fitness

So it begins…again

~ taytertalks ~ Leave a comment

Back in 2012 (if my memory hasn’t failed me), my boyfriend at the time set up a blog for me.  He knew that I wanted a platform to share my journey of self discovery with the world.  I thought it was so cute that he had “heard” me through all of our talks about my life goals, but I never touched the thing.  Not once.

I grew up dreaming about being famous, being heard.

baby tay walking on a ledge

It was as if that was the only thing that would bring significance to my life.  FAME.  It sounds so dirty when you think of it that way.  Significance.  I was certain, at the wise age of 10 years old, that if I just met Devin Sawa or Jonathan Taylor Thomas that they would fall in love with me and I would be set for life.  Looking back, I’m now less surprised as this point that I switched majors in college and studied Theatre Arts.  Always chasing significance and attention.

*Only child alert*

On the Verge

My point of all this is that this blog is not for seeking or attention or significance.  Maybe that’s why it’s taken me all these years to get started (and I’m still figuring out what that’s going to look like). It’s for sharing stories of triumph and failure.  It’s about growth, challenges and discovery.  It’s about goals, love, life, food and family.  It’s about friendship and being there for one another.

I am significant.  We all are.  This is about recognizing all the moments.

#TALYYOURMOMENTS

This is your time.

 

 

.Defeat.

~ taytertalks ~ Leave a comment

It happened.

The feeling.

DEFEAT.

Last night I stayed after work for a Happy Hour meet and greet event.  I had come off of a long 24 hours of traveling and dealing with the loss of someone dear.  I had three glasses of wine and was feeling great.  I mean, wine always makes me feel great.  Until the next morning when my head is pounding.

I got home around 8:30 pm and realized I was starving.  So I did what any normal person who is kinda drunk and dealing with food and body image issues would do.  I ate the rest of the ice cream in the fridge and ordered a pizza.  Okay, okay…I also ordered the parmesan bread bites.

As I sat on my couch, dipping my slices into the garlic butter included in my order, I started to think and be aware of how my body was feeling.   Sure, that pizza was AMAZING.  But I began to feel the grease on my face and fingers, the folds of my stomach over my comfy pants.  I began to realize how sad and weak and alone I felt in that moment but that each bite was filling me with a temporary sense of purpose and comfort.  But then the slice was gone and I was on to the next.

It wasn’t until I spilled the container of garlic butter on one of my throw pillows that I realized I was lost.  I was sad.  I was unhappy.  I had lost my purpose and was no longer celebrating my moments.  I had not had any victories.  I had not set and crushed any goals.  I also realized that my stomach hurt and I had a huge piece of pineapple stuck in my teeth.  It’s cool.  I was eating alone.

I woke up late this morning and I looked at my phone to realize I had 10 minutes to get up and get my ass to my workout.  I made a mini goal to make it because I had made a mini goal to get 4 workouts in this week.  I was 10 minutes late and had to do 40 burpees, but I made it.

I also reached out to a few friends to find support with my recent bout of depression after being assaulted.  But that’s a whole other post.

#goalsbeingcrushed

I stepped on the scale this morning and weighed 153 pounds.

It’s just a number.

It’s.  Just.  A.  Number.

find your HAPPY place

~ taytertalks ~ Leave a comment

Selecting a fitness program can be really overwhelming, especially when you’re new to the workout scene.  I’ve tried many forms of exercise.  From the elliptical at the gym, The Firm at-home workout videos, Zumba…I’ve tried almost everything and I’m here to help.

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Finding your fitness groove is personal to the individual and it’s important to know what you’re looking for and for you to be comfortable.  I’m here to share some of my favorite programs, but this article, from Fitness Magazine, could also help you determine what style is for you.  Keep in mind, I’m not a doctor.  Please talk to your doctor before beginning any fitness program.

THE AT HOME WORKOUT

The Firm & Tone It Up

When I was in college, my mom and I both ordered The Firm workout plans from an infomercial.  We followed their fitness plan, and together, lost almost 30lbs.  That was back in the early 2000’s and times are a changing!  I still use their DVD’s when I’m in a pinch, and although they are a bit old school…they do the job.  They get me sweating!

More recently, I fell in love with the Tone It Up girls, Katrina and Karena.  Last year I completed their Bikini Series and it’s back!  Their newsletter is free and they have tons of free workouts online.  They also have a YouTube channel and you can complete any of their workouts on the go!  I splurged and bought their Nutrition Plan and their Beach Babe 2 DVD.  The girls are hilarious and their bodies are BANGIN!  Not only do they motivate me to put down the pizza and workout, but I also want to be their best friend.  Check them out!

BOOTCAMP

Bootique Fitness / Barry’s Bootcamp / Blunt Force

If you’re a lady looking for other ladies to motivate your fitness, I highly recommend Bootique Fitness.  A women’s only, outdoor boot-camp, you get SO MUCH for your money.  Multiple locations with morning and evening classes, you’re able to find your inner fit babe from their program all day, every day, in the great outdoors.  BONUS:  As a Bootique member, you’re also able to attend their Zumba classes for FREE!  I am a big fan of being strong, but I have fallen in love with the dance!  I dare you to try it.

A friend of mine also turned me onto Barry’s Bootcamp.  Another strength based boot-camp style workout, Barry’s pushes you to the MAX.  A 60 minute workout, your instructor splits the class between the dreaded treadmill and the floor.  Each day is a different muscle group and it’s not for the faint of heart.  You’ve got to work.  They are bit more expensive, but if you’re going consistently, you’re paying for results.  But have a I ever mentioned how much I hate running?  I love the calories I burn in their classes, but I dread those sprints.

In January, I bought a Groupon for Blunt Force Training.  They have some KILLER group boot-camps with rotating Trainers.  No two workouts are the same.  They also offer Strength classes, Yoga and Boxing!  I have never left that gym without feeling like I just got my ass kicked.  They are friendly, motivating, fun and the clients come in all ages, shapes and sizes!  The gym also has several Personal Trainers that have clients throughout the day.  Team Fit Chick, with coaches Alysha White and Kasey Wilson, train their competitors out of this gym too.  I’d call this one a one stop shop.  And the Unlimited Membership is a steal at $99/month.  Personal Training and competing are an additional cost.

THE STANDARD GYM

24 Hour Fitness / Chuze Fitness / Planet Fitness

I’m not going to take a ton of time between each of these gyms.  I know that some gyms offer fancy pools and saunas…but I would rather get a facial or massage from a specialist so I am all about the basics.  Most standard gyms have the same equipment and cardio systems, so for me, it’s all about the cost.  24 Hour Fitness is the most expensive of the three gyms I’ve been a member of, ranging from $30-$60/month.  At $10/month, for their basic membership, Chuze Fitness and Planet Fitness take the cake.  The only setback is most locations don’t have free barbell weights.  I like to lift heavy, but not for nearly $30/month more, so this isn’t a deal breaker.  Make sure you take a tour of the facility and really understand the equipment before you get started.  You want to make sure you get the most for your money!  Plus, most gyms are creating awesome circuit areas for you to get an awesome 30 minute Circuit Training session in.  BOOM!

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I hope this helps you make a better decision for your fitness.  Feel free to share your own experiences in the comments.  I would love to hear your recommendations!

into that fitness thing

~ taytertalks ~ Leave a comment

Today was one of those “I kicked some ass” days.  Those days are AWESOME!!

  I’m currently training for my second fitness competition.   On June 20th, 2015, in Denver, Colorado, I will be stepping on stage for TWO divisions.   Diva Fitness Model and Diva Bikini model.  Holy balls.  I couldn’t be more pumped.

My first showwas August, 2013.  I attended the WBFF World’s in Las Vegas.  I competed in the Diva Bikini model division.  It was one of the coolest and most terrifying things I have ever accomplished.  Walking out onto that stage though, I was a winner.  I mean, I didn’t actually win.  I didn’t even place.  This was the Superbowl of fitness competitions.  There were over 200 girls competing in my category alone.  But I didn’t do the competition to win.  My trainer for that show, Nicholas Marion, would probably cringe if he heard me say that.  But it’s true!!  I won the second I decided to change my lifestyle.  I won first place the second I stepped on that stage!

From before photo, to day of show photo (pre-spray tan and hair), was 16 weeks.

I did some WORK!

@nmfitness

@nmfitness

That year was a rough one.  I had moved, gone through a breakup and wasn’t healthy or taking care of myself.  One could say I wasn’t making the best choices.  But, I listened to Nicholas and I kept my head up.  I kept the weight heavy and I made it.  I changed my life and my body.  I felt sexy and strong and I tapped into a part of myself that I didn’t even know existed.  Even the support I had in the gym from members was amazing.  Nicholas’s gym, formerly Urban Athletica, brought great women into my life.  Those girls know who they are.  I wouldn’t have made it without them.  We don’t stay connected like we used to (life happens like that sometimes), but I still look back on the support and love they gave me and shake my head with how lucky I was.  Good friends are hard to find.

That time changed my life.  I did all the hard work.  I DID THAT!

Nobody can ever take that away from me.

My lifestyle isn’t for everyone, and please don’t think that because I’m a training as a fitness competitor that I am super wrapped up in how I look.  Or that I’m telling you how to live your life.  Or that I think my story is more important than anyone else’s.  To my mother’s displeasure, I can fart, burp and talk about poop with the best of  ’em. and I’ll always choose comfy pants.  Tacos and ice cream will always be my favorite food groups and I know that there is a terrible amount of pain and struggle in the world.  I simply want to share this part of my life because it makes me feel good.  It helps me with my own pain and struggles.

We all fight out own battles and struggle with our own demons.

 This is my way of  making me feel like I’m accomplishing something.  This is my way of making a difference.  I just happen to start with myself.  If I’m the best version of me, I can do anything.

Like I mentioned in a previous post…I’m not a girl with an outstanding story.  I’m just constantly learning how to fall in love with myself and this is part of my process, this is part of my journey.  I’m setting goals, and  plan to squash them.  I’m strong.  I’ve finally surrounded myself with people who support me and believe in me.  And I’m also constantly learning to LET THEM!!  Life is a process.

 I am a powerhouse.  I can do anything.

Watch me.

You can also follow my journey on instagram @misstaymarie