So.....five weeks out....I am ready! yes! I could go into a competition today and I could take it all home.  I am hard and lean, my muscles are full.  This time around I am coming in lean and not skinny! YES!

BAH HAHAHA! Oh if only it were that easy.  Well on that Saturday, I was ready.  By Monday, everything had changed.  

We all wish our body would take from the appropriate trouble spots at the appropriate times.  Unfortunately it doesn't work that way.  Like most women, I carry all my excess weight on my glutes and thighs.  So you can imagine my excitement when I saw that it was taught and round, and exactly what I needed it to be.
Now you can imagine my mixed feelings when the "jiggly" fat settled in.  For all those who panic when this happens breathe with me.....and repeat.....it will get better.  Yes, it's gross.  It's thin and squishy, lumpy and it just hangs there.  Here is where the excitement comes in, it's on it's weigh (hehe) out the door! 
This simply means that the fat cells are shrinking and there is extra room.

So although this is a good stage to be at, for me right now....not the best timing.  I'll drink an excess amount of water to speed up the process and continue with my fat burners.....which we conveniently have available on our website.  Message me for advice on some of the best fat burners!

For any women considering having a baby and possibly seeking help to make that happen, the importance of meeting a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) couldn’t be more stressed. 

Doctors in Canada are starting to make a stand. They’re considering implementing a new policy to withhold IVF (iv-vitro fertilization) to obese women. They have all agreed that yes it is discriminatory and they can “respect that people have the right to make their own choices, but we have a duty of care to do no harm”, said Dr. Leader.
The co-founder of the Ottawa Fertility Centre says the risks and potential medical complications are far too high for obese women. Obese women are more likely to miscarry, suffer from pre-eclampsia, premature delivery and underweight babies.

It has also been suggested that overweight women should consume more folic acid as their babies are at higher risk of brain and heart defects.

One theory why carrying extra weight increases the risk of miscarriage is it may affect the lining of the womb and the implantation of the egg. One risk is the egg retrieval process; it is difficult because it’s harder to find the ovaries in obese women. Having them under sedation poses enough risk, keeping them under for longer then necessary increases that risk.

Dr. Leader explains that the BMI level is well above the clinical definition of obese, which is a BMI of 30. He explains that a 5 foot 6 woman weighing 220 lbs would have a BMI over 35. He expresses that he understands their impatience; the longer they wait the risk of infertility rises with a woman’s age. But With all the combined risks involved just can’t “justify subjecting these women to IVF.” His primary concern is the woman and her children.

Who knows maybe losing a little weight could increase your chances of conceiving naturally and save you a substantial amount of money.
We can help you with all your fitness and nutrition goals.  We have a full line of supplements that can help you maintain your proper vitamin and mineral levels, optimizing your chances of conception.

Pumping Iron starring Arnold Schwarenegger really glorified the sport of professional bodybuilding.  Well thanks to him and Pumping Iron, bodybuilding and fitness competitions have exploded.


He expressed the intensity in bodybuilding and competing.  Arnold presented the sport with such a positive demeanor, how could it be wrong.
Well the reality is, it's tough.  Arnold states in the movie that it is like he is always in a euphoric state.  He failed to mention the strict diet, strict is an understatement.  If you thought you were a healthy eater prior to this adventure.  Your wrong.  Arnold seemed so happy all the time in the movie, he lied, your grumpy.  Low blood sugar levels, cutting carbs, cutting calories and eating the same food two or three times a day,  expect to be grumpy,  Read all the articles you want, nothing prepares you for the journey your about to go on.

You've decided you want to compete.  First things first.  You need to decided what league your going to compete in.  They all have their perks and benefits.  Let's look at the Ontario Physique Association.  The OPA hosts 15 shows a year.  Some include naturals, which require drug testing and some do not.  The OPA will take you the furthest and provide more opportunities to advance.  There is also the World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation and International  Drug Free Association.  Both of these are equally as competitive, they just seem to be more highlighted.  More opportunities for coverage.  So, pick your association and then pick a date.

Next it's time for the reality check.  You look good.  You know you look good.  Go find a coach.  Make sure you connect well with this person, they will be your lifeline.  Meet with your coach for the first time and get ready for the bomb.  It's gonna hurt.
Your going to hear the words "You have a lot of work to do, but you have a good base." Ouch four years of training and thats all you have? a good base.  All the time, the weight loss, the dieting, everything and all you have is a good base?  Well suck it up and let the fun begin.

One of the first things you should get from your coach/trainer is your meal plan.  The first two weeks are either going to make or break you.  Some can't make it past the first four days.  You are going to be in physical pain.  First part of your nutrition should be a flush.  It will be painful.  You will feel the years of bad food and damage peeling off the intestinal walls by day four maybe five.  Just like crack and cocaine, sugar is addictive.  You will experience headaches, confusion, stomach cramps, aggression, anxiety and expect a bout of diarrhea .  However, your body will feel like a million bucks and you'll have a ton of energy.  You will be insanely hungry, oh, so hungry. Your stomach is shrinking.  Let it happen.   There are ways around the hunger though.  Discuss with your trainer what will be best for you.
You will soon see how strict and organized your life needs to become.  You just made one of the most life altering decisions.    There will be more diet  experiences to follow.  If you don't want to wait, just ask the trainer and ask your question!

Just wanted to start by saying thank you for all your interest is XL Fitness. As the industry keeps growing and expanding, the quality of training is declining.  With Obesity levels at an all time high, now more then ever people are staring to take the proper steps to change their lives.  
Unfortunately several chain gyms are making personal training harder and harder to obtain.  There is nothing personal about personal training.  There is usually a protocol in place that is applied to everyone.  
I recommend seeking out a Personal Trainer that is not hired by a chain gym.  Big chain gyms tend to force you into personal training packages that run into the thousands.  Explaining that it is absolutely necessary to see your trainer several times a week for several months.  
This may not be the case for everyone.  I do however recommend finding a trainer before embarking into the gym.....I'm sure I could recommend a couple :)