Finding that Drive

Have that lacking feeling of doing what you know you should be doing? I sure have! I need some motivation. I need something to kick my butt in gear. So what do you do to get that little kick in the tush to get you going???

1) Get support! Tell your family members, friends, co-workers, kids tell everyone what you are going to be starting. Because often times you will be reminded by someone asking you, "Hey how is your weight loss program going?" Or I was even told recently by a friend that her little girl was saying, "Mom, I don't think we should go to places like McDonalds until after you've gotten all your fatness away." Her little girl was helping her mom. And guess what, they aren't going there anymore!

2) Reach out to others going through the same thing. You can probably name 3-5 people who are "working on their weight" or watching what they are eating just like you. Find someone to check in with on a weekly basis to share how you did the last week, or to discuss your game plan for the coming week. Also Online Support Groups. I hold a 30 day support group every month now to give the daily motivation you need, plus inspiration to keep going and there is access to clean recipes and clean eating information. Plus others that are going through the same exact thing. There are so many thing available to you now to help you. Take advantage of that!

3) Make a game plan. Have your goals set on what you want to accomplish and by when. Make weekly meal plans so that you have everything set so that you don't go for foods that you shouldn't be eating! It just takes a little time to schedule and plan your week. And the more you do it the easier it will get!

4) Shed the negative. So you have done this before and it didn't quite work. Well how is this time going to be any different. BECAUSE IT IS! You want it to be different which means it will be. You are going to have the support of your family, and a small micro community, making a weekly meal plan. This is going to be your time to kick butt and take control of your life. And if there is anyone in your life telling you that it is not going to happen. You couldn't do it last time. blah, blah, blah. IGNORE THEM! Because if you choose to do something and you really decided that you are going to do it, YOU WILL! You can do anything you put your mind to. No more I can't. I CAN! The key though is that you need to believe that you can do this and you will!

5) DO IT! You have made the choice to do it, so do it! Make this time different. Don't let excuses get in your way and try to stop you. You are better than any excuses. You deserve more than any excuses. And you have 30 minutes to workout everyday. It is that important! Scheduled it in to your day. Workout first thing in the morning or before you go to bed. Just get it in there!

If you need that extra little bit of motivation in your life to reach your goals, no matter how big or small and willing to make a small investment in your health, JOIN MY FREE PRIVATE COMMUNITY. 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! Don't forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK!

One Step Forward, or Crawl

Can I just say how much I love this saying...I LOVE THIS SAYING! Because it is so true! It doesn't matter if you tip toe, crawl or drag yourself in the right direction just make your way there! NOW! 

I have seen what one wrong choice after another after another and many more can do to you. It drags you down deeper and deeper. People lose faith in trust in you because of the choices and actions you make. Or you lose faith in yourself that you can actually do better or be better (yo-yo dieting, why start over again if it hasn't worked in the past?) Or you might want to get out of the huge pit you dug for yourself but don't know how to even start or which direction is even the right direction. Well as long as that direction is opposite to what you have been doing lately then it is more of a right direction than you have been in. The point is to GET MOVING into that direction.

If you decide today that you are done living your life how it is. Yo-yo dieting. Or tired of putting of starting a new workout for next week. Make that choice to just do it. Set a date that you are going to start your workout. And do it! Stop yo-yoing around and don't diet, change your lifestyle! Dieting has such a negative mindset to it. Decide you want to change how you look at food in the first place and do it. Stop doubting what you can truly accomplish what you put your mind to! Read books about foods or watch documentaries about clean eating. (see below)

If you need any help in clean eating. Let me know! Or finding a workout routine that actually fits your lifestyle so you stop putting it off. LET ME KNOW! You have to make that first move. That first step and I will help you drag yourself, crawl, tip toe or even run if you want but you have to make that choice that you are ready to change! 

Books: 

Primal Body, Primal Mind by Nora Gedgaudas

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero

Documentaries: 

Forks over knives

Fed Up

Super Size me

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

My journey thus far

I am only in the beginning but I have had a journey over the past month.

About 30 days ago I started this journey with one specific goal, to get out of my funk. I was in such a depression that I didn't want to be around anyone. Friends, family, not even my kids. I hated how I felt. I hated feeling lost and alone. I hated how I was feeling. Slow, and no energy. I wanted to sleep all day long. I didn't really want to do anything. It was so hard to find that motivation to start this. 

But just one day. I decided. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! I was done feeling sad. Depressed. Tired. I needed to work on me if I was going to get any better. I called a therapist and made the choice that it was time to take care of me. That one decision was my fuel, my passion. I threw myself into this program. Workout wise. I could have been a ton more better on my eating, more on that later. I dedicated to myself that I was going to workout everyday. Drink my Shakeology everyday and no more fast food. 

AND GUESS WHAT! I did it! I made it 21 day of working on me. And you know what happened? I felt better. I had good days and fewer bad days. I learned to appreciate my body again and not be disappointed in it. I have had so much fun watching my husband exercise with me most nights. We have reconnected again because I was so distant with him. We are happy, laughing and enjoying life again. I can't stand the smell of fast food, I want whole fruits and veggies. We are staying in our eating budget because we aren't going out randomly anymore. 

This past month I feel like I have gotten my life back. And it only took 1 choice and 21 days. In 21 days I have lost (as of this morning) 3 lbs and 4.25 inches. I am retaining water still from the race over the weekend because I was so dehydrated. But I know the work I put into this. I see the difference in my life it has made. Small changes eventually add up to HUGE results!

If you are ready to start your journey, let me know! Click on the Banner at the top for upcoming challenge groups. Sent me a message. Email. Just let me know! 

Motivation? Where Did It Go???

Motivation is the number one thing that can stop you cold in your tracks to something new you are trying to do. Whether it is looking for a new job, exercise or just finding a new pair of pants. If you have a hole in the crotch of your pants you are going to be pretty darn motivated to buy a new pair of pants but if you are in comfy in yoga pants and they can pass as all day wear, you are not going to be getting a new pair of pants for awhile! Right?!?

Well we all have those days where you just don't want to do it. Exercise I am talking about. I have days where I don't want to do it. And it is totally normal and it happens. But, if you want to make your goals and achieve great things. You gotta do it.

Here is my tip if you are just tired and can't find that motivation. Just do 10 minutes. Start doing 10 minutes (I aim for 15 min that way I know I am at least doing half my workout!) Most of the time you will feel fine and be able to finish it but if you aren't, then stop. Your body might need to rest and that is ok. Don't push beyond what your body wants to do. It can just make you feel worse!

It's ok to have a bad day. But the trick is to NEVER GIVE UP! Don't just stop because you had one bad day. Do a little and you might get your groove back. Or do a little in the morning and by later in the day you will feel better and can finish it up. Listen to your body. IT knows what you need and don't need! And by the next day you should feel just fine to get back into it. Just don't make everyday a rest day!

~3 days left until I find out exactly how many inches and weight I have lost! Be sure to check back on Monday!~

Last Call...

It's the last call to be part of my 30 day challenge group for June! 

Why do I host these challenge groups? Because I know that exercise is easier with a buddy to join you! Seriously, how much faster does a workout go when you have someone doing it right along with you. Last July when I was a participant in my FIRST challenge group (not hosting actually a challenger) I was excited to do my workout and to tell everyone in the group about it. You could tell the ones who wanted it compared to the ones. We all supported each other, asked question and made it fun. I had daily motivation that made me think about how to better myself on the inside while I worked on the outside. It gave me confidence I didn't know I was lacking. I learned a ton about myself that first 60 days and I am so thankful to my friend Janet for encouraging me to join the challenge group. Take that first step and do it! 

I am offering that same opportunity to take that first step. Decide to do this for you. Commit yourself to 30 days of eating clean, working out and enhancing your life through positive thinking. Today is the last day that I will accept people (within reason of course) into the group! I want to be there for you. I want to help you. Let me walk you through this. Take that first step! 

Join me this JUNE for our challenge group to help you get started! Fill out the form below to let me know you are interested!
Being part of the challenge group you as the challenger get:

One on one support from me to help you set and reach your goals.

Daily motivation.

Work with a program that is just right for you to fit your lifestyle.

Provide you with recipes and a meal guide

Daily dose of nutrition.

Plus you will be with other people just like you in our PRIVATE accountability group where you can ask questions and get real answers.

Our Motto for June is: It's not about being skinny. It's about gaining confidence, better health, more energy and HAPPINESS!

(Please do not apply if you are currently a Beachbody Coach, are already working with a Beachbody coach (other than me) or are not willing to make a small investment in your health and wellness.)

Hurt So Good

Why does it hurt so good??? Am I crazy or just weird. I love it now Getting that burn from exercise. (at least on my legs. Shoulders, HA that is another story. I wimp out way too quickly!) Last night Matt and I were doing our lower body workout and man I was burning. I was on fire, but I just kept going. I pushed through the pain. I DID IT! After 3 weeks of doing my lower body exercise, I feel like I finally accomplished something huge! I didn't give up. I just kept going. I told Matt how much I hated that exercise because it hurts so bad while doing it but it FEELS SO GOOD AFTER!

But why does it hurt so good? Remember in Legally Blond how Elle Woods says, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't kill their husbands." (it's true I don't get as frustrated with Matt after exercising!) But it is true. That burning sensation of the lactic acid also releases the endorphins that make you happy. And when you do enough you get that little "runners high" (even if you aren't doing running you still get that little high). Plus it is making you stronger with every single burn. Your muscles are working then recovering, then working then recovering. That is why it is so important to rest between days of working out. (don't do leg day twice in a row!)

When you don't think you can any more reps of your exercise, I dare you, no, no, double dog dare you, to do 2 more. Get that burn. Let it burn. Because it will be so good for your body and for your mind. Push past the burn. I know it sucks and that it is hard but you will love it when you get the results that you want!

Missed Opportunities

Have you ever just looked back on your life at some point wishing that you just did it differently. The other day I was talking with some other ladies. And one mentioned that they have their 20th high school reunion coming up and how they were not so excited to go to it. I asked, "if you could go back to high school, would you?" Of course this is right out of the movies, 17 Again, but why do you think movies like that are so popular? I would go back in a hot second if I had the confidence in myself that I have right now. I would be more outgoing. I wouldn't be as shy. I don't think I would be as boy crazy because it shouldn't have been my huge focus anyways. And I would have loved my body I was in. (Heaven knows I would love to be 160 again!) I would appreciate my life a little more and my parents for that matter.

But I can't regret the way I was way back when, now. I have to learn from it. Understand that that is what made me how I am today. I would give anything to be what I weight in high school again. And that is why I am working on me. But that means that I need to love my body now and be impressed that it is as strong as it is. I am working on me.

I also can't regret any missed opportunities now. People not knowing what I do. Some people might not know a whole lot about me. Or how much I gave up to start my own business and now I have 2! I decided that working for someone else wasn't for me. I have not looked back since because I have been so blessed with finding students when I needed them and growing both my businesses! So I decided that I am going to tell you what I do so that you know from now on!

 So here it is! Me in a nutshell. I am a mommy of 2 super cute boys! An almost 4 year old and a beautiful 1 year old that is so patient with me he deserves to have anything he wants. I am a stay at home mom. And I love it! I hate working for other people. I always did. I always wanted to be the boss not be bossed around. And that is what led to me opening and starting my own business in teaching private music lessons. When we moved to VA we decided that I needed to look for a job at least until we had kids. After a week or so thinking about what to do. I dreaded going to my interviews and I said a quick prayer, "Please help me to know very quickly if this is what I should do or not." Within the first 5 minutes of the interview she mentioned something about the hours and I knew that it wouldn't work out for me in general. I just couldn't do it. I finally took the dive and decided that I wanted to teach piano privately. I have been teaching privately as a business setting for, goodness, almost 8 years now! I have relocated my studio and started it up again in that time once since we moved to another city. So I have started my business twice now. Fist time people came to me and I didn't even have to work at it. It just happened. But when we moved to a larger city, it took me almost 2 years to get to my goal of how many students I wanted in my studio. It took a lot of patience, and just getting out there and telling people. Putting myself out there. Plus a lot of word of mouth. I have taught and made a positive musical impact with over 100 students. It is amazing to see them learn and I love it!

I am also a coach through Beachbody. And that only came about because of this blog. I felt inspired to start my blog to help people start a new journey for themselves. To know that it can be done. That it takes a whole lot of work and patience but it can be done. Then a year ago I felt inspired to take my coaching through the blog to a whole new level! To work one on one, since I love doing that anyhow because of teaching. I love working with other people. I truly am a people person. I love seeing how strong my challengers get. How much they learn about themselves during the whole process is AMAZING! And for me personally it is such a blessing to have 2 "jobs" (they are so fun it doesn't seem like I am working honestly) that I am in charge of and know that I am impacting lives for the future in such a positive way! I have the freedom to still be with my kids, travel when we want to (within reason) and still be able to help contribute to our family financially.

I truly encourage you that if you ever felt inspired to do another type of work and thought that it could work. IT WILL! You just have to put your whole heart into it and go. Trust in yourself and God that he will help you accomplish the things you need to do. It might be super scary to leave what you have known for so many years but when you love what you do, your days are better, you find more joy in what you are doing and you don't feel like you are working but connecting with others! It is such an amazing experience!

If you need motivation and encouragement to help you achieve your goals in fitness or help just click on the Sizzlin' Summer Banner at the top of the page or CLICK HERE to let me know you are interested! Serially all it takes is just one decision to change the rest of your life. What are you going to pick?

Friday's Five May Collection

I haven't done one of these in awhile! Here are my 5 things I am totally loving these days:

1. 21 Day Fix. Seriously loving this because I can modify the workout to work for me. If I need to be a wimp then I can wimp out. But if I wanna push it then I can totally push it for as long as I can, and then wimp out and go down to a lighter weight. But honestly I am getting stronger. I was convinced that Collin had lost weight because he just wasn't feeling as heavy to me. Well the little chunk is now over 20 lbs and low and behold I was just getting stronger. Go figure! Ready to get your hands on 21 Day Fix Finally? ORDER HERE for the workout combined with Shakeology! BEST DEAL THOUGH is to get the Beachbody on Demand Annual All Access Challenge Pack where you get access to every workout program ever created for 1 year, 1st month supply of Shakeology and the entire Nutrition Fix Program (those fun little containers to help you eat right!)

2. Pandora: Love turning on my pandora station and just listening to it. Sometimes during the day I will turn on the kids songs for the kids and watch Collin "dance" to it. But he loves music. Mason just tells me to turn it down. There always has to be a critic.

3. Pinterest: I am loving snooping and pinning on Pinterest lately. I have been looking for clean eating recipes, or different workouts, and lots and lots of motivational quotes to help get me through the day.

4. You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero: (sorry mom didn't mean to swear but that is the name of the book). Seriously this book has hit point on point in what I need to be hearing right now. No more wallowing in my sadness. Time to get out there and make something of myself. Help others. And just enjoy life for the roller coaster ride that it is. There are lots and lots of ups and downs and corkscrews in our life and we just need to know how to ride them. Cower in fear or with hands up! Which would you prefer?

5. Lost: I have started to re-watch Lost again. I am use this as my decompression for when I am having a bad day, because my dad is NEVER as bad as theirs gets to I have something to be thankful for.

Short and sweet. What are you loving these days? Comment below! I wanna hear from you!

Emerald Coach

So this happened today! Super excited not only because I hit my first milestone as a coach with Beachbody but because of all the amazing women that I have helped and are currently helping to set their goals and ACHIEVE THEM! I feel like I have been called to help inspire, encourage and motivate women to get out of their comfort zone, make that choice that they are worth it and to help them with the next step of their lives by taking care of them! What a wonderful blessing it is in my life! Thank you to all my friends who have helped support me and followed my journey. I so look forward to the rest of my journey that has no end at this point! Thank you everyone! 

What is a Team Beachbody Emerald Coach? An emerald coach is the first advancement as a coach in Beachbody. It means that you are building your team of awesome coaches and the beginning of becoming a leader. If you have any questions about it or about coaching please let me know! This was my first business goal when I became a BeachBody coach 10 months ago. My ultimate goal is to help women and men to set their fitness and health goals and learn to achieve them. I am doing that on a daily basis now and it is amazing! 

My coach wrote this about me and I feel so blessed. Sometimes I don't see myself in this way. What a wonderful reminder to keep on being that light and beacon! 

--- I am so excited to congratulate Becky Allen on becoming an Emerald Coach today! Becky has been inspiring and helping others through her blog Connect The Dots Ginger while being an amazing mother, spouse, teacher, and pursuing her passion to run, be healthy, and eat clean. She's been inspiring others while using PiYo, 21 Day Fix, and Shakeology to support keeping herself and her family healthy. Becky has the amazing ability to take adversity and turn it into a positive force. I know this is just the beginning for her on her journey to help others be happy and healthy! Congratulations!!!

Sizzlin' Summer Is HERE!

I don't know about where you live, but here in central VA, it is getting hot outside! To me, mid May is the beginning of summer. Being an Arizona girl born and raised mid May is when it is just plain hot out and it will only get hotter. Well now in VA this is when the humidity starts to sky rocket and doesn't let up until October. Yeah we get our nice day here and there of low humidity but for the most part it is going to be SIZZLIN' OUTSIDE!

So let's talk about this summer time. Summer time the dreaded time of year where it is swimsuit season. Time to hit up the pools, beaches and splash parks in our case to beat the heat. This year I want to feel comfortable in my own skin. I don't want to look back in my pictures and hate what I see. I am starting NOW to work on that and I wanted to invite you to join me in my next private accountability group that will begin JUNE 1st.

Something amazing happened this weekend. We had Collin's 1st birthday party and I for the life of me couldn't eat the cake. AT ALL. It tasted bland and just not satisfying. I mean it was good cake. Everyone said so and the place I got it from I have always enjoyed their products but it just didn't taste right to me. If you would have told me last July, when I joined my first challenge group, that sweets, junk food and fast food would not taste right to me, I wouldn't have believed you. I have made changes to my life that have helped me come this far. To not want to eat any of that stuff. Yeah, with the pregnancy I fell off the wagon. But I am human. We all make choices that we aren't happy with. That will not happen again! I assure you! I drink Shakeology now everyday and I know that this is what has helped me kick the sweets and to me, a person who is addicted to sweet, this drink is PRICELESS!

I promise you that I am changing my life. Making choices daily to better myself for me and my family. I have found through working out that I am happier. I have more energy and I want to do it more and more as each day passes. And I want to help you gain more energy, be happier and want to exercise. I want you to be comfortable in your own skin. Make goals and ACHIEVE them. And I know you can because you can do anything you put your mind to!

So Join me this JUNE for our challenge group to help you get started! Fill out the form below to let me know you are interested!

You will get:

One on one support from me to help you set and reach your goals.

Daily motivation.

Work with a program that is just right for you to fit your lifestyle.

Provide you with recipes and a meal guide

Daily dose of nutrition.

Plus you will be with other people just like you in our PRIVATE accountability group where you can ask questions and get real answers.

Our Motto for June is: It's not about being skinny. It's about gaining confidence, better health, more energy and HAPPINESS!

(Please do not apply if you are currently a Beachbody Coach, are already working with a Beachbody coach or are not willing to make a small investment in your health and wellness.)

To Gym or No Gym

I currently have a gym membership. We love our gym because they have a great kid care there for the kids. Mason has tons of fun and they have a whole BUCKET of dinosaurs that he requests the moment he walks in the door. He wears himself out and gets to socialize with the other kids.

The down side to the gym is that it is EXPENSIVE! Matt and I agreed that as long as the gym was being used a sufficient amount of time each week that we could continue with the gym memberships. Lately, since I had Collin really, the gym hasn't been used all that often. Our poor kids keep getting sick. They have the no green booger rule so anytime we have green boogies we can't go. And when one gets sick the other gets sick, then the first gets sick and so forth. IT HAS BEEN AWFUL! So right now I am debating on, do we keep the gym membership?

Oh this is so hard for me, especially when I know I have the 4 miler training program coming up, the 4 miler race, and then wanting to do a half marathon this fall. I do most of my training on the treadmill at the gym. But I haven't been as diligent about going, even today Collin is still sick with something so again we can't go.

I have been really good about doing at home workouts which have been kicking my butt and getting me super sore. And I have been really enjoying them! (currently loving 21 day fix!) And with such great workouts available why not just work out at home. I could get better results because of the type of workouts I do that would work different areas and truly customize it. Do yo really need a gym membership when you can do everything at home? (running on the street maybe not in the morning but at another time during the day?) But I could just get a treadmill at home. Right?

So you see I have been going back and forth. Just getting to the gym with 2 kids has been hard. Oh and Mason will be going to school this September so it would just be one kid to take to the gym again at that point so maybe suspend it until September? UGH! See my dilemma? I really love my gym BUT, the is a big BUT. I hate wasting money and I just can't get out as often as I need to justify the amount of money we are paying!

What do you prefer, gym working out or at home workouts? Would you buy a treadmill for home and forgo your gym membership?

Ditch The Junk Food

Oh man! I am still dealing with the after affects of "too many cookies for Christmas!" So to help get me out of my bloated, irregular and icky feeling state I am going to eat clean. Yep, I'm taking the plunge in cutting out the junk food and eating whole foods. No more processed foods for me here!

And I need your help! Studies have shown that people who have friends going through diet and exercise together are more likely to succeed than those that go at it alone.

So I am hosting a 5 day clean eating challenge on a private Facebook page. If you are just like me and trying to clean up what you are eating and ditch the belly fat and bloating send me a message and I will get you added on the group! I would love to have you help me out!

You know what, You are worth Fighting For!

Insane!

Wanted to let you guys know about the newest release and I know you will love it! Ever heard of Insanity??? I know you have! Everyone has! How would you like to meet it's evil sibling! Just kidding, it's not evil but it will push you to the MAX! It is Insanity to the next level.

What is Maxing out?  To Max Out means to stop or fail for the first time in the workout.  It's really truly not about getting through all 30 minutes.  It's about going as hard as you can for as long as you can, until you MAX OUT.  Write down the time take a break, and then you want to jump back into the workout.  If you stay committed and push to your max you will add more time each week with the workouts!  

MAXING OUT IS A GOOD THING!!!

Awesome points of interest! 

~ONLY 30 MIN LONG! Each workout is only 30 minutes. The point is to push yourself during the 30 minutes to your MAX point and you need to take a break!

~Modifier viewable on EVERY SINGLE MOVE! Need help with a move, or hit your max and need to rest a bit, follow the modifier!

~Do not have to be a graduate of Insanity to do Insanity Max: 30.

~150 NEW MOVES.

~No equipment needed. Just using your body weight!

If you are interested in Insanity Max:30 or joining my Fit Christmas Private Support group fill out the form below and I will contact you within 24 hours!

Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving

Did you know that the average american gains 7-12 pounds during the holidays? I don't want to be like that this year. Do you? I still want to enjoy what I eat but be healthy about it.

Join me for just 21 days BEFORE Thanksgiving to help you lose weight and get on the right track before Turkey Day! Sign up below and I will add you to the PRIVATE Facebook group and we can work together!

PiYo Result Pictures!

My first Transformation Tuesday! I didn't forget to post the pictures of my transformation from day 1-60 with PiYo the other day with my REVIEW OF PIYO! I had to wait for my hubs and afternoon lighting to take the pix then I got sick and it just got delayed. So here is MY proof that even working out at home, and missing some days, YOU WILL still see some results! Are they completely life changing 100 lbs lost pictures, no, but I am getting there. I am not ripped, or shredded or totally defined or a stick but I am smaller than where I started. This is the real world people we all start somewhere! It takes just a little bit at a time and eventually I will be healthy and fit. You can click on the pictures to view the full size.

As a reminder I lost 8.5 inches across my chest, belly, hips, arms and legs. No lbs lost, gained 2 lbs. So now it is time for the weight to come off while I still trim down!

Am I happy with these results! OF COURSE! I am finally looking in the mirror and thinking, wow I look great today. So, here they are. And if you want results too, fill out the form at the bottom and I will get back to you. (also the piyo results is also my 21 day fix day 1 pictures. Because I went from one program straight to the next! So lots more results to come!)

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! Don't forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK!

My PiYo Review and Results!

Day 60 has come and gone for me on PiYo already! First off, that was a fast 60 days. Secondly, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! PiYo is fairly easy to follow! There are really only a few moves that I really struggled with but with time I was able to figure out what modifications I should make that fit me.

Example: I used Yoga blocks instead of a chair to get a further stretch and to learn how to use more upper body strength for some of the moves like 3 point balance Crouching crow. It is a little scary on the blocks though because they wobble with me and are not stable so make sure you have a good strong foundation of your own balance before you go for a harder modification!

Downward dog split and with open hip is still my least favorite positions. I can't lift my leg very high, um cause I am having to do the splits while my head is hanging down and such, but I noticed that I was able to hold the pose longer each time I did it. (Which is in almost every workout!)

Favorite positions: Child's pose, cause it is a rest position. Pigeon has always been my fav too because it just stretches the IT band like nothing else. I could sit in that position all day long because it is that nice and wonderful. Even when I lean and stretch into it more it is more wonderful. And surprisingly I have really learned to love and see downward dog not as a hard position but truly as a rest position. Which it should be. I have learned to trust my body and put most of the weight on my legs and not on my shoulders and wrists. By shifting my body and making my legs hold more weight (meaning, I just ground my legs more and keep them tight and flexed) I can hold that position much longer and comfortably.

RESULTS:  CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY PICTURES! In the 60 days I did not lose any weight. I actually gained 1.7 lbs...in muscle. How do I know it was muscle, because I lost inches. Which means that I lost fat. I lost 8.5 inches to be exact! YEA! With that said, working out is hard. And even I hit a point where I wanted to do something different (check out the new Beachbody On Demand All Access Pass where you get access to over 40 FULL workout programs and bonus materials plus new workouts when they are released too!), but I had committed to doing this and only this for 60 days. Did I workout every day? No. I did miss some workouts and that obviously hindered my results. But I worked out most of the time and still got great results. And this is why I am moving on to 21 day fix. I have the workout stuff done but the eating is what I am having a hard time with.

How Hard is PiYo: I felt that PiYo was great for me because I was already used to most of the moves used in it. I did prenatal yoga for 30 weeks while pregnant and I often got to work one on one with my yoga instructor so she helped me know and get better with the positions. I have heard from other people that they are having a hard time with PiYo. You will sweat. Your arms will ache. You butt will burn and your core will hurt. Just because you aren't using weights doesn't mean you aren't burning a ton of calories! I promise you that if you listen to Chalene and do as she instructs you, you will get better. I know I am more flexible than I was before. I can't do the splits but I am able to stretch deeper at the end of workouts. It is just easier to fold over! My back no longer hurts and I know when I am using my core because it is stronger and I can feel it. I really do recommend this program to runners because it will help to lengthen and strengthen you hamstrings and core! I felt pretty good after my race, which I did not really run for training. I was doing this and I survived and felt strong finishing!

Oh Chalene, you're so funny!: I really loved all the inspirational things that Chalene says during the videos. Some of them just make me start to laugh and help get me past the discomfort I am feeling. Example: "Feel that! That's like an epidural. Your leg is as numb as an epidural. Ok let's get the feeling back in your leg! SQUAT!" "Best revenge on anyone is looking amazing!" and last "DROP IT LIKE ITS HOT!" (She says that a lot!) Oh and when you get child's pose you are supposed to say "Thank you!" Which you will do after awhile without even thinking of it because it just feels so good to rest!

Final thoughts: PiYo is great. It will help you tone up your arms and legs because you are using them doing mini squats a lot and holding up your own body weight. You will get more flexible too as long as you push yourself. It just takes some time to master the moves and I will honestly be using the workouts again in my rotation of workouts because they really are that great! My favs, Buns and Core!

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! Don't forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK!

On To The Next

So I am in the finally countdown to PiYo. I only have 1 more week to go and I have finished it. I will have my full review coming up of it. So far what I have learned is that I can work out. Pushing play is the easy part. But the eating, that is where I really struggle. I not longer crave sugar and sweets, and salty foods but that doesn't mean I still don't like to eat them and find join in them. It has been one thing after another though with me, and I am finding an excuse to eating what I want to eat. this is the last time I will eat this, or why not? Are my current excuses. So what better way to kick the habit than finding a new fix. SO here comes my next project 21 Day Fix. This is the original program my coach recommend me but I was too scared to try it, because A) I didn't trust that I would follow it, and B) I made an excuse. I can't do that while nursing... WHY NOT! I know how many more calories to eat so I follow the appropriate guide for the calories I need. So here it is! My next project. I still plan on doing some PiYo training in it because I really loved some of the workouts. BUNS for sure and CORE is amazing too! 

What is 21 Day Fix™?

21 Day Fix is a nutrition and fitness program that makes losing weight so simple, anyone can do it. Easy-to-follow portion control and 30-minute workouts take the guesswork out of losing weight to help you see results fast—up to 15 pounds in just 21 days! 

Whether you want to lose a few pounds before your next vacation or jump-start a bigger weight-loss goal, 21 Day Fix is the program for you. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it works. If you’re ready to get serious, 21 Day Fix can help you lose the weight. 

How does 21 Day Fix work? 

With the 21 Day Fix container system, you’ll learn how to create healthy portions simply and intuitively. It shows you how to eat whatever you want, in the right amounts, so you can reach your goals fast. No guesswork, and no calorie counting! 

The 21 Day Fix workouts are designed to burn a lot of calories in only 30 minutes. Any fitness level can do them. If you’re a beginner, follow the on-screen modifier. And if you’re an advanced exerciser looking to shed those last few pounds, dial up the intensity and challenge yourself to push harder. 

Why is 21 Day Fix effective?

Because it’s so simple! You don’t have to count calories, points, or log your food into diet software. With 21 Day Fix, everything is laid out for you. All you have to do is use the specially designed portion-control containers and do one 30-minute workout per day. Commit to it for 21 days, and you’re going to love your results.

What makes 21 Day Fix unique? 
It’s the only fitness and nutrition program that combines portion-control containers and world-class workouts. By placing equal emphasis on fitness and healthy portion control, 21 Day Fix can help anyone lose weight—and keep it off—in a way that’s simple and sustainable. Whether you want to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds, you can do it with this program. 

Autumn Calabrese is your personal trainer
Autumn Calabrese is a celebrity fitness trainer, busy mom, and national-level bikini competitor. She came up with the idea of a portion-control container system after watching a client eat an entire 1,300-calorie salad in one sitting because it was “healthy.” Autumn realized that supersized portions were hurting her clients’ weight-loss success because they were eating too much without knowing it. So she developed portion-control containers to help people see how simple it is to eat the right amounts and lose weight easily. And as a single mother, Autumn understands how hard it can be to fit exercise and healthy eating into a jam-packed schedule. So she created short but effective workouts that take only 30 minutes a day, along with a simple eating plan that doesn’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen. 

What do I get in the 21 Day Fix?

Challenge Package:

• 7 color-coded portion-control containers
• Shakeology Shaker Cup
• 6 easy-to-follow 30 minute workouts
• 21 Day Fix Start Here quick start and workout guide
• 21 Day Fix Eating Plan - Step-by-step nutrition guide that tells you exactly what to do.
• 3 Day Quick Fix Guide, Autumn's secret weapon for fast weight loss
• Dirty 30 bonus workouts 
• 30-day trial to the Team Beachbody® Club. 
• Shakeology- the best and healthiest meal of the day!
  
  

  BEST PART: IT IS ON SALE FOR THE REST OF SEPTEMBER! 

  
  

Do I need Equipment?

• Dumbbells or resistance bands (not included in the 21 Day Fix Essential Package). 

Is this good if I have a weigh loss deadline?
Yes, this is a great program and can help you lose weight fast.  If you commit to this program you can be feeling amazing for the big event.---FAMILY PICTURES for ME! I want to look great in them since they are going to be around for a long, long time!

Can I do the 21 Day Fix more than one time in a row?

Yes, you can do this for a one time workout and nutrition program or if you have not reached your goal weight then you can do it one time right after the other until you've reached your goal weight. Pictured below is from my fellow coach, Hazel, after 2 rounds of 21 Day fix. Real people! REAL RESULTS! 

Here are my results! I lost 20 pounds in just 5 months by following the 21 day fix program! 

Can I eat out at restaurants when I do the 21 Day Fix?
Yes, the Eating Plan includes a restaurant guide that shows you how to practice portion control at your favorite restaurants.

What does it mean when you say "no off-limit foods"?
The 21 Day Fix Eating Plan shows you how to incorporate treats (like chocolate!) into the plan . . . and you can still lose weight.

Is this too complicated for busy people?
No!  The 21 Day Fix takes out the guesswork so you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen or the gym. Just follow the Eating Plan and do one 30-minute workout per day. That’s it. 

I don't know where to begin.
21 Day Fix shows you exactly what to do in order to lose weight. You’ll learn how to incorporate your favorite foods into a healthy, sustainable lifestyle that you actually enjoy. 

I want to do the 21 Day Fix and have support and accountability…now what?
Fill out the application below for a spot in my upcoming 21 Days to Great Challenge Group. Beginning September 22! Seriously, it's only 21 days! If you could get great results in just 21 days, would you do it?

Are you ready to start your journey? CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THIS APPLICATION TO JOIN MY NEXT CHALLENGE GROUP AND TO LET ME KNOW YOU WANT TO BEGIN! 

PiYo Test Group...Last Call

Ok everyone! Today is the last day to sign up for the PiYo Private Test Group to be able to get it in the mail next week! I know some of you have been wondering about it and if it actually works and I can say that IT DOES! I have been doing PiYo for 40 days now and I have lost 8.25 inches. AND my diet has not been that stellar so the inches lost are from the workouts! My butt is lifted and my belly and hips have lost the most inches.

My diet hasn't been too bad, I have one bad day a week generally but we have been eating out more or having people over and I like to "cook, cook" when someone comes over . I think a huge part of me being able to still lose weight with a wonky diet is because of Shakeology! It is seriously amazing! I don't have cravings like I used to and I am not tempted to go out during lunch and get fast food. Which means that Mason is eating healthier too because he is not eating all my fries either! So the best way to get results is to pair PiYo and Shakeology! It seriously works and I can't wait to see the changes I will have in another month or 2 from now! I am worth it, so I make it happen. And so are you! If you want to get results pair Beachbody or whatever workout program you are doing with Shakeology. Even if you can't workout everyday or what not. I would still say drink Shakeology because it is a great, way better than slim fast or other meal replacements, out there!

So here are my results. They are subtle but they are there! 8.25 inches people! And to note my black shorts I am wearing appear longer because they aren't being stretched as much as they were in Day 1 so they are hanging on me a little bit!

So if you are interested, yes I am taking to you... Fill out this form and I will get back to you! And if you are thinking about being in a future test group fill this out too so we can keep in touch and you can be the first to know about future groups! Or if you have questions fill this out, SERIOUSLY just fill it out!