I’m doing an online training program with Joe Franco, a trainer and bodybuilder in PA. Almost every day, I update my blog to reflect my workouts, some diet issues, and any other related comments. Progress pics will come as soon as I start to feel comfortable 
Anyway, if you want to see what I’ve been doing, here is my blog: http://danielleringblog.blogspot.com/
I’ve written about how important it is to have goals, so I’m going to tell you about one of mine!
I just started dieting and training for a figure competition that will be held in October in Baltimore. Figure is a category within a bodybuilding contest (in this case, it’s all natural–drug testing is mandatory) and the look is feminine but athletic. The goal is not only to reduce body fat while maintaining muscle; women are also judged on muscle symmetry and development, and presentation. For some photos of previous competitors, see the Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders website. Click on results and then choose a show.
Anyway, I’ve just completed Week One, with 9 weeks to go. The diet is intense and I am very closely weighing and counting every carbohydrate, protein and fat that I eat. I am also working out religiously, though at this point, it is not that much more than I used to do. There have been times this week when I was low on energy, hungry or tempted to eat more. But because this goal is so important to me (and because I have a trainer to whom I must answer), I am motivated to keep on track.
While my calories are low, my nutrition is the healthiest it’s been in a while (all lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, but no added sugars, processed or snack foods or alcohol). And I have to admit, I now have more energy than I have in a long time.
I will keep you posted!
Danielle
Hi,
Starting on Monday, September 8, I will be teaching a weekly Pilates class at Sun and Moon Yoga Studio on Lee Highway in Arlington (next door to Cherrydale Hardware). It will go from 6:30 PM until 7:45 PM.
For more details, see the Sun and Moon website (above). It costs less per class if you sign up for several, and a little more per class if you drop in.
Pilates is great for people who…
–have weak abdominals and low back muscles
–who need a low impact method of exercise
–who enjoy challenging themselves and learning how to move better
–who enjoy mind-body forms of exercise
–who like to work in a group setting
What is Pilates?
Pilates is an exercise form used to strengthen the core muscles (abdominals, back, obliques, glutes, hamstrings). It was named after Joseph Pilates, a German born in 1880. He was sickly as a child, but taught himself how to strengthen his body by studying anatomy and learning how to move each and every muscle. During WWI, he was interned with other German nationals in a camp for enemy aliens. There, he devised his system of exercises, originally called “Contrology”, and taught them to other internees. Soon, Pilates began to devise equipment (i.e. old bed springs and barrells) to help rehabilitate injured patients. After the war, he and his wife Clara moved to New York where they taught dancers this method of body strengthening and rehab work. It became quite popular and his reputation grew. After his death in 1967, his wife and others continued his work.
There are several forms of “Pilates”, some of which follow Joseph Pilates’ teachings more closely than others. Because there have been arguments about what is considered “classic Pilates”, the Pilates Method Alliance was formed. This group helps establish standards for certification and continuing education, and is closely affiliated with Joseph’s direct students (”The Pilates Elders”).
My certification is through Power Pilates, a member of the Pilates Method Alliance and which teaches a classical, systematic integrative approach to Pilates training. This form of classical Pilates is designed to give the student a great workout. It is slightly faster than other forms, and in many cases, your heart rate will increase and you will sweat. However, all exercises are done on a mat and involve little to no impact. People who have injuries should let me know and I will give information about exercise modifications.
Hope to see you there!
Danielle
