I'm not usually one to make resolutions, but I'm making one now to update and add content to the site more often! I bet you thought it was going to be a health and fitness one, didn't you? ;-)
OF COURSE I have health and fitness goals for the new year, so I guess ultimately that's a resolution, too! The truth is since our move from the Washington DC area down to Fort Hood, TX I DID get out of routine - ALL routine! I haven't been having meals on my usual schedule, and my workouts have been sporadic! I'm human, and I slipped! So now I can either dwell on it and get down on myself or take it as a lesson and get back to routine! So get back to routine I will! I'm starting P90X2 on Monday as well as picking up homeschooling with the kids again on Monday! ALL breaks are over! It's also going to get our household overall back onto a routine - including meal times! I've been feeling tired and sluggish, and I know that's why! Especially with Fibromyalgia it's easy to fall into that trap, but I NEED to get back into routine, and I know my energy levels will pick back up, too!
My health & fitness goals for 2012 (in addition to getting back in routine):
* Lose 10 lbs * Tone up * Work out at least 5 times a week (and log all workouts live in WOWY) * Successfully complete P90X2 * Successfully complete Couch to 5K * Participate in at least two 5Ks * Build strength * Cut down on meat and dairy * Cut down or eliminate food dyes, artificial sweeteners (sucralose & aspartame), and gluten * Get my children involved in physical activity and good nutrition
Health & Fitness Related Business Goals:
* Get involved with a Fit Club and connect to other Beachbody Coaches in our new area * Continue to lend support to my clients and contact them frequently * Obtain a certification in Nutrition * Become a Certified Personal Trainer
So what are YOUR health and fitness goals for 2012? I'm here for support - to push you, encourage you, workout with you (even if it's only online), connect with you, and truly listen to you! I WANT to help, but I can't help if I don't know what you need! Please don't hesitate to contact me! :-)
Take the Beachbody Challenge! Research shows an average of 6-8 lbs are gained over the holidays--let's crush those statistics!
Beginning November 14th, I'm hosting a challenge and I want YOU to join me! In the past I've seen a lot of people get great results with my challenges or contests but I want to make this one a little more personal. I'm hosting a very small group challenge with just 5 people and we will all commit to our fitness and nutrition goals by doing Body Gospel and committing to drinking Shakeology every day. I will have a private Facebook group for each of us to stay accountable to one another. Let's commit 100% to this Challenge and beat the holiday stats!
*Think you can't do it? You won't know until you try! God gives us ONE body and we need to take care of it!*
I can't wait to get started! There is SO much to benefit from by joining my challenge. You get ONE month of Beachbody Club membership for FREE! This is a great tool to have for fitness and weight loss success. You will get a customized meal planner that will help you reach your goals even EASIER. You also get 10% off all your Beachbody products and automatically entered into daily drawings for cash and prizes when you log your workouts into WOWY Supergym. You save big when you order the Challenge Pack AND shipping is FREE...even better! There's also more accountability and support--in my challenge with this small group, I will be able to give my time and resources more than ever before to help you reach your goals on your fitness journey! There's also a chance to win BIG!--you can also enter your results in the Beachbody Challenge and you could win up to $100,000 for sharing your story! I'll also have a surprise gift for each person that joins my challenge! :)
So what's the first step? CONTACT ME ASAP if you are interested or have any questions--remember, I'm only taking the first 5 people! Anyone else will be put on a waiting list so let's get started NOW!
Email me at info@1fit2serve.com or contact me on Facebook
If I'm not already your coach, you need to sign up for a FREE account with me so I am your official Beachbody Coach. Just go to My Coach Site Click on "Join" and Choose the FREE Account! It's that easy! Registering for a free account is also a great way for me to better support you as your Coach!
Now what? 1. DECIDE and COMMIT to join my Beachbody Challenge 2. Go to my online store to purchase your Challenge Pack at http://tiny.ly/HU77 and click on the "Take the Challenge" button on the right side of the page. Choose Body Gospel from the Challenge Pack or if Body Gospel isn't right for you - let me know! I can start another small group with you and your friends for another program!! (see which fitness programs are available below and contact me if you need help deciding which one fits you best) 3. Then choose Chocolate or Greenberry Shakeology 4. Receive CHALLENGE CONFIRMATION email from me with tips on tracking progress, taking measurements, recipes, fitness tips, goal setting, joining our PRIVATE Facebook Challenge group, etc so we can get started November 14 5. SUCCEED! Get in the best shape of your life with the top fitness programs and the Healthiest Meal of the Day!
BY GETTING A CHALLENGE PACK YOU SAVE MONEY!!
Challenge packs are available to order now at http://tiny.ly/WuHu
And this is an awesome opportunity to join my team as a Beachbody coach! Why? Not only can you build your own business helping others, but you get 25% off all purchases AND when you order a Challenge Pack when you sign up, your coach sign up fee is WAIVED! YES, the $39.95 fee to become a Beachbody coach is included in the pack! How awesome is that?
Wow, this is BIG NEWS! P90X2 is now available for pre-order. It went on pre-order yesterday (Sept 1st) and is ONLY available through your Coach for pre-order until Sept 6th! This is just another advantage of ordering through a Coach! Plus you will also get TWO free DVD workouts and FREE SHIPPING!! How awesome is that!? You're not charged until it ships - just in time for the holidays! We, personally, ordered the Ultimate Kit! Another advantage of pre-ordering is you can win weekly prizes from supplements, Shakeology, fitness equipment, apparel, etc. all the way up to the Grand Prize of Tony Horton himself delivering your P90X2 to your door! To get your pre-order today go to P90X2 Pre-order
For more info here is the FAQs:
P90X2™ FAQ Q. What happens if I don't pre-order? A. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee you'll be able to get a copy of P90X2 before 2012 if you don't pre-order now.
Q. How is P90X2 different from P90X®? A. Consider P90X2 the next wave in applied science for body transformation. Like P90X®, it's a complete 90-day program, but with all-new, cutting-edge workouts grounded in the most modern thinking in sports science. It takes the principles of the P90X® concept and cranks up the intensity with exercises that demand every ounce of your balance, agility, core strength, and athleticism.
Q. When will P90X2 be available? A. December, 2011. (Note: a Spanish language version will be available in January 2012.)
Q. What's included in P90X2? A. P90X2 Base Kit: • 12 workouts on 13 DVDs or 4 Blu-ray discs • Fitness Guide • Nutrition Guide • 90-day Workout Calendar
P90X2 Deluxe Kit: • Includes everything in the P90X2 Base Kit, plus: • 2 Bonus Advanced P90X2 Workouts • 1 Foam Roller • 1 55cm Premium Stability Ball • 2 8-lb Medicine Balls
P90X2 Ultimate Kit: • Includes everything in the P90X2 Base Kit, plus: • 2 Bonus Advanced P90X2 Workouts • 1 Pro-Grade Foam Roller • 1 55cm Premium Stability Ball • 2 8-lb Medicine Balls
Q. Is there a Coach / Team Beachbody® exclusive offer for P90X2? A. Yes, you get two FREE DVD workouts: P90X One on One: 4 Legs, and P90X One on One: Upper Body Balance when you order from me, your Coach
Q. What types of exercises are in the program? A. Phase One focuses on your foundation. It includes X2 Core, which works the core using instability; X2 Balance & Power, which incorporates strength and explosive movements; and more. Phase Two focuses on strength with workouts like Plyocide, combining explosive movements with mind and coordination drills; Chest, Back & Balance, the mega pump of P90X Chest & Back with the addition of unstable platforms. Phase Three focuses on performance. It includes P.A.P. Lower and P.A.P. Upper, two separate workouts using a cutting-edge training technique used by some of the fittest athletes on the planet. These are a series of repeated movements or "complexes" that will absolutely destroy you.
Q. What equipment do I need? A. All you need to do P90X2 is a couple of dumbbells or resistance bands, a place to do pull-ups, and about an hour a day. A pro grade stability ball, two 8-lb. medicine balls, and a foam roller are strongly recommended, too.
Q. What if I want a less strenuous program? A. If you decide you aren't ready to tackle P90X2 yet but still want to get in great shape fast, we recommend starting with a less extreme program, such as 10-Minute Trainer® or Power 90®. Beachbody® offers a wide variety of incredible fitness programs for all levels and goals, so you're sure to find the one that's right for you.
Q. I subscribed to P90X® ONE on ONE Volume 3. How do I place my order? A. You can call customer service at 1 (800) 470-7870. Tell the service representative that you purchased ONE on ONE Volume 3 and you'll be given further details.
Q. When will my credit card be charged? A. As soon as the product ships, your credit card will be charged.
Q. What do I get get if I pre-order through you, my Coach? A. Two FREE bonus workouts you can use to get in tip-top shape for the New Year. They will also receive FREE shipping and handling (up to a $40 value), as well as an automatic sweepstakes entry to win exclusive prizes and a shot to be featured in a future P90X2™ infomercial!
I've been an Independent Beachbody Coach for almost a year now - and wow has my life changed! I am in MUCH better shape than I was a year ago, my health is overall improved, and my attitude and level of confidence has improved as well! I started with and was very happy with the results I got in just 6 weeks! I wrote about those results . I then continued with 30 days of , which was the precursor to P90X (Power 90 Extreme). Then I decided to try since it is a Faith Based program. Around that time we also started a Fit Club here on post where we do a variety of workouts each Monday, and what an awesome group! We've made some awesome friends and welcomed new coaches to our team! It has been such a blessing!
So almost a year as an Independent Beachbody Coach - so where am I now? Lovin' it! :) As I said we've made many friends along this journey and have had the blessing of helping many people as well! I've gotten to share my story many times - how I am no longer taking medications for my Fibromyalgia and can now do things I never thought possible. I started (and finished) . 90 Days and awesome results! In fact, I just moved up to the next level - Full Throttle! I never would have guessed I'd fit back into the size I wore prior to all 3 kids, but that is so realistic now! And seeing the life changes in those around us is an awesome blessing! I pray God continues to use me as a vessel to touch people's lives! Beachbody is my vessel, and what an amazing vessel it has been! Fitness AND nutrition - the whole package. Fitness and nutrition are BOTH necessary to good health. There are many ways to obtain it, but Beachbody has worked for me, and has been an awesome way for me to reach others as well. I cannot explain how grateful I am!
So in honor of my (almost) one-year anniversary as an Independent Beachbody Coach - here are my current "Before" and "After" pics. If you need help reaching your health and fitness goals please contact me! I would be honored to be your Coach and help support you in your health and fitness journey!
Don't forget to register for the new Beachbody Challenge! Then log into your Team Beachbody account and Commit to get fit!
What's The Beachbody Challenge™? It's a health and fitness transformation competition. Commit to get fit and share the results you achieve with any Beachbody® program. You'll automatically get a free wristband, a free T-shirt, or BOTH! If your transformation is selected as the BEST in your age and gender category (18 – 29, 30 – 39, 40 – 49, 50+) you could win up to $100,000! Ready to win?
Here's how to enter: STEP 1: COMMIT TO GET FIT — get a FREE WRISTBAND Tell us which fitness program you plan to follow, state your goals, and start tracking your progress. You'll want to take a "before" photo to remember what you looked like and submit your results when you're finished. For making this simple commitment, we'll send you a FREE WRISTBAND. (It's okay to skip step 1 if you're already in shape and want to submit your fitness results.)
STEP 2: SUBMIT YOUR RESULTS — get a FREE T-SHIRT Got results from your Beachbody program? It's time to submit your transformation story. Send us your "before" and "after" photos, transformation stats, and tell us your story. We'll give you a FREE T-SHIRTand you'll have a chance to win additional prizes.
YOU CAN WIN up to $100,000! If your entry is selected as the top transformation in your age and gender category for the month in which you entered, you'll win $1,000 and a shot at the Grand Prize.
PLUS YOU'LL HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN: • Daily Prizes: $500 just for logging your workouts in the WOWY SuperGym® after you commit to get fit or submit your results. • Quarterly Prizes: $5,000 and an expenses-paid trip • Bonus prizes for drinking Shakeology® during your transformation.
Are you interested in taking the challenge but need a little push? No problem! We'll be forming Accountability Groups with the first group beginning on Monday, August 15th! Stay tuned to our private FB Support group for the full information or e-mail Emilee if you're interested in joining an Accountability Group at info@1fit2serve.com If you are not already in our private Health and Fitness Support Group on FB e-mail me to be added to the group as well! I'm really excited for this challenge and some more exciting upcoming news! If you don't already own one of Beachbody's most popular programs (P90X, Insanity, or Turbo Fire), there will be a new customer pack available for purchase starting next week! You can even earn cash for referring your friends to join you on the challenge! Stay tuned for details! Summer is almost over, but it's never too late to Commit to Get Fit, and with all the prizes and money available you don't want to pass this up! I hope to see you in one of our Accountability Groups soon!
What is it for you? I posted this pic recently to my personal Facebook page as well as sharing it on my "Like" page. The only thing missing is my husband! He is definitely a huge part of my motivation!
I made a comment with the picture that I can't emphasize enough: I can't take care of them if I don't take care of me. Maybe it sounds cliche, but it's so true!
Why do I workout? Why am I working on my nutrition? Why am I building a business? Why am I reading my Bible daily, and personal development books, and encouraging audio? Why am I trying to continually educate myself on our health, our food, our environment, etc.? I do all of it because if I better myself I can better serve others - including my extremely important family. I do it because I can better serve God.
Every day is a gift, yet it's easy to take advantage of that. Take the time to acknowledge what God has given you and don't take it for granted! If it is not enough to look in the mirror and acknowledge that you are fearfully and wonderfully made define that which makes you acknowledge your worth! Kids are such a wonderful example! Even on days I'm not feeling so good about myself I can just look upon the blessing I've been given. See that blessing and acknowledge YOUR worth. I was chosen to be the mother of my 3 beautiful children and the wife of my wonderful husband. If I'm discrediting myself how does that benefit them? I must take care of myself to be the best wife and mom I can be. Yeah, I fall short of perfect. We all do. But we are "perfect" the way we are. Don't accept anything less for what you deserve - what YOUR "why" deserves! Acknowledge your worth and take care of yourself the way you should (and deserve). Don't use your family as an excuse NOT to put in the time to care for yourself (mind, body, and soul) but rather the reason WHY you should!
No matter what your health and fitness goals are there are multiple ways to track your progress. You should track your progress many different ways because knowing the progress you're making helps keep up the motivation on those days where you feel like you're not "getting anywhere." I know I have felt that way often! But there is also something to be said for trying to weigh, measure, etc. too often! Results will come, but checking EVERY day will just leave you frustrated - and who has the time for all that every day anyhow? So when should you check your progress - and HOW?
1) ALWAYS take "Before" photos and measurements. I know, I know, you don't want to look at your before pictures, and you surely don't want anybody else looking at them, right? Well, when you have your "After" pictures you will!! Even if you don't want anybody else to see them keep them for YOU. Then on those days where you're wondering if it's all worth it you can look at those "Before" pictures and see how far you've come! Also record your starting weight and measurements - hips, thighs, waist, chest, thighs, and arms. If you haven't already signed up for your FREE account on Team Beachbody go to My Coaching Site, click on "Join" (in orange), and register for the Free Account. There are great tools on there to track your progress! You can input your weight, measurements, and goals! You can also write them down in a journal or a piece of paper - just WRITE THEM DOWN! :) Weight/measurements should be taken about every 30 days or based on your specific program. If you're doing a "Fast Start" you may be advised to take them before, half-way, and after. Follow the guidelines of your specific program or in general I recommend taking them every 30 days. Remember NOT to focus on the number on the scale. It is SO easy (and tempting) to just step on the scale to see how we're doing, but your weight can fluctuate throughout the day and can vary depending on certain variables, so keep in mind there is more to it!! How are your clothes fitting? How do you feel? Keep those in mind before getting discouraged!
2) Take a Fit Test! I think this one gets easily overlooked! With focus so much on losing weight and inches we forget how important it is to see how much we've increased in strength and endurance! Heart health is huge! If I hadn't done a Fit Test before, during, and after Slim in 6 I wouldn't have known how much my resting pulse improved - a big deal for someone who was born with a heart defect! My defect was repaired when I was almost 17, but because I had it repaired so late my left atrium is enlarged and heartbeat is somewhat irregular. Now my resting pulse is "normal." That is a HUGE accomplishment - one that could be easily overlooked. It's important to remember that yes, weight loss is very important - even more so if it is affecting your overall health! But don't forget the aspect of overall health. This includes keeping your body functioning at its best. Women, in particular, may worry about strength training, but it's so important. Especially those of us with young kids - we're toting around kids all day! We need to have the strength and endurance to be moms! And even more so - MUSCLE BURNS FAT.
So how do you do a Fit Test? Well, there are multiple ways. For a general idea there is a Fit Test (with instructions) in your goal tracking in your Team Beachbody Account. Please Contact me if you need more information! Also with most fitness programs you start you will have a Fit Test that comes with it. Ideally you will do the Fit Test before the program, in the middle, and again at the end. The Fit Test I recently took was specific to RevAbs, so it wasn't an overall, general Fit Test. Here are some points for a general guage: ♦ Resting pulse - take your pulse immediate upon waking up and track it again after 30 days, 45 days, etc. ♦ Cardio endurance - whether you gauge it by how many jumping jacks you can do in 30 sec, how far you can run in 30 min, etc. be consistent and also check it again after your chosen amount of days. ♦ Strength - How is your strength increasing? Do things like bicep curls, push-ups, etc. Generally to gauge strength you can count your strength exercises to failure - meaning you cannot possibly do anymore! Some like to gauge strength on how much more weight they are using. You can increase your weight as well (make sure again you write all of this down), though it does change up the comparison point. If you're lifting more for the same amount then you can conclude you have gained in strength, but if you lift less than you did before using the new, higher weight you can't necessarily assume you didn't increase in strength because it would be dependent on the weight. ♦ Flexibility - This is another key to progress! Flexibility is so important! You can gauge your flexibility based on how much further you can stretch! It helps to have someone there who can help you measure the difference. Ex. how close your hands get to your feet or beyond your feet, etc. I've tried to measure this myself, and it's tough! haha Obviously YOU will be able to tell if your flexibility has improved, but again it's always helpful to have it written or recorded somewhere!
And don't forget I'm always here to help in anyway! I do think the idea of tracking your progress makes it so much more "real." We see ourselves every day, and it's easy to overlook our physical progress especially because it happens gradually - and we still tend to focus on the problem areas. DON'T! Even if you're not at you goal it's great to feel great about how far you've gotten! In fact, feeling good about the progress you've made will continue to give you that motivation to get where you're going! And again, if you need more of a push - that's what I'm here for! :)
So as I mentioned - I recently took my mid-program Fit Test for RevAbs - and since I hadn't posted the results yet, here we go! Squat Hold - I increased from 1 min 19 sec to 2 min 1 sec Push-Up - I increased from 10 to 16 in 30 seconds Jumping Jacks - I increased from 33 to 37 in 30 seconds Plank - I increased from 1 min 3 sec to 1 min 20 sec Cobra - I increased from 2 min 58 sec to 3 min 13 sec Crunches - I decreased from 25 to 22 in 30 sec (Remember - this does happen sometimes and can depend on many factors - like abs being sore! haha Don't be discouraged and look at the bigger picture - your overall results.) Leg Drops - I increased from 19 to 25 in one minute Side plank Right - I increased from 37 sec to 48 sec Side plank Left - I increased from 37 sec to 50 sec
And the last thing to make sure you're tracking? YOUR NUTRITION. Don't forget! All Beachbody programs come with a nutrition guide, which is extremely helpful! There are many apps available and helpful sites, etc. that can help you track your nutrition as well, and if you have any questions please let me know!
We, unfortunately, were unable to attend this year's Team Beachbody Coach Summit in LA. We already had our tickets, plane tickets, hotel, etc. and were ready to go until last month we realized my husband had so many Doctor appointments that there was no way we could go! We're getting everything ready to find out whether he'll be parting from the military as soon as next month to as long as next year, so it's really important for him to keep those appointments right now! So although it was necessary for us to not go this year - I still got excited every time I saw new updates and pictures from Summit, and I can't wait to go next year - even if it is in Las Vegas! haha I know I haven't posted in a while, but this is a post worth waiting for! hehe So here are some of the key updates!
1) FREE Coaching for Active Duty Military!! This is one of the reasons I LOVE Beachbody! They truly care about others - ending the trend of obesity in our country, offering healthier alternatives for fundraising for non-profits (FREE as well), donating money to wonderful causes like Rain Catchers, and now honoring the men and women that serve our country! I'm not saying this just because I'm an Army wife, either! ;p A lot of companies don't recognize the challenges faced by military families. Offering an opportunity for them to own their own business for FREE while they're serving our country not only gives them an opportunity to change their health and fitness and share that passion with others, but it also sets them up for success for when they part with the military - whatever the reason. In our case, my husband will most likely be parting with the military due to medical reasons - knee injury, having had cancer twice resulting in complications from the surgeries as well as the chemotherapy. The thought of returning to the civilian world with no idea where to live or where there are even jobs available (there aren't many) was a bit, well, stressful. That burden was lifted when we found this opportunity, and now for the offer to no longer have business fees for my husband is just icing on the cake! Why not start your own business at no cost and build up some residual income while you're serving? Or for the military spouses whose Active Duty member (their spouse) is not a coach - the benefit transfer to them! I know I'm not the only military spouse that was looking for a great business opportunity that allows me to stay home with the kids! :)
2) The New Beachbody Challenge (win $100K) Beachbody has revamped their challenge! What used to be the Million Dollar Body Game® will now be the new Beachbody Challenge! • Lots of prizes! ♦ Commit to Get Fit and be eligible to win $100,000.00! Two winners. ♦ Coaches nominated by each $100,000.00 winner will win $20,000.00. ♦ Each finalist will take home $25,000.00. ♦ Coaches nominated by each finalist will win $5,000.00 ♦ $500.00 daily prizes ♦ $1,000.00 monthly prizes ♦ $500 monthly prizes for Coaches nominated by the $1,000.00 winner
• ONLY Team Beachbody members can participate. • Team Beachbody members can participate by submitting a Success Story, OR "Commit to Get Fit" with a Beachbody program and submit your ultimate results. • Keep an eye on Beachbody Challenge for more info to come!
3) The new Shakeology Flavor is - TROPICAL! • Get psyched to study some Tropicology! That’s right—Shakeology's new longawaited flavor has been unveiled: TROPICAL! • The new flavor brings the taste of summer vacation home. It’s perfect for the warm weather and those who love to wake up to a refreshing fruit smoothie. • The Tropical flavor profile: pineapple, papaya, and banana • Stay tuned for more details on the new flavor… Plenty to come! I will keep you updated as I get more information!
4) P90X2 will be available for pre-order in August! If you've already completed P90X, get ready for the next level! A natural extension of its revolutionary predecessor, P90X2 paves the way for the future of exercise science and will blow minds across the world. It will have 14 new, cutting edge workouts and an enhanced nutrition plan. Discover the many new phases of P90X2, and what is being referred to as a "PAP workout." I'll keep you updated!
5) New TeamBeachbody.com Web Tools! • Find a LIVE Fit Club! Maybe you don't live in the area and can't come to our Fit Club. No problem! Now you can find a live Fit Club wherever you are! Just enter your zip code and the radius you're willing to travel! If there isn't one in your area - ask me how to get one started!
• WOWY® (The online super gym) gets a new look! ♦ Calendar colors in days to show workouts completed. ♦ Coming Soon in Phase 2: Suggested buddies based on primary workout program and fitness goals. ♦ Coming Soon in Phase 2: See what members have been up to with the new "Recent Member Activity Feed" ♦ Coming Soon in Phase 2: Share your WOWY workouts on Facebook and Twitter. (I'm excited about this!!)
• Find Buddies/Member Gallery Revamp This summer, they're updating the layout and design to make it easier for members to: o find people they already know o find new buddies who share the same interests
• Improvements to Online Workout Groups ♦ Share a status message with your group members. ♦ View ― "Group Superstars" who have completed the most WOWY workouts. ♦ Group message boards enable discussions between group members. ♦ Ability to share groups on Facebook and Twitter.
Wow! So if all of this news isn't enough - if you're already a coach - there is EVEN MORE! Connect to the news Here I will keep you up to date as the upcoming news unravels into more details! The Active Duty sign-up is ready NOW! Contact me for the full details! And as always - if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to discuss your progress towards your current goals contact me any time! :)
Today we began our first 10-Day Challenge! It is a "Slim Down" challenge. I was super excited to kick it off, and I can't wait to hear everyone's results! For the 10-Day Challenge all participants have agreed to work out on all 10 days, eat healthy, and replace one meal a day with Shakeology. We took our weights and measurements on Sunday and began the challenge yesterday! I was so proud to hear of everyone's commitment to the challenge! I set up a private Facebook group for our challenge group for support, encouragement, and accountability. I did a webinar to help them set up their Free Team Beachbody Account so everybody has a chance to win cash and prizes for logging their workouts in WOWY Super Gym as well as connecting on the message boards and using the great tools to track their goals. I am really excited to see what this week brings and the results! Participants are not required to use a Beachbody Program, though we have a couple doing Body Gospel and one doing Yoga Booty Ballet. I know they'll love them, and it totally takes the guesswork out of it because all programs come with a recommended schedule! All participants were provided with a meal plan, the support group as well as a special group on our forum, and fitness ideas as well as my continued support for the challenge and beyond! The winner will be the one who loses the most weight based on percentage of weight lost (so it's an even playing field). They will get their choice of a free fitness program, a winner's t-shirt, some Protein Bars, and more! All participants will get a certificate to recognize their accomplishments as well as a couple of small prizes for those that complete the challenge as required! Are you ready to take your fitness to the next level and challenge yourself? Our next challenge is going to be a Fitness Challenge, so if you want to get on board and register early Contact Me!
So where am I on this journey? I wasn't going to take my measurements until I was halfway done with RevAbs but I know it would only be fair if I hold myself accountable to the group for the 10-Day Challenge. I'm so much closer to my goals than I realized!
My current stats: Weight - 128lbs (only 1lb short of my goal!) Waist - 30.5in (Goal is 27in) Hips - 37.2in (Only 0.2 in short of my goal!) Chest - 34.8in (I don't quite have a goal set for this right now since I am still nursing - it varies by the hour! haha) Arms - 11.5in (I've reached my goal!) :) Thighs - 22.2in (Only 0.2in short of my goal!) Body Fat - 20.1% (healthy range!)
I'm so glad I took before weights and measurements back in September when I started changing my lifestyle with fitness and Shakeology! Here is my current comparison: Starting Weight: 148lbs (down 20lbs) Starting Waist: 37in (down 6.5 inches!) Starting Hips: 40.2in (down 3.2 in) Starting Chest: 37.8in (down 3 in, but again, lactation has the most to do with this!) Starting Arms: 12.5in (down 1 in each) Starting thighs: 24.2in (down 2 in each) My Body Fat % wasn't calculated until February, but in just over 2 months I went from 26.1% to 20.1%! 6%!!
These are results! I still have a ways to go to tone up the c-section traumatized belly, but it seems so much more possible and "real" than it did before! And I ultimately still think about how I accepted defeat a couple of years ago when I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and today I'm considering registering for my first 5K next month! I am forever grateful and blessed that God provided this opportunity in His always perfect timing! Even more I feel blessed to help others! I'm looking forward to the results of this challenge and for the challenges to come! :)
Well, I had decided to start RevAbs last month while still doing Body Gospel if I had extra time because it is definitely a faith inspired motivation that keeps me going! I knew RevAbs would be a little more intense, but I was looking to specifically target my abs due to the infamous c-section "poof." I do have to modify at times, but overall I am REALLY enjoying it!! I find Brett Hoebel to be VERY motivating! One of the biggest motivations for me has been my husband being able to work out some with me again! He is still having some neuropathy from the chemotherapy, but he is so determined! He is really such a wonderful inspiration for so many people - definitely for me!! It was great taking our "Before" pics together, and I can't wait to see our "After" pics! :)
So why am I restarting? Well, the good news is it's NOT because of my Fibromyalgia! Unfortunately, I've been sick. First a sinus infection followed by a nasty stomach virus followed by more sinus issues plus a cold. Tis the season I suppose! haha My little man is not a very good sleeper, so it's proof that sleep deprivation wreaks havoc on your immune system! If you have the choice to get adequate sleep - do it! Don't take it for granted! Besides the Fibro flare-ups brought on by the sickness, my pain has been under control! It's such a wonderful thing! :) I even made it through a couple of the workouts while I was sick, and that alone shows how far I've come! Unfortunately, though, I missed a lot as well, and I truly want to commit to it for 90 Days because I have already seen my results, and I'm confident after 90 days I'll have great results! I am already below my pre-pregnancy weight!! Woo hoo!!
So, I'm re-starting my RevAbs journey on Thursday! I think it's going to be a great one! Hopefully I'll have plenty of workouts without my baby "barbell," but doesn't he look so sweet sleeping on me while I work out? :)
I originally read this from my support team, and it is so true! These are very important points to consider, so the next time you're thinking “Why should I buy my Beachbody product through a coach when I can just order off the infomercials or pick it up off of Ebay (or Craigslist, etc.)?”
Great question! And here’s 10 answers that will likely have you making sure you ALWAYS order through your coach rather than that operator who’s “standing by” or the random person trying to make a buck (possibly illegally) online:
1: When you order from TV, you are charged an additional “handling charge” that you won’t pay through a coach.
2: You don’t have to worry about the dreaded “up-sell”. Buy through your coach, and don’t worry about getting charged for those vitamins you don’t remember ordering! As a coach we're looking out for your best interest with our desire to help people - not "the sale."
3: Order from the TV and you get assigned a random coach (you may, or may not hear from them). Order from a coach and YOU picked your coach (much more likely to establish a supportive relationship).
4: What about the “payment plan” offered on TV? The coach network doesn’t offer me that! No, but it’s most likely that you’re paying with a credit card. You already get a payment plan with your bank. And remember, you’re paying less overall, so even if you take 3 months to pay off the balance, you’re likely to come out even!
5: You get more!! Did you know that many of our top-selling programs come with additional “network only” exclusive workouts when you purchase through a coach? (ex: Order Insanity from a coach and get 1 free workout, order P90X from a coach and get 2 free workouts!)
6: “What about Ebay or Amazon Marketplace? I’ve seen Beachbody programs super-cheap there!” Yes, it’s likely you have, but know that neither coaches nor Beachbody sell through these sites. Truth be told, it’s very likely that you’re buying a counterfeit product. These rip-offs are never perfect copies, and often times the disks function poorly, if they function at all, and you’re not going to get any help from Beachbody when your fake disks won’t play! Some have even been known to carry viruses! Many of the counterfeits out there are sold without the food plan or suggested schedule. If you think you’re going to get the same results without the meal planner….you’re sadly mistaken! Besides that, counterfeiting is a crime, and so is purchasing counterfeit goods! Spend the few dollars more and support the people and the company that brings these amazing programs to market for you. Don’t support “black market” goods! (People have been charged hefty fines for counterfeiting Beachbody programs.)
7: You are likely to seek out a coach for support and advice once you get started on your program anyways. Why not pick the one you want up front?!?
8: There’s a good chance you may decide that you, too, want to be a Team Beachbody Coach once you’ve begun to see results with your program. Who better to work with than the person who’s been supporting you in your fitness journey?
9: Buying from the infomercials feeds the corporation. Buying from coaches feeds families. Coaches offer their support and services free of charge. We are private contractors earning only when products are purchased through the coach network. If you’re going to be buying a program anyways, why not say “Thank You” in advance to the person who will be there for you as you go on this journey together.
10: Finally, you’ll just be glad you did, and your coach will make you glad you did! :)
I wanted to share this information by Steve Edwards because it is SO important! It is an ever growing problem, and it is a problem I am passionate to bring awareness to! The examples being set for our children are scary! Fundraisers abound full of sweets and processed foods. They say it works for raising money - but at the risk of our children's (and our own) health? I encourage everybody to read "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson. It really talks about how small decisions you make every day affect your entire life. Small decisions we make for our kids every day also affect their lives! I know it seems like "no big deal," but it is. If this is the only option that is available it will continue to influence what will be available in the future! Instead of offering cookies and candies for fundraising let's work together to change the "norm!" For information on a healthy alternative to fundraising that includes ways to get kids moving (as exercise and activity in general seems to be decreasing) please Contact Me
Five Tips to Fight Childhood Obesity
by Steve Edwards
By far, the most prevalent health and fitness headlines concern obesity, mainly the rise of childhood obesity. Here are a few facts and figures to help keep your kids fit and trim.
We're surrounded by fitness solutions at every turn, yet the obesity epidemic is still growing like mad. On a short trip to three countries in Europe last summer, I found an obesity feature on the cover of seven publications. While not nearly at U.S. proportions, there's an obvious "alarm" going off around the globe. For example, what's considered to be a high rate in Europe is nearing 9%, whereas in the U.S. it's hovering around 30%. At any rate, the rest of the world is now scared enough by the problem that it's become major headlines. And an interesting fact is that in some countries where starvation is still a viable threat, obesity rates are still on the rise.
This leads to the main question as to whether it's due to poor diet or lack of exercise. There is no question about obesity following the pattern of fast-food restaurant dispersal; all you have to do is look at a map. However, the latest studies are showing that even with Big Macs and Big Gulps, caloric consumption among children is not going up as much as exercise levels are coming down.
Recent studies by British medical journal The Lancet, the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition have all consistently shown that exercise is the central determinant of whether kids are overweight. The figures show that kids are consuming approximately 3% more calories than they did in the '70s but getting a whopping average 20% less exercise!
Another interesting fact is that affluent society is now at just as great a risk as low-income groups. In the early 1970s, 22.5% of people with incomes below $25,000 were obese, while just 9.7% of people with incomes over $60,000 were obese. Today obesity is growing the fastest among Americans who make more than $60,000 a year. Since higher income groups tend to eat "healthier," or at least can afford to change their diets easier, this is another signal that exercise matters more than diet.
A good example of this is that only very low-income children tend to take themselves to school these days. Issues with safety now mean kids may have traded in a couple of hours of movement for time in an air-conditioned SUV. Mix in thousands of TV channels, the Internet, and video games and it becomes quite possible for a child's mindset not to include anything related to exercise at all.
But the number of obese children is still rising among all socioeconomic classes, and it will keep growing unless lifestyle changes are made and people become more aware of the situation. No economic class is immune from obesity. Especially hard on the lower classes is the fact that the least healthy foods tend to be the cheapest, making it very difficult for those children to eat properly.
All of this leads to a very serious situation. Obesity affects more than how you look. It increases the risk for a number of diseases, including diabetes, stroke, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Obesity carried into midlife may also have damaging effects on the brain.
Finally, all is not lost. It's not that hard to be fit and healthy. It just takes, more than anything, a change in mindset. Here are five tips to start you out.
1) Get with a program! I rarely toot our own horn but I'm about to, because home fitness is where it's at. If you don't want your kid to walk to school, where the amount of recess has probably been drastically cut, and at home they like to stare at the TV and the computer, a home fitness program is the easiest way to start your child on the road to proper habits. There are now many kids' programs to choose from, but really, other than heavy weight lifting (rare at home), there isn't much in the way of exercise that wouldn't be good for your kid. So get 'em on a plan and make them earn their TV time.
Obesity and Diabetes is on the rise in America. Get your kids on the right path to fitnesss now. Don't wait until they're already overweight.
2) Sign 'em up. Thankfully, there are still many extracurricular exercise options (dance, soccer, little league, etc.) available through schools and community centers, as well as private organizations. Many of these cost very little money and, compared to the health cost of obesity, even a private trainer would be a bargain. Plus, your child will learn how to do some cool stuff.
3) No soda! How soda pop has become a cultural mainstay as a refreshment item is a testament to clever marketing. Nothing could be worse for a growing body than a constant diet of sugar and phosphorus. If we did nothing but eliminate soda from society, obesity rates would plummet.
4) Limit fast food. These restaurants have also done a remarkable job getting into the child psyche. From clowns to playlands to strangely colored foods, they've been able to captivate kids all the way through adolescence. Think of how many high school hangouts are the local fast food place. And while they are starting to offer better options, how likely are a bunch of teenagers to sit around and gossip over salads? This is a tough one, but having a plan where fast food is a treat, and not a staple, would be a huge improvement.
5) Make movement a way of life. It's so easy these days to park yourself on the couch and not move for hours. You've got to be proactive about changing this. Whether it's limits on TV, forcing your kids outside for part of the day, or organizing family hikes, you should do something to instill a lot of movement as a daily habit. And not just for your kids; it won't hurt you a bit either!
There are so many reasons I feel blessed to have opened my eyes to our responsibility to take care of ourselves. Not only does taking care of myself help me to better take care of my family, but it puts me in a position to be a good example for my kids! Sure kids are always going to say that their friends are or aren't doing something but ultimately WE are the ones that influence them and guide them! It isn't something we should take lightly!
Let them see you enjoying your healthy lifestyle! They naturally want to do what you're doing! If you're taking walks they'll want to join you. If you're doing a workout program they'll want to do one, too! If you're eating right they'll be eating the same things as you! Don't look at eating healthy as "a diet," but view it as a lifestyle! If you are showing apprehension over the things you are doing you will be sending mixed messages! Embrace your health and fitness with a happy heart knowing you'll be there for your children for a long time and in a position to fully care for them! Plus you'll be blessing them with the example to live the healthiest lifestyle they can!
Not only do our actions influence our children, but so do our words! My immediate family was all average to lower weight people, but I heard the word "fat" on a regular basis. As parents our children identify with us (especially the sensitive mother to daughter bond). If you are making negative comments about yourself in front of your kids they are internalizing that! Your negativity can very easily foster low self-esteem in your children. Even if you're not where you'd like to be in your health and fitness journey remember you WILL get there! Being negative is only hurting you, possibly your progress, and most likely your children's self-esteem!
Keep your head up! Keep pushing forward and focusing on your progress! Continue to be a positive example to your family! You can do it! As always, I'm here to help! :)
