So, for all of you that have been following my blog for a bit *ps thank you for those that have!!!* I may have mentioned once or twice that this personal trainer has become a fitness show girl these last few months. What’s a fitness show? Basically, it’s a proclamation to the entire public about how you upkeep your body, and your judged on that most intimate thing- your physical shape. Sounds scary, right? Standing on a huge stage in nothing but a bikini and 4-inch heels? For some, I imagine, that’s a form of torture, but it’s a personal goal that I have accomplished for myself.
And, yes, I am proud. Of myself, for putting myself up on that stage- believe me, trainer, dietitian, or no, there’s no way I would have done that to myself a few short months ago. No way in hell. And for achieving what I did. Since January, I’ve lost about 10 lbs of fat, going from 120 to around 108-110 (a lil heavier right now, not going to lie, because of water bloat, but it happens). I have toned arms, and abs that come and go as they please still – still working on them. And my legs… well, I’ve come to terms with them. Everyone has that body part they’re just not completely in love with? For me, it’s my legs. Everyone else seems to be a huge fan… I’m still waiting for the day that I wake up with stick legs. However, it’s not my shape, and that’s ok… I got some muscle on these gams! And, people seem to like, so I am going to (slowly) as well. But, though I’m not in love with them yet, I at least am not as ashamed of them as I used to be… I hated them so much I wouldn’t show them off. However, now that I know that they’re actually something to be envied, I’m a bit more open to the idea of showing them in a dress every so often.
Caitlyn & I back stage
What did it take to get there? For me, it took strict dieting for more than 16 weeks, weight training 3-4x per week, and cardio… omg the cardio. An hour and 45 min- 2 hours and 30 minutes (if I was really trying to be an over achiever) every single day. Yes, I know… kinda crazy. And something not realistically held for a long period of time, let me tell you. Your body WILL give out on you, so not recommended for those that want weight loss. Just fyi.
Backstage at the Oklahoman
But, I survived. I got through, and I made it. Did I do well? The first show, I placed 3rd. This last show, where I even came in leaner than the first show, I got 11th… it kinda is a bummer for me. But, it’s an experience just to be up there, I have to remind myself, and I was.
Cheesing it up!
My friend asked me awhile ago, what are you going to do after the shows? What’s the game plan? After being through so much for these shows, at least for me, you don’t look at things the same. Especially food. So, I am now following a diet that I recommend all of my clients who want to lose or maintain weight- 5-6 meals a day, plenty of lean protein, and enough carbs to survive that are wholesome. And cheat meals? Once a week, I get a cheat… you can’t deprive yourself forever.
The bestest trainer in the world, Sherry Smith, rockin' it out!
Now that I’m done for the season, my goal during the off is to put on more muscle and lean up. Luckily, I still have the awesome support of my great trainer, Sherry Smith, and my boyfriend, who had to put up with a lotta crap since January, Walter. And, I feel lucky to have made so many great friends during the process! Natalie Miller, Liv Tengue, Christy Cowen, Ashley Ellen, Paige Hathway, Caitlyn Waters, Lucy, on and on and on… thank you everyone for everything!
My awesome bf being supportive
Now that I’m back in the real world of eating, my recipes may become a little bit more fun. But, remember, we got goals to keep to, you and me both! Write them down, and we’ll knock out our dreams together. I’ll give you all updates if you give them to me 
Thanks again to everyone who has been there for me. I don’t know what I would do without you all!
Happi Living, – Petra
