Annaruthus Member

I've competed 5 times, and I have NEVER had a bad encounter with the other girls backstage. In fact, during my first show, they were so helpful, and so now at all of my shows, I have tried to be just as nice and helpful.

Cable/dumbbell/medicine ball woodchoppers, and I love Dragon Flags! Oh Russian twists are another good one.

How much you need to "peak" for a photoshoot depends on the look you are going for too. If super shredded is the look, then you may need to peak as if you are doing a competition. If it is "this girl is healthy, and works out; check out that 6 pack", then you peak probably won't have to be as extreme.

I would go, but I'm competing in Wilmington, NC this weekend. I'm sure you will do fantastic! Go rock it!

Congrats on the sponsor! That is awesome news! I'm a member of a competition team, but don't really have a sponsor yet. What great news!

It really depends on what your rep ranges are, and what you are physically capable of lifting. For instance, when I first started working out, I curled the 20 pound barbell for 8-10 reps. It has been a few years now, and I can curl the 40 pound barbell for 8-10 reps. See what I mean? No matter your rep ranges, you should…

Dietary fats won't make you gain weight. An excess in calories will make you gain weight, and out of all the macronutrients, carbs are the macronutrient most likely to be stored as body fat. Be wary of eliminating any macronutrient. Our bodies are designed to utilize certain food types in various ways, and while it will…

I'm a competitor, and my diet isn't this extreme. My male counterparts don't eat like this either.

I love omlettes. Mushroom, spinach, and swiss is a good combo. As far as Mrs. Dash, I love to put the Fiesta Lime on white fish, the Caribbean Citrus on sweet potatoes, and I'll season my chicken with Garlic & Herb, Onion & Herb, or the Table Blend. The only one I have trouble with is the Lemon Pepper. I think it has too…

I tried Mrs. Dash (no salt) tomato basil seasoning on mine this morning, and it tasted good! Although I get one egg and 2 egg whites with oats in the morning. The yolk has vitamin D :-)

Thank girl, that did the trick! Even though my calorie goal updated after I changed it, my macro goals hadn't updated. It looks just right now. Calories: 1800 Protein: 40% Carbohydrates: 35% Fat: 25%

My MFP says "NET CALORIES CONSUMED" So if yours says 1200, that means your total calories minus your exercise calories should equal 1200. Example: If I eat 1600 calories today, but I burned 400 calories during my workout for the day~ 1600-400= 1200 NET CALORIES CONSUMED Now, I still eat higher than 1200 net calories…

It is actually my FB page. http://www.facebook.com/ruthiebowles07 You can also find the link on my MFP profile :-)

bumping

I competed on the 6th. 5th in my height class. It was my first time in SNBF figure, so I am very proud of the achievement. I have another competition on the 27th, and I will be competing NPC bikini this time. Super excited! Hoping for top three this time! I feel really good about this one!

Hello, I did my first bikini show in August '12, and am doing my first figure show in less than a week! (April 6th). I plan on going back and forth between the two depending on which state I am competing in. On April 27th I have another bikini show. Love competitor friends on MFP!

Up until 4 weeks out from the show, I had a cheat meal. It would be something clean though, like my homemade whole wheat crust pizza! We would also go to Ruby Tuesday's or IHOP because they have healthier alternatives. My body is accustomed to clean foods, so if I try to eat really badly I end up suffering for it shortly…

I also feel it is important to point out that not all people suffer adverse effect from ingesting dairy products. It is the same in regard to products with gluten. If your body is unaccustomed to ingesting dairy, then you may feel a little bloated at first, and then your body will probably level out. Studies show that milk…

going try this recipe with almond flour tomorrow morning. They finally had it in stock at the grocery store!

My credentials: I am a ISSA personal trainer, a fitness model, and bikini/figure competitor. I am also in the Army. I did my first bikini show in August 2012, and I am preparing for my first figure show (April 6th, 2013). I am a member of Team Evolution Online, a competition team. 1st things first, fasted cardio: This goes…

You should never let others' success stories discourage you. Ever. They should only be an inspiration. You are going to be a Zumba coach! Those that you teach may share their stories with you, and you can't let that discourage you either. You should be inspired that the 600 pound woman was able to do everything that she…

My name is Ruthie. I am a certified PT, but full time Soldier (HOOAH!). I am married, but do not have any children. I am a bikini/figure competitor. My team owner thinks my body type can translate into both. He says 1st place finish in bikini, top 5 placement for figure. I am currently doing twoadays. Weights and cardio in…

My macros right now are 40/35/25 (p/c/f), and my goal for food is 1700 calories. I only really monitor my calories when I am cutting. When I am maintaining, which will be pretty much between April and November this year, I won't pay attention to the calories at all. I'll be competing and working out so much, if I gain…

HECK YES! I plan on looking this good forever!

During the week, I will work out for about 60 minutes(30-35 minutes weights, and 20-25 minutes interval cardio), and sometimes I will get in 10-15 minutes of competition posing/walking practice. I give myself 30 minutes or less to shower and get dressed for work. So between 1.5-2 hours total, I am at the gym. I think you…

I did add some roundedness to my shoulders and arms though, during my off season. I have also been working my back HARD!

Lol, I was the only girl up there with a 6 pack, and clear seperation between my quad muscles. The judges didn't have to tell me anything :-)

Sucks that you got sick, but when life happens, the only things you can do are reevaluate and more forward!

I just wanted to say congratulations to you, and I'm glad to hear you are continuing your journey to a fitter healthier you. Too many soldiers get off the program and go right back to their old habits.

I'm 5'3" Once my weight goes below 125lbs, the definition starts to come in really well. I'm almost 120lbs now, and I have my 6 pack. Remember that different people will lose fat in places in different order. So I've got my 6 pack, but the area that does not like to let go of fat is my thighs.