate DB Hammer Bicep Curls 4 x 15, 12, 12, 10 per side
Alternate Set D -
7. Rope Crunches 4 x 25
8. Knee-Ins (on floor) 4 x 25, 20, 15, 15

Run was done in the dark. Cool the way I like it, my knees feeling ok starting out. However, not ending so well, as I limped the last half, trying to put as little pressure on my right side as possible...Resistance training had to wait again until after work (getting very frustrated with this, especially as at that time the gym has become so full that it’s enough to want one to say fcuk it). Started out with Dips - not as painful as last week, but starting to feel it on the last set after the third rep, pushing through anyway. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls were a definite effort - strength is far from 100% here, not to mention nearly dropping the barbell during the last set after four reps because of a sharp pain shooting through my right bicep. Went up in weight from last week with V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs - strength surprisingly has not been lost here. Lighter EZ-Bar Bicep Curls - less than what I wanted to do re reps, but was willing to take what my body would give. I was definitely not a pretty sight in the gym this session for sure. I was a mess, my hair all over the place, sweating, on the floor between sets, especially during Alternate Set D, my head between my knees, catching myself, determined to finish it out, no matter what...

Wednesday

HIIT Recline Bike:
a. 4 min @ 115-119 rpm
b. 8 x 20 sec effort/10 sec easy
c. 12 min @ 114-119 rpm

Stretch 22 min

I was actually going to try HIIT skipping today, but the movement was too much for my right shoulder/bicep, so I turned to the Recline Bike. Really feeling it in my legs and glutes. Definitely far more preferable running - and better for my body and results as well!

Thursday

Session 1

Recline Bike 10 min @ 108-110 rpm

Session 2

Shoulders/Arms/Abs (30 sec recovery between trisets):
TriSet A -
1. Swissball Crunch (270 degrees to 180 degrees) 4 x 20
2. Deadbug 4 x 8
3. Plank 4 x 1 min
TriSet B -
4. Dips 4 x 8
5. DB Zottoman Curls 4 x 12, 10, 10, 8
6. Alternate DB Hammer Bicep Curls 4 x 10 per side
TriSet C -
7. DB Clean and Press 4 x 10
8. DB Lateral Raises 4 x 10
9. Rear Flyes 4 x 10

Stretch 20 min

I was going to do 20 minutes on the Recline Bike during my brief lunch break, but the pedals kept "skipping", which was not kind to my knees, so after 10 minutes I stopped...Left my resistance training until after work, which went overtime by over an hour (and left me wanting to beat something to a bloody pulp - the perfect mood for crushing the weights), leaving me enough time to get in a shorter session, so I decided to do Shoulders/Arms/Abs and leave Full-Body to Friday. To get the session done in the time I had and make it as intense as possible, I did three trisets, with minimal rest at the end of each, barely giving myself time to recover before breaking my body down some more. Abs were screaming after the last few sets of Swissball Crunches - believe me, if you really want to feel a burn doing them and you’re not doing bridge crunches, do them up to 180 degrees (instead of from 180 degrees). Back was killing me after Deadbugs, hence stopping at only eight reps for them, and forcing the last two out on the last two sets, despite my protesting body. Dips were better - less painful than last week. DB Zottoman Curls were painful. To make it seem better, vascularity was very prominent, although muscle mass was far more noticeable in left side. Alternate DB Hammer Bicep Curls were very painful to do, but I forced them out. DB Clean and Press was another very painful movement - sometimes I still need to push my right arm up that high to get it there, but near tears, I made sure I got it there without assistance. Rear Flyes were hard, even at a light weight, feeling my right biceps tendon stretching...

Friday

HIIT Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 12 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 10 min jogging

Stretch 23 min

I was SHATTERED on waking, so decided to leave my training for a little later. Later I decided to just do my HIIT and my resistance session on Saturday, especially since my right shoulder and bicep was hurting the worst it has in the last three weeks. Not long into my run my lungs were burning, my throat dry, feeling like I couldn’t breathe, an effort to move my body. After my sprints, pitiful attempts at speed, my pace dwindled almost to a crawl as I literally dragged my exhausted body back to my room.

Saturday

Run 1.5 miles

Full-Body (30 sec recovery between supersets):
SuperSet A -
1. Rope Crunches 4 x 20
2. Stiff-Legged BB Deadlifts (BB to touch ground) 4 x 10
SuperSet B -
3. DB Bicep Curls 4 x 21s
4. DB Hammer Curls 4 x 6, 8, 8, 10 per side
SuperSet C -
5. DB Hammer Raises 4 x 10
6. Rear Flyes 4 x 10
SuperSet D -
7. Push-Ups (hands on fists, feet on floor) 4 x 10
8. Supinated Lat Pull-Downs 4 x 10
SuperSet E -
9. Single-Leg Deadlifts 4 x 10 per leg
10. Ab Rollout 4 x 10

Post-Weights Cardio:
Run 1 mile

Stretch 20 min

Full-Body back in session! After a quick run, it was all go. No taking it easy, with supersets and little recovery, albeit nothing my body is not used to being abused with. SuperSet A was fine, although feeling my abs burn towards the last set, and getting quite lightheaded during the last couple of sets of Stiff-Legged Deadlifts. Had to go a lighter than usual for DB Bicep Curl 21s, feeling my right bicep screaming through the last two sets. If that was painful, the DB Hammer Curls were even more painful, and I ignored it, almost in tears and vision blurring from the being dizzy and heady, pushing through, dropping the weight down for the last couple of sets. More teeth gritting for DB Hammer Raises, feeling the sharp stabbing pain through my right bicep and shoulder. Rear Flyes were no better, and I had to force the last few reps out on the last two sets, shaking to keep from growling. Push-Ups were not as painful as last week. Supinated Lat Pull-Downs were manageable, although feeling heavier than usual. Noticed during Single-Leg Deadlifts that my balance on my right leg is off-kilter and going to need working on. Ab Rollout, although perhaps the simplest exercise of the session, was the killer, and really finished me off...Since the Recline Bikes were all in use, I went out for a run, because I wanted to do SOME post-weights cardio. Right ankle gave out and collapsed on me - not cool; that’s the umpteenth time it has done that over the last couple of years (think) - hence not the 3 miles I WAS going to do...

Sunday

Day OFF

It has been an exhausting week, and even if training has not quite been at Maintenance, I AM relieved to have today off after my working week.

Training has definitely been a battle this week, but I have pushed myself, not just because I want to see what my body will take, but because it has been very stressful at work, my aggression and frustration through the roof, needing an outlet to take it out on. That aside, the week started off AWESOME, welcoming in the Chinese New Year - and believe me, it DID feel like "change" when I woke that morning, something inside me, my attitude and outlook different somehow - bouncing off the walls, smiles and laughter (getting back into schedule helped as well, and I think my boss realized for the first time just HOW important training FIRST thing is to my function and well-being).

OTHER NOTES

Body Composition

Back up to 9.3% bodyfat - which is surprising, since my diet has been clean and spot on ALL week (just goes to show that 100% eating clean and "dieting" does NOT work the best for my body!), AND I have been back in training (albeit not yet at Maintenance). Girths have decreased a little though re waist, glutes, and legs, along with overall body mass. It's a start, but NOT good enough.

Supplements

Last day of Battlefuel on Monday. Starting back on Recompadrol on Monday - I have missed this, and looking for it has been like searching for gold, so thank you Zach for pointing me in the right direction Made an order in the middle of the week for the rest of my "staples", so they should arrive mid-next week, just in time to start about the same time as February - I am looking forward to it to say the least; the products I use really DO make a DIFFERENCE for me!

Muscle Bombshell

As my day was winding down yesterday, it was a nice surprise to discover that my Interview for Muscle Bombshell has been featured on their website! I am honoured and want to thank everyone who has encouraged and supported me on my fitness journey throughout the last year - although going at it alone can be done, sometimes knowing that you're not traveling alone makes it all the better.
 To check out my Interview, see: Rosie Chee Scott - Fitness Expert and Elite Athlete

A Beautiful Blessing

Even through the storm clouds of this week, I've had a smile in my heart, a blessing completely UNexpected, but my saving grace, making me believe in things I had all but thrown away hope for. Here's to bringing that smile into next week and making it the BEST one of this year so far!

God Bless and Keep You All Safe and Happy!

January 22, 2012

2012 | Day 22: I will not be forgotten...This is my time to shine...


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"We are all blessed with so much and yet most of us piss those blessings away. Time for change, time for a new you and to start living life. Let go of the bullshit and the excuses. Accept personal accountability in order to self create success." - Joseph C. Donnelly

For the complete Motivational, review Personal Accountability | WPM Women.

TRAINING

Second week in training. Better than last week, but still not quite back up to speed and below Maintenance training.

Training completed this week:

Monday

Session 1

HIIT Recline Bike:
a. 4 min @ 110-133 rpm
b. 12 x 20 sec effort/10 sec easy
c. 10 min @ 108-113 rpm

Session 2

Recline Bike 10 min @ 108 rpm

Shoulders/Hamstrings (1 min recovery between sets):
1. Smith Machine Seated Military Press 4 x 15, 12, 8, 6
2. Smith Machine Seated Behind-the-neck Military Press 4 x 6
3. Single-Arm DB Lateral Raises 4 x 10 per side
4. Stiff-Legged BB Deadlift (BB to touch floor) 2 x 10
5. Single-Leg Deadlift (with twist and reach) 2 x 10 per leg

I decided to do my HIIT on the Recline Bike, because running is still so very painful on my knees, and difficult to run with the constant seizing of my right knee. My right knee clicked and cracked and popped for the first couple of minutes, but I gritted my teeth through the pain, and it got better during my efforts. After though, slowing down and getting off, was very painful...Waited until after work to do my resistance session - figuring that two, albeit shorter, intense training sessions would be better for my body in getting back into it, instead of everything all at once. Because of last week and the inability to properly do BB Military Presses as I wanted, and because I wanted to do them, I used the Smith Machine, thinking it would help and I'd still get the benefit from doing them. There was less pain, but at the same time, favouring my right shoulder was made easier. I did Behind-the-neck Military Presses on it as well, because they are the exercise that has helped me the most re shoulder development, and I don't want to have to stop doing them. My left side was fine doing Single-Arm DB Lateral Raises and the weight was easy (I used the same weight as I did for my right side, because I do not want to become unbalanced re muscle and strength), but for my right side it was not, and my face was a mask of pain. Did Hamstrings today, determined to complete a FULL session. Had to stop after two sets on the Stiff-Legged BB Deadlifts because my middle back was clicking in and out, in pain whenever I bent down, which is something I have not experienced doing these before (the former - pain can be normal, even with the right form, because of my back injury years ago)...Forgot to bring my Assault to work, so training virtually on empty today as well...

Tuesday

Session 1

Recline Bike 20 min @ 108-110 rpm

Session 2

Recline Bike 10 min @ 108-113 rpm

Arms/Abs (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Dips 4 x 6
2. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls 4 x 6
Alternate Set B -
3. V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs 4 x 6
4. Incline DB Bicep Curls 4 x 12
Alternate Set C -
5. Overhead Rope Tricep Extensions 4 x 15, 12, 12, 8
6. DB Zottoman Curls 4 x 10
Alternate Set D -
7. Hanging Straight-Leg Raises (feet to touch bar) 4 x 8
8. Rope Crunches 4 x 15

Post-Weights Cardio:
Recline Bike 10 min @ 117-119 rpm

Did the Recline Bike during a brief break from work, because I have noticed that even though it hurts my knees doing it, AFTERwards, my knees are not in as much pain for the rest of the day...Assault today...Dips were more manageable than last week, and I managed to get through two sets with minimal pain before the sharp pain from the third rep on the last two sets. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls were like Dips last week - painful from the third rep on each set, and on the last two sets, I almost didn't make the last two reps, but I held back the tears stinging my eyes and made my body do it. Surprisingly, V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs are an exercise that I have not lost strength in - although the loss in muscle mass in my right side is apparent. Decided to try Overhead Tricep Rope Extensions, since I do not have to lift my right arms up that much, and higher reps with at least one tricep exercise is ok. Having my right shoulder flexed straight up, hanging on a bar even at only my body mass, was more difficult that I thought it would be, and Hanging Straight-Leg Raises were the most painful exercise in the entire session - sharp, shooting pains were radiating through my right shoulder from the time I pushed my right arm up (yes, I had to push it up to get it to the bar, that's how much it still hurts re range of motion), but I toughed it out...Another surprise was during post-weights cardio, when I was spinning and there was not as much pain in my knee. I could have held that pace for a further 10 minutes, but stopped...

Wednesday

HIIT Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 12 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 5 min jogging

Left knee was the one hurting starting out. Didn't have the same pain in my right knee until after the first sprint, and then it was stiff and seizing for the duration of my run. Running was lopsided and awkward, but it was done.

Thursday

Day OFF

Knees were pretty bad, and although I was close to using it at work, I soldiered through without my walking stick. I am a "no excuses" person, but I am still learning that there ARE times when it is called "being smart" and not "making excuses" to have a day off training. My mind protests it because I feel like I am letting myself down, but right now, it is more important to recover than to force my body to do something that is only going to mean more time out later on.

Friday

Recline Bike 10 min @ 117-119 rpm

Full-Body (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Push-Ups (hands on DB, feet on floor) 4 x 10
2. Supinated BB Bent Over Rows 4 x 10
Alternate Set B -
3. Plate Hammer Raises 4 x 10
4. Rear Flyes 4 x 10
Alternate Set C -
5. DB Lateral Raises 4 x 10
6. Alternate DB Hammer Bicep Curls 4 x 10 per side
Alternate Set D -
7. V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs 4 x 10
8. DB Bicep Curls 4 x 10
Alternate Set E -
9. Rope Crunches 4 x 20, 15, 10, 10
10. Swissball Leg Curls 4 x 10
Alternate Set F -
11. Swissball Crunches (270 degrees to 180 degrees) 4 x 20, 20, 15, 10
12. Plank 4 x 1 min

Recline Bike 10 min @ 119-121 rpm

Had a full scoop of Assault for the first time today. A single serving is enough for me to feel effects, but a scoop just put it up a notch, and I felt like I was literally on another gear. It was easier to ignore the pain and I knew I'd feel this training session on Friday.

Saturday

HIIT Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 12 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 5 min jogging

Abs (1 minute recovery between trisets):
TriSet -
1. Ab Rollout 4 x 10
2. Rope Crunch 4 x 10
3. Weighted DB Crunch (knees at 90 degree angle) 4 x 10

Definitely feeling the Full-Body session, especially the abwork, from yesterday. Even though the training schedule I have set out is the best for my body as far as results, I have a suspicion that doing shoulders three times a week pre-injury was a factor in my body breaking down re injuries, and, to be cautious - at least for this week - and because I did not want to only do three resistance sessions this week, I did ~20 minutes of Abs.

Sunday

Day OFF

Recovery, hoping I can get to sleep early tonight (before 0000), because tomorrow I want to get up at 0430, and get back into THAT training schedule again, since it's the best one for my body, results, and functionality.

OTHER NOTES

Body Composition

Body Composition decreased by a pitiful 0.1% bodyfat over this week, so now at 9.2% bodyfat. Girths either remained the same or INcreased, which is a little upsetting, especially since none of the increases are where I wouldn't mind them. I have a long road ahead of me to get back to where I want to be - definitely not being able to lift as heavy as I need to, and being limited in some exercises, is going to impact my progress, but I'm going to give it my everything regardless.

Supplements

My day was made on Monday when more 7-KE arrived - have been using it since and already noticing the difference in upper abdominals. Also been using Assault again and really noticing the difference it makes to how I feel during training, as well as re energy, given that I did not use it last week. I also have to note that I've been using NO Infuse pre AND post-training, and it has been helping tremendously with pain management in my right shoulder/bicep. I will be starting back on all my "staples" at the start of February.

WPM Women


If you haven't checked it out yet do - the first issue of WPM Women has set the bar high for future issues, and it's now available in both print AND online!
WPM Women, Winter 2012

2012 OAMG Calendar

If you've been thinking about getting a copy, stop waiting and grab one. Tony has been sending them out, and it's a nice surprise to receive in the mail.
Go to www.oamediagroup.com to order your copy!

Someone asked me the other day why I "do it if it hurts", referring to the fact that training is still extremely painful for me. Hell, if I didn't do something because I was in pain, I'd never do anything - my body is in constant pain, and not just "normal" muscular pain; I've just learnt to live with it! Some people just do not understand that! But, everything may not have gone the way I wanted it to this week, still with training lacking, but it's progress on last week. And next week will be progress on THIS week.

January 15, 2012

2012 | Day 15: Rise...gotta reach down, dig deep, and break ground...It's do or die!


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Everything in life changes you in some way, even the smallest things. If you do not accept these changes, you do not accept yourself. For through these changes brings new and greater things to you, making you wiser as time progresses. To avoid these changes is a loss. You only live your life once. Do not waste a minute of it avoiding things. Let them come to you and learn from them. There is always tomorrow." - Adam R. Gwizdala

For the complete Motivational, review Change | WPM Women.

TRAINING

First week back training since the start of December. It didn't happen as I planned, especially since it was also my first week back at work in a very active training job. That said, I did what I could, my body getting adequate recovery, and I definitely got to see what I can do and what is going to take a little patience re recovery and building up on.

Training completed this week:

Monday

Day OFF

I did not get to sleep until after 0300, and was barely awake when my reset alarm went off at 0600, so no training was done before work. Because of that, I intended to do my first resistance session after work, but spending all day training members shot out my knees, my shoulder in pain, and I couldn't wait to just sit down, get off my feet, and let my body rest.

Tuesday

Session 1

HIIT Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 8 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 12 min jogging

Session 2

Shoulders (30 seconds recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. BB Military Press 2 x 6-8
2. DB Hammer Raises 2 x 8
Alternate Set B -
3. DB Lateral Raises 2 x 10
4. Single-Arm Lateral Raises 2 x 10 per side
Alternate Set C -
5. Seated Bent Over DB Rear Raises 2 x 8
6. Reverse Flyes 2 x 10

Still did not go to sleep until after ~0300, but forced myself to get up when the 0630 alarm went off (yes, I know, later than I want, but I set it when I finally "went to bed", making allowances for going to sleep so late...Running was definitely an issue. After two minutes, my right knee started catching and seizing up. Stubborn as I am, instead of turning around, I kept going. My running was very awkward, my sprints not too much faster than my jogging, since I could not run properly at all, favouring my right side, my right leg almost straight for the duration of the session. My left knee started catching and seizing up at ~16 minutes, and I pretty much limped my way back to the hotel...BB Military Press was painful, especially on the second set - which is why I stopped there, and decided to do only two sets per exercise. Pain through right shoulder and bicep was manageable, but still enough that I was cradling my right arm between sets of every exercise. I should have given myself longer recovery time, ~1 minute, instead of only 30 seconds between alternate sets, but I stubbornly wanted to push myself, since I was using ~30 seconds re recovery before I was injured - that, and I wanted to make my sessions shorter, since I was doing them after a very physical and painful (being on my feet for 8-10 hours on concrete caused many issues, and I returned to using my walking stick after Monday) day at work. Lateral Raises were a little difficult, considering my range of motion before pain sets in is still only raising my right arm ~30 degrees, and I was so very close to tears forcing myself to go to shoulder-height with the weights. All my weights were low - strength loss because of limited function in my right shoulder very apparent. Very unhappy with how it went, and very sore afterwards, but I got in there and DID it!...

Wednesday

Arms (30 sec recovery between alternate sets):
Alternate Set A -
1. Dips 3 x 6
2. DB Zottoman Curls 3 x 15
Alternate Set B -
3. V-Bar Tricep Push-Downs 3 x 6-10
4. Alternate DB Hammer Bicep Curls 3 x 15 per side
Alternate Set C -
5. Push-Ups (feet on floor, hands on floor right under chest) 3 x 6
6. Cable V-Bar Bicep Curls 3 x 10-12

Post-Weights Cardio:
Recline Bike 20 min @ 106-109 rpm

Another morning of not going to sleep until only a couple of hours before I had to get up for work, so training had to wait until AFTER work...I already knew before I started that Dips (and anything that required shoulder extension with elbow flexion) was going to be a battle - if I could even do them. The pain in my right shoulder was excruciating by the end of the third rep of every set, but I gritted my teeth and just kept pushing for more, determined to do it, despite the fact that my left side was doing the brunt of the work for the second half of each set (a little like my right side was doing the work when I started back after fracturing my left wrist both times). The Push-Ups were the same, and I barely managed three reps each time, forcing more out, almost collapsing on my face on the last couple of reps each set, favouring my right side with my left. Very noticeable was the fact that either my right shoulder/bicep is still quite swollen, or I have lost muscle mass there, since as I was doing the Push-Ups, where I could see definition in my left shoulder/bicep, there was NONE in my right side...I was a little wary about using the Recline Bike afterwards, but I wanted to make sure that I got in my 20 minutes of cardio. PAIN right from the start in both of my knees - sharp and cutting, like someone was stabbing my knees over and over. However, I had set my mind, and, putting "Back for More" by Five Finger Death Punch on repeat, I focused on the words, blinked back the tears stinging my eyes from the pain, and kept going until I had finished...

Thursday

HIIT Recline Bike:
a. 4 min @ 108 rpm
b. 8 x 20 sec effort/10 sec easy
c. 4 min @ 108 rpm

Took even longer to get to sleep this morning, passing out just after 0430...My knees felt better in the morning, and since the only thing I could think of that was different on Wednesday, was that I had forced myself to do 20 minutes on the Recline Bike post-weights (I was still getting around using my walking stick, using JOINT FORCE on my knees (and right shoulder) first thing and pre-bed. Since I wanted to do THREE HIIT sessions this week, I did a short one - during a brief break of not training members, instead of waiting until after work and risking hardly being able to walk and not doing training. Knees were the same on starting, but seemed to "loosen" up after the first effort. I was glad to finish though, since my knees were starting to hurt again with the slower cadence...

Friday

Day OFF

Four hours of sleep, waking with 30 minutes before I had to leave for work. Ended up being a longer than usual work day, leaving late, with no time to do even a short resistance session.

Saturday

HIIT Run:
a. 4 min jogging
b. 8 x 20 sec sprint/10 sec easy
c. 8 min jogging

Abs/Hamstrings/Back/Chest (30 seconds recovery between alternate sets A and B; no recovery between alternate sets C):
Alternate Set A -
1. Rope Crunches 3 x 25
2. Stiff-Legged BB Deadlifts 3 x 10
Alternate Set B -
3. Supinated Lat Pull-Down 3 x 10
4. Push-Ups (feet on floor, hands on DB) 3 x 10
Alternate Set C -
5. Swissball Wall Crunches (feet on wall, knees at 90 degree flexion) 3 x 25
6. Plank 3 x 1 minute

Passed out before midnight (the first all week) on Friday night. However, waking on almost every hour until 0800, because of pain in my right shoulder. Because of having little time to do much all week because of my working hours, I decided to get some of the things that needed doing done before having to get ready for work, my training planned on being completed AFTER work withOUT excuse...After having Friday off training (my knees and right shoulder were pretty painful throughout that day), despite how my knees felt during my HIIT Run on Tuesday, I decided to give it another go, hoping that it wouldn't be a repeat session. Unfortunately, I was limping right from the start, and once I had finished my sprints (which were, again, not very fast, but as fast as I could go), I headed back...I wasn't sure how the Rope Crunches would go, since by the time I got to this session later in the week, I was having to physically push my right arm up if I wanted it to go any higher than ~30 degrees, it was starting to get that stiff again, but I managed them. Little strength lost on any of the exercises in this session, except for Push-Ups (which was to be expected)...

Sunday

Day OFF

Knees very painful, spending the majority of the day in bed, off my feet as much as possible, because I am only going to give my body ONE week of "mercy" re training!

OTHER NOTES

Body Composition

Body Composition increased ever so slightly to 9.3% bodyfat - NOT happy, but accepting it and determining that henceforth it will only DECREASE; I NEED to be under 8.3% bodyfat ASAP to even start to feel remotely comfortable in my own body.

Supplements

Ran out of Erase on Wednesday, so there is no more until it arrives. Actually ended up starting Battlefuel on Tuesday, instead of waiting until next week.

WPM Women


The FIRST ever issue of WPM Women is now out! I am excited and honoured to be a part of this beginning and only look forward to being able to bring you more amazing issues!
WPM Women, Winter 2012
The iMag and Kindle editions are already available, with the print and Barnes and Noble Nook issues made available by Monday. To get your copy, go to: Buy WPM Women Winter 2012 Issue.

Now that I've had a week to "acclimatize" myself re training and work, there are NO excuses for NEXT week to be anything LESS than what I WANT to do! Let's make it a GREAT week, Everyone!

January 8, 2012

2012 | Day 8: It's time to rise up...get back up...show them all you won't be beaten...


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"My will to succeed is so real, I see it and think about it 24/7." - Carl OX Joseph

For the complete Motivational, review Will to Succeed | WPM Women.

TRAINING

Fifth consecutive week of NO training. ARGH!!!! I am definitely noticing it re body ability to breathe, energy levels, and body composition.

But...GOOD news!!!! The swelling in my knees has 99% gone and although it's still very painful, I have gradually been working on increasing my range of motion re shoulder flexion and abduction (still little extension due to EXTREME pain), so I will start back training TOMORROW!!! Although my resistance sessions are likely to be a little shorter than usual for a week or so, I am going to follow a similar training split to that I was using prior to injuries (exercises selected that won't aggravate right shoulder, within range of motion that I have - but pushing and working on improving it as well), since it proved to be the best for my body re what I want and need to do.

Training Split:
Monday - HIIT Cardio + Shoulders/Hamstrings
Tuesday - 10 min Cardio + Arms/Abs
Wednesday - HIIT Cardio
Thursday - 10 min Cardio + Full-Body
Friday - HIIT Cardio + Shoulders/Arms/Abs
Saturday - 20 min Cardio
Sunday - Day OFF

OTHER NOTES

Body Composition

Continued increase in body composition this week, up to 9.2% bodyfat - I definitely notice the change re look and feel of my body and definitely do NOT like it. In fact, I noticed the definite difference in look and feel as soon as I went over 8.3% bodyfat, the latter the body composition that I definitely want to stay UNDER ALWAYS! 

Supplements

Currently I am only using Erase (honestly, if it wasn't for this, with the way I have been eating everything in sight, despite not training, I believe my body composition would have increased more than it did), MuscleGels (here and there, preferring to use BCAAs and save these until I am training again), RecoverPRO (one of the reasons I believe I have not lost any muscle mass with all this time off training) and Vitamin C (at six grams a day since my injuries). I have not used Assault since my last training session, so my muscle creatine levels have returned to baseline, but I will notice as they rise again when I start back on it tomorrow. Alpha-T2 and Shred Matrix are well overdue to be used again as well - I miss them both terribly and can't wait for some more. You'll recall that I had just started using Battlefuel on the Monday my injuries presented, so I only had a single dose of it before stopping to save it for when I was able to train again - I will likely add this in during my second week back.

Website Changes

I've made a few changes to my website over my time off training. One of them is the addition of a page with links to all editions of my monthly online newsletter, RCS Newsletter - don't forget to check out the latest and learn how to flatten up your midsection: January 2012 | The SWIMSUIT Edition. Plus, since I am now the "Inspiration/Motivation" columnist for World Physique Magazine and WPM Women (and WPM Comps when it is released), I have added a "Published in Print (from 2011) Article" blog - I will be adding to this as issues of these magazines (and any of my articles that are published in print elsewhere) are out.

Writing Requests

I would also like to take this time to ask what YOU would like to see me write about, whether it is for the RCS Newsletter or for articles, so please email me your requests and I will review them all.

My Anthem for 2012



The words of this song (ignore the visuals and just LISTEN) could not be truer of how I approach life! I love it!

God Bless and may you all have an Awesome week!

January 1, 2012

RCS Newsletter :: January 2012 | The SWIMSUIT Edition


It's summer in New Zealand (how I miss it), the time of barbeques, the aroma of the tropics, playing in the sun, sand and surf and swimsuits. Males want the washboard 6-pack abs to show off, females the flat and lean midsection of a fitness cover model.

This month in the 'Training' section, I have explained a couple of key factors in leaning out and building your midsection, so that when you ARE lean, you have the abs perfect for showcasing in your swimsuit.

In this month's 'Nutrition' section, I have outlined three simple but important tips that will help you transform your stomach from average into something that you can be proud to show off at the beach.

Check out the fifth edition of the RCS Newsletter, "The SWIMSUIT Edition" - you can review it HERE.

2012 | Day 1: Reflection on 2011 & Goals for 2012


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"From this day forward I don’t "settle" for anything less then perfection and what I deserve. No more second best...ONLY the best! I will be better in every aspect from my career to my relationships..." - Brent Allen

For the complete Motivational, review From This Day Forward... | WPM Women.

REFLECTION ON 2011

2011 has been a mixed bag, a year of immense struggle and frustration, but also a year of great opportunities and blessings.

Early on I started focusing on making Rosie’s MuscleRevolution more than just a "hobby" I have a passion for, and for the first two thirds of the year, made my living solely from my clients. It’s been interesting learning the ins and outs of building a business from the ground up, especially considering when I started my website and online training, it was just something I did because I enjoyed it and wanted to help others, giving them the RIGHT information and direction to start with and from re fitness. Now though, Rosie’s MuscleRevolution has become so much MORE, evolving as I have changed and grown, and my website will continue to be updated throughout 2012.

As a challenge I decided to branch out in the industry and explore fitness modelling, having a blast doing my first photoshoots of the year in May and June. I enjoyed working with the photographers so much that I worked with them again in November, and have the honour of being in OAMG’s first ever, limited edition 2012 Calendar!

In May, I was blessed with a new addition to the family - Noah Isaiah Chee, the most beautiful little boy you ever saw! I could not be prouder of my brother for everything that he has done and will do - he is a great father; Noah is a very special and lucky child to have the parents he does. I cannot wait to go back home and meet this smiling boy (whom I have "watched" grow through pictures on Facebook and brief Skype conversations). There comes a time when family (and close friends) starts to mean more to you than you can imagine, and although I keep in regular contact with mine (spread all over the world), I DO miss them and being directly involved in their lives.

The second half of 2011 has been perhaps the hardest, but also the most rewarding. At the start of August I refractured my left wrist, which took me out of training for almost two months. Having learnt the first time I fractured that wrist in 2009 that everything happens for a reason - to teach us something or cause us to slow down and reflect - I tried to see the blessing in the tragedy. The upside: I was able to finally sit down and reassess my goals and priorities, getting things done that I have wanted to start or do for a long time, but might not have otherwise made time for, including but not limited to starting my own monthly online newsletter, get on Twitter, and approach World Physique Magazine about becoming a contributing author - I was given my own Motivation column in the magazine, as well as started a daily online Motivational for WPM Women (one of WPM's latest magazine additions, the first issue coming this month)! 
The downside: I lost all the muscle mass in my shoulders and arms that I had worked so hard all year until then to build. However, that too became a plus: When I was able to start training again in September I packed the muscle back on in record time - and then SOME! For the FIRST time in my life, my body was BALANCED re upper and lower, my girths the same on both sides, symmetrical, and finally in a condition that I was happy with (which is HUGE for those who know me)!

Around the time that I restarted training, I relocated to Texas for a new job: Training all the new members in a fitness facility. Most of the individuals that I work with have never been in a gym before or ever done any sort of structured exercise, so having a trainer start them out on an individualized training programme, demonstrating the exercises, making sure they have the correct form/technique and breathing, teaching them how they can progress their training, is ideal, and something rarely offered anywhere in the world (free of charge to the receiving party). 80% of those I work with are older, their many issues (rehabilitating from acute surgeries or chronic injury, and battling lifestyle diseases), some of whom have been turned away from other fitness facilities because of this. It has been very rewarding hearing feedback from members on how much better they feel (99% of them), how they are sleeping for the first time in years (a woman who has fibromyalgia), that they are starting to be able to walk properly again (an elderly woman who has been in a walker and cannot move around with the support of it for years), the lack of pain where there has been constant pain (a woman who has had multiple back surgeries), the increase in range of motion (many who have had rotator cuff and/or knee replacement surgeries) - the list goes on. I really enjoy my work, doing what I am passionate about: Motivating and helping others make - and educating them on CONTINUING to make - decisions that have a POSITIVE effect on the quality of their life!

In November I had a couple of trips to Florida, where I worked with several amazing photographers, setting the foundation for being able to get increased exposure to be able to speak to a larger audience re fitness and as a testament of God’s Glory, Grace and Strength, a living example of what can be done if one wants it badly enough and is willing to do what it takes to get there.

On returning from Florida at the end of November, my right biceps tendon finally tore (after years of being aggravated and ignored), causing a domino effect of new injuries (torn rotator cuff tendon) and old ones flaring up (nerve root impingement in cervical vertebrae, lower back pain and bone bruising) and worsening (chondromalacia - bone fragments becoming loose bodies in my knees) - forcing MORE time out from training, ironically coming on the heels of such an awesome month and only ~3 months of being back in training after my left wrist injury. But, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger - I am a Warrior, and I WILL get through this (I just hope that I recover ASAP!) and come back better than ever!

Training Last Week of 2011

Fourth week out of commission. My knees have been worse than my right shoulder/arm to be honest, and the day after any that I spend anything more than ~1 hour on my feet or walking around, both my knees swell up and seize, limiting my range of motion, sharp and intense pain on movement. My left hip has been getting worse as well re pain. Although I don't see myself being able to train this week, once I'm back in Texas, I AM going to go out for a run and see how that goes - foolish perhaps, especially considering jarring my shoulder is not smart, and my knees/hip barely handle walking, but I have to at least TRY! I am SICK of NOT being able to do anything and it is driving me INsane! I'm also going to see what I can do re upper body with weights - any shoulder extension or external rotation and things like Dips are out of the question for my right shoulder/arm, because of the extreme pain and lack of range of motion even now attempting it ASSISTED, and shoulder abduction is still very limited before I want to fall screaming to the ground, but at least I have SOME.

Body Composition Heading into 2012

As expected, my body composition continued to rise this week and is now at 8.8% bodyfat - no training is definitely affecting me (as well as the constant eating, which I have been doing - spankings there!) I don't appear to have lost any of my muscle, and whilst gaining bodyfat is NOT desirable, I am relieved that I am MAINTAINING my muscle mass!  There is a HUGE difference in how I look and feel this week from last week, and if last week didn't already confirm it, I know for definite that I do NOT feel comfortable with my body at anything over ~8.3% bodyfat (and certainly not if I am unable to train)! So, I need to lean out and STAY lean, maintaining less than 8.2-8.3% bodyfat!

GOALS FOR 2012

My goals for 2012 have not changed - with the exception of my TOP priority now being recovery from the multiple injuries that hit me a month ago.

That said, during the time that I start back at training, I am going to be working not just on recovery, but on leaning back down to <8.3% bodyfat, from there not "allowing" myself to go higher than ~8.2-8.3% bodyfat.

With training, recovery comes first with what I can and can't do, obviously, but then my training is simply going to be working on maintaining my current muscle mass (and leanness, once leaned back down), and improving several areas of my body. As far as strength goes, I am not too concerned with what I am lifting (and as I recover, it's not going to be very much at all) - so long as what I am doing is challenging me and making my body work and scream.

Nutrition is perhaps still the most important factor and I need to take more heed for health reasons. I know what foods my body feels (and looks) best after, what foods my body is intolerant of and sensitive to, what times different foods are best consumed by my body, and what nutritional protocol works best for my body. I will continuing with my own modification of the Lean Gains nutritional protocol since it is "perfect" for ME, albeit eating what and when I know is going to be best for my body and health!

Even though 2011 ended on a bittersweet note, I KNOW that God has Great things in store for 2012 and I am Excited about it! I plan on making 2012 the BEST year of my life ("so far", as says Homer Simpson) PROFESSIONALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND PERSONALLY!

"'For I know the plans I have for you', says the Lord, 'plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:10

December 27, 2011

Day 361: 2012 OAMG Calendar On Sale NOW!!!


SPREAD THE WORD!!!

If you haven't ordered your 2012 OAMG Calendar, you're missing out! 
Only $25! 
Visit www.oamediagroup.com to get your copy!
Please allow 1-2 weeks for shipping!


December 25, 2011

Day 359: Happy Christmas to the Rest of the World!


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Ghandi

For the complete Motivational, review Changing the World | WPM Women.

TRAINING

ANOTHER week out! GRRRRRRR!!!!!!! My body may have not felt it so much the first couple of weeks - probably needed the rest - but this last week has been another story altogether, and I am feeling AND seeing it! NOT cool! I'm praying and hoping that I can at LEAST get back on my bike by the end of next week! This can NOT go on!!!

OTHER NOTES

Body Composition

After having my body composition drop the last two weeks, this week it went soaring back to 8.4% bodyfat - a little to be expected given no training and the fact that I have been eating a lot more than usual (yes, even than I was last week, when I felt like I was hungry all the time and always eating). Higher than what I want to maintain, so there is some definite mental beating going on right now - as bad as it sounds, I do NOT feel comfortable at this body composition and NEED to be LEANER (NOT training DEFINITELY makes a HUGE difference in how I feel and look, since I was 8.4% bodyfat for my photoshoot with Dan Ray re images posted last week)! Definitely noticing the additional bodyfat - as always, the "tyre" that is a much HATED flaw! Losing lean body mass - so hoping that NONE of it is MUSCLE mass, although noticing a little going from my shoulders, which brings another GRRR, because I have worked my ass off TWICE now this year to GAIN muscle there! 

Injuries

Right shoulder is still in a lot of pain, albeit allowing me to sleep at least, so that is a plus. Range of motion I am slowly pushing every day, and a couple of times I have been able to get it to shoulder height as a front raise - the downside is that the pushing it means that the next day I am back to not being able to move it without extreme agony and have to keep my right arm as still as possible. But, slowly, slowly...The swelling is gradually decreasing in both my knees. On Thursday evening I was able to walk around without a walking stick for the first time in a while, so that was good. I can only walk around for 60-90 minutes before my knees REALLY start hurting, I get lightheaded and feel exhausted, but at least I CAN walk around UNassisted now (albeit feeling it a lot in my left hip and upper hamstring/lateral thigh). I end up sleeping a lot the day after being up and about, as well as later on the day (if I am around early). Not being able to train is affecting my breathing and energy levels as well - which is likely why being up and about exhausts me so easily, and I am sleeping more...So, another week of being bedridden and as inactive as possible, to let my body recover - RECOVER FAST!!! Not being able to train is killing me slowly one day at a time!

Recharge with Rosie | 7-Week Motivational

Don't forget that you can download for free, my 7-Week Motivational eBook, Recharge with Rosie. It's not just for others and right now I need motivation as much as anyone else, if just to keep my spirits up.

OAMG 2012 Calendar

If you want one, make sure you get your copies of the Limited Edition OAMG 2012 Calendar before they run out. Email info@oamediagroup.com for this.

Christmas/New Year

Talked to my family back home yesterday - was so nice to see and hear them :) Noah was watching the screen as if to say "whoa - there's someone moving on the computer", LOL :D He is so adorable! Being away from home so long HAS made me more than a little "homesick" I will admit, and I definitely canNOT wait until I am back in my beloved country again!

Had a beautiful Christmas with my second family in the US. It was great to be able to relax and just chill. I have been Blessed indeed :)