Fight.

http://johnsonsouth.blogspot.com/2015/06/kickboxing-fight.html?m=0

New Year. New Goals. 2015.

It's a new year with new goals.  It's nice to know that I won't be doing any fast and furious fitness competitions this year (at least that I know of).  I talked to Merrick and we decided on a long term plan instead.
Of course there will be pit-stops along the way, so-to-speak, to assess and stay motivated.  Overall, this year I am wanting to make more gains.  Followed by a body fat cut at the end of the year.
  We have discovered that my extensive history with long distance cardio has created obstacles in my desire for muscles.  Basically, my body just doesn't know how to put any on and keep them there.  The picture above is the difference between May 2014 and October 2014.  In that time frame I was lifting and eating all the time.  We increased my load so I was lifting very heavy but with few reps and I was eating like a body builder.  Every two-three hours I would chow on (what seemed like) tons of protein and veggies.  Pre and post workouts I would add in carbs in the form of fruit and grains.  It took a lot of time (I prepped all my meals) and I was always sore.  But it was completely worth it!  Especially looking at this side by side photo.  It's hard to see your gains (albeit small) on a daily bases but over time they will show up if you remain consistent.  I also felt pretty good overall during this time.  I slept well and didn't really have to battle cravings.  So, here is to enjoying this year of gradual progress!

My Lifetime Fitness Story.

 http://vimeo.com/114391500  

Enjoy.

Rehab

Now that my intense 90 day challenge has come to an end, my trainer and I are working on rehabbing my shoulder.  Merrick has given me, what seems to be simple and easy exercises but they are not.  Fixing injuries is always difficult, especially when you are use to pushing a lot harder.  But the sooner we get this fixed the sooner I can start to build my strength again. 

Side Note 1:  I have been selected to be on the Lifetime fitness TV program.  The first interview will take place on Monday Dec 8th and then we will do another one at the club.

Side Note 2:  My national Snap fitness commercial is out.  I was just an extra but you can see me at two different times in my bright blue tank.  Here is the link.

Side note 3:  I have also been selected, along with my trainer, to be part of a motivational video for a world wide company titled "relentless"  so that should be fun and will include my MMA training as well as my violin playing. 

So many blessings and I continue to be overwhelmed and humbled.

2nd 90 day summary.

My official numbers:
Weigh in- 18.4% body fat
Weigh out- 15.4% body fat

I have to admit that my actual numbers were a bit disappointing for the amount of work I put in this time.  I worked so much harder this time than last time (and I worked my booty off last time).  I have learned that it can take a solid 6-9 months just to lay a good foundation for lean muscle building especially if you have a history of extensive cardio training.  Since I was a runner and then switched to cycling my body doesn't quite know how to build muscles yet.  But, we are getting there.  I have been re-training my body to grow and that has been so hard.  I eat.  A lot of protein and veggies.  And I lift.  Really, really heavy stuff.  I have seen a bit of progress, but nowhere close to my goals.  So, now that this 90 day challenge is over I am taking a few days rest and getting back on the wagon.  Probably not as extreme as before as I don't have a 90 day limit on my goals.  I look at this last journey more as another jumpstart to my new ambitions.  So, I will continue to update and post progress as it comes.  But thank you for your support through another challenge, I am truly grateful for the constant encouragement! 

Eric's Updated progress.

 My husband's amazing progress!! I could not be more proud. He is strong and healthy. His sleep apnea is gone and he is loving life even more.  Way to go Eric!

Final results/Essay

Health, I have learned is an all-encompassing prosperity that includes every area of your life.  I am also reminding myself that a number on a scale doesn't always reflect your sacrifices and work to attain health either.  That was my goal for this 90 day challenge; to not just make physical improvements, but to sharpen my mental, emotional, relational and spiritual standings.  I wanted to create a balance within these aspects as well as their relation to each other. 
Physically- I had previously lost a lot of body fat, so my goals this time were to build muscle and sculpt my body.  I have never been strong.  Growing up I was an endurance athlete, but 3 kids and multiple surgeries later, I had to find a different outlet.
 I took up MMA much to my intimidation.  Now, several months later I have competed in a large tournament for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and faced my biggest fear of people noticing me in a very public forum (I am extremely introverted).  What an amazing feeling of accomplishment to not only compete but WIN an actual grappling fight against an unknown opponent. 
I have also never pushed my body this hard before.  I started the 90 day challenge with a debilitating shoulder/neck injury.  It was a very discouraging way to start, but thanks to several professionals "in my corner" so- to- speak, we worked around it and with it to be able to continue attaining goals.  I have also discovered that to gain weight in the form of lean muscle mass is probably the most challenging ambition I have ever attempted.  I have been constantly sore (which was slightly remedied through nutrition and supplements).  Mentally lifting rep after rep when all I wanted to do was lower the weight or skip a set was harder than I could ever describe in words.  But I knew that with my goals, combined with the added obstacles of injuries and body type, I couldn't stop.
Mentally- My trainer has commented that I have a "do-it-anyway" mentality.  In the face of skepticism, injury, fatigue, soreness, hunger, frustration, lack of natural ability, etc. I will do it anyway.  I look at it this way- I am so blessed.  My "excuses" hardly compare with a lot of other things people are facing.  Everyday I wake up is another day to live it the best that I can; to receive as the gift it is and be a light to others around me so that they can be inspired and challenged to do the same.  As a mother, I am always being watched.  The little eyes of my 6, 4 and 2 year old see everything (especially since we homeschool) I do and don't do.  They observe me waking up tired and sore every day and still push through to achieve something bigger.  And if that is the only reason I do any of this- it's more than enough reason for me.
Relationally- My biggest concern with committing to a 2nd 90 day challenge in one year was that I didn't want it to negatively affect the relationships that are most dear to me. The 90 day challenge is a big time commitment and to do it with excellence requires so much of you physically and mentally.  My goals this time of building lean muscle mass and then cutting even more body fat after I had lost so much the first time was one thousand times more difficult than the first go-around.  My husband agreed to join in with me again this time so we could be a similar page when it came time to taking turns with the kids or making compatible meals.  Having that continued support has made the impossible seem possible and I am beyond grateful for it.  My children have also been on my side, keeping me accountable.  Each day they know our schedule (12 workouts a week!) and delight in learning more about staying healthy.  We can't expect healthy kids without healthy parents.  We are, hopefully, training them to become and achieve even greater things than we ever could and health is part of that. 
The least expected side-effect of participating in a second challenge is all of the other moms I have inspired to reach their goals.  During my first 90 day challenge I started blogging about my fitness journey, mostly to keep a record for my trainer.  Somehow, it has now reached thousands of people looking to begin their personal success stories.  It is the most humbling, unexpected position to be approached by other moms who once believed they could never accomplish a physical strength, now excited to make extraordinary their ordinary.  I am not a super athlete being paid to live like this.  I am a normal mom who loves to work hard for my goals.  And if just one person can look at my journey and think to themselves, I could do that, then I am doubly blessed. 
Spiritually-  Even the strongest of us get tired and worn out.  That is when we need a place of rest, peace and grace.  Many of the desires in us, I believe, are too great a feat to accomplish in our own strength.  If they are then we probably aren't dreaming big enough.  Our lives should create ripple effects that reach farther and longer than we will ever come to know.  I have learned during this 90 day journey to set aside times in my days, no matter how busy or tired I am, to reflect on the bigger picture.  Our days can become so "daily", they are fleeting and short and I have learned that by choosing health, in all areas, the days slow down and become intentional.  Gratitude takes time.  And in that thanksgiving we can live the lives we were meant to live and be the people we were created to be. 

Cut Week.

 So we are in the final week of this fall 90 day challenge.  I can honestly say I have never worked harder for any physical goal then I did for this 90 days.  It was grueling.  I was at about 12 workouts a week, eating copious amounts of protein and veggies and pushing through some serious injuries.  My body has never been strong and I have never tried to gain lean muscle mass before so I am way behind as far as my ultimate goals.  Here I am in my first of 2 immersion baths for this week.  It's basically just below boiling in order to push the water out of my body in an expedited manner.  And it stinks.  I cried a little.  I am tired and hungry and thirsty and just plain exhausted.  But I also see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Side note: This is my brand new, never worn, expensive swim suit I purchased after my last 90 day challenge and it's already too big! 

1 week left.

Yesterday I had my first professional, commercial photo shoot with Lifetime Fitness.  The pictures will be used in their upcoming marketing campaign for the 2015 90 day challenges (both spring and fall). I felt extremely awkward for a lot of the time but they were all very kind and patient.  I felt much more comfortable when they had my throw punches and kicks.  I am excited to see the end results/edits soon though.  This year has been such a crazy adventure, taking me places I didn't even want to go at first but now love that I'm there!  So much fun.  So, here is to finishing this last week of my fall change strong and determined.

Photo Shoot Ready!

Hi Kelli!

I just wanted to follow up today to inform you that you’ve been selected by our committee as a photo-shoot finalist!  Congratulations!  Final details are being arranged with the photographer, but the date will be next Thursday, Oct 23^rd.  We do not have times defined yet but will be approx. 3-4 hours of time in the morning or afternoon. I will narrow in on those details and get back to you with a more defined schedule as soon as possible.  Pending finalized dates, are you still able/willing to participate?  We are very excited for this opportunity!

Please let me know if you are still interested in being a part of this fun marketing opportunity within the next 1-2 days.  Once we hear from you, Erin (cc’d on this email) from our marketing team will be reaching out to you directly with further details.

Thanks again!  I look forward to hearing from you soon!  J

 

Becca Hurt, MS, RDAssistant Program Manager of Life Time WeightLoss

    

Headshots

 I was asked to take a few headshots for the upcoming photo session for Lifetime Fitness.  Here is a sneak peek of what I sent them. Fingers crossed they like them!

First BJJ Tournament

 I had my first bjj tournament at the St Croix grappling games this last weekend.  I won one match in sudden death with a suicide throw and lost 2 match (all were very close) to take 4th overall.  I had so much fun and it was such a great experience for my first tourney!

 That night we all met up at Neisen's for some more grappling and kickboxing matches.  Below are my fellow Fight Shape girls! 

Overwhelmed with blessings.

Good afternoon Kelli!

 

This is Becca, Program Manager of the 90-Day Challenge from Life Time corporate offices.  I had contacted you previously about using your success story for our Flourish e-newsletter, and today I’m writing today to let you know you have been selected as a candidate for the upcoming 90-Day Challenge photo shoot!  We’ve chosen a small handful of members from the previous challenge to come to the corporate offices to take part in the Spring 2015 90-Day Challenge campaign’s photo shoot.  The exact dates are not yet set in stone, but it most likely will be the first week in October.  Would this be something you are interested in?  Ideally we would have your final decision by end of week so that we can plan accordingly.

 

Congrats and thank you!  Hope to hear from you soon.

 

 

I am overwhelmed by all of these extra blessings that have come from this journey.  Being publically noticed was not my motivation for starting- it just seems to be a little cherry on top of how good I feel.  It is so humbling to be an inspiration to other moms/women out there that are normal, hard-working people with more in them than they realize.  I am beyond grateful for all the wonderful supporters and encouragers!  Thank you so much. 


From my trainer post email:

 
Fantastic job. You are officially a sexy model. Who doesn't want to be married to a sexy model - Eric be happy! I will get you some one on one training time to really try to push your results as far as possible. And you will win your class in the Jits tournament it's going to be an exciting month!
Merrick

Sleep.

Ever since this 90 challenge has started, I have struggled to get a good night sleep.  Plus, I have been super hungry and out of energy.  Almost a feeling of being completely burned out.  Taking all of these things into consideration Merrick altered my schedule a bit.  I am eating 4oz of meat, 1 cup of veggies every 2 hrs and before and after workouts I add in 1 piece of fruit and 1/3c of grains.  Before bed I eat 1/4 cup of oatmeal with cinnamon.  I woke up at 7:15am this morning for the first time in about 45 days!  I also made it through all of my workouts/class yesterday without feeling exhausted.  Even after all this training and nutrition coaching it still amazes me how crucial and effective eating habits are.  The fact that I have probably one of the smartest nutritionists makes a big difference as well!  So happy for energy and sleep- FINALLY!

I also have a new goal of adding 3lbs of lean muscle by the end of the month. 

Reflection.

I want to admit that this is the first time I can look in the mirror or try clothes on without one negative thought towards my body and how it looks.  It's been a couple weeks since I have thought, "Does this make me look fat?!" or " I don't feel comfortable in my own skin."  I can honestly say that I have never felt that way about myself- ever.  Even before kids I have always struggled with the lie that I didn't look good enough.  I don't doubt that becoming healthier and stronger has played huge roles in my mindset but I think it is more about what kind of eyes I am viewing myself with.  The mixed martial arts that I practice has challenged me so much and not just physically.  It has been a sort of re-building so to speak.  And like I stated before, during these challenges I try to make an all-encompassing lifestyle overhaul. 
My time with the Lord and my time in the gym with people who uplift me, challenge me, encourage me, push me and break through all of my many walls has really had a life-changing effect in my life.  I am consistently vulnerable.  I cry many tears both at home in my private time and publically.  Through frustration and obstacles I am finding out how to search for strength- not in myself- but in the One who created me.  And in those times of searching I am found, with love and open arms.  And every time I am loved through my weakness I am built up on a steady foundation. 
My body is not perfect.  I have stretch marks and scars.  I struggle to build any kind of muscle.  I am usually the last and slowest one in class still, but I am finally not placing my worth in any of those things any longer.  I am always tired but I continue to push through- whether it's out of habit and/or knowing that if I don't continue I will go back to the girl I once was before this journey began- it's probably both. 
When you are in the middle of progressing, going back is never an appealing idea.  I also know that if my health ended today my world would not come crashing down b/c my worth is not in that either.  My never-changing, always loving God will always be there with His arms open.  Fitness is just one way He has blessed my life with a way to share His beautiful image and love to this dying world.  Fitness is a witness that shows His strength in my weakness, His grace in my trials and His greatness in my failures.  I am so grateful for this life He has blessed me with.  So grateful for the beauty that surrounds me!

Flourish Article.

http://www.lifetime-weightloss.com/success-stories/2014/8/31/kelli-j-chanhassen-mn.html?fb_action_ids=10152742238347578&fb_action_types=og.comments&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B704304912977852%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.comments%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

My story was published in the Lifetime email/online success stories. 

Baby Muscles.

This is the first time, ever, that I have muscles to "flex".  They are tiny, but they are growing albeit slowly.  Come September my plans change and I will be lifting differently and eating a lot more.  Looking forward to that!  And I am hoping the extra food will help me sleep better. 
I am still trying to work on my snatch.  I had Merrick come upstairs with me and tweak my form.  He seems to think I am doing better than I realize.  I am still not convinced- but I can start snatching the 35lb bar instead of the tiny pvc pipe.  Fingers crossed I don't drop it on my head.  It's very difficult for me to get out of my head and just do it.  We are working on that as well. 
I am also hoping to see a lot more booty growth.  I am squatting and deadlifting a LOT and I am seeing some growth in my legs but not so much butt yet.  Haha!  I am all about a good butt right now.  I am sure my fellow fight-shapers are tired of me getting excited about any glute workout we have in class!
 It can be difficult to completely let go and trust the process when I am unsure and uneducated as to all of the "whys" and "hows".  But as my husband says, "Trust the Merrick." 

Survival Mode.

 Phew!  This 90 day challenge has been a mental battle.  My days are a blur of sweat pants(and no makeup) and coffee.  I actually never drank coffee before these 90 days started, but I'm drinking it now.  I haven't been sleeping very much due to waking up every hour hungry so my tank is pretty darn low.  I am getting our homeschool schedule ready for this year and that's been pretty taxing as well.  But I am starting to see progress.  Not a ton, but I am seeing some small muscles pop through.  I still have a long way to go but I am getting the work in, even if it's at 5am or 10pm. 

My email today.

Good morning Kelli!

My name is Becca and I am a Program Manager at the corporate offices for Life Time Weight Loss.  You have been selected as a candidate to highlight in an upcoming Flourish article as well as on our Life Time Weight Loss Facebook page.  Your success story and accomplishment from the Spring 2014 90-Day Challenge is a true inspiration and we’d love to feature your story.  If this is something that you would rather not participate in, we can certainly choose another candidate.  Please let me know as soon as possible so that our team can plan accordingly.

 

Thank you!

 

Becca Hurt, MS, RDAssistant Program Manager of Life Time WeightLoss

The Snatch

This snatch exercise (first 22 sec of the video) is my new nemesis!  I am struggling.  Apparently my core strength is nowhere where it needs to be.  Probably a result of three 10lb babies followed by surgery which left me bed-ridden for nearly 2 months.  But practice makes progress and I am practicing on a regualr basis with these bad boys.