Hey there everybody! After a bit of a creative hiatus to get me back to my roots (which involved me seeing friends and family, including two friends of mine getting married, yay!), I'm back with vigor.
You know, a little over two years ago, I graduated college with a degree in Musical Theatre. Now to my knowledge no one had graduated with that kind of degree in at least 10 years (it was an individualized major). A lot of people said that I was nuts, that it couldn't be done. Yet there I was, doing what people thought was a fool's errand.
When I said I wanted to be a film actor, I had more than a few people say that I had to "go to Los Angeles, be there 3-5 years, and then you may get some parts, but you'll never really make it." I've barely been at this film thing for 1.5 years, and already I am a union actor (SAG-AFTRA); I have a demo reel and a website; people are contacting me for gigs; and I am on the top of my game.
People told me I'd have to choose, that I'd have to give up some activities as I got older. Since I've graduated, I've worked on feature films and commercials; done Tough Mudder and Spartan Race; met and embraced a new family in the worlds of film and physical fitness; travelled across the country. I am surrounded by so many friends and family who want the best for me, I've honestly lost track.
So to all of those people who think that I don't have what it takes, to all of those people who wish to see me fail, let me tell you this: I've done all of this in 1.5 years, and I haven't even begun yet. If you think I've succeeded now, you ain't seen nothing yet. Brace yourself, because I'm making my own miracles, each and every day.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Motivational Monday: Honor Those Who Serve
Motivational Mondays are back! I've been out for a few weeks due to filming (I'll update you with my other blog, for my acting career in a bit), but I'm back and ready to kick some serious butt!
Today is Memorial Day in the United States, where we honor those who have served, are currently serving, or will serve in the armed forces. Now speaking as someone who has never been in the service, I have nothing but tremendous respect for these people. They put their lives on the line for little pay to help make the world a better place. Now some of you may disagree, but look at World War II. Do you know how many people sacrificed their lives so that we wouldn't live under Nazi rule? I don't know, but it was a lot.
Many people are against the war we are currently in, myself included. I don't like war and violence; it doesn't solve much other than get the adrenaline going and maybe a couple of broken appendages. But I do support those who serve, because of what they do. God know I couldn't do it.
So to those in the forces, I honor you not just today, but everyday. You are truly an inspiration for us all to be something more than we are, and to fight and protect those you love.
Today is Memorial Day in the United States, where we honor those who have served, are currently serving, or will serve in the armed forces. Now speaking as someone who has never been in the service, I have nothing but tremendous respect for these people. They put their lives on the line for little pay to help make the world a better place. Now some of you may disagree, but look at World War II. Do you know how many people sacrificed their lives so that we wouldn't live under Nazi rule? I don't know, but it was a lot.
Many people are against the war we are currently in, myself included. I don't like war and violence; it doesn't solve much other than get the adrenaline going and maybe a couple of broken appendages. But I do support those who serve, because of what they do. God know I couldn't do it.
So to those in the forces, I honor you not just today, but everyday. You are truly an inspiration for us all to be something more than we are, and to fight and protect those you love.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Motivational Mondays Are Back! So Very Blessed!
Ok, so I know I've been gone for a little while, but I'll do my best to be a bit more consistent next time. I've just had so much happen to me in the past couple of months that it's been overwhelming me a bit. More on that later.
You ever have so many wonderful things happen to you that you just can't bear it but tell the world? That's me right now, and usually all the time. I am 25 years old, and I have never been happier, in better shape, and better off at tackling the world than I am right now. And the best part is is that it's only going to go up from here. I'm so excited to be sharing this world with y'all that I can barely contain myself. I've learned a lot about myself, both professionally and personally. Am I pushing myself too hard sometimes? Perhaps, but that's the only way I'm going to reach the top.
And really, none of that would be possible without a good support system. I have wonderful friends, family, and loved ones who have always believed in me, who have always wanted me to be to succeed and be happy. It is those people (and you know who you are) that have helped me through all my victories and failures, achievements and mistakes, and have helped me to grow.
So to those people, you have no idea how much you have helped me, and this blog entry will hardly do it justice. All I can offer is my undying humility and gratitude and my promise to keep pushing myself and being happy.
So today, thank someone who has been a big inspiration in your life. I try to do this every day of my life. You don't have to do it, but at the very least you could let them know that you love them and appreciate all that they've done for you.
Namaste, God Bless, and Thank You.
You ever have so many wonderful things happen to you that you just can't bear it but tell the world? That's me right now, and usually all the time. I am 25 years old, and I have never been happier, in better shape, and better off at tackling the world than I am right now. And the best part is is that it's only going to go up from here. I'm so excited to be sharing this world with y'all that I can barely contain myself. I've learned a lot about myself, both professionally and personally. Am I pushing myself too hard sometimes? Perhaps, but that's the only way I'm going to reach the top.
And really, none of that would be possible without a good support system. I have wonderful friends, family, and loved ones who have always believed in me, who have always wanted me to be to succeed and be happy. It is those people (and you know who you are) that have helped me through all my victories and failures, achievements and mistakes, and have helped me to grow.
So to those people, you have no idea how much you have helped me, and this blog entry will hardly do it justice. All I can offer is my undying humility and gratitude and my promise to keep pushing myself and being happy.
So today, thank someone who has been a big inspiration in your life. I try to do this every day of my life. You don't have to do it, but at the very least you could let them know that you love them and appreciate all that they've done for you.
Namaste, God Bless, and Thank You.
Myself after New England Tough Mudder
Make your own miracles
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Workout Wednesday: Hand Stand Pushups
After a couple of days to really focus on my work and working out, I'm blogging about something that I've been working to get back to for a couple of weeks now: handstand pushups. They're just awesome. If you want powerful and functional shoulders, you should try for this (men and women alike). They're just sexy.
Don't believe me? Then check out this girl doing handstand pushups and prove me wrong.
Enjoy.
Don't believe me? Then check out this girl doing handstand pushups and prove me wrong.
Enjoy.
Is that sexy or what?
Monday, March 26, 2012
Motivational Monday: Relaxation
Well, after a weekend of filming, rehearsals, lots of walking and being in 40 degree weather with my shirt off, I am finally able to relax. And that's part of the game; learning to relax.
In the world of gaining muscle, it's not how much you lift that matters so much as how much rest you give your muscles. That's because they need to be torn down and rebuilt stronger and more durable, more able to handle heavy loads. The same thing can be said for when you break a bone; your body creates more calcium for that bone so that it's less likely to break.
We all need time to relax. Which is why I'm so glad I get to go to California (San Francisco to be specific) to celebrate a birthday and see friends. I will still hit the weights and pavement of course, but to have that lack of stress for a few days will keep me energized and ready for what's around the corner. Big things in store, so stay tuned.
In the world of gaining muscle, it's not how much you lift that matters so much as how much rest you give your muscles. That's because they need to be torn down and rebuilt stronger and more durable, more able to handle heavy loads. The same thing can be said for when you break a bone; your body creates more calcium for that bone so that it's less likely to break.
We all need time to relax. Which is why I'm so glad I get to go to California (San Francisco to be specific) to celebrate a birthday and see friends. I will still hit the weights and pavement of course, but to have that lack of stress for a few days will keep me energized and ready for what's around the corner. Big things in store, so stay tuned.
Friday, March 23, 2012
March 23rd, 2012: Carrying to Safety Workout
So today, I did the aptly named "Carrying to Safety Workout" because, well, sometimes you gotta carry somebody. To accomplish this, Chad Howse talked about some key things that you have to work on:
So he starts us off with power cleans, which is one of the best athletic movement you can possibly do; it works your entire body in one explosive movement, burning major calories and really testing your grit. Admittedly I haven't done these in a very long time, so I need to get my form back. Then doing a workout geared towards endurance particularly in the legs, shoulders and back. The endurance challenge was designed to have me lift heavy weight, so breaks were required (as in, I had to lift heavy enough weights to stop a couple of times)
But me being me, I threw in some extras. Yes, that means I did my ab exercises, but I also threw in some extra chest work, because I like pushups. I threw in some clap pushups, and some swinging planks, which work the whole body. I also had to vary up the heavy bag lifting exercise, seeing as how I didn't have a bag. Let's go.
Explosive Movements:
Endurance Challenge: as fast as possible for time:
Time: 23:21
Ooof. This one was tough. My weakness seems to be odd lifts (i.e. the front and hack squats). The lumberjack press also threw me for a loop. Because I've never done about half of these lifts, I'm not too concerned. I'll just get faster :)
Until tomorrow, where I will try to get something in, but with filming all day, that will be doubtful.
And for my own inspiration, here's a photo of Bruce Lee, because he brought the term "Superhero" to real life. Now to finish watching the UNC/Ohio U. game. Cheers!
- Grip Strength
- Lifting Power/Strength
- Muscle Endurance
- Lifting Technique
So he starts us off with power cleans, which is one of the best athletic movement you can possibly do; it works your entire body in one explosive movement, burning major calories and really testing your grit. Admittedly I haven't done these in a very long time, so I need to get my form back. Then doing a workout geared towards endurance particularly in the legs, shoulders and back. The endurance challenge was designed to have me lift heavy weight, so breaks were required (as in, I had to lift heavy enough weights to stop a couple of times)
But me being me, I threw in some extras. Yes, that means I did my ab exercises, but I also threw in some extra chest work, because I like pushups. I threw in some clap pushups, and some swinging planks, which work the whole body. I also had to vary up the heavy bag lifting exercise, seeing as how I didn't have a bag. Let's go.
Explosive Movements:
- Power Cleans: 4 sets of 3: 115/135/145/145
- Clap Pushups: 3 sets of as many as possible without sacrificing form at all: 17/17/18
Endurance Challenge: as fast as possible for time:
- Farmers Walk: 60 seconds: 45 pound dumbbells in each hand
- Hack Squat (barbell behind you on the floor): 30 reps: 125 pounds
- Lumberjack Press: 30: 65 pounds (this one hurt a lot)
- Front Squat (barbell positioned on your shoulders, working your postural muscles): 30: 95 pounds (it's harder than it sounds, trust me).
- TRX Row with feet suspended: 30 (keep in mind I had my entire body suspended)
- Lunge Walk: 30 each leg: 45 pound dumbbells
- Weight Walk: 100 feet x6: 45 pound plate (also held out shoulders to put more stress on them)
- Swinging Plank (start in a Yoga Child's Pose but with your legs out to the side; slide out into a low pushup position; switch sides): 30
Time: 23:21
Ooof. This one was tough. My weakness seems to be odd lifts (i.e. the front and hack squats). The lumberjack press also threw me for a loop. Because I've never done about half of these lifts, I'm not too concerned. I'll just get faster :)
Until tomorrow, where I will try to get something in, but with filming all day, that will be doubtful.
And for my own inspiration, here's a photo of Bruce Lee, because he brought the term "Superhero" to real life. Now to finish watching the UNC/Ohio U. game. Cheers!
So freaking badass.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Thursday, March 22nd, 2012: Yoga it Up!
So, sometimes when you do a new workout routine, you gotta listen to your body and how it responds to it. Sometimes you have to be gradual.
That's what I'm doing here. Today I did yoga, and really let my body stretch and relax. However, the yoga itself was difficult, seeing as how I had to hold a low pushup position for 30 seconds minimum, or a hand balancing pose for a minute. But still, easier than some stuff I could put it through.
Tomorrow, I start workout routine #3 for being a hero. Rock on.
That's what I'm doing here. Today I did yoga, and really let my body stretch and relax. However, the yoga itself was difficult, seeing as how I had to hold a low pushup position for 30 seconds minimum, or a hand balancing pose for a minute. But still, easier than some stuff I could put it through.
Tomorrow, I start workout routine #3 for being a hero. Rock on.
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