**THIS GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOR ONE WEEK!**

Last week, I had my 2nd training session with Melissa at Optimum Condition in El Cajon. I wrote about my 1st session with Melissa in my previous blog post, here. Again, she worked me out, full body, and afterward, I felt as though we had targeted my abs. It is amazing that so much of what we do requires core strength! I am also amazed at the strength of my own core through the sessions, and secretly know there is a sexy, sculpted set of abs in there, beneath my (years and years worth of) winter layers and post-baby chub. Now, it is up to ME to melt off the outer layers and tone up the rest of this soft body I've come to know so well, and rediscover the FIT me!

Because I need accountability to keep me on track, as well as some guidance on what workouts to do, I have decided to do a maintenance package with Melissa, where I meet with her monthly for a check-in/assessment update and workout. At our monthly check-ins, I will learn new exercises to implement into my workout plan, to keep me motivated, and help avoid boredom.

After speaking about the challenges that face so many in finding a workout routine that works for them, and their schedule, Melissa told me about a new class she has added to the schedule, called Lunch Crunch. (I wish there had been a class like this when I was working! It would have fit perfectly into my schedule, and would have given me a great boost of energy to get through long afternoons sitting in front of a computer.) Melissa has graciously offered up 2 1-month* passes for the Lunch Crunch class. For your chance to win a 1-month* pass to Lunch Crunch, please visit Optimum Condition's WebSite and leave a comment below, telling me something you learned about Melissa and/or Optimum Condition that impresses you! In the same comment, I'd love for you to tell me what your current routine is, and if/how you manage to work fitness and healthy living into your daily schedule! *You MUST leave a VALID e-mail address for me to contact you, should you win!*

This giveaway is available to local San Diego residents only. 2 winners will be drawn on Thursday, July 1st 8th, so go comment NOW, and tell your friends!

*Pass valid between July 8, 2010 and August 30, 2010. Pass EXPIRES on August 30, 2010.

Disclaimer: I received 2 complimentary training sessions from Optimum Condition. I will always give my complete and honest opinion, regardless of services or products received.
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I have had a few months of "rut" time, where I have slacked off on my eating habits, working out, blogging, and pretty much everything else in my life that doesn't have to do with my children. Although I have made several attempts to pull myself out of the rut, I have consistently slipped back in, further and further each time. I know what I need to do to get to MY Optimum Condition, but I also know that I need a little kick in the rear boost to get me started.

Lucky for me, I was introduced to Melissa Allen, fitness trainer and owner of Optimum Condition, located a few short minutes away, just off of the 8 and 67 freeways, in El Cajon. Our first meeting was strictly for assessment purposes, so that she could find out my history, and do my body fat measurements, as well as some tests of my current fitness level and range of motion. As of right now, I can say I am not at all comfortable with my body fat measurement, and refuse to post it at this time, simply because I need something that I can use to motivate me that nobody else can see...well, except for Melissa! That number ALONE is motivating for me to get back into a healthy routine again.

Having had an odd sort of "injury" during my pregnancy, I disclosed this to Melissa, and told her what specific things tend to irritate the injury. She is VERY attentive to my needs, and constantly checks to see if I am in pain, or need to modify an exercise. For me, this is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, because I have had so many personal trainers in the past who've asked for my medical history, and ignored those very things that add to my pain and injury. The fact that she asks me throughout my workout if something is bothering my injury speaks VOLUMES to me about the type of person she is. It tells me that she actually cares about how I feel, and wants me to be pain-free DURING and AFTER my workouts.

I had my first actual training session this past week, and throughout the session, I felt my quads working hard. We did such a variety of different exercises, and she kept me moving constantly. I felt pretty strong through the workout, other than the quivering of my thighs, reminding me of jiggling jello. I felt so at ease with Melissa, during the workout, that the hour literally FLEW by. Part of me wanted to keep going. That part was most definitely NOT my thighs! I was impressed with the amount of stretching she had me do after the workout. It wasn't just a 2 minute cool-down stretching session, and I was doing stretches that were completely new to me.

The next day, I went out fishing with my hubby and another couple we adore. I was reeling up a barracuda, and WOW! I felt my shoulder muscles screaming at me that if I didn't get the fish in the boat soon, I may be taking a guided tour of the ocean deep. Thankfully, I managed to get it to the boat. That barracuda turned into a "ski" fish with a quickness. I was reeling it in so fast that it was skiing across the top of the water, all the way up to the boat. I didn't give it a chance to take a dive, because I didn't WANT a guided tour. That was the only fish I reeled in all day. No, I am not sad about that.

Later in the afternoon, my abs started whining about EVERY SINGLE twist and turn, stretch and bend...I couldn't move in any direction without them chiming in that they were sore. How the heck did THAT happen?!? I don't recall us doing that much of an ab workout. And if I recall correctly, I didn't do a SINGLE CRUNCH...or did I? I know for a FACT, though, that there were NO sit-ups involved. It felt like a great full-body workout at the time, but if you'd asked my body that next day, it would have told you that I'd done nothing but shoulder and abdominal exercises for 3 days straight, without rest.

Believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to doing it all over again. And again. And again. Except for the fishing the day after working out with Melissa thing. I think I'll pass on that one.

I'm going to be meeting up with her again next week, for another great kick boost. In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you to her, and invite you to visit her website Optimum Condition, where you can learn all about her amazing qualifications...they really are impressive...and check out the different classes and services she offers! I am going to be adding a great giveaway for a very lucky local reader, as well, so stay tuned! Read more...