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Collagen, The Long Forgotten Protein Essential For Our Wellbeing!

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Collagen, the long forgotten protein essential for our wellbeing!

In 2015, I took it upon myself to do something a little different. Thought a little crazy by many, but to compete in a figure competition. It wasn’t so much a no brainer for me, but more the careful encouragement of my small group of close friends who believe in me.

I was already well into my physical fitness lifestyle of high cardio and weight lifting, but to be on a stage I needed to step up my game. If I was to get anywhere near what those career competitors were doing, buckling down, was something I had to get serious about.

So…..I decided to take the plunge after I got over my initial anxiety. Yes, my apprehension wasn’t just about looking good and being able to pass, but if I was truly capable of upping my game at the gym. 

For those of you that know my history, I’m careful to take great care of my appearance, and how I present myself to the world. I’m tall, and at 6’1” (however when I measured at the contest sign in, I was 5’11 3/4”, clearly I’d shrunk) consider myself to be fortunate in the gene department, making for what I call, an amazon. Better yet, a “glamazon”.

Not only did I have to lose some weight to fit within the designated classes, I also had to increase my muscle tone. Something most folks outside the world of body building just don’t understand. Almost all believe you need too seriously bulk to gain that muscle. Well I can honestly tell you, that’s not the case.

I got to it!

I upped my cardio, varying the activity within my 30 minute routine from the stationary bike, to the elliptical machine, rowing, and whatever else activity I could fluctuate between. If I wasn’t drenched in sweat, I just hadn’t reached my peak performance. When I couldn’t fit in a cardio session, which I did with every training, I opted to interval train. I upped the intensity during my training so I perspired as though I had used the cardio machines. 

Before and After

One key element to my workout I changed, was switching to body weight training. I did this to maximize my muscle tone development, and accelerate my weight loss. It worked like a charm. Trx straps, stretch bands, glide pads, cables, barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, floor work, any activity that forced me to engage my core muscles. NO SEATED MACHINES!

What I hadn’t anticipated, was the dull ache in my joints that started to occur. First my big toes, then ankles, knees, lower spine, shoulder caps and finally fingers. It was this strange progression through my body that started in my feet.  A wearisome throb that took some time to dissipate after I had left the gym.

This just wasn’t going to work, especially if I was to traipse across a stage in 4” lucite heels, clad only in a bikini and a fake tan. 

Research,  so I got to work doing my homework on what I could do to alleviate this nuisance soreness. Thinking of my joints, the source of my burn, I came across Collagen. You know, Collagen?  

Wikipedia has it all for you here.  

The most abundant protein in the human body, found in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. The substance that holds the body together. Forming the framework to provide strength and structure. Wikipedia spells it all out for you!

It occurred to me, that this could quite possibly be the source of my aches and pains. The lack thereof, not from my diet alone, but from the natural aging process of the body. Yes I’m no spring chicken, but as my father says; “I want to live a healthy active life until my shoes are permanently parked by the front door”!

He’s right, a mantra to live by. 

With the help of my gang at Body Energy Club, I started supplementing with Collagen in my morning shakes, cereal and or coffee. Learning and sampling what the different kinds do, or can do. Getting the right one for me. Upping my doses to twice a day, once in the morning, and at night, usually before bed. Slowly but surely, over the span of a 3-4 weeks that nagging soreness gradually began to fade. 

My training got better, more intense, I got stronger, lost the weight, and gained the muscle tone I so desperately needed. Not only for the competition, but my everyday life. I feel more active and capable, quite possibly I could say refreshed. 

It’s a supplement I plan to keep in my routine, you should too. It works!

Figure Competition

My Biggest Fear

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During a recent writing exercise for a performance project in which I was involved, each of us was asked to write about our biggest fear. Not much, does scare me as I’ve learned to be strong, but sometimes that little bug can get under your skin and stay there forever. Like everyone else on the planet, I’m a person to, with emotions and feelings and my steely cold reserve is just my defence mechanism of a, believe it or not, painfully shy person.

This is mine, this is what I wrote.

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Internet Communication and Networking

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For me internet communication and networking is always “dicey” and for a multitude of reasons, particularly if you are a woman, and look a certain way. Like me, most people are always waiting and hoping for that one great deal or opportunity to come their way through the networking they do. Going to great lengths to keeping many profiles on sites most of us haven’t even heard of. Over the years I’ve learned to take it with a grain of salt, so I don’t expect much.

The multitude of carefully constructed and crafted sites that allow you to showcase your talents to prospective clients that are looking for your particular skill set. Along with your written details, these sites also provide you with the option to put your best foot forward for all to see; your profile picture.

This is the spot to shine and grab attention, to keep your photo and written details cohesive for a professional presentation that will have you being taken seriously. Enough so, that those who are making serious enquiries will take the time to read your info and truly absorb what your skills and credentials are all about.

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