Skinny Girl's Quest for Muscle

Skinny Girl's Quest for Muscle
Noticeable Results!

My muscle-building venture started in late June (today is August 27th). Prior to that I was training twice a week with an intense focus on core strengthening and conditioning to correct lower back problems, in addition to doing loads of cardio. The core strengthening did work my back, but I did not pay attention to building actual muscle, the goal was much more about strengthening and stabilization of weakened back muscles. Today, I had an acupuncture appointment with my Chinese physician Dr. Liu. She's been treating me for back problems for several years now. She probably knows my back and it's history over the last several years better than anyone. I was absolutely delighted when she, unprompted, told me that my back has a tremendous gain in muscle since my last appointment just three weeks ago. Only three weeks for noticeable results! She went on to ask about my diet (I talked about the meal plan--see previous blog posts) and then mentioned that I'm supplementing as well. It's quite possible that my pre-June efforts built the base, July allowed my body to transition, and now with that base in place, and intense lifting, proper diet and a few supplements, I can really ramp up the gains.

Until next time, go do something athletic!

Skinny Girl's Quest for Muscle
Unexpected Benefits of Eating Right and Adding Supplements

Color! Millions of nail polish colors. Colors ranging from the deepest black to bright cherry reds--pinks to greens and blues. It's like a candy store for your fingers. Did you guess yet? An unexpected and most welcome benefit from eating right and adding supplements is strong, long fingernails. I've never been a fingernail girl--they've always been pitifully weak and short. If I ever wanted nails to paint in the past, I had to purchase a "full set" because I could just not grow them on my own.

When I was about 14 years old, my Mom told me that if I could grow all of my nails long enough to be seen from the opposite side of my hand, she'd give me $20. I tried and tried without any luck. For the first time in my life I have nails that can be seen peeking over my finger tips on the opposite side of my hand. Well guess what, it's now time for Mom to pay up!

What else?

This week I've been strolling into work without foundation makeup. I'm happier with the appearance of my skin. It's so nice to just pop on a few strokes of mascara and run out the door.

When they tell you to eat right, get all of your vitamins and drink lots of water to improve beauty, well, they (who every they might be) are pretty much right!

Until next time, go do something athletic!