Jenndofit

Gave up the shreds and gained so much more.

I prepped almost all of 2021 so my off/improvement season this year was a total mind f**k in the beginning. It was difficult for me to see my shreds go and the scale go up.

But I asked myself, how can I get better at this sport if I stayed exactly the same? I didn't get first place with my previous look so I can't expect to win if I showed up with the same package.

Bodybuilding can be very stressful on the body. Heck, I lost my period for 7 months. I got the judges' feedback so I know there's work to be done.

I wanted to ensure before I started my next prep that I was mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy.

Gaining weight has allowed me to hit PR's in the gym, get better sleep, more energy and balance in life, got my period back, appreciation for my body and learning to be more kind to myself everyday.

Longevity in this sport is much more than the stage look. Coach implemented new plans and I'm trusting him💯 I'm embracing the journey because I know when it's time, Captain Marvel will be back even better.

How I'm holding onto my gains while on vacation😂

I've worked with many people on their fitness journey to help them prepare for events, vacations, weddings, etc.

Ultimately, I advise them not to just work towards that goal, but a goal of sustainability.

My goal for everyone I work with is to create healthy, life long habits to ensure they can maintain that lifestyle even after their event. Because fitness should not be based on a date; it's a lifestyle.

Here are my tips to help you while on vacation.

🔹️Set a daily step goal to hold you accountable
🔹️Stay hydrated. Bring a refillable water bottle and always fill up before you leave the house.
🔹️Find a room or place with basic appliances. Microwave and refrigerator so you are not ONLY eating out.
🔹️Go grocery shopping. Load up on fruits and healthy snacks so you always have something on hand to eat. No Hangry peeps!
🔹️Explore on foot if possible
🔹️Request to join FB groups in the city or place you are visiting. Meet up with locals and ask about places to eat, hiking areas, and hidden gems.
🔹️Don't get frustrated if you can't find a gym. You can still be active while doing something fun. Groupon has great deals on activities.
🔹️Enjoy the "fun" foods but don't go crazy. I like to research local foods and choose some items to add to my MUST EAT List. That way I already know what I'm going treat myself with instead of eating everything that looks good in the moment.
🔹️Forgive yourself if you indulged a bit too much. Don't beat yourself or go on a strict diet when you go back home. Those are temporary fixes that will not be sustainable. You can't go back in time and undo those meals; But you can change your mindset and move forward by being better than yesterday.