Project BeastBody: Beginning of Week 3

Monday I started week 3 of my #ProjectBeastBody journey, which is also the last week for phase 1, Build.  I still haven't seen much of a change on the scale, but as I mentioned last week, my non-scale victories are still going strong and that's helping to keep me motivated.  I have increased all of my weights on just about every workout now so I am getting stronger.  I may need to move these workouts into the fitness center soon to have access to more weights.  Clothes are still fitting better than they had been fitting and I am starting to see more definition in certain places.  Today I had a personal victory in that I was able to do some Plyo Push-ups only semi-modified today, meaning I was still on my knees, but actually able to get a little height out of my push-up.  For leg day, I started using weights for my Bulgarian squats and alternating lunges.  And that cardio workout only kills me a little bit now, haha! It feels great to see that I am already having improvement in such a short amount of time.  I am doing a little better in my eating as well and am going to start making a more concerted effort to limit my alcohol intake.  Not that I drink a lot, but on the weekends the vino definitely calls my name.  Next week I start phase 2, Bulk, which will last for 5 weeks.  This is where it could get tricky because it is the same workout every week.  Even though the Build phase was made up of the same workouts, my rest day always fell on a different day so it didn't feel as repetitive.  Whenever I did P90X, I would hit a wall because of boredom.  BUT, I do believe that Body Beast is one of my soul mate workout programs and I have a big goal with trying to land a spot in that next infomercial so I will push through it.  I really do love this program.  I feel so much better after I do the workouts and I actually miss it on my rest days.  Hopefully the weather will continue to be nice on the weekends so I can get some outdoor moderate cardio in as well.  Because of the contest, I am not allowed to do any other programs so I'm kind of missing my PiYo for an added bonus workout, but that's okay.  Like I said, the end goal is too great to mess up.  I plan on doing my measurements again this weekend to see how I've progressed so far and I will need to recalculate my calories for the next phase as well.  Everything is still just swimming along perfectly and I really couldn't be more in love with a program.  I was a girl that would have never thought she'd love lifting weights.  I was telling my dad this weekend that I've come a long way from the chunky girl 10 years ago that couldn't even lift herself onto the tube when we used to go out on the lake.  It was pathetic.  Now, I can't wait for my after picture! Thank you Body Beast!

 

A little Flex Friday action from last week.  Slowly there is some definition showing up there.

 

 

Project BeastBody: Week 2 Days 2 & 3

Monday night I had this grand plan that I would go to bed very early and sleep like a baby through the  night and I'd wake up and hit the ground running.  It was a great plan, but one that my dogs were apparently not aware of and my older one woke me up around 1am needing to go outside.  So, I finally fell back asleep just before that 4am alarm went off.  I decided to try to get more rest and I would figure out later when I'd get my workout in that day.  I usually am pretty good about telling myself that I will workout in the evening, but then get home and just put on my comfy clothes and call it a day.  So, this time, I prepared myself and took my clothes and E&E stash with me to my office and told myself that I WOULD workout after work at our office fitness center.  I actually was excited during the day and was really looking forward to my workout and was ready to go at 5:30 to get started.  It's been months since I last worked out in a public setting like that.  At first no one was in there so I had the whole place to myself and near the end of my workout, someone else came in, but I was in a pretty good zone so didn't feel too weird.  I did miss being at home though.   

 

Yesterday was the Build: Back & Biceps workout again.  This time I'd have to make a few modifications since I didn't have my bands that I use in place of doing chin-ups/pull-ups and also someone had hidden the 10 pound weights from me so I had to use less weight than what I had wanted on some of the moves.  The good news, however, is I did go up in weight on a few moves so yay for me! Each day I feel stronger and that's a great thing.  I came home and slept great too which I so needed.

 

Post-workout.  I promise there is some definition forming in that bicep, haha.

 

This morning I faced that Beast Cardio & Abs duo again.  Man, was it tough, but another victory is that I hung in there and got it done.  It may not have been pretty and I am still having to modify a few moves like burpees and plyo push-ups, but my heart rate monitor didn't tell me I died today and I'd say I busted things up a few notches.  It's a tough workout, but each week will start getting a little better each time.  I have no doubts about that.  For the abs workout, I was able to do everything except the hip up moves (similar to heels to heaven from P90X).  My lower back was a little stiff this morning so I modified that to do something I knew I could handle.  I kinda felt a little like I might puke after today's workout, but in a good way of course.  Tomorrow is Build: Shoulders and then my rest day.  Week 2 is blazing along and I am still really enjoying this program. 

 

Told you it wasn't pretty, but I survived!

 

I am still working on my nutrition which I need to start paying better attention to since that is key in seeing results.  Mainly I need to start keeping track of my calories and what I am eating better.  I haven't been bad during the week, but I am pretty certain that I am not hitting all of my calories I should be eating.  Part of it is because I'm still trying to figure out what works best for my body and part of it is fear and doubt.  Yes, those two evil monsters that like to rear their ugly heads just when things are going well.  I have had some fabulous non-scale victories this week, but I am not going to lie, it is hard to see that number on the scale staying put.  I know better.  I KNOW BETTER than to let that get to me with weight training, but I do worry I am eating too much.  To top things off, my hormones are doing their monthly thing today so, you can imagine how I am feeling.  The important thing is how I'm feeling overall since starting this program, with the exception of today where I went from 10 to -20 in about 3 hours on the post-workout high happiness scale.  This too shall pass.  Overall I know I am stronger each day, my clothes are fitting looser, I am gaining some muscle definition, I have more energy, I am in a better mood overall and I know things will continue to get better.  It's only halfway through week 2 and I have 10 1/2 more weeks to go.  I have goals that I am setting for myself and I will get there.  So, for any of you struggling, I get it.  Allow yourself to feel it, good and bad, but don't dwell in the bad.  You are what you think you are and I am going to continue thinking I am fabulous and awesome and am so going to rock these results! Happy hump day, everyone!

Project BeastBody: Week 1 Recap & Hello Week 2

Sorry for being a little MIA these last few days.  We've been blessed with some amazing weather and I just couldn't bring myself to sit in front of my computer instead of enjoying it while it lasts.  A little fresh air does a body good.  The last time I wrote, I described my near death experience with Beast Cardio and Abs.  I recovered well from that and went on to Build: Shoulders on Day 5 which was Friday.  I have never done just a shoulder workout before.  Usually, like in P90X, it involves more of the upper body but this one certainly delivered.  I would say my only "problem" was with the Dumbbell Scap Trap move (video of the modified version I am going to try) because I don't have a bench and using my stability felt awkward and not like it gave me enough range of motion.  I saw on a post in a Body Beast for Women group I am in that someone said to mimic the move standing in a bent over position so I am going to try that. Other than that, the workout was moves I was familiar with and had done before.  Surprisingly, that was the first workout all week that didn't leave me sore...well, not that much.   

 

Overall, last week was a fantastic week.  I still hurt like hell in some spots and even though the scale didn't budge, I did already notice a change in how my clothes fit and I am starting to see some changes in my body as well.  The thing about weight lifting is that it can take time for the actual number on the scale to change, but your body is changing and that is what I need to keep in mind.  It can get discouraging, but as long as I'm feeling like there is a positive change taking place, I'll be happy.  My eating wasn't 100% clean last week either and I'm still adjusting to this calorie intake.  This week I am going back to what I know works a little better for my body.  I was miserable eating some of the carbs and legumes last week since I don't eat them that often anymore.  This is all a learning process for me as it would be for anyone.  I can see why people would get discouraged and give up, but the main focus is my end goal and that's to look amazing by the end of this journey. 

 

Saturday was my rest day from Body Beast, but I decided I wanted to get out and enjoy the weather so I took the dogs and we headed for the park to walk some trails.  We walked about 50 minutes and those 2 little nuggets held their own.  Sunday was my last workout for week 1 and it was Build: Chest/Tris again from Day 1.  I increased my weights on a few things so I was proud of that.  The rest of the day was spent meal prepping for the week and more time with my dogs at the dog park and enjoying the weather.  It really made it hard to come back to work today!

 

Saturday fun with my babies!

 

Post Build: Chest/Tris and a little extra abs.  End of Week 1!

 

Today started week 2 and what better way to start the week off when you didn't sleep so great than with leg day.  I increased my weights on a few of these moves as well and still used no weights on other moves.  I am still pretty sore in my left quad area along with my right inner thigh so lunges were not my friend, but I did the best I could.  My booty is actually burning a little still from that workout.  I was proud of how I kept up and stayed in "beast" mode for the duration of the workout.  Tomorrow is Back/Biceps again so I'm hoping to get those biceps popping a little more with higher weights.  I did get my chin-up assist band in the mail on Friday and tried it out with my bar yesterday.  It wasn't as easy as I thought so I still have some work to do, but hopefully soon, I'll be able to get going on those as well. 

 

Build: Legs, week 2, day 1. 

 

I am really loving this program so far.  I think what is really helping me is the group I am in and seeing so many women busting their butt to get it done and loving it as well.  It helps to not feel alone.  I am planning on going to get my measurements taken by a trainer so I can see where I am in my progress.  Here's to a great week!  

 

Body Beast Build: Shoulders Exercises

• Warm Up

Single Set

• Shoulders Press 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps, 8 reps

Super Set

• Lateral Raise 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps
• Upright Row 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps, 8 reps

Giant Set

• EZ Bar Underhand Press 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps
• 1,1,2 Front Raise 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps
• Rear Delt Raise 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps

Super Set

• Standing Dumbbell Shrug 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps, 8 reps
• Dumbbell Scap Trap 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps

Super Set

• Sagi Six-Way
• Tuck and Roll

Cool Down and Stretch

Project BeastBody: Day 1- Build: Chest/Tris

I have been absent from this blog for a while.  I don't really have a good reason, just haven't been focusing on any one particular program lately, but I recently decided to throw my hat in the ring and start a new (for me) Beachbody program called Body Beast.  This program focuses on mostly weight training but what's so great about it is that you can easily do it from your own home; no need to join a fancy gym. I had seen so many females really embrace this program that after looking into it a little more, I thought this would be the perfect program for me and my goals so I purchased a set of adjustable dumbbells and ordered the program to get started on the next chapter of my fitness journey. 

 

 

 

I used to do quite a bit of weight lifting.  It really does your body wonders and let's not forget how many calories get burned when doing weight training.  Many women are afraid to lift weights because they think they are going to "bulk" up and look like a man, but in reality, that is not really possible unless you do some serious lifting. The fact is, what I enjoyed about P90X was having a schedule for legs, arms, chest, etc.  What I didn't like about that program was that everything was the same every week.  It started to feel monotonous after a while and I always hit a wall around the same time each time I started the program and would eventually get bored and quit.  Don't get me wrong.  I love Tony Horton, but I needed a little variety and surprise every now and then.  When I started my PiYo journey, I loved how Chalene changed things up from week to week.  I truly felt that PiYo was my soulmate workout program...until today. 

 

My "before" photo-2/1/2015.

Today was my first day of doing Body Beast and it certainly did not disappoint nor lack in the butt-kicking department.  Body Beast is broken down into three phases: Build, Bulk, Beast.  Today's workout focused on Build: Chest/Tris and by the end of the 48 minute workout, my arms were shaky and useless.  As with most workouts, you start out with a warm-up.  Today's consisted of jogging in place, arm circles (forwards & backwards), different variations of pushups and then more running in place.  I can honestly say that I have never done pushups as a warm-up, well except maybe in PiYo early on in the program.  Body Beast is designed to utilize dynamic sets to achieve your results.  You start out with a single set of one move, then move on to a super set where you do two back to back moves with no break, then onto a giant set that is 3 moves back to back.  Then to top it off, as you're adjusting your weights for each one, either increasing or decreasing depending on the set, you end it with a drop set.  Confused? So was I at first, but this page breaks it down for you pretty nicely.  Needless to say, I didn't change out my weights except for at the very beginning when I actually had to decrease the weight I was attempting to lift.  My first reason for doing that was because I haven't lifted in a very long time with weights and didn't want to overdo it while familiarizing myself with this program.  Second, it actually takes a little more time than I had anticipated to unscrew the ring on the handle and add another weight so I went ahead and ordered a second set of handles today and now I'll have two sets of weights for me for each workout.  I still lifted about 10 pounds which for my first day definitely brought on that burn that we all love so much in lifting.  Also, I don't use a workout bench.  I used a stability ball, which is also used by one of the guys in the video, but talk about really having to maintain your balance while building your core.  Below is a list of the exercises we did today. I need to replace the batteries in my heart rate monitor so I couldn't calculate how many calories I burned, but by the end of the workout, I was a sweaty mess so that must mean something good happened! Tomorrow is Build: Legs and I am slightly scared at the thought of not being able to walk or sit the rest of the week.  Oh, the price we pay for beauty, health and lovely lean muscles.  

 

E&E down the hatch and ready to start my first BodyBeast workout!

 

Now let's talk food.  As with any Beachbody program, a nutrition plan is included with Body Beast.  One of the great perks about lifting is how many calories I get to consume while on this program.  I calculated my estimated body fat percentage along with my weight and activity level, prior to this program, and am roughly in the 2400 calories per day range.  Coming from a program where I was about a 1000 calories less than that, it was definitely an eye opener to see just how much I needed to consume each day.  I can see where this might get overwhelming for many people and make them maybe not want to do the program, but once I broke it down a little further, it all started to make sense.  For my calorie intake per day, my breakdown is as follows: 6 starches, 3 legumes or protein liquids, 5 veggies or balanced liquids, 6 fruits or carb liquids, 12 proteins, 5 fats.  Because I have done 21 Day Fix in the past, using those containers helped me not feel so overwhelmed.  For example, 12 servings of protein isn't so bad when you have 2-3 servings per meal.  This is what I love about Beachbody because everyone thinks just counting calories will be enough, but you have to make sure you're not overdoing it in any particular group.  And they tell you how to do that! Now, a couple of years ago, I started following more of a Paleo diet.  I try to avoid legumes and most grains because I do feel better when I don't eat those things.  I am trying this week out following the meal plan with legumes and some grains to see how I do, but I have found that others follow a similar Paleo diet and are doing great with their Body Beast results.  So far I have had 2 of my meals, not including my pre-workout drink and my recovery drink.  It is almost time for lunch and I am hungry, but not starving.  I can tell my metabolism is a little revved up today and that makes me happy!  

 

Most of my meal prep for the week.

Breakfast today: Egg whites with sundried tomatoes over gluten free
toast smeared with 2 tablespoons of avocado, and half a banana.  

 

I realize it is only my first day, but I am truly loving this program and what it may bring.  I even entered myself in the casting call contest to hopefully be in the next Body Beast infomercial! I think because I have seen so many women doing this program and know that there is so much support out there, that is going to help keep me going.  It really does help to have support like that to help keep you accountable and on track.  if you don't have a workout buddy, find one.  I'll be your buddy if you need one! Thank you for being a part of my journey! Day 1 is in the books!

Body Beast Build Chest and Tris Exercises
Warm Up

Single Set

• Dumbbell Chest Press 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps, 8 reps

Super Set

• Incline Dumbbell Fly 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps
• Incline Dumbbell Press 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps, 8 reps

Giant Set

• Close Grip Press 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps
• Partial Chest Fly 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps
• Decline Push-ups 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps

Single Set

• Tricep Extension 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps, reps

Super Set

• Single Arm Kickbacks (right and left arms) 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps, 8 reps
• Tricep Extensions 15 reps, 12 reps, 8 reps

Super Set (60 seconds)

• Dips on Bench
• In and Outs

Cool Down

Playing Catch-up on my PiYo Journey & 2 Pesky Enemies Return

Well, the weekend flew by and I didn't really give myself a chance to sit down and write.  I hate that.  Why can't we just have a little bit more time to do all the things we need to do and want to do in that short amount of time? In any case, I did stick to my journey and worked out every day even though Saturday was supposed to be my "rest" day.  I am glad I did so that I am back on schedule with the program calendar.  I start my third week of this amazing journey and I just keep falling more in love with this program with each workout. 

Friday, I did Define: Upper Body.  I am slowly starting to get those triceps push ups and side planks.  What I am most excited about is the definition I am starting to see in my arms.  There's always been some sort of underlying definition, but now it is starting to show a little more.  Coming from someone that thought you always had to lift weights in order to gain strength and muscle definition, I am so amazed at how quickly I am seeing changes in my body.  It definitely helps to keep me motivated to keep going.  The fact that many of these workouts, like this particular one, are short and easy to bust through in no time helps also. 

As I mentioned, Saturday was supposed to be my "rest" day, but I was so impressed with one of my challenge group members getting up and bringing it that I just couldn't sit and rest.  Plus, I really start to miss Chalene even after a day so I decided to do Sweat and stay on schedule.  I don't know what it was, but for some reason on Saturday when I did this program that I've done a couple of times before really kicked my butt.  I have done P90X and 21 Day Fix workouts, but never have I dripped the amount of sweat I was dripping that morning.  It was insane! I was pushing myself a little harder too, trying to start getting deeper into those lunges and just really enjoying this workout.  Yes, there are times when I may say a bad word here and there, but in the end when I'm done and am experiencing that high, I am proud of myself for doing it.  I've seen another coach lately mention that guys are telling her that workout is not that big of a deal.  I challenge them to try it.  You might be amazed.  I think those haters are just scared they might actually get their butts kicked by Chalene too!

Just after that Sweat workout.  You can't tell, but my hair is soaking wet.  Awesome workout!

Sunday was the Core workout again.  I remember how I felt the next day after I completed that workout last time.  I hurt in places I had never hurt before.  A common theme in my PiYo journey.  I believe I have mentioned before about how I was in a car accident a few years ago and one of my injuries I sustained was a dislocated rib that still occasionally likes to slip out of place.  My chiropractor has told me that basically the best remedy is to build up my core and I had been doing that, but recently before I started PiYo, I had started to slip on my core workouts and I could feel that rib slipping again.  So, after doing the Core workout, I think it is safe to say that that rib will be staying put for a while.  What is awesome is that the place I felt the most post workout soreness was actually in that area so I know those muscles got a great workout along with my obliques and all of my back muscles.  You even get a little butt and leg workout with this routine. I think this is one of my favorite workouts so far because of the way it challenges you and the moves are just awesome and different than the usual core workouts I've done in the past.  One of the last moves is this punt kick move you do while in a modified side plank position and you just feel your whole core working.  I know I have some abs under there that are dying to get out! I can't wait to see them!

Today is Monday and it's time for Define: Upper Body again.  I couldn't get out of bed this morning.  I just couldn't no matter how much coaxing or trying to motivate myself I said I will just do it later.  I ended up regretting that decision throughout the day because my morning workouts are like my morning cup of coffee ( I don't drink coffee, but I think this is a good comparison).  I just feel off without it and I was actually in a cranky mood most of the day.  So note to self, get up and get to it so that your day won't feel all funkified in a bad way.  I went home and I busted through those 20 minutes and felt awesome afterwards.  And stronger.  Tomorrow we get a new workout, Buns.  I am afraid I won't be able to sit or squat for a week.  

 

 So, I have a confession to make.  I have been a little hard on myself and I can feel myself losing some of my mojo.  Not so much with the workouts, but with being a Beachbody coach.  Don't get me wrong, I love what I do and I love that I am hopefully helping others make a change in their lives, but sometimes it can be hard to motivate others when I can feel a little lost myself.  Sometimes I'm not even sure if anyone is paying attention to what I say so I just tell myself to just blow off posting today or sharing something exciting or inspiring.  I fear that I am getting on people's nerves and have lost a few friends over it.  Some days I don't really feel like I am getting support from some of the people in my life, not that it's their job, but just to feel like they take a genuine interest in how much I am passionate about this would be nice, but this is my journey and I have to remember that.  I am also a little frustrated that I'm not further along after being a coach for almost 6 months when I see so many others gaining fast traction.  I know that is some of the old me just trying to bury its way into my brain.  I have a lot of doubts lately that I will be able to grow this into what I'd love to see, but I just keep looking at some of the other successful coaches and they all had days where they felt the same way.  I won't quit.  I have this voice deep in my heart that says just keep at it and so I will.  I also know I should never compare my journey to anyone else's because when I do that I am standing in my own way for my success.  Some days will be harder than others, but in the end I know it will be worth it.  And I need to kick that fear to the curb, because it won't get me anywhere.  I think that our weekly Wake-Up Call struck a nerve with me and spoke to me in a good way.  One thing that stuck out was this quote, "Resistance has a way of sensing when you're getting weaker." I think that is so spot on.  It is so easy to just start a downward snowball effect of negative thinking and wanting to give up.  It's like that little devil sitting on your shoulder saying, "just quit, you're not good at this."  You have to be stronger than that resistance.  I have another confession and that is that part of why I am being hard on myself is that the negative talk in my head is allowing me to think badly of myself because I am not where I want to be in my weight loss journey either.  I know it's stupid especially since in just 2 weeks, I have lost about 5 pounds and 3 inches from my waist and hips, plus my flexibility has greatly improved already and my booty is looking a little higher these days.  I know I can still step it up, especially in the food department, but I am proud of myself of where I came from and certainly thinking I would never achieve that.  I have decided to put the scale away for a while and not focus on that.  I am going to take a big deep breath and just relax and enjoy the journey.  Same with being a coach.  I have said countless times before that I didn't become a Beachbody coach for the money, and that is absolutely true. At the same time, however, I do want to inspire people enough that they do want to join my team and pay it forward in their own way.   If it happens, great.  If not, then at least hopefully someone is reading this and realizing they want to make some sort of change in their life as well.  I have a vacation coming up in a few weeks and I think that will really do me good to recharge my battery and find my center again.   What types of things do you do to recharge or get some sort of motivation back when you can feel the doubt coming on? What do you do to overcome fear in your everyday life?

I have this posted on my Beachbody vision board and I just need to keep it in mind every single day.

 Meals for the Day:

Breakfast: Strawberry Shakeology with frozen black cherries, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, water and ice

Morning Snack: Whole wheat tortilla with all natural peanut butter

Lunch: I had to run an errand at home which cut my lunch short so I stopped to get a salad from a drive through place near my office.  Big mistake.  It tasted horrible and I barely ate it before tossing it in the garbage.  Lesson here is to BE PREPARED! I failed myself today, but will be better prepared tomorrow. 

Afternoon Snack: Carrots and hummus

Dinner:Turkey spaghetti sauce with spiral pasta

 

The Rebellion Continues

It's been a while since I have posted on this blog.  For the past few months I have been working on building up my Facebook page, but lately I have really missed writing and it came at a perfect time because this week I started on a new fitness journey. 

 

As you all know, back in January I took a big step towards my health and decided to give P90X a try.  I loved it, and still do, but I hit a wall about 4 weeks in and decided to go another route with 21 Day Fix.  I enjoyed 21 Day Fix and the meal plan was definitely helpful in my weight loss goals, but I still ached for Tony Horton and doing more weight training so a few weeks ago, I went back to P90X with the passion in my heart to give it its fully deserved attention.  Two weeks into it and the same thing happened.  It wasn't that I couldn't finish the workouts, it was more that my body just needed rest.  For so many years, I have been hard on this body.  I ice skated for years as a little girl, then got into karate, then dance.  I've been in a few car accidents along the way with the last one leaving me with a broken foot and dislocated rib, both of which still cause me problems periodically to this day.  Not to mention all the weight I had gained and lost and gained over the years, all took its toll on my joints.  When I finally started exercising in my late 20's, I went straight to weight lifting and running on the treadmill and high impact step classes.  And whenever I have worked out, I always worked it to the max.  Then, I found Beachbody and a wonderful woman came into my life through that company named Chalene Johnson.  I have never done one of Chalene's workouts but she was working on a program that was going to change fitness and how we work out at home.  PiYo, a fast paced, low impact combination of pilates and yoga, had been in gyms for years, but I had never heard of it.  It's been dubbed yoga for rebels, perfect for a rebel fit girl such as myself.  Now, Beachbody was coming out with a home version so I quickly started following Chalene online and learning more about this new program because I knew it would be a game changer.  PiYo is perfect for just about anyone regardless of age, weight and fitness expertise.  Even if you've been plagued by injuries, PiYo could be the answer for you.  By using your own body weight, you're able to sculpt every inch of your body and since there is no jumping, it is very easy on the joints.  And you're still burning calories like crazy in workouts that are only 20-45 minutes long.  How amazeballs is that?

 

PiYo launched last week and is quickly flying off the shelves so I made sure to snag a copy so I could start my own PiYo journey.  Yesterday, it finally arrived and I quickly sat down and got to work.  I took my measurements and my "before" pictures to submit when my journey is complete.  Did you know that when you submit your before and after pictures to Beachbody after you complete a program you get a t-shirt and can be entered for a chance to win $500? If that's not motivation, I don't know what is, but I digress.  After getting my pictures finished, I completed the first "workout" which is more of a preview of the moves and terminology you'll see throughout the program.  If you have done yoga before, you'll know most of them, but Chalene may call poses by a different name and it is great to see how many of these poses are supposed to look when you are not rushed in the middle of a workout and worried about alignment and posture.  That introduction called "Align: The Fundamentals" was about forty minutes long and it definitely prepares you for the program so don't skip out on watching it. 

 

   

 

The program also comes with a meal plan as do all Beachbody fitness programs.  It breaks down what you should be eating for your calorie range.  So, for me, my range is 1,560 and I fall into Plan B.  It breaks it down even further by telling me how many vegetables, carbs/grains, fruits, protein and healthy fats I should have each day.  No calorie counting! Then it breaks it down even further and tells you the serving size for each item so it really takes the guesswork (and excuses) out of being able to eat healthy while on this program.  If you have the containers from 21 Day Fix, then you're on your way to making this even easier.  That is the key to being successful.  You have to follow the plan!



Everything that is included in the PiYo Workout base kit.

 

 

So, that is PiYo in a nutshell.  I started the program today and will post that in a separate post later today.  This is truly an amazing program that is going to help so many people that probably thought they could never get the body they dreamed of without beating it up first.  I became friends with one of the coaches from the test group and she had fabulous results in the 8 weeks she did PiYo.  Her biggest accomplishment was losing that stubborn belly roll that she had after having three kids so ladies there are alternatives to going under the knife.  If you're interested in learning more about PiYo, I would love to chat with you and help you take that first step towards joining me in the rebellion.  

 

 



When The Going Gets Tough, It's Time For A Fix

Last week I lamented about how I was losing some of my motivation to stay on track with P90X and how I was really hoping to get that fire back in my belly.  Well, once again this morning I just couldn't get inspired to do another hour and fifteen minute workout.  As much as I love Tony Horton and P90X, I decided to shake things up a bit and try something different.

 

I had gone back and forth with whether or not I wanted to go ahead and take a break from P90X and start my 21 Day Fix.  This morning the decision was made and I have officially started the three week program! Plus, I have a few customers that purchased their 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack and I wanted to get a jumpstart on the program so that I could be a great source of inspiration, knowledge and motivation.  

 

This program is highly based on portion control.  I am not going to lie.  Those food containers and the meal plan can seem a little daunting and intimidating, but I know I will get this figured out in no time.  I had everything on hand to fill my containers so it is just a matter of when to eat what.  It is certainly eye opening to see what portions I *should* be eating versus what I have been eating thinking it was okay.  Now this week will actually be a true test because I have a concert with friends on Wednesday night and then Friday I am heading out of town for the weekend for more music and fun and the temptation to want to indulge will certainly be there.  I am human after all so if I do slip

up, I will not beat myself up about it. 

 

To get started in the program, you calculate what your daily caloric intake should be and then your meal plan is based on that number.  This is an example of my daily meal plan below for my range.  Each color coded box represents your "food group." For example, green is veggies, red is protein, purple is fruits, yellow is your carb, etc.  The numbers at the top list how many of each container I get per day.  Seems simple enough, right? This is an excellent program to train your mind and way of thinking when it comes to planning your meals.  And from what I have seen so far with results from others that have completed their Fix, I am in for a treat.  I just have to stick with it!

 

 

 

I am enjoying my chocolate Shakeology now, seriously such a sinfully delicious treat and that will take away one of my red boxes for the day and half of a yellow one because I used a little bit of almond milk.  For lunch, I have spinach, strawberries, baked chicken, half of a baked sweet potato and a little bit of balsamic vinegar for the dressing and some pumpkin pie spice for the potato.  For my snack later, I have almonds and grapes and then I am still trying to decide what to have for dinner tonight.  I do not think I will experience any hunger pangs, but just in case, I brought a protein bar for backup.  This will take some adjustment, but it seems like most people do not feel hungry.  I will keep everyone posted on my progress!

Time to Pay it Forward

I may have taken my newfound love for health and fitness a little too far, but there is no turning back now as I embark on a new challenge and path towards a healthier lifestyle.  I have always wanted to find a way where I could help others find their own healthy journey and provide support and help to them whenever and wherever I could.  When I first got back on the workout train a few months ago, I had a very good friend and Beachbody coach, Jodi Lee Haddon, that helped keep me motivated and inspired.  I saw her love for the Focus T25 program and that is when I decided to do the P90X challenge.  I have always been in the mindset that you have to have a gym in order to get in a great workout and see results.  I had tried working out at home with other fitness DVDs but they just did not provide the challenge I needed and craved in order to meet my goals.  Now that I am starting week three of P90X, I can truly attest to the fact that you can get a great workout at home and you can stay motivated to do so.  That is why last week I took the plunge and signed up to be a Team Beachbody coach! It is now my turn to pay it forward and provide that same kind of inspiration and support to others.  In the next few weeks I will be putting together a Facebook page and group and the challenges will begin.  I am very excited about all of these opportunities that have come into my life recently.  A year ago, I would not have had the courage or confidence to do this, but thanks to my coach and the Beachbody products and supplements, I feel better than I ever have.  I cannot wait to get going on my next program, 21 Day Fix.  In the meantime, please visit my coach website and if you have any questions about any of the products, please do not hesitate to ask.