Greetings!  

I went to the prejudging for the NANBF Pro Body Solutions Bodybuilding show yesterday with my mom.  It was very interesting watching a show from the audience.  I was so nervous for them, it was not fun to watch.  Now I understand when Chris and my mom get so nervous for me.  I am glad that I don't have to watch myself!  That would make me nervous for sure!

It is hard to believe that it was only one year ago that I did my first show.  So many things have happened since.  Does setting goals and achieving them make time go by faster?  It seems like so long ago that so many of you came to support me, but the year has gone by faster than any other year in my life.  Is it because the last year has been a countdown, from my first and second shows, the RKC, Jr. Nationals, and then my show last weekend? 

Having goals is great.  Acting on them and achieving them is even better.  I cannot look back on any other year in my life and have more accomplishments to be proud of.  So what is next for this year?  I have a lot on my plate to make it even better, but I am determined to do just that.  I am kicking around the idea of doing a raw powerlifting competition in September.  I stayed extremely strong during this competition prep, so with more fuel, I should be able to get stronger faster than ever and be ready to show off my strength in the next competition. 

I am excited about this type of competing because it is purely objective.  How much can you lift.  There is no subjective judging based on who is prettier or which type of physique the judges like better.  I would much rather have you follow me around in the gym than see me on stage in a sparkly bikini any day, so we will see how this turns out.  :)

I firmly believe that once one goal is achieved, another must be put into place.  It is so easy to reach a goal, and go back to old habits.  That is why yo-yo dieting is so common in our society.  One loses all the weight, and then stops exercising and starting eating the way she used to eat.  The weight will inevitably come back.  If lifestyle changes are made from the start, then being healthy is the ultimate goal, and there is no way to stop what you have started if you are going to be healthy for life. 

It would be very easy for me to not set another goal and be a little more lax in my training and diet, but that is not me.  I want to stay the epitome of health that you all expect me to be.  Really, that I expect me to be.  I don't feel good about myself if I eat junk and don't get a good workout in.  I love the energy that I have when I eat healthy.  I love waking up and feeling good, well rested, and ready to start my day!  I would not be me if health was not my first priority.

Time to set another goal for you?  Think about what you really want and why you have decided to start on your fitness journey.  Really dig deep and think about what makes you do what you do each day.  Are you in need of a change to reach your goals, or are you on the right path.  If nothing is changing in your body, your strength, or your energy, then you might need to change something.  Be honest with yourself.  If you are really doing everything that you can be doing, you would see the results that you want.  If you need help, ask for it.  I am here for you to help you achieve your goals. 

If I can do it, there is absolutely no reason that you cannot achieve your goals as well.  I will be honest and say that hard work will be involved, but if it is worth doing, it is worth the hard work.  Look back over your last year, are your proud of where you are today, or do you wish that things were different?  If you want something different, then let's make the commitment that by next July, that goal will be accomplished.  It really is amazing what you can get done when you give it your all, and really go for it.  No matter what, you can accomplish your goals.

I believe in you!  I am here for you.  Please ask for help if you need it.  I want you to be successful in every aspect of your life.  This is the only life that you get, so make it the best possible!

Please be ready for some heat this week!  Put some ice cubes in your water and bring a towel to class!  If you don't use it to mop up your sweat, you could wet it and put it on the back of your neck to cool you down.  It will be warm in the gym.  Be ready for it!

We will have our normal Saturday workout next weekend.  We will meet at 8 AM at the track at IWU (the Shirk Center).  I hope that you all can make it.  If you have not yet joined us for a Saturday workout, please do, you will love it!   

Have a wonderful evening.  Love, Emily

P.S.  The MyLeanBody Boot Camp T-shirts are now available online.  Please visit:  http://354281.spreadshirt.com/ to see them and order your favorite! 

P.S.S If you have not joined the MyLeanBody Boot Camp on Facebook yet, please do so.  Julia and Heidi were so kind to create it for me.  :)