"Your Fitness Future Foretold: 20 Predictions for 2008" by Tom Venturo

There are two things you can always count on:

(1) Nature's laws of cause and effect and
(2) human nature.

On that basis, here are my 20 fitness predictions for 2008:

I PREDICT that if you can reach into your pocket on anyday in 2008 and pull out a card or piece of paper with all your body and fitness goals written on it in vivid detail, the odds are 95 to 1 in favor of you achieving every one of those goals before the year is out.

I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on your goals and how you are going to achieve them, all day long, youwill reach your goals so fast this year, it will make your head spin.

I PREDICT that if you focus your thoughts on health woes and body fat problems and if you think about what you don't want, all day long, your problems will get worse than ever this year.

I PREDICT that if you made a new year's resolution, but you didn't turn it into a specific, written goal with a deadline and a strong reason why you must achieve it, you will freely abandon it the moment the going gets tough.

I PREDICT that if you can tell me all the reasons why achieving your health and fitness goals are important to you, you will be motivated from within to stick with it when the going gets tough.

I PREDICT that at times, the going is going to get tough.

I PREDICT that if you can tell me today what is your life purpose and what is your life long vision for your body and your health, you will still be as motivated and driven at the end of the year as you were at the beginning.

I PREDICT that if you don't have long term goals and a "big picture" vision for your life that you will lose your New Year's enthusiasm and motivation in a matter of months or even weeks.

I PREDICT that the way you see yourself in your mind's eye today will be an exact reflection of what you see in the mirror at the end of the year.

I PREDICT that if you have a set back that seems to get in the way of you reaching your health and fitness goals and you tell yourself "this just is temporary; this too shall pass," then it won't set you back and it will pass.

I PREDICT that if you believe the way your body looks today is out of your control and you feel helpless or powerless to change, you won't even make much of an effort this year.

I PREDICT that if you accept complete responsibility for the way your body looks today and you believe that you have the power to change, that you will take action and keep taking action, even through the tough times.

I PREDICT that if you're unhappy with your physical conditionand you say,"it's not my fault" or you blame it on genetics, hormones or age, then your body will look pretty much the same at the end of 2008 as it did on New Year's day.

I PREDICT that the more you have patience, a long term perspective and the ability to postpone immediate gratification,the more likely you are to be a success one year from now.

I PREDICT that the more you seek "miracle pills" or "quick fixes," the more likely you are to be a failure one year from now.

I PREDICT that you will be tempted by many quick fixes in 2008.

I PREDICT that if you hang out with losers and negative peoplethis year, you will become just like them.

I PREDICT that you will run into more negative people and losers this year than positive people and winners.

I PREDICT that if you recruit just one friend or support partner that stands behind you and the lifestyle changes you want to make in 2008, you will double your chances for success.

If you surround yourself with numerous support partners, you will become virtually unstoppable. So how does your future look for 2008?

Based on my "predictions", if it doesn't look as bright as you'd like it to be, then don't worry, because a prediction is not predestination.

My practice video for my first competition I was 38 1/2 years old

My hubby hard at work & doing what he loves best...snowmobiling.

~ Ann ~ An Awesome Friend

Here's a photo of my good friend, Ann. {{ She's on the right}}

Photos 11/2007 Mexico

Here's just a few photos for fun!

One warm up plus 2 sets of 15 reps
Bench press (barbell or dumbbell) 25lbs for 15 reps 3 sets total
Pulldowns (any grip) Wide grip latpulldowns 70lbs, 80lbs, 80lbs
Incline Bench press (barbell or dumbbell) 20lbs, 20lbs, 25lbs
Rows (cable or barbell) Seated row machine 70lbs, 80lbs, 80lbs
Seated press (overhead, barbell or dumbbell) 15lbs, 15lbs, 15lbs...this is light...I am trying to rehabilitate my shoulders
Curl (any form) 15lb dumbbells...I used to curl more...BUT...tendonitis in that left elbow...is holding me back a bit
Triceps extension (any form, seated, laying or standing) on cable 70lbs x 15 reps x sets
Squats {We did one set of lying leg press} The rest squats with the bar only...gotta' enjoy the "getting back in shape phase"
Leg curls 65lbs, 65lbs, 80 lbs
LungeCalf raise (standing or seated) standing calf with 25lb dumbbells