In action

If you are following blog because of decorating, sorry. Fitness contest prep has consumed my life, and I've learned so much, and have been asked so much, so I love to share.

Someone recently asked me if I take supplements.

The answer is yes and no- yes to some basics, and no to extremes.

First off, I have an awesome sponsor, and friends who have educated me and provided these wonderful supplements, on Mixers Nutrition so if you're in the market, check out their blog, and also their shop!

I have one or two protein shakes a day. And they're usually smoothies blended with fruit cuz that's how I like em.

The vanilla protein powder is awesome with almond butter, or I made a pina colada smoothie the other night that was amazing! These smoothies have kind of become my night time dessert.

I take a women's multivitamin, which is really important if you're trying to lose weight and are eating less/burning more calories. Your immune system is compromised.

I usually throw in a scoop of this ProFiber in my smoothies.. everyone can use the extra fiber =)

Jack3d is my pre-workout, but only on days I feel sluggish. I LOVE this stuff. It gives you a boost without the jitters, but I like I said, I don't want to feel like I need it every day.

I have a "fat burner" called RoxyLean. I think it works really well, but I don't love how I feel when I take it, so I rarely do. Some of you might try it and love it!

*Note about thermogenics/fat burners: they work with proper diet and exercise, which is what it says right on the bottle. But most people are perfectly capable of getting lean and healthy on their own, just FYI.

(I take nothing as far as muscle-building creatine, or any other leaning out substances)

So, I'm not a fitness model, and my husband with his iphone is no photographer. But I wanted to post just a couple of exercises that have been included in my workout.

Low squats

Your glutes are engaged even more when you get lower. My trainer showed me how to use this bench with leg rest to squat over it. It's an unconventional way to use this, and it helps if you're short =) PS I put weights on my shoulders when my grip gets tired.

 Pull-ups

My fav. I used to be a pro at these back in my gymnastics days, but I've had to really work to get them back! Nice lats gives the illusion of a smaller waist. Score. You can build up to this point, by starting with lat pull, or the assisted pull-ups machine.

 Cables

There are a lot of different exercises you can do just by lowering and raising the cable. I like a simple trunk rotation.

 Bicep curls

Instead of lifting one, then the other, keep both arms curled, then lower one at a time. Your biceps are engaged the whole time.

While I'm lifting, I'm rarely resting. I swap between 2 exercises back to back, 3 times.
For example:
Low squats, then bicep curls. Then repeat. Repeat again.
Lunges, then push-ups. Then repeat. Repeat again.
Leg press, then tricep dips. Then repeat. Repeat again

Get it?

I've listed some of my daily foods and workouts on Mixers Nutrition today so check it out for some more tips!