How many times do I have to say it?

I feel like a broken record. So many women are still afraid to lift heavy weights, and I'm not really sure why. We had a trainer come in today, she's awesome by the way, and Jason wanted her to use the 20kg for TGUs and Snatches. She totally had it in her, but she was nervous and unsure of herself. Once she successfully completed reps of each movement on each arm she said, "I tell my women clients all the time to use heavier weights and then here I am not doing it myself until someone tells me to."

It's as simple as getting through everyday life. If I had to wait for someone else to help me carry in the dog food or to open a jar lid that was screwed on too tight, both my dog and I would go hungry. (Not that I eat food that comes in a jar.) Who wants their life to stop because thay can't do something? Certainly not me.

Just the other day I bought a four draw filing cabinet (that wasn't put together already.) I let one of the sales people scoot the long rectangular box out to my car and load it. Thank you. I honestly didn't think it was that heavy, but then I got home and had to move the damn thing myself.

Once I got it out of the car, I had to travel about 30 feet, then up a flight of stairs, around two corners, and finally another 15 feet to my office. This thing was not only heavy but awkward, I must have stopped and cursed at it a few dozen times. Honestly, it'd still be sitting in the back of my car if I was 80% or more of the single female population.

Point being, if you can't make it through daily life what purpose is there? If you can't pick up your kid to give them a hug, hoist around a few bags of mulch to make the flower bed look nicer, or more simply than that just stand up for yourself, what's the point? What's the point of leading such a sheltered life where someone has to do something so simple as carrying in the dog food for you?

I don't want that. I never will. And neither should you. Stand up for yourself.

Train Like A Girl

I can't remember the last time I rolled with another girl, I've been a part of The Boys Club in jiu-jitsu for more than six months. It's just the way it is right now, I can only hope it makes me a better athlete.

Sure, I'd like to train with other girls, preferably my own size, but it isn't going to happen, we're few and far between. Which leads me to why I'm so persistant on training well and doing my best...I won't settle for anything less. To me getting beat is getting beat, plain and simple. It doesn't matter if it's a guy or a girl, what matters is I finish, that I prove I can do it, that when I walk away I know I gave it my all.

I still run in to the typical dude that thinks because he's a dude, he's automatically better than me. If I had my way, I'd tell you to 'F' off. I probably won't train with you more than once anyway, unless I feel I should remind you that I should be considered a peer and not the person who should be making you dinner.

The reality is, it's still a man's world, at least in the sports world. It challenges me everyday, and I'll never give up.

Working Hard

When it comes to working out, I work hard. I make sure I train 5 days a week. I make sure my training sessions have purpose. Sure some days I might only have 20 minutes, but it doesn't stop me. The thing I can't stand the most, is when people tell me their too busy to workout. Too busy? It really isn't an excuse, I'm sure those same people have time to watch TV at night or in the middle of the day. It's all a matter of your priorities.

Everytime someone asks me what I do, I stupidly reply that I own a gym. This apparently gives them free rights to ask me what the best exercise is for a flatter stomach, a firmer butt, or less jiggly arms. I politely respond and by the time I'm finished with my second sentence, they either sigh because I've told them something they don't want to hear, or they tell me they don't have the time.

What is it with not having the time? Wake up earlier, go on your lunch break, stop off at the gym on your way home from work, I don't care what it is, something is always better than nothing. And, NO, tomorrow is not the best time to start, today IS. Everyone seems to have time to go to happy hour, to go shopping, to take a long lunch, and again time to watch TV. So if you have the free time to do these things, find time, make time to workout. It's good for your health and it relays a good message to your kids.

You can't complain about wanting/needing to do this that and the other thing as it directly relates to your physical appearance if you won't make the time to workout.

Hand Care 101

So you're a girl (or a guy) and you lift weights. Thank goodness! You might have one hang-up, your hands. No big deal, I understand this 100%, but no you can't use gloves. I know you think it's better for your hands to do so, but in reality the use of gloves can get in the way, as well as alter the way the weight feels in your hands.

Here's some simple steps of taking care of your hands. Some I've learned from others, some I've picked up on my own, either way it seems to work really well if you keep up with it.

I use a really fine grade pummice stone about once a week, either about five minutes after getting out of a warm shower or after doing the dishes. Dry off your hands, and gently slide the pummice stone over the calluses.

In between using the pummice stone, maybe 2-3 times a week, I use a moderately coarse nail file on dry hands.

During the day, I use plenty of the infamous Corn Huskers Lotion, since it isn't greasy. At night I use a gernerous amount of cocoa butter on my hands right before I go to bed.

It's all pretty simple, and if you keep up with it, your calluses won't get too big, too hard, or rip in the middle of a set of kettlebell snatches.