Life Roxx

All we are saying is give fats a chance!

2012-02-12T19:32:00.000-05:00

So many times I see people's nutrition logs or chat with them about different options for food and I hear, "But it was low fat." Eck! Low fat doesn't mean it's good for you. It's the same idea for organic foods. Just because it's made organically it doesn't mean that it's healthy or going to help you reach your weight goal. Since the hype of "Low fat" has come around obesity rates in the US have doubled. People have been taught for years now that fat is a bad thing. They have also embraced the thinking that if it's low fat I can eat more of it. We need to change this way of thinking.

Firstly, there is good fats and bad fats. Good fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These good fats help with your heart, cholesterol and well being in general. The other great thing about these fats is they will help you stay full longer. You body processes these fats at a slower rate. Therefore, you'll take in less calories. Some examples of monounsaturated fats are avocado, canola oil, peanut oil, nuts, sesame oil. Some examples of polyunsaturated fats are pumpkin, sunflower or flax seeds, fatty fish and tofu.

Bad fats are trans fats and saturated fat. These fats usually look pretty solid at room temperate and increase disease and increase cholesterol. Saturated fat can be found in fattier cuts of red meat, whole-fat dairy product and butter. Trans fats are mostly found in processed, sugary and packaged foods. The best way to stay away from trans fats is, the closest the product is to it's natural form the better.

If I could put this in a dorkier analogy, the "bad fats" are the dark side (being that they solidify at room temperature). The "good fats" are Jedi's (being that they are more clear oils).

Some easy ways to switch from the dark side is:

-Cooking sprays while cooking or canola oil instead of butter
-Switching to lower fat dairy products
-Leaner cuts of meat or switching to chicken or fish
-Limit fast food intake
-Bake, grill or broil instead of frying foods

Now that you're armed with some more knowledge let's see how amazingly you'll do in switching over your nutrition and reaching for those healthier goals.

Go get 'em!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Power Truffles

2012-02-10T22:20:00.000-05:00

Here is a quick and easy way to get in protein, good fats and some starch. These are great for quick on the go meals and breakfast. You can use any protein powder you'd like but I was making this batch specifically for the ladies I train and use the protein powder the studio endorses. These can be made totally Vegan by using Vega Protein Powder. I myself prefer the Vega Sport Chocolate flavor. Yum!

Ingredients:

Dymatize Elite - Whey Protein Isolate - Gourmet Vanilla, 8 scoop
Organic Quick Oats, 2 cup
Teddie - Super Chunky Old Fashioned All Natural Peanut Butter, 5 tbsp
Blue Diamond - Unsweet Vanilla Almond Milk-Net Carbs, 1 cup

Coco Dusting:
Generic - Unsweetened Coco Powder, 4 tbsp
Truvia - Nature's Calorie- Free Sweetener - 1 Packet, 3 packet

Directions:
Mix Protein with Oats in a large bowl. Add in peanut butter and almond milk. The mixure will get pretty gooey. In a small bowl mix together Truvia and Coco Powder. Using a tablespoon scoop out protein mix and roll, by hand, into ball. Drop into coco powder mixture and cover ball. Place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper and put in fridge. These little treats will be ready for you when ever you'd like : )

Nutritional info.... serving size is 3 truffles and this recipe makes 14 servings.
Per Serving: 148 calories,12 grams of carbs, 5 grams of fat,17 grams of protein

2011-09-15T20:59:00.000-04:00

If you're going to Shimmer tapings Oct 1st and 2nd pre order your cookbooks and have them hand-delievered to you :)

Sorry for the cliff hanger!

2011-09-11T16:19:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

Sorry for the cliff hanger! Life gets in the way sometimes and for me it sure did. I've decided to move from my lovely home here in Manchester, NH to Framingham, MA. While making this decision I've also been training for another competition that will be in 2 weeks from today. So, I'll compete on the 25th, move out by the following Wednesday, fly out to Chicago for Shimmer weekend on the 1st, come home and attend a fairytale wedding the following weekend for Ariel and BMT. That's not busy at all! LOL! I have also received an opportunity for a new job that will start November 1st and what a great opportunity! I love the woman I'll be working for and can't wait to get started : )

So with all that being said, back to my story. The following morning I totally woke up with a hand print on my side. LOL! It looked like the Blair Witch kids came and got me! Poor Max had to re-tan the area like 5 times since most of us competitors go a little crazy before prelims. And by a little I mean waking up at 4 am if you even slept some the night before in straight panic to get everything absolutely perfect.

After I was all touched up I headed over to the hotel where the competition was to have my make up done by PBO. They did a wonderful job but now it all hurry up and wait until it was our turn to hit the stage. Lucky for me I had Kristen with me to keep me sane during all the waiting. First up is sportswear for the bikini division. This is perfect! You get to have the most fun in a costume and by the time you need to head back out to do your figure poses the stage fright is gone! I picked the Terminator and had an awesome fake shot gun. You see everything from a ninja with real swords to a cheerleader.

So we are all lined up and there is 44 girls in the tall division alone. 44! As I'm about to go out on stage I think of all the girls that have walked this stage before me. My own coach, Janelle Nicolo, Lori Harder, Annette Perry and so many other girls that are role models to me. I loved every minute of it! I heard my teammates and coaches yelling and the rush is amazing! The sad thing is it only lasts about a minute total. LOL! Luckily I was competing in another division and had 3 more opportunities to work that stage. In the end I placed 25 out of 44 girls at a national show. I'm pumped! It gave me something to work towards and didn't completely crush me.

Currently I'm working towards a show that will be at Regis College in Weston, MA on Sept 25th. If you have any interest in this new life of mine come on out and see the show. Some many men and women work their butts off and you can see it that day. Sometimes it's people's first show, some it's their 100th. I would love to hear the cheers that I miss from wrestling and you can see my new sportswear. It's gonna be amazing!

Hugs!
-Nikki : )

How Amazing!!!!

2011-06-24T23:35:00.000-04:00

Hi Everybody! (In my head I have the Simpson's Hi Dr. Nick response for you guys lol)

Last weekend I competed in the biggest fitness competition I have ever been a part of. It was absolutely amazing! I competed at Fitness Universe. It is a national show with international competitors. It was such an experience!

It all started for me Wednesday, June 15th. I flew down to Ft. Lauderdale and meet up with my amazing coach and friend Janelle Nicolo. She was nice enough to let me be her roomie for the night since I had a lovely change of plans courtesy of a certain wrestling company I choose not to name. But apparently the universe just had different plans for me and I was so happy to spend time with Janelle.

Thursday morning we had registration which I for whatever reason blanked out and almost overslept. It's the most important part of the entire weekend and yea I flaked on it. It was actually a tweet from Lori Harder that was the dope slap I needed lol. Thank goodness I decided to follow her. I scrambled and got down to registration as fast as I could and saw the lovely face of amazing friend Diana, who just turned 50 and has the hottest body ever, and the also lovely Beth. We chatted for a few and then I headed to the end of the long, long, long, did I say long? Long line for registration. There I bumped into Kristen. Kristen was in my division at Mohegan and place overall at the Mohegan show. She is absolutely stunning! She was there with her super supportive hubby Mike and we all hit it off. Lucky for Kristen, I became glued to her hip! ;) (of course this is sarcasm)

After registration I had the honor of booking a photo shoot with John Atherton who is known as Coach A. This photo shoot was amazing! I absolutely loved the whole experience and his wife Terri is so lovely to be around! Just wait till you see the photos! 2 words... AH-MAZING!

Finally after the shoot Max landed in Miami and got his butt over to the hotel and met up with Kristen, Mike and myself. Now it was game on! Bikini sportswear was at 8 am Friday morning and I needed to get painted! LOL. Lucky Max who gets to stay up the whole night with me and make be part umpa lumpa. I also had a 8 am make up appointment PerfectBodyOnline.com . These ladies are amazing! Deb you are the best and keep everything totally organized. Lindsay you are the best sunshine first thing in the morning! Heart you!!!! The make up artist, hair stylist and professional tanning are just perfection.

So after about 5 layers of pro tan I finally get to sleep or attempt to lol. Do I wake up with random hand prints in the morning from sleeping? Do I destroy the hotel bed sheets and pillow cases? Do I actually get dark enough with this much freakin paint on me???

TO BE CONTINUED!!!!!!

Purchase Nikki's Nutrition Notebook!!!!

2011-06-05T16:37:00.002-04:00

2 wks unitl Universe and a Cookbook!

2011-06-04T18:34:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

2 weeks from today I will be at the Finals of the Fitness Universe show in Miami, FL! I'm so pumped!!!! Thurs the 16th I'll be doing a photo shoot with J W Atherton. It's the first time I'll be meeting and shooting with him. I really can't wait! I've seen his work and it's amazing. I have some new outfits and I'm ready to go!

The same day there will a huge Savage Team photo with all of the girls competing at the show and all our coaches. I am so happy to be a part of this show and the team. Each year the Savage Team has some really big shows. Miami and Vegas being 2 of the biggest. After being with the Team for about 4 years, on and off, I'm finally going to be a part of one of the big shows. I never thought it would happen! I'm also so happy to say Maximus will be joining me because I would lose my mind without him! LOL! We will be in that area from Wed the 15th thru the 20th. A day and 1/2 of relaxing down in sunshine : )

The 17th will be prelims and the 18th will be Finals. I'm soooooooo excited for this amazing weekend! I'll be competing again in Bikini Tall and Figure Tall divisions. You can watch via webcast at www.fitnessuniverse.com. Watch and cheer me on! I'll be tweeting most of the day and you can chat along (RoxxiNikki).

I'm also happy to say I have completed a cookbook! Nikki Nutritious Notebook. It's a mix of vegetarian and meat recipes. These recipes are some of my favorite meals and I'm sharing! : ) I'll have both ebooks and hard copies. Ebooks will be $15 but if you pre order you'll receive it for only $12.50! Hard copies will be $25 and pre orders will be $22.50! A signed copy will be $30. You can send an email to wrestlingroxx@yahoo.com and we'll get your order in! I'm so excited and I know you guys will love the recipes!

Ok, I'm off to relax and bit and do some work from home. Wish me luck guys! And thanks for keeping up : )

Health, Hugs and Headlocks!!!!
-Nikki :)

3 1/2 weeks

2011-05-22T21:44:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

Firstly I hope you enjoy the new page : ) I'm going to do a Tip of the Week and hopefully get some video up on that too. I would love some feedback or comments.

So, as the title here says 3 1/2 weeks. I have 3 1/2 weeks until my next competition in Miami. It is Fitness America's Universe show which will be in Miami, FL. It's is going to be amazing! I'm so excited! At the last competition I did I placed 5th in the Figure Tall division. It was my first time in about 2 years competing in that division. How exciting! I can't wait to see what this show will bring. I think the hardest part of this next show is the down time in between shows. Any time prior, if I was doing mulitiple shows, I would have them 2 weeks a part tops. This is like a whole new experience. I got this tho! LOL.

If you are in the New Hampshire area and wanna get a great workout and for a good cause stop by the Workout Club in Manchester, NH on June 4th.

Sorry this is so short but I gotta get my food prep going for tomorrow and get some sleep. Will have another blog up soon!

Hugs!
-Nikki : )

6 freak'n days!!!!

2011-04-24T17:54:00.000-04:00

Sorry I did post earlier but I've been pretty focused. I can't believe it's 6 days until my competition! I'm so pumped, nervous, excited and ready all at the same time! This week is the crazy week to get everything together. I need to get my painting/tanning going, nails, hair and last minute things done and together. Hoping I can figure out how to make nice waves in my hair instead of curls. Goodness it's difficult! I've almost shaved it off again lol. I know I'll work something out with though. Just need some practice lol. I can do amazing curls though!

I hope everyone is having an amazing Easter weekend! It's so gorgeous out. I love Spring! Last night was the celebration with the fam and it was difficult! Desserts and loads of food I can't have. But this is my choice and I fought through the temptation. I ate the food out of my Tupperware containers and braved the inquiries of why I don't eat what everyone else it. Answering the questions actually helped keep me on track and I'm so glad and grateful everyone was so understanding and supportive. I'm a lucky girl!

This past week I received all my suits for the competition and I'm so relieved lol. I needed to have my pink figure suit altered and it was blinged out. My sportswear was blinged just a bit more and my bikini suit is just amazing! Practicing yesterday with my Manchester Mamas helped sooo much! LeeAnne gave us a kick booty workout. Literally! And all the extra help with posing from Tracy and the other girls rocked. Love you ladies!

I realized yesterday that no matter how I place I have had the opportunity on this journey to meet the most amazing ladies ever. I'm so lucky and grateful to have all these women in my life and the friendships I've made are worth more than anything. I learn more and more each show I compete in. Also my coach, Janelle Nicolo, knows what she's doing and has me looking even better than last year! Love this woman! LOL!

Well, this week is it. Send some positive thoughts my way for Saturday the 30th. You can watch live on ESPN 3 or online, which will be streaming live, here at http://www.musclemania.com/ .

Thanks everyone for keeping up! Lots of Love!

Today's cardio split--

30 mins- sprints

30 mins- walking uphill, side run uphill (both sides) and finish out running.

2 1/2 weeks!

2011-04-13T19:01:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

I'm now 17 days away from show time! I am so pumped and can't wait! It's getting a little tougher but it's so worth it. I've been lucky enough to have not felt the effects of depleting until this week. It's been amazing! My coach, Janelle Nicolo, is amazing and totally knows exactly what she's doing. I still of course have little panics that I won't be ready but then I just remember to keep the faith and know that she has everything under control. The Cathy Savage Fitness plan is amazing and I totally recommend it to anyone interested in competing. I normally get my friends hooked on it lol!

I had promised a photo in my sportswear outfit but unfortunately it's being blinged a little more so it's postponed. Sorry! I did however get to go over my sportswear walk, bikini walk and got my figure posing down as well I think I can. Practicing everyday and getting strange looks at the gym when I bust out a front pose in between sets. LOL!

This past weekend I had the honor of traveling down to Connecticut with 2 amazing chicks! LeeAnne and Nicole were totally my support system this weekend. I really needed to stick to my nutrition and workout plans and these 2 ladies made sure it happened! We headed down to Stamford on Friday night and hit up Lindsay Messina's Diva Workshop on Saturday morning. What a great time! I got to meet lots of new Savage Girls and reconnect with some I already knew. Loved it! Some of the ladies are competing this weekend and I know those ladies are gonna rock it! Good luck girls!

Sunday we had a great workout at the hotel and then headed home. We were looking for someplace to get lunch but ended up on a bit of an adventure. LOL! Eventually we found a great little diner that had veggie burgers! Yay!

So this week I'm hoping my Passion Fruit Design bikini comes in. I'm so excited to see it! And wear it! And show it off : ) It's going to look amazing! I did however find that I got a package from the kick a@# company MetroMint water. It was samples of their amazing water, a bag and 2 shirts. Awesome! I'm totally a pusher for these guys and you should totally try some of their water.

Who's looking forward to this weekend? This girl is! I'll be hanging out with LeeAnne and her hubby John. We're going to be seeing Larry the Cable guy after some dinner on Saturday night. Also posing and workouts with my Manch Sunday Session ladies. And...... I'll be sending out gift packs to my homies who were nice enough to purchase gifts off my wishlist. Speaking of wishlist guess who's birthday is next week????? ME! Tuesday is my birthday but I won't be celebrating until April 30th after my competition.

If anyone is interested in seeing my competition it'll be streaming live online and on ESPN 3. The show will be at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut if anyone would like to come. I love the support. : )

Ok, that's it for me. Blog ya next week! Hugs!

Fitness Tip---- When on the stairmill at the gym try taking wider steps for 5 min intervals. So wide you almost hit the sides of the machine. It feels awkward at first but totally works different muscles.

3 and 1/2 weeks!!!

2011-04-06T15:55:00.000-04:00

Hey world!

So I'm about 3 1/2 weeks away from competition and I'm pumped! I received my sportswear outfit 2 days ago and practiced some posing in it. I love it! I was going to put up a pic in it but if I'm going to keep going in order everyone has to wait until next week. LOL. Sorry! I am adding a couple more stones to it this week. I'm soooo excited! And I have my sportswear walk all worked out. My theme is the Terminator! Yes I love Arnold and I'm totally hooked on those movies. LOL! I even have a toy gun I get to bring out onstage!

This past week I got my new workouts for the month from Cathy Savage Fitness. They are awesome! I absolutely love them! My goodness! They are killing me and I'm making sure to leave it all in the gym. I almost have to crawl out of there lol.

Last Sunday was my first Sunday back at Session in 2 weeks. It felt amazing! It's the best way to start the week. Getting my butt handed to me by Coach Lauren, the support of my Savage Sisters and the chance to prance around in Cinderella shoes and a sparkly bikini. Who could ask for anything more????!!!!! These ladies are totally my motivation and I'm the luckiest girl ever to have their support. It's what gets me through those days when I just wanna half-ass it. Love you ladies!

This weekend I'm headed to CT/NY with my girls LeeAnne and Nicole. I can not wait! We are going to be hitting up Diva Workshop with some of our Savage Sisters and getting our sweat on. Last time Lindsay Messina trained us at Camp Savage I had trouble walking for like 2 days! This should be amazing and I'm not gonna lie I might be a little scared. LOL. Can't wait to see you girls!

Well, time for me to enjoy the rest of my day. Lucky me I already finished my cardio and workout. This week we'll end it with a recipe for you guys. Lots of people ask me about cooking with tofu so here's one of my favorite breakfast items. : )

Hugs!

Tofu Scramble

5.6 oz tofu

1/2 c chopped broccoli

1/4 c chopped onions

1/4 c chopped mushrooms

1/4 c chopped peppers

1/4 c chopped celery

1/2 TBSN coconut oil

Curry Powder

Chilli Powder

Garlic Powder

Onion Powder

I usually warm up my skillet and add the 1/2 TBSN coconut oil and add everything in. I cook it for about 15 mins and then add all my spices and cook for about another 5 mins. I love it!

For my starches with this usually I go with old fashion oats, 1/4 c strawberries and 1/2 TBSN coconut oil.

Hope you enjoy it!

Exactly 1 month!

2011-03-30T21:04:00.000-04:00

Hey Ladies and Gents!

I am sooooo excited! I am exactly 1 month away from competition! 1 month! It's is soooo on! I'm ready to kill it in the gym and tracking my foods and waiting for my suits! I have my sportswear suit, which is a terminator theme, being created by Leigha Hervey. She has sent photos and it is looking amazing!!!! So pumped! This is a little bit of a challenge division for me. The sassy/bubbly walk is a little difficult for this wrestler lol. But, I'll be working on that and can't wait! Looking this weekend for props to use.

My new bikini for the bikini division is being made my Passion Fruits Design and I also received a photo of that. Gorgeous! I can't wait for these suits to come in. It just validates things a bit more.

This past weekend was my last weekend traveling for wrestling. I was in Chicago for Shimmer and it was amazing! I had so much fun seeing all my girls and the fans. I was so lucky to be teamed up all weekend as Pretty Bitchin with Ariel. She is my savior! I'm so close to show and I get tired quickly. 2 matches in one night was a tough one but she helped me thru it! Love you girl!

I was also lucky enough to room with Mercedes Martinez and Ariel who weren't too put off with my cooler we had a scavenger hunt for. LOL! I had literally packed all my meals for 3 days. My luggage was 15 lbs lighter on the way home. LOL! I was determined not to slip up. I refuse to get onstage and think I could've worked harder or maybe shouldn't have eaten something. Luckily my girls had my back and I love them for it!

Now that I'm done traveling I get to head back to Sunday Session with my ladies. I can't wait to get my sweat on next to my ladies here in Manch. They are what pull me thru these hard times when I don't think I have anymore to give. They are remarkable women and I can't wait to grace the stage with them. I know we're all gonna own it! So for the next couple weeks I'm leaving it all in the gym. I'm hoping to crawl out of there and will be recruiting lots of people to help with my cardio! LOL. Speaking of which thank you Anna for kicking some serious butt today! You were amazing!

So, now it time for food prep, my last meal of the night and bed early to work it tomorrow in the gym. Here's what Anna and I did for cardio today.

Start on stairmill with a 5 min warm up. I used level 5.

The next 5 mins I jumped up to level 8.

I got off the stairmill and.....

5 rockers

5 fast feet drops

5 groiners

5 shoulder taps

5 starters

Got back on the stairmill for 10 mins at level 8.

Repeated this 4 times.

Have a great night everyone! Until next week!

Hugs!

6 wks!!!!

2011-03-22T22:37:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

Now I'm 6 weeks away from my competition at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. I'm soooo excited! As promised I'm going to keep you guys updated each week. I've been working super hard in the gym and making sure my nutrition is right on. This past weekend was a little difficult because I was traveling. I was in Albuquerque, NM for an amazing wrestling company Lucha Libre USA. I absolutely loved it! But.....there wasn't a grocery store or convenience store for miles. I absolutely panicked. Luckily I did bring some of my proteins with me and the restaurant in the Hard Rock Hotel worked with my "special request" amazingly. I was super lucky! I also had access to the gym located in the hotel so I could get all my workouts and cardio in.

Also this weekend I received an email from my suit designer, Passion Fruit Designs, and my suit is being made as we speak! It's going to be absolutely gorgeous! I'm pumped!!!! Soon you guys will see pics for my check in done in that suit.

This weekend I'll be heading to Shimmer in Chicago. I'm so excited to see all my girls and the fans! I'm totally going to prepare for this weekend. I'll have all my food packed and I'm going to purchase a mini cooler at a convenience store there and ice it up! Unfortunately the hotel we're staying at doesn't have a fridge in the room : ( I'll also be getting in my cardio for sure! Can't wait to see everyone there! Time for this little lady to get some rest. Gotta get up for cardio, clients, Biceps and Triceps.

Hugs! And thanks for keeping up with me : )

What I ate today......

5.6 oz tofu

1/2 cup asparagus

1/4 cup sweet potato

1 TBSN walnut oil

1/4 cup blueberries

1 scoop Jay Robb's egg white protein powder

1/4 cup oats

1/4 cup strawberries

1/2 cup green beans

2 sausage patties

2 whole wheat protein pancakes

1 small apple

1 cup Brussel sprouts

1 cup of Gardin's Beefless tips

1 cup broccoli

9 Quorn "Meatballs"

1/2 cup Eggplants, mushrooms, onions and peppers

2 Quorn "Chik'n Breast"

1 cup of brussel sprouts

2 cups Quorn "Chik'n tenders"

1 cup kale, mushrooms, peppers and onions

2 TBSN Almond Butter

Celery

7 wks!

2011-03-15T10:16:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!!!!

Sooooo, in 7 weeks I will be competing in Connecticut for Fitness America Pageant. It will be at Mohegan Sun Casino on April 30th. If you are in the area you should for sure come and cheer us all on. I've been lucky enough to have a few fan come see the comps live or watch via web. It really means so much to have you guy's support :)

So now we're getting close to crunch time. The last 2 seasons I competed I only competed in the Bikini Division. This show I'll be competing in Figure and Bikini. I'm pumped! That means way more stage time! LOL. And from all my other career I'm sure you can tell I'll be loving that! LOL.

Last season I was lucky enough to meet lots of amazing ladies that totally helped me push through the days when I just wasn't feeling it and lift me up when it was too tough. Now there's even more! I love being a part of the Cathy Savage Fitness Team. It's the greatest thing to happen to me. I love all my Savage Sisters and knowing they're going thru to same stuff helps so much! Love you ladies and let's rock this show!!!

So I'm going to try and keep everyone updated throughout this 7 week journey with pics, blogs and updates on what I'm eating. (barring I can learn how to upload a photo for you guys to see lol) So, for this morning so far I've had breakfast which was, 2 MorningStar breakfast sausage patties, brown rice, broccoli, 1 tsp coconut oil and apple. I'll heading to the gym in about a half hour to get my functional workout in and later on will be legs.

And speaking of legs mine are toast! For the entire week! They are so sore! I started running on an incline for 30 mins. Last week was the first time I had run since breaking my ankle in my TNA match. It was very freeing lol.

Here is one of my photos from last week's check in with my coach Janelle Nicolo. (She is amazing!) And don't laugh at the fact I'm wearing socks lol.

Fitness Question of the Week.....

2011-02-08T10:29:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

Sorry I haven't blogged in a bit. Just been a little crazy (no big surprise there lol). I had posted recently on Facebook and Twitter asking for you guys to send me some fitness questions and I would answer them here on my blog. I got a lot of great questions and I pick the one I did mostly because it's a question I'm asked a lot. So, thanks James for the great question!

Q: How much time on average, do you dedicate to cardio per day?

In my opinion this can usually vary according to the person. If you aren't normally an active person and have decided that you are ready to get up and start a training regiment then you would want to start slow. Even if you are just able to get on a treadmill or any cardio equipment for 15 minutes is a great start!

If you are a gym-goer and already have a training regiment I wouldn't really go past 30-45 minutes. Unless you are working on endurance for a marathon or tri-athon there isn't really a reason for an hour of cardio per day. There is so much more to do out there in the world! And if you're on cardio equipment that long why not try going for a hike or snow shoeing if you live in the tundra like me lol! It's so much more fun then starting blankly at a TV screen or other gym-goers. lol.

I hope this helps everyone and you James : )

Please keep the questions coming!
Hugs!
-Nikki: )

Come on 2011!!!!

2010-12-30T22:33:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited for this new year to get started! We have plans to head into Boston for First Night and I'm pumped! I live outside of Boston majority of my life and have never been. I know it's crazy! I love all people and there's a parade and stuff. Yay! Aside from getting excited to go out and celebrate the beginning of a new year I'm also excited to get my training back into competition mode. Sounds crazy but you actually miss the drive when it's over. LOL.

For tonight though I've been sitting here on my sofa since I finished work and reflected on 2010. I've had such an amazing and productive year. I was able to start a whole new career, found a whole new drive for my fitness competitions, made amazing new friends, old friendships became even more important to me and a new edition to my little family with little Jakers.

My new career as a personal trainer has gone better than expect! It's so rewarding to help people achieve goals and feel better about themselves. I love all my clients and they have done so amazing since we started working towards their goals together. JoAnn we got you to hop! And Kim 75 lbs lighter and still counting! Eric we've gotten you to stick to a workout plan and nutrition plan! My NH Roller Derby girls you've done so amazing getting motivated in your off-season and I can't wait to come and support you at your bouts!

2010's competitions were the best for me! Even though I didn't place top 5 I looked the best I have in all my competitions. I also had an amazing photo shoot in NYC with Jorge, Lindsay and my Savage Sisters. I took all that drive I had used in wrestling to make my, at that time, dream come true and achieved my fitness goals. With the help of my incredible coach, Janelle, I stepped on stage with a whole new confidence and body. Love you Janelle and I can't thank you enough for everything.

Through these competitions I have made some lovely and amazing new friendships. I met such driven and motivating ladies that made the perfect support system for us all. LeeAnn, Lauren, Janelle and Mickey you ladies are awesome and I love you all! Tracy, you are what helped me through this competition and made my push myself when I thought I had nothing left. You're so inspirational to me! Amy, thank you for everything this year! You help me so much more than you think and I'm forever thankful. I wouldn't be close to this sane if it wasn't for you. And my Maximus, you are my rock and keep me grounded when I'm out of control. I wouldn't have done any of things I have this year or made it through most of what I went through this year without you. Love you!

Ok enough sappy blogging. I hope everyone has an amazing and safe New Year's! And don't forget your resolutions! I would love to hear them if anyone would like to share : )

Hugs!
-Nikki :)

Happy Holidays and Australia recap!

2010-12-04T19:59:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

I'm hoping everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving! I know how hard it is to stay on track during the holidays. I was aboard in Australia for a week and then came back just in time for Thanksgiving. I did my best while over there to eat as decently as I could but it's always difficult when you're some where amazing and it's your first time there. You want to indulge in all the new things and enjoy it all! I did pretty good for the first couple days. And I had a kick butt workout buddy. Skater you're the best! It was also helpful I got kinda sick so I hibernated for an entire day with Mercedes Martinez LOL! We had such an amazing time in Perth and absolutely loved it there! Everyone was so good to us and we even went to the zoo! The only bad part was the jet lag. Wow! It was brutal! Took me a week to get back on track.

The reason I had headed to Perth was to see a very close friend have is last match. Mana is such an amazing person and I've known him for so long. I'm incredibly thankful I was able to be a part of such an amazing night. Unfortunately, I had a slight problem with my face leaking and everyone thought I was crying. How silly! ;) (Nick you know I love you and I'm gonna burn that damn video!)

And now that Thanksgiving is over I'm looking forward to Christmas. My goal this year is to make sure to indulge a little but mostly keep on track. Lots of water and baking some healthy desserts and side dishes. I'm also hoping to pick up some Tofurky. : ) How are you going to keep on track? Leave some comments to motivate others and give us some ideas!

Hugs!
-Nikki :)

What a journey!

2010-11-03T14:46:00.000-04:00

What a relief! After about 3 months of kick butt nutrition and workouts I'm finally done with both competitions and my photo shoot. It was such an amazing journey and I've meet so many amazing women. I also realized I am a part of one of the most fabulous groups for women who are interested in competing or just a healthier lifestyle. Being a Savage Girl is one of the best things I could possibily do. It's such a support system and the coaches are totally knowledgable and work so closely with you for you to reach your goals. I don't think I would've made it thru this journey without them.

On October 23rd I did my first competition for National Physic Committee. (My new profile pic is from that show) It was a great show for me to do since it had been a full year since I had been onstage after breaking my ankle. I trained my hardest, didn't cut any corners and worked the stage as best I could. Unfortunately, that day I wasn't what the judges were looking for and I didn't place well. I really don't mind because it was the best I've ever looked for a competition and I gave it my all. The other great thing that came from this show I now have an amazing new friend who was my support thru training for the show. Tracy is a mom of a 2 and 1/2 year old little girl and she looks fantastic! She competed in figure and placed 2nd in her division. I was soooo happy and proud for her that all that hard work paid off! She is now a lifetime friend and I'm totally grateful for the friendship!

On October 29th I had a photo shoot in Brooklyn, NY with Jorge Narvaez and it was the most spectaular experience! Marie-Lynn is amazing at make-up, Lindsay Messina was there to help with posing and Jorge is just an incredible photographer. I can't wait to see and share the photos from the shoot! If anyone is in the Brooklyn area and looking for a photographer Jorge is absolutely amazing!

October 30th was my time competing in a Fitness America show and I am in love! The show was put together and run so well! The girls have more time on the stage and there are more divisions to compete in. Bodybuilding, Figure, Fitness,Bikini and Model. We get to have fun with a sportswear round that incorporates props and themes. I absolutely loved it! I can't wait for next season to compete for them again! At this show I met lots of lovely ladies and lots of new friends. Special thanks to Scott for coming out to show some support : )

Within the next few days I'll have some more pics up and 2 videos for everyone to see : ) For now it's back to the grind and fixing imperfections for next season. I did get to start a new boot camp at my gym which should be a great time and a great way to get my clients thru the holidays.

That's it for now!

Lots of hugs!
-Nikki : )

3 weeks and counting!

2010-10-03T21:47:00.000-04:00

I'm now 3 weeks away from my first contest! After meeting with my amazing coach Janelle this week we decided I'll be competing in Brooklyn, NY for Fitness America Pagent on Oct 30th. Soooo excited! This competition gets a sportswear round as well as bikini. More stage time! What What!!!! I'm a little nervous since I've never competed for this federation but it's a show I always wanted to compete at.

I've been lucky enough to meet an amazing girl at my gym who also uses the same coach as myself. She is amazing and we have for sure made an amazing support system! It's wonderful to have someone going thru the same stuff as you and knowing you are crazy lol. Today we met with her coach Lauren and her gorgeous friend at my gym today for an hour long posing session. It went so well! I got lots of feedback and pointers. And I was posing in my suit! It's great to get comfortable in it. Only downfall is I work at this gym sooooo yea. Everyone gets to see me half naked. lol.

This Tues I'll be headed back to Middleton, MA for Tabatta with my coach and a mini posing session. I'm pumped! I get to try on my sportswear suit as well. EXCITING!!!!

Next Sunday I'll be posing again and then going jewelry shopping with Tracy. I'm gonna find the perfect jewelry but it might be weird that I'm carrying around my bikini to make sure! lol

Annnnddd now the awaited recipe..........

Pumpkin Egg White Muffins

Obviously, you will need a muffin tin. Spray muffin tin with Pam. I love the butter flavored Pam. 1 egg white goes into each muffin cup. Divide 1/4 of a cup of pumpkin between 3 muffin cups along with 1 TBSN coconut oil. Mix together. Add cinammon. Bake at 350 for about 20 mins. While cooling sprinkle with Splenda.

Let me know what you guys think and Enjoy!!!!!

Hugs!

Posing....

2010-09-30T22:27:00.001-04:00

I definately still need some work but remember I broke my ankle and heels aren't my friend lol.
I also just finished working out and love bright colors

4 weeks!!!!

2010-09-25T23:36:00.000-04:00

I am currently 1 month away from my competition! Holy cow! I'm sooooo excited! I have my suit, registering for my NPC card tomorrow and then registering for the show. I'm even doing that silly girly laugh!

This Tues I'm going to be trying a new cardio class with my coach Janelle. It's a Tabatta class and I'm praying I survive! I've been doing lots of HIIT cardio (High Intencity Interval Training) which has been kicking my butt but Tabatta is a whole new animal! lol.

Today I was in Salem, NH to get a new certification for the EFI Gravity Exercise Machine. Wow! This thing is nuts! I wasn't 100% prepared for the training. lol. The first thing we did at 8 am was a full body workout and unfortunately my first meal isn't until 830 am. This completely threw me off! Then at the end of class the tower to the machine, which is weighted, fell ontop of me and almost broke my arm. Like Stephen Seigal style! F'n crazy! But at least I'm certified! lol. Sadly, because of the class I had to go to a different gym tonight to make sure I got my cardio in for the night. Luckily I have an amazing friend and support system named Amy who came with me to do some cardio. I bribe her with my yummy homecooked meals. lol.

So, to end my day I'm hanging with Amy and the pup watching Knight Tale. So relaxing! Gonna work on getting some video of me training and prepping for the competition.

Have a good night all! Hugs!!!!

4 and 1/2 weeks!

2010-09-22T09:12:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

I hope everyone is doing well! Things are starting to get down to the kick butt part of competiting. 4 weeks is when you really start getting in the zone and giving it your absolute all. Today is when I download the Rocky soundtrack to keep me going lol. Who doesn't love Rocky????

So Monday I received my new swimsuit for the competition and it is gorgeous and totally me!

I love it!!! And it'll totally stand out on stage. I'm so excited to compete again it's been so long!

For work it's been amazing! My clients are doing so well and see lots of results. I couldn't be happier in my life at this point in time. Well.....Maybe when I get a sweet new trophy from my competition!

That's all for now. Hugs!
-Nikki :)

Long time no blog!

2010-09-06T21:19:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Sorry it's been so long since I've blogged. I've been crazy busy! I have been working a good 10-12 hours a day and getting my own training and cardio in. It's sooo not easy!

Currently I'm 7 weeks a way from my competition. I'm soooo excited! I'm starting to tighten up my nutrition and adding in more cardio. The cardio part can be a drag but I have great friends and clients that totally help me out. I'm totally thankfully for them! Another thing I'm thankful for is the gym I work at finally got a cardio theater. It's where you watch a movie while doing cardio. I'm for sure bringing in Rocky! It'll help for motivation.

I also added in some Bikram yoga once a week. If you haven't tried this I totally suggest it! It's an amazing workout and helps so much with flexibility. I would for sure also suggest wearing as little as possible. When I first walked in I saw all these guys and girls half naked and was a little shocked. After the first 10 minutes I understood why! LOL! I was totally overdressed! Next week I'm hoping to take a Tabatta class. Wish me luck!

Today I got to FINALLY see the Expendables. HOLY CRAP! What an amazing movie! In the first 15 minutes a man is blown in half! It was amazing! I surprised Amy and myself weren't kicked out of the movie for yelling. LOL! GO SEE THIS MOVIE! Anyone who said it was bad is dumb.

Well, I'm gonna have my last meal and hit the hay. I have a client at 7:30 am. I don't function so well at this time lol.

Hugs everyone!
-Nikki :)

I've been MIA!!!

2010-08-04T10:39:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

Sorry for not posting for a bit. I've been working on building my clients up and keeping track of current clients. They have had some amazing results and I'm sooooo happy about it! They're all hard workers and I'm so lucky to have the clients I do. On Aug 20th I'll be heading to Hyannis, MA for some more educational seminars for my training. I'm so excited! And even more excited Rain will be with me. It's going to be amazing!

This Friday I will attending the Triple W show in Quincy, MA as support for a new student coming out of Chaotic Training Center named Mercedes and my lovely friends. I miss them so much but now I get them all at 1 show! Who could ask for more!

My girl Meghan is 10 days away from her first competition. I'm soooo excited for her! She is going to do amazing things and totally own this show! I'm checking out her new suit tonight and soooooo excited to see how gorgeous it's gonna be.

For myself I am gearing up for my competition. I'll be competing in Boston for the Cutler Classic and I can't wait! Just started buckling down on my nutrition and doing some kick butt workouts. Well, that's it for now and I'm off to enjoy my day off.

Hugs!
-Nikki :)

Oh! And here's another recipe for clean eaters on the go.

Pre heat your oven to 375. Use Pam cooking spray (I like butter flavor) on a muffin tin.

Ingredients
4 egg white
1/4 cup quick oats
1/2 cup spinach
1 slice of veggie cheese or low-fat cheese

Mix whites, quick oats and spinach together and poor into muffin tin. This will make 3 mini omelets for you. Just repeat for other omelets to fill tin. I do it this way to I can keep track of macro nutrients. Cook for about 15-20 mins or until tops are a light brown.

You can also switch out the spinach for a different veggie like broccoli or tomatoes.

Hope you like it : )

A great day off!

2010-07-21T22:37:00.000-04:00

Finally after 2 12 hours days I get to hang back a bit. I love my job though and I love being there for my clients. Another one of my clients lost 5 inches off her waist! She's doing amazing and I'm soooo excited for her! And a gentleman I train has completely progressed in his workouts and we're doing measurements Friday. I know he's gonna see big changes as well.

Today Max, the pup and I hit up XO on Elm St. in Manchester. Place is amazing and pup friendly. We gave them 2 thumbs and 1 paw up! Then we went to the gym and starting to watch Dexter season 3. I love this show! I can't believe this season! It's amazing! And.....Mad Men starts again this Sunday.

This past weekend I was in North Dartmouth, MA to try on some dresses for Ariel's wedding. I'm so excited for her! I love her dearly and her happiness warms my heart. Congratulations my best friend! You and Tomas will live happily ever after :)

Time for some sleep. Goodnight moon!

-Nikki : )

Amazing Vegetarian Recipe

2010-07-15T23:28:00.000-04:00

Ok so this my new favorite meal in the entire world! Well, aside from Sal's Pizza lol.

Stuffed Portobello Caps

Ingredients

2 large bello caps
1/4 cup Brown Rice
1/2 chopped tomato
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
2 oz tofu (extra firm)
2 slices veggie cheese (optional)
brown mustard
curry
sea salt

Preheat oven to 375. Spray down cookie sheet with Pam or any cooking spray. Mush up 2 oz of tofu or use food processor. Mix onions, tomato, mushrooms, tofu and brown rice in a mixing bowl. Add 1 tsp brown mustard, pinch of salt, curry and mix thoroughly. Carefully spoon mixture into bello caps. Bake for about a half hour. After removing them from the oven if you'd like add 2 slices of veggie cheese or any cheese you'd like on top and enjoy the crap out of the stuffed mushrooms!

Hope anyone who tries them likes them and all my technical terms used above lol : )

Hugs!
-Nikki

Catching up

2010-07-11T21:42:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody!!

Hope everyone is doing well! And thanks so much for keeping up with me! I've been getting so busy with personal training it's amazing! I have 1 young lady who will be competing for the first time August 14th. I'm sooooo excited for her and doing my best to be completely hands on for her. I also have a gentleman who hadn't been able to workout more than cardio and just some ab machines. The last 2 training sessions we've had he's been doing squats and working with all different equipment. I'm soooo excited! I'm soooo lucky to have the wonderful people I do as clients.

I also have some plans in August to head down to Cape Cod with some great friends for a Fitness Expo in Hyannis, MA. I'm totally looking forward to some seminars and networking with new people. I love learning new stuff and hearing about other's experiences. And......Miss Rain should be coming up to the northeast to go with me! I'm super excited!

Also, this past week I got to go kayaking for the first time! Luckily Max knew what he was doing. lol. Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a huge fan of rivers or oceans lol. It was so lovely to out on the river and nothing surrounding us. We were out for a good 2 and half hours. Next week we'll be heading to Boston for a day in the city.

And this weekend is going to be super fun. I have some very special plans with my Pretty Bitchin tag partner Ariel. I haven't seen her since the last Shimmer show. We're gonna be playing dress up and going for some lunch. I miss her so much this will be my Ariel fill for a bit.

Well it's time for me to get my food packed for tomorrow and pack up all my stuff.
Have a great night everyone!

Hugs!
-Nikki : )

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

-Emerson

Just a quickie : )

2010-07-02T11:59:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while but my work has totally picked up! It's so amazing! I have over a dozen clients and love working with them all! I'm super lucky to have such great people in my life and I couldn't be happier. : ) Helping people feel better about themselves and seeing healthy improvements in themselves is the most rewarding job ever. I totally love it!

Now the downfall, lol, I have been working such long hours I haven't had time to keep up with my blog, facebook or twitter. Sorry everyone! But, I'm gonna do my best to be better about it.

I also wanted to thank everyone who came out to WSU. It was so hot! I think everyone was just as painfully hot as I was! lol.

Well, back to work!

Lots of hugs!
-Nikki :)

Long days!!!!!

2010-06-25T21:00:00.000-04:00

The last week has been amazing and long! I got 4 new clients in just this week alone. It's amazing! I love my job and love helping change people's lives. It's so motivating and an amazing feeling to see someone happy with their progress and reaching goals they set for themselves. (Love you JoAnn!) I know how fulfilling it is for me and it makes my day to see someone else have that same feeling.

So, along with my new clients it makes my days much longer. I have had 4 9-12 hour days and it takes a lot out of me but it's so worth it! And I get several workouts a day!

Tomorrow I am off to Union City, NJ for WSU. I'm super excited to see my girls and get in the ring some but not at all for alarm in the morning! Lol. Oh and the 4 and half hour drive. I so need a driver! Lol. At least I will have the company of Mr. Freightrain on my way down to Jersey :). Hoping for some sing alongs! If anyone is close to Union City hope you come on out and super us girls : ).

And I was to send a special thank you to everyone who sent something off my wishlist. I sooooo appreciate all you fans and would love for you guys to send me an email so I can return the favor with special gifts for all of you. : )

Lots of hugs and thanks for reading my blog!

-Nikki :)

Family and facials...Wait! What????

2010-06-19T17:49:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone!

So far today has been amazing! I hit up the gym for a bangin leg workout. Lots of single leg stuff to build up my legs and get back my symmetry since I'll be able to compete again. That's right! I'm gonna compete at the Cutler Classic in Boston in Oct. I had been hoping to compete back in April and May but couldn't due to breaking my ankle. It really bummed me out at the time but....Now I'm ready and can't wait!

Soooo today I got a facial. (Ladies and gentlemen minds out of the gutter) If you've never had one you should for sure try it. Super relaxing! And if you're up north like me I can hook you up with a great place.

Tonight I'm off to go see Pop Roxx and hopefully my little bro will be up here tomorrow for Dad's day so we can help Pop Roxx move. Should be a great wkend! Hope it's the same for everyone else!

Hugs and Happy Father's Day if I don't get to post tomorrow!
-Nikki :)

What a week.....

2010-06-18T14:06:00.000-04:00

So, I know everyone is wondering what exactly happened at TNA this past week. Well I can tell you most of what you hear is true. I was told when I arrive to the set that I would be putting my career on the line. I did hear I was visibly upset but I would like to think I wasn't. Don't get me wrong, TNA has always been a big part of my life but if it's supposed to be my last match or entire day with TNA I want to enjoy it. I want everyone to remember that I was cheerful that day because I was one of the lucky people, just like everyone else who works at TNA, who have the opportunity to be flown to Orlando FL, hang out with some of my closest friends and do what I love to do.

With that being said, I want everyone to know I'm proud of the career I did have with them. Every part of it. I legit gave my blood, sweat and tears to TNA and the fans and I know I can walk away with my head held high. I appreciate the opportunity that was given to me several times by the company to do what I love. I also appreciate the opportunity you fans have given me by letting be a part of your lives and you a part of mine. Your support has been amazing!

In closing I would like to thank everyone in TNA and most of all Dixie for all the memories I have and fans don't worry I'm not finished in wrestling. It's just a new chapter.

Hugs!
-Nikki :)

My Blog

2010-06-18T00:18:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone!

I'm going to be keeping this pretty up to date. Tomorrow I'll put up an actual blog but this is a good start :)

Thanks of the support!
Hugs!
-Nikki :)