POSITIVE THINKING....

MINDI O-UPDATE AS PROMISED!!!

Hi Everyone!
Thank you soooo much for your kind words. After receiving my latest MRI results it has been an emotional roller coaster for me. Being an athlete all of my life, I have dealt with many injuries and have always pushed forward and have always figured a way to work around the pain...this time has been different...I am in constant pain from the minute i wake up to the time I go to bed....when i met up with the Dr to review my results, as he was listing the issues off to me, the athlete in me, kept saying, "ya, ya..that's not too bad, i can push through that...but as the list continued on reality hit me....I can't just ignore these issues and I'm going to have to deal with them....It was like a kick in the stomach...Both my Dr. and therapist were both very serious and told me that I CAN NOT compete at the Fitness Olympia...I am not getting any younger and I only have one back....It really hit home when my son sat me down and told me he was worried and didn't want to see his mom in a wheel chair...It was the tone in his voice and the look in his eye...it was so sincere and REAL...it hit home big time!!
I am trying to stay positive....I have gone through many different emotions-frustration, anger, disappointment, feeling a sense of loneliness and feeling out of control....I have really had to work hard and change my thought process....I have had to try to move beyond the negative and find a more positive way to cope with this set back. I sat with both my Dr and therapist and we have put a new plan into action...based on the new results we are trying some new treatments, supplements, training, etc....my job is to do exactly what is being prescribed and I am responsible for staying positive, mediation, resting and doing a lot of self talk. I strongly believe your emotions have a huge impact on your physical health.
We are hoping that with the new treatments being implemented, I will be healthy enough to still compete in Spain. (this is not what the Dr.s are supporting, but this will be my decision...and this is what I'm aiming for...Having the Olympia and the Arnold Europe back to back, I know in my heart that I would not recover in time to do both shows...)
I think it's time for me to start listening to my own advice...Listen to your body...it's telling you something!! "learn to hear the whispers of the body and mind before they have to shout" Sooooo true!!

Thank you everyone for your support. Fitness is my passion and I truly feel blessed to have presented with so many opportunities. I have competed in 6 Olympia's (qualified for 7) and have competed in 5 Arnold Classics (soon to be 6). I have built an incredible business along the way allowing me to be surrounded by so many incredible people. I love what I do and I want to thank everyone who has supported me along this incredible journey.

I am now waiting to see a Neurologist and a back surgeon to see what my options are....I will keep you all posted!

I will be at the Expo on Friday....Hope to see some of you there!!

Mindi O
xo

I want to wish everyone competing at the Olympia this weekend the best of luck. These athletes are the best in the world....time to bring it!!
Safe travels everyone!!

FORCED TO SIT OUT OF THE FITNESS OLYMPIA!

Hi Everyone....

Since my last blog update, I have received some disappointing news. Due to updated information from a recent MRI, I have been forced to sit out of this years Fitness Olympia.

The Dr is quite concerned with some of the results and we are taking precaution at this time.

I am very disappointed and this was a very hard decision for me to make and accept. I have to remember that my health must come first...

Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this journey....I will be back.....

I will be updating in further detail this weekend....

Thank you......I want to wish all of my fellow Olympia competitors the best of luck...I will miss being part of this incredible event.....xoxoxoxo

Love

Mindi O

xo

HEADING INTO MY 7TH OLYMPIA!!-PART 1

I have been MIA for quite sometime....I think it's time for some updates!!

I have sat down numerous times to update my blog page, but for some reason I have had severe writers block!! I would start writing and then press delete, start over and delete....Well, I told myself that I had to sit down this weekend and get it done!!

I will take you back to the 2009 Fitness Olympia....Heading into this show my back was severely injured (it was actually bothering me at the Arnold Classic and then I had to re qualify for the Olympia and competed at the Orlando Pro show...and from there it just got worse) I was really stressed heading into the routine round and just prayed that I could get through my routine...(i kept telling myself, one more routine and then you can rest....) It wasn't until half way through my routine while doing a tumbling pass that I felt this excruciating pain from my feet all the way up to my neck (almost paralyzing) and then I just lay on the floor, thinking..."do I get up and continue or just surrender"...My decision was made for me....I was unable to continue...I got up and limped off the stage feeling totally defeated and heart broken...This wasn't supposed to happen...this is the Olympia!!! This was the worst feeling ever....When I got back to Canada, I had an MRI done have been working with an amazing Chiropractor, (Dr. Danielle Marr) since....I had some stress fractures in my back, piriformis syndrome and other issues from over training... I seemed to have been making some progress. I cut back on my workouts, cardio, etc...and really tried giving my body time to rest and heal.
Well....during that time off, I took advantage of many things that I have been putting off...As my son was heading off to his first year of university, he asked that my fiance and I finally get married...well, this was only 10 days before he was going to school...well, we definitely hustled and got it all together. Dennis and I arranged our wedding on-line and within only a few days, we organized a date, beautiful location in Niagara-on-the Lake- bought my dress, invited his dad and my mom...The day couldn't have been more beautiful....Dennis and I have been together close to 15 yrs, so it was definitely time!!! Life just seemed to have gotten in the way so everything was put off for so long... We expanded our business again and our competitive team continued to grow. Over the last year and a half, I have developed my dream team....it's an amazing feeling to watch so many women learn to believe in themselves and become empowered. Whether they competed, or just set personal goals and achieved them, was an amazing experience and I feel so blessed to be part of their journey.
Well....now on to the TORONTO PRO SHOW....When I heard about this show, I was so excited and kept thinking maybe I could get ready for this show.... After the 2009 Fitness Olympia, the feeling of not being able to complete my competition and having to walk off stage with an injury was devastating and it has bothered me to this day that I didn't finish what I started...I thought this would be a great opportunity to get back up on stage and finish what i started. After discussing my thoughts with Dennis and Dr. Marr, we thought it would be ok, as long as I listened to my body and not over due it....In my head I was completely ready and raring to go...however, my body was definitely not co operating. I started training hard again...weight training, increasing my cardio, working on routine skills etc....It wasn't too far into the training that I started experiencing excruciating pain in my glute and lower back again. I continued seeking treatments 1-2 times a week and pulled back on my training....2 weeks before the Toronto show, I was standing on the treadmill ( in tears) and the pain was so bad that I couldn't even walk at a snails pace. I remember getting off, telling myself that this was not going to beat me....I WAS going to compete....I went home that evening and Dennis and I discussed my options-To compete or not to compete....I had to put everything into perspective- Dennis told me that if I'm doing this show that this was for me....to finish what i started but without any pressure and the risk of further injuring myself. He said, you have already done 6 Olympia's and 5 Arnold Classics....there is nothing more to prove...we have a successful business etc...if your going to compete, you do it for yourself and only you...it doesn't matter where you place, but it's about getting the job done....Of course it all sounded good and he was right....although, I was stressing about not being able to do my routine, so I gave myself a pep talk and told myself that I only had to get through 1 of each half of my routine (at least i thought it would calm my brain down and I would feel more confident heading into the show knowing i was ok and capable to perform)....That was probably a week before the show.....I started working on my second 1/2 of my routine first and it seemed to be ok....so I went on to do my first 1/2...I was feeling pretty confident and felt powerful....during my side somi (a skill that I have been doing since I was 10) I landed kind of funny and I heard a loud pop in my ankle....I stopped what I was doing and immediately went home to ice....I saw Danielle (my chiropractor) later that day and she said that it was probably just a sprain....she treated it and I stayed off of any training until the day of the show....i mentally had to prep the last week out using visualization. The day of the show, I taped the hell out of my ankle, took some pain killers for my back and hoped for the best. My warm up seem ok, but once I hit the stage to perform my routine it was horrible....Every skill seemed so labored and my cardio was so poor (considering I hadn't been able to do anything for a while-you sure do lose it quickly!!) I wasn't very pleased with my performance, but I was pleased that I complete my goal and didn't allow my injuries to discourage me from competing. It was nice having my family and friends there to support me, and it was awesome to be competing with so many fellow Canadian competitors.....Jodi Boam (who I coached when she first started getting into the fitness world...so proud of her!!!) won, Myriam Capes placed 2nd and to my surprise I was presented with 3rd place and another qualification to the Olympia!!!
This was very overwhelming and I was completely shocked!!
After the Toronto show, I had to take some time to rest and really think and consider whether or not to compete at the Olympia or listen to this injured old body and hang up my suits....

A few weeks ago, I was still having some discomfort with my ankle, so I went and had an xray done...It turned out that my ankle had an avulsion fracture....they said that if I went to the DR as soon as it happened i would have been put in a cast.....As an athlete, I guess we think we are invincible. It probably wasn't a good idea to compete, and I really should have listened to my body....I have been taking care of it, and wrapping it when I do ANYTHING and icing it....

It's now 5 weeks out from the Olympia......will update my progress heading into my 7th O mid week!!!

I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way....A very special thanks to my husband, Dennis, my son Alex, my family, Mike Davies, Dr. Marr, Karen Phillips from KHP DESIGNS for always suiting me up in gorgeous suits,Nina Luchka for doing my hair, Valeria Nova for doing my makeup, my fellow teammates from TEAMOBRIEN FITNESS...you guys are all incredible and I truly appreciate all your love and support.

xo

LET'S DO IT!!!!

You create your own film! Go after it this week and create the movie you have always wanted! Your reality is up to you!

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE

Solid Leadership is EVERYTHING Because Shit Rolls Downhill, no Matter What Color it is... ^©
- Edie, The Salsa FREAK

ALEX & DAN-GREYHOUND RESCUE

Here is a picture of my handsome son, Alex and a rescued Greyhound. My mom has been rescuing retired greyhounds for years now. Right now my mom has 4 greyhounds and they are the most affectionate and lovable dogs. Whenever newly retired greyhounds are brought into Canada, my mom and Alex will go to the barn/kennel and help get these dogs adopted to loving families.
This is Dan....as you can see, Dan is very affectionate. Dan's racing career is over and he is now looking for a wonderful family to take him home.

The youngest dog that was adopted this week was a 7 month old girl named Suzie....

If you are interested in learning more about these beautiful animals you can go to

Here,

and for the list of Adoptables and other advice on greyhounds, you can click

Here

The forums are used frequently by many greyhound owners who are always willing to lend advice about owning and adopting a grey.

SMILE

SMILE

"Everyone smiles in the same language" -unknown

NEXXICE SKATING TEAM IN HAMILTON SPECTATOR

Constant commitment

On-ice practice, ballet, endurance training, stretching, weightlifting, protein-rich diet — that’s what goes into making a world championship team

Kaz Novak/The Hamilton...

Near the end of each evening practice, when the clock at the arena flashed 11:11 p.m., the members of Burlington’s NEXXICE made a collective wish — to win the 2009 World Synchronized Skating Championships in Croatia that year.

The ritual paid off. After a strong short program, their free skate netted them the gold, marking the first time in the history of the competition (established in 2000) that top honours went to a team other than Sweden or Finland.

Of course, the win may have had something to do with practice of a different sort too.

Since its formation in 2000, NEXXICE senior (there are also NEXXICE teams at the juvenile, novice, intermediate, junior and open levels) has earned the kind of international cache that draws skaters from Toronto, Kitchener, Burlington and beyond. In 2010, Lee Chandler (the team’s only male skater) and Holly Peyton, both former singles skaters, moved to Burlington from Manitoba to skate with the team. So did Linda Mariotti, a singles skater from Italy.

Each of the team’s 24 members, who range in age from 19 to 26, makes a huge commitment to be part of NEXXICE.

As the season (which begins in April and runs 10 months) progresses, NEXXICE spends a minimum of 13 hours training each week. In addition to relentless run-throughs of various technical components, they practice their short and long programs on and off-ice with coaches Shelley Barnett and Anne Schelter. They attend weekly classes with ballet teacher, Simon Lalonde, to work on musicality, poise and carriage. They also meet for weekly strength training sessions with personal trainer/pro fitness champion, Mindi O’Brien.

O’Brien tailors her one-hour workouts (as well as optional at-home plans for three to four days of additional conditioning) to the team’s needs. Because skating is such a visual sport, she aims to create long, lean muscles while considering NEXXICE’s rigorous schedule. She offers substitutions for those nursing stressed joints and muscles, and emphasizes stretching to guard against injury. She eases off leg work before competitions, when an increase in on-ice time leaves skaters’ legs fatigued. She focuses on short intense, exercises — circuits of 60-second weightlifting and callisthenic moves — to develop the core and arm strength required for complicated lifts and manoeuvres.

The optional nutrition plan she offers concentrates on specific vitamins and minerals rather than a specific calorie count. For skaters at this age and activity level, O’Brien stresses four to six litres of water daily. She advises a diet rich in proteins like chicken and whey, optimal carbohydrates and essential fatty acids like the ones found in nuts.

On top of all this, NEXXICE attends intensive multiday mini-camps before most of the five major competitions that make up their season — one each in the summer and winter, one before the Canadian Synchronized Skating Championships, and one before Worlds (if they qualify).

Debbie Beauchamp, one of NEXXICE’s three managers, is amazed by the level of the skaters’ commitment. One of the girls attends university on a part-time basis so she can still skate. Another organizes her academic schedule so her course load is lighter during the second semester when NEXXICE is busy with competition-related travel.

“I give these kids so much credit for what they do,” Beauchamp says. “It’s amazing, but it’s just something that gets in their blood.”

Nichole Manahan, 20, is a perfect example.

A skater since the age of three, Manahan lives in Kitchener. She makes the trip to the Burlington Skating Centre three times a week. Between practices, she teaches skating in Kitchener and Cambridge. Her part-time office job at Guillevin International (an industrial equipment supplier) finances the $12,000 fee she pays to skate with NEXXICE each year. It also covers her tuition at Wilfrid Laurier University where she’s completing a psychology degree.

Having skated with the senior team since 2009, last year was the first year she spent as many hours working as she spent skating and going to school. It was the second year in a row she told herself — this is my last year. It was also the second year in a row she came back.

According to Barnett, this approach, something she looks for during spring tryouts, is typical of the skaters on her team.

“(They’re) usually self-motivated,” she says. “They make the commitment to skate at the senior level because they love their sport and are prepared to make sacrifices, of which there are many.”

Manahan agrees. She often misses out on social events and gatherings. Because she funnels all her money toward skating and school, she doesn’t have a car. She’s also had to forfeit the experience of living on her own and lives with her parents to save money.

However, she’s quick to cite the opportunities NEXXICE has afforded her.

“As much as some would look at the sacrifices I have made over the years as a negative thing, I look at it more as a positive,” she says. “I have gained so much with skating.”

She has attended skate camps in Boston, Muskoka, Lyon and Paris, France, and competed in Colorado, Helsinki and Vierumaki, Finland. She was part of an exhibition skate in Mexico City that celebrated the opening of an outdoor rink. In 2010, NEXXICE appeared on The Rick Mercer Report. Finally, she simply loves the feeling she gets when the team finishes a skate.

“It is tough,” she says, but it’s rewarding. “It’s something you get used to. If you’re passionate about it and willing to work hard, it's possible. Anything is possible.”

Special to The Hamilton Spectator

TORONTO PRO SHOW!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO TEAMOBRIEN FITNESS!!

Last weekend was a huge success for TEAMOBRIEN athletes...We would like to congratulate all of the girls who made it to the Provincial Championships held in Toronto Ontario at the Toronto Super Show.
Congratulations to Tina Anderson who took home a 2nd & 4th place finish in the figure tall and masters category, Stephanie Tucci-placed 4th in the figure division, Lauren Fazio-placing 5th in the bikini short division, Rachel Walton-2nd place in fitness short class, Fiona Harris-1st place in the fitness tall class, Mady Carter-1st in the Jr fitness division, and Crystal Ceh-2nd in the figure tall class.....these athletes are now qualified to compete at nationals! Wow....way to go!

This was a very chaotic and crazy weekend, but we pulled it together, worked together as a team and had a great time! Congrats to all of you....you're all so amazing and I am so happy to be part of your journey!

xoxoxo

THANKS SAVE FITNESS!!!

Mindi O'Brien to Make Fitness Return at Toronto Pro Supershow!

As announced on Muscle Insider (http://www.muscle-insider.com/content/mindi-obrien-compete-toronto-pro-supershow) Siouxcountry (http://www.siouxcountry.com/showthread.php?t=15891), IFBB Pro Mindi O'Brien is returning to the fitness stage for the first time since the 2009 Olympia! And what better way to make her fitness comeback than at in her home country of Canada at the IFBB Tornoto Pro Supershow on June 17-18! For those that don't know, Mindi reinjured her back by cracking her L4-5 vertebra during the 2009 Fitness Olympia, and recently returned to the stage for a bit as a figure competitor. Now this summer, she will be returning to her home in fitness, and it's only fitting that she does it in front of her friends, family, and fellow competitors. We at Save Women's Fitness Now wish Mindi nothing but the best of luck to her in her fitness return!

Mindi from 2008 Olympia
Photo credit: Muscular Development

Hello Everyone!!
I know, I know...it's been forever since I've updated my blog. My life just seems so busy these days and it feels like there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done. (maybe I'm taking on too much...I need to learn to say no more often and I need to learn to slow down a little more)

So many exciting things to update!!
First of all, I love my job! I love my TEAMOBRIEN athletes...they are all so amazing and I am truly blessed to be surrounded by so many strong and incredible women.

The first Competition of the season was a HUGE success at nationals and things just keep getting better and better.
On April 30th we headed off to Stratford Ontario to compete at the Festival City Championships. This show was so much fun...the girls were awesome and definitely worked together as a team...
Results:
Figure short: Lauren Fazio-3rd place
Figure medium: Stephanie Tucci-1st, Mary Tran-2nd
Figure Tall: Andrea Browne-1st
Bikini short Class: Lauren Fazio-2nd place
Bikini Tall Class: Anna-Liisa Robinson-2nd place
What a great weekend and I honestly couldn't have been happier with the team...they were on fire!!!
Our next stop was the Stephanie Worsfold Natural Classic held on May 7th in London, Ontario. This was my good friend Stephanie's first show that she promoted. Steph did such an incredible job and I was ecstatic for her that her show was a success.
Again, our team had an outstanding day....
Results:
Figure short: Carol Mio-4th place
Figure Medium: Laura Lardi-1st, Julie Condotta-2nd
Figure Tall: Danielle Fifield-1st place, Monika Kaczmarski-2nd place
Masters Tall: Monika Kaczmarski-3rd place and Carol Mio-4th place
Bikini short: Laura Lardi-4th place
Bikini Tall: Monika Kaczmarski-4th place
Every girl on our team who competed at this event has now qualified for the Ontario Naturals in September....
On May 28th, my dear friend, Nina Luchka and I promoted our show-the Luchka/Obrien Mississauga Classic in Mississauga Ontario.
Nina and I had a great time putting this event together. We made some changes from last years event to make this show even better... we are already putting ideas together for next years event...
Our show was one of the last qualifying shows before the Toronto Supershow (on June 18th in Toronto), so the athletes who showed up, were there to earn their spot to compete on the Provincial stage....the competition was strong!!
TEAMOBRIEN athletes had another great showing and Dennis and I couldn't be happier....
Results:
JR FITNESS: Maya Cerantola & Paulina Karczmarski both tied for 1st place....awesome:)
Figure short: Teresa Heron-1st place
Figure Medium: Laura Lardi-6th place
Figure Medium tall: Deborah Raymond: 2nd place, Brigitte Blais-3rd place
Figure Tall: Crystal Ceh: 1st place, Danielle Fiefield-5th place and Tracy Styan-6th place
Figure Masters Tall: Deborah Raymond: 1st, Brigitte Blais-3rd place and Tracy Styan-4th place.
This was a very successful day....the top 5 finishers from each division have now qualified for the provincial championships in only a few weeks away!!!

This season has just started and I can not be happier with my team. Every Saturday our girls meet and take part in an ass kicking leg conditioning camp (held by Dennis and Myself) followed by a posing and stage presentation class. There are usually about 20-25 girls who attend weekly and their hard work and dedication has definitely paid off.

Way to go girls.....next stop.....THE TORONTO SUPER SHOW!!!!
Will update within the next few days.....

xo

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter...enjoy spending time with your loved ones.

I would also like to wish my God Son, Cruz a very Happy 3rd Birthday!!

Wishing TEAMOBRIEN National Team members good luck this weekend as they hit the CBBF Canadian National Natural Physique Championships in Quebec....let's do it team!!

It's going to be a great weekend!
xo

HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY!!

May the luck of the Irish be with you....

xo

LUCHKAOBRIEN MISSISSAUGA CLASSIC....

PLEASE GO TO www.luchkaobrienclassic.com for further information!

Good luck with your contest prep!

Mindi O
xo

Earthquake Relief Event

Saturday, March 26, 2011

On March 11 a massive earthquake reading 8.9 magnitude hit the pacific ocean devastaing parts of Northeastern Japan. TEAMOBRIEN FITNESS, DT&R and CHPC is holding a charity event to donate to earthquake victims. We will be holding a series of fitness events to raise awareness.

Classes will run at 8 a.m. 9 a..m. and 10 a.m.

All you need to join in is a donation. All of the proceeds will go to the cause. Friends are welcome to join us!

If you are interested in supporting this cause, you can pick up pledge forms in our facility. Or you can donate online at www.canadianhumanperformancecentre.ca.

CHARITY EVENT-SATURDAY MARCH 26TH 2011

Hi Everyone!


Please check out www.canadianhumanperformancecentre.com We will be doing a charity event on Saturday March 26th to raise funds for the earthquake victims.

Please help!!

Thank you!

Mindi O
xo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOMMER!!!

I am wishing my dear friend, Sommer Robertson a very wonderful birthday!

xoxoxoxo

LUCHKAOBRIEN MISSISSAUGA CLASSIC....

Hey Everyone!!

Our website is finally up and running for the LUCHKAOBRIEN MISSISSAUGA CLASSIC....

Please check out www.luchkaobrienclassic.com

If you have any further questions, please contact me at teamobrien@cogeco.ca

Wishing you all the best with your contest prep!

Mindi O

CONGRATULATIONS NEXXICE!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

A big shout out to NEXXICE...Once again, they earned top spot at the Synchronized Skating National Championships....
This team is now prepping and training hard as they head to Finland for the World Championships in April....
So honored to be part of your journey....Thanks TEAM!!

xo