Arnold Sports Festival Blog Series – Interpreted by Holly Barker

BLOG 2 - My First Ad!

When I first set out to compete, I must admit that, never in a million years did I ever think I would actually get published in a magazine. The beautiful fit ladies that I followed so avidly, be it in the back pages of the competition highlights, in the supplementation ads, in the success stories, in the fitness articles…and of course the almighty cover were a million miles away. Although I dreamed of being one of them, it was a wish that seemed too far away, not in this small town girls grasp.
The day that Glen Grant photographed me would change me forever. Not only did that get me my first publication, but it gave me confidence to pursue those dreams that were once thought outlandish and to live the example I have always followed. Now, twice published in the Inside Fitness Hot and Fit and sponsored by an amazing company – Magnum Nutraceuticals, doors that were once locked tight seem to now be unlockable.

Markus had told me that I had a surprise waiting for me at the Arnold. When I got to Columbus he proceeded to tell me that my surprise was three fold and that he couldn’t wait to show it to me!! I hate surprises and no one knows better than my husband that you can’t tell me that you have a surprise for me without me searching the house high and low and asking every person in site if they know what it is and to TELL ME!!! This surprise was eating me alive…I could not wait to see what this was going to be. After arriving in Columbus Wednesday evening and photo shoots all day Thursday, the first day of the Expo finally arrived…Friday! The day my surprise would be revealed!

I think the main reason why I hate surprises and try my best to avoid them is because I cannot hide my emotion. I get very nervous because I do not want to disappoint the surprise giver. Well, Friday morning was here! Meghan, Emily and I nonchalantly walked into the Expo. We found which direction to head to booth #601. I lagged behind the other two girls as I always do. My legs are longer, but I can’t seem to figure out walking with a bag in one hand and a coffee in the other without spilling…maybe that’s why I was always assigned the beer tub station at Athena’s?! :) As I approached the booth, I was stopped by Markus who told me to “WAIT”. He signalled the go ahead to Tyler who was the videographer for all of the Weekend moments. I was then given the ok to proceed…..NERVES! This. Is. Happening! My heart jumped to my throat, my eyes scanned the scene and then I saw it. A friggin life size, no, way bigger than life size picture of ME! I made the ad! Holy S@&%!!! I cried! And I hyperventilated a minute. And then I stared in awe! Wow. Markus grabbed the Product Fact Sheet and low and behold ther I was on the back and within the contents. Markus then grabbed the new Muscle Insider where this ad is the back cover! Humbled. This is it. Remember this moment Holly. Take it. Appreciate it. You’ve earned this.

While in Las Vegas last fall working the Olympia Expo for Team Magnum Nutraceuticals, I had the pleasure and opportunity to do a photo shoot with David Ford. I also had the opportunity to test shoot for the new product that Magnum would be rolling out. This experience was, again, one that seemed to be pulled out of a movie, one where I looked back thinking…is this really my life? This is Awesome! If you’re going to be put into a situation where you are trying to emote feeling and present what the client is looking for then Mike O’Hearn is who you want to learn from. He has been on hundreds of covers, a former American Gladiator, actor…his book of work is impressive to say the least. He is a consummate professional and very easy to work with. David Ford, Asha Belisle and Rodney Jang of Status Fitness were the gang in the room. These guys made me laugh uncontrollably and made me feel so comfortable that apparently, my photo’s turned out and I was awarded this campaign. Totally unbelievable!

Being comfortable during a photo shoot is key. Especially when you are shooting with a counterpart and with a photographer and crew you have never worked with. It is critical to always bring your best, to respect their time and to take lessons from them. In that room that day, I was surrounded by professionals. This is their business and I was a guest. At any moment, opportunities may be offered to you. Do not try to control the situation, let these experiences guide you towards your ultimate end goal.

People come into your life at special moments. Many of them are brought into your life to teach a lesson and to enable you to grow to the person you are set out to be. As long as you learn from your experiences you will forever grow closer to your dreams.

Contrary to what some may think; No, Mike and I were not testing the product. No, I’m not cheating on my husband. A picture is a still moment of action. I love photo shoots and photography for that reason. I get to act. I am able to express myself and to be fierce without explanation. I rise to the occasion and hope that the world is watching. Luckily, people are watching and noticing and allowing me to bring ME to this industry. Forever grateful for this opportunity.
Thank-you Team Magnum!

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Holly Barker

Arnold Sports Festival Blog Series – Interpreted by Holly Barker

Blog 1 – In the Makeup Chair

As you all may know, last week I had the extreme pleasure of traveling to Columbus, Ohio for the 2013 Arnold Sports Festival. I had attended last year as an Amateur Bikini Competitor and was there this year as a Magnum Athlete representing my sponsor at the Expo and in multiple photoshoots. My experience this year proved to be equally exciting, but extremely DIFFERENT!

I'm excited to share some of the things I was lucky to experience and interpret the weekend for you through my eyes:

As a competitor or an athlete working an expo, especially the largest in the Nation, great makeup and hair that last through the long days is a must. It was a no brainer to book the fantastic Two Chicks And Some Lipstick: Lori Fabrizio and Valeria Nova. I had first worked with them at last years show and have booked them at every opportunity since. They are the ultimate in hair and makeup and I feel truly beautiful after I leave their room every time!

An added bonus to getting glammed by the rockstar duo is the celebrity citing’s you just might come across when you sit in these makeup chairs!

Case in point - Aleisha Hart was getting shoot ready when miss Meghan Amelia Wilson and I were getting glammed for our photoshoot. I was in awe and too nervous to ask for a photo. She then headed off to shoot with the great Paul Buceta for Oxygen.

Oxygen Cover models and Arnold Sports Festival Amateur Bikini competitors; Rita Catalino and Midori Rutlidge were staying in the room. It's great to see these girls and made me wish that I was stepping on stage this past weekend! They looked great and did awesome! Midori graces this months cover of Oxygen Magazine and won the Rockstar Bikini search this past weekend! Rita is the official trainer for The Tosca Reno and placed 5th this past weekend in her bikini division! Way to go girls!

Team Blessed Bodies joined the crew to get beautified for their photoshoots and expo appearances. They were also gracing the Oxygen booth with their beauty this past weekend!

Sound the trumpets....drumroll please....3 of the mornings I had the pleasure to share the hour with none other than, Miss Oxygen, Miss Eat Clean, Miss Flexing at 49…The Tosca Reno! Tosca Reno is the reason I am where I am today. When I was in a state of constantly thinking; I’ll never be tall enough, I’ll never be thin enough, I’ll never be beautiful, she spoke to me in health proving that health is happiness and happiness is beauty.

Tosca and I shared the 6am time slot. She entered the room with a bare face radiating a healthy glow and a beautiful smile introducing herself as Tosca and sharing hugs with Lori and Val. She is rocking an amazing body as well I might add! I got to hear future travel plans and what’s up next…seriously, she is a constant inspiration and motivation. I learnt a few beauty tricks from her too!

I am happy to announce that I kept composure even though I was bursting with little girl handstands inside and wanted to scream at the top of my lungs! I had the courage to ask for a photo this year and believe that I redeemed my image after the incident last year where all I could do was stare and blurt out, “you’re beautiful” like a creepy girl! :D

It's these moments that I get to experience. Nothing expected and everything appreciated. I try to learn and grow from every experience. So blessed to get to take these moments home with me. One year ago, I could not have imagined where I would be in one year and with continuing to work towards my healthiest life I look forward to so many more moments like this....The weekend was filled with exciting moments, surreal experiences and memories of a lifetime so stay tuned for Blog 2 in the Arnold Sports Festival Blog Series – Interpreted by Holly Barker!

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I am!

I Can’t, I Can, I Will, I am, I Still Am…Which is you? Stages of actualizing your dreams and aspirations.

What is the ultimate image of success in your eyes?  Do you envision it often and think, if only I was that, if only I was there, if only this didn’t happen, then this could have happened.  Do you have conversations that begin with; “That could have been me”, “If I was younger”, “Wouldn’t it be nice if”. 

How about thoughts and conversations that center around “if I had this much money, I could do this”, “if I made this much money, I could be”.  I want you to take note every single time you are surrounded by these words and thoughts and focus on leaving them behind.  Step outside of this school of thinking and vow to think forward…towards your image of success.  Think of where you are right now.  Now think of where you want to be. The only way to be sure to reach the desired outcome, is to act in a manner that will cause these effects…cause and effect can create your destiny. 

My biggest pet peeve is hypocriticism.  I have been victim to haters and bullies in the past, but as I get older, I realize how so many people choose to remain victims of the past and never think forward.  All change begins with your thoughts.  When you get the ‘I Can’t’ out of your head, you take the first step towards actualizing the idea you have of success.  When you believe that you can actualize your goal, you begin to think of ways to get there, not barriers of entry.

Stop making excuses and justifying your thoughts of failure with discussions of distaste towards others’ success.  It only takes you to believe in you and everyone else will soon do the same. 

I pointed at a picture in the back of a magazine in 2006 and said; “I want to do that” (pointing at the beautiful figure competitors).  I did the same thing in 2010, but instead I said; “this will be me”.  The past 2 years have been dream after dream come true.  I am proud to say I am and I still am and whatever life decides to throw at me in the future…I still will be! J

Thank-you Glen Grant for seeing something in me, thank-you Inside Fitness Magazine and Terry Frendo for Publishing me and thank-you Magnum Nutraceuticals (Markus and Bert) for sponsoring me, but none of this would have happened if I didn’t believe in me.

 

See you at the club and at the Arnold Classic 2013 – Magnum Booth!!

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Consistency Yields Gains

With the New Year in full force and new goals, plans, resolutions in focus I decided to take a trip down memory lane to my contest prep photos from last year, January 2012.  I was 8 weeks out from stepping on stage at the Arnold Classic.  I had entered to compete at the Amateur Bikini Competition.  I remember feeling really healthy and confident last year and happy with how I looked.  Being my own worst critic though, I’m astonished at the amount of work and progress that has taken place since last January!

 It’s important to feel confident in your own skin at any present moment.  When you work so hard towards that image you have in your head of someone else’s perfect body, it’s important to respect your body for all that it allows you to accomplish.  When you accept your body for its strength, it is at that time that you can realize what you need to improve upon and work towards.  Whatever your focus is; possibly improving bicep definition, improving ab definition, reducing your waist measurement, getting rid of your muffin top, saying GOODBYE to wave goodbye arms…the list goes on.  My goal for…I’d say it’s pretty safe to say, the entire 2012 year, was to gain size in general, but specifically to gain size in my glutes, hams, quads.  I would say I am on my way to accomplishing this goal!

When you train hard every workout and eat clean consistently, changes are bound to happen.  As important as it is to set goals, resolutions, bucket lists, it is most important to note the process and the journey you take to get to that future present.  When you track your journey and the feelings you have at points within your journey, you can gauge your progress, adjust accordingly and move forward, closer to your end goal.  It is important to revisit these points down the road.  In the future, you are more knowledgeable and richer from experiences and challenges that have occurred since your last check in.  

So with this trip down memory lane, I remembered how I felt last year, I realized how much work I have done and how much improvement I have made in my physique in this past year.  This check and balance helped me appreciate today a whole lot more.  I think that with constantly striving to be in my best shape, I have begun to take my hard work for granted.  I have gotten really critical of myself and seem to focus more on every inch that needs improvement instead of loving the changes that have taken place.  These moments when I look back and realize that I’m only human and have worked so incredibly hard to get to where I’m at today, I can only appreciate everything that my body has allowed me to do.  Each today has been better than yesterday.  How incredible is that?!

Thus, my New Year’s resolution to me is to appreciate today and to work hard each day to make sure that tomorrow is even sweeter.  The excitement of not knowing what is to come in 2013 pushes me hard each day.  I will work hard so I am prepared for the opportunities that present themselves.

I am now 7 weeks out from the Arnold Classic 2013!!  Although I won’t be competing this year, my preparation for the activities that will take place while I am there will be just as strategic, committed and intense.  I can’t wait to see you all at the Expo – Magnum Booth!!

I wish you your luckiest 2013!

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Who is Holly Barker?

Many of you don’t know me personally, and only know me through my sources of Social Media.  What you may see is great photos that I am so proud of – revealing or not, I am comfortable with my body.  You will see photos of me at my gyms being goofy – I believe work should be fun.  You will see me happy.  I am generally a happy person and so lucky to be surrounded by a positive network of people.

I am happiest when I am living my healthiest life.  I love being active, accomplished and involved.  I whistle a lot and usually until I’m told to be quiet.  I sing really loudly in my car and dance.  I believe that a smile and a ‘Hi there” go a long way.  I eat with my hands out of plastic.  I eat tuna on a plane beside a stranger.  I grunt in the gym!  This is me, and conforming just simply isn’t an option.  Of course I have bad days, and sometimes I say things that may be misconstrued or taken in a manner not meant!  Trust me, my intent is not wishing negativity on others.

It’s not just enough to be happy, it’s living with the intent to use this positivity and wish well on others. When you have found what makes you happy, I believe everything else falls into place.  I only hope that I can be a source of motivation to anyone looking to live their healthiest life, whatever that may entail.  Case and point however, I will tell you how I feel.  No one has time to beat around the bush.  Being in the fitness industry, you are used to hearing physical critique, presentation critique, posing critique, suit choice critique, hair and makeup critique.  You are on stage to be judged for the package you bring.  It is depersonalized and becomes your work, your job.  Critisicm is necessary for improvement.  Even the winner must improve from their previous physique and every year of consistant training and healthy living will get you there.

The fitness industry is a small one.  Although, it might seem like another world, once you fully commit yourself to represent the fitness lifestyle, it is a small world indeed.  It is a much better place to be when you focus on bringing your best and getting along with everyone that has put in the hard work just like you.  You can make a lot of friends! 

Along with competing, I also own two fitness facilities in my city.  Devoting my life to this life I hope speaks in itself.  I love this life!  I love what you can accomplish when you live this life. I love the success stories and lives changed in our clubs!   I do not wish negative energy on anyone

I am an advocate to stepping on stage, and whatever stage it may be, I wish everyone nothing, but the successful journey I have been so lucky to travel.  I have met and had the pleasure to work with some pretty amazing people and I have taken something away from each and every one of them.

I write a lot about those that I am surrounded by.  How I could not do it without the support system I am so lucky to enjoy, but above all, you must set goals and strive towards them for yourself.  A true goal is to do something because you truly want it, not because others have doubted you.

I grew up in a very small town.  It was usual to be associated with my last name and who I was related to.  I am proud of my name, but when you grow up and are associated with a name of “tough” what happens when you don’t want to fight?  What happens when you are bullied, and you don’t live up to your name?

I believe life is too short to wish nothing but success for everyone.  I believe that happiness comes from wishing the best for others.  I am not perfect and sometimes what I say can be taken out of context.  But please know that I wish you success in whatever journey you set out to accomplish.  I would love to be a part of it!

Working out to me is my therapy.  I see results and get great gratification out of being strong.  I just may be compensating for a teased youth by making my body my work.  I only wish I could have achieved this when I was younger, but I do know that things happen as they should and for reason.  It is what you do with the things that happen to you that make you who you are. 

I have found myself through fitness and my biggest accomplishment to date would be the people I touch in a positive way. 

Growing and learning each day.

Holly Barker

 

My PictureGroove Christmas

Oh what a Christmas it's been thus far!! After my last competition in October I asked myself the inevitable question, what's next? Refer to my previous blog posts and you will know what this question actually triggers in me...http://anytimefitness-hollys-contest-prep.blogspot.ca/2012/04/whats-next-post-competition-week.html

We celebrate Christmas in the sunny south each year with my mom and dad who own a home in Maricopa. With this being a luxury again for us this year, I decided that this may be my opportune moment to cross something off of my bucket list....enter Sarah Lyons of PictureGroove photography. I have admired Sarah's work and love every image of every model I see. I was excited to find out she had an opening and after my sponsor made a connection for me, I was ecstatic to find out that this shoot could be a possible cover test opportunity!! The work was set out. I was eased to know my next up goal and something to work towards for the next few weeks.

I know it's not realistic to always be in competition shape, not always be prepping for the next competition, not always be dieting. My trainer has talked to me about periodization points in training and I know more than anyone that I do not bode well mentally being so restrictive diet wise. However, I also know that I feed off of a plan. This is how I feel I can progress and push myself. Accomplishing one thing and setting forth to accomplish the next is how you progress in all life's abilities. Just think about it; Do you make a grocery list before heading to the grocery store? Do you plan your workout before heading to the gym? Do you get directions before going to your destination? Do you make new years resolutions?

It's incredibly important to set goals for yourself. Business goals. Personal goals. Relationship goals. Where do you see yourself next month, next year, 5 years from now? Where would you LIKE to see yourself next month, next year, 5 years from now?

Have you ever heard someone say, "dress for the job you want"? I say, "live every day for the life you want". Being a business graduate and working in the financial industry I always loved the saying, "it's not what can I afford, but more how can I afford it?" Now, training with a trainer that does not believe in the words "I can't" the two worlds of strength and numbers marry. It makes sense to me now!! If you look at life and say I can't, then shut the front door and wait to die. It's never I can't. It's how can I? If you want to do something you will find a way.

I apologize for the multi tangent blog, but as i write this on the flight home, earbuds in and a playlist consisting of Enya, I am filled with motivation, possibilities, inspired once again to set out to accomplish the next thing on my radar.  I am, again, one experience richer. We got some great shots, I had a great holiday and hey you just never know, this experience may just have been a cover experience! ;)

You can follow me on instagram and twitter @hollsbarks and check my entire Picture Groove Christmas Album on my facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Holly-Barker/139438026147584?ref=hl

Until next time!
Holly Barker

Everyone has a story

Since venturing into the business of owning a gym, I continue to meet amazing people each day. I love to hear everyone's story.  Asking probing questions, something that used to scare the bejeez out of me, now is something that I love most.  I believe it is because our club is a community.  It is a place that people come to be their best, perform their best, improve on themselves so they can have a better quality of life and enjoy their time most outside of the club.  

My role in our business has changed and now with two clubs and hopefully a third to come, I am not able to meet every new member and do not get to know everyone personally.  However, few impact me the way that one particular member has.  I have gained a new appreciation for this fit and healthy "bikini" lifestyle since knowing Corey.  Corey is the epitome of why I continue to strive for my healthiest life.  When you live life to be your best, the impact you make on others is the best reward you could be given.  Little people have experienced what Corey has experienced.  Many will never experience what he has.  But everyone can relate to his story.  I want YOU to read Corey's story.  His story has a voice much bigger than mine and is a story that everyone should be so lucky to learn from.  

Let it be known that, with everything you do, you may just impact someone.  When you live positively and with purpose, the impact can be powerful and life changing.  

READ COREY'S STORY:

http://part2lifestyle.blogspot.ca/

Train hard and live with purpose.

Holly Barker