No more "Pussy-footing" around for this lady. I'm sick of how I've been so lax about my workouts since the middle of October....Don't get me wrong, I've been working out, more than the average human, but I've been cuting myself too much slack by missing workouts, putting them off and SKIPPING items I just don't "feel like" doing. NO MORE!!
I've set some very SOLID goals for myself to attain by Feb 14th, 2013~
- Workout 6 days a week on a 3 days split
- Run at least 2 times a week
- Play tennis 2 times a week
- Goal weight 123
I may add to the list but that's the main focus...
I'll be starting today, with legs!
Off to get it done!
xoxox~ Michelle
I seriously am worried I'm turning into a HERMIT. I don't want to leave my house! I know my hormones tend to make me feel this way monthly, but I am seriously feeling more and more like I don't want to venture away from my "Sanctuary" of a ranch. We moved out to the country about a year ago and I'm totally diggin it! I've learned so much about myself this past year...I love doing so many things that I never knew existed prior to this past year.
I love driving a tractor
I love planting fields
I love brush hogging
I love building big fires
I love running hills on a dirt trail
I love hunting varmits
I love shooting guns (i got a hand gun and a shot gun!)
I love making mulch (our anniversary present was a small mulcher)
I love cutting down weeds and sumac!! it makes me feel powerful!
I love working out at home! (I never thought that'd be the case)
I enjoy the sunrise (Before this year, I barely ever got up to see one, lol)
...I could keep going but the point is that life is so amazing-- a constant adventure and discovery!!
So far our 28days of Chistmas is a success!! tons of posting tons of fun #workoutproof pictures~ tons of great women who I'm so excited to get to know better!!
I got in my workout last evening at about 6pm... here's my proof pic~ I'm sore today!!
Today I hope to get my workout done earlier. Upper body and a run is on tap!!
Have a GREAT day #2!!
Love,
Michelle
Hi!! I'm in a total time warp this week...Holidays do that!!
I'm so excited on many fronts~ We are getting geared up for our next contest...Hope you got the email and signed up, DETAILS are HERE. The sign up for the sock exchange ended yesterday: We had 68 ladies sign up to participate, It's gonna be some crazy wild fun to see all of those sock pictures!!
I got in a workout today at the gym with my mma friend Lylna~ we worked our backs, shoulders and did squats-- then to finish up she put me through some boxing drills~ it was fun!!
Tennis was canceled for this week...due to the holidays.
Today I want to say thank you to sports...Thank you SPORTS for teaching me tons of PHYSICAL Skills, but more so mental skills like : Determination, Hard work, Consistency, Team Work, Encouragement and the Ability to KEEP Pressing on knowing that PRACTICE makes PERFECT.
Well, time for some relaxation!!
Love,
M
I'd also LOVE to get in a leg workout and/run...I probabaly shouldn't do all of it though because I'll be DEAD if I do. It's been fun recently to "feel" like working out . I had a long spell there where I didn't and it's hard to have to "make yourself" do it every time.
I am thankful for every amazing female hero of mine-- they are the women who forge ahead to impact the world, leading by example and have a no excuses attitude. I have many such heros, but today I want to say THANK YOU to 3 specific ladies: Joyce Meyer (www.joycemeyer.org), Laurie Beth Jones (www.lauriebethjones.com) and Heidi Baker (http://irismin.org/). May God continue to
"I never understood why people want to do big things...
Just do little things, with great Love."
-- Mama Heidi Baker
Keep being thankful and pressing into the positives in life!!
Love,
Michelle
This weekend was a good one~
Saturday morning my hubby shot a buck...it was the first on our land and very sentimental!! We brought it in to the meat processor and it'll be some good eating~
That afternoon I hit the trail for a run, It was crazy warm for November 11th. It was also VERY WINDY, but nice where I ran as it's sheltered from the wind.
After the run Travis and I climbed up on the roof of our house and enjoyed the evening looking for deer~ Here's my view:
Saturday's thank you: Thank you God for my beautiful land!!
Yesterday was GLOOMY and rainy all day!! I was so thankful that it was NOT SNOW(Sunday's thank you)!!
I got in a decent leg workout~ and this MOVE, No clue what exercise I'm doing?? LOL-- It must have wore me out cuz I crashed while watching sunday night football.
Today is sunny again but started off really cold!! Gracie has an impacted tooth so we visited the otho who recommended surgery and braces for the little lady. It's going to mean a lot of extra driving over then next 9 months! Today, my thank you is to my mini-van:
Dear Mini-Van, You are black and dirty, but I love you~ Thanks for getting our whole family (+1 at times) to where we need to go. I appreciate your storage space and smooth ride. Although, I hate your unstylish appearance and lack of EDGINESS~ and I'd trade you for a HUMMER in a heartbeat, You are what I got for now~ I do love you and I THANK YOU!!
Time for me to get rollin' my workout can't wait any longer!!
Have a super Monday!!
Love,
Michelle
I am thankful for the USA!! I love the USA!! Because of our freedom, our culture, our awesome country, our diversity and most of all because of our BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY!! We are allowed free enterprise in this country and I've been able to
Some practice on olympic lifts- snatch, cleans, push presses
Squats- 2 sets warm up; 2 sets @135-- I am weak on these recently- I think NO CARBS has a big effect, plus I've been inconsistent
Leg Extensions
Leg Curls
Each and every new month, I like to give myself a theme and set specific goals for my fitness. I am a big believer that "MAINTENANCE" is a myth- we are either moving forward or backwards in life, and more specifically in our fitness!
My goal is to keep the mojo I've gained over the past couple months!
I have 2 specific fitness goals:
1- I want to stay excited for Tennis...I've changed my lesson day to Tues and added in a FRIDAY Drills day!! the extra time on the court will help me to keep progressing!!
2- Based upon my "after" photos from the SSS I need to be STAUNCH about work my legs/booty HARD at least 2x's a week !!
As for a theme of the month...I am all over sharing success stories. I've had good intentions for a long time about this goal-- but keep putting it off and being lax about updating www.BuffMother.com with them. NO MORE-- this month is all about giving PROPS to some amazing TEAM BUFFMOTHER ladies.
Speaking of which, I continue to get SSS contest entries (I've emailed confirmation to everyone whom I've received) !! thanks so much for all the effort and kind words!! The SSS was a SUCCESS!! The last day to get your entry in is MONDAY the 5th.
This week has been a bit of a mish, mosh for workouts-- nothing structured, just doing whatever I want. I'll start back to more of a set routine come next week-
Monday- tennis with my girls
Tues- Push ups and other chest exercises, plus some squats, a short run + 4 sprints
Wed- Tennis and Trampoline, Did photos, Walk during trick or treat-- Here's a video of me BOUNCING AROUND! LOL!!
Yesterday I did a mish mosh of exercises-- Bench, shoulder press, bicep curls, dips, dead lifts, abs
TGIF ladies, I'm heading out for my run in a bit-- it's very nice here today!
Love,
Michelle
#1-Take measurements, stats~
Today’s Date:____8-23 AFTER 10-31-12_____ height:___5-6.5____ weight:__129.6_AFTER= 128.0 _ age:_37____
Today’s cycle day- day 9 AFTER= cycle day 23
Please list the following measurements-
Bust (around breasts the biggest part): 36 After= 35.5
Chest- relaxed (just under armpits above breasts with arms down at your sides): 34 AFTER= 33.5
Chest- flexed back and chest (just under armpits with arms down at your sides): 38 AFTER= 37
Waist- relaxed (the smallest part): 27 AFTER= 26
Waist-sucked in (the smallest part): 25 AFTER= 24.5
Hips (the largest part of your butt): 36 AFTER= 35
Shoulders (around the outside of your shoulders with your arms at sides): 41 relaxec, 42 flexed AFTER= 40 RELAXED, 40.5 FLEXED
Biceps (relaxed at midpoint of upper arm): 10 AFTER=9.5
Biceps (flexed at midpoint of upper arm):11 AFTER=11
Thigh-mid (about 8” above knee cap): 19.5 AFTER=19
Thigh- upper (about 12” above knee cap): 20.5 AFTER =20
Calf (about 7” below knee joint): 13 AFTER= 13.25
Caliper measurements (*these are the ones I like to track on myself and use to calculate my body fat, for further info on body fat measurements here is a link http://www.linear-software.com/online.html)
*Tricep: 6 AFTER= 4
*Thigh: 7 AFTER=6
*Iliac: 6 AFTER= 4
Abdomen (I do this one for kicks, since I am an apple): 9 AFTER= 8
NICE LOSS OF INCHES AND BODY FAT AND WEIGHT!! VERY HAPPY!!
BEFORE and AFTER front:
BEFORE and AFTER side:
:
Before and After back:
I like the changes in the pics-- except that I lose my butt when I lose weight!! I am going to focus hard on squatting and deadlifting a bunch the next couple weeks and see if after this next buffing phase I can get some better booty progress.
Thanks so much for all your encouragement through the contest!! I love each and every tidbit of feedback, TEAM BUFFMOTHER is the reason I keep going!!!! 
#3-FinishingThoughts:
Where are you in your journey?
I am in a spot of transition...I feel like I've made good progress, but yet want more. Over the past few months I've become quite diligent at completing my workouts at home. I'm very proud of myself for that!! Years of being inconsistent with home workouts made me unsure that I'd ever successfully workout at home. I give much of the credit to my online support system for my success at "home workouts", Thanks TEAM BUFFMOTHER!
( I wrote this and then looked back at my starting thoughts and answer to this question-- crazy similar!!)MY STARTING STUFF- http://therallyroom.com/node/53979
Did you reach your goals and aspirations?
My goal was to work on my diet and to take tennis lessons! I did both!! YAY ME!!
The other goal was to work on my business- I did yet, I am still not quite in FULL ATTACK MODE on this item. The momentum is building, but I need to "decided" my exact path. Once I do, I'll go all out!
Where do you see this challenge brought you?
It's not physical for me-- it's mental. I am in a daily battle in my head regarding what is good vs. evil for me, my body, my time management, my goals, etc... I am often reminded of the quotes "to whom much is given much is required" and that "with FREEDOM come much responsibility" I don't want time to fly by without my STAMP on it. I want to live an impactful meaningful life. I constantly have to resisit the urge to just "be".
Do you have any lingering concerns?
Yes, I am concerned about winter. Every year when the days get shorter I get a bit down, lazy, tired etc... The BEST medicine is exercise, GOALS and forcing myself out of HIBERNATION and into the sunshine, lol!
Do you feel you made an impact on your legacy during this contest?
I do! Through my test results at the doctor showing that I am very insulin resistant, my kids have learned more about how sugar and carb consumption affects your body. And how being sure to eat protein with meals is very helpful in feeling good!
your WHY?
My WHY is stonger than ever! I know more of WHY my body works the way it does. I know more of WHY I need to help other women learn about their bodies. I also know why GOD created me like ME! I am unique and I have a unique mission that doesn't fit into a mold.
Did you feel the support group helped you stay on track?
OH yes, support is always vital!! I love TEAM BUFFMOTHER and the encouragement I get to give and receive!!
What tactics did you use to stay focused and engaged for the entire 70 days?
Oh my, so many!! I used the weekly challenge, my favorite one this time was the daily bikini wearing. It really helped me realize the work to be done, plus got me excited about snapping pictures on a daily basis. That's when I decicded to do my #workoutproof pictures each time I workout. I've really enjoyed that challenge to myself.
The videos have also been great. Seriously, I was inspired by myself a few times, LOL!!
Did you reward yourself when you hit certain goals along the way?
Not really, I had so much going on all the time that no specific thing was a "reward"...I don't know if that's my style either. I am not too reward driven. I am more accomplishment driven and driven by a deep need to be challenged. Rewards, Money and Prizes are not things I strive to attain.
What other thoughts are in your head at the moment?
I wish I could have finished the contest a bit stronger and that I would have taken my pics and stats last week. I was at a good place-- finishing buffing strong and at my lowest weight in months. Now I'm in the midst of boosting and have had several days of "tummy issues"...anyhow, I know one week won't negate the progress I've made, but still I would really like my progress pics to show progress!!
*** Please be sure to submit the SSS Contest FINAL Entry form****DUE November 5th***
#4- Comment about your HORMONES
Did you GET to know your body?
Yes, I did even more than ever. In September I got a full hormone panel ran. Both blood and saliva tests done. My results showed that my insulin resistance was REAL. I had theorized about that for years, but having a test show it has caused me to stop "playing" around with it. I have no business eating anything but a very low carb diet. I don't ever want to be diagnosed with Diabetes!
I also found out that my progesterone was very low and could be causing many of my other hormonal issues. I am on my second month of using progesterone cream during the second half of my cycle and I do feel better. The doctor said to have patience with it and by 6 months in I should feel back to my NORMAL self. YAY!!
Did you learn about your good c-days, your bad c-days, your weight fluctuations, etc…
I am still learning! I have really FELT the effects of my lower carb diet. I feel less lethargy and more STEADY throughout my cycle. Controling carbs is key for me!
Did anything surprise you? Not really :)
#5- Favorite Journal/Blog Posts
take a peek back at your blogs– what were some of your favorite entries from the 10 weeks?
One of my favorites was "When to REST" and another was the one on BELEIF- http://buffmother.com/6757/believe-week-05-coaching-topic
Did anyone else’s impact you along the way?
Oh yes!! Lots of positive feed back and I TRULY enjoyed each and every comment on my blogs, videos and facebook posts!! I don't know if many of you realize how much that helps TEAM BUFFMOTHER reach more people. The way the internet works and search engines "rank" websites is by activity. Each and every comment really helps me help more women!! So in turn you help reach the world by giving a bit of feedback :) THANKS!!
I run into negative people on a daily basis. I have had countless emails condemning me for being too sexy, accusing me of being "porn", notes and comments continually that I have to delete--tons from men, but many from MEAN WOMEN. People may think they KNOW me, but they have no clue! I have learned to shrug most items off-- delete and ignore is my motto. I also block people quite often from my online profiles. I am NOT HERE FOR THEM, I am here for those I can help and inspire. I am NOT HERE OF FOR THE CHURCH/Christian community either~!
I am a big believer that every woman has a GOD GIVEN desire to be desirable. Every woman is a sexual being and just because I am a Christian does not mean that I am supposed to be something I am NOT. I am still allowed to wear a bikini, be a fitness model and do my best to look beautiful. I have never asked a church group to endorse me, nor would I expect them to. I am here to reach the world with my message of HOPE, not pander to those who want to find fault with my sexy side.
Here' a quote from one of my previous blog posts: http://buffmother.com/2521/my-new-beginning
"For those of you who have my book you understand that I deeply believe and TEACH that we must consider EVERY Aspect of ourselves into our quest to attain a glorious body. It must be integrated into our LIFESTYLE and encompass our entire being! Please don't forget the BIG PICTURE! The True WHY behind why you do what you do for your fitness and diet. The TRUE meaning for me is to touch lives! I sacrifice much so that I can stand up with confidence and REACH out to those who are looking for help and HOPE! I want you to realize~ yes I may seem vain or a bit edgy to promote so many bikini photos but this is my calling from GOD! I have a mission to help women and to be a light in the darkness. I have peace about God's mission for my life...I know God will say to me "Well done my good an Faithful servant" when I arrive in heaven :)
I have been called to be a LIGHT in the darkness and reach those who would not otherwise be interested~ I have a mission and I will complete that MISSION!"
Today, I've been trying to keep my head in the right place!! I am determined to focus On my Mission, On the postives and On LOVING!
Let's never let NEGATIVES win!
-Michelle
Seriously what does a mom of 4 do without a dryer...NO LAUNDRY, that's what, lol!!
My dryer that's only 10 months old quit on me last week just as it dried the final load prior to our trip to MN. When we got home I called about it, and they can't get anyone here sooner than the 31st!
Anyhow, I have my old dryer upstairs in but it's got the wrong kind of cord attached to it for my house-- so Travis said he can put on a different cord tonight for me- once i get it from the hardware store-- they close at 5pm, so I couldn't get there yesterday. Silly Small town business hours-- no wonder they don't succeed!!??
Sorry for the complaining! Can you tell I'm entering boosting?? lol!!
Okay, so my POA from 2 days ago went out the window-- I haven't gotten in any lifting workouts nor a run this week yet (besides the one on Sunday I did in Fergus Fall, MN)...I did have my tennis lesson yesterday. It was intense and I am SO sore from it!!
Today, I've decided to get my workout clothes on- hit the hardware store and gym for a workout. GOING TO DO IT NOW~!
Love ya'll,
Michelle
p.s. Be sure to check out the final entry info for the SSS~ http://buffmother.com/?p=6820
