Getting Healthy & STRONG at Arizona’s “Strong-Camp”!
Phoenix, Arizona Strong-Camp marks the one year anniversary for Paul Buceta and the gang, and my 6 month anniversary. Coming full circle for the Magazine is quite an accomplishment. As is my own accomplishments within the past 6 months since my first visit to a Strong-Camp event. If you’ve ever tried doing a pull-up you know what I mean when I say it’s one of the hardest things (physically) I’ve ever had to do! Snow-boarding is a piece of cake next to pull-ups! However, my greatest accomplishment is that I’ve been able to transform from the inside-out. Taking control of my thoughts was long overdue and has thus resulted in major changes in my life which have manifested themselves in visible ways. Much like a caterpillar that transforms into a butterfly, the rebirth has me bursting at the seams with excitement!
The Mixer
The weekend of events began Friday evening with a “Meet & Greet” mixer that allows the intimate group of women to connect on a “level playing field”. This having been my second Strong-Camp I knew what to expect, but that didn’t lessen my nervousness. Flying solo, I stepped into the crowd and scanned the room looking for a friendly, smiling face, hoping someone will say hello first. As I let my nerves subside I am quickly aware of the diversity of the group. Soon, laughter mingled with fascinating stories start to fill the air. Friendships quickly begin to develop which are sure to last a lifetime. Connections are made, phone numbers are collected, selfies are taken and memories are made; all in a short 2 hours; the calm before the storm.
19 Stations but who’s counting
Strong-Camp isn’t for everyone. It’s for those that want to get serious with themselves. It’s for
women that are ready to take it to the next level. You’d be surprised at the great diversity among the attendees. Stages in life, levels of fitness, ages and demographics all contribute to this eclectic bunch of ladies.
I’d never taken a cross-fit class before, but I wasn’t too worried since I do my own versions of the individual exercises at home. “I got this”, I thought….”Sure you do!” 19 stations at 60 seconds each! Yes- and why not, let’s do it twice. Every one of us ladies was working out at our own pace and level of strength. It was exhilarating and fun as we cheered one another on as Jessie counted down, “30 seconds ladies!” “10 seconds left ladies, you can do this!!” Working out is so much fun and even more so with a group of determined gals!
Frankly the workout is exhilarating and challenging but it’s not the highlight of the weekend. That’s still to come.
Nutrition: Taking it to the next level
One of my favorite quotes emerged during this soul-searching journey of mine; it simply says, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is a key component to your success. Your network is a lifeline. Here you will learn and be encouraged. When you fall (and you will) there will be someone there to help you back up again. Jessie is in my network and with her guidance I was able to determine what to tackle and how to do it. She gave me the tools I needed. It was up to me to use them. Being able to have a one on one with an experienced and successful, not to mention loving and genuine person is invaluable. Thus, with determination I was able to achieve my goals!
Now fast forward, 6 months later…
What may seem redundant isn’t always the case. Perhaps it’s just that you weren’t ready to internalize the information the first (8 or so) times you heard it. Which is why the pros always preach the same stuff over and over again, it’s because you have to have a solid foundation and without it you are setting yourself up for a let-down, or at best, a set-back.
Simple questions like, “Are you eating enough?” and “Do you know how much protein you’ve eaten
today?”, are just a few questions that you ask yourself when you are serious about your nutrition. Since nutrition is essentially a science, you need to decide to get through your trial and error phase to figure out your formula. Once you figure out your formula, keep a consistent schedule. Inevitably this will result in fat loss or even gain some lean muscle if this is your goal.
Saving the best for last…
Without divulging too much information about what we talked about at the water cooler, I do have to say that by far the most transformation happens towards the end of camp. With inner reflection and the freedom to share your deepest secrets; doors are blown wide open letting the sun finally seep through the cracks of a boarded up heart. My own epiphany, seemingly simple was like a large beacon of light guiding me safely onto shore through the torrent of mind chatter that clouds my sound judgment. In short, focus on your own true voice. Find happiness in contentment. Be true to
yourself. Be true to your own inner voice. Sing the song of your heart and soar to new heights. What ever is before you, remember, “The joy is in the journey- the Challenge is in the chase.”
Until next time friends, all my best!
