Tiny outfits, finding inspiration and meeting my idol...

Hey guys,

So, what did I get up to watch over the weekend?

119 men and woman prance around on stage in their underwear showing off their amazing and muscular bodies in beautiful not so sunny Auckland.

That's right, I was at the 2013 NZIFBB (New Zealand International Federation of Body Building) nationals which were held in Takapuna on Saturday 12th October.

Spent Saturday watching muscular men and woman prance around on stage in their undies... (these guys were the top on the day)

But how did I end up at a show like this? 

Well 4 and a half years ago I decided to join the gym for the first time in my life, having never been to the gym before I opted to pay the gym for 3 sessions with one of their staff to get familiar with what was what.

The gym paired me up with a lovely young man who clearly worked out named Peter Dolan, and for the past 4 and a half years I have had the privilege of calling him my boy friend.

As it turns out Peter was quite into building muscle and he started competing in body building competitions in Wellington, and this year he also competed at nationals.

Now I don't see myself jumping on stage (and if I ever do it will not be in the next few years) but I have learnt a lot from Peter and from watching other competitors.

4 and a half years ago I joined the gym to get "skinny", now I am working out to lose body fat and build muscle so I can have a lean physique!!

Peter getting his pose on onstage on Saturday, check out those muscles!!!
Follow Peter and Kyle Dolan's journey on Facebook

Inspirations and role models.

I strongly believe that anyone who is looking at going on a body transformation journey needs to find someone that inspires them - whether it be their body or their dedication or their work ethics - whether it be someone you know or someone you see competing in a sport that you admire.  Find that someone that you can draw inspiration from when you are struggling, that you can look at and remind yourself what you are working for.

The Lovely Amazing Raechelle Chase...

As I said before I have learnt a lot about what I want my body to be from watching body building competitions when my partner competes. 

Watching these shows has also drawn my attention to look at the professional female figure body building competitors both nationally and internationally

For me, one stood out who I have admired and followed on Facebook ever since. That person is IFBB Figure Pro Raechelle Chase. 

Raechelle onstage at the 2011 Olymipa

While in Auckland for the weekend I took the opportunity to meet Raechelle at her new gym in Birkenhead for a personal training session.

Since it was only a one off session and wasn't going to be ongoing she opted for a full body workout which took an hour and a half. And she didn't go easy!! Hey, whats the point in paying someone to train you if they are going to let you slack off right? 

It was an AMAZING experience and I am so glad that I did it.  Raechelle is such an inspiration to me and what I want to acheive, having her train me is an experience I will never forget!!

It was also an experience my body didn't forget for DAAAYYYYSSS!!!  

I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO SORE IN MY LIFE!!!
Monday - trained and left the gym feeling great!!
Tuesday - stiff and sore 
Wednesday - super sore, especially my hamstrings and quads, I couldn't even bend down to pick something up off the floor and god help me if anyone made me laugh, my abs were on fire the whole time!!!
Thursday - slightly sore but able to move more freely
Friday (today) - can still feel that I worked out but only bearly

Now you may think I am absolutely bonkers but the pain felt great. The pain you feel from a workout is a good pain, you know you went hard at the gym and gave it your all.

Rachelle and I after my training session.

So find your motivation, your inspiration, that person you admire and give it your all. Going in with a half assed attitude will not get you all the way.