Amy tells you how to set your goals

Do your long term goals seem overwhelming? Often, I find them daunting and that's when I turn to other people to see what they've done. Oxygen's Off the Couch! cover gal Amy Barnes, for instance, had an inspirational weight loss journey that took almost five years (and 339lbs!).  Amy set herself up for success by working at it slowly. Check out this video for more of her tips on how to stay motivated! Let me know what you think.

Amy on stage!

This weekend Oxygen’s Off the Couch! cover gal Amy Barnes is doing something she’d never thought possible – getting on stage to compete in a fitness show. You’ve got to love this woman’s zest for new challenges – as if shedding 339 lbs weren’t enough! She’s now going to compete in front of others this weekend! And this from someone who never wore exercise shorts in her adult life; this from a woman who stared at the clothes for her cover shoot wondering how the heck she was going to pull off a bathing suit and workout wear. But she did it! I have every confidence that she’ll get on stage and do terrifically well. This inspiring woman is not one to shy from new experiences. Good luck Amy! And on a special note: Check out Amy on The Today Show November 9!

Injury-prone?

Here’s a letter I got from a reader recently:

I've been training for more than eight years, and although I've maintained my weight, I feel like my muscles aren't as toned as I'd like. I'm 5'6" and weigh about 145 lb. I have a bad knee with bone on bone and it's difficult to work my leg muscles, but I'm getting there. How can I keep motivated to work out strong without thinking that I'm just not going to get where I want to be? I still feel good after a workout and I have a trainer to help with my knee while I await possible surgery, but I've lost my motivation.
Thanks! Karen

I hate to admit it, but I am the least patient person when it comes to injuries...I just keep plowing along! But I learned a harsh lesson a few years ago when I sustained my first concussion – I kept trying to get back to my workouts but always had to stop, repeatedly, because I was simply trying too hard and moving too soon. It was a hard lesson to learn, but I know now to come back slowly and take my time after an injury. So, Karen, let me first tell you to seek medical advice. Then, do what I did when I was injured – be good to yourself and don’t rush back too quickly. Finally, read the real-life motivational stories in our Oxygen Collector's issue, Off the Couch! You'll get loads of inspiration, believe me! Motivation comes from within, ultimately, but reading inspirational stories of women from across the country just might help too! How else do you stay motivated? Let me know!

Note: In a previous blog posting, I told you all that you can buy Off the Couch! here if you don’t see it on stands in your city or town. What I didn't know is that that link only applies to our North American readers. Sorry! If you live overseas, please email sales@emusclemag.com to get a copy.

Cover worthy? You bet!

You never know what might happen at any cover shoot and this one with Amy was no different. Have a peek at this video and see why Amy had what it takes to land a cover for Oxygen's new collector's special Off the Couch! Motivation for Real Women. Get your issue HERE!

Preparation – the secret to success!

It's funny how the mind works – you finally get off the couch and into the gym. You've made it past obstacle one – but now that you're at the gym, what are you supposed to do?

Well, after a lot of trial and error, I’ve learned you need a detailed plan to get the results you want. Oxygen’s Off the Couch! cover gal Amy sheds some light on how to prepare for the gym workout ahead of time. Check out her success story featured in the current Oxygen collector's issue, Off the Couch! Motivation for Real Women.

Watch Amy's first tip here!

Oxygen’s Off the Couch! cover gal Amy chats with me.

Amy and I took a little break at her cover shoot at photographer Paul Buceta’s studio. It’s so great learning more about her! Find out what makes her tick in this quick Q & A (it just may surprise you, inspire you, motivate you!).




…..Thanks again for posting such great comments here at Oxygen’s “The Real Deal” blog. I love to read them! I’ll try to meet your needs to “snoop” behind-the-scenes as much as I can. Talk to you Monday!

Look what’s in this model’s lunch bag!

At any photo shoot, the days can be long. I always find it interesting to learn how a fitness model stays properly fuelled on the set. Here, in this video, our model Fran Dennis (a mother of six, btw!) shares her secrets to eating on set or whenever she’s on the go. Her key to it all? Proper planning. (and a whole lot of oregano!) Do you have any tips to share about how you stay on track with your nutrition? Tell me about it here or in on our Have Your Say form – I just might feature your advice in an upcoming Oxygen special! Talk to you Friday!