NEW SITE! NEW ME!

SEE! After much procrastination and putting funds into competing I managed to spare a few dollars on the improvement of my website. Take a look around, it is a slow process but we have tons of new photos to post to my galleries with a members area to come!
I am 8 days out from the JUNIOR NATIONALS in Chicago, IL. I AM SO STOKED!

Kim Oddo, my trainer/nutritionist has outdone himself this time. I was a bit worried last week with about 5lbs of water weight hangin on... but VIOLA it is starting to shed . Today i discovered a new vein in my biceps while doing preacher curls.
That was after I blatantly stood next to some guys and curled more than them to make them gasp... yeah I did it on purpose!

I'm exhausted...

I will check in after I weigh in tommorow and take my new pics for my coach!
Nite !
AJ

1st place win at Emerald Cup!

I KNOW I KNOW THIS SITE IS OLD.... HOWEVER I JUST ONE 1ST PLACE at the EMERALD CUP in SEATTLE , WA!!!!

here is a preview of what is to come this season... thank you Kim oddo! thanks to my mom, family, friends and beautiful man Jon! i couldnt have done it without you all

[IMG]http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/Ajfit/menjay.jpg[/IMG]

photo

This is a photo taken January 17, of this year! I am MUCH farther along now. I don't want to reveal too much!
:)

Ok All, I must say that i haven't been onto my diary in a bit for quite a few reasons
- just moved 815 miles back to my hometown and have had some busy days, finding work, settling in, GETTING INTERNET, training for the EMerald Cup in April
-I am very fustrated with my webpage update, or lack there of. I cannot afford to redo the whole thing but it is very outdated. This isnt even what i look like anymore! Fear not, we are in the process of trying to do it ourselves.
and of course i have been training my butt off , LITERALLY!
6 days a week!

I am 7 weeks out from the Emerald Cup in Seattle Washington, well almost 6 now. So far, I am down to the leanest ive ever been for a show. weighing in right now at 124lbs and 9% bf. I expect to come in at about 120 lbs and 7-8% depending on how things go.
Right now my diet is getting very limited and cranky days are here more than not. I am VERY EXCITED though.
I hope that my New coach Kim Oddo of www.bodybyo.com sticks with me for a long while. He is amazing. Not only competent but has great delievery, you just WANT TO work for him!
lastly my friends and family have been great. I think that the 4th year competing has proven to them that i am serious.
Live your dream,
AJ

UPDATE OF WEBSITE DUE JANUARY

Hey guys! Im submitting changes as we speak. Look out for them in January, new Photos, info and services! YEah!
Also, keep an eye out for me this year, i just rounded out the past few months with a 5lb muscle increase in my upper body and some nice lower body sculpting... Working with the GREAT Kim Oddo of www.bodybyo.com since September 1st and expect to slam my way onto stage in April at the Emerald Cup.
See ya guys, off to train that back!
Aj

Women's Physique World Video/ Mag/ Website

Hey everyone!!! LONG time no write. Yeah , been busy. New coach, new food, new training, new job etc.. you know the drill.
Exciting news is.... www.wpw.net featured me in my own video, magazine shoot and Website gallery. Check them out and send me some feed back. I was coming into off season in the shoot but the content is good.
Miss y'all and hope to be back on here full time soon!
AJ*

Hooters!

Hey, Have y'all ever been to a Hooters? I know it is a strange question. I just went to my first one the other day, Hooters, Jacksonville, NC. I liked it, couldn't eat a thing there but I liked it. You gotta love those 1990's white scrunchie socks and reeboks especially the way they pair up with those thick tights my grandma would wear! LOL. Ok, Im done bustin' on them. Seriously though I think that might be my second Job! LOL, whadd'ya think about that?
So, here is a question. Exactly HOW hot do you think it can be at 5am in NC? (those of you who live here don' t get to guess) OK, the answer is anywhere from 85-95 degrees, which turns into, what the weather channel says, " feels like 104 degrees" with a dew point of 77 . Yea, well thats what i have to run in or work out in every morning. It's sticky to say the least, however you get a good sweat on. I am dripping every morning and my cardio seems so intense. I guess I will have to get used to it for a short while.
AJ

Remember to ALWAYS live your dreams

Hey everyone? how's the deadening heat of summer treatin' ya? Could be worse you could be like my Buddy Ed over in Kuwait... What's up ED? I know you are reading this saying, 'yeah its 120 degrees here....' Thanks for serving and say Hi to all the soldiers for me! Or you could be like my Fiance' and his buddies in 10th Marine HQ Battery COMM Platoon and 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines COMM Platoon of 2nd Marine Regimentthanks to you too Cooper, Naylor, Moore, Lebel, Shay, etc...
So amidst this heat was some time to interview with thee Mike Bogen, writer for WPW Magazine. We had a great time laughing it up and talking about female muscle. I posed for the boys of WPW back in May and am awaiting my 'spread' in this months issue. Although, I am told they are a bit behind. Perhaps due to the lazy days of summer.
None the less, I am anxious and hope you all find your way to the issue and their site. www.womensphysiqueworld.com . These guys were super accomodating, respectul and tons of fun to work with. Hope to work with them in the future.
I want to apologize for the lack of updating on my site. It's time to come clean. I have been a bit sick lately, undergoing some different types of testing. From what they tell me its not serious but its enough to put me behind and in a pretty down mood. I have all the positivity in the world that I will be just fine. It's funny, even when faced with a potentially dangerous illness, all I can think about is how I'm going to schedule gym time amongst a plethera of Dr's appts. I can't wait to walk into the gym doors on the days I feel my worst. I think this 'fitness' thing isn't just a hobby, it isn't something we 'do' IT IS US, it lies within, deep inside, a passion for the challenge. Just how High Can we take ourselves?
Will we ever live our dreams? I'm living mine right now... thank you to all the fans for the support you have given me, thank you to my wonderful Husband to be who lifts me up when I think I couldnt be any further down. Thank you all, you do more thank you know.

Much love,
remember to ALWAYS live your dreams,
Allison

New Website Design and Prices

Good news!!!!!! My website is currently being updated with new photos, content and prices. I will be posting photos from some of my more recent shoots just look below~ Stay tuned! Yippee~
AJ*

Yoga Flex,Painting the Deck &Dunkin Donuts

... I THINK I GREW AN INCH , I DID I DID. or at least thats what the Yoga flex instructor assured would happen if I continued to take her class. After 3 yrs of neglecting the full spectrum of stretching I broke down and attended a class. It wasn't that embarrassed, or afraid to take direction from another health instructor, or that the classes were not free. NO! Instead I made excuses like most others make to get out of Weight training. I would say " oh you are so tired, you lifted heavy tonite, or you have to go home to eat, or you have to walk in circles and stand on your ear!" In other words, EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES!
Let me tell you PAIN is a very good teacher! I joined a new gym, started a new routine, used all that adreniline and worked crazy hard. I then Painted the deck, well... let me tell the truth. I ATTEMPTED to paint the WHOLE deck. However, it took me 4 hrs to do the stair railings and one side of the deck rails only on the inside. The depressing part is that that was only for the first coat. It was after all of that painting, after the stiff neck the next day and the dissappointment over my 'calico' decking that i decided I HATE PAINTING. My feelings might change next week when i have to do it again but for now I've decided to step away from the paint brush. Oh , where was I? I trailed off. The point of the deck story was to let you know where the pain that sent me to the class came from.
There are only a few things I know make me very very happy in life. One of them is Plants ( loooooooooooooove them) and I guess those furry critters we call animals, Will ferrel and Saturday Nite Live!, Music and dancing ... and my mostest favoritest of all, DUNKIN DONUTS COFFEE!!!!!!!! ( now excepting gift cards) my goal is to get enought gift cards at the holidays to buy myself a cup a day for life. ( and you think im kidding )
In conclusion, I have learned a valuble lesson tonite. PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH. I always tell clients stretching is as important as lifting and cardo, yet I didn't allow myself proper time to do so. I will from now on thanks to Katie and Yoga flex!!!!
Stretch on people, stretch on,
AJ*

Published Article/new profile -www.Hardfitness.Com

Just wanted to let everyone know that I recentley had a small article published in Hardfitness Magazine. YOu can see is by logging onto www.hardfitness.com click on this months E-Magazine and you will see "Can Caffiene make you stronger?" by Allison Jones right on the cover. JC was great in getting it published right on the day of the deadline ( I'm a bad student and passed it in last minute.) He also put up a new profile for me! I don't really love the photos, seeing as I have much better ones now. However, I'm glad I'ts there! I have been really trying to get a moment with my Web guy to update my site. THANKS FOR THE PATIENCE! Also, more news to come as I slowly unpack from a 2 week vacation
Thanks!
AJ*

STATS PAGE/ BLOGGER

Hey! I've got a question. Would anyone out there be interested to see a stats page put up here, either on the blogger or as part of my site? Just curious before I go through all the work to do it. Also, some feedback on what you would be interested in seeing would be great. Measurements, weight, body fat %, run time, repetitions, etc... just shoot me an email at allisonjonesfitness@msn.com and I'd be more than happy to do it for you!
Thanks!
AJ*

...She's Got Legs!

... and she knows how to use em' . So, my legs are really coming along. When I hurt my knee I couldn't do anything but walk briskly uphill and use the 'gazelle' remember TONY LITTLE?!? Walking up hill at a 12% incline at 4 mph is like doing continuous giant lunges using nothing but glutes and hamstrings.. At first I was really fustrated and even a bit down ( if you remember previous articles) but whilst in the shower one day I noticed something I had never noticed before. A deeper sweep! yes yes yes could it be? You Bet it was! From the front my quads have sharpened up and taken on more shape. from the inside of the thigh my hams have begun to do there 'thang' as well. Now, as I take you to the back of the leg WELL, I think you will just have to wait and see.
I will be attending and shooting at the TEAM UNIVERSE in NYC On August 5-6. If anyone is interested in meeting me, see you there!
I'd Like to say I will be competing however, I don't feel 100% and would like to wait. But, Maybe luck will be on my side and I can squeeze it in!
Rock on!
AJ*

I Feel Better!

Not 100% yet, But MUCH BETTER. I can actually sit down, get back up, bend over and just ...Move! All that sitting still and resting was making me hallucinate. I thought one day that my Arms had lost like 3 inches and that my legs lost about 4lbs of muscle. Then I thought that they would never be useful again, I even thought that I may have lost all my strength. Well, turns out all that rest did me some good. Mentally it drove me crazy, but the extra sleep aided in some weight loss and better looking quads, hams and calves. I started slowly every day walking on the tread mill up hill and doing the 'Arc Trainer' ... Think TONY LITTLE!!! UGH. However, it worked. Today I ran ... ok ok, Jogged for almost 20 min then finished with the arc trainer. I don't want to over do it and be back at square one. I watch every footstep I take to make sure to step soundly and correctly. Im nervous but I can't explain the High I get from being back on that treadmill.I think the Outdoors is still to uneven and dangerous. When I'm Inside I can use the mirror to watch my form.
I also had a GREAT ARM WORKOUT tonite. With the help of a coworker ( to give me new ideas and see if I'm cheating)
Triceps:
rope (chain attachment) pull downs
reverse grip unilateral (D ring)
Skull Krushers legs up on bench ss close grip bench and Plate overhead extentions
Biceps:
Straight barbell curls
DB unilateral curls
Cable straight bar curls
3 Ab exercises

My arms were so swollen! It's good though because my moral has been so down. On top of the Knee injury I went home to Garden for Mom and got a bad case of poison ivy all over my legs stomach and fingers! It took 2 weeks to go away. plus it was almost 100% here for 8 days straight. Needless to say I need a vacation, thank god my boss just sent me on one.
Fun in the sun time!
AJ*

Ok, I'll do it!

...Go to the Doctor that is! for the past 3 weeks I've had friends, family, clients and members of the gym telling me to stop being stubborn and a 'know it all' and to go to a DR. I have been avoiding because I KNOW that he will tell me to rest and relax. To take my fitness/ bodybuilding away from me is unacceptable. It's like stealing my breath. I will say that I've been in a funk. Today I woke up feeling cranky, irritable, and every other word that means agitated. I feel lazy like I should be doing more with my day. I'm Not used to sitting down and relaxing. I can't seem to overcome this injury as easily as I thought I may have been able to before. The only great thing in my week has been the purchase of a new truck! I'm having fun with that and it's definitely helping me get around, thing is, after sitting in it for a while it makes my knee sore. Ok, enough about my knee.... Maybe my abs will get bigger and better because I will be using most of my leg 'day' of training to do some abs... for now walking up hill and some sissy exercises. I guess the saving grace is that my quads are HUMONGOUS to begin with! so maybe not using them will bring them down only a bit.
AJ*

Slave to Cardio

Ok, so now I'm posting THREE TIMES in one weekend. I am a little 'caged' and I think that is why im turning to my blogger. Let me explain. I went from doing cardio 1-2 hrs a day in 1 or 2 sessions plus a session of training almost 6 days a week for the past 5 months, not to mention the 3 yrs prior of a strict regimen. Now, due to my injury I haven't had a regular cardio session in weeks. I feel stiff, lazy, and like my muscles are melting away! Of course, I know that they are not. However, my psychy is playing games with me. I did go to the BSC in my area today and get a cardio sesssion in and burned around 552 calories! so i felt a little better. I tried running out doors today but my knee made it around my block exactly ONE TIME. So, when all else fails do some crunches.
I am hoping cardio will get back to normal. I am well aware that in order to lean down my legs I must do sprinting intervals with plyometrics. I was just getting excited about this type of workout when I got injured.
Let me tell you, for an athlete to sit still and do nothing taxing is absolute HELL! The pain on this one is so bad even my mind can't override it. I will hopefully get back to my normal routine so I can stop being a cranky pants!
... ON a great note though, I curled 70lbs 5 times (barbell) during my shoot/video with Women's Physique World last week!!! thats a first, I didn't even give my self a chance at that weight ever before, could be because I don't lift with a partner. Guess its time to buckle down and throw around some serious weight. ( sorry all you skinny twerpy guys out there!)
Broken but hopefull
AJ*

Testing ... testing~ is this thing ON???

My blogger hasn't been working.... this is just a test, LOL,
Lets hope it works so that I may update ya'll.
AJ

I DISAPPEARED!!! BUT I'M BACK!

... Once again, I'm here posting an apology to all of you! I guess I should stop making this a regular occurance. Lots of things have happened in the past few weeks, I finally moved! Yippee Skippee. That was a major pain, did you know UHAUL is like $500 for a one way move! Needless to say I moved in style (rented a brand new 2005 Ford Explorer XLT) That thang drove like a Limo! Threw out so much crap and but couldn't part with some stuff. It basically came down to whatever couldn't be wedged into the back.
Let me back up a bit.... I injured my knee a few days previous to this. I think I spoke of this in my last post. I definitely injured the ligaments around my pattelar (knee). I hurt to walk, stand still, lay down, bend, ice it, or just plain touch it. My Knee cap was floating from side to side and up and down. I bought a neoprene knee brace and babied it, but still had to pack, lift and carry boxes up and down stairs THEN DRIVE 6 HRS! Not a fun experience. NO, I didn't go to the doctors because I knew what they would tell me! stay off it, rest and don't do any cardio.
So, I only partially adhered to that. I had a photo shoot with the guys from Woman's Physique Word and couldn't let all my hard work leaning out go to waste. I stayed lean but not as much as the week prior. This injury is still ailing me, better but not healed, this has drastically reduced my chances at competing in Team Universe in August in NYC. More on Bill Jentz, the WPW shoot and competing in the following blog!
Hobbiling along,
AJ*

Back on the fast track

.... phewy... I'm totally spent! I just got back and its 10:50pm. Shoulders tonight!
Side lateral Delt raises w/ cable
Smith Military Press w/ a lean forward SS Cable Upright Rows
DB side riases 15lb drop to 10lb then bring to front for 10reps
all three sets each....
I am so tired, I don't want to stretch! However, if I don't Im gonna be a sore puppy in the Morning and won't want to get up for my morning cardio. I got my eye on the prize now. Yams are cooking at 425 in the oven , the chicken is on the Foreman Grill and the broccoli is steaming. I have had so much water today, OK OK OK ! and a little Crystal Lite. ( I try to stay away from sweet drinks, so that I don't Crave the sweets)
I have been putting together some kick ass routines that incorporate alot of stability equipment and plyometric exercises. I have Legs/glutes/calves tommorow.....eeeeekkkkk!!! Don't come near me tommorow, LOL.
I have three weeks til' some more photo shoots/video shoots.... No time for cheatin' wish me luck
AJ

Sorry to confuse you

So, apparently I have confused many people with my previous blog entry. YES, I am moving back to Massachusetts soon, HOWEVER, Like all of you I have a Job and I Have to work. I have built up a strong Clientel base here in NJ and have become close with many of them. It was a hard decision to leave totally, therefore, iI will be consolidating my hours in NJ at NYSC and traveling half the week to train my clients. What part of the week? I don't know, they all have to come to some agreement on what days work best. I hope this helps. SO for all my clients out there. NO I HAVEN'T ABANDONDED YOU AND MOVED WITHOUT TELLING!!! I too take some down time on the weekends and have just been a little tired lately and haven't been on top of my emails, I apologize.
As far as my training goes, I have to admit that I have dipped a little low on enthusiasm this month. Not lost, just low. I needed the boost from friends and appreciate all your emails and phone calls, it means more than you know. KEEP EM' COMIN'!!!
In the mean time I have enjoyed doing 'PT' with my fiance' here on the Marine Military Base. Man lemme tell you, if YOU THINK getting up at 530 to go to the gym with your little packed breakfast, towel, water bottle,& music after brushing your teeth, hair and putting on deodorant was hard you gotta try this! Try JUMPING UP @ 430 am to be ready by 435am to run in the dark with uniformed OD Green gear while chanting and running in unison with hundreds of others... Its Hard! there are tons of rules and regulations and you feel like a mega LOSER if you quit. So, needless to say I LOVE IT!!! sure beats a treadmill and a steamy gym!
Well, off to bed, up at 4am tommorow
Aj

Moving, The Flu, Interval Training and other things that Stink!

You got it.... THEY ALL STINK... How is it that after moving approximately 10 times in the past 5 yrs.. I still have box loads of 'stuff' ? I mean where does it all come from? I know for a fact that each time I move I PURPOSELY leave 5 boxes behind, donate or toss so much of this crap. And this time will be no different!
You see, I'm Moving back to Boston to live near my family, Mom, Dad, and Three brothers. I lived there 21 years then moved to Philly in 2001 to work as an Americorps volunteer. From there I moved just outside Manhattan to Hoboken, NJ, where I have lived for almost 3 yrs now. So in total I was gone almost 5 yrs. I have a very strong family circle and have found that living outside of it has made me very sad and quite lonely for that bond.However, I am very excited to be moving back to a place where I can mow my own lawn, trim my hedges and plant a garden. My mother put up a deck and sliding glass doors and renevated the whole house.. BAR-B-QUE here I come!!!!!
It will take some getting used to a new gym, and new routine etc.. but we shall see how that goes. NO ! I haven't started packing yet... DREADING it. As I noted before I had a sinus cold, headache and flu bug for a week, then a stomach bug 2x in one week, so .... I am just now getting up to par. Just in time for my new training regimen.
Interval training!
boo hoo, Yeah! , boo hoo , Yeah! ... thats pretty much how you feel interval training. It's a combination of fun and exciting; a challenge. AND ouch, ooh, argh, oh God!!!!....
I have changed up my training routine a bit to try and get my legs down. There is still too much body fat hugging on to them... and they are a bit too muscular. It seems as though my upper body can get paper thin lean and my legs just won't budge. SO in the words of Emeril LaGasse, BAM!!! let's kick it up a notch.
We shall see if this works. Team universe is in August, and I hope to show up a bit leaner and meaner.
I think I'm gonna go throw away some more junk... ebay some stuff and have some coffee... Of course what would life be without Java?
See you after all those lunges and pop squats!
AJ*

New Game plan

Well, its back to the drawing board!! I've come up with some more ways to torture myself. AND in return take it out on my clients... LOL!!! Poor little things. I've decided to give let go of my pride that goes back to squat 200lbs and press 350lbs and shows up most men in my gym. I have given in to the wonderful world of Plyometrics and intense interval training. This is something I KNEW all along would benefit me, but couldn't bring myself to consistency with it. WHY? cuz it f'in hurts!!! LOL that and I think it was stubborness ( IM a scorpio!) along with a little 'fear of success' something I do to sabotage myself sometimes. I DON'T RECOMMEND THIS BEHAVIOR!! But as my fan base grows stronger and more ppl look up to me I realize I have to make an effort to be a strong leader! I also realized that traditional forms of training and cardio just 'don't do it for me' anymore. Sometimes im not fatigued, sore or tired, things are getting easier, which , as any great trainer will tell you means you are on a plateau.
So, to make a long story short, stick with me and stay tuned.. you may have to come pick me up off the gym floor when im done with my secong Interval cardio session of jumping lunges, sprints, biking, stairstepping and pop squats off of a step!!!
man o man this better work!!! cuz if it doesn't I dont see how it could get any more torturous! hehehe AND I LOVE IT!!!!
See you on the other side... the lean side.
Aj*
oh yeah, EVERYBODY ..... (((((((((((( DON'T FORGET TO ROCK ON!!!)))))))))))))))))))

JR USA Results.

Hi again!!! Sorry it took so long to get back to you all! The results have been in for a week, but I'm just gettin' around to posting them. IF your up on the Bodybuilding Scene you already know. Let's say coming back from my first large national competition has lit a GIGANTIC fire under my ass.. ( hopefully helping it lean out, LOL)
I felt really great in the weeks leading up to the show. I felt confident, relaxed , well trained and sure that I would be able to stand up to the competition. When I arrived in North Charleston, SC. I was amazed at the beautiful surroundings and weather. The hotel had palm tress on the front lawn, the sun was shining and on average 65degrees and there were little tiny anoles ( lizards) scattering around. I was psyched!! My coach was with me and assuring me that I had come in my best ever! I was just glad to be there and be part of the fitness scene that i LOVE SO MUCH!.
Friday morning I went to check in and attend the mandatory meeting. I had never been measured for an official NPC Height Card. This card dictates what class you will be placed in to compete. I had always been in the 'Midget class' measuring between 5'1.5" and 5'1.75". SO!! When I measured in at 5'2.5" I was confused and surprised. Also , I was worried. My physique is that of a Figure A competitor. What that means is that when you place me with Figure A I MOST DEFINITELY compare. I look like the other girls in my class and have a better chance at looking lean and porportioned. Just skimping by into the next catagory where most of the other girls are about 2-3 inches taller puts me at a major disadvantage. I looked short and stout next to these girls in the figure B class. I knew this and it worried me. However, I showed up Saturday morning with all the confidence I could muster. At that point I felt like I was lacking and that these other girls DESERVED to place higher than me. All the girls there definitely deserved to be there among the national ranks. Some just plain ol' blew me away with their physiques. I was totally amazing and admired their shapes.
Needless to say I didn't do well enough for anyone to even notice I was there. HOWEVER, BEFORE YOU ALL YELL AT ME FOR 'BEING DOWN' ON MYSELF! I was very proud of myself for training, prepping, and sacrificing to get my butt down to SC from Hoboken, NJ. It took alot to get to the point i was at. Finacially it was a huge drain but a risk I had to take. I lost my apartment because I used my rent money to get a hotel and airfare. I had to put some very understanding clients "on hold" just one month before their weddings, I got back and had to eat eggs all this week because I found a store that sells them for .99c and thats all I can afford.
BUT I DID IT!!! I tried and well... I fell, I got Spanked, and didn't place well, but you know what? I went and thats more than I can say for some others.
NOW WHAT? Well, my good friend has agreed to let me stay on his pull out bed/couch and I have already been at the gym 2X as hard this week. Training and cardioing my butt off. I'm back on track and ready to keep showing my face.
THanks for listening and thank you for your contiunued emails, letters, calls and well wishes.
AJ*

THE DAY HAS COME!!!

I'm all packed, I THINK!!!! I hope, boy I hate packing I always feel as if I am forgetting something... I DO KNOW ONE THING!!! I hope to be coming home a little 'heavier' and not from the after party fun and food. I just wanted to say thanks to all who have continuously supported me through the good and bad parts of dealing with a competitive body builder.
I am soooooooooooo psyched about this show/trip. I know , no matter what happens with the placing I DID MY ABSOLUTE FANTASTCALLY 100% BEST!!! EVER Hands down.
THanks so much to my Mother, you are my best friend and the most beautiful woman ever! It means the world to me that you are proud. Thank you to jon, Rick, Julie, All of my wonderful clientele. COACH!!! what can i say You Rock!!!
Look out South Carolina (cackalacky) HERE COMES AJ!!!!! GONNA BRING A LITTLE NORTHERN STYLE DOWN TO THE SOUTH.
HEHEHE (EXCUSE ME, IM A LITTLE AMPED UP)
Be back to update you on the placing !!!!
AJ*

Competition WEEK or WEAK?

So, I'm rolling around to the week of South Carolina USA's. Am I excited. YEA, HELL YEA. I have competed in 3 National level competitions before this. 2003 Team Universe, 2004 Atlantic States where I placed 1st, and last month I placed 2nd in the 2005 NYC Metropolitan. HOWEVER, those were all local. I get to travel for this one, so I suppose It seems I've placed it on a much grander scale.
that's not the only reason I'm Psyched. I feel I have come a long way since last year and even since last month!!! I have really been crankin' along on my Delts and Arms. I have definitely reaped the rewards. I have been suffering quite badly from tendonitis in my shoulders. The right one is significantly worse and more painful. I try and block it out when I'm actually lifting, however, hot pads, Ben Gay and a chiropractor is needed soon after.
What pushes me through Military press, Inclines, and Front raises? Well, I think of my friends Davana Medina, Tara Scotti and Irina ( a regular member at my gym). I want is SO BADLY it hurts. LITERALLY. I must admit that I get so excited when I see my muscles filling up with blood on shoulder day and arms day! HOWEVER, I enjoy the looks on the male members' faces when they realize that I have a better balanced and leaner physique than they do!
Ok, so what's up with the Title of this Blog? I guess I'm just looking forward to that week post competition. sleep, eat, NOT TRAIN, sleep, eat , eat, eat... hey even maybe possibly do something 'normal' like see a movie, shop or visit friends! 6 more days til' I'm confidently gallivanting across that South Carolina stage! I hope you can all Join me... I'm excited to see my competitors and excited to see how I do amongst the 'Big Dogs'
Thank you for all your support!
AJ*

CREATURES OF HABIT AND ROUTINE...

....Chicken, Broccoli and Yam for breakfast. New restraunt? New Menu in the work cafeteria, Something your mom is trying to give you for sunday brunch? NO NO NO NO My breakfast. Mine all Mine ... oooooeeeee! just close my eyes and its a short stack of blueberry pancakes, a couple of links of turkey bacon with some ketchup, well done home fries ( the cubed kind NOT scalloped) a coffee and a gianormous Omelet with a million veggies and some parmasean cheese. Probably something chocolate for dessert. OK, thats a little overboard, it basically just tastes like what it is. I often wonder if I'll ever be able to force myself to eat like a normal human being again one day. As of yet, im up to about one day of piggin out and thats directly after a competition. then i start to feel ill and my concientious kicks in. This lifestyle is a bit like the Pavlov's Dog experiment. You eat something bad and your coach either pinches the water your retaining in your back, triceps or legs, or he orders more sessions of cardio and takes out that tablespoon of PB you are living your day for.
HEHEHEH .... this is all legal and VOLUNTARY! We just gotta be crazy! But summer is around the corner and I know I will Look just fine in a pair of daisy dukes lol!
Aj*

Never Been to South Carolina!

Well, It's Almost time for the JR USA's...and I'm Psyched!!!! I can honestly say I am full of energy and excitement over this. I am going into this with smiles and hopes of enjoying the whole experience. All my National Level Competitions have been right Here 10 min from me in Manhattan. Although I was at this show Last year in Connecticut and out in Chicago for Jr. Nat's However NEVER AS A COMPETITOR!
The dieting is going much better this time around. Less fatigue, Less stressing, Less crankiness. My body is adjusting much better this time with some energy to spare. My clients are SO THANKFUL FOR THAT. As my training gets more intense and my food gets blander their workouts get much much harder. Yes, I will admit I get a Kick out of this.
I want to say thanks for all the great emails, letters and daily support that I get from all my friends , family and people who visit my website.
It means the world to Me!!!
Also, don't forget to check my New Photos out on www.femflex.com , www.boomerflex.com and www.herbiceps.com as well as purchasing signed 8x10's from my E-shop Page.
Thanks y'all!!!
Aj*

2005 NYC Metropolitan Figure Championships

OK OK... so, many of you have been asking me how I did. I took 2nd place in the Figure short class division. The woman who beat me ended up winning the overall title. I feel like I only came in at about 70% and can attribute that to being over anxious and riling myself up the day before and day of the show.
The 2wks prior, while at the Arnold Expo and after coming home I was Leaner, Tighter, and Fuller than I was on stage. So, in my opinion I didn't deserve 1st Place. My friends and family are mad that I keep saying that. But one DOESN'T ALWAYS DESERVE TO WIN!... I know what I did wrong and have vowed to change it this time.
I am happy with my overall structure and will work on that as well as the season continues. For now I am focusing on an Easter Egg hunt with my family and training hard and focused for Jr. USA's in South Carolina.
Thank you to all my friends, family and my clients who turned out for the show. THank you to Eyal, Suzanne, Scott & Christine, Kristy & Mario, Mitzi, Lauren, Jon and the NYSC Crew... I love you all.. your support gets me through more than you know!!!
I think I smell my Yams burning!!! AHHH
Thanks!!
AJ

Arnold Expo 2005

Hi Everyone!!! man o man... finally back from 6 days out at the Arnold in Columbus, OH. Thanks to all the great Photographers and other Fitness folk I met and shot for!!! Mike Eckstut- www.herbiceps.com, Juan Carlos Lopez- www.hardbodeez.com, Eric Lemke- www.boomerflex.com, www.transvigor.com, www.onemodeplace.com , RG. Lohre - www.julielohre.com, Steve from S&D clothing and many, many more. You all contributed to one heck of a weekend. I really enjoyed my time, especially at the Her Biceps dinner on sat nite!! There was a great Arm Wrestling competiton . We had the Womens World Champ down from Canada to show us how to wrestle correctly then we all had a go at it! I was a bit reserved and nervous at first especially when I saw my competition. I started out wrestling my friend Julie Lohre and she KICKED MY ASS!!! then I came back for a second time and beat her. To make a Long story short I slammed my way up to the 2nd place lightweight and took home a little prize money.... But the little ego boost was worth way more!! Thanks MIKE!!!
You should keep a look out for the photos I shot on the websites above... as well as updates to my own when those crazy photographers send me my CD's.
In the mean time I'm a week away from the NPC NEW YORK METROPOLITAN show at the Bourough of Manhattan Community College in Tribecca , Manhattan on March 19th. I am coming in great and hope to do well. The beginning has been a bit rough this season. The dieting has hit me especially hard but the 'show must go on' I mean us competitors are crazy right?... Im weak, cranky, emotional, dizzy, incoherant and down right exhausted and I LOVE IT!!!. Thanks ahead to all my friends for buying out the orchestra pit at the BMCC...see you all front row...
Love, AJ

Gettin' Closer To.... SHOW TIME!!!

Phew... only halfway done!... I still have to go back to the gym tonite to finish up my nite cardio session. Wait, did i complain? NO! As tired, cranky and fatigued as I am .... I LOVE IT. It was snowing sideways this morning when I went out for my morning run. After my breakfast and coffee the temperature had dropped by about 10 degrees. On the way home from the gym this afternoon I thought my hands could possibly fall right off. That could have been because I decided to be 'smart' and not wear any gloves.
There is this great fresh produce bodega near my house. The vegetables are very fresh, crisp and full of flavor. They are almost 1/3 of the price you would pay at a grocery store, AND they haven't been touched and sneezed on by everyone under the sun!
I swear the lady behind the register thinks I have about 5 kids or that I have a tape worm!!! I buy about 9 heads of lettuce, 20 onions, 12 yams, 6 heads of broccoli, 2 cauliflower, 20 assorted cukes, peppers and the like per week!!!!!!!! and lug it all out in a back pack. I barely spend $20 for all of this! can you believe it!?
Well, right about now Im exhausted and that 1/4 cup of oats i had at 9:30am is long gone by now. I am starting to get that 'contest itch' where the rest of the world dissapears and nothing floods my mind like gettin on stage. For right now It will have to be all dreams, becasue if I don't lay down I won't be able to finish cardio after work tonite.
I'm Leaner... I'm Meaner... and well.... Tired as Heck!
It must be Gettin' closer to ..... SHOW TIME!!!
see Y'all at the NYC Metropolitans on March 19... buy you're tix now at www.bevfrancis.com
AJ
ps... thanks for all the support!

Welcome Our Troops Home

Regardless of personal views on politics, our President, Our Country and the War over in Iraq we must set aside our differences and thank our Men and Women who are fighting for us and for world peace.
Usually one doesn't take interest in things that don't directly effect them. Recently this war became more 'Real' than ever for me. I have personal relationships with more than a few Men and women across seas. I worry for them every day, look up to them for being my personal heros and desperately wish they would return home.
I know this is unrealistic because they are bound to their contract. So, in the mean time I use the thought of their bravery to propel me through my day and make it more successful than the previous. When I am feeling tired, when I am feeling hungry, when I am feeling like I have too much on my plate, when something doesn't 'go my way' I stop. I think to myself... Do I know how easy I REALLY have it? I can eat when and what I want, I can nap and go to bed safely... I can listen to music, stare at the clouds, I can walk down the street in Freedom and comfort knowing they are protecting Me, protecting my country!
Then it all seems irrelevant... and I move on. This is true when I am IN and OUT of the gym. Thank you to all who serve! My heart and my thanks are with you~
Train Hard, Live you're Dream!
... and most importantly ROCK ON!
*AJ

Inspiration

How do we find our inspiration? Who or what gives it to us? How much, if any lies within? I was walking home from my morning cardio session when these thoughts occurred to me.
The intense lifestyle of bodybuilder, fitness and figure competitors calls for a certain level of outside influence to keep it going from time to time. Now, Im NOT saying that we need others to push us to do what we do. There is no way someone could lead a lifestyle of such dedication without an innate desire to do so. However, there are low points where one feels overtrained, drained and repetitious. Depending on how winning one's season was, it is also possible to feel like giving up and that you may not be good enough to win. I believe these feelings are natural. Without them, it may not be possible to pick up that second wind to try again, with even more gusto. It takes some downs and disappointments to truly appreciate the achievements!
Now, where do I find my inspiration? Well, I haven't quite figured it all out, but I have decided on a few. First of all, the inspiration within is driven by the desire to be the best. I am a very competitive person and have always thought strong women kicked ass!!! It was only natural that I fell into this. Some other inspirations are other athletes in and out of the body building circuit. Jenny Lynn, Monica Brandt, and Arnold Schwartzenegger to name a few. I've always been driven to work as hard as I possibly can just because I was once in a body cast. I couldn't dress or shower myself and needed assistance to get up an walk.
There is also one very special person in my life. He has been there all along but I haven't known it. He has endured hardships himself and pulled through stronger and better for it. Whenever I feel like giving up or cheating I think of him and I am recharged. I think "if he can do it, I can do it". I also hear him in my head saying how proud he is of me, and I want to make him even more proud. Thank You for being there Baby! You are a great Inspiration and I Love You!
So, as you can see we draw our competitive, hard working spirit from all over. Who really knows why or how any of us do it! I GUESS WE JUST DO!

2005 COMPETITIONS

Here we go!
I sat down to look at what competitions I hope to compete in during the 2005 season.
Looks like I'm going to be quite busy!

-NYC metropolitan 3/19 contact: www.bevfrancis.com
-Charleston, SC Jr. USA's 4/16 contact: www.npcjrusa.com
-NYC Atlantic States 6/4 contact: www.bevfrancis.com
-Chicago, IL Jr. Nationals 6/17- 6/ 18 www.npcjrnationals.com
-Venice, Ca USA's 6/29- 6/30 contact: www.musclecontest.com
- NYC Team Universe 8/5- 8/6 contact: www.bevfrancis.com
-Pittsburgh, PA North Americans 9/2- 9/3

Hopefully I will have the energy to go straight through!
Thanks for the support!
*Aj

New Suits, Photos & Competition Gear

AHHHHH...
Another day of searching for that perfect 2pc suit. I have a beautiful Red Crushed velvet 2pc that is exquisitely made and only 2 yrs old. However, at the advice of the judging panel at the BEV FRANCIS ATLANTIC STATES, I've decided to purchase another one. However, I cant decide who to go with, what color, what cut and what design. ARGH! This is so tedious. At the same time its exciting, you all know us women love to shop!

I am currently looking for someone to print business and comp cards for me as well. If anyone has any advice or recommendations please let me know! I need them to be 4x6 and would prefer them glossy.

So most of my day, before I go to train my arms, shall be spent right here at my desk on the phone searching for that fabulous suit.

Thanks
*AJ

First Entry

Diary Entry:

Hey everybody! I’m so excited over the launch of my new website. Its taken me 2 yrs to finally have it up. Im glad I waited because I worked with the best web guy ever! Rick Lohre. His wife is Julie Lohre of www.julielohre.com. Check it out! After 2 seasons of competing I’m looking forward to this year. After winning 1st place at the Bev Francis Atlantic States in New York City last June I’ll be competing at the National Level. I hope to be ready for the Jr. USA’s but don’t intend to rush my physique.I’ve been working hard in the off season at putting on some upper body mass, particularly on my shoulders and arms. I ‘ve also worked on defining my Quads and Hamstrings a bit more, and as always, the abdominals can never look good enough!I also spent time obtaining more certifications in Personal Training. I recently became a National Academy of Sports Medicine- Optimum Performance Specialist and was certified in AED, the Automated External Defibrulator. This Is in addition to my outstanding certification by AFAA , the American fitness Association of America. I continue to work for New York Sports Clubs and its affiliated locations in Boston and Philadelphia, as well as my own private personal training company.Now, let’s talk about the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. Are you going? I know I am, it will be my second time. After all the fun at the convention and after parties I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I hope to have a sponsor by then so if you see me feel free to stop over and say hi.Keep checking in to see what im up to next. I just shot for Brian Moss of www.shemuscle.com and have other things planned for the near future. Is this my year? I don’t know? We’ll find out so stay tuned.