Cherishing maturity gracefully

This past weekend, I had the honor and privilege of competing with some of the most amazing and beautiful women in the world in Fitness and Bikini at the Fitness America Pageant in Las Vegas, NV. I had full intentions of only competing in the fitness category, but on a whim and fluttering stomach, I made the very quick decision to compete in Bikini America. It was one of the best fitness decisions I have ever made; I had an absolute blast! I have found a new passion, and I fully intend to pursue this fun and vibrant category. The ladies are able to express themselves with passion and an underlying alter ego that is just fighting to come out to entertain. Some of the veterans were wonderful to assist me with the bikini and theme wear that is required for the part. I am very proud of my placement; I achieved 7th place out of eleven. To top that off, I placed in the top five for the very first time at a National fitness event -- I placed 5th place in Fitness America Classic (2nd place in swimsuit). Two of the most proud moments are when my husband tells everyone about his wife's fitness achievements, and the other one is my daughter posting on her Facebook for all to see how proud she is of her mom setting such an example of hard work, dedication, and goal setting for my grand kids. This makes it all worth it. What other 54 year young GiGi can say that? I am living the dream.

Competing in Fitness at 54!

I can't help it; I have to share. This is the week for both mental preparation as well as the physical aspect of competing in fitness at 54. I don't have doubts any more; I am passed all that. If I don't know it by now, then I don't have it -- and I do have "it." I feel strong, confident, and ready to compete with some of the most incredible women that I know. I will enjoy it, because they are my friends first, and then they are my competition. All we can do with anything that we approach in life is PREPARE, and that I have done for months now. The feeling is like none that I have ever known -- really hard to describe. Makes me sweat just thinking about it. When I get on the stage to share and entertain, it is exhilarating. The applause (and please do) just revs me up to do more, jump higher, and smile more. Still have to worry about the small things -- eyelashes, spray tan, and will my chicken stay cold enough. All in all -- I love it. What can I say. I leave this coming Friday for Colorado Springs to compete with an incredible group -- Triple-A, and I am really looking forward to it. I pray first for safety and then for success. Then it's off for an incredible event -- Fitness America Pageant Weekend in Las Vegas. WhoHoo

How do you achieve your goals and reward yourself?

"I studied the small wins strategy years ago in school. Basically, we will do a little something every single day to meet our goal. It could be something as small as looking something up on the Internet referencing a healthy food to see the amount of vitamin content. The effort involved is a step toward meeting your goal for nutrition and exercise. So we will reward you, in our theory of a small wins strategy. It is based on dividing up a larger problem into limited units that can be attacked individually. You will feel empowered when you celebrate small wins towards the larger goal."

This is an excerpt from my book "Triple F - Fifty Fit and Fabulous" in the chapter regarding Goal Setting - The Process. Do you want to learn more exactly how to set a goal, achieve the goal, and then stick to it? Find out more at www.TripleF.me 

Do you have "invisible abs?"

"The key to keeping your mind, body, and spirit healthy and fit is to EXERCISE. Everyone wants to think it is as simple as buying one of those crazy machines you see on TV. This reminds me of that movie where the guy picks up the hitchhiker, and the guy is really nuts. He is telling the driver about a new invention he has, "The 7-Minute Abs." The driver asks him why it isn't called the "5-Minute Abs" or the "2-Minute Abs" or even the "1-Minute Abs?" You get the picture. It is easy to sell these contraptions, because people want the easy way out. I had the famous "Invisible Abs" -- you know, the "No-See Um Abs."

I hate to break it to you, but there is no easy way out. In order to stay fit and healthy, you gotta MOVE IT! There is no such thing as "spot-conditioning." Just by lying down and doing five minutes of abs on a roller or by sitting in a metal chair raising your legs up and down will not get you a terrific set of abs, you have to perform all-over body conditioning for your entire core muscles and eat properly."

This is an excerpt taken directly from my book. If you would like to read more from "Triple F - Fifty Fit and Fabulous," check out www.TripleF.me.

Fitness is for Any Age: What are Dreams made of?

Fitness is for Any Age: What are Dreams made of?: "Dreams are what influences a child to have imaginary friends. Dreams are what makes a teenager want the perfect family life with the white p..."

What are Dreams made of?

Dreams are what influences a child to have imaginary friends. Dreams are what makes a teenager want the perfect family life with the white picket fence. Dreams are what makes young people think about becoming President. Dreams are what makes us always want better for ourselves and our families and strive for excellence. Dreams are what I have each and every single day of my life. Dreams are actually what keeps us growing and  becoming what we expect of ourselves and what others dream and aspire for us. Dreams give us something to hope for. Dreams are what influenced me to compete in fitness. Dreams are what inspired my first book. That's what dreams are made of. I just had one of the most incredible experiences of my entire lifetime. Competing with some of the most gorgeous, talented, and athletic women in the world at Ms. Fitness USA in Reno, Nevada was an experience that I will never forget. I dreamed about being on the stage when I had a defining moment one day and decided to make it a reality; isn't that the way it is supposed to happen? Isn't that how dreams work? If you dream it, believe it, and then make it happen -- that's what dreams are made of. It all started with a defining moment (an idea) and then a strong belief in oneself and the rest is history. How about you? Are you living your dreams? Think about it for a moment. Ever thought about an idea you once had and said "I could do something like that." Well, I ask why not? Try it! I am living my dreams, and it is a feeling I cannot hardly describe. I am having that same feeling about my second book -- the next dream . . . Won't you join me?

Fitness is for Any Age: 1st Place Fitness - TX Classic July 31

Fitness is for Any Age: 1st Place Fitness - TX Classic July 31: "How often does this happen? GiGi gets to perform a Fitness Routine 'Wild Thang' with Granddaughter sitting on the front row with her mama (m..."