Please check out the original Hardbody feature from the January 2014 issue of Ironman Magazine here:
Tag faith
The Buddhas In My Home
Japanese Peace Buddha on my patio
This is my favorite Buddha and sits in my living room
Buddha Fountain in my dining room
This Buddha sits in my bedroom on my meditation table. There is a small bronze Ganesh in front of it.
Finding Your Inner Goddess
It almost seems to be part of the female state these days to become wrapped up in the needs of others so completely that a woman’s needs and strengths are often neglected. Between having a full time job, children, a spouse or partner, and elderly parents to care for, there is little room for personal time. However, I am a firm believer in making time for oneself, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman. When a woman sets aside some time for herself every day, whether it is for a workout, manicure, massage, meditation, or a pleasant stroll alone, she recharges her spiritual batteries and finds her center. When this center is nurtured daily, it grows like a flower. The inner goddess is awakened, and because of this, a woman who does this is better able to cope with daily demands and is a better mother, partner, and daughter.
Women are natural multitaskers because we forced into that role, many times at a very early age. But the inner goddess is like the energy cell that serves as the main power source. I have seen women go through the motions with serving their loved ones, completely devoid of motivation, moving like automatons because that core energy cell is almost completely drained. Since we women are seen as nurturers, we should recognize the need to nurture OURSELVES.
I know that women have become keenly interested in competing in bodybuilding events in recent years because of this new awareness of the inner goddess. While I am not suggesting that every woman should elect to compete in a bodybuilding event in an effort to fortify the inner goddess, it’s not a bad idea for ladies who are considering such a journey. What these competitions do is shift the focus onto the woman, putting her in a position in which she MUST address her own needs. It is an interesting shift and I never tire of seeing the transformation which occurs as a result. It is almost like a lightbulb goes off in their heads and they suddenly realize how much they had neglected their own needs.
For women who have no desire to compete, I suggest taking up a hobby or class in something they have had a lot of interest in. The important element here is to set aside time for oneself on a regular basis and to recognize that it is NOT selfish to cultivate one’s own interests. You can still be superwoman and take care of your family, but take care of YOURSELF too.
Once you learn how to connect with your inner goddess, you will wonder how you ever survived without that connection.
Work Out Like You Mean It!
I am already beginning to tire of the newcomers at the gym, because I see that the enthusiasm which brought them in during the holidays is already beginning to wane. Though I offer advice, encouragement, suggestions, and even refer them to the in-house trainers, it seems that my words are falling on deaf ears. There is NO WAY that a person has committed to a lifestyle change if unhealthy habits and a lack of motivation are already sabotaging New Year’s resolutions. Forget about the bodies that could use some toning or weight loss. What I see are attitudes that are flabby. Joining a gym at the beginning of a new year, while somewhat noble, isn’t going to work like a magic wand and bestow instant fitness to the new gym member.
Let’s break this down. Perhaps you are a new gym member and are interested in transforming your body and your lifestyle. The most important thing you need to do is to pursue these goals with INTENTION. If you join a gym with no plan of attack, it’s like trying to drive a race car when you haven’t even learned to drive yet. I firmly believe in the power of specificity, structure and accountability, because they provide a map or blueprint for you to follow. Here is a step by step guide to developing a successful fitness overhaul.
1. Convince yourself that you WILL reach your fitness goals.
2. Print out images of people who have the kind of body you want and put them on your fridge or another prominent place you will see daily.
3. Give yourself a deadline.
4. Make your goals REASONABLE. Don’t put down, “I will lose 60 pounds in 30 days”, but pick a more reasonable goal, like losing 3 pounds per week.
5. Develop a workout schedule and stick to it.
6. If you don’t have a clue what to do while at the gym, hire a personal trainer.
7. Take progress pictures every week to monitor your progress.
8. Follow a specific meal plan to keep you on track.
9. If you have a setback, pick up where you left off. We are all human and have “off” days.
10. Don’t be intimidated by seasoned gym members. Most people are willing to help you if you have a question about how to operate machines.
11. Learn gym etiquette. The pace of a gym is rapid, especially during peak hours, so you need to be aware of concepts like “working in” (people will ask you if they can take turns with you on a machine or station). Don’t sit on benches unless you are actually exercising on them. Wipe down equipment if you sweat on it.
Now get off your computer and get serious about your goals!
Being Grateful
Most of us are bombarded with countless stressors and may grumble regularly in response to the onslaught. Though I wish I could brush off daily frustrations with grace, I frequently find myself grumbling when I have to navigate through a particularly rough day. Our society is running at a lightning pace, so rapidly that it is next to impossible to allow ourselves an opportunity to stop and enjoy the moment. We bitch and moan about traffic, spilled coffee, being late for appointments, our cell phones losing their charges, etc., and in the process stir up anxiety and discontent in our lives, when we should be grateful for the many gifts and blessings that surround us.
It is easy to think that if we stop for a moment, everything will come crashing down, when in reality that is usually NOT the case. I have taken a baby step in my incredibly busy life lately, and have spent the last few weeks making sure to spend a few minutes every morning petting and snuggling with my cats, enjoying their calm and loving energy, and remembering to breathe and pause before the craziness of day to day life hits. I also am keenly aware of the struggles of a couple of dear friends who are dealing with cancer right now, and cannot even imagine how tremendously difficult their lives must be now that circumstances have caused mundane annoyances to come to a screeching halt. When life is stressful but somehow comfortable in its frenetic rhythm, a catastrophic event or illness will obliterate that false comfort. Suddenly leaving the toilet seat up or getting the wrong food order at a restaurant doesn’t have the same impact or importance.
Now that Thanksgiving is approaching, those of us in the United States will get a yearly reminder to be grateful for all the wonderful things we have. However, I hope that people around the entire globe will embrace the approaching holidays with a renewed appreciation for life and the loved ones around them. It is a blessing to live with good health, surrounded by those we love. If you are fortunate enough to have both, allow things to slow down enough for you to take notice of your surroundings. Put the computer aside, enjoy the outdoors, spend time with your pets or children, visit your relatives, laugh with friends. You might not believe it, but you are allowed to put things aside briefly. The world won’t come crashing down if you do.
Jump In, The Water’s Warm
Ever since I earned my IFBB Pro Card in July, I have been challenged by the universe in a number of ways. Instead of boring you with all the details, suffice it to say that there have been significant upheavals which have forced me to rethink and repattern my life. For a couple of weeks I was fine, then I suddenly sank into situational depression, partially due to the fact that I no longer had a Pro Card to chase after. I didn’t know what to do without a show strategy, so I began to redefine my reasons for being in the sport of competitive bodybuilding. As I began to do that, my body began to rebel, holding onto excess water. I struggled for two months, trying desperately to get back on track.
My entire amateur career was well thought out, with a contest strategy planned out every year. I had files on every contest I planned to do, with notes on accommodations, etc. I would book travel details and submit my entry forms well in advance and make sure that every little detail was attended to. I strongly believed that such habits would remain after I went Pro. Not so. In fact, I planned on one event, then decided against it for financial reasons. I then considered competing at two different events in November but took a wait-and-see attitude because my body was still rebelling and holding water.
Then I dove in and made some terrifying but necessary changes. I left one team and joined another, then decided to prep for an event in my hometown. A little over one week after that, I decided at the last minute to also do a contest in Northern California, faxed my contract over immediately and was locked in. I have been scrambling to get my spray tan and food lined up and haven’t practiced my posing at all. I have no idea what I will bring to the stage. This time, I am allowing the current to take me where I am supposed to go. It has been a wild ride to say the least, but I honestly feel that the universe has put all this before me in order for me to grow and move beyond constraints that have been in my life for a while.
If you are in a rut, allow a bit of randomness and chaos to infiltrate your routine. You may be pleasantly surprised by what it brings.
Holding Yourself Accountable
It can be very difficult to stay on track with a structured meal plan or training regimen. Heck, I have even heard people talk about how difficult it is to remember to take daily supplements or to floss regularly. The parent inside of each of us often struggles to keep everything in line so that guilt doesn’t set in. When we fall off track, it can be very easy to rationalize the errant behavior, reasoning that perhaps we needed the extra carbs or needed to take a day off training after all.
For those of us who are in the fitness world, especially those of us who compete, there is so much structure to our regimens that it is easier to keep ourselves in line. We are conditioned to keep our blinders on and stay the course with food and training. But those who are not immersed in the world of fitness and bodybuilding tend to struggle more with a regular regimen. If no specific fitness or health goal is defined, people tend to zigzag with their regimens, adding more unscheduled fun meals, more alcohol, and more missed trips to the gym.
If you are one of those people who tend to fall off track more easily, there are some guidelines which you can follow (listed below) which will help to keep you in line. More importantly, however, you need to remind yourself WHY holding yourself accountable is beneficial. When you hold yourself accountable, you stoke a fire that propels you towards your health goals. By staying on track, you develop a “can-do” attitude which extends into all areas of your life.
Here are some tips on how to keep you on track with your eating habits and exercise plan.
1. Train with a trainer. When you work out with a trainer, you become accountable to that trainer. You need to show up and do the work!
2. Train with a friend. Similar to training with a trainer, when you and a friend agree to meet for a workout, you hold each other accountable. I always recommend setting a day and time and then prohibiting each other from cancelling, no-showing or rescheduling.
3. Prep and pack your food in advance. Prepare your day’s food the night before and store it in individual serving containers so that you can easily pack them into a bag the next morning.
4. Keep junk foods and snacks out of your kitchen. If you have tempting foods in your kitchen, you risk sabotaging your own efforts to stay on a healthy eating plan.
Remember that you can maintain focus on healthy patterns. Keep your eye on the prize!
You’re HOW Old? – Masters Competitors
While the bodybuilding world has allowed competitors over the age of 35 to compete, there has always been an undercurrent of ageism. It is true that older competitors do not have the skin tautness of younger competitors, and that they must train harder than their younger counterparts to stay in the race. However, masters competitors have stood up to the challenge and give new meaning to the idea of acing gracefully. I love the look of shock that washes over a person’s face when I tell them how old I am (47), or how old Lizzy Fitchner (53), Janet West (52), or Mary Dent (53) are. I am amazed by these ladies and so proud of them!
I am rooting for this incredible woman and dear friend to get that Pro Card! She took a 3rd Place finish in Masters 45+ Bikini B Class at Masters Nationals in July. I adore Lizzy!
Janet West IFBB Pro always looks amazing! Here she is at Tampa Pro from last weekend.
Mary Dent earned her IFBB Pro Card at Masters Nationals in July by taking a 1st place finish in Masters 45+ Bikini B Class. Awesome!
What Will YOU Do With A Pro Card?
Ah yes, the Pro Card. The International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) awards Pro Status to hardworking bodybuilding athletes everywhere. Plenty of individuals who are enchanted by the idea of chasing after Pro Status in the bodybuilding world are under the erroneous impression that their lives will change dramatically upon winning a Pro card. While it is certainly a privilege and an honor to achieve Pro status, don’t think for a second that fame and fortune will suddenly descend upon the new Pro. The majority of new IFBB Pros still have to hustle to get sponsorships lined up, and they still have to figure out how finance upcoming competitions. With the slump in print magazine readership it has become more difficult than ever to secure a cover or a feature article, even as a Pro.
It is far more important to showcase your particular talents and strengths and build your career and your brand well BEFORE even attaining Pro status. Every single thing I have done since I started competing in 2009 was done as an amateur and was fueled by my desire to increase branding and exposure. So for those of you who hunger for that Pro card, don’t forget about what you are doing right now. The path you are walking in that race for the Pro card is your foundation for a great future in fitness and bodybuilding. Don’t risk messing up that foundation by forgetting about all the details which will get you to the Pro ranks.
One final note: I am aware of a large number of people who have jumped ship and joined other federations in their quest for Pro status. While some have made the switch in a diplomatic way, others have been so dazzled by the Pro status prize that they opted for an easier route. If switching federations is a better fit for you, then fine. But if you just want a Pro title so badly that this is the ONLY reason for switching, you might shift your focus on building your brand instead and hang up your competition hat. Remember, competing should be FUN. When you stop enjoying it, you need to retire from the stage.
Daruma Finally Has Two Eyes
A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post about a Japanese good luck charm known as a Daruma (please refer to
https://drstaceynaito.wordpress.com/2013/06/10/japanese-good-luck-darumas/
for original post). I described the power of putting a wish or intention into one of these figurines as a way of focusing on that wish and also as a way of asking Bodhidharma for guidance in making that wish come true. I also revealed that I had a Daruma for IFBB Pro Status which had been sitting on my desk since 2010 with only his right pupil painted in. As the hot weather approached I stopped sitting at my desk since it is in the one room in the house which has no central air conditioning. In an effort to keep my mind focused on my goal, I took a photo of the Daruma and used it as the wallpaper image on my phone.
I would see the image of the Daruma on my phone every single day and be reminded of why I wanted to achieve this goal. It made me push through very challenging times including job loss, the dissolution of a relationship, financial woes, and physical injuries. I was determined to give Daruma his left pupil. When I arrived in New Jersey for the NPC Team Universe contest, I found myself actually staring at the image of the one eyed Daruma. This was meditative, calming, but possessed of complete focus on my goal of winning an IFBB Pro Card.
About three hours after I earned my Pro Card the thought occurred to me that I would be able to paint in the left pupil I had waited years to do, and this became a high priority item as soon as I returned home. After setting my bags down, I sat down with my Daruma and calmly filled in the left pupil and thanked the universe and Bodhidharma for making a highly coveted dream come true.
My IFBB Pro Card Daruma…with two eyes now!
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