Meet my friend Cassandra aka "Natural Fit Mom!"

Let me introduce you to my beautiful friend and Mom Power Team gal, Cassandra. You may have seen her on the cover of Gorgo Magazine... Yes, she is amazing! But even better than that, she is one of the kindest people. She cares about people... truly... deeply! I am so happy to know her!
Name: Cassandra Sawyer aka "Natural Fit Mom"
State:  California

When and why did you start working out?
I started working out about 2 years go.  In late 2011, I dislocated my knee trying to make my infant son laugh while working out, early one morning.  I was out for the count as far as cardio was concerned.  Then I was hospitalized for a week, when I got sick out of nowhere and it terrified me.  When I left the hospital, I quit smoking cold turkey, bought my first piece of gym equipment for my garage and started Jaime Eason's 12 week live fit program on Bodybuilding.com

What is your workout of choice?
Weights, heavy weights and really heavy weights

What is your most favorite piece of workout gear?
You know, I have to say my gloves.  These poor things are pretty much ripped to shreds, but they are my first pair of gloves from 2 years ago and I'm oddly sentimental about them.  I see all these cute, new gloves with lots of great color and pattern options, but I just can't give mine up yet.  I know....it's ridiculous!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your workouts?  
Well, in my off season, my diet is "eat as much as possible to gain muscle" and during prep, it's whatever my coach tells me to do.  I will say that I LOVE my preworkout supplement.  I take Assault by Muscle Pharm and couldn't live without it.  I workout at 4am every morning, so I need the good stuff to get me going!

What is your favorite cheat food?  People always think I'm crazy when I say this, but it's a Popeye's biscuit.  Not pizza, cake or cookies, but a fluffy buttermilk biscuit slathered in honey and butter.  OMG.....I could eat a dozen!

What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Find something that you love to do and then it's easy.  I used to always feel bad because I had these amazing friends who were into running and triathlons.  I would get jealous watching them train and then go have a "big" day that they could be proud of.  But, I wasn't the least bit interested in running, swimming or biking.  When I discovered bodybuilding, it was exciting and I took to it like a duck in water.  I am consistent with lifting weights because I love it and want to get a taste of it every day.

What is your best workout memory?  The first time I bench pressed 135lbs!  For the longest time, I never worked chest.  Then I realized I needed to start doing it and that I wanted to be  badass like the girls in the picture bench pressing those 45lb plates.  It took me quite a while, but I eventually did it with the help of a spotter.  It really felt amazing!

What is your biggest “FIT BUCKET LIST” item?
Ooohh....that's tough!  There are so many things I want to do, but I think the most incredible feeling would come from winning the "Overall" title in a National level show.  I would probably pass out on the spot!

Tell us something that not many people know about you?
I see numbers and colors interchangeably.  I don't know why, but when I see the number 3, I also see green and vice versa.  The number 4 is blue.  The number 7 is purple, but sometimes gray.  When I see the color yellow, it's the number 2, etc.  Don't ask why....I'm a nut!

How do we connect with you:

Blog:  www.nautralfitnessmom.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NaturalFitMom

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturalFitMom

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/naturalfitmom/

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/naturalfitmom

Go and connect with Cassandra. You won't regret it.

Meet @FitNix5: Christie

You all have to meet this amazing lady! She is one of the kindest and most caring women I have met through my blogging. Christie is beautiful on the inside and out. You need to see how hard she has been working lately too. She just had a baby a little over 6 months ago. AMAZING!!

Name: Christie Nix

State: Currently in Georgia and moving to TN, Army Family.

When and why did you start working out?

I have always been active; I started as a soccer player when I was 6 and that paved my way to be a scholarship soccer athlete in college. It wasn’t until after my first two children that I developed a lifestyle in fitness, physical and mental. Training not only for aesthetic purposes but also for LIFE PURPOSES!!!

What is your workout of choice?  

I get to the gym and lift 5 days a week (on a good week). I do however love ALL TYPES of training! Cross-Fit, Running, Conditioning, my kind of fun and I find lots of ways to incorporate them into my daily lifting routine.

What is your favorite race, race distance, and WOD?

Look at that back! OMG!

Haha, well I’ve only done a 10K and was signed up to do a Warrior Dash with my husband but he ended up having a knee surgery just before. I would imagine the mud races would be my favorite, a good mix of endurance and strength.

What is your most favorite piece of workout gear?

Well my workout gear is now the only thing I ask for on Mothers Day, Birthdays, Christmas, etc. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!! Lately I have loved wearing my Gorgo Women’s Fitness Magazine Tank, I love everything that magazine stands for. When I wear my tank its like I am taking so many empowered women to the gym with me. Seeing that reflection in the mirror at the gym gives me an attitude, confidence, a sense of strength, I become Gorgo!! Maybe it has super powers, really it just might!!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your workouts?

I try to eat clean whole foods as much as possible focusing on my protein portions first, filling in with complex carbs and healthy fats. When I want to tighten the reigns on my diet I use myfitnesspal to see how I am doing, where I need to make adjustments, etc. Since my last pregnancy and while I am breastfeeding the only supplement I use is protein powder. I take a great vitamin and antioxidant, as well as Fish Oil.

What is your favorite cheat food?

HA! What’s not my favorite? I love food so when I first started to change my eating habits I missed it all. I will admit that the longer I stay away from fast foods and sweets the less I think about or crave them.  

BUT….I love french fries and chocolate chip cookies, to name a few.

What advice would you give someone just starting out?

Make small changes slowly, once that change sticks and becomes routine, make another. Eventually all those small changes add up and you have made for yourself a new fitness lifestyle.  Start with exercising 3 times a week, then drinking more water, cutting out processed foods, exercising 5 times a week, etc, etc, etc, There are so many resources to help anyone get started but I love the book Eli Sapharti Fat Boy Fit Man  and his one step at a time approach and success story!

What is your best workout memory?

There are so many, from training with some of my best fit friends (Val and Jennie) to hitting my first dead lift PR and mastering pull-ups.

What is your biggest “FIT BUCKET LIST” item?

Most recently it is to get back into amazing shape after my third baby and have a professional photo shoot! After that there will be another bucket list or goal, and another. I love the idea of always progressing, striving for more but being content in the now!!!

Tell us something that not many people know about you?

My brother and I have the same birthday but are two years apart, that was pretty awesome growing up and made for EPIC parties.

We can connect with you:

Blog: www.fitnixfitness.com

Twitter: @FitNix5

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fitnix5

Pinterest: @FitNix

Instagram: @fitnix5

Go on over and check out Christie! She is amazing!

Meet Deanna: F5 Lifestyle and Giveaway!

This amazing and inspirational lady is a friend of mine from the Mom Power Team. I adore her and she is ALWAYS lifting people up! I am lucky to call her my friend! 

Deanna Wilson

Bowling Green, KY

I always did sports conditioning as a high school and college athlete. However, I started really working out as a young adult in my early 20's. I was married and working full time but was really desiring to get active again since retiring from college sports. I had not necessarily gained ALOT of weight but I was feeling out of shape. I was off an on with my commitment until after the birth of my first child when I had baby weight to lose. I became much more purposeful and committed to a regular workout program.

My work out of choice is EVERYTHING! I currently mix it up each week. From lifting weights to spinning to Pilate to HIIT to Core Strengthening to Cardio classes to Elliptical to Yoga to Sprinting! I lift about 5 days, cardio 3-4 days, yoga, pilates, and core strength every week.

I haven't done any races except a 5k one time! But I'd like to do an obstacle race some time. I really like free weights but by other favorite piece of equipment is the stability ball. But you said GEAR so then maybe my workout tunes from my phone and my arm band!

As far as dieting and nutrition, it has been quite a journey. I am currently clean eating and trying to stick to first generational foods but I am doing a 3 week experiment of no gluten, red meat, artificial sweeteners except STEVIA, and no dairy. But with this I am still eating PLENTY of calories! My favorite cheat food is ICE CREAM! Either and Chocolate Oreo Blast from Sonic, Mocha Chip Blizzard from DQ, or Mocha Chip Ice Cream by Starbuck's. I usually have a post workout smoothie and I take a natural pre-workout before I hit the gym. 

Deanna working out with her son! 

My favorite work out memory??? Working out with my son! He was training over the summer for football and one time he needed me to sit on the back of his legs while he did back extensions on the weight bench. I have a picture of it and sent it to his coaches sharing with them how MOMS make football players! LOL!

As an aerobics instructor and personal trainer I talk to folks that are just beginning their football journey. My best advice is BABY STEPS! If a person wants to make permanent change then they must incorporate it slowly into their lifestyle little by little. Before they know it they've transformed their lifestyle and lives!

As far as bucket list: it would be an obstacle race. I hope to hit one this June or fall.

Something ALOT of people don't know about me is that I used to sing! I recorded the cd and wrote the music and lyrics for every song. I used to do concerts and even sang the National Anthem for the California Angels several times.

Folks can follow me at: Blog: www.f5liferstyle.com

FB: www.Facebook.com/f5lifestyle

Pinterest: F5 Lifestyle

Instagram: F5Lifestyle

You need to go check her out! She is the real deal and sweet as anyone I know! xxoo Love you Deanna <3

ElectroDash 5K Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet Stephanie: Featured Blogger

Don't forget about my giveaways.

Color Me Rad Entry: http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2014/01/5-tips-for-most-fun-at-color-me-rad-and.html

Spartan Race Entry: http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2014/01/giveaway-special-ops-spartan-race-this.html

Name: Stephanie Laurendaeau

State: Calgary, AB, Canada

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Stephanie through the Mom Power Team. Stephanie is a true motivator. I am proud to call her a friend.

When and why did you start working out?

I have been active since I was a little girl…started with Ringette, then gymnastics. Once in Junior High I participated in Volleyball, Tai Kwon Do, Baseball, and my favorite was Basketball! As an adult, I attended kickboxing 5-6 days a week. I have been supplementing all these sports with weight lifting since I was 17. This past year, my focus has changed to solely weight lifting at the gym and HITT training for fitness competitions :)

What is your workout of choice?

My workout of choice right now is weight lifting for physique, this will probably change soon enough! I just love living an active, healthy lifestyle. Fitness competitions allow me to have very specific goals to aim for which I LOVE!

What is your favorite race, race distance, and WOD?

This past summer I did the Spartan Sprint and it was a lot of fun. A few years back I completed a triathlon relay (I did the run part) This is the extent of my experience with races though!

What is your most favorite piece of workout gear?

Definitely my Polar HRM!! :) 

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your workouts?

YES!! I have a very specific nutrition protocol for my workouts. I start my day off with a meat and nuts breakfast, and usually have a couple tsp’s of coconut oil before my workout for energy! During my workouts I consume BCAA’s and Glutamine, and well as Post workout. I will also have a Whey shake and a Banana after my workout to refuel! It’s one of my favorite meals! ;)

What is your favorite cheat food?

Ice cream ANY flavour, but it has to have lots of chocolate sauce!!! ;) AND SUSHI!!!!! We go to a great all you can eat sushi joint in Calgary at least a couple of times a month!! HAHA

What advice would you give someone just starting out?

Have specific goals, so that you have something to work toward! Tell friends and family what you are planning so that you are held accountable!!! And obviously find blogs and Facebook friends who have similar goals! Successful people surround themselves by other successful people who have their same interests! Work hard, but take it easy on yourself! It’s hard to change years and years of bad habits and you can’t change overnight!

What is your best workout memory?

Hitting that fitness stage for the first time!!! All my work had paid off! I felt beautiful…like Bambi on ice I was so scared, but it was amazing!!! By the end of the year, when I hit the stage for the third time, I felt like I was where I was supposed to be! No nerves and feeling confident! It’s amazing how much you can improve in such a small amount of time when you put your mind to it!

What is your biggest “FIT BUCKET LIST” item?

I want to earn my "Pro Card” , gain as much knowledge as I can, and share what I learn through my blog and fitness page on Facebook! 

Tell us something that not many people know about you?

I wasn’t always healthy! Through my high school years I suffered from low self esteem which ending in a horrible eating disorder and compulsive exercising syndrome. I ended up in the hospital at 85 lbs, and took an awful long time to overcome the horrible disease! I am so happy that I have found balance, and take pride in competing and fuelling my workouts in a healthy way!

You can connect with Stephanie Here:

Blog: http://www.operationlean.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CompetitionLean

Facebook: www.facebook.com/operationcompetitionlean

Pinterest: smackid

Instagram: http://instagram.com/operationlean

As you can see, I love a few of her answers... Polar Heart Rate Monitors and Spartan Race!!! LOVE!

From Fat Boy to Fit Man: A "One Step at a Time" Story of Success Book Review and Giveaway

photo from Eli's facebook page

I have been following Eli Sapharti on facebook since I started working out almost two years ago. Eli's story has been a huge motivator.  I remember when he made his first comment on my page, Mindy's Fitness Journey, I couldn't believe it. I was thrilled.  Here's a man who has done it, and he looks GREAT!!! And he was supporting me on my journey! 

photo from Eli's facebook page

After hearing that he wrote this book, I knew I had to have it. When I was asked to review it and give a copy away, I couldn't wait. I love the title of this book. From Fat Boy to Fit Man: A "One Step at a Time" Story of Success  This One Step at a Time is a program that will help you achieve a happy and healthy life. 


What stood out to me most was that losing weight is not something that you just say, "I want to lose weight," and POOF, you lose weight. We all know that. Well, Eli has a one step at a time approach. The first thing he gave up was soda. That was it. Only he meant absolutely NO SODA! No cheating... I love it.  He gave up things, but he did it in a manageable way. 

He is now sharing his secret with us! How did he lose 120 lbs? Read this book to find out.

Photo from Eli's facebook page

Eli's bio on his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FatBoyFitMan
  says the following:


In 2008 I had ballooned to almost 300 lbs standing at 6' and my body fat percentage was well over 40%. My blood pressure was elevated, I felt tired all the time, if I walked a flight of steps I would lose my breath, my joints were hurting, and I was always getting some type of flu or cold. 

Around March of 2008, shortly before the end of an almost 18 year marriage, I had what many would call an epiphany. One day I looked at myself in the mirror and couldn't believe how unhealthy and just plain FAT I had allowed myself to get. At that moment I knew I had to do something to change this downward spiral. As I thought about past attempts to lose weight I realized that the "quick fixes" and fad diets I had tried, although successful short term, were not going to work if I wanted to make LIFE-LONG changes. That is when I decided to try a different approach and came up with my "One Step at a Time" principles and approach to weight loss. Small, consistent changes allowed me to achieve the body I have today. 180 POUNDS with 10% body fat. I am also an avid runner having finished FOUR Half Marathons with a personal record of 1:46. I have also run countless 5K and 10Kraces my last 10K in 46:43 and my last 5K in 22.01. Both being my personal best times. My drive and passion today is in helping inspire, motivate and teach others how to achieve fitness success too. I have had the privilege and honor of being able to spread my message to the masses. In 2012 I was featured in People Magazine, Inside Edition, Extra, AOL.com, The Huffington Post and the Emmy Award winning show, The Doctors. 

Want to win a signed copy of Eli's book? Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A few of my favorite things.... Raysbaseball and Fitness... Fitness Night at the Trop

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.... 

Yes, those are nice but do you want to know what my FAVORITE things really are... 

Fitness and the Tampa Bay Rays!!!

Can you imagine my excitement when I heard that both of these things are going to be combined into one fabulous night!!!!

Check out Rays Fitness Night at the Trop!

     Thursday, September 19th, 7:10pm  Texas vs. Rays

         For $30 per person package includes: Lower Level Reserved Ticket

 Rays Dri-Fit T-shirt

      Deadline to purchase tickets Tuesday, September 17

        Visit www.raysbaseball.com/fitness and use to the code FIT2 to purchase

He is such a goof! 

We LOVE our Rays and can't wait to be there! We hope to see you there!!!!

I went Over the Edge! #otestpete

Yes, you read that right! I went over the edge of a 28 floor building, and I rappelled down it!

This opportunity was presented to me on my facebook page. I honestly didn't even know what this was. I immediately looked into it. It benefits St. Anthony's Hospital Foundation. It took place on Saturday, August 17th at One Progress Plaza in St. Petersburg, Florida.

This was taken directly from their website.

The St. Anthony's Hospital's Foundation wants to know: 

"HOW HIGH WILL YOU GO FOR YOUR COMMUNITY?

Dare to go Over the Edge in a fundraising event for St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation benefitting the Sports Medicine Services among other programs. Participants who raise a minimum of $1,000 will have the opportunity to rappel twenty stories down One Progress Plaza, the tallest building in St. Petersburg! Join us for this event on AUGUST 17, 2013 by visitinghttp://stanthonysfoundation.org/ote/."

So so tall!!!!

When I was first asked, I immediately answered YES! I shared with my mom, and she was shocked that I would do this. Then I told Bryce (my son.) He was excited, but then he started to have second thoughts. A few days before, he begged me not to do it. He said he was really scared that something bad would happen.  I ALMOST backed out. But I decided to take a different approach with him. I talked about how excited I was and how I knew that I would be safe. I wanted him to see that this would be something that I could do to prove to myself that I am capable of anything. He ended up telling me that he wanted me to do it.

I actually didn't truly believe that I would actually follow through with it. I tried not to think about it. When we got to the building and I looked up, I laughed out loud. Seriously? Did I really think I would do this?  I figured that I would get up there and chicken out. And then my sweet little boy turned and looked at me and told me that he was so proud of me for doing this. We saw a man coming down, and he let go with one hand and waved... WOW! I was impressed, but even more than that, I knew when I came down, I HAD to wave at Bryce so he would know that I was okay, even if I wasn't really.

We went up the elevator to get suited up.  Bryce wouldn't be able to wait at the top with me, but he was able to see me get suited up. It was good for him to see all of the equipment they used to keep me safe. I could see that he was really relieved too. He look at all the gear and took photos while I suited up.
He was really excited to know that it was his job to take all of these photos.

Tropicana Field

I am not sure you can tell by these photos, but I was FREAKING out right about now. I knew that I had to keep it together for Bryce, but EHHH!!!

We headed up to the roof, and Bryce did get to ride up there with me. He took a great picture of our favorite place in downtown St. Pete, Tropicana Field, and then he gave me a BIG hug and said he would meet me at the bottom. My dad was downstairs ready to watch with Bryce.

I got a quick tutorial on how to rappel down the building. Oh my gosh! I was really doing this??? I still didn't believe it.  My biggest fear was that I would get part of the way down and freak out... freeze... I didn't know what they would do if I did that. It turns out, they had a plan for that... not to worry!

It was my turn... Time to go! I closed my eyes as  I went "OVER THE EDGE!" I couldn't look down. My heart was racing... The man in charge talked me over the edge. I was feeling pretty good once I was over. I learned how to let go with one hand, so I was thinking that maybe I could actually wave to Bryce. The man told me to stop and look down to see the little boy waving and cheering. It brings tears to my eyes writing this right now even remembering it. There was my son and my dad waving to me. I went down a few floors and decided to do it.

I let go with one hand, and I looked down at them and waved! HOLY COW! I really did this. I was doing it! I looked around! It was beautiful! I faced my fears and succeeded! It was truly mind over matter. I did it!

The best part of this adventure was not just believing in myself, but it was showing my son that anything is possible! Here is a quick look at how it looked seeing me go down the building...

This is an event Bryce and I are planning to do next year. He can do it if he weighs 100 lbs. next year. I told him that he has to start pumping up! :) We can't wait!

Head over and "like" their foundation's facebook page so you can keep up with the latest info. https://www.facebook.com/stanthonysfoundation

Workin' it Wednesday!

There is a lot going on these days... 
I need your help! My CrossFit Box, CrossFit Blackbeard is giving away a month free. This would be very helpful for me. Would you mind going to their facebook page and liking this picture of me and Bryce? The voting ends on Aug. 7th. Thank you.

Click this link to vote for me... Please!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=537468236317616&set=a.537467026317737.1073741834.395146910549750&type=1&theater

The Mom Power Team shared a photo of me today. It makes me feel proud when I see it even though I am nowhere near where I need to be yet. I am working hard to change that though! Being a part of the Mom Power Team is pretty amazing. It's 20 strong, proud women supporting each other. 

Don't forget to sign up for my DietBet and share it with your friends! http://www.dietbet.com/games/19977 This is going to be a lot of fun. We are almost up $4000 in the pot. Plus you could also win a Polar Heart Rate Monitor!

Last but not least.... GIVEAWAYS!!!!

Click HERE to enter
This has ended! 

Click HERE to enter

My #C9atTarget shopping spree! And giveaway!

So summer is here! That means I don't have to wear work clothes til August. And you know what that means!!! Chances are if you see me out, I will look like I am about to workout or I have just worked out. Yep... I will be wearing Activewear all summer long. Well, you know I love Target, I mean who doesn't? I have written two sponsored posts for them. We have been lucky enough to have a giveaway and guess what? We have another one! So when Target asked me to head out to try on some of their C9 activewear by Champion and buy some, I, naturally jumped up and down... I really did!!! This post is sponsored by Target!

What do you think?

He was pulling outfits out like crazy

Today, Bryce and I headed out to Target. We walked straight over to the hats first because I needed to know if my new haircut would look good in a visor... I am thinking yes... hope you agree!

Then, I grabbed a whole bunch of stuff to try on. I am not sure Bryce was too thrilled, but I did tell him if he would come in and take pictures when I was done that I would buy him some C9 activewear too! That pepped him up because, let me tell you, there is some awesome stuff for kids in the C9 line. Bryce could bankrupt me too. That kid loves clothes!!!

Isn't this just beautiful! Look at these colors. I have to be honest... I have been overweight so long that I have not really looked for clothes other than black pants and black shirts. I really had fun digging in to these beautiful colors and realizing that I can wear these clothes! That was fun!

I found that I was drawn to the pinks and the blues the most. I am still partial to the black pants and shorts, but at least I am changing things up with my tops! That is progress, my friends!

I tried on some really cute activewear shorts. Bryce said that I looked like a golfer. So I had to practice my swing... I think I've still got it! :) I really loved this sleeveless shirt with the shorts. Too cute! I had to buy it! I feel like my sister in law. She dresses like this because she is an athletic trainer, and I like that look a lot! Plus, I thought it was slimming... definitely a plus! There were so many shirts that had adorable cuts on the back! I am only a month into crossfit, but I already see a difference and liked the way these looked! I loved these! I bought the ruffled black one, but I really am thinking that I need to go back for the others too!

I cannot wait to wear my new clothes on my runs, to crossfit, or just around the house. As I said before, I will be found in activewear for the next 2 months! And with my new C9 clothes from Target, I am going to be stylin'!  Would you like to be stylin' too? All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter below. Enter for a $25 Gift Card to Target to buy some C9 gear for yourself! They have men's gear too!

I bought this too... won't wear it til it's cold, but it was too cute to pass up!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am also giving away Headbandsofhope: http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/headbands-of-hope-and-giveaway.html