Workout Video from Last Night-Ashley Matias kicking butt in the gym! - Special Thanks to Rob G. and Duilio

Another Great Workout Tonight

Tonight's workout was great I learned a few new execrsises and spent time with my buddy Rob G. I am maintaining the focus on dropping the last few pounds by the end of 2011. I want to reach the overall loss of  76 pounds... I know I will make it there but just like the last 46 pounds I know it won't be easy. Having the support of family, friends and my trainer helps me out tremendously. My main focus is to be healthy, get toned and just to be happy! So many times I have neglected myself in the past and look where that took me, I weighed in at 211 pounds and I am only 4'11. I know I want to help everyone but all the while  I was losing myself. I feel like a part of me has returned and having the drive and determination that I do I know I will make it. Even if I don't drop all 76 pounds this year I know eventually I will make it there. I also know I need to continuously work on the negative self talk and own the curves and other unique features that  I might have. It is what makes me- ME! I have posted a little inspiration at the end of my posting tonight- hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for reading!

07/21/2011- Me and My trainer Duilio after my workout tonight!

"So long as there is a breath in me, that long will I persist. If I persist long enough, I will win."

Day in the life at Whole Foods....

So I was excited and nervous to try this green smoothie today- it had spinach, kale, apple juice, banana and lemon juice and it was pretty darn good. It will be something  I will try again for sure....

On my way to the check out line  I was surprised to see Steve O from the Movie/Show Jackass standing right in front of me! My co worker Sophia asked him if he would mind taking a photo with me and he said  " No problem" he was really nice and very down to earth.




Thanks Steve O



Negative Thoughts....Still a consistant battle

Well for my female readers, if you are like me than I am sure when you look in the mirror you can start picking on the things you don't like about yourself. We can truely be are worst critics and even though we try so hard to not be its always coming back. I found myself this evening after stepping off the scale in complete tears, lately the scale has been a yo yo effect and i'm not sure if its water weight, muscle gain or fat gain and it can get somewhat frustrating. Sometimes I feel I am working so hard and I am not seeing anything changing but then I start to remember that I am doing something just by going to the gym and working so hard. I have my inner fat girl that wants to come out and start degrading what the scales says or wanting to eat bad foods like Mcdonalds or Potato Chips just because it may make me feel better at the time. But knowing what I know now I know that this isn't true and I will just end up feeling guilty for eating those foods. My question is how can we females channel these negative thoughts about ourselves??

We need to start accepting that we are beautiful both inside and outside. We all have some unique qualities about ourselves and why not own them?? I have a few friends who think they are not hot simply because they may have some extra weight....LADIES - Remember this YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! Being overweight or even too skinny doesn't make you ugly. It is the type of person you are inside and out that will make you beautiful. Also its important to have people that you can confide in to help you thru these moments of insecurity because who knows someday they may need you to be there for them.

Thanks for reading!
Ashley M.

A huge Thank you to James Garrison from Extreme Makeover- Weight Loss Edition

I was surprised to see that James Garrison from Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition reached out to me by Facebook. This man is a true inspiration he lost 313 pounds in 12 months, he is a supporter of Ashley's Weight Loss Journey and has given me his words of wisdom and encouragement to keep me moving forward. So a huge Thank you to James!!

Ashley M.

GYMTIME = FUN TIME

Last night was not only a great workout but it was so much fun! Rob and I worked out with our trainer Duilio with Custom Built Personal Training/Youfit Health Clubs- he has us doing a mixture of things. The workouts were both intense but very fun and Rob kept me entertained by all his jokes. I have to say I am truely blessed to have these people in my life helping me and motivating me to drop my last pounds.


Rob G., Me and Duilio



Duilio does a great job of adjusting my workouts to be challenging AND fun!  If you are interested in contacting him about hiring him as YOUR trainer, you can email him at  duilio_aicardi@hotmail.com.





I was able to try something new last night and was was using the bands and running while pulling weight, for the weight I incorporated both Rob G. and Duilio they took turns. Rob was impressed on how I really was able to pull him along the gym. Not an easy task but what can I say I am a workout Ninja now.... (joke)



Duilio and ME



Yes I was able to pull these two along the gym!-BEAST MODE!

Another Workout Video with my boy Rob G. and Me in the Background!