Tag success

The Fire Monkey Is Coming, And I Am Ready For Him!

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Year-Of-The-Monkey-2016

Monday, February 8th marks the year of the Fire Monkey. Depending on your Chinese astrological sign, the year of the Fire Monkey may be great, so-so, or negative. According to George Tang’s Chinese Astrology site, 2016 looks like it will be a relatively good year for this Fire Horse…

Original link can be found at:

http://www.georgetangchineseastrology.com/chinese-horse-horoscope-2016/

2016 is the Year of Red Monkey. You were born in the Year of Horse. The following is the Red Monkey year prediction for people born in year of Horse.

Horse individuals can be extremely confident in 2016, my Chinese Horse horoscope 2016 astrology foretells, since everything they want is achievable in this Fire Monkey year. There should be many opportunities for success and hard work will not be wasted. There might be great obstacles to face, but they will be feeling very strong, both physically and mentally. They will be at their most charming and there is a strong sense that things will go their way.

As well as the chance to develop and expand in their careers and finances, such folk should also think about adding to their families. These characters will make remarkable strides in life this year since they may well be very clear about their objectives. 2016 will see excellent progress in new business ventures undertaken. They will be optimistic and they will shine. Everyone around them will benefit from their positivity. Friends will be drawn to these people in 2016 simply because of the “feel good factor” they cast around them.

For those Horse men and women in relationships, it looks like a year to share and enjoy times together, although the Horse characters must learn more respect the opinions of their spouses.

My Chinese horoscope suggests to me that both genders of this sign who are single will find love in 2016 providing they look for love in new places. Such individuals are naturals when it comes to romance and they will attract a fair amount of interest in the Fire Monkey cycle.

If Ma (Horse) folk are in relationships that are not working, then Chinese horoscope year 2016 is an excellent year to move on. The personal magnetism should be at its strongest in the spring months. By the summer months, Horse men and women will have found new romantic interests. Love will be very romantic and passionate for these people in 2016.

Being adored by others will help to build up the emotional strength of these folks and by October, they will be at their strongest and best. This is an excellent time to think about having a new baby for the birth of a child will serve to further strengthen personal relationships.

2016 is a wonderful horoscope year for the career of Horse characters, they are lucky. Anything they embark on this year has the potential for big success. Businessmen should try to maintain cordial relationships with their associates and partners. By May, they should not hesitate to take up new and exciting projects. The Monkey lunar period will enable them to enter into fresh partnerships and successfully expand their business activities.

As the year progresses professionals will have more clarity on their objectives and will take the right steps to meet their targets.

There could be lots of social interaction with people who will admire the thinking of the Horse. Although there could be some minor resistance to these folks ought to be able to win over people with their intellectual arguments. Thy will find that major co-operation will take place and the workplace will be extremely harmonious. There could be delays caused by technical problems, but Horse folk should remain steadfast since things will work out in their favour. This sign’s men and women are not inclined to make rash decisions anyway and by taking the time to reach solutions the way ahead for them will be on solid ground.

If Horse men and women have any debts, then 2016 zodiac period should be a good year to settle them. It is an excellent time for finding new ways to earn money. It will also be a time when people should be able to save. They could be surprised at how quickly they are able to accumulate cash. There could be some longer-term investments that will be of interest to them and ones that will bring in exceptionally good returns.


Chinese 2016 Horse Horoscope Closing Views

My Chinese astrology predictions foretell that Ma folk could be interested in investing in property development, either by making it more beautiful or by extending or changing the existing space.

The homes of people will increase in value substantially after home improvements are made and if they do decide to move house, they will make excellent choices in terms of location and good value for money.

The emotional health of the Horse individual will improve as their self-confidence increases this zodiac year. Physically there could be minor problems in the muscular system. Energy levels will increase considerably after June. These individuals will have plenty of stamina and will feel able to achieve just about anything they want as The Monkey cycle passes.

The zodiac Ma person should avoid over-indulgence in rich foods. If your hyperactivity can be controlled you will stay strong and find good solutions to most problems. Such individuals are naturally psychic and will find their psychic strength peaks in the late autumn months of 2016.

When People Are Full Of Hate

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in-order-for-you-to-insuld-me-i-would-first-have-to-value-your-opinion

One of the hazards of posting on social media is that you run the risk of catching the attention of complete sociopaths who seem to have nothing better to do than to spread hate by posting negative comments on other people’s posts. I was utterly shocked to see a very negative comment added onto a Tweet I posted just now. It was ugly and mean-spirited, and it definitely hurt me to my core. The gist of the comment was that I was a dime a dozen, and will never win anything (hmmm, good to know). This was posted by a guy who had the look of a sociopath in his soulless eyes. I briefly scanned his profile before blocking him, and noticed that EVERY single Tweet he had (I scanned about ten posts down) was hateful and negative.

It truly blows my mind that a jerk like the guy I had to block would exert such an effort to spread negative energy. I have no desire to fend off creeps like this, so I block them immediately. They are loose cannons who look for victims to cyberbully, and there is no way to predict how far they will take their hatred. I will not tolerate such energy and always automatically block them, and if they are especially nasty or threatening, I will file an official report of abuse. I realize that I am more susceptible to such contentious people because I have built a name for myself and I put myself out there constantly, but it is not fair to blast me when my posts are primarily meant to inspire my fans and followers and entertain friends. The fact that some people go out of their way to be mean and to spread hate is mind-boggling to me. I begin to wonder what kind of karmic load they are carrying to spread so much negativity.

What is the best way to defuse hostility? It is always best to refrain from reacting to it. Physically walking away, ignoring hateful statements, employing the blocking feature on social media sites, email, and cell phones, smiling at the person who is being difficult can all work in neutralizing the bad energy.

I’m Smaller Than I Think

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IMAG0745

I have never been overweight a single day in my life, but since everything is relative, and since there is tremendous pressure on fitness models and competitors to be extremely lean, I definitely experience fat days. You know those days when you just feel fluffy, bloated, tubby, like a stuffed sausage? Yep, I have those days too. However, I guess I am retaining less water, mostly due to following a pretty clean food regimen, and as a result have been awarded with a tighter appearance. My measurements are still the same, yet a bunch of people have asked me if I lost weight, and will tell me I look tiny.

I got confirmation of my tiny dimensions lately when I tried on two different articles of clothing in my closet. One item was a pair of jean leggings from Hue which I had purchased in a size Small, based on online reviews which suggested that someone with my dimensions (5’5″ tall, 120 pounds, 24 inch waist, 34 inch hips) would fit better into a Small than an X-Small. Much to my surprise, I put on the leggings, and they were so baggy on me that they looked ridiculous on me. Then I tried on an old pair of MEK Denim jeans in a 24 which I had avoided because I assumed that I wouldn’t be able to wear them. Instead, they fit like a glove. I had almost gotten rid of those expensive jeans because I thought they didn’t fit me anymore!

I realize that my immersion in the world of fitness has made me more neurotic about having more of an off-season body, but the truth is that my off-season appearance is actually quite acceptable. I admit that the increasing laxity of my skin has caused me a certain degree of distress. However, even though the half-century mark looms several months away, I am making every effort to give myself credit for looking pretty damned good for my age.

I no longer live in waist trimmers in order to squeeze out subcutaneous water and shrink me down. I am well aware of the fact that an excessive degree of body dysmorphia exists within the fitness community, which is the inevitable result of constant pressure to look almost superhuman, with defined muscles, ripped abs, and unnaturally low body fat. Though I adore that look, I am also tired of having every square millimeter of my body scrutinized.

By no means am I saying that I am giving up on being as fit as I can possibly be, but I will no longer allow myself to feel as if I am out of shape or huge when I can fit into a size 24 jean!

I Really Do Train Four To Six Days Per Week

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rest days

Have you ever run into people who are such die-hard weightlifting fanatics that they are restless during their rest days? I am one of those people, and I suspect that I will remain that way for another few decades. There are a few people who have asked me why I continue to train four to six days per week, EVERY week, despite the fact that I am not in prep for a contest. Why would I continue to work so hard at maintaining or building muscle if there is nothing specific to train for? The main reason is because I train for LIFE. I have no intention of allowing my gains to diminish simply because other people think I am too old for such “nonsense”.

How do I stay so consistent with such a frequent training schedule? I make going to the gym an essential part of my daily routine, and it is so important to me that it only comes second to brushing my teeth and putting on gym clothes before I head to the gym. Food and showering are always done afterwards, first of all because I plan to sweat when I am at the gym, and secondly, because I might throw some fasted cardio into the mix before I hit the weights.

I will never understand gym-goers who spend several minutes between sets chatting with others, checking text messages, and finding other distractions which deter them from starting the next set. I train rapidly, resting only 30 seconds between sets or supersets. That is part of the reason why I do NOT want to chat at the gym. I am so focused on my next set while I am resting that I often don’t hear others, especially because I listen to music while I train. I try not to allow random thoughts to creep in, because such thoughts can throw me off, especially if they are anxiety-provoking. When I am in the gym, I push distractions and worries aside, and truly enjoy the physicality of training. Besides, I have the rest of the day to address issues and responsibilities.

Whether you choose to train four days per week or more, or you prefer training fewer days per week, just make sure you are CONSISTENT. Make your time in the gym a time to decompress and tune into your body.

Spending The Weekend With Great People From Active Interest Media!

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I am so blessed and honored to be able to represent AIM at various fitness expos! This weekend I am representing them at the Los Angeles Fit Expo.

Here are some fun photos from expos I have worked in the past with them.

With Ian Lauer last year at the L.A. Fit Expo

With Ian Lauer last year at the L.A. Fit Expo

With Vladimir Dan and Theresa Jenn Lopetrone from a previous expo...good times!

With Vladimir Dan and Theresa Jenn Lopetrone from a previous expo…good times!

This amazing lady Ashley Kaltwasser added a third gold medal for a three-peat Olympia Bikini win since this photo was taken in 2014!

This amazing lady Ashley Kaltwasser added a third gold medal for a three-peat Olympia Bikini win since this photo was taken in 2014!

Goofing off at the Arnold a couple of years ago...

Goofing off at the Arnold a couple of years ago…

A Great Client Transformation

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Front January 7, 2014

Front January 7, 2014


Front December 30, 2015

Front December 30, 2015


Back January 7, 2014

Back January 7, 2014


12.30.15 Darrick back
I am always so proud of my clients when they stick with the program I give them! Transformations can take a while, but they are worth the wait! This client started with me in January of 2014. His first progress pics are seen here in the orange shorts. The pics taken in the blue are from December 30, 2015.

Over the span of two years, my client built quality muscle, and transformed his physique. What is even more amazing is that he was the same weight in both sets of pics. Bravo!

If you are interested in online training and nutrition services with me, please visit:

http://cutcurves.com/

for detailed information on packages and pricing.

Trainers Who Don’t Look The Part

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personal trainer fat

Have you ever seen a trainer who looks like he or she is in sore need of a trainer? It amazes me when I see trainers who are in horrible shape, but who are training others. I have even heard a couple of trainers berate their clients for practicing poor eating habits, then I will see them drinking Starbucks frappucinos or eating food from McDonald’s!

If you work in the fitness industry, you have a responsibility to LOOK THE PART. It’s not about looking like you are photo shoot ready all the time, but you should at least be in decent physical shape, practice healthy lifestyle habits when out in public, and be clean and well groomed for your clients and followers. Your appearance is your business card and your logo, so when you show up looking like you have been on a long break from working out, you lose your power to motivate others through leading by example. The thing is, leading by example is critical to igniting that spark in people to pursue fitness goals and replace bad habits with good ones. No one wants to follow the lead of someone who looks like a lazy pig!

There is one trainer I have seen at one of the gyms I train at who, over the years, has turned into, well…a sloth. She was never in very good shape, though I can tell that she was one of those people who went through a mega transformation and lost over 100 pounds at one point. On the one hand, she should be proud of what she has accomplished. However, just because she got a weekend certification doesn’t mean she knows diddly squat about training people. I have watched her train clients, and I swear I could use those observations as a sleeping aid, because she doesn’t know how to train people, and she is so damned slow and boring!

As the years have passed, she has spread in girth, and walks more slowly than ever, with a severely stooped posture and a belly so big that I honestly thought at one point last year that she was pregnant (no, she wasn’t). What boggles my mind is that she seems to be completely clueless about most of the equipment at the gym!

I would never say anything to the trainers who don’t look like they have any business instructing others on exercise, but it really bothers me that they have somehow convinced their unwitting clients to train with them.

The Backstage Buzz

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Being silly backstage with Nicole Moneer

Being silly backstage with Nicole Moneer

People often ask me what it is like to be up on stage, very scantily clad and fully cognizant of the fact that I am being scrutinized by a panel of judges. There is so much about competing that is appealing, fascinating and inspiring that I can’t imagine my life without this constant pressure I place on myself to pursue IFBB pro status. However, there are many strange and frustrating elements which competitors deal with and which can challenge their determination in the sport.

The thrill of strutting out onstage and showing off a hard-earned physique is incredibly empowering, especially when a competitor gets first call-out. The obvious physical transformation is invariably accompanied by an emotional and spiritual overhaul. The audience sees the best of this since they are attending a show. But the backstage world which they don’t see is incredibly colorful and revealing.

Before the competition, we all look like hoodlums, bums or like we just crawled out of bed, clad in baggy, dark clothing. We are all sporting dark skin hues which are more reminiscent of mahogany furniture than human skin. Our food coolers are packed with chicken, nut butter, rice cakes, and possibly booze for the celebration afterwards.

Every show starts out with a mad scramble after the morning meeting for a prime spot backstage to prep. The ladies cluster around the few full-length mirrors that have been placed around the perimeter of the room. The men cluster around the weights.

It can be maddening and stressful to be in the company of competitors who are so carb-depleted that they are cranky, forgetful and unable to focus on basic streams of conversation. Some are so weak and dehydrated that they are on the verge of passing out. A competitor may have a meltdown because his music cd was misplaced. The overpowering odor of spray tanner admixed with the telltale gaseous emissions of very high protein diets is commonplace. Some abdominals are grossly distended by a whole host of things which can cause bloat. A competitor may be freaking out because of a broken suit strap, or makeup being spilled onto a suit, now ruining it…with no backup suit on hand.

There are meltdowns with makeup and hair. There are lost earrings and shoes. The fear of water exposure is at an all-time high.
Then once everyone is prepped, there is the interminable wait. When a division and class are announced, there is a mad scramble to get in line. Individuals who bring Bikini Bite suddenly become the most popular people backstage.

Then suddenly a competitor is onstage. Somehow all the stress from being backstage, from dieting and training for months all melts away as that person now has a chance to do turns and show off a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication. Those few moments make it all worthwhile.

Hitting The Glute Sweet Spot With Cables

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NPC Pittsburgh 2012

If you aren’t gifted with a perfectly round booty, then you might want to check out this routine I put together. The routine is performed exclusively on the cable assembly. You will need ankle cuffs, a circular resistance band, and a rope attachment for the movements featured here.

WARMUP: 3 sets of 30 bodyweight squats (feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart, toes slightly turned out. GO LOW, and only come up part way. Make sure to sit back into the movement instead of leaning forward.

Cable kickbacks with straight leg – 1 set of 20, then 1×12, 3×10.

Cable kickbacks kicking out at a diagonal – 1 set of 20, then 1×12, 3×10. Lead with heel as you kick out.

Cable kickbacks with knee bent – 1 set of 20, then 1×12, 3×10.

Cable rope squats with resistance band around thighs (near knees) and feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart – 5×15.

Cable rope pull throughs – 5×15.