Back from Iowa

Dear Fans,

I just got in from my Guest posing at the Iowa State Show. I had a great time. They have a lot of bodybuilding fans there to be such a small place. Everyone was so supportive... the athletes were nice, the show ran well... They seemed to really like my performance.. which made me feel GREAT! I was reminded all weekend why I choose this life style. It was really just so much fun. I tried out Jana Tana color.. It seems to be pretty good. The application process was so much easier.. and the bottoms of my feet were not black!! I finally figured out how to solve that. I'm going to use it for my other up coming events and most likely at the show.. since it will be the Jan Tana. I have to travel 2 more times and then I'll be home till my show On June 23rd. I will be in NY the 1st of May for video.. and the 2 week in May in Atlanta guest posing at the Eastern Seaboard, so still a lot of stuff for me to do. My training is going well. I feel good that I have my routines to practice and one less stress of the show off my mind. I'm chill at about 147. The weight is not falling off which is good. Body fat is continuing to go down. Dave just uped the cardio to 70 mins in the morning. Things in the office are going nice. I have a steady patient load that I'm handling well with everything else with less stress. I think through the years I just learn how to manage more with the practice. My office is really the only changing variable in my life.. the diet and work out stuff is constant.

I'm starved!! gotta eat and hit the hay.. I'm beat from the travel and posing. A special thank you to all my loyal members that continue to support me with your memberships. I really do appreciate it, and think of you... especially when the checks come in.. not to sound greedy.. but when I get the check I think of my fans and how much they help me out.

PS. Hi to all the Iowa peeps checking out my site... You all made me feel great!! I had a couple of fans that came because they knew I was going to be there. I was flattered!! Thanks Chuck! Really this is all about the fans... my fans are my friends.. and we can never have enough of those. Thank you again, please understand that I'm in the height of my season and practice, and do my best to get to my blog and your emails. I apologize to m the my space people waiting on me to reply. I'm working on it.. it just gets to be a lot.. you are all always on my mind .. believe me! Enjoy your warm weather!

Your Pro,

Dr. Dena

Back From Training

Dear Fans,

I hope all of you had a great weekend. I spent mine in Venice Bch, CA w/ the "Trainer of Champions", Charles Glass. I learned a lot as usual. People are amazed that I "need" a trainer. When you get to a high level of anything it gets difficult finding people that you respect enough to listen to. I don't want my mind space occupied by things I already know. Charles teaches me a different way to train by helping me communicate and stimulate my muscles in a particular way. He changes me technique slightly to hit my muscles bellies better and specific.

The hotel I stay at now has bikes, so I was able to ride back and forth to the gym all weekend. I use to train after Gunter, this time I was next behind Chris Cormier. There were a couple of National level competitors their to train with Charles too. I'm not the only one who comes far for the God Father of Bodybuilding. HI Kate!! Louie The Incredible Hulk was there.

We trained quads on Fri. I'm again splitting hams & quads up and have 2 days rest b/w them. I almost thought I was going to puke, that has never happened. I didn't, but thought about it. Probably from lack of sleep and heavy breathing. My quads were tore up!!! Sat. we trained back. He is very pleased how my back has come up. The work out was great; I worked til until I couldn't pull any longer. A fan took care of my lunch at Firehouse Sat. I was honored that someone knew me and hooked me up. I don't know who this person is , he didn't make himself known, but thank you.. stroked my super star ego for a moment.. lol!! After my work out on Sat. I decided to ride the bike along the strip. I was gone peddling for hours. It was a nice time but.. oh my legs!! It was a bit over cast, so I couldn't see the sun set. I haven't seen the sun kiss the water since I was home last in 2000. Sunday morning back on the bike and up to the gym. We met early to train my key area.. hamstrings. I rested for an hour after and then we worked on some clean up moves from previous workouts. I hoofed it back to the hotel to clean up and check out. Charles and I went to lunch and almost lost track of time. My flight left @ 3 ;I got to the airport at 2:15. they almost didn't check my bag. OMG!!

Now back to reality. I've really been trying to work on my stress levels. I just have so much to do I go crazy. One thing I thought about this weekend is focusing on how good I have it, and not how hard it is to get everything done. I realized this weekend that I need to pull inward.. this isolates me further from a normal life, but I find right now getting focused for my appearances and shows, I have no time outside my practice. Whatever " spare time" I have must be spent on office organization, posing routines, training and resting. The only hours I have to do this is before work, which I now do 1 hour of cardio and work out before I see patients, so that eliminates any morning time for anyone, and in the evening after work. I work until 6 or 7, unwind for a second do some paper work for the business, practice my routine and bed by 9pm. See no time for anyone but my dog. I must say that I missed her the most this weekend. I couldn't wait to get home to cuddle and snuggle with her. Oh, by the way Maryjane ( my dog) has hurt her back somehow. I've noticed her limping.. I'm taking her to the chiropractor tomorrow. He will adjust her and show me how to. I'll let you know.

I leave for Iowa in 2 weeks. I need to practice more @ the gym in the aerobics room instead of in my head during cardio. I went into the posing room at the MECA ( Venice Bch Gold's)and it seemed like I had 2 left feet. I have to practice every night this week. that makes 1` hour of cardio, 1 workout and 1.5 hours of posing adding up to 3.5 hours of prep / day, and on top of that see patients and have an open mind.. and I wonder why I feel so overwhelmed. I'm struggling but realizing the fact that taking care of myself does not make me a bad person. If I fade away, please continue to support me with your emails. They keep me going. My distance is me forcing myself to focus. I can only accomplish this by doing, not talking about doing... there is a big difference.!!

Have a great week! Keep in touch.

Your Pro,

Dr Dena

Spring Is Here!

Man it's a beautiful day here in the STL. I wanted to make sure I got to my fans first thing, even before cardio. Dave just uped my cardio to an hour first thing in the morning, everyday. I've been getting on the treadmill I get a great workout on it, but Maryjane suffers because she likes the walks, so today I'll walk her for 30 mins and then get on the treadmill for another 30. My physique is coming together nicely. I'm still at 150 lb, but 8% body fat. The heaviest I've been at this low BF. My upper body conditioning seems to really come in quick.. I need to concentrate on bringing in that glute / ham area really tight. It's good for me to hold on to as much weight as possible to allow for crunch time. I do need to weigh in at 135 or lower. I have to meet with Charles next weekend; he will design my work out up to the show. Our main focus is bringing the legs in, but keeping them full.... almost impossible. I still look better this year then ever off season, or point in time. You can only strive for improvements, if that's happening then you're doing something right. My time is about to take off. I start my tour.. living a somewhat professional bodybuilder life style of travel and performances. This is going to be a great challenge since I do have a practice to run and focus on. In the past my patients have thought they were doing me a favor by not coming in and giving me time to train.. I appreciate the thoughtfulness.. but this is something I don't need happening. I concentrate all my energy on the practice and the show. I am here for you..It is my job, which I love!!

I'm beginning to get some organization in my office. I'm getting a routine down. Cassie did well in her show.. 3rd in the D class. She now plans to go on to the Jr. Nationals. I'm back to doing all my entering; Back to wearing the hats of several people. It does get more challenging each year when shows come up.. mainly because I continue to grow.,. that is a good thing. One day I will have to make a choice... I'm sure you all know who I will choose. Health and Fitness will always be my lifestyle!

Well I'm here windows opened, crisp air, sparkling clean house, motivated to start my day. Off to do cardio, I have to get a meal or 2 in and get to the gym to train hams and other leg stuff, meet with music guy @ 2 to finish up music for my guest posing in Iowa April 21. Hope you are all doing great!! Special thank you to the members... I couldn't do this without your help. xoxox!

Your Pro,

Dr. Dena