NPC Fitness Spotlight for July 2011: Jennifer Bishop-Kernaghan

This month's NPC Fitness Spotlight was chosen from the Facebook fan page, Jennifer Bishop-Kerneghan!

Photo credit: FitnessRx

Jennifer is a NPC figure turned fitness competitor from Mississippi. Sdisplayed a penchant for ambition and She began entering and won quite a bit of beauty pageants near her home in Mississippi. But she wanted to expand her horizons, so she decided to move to Jupiter, Florida. It was then that her life would change forever.

Jennifer went into in the mortgage industry but found out quick that she didn't want to do that for the rest of her life. Out of nowhere, she applied for a position at a gym in Jupiter and quickly realized her passion: health and fitness. She started as an aerobics and spin instructor and quickly moved into full-time personal training.
She began to get attention from the gym-goers there, and after some talks here and there, it was clear that she was destined to compete in physique competitions. She has dabbled in a few figure shows, but most of her career has been in fitness competitions. She has competed in quite a few fitness shows, with her recent show (Jr. Nationals) placed 4th. Each competition moves her one step closer to every National competitors dream: becoming an IFBB Pro.

Photo credit: FitnessRx

COMPETITION HISTORY

2011
Jr. Nationals- 4th Place Class C

2010
Fitness Team Universe - 6th Place
Fitness Jr. Nationals - 9th Place
West Palm Beach Anna Level - 1st Place Fitness Medium and Overall Winner
Diamond Classic - 1st Place Open and 2nd Place Over 30

2007
Sunshine Classic - Fitness Overall Winner and 2nd Place Figure

2006
Sunshine Classic Fitness - Fitness Overall Winner and 2nd Place Figure

2004
Florida State Figure - 5th Place

2003
Gold Cup Figure - 3rd Place

For more on Jennifer, visit her website at http://www.jlfit.com/.

IFBB Fitness Spotlight for July 2011: Myriam Capes

This month's fitness spotlight belongs to the highest ranking fitness competitor in Canada, Myriam "Mimi" Capes!

Photo credit: Flex Online

Myriam is a IFBB Fitness Pro from Canada. She began her fitness career at the tender age of 17. Before becoming a fitness star, she was a gymnast. Mimi would obtained her pro card in 2006. Her first year as a pro, she would qualify to compete in the 2007 Fitness Olympia. She would finish 18th of 19th in the competition. While that's near the bottom of the list, being able to compete in the Olympia in your first year as a pro is an accomplishment in an accomplishment in itself.

In her first year, she brought am impressive physique to the stage, but it was obvious things were gonna have to change a bit in order to make a major impact in IFBB Fitness. The following year, she refined her physique to a more streamlined, judge-pleasing look, and her routines became more and more entertaining. She also went from blonde to jet black hair, which took a lot of people by surprise at the time, but from what I've heard, she made the right choice. In 2009, things began to take shape for her as she returned to the Olympia and placed 6th, a FAR cry from 18th place. She would follow that up with her first Arnold in 2010, placing 8th at the Fitness International. Her 4th place finish at this past Olympia, along with her 5th place finish as this year's Arnold makes her the highest ranking Canadian fitness competitor of all time. Many feel it's only a matter of time before she nabbed her first pro fitness win, and it wouldn't surprise anyone if she becomes a future Fitness Olympia and/or Fitness International champion. She has the routine, physique, personality, and drive to make it happen.

Photo credit: Flex Online

COMPETITION HISTORY

2011 IFBB Toronto Pro Super Show-2nd
2011 IFBB Fitness International-5th
2010 IFBB Olympia-4th
2010 IFBB Europa Super Show-2nd
2010 IFBB Europa Show of Champions-3rd
2010 IFBB Fitness International-8th
2009 IFBB Olympia-6th
2009 IFBB Europa Super Show & Supplement Expo-2nd
2009 IFBB Europa Show of Champions-2nd
2009 IFBB New York Pro Fitness-5th
2008 IFBB Atlantic City Pro-4th
2008 IFBB 15th Annual Sports/Fitness Weekend & Europa IFBB Super Show-7th
2008 IFBB Houston Pro Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Contest-13th
2008 IFBB New York Pro Fitness-9th
2007 IFBB Olympia-18th
2007 IFBB Santa Susanna Bodybuilding And Figure Contest-2nd
2007 IFBB Europa Super Show-NP

To visit her website, check it out at http://www.myriamcapes.ca/.

Do You Exercise on Vacation?

So what is going to be my game plan when going on a cruise? At first I was thinking, I have worked hard for 2 years at losing weight and keeping it off, I just want to go on vacation and not think about diet or exercise! I plan on eating whatever I want...after all this is a cruise with lots of food and drink everywhere you look. I don't plan on getting a stomachache from eating to much food...but if it happens once or twice it won't ruin my vacation :) So now that it has been decided I will eat what I want, the next decision is about exercise. Should I or shouldn't I fit in some exercise while cruising? I'm not talking about snorkeling and swimming, I know that does burn calories but I am talking about lifting weights and running. I did some research about the ship, Oasis of the Seas, that we are going to be on. They have a state of the art fitness facility and a running track. HMMM? I just can't decide, so I posted the question on my Facebook page.

Trying to figure out what to pack for vacation. Should I take work out clothes or not?

Each time I prepare for vacation I take work out clothes and some resistance bands. Each time I vacation I never use them. Isn't this what vacation is about, to escape from EVERYTHING? Now that the airlines charge you for each bag, and they can't weigh over 50 pounds, I don't want to take something I wont use. Here are the comments that I received on my Facebook page.

-Absolutely you should. You may have to modify what you do but you don't want a vacation from the great feeling you get from being active and healthy.
-Pack them! You'll be happy you did. Running on an outdoor track while the boat is at sea sounds fantastic.
-Yes! Even if you only get 2 or 3 workouts in, you won't feel like such a slug when you get back. Plus, it boosts your mood your mood and energy and it's always fun to workout in a new setting.
- What would you tell your clients?
-Pack your workout clothes char...I always love running the track in the morning while the boats is at sea...so relaxing...you will be glad you did...
-No, but you will because you worked out on hockey tourney weekends

Even personal Trainers need a little boost now and then. I guess these responses have guilted me into packing the workout clothes. The key now is to actually take the workout clothes out of the suitcase and use them. I did receive a few No responses on my page like these:

-Nope. What else is vacation for but to relax.
- Work-Out clothes and vacation do not go together...we don't like putting the words "work" and "vacation" together!

I think the pro's to working out, out weighed the cons. I am happy to say I packed the workout clothes and I used them. Only three times but at least they got used this time. I ate and drank whatever I wanted so I felt a little less guilty about that.

I have not weighed myself yet and I have been home for 3 days. I plan on doing that after having a week of eating right and exercising. I know if I weigh myself now, I will become depressed and it will ruin my week.

In the 3 days that I have been home, I have taught 4 bootcamps, trained legs, shoulders, back and biceps, and ran 2 miles. I have also ate healthy...I am feeling much better about stepping on the scale on Friday.

I had to take some pictures for proof that I worked out, just in case you didn't believe me.

Check out all the elliptical machines!

The Running track was awesome. Some of it indoors and some of it outdoors.

Some motivational signs along the running track.

Its a SMALL dessert! It can't have that many calories..can it?

Drink of the day! I'm guessing about 800 calories, YIKES.

I LOVE this ship! It was worth all the exercise I have to put in this week.

Tonya Burkhardt to do "24 Hours of Booty"

Photo credit: IFBB Pro

I got this email from Tonya Burkhardt, and I wanted to share this with all of you. Please help out Tonya however you can.

I accepted the challenge once again of participating in 24 Hours of Booty. 24 Hours of Booty conducts annual 24 hour cycling events, which increase public awareness and support for cancer research and programs, while raising funds to support the LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION and local cancer organizations. I rode 123 miles last year and am still planning on riding post surgery and rehab this year.

I am asking you to help by supporting my fundraising efforts with a donation. Your tax-deductible gift will make a real difference in the cancer community. It is faster and easier than ever to support me as a 24 Hours of Booty participant - you can make your donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. If you would prefer, you can also send your tax-deductible contribution to the address listed below.

Any amount you can give, great or small, helps in the fight against cancer. I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress! Thank you so much!

Click here to visit Tonya's personal page.

NPC Fitness Spotlight for June 2011: Lishia Dean

This month's NPC Fitness Spotlight belongs to Lishia Dean!

Photo credit: Fitness Rx Magazine

Lishia Dean is a fitness competitor from Greensboro, North Carolina. She's been part of the fitness industry most of her life, whether it be competing, or being a personal trainer, or being a powerlifter. Somehow, someway, Lishia has seemingly always dedicated her life to fitness.

Her journey began when she took a group exercise class for a PE course at Western Carolina University. She became certified to teach and was promoted to the Coordinator and went on to be certified in Personal Training. After graduating college, she started to do some powerlifting, and did pretty well for herself, as she reached a deadlift max of 370lbs raw at a weight of 139lbs in 2004. So yes, she's one of those competitors who really IS as strong as she looks. That same year , she decided to compete in her first fitness competition, the Elite Muscle Classic, and would win the Overall there. Two weeks later, she was part of the NPC Nationals in Dallas, TX. From that point forward, she's been competing in NPC Fitness hoping to one day get her pro card.

Her personal journey to one day be part of the IFBB has allowed her to help many people along the way. She was a Wellness Director at the YMCAs for a number of years in NC and FL, as well as venturing out as far as Canada and Australia. With her dance background, she has been able to help choreograph routines for many competitors, pro and amateur. With her accomplishments thus far, it seems like the next logical thing for her is to finally get that pro card and take her talents to the pro stage.

Photo credit: Muscular Development

COMPETITIVE HISTORY:

2011
Jr. USAs: Fitness Class B (2nd)

2010
Team Universe: Fitness Medium (3rd)
Jr National Championships: Fitness Class B (4th)

2008
Team Universe: Fitness: Medium (3rd)
Junior Nationals Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships: Fitness: Class B (2nd)
Junior USA: Fitness Class B (4th)

2007
National Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships: Fitness Class B (3rd)
Team Universe Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships: Fitness Class B (5th)
Junior National Bodybuilding, Figure & Fitness Championships: Fitness Class B (3rd)

2004
National Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championship: Fitness: Medium (10th)

For more on Lishia, go to her website at http://www.lishiadean.com/.

IFBB Fitness Spotlight for June 2011: Nicole Duncan

This month's IFBB Fitness Spotlight goes to all-around Southern girl Nicole Duncan!

Photo credit: Arnold Sports Festival website

Energetic, amazing, innovative. Those words come to mind when one thinks of Nicole Duncan. Nicole is one of the most energetic fitness competitors on the scene today, and one of the most talented as well. A Georgia girl through and through, she She became the 2006 NPC National Fitness Champion, which catapulted her to the rankings of the IFBB.

Ever since she won her pro card, she has climbed steadily into the top of the IFBB Fitness division. She has a great physique, but what she's best known for is her amazing energy during her routines. In fact, shortly after the passing of Michael Jackson in 2009 (may he Rest in Peace), she decided to incorporate a few of MJ's moves into her routine, and from everyone I've talked to, there were showstoppers.

Earlier this year, I actually had the chance to see Nicole in person during Wrestlemania 27. She was about a week or so out from competing at the New York Pro Fitness at the time. She was very sweet to everyone and yet made sure no one got out of line (hey, wrestling fans aren't the most gentle people on Earth. I should know. I'm one of them. LOL).

Truly one of the leader's in today's women's fitness division, this former Atlanta Falcon cheerleader is doing her best to entertain the crowd through her fitness routines, and it shows. Look for her to continue her path to becoming one of the best in IFBB women's fitness history.

Photo credit: Fitness Rx Magazine

COMPETITIVE HISTORY:

2011 IFBB New York Pro Fitness-8th
2011 IFBB Fitness International-10th
2010 IFBB Fort Lauderdale Pro Fitness-2nd
2010 IFBB Fitness Olympia-9th
2010 IFBB Europa Show of Champions Fitness-8th
2010 IFBB Fitness International-10th
2009 IFBB Ft. Lauderdale Pro Fitness-2nd
2009 IFBB Fitness Olympia-8th
2009 IFBB Atlantic City Fitness-4th
2009 IFBB Europa Super Show Fitness-3rd
2009 IFBB Fitness International-14th
2008 IFBB Fitness Olympia-11th
2008 IFBB Europa IFBB Super Show Fitness-3rd
2008 IFBB Houston Pro Fitness-5th
2008 IFBB New York Pro Fitness-4th
2007 IFBB Palm Beach Pro/Am Fitness-7th
2007 IFBB Europa Super Show Fitness-10th
2007 IFBB New York Pro Fitness-7th

For more on Nicole, visit her website at http://www.fitnicole.com, and follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/FitNicInc.

Letter to my Clients...Don't give up!

Dear Clients,

I hope that one day you can see what I see in you. Understand that you can change your reality.  We always talk about the things you know you are doing wrong and how you want to change them… but you don’t. Sometimes, instead of moving forward you backpeddle and fall short of your goals, and feel worse.

Most of you ask me how many times I fell off track and had to start over again. The truth is, I am human and I fell of the track too.  I sympathize with all of you on this road because it is a daily struggle with food and exercise.

When I watch you not taking care of yourself, it’s like rewinding my life again on a daily basis. We both know inside exactly what we need to do, to get it done. I hear you say “I’m not sure why I stopped because I was doing so well”. We know what will make us feel better, and we can only help ourselves.

Eventually I hope the light bulb turns on for you, and you realize you are ready to do what is right for yourself, no matter how long it takes.  Even when you take that plunge it will not be perfect. Restarting a healthy routine is not a game.

I know first hand that I can’t motivate someone who is not ready for it. All of you start out strong and ready to take on the world. Your more than busy schedules kick in and I watch you slip away. 

As unpleasant as it may sound, it’s the control of your life that you must regain to overcome these moments of weakness. When we take care of our mind and body with proper diet and nutrition we limit the crap that eats us from the inside out.  Anything worth having is worth busting your butt for.

Sacrifice or regret…you decide.

Charlene

NFPT Certified Personal Trainer

http://www.fitforcefitness.com/Index.html

News Letter

Attached is a link to my News Letter. Check it out and sign up to receive these to your inbox!

http://createsend.com/t/y-9ED911B6D0781CCC