Athletics have been an ingrained part of my life since childhood.  But until 1990, I cannot say I was a truly disciplined athlete.  This page combines both Training & Lifestyle, they must go hand in hand.  A Fitness, Figure or Bodybuilding athlete understands it has to be a complete lifestyle if you want to succeed and be your best.  The dedication required to compete on the FITNESS platform is staggering to most of the population, which is why you do not see a lot of physiques similar to ours on the street.  Most cannot comprehend the level of commitment it takes to create and sculpt musculature, let alone perfect the magnificent strength skills that must be performed in Fitness .

So allow me to share a glimpse into my training regimen.  A place to highlight the differences between on season and off season training.  This level of work is far and away from how I train my client base.  For Fitness hopefuls who may be interested, I have a dynamic ability to share the unique Fitness skills I have learned.  The strength elements I have adopted, many of which are self-taugh, can be brutally difficult and take a special drive to perfect them.  I appreciate the influences I've had on this journey, knowing athletes like Adela Garcia or Jen Hendershott has truly helped my game.  I have to say that this sport commands respect ... I look at these Fitness Pro's and can appreciate all of the grueling pain they have endured to reach that level. 

I do not choreograph routines, but I can certainly share a one on one training opportunity for those wanting to learn specific strength skills. 
Visit my E-Shop for details on training. 

We really don't have an off season in this sport, just a lighter load than when preparing for a competition.  Bear in mind that I stretch my body constantly in between sets, or after my workouts.  Stretching is a relentless and sometimes exhausting commitment.  It took me a very long time to figure out what works best for me.  But I now have a much deeper understanding and connection to this element.  I envy those athletes who have a strong foundation of gymnastics under their belt.  This sport comes much easier to someone with that background. 
However, I am here to provide extra encouragement to those that may have a similar background to mine.  We can teach our bodies to do amazing things, I am living proof of this.  I lost years of opportunity because I did not know how to believe in my abilities.  Remember, I was 45 when I did my very FIRST Fitness competition.  The possiblities are staggering if you find a way to believe in yourself.

This is a time when all of life shuts down.  It typically takes me about 10 weeks to dial in, but for many athletes, it is a 12-16 week process.  The elements of training, nutrition, and sleep are non-negotiable.  So in essence, my social life comes to a halt.  I cannot maintain my focus if I'm meeting up with friends or going out for dinner.  There are too many temptations in those situations to "cheat" on my diet.  So I choose to just shut down.  It is a given that the demand on time at the gym increases.  As I get closer to show time, lifting weights decreases, and skill practice goes up.

My template for training each day, and how I group things together stays pretty much the same, it is the duration, extra cardio and routine practice that change.  So for instance, I will add a second cardio to my lifting days.  Then, I will add extra time on my routine practice, ideally that involves finding a Gymnastics center to accomodate my needs. 

The final phase of competition prep is beyond intense.  The last 2 weeks, I will push my routine practice days to 3 all out rehearsals in a row, so that by the time I reach the stage, performing the routine just one time...all out, seems easy and goes very quickly. 

MONDAY A.M. - Cardio*
MONDAY P.M. - Back, Triceps (I incorporate strength elements that focus on the triceps)

TUESDAY A.M. - Cardio*
TUESDAY P.M. - Fitness Skills, lower body plyos

WEDNESDAY A.M. - rest
WEDNESDAY P.M. - Legs, Shoulders, light cardio on stationary bike

THURSDAY A.M. - Cardio*
THURSDAY P.M. - Fitness Skills, upper body plyos

FRIDAY A.M. - Cardio*
FRIDAY P.M. - Chest, Biceps

SATURDAY - Usually I do a bootcamp style workout, and also work on any fitness elements I feel need attention. 

SUNDAY - Rest or yoga

* My cardio averages 30 minutes...I sometimes do 45, but not too often.