Lifting Pretty

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Crunch Time!

Alright lifting pretty babes. I'm officially 4 weeks out from my next meet, which means I am in full meet-prep mode. Started cutting weight 2 weeks ago but had some complications which I'll get to later. I'm also in my last cycle of my program, which will peak me for the competition. I am SO EXCITED to get back on the platform! I love competing, if I could do it once a month I would!

This will be my 6th meet. I can't even believe I just wrote that. I've competed in full-power meets 5 times already! If you told high-school Chrissy that present-day Chrissy would be a competitive powerlifter, she would have laughed in your face and called you crazy. Yet here I am! This will be the first meet where I'll actually have my coach there with me, so I'm excited to see how it will be different from the meets I've done in the past. I'm also planning on writing a post about what I do to prepare for meets so be on the lookout for that in the next few weeks!

My training has been improving a lot in the past 2 weeks. Even my deadlift feels a million times better, and I'm attributing that to the chiropractor I went to last week. I've had chronic back pain for YEARS-it started my sophomore year of high school so almost 10 years (wow I feel old!). I've been to my PCP and a back specialist and no one has been able to give me a straight answer about why I have the pain. When I was 15 I was "diagnosed" with arthritis and scoliosis in my spine. I use that word lightly because I'm pretty sure this was a false diagnoses. While I know it's possible to have arthritis at a young age, that just didn't make sense to me. I've had MRIs, CT Scans, and X-Rays on my back and they all show a normal, healthy spine, except for the slight curve due to scoliosis. So I was kind of at my wit's end. No one could tell me what was wrong and I didn't know how to fix it. I started focusing on strengthening my back and core muscles and that did help a little bit. I've toyed with the idea of seeing a chiro for about a year now, but I was always too scared to go. I finally bit the bullet and OH MY GOD I AM SO GLAD I DID. It was seriously LIFE-CHANGING. My co-worker recommended Dr. Morrissey of Khalsa Chiropractic. She's not the typical "crack your back" chiro, which is what I liked about her. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue injuries, and utilizes various manual therapies to help enhance joint mobility. She used Graston Technique and Active Release Techniques on me. It was INCREDIBLE. I felt so great after! I'll be going to her once a week until the meet! What she found was a lot of tension in my lower and upper back. She also worked on my glutes and hamstrings. When I deadlifted the next day, for the first time EVER, I felt what a painless deadlift was like. I was so happy! I can't wait to see how this impacts me and hopefully I'll go into this meet feeling healthy and strong!

So other than the chiro, I mentioned above that I had some complications. 2 weeks ago I woke up with this sharp pain in my stomach on the right side. Being the hypochondriac that I am, I immediately freaked out because I thought my appendix was bursting. I ended up going to my PCP, and I'm glad I did. She didn't think it was my appendix, but that it was an ovarian cyst that had burst. That day I had a CT Scan on my stomach area, which showed a healthy appendix (thank god!), enlarged lymph nodes, and a cyst on my left kidney. My ovaries looked normal, but my doctor still thinks that's what happened. I was on a "bland foods" diet (read: all carbs, and bad ones) for the next few days until my bloating went down and I felt normal again. I didn't lift for a few days but then got back into it the next week. This messed up my weight cut a little bit. I'm hoping I can still get down to 114, I have about 8 pounds to go. If not, I'll just move up a weight class. No biggie. The cut is mostly mental for me, and I've seriously been slacking on my nutrition since I moved into Boston, so I really want to try to get back on the right track. That's why I'm actually doing a weight cut. It would be easy to say screw it and just compete at 123, but I need to do this. After this meet I'll indulge a little over the holidays but I feel so much better when I eat clean. And I'm convinced my lifts go up too! I fell off the clean eating bandwagon over the summer, and I'm paying for it now. I don't want that to happen again!! Mind over matter! Veggies over pizza! (jk, pizza over everything)

Other than that, things are going well! I hit a squat rep PR last week, 175x2. Will this be the meet I finally hit that 200lb squat?? I HOPE SO!! Bench is staying pretty consistent as well, hit 90x2 last week. Bench is like my powerlifting great white buffalo. I've never hit anything above 88 in competition, but this time I am fully confident than I will. I feel like I need to prove myself on bench, and I can't wait to do that. I'm still a little worried about my deadlift but I'm not going to let that get to me too much. It is feeling a lot better, just not where it needs to be, Just gotta keep moving forward and working hard these next 4 weeks. Now I'm gonna go heat up some chicken and veggies before my chiro appointment today! Can't wait!!

Stay STRONG and Stay FIERCE!!

Monday, October 27, 2014

6-Weeks Out Check-In

Ok, ok I know I've been slacking on updating this, I've just been SO busy doing fall activities and stressing out about my Halloween costume. Even though I haven't updated, I have not missed a workout in the past 6 weeks. I'm about halfway through my training for my next meet on December 6th. I wish I could say everything is going GREAT...but I would be lying. The past few weeks have been pretty tough and I've had a lot of ups and downs, which I'm attributing to adjusting to a brand new schedule, gym, job, and apartment. I hate using that as an excuse because I feel like its BS, but the truth is that stuff can affect you a lot more than you'd think. I also need to get my diet back on track and get more sleep. AKA....less drinking and going out and more IIFYM and sleeping. I have been having a lot of fun since I moved but it's time for me to calm down and focus on myself and getting ready for this meet. Let's go lift by lift:

Squat
This is one lift that has been fluctuating a lot. The first few weeks on this new program I felt like my squat went waaaay down. I didn't feel as strong as I used to and I stopped squatting heavy because I thought I couldn't. That was stupid. Very stupid. If you've followed this blog or know anything about me, you know that I train alone. I've been training a lot at work just because its convenient with my schedule, but that means there usually isn't anyone around to spot me. I was so scared of failing on a lift that I stopped trying. It wasn't until 2 weeks ago that I finally screwed my head back on straight, put up the safety bars, and put heavier weight back on the bar. And guess what? I didn't fail. I feel a lot better about my squat now. Last week I did 170x2, which is my 3RM. I'm testing my 3RM squat this week, so stay tuned for that. I'm going to really focus on my squat because I want to break 200 SO badly at the meet. And I know I can do it.
Current Meet PR: 175
Current Gym PR: 190
Meet Goal: 200-205
Things I'm working on: hitting consistent depth, not dropping lighter weights deep in the hole

Bench
The only lift that has stayed consistent since starting this program. I am consistently hitting 90 for reps, which is my 3RM. Again, I have the issue of not having a spotter so it has been hard to go heavier than that, but I'm testing my 3RM again this week and I know I can hit 95. I'm actually very excited to bench in a competition, which is rare because I hate benching! I feel like I have to redeem myself for the last meet I did, which ended in an 85 lb bench (so embarrassing). I'm finally training it correctly and sticking to a program that is obviously working for me.
Current Meet PR: 88
Current Gym PR: 100
Meet Goal: 105-110
Things I'm working on: pausing at the top so I don't miss the rack command, staying tight through the upper back

Deadlift
By far the worst of the three so far in this training cycle. My DL has gone from bad to good to very bad. I've been having a lot of back problems again (actually seeing a chiro for the first time ever next week!), and its been killing me mentally and obviously physically on deads. I was doing alright for a couple weeks, hitting near-maximal numbers on conventional deadlift then switching back to sumo. I actually pulled 190 for 1 the first week back into sumo. Since then I have been really inconsistent. I was supposed to do a max triple last week, which was 205 the last time I tested it. This time, I couldn't even get 185 off the floor ONCE. That was so frustrating because that should be an easy weight for me. But, I'm not going to dwell on it, I'm going to learn from it and move on. I can't focus on lifts I didn't make, I need to set my sights on lifts I CAN and WILL make.
Current Meet PR: 235
Current Gym PR: 225 (I rarely max test my DL because it hurts my back. I save it for the platform)
Meet Goal: 245-250
Things I'm working on: everything? Kidding. Staying tight in my lats and not yanking the bar up. Speed off the floor

So, safe to say I've been feeling very frustrated and defeated the past few weeks but I am trying very hard to keep focused and keep a positive attitude. I know that changing my diet and taking care of myself better will help a lot, I just need to do it!

Oh, and let's not talk about weight cut just yet. I'm dreading it. DREADING IT.

Stay STRONG and Stay FIERCE!!

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

From Barres to Barbells: How Lifting Changed My Life

Since joining the 1st Phorm Athlete Search, I've been putting myself out there more, and trying to figure out what I would want my "image" to be. What do I want to accomplish if I am chosen as one of their newest athlete? What message do I want to send out? I figured now would be a good time to reflect on myself and actually answer these questions. The story I sent 1st Phorm when I entered the contest was short and sweet (click here to read that post). This is the extended version.

What sets me apart? Besides the obvious-being a female powerlifter. There are so many amazing people already in the 1st Phorm family-I’m humbled to even be considered and it would be a huge honor to be picked and join these athletes. What I did notice is that they don’t have any female powerlifters in their ranks-and I want to be the first.

I started powerlifting when I was a senior in college, 2 and a half years ago. My ex-boyfriend got me into it, and immediately I felt like this was what was missing in my life. Before I started lifting, I was a dancer for my whole life. I started dancing when I was 3 years old, and continued until age 22. Dance, and more specifically ballet, was my entire life and it helped shape me into the person I am today. When I was in middle and high school, I spent every day after school and all day Saturday in class and rehearsal. Summers were spent at dance camp, 40 hours a week for 8 weeks. I loved it, but at the same time I hated it. The dance world is very competitive-and not always in a good way. You have to look a certain way, act a certain way, and accept what’s given to you. There are certain standards that all professional dancers must meet-tall, thin, and lean. Unfortunately, I didn't meet any of those standards. I grew up hearing phrases like

“you’re too short”

“you won’t fit into the costume”

“you’re too curvy”

“you won’t look good on stage next to so and so”

As you can see, I'm a full head shorter than the other dancers

....repeatedly hearing this definitely had an impact on me. I remember being devastated after audition results came out, every single year. "Why are all the other people in the dance advanced beginners...?" "I'm not in the snow scene? *cue meltdown*" "Why am I the ONLY senior without a solo in Nutcracker this year?!?!?!"....you get the picture. Every year I would swear it was my last, but auditions would roll around again and I'd be there, number pinned to my leotard, just like every other year. I was always stuck with the younger kids because of my size. I never danced a solo-not once. And it wasn't because of my abilities. I didn't 'look' the part of a soloist, so I never was one. And unfortunately, stuff like this wasn't uncommon in the dance world. The teachers always told me I would be 'repaid' someday, but that day never came (like the year I had to dance with beginners in the summer dance concert because they needed an extra person and I was the only one who would fit into the costume...I was 15, they were all between the ages of 6-9). And my teachers were right-I WAS small. At just 5 feet tall, I weighed less than 100 pounds until I went to college (freshman 15, holla). But it wasn't only me that got picked on. Many of my friends developed eating disorders and had serious psychological issues. I knew amazing dancers who had to give it all up because they couldn't handle the pressure. I witnessed girls collapse backstage from lack of food after a performance. I listened to girls throw up their lunches before class. And I didn't do anything about it.

Dance taught me a lot of things, like discipline, time-management, determination, the ability to work hard...but self-confidence and positive body image were not any of these things. I struggled with feeling good about my body for a long time.

That’s where lifting really changed my life. I continued to dance recreationally through college, but when I found powerlifting my life did a complete 180. What I love about lifting is, you don’t have to look a certain way. It’s not about what you look like, it’s about your strength and your abilities. Powerlifters come in all shapes and sizes-and every single one of them is supportive of one another. It’s such an amazing community and I'm so glad I found it! In the dance community, someone could be your best friend one day, then stab you in the back to get a role they desired the next day. Now, complete strangers look up to me, help me, motivate me, are motivated BY me. There’s no feeling quite like going to a competition, and having people who you don’t know at all encourage you and congratulate you and offer advice.

Since I started lifting, I’ve gained so much self-confidence and I’ve learned to love my body. I’ve always been a little bit reserved, shy and quiet, but I feel like I’ve come out of my shell. Lifting has made me a better version of myself.

What started out as a hobby, a way for me to bond with my boyfriend, turned into a full-blown lifestyle. Even after our relationship ended, I had no intentions of stopping. When I first started lifting, I never thought I would ever compete. I competed for the first time in October 2012, and after that I was hooked. I wanted to go to a meet every weekend! In the past 2.5 years, I’ve competed 5 times, finishing in first place 4 times and second place once. I don’t pretend to be the best-I’m far from it. I still consider myself very new to the sport and I know I have a lot to learn. I’ve met so many amazing people that have helped me along the way, and my coach John Gags is always there to offer guidance and support! Not to mention my family and friends who have always supported and encouraged me, even though I know they thought I was crazy at first! There are even people I've connected with via social media-instagram and facebook-who I've never met but are some of my biggest supporters. At first there were a lot of people who told me I couldn't do it and I’m proud to have proved them wrong. This is where the “never settle” mindset comes in for me. I’m not going to give up. Once I hit my goals I make new ones. I'm always looking for ways to improve and better myself.

I will never settle.

One of my proudest competition moments....235lb deadlift!

Winning the athlete search would mean so much to me. Not only would it be amazing to be a part of a company whose values I believe in, but I would get a chance to be alongside some of the best athletes out there! I hope to be someone for other women and girls to look up to. I want to encourage women to get out there and chase your dreams. I want to be a motivator for women to be the best versions of themselves. I know what it’s like to be scared of things-I spent most of my life being this small, timid girl. I spent my high school years trying to be as invisible as possible. And I never went to the gym. I was way too scared. Now, I’m often the only girl in the weight room, and let me tell you, its empowering! I want all women to feel that. I want all women to know their strength, because I can guarantee you’re stronger than you think! I want women to understand that there’s nothing wrong with being strong. You won’t get bulky unless that’s what you want-look at me! I tell people I lift and I always get this surprised reaction. I’m still a girl-I’m actually a very girly girl. All my gear is pink, my competition singlet is pink, I love getting dolled up in a dress and heels and dancing the night away with my girlfriends.

Going to the gym doesn’t mean you have to give up your femininity! And I want more women to understand that!

See? Still SUPER girly!!

So now the big question, what everyone wants to know-what would I do with the money if I won? Well to be honest, it’s not about the money for me. But if I did win…..I’ve always wanted to own my own business. I went to school for clinical exercise science, and I currently work as a fitness specialist for a corporate health and wellness company, but I am also a personal trainer and group ex teacher. I think it would be awesome to open a female-only strength training gym. A place where women who are serious about getting strong can come together in a community, lift together, and motivate each other. I want somewhere where women can go that's not intimidating.

I know what it's like to be scared....I spent most of my life being scared! I want to help women find their true potential-help them come out of THEIR shell, just like I did!

Right now it’s just a dream, but if I won I could be much closer to making that a reality.

Facebook: Chrissy Giorgetti

Instagram: @cahrissay

Email: chrissy.giorgetti@gmail.com

Stay STRONG and Stay FIERCE!!

Thursday, October 2, 2014

First Bootcamp of October!!

This week's workout is a total-body tabata workout! For those of you who are not familiar with tabata, it's simple! You do the instructed exercise for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, then go back to the exercise. Alternating 20 seconds of work with 10 seconds of rest for 4 minutes, giving you 8 "rounds" of the exercise! I'd recommend downloading a tabata timer app on your phone-its just easier than using the stopwatch. Trust.

SO! Total Body Tabata Workout:

You will need: medium-heavy weights, mat, jump rope, KB or heavy DB, and a medicine ball!

Set 1:

Squat to Shoulder Press (med-heavy weight)

Plank Jax