A personal insight on my experience competing at WBFF Worlds Fitness Championships

This message below is something that I wrote right before I went back stage to compete.  This is obviously a personal insight and before I say more, I would like to say that there is definitly something for everyone.  I admire the athletes that compete over and over.  It takes tremendous dedication and drive to continue competing.  This is just my insights and the way I felt in my personal journey.

"I am here waiting for the show to begin...wow, this is kind of a crazy journey and I am not really sure why I felt I should take this journey!  A little bit about my perceptions last night.  I arrived, girls seem nice, guys and girls walking around w/ make up and really dark skin!  I go in to get my spray tan...naked bodies everywhere, standing talking as fumes are flying everywhere.  I get soo sooo dark, I wonder how they really judge skin appearance after all this spray tan?  It covers every flaw you may have had.  Then I head up to the athletes meeting..over 600 athletes competeing from all over the world.  The crazy thing is, we spend lots of money on spray tans, make up, uniforms, etc, entrance fee, flights, etc to spend approx. 5 min. on stage!!!!

 

 

 We wait in line, no joke, for 2 1/2 hours to get registered.  Luckily since I hadn't prepayed, I ended up getting moved to the front of the line...wowee, lucky because people were standing there until midnight.  I crawled into bed at 11, to get up at 6 a.m for more spray tan..(really I have to get even darker...I didn't think it was possible)...the sheets are all stained.  As I lay in bed, I miss my loved ones.  I think about those who don't get enough credit from me.  Who bear with my craziness, as I hear the news playing on tv about Hurricane IRene.  My mind drifts to what really matters...there is a possible major desastor hitting on the east coast right when I am supposed to get on stage!  I am thankful my family is ok, but what about all those that are not?  Why am I spending all this superficial time getting all done up for 5 min. walking on stage to those who probably don't even really care about you.  As I fall asleep, I am still not sure why I felt such a pull to go to this show.  I am still baffled at all the athletes who come time and time again to do this...I guess it confuses me as much as the man who spends countless hours and money working on sports cars or fixing up old cars.  Deep down it is as if we are searching for somehting missing from our past...did we always want to be the pageant girl?  Did we not get that cool sports car as a teenager that we always dreamed of?  Chasing the past...not sure if that is productive or not.  I will tell you what I believe is productive...supporting those who are being hit w/ desaster.  Trying to wipe the tears of the scared, cuddling my children and making sure they know how much I love them.  Taking time to enjoy this beautiful earth and all that God has given us. 

 

Luckily I have some time before I step on stage to write my thoughts.  It feels good to clear out the confusing clutter and get very real w/ my emotions.  What am I searching for ?  I know what it is, but not sure why the pull to be here in this persuit. 

Let me tell you again what I am searching for...more for me, than you, I am sure as I make sense over and over in my mind.  I want to inspire hundreds of thousands of the truth I know..and that is, "that movement combined w/ opening up your soul is one of the most powerful things we have.  That each person in life is a child of God and that he has a divine purpose.  That purpose varies from one person to the next, but without your health and adequate movement and energy, you will not fulfill that purpose to the fullest.  I want to help each person have the energy and health that I feel so prevelant in my life.  I know what foods give energy without taking tons of time or money.  I know how to work your body to give you energy and help you look and feel your best.  When you feel good about yourself, you can't help but let your light shine.  Others will feel your incredible energy!  I don't care about spray tans, loads of make up and spending thousands on a swimsuit and evening gown.  I care about the process.  The eating clean daily and feeling my body be more energetic, recovering faster after marathons, the tightness and the way my body looks as I slip off my clothes.  I love how my children watch me struggle walking in high heels and then seeing as it becomes easier and easier with practice.  ONce again, it is not about the high heels, it is about being consistant at something and showing them that I will not give up!  I am hoping to meet w/ key influencers who will have the right connections to get my message out.  Who see a deeper side to all of this and who will help me inspire thousands to mindful results!" 

 

As I get ready to put on make up and then head over the show, I will make sure I walk out w/ pride.  I will think of my goals and who I am deep inside.  I will be that light that attracts the bugs, but also attracts lost souls searching in the night.  I will be more of the light that calls out to those who need help, hope, and inspiration.  I will be confident!   When all is said and done, I hope that I will get on the plane home and understand what really drew me hear.  Perhaps I won't know for a while, but I will be patient and continue to follow my own inspiration even if I don't understand it in the moment. "

 

 

 

Danette Allen Fitness www.danetteallenfitness.com Body Heart Mind Soul Health & Fitness Retreats, Exercise Workouts, Nutrition, Visualization & More

My belief

I am reminded that we are more powerful than we realize.  Watch your thoughts and surround yourself with positive people as you try to change your thoughts.  Watch as your dreams come true!


Danette Allen Fitness www.danetteallenfitness.com Body Heart Mind Soul Health & Fitness Retreats, Exercise Workouts, Nutrition, Visualization & More

Which is better P90X, Insanity or Rip 60?

So what's all the hype?  Which is better?  Are they all the same or is one more specific to me and my needs?

These questions come up all the time, let me give my candid answer to help you navigate to your best answer and choose the right product at the right price for you.

I personally choose......Rip 60!!  Let me tell you why. 
1. Training in the optimization zone, creates greater calorie burn and muscle activation
2. Any one can do this work out and see results.  The straps let you adjust your body weight to create the right leverage for your body
3. The 12 DVD's progress from week to week, ensuring you lean up from the inside out. 
4. The meal plan is not only going to help you loose weight, but the food choices will help stabilize your hormones for added energy, radiance, and glow!

Body Heart Mind Soul Retreat in Costa Rica-May 2011

Come experience the best decision you will ever make!  Creating the body of your dreams, experiencing the longest zip line in the world, surfing on pristine beaches, eating and learning what foods will shape your perfect body, and  renewing your spirit and mind. 

22 Days Left to Register 

Saying Good Bye

Thank you Jake LaLanne for setting a great example of health, fitness, and happiness.. I hope to carry the torch and continue to help people see how much is accomplished, how great can be their joy, if they live healthy, conscious lives.
Today I challenge everyone to be aware of what they put in their mouth.  Try to eat consciously and avoid anything with refined sugar (white sugar).  Bring on the joy!

Get Slim Without the Gym...3 minutes to flat ABS!

Most of us want to maximize our time when it comes to getting lean and fit. Part of the battle is finding time and money to get the body of our dreams. Either we run out of time to go to the gym or we don't have the resources to pay for the gym membership.

What if I told you there were four exercises that engaged every muscle group that you could do that required no equipment and would save you time and money!

These four exercises are called the ‘No Gym Workout.' These exercises encompass the use of your own body weight. Essentially your body becomes your machine which ultimately burns more calories and shapes all your major muscle groups creating a long lean sculpted body.

1. Plank w/ knee twist: Place your body in a plank form and then pull your knee to the opposite elbow, rotating on each side. 16 repetitions total.

Muscles engaged: core, transverse abdominals, deep pelvic floor muscles, shoulders, back, triceps, and obliques

2. One Leg squat w/ upper body extension: Standing on one foot, squat back through your glutes, and then power up through the heal of your foot. Once leg is straight extend forward. 10 on each leg

Muscles engaged: core, quadriceps, glutes, stability muscles, and increases cardiovascular output

3. Squat jumps reaching for the sky: Start squatting very low, then power up through your legs as your arms extend reaching for the sky. 15 total

Muscles engaged: Max calories burned, all leg muscles, core, arms

4. Plank w/ push-up/alternating arm extension: Push up, then reach arm straight for the sky, alternating on each side: 12 total

Muscles engaged: core, chest, abdominal muscles, shoulders, triceps, biceps, and rotator cuff.

Energy Foods

A Shopping List of Top Foods to Fuel Your Body

Tired. Drained. Pooped. No matter how you put it, you're beat and need to drum up some energy. You are not alone. Many people have trouble getting in gear in the morning, experience the afternoon slump, or just want to crash on the couch in the evening.

The exhaustion can be a constant problem for some folks. Fatigue is a common complaint associated with many factors. It is found in all populations and generally reported by more women than men. Sluggishness can be caused by many factors, but experts say poor nutrition is a big culprit. A well-balanced diet, on the other hand, can boost energy.

Food is truly our body's fuel. What we choose as our fuel is going to absolutely impact the performance of our bodies.

The best strategy is to eat small meals of energy-promoting foods several times throughout the day, rather than infrequently bingeing on huge meals (you also need to exercise, get enough sleep and control stress, but that's a whole different segment.) With that in mind, I offer you 6 foods that are guaranteed to charge your batteries and stave off the dreaded afternoon and early-evening head-nods.

1. Oatmeal: Don't forget the oatmeal ever! Start your day with oatmeal. This is an excellent healthy food that not only makes digestion easier but also stabilizes blood glucose level (because of its complex carbohydrates and fiber content). Fiber content in the oatmeal helps you to get a steady stream of energy. Oats also contain Vitamin B which helps transform carbohydrates into usable energy.

2. Almonds: Not all fats are created equal. Saturated fats such as butter and cheese tend to make you lethargic by lowering the amount of circulating oxygen in your bloodstream. Monounsaturated fats such as almonds provide essential fatty acids, known as omega-3s and omega-6s, that produce an alert mental state. Other healthy fats to include in your diet are avocados, seeds, nuts, olive oil, fish oil and canola oil. Of course, with the possible exception of fish oil, eat all of these in moderation

3. Lentils: Lentils provide both carbohydrates and protein, making them a great addition to any meal. They're also a great source of fiber--which translates to a slow release of glucose--as well as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium and copper. And they're low in fat and calories to boot. If you don't eat beans often, start with a small portion or you'll experience the flatulence factor and end up dining alone. Some other good choices include navy beans, chickpeas and kidney beans.

4. Blue Berries: Blueberries are high in manganese, fiber andVitamin K. All these are great to reduce blood cholesterol level and improve condition of the heart. Blueberries are the number one antioxidants fruit. Antioxidants help to get rid of free radicals and balance the protein level.

5. Sardines: A lean protein food- contains an amino acid called tyrosine. This helps to improve mental function. Besides sardines, salmon (rich with omega 3 fatty acids) is also very good for health.

6. Chocolate: Not just a pick-me-up-in-the-love-moment for women, chocolate can elevate your energy levels by way of certain bioactive compounds such as tyramine and phenylethylamine, says a study in the Journal of Food Science. Chocolate has also been claimed to improve anemia, awaken the appetite, aid in digestion, improve longevity, and increase sexual appetite. Chocolate does contain sugar and caffeine along with fat and calories, so consume in moderation and, when possible, opt for dark chocolate, 70% or more, which has the fewest calories and the most antioxidants.