With summer now just around the corner and temperatures on the rise you may be thinking to yourself, why stay active at the gym? I will be outside and doing more so I can skip all summer and go back in the fall I won't lose that much. Well my friend if your in that mode of thinking I can tell you nothing can be further from the truth.

The muscles you have been training and using in the gym are not going the same stress and use during those months that you decide to skip and all your gains will be lost. Also you need to really evaluate that statement, I will be more active. If that was the case then why did you need to join the gym in the fall in the first place?

Living here in S East Mo the tempatures during the summer with humidity are usually unbearable by noon so really how much are you outside? In the am probably doing some yard work and perhaps jogging. Afternoons you may be splashing in the pool or at the lake and are those moments when your doing those activities latent with heavy foods and beer? Don't get me wrong summertime is the time we all let loose let our hair down and have some fun but if fitness is your lifestyle and staying healthy it is done in moderation and exercise is still in the mix.

Remember the hard work you did in the winter to look good in that swimsuit and tank top. Why lose that momentum? Just a few days in the gym to maintain and come fall it won't be "Hey what happened!"

To update you on my wife Nicole's contest prep, she started here diet and training program this week. I am also happy to report another gal that trains here at Fitness Connection will be joining her at the contest held in St. Louis on July 12th. To give you glimpse as to what is involved in this preparation here is a glimpse of their diet and program:

5:00 am on empty stomach at gym doing 40 minutes of cardio 4 x per week plus 4 x 30 minutes of cardio in afternoon

6:00 am meal 1 6 egg whites and serving of cream of rice plus vitamins and fat burner

9:00 meal 2 5 oz Tilapia 2 cups green beans and B Complex

12:00 meal 3 5 oz chicken and 1/2 cup of brown rice and 1/2 cup of green beans mixed with calcium pill.

3:00 meal 3 5 oz Tilapia and 1 cup of broccoli B Complex

4:oo pre training 1 whole ruby red grapefruit

4:30 - 5:30 training

Post workout 25 gram protein shake with 1/2 cup of oats

8:30 5 egg whites

drinks 1.5 gallons of water based beverages ,,no sugar, so salt

This is everday 7 days per week for 6 weeks. They are on they're way and looking forward to bringing back the winner's trophy's to Dexter and Fitness Connection. Figure Competition is the fastest growing segment in the bodybuilding industry and I think it is pretty cool to have two ladies from our town going for it. We need to wish them luck and support them.

As always send your questions to fitnessconnection@live.com