“Message” posted by mcstrick today..

Maria, sounds like you have a great meal plan and workout schedule. My trainer wants me to have more solid meals also. What competition are you doing? Is it in LA? I want to do one this year also. There's one in San Diego this weekend, but I am no where near ready for it.

“Message” posted by TWarr69 Friday, March 12th, 2010

Hope you are doing well and feeling better. Best Wishes!

“Message” posted by firemancg Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Your days are crazy but it motivates me to go and workout again. Keep up the good work. Hope finals went well.

“Message” posted by jlutkins Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

I wish we lived closer, I would love to work out with you! The women at my gym don't really like to break nails and stuff:)

“Message” posted by bluchel1@msn.com Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Not a bad day, just your body telling you that it needs rest! I started Bootcamp 3x/week along with my crazy weight lifting. Loved it and hoping it don't tear down the muscle I've built. Enjoy your day off.

“Message” posted by allmax24-7 Monday, March 8th, 2010

SCU is a very nice school, I just got my AA at West Valley then transfer to a school out in Missouri, but my degree is in exercise science. No I don't own the store just run it Day to Day I'm there 5 days a week. Thats awesome about the show i wish you the best of luck. As far as for me I just started doing double days cardio in the morning work-outs at night. Time to get ripped like Rambo... LOL...Have a great week I'll talk to you soon.

“Message” posted by allmax24-7 Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Hey Maria just stopping by to say hi, How was your week? My hardcore diet starts tomorrow 2 months of double days cardio in the morning work-outs at night. Pictures coming soon. I see you live in the (LG) I went to West Valley College...well hope ya had a good week...TTYS

“Message” posted by miracleman Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Maria, it looks like you are making good progress (your abs are looking good in the pic with your Baby)! Keep up those daily-biweekly updates! Everyone's journey is unique, but sometimes we can gain a dose of motivation, encouragement, and inspiration when we know the trials and tribulations that others are going through in their transformation experience. I'd love to hear yours! Go to my last article that deals with challenges during this contest and please share. There are some neat stories by other people too (I was inspired when I read their stories)! THANKS!

“Message” posted by axe2045 Friday, March 5th, 2010

Hi Maria, your progress is phenomenal, keep it up. Your pictures are or great motivation. I put up new pictures, & percentages. Would like some feed back from you on what you think, thanks chat with you soon.

“Message” posted by tbravata Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

You are really rocking it girl keep up the good work. And you even look cute while you are doing your workouts! :)

“Message” posted by titanstar Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

What's up kiddo? :-) I was looking over some business material last week and came across a simple article that I had from quite some time ago. It is from a business coach that I get articles, etc. from sometimes. It helped me get focused again. I hope you enjoy it too. Change Begins With Choice by Jim Rohn
Any day we wish; we can discipline ourselves to change it all. Any day we wish; we can open the book that will open our mind to new knowledge. Any day we wish; we can start a new activity. Any day we wish; we can start the process of life change. We can do it immediately, or next week, or next month, or next year.
We can also do nothing. We can pretend rather than perform. And if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are. We can choose rest over labor, entertainment over education, delusion over truth, and doubt over confidence. The choices are ours to make. But while we curse the effect, we continue to nourish the cause. As Shakespeare uniquely observed, "The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves." We created our circumstances by our past choices. We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today. Those who are in search of the good life do not need more answers or more time to think things over to reach better conclusions. They need the truth. They need the whole truth. And they need nothing but the truth.
We cannot allow our errors in judgment, repeated every day, to lead us down the wrong path. We must keep coming back to those basics that make the biggest difference in how our life works out. And then we must make the very choices that will bring life, happiness and joy into our daily lives.
And if I may be so bold to offer my last piece of advice for someone seeking and needing to make changes in their life - If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree. You have the ability to totally transform every area in your life - and it all begins with your very own power of choice.

“Message” posted by rstearns1961 Monday, March 1st, 2010

Hey Maria -- how's the program goin? Keep us updated, hang in there!!

“Message” posted by PFunk Saturday, February 27th, 2010

Fear of Change
Fear of change can keep you in a soul-crushing job, a bad relationship, or a physically destructive lifestyle. Ask yourself; is the devil-you-know approach good enough for you? Is your life making you happy? If you answered no to either of those questions, WHAT do you have to lose by embracing change?
The truth is, things should be changing ” your body is changing, your habits are changing, your attitude is changing. This might be the point where, because of so much change, you're starting to freak out a little bit. You might be asking yourself, What will all this change mean” to my life's direction, my relationships, my identity?
LAST CHANCE WORK OUT!
See my new photos!
HOW ARE YOU DOING?

“Message” posted by miracleman Friday, February 26th, 2010

Hi there! I have something that might be of interest...check out my article titled, "What Have Been Your Trials? Keys To Overcoming Odds?" It's nice to hear other people's stories, challenges, how their overcoming those challenges, and I'd like you to share also. (I know you have some gems!)I shared some of mine to start things off.

“Message” posted by Harmonic_Wealth Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

I'll give you some samples of thermx. Has caffeine so want to watch any sensitivity. If you feel like your progressing well , yes add this later on.

“Message” posted by firemancg Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Lookin great. keep up the good work your progress is a inspiration to us all!!!

“Message” posted by Harmonic_Wealth Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

I can come out this weekend if u need protein. Next 2 weeks I'm trying to lean out for the fashion show. Now go to gym. And KILLL ITTTttt!!!!

“Message” posted by allmax24-7 Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Hey there how are things going? Let all your friends know about the challenge, entry ends on March 31st.

“Message” posted by dominic Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Hey.. looking great! Your sis looks good right now, so I guess it is game on between the two of you!!! Keep pluggin away young lady!
Dominic

“Message” posted by TWarr69 Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Your new pics of you training look great!

“Message” posted by Artmommy Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Thanks for the message! The PMS is over. I did workout through it.

You're looking awesome! Keep up the great work. You're an inspiration.

“Message” posted by miracleman Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Hi Maria, I just posted my "End of Month 2" progress article and pics. Month 2 certainly brought some challenges: strained shoulder (no chest for 1.5 weeks), strained neck, and foot strain. All of that was with the regular challenges any working professional goes through. Well, I am headed into month 3 which, essentially is my final month because for months 4 - 6 I will be focused on adding muscle and won't post again until right before the contest ends. I've broken down the contest into two parts: 1) get lean and 2) gain muscle and stay lean. So the first 12 weeks (3 months) are most important for me and is essentially my contest time frame. Gaining muscle is a very long and slow process, so the difference between month 3 and 6, in terms of muscle mass won't be very drastic. Let me know when you post your updated pics. Don't forget the newspaper in each pic, which acts like a date stamp. Some people are forgetting to continue with their newspaper date stamp in their progress pics. Great idea for the workout pics! I think I am going to have to copy you at the end of March!

“Message” posted by coordinator Monday, February 22nd, 2010

YO!! WAY TO WORK IT GIRLIE!!

“Message” posted by Harmonic_Wealth Sunday, February 21st, 2010

AWESOME PICS!! Defintion is really coming out and ur face looks leaner too. What are you doin about the butt? More cardio? Hills? What did your trainer prescribe? Look up lysabeth lopez on my FB friends. She'll do 30 mins of lunges with weights! all different variations, etc. Let me know if you need anything. I'll prob be in your area this Sat and March 6th we're doing a show in San Jose. You gotta come!!

“Message” posted by mcstrick Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Hi Maria, your photos are truly inspiring. Its awesome meeting so many people on this site that share the passion for working out and being fit. You go girl!

“Message” posted by sweetcheeks70 Saturday, February 20th, 2010

Hey Maria, hows it going? You are looking so awesome!! How is Orlando doing? I read (somewhere) his surgery was canceled so he can do radiation and chemo. I'm praying that goes well for him! Hey....I made that broccoli soup and LOVED it! It was surprisinly filling. Well I would ask how your transformation is going, but it is obviously going very well for you!! I love reading your daily articles, it's very inspiring knowing what you deal with everyday and yet you still are making such awesome progress....YOU ROCK!! Have a great weekend!!

“Message” posted by dakelly Friday, February 19th, 2010

Hey Maria, thanks for the compliment. I am trying to get into a regular bikini bottom by end of March for my vacay. 5 more weeks , we'll see. I tried the homemade meatloaf muffins with turkey tonight. They were dee-lish!! Except there are so many online recipes of them, even on Youtube, that I don't know which one you used. They were really moist, but slightly bland. How do you prepare your fish? I would like to make some, but have no idea - can I do them in a George Foreman? I guess I can look that up online too. Have a great Friday night, I'm heading to the gym!

“Message” posted by Artmommy Monday, February 15th, 2010

Hi Maria,

Thanks for letting me know the 3 PM carbs are working for you! I am inspired by your progress.

I'm suffering from PMS right now, but am planning on working out tomorrow morning. I was supposed to go tonight with my hubby, but he called to let me know he's putting in an all nighter. That's okay. I'll be up at 5 AM to run and lift weights alone.

“Message” posted by cha$$$ Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Chris told me you were serious about this contest at the tire flip event, and it shows. I like your attitude and enthusiam. It seems genuine. Certain parts of my transformation are going great. The workouts are on point. My diet is a lil sketchy and Im trying to quit smoking ciggs and am having a hard time. Cigarettes are so low calorie and I hear there loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and ministers...lol

“Message” posted by bluchel1@msn.com Friday, February 12th, 2010

What is shasimi? Would love to try it!

“Message” posted by eyeballingu2 Friday, February 12th, 2010

Hope u and ur Bf are doing well. Glad to see you are going such a great job with working out and eating right everyday. Keep up the wonderful work.

“Message” posted by PFunk Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

LAST CHANCE WORKOUT
Do you ever feel stressed out, and need a shot of inspiration?
If the answer is yes, then take a deep breath, and…
Escape to the Beauty, the Wonder and the Joy of Nature
To a mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~Chang Tsu
To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle. Every cubic inch of space is a miracle. ~Walt Whitman
Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without words, and never stops at all. Emily Dickinson

I've been able to add in Gleutamine. Will be going for body fat this week. Let's see how well my body likes me!

Finding out through all of this, how "focused" I have become. "Focus" may enter "determination". I've come to realize that all around me, if I don't know how these two words inter relate in their lives. About Focus and determination. I cannot underestimate such elements.

“Message” posted by jasonallen347 Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

thanks for the friend confirm. you look good in your pics... can't wait to see your finished product! thanks for the bday wishes. appreciate it.

“Message” posted by axe2045 Monday, February 8th, 2010

Thanks for adding me to your growing list of friends. Truly you are committed to reaching your goal. I can see in your pictures dedication, focus, & hunger of a winner.

“Message” posted by miracleman Monday, February 8th, 2010

Thanks for the truvia suggestion, but the higher the glycemic index the better the transport of the creatine. Dextrose is the highest, thus the best transport. But, sucrose is cheap and easy to get a hold of, so that's what I use with my creatine. Thanks again.

“Message” posted by CKVandy Sunday, February 7th, 2010

NEMO! Yes, that is so funny you knew right away what I was talking about!!! My son loves that movie so we watch it over and over. Not going so well, been a tough month, got really of track around mid month b/c of some personal stuff but ready to jump back in with both feet and get back on track. Hope you are doing well and have a fantastic week this week!!!

“Message” posted by miracleman Friday, February 5th, 2010

Keep up the good work! I enjoyed reading your last post with your 1 month progress! Your diet looked dialed in, and so your success certainly isn't by chance! Great job and keep it up!

“Message” posted by titanstar Monday, February 1st, 2010

I am glad to hear my comments were helpful. My Maxformation is going well. Last week didn't lose any weight and this week I am not sure I have lost much, but pants are much looser and seem to be getting stronger on some lifts so obviously I am going in the right direction. I need to up the length of my cardio workouts I believe. Gettin new measurements tonight. Hopefully the bodyfat is down...Best of luck with your transformation. You look to be doing very well :)

“Message” posted by PFunk Monday, February 1st, 2010

:) Right now, am so punched in the gut from coughing, congestion, hard to breathe. Second time around catching this virus from the air. Thanks for your hugs. :)

“Message” posted by rstearns1961 Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Maria,
I can relate to the "Damn Genes" -- it has been a fight just to turn the tide on my metabolism.

I've averaged about 60 minutes a day of walking on the treadmill (if you call what I did walking) --- I put the speed between 3.5 and 4 mph all the time. Then I put the incline at a minimum of 7 degrees, sometimes taking it to 18 degrees. I was getting some great workouts, by my thoughts but I'd go in for my weigh/measurements and be disappointed. I would lose a little weight but according to the machine, I was losing muscle so my bodyfat was going up --

Scott & Karen from MaxMuscle (FYI, they are my neighbors too) told me something I didn't want to hear -- I was going too fast and getting out of my target heart rate zone for burning fat. So I bought a heart monitor and started playing with the treadmill.

Long story -- I've found for me, I put the treadmill at 3.4 mph and the incline at a maximum of 6 degrees -- that puts me right at 80% of my target heart rate. Guess what? The weight came off quick last week (4.5 pounds in one week) and the bodyfat percentage went the right way. I still do a minimum of 30 minutes on the treadmill daily but try to get in 60 minutes. On Sunday, I'll get in 90 minutes -- just put on the mp3 player, watch the tv -- it works for me.

The heart rate thing is big for me -- you might check to see where your at with yours on the workouts. Your contact at MaxMuscle probably has more insight on this for you, they are pretty smart.

They also told me that "empty squats" count as cardio too -- I do about 50-100 a few days a week / nothing scheduled. That is where I needed to lose some weight and this is working -- I gotta give them credit for getting the loss in the target areas for me.

How much cardio do you do right now? How fast?

“Message” posted by bluchel1@msn.com Sunday, January 31st, 2010

All is good here! Busy week with internships, homework & teaching...let's not forget family & training! A cold's trying to get me...fighting it hard! I think the hardest part is mixing internships (all day) with training! My kids have been so helpful! My list for the week...internships M,W&TH, teach Friday, finish my dissertation, write 2 papers, 10 chart notes, shopping, & family....UGH! Thank goodness for MM supplements to get me through this one! I do weigh-in & measurements on Tues...more bikini shots WHOOHOO! Feeling it:) xoxo

“Message” posted by jleclipse81 Sunday, January 31st, 2010

oh man! i had a killer bicep workout on friday yet i'm a lil disappointed cause i don't feel sore like my back, tri's or chest get when i work em out...oh well...i'm just gonna keep on truckin and see if they buldge..haha! hope yer having awesome workouts!!!

“Message” posted by dakelly Friday, January 29th, 2010

Work it girl! How are you doing? I'm so looking forward to this weekend for a couple of long workouts. Have a TERRIFIC Friday!

“Message” posted by Running-Dot Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Maria, my girl - hope you're having a fab week...stay focus and strong :)

“Message” posted by PFunk Thursday, January 28th, 2010

My Right Ankle, it is in the "tire shop" getting new rims! My Mainframe "spine" is being grumpy. My "throat" and "breathing" A/C systems choked and are trying to get sick. Hey, it is really "Revvvvvvving" over here! :)
I am going to get more photos up "when I can remember" to bring the camera with me to the gym.

“Message” posted by mothership Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Not a problem. By looking at your gallery, you are shaping up really nice...

“Message” posted by coordinator Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Wow...Your work out schedule resembles mine!! YOU GO GIRL!!

“Message” posted by ctseay Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

No, problem and about the whole blog thing... HAHA im a very computer challenged. Probably could use some help from time to time. Keep up your good work. I like your profile page.

“Message” posted by TWarr69 Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

I didn't cut out dairy until my last month of training. Part of that was due to leaning out for my bodybuilding competition in August. As far as calories I really can't recall, I stuck with my MM nutrition plan.

“Message” posted by PFunk Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

It would be nice to see you! :)