September 28, 2016

Physique update!!  This past Saturday I was 135.8 lbs. Strength has been awesome. Feeling really good about how I have built up strength & also my metabolism. Eating in a good surplus & am going to continue to see how much food I can gradually push. Feel like I've found a really good spot in regards to my training, nutrition, and supplements. Key has been being consistent and diligent. 

This is definitely my favorite off season physique, probably because I finally have some more noticeable size. I think it's also helped that I have figured out what works for me. I have found a great balance & am really excited about the changes I have been seeing. 

Left: Peak week (April 16, 2016), 128 lbs
Right: Current (September 24, 2016), 135.8lbs

The following is the closest thing I can come up with for my progress from when I started until now. I started with Kelly in January 2015, but the pictures on the left are the first progress pictures I have in a bikini & with posing. I was prepping for my first show (Heartland Classic, May 2015). 

Left: February 28, 2015, 130 lbs
Right: Current (September 24, 2016), 135.8lbs

I know I still have a long way to go, but if I can keep building up my glutes/hams, shoulders, & lats I think I will be in a good spot. Leaning out has not been a struggle, putting on size will always be where I have a hard time. 

The best is yet to come. 

Much love & lifting,

Leah

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September 19, 2016

I went to watch the IFPA Pro Elite International/KC Classic this past weekend. I came out of the weekend with a lot of mixed emotions. Very weird combo of motivated/inspired and also discouraged. The physiques at the pro level are amazing & something I am obviously striving for. However, it is going to take years on years on years (and then some). 

Going to shows is good for me because it helps me keep track of the type of physique that is winning pro cards. For bikini it is definitely glute/ham, quad, and shoulder focused. Obviously all of this with a small waist and good level of conditioning. Continuing to build up my lats will also be crucial due to my lack of boobs (to give me more size on top). Overall, same thing... I have a longgggggggggggg way to go. 

Moving forward I am going to keep working at it. It has been 21 weeks since Southern States Classics (starting week 22 of training). Every single week since my show I have been consistent and diligent with my nutrition, supplements, and training. However, I realized this past weekend that I need to be better about practicing posing consistently because it is extremely important. Stage presence and good posing is going to always be the tie breaker. 

So cheers to continued improvement, no matter how long it will take. I will eventually post a physique update. This past weekend I weighed in at 136 lbs (8 lbs up from show weight). 

Much love & lifting,

Leah

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