Last Visit: Nov 5, 2009 7:25pm Last Forum Post: Oct 15, 2009 12:03am Last Photo Upload: Feb 10, 2009 4:27pm Last Profile Update: Nov 5, 2009 7:08pm Last Blog Post: Nov 5, 2009 6:57pm
Overall Goal: Recover strong, to come back better than ever!
Fit Status:
I am cleared for nearly all activity, and now I am hitting it hard!
Motivation Level: 10/10
Personal Info And Background:
Real Name:
Hanni
Sex:
Female
Age:
29
Location:
Occupation:
Student, sales associate
Personal Website:
Primary Gym:
College:
High School:
When I Started:
How I Started:
I have always been an active girl. When I was in high school I involved myself in enough extracirricular activities to make a person's head spin. But I loved it. During my junior year of high school, my track coach introduced me to weight training. I felt so strong, and I WAS strong. In fact, I even won an arm wrestling contest at my school later that year!
My part time job was as a gymnastics instructor. I loved the job, and it gave me an awesome excuse to be active. Unfortunately, an injury from my job led to a knee surgery. I had to walk away from teaching.
Let's flash forward several years and a total of three knee surgeries later. I was overweight (almost 190 pounds on my 5'5 frame) and I was making poor decisions. My surgeon had suggested I not ever run again, to protect what little (if any)cartilage I had left.
Thankfully for me, what came after my third knee surgery was physical therapy. Once again, I was introduced to the wonderful world of weightlifting. I started making much better dietary decisions, and worked out with my therapist about four days a week. I only spent six weeks there, but it was enough time to get me headed in the right direction.
Since my doctor insisted I not run, I found joy in walking, rollerblading, swimming and hiking. I even spent some time in my mom's home gym lifting. I started working out at my own gym in June of 2006, after I was released from my doctor. During the month of December, I spoke with some people about my desire to take my active lifestyle a little further, and possibly compete in a figure contest. I am going into this totally blind, any advice is greatly appreciated. The articles on bodybuilding.com are very helpful. If anyone runs across something which might motivate me, please send it along.
Why I Love It:
I love the strong feeling I get before, during and after a good workout. I feel energized, and my confidence soars. I feel like I am doing something so good for myself. My knee has felt so much better since I implimented weight training into my regimen. I won't lie, I love the compliments I've recieved when others have noticed my hard work.
How I Stay Motivated:
I try to just stay realistic. I know I can do this. I know it isn't easy, or convenient. But I know with every inch of my being I can do this.
What is your favorite cardiovascular exercise? Why?
I like the stairclimber or the rowing machine. I feel like these two machines work my body the hardest and are relatively easy on my knees. They are also pretty tough machines for most people, so there is never a line at these machines.I like the stairclimber or the rowing machine. I feel like these two machines work my body the hardest and are relatively easy on my knees. They are also pretty tough machines for most people, so th...more
- Updated Feb 19, 2008 8:54am
What is your cardio exercise plan?
Currently I just do cardio right after lifting (and quick snack) because it is hard for me to find time at another part of the day. On my non-lifting days I hit the cardio really hard, otherwise I try to keep my PRE at 60-80 for 45 minutes or so. Sometimes when I watch movies with the family, I take out the bike and do that through the whole movie.Currently I just do cardio right after lifting (and quick snack) because it is hard for me to find time at another part of the day. On my non-lifting days I hit the cardio really hard, otherwise I tr...more
So I am finally feeling back and ready to go and ready for these injuries to stop holding me back and all that other nonsense... So then what happens? I am diagnosed with pleurisy! Talk about a pain in the side. So doc wants me to take more time off. All I can say is, I must be...
Yeah I've decided I need to crack down on the eating a bit more, my weight has plateued a bit lately. So started tracking my calories again and trying to eat more protein. Heres hoping for a speedy recovery for you!
true. Was thinking more seated exercises. But docs and PTs know best! Finally found a transformation contest that I can enter! Starts March 9th! And then there is the Arnold can't wait to be there! This is just a fantastic year so far!