FIRST OF ALL: The other day at the gym I accidentally unplugged my headphones slightly, so I Was Made for Lovin’ You by KISS blasted out loud to everyone in the vicinity. Cool person cover: BLOWN.
In the interest of being kind to myself this year/this prep, I ordered an acupressure mat & pillow set and a lacrosse ball from Amazon to use for workout recovery purposes. Both are painful, both are wonderful.
The reason I got the lacrosse ball: a couple of years ago I had a pretty painful shoulder issue, and after much WebMD research, I figured out that it was probably because I had tight pectoral muscles. (Who really thinks to stretch their pecs regularly? I sure didn’t.) So I took a lacrosse ball and pressed/rolled it between my pec and a wall, and after maybe 30 minutes, my shoulder felt SO much better.
Then when I took my first progress pictures of this prep, I noticed that my left lat appears much smaller than my right one. It’s partially because it’s on my non-dominant side, but I thought that maybe with some massage via lacrosse ball rolling, I could release some of the fascia and help it grow a little better.
IT REALLY HURTS, but I will keep you posted on whether it helps correct the imbalance. To be competitive in bodybuilding, your proportions and symmetry have to be as close to perfect as you can get them!
Maybe don’t use the ball on your eye tho
I got the acupressure set because I saw Courtney post it on her Instagram and I was curious!
I really love how the pillow feels on my neck and on my lower back, so I sit with it in those places while I lay in bed before going to sleep. It makes my skin tomato red afterward, which is a sign of increased circulation.
Anywho, here’s this week’s progress comparison! Lighting is a little different but I think I’m a leeeeetle bit leaner already.
Catch the first post in my figure competition prep series here, and follow along with my pro figure competition journey with Instagram hashtag: #proprepdiaries!
Hey fit fam! Want a weekly email update on only my new fitness posts? Click here.
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
You look awesome! I’m curious about that acupressure mat now too.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
Your post got me curious about that Accupressure mat as well.
miranda says
wow!!! girrrrrl you are on fire! your body looks amazing! i want one of those mats too keep up the good work
Latoicha says
You look amazing! I would love to try out this mat as I have been working out lately and get really sore.
Chasing Joy says
You are looking great. I enjoy these posts and can’t wait to hear how your competition goes.
I have never heard of an accupuncture mat. I am going to look it up now.
Shannon Gurnee says
Sounds like you are doing a great job girl! That mat looks super comfortable to use when you’re working out.
Bismah says
You look great! I wouldn’t mind trying out that mat with my lower back pain.
Urvi says
Looks like you are doing so much hard work on it. Best of luck
Janeane Davis says
It has been interesting reading your journey as you prepare for competition. Your body is in amazing shape, but unlike other writers I encounter, you are not overly preachy and do not shame people who are not as far along the fitness journey as you are.
Terri Beavers says
I’m not sure if this would work for me, I have chronic back pain so any more pain would be unbearable. I’ll have to think about it before making my decision.
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says
These things sound like they might help my husband. He has lower back pain.
Sarh S says
I would love to try out the acupressure mat & pillow set! It sounds absolutely wonderful and I bet it would help my back a little bit.
Digna says
I wouldn’t mind trying the ball or the mat. I have major problems with tight muscles. This looks like it might help me.
Veronica says
hard work pays off and you look great! I need that mat in my life
Crystal Lopez says
Way to go! Awesome pictures and hard work! I really want to try out the acupressure mat for myself!
Claudia Krusch says
You look great in both of the pictures. I would love to try that mat, I work out at home and mine is 3 years old!
dawn says
i love that mat. i have started back exercising on a regular basis after over a year. i broke my ankle in two places and it took me so long to get back to my normal self. it was a struggle mentally and physically.
Teresa Bowen says
I like the look of that mat, it might be very useful for both me and my husband to help sort out some niggling aches and pains.
Rosey says
You look great in both of the pictures. I just tried one of those mats over the holiday (one of our guests from out of town brought one in and I had to try it).
Crystal says
To be totally honest, I’m a little intimidated by it. I’d love to try one before I commit! Is it horribly painful?
Chanelle says
It is painful for the first few seconds, but that sensation goes away and turns into a pleasant warm feeling.
Jasmine Watts says
That sounds like a cool mat… I need to check it out!!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I have been curious about those mats, keep us posted of what you think over time. I have never tried that ball thing to stretch my pec muscles, good to know!
Aubrey says
That looks like a cool mat. I should check one out.
Chrysa says
I would have loved to see the expression on everyone’s faces when your music blared out!! I have never heard of a mat like that. I must have a lot to learn!
LauraFunk says
Wow! You are starting to really look great. I need a lacrosse ball and will be checking your recommendations out
tiaras and tantrums says
I actually would love to try that mat out. I have all sorts of aches and pains
Christina says
That mat looks scary, but I bet its amazing! Great tip about the ball though, I bet it helps the pain a lot!
Kristen says
My new years resolution is to continue running every week. and to cut back on caffeine
Laci says
Wow you look amazing !! And are doing great keep it up love it ! Laci
Tonya C says
On my resolution list for 2016 is to get healthier. Exercise isn’t something I do routinely but really need to!
chastity says
You look fantastic! I need your dedication – I only seem to get to the gym about 3 times a week.
Chanelle says
I think 3x a week is fantastic! Keep it up 🙂
angie says
wow now don’t take this wrong but what a body
Jeni Hawkins says
WOW! What dedication! Keep going at it – you look FABULOUS!
Miles L. says
Wow! I am amazed how passionate you are when it comes to fitness. I wish I am as well.
Norah Loves Makeup says
You look amazing! Good luck with your competitions!
Kathy says
That mat sounds really nice. I’ll have to get one for myself. I need to start exercising a lot more. You look great too!
Paula Schuck says
Wow you look amazing. I love reading your tips. You always make me feel motivated to get up and move.
CourtneyLynne says
Oooo this is a first for me hearing about a acupressure mat! I’m going to have to look into getting one for myself!
NPC says
My hubby and I just built a home gym in our basement! Definitely adding this product to our gym!
Melissa Vera says
Wow what a difference a week can make. I am curious about the accupressure mat. I am going to have to check this out.
rika says
Very interesting mat and sounds very useful. I need to start buying fitness products and get active again
Kelly Hutchinson says
I have that mat! I love it! I know how painful issues with your shoulder can be. I tore my rotator cuff. Not the same issue as you, but the pain was probably similar.
Jennifer says
Looking at your pictures and bookmarking all of your workout posts are really getting me motivated to get up and do something. Thank you!
Patrice M Foster says
Love the Mat. Interesting acupressure never heard of it…Great for my back! Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca Bryant says
I so need this mat. I am thinking it would be perfect to get the aches out of my back plus a good place to nap.
Bri says
The acupressure pillow seems like a great tool that a majority of people who actively workout can benefit from using. Congrats on your progress.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I am glad that you found something that helps. Looks like you are really happy with these items.
Milena says
I never even knew they made an acupressure mat. I hope find some relief with this combo!
Ladena says
Wow! You look amazing! I’ve never heard of acupressure mats before. They sound really interesting. I need to do a bit more research. Thanks for sharing!
Marcie W. says
I have circulation issues so an acupressure mat (which I had never heard of prior to this post) could be quite beneficial. I definitely see a slight change in your rib and side area, which is amazing for just one week!
Maureen says
You really look amazing. I hope you get some results with the lacrosse ball!
Valerie says
You are doing so great. That acupressure mat is really interesting.
Tina says
Wow…do you look amazing!!! You just inspired me to get to my Body Combat class in the morning!
Tracey says
You look AMAZING!!! You are clearly working your butt off and it must be nice to have that accupressure mat.
Tamara says
I think I’d love an acupressure mat. I’ve never even heard of it until today! I get tension headaches and aches and pains every now and then.
Chanelle says
Yes! It’s awesome to rest the back of your neck on while sitting in bed.
Toni says
I have used a tennis ball for similar muscle and skeletal issues. I’m not familiar with lacrosse balls in terms of their texture. Will look into it!
Jeanine says
You look incredible! You can tell you are working super hard, and it’s really paying off. Ive never seen or heard of an acupressure mat before, how cool!
Demetra says
That accupressure mat looks really interesting. I’d like to find out more about how it works. Keep up the good work, your dedication really shows.
Travel Blogger says
That mat looks awesome! I think I will have to try that. You are looking great! You are really such an inspiration!
Shaylee says
I have an accupressure mat and pillow and I love it for my tension headaches! It really is a helpful tool!
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
Holy cow woman, you look absolutely incredible! Sounds and looks like you’re working very hard 🙂 I absolutely love my acupressure mat; I need to break it out more often cause I forget I have it. Lol
Lisa Bristol says
I would love to try a acupressure mat. You look amazing. You are such an inspiration for me.
Lois Alter Mark says
Your dedication is so inspiring. You are a winner no matter what happens in the competition!
Dhemz Apdian - Dias says
oh, that’s what it’s for…good to know! I definitely can see the difference already. Keep it up!
tisha says
You look amazing! I admire your dedication and the motivation you have to be fit. Dang I wish I have the kind of discipline that you have.
Jeanette says
I need your dedication. Can I borrow a cup of motivation from you LOL. I’m trying to get in shape this year my goal is to look great by the summer.
Debbie @ Traveling Well For Less says
You’re looking great. You’re going to rock that competition. I’ve got a bad shoulder as well, glad to hear the lacrosse balls help.
Jennifer says
You look amazing. I’m always so impressed by the level of dedication this takes. It takes everything I have to workout 3 times a week and not eat an entire box of Ho Hos. LOL
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I think you look leaner. I can see your ribs a bit more in the latest photo. I am so impressed by what you’re doing with your body. You are an inspiration.
Scott says
Clean out from under your bed! That stuff has been sitting there for over a week! 😉
Chanelle says
Haha! While I’m staying at home, it’s the only place I can store things.
Claudette says
Love your dedication!
Rachel Mouton says
Girl! You really make me want to start working out.
sharon martin says
Your seriously putting me so shame, your looking great. I’m really interested to find out how you get on with the acupressure set, I would really like to try it myself too.
Edwin Lao says
All I can say is WOW. You really look amazing. I really wish I have a body like that i mean being sexy and great.
Rebecca Swenor says
I find this post interesting with the acupressure set and ball. I may have to try both of these because of my fibromyalgia. The acupressure mat and pillow may be the first thing I try. My muscles are always tight and I am full of knots in my back along with neck. Thanks for sharing and can’t wait to hear more. I still love that swim suit too.
OurFamilyWorld says
You look so fit! I’d like to try that LaCross ball for my shoulders. They feel achy after a long day doing the chores.
MyTeenGuide says
You look really great in both photos. Yes, there is a difference.
Lexie Lane says
You’re very fit, I love your being fitness, but you still pretty for me.
Ashley Flora says
So entrigued by the accupuncture mat!
Michelle says
i have sore shoulders so i’m going to look into whether or not exercises with the lacrosse ball would help me. the acupuncture mat sounds really interesting
Michele says
I’m thinking about that LaCross ball for my poor old aching shoulder as well! Actually the mat sounds pretty good as well.
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
You are superhuman!!!! Looking good, girl!!
Elizabeth O. says
Lovely tip, thanks for that! The mat looks really effective. I hope it works well for your needs. Your body looks great as well! Good job!
Michelle F says
I have always wanted to try acupressure. I would love to try that mat too.
Lily Kwan says
This acupressure mat, pillow set, and lacrosse ball look very useful. Thanks for sharing!
Shelley Zurek says
I can’t believe how tiny you are through your midsection. That must take incredible dedication.
Chanelle says
I must admit, it’s partly genetics, but it’s fun to work on adding muscle up top and in my legs to make it look even smaller!
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I am working on exercising. Not quite body building but I am happy to get in better shape.
Richetta says
I am so happy that you are working towards your goals… I myself have started on a get fit for real in 2016!
Lee says
I’ve wanted to try one of these mats for a long time. Also, I didn’t know this about competitive body building, that you needed as close to perfect symmetry as possible. Thanks for that bit of education.
Lee
jamie says
I need to try the ball. I have big roller, but it’s practically impossible to do my upper back with it by myself.
Chanelle says
I think you’d like it! I think mine was only $5 or $6 too.
Leah says
You look great! I will have to check out that mat!
Rachel Beltz says
I am so jealous… I wish I had the dedication… you look amazing!
Patty says
Good luck as you prepare for your competition. You look amazing.
Crystal says
Check you out! I’ll be cheering from afar as you compete. Keep us all in the loop.
Chanelle says
Aww, thank you! I sure will.
Heather Ramos says
I have back pain quite often, especially after sitting at work or running – weird that two complete opposite spectrum of activity bother it the same. I think the acupuncture mat might actually help! I’m going to have to try it 🙂
tara pittman says
That body took some serious workouts to get like that. I imagine some heavy weights too.
Amanda || Growing Up Madison says
I suffer myself with pain but have never thought of using a ball to help out. I’m so going to give that a try and that mat looks/sounds amazing. Something else I might have to try as well. Thank you.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
Hey wait a minute, I loved that Kiss song! I’m a rock n roll girl and we called it Kiss-co, because it was like a marriage of rock and a sort of disco. I think I see a difference also, but you look great in both.
Amber NElson says
Wow, you are looking awesome! That acupressure mat looks like something I need. My neck and shoulders kill me after doing workouts.
Mardene Carr says
All the best to you!
Angela at Daysinbed says
wow what a great shape body. Your doing fabulous and look wonderful. Keep at it. I’m actually starting a weight loss journey and dont ever expect to look like that but your inspiring.
andrea says
you go, girl (looking good!! 😀 ) – now as for that Kiss song – i thought i was the only one who remembered it! 🙂
LydiaF says
I use a foam roller on my IT band and hamstrings. The first time I used it I thought I was going to die, hahaha. Love lacrosse balls for my feet.
Chanelle says
Lol. It really does hurt like crazy. Worth it!
Heather Johnson says
Good for you! I am not making any fitness goals this year. I am, however, resolving not to buy any toys or books for my kids. We have way too many toys and can get any book that we want from the library.
Michele says
Be careful that you don’t really damage your body somehow!! Yes, you look a bit trimmer. i hope that mat and ball ultimately help rid you of pain and pit your body back in symmetry!
Diane Roark says
WOW! You look to real to be true. I will have to try that pillow and mat.
Michelle T says
You look great. Looks like working out at the gym has really helped you. I wish I could get in the habit of going on a regular basis.
Jenn says
WOW! you look amazing! I wish I had the dedication you had! That acupressure mat looks awesome!
Katie says
You’re looking amazing! I have used baseballs for muscle knots as well as foam rollers and they have been a godsend.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I have used foam rollers, but I would think the baseballs would hurt pretty bad. Maybe they hurt so good, though?
Katie says
Yep, pretty much hurt so good. A good deep tissue massage can’t be beat, either.
Crystal says
i am obviously not pushing myself enough if this is what is supposed to make you feel better!!!
Ana De- Jesus says
Sorry to hear that is hurting but you are doing a good job so keep the work up!
Jamie says
You’re a brave one, that’s for sure. Sending high fives for the competition! 🙂
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Oh man, I really hope it helps. It sucks that it hurts so much, but if it ends up foxing that pesky imbalance, it will be worth it 🙂