I am here to tell you a story about how this program changed my life – and why you should let it change yours also.

I came to the gym, I did my thing

I wasn’t unhappy.

But I wasn’t motivated either.

I was lacking something. I needed a goal – a challenge.

So, I signed up for the 12-week program (then called the PBT – now called the Ultimate Body Blitz)

I  gave myself a goal – I wanted a nice butt and a bikini ready body.

And I was going to reward for myself –  a professional photo shoot at the end.

I VIVIDLY remember that feeling after finishing the photo shoot.

I came running into the house to show Dion the photo that the photographer had printed off for me to take home straight away .. I could not believe what I looked like!!  It felt amazing.

I’ve said this before…

There is no better feeling, then the feeling of reaching a goal you set yourself… (that seemed out of reach) .. it was like a drug.

So I had an addiction .. and I wanted to feel this way again.

If I could do that what else can I do?

So in 2008 I made the decision to compete in the INBA women’s figure body building competition.

This was a bit longer than 12 weeks, closer to 12 months, but the same rules applied .. a goal, a reward, and a plan.

After Winning the INBA national title – that same amazing feeling was back… I’d had another hit!

I thought I was over it – thought I could focus on other things in my life.

Dion and I bought our family home,

We got married on a Fijian island,

And we created 2 of the most adorable boys you will ever meet!

(And not necessarily in that order… )

The addiction I had now – was taking baby photos, drinking wine and learning how to drive a car with no sleep.

I wasn’t at the gym. I had no time.

I was busy,  Running a florist, controlling two kids, trying to look after a husband, keep a clean house, pay bills blah blah blah …

By the time I managed to get everyone fed, dressed & out of the house, I would get through half a day – if I’m lucky – at work with 2 kids.. Where I was breastfeeding one kid, while the other one was pulling stock off the shelves … not to mention trying to do flower deliveries with 2 kids in the car…

Then we would get home, I would argue with Jax over what he is going to eat, clean up the 3 x 3-meter mess he makes after eating, and then I would need to cook something awesome for dinner for my darling husband.

All the while, hanging out the 18^th load of washing that day and cleaning up dirty nappies ..baby vomit .. doing dishes .

Then if I’m lucky – I can shower… maybe sleep before having to feed Jonas again…

Yeah – I had no time.

And I know I was not alone – there are plenty of us who can relate to this….

But I was ok – I was still getting some exercise in.

Vacuuming .. that’s exercise.

Jonas weighed 10 kilos – that was weight lifting.

Hanging out the washing for an hour – was like 20 should presses…

So yeah – I was working out still…

Wasn’t I?

Then one day I stopped and looked in the mirror.

I remember looking at myself and was genuinely shocked.

What happened?

I know – I know …

I have 2 wonderful kids, a healthy family, a lovely home … I am very blessed.   But …  I felt miserable with the way I looked.

I had become unhappy, angry, tired .. I was diagnosed postnatal.

SO ..  It was time to change. Somethings HAD TO change.

I needed a goal .. I needed something for me .. My addiction was back.

Coincidently, one afternoon not too long after this. Dion calls me.
He mentions that he had heard about INBA running a new division, a “Bikini Momma” division – for mums who have had kids and want to get back on stage.

The hint was subtle I know….

After I hung up on him,
I sent him an email.

“Honey, Let’s do it. I’m in”.
Signed, your wife, Miss Bikini Momma 2013″

Jonas was 3  months old – I had exactly 12 weeks.

But I was already there .. I had already decided. Because I already believed it.

I WAS MISS BIKINI MOMMA 2013.

A Goal, An End Game, and a Plan.

So what tools did I need?? There was 5.

1. A REMINDER / MY MOTIVATION
   My reason – A photo of me on stage in 2008 – to remind me how it felt to achieve a goal… my addiction
2. MY TRAINING DIARY
   To monitor my progress – measurements, weights, maltron testing. As you see your body change, both on paper and in your clothes, this motivates you to go harder.
3. MY GYM BUDDY
   a hubby/partner/friend to support you – YOU HAVE TO HAVE FUN.  6am body attack IS FUN! Some of my closest friends are from training at VIVA, they all play a part in my training, and are now important parts of my life.
4. SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS
   Register and go to them – allow yourself to be inspired.
   You can and will learn so much more, stay focused & be educated!
5. A PUSH_COACH
   MEET THE NEW MAN OR WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE!
   Not only are these guys the answers to my last 4 tips,  but they know all the answers to! Everything from nutrition, helping you set goals, to holding you accountable to your goals, to motivating you throughout your training to reach your goals. And YES they will always make training enjoyable!
   They understand.

So – It was 12 weeks – all I needed was a half hour a day – can I manage this? With a business, kids, husband, household duties?

It would be a struggle. Was Is it worth it?

The time, The money, The effort ..?

Am I worth it?

YES, I AM.

YES, I AM WORTH IT.

And so are you.

I remember being on stage with 10 other mums, sizing them up, looking at the judges, wondering how I look, wondering what they are thinking, wondering how I will place….

And then I hear my 2-year-old son in the audience somewhere, cheering me on.

And I realized – that I actually didn’t care where I placed –

I had done it.

I was looking great, I was feeling great, I was no longer depressed & I was inspiring my children and others.

I had done it.

AND THERE IS NO BETTER FEELING – THAN REACHING A GOAL YOU SET YOURSELF.

SO WHAT’S IT GONNA BE?

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?

RIGHT IT DOWN.

AND THEN STICK IT UP EVERYWHERE.

BECAUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, YOU THINK IT.

IF YOU THINK IT, YOU BELIEVE IT,

IF YOU BELIEVE IT, YOU WILL ACHIEVE IT.