Inside the Fit World of Jill Coleman

JillFit Physiques

2010-06-29T03:38:00.000-07:00

Over the last year or so, my personal training business has grown and begun taking on more and more contest prep clients for figure, fitness, bikini and fitness model competitors. It has been such a joy to me to see newbies to the sport accomplish such a feat, get in the best shape of their lives and follow through with something not many people can do.

A lot of the prep coaching has moved online under the JillFit Physiques brand, with clients in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Ohio, Maryland and beyond. I have taken on awesome new trainers to help me, Tara Ballard and Emily Saunders. Both of whom are competitors themselves and truly live the fitness and competition lifestyle. Jillian Teta (my sister-in-law) is also helping with diet consultation (she's a Naturopathic physician), and is a competitor herself. Thus, the team is now the 4 of us, training many one-on-one and many via distance/online.

The successes of the past year include many transformations, some of which I hope to publish here over time. These ladies and gentlemen are amazing, and I am excited about the new direction that the company is going in and the potential to bring on additional JillFit clients.

Jill and her competitors at the FAME Carolinas show in May 2010

In July, JillFit Physiques will be featured as "Trainer of the Month" on the highly-visited Promoting Women in Fitness blog: http://www.promotingwomen.blogspot.com Here is what it says, and I think this is a great summary of who we are as a contest prep team and what we believe in:

JillFit Physiques is the brainchild of Jill Coleman, MS in Nutrition, ACSM-certified personal trainer, figure competitor and fitness model (www.JillFit.com), along with JillFit trainers Tara Ballard, Emily Saunders and Jillian Sarno. JillFit is an online training system that takes clients through contest prep “from stay-at-home mom to stage.” Jill shares her passion for fitness and nutrition with clients of all shapes and sizes, from a 22-year old college student to a 55-year old workingwoman to a 30-year old medical school resident. She believes competition prep is “the new 10k”—a way for anyone to get in the best shape of their lives, and self-empowerment through the trying journey and ultimate accomplishment—getting on stage!

After over 10,000 personal training workouts, Jill’s philosophy has morphed over the years and has settled on the Metabolic Effect-style of training, which is a shorter-duration, higher-intensity fat loss workout. On the nutrition front, Jill works with each client individually to create a tailored workout based on their specific sensitivities and current fitness level. There is no one-size-fits-all approach that works for everyone when it comes to contest prep. Jill has successfully facilitated body change in clients with gluten intolerances, dairy allergies, weight loss resistance, chronic fatigue and post-menopause. Anyone can compete if they have the drive, determination and the right JillFit program :)

Though much has happened since I last updated, I wanted to use this post to bring everyone up to speed on the JillFit biz and give you guys an update on the what's next. Doing a news piece for WXII News 12 in Winston-Salem, NC today, which we are super-excited about! I love when my girls get a close-up! They amaze me everyday!

For more information about contest prep with JillFit, contact Jill at jill@jillfit.com !!

I'm back! :-) Model Universe 2009 Update

2009-11-29T17:50:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Been away for a while! I will be blogging throughout the next couple weeks to get everyone up to speed with what's been going on in JillFit land and the plan for 2010. First of all, last time I blogged, I was getting ready for Model Universe 2009 in Miami, FL in June. I did the show with my client and friend (and first-time competitor) Tara Ballard, who had trained and dieted like crazy in the months leading up to the show. Not only did she compete in 3 rounds of Model Universe, but 2 rounds of Figure Universe, all taking place over 2 long days! How's that for a first show??! :-)

I took 18th place out of 40 girls, and though overall I was satisfied with my placing (considering it was an international show, not to mention the largest of which I have ever been a part), my head was not in the game at all. I had been dieting straight for 18 months, my body was barely responding anymore, and I was doing hours and hours of cardio just to make myself presentable for the stage. It was the least lean I have ever come in for a show, and I was happy to just get it done! :-\ In retrospect, I probably should not have done it, but oh well, I worked the stage well, had lots of fun and was able to pull out a placing higher than many who were better conditioned than me. Nevertheless, I decided to take a longer break afterwards :-)

And so, I have been on hiatus from competition since then, despite the urge to train and diet that tortured me all Fall as I watched all my JillFit girls go through competition. I am glad I didn't compete in the end, first because I know my body needs time to recover and also because I am getting completely refocused for 2010, and it feels really great to be re-motivated!

Here are some pics from the event:

Tara busting out push-ups before getting on the Figure stage

Tara and Jill during the Clubwear round of Model Universe

The Swimwear Round of Model Universe

The mandatory make-up picture that every competitor has... :-)

So lucky to have such a supportive and understanding hubby!

Could not do it without you, Jade!

We met up with Jade's best friend, Doug and his wife Roxy and baby Fio in Miami :-)

and I was introduced to Tasti-D-Lite, yum!!

Doug, Jade and Gary in Miami

Check back for more updates soon, there is A TON going on with Metabolic Effect, My Gym Trainer and JillFit! :-) Talk to you soon!!

jill@jillfit.com

5 weeks out!

2009-05-19T12:11:00.001-07:00

Hello all! Been a while since I have updated :-) I have been writing a lot for the Metabolic Effect blog, which can be found here. Lots of good fat-loss info!

Well, I am a little less than 5 weeks out from the Model Universe Competition, which is June 19-21st in Miami, FL. I am super-excited since it is the biggest show I have ever done, and that my friend and first-time competitor, Tara Ballard will be doing the show with me! Check out Tara's blog, it is full of juicy diet and training info, since she has been journaling her whole experience.

Here is a look at today's diet and exercise routine. This is a pretty standard weekday routine for me 5 weeks out; I do a little less exercise on the weekends but inside the 6-week mark, there is no cheating on the diet!

4:30am Wake-up
5:00am 60 minutes incline walk on the treadmill
6:15am 1 scoop whey protein mixed with 8 oz unsweetened almond milk, 10g glutamine, 16 oz coffee
9:00am 1/2 lb ground bison w/ 1/4 cup chunky salsa
11:30am 30 minutes treadmill intervals
12:30pm Large greens salad w/ 1 grilled chicken breast, 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette, 1.5g fish oil, CLA
2:00pm Unsweetened cocoa powder drink made with hot water and splenda
4:00pm 6-egg white omelet w/ 1 cup spinach, 1 slice healthy hemp bread, dry
5:00pm 30-min heavy leg workout
5:30pm Teach 45-minute spin class
7:00pm 1 lean turkey breast prepared with salt-free seasoning, 2 cups spinach, red pepper/red onion, 10 sprays balsamic vinaigrette, 1.5g fish oil, CLA
8:00pm Chamomile tea
9:00pm BED!

Drank 1 gal plain water throughout the day

The diet will get more strict at the 2 week mark, I will post again then so you can see just how depriving it can get lol! It's all worth it, right girls??! :-)

Ok, there has been a lot going on with My Gym Trainer and Metabolic Effect, but I will put that off for another day! Hope you are doing well and I would love to hear from you!! :-) jill@jillfit.com

Jilly's Lean and Healthy Pancakes

2009-03-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Of course I am always trying to find great, healthy things to eat that taste good too. After a bit of experimentation with traditional protein pancakes, I finally perfected this healthy "treat" recipe, which is a refreshing change from the ol' egg white-and-oatmeal routine. Try 'em and let me know what you think!! jill@jillfit.com

In a blender, lightly blend the following:

1/2 cup liquid egg whites
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1.5 scoops whey protein powder (I like BSN Lean Dessert Cinnamon Roll or Jay Robb's Vanilla)
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1/4 cup almond flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Dash or two of Pumpkin Pie Spice

Spray saute pan with PAM and cook like pancakes. Recipe makes 3 large pancakes (3 servings).

Here is the nutritional info per serving:

205 calories
8g fat (1.5g sat)
20g carbs (6g fiber)
19g protein

Pretty healthy, and yummy! :-)

Staying in Shape!

2009-02-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

People ask me all the time what I do the "stay in shape"...I love this question because honestly I could talk about fitness and nutrition all day. Staying in shape (define it how you like-- looking and feeling great) encompasses 3 specific criteria and doing these things day in and day out-- religiously. My fitness is my faith :-)

Even the most sought-after fitness models cannot get away with skimping on any of these items-- it is a way of life, not simply "good" genetics!

1) Weight training
2) Interval Cardio
3) Clean diet

That's it (though we could certainly argue that the effects of sleep, stress, emotions, etc play an important role)! These may seem absurdly obvious, however, it is the combination of these three key actions that can get and keep anyone in shape, no matter how out of the routine they have become. Sounds easier than it is, though! :-) Here are some starting points of each of these areas:

Weight Training

Below is an intermediate level weight training workout. It is designed "circuit-style" which means that you are moving from one exercise to the next with little rest. Perform 1 set of the first exercise and then 1 set of the second exercise and so-on. Complete 1 "round" and then begin again, completing 3 rounds total.

Circuit #1: Lower Body - 3 sets

Barbell Alternating Lunges - 55lbs - 10 reps ea side
Switch Jumps (jumping lunges-- alternate legs) - No weight - 10 reps ea side
Barbell Stiff-legged Deadlifts - 55lbs - 15 reps
Swiss ball Hamstring Curls - No weight - to failure :-) (should be able to complete 10-40 reps)

Circuit #2: Upper Body - 3 sets

Incline Bench Dumbbell Press/Stand/Shoulder Press - 15lbs - 10 reps
Cable Chest Fly - 10 reps heavy, 10 reps light
Pull-ups (use assisted machine) - moderate weight - 10 close grip, 10 wide grip
Dumbbell Bent-over Row/Triceps Extension - 15lbs - 15 reps

Interval Cardio

Cardio can be done one of two ways: first is "steady-state," which is when you might get on the elliptical and just read a magazine and stay at the same speed and resistance the whole time; or the second way is "Interval"-style, alternating high intensity bouts with recovery periods. Study after study shows that interval cardio is far superior for fat-burning, when compared to long, slow cardio. Here are a couple of my favorite intermediate interval workouts (remember to push as hard as you can on the "working" segments and go slooooooooow on the "resting" segments--alternating between high peaks and low valleys of exertion):

Treadmill Workout - 25 minutes

Time	Speed	Incline	Segment Time
0-5	4	0	5 min
5-8	6	0	3 min
8-9	3	0	1 min
9-12	6	2	3 min
12-13	3	2	1 min
13-16	6	4	3 min
16-17	3	4	1 min
17-20	6	6	3 min
20-21	3	6	1 min
21-24	6	8	3 min
24-25	2	8	1 min

Elliptical Workout - 25 minutes

Time	Crossramp	Resistance	Segment Time
0-4	8	4	4 min
4-6	8	11	2 min
6-7	8	4	1 min
7-9	8	11	2 min
9-10	8	4	1 min
10-12	9	12	2 min
12-13	9	4	1 min
13-15	9	12	2 min
15-16	9	4	1 min
16-18	10	13	2 min
18-19	10	4	1 min
19-21	10	13	2 min
21-22	10	4	1 min
22-24	10	14	2 min
24-25	10	2	1 min

Recumbent Bike Workout - 30 minutes

Time	Level	RPM	Segment Time
0-3	6	90+	3 min
3-5	6	100+	2 min
5-6	2	50+	1 min
6-9	7	80+	3 min
9-11	7	90+	2 min
11-12	2	50+	1 min
12-15	8	70+	3 min
15-17	8	80+	2 min
17-18	2	50+	1 min
18-21	9	60+	3 min
21-23	9	70+	2 min
23-24	2	50+	1 min
24-27	10	50+	3 min
27-29	10	60+	2 min
29-30	2	50+	1 min

Clean Diet

Often the hardest part of the equation for even the most disciplined, clean dieting is something that is necessary to reap the benefits of hard-earned gym time. I often see exercise enthusiasts who workout for hours and hours each day, but whose body never changes because they are still eating plenty of sugar, sodas and salty foods-- I know because I used to be one of them! I would teach 2, 3, 4 fitness classes per day, run an hour on the treadmill and lift, but always ate what I wanted for the most part-- bagels, candy, diet pepsi, pizza, pasta, chips, beer! :-) Though I looked athletic, I never had a lot of definition or cuts, just always looked sort of water-logged! Once I got my diet on board, my shape completely changed, my muscles started to really pop and I leaned out very quickly-- I lost 7 pounds of water in the first week-- talk about water-logged!! SO, here are some hard and fast rules about eating clean:

1) You have got to eat-- 5-6x per day, every 2.5-3 hours.

2) Each "meal" should consist of: protein and veggies (or one of the following starches: 1/2 plain sweet potato, 1/2 cup cooked brown rice or 1/3 cup dry old-fashioned quick oats made with water).

3) Meals should take away hunger, not stuff you!

4) Drink 3-4 liter of plain water each day and limit other beverages to black coffee and green tea

5) Cut out simple sugar completely! This includes: candy, cookies, donuts, muffins, cakes, biscuits, pastries, sugar in your coffee, milk chocolate, ice cream, regular soda, sweet tea, granola, sugary cereals, fruit juice (yes, fruit juice-- eat low GI fruit instead), and sports drinks, etc.

6) Eat 1 cheat meal per week to not only keep your sanity, but to keep you motivated throughout the week (and to act as a positive reinforcer when you feel like crap after!)

7) Use natural nut butter to satisfy a craving, but stick to 2 tbsp at each serving (the cals can really creep up on you), and its ok to have 1 oz dark chocolate per day

8) Research supplementation or see a clinical nutritionist to examine where you may need to supplement your diet with for example, omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) or glutamine (for us intense exercisers) or perhaps a greens/reds drink to up your antioxidant quota.

Ok, that should do it! Let me know if you have questions: jill@jillfit.com - would love to hear from you!! Good luck, and remember, it is about consistency above all else! If you miss a workout, don't stress, just go tomorrow! If you fumble on your eating, fine, just don't go two bad meals in a row! Don't throw in the towel if you mess up-- practice makes perfect! Keep it tight 85% of the time and you will see great results!! It's a lifestyle, not a countdown to a perfect body-- maintenance work is just as important and tough as the process of getting there!

Here are some of my favorite "before" and "afters" for your enjoyment :-)

Jill in her college years, waaaaaaaay before, circa 2001: !!! Whoa!

At my first show:

Plain old me:

Thanks for checking out my blog! Talk soon!! oxoxoxox

Thoughts on running...or should I say sprinting.

2008-12-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

I am not a runner. I run sometimes, but mostly I would categorize what I do as frantically sprinting and gasping on the treadmill for no more than 40 minutes at a time. I recently ran my first (and most-likely only) half marathon and I am happy to report a time of 1h 33min, which averages out to 7:07 min/mile, a pace that I was pleasantly surprised to be able to maintain considering I only did 4-5 "long" runs in preparation for the race. Mostly, I ran short distances fast as hell and did a couple long runs just be sure I would make it. Here's me sprinting the race, LOL, mind you, it was about 35 degrees out, whoops! Thanks to Jade and Stacie for all their support and inspiration, could never have done it without you!

So, though I will never be a runner, I want to present an alternative to the old ideology of the-longer-the-better. I say, the-faster-the-better-- well, at least it is more efficient and prepared me just as well if not better for this race. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love high-intensity cardio-- Jade calls me "dopamine dominant" which I take to mean that I crave sympathetic stimuli and love what a great, fast and hard workout song can help me accomplish on the treadmill. So, here are a few of my go-to treadmill workouts, ones that I do regularly-- if you like to workout hard, get faster and get great physique results, these are a great addition. They are what I consider "advanced" protocols, so please adjust if you need to! :-) Print out and bring to the gym with you! Email at jill@jillfit.com if you have any questions and happy sweating!!

Treadmill - 30 minutes
Time	Speed	Incline	Segment Time
0-5	6.5	0	5 min
5-10	7	0	5 min
10-10:45	2	5	45 sec
10:45-11:30	10	5	45 sec
11:30-12:15	2	5	45 sec
12:15-13	10	5	45 sec
13-13:45	2	5	45 sec
Continue alternating 45 sec @ speed 10 and 45 sec @ speed 2
at incline 5 until you reach 25 minutes (complete 10 intervals)
25-30	3	0	5 min

Treadmill - 35 minutes
Time	Speed	Incline	Segment Time
0-5	6.5	0	5 min
5-10	7	0	5 min
10-12	5.7	14	2 min
12-13	3	14	1 min
13-15	6	12	2 min
15-16	3	12	1 min
16-18	6.3	10	2 min
18-19	3	10	1 min
19-21	6.6	8	2 min
21-22	3	8	1 min
22-24	6.9	6	2 min
24-25	3	6	1 min
25-27	7.2	4	2 min
27-28	3	4	1 min
28-30	7.5	2	2 min
30-31	3	2	1 min
31-33	7.8	0	2 min
33-35	3	0	2 min

Short and sweet! Have fun!

Upcoming Projects!

2008-12-11T10:38:00.000-08:00

Hello!! Welcome to my blog, and thank you for taking the time to read!

It is an exciting month with a lot going on in the "Fit World" :-) LeAura and I, along with our amazing graphic designer John Stevens (www.johnstevensdesign.com) have been working like crazy on the "My Gym Trainer" series, having nearly completed the Level 1 book, and just finished shooting photos for the Level 2 book with the ever-talented Will and Deni McIntyre (www.macfoto.com)! Here are some shots from the MGT II Photo shoot with models TJ Peele, Emily Saunders and Maria Jones:

Look for MGT Levels 1-3 out VERY soon!

In other news, Metabolic Effect has launched its ME DVD Series: ME At-Home workouts for sale, FINALLY! I know you guys have been waiting, so hit me up if you want to workout with us at home! All you need is a set of dumbbells! Perhaps it would make a great Christmas gift for a "New Years Resolution-er"!?? :-) jill@metaboliceffect.com
www.metaboliceffect.com

Finally, I have to share my newest recipe for High-Protein Scones, obviously! Tell me what you think!! Great for a mid-afternoon snack!

High-Protein Scones

Preheat oven 350 F
Combine all of the following in one large bowl, and mix with a fork:

2.5 cups hazelnut flour (get at Whole Foods)
3 scoops BSN Lean Dessert Whey Protein in Cinnamon Roll flavor (at Vitamin Shoppe)
1 1/4 cups liquid egg whites
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup erythritol (natural sweetener, get at Whole Foods)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup raisin
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (if you are being bad :-)
1-2 tbsp cinnamon
dash of nutmeg

Spoon large scone-looking piles onto a PAM-sprayed baking sheet, 1" apart
Should make about 16 servings

Bake for 15 minutes
Remove, cool and EAT!
Simplest thing EVER!

If you make them, let me know what you think! Chances are that the recipe with be featured in the upcoming Metabolic Effect book along with several other "metabolically favorable" recipes!

Anyway, I think that's it for now! I will be posting several workouts and eating tips for all those looking for some inspiration around January 1st, so check back! As always, please let me know how YOU are doing and what's going on in your world!

Fall Updates

2008-11-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

Hi there! Thanks for checking out my blog! Well, I promised I would report on the outcome of my show a few weeks ago, and I am excited to report I placed 2nd out of a big group and had a blast down in Miami! The show was the FAME North American Fitness Model Championships (check out the FAME website www.bodyproud.org). Here are some pics from both the swimsuit round and the themewear round (in which I did a mini-striptease as a biker chick :-)

Thanks to Tim Rollans, FAME photographer who got some great shots (www.trollans.ca)!!

Up next, I am traveling down to Houston to visit my family and compete at the FAME Lone Star Fitness Modeling Championships in May 2009! I am eying that pro status like crazy and hope to earn it this year!!! I will be posting some workouts and articles throughout the next couple months to keep you guys clued into what's going on. Jade Teta, CSCS and creator of Metabolic Effect Inc (www.metaboliceffect.com) is training me for the show and doing my diet so I am really looking forward to making some great gains on both my physique and stage presentation.

Other than that, LeAura and I are still working like crazy on "My Gym Trainer" with an anticipated release in Spring 2009. It's a collection of take-with-you-to-the-gym workouts, both cardio and weights, effective for fat loss and improved muscular strength, endurance and body composition...more to come as we get closer! In the meantime, keep it clean over the holidays and holla at me with your news!

Some pics from Miami, with Jillian :-)

Tired, hungry and thirsty on Friday before the show!

The beautiful Noelle Joye! (http://noellejoye.com)

Jillian and Jill

Jill and Obi Obadike, hottest male fitness model du jour!

Themewear - yes, we know the tan is dark

Time for a cheeseburger! :-)

Until next time!!! jill@jillfit.com

JC's Fitness Bread!

2008-10-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

Jade and I were playing around in the kitchen and came up with this amazing bread that is not only nutritious, but kind to your waistline! Since so many people were asking for the recipe, here it is! :-)

Makes 16 servings:

2.5 cups almond flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned plain oatmeal
1 cup liquid egg whites
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 scoops whey protein powder (any flavor will do, but I like BSN's Lean Dessert Whey in Cinnamon Roll :-)
1/4 cup splenda (or 1/3 cup erythritol if you don't want artificial sweetener)
2 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Preheat oven 350 F
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mix completely with a fork
Spray a 9 x 12 inch pan completely with PAM cooking spray
Spoon mixture into pan and spread evenly over entire bottom of pan (about 1/2 inch thick)
Bake for 15 minutes
Take out, let cool for 10 minutes, cut into 16 bars and serve :-)

Nutrition Info per bar:

160 calories
12g fat (1g saturated)
6g carbohydrate (2.5g fiber, 1g sugar)
9g protein

Enjoy! :-) oxox

Latest and Greatest

2008-10-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! This Fall has been an exciting time, but also one filled with dieting and contest prep, which of course is not the most fun thing. :-) BUT, I am getting ready to compete in the FAME North American Fitness Modeling Championships in Miami, FL October 31st, along with my good friend Jillian Sarno. We are a little less then 3 weeks out and its getting pretty strict, here is a sample of a day in the life (in case you cared! :-):

5am: 30 minutes interval cardio
6:30am: protein shake, made with protein powder, glutamine, almond milk, and oatmeal
9:30am: 8 egg white omelet made with spinach, CLA and fish oil
11am: 30 minutes lifting (one body part), 45 min run
12:30pm: Large greens salad with 2 small grilled chicken breasts and balsamic vinegar
3:30pm: 1 turkey breast, 1/2 cup veggies
6:00pm: Teach 45 minute spin class
7:00pm: Glutamine/vitamin C shake (made with ice and water)
7:30pm: 1/3 cup ground bison, 3 scrambled egg whites, 1/2 cup chopped veggies, all mixed together into some concoction I like to call "goulash" :-)
9:00pm: Chamomile tea, CLA and fish oil
9:30pm: BED!

Over the next couple weeks, it will get more and more strict and then no one with want to speak to me! :-) Thank you as always to Jade for putting up with my crap and understanding my crankiness when 3 hours has gone by and I have not eaten yet! You're the best!

Ok, in other news...I have been fortunate enough to have shot with some great up-and-coming photographers over the past couple months. The first is Seam Busher of www.seanbusher.com. He is looking to get into fitness photography for the likes of Nike, Adidas, etc and luckily, I was able to test with him to help build his portfolio, as well as my own. Here is the magical photo that he created from our session:

Amazing, right!!? He's very talented, check him out at www.seanbusher.com!

Next, I had a casual shoot with local up and comer Dominic Gray: www.dominicgray.com. Such a talent, and so young! I am looking forward to working with him again later this month. Check these out:

Pretty cool, right!? Thank you Dominic, we had a fun time even though it was a thousand degrees outside and I was wearing a wool coat, pants and hat!!! :-)

Lastly, I was excited to find out that I am on the COVER of this month's fitness industry magazine "Fitness Management" www.fitnessmanagement.com!! The photo was shot by Will and Deni McIntyre, who are so talented and are the sweetest, most fun couple to work with! Thank you both!! And though you cannot see my face, I am happy to show off the hard work I have put into my delts LOL! Here it is:

I am sure I will have plenty to post in a few weeks after our show in Miami. After the show, I am going stay clean on my diet and hoefully pick up some more modeling work! But, as for competition, I don't know what will be next!? Any ideas?? :-) In other news, I am getting married in April, so that will be exciting! Speaking of, Jade's Metabolic Effect book is looking like a definite publication next year! Look for it at Borders and Barnes and Noble :-) More to come...as for My Gym Trainer, LeAura and I are working dilgently, along with our graphic designer to get Levels 1-3 all printed and out asap! I am sure I will be blogging all about it over the next few months!

Thanks to everyone who takes time to read about my crazy (fit) world! I look forward to hearing from you and what's going on in your neck of the woods! In the meantime...here is a picture of me chowing down on french fries...since I am currently day-dreaming about the taste of them:

Until next time! :-)
<3 Jill oxoxoxo

Summer Fun and Fall Fitness!

2008-07-29T09:08:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone...post-Fall shows, I have been enjoying myself and indulging a little bit in some "off-season" treats :-) I cheered two of my clients to their first figure show in June, Jillian Sarno (http://www.ncrmedicine.com/) and Nina Lucas. Both ladies did wonderfully, caught the "competition bug" and made me so proud! Here is a shot of Jillian and I at her post-show meal:

In the past couple months I have done some modeling for Champion Apparel and a Sears catalog, and have been featured in OnFitness and Fitness & Physique's latest issues. :-) But other than that, things have been quiet as Jade and I took a vacation to Denver for a nutrition conference and to visit my good friend, Sara. Then I was off to San Francisco with my mom for a Napa winery tour (yikes!) and some serious hill walking (have you been to San Fran??). Now, I am back in the saddle and dieting and training for the FAME Nationals Fitness Model competition October 4th in NYC! 10 weeks out! There are a couple other shows around that time in which I may compete, we'll see!

In other news, both Jade and I are in the process of writing our own books! I am writing the book series "My Trainer" with a good friend and personal training client, LeAura. We are in the beginning stages of the book-writing process, but are excited to start marketing and promoting it soon! Here are a couple of shots from our photo shoot with the talented Will and Deni McIntyre:

Stacie Battjes

Jillian Sarno

Hopefully the book will be released in early 2009! If you are reading this, you will hear MUCH more about this project! It is going to be a comprehensive exercise book, consisting of the type of protocols I use with my clients and with which LeAura has had tremendous success! More info to come....

Jill and LeAura: "My Trainer" fitness friends!

Coming soon: www.mytrainerfitness.com!

More to come next month....have a great summer! :-)

Spring Ahead!

2008-06-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I updated and I am excited to share all the latest news with you! :-)

On the competition front, I recently competed in my first pro figure show with the IFPA (http://www.ifpapro.com/) and came in 3rd. I was a little disappointed, but I am now motivated to work on my weak areas even more! Check out my evening stage walk:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGsfSw-Hfi8

The following weekend, I competed in my first FAME Fitness Model competition at the Nicole Costa FAME Model Championships in Providence, RI (http://www.wnso.com/) and came in 2nd in Fitness Model Advanced Category. It was THE most fun I have ever had a show! The girls were all so beautiful and sweet and I had the best experience! I can't wait for my next one :-) Here are some pics from the show:

In other news, during my "off season," I completed some marketing and promotion for a new fitness device called Workout 180. A cute little machine to do a wide array of exercises on! Great for home workouts! Check out the website and my little Bowflex-like highlight video on the opening page: http://www.workout180.com/

I was also lucky enough to shoot with Will and Deni McIntyre again (http://www.macfoto.com/). These guys are so awesome and so talented! Check out some of the photos:

How cool are these?? :-) Thank you both for such an amazing shoot and some great photos!

So what's coming up?

I will be at the 17th Annual INBF Natural Atlantic Coast Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition on June 14th at the Arts Council Theater in Winston-Salem, NC giving out the trophies. Shout out to my girls Jillian and Nina for getting ready to compete at the show. You girls are so inspirational and I am so proud of you both for coming this far, training for your FIRST figure show! I know it's tough but remember, "if it was easy, everyone would do it" :-) One more week!!

Metabolic Effect (http://www.metaboliceffect.com/) is getting ready to launch a new website for online video workouts. If you haven't already, make sure you check out the ME workouts online at http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=metabolic+effect&search_type= If you haven't tried Metabolic Effect, you haven't been working out! The website should be up by the end of June so you will be able to do ME workout with Jade or myself in your living room, at your hotel, outside or at the gym!

I think that's it! There are a bunch of things on the horizon, so I will be sure to update again soon! Please check back whenever possible and remember, I want to hear what's going on with YOU! Thanks so much for taking the time to read my blog! I know you are busy!! :-)

John Stutz' "Fit Girls Volume 1"

2008-03-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hello all!! I am excited to announce that John Stutz' eagerly anticipated

"Fit Girls Volume 1" fitness photography book is now available!!

Yours truly is featured in the book (3 images) along with many other lovely, fit ladies!

{ Click here for more information about the book! }

Thanks for checking in and more to come on figure season 2008! Let me know what's up!!

OXOX Jill

What's haaaaappening?

2007-10-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am sorry it has taken me forever to post another blog! Things have been hectic this Fall so far, but I am excited to post some new and exciting things :-)

I am happy to announce that Vaughan Twigger and I got the cover of the Winter 2007 issue of Fitness & Physique Magazine, out on stands November 6, 2007! Here is a link to the magazine's website http://www.physiquecompetitor.com/ and here is the cover!! :-)

Very exciting! Thank you to Lisa Brewer, the amazing photog who makes it all happen!! :-) www.lisabrewerphoto.com

Ok, what else...I am not doing any competitions this year and instead am trying to focus on what I am going to do next year: NPC? Women's Tri-Fitness? Marathon :-O Hmmmm....anyway, always need a goal so I will keep you posted! I have recently been spending a lot of my training time getting my client Candice Walter ready for her first figure show (www.myspace.com/178313580) in 2 weeks! She is doing amazingly well despite being in nursing school full-time, being A MOM, and teaching Metabolic Effect classes 3x per week, not to mention having to eat meat and vegetables like it's going out of style :-) Candice, you are a rockstar!

Have a few articles in OnFitness magazine this month...one on How to Train Women's Trouble Spots :-P with accompanying workout photos and another on Personal Training techniques for female trainers...check it out www.onfitnessmag.com Next issue out in early November...I have 2 more articles in there so check 'em out! Especially if you like the treadmill :-)

Other news...presenting the 1st Annual Metabolic Effect Weight-loss Seminar and Workshop - Saturday January 5, 2008! It will be held at Wake Forest University and slots are filling quickly so be sure to contact me if you are intersted in attending!! With the help of other trainers, nutrition consultants and physicians, we will be teaching participants HOW to eat, HOW to exercise and HOW to de-stress and sleep for optimal health and fat-loss! Plenty of workouts, diets, recipes, etc to take home and other goodies!! Healthy lunch included :-)

Ok, I think that's it....it's been a while, I hope you are doing well!! Thanks for checking in with my blog, I hope to hear from you soon!!!

Love, Jill oxoxoxoxox

Back in the Saddle...

2007-08-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

HI! Sorry for taking so long to post a new entry!!!

So I am back and up in the air about a show to do, if any, this year :-( There are 4 shows within a 3 week-span at the end of October into early November of which I am thinking about doing two of them. However, I am feeling a little scrawny up top so I am contemplating taking the rest of the year off and training correctly for some real gains for competition next year? I will keep you up to date!!

Other news:

The photos from my July shoots are in and here are some highlights:

Will & Deni McIntyre (http://www.macfoto.com/):

John Stutz Shoot in L.A.:

This Fall it is all about Metabolic Effect (http://www.metaboliceffect.com/):

* September 29-30: ME Personal Trainer Certification in Winston-Salem, NC
* October 20-21: ME Group Fitness Instructor Training in Charlotte, NC
* November 17-18: ME Master Level Instructor Training in W-S, NC

More to come next week!!! oxoxoxo Jill :-)

I love coffee shops!

2007-08-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

After a few days in L.A. I think I could see myself living here!!! The endless coffee shops, amazing restaurants and fitness in the air, could it be for me?! :-)

Jade and I got into Burbank on Sunday where his aunt Catherine and uncle Jay picked us up and brought us out for some west-coast sushi. I tried a little but blamed my limited consumption on dieting, dehydrating and sodium! Monday was amazing, shooting with John Stutz (www.johnstutz.com). We went all over L.A. and found some neat exotic crevices to shoot in, though the shoot was the most physically-demanding I have ever done (my neck and abs are still sore!). Pics to come... On Tuesday, I indulged my sweet cravings with some cake...well, a lot of cake! But, it was worth it! Wenesday we went to San Diego where we walked all around town and went to a nice Italian restaurant where Jade treated to me to a yummy belated b-day dinner! Thursday was the usual walking, shopping, eating and hanging out :-) Back on the diet on Monday!

Having a great time, thanks for checking in! Let me know what's going on with you!

John Stevens Design

2007-07-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hello! Thanks for checking back at my blog :-)

I just want to take a second to tell everyone about an extremely talented and extraordinary graphic designer John Stevens (http://www.johnstevensdesign.com/) who I was lucky enough to secure as the designer and artist for my website. John is an amazing artist and a world-reknowned calligrapher that is also a good friend. :-) He is an expert at what he does and a genius at creating "identities" for companies and individuals.

Check out his work on his website http://www.johnstevensdesign.com/ as well as http://www.metaboliceffect.com/ and http://www.nhcnc.com/. If you are thinking about starting your own site or rebuilding a current site, I would highly recommend him!! :-) This guy is awesome!!! Just look at this layout and handwritten artwork :-)

Busy busy busy!

2007-07-22T05:13:00.001-07:00

Hi! I am currently entering the last week of strict dieting before L.A. and finishing some odds and ends in W-S. It's going to be an exciting (but stressful!) week....

On Tuesday, Jade and I are doing the final walk-through on the condo and making sure all the items that needed fixing are completed. Wednesday, we close on the condo and get to start moving in! The past week has been fun, living with Jade's family and they have been incredibly welcoming to me. Eleven people living under one roof has been interesting!...But definitely fun! My 26th birthday was last week and they made it very special for me, so thank you!

Thursday is the shoot with Will & Deni McIntyre, which I am really looking forward to since it is a gym shoot and I have never done one before. Plus, they are so talented and fun, I know it's going to be a blast!

Saturday, Jade and I are participating in the Health & Fitness Day at Whole Foods and we will be there talking about Metabolic Effect and my new website http://www.jillfit.com/. Stop by if you get a chance! Aaaaaaand finally....Sunday we leave for L.A.! So excited! I am shooting with John Stutz on Monday July 30th and then I get to relax for a week! In 'n Out Burger anyone??! :-)

As far as upcoming plans, I am a little bit up in the air...I am only 9 weeks out from a show at the end of September so I might just go for it and then call it a year. We'll see!!! Any suggestions?

Finally, here are some shots from the shoot with the talented Lisa Brewer from 2 weeks ago (http://www.lisabrewerphoto.com/):

Ok, think that's it for now! Have a great week and thanks for reading!! :-)

Show Cancelled!

2007-07-15T18:04:00.001-07:00

Hello! :-) It's been a while since I have written! VERY busy this summer dieting, working out and getting ready to move into a new condo...just found out my WNBF Pro figure debut scheduled for July 28th in Augusta, GA got canceled :-( So bummed! After 12 weeks of dieting and 2 weeks to go, I am in limbo. Eat? Keep dieting? Cut back on cardio? Hmmm...

On a more exciting note, last Monday I had a photo shoot with Lisa Brewer (www.lisabrewerphoto.com) for OnFitness magazine. I shot workout spreads for 4 articles including a feature which I wrote on training for Women's Trouble Spots, to be a feature in the next issue! I also shot some cover shots for OnFitness for potential use in 2008 (cross your fingers!). Another bodybuilder, Vaughan Twigger (www.myspace.com/114247049) came by the shoot and took some photos for submission to Fitness & Physique magazine...we'll see!!! I'll keep you posted!

So I have decided to take the weekend off from my diet and tighten up again tomorrow for 2 photo shoots that I have in 2 weeks....one with Will & Deni McIntyre (a VERY talented photography couple from Winston-Salem) and one with John Stutz (www.johnstutz.com) in L.A.! Yay! Gotta stay in shape baby!

Have a great night and let me know what's going on in your world!! :-)

Seven Weeks Out

2007-06-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hello! Thank you for checking out my NEW blog! I am going to use this site to chronicle my adventures in the fitness world and keep you up to date on my latest news, events, and all the other ups and downs on the path to making my dreams come true.

Just to catch everyone up, I am getting ready to launch my new websites (!) www.jillfit.com and www.jillcolemanfitness.com! A year ago, I would never in a million years thought I would be doing what I am today...I was training for my first ever figure show and won my class, while earning my WNBF pro card! I went on to compete in a second show in November 2006 and once again won my class! Following the second contest, I had a photo shoot with the amazing Lisa Brewer (www.lisabrewerphoto.com) and with the help of stylist Dustin Patrick Smith, was able to leverage those photos into a fitness modeling contract with Directions Modeling USA (www.directionsusa.com). I began writing for the nationally-distributed OnFitness magazine within the same month and was asked to shoot for an upcoming cover! The cover came out in May 2007 nation-wide, along with a workout spread and article. I have also been featured in publications such as Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness Magazine, Fitness & Physique Magazine and several promotional materials for local fitness facilities, fitness shows and companies, with the most well-known being Metabolic Effect (ME). ME is by far the most effective exercise program in which I have even participated. Jump on board early with this company, as they are growing by leaps and bounds!!! www.metaboliceffect.com

So, now that we are all caught up....I am 7 weeks out from my WNBF pro debut on July 28th, followed by a much-needed "vacation" to L.A. where I am lucky enough to be shooting with some well-known photogs, as well as relax and rejuvenate!

I want to win my show!!! :-) I am looking for inspiration and would love to give it to those of you who are getting ready for a show, event, or special occasion where you want to look and feel your best! Thanks for reading and let me know what YOU are up to!! :-)

More to come next week....