- Heidi Jo Medina%3A My fitness journey
They say life is about the journey, not the destination. I'm not sure who "they" are, but I'm pretty certain they did not live in a beach town during the summer. The journey I'm embarking upon better be about the destination, because honestly, I just want to look hot in a bikini.
Like most women, my body has gone through many stages. I have been chubby, skinny-fat, thin, lean and fit, and now, I'm what they refer to as "fit-thick." I like being fit-thick, because it is more about being healthy, fit and maintaining curves and less about a specific size, weight or body fat percentage.
The first thing I suggest to anyone who asks for body-shaping advice is to think about where you are and where you would like to be. The perfect body means different things to different people. Do you want to be lean? Do you want to gain lots of muscle? Do you want to be thin? Or do you want to just create healthier habits?
Your meals and workout will be based upon what your end goal is. I eat very differently now that I lift than I did when I was a runner. My goal is mainly to get and keep a big butt and lean down — but mainly the butt. I compete in a fitness competition for the first time this November, so I have a lot of work to do, and in this column, I'll let you in on my journey.
A little bit about me: I'm a former pageant girl, current bikini girl and hopeful fitness competitor. I was Miss Pensacola 2013, Miss Seville Quarter 2013 and Miss Hooters Bayou Fox 2014, as well as a petite model, cosplayer and calendar girl. All of these areas require me to be photographed and walk around with my body on display for all to see and for all to judge. With the help of my network of friends who are trainers, competitors and models in the bikini world, I have acquired some knowledge on how to get and stay in shape.
I've definitely had my share of mishaps and generally embarrassing moments along my fitness journey, so I'm here to help you along your way and make you feel less awkward about yourself. Hopefully, my tips and experiences with meal plans, recipes, workouts and fitness trends will motivate and inspire you.
I sweat. Like, a lot. I'll never be the cute girl at the gym, because my face turns red and sweats, as do my legs, arms, stomach and butt. There is a reason most workout bottoms are black. I learned the hard way when — after 30 minutes on the stair stepper in gray pants — it looked liked I had an accident. I proceeded to gracelessly try to dry them in the bathroom while wearing them. FYI, it didn't work. Opt for black workout clothing. The sweat doesn't show, and it's slimming. When I feel slimmer, I feel sassy and work harder.
While we are on the subject of pants, tights are not the same thing as leggings. If you are getting a lot of attention at the gym, you may have confused the two. Underwear can be tricky. Going commando can create problems I can not and do not want to help you with. There are performance panties that are made from a moisture-pulling mix of nylon and lycra that are terrific for sweaty workouts, and seamless underwear won't show through your pants.
Also, if you turn into the Lion King the moment you walk outside, like I tend to, you may want to keep a hat in your gym bag.
I guess a lot of women like lululemon workout clothing, but I don't like spending $80 on yoga pants. Target is a great resource, but always go with dry-fit if you can. There is no chaffing, it breathes better and allows for more movement. I love places like Dirt Cheap, Bealls Outlet, TJ Maxx, Ross, Amazon, Vinted (a cheap, addictive app that will take all your money), Aeropostale and Marshall's, because they carry brand names at a much lower cost.
I like to reward myself every week that I stay on track with my fitness goals with a cute workout item, which gives me more motivation to go to the gym the next week. My girlfriends and I even do craft nights and make our own funny graphic tees and tank tops to work out in, using printable iron-ons and letters, while we try to recreate healthy recipes.
I'm a full-time nanny, Hooters girl and model, and I work out six days a week, so I am always on the go. I love gym clothes that can double as cute everyday outfits. I don't wear running shorts to the gym because it is awkward when you make eye contact while leg pressing in them, and they tend to ride up during cardio. Black yoga pants, a plain Cotton top and maybe a few accessories allow me to go from the gym to work with just some dry shampoo and deodorant mist (or a quick shower, if there is time).
Today, there are a ton of athletic lines that carry stylish workout clothing. Lucy, Nancy Rose Performance, Body Pop Active and American Eagle are great places to look.
I lift and do cardio six days a week, but lately, my fellow Hooters girls have entered into the hot yoga trend. As girls like to travel in packs, I have been coerced into giving it a try. The only thing I know about yoga is that it takes balance. Considering I am also a former collegiate cheerleader, I hope that gives me somewhat of an advantage.
I'll let you know how it goes. In the meantime, just remember: Beyonce wasn't built in a day.
New columnist Heidi Jo Medina is a pageant and bikini contest veteran who works multiple jobs and still finds time to stay fit. She shares her journey and advice with readers in this bi-weekly column.
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