CRAIG PRODUCTIONS LLC

Tomorrow will be 4 weeks post-competition for us figure girls. I've had one hell of a rebound, to say the least. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by kind, caring and supportive physique friends and professionals in addition to my non-competitor friends and of course, as always, my family. Today is the first day in weeks that I have worn a fitted shirt. I'm a far cry from where I like to be, but I am definitely getting there. And boy did I learn some lessons along the way. I have no regrets for the choices I made and this experience will help me in my future competition endeavors and will also help me as I work with clients, present and future.

As far as my diet goes, I'm following what I would normally do 4-6 weeks out. I'm back to training on my 5 day, heavy split. These two things combined make me feel really good. I talked with expert, Will Brink, about my situation and when he heard about my training he told me..."Don't let your emotions dictate your training!" That's exactly what I had been doing which led me to "Training ADD"...one day I was following this program, the next day I was following that program. My head was a mess! It feels good to going back to what I know works for my body.

I have had to trust that my body would eventually find it's way back to its "happy place". It's still not there, but every day is one day closer. I've had to call upon my memory of my days carrying my twins. I've had to remember how I felt, the strange digestive things I encountered on a daily basis and how if my organs could find new homes in my body to carry my girls and then find their way back to where they belong after their birth, SURELY they can get through this too!!!

In an effort to rid my body of excess water and fluids and flush out the toxins, I contacted my friend, resident Hot Mom, Janette who teaches hot yoga in Mill Creek. I'm pretty sure she thought hell had frozen over when I said..."Tell me about hot yoga, I'm thinking about coming to a class." I am not a yoga girl. I like to move, I don't want to sit still and mostly, I'm not flexible in the slightest and I hate doing things I'm not good at...the real reason for my aversion to yoga. I like to be better than everyone in the room at what I'm doing and guaranteed I will be the class retard at hot yoga. But, I'm desperate, and all the health benefits from this actually sound like it might be worthwhile. Go figure! Here's what Janette had to say about hot yoga:

The benefits of hot yoga go beyond the toxins you release. You really do get a full body work out - plus you work on your balance and flexibility. I am amazed how much it takes care of my water retention issues plus it makes me sleep like a baby. I think it might really help you with your current uncomfortableness and you are in such amazing shape and such an athlete, I really think you'll do well at it. The site has some more info on the benefits of HY. www.hotyogamillcreek.com

I left the other stuff in at the end because, well, my ego likes it(even though she's totally blowing smoke when she says I'll do "well"). :) So, if you're a "northender" like me, check out the website, go to Janette's class. I've never been to her class, but knowing Janette, it's AMAZING. I could use some company from some fellow "muscle girls" and guys!!

I'm planning to attend hot yoga next week, so I'll definitely report back and let you know how it goes.

Enjoy this beautiful weather and have an AMAZING weekend!!

~Julie~

Fearless, with cape in hand

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