Yes, the diet is underway - so of course I am finding a MILLION things to do in order to avoid being in my kitchen snacking!!!

 

Among my activities, I am in the process of updating my web site - hopefully for Friday with a personal training section. In this section, I want to provide a resource for my clients especially, and for anyone else seeking out QUALITY information about health and fitness. Among this, I want to share people's stories about weight loss, overcoming illness, bettering their overall health, or anything that would be inspirational and relatable to others. Everyone has a story and it is so interesting in my line of work to hear people's stories and experiences. Please e-mail me if you have something to share or anything you would like to see on my site: tanishill@shaw.ca

 

Also - my Figure and Fitness ladies.... IT'S ALMOST TIME!!! That's right - we're in our final month or two before contest season begins! I will be holding a seminar on Saturday December 2, 2006 at Southport World Health Club for ANY potentially interested Fitness and Figure competitors. Please contact me and I would be more than happy to give you the details!!!

Tomorrow five of our Stampede City girls are being screened for one of the most prestigious gymnastic competitions in Canada called Elite Canada taking place in Toronto in December. It's been a grueling month to have their routines together so far ahead of their usual schedule, but they are looking FANTASTIC and should fare well tomorrow!!!

 

Best of luck to Demi, Ashley, Leah, Shay, and Katelynn!!!

So after four months of social events, eating, drinking, and GAINING... I am ready to start my dieting phase again!!! The Arnold is sixteen weeks from tomorrow! So good-bye to vino with the girls, Sunday night pizzas, and multiple daily Double-Doubles!!! I am pumped to begin this season. Even though I've gained my usual 40 lbs, I think it's come on better this time than in the past. Yes, there is still the unnecessary and unwanted flab around my waist and butt - but this time there some more thickness in my shoulders and back... come on, it's 40 lbs - there has to be at least some new muscle mass!!!

 

I'm all for leading a healthy lifestyle, and I know firsthand how much diet plays into how you look - but we all need a break sometimes, and the past four months were a welcome break. I even fit a vacation in there... how great is that!!! But it's also a great feeling to know that I am getting back on the 'discipline' wagon - in more ways than one!!! When I am training for a show and my workouts and eating are planned and organized - my daily life seems to follow suit. Yes, I will still moan and complain about how hard it is and how much I want to eat blizzards and pizza - but overall I know that when I am in training, I am at my best!!!

 

I've been doing a lot of thinking and reflecting. When I look back at how Nationals went, I am happy, but I know I can be better. I look at Marnie Holley, the Ontario competitor who won my class at Nationals and I think: What do I have to do to push her for that top position??? Routine-wise - she's amazing, but I have the capability to step it up a notch.  Physique-wise, I have to be spot on with my diet and conditioning. I found a picture of the top three where we are right next to each other and I can see the differences in our shoulders and hamstrings. Two spots I have worked hard to improve - hopefully once I 'peel back the layers' I'll see the results!!! So starting tomorrow - it's on... and it's on until the end of June. Welcome to my competitive season!

 

Photo of the top three at Nationals: