I Can't.

The most frustrating thing I hear from my friends and family whenever I talk about a fitness program is: "I can't."  And if you ask my husband, I use to be that person.  When he started Insanity, he begged me to do it with him.  I would always answer him with "I can't because…." and then list a ton of excuses.  My excuses were anything from my bad knees, to my aching ankles, to just being tired, to not having enough time.  I would watch him do Insanity and think: that's just too much.  I would watch and think, "I could never do that."

Then one day it happened.  I picked up my husband's P90X and pushed play.  I was completely unaware of what I was going to get myself into.  P90X started me on a completely new journey.  It was the first time I heard what you don't hear on the informercials, "Do your best, and forget the rest."  That one statement changed how I felt about Beachbody's DVD fitness programs.  The instructors with each program always emphasize form over speed.  I can not count how many times I've heard that on the various programs that I've completed.

I want to help you turn your can'ts into cans.  I want to give you a reason to know that even you, with any injury, can find a program that will help you get stronger, get fit, and get healthier.  I threw my excuses out the window once I learned that I could do the programs, and I'm here to help you do the same.  There are tons of programs available, for any age, any fitness level, and any goal.  Whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle, or just get more flexible, Beachbody has a program for you.

The Beginning to the New Me.

Hello everyone!  So, I'm going to share with you a success story.  This story starts in the summer of 2010.  I ordered a pair of shorts from the Old Navy online store, in a size 10.  That was the last summer that I wore those shorts.  In the winter of 2011, I moved from Georgia to Germany, and then deployed to Afghanistan.  When I got home from Afghanistan, I pulled the shorts out of the closet, and I couldn't wear them.  I mean, I couldn't even lay down on the bed and to button them!  They were SO tight.  I didn't want to believe that I've gained that much weight, but apparently I did.

I lied to myself for months.  Reality hit when I was looking at pics that I was tagged in from a friend's birthday party.  I looked FAT.  But, I didn't want to admit it.  So, I stopped wearing the shirt, for a little while anyway.  I thought it was just my clothes that made me look that way. I've lost accountability of myself.

So, things really became critical when my career, and my chance of getting promoted was starting to fall through my hands....all of this because of some weight.  See, being in the Army, you are supposed to weigh a certain amount, and when you are over that, you get taped for body fat.  If your body fat is too high, then you are entered into the Army overweight program.  I was never there, just too close for comfort.

Anyway, I had to get my butt moving, and fast.  I was losing control.  The first thing I did was pulled Insanity off the shelf.  I saw how it worked for my husband, and he was about to start another round.  (He'd fallen into the same trap that I had, and gained a lot of weight during my deployment.)  Even with a permanent foot injury, I was able to modify the exercises to fit my needs.

Anyone who's ever completed a BeachBody program knows that at the end of each video, they advertise upcoming programs and Shakeology.  Well, the Shakeology got me curious.  I wanted it, I just couldn't afford to pay for it.  My friend Jozel, who I've known since 2010, told me that I could become a BeachBody Coach for free, and that would get me the discount for Shakeology.  That, put Shakeology in my reach.  I immediately ordered it, and within 36 hours of taking it, my digestion improved greatly.  My sugar cravings went away, and my energy went up!

By this time, I had ordered TurboFire, and had started on that program as well, and instantly fell in love with Chalene Johnson!  Her energy and motivation was enough to keep me going.  And I did.  And 90 days later, I felt better, looked better, and was a changed person for life.  I wanted more.

And here we are today.  I just started my third week of Focus T25, and those shorts that I couldn't wear when I returned home from Afghanistan....they fit now.  Actually, they fit better than what they did when I first bought them!

So, now that I'm on this path that has changed my life, why not join me.  Like my FB Page.  Learn how I can help you reach your fitness goals.  You'll feel better that you did!

Infomercials, and The Lies That They Promise.

By now, most people have seen informercials on just about anything.  You can cook a meal in just a few minutes, lose weight with a magic pill, get a hose that magically shrinks as it empties, buy hair and make up products that will make you look like a beauty queen, and just about any cleaner that 'naturally' cleans your entire house....all with the power of steam.  

Most people fall into the trap of instant gratification products, as I did.  I've purchased the device that shocks your abs into the six pack that everyone wants.  I've also purchased the steam cleaners, juicers, indoor grills, and workout DVD's all with the promise that I'll have a cleaner house, a healthier body, and better digestion.  While most products can be seen as scams, and we know as scams, everyone wants that instant gratification feeling.  We want to instantly lose weight without actually doing any work.  We want to instantly clean our homes, and we want to instantly cook a meal.  

But here's the deal:  To get what you want out of life, you have to work at it.  You have to put effort into cleaning your home, cooking your meals, getting and staying healthy.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you have to work.

While some of the products do work, most do not.  I love my George Foreman Grill.  I also love my Shark Steam mop!  Those products actually work.  I've made the best tasting pork chops, and had a super clean floor in no time!  But, other products, like Hydroxycut and the Ab Shocker do not work.  To get those abs that I want, and to lose these extra 15 lbs, I have to work....not take a magic pill and shock those muscles.  (While shock therapy is a good form of physical therapy, I don't recommend it as a way to get fit.)

So, to get fit, I chose Beachbody.  Why?  Well, for one, they offer a ton of different variety of exercise programs that you can choose from.  From intense cardio, to body building, to flexibility, to yoga, there are several programs for just about every personality out there, and every age group.  Second, they offer online community to help motivate you to get healthy.  You can join a challenge group, or start one yourself.  And, once you've received successful results, if you decide, you can become an online coach, to help other people become successful in their fitness goals.  It's all about finding what's right for you, and helping others achieve the same results.

So, if you are interested in becoming fit, let me help you achieve those goals.  I can help you choose the program that's right for you.  Don't rely on instant gratification products that are sold on informercials to help you reach your fitness goals.  You are only throwing your money away.  (Trust me, I know.)  Message me, and I can help you choose a program that fits you....your fitness goals, all within your budget.

Visit my website for more information, or email me!

                                    

Introducing Turbo Jam, Rockin' Body and Hip Hop Abs

I want to take a moment to introduce to you Turbo Jam, Rockin' Body and Hip Hop Abs.  

Turbo Jam is the predecessor to TurboFire (which I love!) that was created by Chalene Johnson.  It features Dance, Kickboxing, and core exercises to get you fit, fast.  It's a great workout for beginners.  It comes with a eating guide, so that you'll get great results even quicker.  And if the music is anything like it is in TurboFire, then you'll love that too.

Now, let's talk about Rockin' Body and Hip Hop Abs.  

Rockin' Body was created by choreographer Shaun T.  It was one of his first of his dancing workouts along with Hip Hop Abs.  It features dance moves that are designed to work your core, and to help you lose weight.  It's not only features dance music, but Disco and Rock as well.

Hip Hop Abs was also created by Shaun T.  This was his first workout, created to show you that you don't have to do crunches in order to get the abs that you want.  Shaun T. teaches you how to work your core muscles and have fun at the same time.

The reason that I'm talking about these workouts is because many people are intimidated of workouts that have a quick pace to them.  Well, I'm here to tell you to not be.  Like TurboFire, once you do the DVD once or twice, your body quickly learns the moves, knows the cues of when it's going to change, and the next exercise sequence that is coming up.  Don't ever purchase a DVD workout and expect to do it 100% correct the first time through.  You have to give yourself a learning curve.  Believe me, you'll learn them soon enough.  The first few times that I did Fire 40, (from TurboFire) I was lost, and discouraged....but once I got the moves down, Fire 40 quickly became my favorite workout out of the entire series, and I'm sure you'll find your favorite too with Turbo Jam!  And learning the moves doesn't take as long as you think.  As long as you are trying, and not standing there saying, "I'm lost," then you are burning calories.

Don't be intimidated by a fast paced DVD workout.  You have a pause button.  Use it, but use it sparingly.  The main idea is to get yourself moving.

The point is, you can have the body you want if you are willing to invest a little time, a little effort, and a little money, and absolutely NOT feel as though you are working out, but rather dancing your way into fitness.

If you want more information on these, or any other workouts featured by BeachBody, contact me.  I can help you choose your first, or next workout program to help you reach your fitness goals.

My Success so Far!

Well, I'm a little over 60 days of TurbuFire and my results still amaze me.  Let me share with you what I discovered just this morning.

I lost 7% body fat.
I lost almost 6 inches overall, with 3 lost in my waist alone.
I lost 5 pounds.
I have definition in my legs, arms, and waist.
My clothes are baggy, everywhere.
I have more energy.
I feel better.
My resting heart rate is of that of an athlete (for my age, and sex.)
And, my blood pressure is lower. (Time to talk to doc about lowering that medication.)

So, how did I get here?  

First, I chose a fitness program that I would enjoy, and stuck with it.  I had completed a month of Insanity when I injured my ankle.  While on recovery, I received TurboFire in the mail, and slowly started TurboFire after my ankle healed.

Next, I joined a Fitness Challenge Group.  Even on my non-motivated days, the people in the group are always motivating me with their posts, pics, and status updates.  I logged in daily, posted my own stats and pics, even though I didn't always look my best.  Ok, I never looked my best, but neither does anyone when they are sweaty all over, and just took a pic.

Then, I incorporated Shakeology into my diet.  I drink it every day for breakfast.  I add fruit, a soy or almond milk, and sometimes peanut butter.  This increases the calories a little bit and fills me up like a meal would.  It also aides in digestion, keeps me from craving sweets, and provides me with vitamins and nutrients not found in any other meal replacement shake.  

Finally, I changed what I eat on a daily basis.  I added more fruits and vegetables to my diet, buying fresh or frozen most of the time.  The only canned veggies that I purchase is tomatoes (crushed, diced, stewed, etc).  Sometimes I'll purchase canned beans, but I always rinse them before using them.  I eat more fish that contain Omega 3 fatty acids, lean meats, and will occasionally enjoy a vegetarian meal.  I eat 5-6 meals a day, choosing fresh fruit, good nuts, or veggies as my snacks.  And, I drink 60-80 ounces of water almost daily.  Fitness experts recommend 1/2 your body weight in ounces to drink daily.

That's it.  Four easy steps to fitness success.  Nothing less, nothing more.  And, as a Team Beach Body Coach, I want to do the same for you.  I want you to enjoy the same success that I have.  I want you to feel your greatest, and to look the best in your clothes.  My question is to you is: do you want it?  

Send me an email and I'll help you get started.  I'm here for you. No matter your fitness level, your finance situation, or how much free time you *think* you have in a day, I'm here for you.  I can help you find the program to fit your lifestyle.  All you have to do is contact me.

Working Out at Home vs. the Gym

As I finished my TurboFire workout this evening, I tried to remember when was the last time I actually enjoyed going to the gym....and well, that was 20 years ago, when I was in high school.  Then, I decided to do a pros and cons list on working out at home vs. going to a gym.

So, without further ado, here are my thoughts on the issue:

Going to the Gym:
Pros:

1) Tons of Equipment
2) Most have swimming pools
3) Personal Trainer Available
4) Group Classes available
5) Sense of community
6) Additional Amenities such as Sauna, Steamer

Cons:
1) Costly
2) Gym equipment is dirty
3) Shared showers
4) Often times you have to wait for equipment
5) Personal Trainers often cost extra

Working out at home:
Pros:

1) One time cost of equipment/videos/etc
2) Work out in the privacy of your own home
3) No commute to gym
4) Don't have to hire a baby sitter/arrange for child care
5) Changing workout programs is affordable
6) Most workout programs come with online support and eating plan, helping you get your best results

Cons:
1) No sense of community.
3) Buying an upgrade of weights can be very expensive.

Ok, so there you have it, my Pros/Cons list of working out at a Gym vs. working out at home.  Each person has their own preference of where they want to work out, just like each of us has different fitness goals in mind.  For me, I choose to work out at home with DVD's and the equipment that they provide because I'm a private person.  I hate the feeling that I'm being judged because I'm not running fast enough, or lifting heavy enough.  I hate the awkward feeling of looking at a machine and thinking, "Um....how do I do this?"  I really hate waiting in line for a machine, and most of all, I actually hate being in a classroom setting (except Spinning) for kickboxing, step aerobics, etc.  I'm uncoordinated.  And last, but not least, I hate walking into a gym and feeling that it should be a fashion show.

If you're like me, then you should take a look at the tons of BeachBody programs that are available.  There are programs for any fitness level, and for any fitness goal.  If you want flexibility, to lose weight, or to gain muscle, BeachBody has it all.  Additionally, BeachBody supplies online support, a customized eating plan, and a coach to provide motivation to help you reach your goals.  You can browse my website for any workout program to fit your needs.

If you're not like me, and you want to work out in the gym, then get out there and find a gym for you.  The most important part about getting fit, and staying there, is you HAVE to find something that works for you. Once you find something that you enjoy, then make the decision to commit to it, then you'll get results.  And most of all, find something that offers some sort of a support group.  Without a support group, who do you have to share your accomplishments and setbacks with?  A support group can also give you tips, and ideas for improvements.

Good luck on reaching your fitness goals.  Please feel free to message me if you need advice on a BeachBody program, or if you just want general information.

NO EXCUSES!!!

Good Evening Readers!

All too often I hear many excuses for not working out, and I'm here to tell ya, there are NONE.  Nope, none what so ever.  In the last 36 hours, I had 24 hour duty, and I worked out not once, but twice.  Well, most people wouldn't think that is such a big deal, BUT, and here's the kicker.....we are in the middle of a trans-atlantic move.  Yep, it's that time again, and there is SO much planning going on.  Yesterday, we packed our 90 day suitcases, our necessary electronics and important papers that we need to hand carry.  Today, after my 24 hour duty, the movers came, and we had to supervise the packing.  

So, what did I do today to work out?  I set my computer up on top of my already packed TV, put my TurboFire DVD in, and pushed play.  Yep, absolutely NO EXCUSES.  

TURBOFIRE HIIT 15 DVD IN, READY FOR ME TO PUSH PLAY.

So, what do I want you to do?  First, you need to like my FB page so that you'll know what events are coming up, what's on sale, as well as get motivation that you need in order to get healthy.  Second, you need to visit my Team Beach Body Page so you can order a TurboFire Challenge Pack.  They are on sale for the entire month of August.  With the savings, and the 30 day money back guarantee, you can't go wrong.

TurboFire is a high intense, kickboxing workout that'll keep you motivated while kicking your butt.  You'll look forward to the workouts because they are SO much fun, and the music will keep you pumped!

I want you to be fit!  Why?  Well, because you'll feel better.  Not only physically, but your mood will improve.  You'll crave less junk food, and make wiser food choices because you won't want to undo all your progress from working out.  AND, you'll look better.  Now, who doesn't want to look better?

So, what are you going to do?  You are gonna like my FB page, visit my website, and choose a program (if not TurboFire) that'll get you where you want to be.  And I, I will be here to motivate you EVERY step of the way.  That is my promise to you!