Brazil Butt Lift ON SALE!!!

If you have been holding back from joining one of my challenge groups for whatever reason WAIT NO LONGER because Beachbody has put Brazil Butt Lift on promotion for the month of April. It is currently on sale for $140. That is the cheapest any challenge pack EVER gets. 

You save $20 off the regular cost of the challenge pack but buy purchasing the challenge pack you are actually saving $70 over buying Shakeology and Brazil Butt Life separately. This is the perfect way to try Shakeology and own an excellent workout.

I have been adding several of the Brazil Butt Lift workouts to my regular P90X3 routine and LOVING it. It is a great workout, lots of fun, and my glutes are always on fire when I'm done.

Check out the video below for more deets!

and while you are at it give yourself a laugh and watch me do the Cardio Axe dance combos

Here is a little breakdown in writing:

When you purchase a challenge pack you aren't just getting a workout. These workouts come with several discs meaning a variety of different workouts. You get a meal plan guide. You get a workout schedule (in this case there are four different ones depending on your goals). You also get the world's best health shake, Shakeology, to get you in the right direction with your nutrition. Also included is a free trial membership to the Team Beachbody Club where there are meal plans and exclusive content. 

BEST OF ALL you get ME as your FREE coach!!

I lost 101 lbs and learned a lot about health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness and I love sharing that with my challengers. You get the knowledge I spent almost three years getting. You get entry into my private challenge group to keep you motivated and pushing forward. 

Let's face it, it is spring now. It is warming up (hopefully where you are, where I am it is literally snowing outside). People are starting to think of summer plans, getting out the swimsuits, getting out the shorts. It has been a long hard winter. Why not do something fun and spicy and reach those weight loss goals in time for a rockin' summer.

To get started go check out the challenge pack page and sign up for the Brazil Butt Lift challenge pack and you will have me as your coach. Let's get you rockin your way to your goals. And doing a little Samba too :)  

P90X3 Agility X Review

Last night was a LATE night workout but I did it. You just have to pop that sucker in a push play sometimes. If you think about it too much you'll talk yourself out of it. Anyways, Agility X was on the schedule last night so here is my review on what this particular workout has to offer. 

I have to be honest this is one of the discs that I dread putting in the most. I am NOT a cardio fan. Also the fact that I rolled my ankle the very first time doing Agility X doesn't help. One tip: WEAR COURT SHOES NOT RUNNING SHOES. Tony tells you that. But I didn't listen.

But while I dread putting this one in I always feel pretty awesome and revved up afterwards. I have made definite improvements in many of the moves.

It is an interesting smorgasbord of moves actually. Lunges, squats, jump moves, balance work. Everything designed to get those legs moving (big calorie burning muscles) and get you quick on your feet. This is a workout that I kind of wish we did when I played high school basketball.

There are a few moves that I do modify mostly in terms of the footwork. Like I mentioned before I did roll my ankle doing this one so I am extra cautious of that. There are a few moves (like running around the lines, doing grapevines, and figure eights) that I have to slow it down just a touch so I don't risk injury. I am all about being smart with my workouts and you have to know your limits, which doesn't mean skipping something but means making it work for you.

A major component of this workout is also hitting specific parts. You set up tape on the floor and put Xs on them. You aim to hit those targets. When you are doing the lunges, and certain jumps, you look for those spots and hit them. Just like Tony says "X marks the spot people".

I have to say that Tony Horton also brings his A game with the humour in this one. He cracks a lot of jokes and his monologue during the cool down is particularly epic and sobering.

I hope you have been enjoying my breakdown and review of the various workouts included in P90X3. Remember if you are interested in rocking out some X3 yourself leave a comment, find me on Facebook, I'd love to coach you through the process.

P90X3 Dynamix Review

Next up in my individual P90X3 workout review is Dynamix. On Sundays (or day seven depending on what day you started) there is the option between taking a full rest day or doing the Dynamix workout. I highly recommend NOT skipping this one. 

Dynamix is a really interesting style of workout and a very new component to the P90X family of workouts. A combination of traditional moves and stretching it really is a great option to have. Like Tony Horton says, pull it out at any time.

Under the category of more traditional moves are things like leg lifts, adductor lifts, knee pulls, and glide lunges. But then when you throw in moves like lunge push ups, side banana, and the farthing stretch it becomes a whole new ball game. It is one of those workouts where when you look at each individual move you think "oh that isn't too bad" and then in the middle of that side forearm plank you are about ready to take a serious break. Who thought just stretching could work up such a sweat??

This is a really really important workout to do though. When you are doing all those other intense moves that the other X3 workouts have to offer it is vital that you stretch out the body properly. I like how the stretches involved aren't just static stretches, but also dynamic stretches, stretches with motion (hence the name right?).

Compared to some of the other workouts the 30 minutes of Dynamix also seem to go by pretty fast. I did the disc last night about half an hour after doing the Cardio Axe from Brazil Butt Lift so it was really like a double left day for me. To say my gluteus are sore this morning is a major understatement.

The cast in this workout is also great. I can't recall names but two are X3 afters and one of them is an actual Olympic athlete that assisted in creating this particular workout. When you are doing this workout you are doing a legit athletic program of a high caliber.

All in all this is an excellent component to workout schedule. I'm kind of kicking myself that I did actually skip it and opted for rest the first few weeks of X3. Not anymore!

I encourage everyone to Rock this disc and not just take the easy way out and take the option of a rest day.

Reasons To Workout At Home

Even in all my earlier attempts at weight loss I never really went to the gym. Only a few times in my life did I ever have a membership for a gym. One I had for a whole year and actually only ever went once. 

I felt intimidated both by the other more fit people there and also just didn't know what to do. At 250 lbs walking into a gym was a scary idea. For that reason and more I prefer to workout at home by FAR.

Keep reading for more great reasons why 

you should ditch the gym and do your workout at home. 

1. FREE
    The only cost really is the investment into a program and a few supplies like some dumbbells and perhaps a yoga mat. Other than that you are good to go.

2. On YOUR schedule
    Not all gyms are 24 hours. Not all classes are available when you want them to be open. When you workout at home your DVD player is open whenever you want it to be. Pop in that workout and push play!

3. No Commute
    I LOVE that I don't have to drive anywhere to get in my workout. Saves money on gas. Saves wear on the vehicle plus I'm a bit of a tree hugger so fewer emissions added to my carbon footprint is always a bonus in my eyes.

4. Saves Time
   When you workout at a gym you have to factor in the whole time frame. You just don't have to carve out time for the workout but for the drive there and back, waiting for equipment, waiting for classes to start, time spent in the locker room. That one hour workout is going to end up taking probably closer to two hours out of your day. We are busy enough. Put in a 30 minute workout like 21 Day Fix, P90X3, or T25, and now you have and hour and half left to do with whatever you like.

5. No Childcare
   I have three kids. If I had to pay gym childcare that would get pretty pricy! Plus I love the fact that my kids get to do my workouts with me. They are learning excellent lessons in the importance of physical fitness.

6. Privacy
    If I am trying a new dance or martial arts workout I want to be able to look like a fool in my own home. I like that I can wear what I want. If I have a wedgie mid jumping jacks I can fix that with out a crowd ;)

7. BEST TRAINERS
   I get to workout with some of THE BEST trainers in the world. Tony Horton, Shaun T, Les Mills trainers, and more.

8. Focus
   Even with my kids around I find I can still focus better on what I am doing. I just crank the volume to tune them out ;) (totally kidding…sort of).

If you are interested in working out at home and need extra support and motivation be sure to apply to Rock The Challenge. You get the best in home workout programs and me as your personal coach!


 
 
 

P90X3 Progress Pix (Day 0-60)

SUPER EXCITED to share my next set of P90X3 Progress Pix with you!! 

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would have the body that I have today. After dealing with being overweight and obesity for 15 years I couldn't have asked for more. And while it is no way perfect it is mine and I couldn't be happier with what I have accomplished.

Just for some comparative action here is my official before and after from the beginning of my 100 lbs weight loss. As you can see also by my 16 yrs picture I have always had this struggle ahead of me. Feels amazing to know that I have FINALLY made changes that have led me to the life I have now.

These pix next are specific to my P90X3 progress. I haven't lost any further "weight" as per the scale but my body has DEFINITELY changed. Actually it has even gone up about an average of 5-8 lbs. But that my friends is muscle gain.

The pix in the orange top are P90X3 Day One, the middle are my P90X3 Day 30, and the right are my P90X3 Day 60. 

If it weren't for these pix I really wouldn't believe the progress I have made. P90X3 really is an amazing program. After having had 3 children I have a stomach that I never thought was possible. 

 The angle on the last pix is a bit different but my back is not only looking leaner but also stronger. Thanks to all those P90X3 pushups. Also my legs are starting to get more and more tone. Butt is also getting smaller. A far cry from the size 22+ that it used to be 2 years ago!!

HUGE changes going on here in both my upper and lower abdomen. 

What can I say. I absolutely LOVE P90X3. I will never stop shouting it out. It is an incredible mix of strength training, a variety of cardio elements, flexibility work, yoga, Pilates, and so much more. P90X3 can increase your strength both in body and in mind. 

I only have 30 days left and can only imagine what the next set of pix will look like. 

P90X3 ROCKS!! 

My Workout Video Collection (Plus an Important Note)

When someone asks me how I lost 101 lbs I always say something like "oh you know, I got exercise and ate healthy". I thought it would be fun to share though EXACTLY what I did in the exercise portion of that equation.

Yes folks. This is EXACTLY the collection of DVDs that I personally used to get myself from fat to fit. To get myself from 250 lbs to 149 lbs. 

So let me break it down a bit more:

1. 30 Day Shred 3X

2. Ripped in 30 4X

3. 30 Day Shred 1X 

4. Ripped in 30 2X 

5. Shred It With Weights 1X

6. Extreme Shed and Shred 1X

7. Shred It With Weights 2X

8. Three months of Jackie Warner Power Circuits with Shred It With Weights, Yoga Meltdown and Jennifer Nicole Lee's program off Bodybuilding.com (alternated them all)

9. 90 Days of Les Mills Pump

Following Les Mills Pump I did a month of random workouts from my collection just ensuring I did a workout each day. 

10. I started January 2014 with P90X3 and am currently almost 60 days through!! 

So there it is. From the day I started the 30 Day Shred and stuck with it, and gradually moved on to different programs, until now is 22 months. 

To add as well, once I am done P90X3 that doesn't mean my road ends. Once you start you can never quit or all that work is lost. I am always thinking 3-5 months in advance, what am I going to do. In my case after P90X3 I am going to do a few rounds of the 21 Day Fix, followed by some Brazil Butt Lift, and then possibly make my move into Body Beast. 

When I tell people that they need to add fitness into their lives the usual response turns to getting a gym membership (that collects dust) or going to a few yoga classes a week, or buying a treadmill (that ends up as a clothes hanger). I'm not knocking yoga or jogging on their own of course, they have their merits. But I do want to discuss two things: 

FREQUENCY AND CONSISTENCY

Physical fitness HAS to be a daily occurring activity. Two to three times a week is not enough. You have to do it frequently and consistently. Daily exercise keeps you progressing, dabbling just keeps you stuck where you are. Every time I redid a program I also increased my weights and pushed for greater range of motion. You will only progress as much as you allow yourself to. 

Frequency and consistency are reasons why I encourage at home DVD programs more than anything else. The majority of people need the trainer aspect, the music, the encouragement. I have done printed off workouts and put it to an iPod playlist but it is just not the same. 

Frequency and consistency are also much easier to attain from home. The more effort you have to put into your fitness the easier it is to shelve it. With at home DVDs all you have to do is press play. There is no driving to the gym, requiring kid care, cost of gym passes. It is a lot easier to say "I'm not going to workout today" when it is -30, you have to lug kids in the car, drive there, show up, then pack back up, drive home, etc. etc.

I lost all my weight without stepping foot into a gym. You seriously do not need that equipment. You don't need the treadmill. You don't need the elliptical. You don't need the fancy weight machines. All you need at home at most is a yoga matt, a few dumbbells, and YOU. What would take you closer to 2 hours at the gym all time factors included you can literally do in 30 minutes at home, imagine what you can do now with that extra 1 1/2 hours. 

Keep frequency and consistency in mind at all times in relation to your health and fitness. What you do on a regular basis is what will determine your outcome. 

Stay frequent, stay consistent, and keep Rockin'! 

Spring In Your Step Challenge

With Spring being right around the corner I thought it would be a perfect time for a Spring themed Challenge Group! 

I get asked a lot what exactly is a challenge group, how do I join a challenge group, how do challenge groups work. In this video I break down those questions. 

-I use my personal experience of losing over 100 lbs to help my challengers lose weight, get more energy, and reclaim their lives.

-I only require that you purchase a Challenge Pack and use Shakeology daily

-Shakeology is an incredibly nutrient dense supplement that will help you from feeling tired, having cravings, and keep nutritional deficiencies away

-Challenge groups most importantly provide accountability and support when going through a weight loss journey (80% of people fail because they lack support)

-I run my challengers monthly so there is always one to join. You get me as your coach, my past experience, motivation, tips and tricks

Please check out the quick What Is A Challenge Group video on the sidebar for more information!

I look forward to seeing YOU as a Challenger to get healthier, get happier, and get Rockin' your life. 

Avoid These Five Fitness Mistakes

So you’ve made the decision that you are finally going to shed some weight and get fit. But before you start off be sure you know these common fitness mistakes so that you can avoid making them.

It’s okay, we all make mistakes. That is why I am here. I am going to tell you what the top five common fitness mistakes are and how YOU can avoid them.

5. Lack of a Plan. For me this is very important. You wouldn’t go on a cross country drive without your GPS would you? So why is it people expect to go on a fitness and health journey without knowing some specifics. Look up fitness plans online, take them with you, refer to it constantly. Keep yourself on track.  This is where workout videos are actually a great option for a newbie. They tell you EXACTLY what to do.

4. Too Much Too Fast. Many people when they start are excited, which is great. BUT that excitement can lead to overload. Don’t try heading out to jog 5 miles the first time. Don’t sign up for a class every day. Don’t just hop into hot yoga. Don’t load up with big weights thinking that you are tough enough. It isn’t just about strengths, it is about smarts. Easing yourself in is incredibly important to avoid burnout, both mentally and physically. Start with three days at a time, even as little as 25 minutes. Then as you progress do more and more each week. 

3. Poor Form. A huge reason why many people fall off the wagon is that they hurt themselves. Often this is due to poor form which can leads to strains, sprains, and even worse, breaks. There are guides on workout videos for a reason, to help you correct your form to avoid injury. If you are hitting the gym, get some help from the staff on your form. There are also plenty of youtube tutorials out there just waiting to show you the way. Avoiding injury is critical and that starts with proper form.

2. Only Cardio. Women seem to be particularly bad for making this mistake. They go and spend an hour on the treadmill or other cardio machine, or they just set out to jog. I’m sorry but that is not going to help you reach your goals. You may lose weight, and yes you are burning calories, but you will remain soft. You won’t get any tone. This also means you aren’t going to see the results you want and may end up leading you to quit your efforts. Add regular strength training and in no time you will see your goals within sight.

1. Improper Nutrition. When I ask many of my challengers about their biggest struggle they tell me it is exercise. Nine times out of ten though that is what should be the least of their worries. You can not out exercise a bad diet, and you'd be surprised how easily you can out eat your workout. If you are serious about getting fit you have to be serious about your diet. Up to 80% of your weight loss and results depends on nutrition. Start eating clean, avoid the inside aisles at the grocery store, fill up on whole foods, drink lots of water.

If you are guilty of making any of these common fitness mistakes don’t worry. Now you know better. Find a plan that will work for you and commit. Take things easy, gradually increasing intensity and frequency. Do research on how to do things right. Balance out your efforts between cardio AND resistance training. And most importantly FUEL YOUR BODY RIGHT!

Now get out there and get Rockin'