One of my greater outdoor adventures was hiking (backpacking) 500+ miles on, The Colorado Trail. From start to finish it took 42 days some of which were designated for much needed rest.

So what is the CT anyway? Here it is in a nut shell; The Colorado Trail is a beautiful back-country trial starting in Denver, Colorado and ending in Durango, Colorado. The Colorado Trail covers 500 miles of breath taking terrain covering 8 mountain ranges, passing 5 major river systems, traversing 6 national forests and 6 wilderness areas. Trail elevations range from 5,500 feet starting in Denver and end at a high of 13,334 feet on Coney Summit in the San Juan Mountains. For 200 miles, the CT runs concurrent with the Continental Divide Trail. The average elevation is over 10,000 feet.The trail rises and falls dramatically throughout the 500 miles. There is an elevation gain of 75,000 vertical feet. I saw a couple bears (only 2) as well as marmots, squirrels, deer, elk, bighorn sheep and a variety of birds. As wildlife abounds the wildflowers are abundant truly some of the most beautiful places in the world totally untouched providing endless breathtaking views. The CT passes through some of the historic mining towns of Colorado that still maintain a very authentic old time ambiance. There are ancient Indian trails and historic building sites evidence of miners past. I read somewhere that, “It’s arguably one of Colorado’s greatest outdoor recreation and education achievements,” I concur!

I can say, ‘I have been there done that,’ all and all the CT experience has marked me with a stain of achievement as well as confirming that I can really reach my goals in my physical life and in many other aspects of my life. I encourage everyone to work hard and work past the ‘stuff’ in achieving their goals. There were some battles I faced on the trail for sure and one of the greater of battles, was fear. I feared many things like, not finishing the trail because of the level of difficulty and strain, especially on the days I had low energy. Toward the end of the CT I had lost so much weight that my heavy pack was carving sores into and above my hip bone along with server blisters with led to the loss of most of my toenails. When my pack was full it weighted 50 pounds which was 50% of my body weight, to sum it up I’d say it was an arduous task. I feared the possibility of being attached by wild animals but my ultimate number 1 fear was the weather. Until then I had Never experienced being above treeline in a lightening storm. Even though I had been in a couple rainy situations on the tops of 14,000 foot peaks but nothing like my first run-in with lightening above treeline.

I remember vividly summiting Georgia Pass, I was excited to set up camp on the hill side. The views were breath taking so green graced with patches of yellow flowers everywhere. It was early in the trek and I was feeling Happy-Go-Lucky totally on cloud 9! It was around 4pm and the tent had only been set up for 15 minutes, long enough to dress down and relax that’s when the ground shook from lightening striking, I had never heard a more deafening sound nor had I felt the powerful rumble of the earth all from lightening! The view outside was suddenly grim the sky darkening with heavy gray, water filled clouds. My partner and I had No words to exchange other than F&#@’n hurry!! We threw our boots back on and started disassembling the tent as fast and mad as humanly possible. In the minute that it took to pack the tent we saw a tree below smoking from flame due to a strike. We took off running downward, our eyes set on the grove of evergreens about 500 feet below our once thought to be the Best camp site ever! We made it to safety and I don’t think I’d ever shook so much from fear. It changed me, the realization that I was not in control…….. had I been under the illusion all my life that I even had control in the first place! The earth was wet that night as well as the long underwear I had on which I ran for my life in because I had no time to dress! I sat quiet throughout the night wondering what the next 300+ miles would bring.

There were 3 other severe situations with lightning. One of the situations we had No tree cover and hid tucked underneath a mud trench that had been formed from the erosion of water runoff. Boy was that exciting and Not the happy kind! Trust me you do not want to be the tallest thing in the area when it comes to lightening! The last dreadful but worth honorable mention was the lighting storm at Bear Lake, the lake I caught and gutted my first fish on the trail…..Rainbow trout it was yummy! We cooked it on a thin smooth rock we found by the lake side! It was also my birthday celebration dinner. Bad storm came in before dark and the lightening filled the ground and sky with the brightest light I’d ever seen, I remember going into fetal position. For 2 hours I cried wishing I was elsewhere imaging the worst scenarios even thinking I’d never see my children again and making promises to God! I was for certain if I did make it, I’d have ear damage! My partner and I were so shook up we drew straws when the storm lifted to see who was going out to filter water. I drew the short straw! Of freak’n course…I head out of the tent crossing my fingers that the lightening was done striking….I walk about 100 feet to the water and filter then walk back toward the tent when I find an enormous lightening hole 20-25 feet from our tent!!!

I was happy to leave the camp site and descend into Twin Lakes where we stayed for two nights resting at one of my favorite historical bed & breakfasts! It was a brothel back in the mining days and I loved it because each of the rooms were dedicated to the woman who worked that particular room. Their names were written along with a story of the woman’s life framed and placed on the outside of each room’s door. All the beds where 100% down and hand fluffed daily. OMG it was total heaven sleeping in bed and eating REAL FOOD!! We were living off of MRE’s which are military rations. The view outside of the bed & breakfast was stunning the twin lakes just directly across the 2 lane road the same road that will take you over Independents Pass and drop you in Aspen, Colorado…you can also climb Maroon Bells (14,000 peak) from there. I loved the R&R and I was so sad to leave. I left with more trepidation than ever…with very good reason. I was now fully aware of the dangers that could lie ahead .

Obliviously fear was a huge battle I fought on the trail. I made a realization that the more I focused on what I really wanted, like getting to each nights destination point helped with the miserable emotional struggle fear can bring. I utilized the nervous energy by physically pushing for my goal. I also realized when I focused I was able to better assess the situation from day to day. For instance I knew I had no control over the weather but I did have control over where I was going. I knew every night what the next days hike was, how many miles and how much elevation gain we had to look forward to. I learned NOT to get stuck above treeline in a storm, I also knew that the storms came rolling in early afternoon which meant we needed to be descending before weather would hit. This is usurping control in the areas you can…..remember to focus this helps gain clarity. Lesson learned.

The CT was more than AMAZING in spite of it’s challenges. I remember in certain places that we’d climb up to were so beautiful and surreal I’d cry. I don’t know if I was crying because I am just a girl or because the energy was so overwhelming….energy begets energy. There is something about pushing yourself beyond what it was you thought could to do. It is transformational to break your own ideas of CAN and CAN’T. There is a sense of knowing there is a presents of peace in our most intense moments of challenge. It’s a beautiful thing to discover this about ones’ self. I could take this 500 mile experience and metaphorically apply it to my real life situations today. Make your experiences ones that you can learn from and continue taking on challenges in your life.

My applause to all you DIE-HARD’S who engage in insane activity….as I was once told GO BIG OR GO HOME!!!!!

Trail began in 1973 with a grant from the Gates Foundation and was completed in 1987.

Be aware of your body in your positioning and throughout each of the movements.  Avoid injury by warming up muscles first and don’t over do it.  Drink lot’s of water! Have Fun!

Helpful Hints:

SHOES- Make a difference I suggest light weight and supportive tennis shoes.

Get a Jump Rope- You’ll feel like a kid again, music is a must with it!

Gloves- Protect Your Palms, keep them soft!

Good Socks- They just feel good.

Fun Colors- Choose some fun workout-fits!

Exercise Mats Rock!

Anytime Challenge- Just add weight!

Outside Treks- Learn How to pee outside and blow your noise ‘the farmer’s blow way’!!!…lol Wear sun screen & hat!

Warm Bath or Hot Tub- Before you stretch.  

HERE’S A PICTURE OF SOME FUN LEG EXERCISES…!

So this is it & 7 reasons I love the Kick-Ass Kick-Bike and why YOU will too!

1.  It’s FUN, when you don’t feel like putting forth the energy to workout this is the answer: PLAY instead, perfect Toy!

2.  ANYone can do this, it’s less intimidating than a bike period even if a bike isn’t intimidating, this kick bike is much easier to handle.

3.  Perfect for people of all ages, less stress on joints too!

4.  Kick-it as hard or easy as you feel like and you are still getting some where faster than walking and even jogging!

5.  Less moving parts make this toy more reliable if you are not the mechanical type.

6.  This is Not a motivation sport this is an: I feel like sport, all the time sport!

7.  Whether you want a nice body or not, you are Doomed to get one if you are using your kick-bike!

I call this the Kick-Ass, Kick-Bike for all these reasons and more.  This toy has been the perfect toy for my family in bridging the gap between agreeing on an activity which has brought us together in a very fun way.   Since there is 7 of us it’s sometimes hard to pick something as a group that accommodates all of our wants.  The kick-bike is seriously that fun!  We all love it! Even my special needs child can easily handle and keep up with us as a group for a nice trek through our neighborhood or out on the trail.  I am all over this NEW & FUN toy and encourage EVERYONE to get one or two of these Kick-Bikes!

It is possible to get your body back after pregnancy. I’ve had 3 children and have achieved the weight loss every time. I do admit it was a lot more effort after my last baby! It’s tough but here are some things that can make it easier on you if you are going to face this challenge or if you are currently facing the challenge of losing the baby weight now.

During Pregnancy:

WALK- I walked everywhere, to the grocery store, to the schools, to the parks where ever it was I walked many miles during all my pregnancies. I gained around 25 pounds during each pregnancy.

EAT- I ate a wider range of foods increasing my protein intake, not all because I knew it was probably a good idea but because I truly craved it. As many mothers do, I increased my calories overall, I just felt hungrier months 3-7. I chose foods that I knew where a good choice and stayed away from too much junk food….but come on you got to have a cookie once-in-awhile!

SLEEP- I slept as much as I felt like (when I could), rest is so important for keeping your stress levels down.

WORK- I was the lady who said, “I’m pregnant NOT ill! I can do this!” I was very active and a hard worker. I think that is why I didn’t gain more weight than I did.

After Pregnancy:

BREAST FEED- I was very lucky and able to breast feed all of my children as I have heard this helps stimulate the uterus to contract and tighten down. It’s like a natural tummy tuck in a way!

WALK- I was huge on walking with my babies in a baby pouch. I had 3 children in 3 years it was CRAZY but I still walked with 2 in the stroller and one in the pouch!

HARD WORKOUTS- Walking wasn’t enough to loose the weight from the last pregnancy, that’s when my intense training started. I started hiking with weight and the more uphill the better. I also started long distance bike riding and running. After about 9 months of great conditioning from training hard I was a size 3 but after a year I was a size 0. Back to what I was before children. I was a very active child, I studied ballet, lived on my bike and played like a dare devil. I also worked at the early age of 9….I really feel that LIFE STYLE is where it’s at! I am accustom to working hard from a very young age so it’s just a part of life and it’s the part of life that makes a difference in my adult life today. It’s NOT easy it’s work…so my advise is Learn to love to work hard, it can be fun! You will love your results…and so will everyone else!

LOVE FOOD- I love food. Food and I have a good relationship. You need this too if you don’t already have it. Learn about food and honor your needs.

SECRET- I do my AB EXERCISES ….it’s key to a nice tummy!

The key is choosing the foods that will support your objective rather than keep you from it. I like to EARN my MEALS. This programming/mindset is THE FIRST IMPERATIVE. That may look extreme at first glance! What it means is: If I haven’t worked out that day, two or three, I just eat less and skip naughty foods on the days I’m not active. You can apply a money analogy here. If you only have $100 and you need to pay your water bill before spending $ on wants…BUT you really want shoes that cost $200, how are you going to do that? By earning more, right? Now you’ve worked hard to earn extra and now you have $400, you can pay your water bill of $100 buy the shoes you want at $200 and have $100 left over!

I’ve organized it into meal basics which are the calories (energy) you need to survive then you have your meal extras eating on the more extravagant side ‘Amber Style’ being whatever you want. I earn my Amber Style, meals by working out, eating larger portions and fun foods (desserts) or foods that have higher fat content.
Keep in mind you can’t work off a bad diet don’t let your efforts of working out be lost! Goals are good. Goals will help you focus. It’s a great time to exercise self-control, it is empowering, especially when you reach your goal! It is important for you to be realistic. You may surprise yourself, much better than setting yourself up for disappointment.

Make food your friend. Anytime you focus on accomplishing a goal there are unexpected gifts that come along with that. You may find that just being more cognizant about your diet that it may lead you to more of an healthier relationship with food. I encourage you to learn as much as possible about food and the benefits each food provides, this will make it easier to choose what is right for you and feel good about it!
Be your own FOOD/DIET expert! How do you go about that? Learn about food! I have NEVER fallen into Dieting Traps! I’ve probably read hundreds of diet plans and regimens …..I know people who are addicted to the psychological need to be dependent on this or that new diet plan. When one doesn’t work no need to worry there is the next dieting plan being pitched on every corner, that one should work, right? WRONG! It’s ALL CRAP!!!! Learn about what your diet needs are and honor what is best for you. PLAIN and simple: DO NOT OVER EAT and DO NOT EAT JUNK!

The One and Only Jack Lalanne…..1914-2011

“A True Original,” as Larry King called him last night on his show covering his great life and selfless contributions to mankind. As I clicked through some old videos on You Tube of Jack this evening, I smiled ear to ear calling out to my son…”hey come look at this!!” There is just something about the vintage black and white shows that make me giddy! Is that corny well… they do! I LOVE the vocabulary that goes with them, bonus! Jack had his own way of talking and it was and still is something to appreciate and in the making up words department Jack certainly didn’t slack! Got to love his message and consistency throughout his lifetime, the message that was so very intimate and close to him. In a radio show I found he tells the interviewer, ” I can save people’s lives! I can help people take care of the most precious gift, LIFE! Live Young Forever,”…..Jack chants and I heard the smile on his face (yes you can hear smiles) and the passion in his tone. He was asked if he could guess how long he would live and his answer….” It’s not how many years I live it’s how I live Today, I LIVE FOR THE MOMENT!” I also found tons of photographs covering all stages of his life and chuckled at how the ‘gun show’ was going off in almost every photo! His signature pose, come on Jack show us the guns…and O BOY the guns he had! I also noticed he wasn’t apposed to posing nude in his younger days which makes me just love him more! Jack a true guru with a true heart and purpose! With all of his enthusiasm and high energy he will be remembered as funny too. Jake states in 2006, “I can’t afford to die. It would wreck my image.”

He was and is and will be loved and appreciated for years to come….hat’s off, LIVE YOUNG FOREVER!

Good thoughts go out to his family Elaine, Dan, Jon, and Yvonne Lalanne.

Work The Ball!

I LOVE my ball…..okay 1/2 ball! Today I had a photo shoot that involved nudity, I was hired to model for artistic nudes that a chain of Health Spas around the US requested for art installations. At the end of the shoot I asked if I could shoot some exercise oriented photos and this was the first shot out of the camera…I really don’t have an exercise movement that looks like this (in the case that you are wondering).

Back to the ball! I have so many exercises I love to do with my ball….legs, abs, back, butt and even arms! I use my ball at least 4 times per week when I am at home…it’s FUN….not only that I feel the burn so I know it’s working!

If your like me, you probably have a lot of things going on in your life besides hanging out with a treadmill. Over the years, I have developed some very effective ways of maintaining an active life style without losing my sanity. ……

I am excited to launch the Bare Condition Body Workout- BCB! The exercises I’ve chosen over a 7 day schedule I have demonstrated to work! Get READY to hear a lot of “*GOD DAMNS!” I have the BCB all laid out for you in a simple and an understandable format that will transform your body into KILLER, TRAFFIC STOPPING, JAW DROPPING, TO DIE FOR, SHAPE!!

Here are 5 W’s to cover your Q’s!

Who- The BCB Workout Schedule has been engineered specifically for people who have a desire to get maximum impressive results in a short amount of time and who already have a workout regimen in practice.

What- The BCB is designed to shock your body into shape by way of different workouts, schedules and variance in intensity.

When-You can apply this schedule to your current lifestyle, I’ve created this schedule for people with busy/demanding everyday schedules. You will see that you don’t need a lot of time to reap incredible results. You don’t even need to have a gym membership or budget for expensive exercise equipment!

Where-You can do this anywhere and anytime even at work.

Why-First the Name- Why Bare Condition?? Ladies When You Look Good BARE You Are Indefinitely Going To Look Every Where Else! Strip it all down to the fact of the matter! Now Why The Program? After trying a new workout schedule I created for myself several years ago to get into better modeling shape I was shocked at the difference I saw! I had lot’s of trepidation changing my Over Training ways but I did it! I wanted different results so I did something different. I cut my workouts down by 50% to 75%! Instead of endurance training I kicked it up a knotch and did shorter workouts and I found…….. YOU GET A LOT OF BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! You really do Burn it up (fat) without Burning out!

Life gets busy, I understand that because we have 5 kids in the house, along with making a living, it’s crazy so I need something time manageable I stick to the progressions of the BCB and keep my body in killer shape! For several years I have been asked how I stay in shape it is through maintaining an active lifestyle and conscious eating habits. I am happy to share what these habits look like! They work for me after having children and keep me getting figure modeling work and THIS WILL WORK FOR YOU! GET ON with the BCB!

*GOD DAMN: Term that is used as a cat call or as an extreme acknowledgment of beauty. Synonyms (and Adjectives) of God Damn: Immensely Gorgeous, Intense Beauty, Seriously Sexy, Beyond Hot, Stunning, Of Goddess Status.